Pallet and pallet system

Abstract

A pallet includes an upper frame, a lower frame, and a suspension system. The lower frame is opposite the upper frame. The upper frame and the lower frame define a distance therebetween. The suspension system is disposed between the upper frame and the lower frame and configured to provide damping between the upper frame and the lower frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pallet comprising:
 an upper frame;   a lower frame opposite the upper frame; and   a first suspension system disposed between the upper frame and the lower frame and configured to provide dampening between the upper frame and the lower frame.   
     
     
         2 . The pallet of  claim 1 , wherein the first suspension system is configured to maintain and/or modify a distance between the upper frame and the lower frame. 
     
     
         3 . The pallet of  claim 1 , wherein the first suspension system includes a bladder operable to store a volume of fluid. 
     
     
         4 . The pallet of  claim 3 , wherein the bladder includes a valve operable to receive the volume of fluid. 
     
     
         5 . The pallet of  claim 4 , wherein the first suspension system includes a lifter engaging the bladder and pivotally coupled to one of the upper frame or the lower frame for rotation about an axis, and wherein the bladder is operable to pivot the lifter about the axis. 
     
     
         6 . The pallet of  claim 1 , further comprising a second suspension system disposed between the upper frame and the lower frame and configured to selectively modify a distance between the upper frame and the lower frame, wherein the first suspension system is located at a first corner of the upper frame, and the second suspension system is located at a second corner, opposite the first corner, of the upper frame. 
     
     
         7 . The pallet of  claim 1 , further comprising a first strap connect coupled to the upper frame or the lower frame, and a second strap connect pivotally coupled to the upper frame or the lower frame. 
     
     
         8 . The pallet of  claim 7 , further comprising a strap coupled to the first strap connect and the second strap connect. 
     
     
         9 . The pallet of  claim 1 , further comprising a strap having a first end coupled to one of the upper frame or the lower frame, and a second end opposite the first end and coupled to one of the upper frame or the lower frame. 
     
     
         10 . The pallet of  claim 9 , further comprising a shroud disposed over the strap. 
     
     
         11 . The pallet of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second suspension system disposed between the upper frame and the lower frame and configured to provide dampening between the upper frame and the lower frame;   wherein the first suspension system comprises an inflatable bladder structure;   wherein the second suspension system comprises a two-way shock.   
     
     
         12 . The pallet of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second suspension system disposed between the upper frame and the lower frame and configured to provide dampening between the upper frame and the lower frame; and   a third suspension system disposed between the upper frame and the lower frame and configured to provide dampening between the upper frame and the lower frame.   
     
     
         13 . A pallet system, including the pallet of  claim 1 , and further comprising:
 a ramp for loading of the pallet; and   an inflatable cover.   
     
     
         14 . The pallet system of  claim 13 , wherein the pallet has an upper load support surface at a first height, wherein the ramp includes a first portion rotatably coupled to a second portion, the first portion defining a second height substantially equal to the first height. 
     
     
         15 . A pallet system, including the pallet of  claim 1 , and further comprising:
 a computer server rack loaded onto the pallet for shipping.   
     
     
         16 . A pallet comprising:
 an upper frame;   a lower frame opposite the upper frame; and   a first suspension system disposed between the upper frame and the lower frame and configured to selectively modify a force applied on the upper frame and the lower frame.