Top frame for pallet system

Abstract

A top frame used to stabilize articles supported on a pallet allows the stabilized articles to have greater lateral stability. The top frame is formed by two frame members that can be snapped together to form the top frame. The top frame members can have the identical construction for ease of manufacturing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A top frame for use in a pallet assembly to stabilize articles held on a pallet, the top frame comprising:
 a first top frame member including first mechanical connection units;   a second top frame member including second mechanical connection units, the second top frame member being configured to be secured to the first top frame member with the first mechanical connection units connected to the second mechanical connection units.   
     
     
         2 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first and second mechanical connection units are configured for snap together mating. 
     
     
         3 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 2  wherein each of the first and second mechanical connection units comprises a male connector element and a female connector element, the male connector element of the first mechanical connection unit being engaged with the female connector element of the second mechanical connection unit, and the female element of the first mechanical connection unit being engaged with the male connector element of the second mechanical connection unit. 
     
     
         4 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the first top frame member and the second top frame member are each formed as one piece of material. 
     
     
         5 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 4  wherein each of the first top frame member and the second top frame member are molded from a polymeric material. 
     
     
         6 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 5  wherein the first top frame member and the second top frame member have the identical construction. 
     
     
         7 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 6  wherein the first and second mechanical connection units each have a rectangular, picture-frame shape. 
     
     
         8 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 7  wherein each of the first top frame member and the second top frame member has an exterior surface including a flat surface and an interior surface formed by ribbing. 
     
     
         9 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 8  wherein the first and second top frame members are free of welded interconnection. 
     
     
         10 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first top frame member and the second top frame member are each formed as one piece of material. 
     
     
         11 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 1  wherein each of the first top frame member and second top frame member are formed with stacking structure for interconnection with another top frame of the same construction. 
     
     
         12 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first top frame member and the second top frame member have the identical construction. 
     
     
         13 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first top frame member includes a pin having at least one axially extending rib, and the second top frame member includes a socket receiving the pin, the rib of the pin and the socket being engaged in an interference fit. 
     
     
         14 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 1  wherein each of the first top frame member and the second top frame member has an exterior surface including a substantially flat surface and an interior surface formed by ribbing. 
     
     
         15 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first and second top frame members are free of welded interconnection. 
     
     
         16 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first and second top frame members including aligned channels for receiving strapping applied to the pallet, articles held by the pallet and the top frame. 
     
     
         17 . A top frame member for use in forming a top frame configured for use in a pallet assembly to stabilize articles held on a pallet, the top frame member comprising:
 a generally rectangular frame having an exterior including a flat surface, an interior including ribbing supporting the flat surface;   mechanical connections arranged around the frame are configured for snap together mating with mechanical connections of another top frame member of identical construction to form a top frame.   
     
     
         18 . The top frame member as set forth in  claim 16  wherein the top frame member is formed as a single piece of material. 
     
     
         19 . The top frame member as set forth in  claim 16  wherein the top frame member is molded from a polymeric material. 
     
     
         20 . The top frame as set forth in  claim 16  wherein the top frame member is formed with stacking structure for interconnection with another top frame of the same construction.