Pallet system

Abstract

A pallet system for the stacking and movement of a product, such as ammunition cans, is described. The pallet system includes vertical supports that substantially contribute to the strength and integrity of the pallet system. The pallet system allows for relatively rapid deployment of the pallet system's contents.

1 . A loaded pallet system comprising:
 a bottom tray comprising four first corners, wherein each of the first corners comprises a receiving region;   
       a first set of rows of product units placed on the bottom tray;
 an intermediate tray placed on the first set of rows of product units and comprising four second corners, wherein the second corners are respectively aligned over the first corners, and wherein each of the second corners comprises an opening; 
 
       a second set of rows of product units placed on the intermediate tray;
 a top tray placed on the second set of rows of product units and comprising four third corners, wherein the third corners are respectively aligned over the second corners, and wherein each of the third corners comprises a retaining region; and 
 a vertical support member placed between the receiving region of the bottom tray and the retaining region of the top tray and penetrating the opening of the second corner. 
 
     
     
         2 . The loaded pallet system of  claim 1 , further comprising a banding strap that wraps around the bottom tray and the top tray to provide compressive forces on the bottom and top of the intermediate tray. 
     
     
         3 . The loaded pallet system of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism, located in a region at or near the opening of the intermediate tray, to secure the vertical support member to the intermediate tray. 
     
     
         4  The loaded pallet system of  claim 1 , wherein the product units are ammunition cans. 
     
     
         5 . A pallet system for storage and movement of at least one standard ammo can, the pallet system comprising:
 a bottom tray having a length and a width which substantially correspond to the length and width of the standard ammo can, the bottom tray having a series of linearly aligned parallel ridges formed therein, the bottom tray having a receiving portion substantially at or near each corner of the bottom tray;   an intermediate tray having a length dimension and a width dimension which substantially correspond to the length and width of the standard ammo can, the intermediate tray having a series of linearly aligned parallel ridges formed therein, the intermediate tray having an opening substantially at or near each corner of the intermediate tray;   a top tray having a length dimension and a width dimension which substantially correspond to the length and width of the standard ammo can, the top tray having a series of linearly aligned parallel ridges formed therein, the top tray having a retaining portion substantially at or near each corner of the top tray; and   vertical support members substantially at or near the corners of, and substantially perpendicular to, the bottom, intermediate, and top trays, each support member i) inserted into the receiving portions of the bottom tray, ii) penetrating the receiving portions of the intermediate trays, and iii) at least partially covered by the retaining portions of the top tray.   
     
     
         6 . The pallet system of  claim 5 , wherein the receiving portion of the bottom tray comprises a lip or ridge of the edge of the bottom tray. 
     
     
         7 . The pallet system of  claim 5 , wherein the receiving portion of the intermediate tray comprises a hole or slot. 
     
     
         8 . The pallet system of  claim 5 , wherein the retaining portion of the top tray comprises a lip or ridge of the edge of the top tray. 
     
     
         9 . The pallet system of  claim 5 , further comprising banding straps that band the bottom tray and the top tray to provide compressive forces on the bottom and top of the intermediate tray. 
     
     
         10 . The pallet system of  claim 5 , wherein the retaining portions of the top tray are recessed below the plane of the top tray, and wherein the support posts comprise an end that includes a bolt to protrude through the recessed retaining portions of the top tray, and wherein a nut screwed onto the bolt locks the support post to the top tray. 
     
     
         11 . The pallet system of  claim 5 , wherein the support posts comprise angle iron.