U.S. patent application number 12/680104 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for pallet system.
Invention is credited to Warren Howard Tosse.
Application Number | 20100206200 12/680104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40511639 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100206200 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tosse; Warren Howard |
August 19, 2010 |
PALLET SYSTEM
Abstract
A pallet system for use in the transportation and/or storage of
elongate or extruded products which is mountable and demountable
without the use of tools is disclosed. The pallet system including
a plurality of base members, each having interlockable elements on
at least one end and which are adapted to engage and interlock with
a similarly configured adjacent base member such that an elongate
base structure can be formed from the base members, and wherein
each of the base members is also adapted to support a plurality of
upright members.
Inventors: |
Tosse; Warren Howard;
(Hamilton, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C.
1000 TOWN CENTER, TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075
US
|
Family ID: |
40511639 |
Appl. No.: |
12/680104 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
September 3, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ08/00227 |
371 Date: |
March 25, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/56.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00815
20130101; B65D 2519/00069 20130101; B65D 2519/00965 20130101; B65D
2519/00442 20130101; B65D 19/0073 20130101; B65D 2519/00139
20130101; B65D 2519/00746 20130101; B65D 2519/00532 20130101; B65D
2519/00268 20130101; B65D 2519/00318 20130101; B65D 2519/00796
20130101; B65D 2519/00333 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/56.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/38 20060101
B65D019/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 26, 2007 |
NZ |
561957 |
Dec 13, 2007 |
NZ |
564290 |
Claims
1. A pallet system, mountable and demountable without the use of
tools, which is adapted to securely transport and/or store elongate
or extruded products, the pallet system including a plurality of
base members, each base member including interlockable elements on
at least one end which are adapted to engage and interlock with a
similarly configured adjacent base member such that an elongate
base structure can be formed from the base members, and wherein
each of the base members is also adapted to support a plurality of
upright members, a plurality of upright members adapted to engage
and interlock with each of said base members and one or more cap
members, the pallet system being further characterised in that it
comprises one or more cap members which are adapted to engage with
said one or more upright members.
2. A pallet system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each base member
includes the interlockable elements on both ends.
3. A pallet system as claimed in claimed in claim 1 wherein the
interlockable elements include one or more fingers adapted to
interlock with corresponding fingers or recesses of an adjacent
base member.
4. A pallet system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the fingers have a
substantially "C" shaped cross section.
5. A pallet system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interlockable
elements are adapted to receive fasteners to further secure any
joint between interlocked base members.
6. A pallet system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interlockable
elements of each base member are adapted to snap lock with the
corresponding interlockable elements of an adjacent base
member.
7. A pallet system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each base member
is engaged with an adjacent base member using one or more joining
members.
8. A pallet system as claimed in claim 7 wherein each joining
member is adapted to engage with one or more first sockets or pins
provided on each base member.
9. A pallet system as claimed in claim 7 wherein each joining
member fits into each base member with an interference or a snap
fit.
10. A pallet system as claimed in claim 1 having a joint between
each of the base members and wherein the joint between adjacent
base members provides a recess or recesses adapted to accommodate
or retain a packaging strap.
11. A pallet system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each base member
further includes one or more base sockets, or a part of one or more
sockets, adapted to support an upright member.
12. A pallet system according to claim 11 wherein the one or more
cap members has at least one recess or channels sufficient to
accommodate or retain packaging strap material.
13. A pallet system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each base member
has a generally rectangular or square shape when viewed from
above.
14. A pallet system as claimed in claim 1 having one or more legs
which extend below a body section of each base member adapted to
accommodate a lifting means.
15. A method of palletising elongate or extruded products without
the use of tools including the steps of: (i) engaging two or more
pallet bases to form a generally elongate single pallet base, each
pallet base having a plurality of sockets adapted to accommodate a
plurality of upright members and one or more recesses located at or
about the join between each pallet base, (ii) engaging a plurality
of upright members into the sockets provided in the pallet base
(iii) loading the pallet base with elongate or extruded products,
(iv) placing one or more cap members over the elongate or extruded
products and engaging the cap members with the upright members to
enclose the elongate or extruded products, and (v) applying a
packaging strap about the loaded pallet at least at each location
where a base member is joined to an adjacent base member.
16. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES
[0001] This application is a cognated complete-after-provisional
(CAP) claiming priority from provisional patents, NZ 561957 as
filed on 26 Sep. 2007 and NZ 564290 as filed on 13 Dec. 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a pallet system, and in
particular, but not exclusively to a pallet system for use in the
transportation and/or storage of extruded products.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Extruded products, such as aluminium or plastic extrusions,
are typically long, and can be fragile or easily damaged. The
transportation and storage of these extrusions presents unique
difficulties. To be handled efficiently they are often strapped
together in bundles, however even though the bundles may not be
particularly heavy they can be difficult to handle due to their
size and shape, and the relatively fragile nature of the
extrusions.
[0004] When carefully bundled and supported however, the extrusions
can be used support one another, and a well secured and protected
bundle of extrusions can be handled without undue difficulty.
[0005] For this reason, it is common to construct purpose built
pallets out of wood to match the length requirements of the
particular extrusions, to hold the bundles in relatively neat
stacks and ideally to facilitate secure stacking of one bundle on
top of another. Ideally the pallets support the bundles of
extrusions in such a manner that the bundles have a generally
rectangular cross section, and have a flat top that is at least
partially protected, to allow stacking of one bundle over another.
The pallets can also provide access for fork lift tines to allow
the pallets to be lifted or to be moved about using a forklift.
[0006] For these reasons, the pallet systems for extrusions are
ideally three dimensional, providing structure and protection
underneath the stack, structure and optionally some protection on
the sides, and at least limited structure or protection over the
top of the extrusions.
[0007] Pallet systems that are presently used are generally
constructed from wood. However, due to the size requirements, and
the three dimensional nature of the pallets, their construction is
relatively expensive. In addition, relatively significant
quantities of wood are used. The wood that is used to make the
pallets is generally discarded after a single use since it is often
not convenient to return long lengths of wood, which are often
partly damaged, back to their origin.
[0008] The use of quantities of wood in this manner is increasingly
being viewed as potentially harmful to the environment.
[0009] Object
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a pallet system and/or method which will at least go some
way towards overcoming the above mentioned problems, or at least
provide the public with a useful choice.
[0011] Statements of the Invention
[0012] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be
said to consist in a pallet system, having a plurality of base
members, each base member being adapted to engage with another base
member such that a generally elongate base structure can be formed
from the base members, and the base members also being adapted to
support a plurality of upright members.
[0013] Preferably each base member includes interlockable elements
on at least one end adapted to interlock with similarly configured
interlockable elements of an adjacent base member.
[0014] Preferably each base member includes the interlockable
elements on both ends.
[0015] Preferably the interlockable elements include one or more
fingers adapted to interlock with corresponding fingers or recesses
of an adjacent base member.
[0016] Preferably the fingers have a generally "C" shaped cross
section.
[0017] Preferably the interlockable elements are adapted to receive
fasteners to further secure any joint between interlocked base
members.
[0018] Optionally the interlockable elements of each base member
adapted to snap lock with the corresponding interlockable elements
of an adjacent base member.
[0019] Optionally each base member can be engaged with an adjacent
base member using one or more joining members.
[0020] Preferably each joining member is adapted to engage with one
or more first sockets or pins provided on each base member.
[0021] Preferably the or each joining member can be fitted to a top
side of each base member.
[0022] Preferably the or each joining member fits into each base
member with an interference fit or a snap fit.
[0023] Preferably the or each joining member can be fitted to each
base member without the use of tools.
[0024] Preferably the joint between adjacent base members provides
a recess or recesses adapted to accommodate or retain a packaging
strap.
[0025] Preferably each base member includes one or more base
sockets, or a part of one or more sockets, adapted to support an
upright member.
[0026] Preferably at least some of the base sockets are situated at
or adjacent each joint between adjacent base members.
[0027] Preferably the upright members can be engaged with the base
members without the use of tools.
[0028] Preferably the pallet system also includes cap members which
are adapted to engage with any upright members that are used.
[0029] Preferably the cap members have cap sockets which are
adapted to engage with any upright members that are used.
[0030] Preferably the cap members have recesses or channels which
can be used to accommodate or retain packaging strap material.
[0031] Preferably each base member has a generally rectangular or
square shape when viewed from above.
[0032] Preferably the lower surface of each base member includes a
region that is elevated with respect to at least one other region
of the remainder of the lower surface.
[0033] Optionally each base member also includes one or more legs
which extend below a body section of each base member.
[0034] In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to
consist in a pallet load of extrusions incorporating at least one
pallet system substantially as specified herein.
[0035] Preferably the pallet load of extrusions is held together
using straps which are aligned with the joint between adjacent base
members.
[0036] In a third aspect, the invention may broadly be said to
consist in a method of palletising elongate or extruded products
including the steps of; [0037] engaging two or more pallet bases to
form a generally elongate pallet base, [0038] engaging a plurality
of upright members into sockets provided in the pallet base, [0039]
loading the pallet with elongate or extruded products, [0040]
placing one or more top members over the elongate or extruded
products and engaging the top members with the upright members, and
[0041] applying a packaging strap about the loaded pallet at least
at each location where a base member is joined to an adjacent base
member.
[0042] Preferably the method further includes the fitting of
joining members to engage adjacent base members.
[0043] Preferably the joining members are fitted to the top of the
base assembly.
[0044] The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the
parts, elements and elements referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, and
any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements
or elements, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as
if they were individually set forth.
DESCRIPTION
[0045] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description which is given in the form
of two examples only, and with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a pallet
system,
[0047] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a base assembly of the first
example of a pallet system,
[0048] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base member of the first
example of a pallet system,
[0049] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a base member of the
first example of a pallet system,
[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a joining member of the
first example of a pallet system,
[0051] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a side panel of the first
example of a pallet system,
[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cap member of the first
example of a pallet system,
[0053] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a base extension member of
the first example of a pallet system,
[0054] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a second example of a pallet
system,
[0055] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a second example of a
pallet system,
[0056] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second example of a
pallet system,
[0057] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a typical joint between
adjacent base members of the second example of a pallet system,
[0058] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the joint shown
in FIG. 12,
[0059] FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view of a capping member of
the second example of a pallet system,
[0060] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the capping member
of the second example of a pallet system,
[0061] FIG. 16 is amend elevation view of two loaded pallets
stacked one on top of the other,
[0062] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a joint between the two
stacked pallets,
[0063] FIG. 18 is an exploded partially cutaway perspective view of
one of the stacked pallets, and
[0064] FIG. 19 is a partially cutaway perspective view of one of
the stacked pallets.
FIRST EXAMPLE
[0065] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a first example of a pallet
system (10) according to the present invention is shown. FIG. 1
shows a base assembly structure (11) which includes a plurality of
base members (13). The pallet system (10) can also include a number
of upright members (15), side panels (17) and/or base extension
members (19). The pallet system (10) is designed for use in the
storage and transportation of elongate products, for example
extrusions. It can be seen that the pallet system (10) is made up
of a number of parts that can be assembled together to form the
elongate base assembly structure (11) onto which a number of
extrusions can be placed. The base assembly (11) can be strapped to
the extrusions, to form a packaged set of extrusions in which the
extrusions and the base assembly (11) act together to form a rigid
and protected unit which can be handled using standard lifting and
transportation equipment. The pallet system (10) is particularly
useful for the storage and transportation of aluminium extrusions,
for example extrusions that are four to six metres in length.
[0066] Each base member (13) is adapted to engage with another base
member (13) to form the elongate base assembly (11). In this
example, each base member (13) can be engaged with an adjacent base
member (13) using one or more joining members (21) that are adapted
to fit into first base sockets (23) provided on each base member
(13). The base members (13) in this example have a generally
rectangular or square shape when viewed from above, and each have a
lattice frame construction and can be made from a plastics
material.
[0067] While it is envisaged that the joining members (21) could
take a number of forms, in this example each joining members (21)
comprises a body section (25) with four pins (27) that all extend
from one side of the body section (25). One pair of pins (27) can
be fitted into a pair of adjacent first base sockets (23) in one
base member (13) and the other pair of pins can be fitted into a
pair, of adjacent base sockets (23) in another base member (13). In
this way each joining member (21) can tie two adjacent base members
(13) together. It can be seen that in this example, each base
member (13) includes three pairs of base sockets (23) at each end,
and therefore three joining members (21) can be used to make a
secure connection between adjacent base members (13).
[0068] It can also be seen in the figures that the top surface of
each of the sockets (23) is recessed below a top surface (29) of
the base members (13). The amount that the sockets (23) are
recessed below the top surface (29) is substantially the same as
the thickness of the body section (25) of each joining member (21).
This means that the top surface of each joining member can lie
flush with the top surface (29) of the base members (13), and means
that the top surface of the base assembly structure (11) provides a
flat platform upon which a number of extrusions can be laid.
[0069] Preferably the pins (27) of each joining member (21) fit
into each base member (13), or the sockets (23) of each base member
(13), with an interference fit or a snap fit. However, since each
joining member (21) can be fitted to the top side of each base
member (13), and the top of the joining members (21) can be flush
with the top surface (29) of each base members (13), a load of
extrusions that lie on top of the base assembly structure (11) can
also help to prevent the joining members (21) from migrating out of
the sockets (23) to help prevent the base members (13) from
becoming disconnected.
[0070] The construction, or disassembly, of the base assembly
structure (11) can be carried out without any requirements for
tools since the joining members (21) can be fitted to each base
member, or be removed, by hand.
[0071] It can be seen in FIG. 4 that each base member (13) includes
two legs (31) which hold a body portion (33) of each base member a
small distance above the ground. The slight elevation provided by
the legs (31) is enough to allow the tines of a forklift to get
under the base assembly structure (11). It can also be seen that
the lower outside corner of each leg (31) is provided with a step.
The step (35) is configured such that when two adjacent base
members (13) are joined together, the adjacent steps (35) form a
recess or channel that runs along the length of the join. The
recess provided by the joint between adjacent base members (13) can
accommodate or retain a packaging strap, for example a plastic or a
metal strap that is used to hold extrusions onto the base assembly
structure (11).
[0072] The base assembly (11), or the base members (13), is/are
adapted to support the upright members (15), and in this example
each base member (13) includes a part of a second base socket (37)
at each corner for this purpose. When two base members (13) are
joined the adjacent parts of the second base socket (37) on each
corner of the base members (13) join to form a single second base
socket (37).
[0073] Each upright member (15) can simply be made of a length of
wood, having a suitable cross section to fit into the second base
sockets (37). The length of wood, or other material, can be cut to
length to suit the height of a bundle of extrusions. Since the
upright members (15) can be engaged with the base members (13) by
inserting them into the second base sockets (37) there is no
requirement to use tools to construct the pallet system (10).
[0074] The pallet system (10) can also include cap members
(39)--refer to FIG. 7. The cap members (39) are adapted to engage
with the upright members (15) that are used, and to sit over the
top of a load of extrusions. In FIG. 1, upright members (15) are
only shown fitted to one side of the base structure assembly (11),
however, in use, upright members (15) would usually be fitted to
both sides of the base structure assembly (11). It can be seen that
on a lower side (41), and at each end, of each cap members (39), a
cap socket (43) is provided. The cap sockets are similar in size to
the second base sockets (37), and for this reason they are also
adapted to engage with any upright members (15) that are used.
[0075] Preferably the cap members (39) also have recesses or
channels (45) which can also be used to accommodate or retain any
packaging strapping material. In this way, any packaging or
strapping material that is used can be held securely in line with
the joint between adjacent base members (13), and in line with the
uprights (15) and the cap members (39), and can help to hold the
whole assembly of the base structure (11) and any extrusions
together in a relatively stable package that is suitable for
handling, transportation and storage.
[0076] When one pallet-load of extrusions is stacked on another,
the legs (31) of the upper load can rest on the cap member (39) of
the lower load.
[0077] As mentioned above, the pallet system (10) can also include
side panels (17). The side panels can be fitted to the base
assembly (11) as shown in FIG. 1 and can provide additional
protection to any goods that are stored or transported using the
pallet system (10). FIG. 6 shows a side panel in more detail. Each
side panel (17) is essentially a flat panel that includes
attachment means so that it can be attached to the base assembly
(11). In this example, the attachment means includes a first half
hinge (47) feature that is part of each side panel (17), and which
is adapted to mate with a second half hinge (49) feature that is
part of each side of each base member (13).
[0078] And, also as mentioned above, the pallet system (10) can
include base extension members (19)--see FIG. 8. FIGS. 1 and 2 show
a base structure assembly (11) that includes one base extension
member (19) at each end. The base extension members (19) are
similar in 20, configuration to the base members (13) but have a
shorter length. For example, while the base members can have a
length in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 metres, the base extension
members (19) may have a length in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 metres.
Used in conjunction with a number of base members (13), the shorter
base extension members (19) can allow the overall length of the
base structure assembly (11) to more closely match the overall
length of the goods that are to be loaded onto the pallet system
(10). In addition, the use of a shorter base extension members (19)
at each end of the base structure (11) provides second base sockets
(37) that are nearer to the end of the base structure (11), and the
opportunity to place upright members (15) and cap members (39) near
the ends.
[0079] The pallet system (10) provides a method of palletising
elongate or extruded products that includes the steps of; [0080]
engaging two or more pallet bases to form a generally elongate
pallet base, [0081] engaging a plurality of upright members into
sockets provided in the pallet base, [0082] loading the pallet with
elongate or extruded products, [0083] placing one or more top
members over the elongate or extruded products and engaging the top
members with the upright members, and [0084] applying a packaging
strap about the loaded pallet at least at each location where a
base member is joined to an adjacent base member.
[0085] The method can further include the fitting of joining
members to engage adjacent base members, and preferably the joining
members are fitted to the top of the base assembly.
[0086] When a load of elongate or extruded goods has been
transported using the pallet system (10), and the goods have been
unloaded from the pallet, the parts can be disassembled, and the
component parts can be returned for re-use.
SECOND EXAMPLE
[0087] With reference to FIGS. 9 to 19, a second example of a
pallet system (60) according to the present invention is shown.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show a base assembly structure (61) which includes a
plurality of base members (63). As with the first example of a
pallet system (10) described herein, the pallet system (60) can
also include a number of upright members (64) and/or base extension
members (65).
[0088] The second example of a pallet system (60) is similar to the
first example of a pallet system (10) except as follows.
[0089] In this example, each base member (63) includes
interlockable elements (67) that are adapted to interlock with
similarly configured interlockable elements (67) of an adjacent
base member (63). While each base member (63) can include
interlockable elements (67) on just one end, for example to
construct a base assembly structure (61) of just two base members
(63), preferably each base member (63) includes the interlockable
elements (67) on both ends. Clearly the base extension members (65)
require interlockable elements (67) at just one end only.
[0090] It can be seen that the base members (63) can be injection
molded plastic parts having longitudinal members (63a), transverse
members (63b) and diagonal members (63c) for improved rigidity. The
base extension members (65) can be made by simply cutting a base
member (63) laterally, between transverse members (63b), at a wide
range of desired locations along its length. In this way a base
assembly structure (61) of a wide range of overall lengths can be
formed, as the length of the base extension members (65) can be
chosen at will.
[0091] It is envisaged that the interlockable elements (67) could
take a number of forms, however in this example, the interlockable
elements (67) include one or more fingers (69) that are adapted to
interlock with corresponding fingers or recesses of an adjacent
base member (63).
[0092] It can be seen in the figures that in this example the
fingers (69) each have a generally "C" shaped cross section. Each
base member (63) has two short fingers (71) and two long fingers
(73) on each end. The long fingers (71) are sized and shaped to fit
about the short fingers (71) of an adjacent base member (63), and
each pair of intertwined long and short fingers (71) and (73) can
be further fastened together using a suitable fastener, for example
a screw (75). In this example, a boss (76) is provided on the
inside of each of the short fingers (71) to accommodate the threads
of the screws (75).
[0093] The use of a combination of long fingers (71) and short
fingers (73) on each end of each base member (63) provides a joint
between adjacent base members (63) that has a greater strength than
if all of the fingers (69) on one end of a base member (63) were
the same length.
[0094] As with the first example of a pallet system (10), the base
members (63) of the second example (60) can also include sockets
(77) which are adapted to support the upright members (64) that can
be used to help secure a stack of articles on the pallet system
(60) and/or to facilitate the stacking of two or more similarly
configured pallet systems one on top of another.
[0095] Preferably a lower surface (79) of each base member (63)
includes a lifting region (81) that is elevated with respect to at
least one other region of the remainder of the lower surface (79).
The forks of fork lift vehicle can be placed under the lifting
regions (81) of a base assembly structure (61) to allow a load of
articles (82) supported on the pallet system (60) to be moved
about.
[0096] FIGS. 14 and 15 show a capping member (83) or cleat which
can be used to help secure a load of extrusions on or within the
pallet system (60). The capping members (83) can also be designed
to assist with holding stacked pallet loads of extrusions
secure.
[0097] Each capping member (83) includes a socket (85) at each end
which is configured to engage with the top end of an upright member
(64). The sockets (85) being open at the bottom face of the capping
members (83). The capping members (83) span between opposing
upright members (64) connected to each side of the base assembly
structure (61).
[0098] The capping members (83) also include a recessed groove (87)
along their length which can be used to retain a packaging strap
(89) which can be used to secure the pallet system (60) about a
load of extrusions or other elongate products (82).
[0099] It can be seen in FIG. 14 that each capping member (83)
further includes one or more protrusions (91) at each end, the
protrusions (91) extending upwardly from a top face (93) of the
capping member (83). Also, a bearing face (95) of each protrusion
(91), which faces the opposite end of the capping member (83), is
inclined at an acute angle to the top face (93) of the capping
member (83). When one assembled pallet system (60) is stacked on
top of another, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the lower outside
edges of the base assembly structure (61) of the upper pallet
system (60) can be held in place by the opposing bearing faces (95)
of the capping members (83) of the lower pallet system (60). In
this way, a stack of loaded pallets using the pallet system (60)
can be kept secure when stacked or when being transported.
[0100] The protrusions (91) can also be adapted to engage with the
underside of the base assembly structure (61), for example be
engaging in corresponding recesses in the base members (63), to
prevent longitudinal movement or slippage of the upper pallet
relative to the lower pallet.
[0101] Variations
[0102] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and
additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope
thereof.
[0103] In the first example of a pallet system (10) described
above, the joining members (21) have pins (27) and the base members
(13) have complimentary sockets (23). In an alternative embodiment,
the pins could be part of the base members (13), and the joining
members (21) could include the complimentary sockets.
[0104] Also, in the first example described above, adjacent base
members (13) are joined using separate joining members (21).
However, it is envisaged that in an alternative configuration, the
abutting edges of the base members (13) could be provided with
complimentary protrusions and recesses that are configured to mate
together, for example to form a dovetailed type of joint.
[0105] In the second example, the fingers (69) were adapted to be
fastened together using one or more fasteners. However, in a
further variation, the interlockable elements (67) of each base
member (63) could be adapted to snap lock with the corresponding
interlockable elements (67) of an adjacent base member (63).
[0106] Definitions
[0107] Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and
variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are
not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or
steps.
[0108] Advantages
[0109] Thus it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the
invention provides a pallet system which can be assembled or
disassembled relatively easily, and the component parts are not
cumbersome and can be transported for re-use with less difficulty
than comparable full length pallets. The re-usability provides a
pallet system that is less demanding on the earth's natural
resources. In at least one variation, the pallet system can be
assembled or disassembled without the need for tools.
[0110] Kit of Parts
[0111] It will also be understood that where a product, method or
process as herein described or claimed and that is sold incomplete,
as individual components, or as a "kit of Parts", that such
exploitation will also fall within the ambit of the invention.
* * * * *