Importance

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Abstract

A deck is defined by closely spaced molded ribs with pairs of ramped tine entry openings molded adjacent each edge which are tapered to provide maximum clearance. A narrow lip extends at an angle upwardly from each edge, permitting the platform to be engaged and manipulated by conventional slip sheet handling equipment, while the tine entry ramps permit a powered forklift truck to engage its fork tines beneath the platform. To facilitate deflection of the platform ribs on entry of the forklift tines, the ribs in the path of the tines may have curved valleys, while ribs not in the path may have generally square valleys. The platform may also be constructed through twin sheet thermoforming, foam molding, corrugated paperboard assembly. The platform has a horizontal load support deck with side walls which extend downwardly. Two tine inlet access openings are defined in each side wall, with the height of each access opening being less than the maximum height of a forklift tine. Downwardly opening channels extend between each pair of tine access openings on the opposite side walls and are separated by downwardly extending support pads. A lip extends upwardly and outwardly from the support pads on each side of the platform, and each lip has a clearance opening in front of an access opening to permit the forklift times to pass through the lip and into engagement with the channels. The platform may also be inverted to serve as a load cap.

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First Claim