GB2418413A

GB2418413A - Securing goods on pallets

Info

Publication number: GB2418413A
Application number: GB0519344A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Peter Neeld; K W M Achala Madhar Mapitigama
Original assignee: Amsafe Bridport Ltd
Current assignee: Amsafe Bridport Ltd
Priority date: 2004-09-25
Filing date: 2005-09-22
Publication date: 2006-03-29
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-22
Also published as: GB2418413B; GB0421402D0; CN1778641A; GB0519344D0

Abstract

Preferably, the barrier comprises a floor and side walls which can be folded flat and the apparatus also comprises a roof 16 also with walls which can be folded flat. Preferably, the barrier has one or more pockets for the insertion of protective inserts. The inserts can be thermal insulation eg plastic bubble material laminated to a metallised film, cold gel packs, cushioning, X-ray or electromagnetic shielding, etc. Preferably the barrier is waterproof and flame retardant.

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the transportation of goods and to a method of packing goods for transportation.

Improvements in global transportation of goods, for example by air, road and/or sea, has resulted in increased demand for imported products in most developed countries. The aviation industry, in particular, enables goods to be transported all over the world in a relatively short period of time. This is particularly advantageous in the transportation of perishable goods such as fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and flowers etc. which have a relatively short life span. It is very important, especially with perishable goods, to ensure that they are protected from heat and water damage during transportation. It is estimated that on average approximately 10-20% of perishable goods reach their destination in an unsaleable condition.

At present most perishable goods are packed in cardboard boxes and loaded onto pallets with no additional environmental protection. The goods will normally be stored in a temperature controlled environment, such as a refrigerated warehouse, prior to dispatch and they are normally maintained in a temperature controlled environment in the hold of the aircraft. I Iowever, it is quite common for the goods to be loaded onto a pallet and left outside while the aircraft is prepared for loading. Consequently, the goods may be exposed to direct sunlight, elevated temperatures or rain. It is this exposure which is responsible for much of the damage to the goods.

Additional losses are also associated with the pallets which are conventionally used to transport goods. Typically these are metal pallets, such as aluminium pallets, and they are usually provided with a raised lip around the perimeter. The pallet base is in direct contact with the bottom layer of goods and transfers ambient heat directly to those goods. In addition, when it rains, water collects in the base of the pallet, causing the lower boxes to collapse and resulting in damage to the goods.

A number of products are available which seek to overcome some of the problems identified. A thermal jacket is available in the form of a sleeve of thermal insulation material which may be placed over the goods and fastened, for example by means of a zip. These jackets are only available for smaller, non-aviation type wooden pallets.

They do not protect the underside of the goods and they suffer from the problem that they are not adjustable to take account of different sized loads.

Another popular method of protecting perishable goods from the weather is to provide a plastic cover, either in the form of plastic sheeting or shrink-wrap. This provides an effective barrier against the rain. However, plastic coverings tend to cause the perishable goods to sweat and can actually cause more damage to the goods than having no protection at all. Further disadvantages of this method include the fact that it is limited to single use and it provides no protection against heat radiation or conduction.

It is the object ofthe present invention to alleviate some ofthe problems ofthe prior art or at least to provide an alternative to current apparatus available for transporting goods.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the transportation of goods comprising: a pallet upon which the goods are loaded in use; barrier means which, in use, provide a barrier between the goods to be transported and the pallet; and attachment means for securing the goods and the barrier means to the pallet.

The apparatus overcomes a number of problems associated with the prior art. For example, the goods do not come into direct contact with the pallet. This helps to prevent heat transfer between the pallet and the goods. Furthermore, the barrier means are transportable and re-usable.

The barrier means is interposed between the goods and the pallet and is preferably in direct contact with the pallet.

The barrier means preferably comprises one or more pockets adapted to receive one or more protective inserts. The protective inserts may conveniently have one or more ofthe following properties: thermal insulation; cold gel packs; rigidity; protective cushioning; electromagnetic shielding; X-ray shielding; and impact protection. This enables the properties of the barrier means to be altered to suit the nature of the goods which are being transported. For example, when transporting perishable foods the pockets may contain thermal insulation inserts and/or cold gel packs. When the goods to be transported are computer equipment then electromagnetic shielding inserts may be used.

If necessary, more than one insert may be used in each pocket of the barrier means. ]O

The barrier means may conveniently be defined by two sections of textile material stitched together at their peripheries to form an integral pocket. The textile material is preferably hard wearing and durable. The or each pocket is preferably access via an opening in one of the sections of textile material. The opening may conveniently be covered by a suitable flap during use ofthe apparatus and secured in place, for example, using Velcro fastenings. The textile material is preferably waterproof and flame retardant. Waterproofing prevents rain water from coming into direct contact with the bottom layer of goods.

When the barrier means comprises a thermal insulation material it helps to prevent heat transfer between the pallet and the goods. A thermal insulation material is one which reduces or prevents the transmission of heat. This prevents ambient heat from being transferred to pre-chilled goods. The thermal insulation material may suitably comprise a bubble wrap material laminated to reflective aluminium foil or metalized film. More preferably, the thermal insulation material comprises a double layer of bubble material.

Such materials are lightweight and durable and, in additional to providing thermal insulation, they also provide cushioning for the goods.

The barrier means preferably surrounds a portion of the goods. This offers increased protection from the elements, for example by providing barrier layer around the goods and preventing water and sun damage.

Preferably, the barrier means comprises a base portion, the base portion having a bottom surface which is supported by the pallet and which, in use, supports the goods to be transported and side walls extending from the base which, in use, surround at least a portion ofthe goods to be transported. The dimensions ofthe bottom surface ofthe base portion may conveniently correspond to the maximum permissible loading area of the pallet.

Preferably, the barrier means comprises a roof portion, the roof portion having a top surface which, in use, overlies the goods to be transported and side walls extending from the roofportion which, in use, surround atleast a portion ofthe goods to be transported.

The dimensions of the top surface may conveniently be slightly larger than those of the bottom surface.

It is further preferred that the total height of the side walls of the base and roof portions exceed the maximum permissible loading height of the pallet. This will ensure that for all permitted pallet loadings the side walls of the base and roof portions will overlap.

Consequently, all possible loads will be offered full protection. Another advantage of this configuration is that the apparatus is provided with automatic height adjustment for a variety of loads. Since the dimensions of the top surface may be larger than those of the bottom surface this will allow the side walls of the roof portion to slide over those of the base portion.

The side walls of the base portion are preferably collapsible to enable the base portion to be stored flat. Likewise, the side walls of the roof portion are preferably collapsible.

By collapsible it is meant that the side walls may be folded inwards until they lie flush with either the bottom surface of the base portion or the top surface of the roof portion respectively. This has substantial benefits for storage of the apparatus and for transportation of the apparatus, for example if not in use for the return journey. Flat pack apparatus such as this offers considerable cost savings.

The means for securing the barrier means and the goods to the pallet preferably comprises a pallet net. Pallet nets are well known and commonly comprise a rectangular / main panel, which in use overlies the goods and four rectangular wing panels extending from the main panel in a generally cruciform shape. In use, the wing panels hang down against the side of the goods and are secured to the pallet by means of double stud fittings. Adjacent wing panels are secured by means of lashing lines which extend from the main panel, between the wing panels, and are threaded to and fro between adjacent wing panels from top to bottom. An alternative embodiment of pallet net, known as QuickZip, is disclosed in EP 1365940.

Alternatively, the means for securing the barrier means and the goods to be transported l O to the pallet comprises a plurality of straps provided on the roof portion of the barrier means for attachment to the pallet. The straps may be provided with securing means for attaching them to a corresponding portion of the pallet. This has the advantage that a separate pallet net is not required. In this case, the barrier means may require additional stiffening to enable it to stand alone. This support may be provided by adding suitable rigid inserts into the pockets.

The apparatus offers a number of advantages over currently used apparatus. When the goods are fully surrounded the barrier means may be sealed. This offers increased security, as it will be immediately evident if the load has been tampered with. In addition the apparatus can help to prevent water damage to the bottom layer of goods.

It also offers the ability to regulate the temperature of the goods by insulating the goods.

As mentioned above, this is particularly important for perishable goods which may be left exposed on the airport tarmac during the loading period. It is also important for other non-perishable goods, such as electrical appliances, which must be kept within certain pre-determined temperature ranges.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of packing goods for transportation comprising the steps of: i) providing a pallet; ii) providing a barrier means in direct contact with the pallet; iii) loading the goods onto the barrier means; and / iv) securing the barrier means and the goods to the pallet.

The method may be implemented using the apparatus described above. When this is the case, it is further preferred that the method comprises the additional steps of: v) placing the bottom surface ofthe base portion on the pallet with the side walls extending clear of the pallet; vi) loading the goods onto the base portion; vii) folding the side walls of the base portion around at least a portion of the l O goods; viii) placing the top surface of the roof portion on top of the goods with the side walls extending clear of the goods; and ix) folding the side walls of the roof portion around at least a portion of the goods.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings showing, solely by way of example, one embodiment of the present invention, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus in a first conclition; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus in a second condition; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus in a third condition; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus in a fourth condition; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus in a fifth condition; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus in a sixth condition; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus in a seventh condition.

Figs. 1 to 7 show a series of views of the apparatus illustrating the loading of goods for transportation.

Referring firstly to Fig. 1, this shows a perspective view of an apparatus I for transporting goods in a first condition. A base portion 2 of a barrier means 4 is shown in a collapsed position on a pallet 5. The barrier means 2 is a waterproof, flame retardant textile material [SUCH AS?]. In the collapsed position the side walls 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 1 1 of the base portion 2 are folded flat against the bottom surface (not shown) of the base portion 2. The base portion 2 has a bottom surface 12 and six side wal Is. The side walls are in the form oftwo main side walls 6, 7 which are attached to the bottom surface and four partial side walls 8, 9, 10, 11, two of which are attached to each main side wall 6, 7 respectively. This enables the barrier means 4 to be transported and stored in the collapsed configuration when not in use, which has considerable cost benefits.

The bottom surface 12 and the side walls 6-11 are provided with pockets (not shown) into which one or more protective inserts may be inserted. lathe openings to the pockets are covered by flaps (not shown) which are secured in a closed position by means of velcro(D fastenings. The dimensions of the pockets are only slightly smaller then the external dimensions of the bottom surface 12 and side walls 6-11 respectively, thus permitting the insertion of inserts which are substantially the same size as the bottom surface 12 and side walls 6-11.

The inserts preferably have one or more of the following properties: thermal insulation; cold gel packs; rigidity; protective cushioning; electromagnetic shielding; X-ray shielding; and impact protection. The appropriate insert(s) will be selected based on the goods which are to be transported. For example, when the goods are perishable food items, an insert with thermal insulation properties will be selected. One such suitable insert comprises a double layer of bubble material laminated to reflective aluminium foil. This provides a lightweight, durable barrier. Such materials are widely available and one suitable product is the PE Air Bubble with AL foil/PET Film Lamination, manufactured by Pacific industry Co. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the apparatus l in a second configuration. The main side walls 6, 7 have been folded away from the bottom surface 12 such that they extend perpendicularly to the bottom surface 12. lhepartialsidewalls8,9, lO, Il are opened out slightly to support the main side walls 6, 7 in the upright position.

Next, the goods, which are perishable goods loaded into conventional cardboard packaging boxes, are built up into a load 15 on the pallet 5 as shown in Fig. 3. The load is built as on a conventional pallet with the bottom surface of the base portion 2 providing a barrier between the pallet 5 and the load 15. This reduces heat transfer between the pallet 5 and the load 15 and helps to prevent rain water from damaging the bottom layer of the load 15.

In Fig. 4 the partial side walls 8, 9, lO, it have been folded around the load 15 to surround the bottom portion of the load 15. The length of the partial side walls 8, 9, l O. l l is greater than half of the length of the pallet 5, such that there is an overlap between cooperating partial side walls 8, l O and 9, l 1. The partial side walls 8, 9, l O. I I are secured into position by means of any suitable fastening means, which may be a touch and close fastener. This provides a waterproof seal and, in conjunction with the roof portion (see Figs. 5 - 7) provides a tamper evident seal.

As shown in Fig. 5, the rectangular roof portion 16 is then place centrally over the load 15, such that the top surface 18 overlies the load 15. The roofportion 16 is arranged in a cruciform configuration with one side wall extending from each edge. The side walls 19, 20, 21, 22 are lowered down around the load 15. The combined height of the side walls of the base and roof portions 2, 16 is greater than the maximum permissible height of the load 15. This ensures that when the side walls 19, 20, 21, 22 are folded down they overlap with the side walls over the base portion 2. This design gives automatic height adjustment for a wide variety of loads 15. The region of overlap is then sealed as before and adjacent side walls 19, 20, 21, 22 are sealed by means of flaps 23, 24, 25, 26 provided on the side walls 20, 22. /

Fig. 6 shows the flaps 23, 24, 25, 26 being sealed in position. The load 15 is now completely surrounded by the barrier means 4. This provides the load 15 with thermal insulation and a waterproof barrier and other advantageous properties depending on the selected inserts. Thus, the load 15, which may contain perishable goods, is less susceptible to damage caused by sunlight, high ambient temperature, rain water and other possible causes of damage, such as electromagnetic rays. The barrier means 4 insulates the perishable goods and maintains a relatively constant temperature during transportation. This is achieved even if the load 15 is left outside for a period of time.

The load 15 is not in direct contact with the pallet 5, and are thus less likely to suffer damage due to heat transfer.

Finally, as shown in Fig. 7, the barrier means 4 and the load 15 are secured to the pallet by attachment means in the form of a conventional pallet net 28. The pallet net 28 is of the traditional cruciform type, having a main panel 30 and four wing panels 31, 32, 33, 34, one extending from each edge of the main panel 30. The main panel 30 of the pallet net 28 overlies the top surface 18 of the roof portion 16 and the wing panels 31, 32,33, 34 hang down against the side walls. The wing panels 31,32,33,34 are secured in the conventional manner using lashing lines (not shown) and the pallet net 28 is attached to the pallet 5 in the conventional manner using double stud fittings.

Alternatively, the top surface 18 of the roof portion 16 may be provided with integral attachment straps which may be secured to the pallet. For example, the straps may be provided with securing means for engaging with corresponding portions on the pallet.

This arrangement has the advantage of avoiding the need to use a pallet net.

The present invention has been broadly described, without]imilalion. Variations and modifications, as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, are intended to be included within the scope ofthis application. For example, the invention has been described with reference to a barrier means 4 which completely surrounds the load 15 to be transported. While this embodiment offers additional protection for the load 15 some of the advantages of the invention may be achieved using a barrier means which simply provides a barrier between the load 15 and the pallet 5.

Claims

Claims l. Apparatus for the transportation of goods comprising: a pallet

upon which the goods are loaded in use; barrier means which, in use, provide a barrier between the goods to be transported and the pallet; and attachment means for securing the goods and the barrier means to the pallet.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the barrier means is in direct contact with the pallet.
3. Apparatus according to claim l or claim 2, wherein the barrier means comprises one or more pockets adapted to receive one or more protective inserts.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the protective inserts have one or more of the following properties: thermal insulation; cold gel packs; rigidity; protective cushioning; electromagnetic shielding; X-ray shielding; and impact protection.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the thermal insulation material comprises a layer of plastics bubble material laminated to a metalized film.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier means is waterproof.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier means is flame retardant.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier means is adapted to surround at least a portion of the goods in use of the apparatus.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the barrier means comprises a base portion, the base portion having a bottom surface which is supported by the pallet and which, in use, supports the goods to be transported and side walls extending from the base which, in use, surround at least a portion of the goods to be transported.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the dimensions of the bottom surface of the base portion correspond to the maximum permissible loading area of the pallet.
11. Apparatus according to preceding claim, wherein the barrier means comprises a roof portion, the roof portion having a top surface which, in use, overlies the goods to be transported and side walls extending from the roof portion which, in use, surround at least a portion of the goods to be transported.
12. Apparatus according to claim I 1, as dependent on claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the dimensions of the top surface are slightly larger than the dimensions of the bottom surface.
13. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the side walls of the base portion are collapsible to enable the bottom section to be stored flat.
14. Apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the side walls ofthe roof portion are collapsible to enable the top section to be stored flat.
15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11-14, as dependent on claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the combined height ofthe side walls ofthe base portion and the roof portion is greater than the maximum permissible loading height of the pallet.
16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means for securing the barrier means and the goods to be transported to the pallet comprises a pallet net.
17. Apparatus according to claim I], wherein the attachment means for securing the barrier means and the goods to be transported to the pallet comprises a plurality of straps provided on the roof portion of the barrier means for attachment to the pallet.
18. A method of packing goods for transportation comprising the steps of: i) providing a pallet; ii) providing a barrier means in direct contact with the pallet; iii) loading the goods onto the barrier means; and iv) securing the barrier means and the goods to the pallet.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the barrier means surrounds at least a portion of the goods.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the barrier means comprises a base portion having a bottom surface with side walls extending therefrom.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the barrier means comprises a roof portion having a top surface with side walls extending therefrom.
22. A method according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the side walls are collapsible.
23. A method according to any one of claims 20-22, further comprising the steps of: v) placing the bottom surface of the base portion on the pallet with the side walls extending clear of the pallet; vi) loading the goods onto the base portion; vii) folding the side walls of the base portion around at least a portion of the goods; viii) placing the top surface of the roofportion on top of the goods with the side walls extending clear of the goods; and ix) folding the side walls of the roof portion around at least a portion of the goods.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the side walls are sealed around the goods.
25. A method according to any one of claims 18-24, wherein the barrier means comprises a thermal insulation material.
26. method according to any one of claims 18-25, wherein the goods are perishable.
27. A method according to any one of claims 18-26, wherein the means for securing the barrier means and the goods comprises a pallet net.
28. A method according to any one of claims 22-27, as dependent on claim 21, wherein the means for securing the barrier means and the goods comprises a plurality of straps provided on the roof portion of the barrier means for attachment to the pallet.
29. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
30. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.