Pallet cap

Abstract

A pallet cap for transporting stacked loads of commercial goods is disclosed. The pallet cap comprises a generally rectangular frame having a plurality of peripheral downwardly extending flanges and top rim portions integrally defined by flange corners. The plurality of top rim portions has on an opposite side interior step portions used for holding the load of packaged goods together on a pallet for transport and storage. Additionally, the top rim and associated step portions further define a cutout top center portion used to examine expiration dates displayed on the side of the stacked goods. For ease of transportation and storage, the pallet cap is formed by assembling a flat paperboard strip of a predetermined length and width wherein by folding and bending the strip along predefined longitudinal and transverse score lines the pallet cap of the present invention is created.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pallet cap comprising:
 a frame comprising a plurality of peripheral downwardly extending flange and top rim portions integrally defined by flange corners; wherein   said plurality of top rim portions has on an opposite side interior step portions; wherein   said top rim and associated step portions further define a cutout top center portion.   
     
     
         2 . The pallet cap according to  claim 1  wherein said frame may be formed by assembling a flat strip of material by folding and bending the strip along longitudinal and transverse score lines. 
     
     
         3 . The pallet cap according to  claim 1  wherein said frame is made from paperboard. 
     
     
         4 . The pallet cap according to  claim 1  wherein said frame is assembled from flat strip of paperboard by six fold and bending steps. 
     
     
         5 . The pallet cap according to  claim 1  wherein said cutout top center portion is sufficiently large to read expiration dates on stacked goods placed on a pallet. 
     
     
         7 . The method of making a pallet cap comprising the following steps:
 A. cutting and scoring an elongated strip of flexible material;   B. folding said strip along a longitudinal score line located down a centerline of said strip;   C. bending said folded strip along transversely defined score lines for creating corners and top rim and flange portions;   F. inserting said strip end into a slit defined on an opposite end of said strip for completing the assembly of the pallet cap.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further characterized in that said strip is constructed from paperboard. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  further characterized in that the assembly of said flat strip defines a cutout top center portion. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  further characterized in that said flange portions are of sufficient downward length to securely hold stacked goods when placed on a pallet.