Load distributing apparatus for corner posts

Abstract

An apparatus for distributing a load placed on top of a packaging unit is provided. The apparatus includes a set of molded plastic caps that fit over the upper ends of corner posts and a rectangular top frame mountable to the caps to evenly distribute the load across the entire cross sectional profile of the corner posts to prevent one or more of the posts from buckling or otherwise failing.

1 . An apparatus for distributing a load stacked on top of a packaging unit across support post walls, the packaging unit comprising a base and support posts extending vertically upward from the base and terminating in a top edge, the apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of support post caps, each support post cap comprising a platform configured to contact the top edge of one of the support posts, and means for mounting the support post cap onto the support post; and   a top frame configured to extend between the support post caps and to rest securely on the cap platforms, the top frame having an upper surface for bearing the load stacked on top of the packaging unit.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the cap mounting means comprises a sidewall extending downwardly from the platform and configured to enclose at least a portion of the support post. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the platform has a periphery and the sidewall extends downwardly from at least a portion of the platform periphery. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein each support post cap further comprises one or more ribs extending from the sidewall member to further secure the support post cap to the support post. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the support post caps form a friction fit with the support posts. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the platform is configured to contact the entire top edge of one of the support posts. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein each support post cap further comprises an upper wall member extending upwardly from the platform  52  for retaining the top frame. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the top frame is substantially rectangular and has four corners, each corner being mounted onto one of the support post caps. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the top frame comprises front and rear horizontal crossbeam members and side crossbeam members joined at their respective ends to form a rectangular frame-like structure. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the upper, load bearing surface of the top frame is defined by the front and rear cross members. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein each support post cap comprises projections extending downwardly from the underside of the platform. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the projections are configured to extend into hollow areas of a support post. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the support post caps are molded plastic. 
   
   
       14 . An apparatus for supporting stacked loads comprising:
 a base;   support posts sitting on the base and extending upward toward a load bearing second base, each support post having a top end comprising an upper cross section; and   a load support cap attached to each vertical post top end and covering the upper cross section;   wherein the second base sits on the caps; and   wherein the load borne by the second base is distributed over the upper cross sections of the vertical posts.   
   
   
       15 . An apparatus for distributing a load stacked on top of a packaging unit, the apparatus comprising:
 a top frame having four corners;   molded plastic caps configured to fit onto the four corners of the top frame; and   a shipping pallet seated onto the caps.   
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the caps comprise upwardly projecting nubs that help seat the shipping pallet onto the caps.