A cover

Abstract

A cover 10 for goods on a base platform. The cover has an upper panel 12 and a plurality of side panels 16, where each side panel is formed from a sheet material and comprises a reinforcing mesh 22 ex

Description

The present teachings relate to a cover for covering goods supported on a base platform such as a pallet. BACKGROUND Companies who manufacture goods for use in commerce typically package and ship the items on pallets. These goods are transported around the world via vehicles and / or aircraft on shipping pallets that are typically constructed from wood, plastic, or metal. Goods shipped on pallets are often covered and protected with strapping, stretch wrap, shrink wrap, or a cover and shipped. When these pallets and goods are loaded onto vehicles or aircraft outdoors, adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow may be present and may result in moisture damaging the goods. Another potential issue is that during transportation of the goods there is the risk that the goods may be interfered with, for example damaged or stolen, by someone during transportation. The present teachings seek to overcome or at least mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art. SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a cover for covering goods supported on a base platform such as a pallet. The cover may comprise an upper panel and a plurality of side panels, each of which may extend from an edge of the upper panel to define an enclosure surrounded by said plurality of side panels. Each side panel may be formed from a sheet of material or a sheet material. Each side panel may comprise a reinforcing mesh which may extend at least partially over the sheet material. Advantageously, the mesh reinforces the side panels of the cover, which helps to prevent people from cutting open the side panel g the goods covered by the cover. Put another way, the reinforcing mesh helps to provide a side panel that is cut resistant or slash resistant. The mesh may extend over substantially all of, for example an entirety of, a width of each side panel. This arrangement helps to provide reinforcement all the way around the cover, and so all the way around the enclosure, which further helps to prevent people from cutting open the side panel and accessing the goods covered by the cover. The reinforcing mesh of each side panel may define lateral side edges. The lateral side edges of adjacent side panels may be arranged side-by-side, in use. This arrangement helps to provide reinforcement all the way around the cover, and so all the way around the enclosure, which further helps to prevent people from cutting open the side panel and accessing the goods covered by the cover. The lateral side edges of adjacent side panels may be in contact, in use. This arrangement helps to provide reinforcement all the way around the cover, and so all the way around the enclosure, which further helps to prevent people from cutting open the side panel and accessing the goods covered by the cover. The lateral side edges of adjacent side panels may be releasably connected together. This arrangement helps to provide reinforcement all the way around the cover, and so all the way around the enclosure, which further helps to prevent people from cutting open the side panel and accessing the goods covered by the cover. The lateral side edges of the reinforcing mesh may comprise a mesh of increased thickness. Providing a thicker mesh wire in the side regions of the mesh helps to further reinforce the corner regions of the cover, which further helps to prevent people from cutting open the side panel and accessing the goods covered by the cover. Each side panel may define a height extending from the edge of the upper panel to a distal edge of said side panel. The reinforcing mesh may extend at least partially along said height. This helps to provide an area or region that is reinforced so as to prevent people from cutting open the side panel and accessing the goods covered by the cover. Extending the mesh only over a part of the height of the side panels helps to reduce the weight of the cover. ig mesh may extend from or adjacent to the distal, or lower, edge of the side panel. A person attempting to walk between pallets with goods on them may be obscured from view by hiding between the pallets to attempt to cut open the cover. Arranging the mesh to extend from the bottom of the side panels provides reinforcement for the cover in a lower region of the side panels, where a person may be obscured view to attempt to cut through the cover. The reinforcing mesh may extend to a distance in the range 30cm to 120cm away from the distal edge of the side panel. The reinforcing mesh may extend to a distance in the range 40cm to 110 cm away from the distal edge of the side panel. A person attempting to walk between pallets with goods on them may be obscured from view by hiding between the pallets to attempt to cut open the cover. Arranging the mesh to extend from the bottom of the side panels provides reinforcement for the cover in a lower region of the side panels, where a person may be obscured view to attempt to cut through the cover. Extending the mesh only over a part of the height of the side panels helps to reduce the weight of the cover. The reinforcing mesh may extend to a distance in the range 40cm to 60cm away from the distal edge of the side panel. The reinforcing mesh may extend to a distance approximately 50cm away from the distal edge of the side panel. A person attempting to walk between pallets with goods on them may be obscured from view by hiding between the pallets to attempt to cut open the cover. Arranging the mesh to extend from the bottom of the side panels provides reinforcement for the cover in a lower region of the side panels, where a person may be obscured view to attempt to cut through the cover. Extending the mesh only over a part of the height of the side panels helps to reduce the weight of the cover. The reinforcing mesh may extend to a distance in the range 90cm to 110cm away from the distal edge of the side panel. The reinforcing mesh may extend to a distance approximately 100cm away from the distal edge of the side panel. A person attempting to walk between pallets with goods on them may be obscured from view by hiding between the pallets to attempt to cut open the cover. Arranging the mesh to extend from the bottom of the side panels provides reinforcement for the cover in a lower region of the side panels, where a person may be obscured view to attempt to cut through the cover. Extending the mesh only over a part of the height of the side panels helps to reduce the weight of the cover. The reinforcing mesh may extend over at least a quarter of the height of each side panel. The reinforcing mesh may extend over a majority of the height of each side enforcing mesh may extend over substantially all of, for example an entirety of, the height of each side panel. The reinforcing mesh may define an array of apertures. A maximum spacing between opposing sides of each aperture may be less than 4cm. Providing apertures in the mesh of this size have been found to prevent a person's hand from passing through the mesh to access the goods, whilst helping to reduce the weight of the cover. The reinforcing mesh may be formed from a flexible material. The reinforcing mesh may be formed from a metallic or polymeric material. The reinforcing mesh may be attached to the sheet material. The reinforcing mesh may be stitched or glued to the sheet material. The side panels may comprise an inner and outer layer of the sheet material. The reinforcing mesh may be arranged therebetween. Each side panel may comprise at least one mounting aperture at a distal region of each side panel for receiving a fastener therethrough. The reinforcing mesh may extend over said distal region of each side panel. A base cover may be releasably connected to each side panel. Advantageously this improves the protection of the goods against environmental factors and interference. The base cover may comprise a base panel and a plurality of base side panels. Each base side panel may be configured to releasably connect to a respective side panel. Advantageously, the cover is configured to completely enclose the pallet and goods. Each base side panel may comprise at least one fastener configured to releasably connect said base side panel to a respective side panel via the at least one mounting aperture. The sheet material may be a fabric material. The sheet material may be a breathable material. The sheet material may be a water resistant material. The sheet material may be a thermally insulating material. CRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a cover for covering goods according to an embodiment; Figure 2 shows a side panel of the cover of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side panel of the cover of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the cover of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) Referring firstly to Figure 1, a cover for covering goods supported on a base platform such as a pallet is illustrated and is indicated generally at 10. It will be understood that the pallet cover 10 may be used in combination with any suitable pallet so as to cover god stored thereon. In some embodiments, the pallet may be a PMC pallet commonly used in aviation. In other embodiments, the pallet may be a Euro pallet. It will be understood that the pallets may be any suitable size, for example, 20cm X 30cm, 40cm X 60cm, 80cm X 120cm, 301cm X 158cm, or any other suitable size or shape. The pallet cover 10 will be dimensioned to substantially match the pallet being covered. The cover 10 includes an upper panel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper panel 12 is substantially square, but in alternative embodiments the upper panel may be circular, oval, rectangular, triangular or any other suitable shape. The upper panel 12 may be sized or dimensioned to substantially match the shape and size of the pallet that is being covered. The upper panel 12 defines four edges 14. The cover 10 includes a side panel 16 extending from each edge 14 of the upper panel 12. The upper panel 12 and the side panels 16 are arranged so as to define an enclosure surrounded by said plurality of side panels 16. Put another way, the lateral edges of adjacent side panels 16 are arranged so as to be adjacent, in contact, or overlap such that the side panels 16 extend around substantially all of, or an entirety of, the enclosure. Although not illustrated, it will be understood that a pallet loaded with goods is able almost fully enclosed by the cover 10, in use, to protect said goods, for example from the weather and from being stolen. Each side panel 16 may be formed from a sheet material. The sheet material may be a fabric material. The fabric material may be formed from a canvas material. Alternatively, the sheet material may be formed from a polymeric material, for example a polymeric fabric material. The polymeric material may be PTFE, ePTFE, polyester, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the side panels 16 may be formed from a single layer of sheet materials, or alternatively may be formed from multiple layers of a material. In embodiments containing multiple layers, the different layers may be formed from different materials. It will be appreciated that the number of layers and / or thickness of the sheet material could be varied to suit the application. In some embodiments, the side panel 16 may be water resistant to protect the goods within from environmental factors. Put another way, in some embodiments, the side panel 16 may include at least one layer that is water resistant. In some embodiments, the side panels 161 may be breathable to prevent moisture collecting under the cover. Put another way, in some embodiments, the side panels 16 may include at least one layer that is breathable. In some embodiments, the side panel 16 may be thermally insulating for providing thermal protection to protect the goods from extremes of temperature. Put another way, in some embodiments, the side panels 16 may include at least one layer that is thermally insulating. In some embodiments, each side panel may include one or more of a metalized polymer, a foil substrate, and / or insulating fibres to provide improved thermal protection. The insulating fibres may be a foam material, wool or any other suitable material. The or each layer of sheet material may be configured to be water resistant, breathable and / or thermally insulating, rather than each being provided by a separate sheet material. It will be understood that the upper panel 12 may be formed from the same material as the side panels 16. The weight of the upper panel 12 and / or side panels may be varied to suit the application. Each side panel 16 defines first and second opposing lateral side edges 18, 20. The lateral side edges 18, 20 of adjacent panels 16 may be arranged side-by-side, in use. In an embodiment, the lateral side edges 18, 20 of adjacent side panels 16 are in contact, in use. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral side edges 18, 20 of adjacent side panels 16 may be releasably connected together, in use. -igure 2, each side panel 16 includes a reinforcing mesh 22 extending at least partially over the sheet material. The reinforcing mesh 22 is configured to reinforce the respective side panel 16 to prevent the side panel from being cut open, for example to access good stored under the cover 10. The reinforcing mesh 22 may formed from a flexible material. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may be formed from a metallic material. The metallic material may be aluminium, steel, stainless steel, titanium or any other suitable metal. In other embodiments, the mesh may be formed from a polymeric or composite material. In some embodiments, the upper panel 12 may be provided with a reinforcing mesh, similar to the reinforcing mesh 22, extending thereover. The reinforcing mesh may extend over substantially all of, for example an entirety of, the upper panel 12. The reinforcing mesh 22 defines an array of apertures 24. In the present embodiment, the apertures are substantially hexagonal, but alternatively they may be square, rectangular or any other suitable shape. The apertures 24 each define a spacing between opposite sides thereof. A maximum spacing between opposing sides of each aperture 24 may be configured to prevent or restrict a hand passing through the mesh 22 and so the side panel 16. In some embodiments, the maximum spacing between opposing sides of each aperture 24 may be approximately or less than 5cm, for example approximately or less than 4cm. Providing apertures of these sizes has been found to provide sufficient protection to the goods covered by the cover 10, whilst minimising the weight of the cover 10. In some embodiments, the maximum spacing between opposing sides of each aperture 24 may be approximately or less than 3cm, 2.5cm, 2cm, or 1cm. It would be appreciated that the size of each aperture could be larger or smaller than the stated examples. The reinforcing mesh 22 may be attached to the sheet material of each side panel 16. In an embodiment, the reinforcing mesh 22 may be glued to the sheet material of the side panels 16. Alternatively, or additionally, the reinforcing mesh 22 may be stitched to the sheet material of the side panels 16. In some embodiments, each side panel 16 may be formed from a single outer layer 26 of sheet material with the reinforcing mesh 22 underneath. In the illustrated embodiment, each side panel 16 is formed from an inner layer of sheet material 28 and an outer layer 26 of sheet material. In such embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 is arranged between the inner layer 28 and the outer layer 26. It will be hat the inner and outer layers 20, 22 may be formed from the same or different materials. In embodiments including the inner and outer layers 28, 26, the reinforcing mesh 22 may be attached to one or both of the inner layer 28 and outer layer 26. Referring now to Figure 3, each side panel 16 defines a width W extending between the opposing lateral edges 26, 28 thereof. Each side panel defines a height H extending from the edge 14 of the upper panel 12 (i.e. the intersection between the upper panel 12 and the side panel 16) to a distal edge 30 of said side panel 14. The reinforcing mesh 22 extends over each side panel 16. Put another way, the reinforcing mesh 22 extends over a width Wi of each side panel 16 and a height Hi of each side panel 26. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may extending over a majority of the width W of each side panel 16. The reinforcing mesh 22 may extend over substantially all of the width of each side panel 16, for example the reinforcing mesh 16 may extend over an entirety of the width of each side panel 16. Put another way, the reinforcing mesh 22 of each of the side panels 16 may be collectively arranged so as to extend around substantially all of, for example an entirety of, the goods within the enclosure defined by the cover 10. This helps to provide protection surrounding the goods, which has been found to further restrict access to the goods within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 of adjacent side panels 22 may be connected together, for example by one or more fasteners, clips or cables. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing mesh 16 may include a region of increased rigidity, strength and / or thickness at the lateral side edges of the reinforcing mesh 22. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may be arranged so that the lateral side edges of the reinforcing mesh includes multiple layers of the reinforcing mesh 22. Providing any of these arrangements have been found to increase the protection provided by the mesh to the cover 10 at the intersection between adjacent side panels 16. The reinforcing mesh 22 extends at least partially along the height H of each side panel 22. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may extend over a quarter of the height H of each side panel, for example over half of the height of each side panel 16, or over three questers of the height of each side panel 16. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may extend over substantially all of, for example an entirety of, the height H of each side panel 16. odiments, for example where the overall weight of the cover 10 needs to be minimise or reduced, the reinforcing mesh 22 may not extend the full height H of each side panel 16. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may extend over the height H of each side panel 16 by a distance in the range 30cm to 120cm, optionally in the range 40cm to 110cm. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may extend over the height H of each side panel 16 by a distance in the range 40cm to 60cm, 60cm to 90 cm, or 90cm to 110cm. In some embodiments, for example the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the reinforcing mesh 22 may extend over substantially all of, or an entirety of, the width W of each side panel 16 and doesn't extend over all of the height H of said side panel. In alternative embodiments, however, the reinforcing mesh 16 may extend over substantially all of, for example an entirety of, each side panel 14. In some embodiments the extent of the mesh along height h of side panel 14 may be configured to protect the cover in areas most at risk of slashing. During transport of good on a vehicle or aircraft, lower regions of the cover 10 may be obscured from view and so are potentially at a greater risk from being cut open to access the goods. Due to this, the reinforcing mesh 22 may only be provided in this lower region. In such embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may extend from the distal edge 30 of each side panel 16 or may extend from a distal end region of each side panel 16. In alternative embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 14 could also extend from any location within the height h of the side panels 14. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may extend from the distal end of the side panel 16 by a distance in the range 30cm to 120cm, optionally in the range 40cm to 110cm. In some embodiments, the reinforcing mesh 22 may extend from the distal end of the side panel 16 by a distance Hl in the range 40cm to 60cm or by a distance H2 in the range 90cm to 110cm. Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the cover 10 is attachable, connectable and / or securable to a base cover 32. The cover 10 and base cover 32 are releasably connected together. The base cover 32 is provided with a base cover mounting arrangement 36 to releasably secure the base cover 32 to the cover 10. The cover 10 is provided with a cover mounting arrangement 34 for mounting or securing the cover 10 to a base cover 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover mounting arrangement 34 is provided at a distal region of each side panel 16. In ments, the reinforcing mesh 16 may extend over the distal region 24 of each side panel 14 containing the cover mounting arrangement 34. The cover mounting arrangement 34 may be provided in the form of at least one mounting aperture 34 provided in each side panel 16. A plurality of mounting apertures 34 may be provided in each side panel 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one mounting aperture 34 is located at a distal region of each side panel 16. The one or more mounting apertures 34 are configured to receive a fastener or connector therethrough. In an alternative embodiment, each mounting aperture 34 may be replaced with a fastener, connector or buckle to connect to an aperture on the base cover 32. The base cover 32 may include a base panel 38 and a plurality of base side panels 40 each extending from an edge of the base panel 38. The base cover mounting arrangement 34 is provided on each base side panel 40. Put another way, each side panel 16 connects to a respective base side panel 40 via corresponding mounting arrangements 34, 36 on both side panel 16 and base side panel 40. The base cover mounting arrangement 36 may be provided in the form of a plurality of fastening means 36 for releasably connecting the cover 10 and the base cover 32. In some embodiments, the base cover mounting arrangement 36 included turnbutton fasteners, but any suitable fastener may be used in alternative embodiments. In another embodiment the fastener may be a buckle and strap. In some embodiments, a spacing between adjacent mounting apertures 34 on the side panels 16 and between adjacent fasteners 36 on the base cover side panels 40 may be approximately or less than 10cm, for example approximately or less than 8cm. Providing a maximum spacing between fastening means 36 of this size has been found to provide sufficient protection to the goods covered by the cover 10, whilst minimising the number of fastening means 36 required. In some embodiments, the maximum spacing between fastening means 36 may be approximately or less than 6cm, 5cm, 3cm, 2.5cm, 2cm, or 1cm. The base cover 30 may be made of substantially the same material as the cover 10. The plurality of base side panels 34 may be configured to releasably connect the base side panels 34 to respective side panels 14 via the at least one mounting aperture 22. er 30 is formed from a sheet material. The sheet material may be a fabric material. The fabric material may be formed from a canvas material. Alternatively, the sheet material may be formed from a polymeric material, for example a polymeric fabric material. The polymeric material may be PTFE, ePTFE, polyester, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the sheet material may be water resistant to protect the goods within from environmental factors. In some embodiments, the sheet material may be breathable to prevent moisture collecting under the cover. It will be understood that the base panel 38 may be formed from the same sheet material as the base side panels 40. In some embodiments, the base side panels 40 may have a reinforcing mesh as has been described above with reference to the reinforcing mesh 22 on the side panels 14. In such embodiments, the reinforcing mesh may extend over the region of each base side panel 40 having the base cover mounting arrangement 36. In other embodiments, the reinforcing mesh may extend over substantially all of, for example an entirety of, each base side panel 40. Although the mounting arrangement of the cover 10 has been described as being secured to the base cover 32, it will be understood that in some embodiments the base cover 32 may be omitted. In such embodiments, the mounting arrangement of the cover 10 may secure the cover 10 directly to a pallet (not shown), for example via a pallet mounting arrangement such as fasteners or apertures provided on the pallet, similar to the base cover mounting arrangement described above. In alternative embodiments, connecting wires may pass through or under a pallet between the side panels 16 to secure the side panels to each other. Although the teachings have been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cover for covering goods supported on a base platform such as a pallet, the cover comprising:an upper panel; and5 a plurality of side panels each extending from an edge of the upper panel todefine an enclosure surrounded by said plurality of side panels,wherein each side panel is formed from a sheet material and comprises a reinforcing mesh extending at least partially over the sheet material.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing mesh extends over substantially10 all of, for example an entirety of, a width of each side panel.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the reinforcing mesh of each side panel defineslateral side edges, and wherein the lateral side edges of adjacent side panels are arranged side-by-side, in use.

4. The cover of claim 3, wherein lateral side edges of adjacent side panels are in 15 contact, in use.

5. The cover of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the lateral side edges of adjacent side panels are releasably connected together.

6. The cover of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the lateral side edges of the reinforcing mesh comprise a mesh of increased thickness.20 7. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein each side panel defines a heightextending from the edge of the upper panel to a distal edge of said side panel, and wherein the reinforcing mesh extends at least partially along said height.

8. The cover of claim 7, wherein the reinforcing mesh extends from or adjacent to the distal, or lower, edge of the side panel.25 9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the reinforcing mesh extends to a distance in therange 30cm to 120cm away from the distal edge of the side panel, optionally in the range 40cm to 110 cm away from the distal edge of the side panel.

10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing mesh extends to a distance in the range 40cm to 60cm away from the distal edge of the side panel, optionally 30 approximately 50cm away from the distal edge of the side panel.

11. The cover of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing mesh extends to a distance in the range 90cm to 110cm away from the distal edge of the side panel, approximately 100cm away from the distal edge of the side panel.12.The cover of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the reinforcing mesh extends over at least a quarter of the height of each side panel.13.The cover of any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the reinforcing mesh extends over a majority of the height of each side panel.

14. The cover of any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the reinforcing mesh extends over substantially all of, for example an entirety of, the height of each side panel.

15. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing mesh defines an array of apertures, and wherein a maximum spacing between opposing sides of each aperture is less than 4cm.

16. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing mesh is formed from a flexible material.

17. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing mesh is formed from a metallic or polymeric material.

18. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing mesh is attached to the sheet material.19.The cover of claim 18 wherein the reinforcing mesh is stitched or glued to the sheet material.20.The cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the side panels comprise an inner and outer layer of the sheet material with the reinforcing mesh arranged therebetween.21.The cover of any preceding claim, wherein each side panel comprises at least one mounting aperture at a distal region of each side panel for receiving a fastener therethrough, and wherein the reinforcing mesh extends over said distal region of each side panel.

22. The cover of any preceding claim, comprising a base cover releasably connected to each side panel.23.The cover of claim 22, wherein the base cover comprises a base panel and a plurality of base side panels each configured to releasably connect to a respective side panel, optionally wherein each base side panel comprises at least one fastener configured to releasably connect said base side panel to a 5 respective side panel via the at least one mounting aperture.

24. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material is a fabric material.

25. A cover of any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material is a breathable and / or water resistant material.

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