Improvements in or relating ot pallets

Abstract

A pallet system, the pallet system including a pallet and an insert; Wherein the pallet comprises a rectangular top deck with apertures, the rectangular top deck having a width (w) and a length (l); W

Description

Improvements in or relating to Pallets Field of Invention The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and storage of goods - the field of logistics - and to pallets therefor. The present invention also relates to the provision of the same for the cold chain industry. Background to the Invention In the field of logistics, the transportation of intermediate and finished products is frequently assisted by the use of pallets. A pallet typically comprises a flat rectangular structure that supports goods in a stable fashion whether remaining in a transport vehicle - such as a lorry, container etc., a warehouse, storage area etc. or being lifted by a forklift, pallet truck, front loader, or other handling device. Pallets are commonly found in a wide range of industries and services, forming an essential part of many mechanical handling systems in factories, distribution warehouses and the like. Pallets are manufactured from a variety of materials, most commonly from: timber 10 per Figure la; plastics 11 per Figure lb; paper / fibreboard and sometimes from metal. Wooden pallets typically consist of three or more support stringers 13 that support several deck boards 14 to define a platform 12 upon which goods can be placed. Between the corners 15 - for at least on one side of a pallet, there are defined apertures 16 to enable the tines of a fork lift or pallet trolley to be placed, whereby to enable the pallet to be easily manoeuvred. Goods or shipping containers are often placed on a pallet secured with strapping, stretch wrap, or shrink wrap and shipped. As will be expected, a wooden pallet is the most common, with a number of deck bords 14, each of which are typically spaced from each other to reduce, inter alia, weight and manufacturing costs. Pallets make it easier to move heavy loads and are extremely adaptable, not being limited to specific dimensions of height, weight, or bulk size as such. Loads with pallets under them can be hauled by forklift trucks of different sizes, or even by hand-drawn pallet trucks. Not only are there grades of durability, heavy weights need to be supported by sufficiently strong pallets. Most pallets can easily carry a load of 1,000 kg (2,205 lb), although, operators must be aware that lightweight pallets may be provided for less significant loads and the load rating must always be confirmed prior to use, given that group transport organisations exist, where pallet products are shared between groups of users, for different types of goods. Typical pallet sizes are: 1200 x 1000mm; 1200 x 800mm; 48" x 40"; being three of six ISO (International Standards Organization) sanctioned standard pallets, although there is a plethora of different sizes for specific tasks, globally. The fork tines of a fork lift or other lifting device may have limited access to a pallet, being limited to only one side, to two sides or can be provided on all four sides (1-, 2-, or 4-way entry). Pallets are reusable packaging items. Every pallet that is built could potentially be used and used again until such a time when it will need to be replaced. The use of various sizes for pallets causes substantial continuing expense in international trade. A single standard is difficult because of the wide variety of needs a standard pallet would have to satisfy: passing by or through doorways, placing within standard containers and unit load devices (ULDs), noting that weight, size, and bulk affect the use of a standard type of load and use of a standard can reduce labour costs. The pallets will also be rated with regard to their static load, dynamic load, racking load as well as internal dimensions, but will typically be of the order of six inches / 150mm with gaps for the insertion of the tines of a fork-lift handler being of the order of 3.75"-4". Figure 2 shows a pallet arrangement 33 with boxes 32 placed on a pallet. It is extremely common to apply stretch plastics about a load, whilst providing greater security, minimising the possibility of movement of the goods in transit, can dispense with any sides to a palletised load, preventing any possibility of stacking. Stretch films are available in a range of roll widths and lengths, and different film thicknesses can be provided from medium through to super-heavy duty film. Typically, clear and black stretch wrap is utilized. However, such films are not easily disposed of such that certain brands include 30% recycled content in order to qualify tax incentives (in the UK, there is a so-called Plastic Packaging Tax, set at a rate to promote recycling), but it is clear that it is not totally re-usable. Another system of pallet deployment is that of the systems commonly referred to as "Pallboxes" where wall panels, typically being cardboard, are stapled or similarly affixed to enclose a pallet or thereby define a pallet integrated with walls, which provide, inter alia reasonable security and are quite often deployed as point of sale systems in garden and DIY / home improvement stores, for example. In respect of a pallet, once goods have been placed upon a pallet, whether such goods are placed in one box, in ten boxes or in one hundred or more boxes, then the boxes may need to be fastened or coupled to the pallet to prevent any shifting of the load once placed upon the support battens of the pallet. Conveniently, this can be provided by the use of wide film, which surrounds not only the pallet but also the goods, akin to the use of so called "cling-film" used to encase foods prior to be placed in a freezer or fridge for storage. However, this suffers from the creation of waste material: it can only be used once, since it applied by roll and is removed using a knife or cutter. A further disadvantage is that the protection afforded is substantially one of securement as opposed to providing weather protection -from damp or heat. Additionally, the wide film is typically clear, whereby the contents of the pallet can be easily identified - albeit this provides a reduction in security; if goods retained on a pallet can easily be identified, then security - from theft - is increased. Pallet covers can take alternative forms. The simplest comprises a large polythene bag, conveniently transparent, whereby to identify goods and are larger than a typical loaded pallet so as to easily surround such a loaded pallet - but are prone to be easily damaged and whilst capable of being recycled, typically are not, they are not of a size to be easily disposed of. Other simple types of pallet covers comprise elasticated and woven polypropylene covers and can also be employed for Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC). Such polypropylene covers can be simple or be provided with a waterproofing compound and provide a simple solution for protecting pallet-borne products or IBC style container, conveniently being provided with eyelets for retention. Whilst cheap and they are re-usable, after a first use the waterproof qualities cannot be guaranteed - meaning that there is a mass of polypropylene to be disposed of. Protection from UV light can also be provided; In some cases, Insulated Jackets can be provided, for example, such covers can be made from "bubble-pack" aluminized plastics - such as metallised polyethylene (METRE) laminate - which are rated typically for single use and are also difficult to dispose of in an ecological fashion. The primary functions of a thermal cover are to reflect sunlight, prevent solar heat accumulation, and insulate against ambient temperatures. However, given the environmental challenges and landfill concerns associated with non-recyclable materials, there is an increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in cold-chain logistics. In some areas of logistics, it has been found that a manufacturer of goods may place the goods upon a pallet and seal the goods to the pallet. This is of particular relevance in the field of pharmaceuticals, where the goods must be confirmed as being unadulterated. In so doing the goods will be placed upon a pallet, for subsequent despatch, typically, in a temperature controlled environment. When a pallet cover is employed, to shield the goods upon a pallet, especially in gusty external conditions, where despite the use of a cover for the palletised goods, temperature control will be compromised by virtue of the pallet apertures enabling wind gusts to affect the temperature of the palletised goods. Typically, with the use of such high value pallets, each pallet has its own packing list (or manifest) so that its contents can be checked and tracked, frequently with data loggers for temperature, humidity etc., whereby, upon reaching a destination, the data logger record is checked, to confirm that the goods have been retained within permitted atmospheric limits - otherwise the goods will be rejected, with attendant costs of destruction of rejected goods and supply of a replacement pallet, any delay in supply may well have other cost ramifications or tarnishment to a supplier's reputation, for example. To ameliorate this a further pallet may be employed, wherein either the pallet has a continuous surface or is a traditional spaced slats upper surface with a cardboard sheet or similar placed thereupon whereby draughts due to wind do not cause heat exchange within the enclosed cover. As will be appreciated, this reduces the volumetric efficiency of the load, raises the overall height of the enclosed load. GB2526704B (E Tattam et al) discloses an enclosure for a pallet and this has addressed the needs of the transport industry as disclosed in Figure 4 - showing such a pallet 41 with enclosure 43 surrounding goods (not shown) placed upon the pallet, having a separable cover 44. The enclosure is quite rigid and permits reliable stacking of palletized goods, whilst conveniently made from cardboard and thus recyclable, it is too substantial for a simple cover to protect goods from temperature and protect from precipitation. At the base along one side, there are two depending wall members in contact with the ground and define an aperture 46 - to enable access for fork lift tines, to permit movement by the same - though which draughts may affect the contents of the container body cover. Whilst the concept is being readily adopted, concerns have arisen over simple security; plastics film that is commonly applied about the sides of a palletized good or other enclosure can be simply removed to enable unauthorized persons access to an interior and the ability to remove the covers can prove to be an inconvenience since security banding has a tendency to move when being applied and can be equally simply be removed to enable unauthorized persons access to an interior. In contrast, shrink / stretch plastics wrapping cannot easily be removed - at least neither surreptitiously nor in a fashion where such actions would be unnoticed. In addition, in relation to the cold chain industry, the nature of the basic pallet compromises potential applications in that it does not provide a temperature controlled atmosphere. GB2459392B (E Tattam) teaches of a simple to erect container body which encloses a load in a temperature controlled atmosphere, which container body is provided with a pallet base. Figure 4 shows an example of such a container body cover 40, having sidewall 43 and a lid 42. At the base along one side, there are two depending wall members in contact with the ground and define an aperture 46 -to enable access for fork lift tines, to permit movement by the same - though which draughts may affect the contents of the container body cover. WO2019177682 (Sunoco Development, Inc.) provides a thermally insulating body to be placed upon a pallet, as shown in Figure 4c. The first system has been in use for over a decade and is extremely useful in cold chain distribution, especially international and long distance distribution; the second system provides four EPS corner panels that have corresponding tongue and groove elements to provide a rectangular wall structure with corresponding base and top panels, which are mounted upon a pallet. Whilst good thermal performance can be obtained with EPS, recycling concerns, friability and an inability to properly "flat-pack" are significant issues in the present cold chain industry. The pallets, pallet-like containers and, indeed, ordinary boxes placed upon pallets have become ubiquitous in the fields of logistics storage. However, especially in wet climates, such basic units of the logistics industry suffer from being susceptible to damp. When stationed on the runway prior to being placed in an aircraft or en route to a logistics centre form an aircraft; when placed upon lorries without weather proofing; they get wet when outdoors; packaging can deteriorate - especially when, for example, cardboard boxes that are not waterproof have been used. Equally, with extreme temperatures in hot / cold climates, the goods inside can increase - or decrease outside a preferred temperature range, noting that certain types of goods such as medicines and perishable food must be maintained within a preferred temperature range, typically 2 - 8°C, but other ranges can be specified, especially with pharmaceuticals. Typically, data loggers are utilized, whereby to confirm that goods are maintained within a preferred temperature range. Pallet covers have been developed, for example, which comprise metallicized plastics and provide thermal protection; because they are manufactured from plastics sheeting, they will also provide a reasonable degree of waterproofing. Nonetheless, such plastics sheeting is not easily recycled and is relatively expensive. The plastics film sheeting is not necessarily of a sufficient thickness to provide thermal insulation. Object to the Invention The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide a system that can enable goods that have been placed upon a pallet or similar structure and have been covered so as to be protected from atmospheric conditions, to provide a base protection system. The system also seeks to provide a degree of security by covering in a secure fashion. Furthermore, the present invention seeks to provide a base cover that can be recycled. The present invention also seeks to provide a cover that can be easily fabricated from cellulose materials such as wood pulp, paper and card. The present invention also seeks to provide a temperature - controlled system for both pallet-borne goods that protects the goods from solar and thermal radiation. The present invention also seeks to provide a temperature control cover for a transport / storage assembly for goods palletized or otherwise, whereby goods can be maintained within an atmosphere having a predefined temperature range. Statement of Invention In accordance with a general aspect of the invention, there is provided a generally rectangular sheet member having a generally rectangular form, having a length and a width, provided with at least two pairs of generally oppositely directed leg members, which extend from opposite sides of rectangular sheet member, the sheet member being arranged to be placed with respect to an underside of a pallet, whereby to close apertures that may exist in the top deck of the pallet, whereby, when in use with a pallet cover comprising first, second, third and fourth sidewall members and a top sheet, ingress of wind from outside of the cover cannot easily pass through between a ground support and the pallet cover and thereafter pass between any apertures that exist in the top deck of the pallet. Whilst significant amounts of freight, for transport by air, sea and land employs ISO containers, smaller loads can be more conveniently packaged using pallets and intermediate bulk containers, forming loads not generally exceeding 1 - 2m in any direction, which can be more difficult to protect from extremes of temperature, wind and precipitation. The present invention provides a basic degree of inexpensive yet effective protection in the form of an insert to reduce adverse effects of windage during transport, conveniently being made from cellulose / wood-fibre that can conveniently and easily be recycled after use or used for several times. In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a pallet system, the pallet system including a pallet and an insert; wherein the pallet comprises a rectangular top deck with apertures, the rectangular top deck having a width (W) and a length (I); wherein parallel members (stringers) depending from at least two sides of the top deck, which distance at least first and second bottom lead board members, arranged at opposite ends of the length of the side members (stringers); wherein at least one generally rectangular aperture is defined between an underside of the top deck, the inside walls of the stringers and the topside of the bottom lead board, the distance between the underside of the top deck and the topside of the bottom lead board defining a height (H) and the distance between adjacent parallel members (stringers) defining a width (W), the generally rectangular aperture being defined at corresponding opposite ends of the parallel members (stringers). Accordingly, the invention provides an insert comprising a generally planar rectangular sheet having a length (I) and width (w), the insert being provided with at least two oppositely extending flaps; wherein the board and flaps extend at least a length in correspondence with the distance of the height of the rectangular aperture; wherein, the board can be placed along the length of the pallet, in contact with the underside of the top deck, with the flap extending downwardly, abutting the bottom lead boards whereby to prevent a free flow of gases as between the underside of the top deck of the pallet and the top side of the top deck of the pallet. Conveniently, the insert board comprises a cardboard sheet. Alternatively, the insert board comprises a corrugated plastics sheet. Conveniently, the insert board comprises a single layer cardboard sheet. Conveniently, the insert board comprises a corrugated cardboard sheet having a corrugation direction in correspondence with the length of the rectangular sheet material. Conveniently, the insert board comprises a B / C - fluted, five layer corrugated cardboard sheet. Conveniently, the underside of the board is pre-scored to assist enable the flaps to uniformly fold downwardly. The scoring can comprise perforation a layer of the cardboard. The flaps can comprise two distinct flaps, depending from each side, arranged to engage within the rectangular apertures defined at each end of the top deck. The flaps may extend from the width of the board such that they extend downwardly and then return to engage with an underside surface of the board, to provide stability. The flap may be provided with an extending element which can engage with a cut-out defined in an underside surface of the board. The board may be provided with one or more further layers of insulation material placed above the topside of the insert board, which extends slightly beyond the width of the generally rectangular planar sheet, whereby the insulation material can be compressed laterally, to further provide a gaseous seal as between the elongate parallel members and the board with respect to a top side of the top deck of the pallet. The present invention can be deployed with a cover for palletized goods, whereby to provide environmental protection therefor, in particular windage. Heat control elements such as phase change materials (aka PCMs) can be provided, which, in use, are selectively heated / cooled to provide a temperature profile for a particular class of good for a period of transit time. Accordingly, the present invention, can also be employed for temperature sensitive goods, where the sleeves are either highly insulating in themselves or benefit from further internal and or external thermally insulating media comprising panels, sleeves or other insulating materials. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a thermal protection cover for cold chain palletized, intermediate bulk carriers and similar products. Products stored or transported are often placed upon pallets or placed within boxes including a base which is provided with an integral pallet element and is provided with apertures capable of accepting forks of a fork lift, that is to say, these products are placed on a pallet. This is the case for products that must be stored within a given temperature range, for example products that must be kept cold. Such products sometimes need to be transferred, for example from one means of transport to another or from one location to another within a factory; it is then necessary to ensure that their temperature remains within the desired range. The aim of the invention is to provide a pallet base that can be deployed with a pallet cover, to make an easy to implement system for environmental protection making it possible to ensure that a transfer of palletized or otherwise contained product, at least over a short distance, takes place at substantially constant temperature conditions. Brief Description of the Figures For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:- Figures la &lb illustrate two known forms of pallet; Figure 2 illustrates a typical pallet with a load; Figure 3a - 3b show various dimensions of a 1200 x 800 pallet; Figures 4 shows a perspective view of an integrated pallet system as known from GB2526704B; Figures 5a - 5c show aspects of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 5d shows how the invention can be deployed within a channel defined between stringers of top deck and bottom lead board of a pallet; Figures 6a, 6ai - 6d, 6di show plan representations of embodiments in accordance with the invention and respective views within a pallet section, in use; Figures 7a and 7b shows an insert with multi-layer insulation sleeve panel, detailing an edge section thereof, together with a cross-section in situ; and Figures 8 shows a cover adapted to enclose pallet-borne goods. Detailed description of the Preferred Embodiments There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "centre", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc. indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Reference shall now be made to Figures 5a - 5c to introduce aspects of the invention. Figure 5a shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a pallet insert in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the insert 50, formed from B / C five layer cardboard is shaped in a general "H" configuration, with the main rectangular portion having a shape in correspondence with the width between adjacent stringer elements 59 of the pallet 58 as shown in Figure 5d. The two stringer elements 59 are sandwiched between a leader top board 59i and a bottom deck board 59ii. The extensions 53 depending outwardly from the four corners of the central rectangular elements are defined by creases and / or perforations 52 to enable the extensions 53 to fold down, perpendicular to the main area. Figure 5b show how one extension is defined, with tab elements 53 shown being restrained by an elastic band or similar, 53i; the band once positioned around two oppositely directed tabs, folds the tabs such that they are generally parallel with the main rectangular portionupstanding from the lower face of the rectangular component 51. Figure 5c and 5d show the upper sides of the insert 51, together with a cushion paper insulating sheet 51i, such as so-called "bubble paper", or alternatives such as single-sided corrugated paper. The presense of the elastic band or similar shall now become clear with reference to Figures 5ei - 5eviii, where it can be seen that the folded tabs provide the card and cushion paper with a width w that enables passage through the pallet 58 with a width W between adjacent stringer elements 59 of the pallet show how the pallet insert 50 can be deployed. Figure 5ei shows insert 50 being introduced into the gap between two stringers 59 of pallet 58; Figure 5eii - Figure 5eiv show how the insert 50 is fed through the gap between the two stringers, until the unrestrained tabs 53 prevent further rmovement. The second set of tabs are folded and the remaining portion of the insert is inserted: at the other end of the pallet, the elastic band 53i is removed and the tabs 53 are allowed to bend back, except that the lower stringer 59ii restrains movement upon the tab meeting the said lower stringer 59ii. Figure 5evii show how the tabs 53 enable a snug fit, ensuring that the upper surface of the sheet 50, together with any cushion paper, or similar e.g. corrugated paper (single sided) or bubble paper, closes any gap between upper stringer 59i and the insert board 50. Figure 5eviii shows how - with only one intra-stringer gap filled by an insert 50 in accordance with the present invention. The insert can be readily removed: the perforations provided for tabs to fold can enable the tabs to be frangily removed from the rectangular body 51 as the insert is removed. By having the insert formed from cardboard, the board can be readily recycled - albeit the cardboard could be replaced with other sheet material, such as extruded plastics corrugated material, which can be creased and perforated in a similar fashion to cardboard, albeit it has been found that the use of cardboard provides a suitable degree of resilience when abutting the surfaces of the pallet. Reference shall now be made to Figures 5ia - 5ic to introduce alternative aspects of the invention. Figure 5ia shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a pallet insert in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the insert 50, formed from B / C five layer cardboard is shaped in a general "H" configuration, with the main rectangular portion having a shape in correspondence with the width between adjacent stringer elements 59 of the pallet 58 as shown in Figure 5id. The two stringer elements 59 are sandwiched between a leader top board 59i and a bottom deck board 59ii. The extensions 53, 55 depending outwardly from the four corners of the central rectangular elements are defined by creases and / or partially perforations 52, 54 to enable the extensions 53, 55 to fold back in a general "V" section. Though not essential, it has been found to be helpful in placement of the pallet insert within a pallet (see Figure 5id), to have an engagement tab 56 on the edge of the extensions, to be associated with a corresponding indented feature 57, to assist in placement and maintenance of the extension in deployment. Figure 5ib show how one extension is defined, with tab elements 53, 55 upstanding from the lower face of the rectangular component 51. Figure 5ic show how the extensions can be unfolded after use. Notwithstanding this, in view of the widespread use of pallets, the insert can be readily removed: perforations can be provided to enable the extensions to be separated from the rectangular body 51 as the insert is removed. By having the insert formed from cardboard, the board can be readily recycled - albeit the cardboard could be replaced with other sheet material, such as extruded plastics corrugated material, which can be creased and perforated in a similar fashion to cardboard, albeit it has been found that the use of cardboard provides a preferable resilience when abutting the surfaces of the pallet. With reference to Figure 6a, a simple version of the insert in accordance with the invention is provided; a main rectangular element 51 is flanked by two elongate flaps 53. Figure 6ai shows the arrangement in profile with rectangular element in place between two stringers of a pallet. The details of the top deck and bottom deck board are not shown for clarity. Figures 6b and 6bi show a corresponding sheet 51i wherein there are tabs 53 at each upper and lower side with respect to the elongate sides. It will be noted that the single tabs 53 elongate or short can depend from the main rectangular area by way of creases or perforations 52. With reference to Figure 6c, the insert 51ii is flanked by two elongate members extending sideways, 53, 55, separated by creases and / or partial perforations 52, 54 (or similar methods of reducing rigidity of the board about the folds). Figure 6bi shows how there are now two triangulation members to support the insert member, noting that the ere are now two extension members 53, 55. Figures 6d and 6di differ in that extension tab 56 extends from the outer edges of tabs 55, which tabs can be inserted in recesses 57 within the rectangular, whereby to provide a more rigid arrangement to the placement of the insert, to reduce air-gaps between the top boards of the pallet. It will be appreciated that a similar effect can be achieved with respect to plastic moulded pallets, which are typically provided with apertures upon a top surface, to permit greater grip, reduce the amount of plastics material employed in the construction thereof. The skilled addressee will readily make variations regarding length of tab - which will need to correspond with the distance between leader top board 59i and a bottom deck board 59ii, taking into account the insert and any additional cushion paper or similar. In a variant, double sided adhesive tape could be applied to the rectangular insert, or selected portions thereof to attach to one or more of the stringers and to the underside of the lead board, noting that it may be best to have such double-sided tape along only one end of the insert, for reasons of economy and relative simplification of the attachment process - given the nature of the adhesive potentially impeding attachment by contacting and attaching to pallet parts other than those intended. In the selection of the type of board, whilst B / C flute, five layer cardboard has been employed - for reasons of strength and durability, ease of creasing / perforation etc., it has been noted in tests that when the tines of a fork lift truck have been inserted into the tine apertures of a pallet and the pallet raised, there has been no damage to the underside of the insert board. It is believed that this is because a weight of 600Kg had been spread over a not insignificant area - in the region of 0.2m2 of the insert. Figure 7a shows another alternative insert - albeit with the extension members 53, 57 removed for purposes of clarity - wherein multiple layers of bubble-paper are employed, which contact the underside of the lead boards and are conveniently slightly wider, whereby to provide a better seal than cardboard, noting that the term bubble paper refers to the pseudo-corrugate paper corresponds to plastics bubble wrap providing similar cushioning properties yet providing the recycling attributes of paper and card, and can be produced with up to 100% recyclable materials. Figure 7b show how the bubble paper increases the volume taken by this feature within the inter-stringer space for the tines and it must be confirmed that there is sufficient room for the tines of a fork-lift to be inserted in what will be a reduced space. Figure 8 shows a pallet cover assembly having a top cover 8a, from which depend sidewalls 8b and 8c. These covers can be manufactured form many types of material such as plastics sheeting - in particular metallized sheets, albeit it is preferred to have paper-based sheeting, which is biodegradable and can be easily recycled, and can even be made waterproof. It can be seen that these pallet covers can be made from two sheet elements 8a and 8b-c - or three sheet elements 8a, 8b &8c which are attached by adhesive tape, making it relatively easy to assemble, without the use of machinery as such. Creases 8d are indicated in the lid 8a, where approximately 45° from each corner to a centre crease bisecting the lid along the longer axis - noting also that the cover may be formed so that it is generally square in plan. If manufactured from three sheet pieces, then there can be provided along the short sides a vertical crease, formed to enable folding of the paper / card material about the shorter sides to enable folding when not in use, noting that the lid is provided creases as shall be discussed below. On one side, for a single element sleeve, the crease can be replaced by a join between two distal ends of a single sleeve. In practice, it has been found to be preferred that two sleeve members are provided (of half the overall length of a single sleeve), whereby each sleeve member comprises a general "C" configuration, in plan view, with two creases defined in the sleeve, to permit the sleeve to surround a product such as a pallet or IBC container. It will be appreciated that two sheets of a general "L" configuration, in plan view could also be provided, albeit it has been found beneficial in construction to have the centre join of two "C" panels provide a simple fold section, noting that the edge creases are folded 90° in use, whilst the folded sections are folded 180° when the cover is stored, the centre join being formed to provide sufficient protection, despite being creased to a greater degree when folded as opposed to the corner creases.

Claims

1) A pallet system, the pallet system including a pallet and an insert;Wherein the pallet comprises a rectangular top deck with apertures, the rectangular top deck having a width and a length;Wherein, parallel members (stringers) depend from at least two sides of the top deck to meet at least first and second bottom lead board members, arranged at opposite ends of the length of the parallel members;Wherein at least one generally rectangular aperture is defined between an underside of the top deck, the inside walls of the stringers and the topside of the bottom lead board, the distance between the underside of the top deck and the topside of the bottom lead board defining a height (H) and the distance between adjacent parallel members (stringers) defining a width (W), the generally rectangular aperture being defined at corresponding opposite ends of the parallel members (stringers);Wherein the insert comprises a generally planar rectangular sheet material having a length (I) and width (w), in general correspondence with the area of the underside of the top deck, the insert being provided with at least two oppositely extending flaps;Wherein the board and flaps extend at least a length in correspondence with the distance of the height of the rectangular aperture;Wherein, the board can be placed along the length of the pallet, in contact with the underside of the top deck, with the flap extending downwardly, abutting the bottom lead boards whereby to prevent a free flow of gases as between the underside of the top deck of the pallet and the top side of the top deck of the pallet.2) A pallet system according to claim 1, wherein the insert board comprises a cardboard sheet.3) A pallet system according to claim 1, wherein the insert board comprises a corrugated plastics sheet.4) A pallet system according to claim 2, wherein the insert board comprises a single layer cardboard sheet.5) A pallet system according to claim 2, wherein the insert board comprises a corrugated cardboard sheet having a corrugation direction in correspondence with the length of the rectangular sheet material.6) A pallet system according to claim 5, wherein the insert board comprises a B / C - fluted, five layer corrugated cardboard sheet.7) A pallet system according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the underside of the board is prescored to assist in folding of the flaps, to enable the flaps to uniformly fold downwardly.8) A pallet system according to claim 7, when dependent upon claim 5 or 6, wherein the scoring can comprise compression of at least one layer of the cardboard.9) A pallet system according to claim 7, when dependent upon claim 5 or 6, wherein the scoring can comprise perforation of at least one layer of the cardboard.10) A pallet system according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the flaps comprise two distinct flaps, one depending from each side, arranged to engage within the rectangular apertures defined at each end of the top deck, the first flap extending from the main planar rectangular sheet cardboard material such that, in use, a distal end thereof abuts with an upper surface of a lead board member.11) A pallet system according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the flaps comprise four distinct flaps, with two flaps depending from each side, arranged to engage within the rectangular apertures defined at each end of the top deck, the first flap extending from the main planar rectangular sheet cardboard material and the second flap extending from the first flap such that, in use, a hinge element between the two flaps abuts with an upper surface of a lead board member and distal end of the second flap abuts with an underside surface of the main planar rectangular sheet cardboard material12) A pallet system according to claim 11, wherein one or more flaps are provided with an extending element along a distal end thereof, which extending element can engage with one of a recess or cut-out defined in an underside surface of the main planar rectangular sheet of cardboard material.13) A pallet system according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein two or more separate single or double flap members extend outwardly from each side of the rectangular sheet material, along the edge of the main planar rectangular sheet cardboard material.14) A pallet system according to any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the board is provided with one or more further layers of insulation material placed above the topside of the insert board, which extends slightly beyond the width of the generally rectangular planar sheet, whereby the insulation material can be compressed laterally, to further provide a gaseous seal as between the elongate parallel members and the board with respect to a top side of the top deck of the pallet.15) A pallet system according to any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the board is provided with double sided adhesive tape to assist in location / fixing of the insert board with respect to the pallet.16) An insert for a pallet system in accordance with any one of clams 1 - 15.

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