Cover

Abstract

Certain examples provide a cover comprising: opposing first (101 _1) and second (101 _2) side walls; opposing first (102_1) and second (102_2) end walls; and an upper wall (103); wherein each wall comprises a layered structure of materials comprising at least a layer of an insulating material; wherein the first end wall (102_1) is integrally formed with the first (101_1) and second (101_2) side walls; wherein the upper wall (103) is integrally formed with the first (102_1) and second (102_2) end walls; wherein the upper wall (103) is integrally formed with at least a part of the first (101 _1) and second (101 _2) side walls; and wherein the second end wall (102_2) is releasably connectable to at least one of the first side wall (101 _1) and the second side wall (101 _2).

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] Cover

[0003] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0004] Examples of the disclosure relate to a cover. Some examples, though without prejudice to the foregoing, relate to a pallet cover for covering palletised freight wherein the pallet cover provides a combination of both insulation and protection for palletised freight.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Conventional covers, such as pallet covers, are not always optimal.

[0007] In some circumstances it can be desirable to provide an improved cover. In some circumstances it can be desirable to provide a cover configured to facilitate the act of fitting the cover to goods to be covered (e.g. palletised freight) and / or act of removing the cover therefrom. In some circumstances it can be desirable to provide a cover that enables improved / easier handling. In some circumstances it can be desirable to provide a cover with improved durability. In some circumstances it can be desirable to provide a cover with improved thermal insulation properties. In some circumstances it can be desirable to provide a cover with improved access to covered goods.

[0008] The listing or discussion of any prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects / examples of the present disclosure may or may not address one or more of the background issues.

[0009] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0010] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the present invention there are there are provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. Any examples and features described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0011] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a cover comprising: opposing first and second side walls; opposing first and second end walls; and an upper wall; wherein each wall comprises a layered structure of materials comprising at least a layer of an insulating material; wherein the first end wall is integrally formed with the first and second side walls; wherein the upper wall is integrally formed with the first and second end walls; wherein the second end wall is releasably connectable to at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0012] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method of providing and / or manufacturing a cover as described herein.

[0013] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method of using a cover as described herein.

[0014] The following portion of this 'Brief Summary’ section describes various features that can be features of any of the examples described in the foregoing portion of the 'Brief Summary’ section mutatis mutandis. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function, or any instructions stored in at least one memory that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform that function.

[0015] In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper wall is integrally formed with at least a part of the first and second side walls.

[0016] In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper wall and the first side wall define a shared edge and wherein the upper wall is integrally formed with the first side wall along substantially the entire length of the shared edge.

[0017] In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper wall and the second side wall define a shared edge, and wherein the upper wall is integrally formed with the second side wall along substantially the entire length of the shared edge.

[0018] In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper wall is releasably connectable with at least a part of the first and second side walls.

[0019] In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper wall and the first side wall define a shared edge and wherein the upper wall is releasably connectable with the first side wall along substantially the entire length of the shared edge.

[0020] In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper wall and the second side wall define a shared edge, and wherein the upper wall is releasably connectable with the second side wall along substantially the entire length of the shared edge.

[0021] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cover further comprises: a main cover portion comprising: the first side wall, the second side wall, the first end wall, and the upper wall; and a flap portion comprising: the second end wall.

[0022] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cover is formed from a plurality of panels of the layered structure of materials, wherein the plurality of panels comprises: a first panel defining the first side wall, a second panel defining the second side wall, a third panel defining the first end wall and the upper wall, and a fourth panel defining the second end wall.

[0023] In some but not necessarily all examples: the upper wall is integrally formed with a first part of the first side wall along a first part of their shared edge; and the upper wall is releasably connectable, via user operable fastening means, with a second part of the first side wall along a second part of their shared edge.

[0024] In some but not necessarily all examples: the upper wall is integrally formed with a first part of the second side wall along a first part of their shared edge; and the upper wall is releasably connectable, via user operable fastening means, with a second part the second side wall along a second part of their shared edge.

[0025] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cover further comprises: a main cover portion comprising: the first side wall, the second side wall, the first end wall, and at least a first part of the upper wall; and a flap portion comprising: the second end wall, and at least a second part of the upper wall.

[0026] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cover is formed from a plurality of panels of the layered structure of materials, wherein the plurality of panels comprises or consists of: a first panel defining the first side wall; a second panel defining the second side wall, a third panel defining the first end wall and a first part of the upper wall, and a fourth panel defining the second end wall and a second part of the upper wall.

[0027] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cover further comprises: first user operable fastening means for releasably connecting the second end wall to the first side wall; and / or second user operable fastening means for releasably connecting the second end wall to the second side wall. In some but not necessarily all examples, the first and / or second user operable fastening means extend along an entire hight of the first side wall and / or the second side wall respectively.

[0028] In some but not necessarily all examples, the first and / or second user operable fastening means further extend along a second part of the upper wall.

[0029] In some but not necessarily all examples: the first user operable fastening means is disposed proximal to, but offset from, an edge shared between the second end wall and the first side wall; and / or the second user operable fastening means is disposed proximal to, but offset from, an edge shared between the second end wall and the second side wall.

[0030] In some but not necessarily all examples, the walls are made from at least one or more of: one or more flexible panels; and one or more panels of the layered structure of materials.

[0031] In some but not necessarily all examples, the layered structure of materials comprises: an outer layer; an intermediate layer comprising the layer of the insulating material; and an inner layer.

[0032] In some but not necessarily all examples, the outer layer comprises or substantially consists of at least one or more of: a woven material; an air permeable material; a biodegradable material; cotton; a water-repellent material; and wax.

[0033] In some but not necessarily all examples, the intermediate layer comprises or substantially consists of at least one or more of: wool; felted wool; a hygroscopic material; a non-woven material; an air permeable material; and a biodegradable material.

[0034] In some but not necessarily all examples, the inner layer comprises or substantially consists of at least one or more of: a woven material; an air permeable material; a plant-based material a biodegradable material; and cotton.

[0035] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cover is configurable to form at least one or more of: a cuboid shape, and a polyhedron shape.

[0036] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cover is configured to form a non-rectilinear shape.

[0037] In some but not necessarily all examples, one or more of the walls has a curved shape.

[0038] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cover is configured to protect and thermally manage at least one or more of: goods, palletized load, freight, palletised freight, food freight, pharmaceutical freight, a food trolley, a drinks trolley, and a service trolley.

[0039] In some but not necessarily all examples, there is provided a pallet cover, a container for freight, or a combination freight protection and insulation container comprising any of the above-described covers.

[0040] In the "Detailed Description” section below, various examples of the present disclosure are described that include features that can be features of any of the examples described in the foregoing portion of the 'Brief Summary’ section mutatis mutandis.

[0041] While the above examples and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples can comprise any or all of the features described in respect of other examples, and vice versa. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0044] FIG. 1A shows an example of a cover, in a closed configuration, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 1 B schematically illustrates the example cover of FIG. 1 A in an open configuration;

[0046] FIG. 2A shows a further example of a cover, in a closed configuration, in accordance with another example of the present disclosure; FIG. 2B schematically illustrates the example cover of FIG. 2A in an open configuration;

[0047] FIG. 3 shows a further example of a cover in accordance with another example of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a further example of a cover in accordance with another example of the present disclosure; and

[0049] FIG. 5 shows a further example of a cover in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

[0050] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

[0051] In the description and drawings, a reference number without a subscript (e.g. 123) can be used as a generic reference to a feature or class / set of features. A reference number with a subscript (e.g. 123_1 ) can be used as a specific reference, e.g. to differentiate different instances of a feature or class / set of features. A numerical type subscript index (e.g. 123_1 ) can be used to indicate a specific instance of a class / a member of a set; and a nonspecific instance of the class (member of the set) can be referenced using the reference number with a variable type subscript index (e.g. 123_i).

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] FIG. 1 A schematically illustrates an example of a cover 100 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0054] The example cover of FIG. 1 is a pallet cover for covering palletised load (not shown) such as freight or goods. In some examples, the freight or goods may comprise: food, pharmaceutical products, temperature sensitive or perishable items. In some examples, the cover is configured to cover non-palletized goods or freight, such as for example: a food trolley, a drinks trolley, and a service trolley (for instance such as on board aircraft and trains, or as may be used in hospitals, surgeries and care homes).

[0055] The cover comprises: opposing first 101 _1 and second 101 _2 side walls; opposing first 102_1 and second 102_2 end walls; and an upper wall 103.

[0056] In this regard, the cover comprises five faces and is defined by the abovementioned five walls (e.g. five wall members or panels) that are formable, when in a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 1 , a generally rectangular / cuboid shape having a downwardly facing opening 104, i.e. in effect an open ended box-like cover. , Each wall comprises a layered structure of materials comprising at least a layer of an insulating material (which may be natural or manmade). In some examples, the layered structure of materials comprises:

[0057] • an outer layer (which may comprises or substantially consists of at least one or more of: a woven material; an air permeable material; a biodegradable material; and cotton; a water-repellent material; and wax);

[0058] • an intermediate layer (which may comprises or substantially consists of at least one or more of: the insulating material; wool; felted wool; a hygroscopic material; a nonwoven material; an air permeable material; and a biodegradable material); and

[0059] • an inner layer (which may comprises or substantially consists of at least one or more of: a woven material; an air permeable material; a biodegradable material; and cotton).

[0060] The use of such a layered structure of materials for the walls advantageously enables the cover to provide both thermal insulation as well as protection / cushioning for the covered object(s). For instance, where the cover is configured to be a cover for palletized freight, the cover may thereby serve as a pallet cover or pallet blanket that provides both thermal management as well as protection to the palletized freight.

[0061] Each wall may be made of or defined by one or more flexible panels, e.g. one or more panels of the layered structure of materials.

[0062] In various examples, the walls (and panels) are flexible and may not be sufficiently rigid so as to be self-supporting.

[0063] Advantageously, forming the walls, and panels, from flexible materials enables a panel construction of the cover that can be designed in such a way as to be flat-packed for delivery in bulk to a client. In this regard, when the cover is used as a pallet cover, when the pallet cover is removed from palletised goods at a destination, the pallet cover can be flat packed and returned to the sender more efficiently and more economically, i.e. in 'closed loop’ distribution applications. The pallet cover may thereby provide a re-usable, and sustainable solution for 'closed loop’ distribution applications.

[0064] The first end wall 102_1 is integrally formed with the first side wall 101 _1 . In this regard, the first end wall is attached (i.e. fixedly / non-releasably attached) to the first side wall along the entire length of their shared / neighbouring edge 201 .

[0065] The first end wall 102_1 is also likewise integrally formed with the second side wall 101 _2, i.e. the first end wall is fixedly / non-releasably attached to the second side wall along the entire length of their shared / neighbouring edge 203. The upper wall 103 is integrally formed with the first end wall 102_1 , i.e. these walls are fixedly / non-releasably attached to each other along the entire length of their shared / neighbouring edge 202.

[0066] The upper wall 103 is also integrally formed with each of the first and second side walls 101 _1 and 101_2, i.e. these walls are fixedly / non-releasably attached to each other along the entire length of their respective shared / neighbouring edges 204 and 205.

[0067] However, with regards to the second end wall 102_2, rather than being fixedly / non- releasably attached to the first and second side walls 101 _1 and 101 _2, instead the second end wall 102_2 this is releasably connectable to the first and second side walls 101 _1 and 101 _2 at their respective shared / neighbouring edges 206 and 208. This thereby forms: a first closable slot, between the second end wall and the first side wall, that extends along the entire height of the second end wall, and a second closable slot, between the second end wall and the second side wall, that extends along the entire height of the second end wall.

[0068] The releasable connection may be effected via any suitable means, not least such first and second user operable fastening means 301 _1 and 301 _2 that extend along the entire height of the side wall (i.e. they extend along the entire length, from the bottom to the top, of the respective edges 206 and 208).

[0069] The releasable connection may be effected via for example: hook and loop fasteners, zip fasteners, snap fasteners, button fasteners, and magnetic fasteners.

[0070] It is to be appreciated that, as used herein, the term "integrally formed” may mean: formed as a single piece and / or a structural integration of separate components. For instance, the first end wall being integrally formed with the first side wall may mean that a wall member / panel for the first end wall is fixedly attached to a separate wall member / panel for the first side wall. In this regard, the first end wall and first side wall may be considered to be pre-formed together (e.g. sewing, stitching, adhesion, or otherwise fixedly / permanently attached).

[0071] In examples of the present disclosure, the second end wall is releasably connectable, i.e. detachably joined, to the side walls - thereby defining / forming an openable flap 402. Whereas the first end wall is integrally formed / fixedly attached (i.e. non-releasably connectable) to the side walls. As will be discussed further below and shown with respect to FIG. 1 B, this can facilitate a user handling, fitting and removing the cover.

[0072] FIG. 1 B, shows the cover of FIG. 1 A in an open configuration 100’.

[0073] In the open configuration, the second end wall 102_2 is released from the two side walls (i.e. has been disconnected from the respective shared / neighbouring edges) such that the second end wall can be moved with respect to the side walls (i.e. moved with respect to the respective shared / neighbouring edges). In this regard, the second end wall (or the one or more panels of the layered structure of materials) can be moved (i.e. rotated, pivoted, opened about the edge 207 so as to be flipped back onto the upper wall) so as to define an opening 403 at the second end of the cover.

[0074] The movable second end wall may thereby serve as an openable flap 402 for the cover. Accordingly, the cover can be considered to comprise: a main portion 401 , i.e.: the first end wall, the two side walls and the upper wall), and a flap portion 402, i.e.: the second end wall.

[0075] The open end 403 and the downwardly facing opening 104 advantageously facilitate the act of handling and fitting / applying the cover onto an object to be covered - in this instance palletised goods / freight 501 on a pallet 502. In this regard, in the open configuration, the open end 403 and the bottom opening 104 enable the cover to be readily slid onto / sheathed onto (as schematically represented by the arrow) the palletised goods / freight 501 .

[0076] In some examples (not shown) one or more walls or panels of the cover could be provided with one or more further closable flaps. In some examples (not shown) one or more walls or panels of the cover could be provided with one or more smaller closable flaps (i.e. wherein the closable flaps / associated closable slits do not extend along an entire length / height of a wall / panel). Such smaller flaps may be provided for allowing access for inspection of the covered goods or freight (N.B. slits do not extend along entire length / height of walls / panels.

[0077] FIGs. 2A and 2B show a further example of a cover, in each of a closed and an open configuration respectively, in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

[0078] The cover of FIG. 2A is the broadly same as illustrated in FIG. 1 A (hence the description provided with reference to FIGs. 1 A and 1 B are also relevant to FIGs. 2A and 2B) except that the closable slots and the user operable fastening means extend into the upper wall.

[0079] In the cover 100 of FIG. 1 A, the first closable slot 302_1 is provided just at the interface of the second end wall and the first side wall, i.e. it is provided just along the edge 206. Likewise, the second closable slot 302_2 is provided just at the interface of the second end wall and the second side wall, i.e. it is provided just along the edge 208. In this regard, effectively, the two closeable slots only extend along the vertical height of the two side (and the end) walls, i.e. the two closeable slots (and their associated user operable fastening means) extend along the entire length of the respective edges 206 and 208. Accordingly, likewise, the first and second user operable fastening means 301 _1 and 301 _2 only extend along the entire height of the side (and the end) walls.

[0080] However, in the cover 200 of FIG. 2A, the first closable slot further extends to a part of the interface of the first side wall and the upper wall. Likewise, a second closable slot further extends to a part of the interface of the second side wall and the upper wall. In this regard, effectively the two closeable slots not only extend along the entire height of the two side (and the end) walls, but they also extend partly along the length of the of the two side walls. Similarly, the first and second user operable fastening means 301 _1 and 301 _2 extend not only along the entire height of the side (and the end) walls but they also further extend along a part of the upper wall 103b.

[0081] In particular, in the cover 200 of FIG. 2A, the upper wall 103 is integrally formed with a first part of the first side wall 101 _1 , i.e. the upper wall is fixedly / non-releasably attached to the first side wall along just a first part 204a of the length of their shared / neighbouring edge 204. Similarly, the upper wall 103 is integrally formed with a first part of the second side wall 101 _2, i.e. the upper wall is fixedly / non-releasably attached to the second side wall along just a first part 205a of the length of their shared / neighbouring edge 205.

[0082] However, the upper wall 103 is releasably connectable to a second part of the first side wall 101 _1 , i.e. the upper wall is detachably coupled (via user operable fastening means) to the first side wall along a second / remaining part 204b of the length of their shared / neighbouring edge 204. Similarly, the upper wall 103 is releasably connectable to a second part of the second side wall 102_1 , i.e. the upper wall is detachably coupled (via user operable fastening means) to the second side wall along a second / remaining part 205b of the length of their shared / neighbouring edge 205.

[0083] In this regard, the cover 200 comprises: first user operable fastening means 301 _1 that extends 301 _1 a along an entire hight of the first side wall and further extends 301 _1 b along a second part of the upper wall 103b; and second user operable fastening means 301 _2 that extends 301 _2a along an entire hight of the second side wall and further extends 301 _2b along a second part of the upper wall 103b.

[0084] The first part of the upper wall 103a may be a majority part of the upper wall, e.g. > 50% of the upper wall, for example greater than one of: 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%. The second part of the upper wall 103b may be a minority part of the upper wall, e.g. < 50% of the upper wall, for example less than one of: 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%.

[0085] In some examples (not shown) the first part of the upper wall 103a may be a minority part of the upper wall, e.g. < 50% of the upper wall, for example less than one of: 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%. The second part of the upper wall 103b may be a majority part of the upper wall, e.g. > 50% of the upper wall, for example greater than one of: 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%.

[0086] In some examples (not shown) the upper wall is releasably connectable to the first and second end walls along its entire length (which could effectively be thought of as equating the second part of the upper wall 103b as being 100% of the upper wall). FIG. 2B, shows the cover 200 of FIG. 2A in an open configuration 200’.

[0087] Since the second end wall and the portion of the upper wall are both detachable from the side walls, they may serve as an openable flap 402 for the cover, wherein a first part 402a of the flap is defined by the second end wall, and a second part 402b of the flap is defined by the portion of the upper wall.

[0088] Accordingly, the cover can be considered to comprise: a main portion 401 (comprising: the first end wall, the two side walls and a first portion of the upper wall), and a flap portion (comprising: the second end wall and a second portion of the upper wall).

[0089] In the example cover of FIG 2, the cover is formed from four panels of the layered structure of materials: a first panel defining the first side wall 101 _1 ; a second panel defining the second side wall 101 _2, a third panel defining the first end wall 102_1 and a first part of the upper wall 103a, and a fourth panel defining the second end wall 102_2 and a second part of the upper wall 103b. wherein the respective shared / neighbouring edges are either fixedly attached or releasable coupled as described above.

[0090] In the examples covers 100 and 200 of FIGs 1 A to 2B, the covers are shown having a rectilinear shape, namely a cuboid shape. However, it is to be appreciated that the cover could have any suitable shape, e.g. so as to conform to a shape (and dimension) of the object(s) / goods to be covered. For instance, the cover (and its walls) could be configured to form a differing polyhedral shape and / or a non- rectilinear shape.

[0091] FIG. 3 shows a further example of a cover 300, in a closed configuration, in accordance with another example of the present disclosure. The cover 300 is the broadly similar to that of FIG. 2A (hence the description provided with reference to FIGs. 2A and 2B are also relevant to FIG. 3), except that the cover 300 has a non-rectilinear shape. In this regard, two of the walls (namely the first end wall 101 _1 and the second end wall 101 _2) are curved. Accordingly, the cover has a non-rectilinear cross sectional profile.

[0092] In some examples, the cover may be provided in a cylindrical format, e.g. for use in industrial, commercial, or domestic thermal insulating jacket applications.

[0093] FIG. 4 shows a further example of a cover 400, in a closed configuration, in accordance with another example of the present disclosure. The cover 400 is the broadly similar to that of FIG. 2A (hence the description provided with reference to FIGs. 2A and 2B are also relevant to FIG. 4), except with regards to the positioning of the closable slots 302, and their associated user operable fastening means 301 , that defines the openable flap portion 402.

[0094] In this regard, rather than the closable slots 302 and their associated user operable fastening means 301 being disposed at or on an edge / interface between walls, instead the closable slots and their associated user operable fastening means are offset from, i.e. spaced apart from by a separation distance, the edges. Consequently, rather than the entirety of the second end wall actually defining the openable flap 402 (as per the covers 100, 200 and 300), instead one may consider that, in effect, the flap 402 is comprised within the second wall of cover 400.

[0095] In particular, a first part 301 _1 a of a first user operable fastening means 301 _1 is disposed proximal to, but offset from (by a separation distance 410_1 ), the edge 206 shared between the second end wall and the first side wall 101 _1 . Similarly, the second part 301 _1 b of the first user operable fastening means is disposed proximal to, but offset from (by the separation distance 410_1 ), the edge portion 204_b shared between the upper wall and the first side wall 101 _1 . Likewise, a first part 301 _2a of a second user operable fastening means 301 _2 is disposed proximal to, but offset from (by a separation distance 410_2), the edge 208 shared between the second end wall and the second side wall 101 _2. Similarly, the second part 301 _2b of the second user operable fastening means is disposed proximal to, but offset from (by the separation distance 410_2), the edge portion 205_b shared between the upper wall and the first side wall 101 _1 .

[0096] The second end wall thereby comprises, two closable slots (and their associated user operable fastening means) that extend along the height of the second end wall parallel to, but spaced apart from the lateral edges of the second end wall. The two closable slots of the second end wall define a flap portion therebetween.

[0097] The separation distance 410, i.e. the offset / displacement away from a side edge of the second end wall, may be a distance that is for example greater than one of: 1 %, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, or 10% of the width of the second end wall. The separation distance 410 may be, for example, less than one of: 10%, 7.5%, 5%, 2.5%, or 1 % of the width of the second end wall. In some examples, for optimum efficacy, a minimum offset / displacement (i.e. zip offset / edge separation distance) could be 5% of the width of the second end wall. Whereas a maximum separation distance of 10% of the width of the second end wall may ensure that ease of inspection is not restricted.

[0098] Advantageously, the provision of the closable slots 302 and their associated user operable fastening means 301 offset from the edges avoids the user operable fastening means 301 being located at an exposed edge / extremity / corner of the cover, i.e. at a location on the coverthat would be susceptible to: impacts, knocks, bumps and being snagged and thereby reducing the risk of damage to the user operable fastening means 301 . This may thereby provide a cover that is more durable and resistant to damage. It is to be appreciated that such an offset positioning of the closable slots, i.e. a relation of the position of the user operable fastening means, could be applied to the covers 100, 200 and 300 of FIGs 1 A to 3.

[0099] FIG. 5 shows an example of a pallet cover or jacket 500 (similar to the cover 400 of FIG. 4). The pallet cover 500 is shown, in use in a closed configuration, covering a palletized load on a pallet.

[0100] The pallet cover comprises a main cover portion 401 , and a releasably closable flap portion 402 (comprising a first part 402a and a second part 402b). The flap portion is releasably closable, via user operable fastening means 301, to: side portions of the first ends walls (proximal to its side edges but not at its side edges), and side portions of a part of the upper wall (proximal to its side edges but not at its side edges).

[0101] Such releasable attachment effectively defines two closable slots, i.e. on either side of the flap 402.

[0102] In the particular example of FIG. 5, the walls of the pallet cover 500 are made of a layered structure comprising: an outer / external layer of 280gsm 100% cotton canvas (recycled yarn in weft) treated with a plant-based water repellent a middle layer of 600gsm pure felt wool; and an inner layer of 268gsm 100% cotton canvas (recycled yarn in weft).

[0103] The layers are quilted together using a 4 inch (10.16 cm) box. Naturally, other shapes and sizes of the quilted sections are possible.

[0104] It is appreciated that the above is merely one non-limiting example. Naturally, other dimensions, weights and densities of fabric / textiles may be used. The material and / or weight can be duly selection to achieve desired thermal insulation protection (e.g. longer / shorter periods of thermal insulation protection where required).

[0105] The pallet cover may provide protection to all kinds of freight movable from one site to another, including, without limitation, palletized freight in the form of food and pharmaceutical freight which may be at risk of physical damage and thermal degradation (for example when the freight is temporarily stored in the open at an airport and thus exposed to uncontrolled ambient temperature and weather conditions, and rough handling.

[0106] The pallet cover 500 is formed of four panels of the layered structure of materials: first and second panels ("side panels”) 511 , 512 defining the first and second side walls, a third panel ("back / top panel”) 513 defining both the first end wall and a first (majority) part of the upper wall, and a fourth panel ("front flap / end panel”) 514 defining the second end wall and a second (minority) part of the upper wall; wherein the respective shared / neighbouring edges of the panels are fixedly attached.

[0107] The ability to make the panel from just 4 panels facilitates the manufacture and fabrication of the cover, making the manufacture and fabrication faster and more efficient.

[0108] In other examples, panels may themselves be comprised of a selection of sub-panels of varying shapes and sizes, whereby to permit the construction, on site, of a closely fitting freight protection and thermal insulation cover / container for uniquely or unevenly shaped freight including, without limitation, various polygonal, cuboid or cylindrical shapes.

[0109] The end panel 514 includes slotted openings or slits that are closable via user operable fastening means 301 , e.g. zip fasteners, which collectively define therebetween the openable flap 402 by which to allow easier handling and quicker fitting of the cover, e.g. by a single person. The flap also allows easy access for Customs inspection.

[0110] The two zip fastenings extended along the end panel / flap and are positioned to operate vertically from the base of the end flap / panel up and beyond the top edge of the pallet cover. This may enable easier handling and faster fitting of the cover over palletised goods. This may also facilitate / enable a single person to perform the fitting action, thereby saving time and costs. Additionally, by extending the end panel zip fastenings to reach up, over and beyond the top edge of the pallet cover, this may also enable fuller and easier access to goods for customs inspection.

[0111] The corner edges of a pallet cover are the most susceptible to impacts, rough handling and loss of thermal insulation. By placing the zip fastenings inwards and away from the corners of the cover, this makes the fastenings less vulnerable to impact damage and subsequent reduction in thermal insulation integrity of the cover.

[0112] The present design and configuration of the location of the closable slots / fastenings to improve the durability of the pallet cover and hence its thermal insulation properties (i.e. reducing risk of damage to the fastener leading to a non-fully closed / sealed flap). Moreover, the offset positioning of the fastenings within the fourth panel 514, i.e. not at but spaced apart from the side edges of the fourth panel does not adversely affect, interfere with the manufacture and fabrication of the overall cover, i.e. with regards to attaching each of the panels together.

[0113] Each panel may comprise: an outer layer of cotton or similar plant material, preferably having an air permeable but water-resistant outer coating, a middle layer of sheep wool or similarly hygroscopic biodegradable material, and an inner layer of cotton or similar plant material.

[0114] Covers in accordance with the present disclosure may thereby provide a sustainable, reusable cover (e.g. made, as far as possible, from renewable and compostable natural materials). Thus, reducing packaging waste from single-use plastic alternatives that end up in landfill.

[0115] Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0116] Features described in the preceding description can be used in combinations otherthan the combinations explicitly described.

[0117] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions can be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0118] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features can also be present in other examples whether described or not. Accordingly, features described in relation to one example / aspect of the disclosure can include any or all of the features described in relation to another example / aspect of the disclosure, and vice versa, to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0119] Although various examples of the present disclosure have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the claims.

[0120] The term 'comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X can comprise only one Y or can comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one ...” or by using "consisting”.

[0121] The term "means” as used in the description and in the claims may refer to one or more individual elements configured to perform the corresponding recited functionality or functionalities, or it may refer to several elements that perform such functionality or functionalities. Furthermore, several functionalities recited in the claims may be performed by the same individual means or the same combination of means.

[0122] In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ’example’ or 'for example’, 'can’ or 'may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some or all other examples. Thus 'example’, 'for example’, 'can’ or 'may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class.

[0123] In this description, references to "a / an / the” [feature, element, component, means ...] are used with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning and are to be interpreted as "at least one” [feature, element, component, means ...] unless explicitly stated otherwise. That is any reference to X comprising a / the Y indicates that X can comprise only one Y or can comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a’ or 'the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one’ or 'one or more’ can be used to emphasise an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

[0124] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature (or combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0125] The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

[0126] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of examples of the present disclosure believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

[0127] The examples of the present disclosure and the accompanying claims can be suitably combined in any manner apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Separate references to an "example”, "in some examples” and / or the like in the description do not necessarily refer to the same example and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and / or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For instance, a feature, structure, or the like described in one example may also be included in other examples, but is not necessarily included. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. Further, while the claims herein are provided as comprising specific dependencies, it is contemplated that any claims can depend from any other claims and that to the extent that any alternative embodiments can result from combining, integrating, and / or omitting features of the various claims and / or changing dependencies of claims, any such alternative embodiments and their equivalents are also within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A cover comprising: opposing first and second side walls; opposing first and second end walls; and an upper wall; wherein each wall comprises a layered structure of materials comprising at least a layer of an insulating material; wherein the first end wall is integrally formed with the first and second side walls; wherein the upper wall is integrally formed with the first and second end walls; wherein the second end wall is releasably connectable to the first side wall and the second side wall; wherein a first part of the upper wall is integrally formed with a first part of the first and second side walls; and wherein a second part of the upper wall is releasably connectable with a second part of the first and second side walls.

2. The cover of any previous claim, wherein: the upper wall is integrally formed with the first part of the first side wall along a first part of their shared edge; and the upper wall is releasably connectable, via user operable fastening means, with the second part of the first side wall along a second part of their shared edge.

3. The cover of any previous claim, wherein: the upper wall is integrally formed with the first part of the second side wall along a first part of their shared edge; and the upper wall is releasably connectable, via user operable fastening means, with the second part the second side wall along a second part of their shared edge.

4. The cover of any previous claim, comprising: a main cover portion comprising: the first side wall, the second side wall, the first end wall, and the first part of the upper wall; and a flap portion comprising: the second end wall, and the second part of the upper wall.

5. The cover of any previous claim, wherein the cover is formed from a plurality of panels of the layered structure of materials, wherein the plurality of panels comprises or consists of:a first panel defining the first side wall; a second panel defining the second side wall, a third panel defining the first end wall and the first part of the upper wall, and a fourth panel defining the second end wall and the second part of the upper wall.

6. The cover of any previous claim, further comprising: first user operable fastening means for releasably connecting the second end wall to the first side wall; and / or second user operable fastening means for releasably connecting the second end wall to the second side wall.

7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the first and / or second user operable fastening means extend along an entire hight of the first side wall and / or the second side wall respectively.

8. The cover of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and / or second user operable fastening means further extend along the second part of the upper wall.

9. The cover of claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein: the first user operable fastening means is disposed proximal to, but offset from, an edge shared between the second end wall and the first side wall; and / or the second user operable fastening means is disposed proximal to, but offset from, an edge shared between the second end wall and the second side wall.

10. The cover of any previous claim, wherein the walls are made from at least one or more of: one or more flexible panels; and one or more panels of the layered structure of materials.

11. The cover of any previous claim, wherein the layered structure of materials comprises: an outer layer; an intermediate layer comprising the layer of the insulating material; and an inner layer.

12. The cover of claim 11 , wherein the outer layer comprises or substantially consists of at least one or more of: a woven material; an air permeable material; a biodegradable material; cotton; a water-repellent material; and wax.

13. The cover of claim 11 or 12, wherein the intermediate layer comprises or substantially consists of at least one or more of: wool; felted wool; a hygroscopic material; a non-woven material; an air permeable material; and a biodegradable material.

14. The cover of claim 11 , 12 or 13, wherein the inner layer comprises or substantially consists of at least one or more of: a woven material; an air permeable material; a plant-based material a biodegradable material; and cotton.

15. The cover of any previous claim, wherein the cover is configurable to form at least one or more of: a cuboid shape, and a polyhedron shape.

16. The cover of any of previous claims 1 to 14, wherein the cover is configured to form a non-rectilinear shape.

17. The cover of any of previous claims 1 to 14 and 16 wherein one or more of the walls has a curved shape.

18. The cover of any of previous claim, wherein the cover is configured to protect and thermally manage at least one or more of: goods, palletized load, freight, palletised freight, food freight, pharmaceutical freight, a food trolley, a drinks trolley, and a service trolley.

19. A pallet cover, a container for freight, or a combination freight protection and insulation container comprising the cover of any previous claim.

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