Pallet support system

Abstract

A device for supporting and stacking pallets is formed from a relatively small number of components which are removably connected to each other and which can be readily assembled into an operating configuration or disassembled into its individual components. The device, in its assembled configuration, includes channels for removably receiving advertising material or other displays around the outer perimeter of the assembled configuration. The advertising or displays around the perimeter of the device conceal space within the device and the pallet supporting the merchandise on display. The assembled configuration of the device is arranged so that the merchandise supported by the device is at a height to attract the attention of potential consumers. The advertising material around the perimeter of the assembled device, in addition to concealing the space within the device, also serves to attract the attention of potential consumers to the displayed merchandise.

1 . A pallet supporting device comprising:
 four corner elements removably connected to each other,   four connecting elements adapted for removably connecting two adjacent said corner elements to each other in a closed configuration, and   pallet supporting means defined in each of said corner elements.   
     
     
         2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each said corner element defines at least a first opening for receiving at least one projection extending from one said connecting element for removably connecting together two said adjacent corner elements. 
     
     
         3 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said pallet supporting means includes at least a second opening defined in each said corner element, said second opening defined above said first opening in each said corner element. 
     
     
         4 . The device as claimed in  claim 3 , including at least one tray removably received within said second opening in each said corner element, said tray adapted to support a pallet thereon. 
     
     
         5 . The device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein each said tray defines at least one projection extending therefrom, said projection adapted to be removably received in said second opening in each said corner element. 
     
     
         6 . The device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein a third opening is defined in each said corner element above said second opening. 
     
     
         7 . The device as claimed in  claim 6 , including at least one tray removably received within said second or third opening for selectively adjusting the height of said tray relative to said corner element. 
     
     
         8 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said corner elements defines a substantially vertically extending outer groove or channel, and at least one of said connecting elements defines a substantially longitudinally extending outer groove or channel. 
     
     
         9 . The device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said vertically extending groove or channel and said longitudinally extending groove or channel define guides for removably receiving a panel therein. 
     
     
         10 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said corner elements defines a substantially longitudinally extending outer groove or channel. 
     
     
         11 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , including at least one arm extending from at least one said corner element. 
     
     
         12 . The device as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said at least one arm is adapted to received printed materials including advertisements. 
     
     
         13 . A pallet supporting device comprising:
 four corner elements removably connected to each other, each said corner element defining a substantially vertical outer groove or channel;   four connecting elements, each said connecting element removably connecting two adjacent said corner elements, each said connecting element defining a substantially longitudinally extending outer groove or channel; and   four pallet supporting elements, each of said pallet supporting elements removably connected to a different one of said corner elements.   
     
     
         14 . The device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said vertical and longitudinal grooves or channels are arranged to receive panels therein, including panels containing advertisements, for concealing an interior space defined within said pallet supporting device. 
     
     
         15 . The device as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said vertical and longitudinal grooves or channels are arranged to conceal both said interior space defined within said pallet supporting device and at least a portion of a pallet supported on said pallet supporting device when said panels are fully received within said vertical and longitudinal grooves or channels. 
     
     
         16 . The device as claimed in  claim 13 , including means for selectively adjusting the height of said pallet supporting elements relative to said corner elements. 
     
     
         17 . The device as claimed in  claim 13 , including an arm extending upwardly from at least one said corner element, said arm adapted to removably receive printed materials. 
     
     
         18 . A method of supporting a pallet and providing advertising for merchandise displayed on said pallet, the steps of said method comprising:
 removably connecting four corner elements together by four connecting elements to define a closed configuration,   providing each said corner element with a pallet supporting element,   providing each said connecting element with an outer substantially longitudinal groove or channel,   providing each said corner element with an outer substantially vertical groove or channel,   supporting a pallet on said pallet supporting elements, and   removably receiving a panel, including a panel containing printed material, in said longitudinal and vertical grooves or channels.   
     
     
         19 . The method as claimed in  claim 18 , including the step of arranging said vertical and longitudinal grooves and channels such that said panel received therein conceals an interior space defined within an assembled pallet supporting device provided by said corner elements and said connecting elements. 
     
     
         20 . The method as claimed in  claim 19 , including the step of providing an arm extending from at least one of said corner elements, said arm adapted for holding printed material including advertising material in addition to the advertising material contained on said panels received within said longitudinal and vertical grooves or channels.