Transportation Base Load Unitizer and Associated Methods

Abstract

A transportation base load unitizer 100 in the form of a prefabricated sleeve for tightly securing a load 136 on a transportation base 138 (Fig. 2), such as a pallet, the unitizer comprising a sleeve

Description

The present invention relates to a transportation base load unitizer and associated methods of use. An example of a transportation base is a pallet. Pallets are flat structures for carrying goods to form a unit load of the goods. The goods forming the load may be, for example, foodstuffs or other products. Pallets are typically made of wood. They typically include a deck on which a load is placed. The deck is usually substantially square in shape. The deck is supported by an arrangement that allows forks of a forklift or pallet jack to lift and transport it. The pallets and their loads can be transported on to and off from lorries which can carry the unit loads long distances. Many standard configurations of pallet are used such as international organisation of standardisation (ISO) pallets and Euro (CEN) pallets. These typically have dimensions of between 800mm to 1300mm by between 800mm to 1300mm. Stretch wrap or shrink wrap is typically wound around goods on a pallet to hold a load on its pallet and to unitize it. Stretch wrap is a highly elastic plastics film that is wrapped around items to bind them together tightly to unitize them. Shrink wrap is a plastics film that is applied loosely around a load and then heated causing the film to shrink, tightly holding the load and unitizing it. It typically takes around twenty minutes for one person to wrap a load in stretch or shrink wrap. There are machines that can perform this function. However, they are very expensive and may require occasional human intervention. When the unit load of goods has reached its final destination, the stretch wrap or shrink wrap must be removed. The film cannot be used again and must be stored before disposal. Storage takes up considerable space. Disposal has a detrimental environmental impact. Further, the stretch wrap and shrink wrap provides little protection to the goods they cover. They and the goods they are covering can easily become torn on sharp edges during transportation. For foodstuffs in paper bags, for example, if one bag of the unit load is torn open, then the entire unit load or pallet of goods must be thrown away at great expense. It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved transportation base load unitizer. In particular, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a transportation base load unitizer which mitigates one or more of the problems 27 05 25 described above. For example, the present invention may reduce the time to unitize a load, reduce the waste and storage requirement of plastic film, or provide greater protection to a load on a transportation base. The invention is defined in the appended independent claims, to which 5 reference should now be made. Optional features of the invention are defined in dependent sub-claims. Aspects, embodiments or examples falling outside the scope of the appended independent claims may not form part of the invention, and may be included merely for illustrative or explanatory purposes. According to a first aspect, there is provided a transportation base load 10 unitizer for unitizing a load on a transportation base. The unitizer is in the form of a sleeve and comprises: an elastic section; a tightening mechanism configured to tighten the unitizer, which extends in a longitudinal direction along at least 60 percent of the height of the unitizer; a protection section, wherein the protection section has less elasticity than the elastic section; wherein the unitizer 15 only has a single form, the single form being a sleeve. Advantageously, the unitizer being in the form of a pre-fabricated sleeve may significantly reduce the time required to unitize a load compared with stretch wrap or shrink wrap. As used herein, the term “elastic section” may refer to a section able to 20 stretch, for example elastically stretch. An elastic section may be able to stretch to at least 1.2, 1.5, 2, or 2.5 times its natural length without breaking. An elastic section may be able to repeatedly stretch to at least 1.2, 1.5, 2, or 2.5 times its natural length without breaking. Alternatively, or in addition, where the unitizer comprises a protection section, the term “elastic section” may refer to a section 25 having a greater elasticity than the protection section. As used herein, the term “sleeve” may refer to a shape or arrangement which is substantially tube-like, band-like, or sheath-like. As used herein, the term “unitize” may be used to mean “hold together as a unit”. 30 In use, the unitizer may be expanded or stretched, for example in a radially outward direction. This may be done by a user. The unitizer may be expanded or stretched by pulling the sides of the unitizer, or sleeve, apart in a radially outward direction. Expanding or stretching the unitizer may comprise increasing a radius or circumference of the unitizer. This may comprise 35 stretching or tensioning the elastic section. The unitizer may then be positioned around a load, for example by lowering the unitizer over the load. The unitizer 27 05 25 may then be constricted, for example in a radially inward direction. Constricting the unitizer may comprise decreasing a radius or circumference of the unitizer. Constricting the unitizer may comprise partially de-tensioning the elastic section. Constricting the unitizer may comprise reducing the amount, or length, by which 5 the elastic section has been stretched. In use, the unitizer may automatically constrict around the load, for example as a result of the tensile forces in the elastic section. Thus, the action of constricting the unitizer may be considered as an action of allowing the unitizer to constrict. The unitizer may constrict as a user stops pulling the sides of the unitizer, or sleeve, apart in a radially outward 10 direction. The unitizer may then apply a force to the load. The constriction may result in the unitizer applying the force to the load. The force may be directed radially inwardly from the unitizer to the load. The force may be referred to as a unitizing force. The unitizing force may act to hold the load, which may comprise a plurality of goods, together as a unit. 15 Advantageously, the elastic section may therefore prevent the need to provide the unitizer with hooks, belts or other such fastening means. The unitizer may be particularly suitable for machine-automated application to loads, especially compared to devices of the prior art which typically require manual tightening or fastening. 20 The unitizer is preferably in the form a pre-fabricated or pre-formed sleeve. The unitizer may be in the form of a sleeve prior to use, for example prior to being positioned around a load. The unitizer may be in the form of a sleeve at all times. The unitizer may have only a single form, the single form being a sleeve. 25 The transportation base may be or comprise a pallet or a pallet-like structure. The unitizer may define an internal space. The unitizer may encircle the internal space. Expanding or stretching the unitizer may comprise increasing a volume of the internal space. Constricting the unitizer may comprise decreasing 30 a volume of the internal space. In use, a load to be unitized may be positioned in the internal space. In this position, the unitizer may be described as being positioned around the load. The unitizer may define a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction may extend through the internal space. The longitudinal direction may extend 35 from a first end of the unitizer to a second end of the unitizer. A substantially central, longitudinal axis may be defined through the open space defined the 27 05 25 unitizer, or through a load around which the unitizer is positioned. The first end may be an open end. The second end may be an open end. In use, the unitizer may be positioned around a load by movement of the unitizer relative to the load in a longitudinal direction. A height of the unitizer may be measured in the 5 longitudinal direction. The height of the unitizer may be measured from the first end to the second end of the unitizer. The unitizer may define a radial direction. The radial direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The radial direction, specifically a radially outward direction, may extend in a direction from a central, longitudinal 10 axis of the internal space towards the unitizer. When the unitizer is positioned around a load, the radial direction, specifically a radially outward direction, may extend in a direction from a central, longitudinal axis of the load towards the unitizer. Similarly, a radially inward direction may defined from the unitizer, or sleeve, towards a central, longitudinal axis of the internal space or the load. A 15 radius or diameter of the unitizer may be measured in the radial direction. The sides of the unitizer may face radially outward. The unitizer may define a circumferential direction. The circumferential direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. At any given point, the circumferential direction may be perpendicular to the radial direction. A 20 circumference of the unitizer may be measured in the circumferential direction. In use, the unitizer may be positioned around, or may encircle, a load. The elastic section may be stretched in this position. The elastic section may experience a tensile force in this position. This tensile force may act to constrict, or tighten, the unitizer. This may result in a force, for example a radially inward 25 force, being exerted on the load. This force may be referred to as a unitizing force. This may help to unitize the load. The force, for example the radially inward force, may be substantially uniform in the longitudinal direction, for example along at least 60 or 80 percent of the height of the elastic section or unitizer, or along the entire height of the elastic section or unitizer. Thus, the force may be 30 substantially uniform in the longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end of the unitizer. The unitizer may be configured to be tightened. The unitizer may comprise a tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism may be fixed to, or integral with, the unitizer. The tightening mechanism may not be detachable 35 from the unitizer. The tightening mechanism may be configured to tighten the unitizer. 27 05 25 Tightening the unitizer may comprise stretching, or further stretching, the elastic section. Tightening the unitizer may comprise tensioning, or further tensioning, the elastic section. Tightening the unitizer may comprise reducing a radius of the unitizer, for example if the unitizer is tightened when not positioned 5 around a load. Tightening the unitizer may comprise reducing a circumference of the unitizer, for example if the unitizer is tightened when not positioned around a load. Tightening the unitizer may comprise reducing a volume of the internal space defined by the unitizer, for example if the unitizer is tightened when not positioned around a load. 10 Advantageously, the ability to tighten the unitizer may allow the unitizer to more tightly unitize a load. The ability to tighten the unitizer may also allow the unitizer to be used with a greater range of different-sized loads. As discussed above, the tightening mechanism may be configured to tighten the unitizer, for example by one or both of further tensioning or further 15 stretching the elastic section and reducing a volume of the internal space defined by the unitizer. This may occur in use, for example when the unitizer is positioned around a load or prior to positioning the unitizer around a load. The tightening mechanism may be configured to tighten the unitizer after the unitizer is positioned around a load on a transportation base. 20 Advantageously, the ability to tighten the unitizer after the unitizer is located around a load on a transportation base may allow the unitizer to be positioned around the load more easily whilst the unitizer is not fully tightened. The tightening mechanism may be configured to tighten the unitizer before the unitizer is positioned around a load on a transportation base. 25 The tightening mechanism may be configured such that the user is able to choose whether to tighten the unitizer before or after the unitize is positioned around a load on a transportation base. The unitizer may be configured to be positioned around a load by one or more users. The unitizer may be configured to be positioned around a load by 30 an applicator, for example a machine applicator or a machine-assisted applicator. The unitizer may be configurable between: an unstretched, untightened configuration; a stretched, untightened configuration; an unstretched, tightened configuration; and a tightened, stretched configuration. The unitizer may be in 35 the form of a sleeve in each of these four configurations. 27 05 25 The unstretched, untightened configuration and the stretched, untightened configurations may be referred to as the untightened configurations. References herein to an untightened configuration may be references to one or both of the untightened configurations. 5 The unstretched, tightened configuration and the stretched, tightened configurations may be referred to as the tightened configurations. References herein to a tightened configuration may be references to one or both of the tightened configurations. The unstretched, untightened configuration and the unstretched, 10 tightened configurations may be referred to as the unstretched configurations. References herein to an unstretched configuration may be references to one or both of the unstretched configurations. The stretched, untightened configuration and the stretched, tightened configurations may be referred to as the stretched configurations. References 15 herein to a stretched configuration may be references to one or both of the stretched configurations. Tightening the unitizer may comprise moving the unitizer from an untightened configuration to a tightened configuration. As an example, tightening the unitizer may comprise moving the unitizer 20 from the unstretched, untightened configuration to the unstretched, tightened configuration. In use, this movement may occur before the unitizer has been positioned around a load. As another example, tightening the unitizer may comprise moving the unitizer from the stretched, untightened configuration to the stretched, tightened 25 configuration. In use, this movement may occur after the unitizer has been positioned around a load. The unitizer may be in the unstretched, untightened configuration prior to being tightened, and prior to being positioned around a load. The unitizer may be in the stretched, untightened configuration prior to 30 being tightened, and after being positioned around a load. Thus, in this case, in use, the unitizer may be tightened after being positioned around the load. The unitizer may be in the unstretched, tightened configuration after being tightened, and prior to being positioned around a load. Thus, in this case, in use, the unitizer may be tightened before being positioned around the load. 35 The unitizer may be in the stretched, tightened configuration after being tightened, and after being positioned around a load. In the unstretched 27 05 25 configurations, the elastic section may be in an unstretched or untensioned state. In the unstretched configurations, the elastic section may be in a natural state, and may have its natural length. The unitizer may be tightened, for example by the tightening mechanism, 5 before being positioned around a load. The unitizer may be tightened, for example by the tightening mechanism, after being positioned around a load. In use, the unitizer may be positioned around a load by machine-assisted application. In the stretched, untightened configuration, the elastic section may be in 10 a first stretched state. In the stretched, untightened configuration, the unitizer may apply a first unitizing force to the load, for example in a radially inward direction. In the stretched, tightened configuration, the elastic section may be in a second stretched state. In the second stretched state, the elastic section may be 15 more stretched or tensioned than in the first stretched state. In the stretched, tightened configuration, the unitizer may apply a second unitizing force to the load, for example in a radially inward direction. The second unitizing force may be greater than the first unitizing force. Advantageously, the unitizer being configurable between the four 20 configurations discussed above may provide a unitizer which is easily positionable around a load and tightenable so as to adequately unitize the load. The unitizer, for example the tightening mechanism, may comprise a retaining means. The retaining means may be configured to retain the unitizer in the stretched, tightened configuration or in the unstretched, tightened 25 configuration. Advantageously, this may prevent the unitizer from reverting to tan untightened configuration. The tightening mechanism may be configured to move the unitizer from an untightened configuration to a tightened configuration. 30 The tightening mechanism may be a reversible tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism may be configured to un-tighten, or loosen, the unitizer. Loosening the unitizer may be considered the opposite of tightening the unitizer. Loosening the unitizer may comprise de-tensioning, or partially detensioning, the elastic section, or reducing an amount, or length, by which the 35 elastic section is stretched. Loosening the unitizer may comprise increasing a radius or circumference of the unitizer, or increasing a volume of the internal 27 05 25 space defined by the unitizer. The tightening mechanism may be configured to move the unitizer from a tightened configuration to an untightened configuration. Loosening the unitizer may comprise, or be, moving the unitizer from a tightened configuration to an untightened configuration. In use, the unitizer may be 5 loosened prior to removal of the unitizer from the load. Advantageously, the tightening mechanism being a reversible tightening mechanism may mean that the unitizer is easier to remove once the load has reached its final destination. This is because the tightening mechanism may be configured to loosen the unitizer, for example by moving the unitizer from the 10 stretched, tightened configuration to the stretched, untightened configuration, before removing the unitizer from the load. Tightening the unitizer may refer to tightening the unitizer in the radial direction. Thus, the tightening mechanism may be configured to tighten the unitizer in the radial direction, for example before or after the unitizer is 15 positioned around a load on a transportation base. Tightening the tightening mechanism may result in a larger radially inward force being exerted on the load around which the unitizer is positioned. The unitizer, for example the tightening mechanism, may comprise a first engagement means or first engagement section. The unitizer, for example the 20 tightening mechanism, may comprise a second engagement means or second engagement section. References to engagement means herein should be considered as references to engagement means or engagement sections. Thus, references to first and second engagement means herein should be considered as references to first and second engagement means or first and second 25 engagement sections, respectively. The retaining means may comprise the first and second engagement means. The first engagement means may be engageable with the second engagement means. Engaging the first engagement means with the second engagement means may require or result in contact between the first 30 engagement means and the second engagement means. The first engagement means may be engageable with the second engagement means so as to tighten the unitizer, for example in the radial direction. The unitizer may be moveable from an untightened configuration to a tightened configuration by engaging the first engagement means with the second engagement means. 27 05 25 In one or both of the tightened configurations, at least a portion of the first engagement means may be in contact with at least a portion of the second engagement means. The first engagement means may be disengageable from the second 5 engagement means. The first engagement means may be disengageable from the second engagement means so as to loosen the unitizer, for example in the radial direction. The unitizer may be moveable from a tightened configuration to an untightened configuration by disengaging the first engagement means with the second engagement means. 10 Advantageously, the first and second engagement means may provide a convenient way to use the tightening mechanism. The first and second engagement means together may comprise any suitable pair of engagement means. For example, the first and second engagement means together may comprise one or more of: a zip, magnets, at 15 least one magnet and at least one magnetic material, a button and corresponding button-hole, a series of buttons and a corresponding series of button-holes, hook and loop fasteners, a hook and a corresponding counter-hook, a series of hooks and a corresponding series of counter-hooks, a hook and a corresponding hookhole, a series of hooks and a corresponding series of hook-holes, a gripper and 20 a corresponding gipping area, a series of grippers and a series of corresponding gipping areas, string, string and at least one corresponding string-receiving hole. It may be particularly advantageous for the first and second engagement means to together comprise a zip. In this case, the first engagement means may comprise half of the zip, and the second engagement means may comprise the 25 other half of the zip. Advantageously, a zip is easy to operate. Further, a zip is typically fastened from one end to the other, and this may make the tightening means easier to operate, particularly if a large tensile force is present in the elastic section. Further still, zips are typically able to resist relatively large forces without breaking in directions perpendicular to the zipping direction. 30 In one or both of the untightened configurations, at least a portion of the first engagement means may be separated from at least a portion of the second engagement means. In one or both of the untightened configurations, at least a portion of the first engagement means may be separated from at least a portion of the second engagement means by at least 50, 100, 200, or 300 millimetres. 35 In one or both of the tightened configurations, this portion of the first engagement means may be in contact with this portion of the second engagement means, or 27 05 25 separated from the this portion of the second engagement means by less than 20, 50, 100, 200, or 300 millimetres. In one or both of the untightened configurations, at least a portion of the first engagement means may be separated from at least a portion of the second 5 engagement means by a spanning section. The first engagement means may be connected to the second engagement means by the spanning section. The spanning section may prevent the first engagement means and the second engagement means from being separated by more than 1,000, 500, or 300 millimetres. 10 Advantageously, this may make it easier to engage the first engagement means with the second engagement means as they are always relatively close together. The unitizer may comprise more than one elastic section. The unitizer may comprise a second elastic section. The unitizer may comprise a third elastic 15 section. Advantageously, the provision of more than one elastic section may allow the unitizer to exert a force on the load which is more evenly distributed around a circumference of the load. Each elastic section may be spaced apart from each other elastic section. 20 Each elastic section may be spaced apart from each other elastic section in the circumferential direction. Where the unitizer comprises the elastic section, the second elastic section and the third elastic section, at least a portion of the elastic section may be located between at least a portion of the second elastic section and at least 25 a portion of the third elastic section. The elastic section may be equally spaced from the second elastic section and the third elastic section, for example in the circumferential direction. The unitizer may comprise a protection section. The unitizer may comprise more than one protection section. The unitizer may comprise a second 30 protection section. The unitizer may comprise a third protection section. The unitizer may comprise a fourth protection section. Advantageously, the provision of at least one protection section may provide the load with greater protection. This may be the case where the protection section is more protective than the elastic section, for example 35 because of different material properties. 27 05 25 The or each elastic section may be arranged to provide a substantially uniform unitizing force circumferentially around the unitizer. The or each elastic section may extend in the longitudinal direction along at least 60 or 80 percent of the height of the unitizer, or along the entire height 5 of the unitizer. Thus, the or each elastic section may extend in the longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end of the unitizer. The or each protection section may extend in the longitudinal direction along at least 60 or 80 percent of the height of the unitizer, or along the entire height of the unitizer. Thus, the or each protection section may extend in the 10 longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end of the unitizer. The tightening mechanism, for example any one, two or all of the spanning section, the first engagement means and the second engagement means of the tightening mechanism, may extend in the longitudinal direction along at least 60 percent of the height of the unitizer, or along the entire height 15 of the unitizer. Thus, the tightening mechanism, for example the spanning section of the tightening mechanism, may extend in the longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end of the unitizer. The or each elastic section may comprise an elastic strip. The or each elastic section may comprise a plurality of elastic strips, for example a plurality 20 of elastic strips spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The or each elastic section may comprise a continuous elastic strip which extends in the longitudinal direction along at least 60 or 80 percent of the height of the unitizer, or along the entire height of the unitizer. Thus, the or each continuous elastic strip may extend in the longitudinal direction from the first end 25 to the second end of the unitizer. In use, the or each continuous elastic strip may extend along at least 60 or 80 percent of the height of the load, or along the entire height of the load. Each protection section may be spaced apart from each other protection section. Each protection section may be spaced apart from each other protection 30 section in the circumferential direction. The or each elastic section may be connected to a protection section. The or each elastic section may be located between two protection sections. At least a portion of the elastic section may be located between at least a portion of the protection section and at least a portion of the second protection 35 section. At least a portion of the second elastic section may be located between at least a portion of the protection section and at least a portion of the third 27 05 25 protection section. At least a portion of the third elastic section may be located between at least a portion of the second protection section and at least a portion of the fourth protection section. Advantageously, such an arrangement may provide a good level of 5 protection for the load and also allow the unitizer to exert a substantially evenly distributed radially inward force on the load. The tightening mechanism may be connected to the third protection section. The tightening mechanism may be connected to the fourth protection section. At least a portion of the tightening mechanism may be located between 10 at least a portion of the third protection section and at least a portion of the fourth protection section. The or each protection section may have a different material composition to the or each elastic section. The or each protection section may comprise or be formed from a relatively inelastic material. The or each protection section may 15 comprise or be formed from one or more polymers such as polypropylene. Advantageously, a polymer such as polypropylene may be a sufficiently flexible, cost-effective, and protective material for the or each protection section. The unitizer may comprise a means for reversibly securing the load to the transportation base. 20 Advantageously, this may reduce the likelihood of the load falling or sliding off the transportation base. The means for reversibly securing the load to the transportation base may comprise a strap. The strap may be configured to encircle the load when securing the load to the transportation base. A first end portion of the strap may 25 be fixed to the unitizer, for example to a protection section of the unitizer. A second end portion of the strap may be configured to attach to itself, for example at or near the first end portion. Alternatively, or in addition, the second end portion of the strap may be configured to attach to the unitizer, for example a protection section of the unitizer, for example near the first end portion of the 30 strap. In use, the strap may be configured to wrap from a first side of the load, over a top of the load, around a second side of the load, under the load through a hollow portion of the transportation base, and back around the first side of the load. 35 Advantageously, such a strap may reduce the likelihood of the load falling or sliding off the transportation base. 27 05 25 The unitizer may comprise a second strap. Features described in relation to the strap may apply to the second strap. The first end portion of each strap may be fixed to the same protection sheet of the unitizer. The first end portion of the strap may be spaced apart from the first end portion of the second strap, for 5 example in the circumferential direction. This spacing between the first end portions of the straps may be at least 100, 200, 300, or 500 millimetres. The unitizer may be in the form of a pre-fabricated or pre-formed sleeve which is substantially closed at one end. The unitizer may have a top surface. The unitizer may be substantially sock-like in shape. The unitizer may 10 substantially cover a top of the load on the transportation base. Advantageously, this may help to protect the top of the load from damage. The unitizer may be configured to provide a substantially continuous covering for a load such that little or none of the load is exposed. 15 The unitizer may comprise a vent, for example to allow air to escape whilst positioning the unitizer around a load. The vent may be located in the top surface of the unitizer. Advantageously, the vent may allow trapped air to escape when positioning the unitizer around a load. 20 The unitizer may be configured for repeated use. That is, the unitizer may be repeatedly removed from one load and be re-positioned around another load. Advantageously, this may reduce waste. The elastic section may be in the form of a sheet. The second elastic section may be in the form of a sheet. The third elastic section may be in the 25 form of a sheet. Each elastic section may be in the form of a sheet. The protection section may be in the form of a sheet. The second protection section may be in the form of a sheet. The third protection section may be in the form of a sheet. The fourth protection section may be in the form of a sheet. Each protection section may be in the form of a sheet. 30 Advantageously, sections in the form of sheets may reduce a weight of the unitizer and may allow the unitizer to be easily and compactly folded for storage. When positioned around a load, or when in one or both of the stretched configurations, the unitizer may conform to the shape of the load. When 35 positioned around a load, or when in one or both of the stretched configurations, the unitizer may take on the shape of the load. The load may have a square or 27 05 25 near square cross-section. Thus, when unitizing a load having a square or near square cross-section, the unitizer may take on a square or near square crosssection. In this position, the unitizer may have four sides. The unitizer may have an elastic section on at least two or three of those four sides. 5 Advantageously, this may help to maintain a uniform unitizing force on the load. According to a second aspect, there is a provided a method of using a transportation base load unitizer of the first aspect. The method comprises: positioning the transportation base load unitizer around a load on a 10 transportation base; and then tightening the transportation base load unitizer. Advantageously, tightening the unitizer after the unitizer has been positioned around a load may mean that the unitizer is relatively easy to position around the load and also is able to provide a relatively large unitizing force to the 15 load. According to a third embodiment, there is a provided a method of using a transportation base load unitizer. The method comprises: tightening the transportation base load unitizer; and then positioning the transportation base load unitizer around a load on a 20 transportation base. The methods according to the second aspect and third embodiment may be described as methods of unitizing a load. The unitizer of the methods according to the second aspect and third embodiment may be in the form of a pre-fabricated sleeve. The unitizer of the 25 methods according to the second aspect and third embodiment may comprise any features described in relation to the unitizer of the first aspect. Indeed, the unitizer of the methods of the second aspect and third embodiment is the unitizer of the first aspect. One or both of the methods may comprise expanding or stretching the 30 unitizer, for example prior to positioning the unitizer around the load and tightening the unitizer, or after tightening the unitizer but prior to positioning the unitizer around the load. This may be done by stretching or tensioning the or each elastic section. Advantageously, this may make it easier to position the unitizer around 35 the load. 27 05 25 Positioning the unitizer around the load may comprise lowering the unitizer over the load. The method may comprise constricting the unitizer, for example after the unitizer has been positioned around the load. As explained above, the unitizer 5 may automatically constrict around the load, for example as a result of the tensile forces in the or each elastic section. This constriction may result in the unitizer applying a force to the load. The force may be directed radially inwardly from the unitizer to the load. The force may be referred to as a unitizing force. The step of tightening the unitizer may be performed by, or comprise use 10 of, the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism is described in relation to the unitizer of the first aspect. The step of tightening the unitizer may comprise tensioning, or further tensioning, the or each elastic section, for example where the unitizer is tightened after being positioned around a load. The step of tightening the unitizer 15 may comprise stretching, or further stretching, the or each elastic section, for example where the unitizer is tightened after being positioned around a load. The step of tightening the unitizer may comprise reducing a radius or circumference of the unitizer, or reducing a volume of the internal space defined by the unitizer, for example where the unitizer is tightened before being 20 positioned around a load. The step of tightening the unitizer may comprise, or may be, moving the unitizer from an untightened configuration to a tightened configuration. These configurations are described in relation to the unitizer of the first aspect. Specifically, in the method according to the second aspect, tightening the 25 unitizer may comprise, or may be, moving the unitizer from the stretched, untightened configuration to the stretched, tightened configuration. Before this movement, the unitizer may have been moved from the unstretched, untightened configuration to the stretched untightened configuration, for example by positioning the unitizer around the load. 30 In the method according to the third embodiment, tightening the unitizer may comprise, or may be, moving the unitizer from the unstretched, untightened configuration to the unstretched, tightened configuration. After this movement, the unitizer may be moved to the stretched, tightened configuration, for example by positioning the unitizer around the load. 35 The method may comprise loosening the unitizer, for example after tightening the unitizer and after positioning the unitizer around a load but before 27 05 25 removing the unitizer from the load. Loosening the unitizer may be the opposite action to tightening the unitizer. Advantageously, loosening the unitizer may make the unitizer relatively easy to remove from the load. 5 The step of loosening the transportation base load unitizer may be performed by, or comprise use of, the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism is described in relation to the unitizer of the first aspect. The step of loosening the unitizer may comprise de-tensioning, or partially de-tensioning, the or each elastic section. The step of loosening the 10 unitizer may comprise relaxing, or further relaxing, the or each elastic section. The step of loosening the transportation base load unitizer may comprise reducing an amount, or length, by which the or each elastic section is stretched. The step of loosening the transportation base load unitizer may comprise, or may be, moving the unitizer from the stretched, tightened configuration to the 15 stretched, untightened configuration. These configurations are described in relation to the unitizer of the first aspect. The method may comprise expanding or stretching the unitizer, for example after loosening the unitizer. This may be done by stretching or tensioning the or each elastic section. 20 Advantageously, this may make it easier to remove the unitizer from around the load. The method may comprise removing the unitizer from the load, for example after the step of loosening the unitizer or after the step of expanding or stretching the unitizer. Removing the unitizer from the load may comprise raising 25 the unitizer off the load. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of using a transportation base load unitizer. The method comprises: providing a load on a transportation base, the load being unitized by a transportation base load unitizer; and 30 loosening the transportation base load unitizer. Advantageously, loosening the unitizer may make the unitizer relatively easy to remove from the load. The method according to the fourth aspect may be described as a method of at least partially de-unitizing a load. 35 The unitizer of the method according to the fourth aspect may be in the form of a pre-fabricated sleeve. The unitizer of the method according to the fourth 27 05 25 aspect may comprise any features described in relation to the unitizer of the first aspect. Indeed, the unitizer of the method of the fourth aspect may be the unitizer of the first aspect. The unitizer may be in the stretched, tightened configuration when the 5 load is being unitized by the unitizer. The unitizer may reach this position, or configuration, by a method according to the second aspect or a method according to the third embodiment. Loosening the unitizer may move the unitizer from the stretched, tightened configuration to the stretched, untightened configuration. 10 As would be understood by the skilled person after reading this disclosure, there is provided a method comprising any one or more of the following, chronological steps: • Providing a transportation base load unitizer, optionally a unitizer according to the first aspect, and the unitizer optionally being in the unstretched, 15 untightened configuration; • Expanding or stretching the unitizer, optionally by stretching or tensioning the or each elastic section; • Positioning the unitizer around a load, optionally comprising lowering the unitizer over the load; 20 • Constricting the unitizer, optionally comprising partially de-tensioning the or each elastic section and optionally resulting in the application of a unitizing force to the load, and optionally resulting in the unitizer being positioned in the stretched, untightened configuration; • Tightening the unitizer, optionally using the tightening mechanism and 25 optionally by moving the unitizer from the stretched, untightened configuration to the stretched, tightened configuration; • Loosening the unitizer, optionally using the tightening mechanism and optionally by moving the unitizer from the stretched, tightened configuration to the stretched, untightened configuration; 30 • Expanding or stretching the unitizer optionally by stretching or tensioning the or each elastic section; and • Removing the unitizer from around a load, optionally comprising raising the unitizer off the load. As would be understood by the skilled person after reading this 35 disclosure, there is also provided a method comprising any one or more of the following, chronological steps: 27 05 25 • Providing a transportation base load unitizer, optionally a unitizer according to the first aspect, and the unitizer optionally being in the unstretched, untightened configuration; • Tightening the unitizer, optionally using the tightening mechanism and 5 optionally by moving the unitizer from the unstretched, untightened configuration to the unstretched, tightened stretched configuration; • Expanding or stretching the unitizer, optionally by stretching or tensioning the or each elastic section; • Positioning the unitizer around a load, optionally comprising lowering the 10 unitizer over the load; • Constricting the unitizer, optionally comprising partially de-tensioning the or each elastic section and optionally resulting in the application of a unitizing force to the load and optionally resulting in the unitizer being positioned in the stretched, tightened configuration; 15 • Loosening the unitizer, optionally using the tightening mechanism and optionally by moving the unitizer from the stretched, tightened configuration to the stretched, untightened configuration; • Expanding or stretching the unitizer optionally by stretching or tensioning the or each elastic section; and 20 • Removing the unitizer from around a load, optionally comprising raising the unitizer off the load. Any steps of the above, bullet-pointed methods may form part of the method of the second aspect or the method of the third embodiment or the method of the fourth aspect. And any features described in relation to the 25 methods of the second, third and fourth aspects may be incorporated into either of the above, bullet-pointed method. Features described herein in relation to any of the first aspect second aspect, third embodiment, and fourth aspect may be applicable to any other of the first aspect, second aspect, third embodiment, and fourth aspect. That is, 30 features described in relation to the first aspect may be applicable to the second aspect, third embodiment and fourth aspect, features described in relation to the second aspect may be applicable to the first aspect or third embodiment, features described in relation to the third embodiment may be applicable to the first, second and fourth aspects, and features described in relation to the fourth 35 aspect may be applicable to the first aspect , second aspect and third embodiment. 27 05 25 As an example, features described in relation to the unitizer of the first aspect may be applicable to the unitizer of the second aspect, third embodiment or fourth aspect. As another example, features described in relation to one of the methods of the second aspect, third embodiment or fourth aspect may be 5 applicable to any other method of the second aspect, third embodiment and fourth aspect. The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transportation base load unitizer; and 10 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the transportation base load unitizer of Figure 1 unitizing a load on a transportation base. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transportation base load unitizer 100 for unitizing a load on a transportation base. The unitizer 100 is in the form of a pre-fabricated sleeve having an open bottom end and an open top end opposing 15 the open bottom end. A longitudinal direction is defined between the open bottom and top ends. Thus, the unitizer 100 does not comprise a top surface for covering a top of a load. However, other, similar unitizers could have such a top surface. Such unitizers may be considered to be in the form of pre-fabricated sleeves having a closed end. 20 The unitizer 100 comprises an elastic section 102, a second elastic section 104 and a third elastic section 106. Each elastic section 102, 104, 106 is in the form of a sheet. Each elastic section 102, 104, 106 is able to repeatedly stretch to at least 1.5 times its natural length without breaking. In this embodiment, each elastic section 102, 104, 106 is formed from a rubber-based 25 material, though the skilled person would be aware of other suitable materials after reading this disclosure. The unitizer 100 further comprises a protection section 108, a second protection section 110, a third protection section 112, and a fourth protection section 114. Each protection section 108, 110, 112, 114 is in the form of a sheet 30 of polypropylene. The elastic section 102 is located between, and attached to, a first edge of the protection section 108 and a first edge of the second protection section 110. The second elastic section 104 is located between, and attached to, a second edge of the second protection section 108 and a first edge of the third 35 protection section 112. The third elastic section 106 is located between, and 27 05 25 attached to, a second edge of the second protection section 110 and a first edge of the fourth protection section 114. Each elastic section 102, 104, 106 and each protection section 108, 110, 112, 114 spans the entire height of the unitizer 100. However, it will be 5 understood that this is not essential. For example, one or more elastic sections could be formed by longitudinally-spaced strips of elastic material. The elastic section 102 is equally spaced from the second elastic section 104 and the third elastic section 106 in the circumferential direction. The unitizer 100 further comprises a tightening mechanism 116 10 configured to tighten the unitizer 100 after the unitizer 100 is positioned around a load on a transportation base. In this embodiment, the tightening mechanism 116 comprises a first half-zip 118, a corresponding second half-zip 120, and a spanning section 122. The first half-zip 118 is attached to a second edge of the third protection section 112. The second half-zip 120 is attached to a second 15 edge of the fourth protection section 112. The spanning section 122 is located between, and attached to, the second edge of the third protection section 112 and the second edge of the fourth protection section 114. As would be understood by the skilled person, the term “edge” as used here need not necessarily refer to the actual edge of a section. The term “edge” 20 as used here may refer to a portion of a section near to, and including, the actual edge of the section. As would be understood by the skilled person, the third protection section 112, the spanning section 122, and the fourth protection section 114 could be formed by a single sheet. In this case, the first half-zip 118 and the second half-25 zip 120 may be attached to the single sheet in appropriate locations. The unitizer 100 further comprises a first strap 124 and a second strap 126. The first strap 124 has a first end portion 128 with hook fasteners and a second end portion 130 with loop fasteners. Similarly, the second strap 126 has a first end portion 132 with hook fasteners and a second end portion 134 with 30 loop fasteners. The second end portion 130 of the first strap 124 is fixed to the protection section 108. The second end portion 134 of the second strap 126 is fixed to the third protection section 112. Use of the unitizer 100, including use of the tightening mechanism 116, to unitize a load on a transportation base will now be described with reference to 35 Figures 1 and 2. 27 05 25 In Figure 1, the unitizer 100 is shown in an unstretched, untightened configuration. In this configuration, none of the elastic sections 102, 104, 106 are stretched or tensioned. This position may be considered the unstretched configuration, as described earlier. 5 Before positioning the unitizer 100 around a load, the unitizer 100 is expanded or stretched by a user pulling the protection sections 108, 110, 112, 114 radially outwards and thereby stretching or tensioning each elastic section 102, 104, 106. The unitizer 100 is then positioned around a load by lowering the unitizer 10 100, whilst it is expanded or stretched, over the load. The unitizer 100 is then allowed to constrict. The stretched or tensioned elastic sections 102, 104, 106 automatically cause the unitizer 100 to constrict around the load as the user stops pulling the protection sections 108, 110, 112, 114 radially outwards. This reduces a circumference, or radius, of the unitizer 15 100. However, due to the presence of the load, the elastic sections 102, 104, 106 cannot return all the way to their natural, unstretched lengths. Thus, after the unitizer 100 has been allowed to constrict around the load, the unitizer 100 takes on the shape of the load and the slightly stretched, or slightly tensioned, elastic sections 102, 104, 106 cause the unitizer to apply a first unitizing force 20 radially inwardly on the load. In this position, the first half-zip 118 with the second half-zip 120 are separated by the length of the spanning section 122, which is around 300 millimetres. This position may be considered the stretched, untightened configuration, as described earlier. The unitizer 100 is then tightened in the radial direction by operating the 25 tightening mechanism 116. Specifically, an operator engages the first half-zip 118 with the second half-zip 120. This action pulls the second edge of the third protection section 112 and the second edge of the fourth protection section 114 together, and removes any tensile stress present in the spanning section 122 due to the tensioned elastic sections 102, 104, 106. This action therefore further 30 stretches, or further tensions, the elastic sections 102, 104, 106. This results in the unitizer applying a second unitizing force, greater than the first unitizing force, radially inwardly on the load. This position may be considered the stretched, tightened configuration, as described earlier. The zip, formed by the first half-zip 118 and the second half-zip 120, may be considered a retaining means in the 35 sense that the zip retains the unitizer 100 in the stretched, tightened configuration. 27 05 25 The first strap 124 and the second strap 126 are then used to encircle the load and secure the load to the transportation base. Specifically, the first strap 124 and the second strap 126 are wrapped from the first and third protective sections 108, 112, respectively, over a top of the load, around the 5 second and fourth protective sections 110, 114, respectively, under the load through channels in the transportation base, and back to the first and third protective sections 108, 112, respectively. The first end portion 128 of the first strap 124 is then attached to the second end portion 130 of the first strap 124 using the hook and loop fasteners. Similarly, the first end portion 132 of the 10 second strap 126 is then attached to the second end portion 134 of the second strap 126 using the hook and loop fasteners. As would be understood by the skilled person after reading this disclosure, the straps 124, 126 are optional. This position is shown in Figure 2. The load 136 is substantially cuboid in shape and is secured to the transportation base 138 by the first and second 15 straps 124, 126. The load 136 comprises lots of goods. Specifically, in this embodiment, the load 136 comprises a plurality of stacked crates. The unitizing force acts to hold the goods together as a unit. The unitizer 100 has conformed to the shape of the load 136 such that one of the elastic sections 102, 104, 106 is adjacent to each of three of the four 20 side faces of the load 136. The spanning section 122 of the tightening mechanism 116 is adjacent to the fourth side face of the load 136. The load and transportation base may then be lifted, for example by a forklift, onto a lorry, and transported to a desired location. The unitizer 100 is then loosened in the radial direction using the 25 tightening mechanism 116. Specifically, the operator disengages the first halfzip 118 from the second half-zip 120. This action allows the second edge of the third protection section 112 and the second edge of the fourth protection section 114 to move further apart, until the spanning section 122 is pulled taut and the second edge of the third protection section 112 and the second edge of the fourth 30 protection section 114 cannot move any further apart. This action therefore relaxes, or partially de-tensions, the elastic sections 102, 104, 106. This action returns the unitizer 100 to the stretched, untightened configuration, as described earlier, in which the unitizer 100 applies the first unitizing force to the load. The unitizer 100 is then expanded or stretched by stretching or tensioning 35 each elastic section 102,104, 106, for example by pulling the sides of the unitizer 27 05 25 100 radially apart, before removing the unitizer 100 from around the load by raising the unitizer 100 off the load. After removal, and after stopping pulling the sides of the unitizer 100 radially apart, the unitizer 100 automatically constricts and returns to the 5 unstretched, untightened configuration. Since the unitizer 100 is re-useable, the unitizer 100 may subsequently be used to unitize other loads. In the method of use described above, the tightening mechanism 116 was used to tighten the unitizer 100 after the unitizer 100 had been positioned 10 around the load. Thus, the tightening mechanism 116 was used to move the unitizer from the stretched, untightened configuration to the stretched, tightened configuration. However, the tightening mechanism 116 could equally be used to tighten the unitizer 100 before the unitizer 100 had been positioned around the load. In this case, the tightening mechanism 116 would move the unitizer from 15 the unstretched, untightened configuration to the unstretched, tightened configuration. 10 02 25

Claims

1. A transportation base load unitizer for unitizing a load on a transportation base, the unitizer being in the form of a sleeve and comprising:an elastic section;a tightening mechanism configured to tighten the unitizer, which extends in a longitudinal direction along at least 60 percent of the height of the unitizer;a protection section, wherein the protection section has less elasticity than the elastic section;wherein the unitizer only has a single form, the single form being a sleeve.

2. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the tightening mechanism is configured to tighten the unitizer and loosen the unitizer.

3. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the elastic section extends in the longitudinal direction along at least 60 percent of the height of the unitizer.

4. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the unitizer is configurable between:an unstretched, untightened configuration in which the elastic section is in an unstretched state;an unstretched, tightened configuration in which the elastic section is in the unstretched state;a stretched, untightened configuration in which the elastic section is in a first stretched state; anda stretched, tightened configuration in which the elastic section is in a second stretched state more stretched than the first stretched state.

5. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 4, wherein the tightening mechanism comprises a retaining means configured to retain the unitizer in the stretched, tightened configuration.

6. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the tightening mechanism is configured to move the unitizer from the unstretched, untightened configuration to the unstretched, tightened configuration, or from the stretched, untightened configuration to the stretched, tightened configuration.10 02 257. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 6, wherein the tightening mechanism a reversible tightening mechanism and is configured to move the unitizer from the unstretched, tightened configuration to the unstretched, untightened configuration, or from the stretched, tightened configuration to the stretched, untightened configuration.

8. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the unitizer defines a longitudinal direction and a radial direction, and wherein the tightening mechanism is configured to tighten the unitizer in the radial direction.

9. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the tightening mechanism comprises a first engagement means and a second engagement means, and wherein the first engagement means is engageable with the second engagement means so as to tighten the unitizer.

10. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 9, wherein the first engagement means is disengageable from the second engagement means so as to loosen the unitizer.

11. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 9 or 10, when dependent on claim 2, wherein, in one or both of the unstretched, untightened configuration and the stretched, untightened configuration, at least a portion of the first engagement means is separated from at least a portion of the second engagement means by at least 100 millimetres.

12. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 9, 10 or 11 when dependent on claim 2, wherein, in one or both of the unstretched untightened configuration and the stretched, untightened configuration, at least a portion of the first engagement means is separated from at least a portion of the second engagement means by a spanning section.

13. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the unitizer comprises a second elastic section.10 02 2514. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the unitizer comprises a second protection section, and at least a portion of the elastic section is located between at least a portion of the protection section and at least a portion of the second protection section.

15. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 14, wherein the unitizer comprises a second elastic section and a third protection section, and at least a portion of the second elastic section is located between at least a portion of the protection section and at least a portion of the third protection section.

16. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 15, wherein the unitizer comprises a third elastic section and a fourth protection section, and at least a portion of the third elastic section is located between at least a portion of the second protection section and at least a portion of the fourth protection section.

17. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the tightening mechanism is located between at least a portion of the third protection section and at least a portion of the fourth protection section.

18. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the tightening mechanism comprises a zip.

19. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the unitizer comprises a means for reversibly securing the load to the transportation base.

20. A transportation base load unitizer according to claim 19, wherein the means for reversibly securing the load to the transportation base comprises a strap.

21. A transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the unitizer is in the form of a pre-fabricated sleeve which is substantially closed at one end.

22. A method of using a transportation base load unitizer according to any preceding claim, the method comprising:positioning the unitizer around a load on a transportation base; and then tightening the unitizer; ortightening the unitizer and then positioning the unitizer around a load on a transportation base.

23. A method of using a transportation base load unitizer according to any of claims 1 to 21, the method comprising:providing a load on a transportation base, the load being unitized by the unitizer; thenloosening the unitizer without removing the unitizer from the load.10 02 25

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