Pallets
A pallet (pronounced /ˈpælɨt/) (sometimes called a skid) is a flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, front loader or other jacking device. A pallet is the structural foundation of a unit load which allows handling and storage efficiencies. Goods or shipping containers are often placed on a pallet secured with strapping, stretch wrap or shrink wrap and shipped.
While most pallets are wooden, pallets also are made of plastic, metal, and paper. Each material has advantages and disadvantages relative to the others.
Recent US Patents
9/7/2010
7,789,024
Thermoformed platform having a communications device
Muirhead of Nextreme has developed a thermoformed pallet with an attached communications device. A communications device with a radio frequency indentification device is incorporated into one or more sheets prior to forming. (RDC 11/23/2010)