Adjustable pallet

Abstract

An adjustable pallet is provided with a fixed deck and a movable deck such that its size may be selectively set to provide efficient use of the storage space in a warehouse or a transport vehicle. Weight sensors are provided to determine the weight distribution of the load and restraining fence and belts are provided for protecting the load securely on the pallet.

1 . An adjustable pallet comprising: 
 a fixed deck having a plurality of parallel tubular bars located in a spaced manner, said tubular bars having an inner hollow core of a uniform cross sectional dimension,    a plurality of support rods mounted crosswise underneath said tubular bars,    a movable deck having a plurality of parallel associated tubular bars equal in number to said tubular bars, said associated tubular bars having a cross sectional dimension equal to said cross sectional dimension of said inner hollow core of said tubular bars and adapted to engage with said tubular bars by inserting into said hollow core,    a latching device mounted at a side wall of said tubular bars and being operative to secure said associated tubular bars inserted to a selected position within said tubular bars for setting a selected size of said pallet.    
   
   
       2 . An adjustable pallet according to  claim 1  wherein said latching device includes an abutment block mounted on one of said support rods located below an end portion of said tubular bars, said abutment block having an angled surface facing an opening formed in said end portion of said tubular bars, a compression element slidably mounted in said opening, a wedge member operative for inserting between said abutment block and said compression element for forcing said compression element to press tightly against said associated tubular bars for securing said associated tubular bars in said selected position inserted within said tubular bars.  
   
   
       3 . An adjustable pallet according to  claim 2  including a pivotal arm pivotally mounted on said tubular bars, a link rod connected between said wedge element and said pivotal arm whereby said wedge element is operative by pivoting said pivotal rod.  
   
   
       4 . An adjustable pallet according to  claim 3  including weight sensors mounted underneath said tubular bars and associated tubular bars and operative to determine weight distribution of a load placed on said pallet.  
   
   
       5 . An adjustable pallet according to  claim 4  including side bars mounted to outer ends of said tubular bars and associated tubular bars, and attachment brackets located at said side bars and adapted to engage with elongated belts for selectively tying over said load to secure said load safely on said pallet and to raise said pallet during moving said load.  
   
   
       6 . An adjustable pallet according to  claim 5  including legs located underneath four corners of said pallet.  
   
   
       7 . An adjustable pallet according to  claim 5  including casters located underneath four corners of said pallet.  
   
   
       8 . An adjustable pallet according to  claim 5  including protective fences attachable to side edges of said pallet and adapted to prevent said load from falling off said pallet.  
   
   
       9 . An adjustable pallet according to  claim 8  wherein said protective fences are attached to said pallet by hinges whereby said fences are foldable over said pallet.  
   
   
       10 . An adjustable pallet according to  claim 1  wherein said tubular rods and associated tubular rods are formed by joining two elongated [-shaped beam together.