ORDER PICKER LEG

Abstract

A pallet comprising a top deck and a bottom deck interconnected via a plurality of support legs that maintain the top deck and bottom deck in spaced relationship, defining fork receiving openings along a lateral edge of the pallet between the support legs, and wherein at least one support leg comprises an optionally replaceable component that is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle to enable the pallet securing device to lock the pallet to the vehicle. Also, an optionally replaceable support leg for interconnecting upper and lower decks of a pallet, the support leg being configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle to enable the pallet securing device to lock the pallet to the vehicle.

Claims

1. A pallet comprising: a top deck comprising a generally planar upper surface; a bottom deck comprising a first series of plank members interconnected with a second series of plank members extending orthogonal thereto to form a grid structure; wherein the top deck is interconnected to the bottom deck via a plurality of support legs that maintain the top deck and bottom deck in spaced relationship, such that fork receiving openings are defined along a lateral edge of the pallet between the support legs; and wherein at least one support leg comprises an optionally replaceable component that is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle to enable the pallet securing device to lock the pallet to the vehicle.

2. The pallet of claim 1, wherein the at least one support leg that is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle is a replaceable component.

3. The pallet of claim 1, wherein the at least one support leg that is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle comprises at least one surface configured to engage the pallet securing device.

4. The pallet of claim 3, wherein the at least one surface configured to engage the pallet securing device comprises a textured surface.

5. The pallet of claim 4, wherein the textured surface comprises one or more substantially vertically oriented projections.

6. The pallet of claim 4, wherein the textured surface is configured to interlock with a gripping or clamping surface on the pallet securing device that contacts the textured surface.

7. The pallet of claim 6, wherein the textured surface comprises one or more substantially vertical ribs configured to interlock with the gripping or clamping surface on the pallet securing device that contacts the textured surface.

8. The pallet of claim 3, wherein the at least one surface configured to engage the pallet securing device comprises a substantially vertical wall of the at least one support leg that is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle.

9. The pallet of claim 8, wherein the at least one support leg that is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle comprises two substantially vertical opposing walls, each comprising at least one surface configured to engage the pallet securing device.

10. The pallet of claim 9, wherein the two substantially vertical opposing walls extend inward from a lateral edge of the pallet.

11. The pallet of claim 10, wherein the two substantially vertical opposing walls are configured to conform to the pallet securing device.

12. The pallet of claim 11, wherein the two substantially vertical walls generally converge as they extend inward from the lateral edge of the pallet.

13. The pallet of claim 11, wherein the two substantially vertical walls in plan view form a key shape comprising a bow extending inward from the lateral edge of the pallet and a blade extending inward from the bow.

14. The pallet of claim 13, wherein the two surfaces configured to engage the pallet securing device comprise a plurality of substantially vertical ribs.

15. The pallet of claim 14, wherein the vertical ribs are configured to interlock with a gripping or clamping surface on the pallet securing device.

16. An optionally replaceable support leg for interconnecting upper and lower decks of a pallet, the support leg being configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle to enable the pallet securing device to lock the pallet to the vehicle, the support leg comprising at least two substantially vertical opposing walls, each extending inward and generally converging from a lateral edge of the pallet and each comprising at least one surface configured to engage the pallet securing device.

17. The support leg of claim 16, wherein the at least one surface configured to engage the pallet securing device comprises a textured surface configured to interlock with a gripping or clamping surface on the pallet securing device.

18. The support leg of claim 17, wherein the textured surface comprises one or more substantially vertically oriented projections.

19. The support leg of claim 18, wherein the textured surface comprises one or more substantially vertical ribs configured to interlock with the gripping or clamping surface on the pallet securing device that contacts the textured surface.

20. The support leg of claim 16, wherein the at least two substantially vertical walls in plan view form a key shape comprising a bow extending inward from the lateral edge of the pallet and a blade extending inward from the bow.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The following drawings are provided to help explain embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Like reference numerals refer to like features.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a pallet that is an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the pallet of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the pallet of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the top deck of the pallet of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the top deck of the pallet of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 6 is an exploded top isometric view of the pallet of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 7 is an exploded bottom isometric view of the pallet of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the support leg configured to engage a pallet securing device;

[0031] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the support leg configured to engage a pallet securing device;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the support leg configured to engage a pallet securing device;

[0033] FIG. 11 is a left side elevations view of an embodiment of the support leg configured to engage a pallet securing device;

[0034] FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of an embodiment of the support leg configured to engage a pallet securing device;

[0035] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the support leg configured to engage a pallet securing device; and

[0036] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the support leg configured to engage a pallet securing device along line 14-14 in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a pallet 10 that is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The pallet 10 generally comprises a top deck 12 interconnected to a bottom deck 14 via a plurality of leg assemblies 16 and optionally replaceable legs 17. The leg assemblies 16 and legs 17 maintain the top deck 12 and bottom deck 14 in spaced relationship such that fork receiving openings 18 are defined along each lateral edge of the pallet 10 between the leg assemblies 16 and legs 17. The present embodiment includes seven leg assemblies 16 and two optionally replaceable legs 17 but may include more or fewer leg assemblies 16 or replaceable legs 17, provided at least one leg is a leg 17 that is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle to enable the pallet securing device to lock the pallet to the vehicle.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the top deck 12 of the present embodiment includes a generally planar surface 20 supported by an interconnected rib structure 22. The top deck 12 may be a solid surface, but the rib structure 22 is generally preferred as it reduces weight and material cost and provides structural integrity. The surface 20 may preferably include a plurality of through holes (not shown) to facilitate passage of water, debris, and the like through the pallet top deck 12. In an alternative embodiment, top deck 12 may be provided with a plurality of cleats (not shown) extending upward from the surface 20 and configured to interconnect with racks or the like positioned on the pallet. In a further alternative embodiment, top deck 12 may also include a plurality of slots (not shown) configured to receive legs or cleats of a rack or the like positioned on the pallet. The slots may be aligned with the corner outer leg assemblies 16 such that the leg or cleat is partially received within the leg assembly 16 of the pallet. The slots may be otherwise positioned if it is desired to maintain the leg assemblies 16 generally sealed as will be described hereinafter. The top deck 12 is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and may have various other configurations for accommodating and supporting various cargo and rack structures. Further alternative embodiments and details of the top deck 12 are described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,765, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

[0040] The bottom deck 14 preferably includes a first series of plank members 24 interconnected with a second series of plank members 26 extending orthogonal thereto to form a grid structure 28. While the illustrated structure is preferred, the bottom deck 14 may include more or fewer planks, or alternatively, be a planar structure similar to the top deck 12. The plank members 24, 26 again preferably include a supporting rib structure 30, but are not limited to such a configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the planks 24 and 26 are formed interconnected as a unitary grid structure 28 but may alternatively be formed as individual components that are thereafter interconnected.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the top deck 12 and bottom deck 14 may be formed integrally with one or more of the leg assemblies 16 and legs 17 of a single piece of polymer material to form the pallet 10. In other embodiments, the top deck 12 and bottom deck 14 may be formed as separate components and joined by fastening means to form an integral pallet structure. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures, the top deck 12, bottom deck, and legs 17 are formed as separate components, which are joined and fastened to form the pallet 10.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, each leg assembly 16 is defined by an outer leg member 16A and an inner leg member 16B configured to be telescopically received in the corresponding outer leg member 16A. In the present embodiment, the outer leg members 16A are illustrated as being integral with the top deck 12, while the inner leg members 16B are illustrated as being integral with the bottom deck 14. Alternative configurations are within the scope of the invention. For example, the configuration may be reversed such that each of the outer leg members extends from the bottom deck 14 while each of the inner leg members extends from the top deck 12. Alternatively, the configuration may be combined such that some of the outer leg members extend from the top deck 12 and align with inner leg members extending from the bottom deck 14 while other outer leg members extend from the bottom deck 14 and align with inner leg members extending from the top deck 12. The top and bottom decks 12, 14 are preferably integrally molded with the leg members. Various molding techniques, for example, but not limited to, injection molding or gas assist injection molding, may be utilized. Additionally, the top and bottom decks 12 and 14 and leg assemblies can be manufactured from any suitable material, including, plastics, reinforced plastics and various other natural or synthetic materials.

[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, in the present embodiment of the pallet 10, the top deck 12 includes four outer leg members 16A, each extending from a respective corner of the top deck 12, two outer leg members 16A extending from opposed lateral sides of the top deck 12, and a central outer leg member 16A. Each outer leg member 16A has a similar general construction with a perimeter wall 32 extending between a base portion 34 attached to the surface 20 and a free end 36. The outer leg members 16A may all have the same shape or may have different shapes as in the illustrated embodiments. The outer leg members 16A each have a generally square configuration with opposed rounded corners and opposed tapered corners. The tapered corners are preferably at an approximately 45 angle and are configured to align with the fork receiving openings 18 to provide a funnel shape into the opening. The outer leg members 16A are generally rectangular structures with rounded inside corners and tapered outside corners. Again, the tapered corners are aligned with the fork receiving openings 18 to provide a funnel shape into the opening. The central outer leg member 16A has a generally rectangular configuration with rounded corners. The central member 16A is spaced from the openings 18 and generally does not require tapered corners. While specific shapes and configurations are illustrated, the outer leg members 16A are not limited to these configurations and may have other, various configurations.

[0044] The inner leg members 16B generally correspond to the respective outer leg members 16A and include a perimeter wall 40 extending between a free end 42 and a base portion 44 attached to the grid structure 28. The outer leg members 16A may all have the same shape or may have different shapes as in the illustrated embodiments. The inner leg members 16B correspond to outer leg members 16A and each have a generally square configuration with opposed rounded corners and opposed tapered corners, are generally rectangular structures with rounded inside corners and tapered outside corners, or have a generally rectangular configuration with rounded corners.

[0045] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, features of the leg assemblies 16 will be described in more detail with reference to an outer leg member 16A and an inner leg member 16B. The other outer leg members 16A and the other inner leg members 16B have similar features which are numbered similarly in FIGS. 6 and 7. Reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrates the number and position of such features on the other outer leg members 16A and the other inner leg members 16B.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, a groove 46 is provided about the base perimeter of each inner leg member 16B. The groove 46 is configured to receive the free end 36 of the respective outer leg member 16A as the inner leg member 16B is received in the respective outer leg member 16A. The groove 46 may extend completely or partially around the inner leg member base 44. In the present embodiment, the groove 46 is interrupted by a bridge 48 adjacent to each inner leg recess 50, which will be described hereinafter. The outer leg members 16A include corresponding notches 52 along the outer member free ends 36 such that the notches 52 receive the respective bridges 48. Upon complete assembly of a leg assembly 16, the outer leg free end 36 is received in the groove 46 and axially and radially restrained therein by the bottom deck grid structure 28. The outer and inner leg walls 32 and 40 are preferably axially dimensioned such that the inner leg member free end 44 contacts, and thereby supports, the top deck structure 12 when the outer leg member free end 36 is received in the groove 46. Alternatively, the inner leg member wall 40 may be shorter such that the inner leg member 16B terminates within the outer leg member 16A without contacting the top deck structure 12. In another alternative embodiment, an internal groove (not shown) is provided about the internal perimeter of the outer leg member base 34 such that the inner leg member free end 44 may be received within the top deck structure 12.

[0047] With the outer leg member free end 36 radially restrained within the groove 46, and the outer and inner leg member walls 32 and 40 adjacent to one another, the leg assembly 16 effectively provides a double walled leg. Since the ends of each outer leg member 16A are radially restrained by the top and lower decks 12 and 14, any lateral force against a leg assembly 16 will be carried by both leg members 16A and 16B and both the top deck structure 12 and the bottom deck structure 28. Such a structure makes each leg assembly 16 more resistant to lateral sheer stresses which may result, for example, from contact by a fork-lift tine.

[0048] Additionally, receipt of the bridges 48 in the respective notches 52 makes each leg assembly 16 more resistant to twist or the like. As such, the relative position of the outer and inner leg members 16A and 16B is securely maintained and the risk the leg members will become inadvertently dislodged due to relative movement or the like is reduced.

[0049] An additional advantage of the telescoped legs 16 is that with the inner leg member 16B within the outer leg member 16A, and the outer leg member free end 36 received in groove 46, the leg assembly 16 is effectively sealed against contaminants, such as dirt and debris. The leg assembly 16 may be further sealed, for example, for use in hygienic applications, by providing a gasket or the like (not shown) within the groove 46.

[0050] To prevent axial separation of the top and bottom decks 12 and 30, the legs 16 are provided with connectors to interconnect the assemblies. The inner leg member 16B of the present embodiment includes a vertical recess 54 along its perimeter wall 40. Each recess 54 includes a series of outwardly extending barbs 56. The barbs 56 have tapered surfaces toward the free end 44 and flat surfaces toward the base portion 42. The barbs 56 are configured to engage inwardly extending barbs 58 correspondingly positioned along the inside of outer leg member wall 32. The barbs 58 have tapered surfaces toward the free end 36 and flat surfaces toward the base portion 34. Accordingly, as the top deck 12 is positioned on the bottom deck 14 and the inner leg member 16B is received in the outer leg member 16A, the barb tapered surfaces slide over one another. Upon complete assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the flat surfaces of barbs 56 engage the flat surfaces of barbs 58 and thereby prevent axial separation of the leg members 16A and 16B. While the flat surfaces of the barbs 56 and 58 of the present embodiment are at substantially right angles to the axis of the leg members 16, the angle may be larger or smaller than 90.

[0051] As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, inner leg members 16B each have a recess 54 along each long wall, with corresponding barbs 56 in each recess 54, for a total of four sets of barbs 56 on each inner leg member 16B. Outer leg members 16A have corresponding inwardly extending barbs 58 configured to align with the respective barbs 56 such that each outer leg member 16A has four sets of barbs 58. Central inner leg member 16B has a recess 54 along each of its four walls with corresponding barbs 56 in each recess 54, for a total of four sets of barbs 56 on the central inner leg member 16B. Central outer leg member 16A has corresponding inwardly extending barbs 58 configured to align with the respective barbs 56 such that the central outer leg member 16A has four sets of barbs 58.

[0052] To prevent the inner leg member walls 40 from deflecting, and thereby increasing the risk of in advertent disengagement of the barbs 56 and 58, vertical ribs 60 are preferably provided within the inner leg members 16B. The vertical ribs 60 preferably extend between opposed recesses 54, but may be provided in additional locations, as illustrated. Other configurations of the leg assemblies, for example, the wall shape and barb placement, are within the scope of the invention.

[0053] In the embodiment illustrated, the at least one support leg 17 configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle comprises a replaceable component that is formed separately from the top deck 12 and bottom deck 14 and is joined to the top 12 and bottom 14 decks by fastening means to form an integral pallet structure 10. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures, the top deck 12, bottom deck, and legs 17 are formed as separate components. Top deck 12 and bottom deck 14 are joined and fastened by barbs 56, 58 within leg assemblies 16, and legs 17 are joined and fastened to the top 12 and bottom 14 decks with screw fasteners 62 to form the pallet 10. Other forms of fastening devices known to the skilled artisan may be used to join and fasten the top deck 12, bottom deck 14, and legs 17 to form the integral pallet structure, such as bolts, clips, rivets, and the like.

[0054] In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures, pallet 10 is shown as an assembly wherein the top deck 12, bottom deck 14, and legs 17 are formed as separate components being joined to form the pallet structure. In other embodiments (not shown), one or more of the top deck 12, bottom deck 14, leg assemblies 16, and/or legs 17 may be molded together as a single pieces of polymer material. For example, top deck 10, bottom deck 14, and leg assemblies 16 may be molded as a single piece of polymer material, to which leg or legs 17 may be fastened as an optionally replaceable component or components. In another alternative embodiment, one or more leg assemblies 16 and/or legs 17 may be formed integrally with either of the top deck 10 and bottom deck 14, which are joined to form the pallet 10. In another embodiment, top deck 10, bottom deck 14, leg assemblies 16, and legs 17 may be molded of a single piece of polymer material to form pallet 10. Various combinations of individually or integrally formed components comprising the top deck 10, bottom deck 14, leg assemblies 16, and legs 17 of the pallet 10 will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 8-14, an embodiment of the at least one optionally replaceable support leg 17, which is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle to enable the pallet securing device to lock the pallet to the vehicle, will be described in more detail.

[0056] Leg 17 comprises a base 64, an upper flange 66, and a column 68 extending between the base 64 and upper flange 66. Both the base 64 and the upper flange 66 have respective reinforcing honeycomb structures 72, 74. The base 64 is configured to insert and fit into a corresponding recess 76 in the bottom deck 14. To inhibit displacement of the leg 17 when the base 64 is positioned in the recess 76 in the bottom deck 14, the base 64 is provided with a pattern of grooves 78, and the recess is provided with ribs or tongues 80 that correspond to the grooves 78 on the base 64, such that when the base 64 is fitted into the recess 76 on the bottom deck 14, the ribs 80 of the recess 76 and the grooves 78 of the base 64 interlock to restrict lateral movement of the base 64 and leg 17 relative to bottom deck 14. Similarly, the underside of the top deck 12 is provided with a corresponding recess 82 into which the upper flange 66 fits, wherein grooves 84 formed in the honeycomb reinforcing structure 74 of the upper flange 66 interlock with corresponding ribs or tongues 86 in the top deck recess 82 to restrict lateral movement of the upper flange 66 and leg 17 relative to the top deck 12 when the upper flange 66 is inserted into the top deck recess 82.

[0057] The interlocking patterns of grooves 78, 84 and ribs or tongues 80, 86 can be varied within the scope of the invention. Thus, in an opposite of the arrangement illustrated in the drawing figures, the base 64 and/or the upper flange 66 may be provided with ribs or tongues 80, 86 that interlock with grooves 78, 84 in the recesses 76, 82. In another alternate embodiment (also not illustrated), each of the base 64 and/or upper flange 66 may be provided with patterns or combinations of both grooves 78, 84 and ribs or tongues 80, 86 that interlock with corresponding, reciprocal features in the recesses 76, 82 to restrict lateral movement of the leg 17 in the assembled pallet structure 10.

[0058] In addition to or as an alternative to the interlocking elements of the support leg 17 and the recesses 76, 82 in the decks 12, 14, other fastening elements or features may be used to securely integrate the support leg 17 into the pallet assembly 10. Such fastening elements include screws, bolts, nuts, rods, dowels, rivets, clamps, barbs, ratchets, dovetails, anchors, pins, clips, washers, nails, bands, straps, ropes, cords, cables, and other variations and alternatives thereof known to the fastening art. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, support legs 17 are additionally secured and fastened to upper and lower decks 12, 14 via screw fasteners 62 to form the integral pallet assembly 10. As seen in FIGS. 8-10 and 13, base 64 and upper flange 66 are provided with holes for receiving the screw fasteners 62.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures, the at least one support leg 17 is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle. Exemplary pallet-securing, clamping or gripping devices are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,256,454, 6,767,175, 7,448,842, 7,544,937, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0359459 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. Certain of these pallet-securing devices function by selectively clamping a center rib or stringer of a pallet with a pair of converging jaws or cams (U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,256,454, 7,448,842, 7,544,937) or converging piston-like punches (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0359459 A1) or by selectively engaging an upper or lower pallet deck with a lock bar (U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,175).

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures, the at least one support leg 17 is configured generally to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,544,037, which functions by selectively clamping a center rib or stringer of a pallet with a pair of converging jaws. Column 68 of leg 17 is provided with at least one surface 86 that is configured to engage the clamping or gripping apparatus of the pallet securing device. The at least one surface 86 configured to engage the pallet securing device comprises a substantially vertical wall 90 of the at least one support leg 17 that is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle.

[0061] The at least one surface 86 that is configured to engage the pallet securing device may be provided with features that increase friction between the surface 86 and the surface of a clamping or gripping apparatus of the pallet securing device on a fork-lift vehicle. For example, the at least one surface 86 configured to engage the pallet securing device may comprise a textured surface configured to increase friction between the surface 86 and the clamping or gripping apparatus of the pallet securing device. The texturing on the at least one surface 86 configured to engage the pallet securing device may comprise one or more or a pattern of projections and/or indentations configured to engage the clamping or gripping apparatus of the pallet securing device.

[0062] In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures, the surface 86 comprises one or more substantially vertically oriented grooves 88. Grooves 88 are configured to interlock with a gripping or clamping surface on the pallet securing device that contacts the textured surface. In an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the surface 86 comprises one or more substantially vertically oriented ribs or protrusions that are configured to interlock with the gripping or clamping surface on the pallet securing device that contacts the textured surface. In a further alternate embodiment, the at least one surface 86 configured to engage the pallet securing device may comprise a combination of substantially vertically oriented, parallel ribs and grooves that are configured to interlock with the gripping or clamping surface on the pallet securing device that contacts the textured surface.

[0063] In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures, the column 68 of the at least one support leg 17 that is configured to engage a pallet securing device on a material handling vehicle comprises two substantially vertical opposing walls 90, each comprising at least one surface 86 configured to engage the pallet securing device. The two substantially vertical opposing walls 90 extend inward from a lateral edge of the pallet 10 towards its center and generally converge as they extend inward from the lateral edge of the pallet. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing figures, the two substantially vertical walls 90 form a key shape when viewed in plan comprising a bow 92 extending inward from the lateral edge of the pallet and a blade 94 extending inward from the bow, as seen most clearly in the views of FIGS. 10, 13, and 14.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the at least two opposing vertical walls 90 are flat and substantially parallel to one another as they extend inward from a lateral edge of the pallet 10, such that the column 68 has a rectangular shape in cross-section, rather than the key shape cross-section illustrated in FIG. 14. In another alternative embodiment (also not illustrated), the at least two opposing vertical walls 90 are flat and converge toward one another as they extend inward from a lateral edge of the pallet 10, such that the column 68 has a trapezoidal or triangular or even scalene shape in plan view. In other alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the opposing vertical walls 90 may have a convex or concave profile in plan view as the opposing vertical walls extend inward from a lateral edge of the pallet 10. Those of skill will recognize further alternative configurations for vertical walls 90 that will provide effective surfaces 86 for engaging pallet securing devices or mechanisms on material handling vehicles.

[0065] In addition, the at least one surface 86 configured to engage the pallet securing device can be provided with various types of protrusions and/or recesses and/or other physical features as are known to the skilled artisan that will frictionally or interlockingly engage a gripping or clamping surface on the pallet securing device.

[0066] Thus, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 8-14, the at least one support leg is configured to engage a pallet securing device of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,544,037. In another embodiment of the invention (not illustrated), the at least one support leg may be configured to engage a pallet securing device such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,842. In another embodiment of the invention (also not illustrated), the at least one support leg may be configured to engage a pallet securing device such as is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0359459 A1.

[0067] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.