Pallet apparatus

Abstract

A pallet apparatus (10; 110) is provided which comprises a pallet body (12; 112) having a pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) and at least one support element (16; 116; 216; 316) engaged with the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314), the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) having an upper support surface (20; 120; 320) for supporting loads thereon and a lower support surface (30; 130; 330) in-use supportable by a forklift. There is also an elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) engaged with the pallet body (12; 112) and having a first end and a second end. A plurality of fasteners (38; 138; 238; 338) is used to fasten the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) to the pallet body (12; 112) at at least the first end and the second end so that the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) is fixed, resisting both tensile and compressive forces.

Description

[0001] Pallet Apparatus

[0002] The present invention relates to a pallet apparatus which has reinforcement members provided under tension to improve the load-bearing capacity thereof. The invention further relates to a pallet apparatus having interface plugs for assisting with the fastening of reinforcement members to the pallet. The invention further relates to a pallet apparatus having a modular skid configuration.

[0003] Pallets are used in a wide variety of industries for carrying loads thereon. Traditional pallets are formed from rough-sawn wood to form cost-effective platforms. However, wooden pallets are prone to chip, flake, and produce dust. Wooden pallets are also comparatively heavy, and are flammable.

[0004] Plastic pallets are also known; however, they do have relatively poor strength-to-weight ratios, and are prone to warping, particularly under rapid temperature changes and sustained loads. This can make plastic pallets difficult to use in automated warehousing systems. Furthermore, plastic materials are prone to sliding against one another unless grip pads are glued to their external surfaces.

[0005] Metal pallets can be used, but these are also quite heavy, and have the same propensity to slip and slide relative to one another when loaded as plastic pallets.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems by improving the strength of pallets, and in particular, plastic pallets, without significantly increasing the weight thereof.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pallet apparatus comprising: a pallet body having a pallet top and at least one support element engaged with the pallet top, the pallet top having an upper support surface for supporting loads thereon and a lower support surface in-use supportable by a forklift; an elongate reinforcement member engaged with the pallet body and having a first end and a second end; and a plurality of fasteners for fastening the elongate reinforcement member to the pallet body at at least the first end and the second end so that the elongate reinforcement member is fixed, resisting both tensile and compressive forces.

[0008] A pallet body can be reinforced to improve the resistance to a load applied thereto by the provision of an additional reinforcement member which is under tension when said load is applied, thus reducing the flexion of either the pallet top or the support element. This allows for the pallet apparatus to be used in higher load contexts than may currently be viable. The connection of the elongate reinforcement members at either end thereof with fasteners provides this tensioning effect. Optionally, the elongate reinforcement member may be further fastened using a said fastener at an intermediate fastening position between the first end and the second end.

[0009] Additional fastening of the elongate reinforcement member provides additional points between which parts of the reinforcement member may be in tension, resisting loading.

[0010] Preferably, the elongate reinforcement member may comprise a reinforcement span and a plurality of fastener connection elements.

[0011] Alternation of fastener connection elements and reinforcement spans provide, respectively, more points at which fasteners can be engaged, and individual portions of the elongate reinforcement member which can be in tension.

[0012] Each of the plurality of fastener connection elements may be or substantially be planar.

[0013] Planarity of the fastener connection elements allows them to firstly abut other planar surfaces, such as the underside of the support element, and thereby act akin to a washer where a nut for a fastener is used. Additionally, having a flat fastener connection element may allow for the interlocking of cross-pieces of the pallet apparatus, allowing for greater reinforcement to be applied.

[0014] Preferably, each of the plurality of fasteners may comprise a screw-threaded fastener.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of fasteners may comprise an interface plug engagable with the pallet body.

[0016] An interface plug may be designed as an engagement means which can be inserted into a pallet top without creating any proud components that would inhibit stacking of objects onto the pallet apparatus once assembled.

[0017] Optionally, the pallet top may comprise at least one receiver in the upper support surface, the interface plugs being receivably engagable in the or each receiver.

[0018] Complementary receivers may assist with easy location of the interface plugs into the pallet apparatus, simplifying assembly.

[0019] Each interface plug may have a tapered outer surface to spread an applied load laterally within the receiver.

[0020] The tapering of the interface plug may improve load distribution and inhibit dislocation of the fasteners from the pallet top. The lateral load distribution also means that load is transferred through the pallet top and / or elongate reinforcement members, rather than through the bolts themselves. Preferably, the pallet top and the at least one support element may be modularly engagable with one another.

[0021] It may be desirable, for ease of moulding of plastics components, to modularise the pallet body.

[0022] Optionally, the plurality of fasteners may interconnect the pallet top and the at least one support element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pallet body may be formed from a plastics material, and the elongate reinforcement member may be formed from a metal material.

[0024] A desirable result of the present invention is that a plastics pallet body can be manufactured, so as to be lightweight, whilst imparting the strength associated with a metal framework without significantly increasing the weight.

[0025] Optionally, the elongate reinforcement member may be provided at or adjacent to the pallet top.

[0026] Preferably, the elongate reinforcement member may be provided at or adjacent to the at least one support element.

[0027] Positioning the elongate reinforcement member at the pallet top will improve load bearing capability from the top of the pallet apparatus, whereas positioning at the support elements may improve load bearing capability from the other direction.

[0028] A plurality of said elongate reinforcement members may be provided, and at least some elongate reinforcement elements of the said plurality of elongate reinforcement elements are parallel with one another.

[0029] In many circumstances, it will be sufficient to reinforce the pallet apparatus only in the long direction, where there is the greatest risk of buckling of the pallet top under load.

[0030] Additionally, or alternatively, a plurality of said elongate reinforcement members may be provided, and at least some elongate reinforcement elements of the said plurality of elongate reinforcement elements are perpendicular to one another.

[0031] In other circumstance, it may be necessary, particularly for square pallets, to provide reinforcement in both directions in order to create a fully strengthened pallet.

[0032] Preferably, the parallel said elongate reinforcement members of the said plurality of elongate reinforcement elements may interlock or interengage with the perpendicular said elongate reinforcement members of the said plurality of elongate reinforcement elements. The ability to interlock the elongate reinforcement members allows for the creation of a full grid of reinforcement for the pallet, thereby making a strong plane in which the reinforcement members sit.

[0033] Optionally, a first said elongate reinforcement member may be provided at or adjacent to the pallet top, a second said elongate reinforcement member may be provided at or adjacent to the at least one support element, and the first and second elongate reinforcement members then form a figure-of-eight shape with the plurality of fasteners engaged therewith in a vertical plane through the pallet body.

[0034] A figure-of-eight shape has the advantage of providing reinforcement of the pallet apparatus in a vertical plane, meaning that the pallet is capable of resisting load in multiple directions.

[0035] The pallet apparatus may further comprise an anti-slip element engaged with the elongate reinforcement member formed from a material having a higher co-efficient of friction than that of the elongate reinforcement member.

[0036] In many arrangements, the elongate reinforcement member may be at or adjacent to a top or bottom surface of the pallet apparatus, and therefore will be in contact with the ground, other pallets, or objects to be loaded onto the pallet. The provision of anti-slip material at one of these surfaces inhibits slippage of the pallet or objects thereon, improving stacking using such a pallet.

[0037] Preferably, the anti-slip element may be provided as a collar receivable on the elongate reinforcement member.

[0038] A collar receivable around the elongate reinforcement member is a means of creating anti-slip characteristics for the elongate reinforcement member without necessarily having form the elongate reinforcement member from such a material or otherwise integrate anti-slip material with a stronger material.

[0039] Optionally, the pallet body may comprise at least one locator with which the anti-slip element is complementarily engagable to locate the elongate reinforcement member in position.

[0040] Since the anti-slip collar increases the width of the elongate reinforcement member, it provides a natural part of the apparatus which can slot into a locator, particularly as the anti-slip material is likely to be resilient and therefore well suited to an interference type fit.

[0041] The at least one support element may comprise a plurality of longitudinal support elements which extend along a length of the pallet top, and a plurality of lateral support elements which extend along a width of the pallet top, wherein the plurality of longitudinal support elements and the plurality of lateral support elements are modularly engagable with one another. Forming a criss-cross arrangement of support elements provides not only reinforcement of the base of the apparatus, but also provides additional anchoring positions for elongate reinforcement members.

[0042] In one alternative arrangement, the pallet top and the at least one support element may be integrally formed with one another.

[0043] Whilst the modular arrangement of pallet top and support elements may have some manufacturing benefits, unitary components are widely used in the art. The present invention still has applicability to such arrangements.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pallet apparatus comprising: a pallet body having a pallet top and at least one support element engaged with the pallet top, the pallet top having an upper support surface for supporting loads thereon and a lower support surface in-use supportable by a forklift; an elongate reinforcement member engaged with the pallet body; and at least one fastener for fastening the elongate reinforcement member to the pallet body; wherein the at least one fastener comprises a primary fastener and an interface plug engagable with the pallet body, wherein the pallet top comprises at least one receiver in the upper support surface, the interface plugs being receivably engagable in the or each receiver, and wherein each interface plug has a tapered outer surface to spread an applied load laterally within the receiver.

[0045] The use of tapered interface plugs for connecting a pallet top to a support element has the advantage of load spreading so that the bolt, that is, the primary fastener, of the fastener does not have lateral loads applied through its length which may create points of weakness.

[0046] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a pallet apparatus comprising: a pallet body having a pallet top and at least one support element engaged with the pallet top, the pallet top having an upper support surface for supporting loads thereon and a lower support surface in-use supportable by a forklift; wherein the at least one support element comprises a plurality of longitudinal support elements which extend along a length of the pallet top, and a plurality of lateral support elements which extend along a width of the pallet top, wherein the plurality of longitudinal support elements and the plurality of lateral support elements are modularly engagable with one another.

[0047] The provision of a modular apparatus in which pallets can be constructed with and without lateral supports allows for a core set of components to be used regardless of which type of pallet is to be assembled. This allows for cross-jurisdictional use of the pallet apparatus, where different loading requirements may be applicable. The pallet apparatus may further comprise a plurality of elongate reinforcement members engaged with the pallet body and having a first end and a second end; and a plurality of fasteners for fastening the elongate reinforcement members to the pallet body at at least the first end and the second end.

[0048] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 shows an isometric representation from above of a first embodiment of a pallet apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0050] Figure 2 shows an isometric representation from below of the pallet apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric representation from above of the pallet apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0052] Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric representation from below of the pallet apparatus of Figure 3;

[0053] Figure 5 shows a plan view of the pallet apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0054] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional representation of the pallet apparatus of Figure 5 taken along line E-E;

[0055] Figure 7 shows an annotated representation of Figure 6;

[0056] Figure 8 shows an enlarged representation of the region indicated in dashed box X in Figure 6;

[0057] Figure 9 shows an isometric representation of the elongate reinforcement member of the pallet apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0058] Figure 10 shows an enlarged isometric representation of the region indicated in dashed box Y in Figure 2;

[0059] Figure 11 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional representation of the pallet apparatus shown in Figure 10, taken along a plane passing through a central axis of the elongate reinforcement member;

[0060] Figure 12 shows an exploded isometric representation from above of a second embodiment of a pallet apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 13 shows an exploded isometric representation from above of a third embodiment of a pallet apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0061] Figure 14 shows an exploded isometric representation from below of the pallet apparatus of Figure 13;

[0062] Figure 15 shows a view from below of the pallet apparatus of Figure 14;

[0063] Figure 16 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional representation of the pallet apparatus shown in Figure 15, taken along a plane passing through a central axis of one of the longitudinal elongate reinforcement members; and

[0064] Figure 17 shows an isometric representation from above of a fourth embodiment of a pallet apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0065] Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a pallet apparatus, referenced globally at 10, which is suitable for being supported by a forklift when loads are carried thereon.

[0066] The pallet apparatus 10 comprises a pallet body 12 having a pallet top 14 and at least one support element 16, here in the form of three skids which are aligned along a length of the pallet top 14 and uniformly spaced apart from one another to create a stable base for the pallet body 12.

[0067] The pallet top 14 is provided as a unitary component having at least one receiver 18 in an upper support surface 20 thereof. In the embodiment shown, the pallet top 14 is rectangular, having a long side 22 and a short side 24, which is more common for European style pallets. A square or more square pallet top could also be considered, that is, where the long side and short side have similar lengths, which is more common for US style pallets.

[0068] The receivers 18 here are provided to align with legs 26 of the support elements 16 for interengagement of the pallet top 14 and the support elements 16.

[0069] The support elements 16 are formed having a base platform 28 which interconnects the legs 26, of which each support element 16 here has three. This creates two voids within which the forks of a forklift can enter for lifting the pallet apparatus 10 in use, by contacting a lower support surface 30 of the pallet top 14. Similarly, the spacing between the support elements 16 themselves provides for access for said forks from the short side 24 of the pallet top 12.

[0070] It is anticipated that each of the pallet top 14 and the support elements 16 are formed from plastics material, for instance, being moulded as individual plastics components. It will however be possible to produce a unitary pallet body 12 from a plastics material, in which case, the following use of elongate reinforcement members 32 is merely for reinforcement, rather than connection of the pallet top 14 and support elements 16. It will be appreciated, however, that it is not necessary for the pallet to be formed from plastics material. For instance, it may be entirely possible to form the pallet top 14 and / or support elements 16 out of metal.

[0071] Figures 3 and 4 show how the pallet body 12 is assembled. Received within the base platform 28 of each support element 16 is an elongate reinforcement member 32, here in the form of a metal bar which is or is substantially the same length as the base platform 28.

[0072] The support elements 16 have a complementarily-shaped top 34 to each leg 26 for a counterpart region 36 of the lower support surface 30 of the pallet top 14. Here, this is provided as a castellated top 34 which fits into a complementary recess of the counterpart region 36. This correctly aligns the support elements 16 with the receivers 18 of the pallet top 14.

[0073] Fasteners 38 are then provided which interconnects the pallet top 14 and support element 16. Each fastener 38 here comprises a screw-threaded fastener, in the form of an elongate bolt 40 and an interface plug 42 which locates into a receiver 18 of the pallet top 14.

[0074] The interface plug 42 provides the retaining force on the pallet top 14, whilst the elongate bolt 40 engages with the elongate reinforcement member 32, either via a nut, or by threadingly engaging with an internal thread of the elongate reinforcement member 32, as depicted.

[0075] This connection can be seen in more detail in Figures 5 and 6. When assembled, the elongate reinforcement member 32 is received within a depth of the base platform 28 of the support element 16, with only anti-slip portions 44 thereof being positioned proud of the base platform 28 thereby acting as feet.

[0076] The elongate bolt 40 extends through a receiving channel 46 through the leg 26 of the support element 16 to thereby ensure correct alignment between the pallet top 14, support element 16, and elongate reinforcement member 32. Additional receiving channels 46 through the leg 26 can be seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6, which may allow for additional reinforcement as desired.

[0077] The elongate reinforcement member 32 comprises a plurality of fastener connection elements 48, and at least one reinforcement span 50, illustrated in detail in Figure 9. In the arrangement shown, each elongate reinforcement member 32 comprises two reinforcement spans 50 and three fastener connection elements 48, alternating along the length of the elongate reinforcement member 32.

[0078] Figure 7 shows the result of the reinforcement of the pallet apparatus 10. There is a metal elongate reinforcement member 32 extending along the majority of the length of each of the support elements 16. Through each leg 26 of the support element 16 there is the elongate bolt 40, which connects the elongate reinforcement member 32 to the pallet top 14. The elongate reinforcement member 32, pallet top 14, and fasteners 38 thus collectively form a figure-of-eight shape in an in-use vertical plane of the pallet apparatus 10. Preferably, the figure- of-eight shape is at least in part formed from metal. This figure-of-eight shape is indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 7.

[0079] The reinforcement of the pallet apparatus 10 is primarily achieved by the fact that the elongate reinforcement member 32 is anchored at a first end 52 and a second end 54 thereof, and more preferably at the end of each reinforcement span 50 thereof. Where this anchoring has been provided, a load applied from below, that is, from the direction of the base platform 28 of the support element 16 will cause the reinforcement member 32 to be in tension, resisting buckling of the support element 16.

[0080] Figure 8 shows the clamping effect at the pallet top 14. The interface plug 42 fits into one of the receivers 18 of the pallet top 14, and the head 56 of the elongate bolt 40 clamps the interface plug 42 into place by applying a downward force.

[0081] The clamping effect is improved by creating an interference fit between the interface plug 42 and the receiver 18. Here, this is provided by having tapered walls 58 of the interface plug 42 so as to urge against the walls 60 of the receiver 18 when the clamping force is applied by the elongate bolt 40. The walls 60 of the receiver 18 may have a counterpart taper to the tapered walls 58 of the interface plug 42 to improve the interference fit.

[0082] Figure 9 shows in detail the structure of the elongate reinforcement member 32. In the depicted arrangement, the elongate reinforcement member 32 is formed from a rectilinear bar which has been compressed at the first end 52, the second end 54, and in the middle 62 to form the three fastener connection elements 48. These take the form of planar or substantially planar plates, each having a threaded aperture 64 therein to receive the elongate bolt 40 in use. The compression process is what provides the fastener connection elements 48 with the characteristic arcuate side 66; it will be appreciated that the shape of the elongate reinforcement member 32 can be formed by other means, such as welding, which will eliminate this shape. In practice, however, welding might be more likely used to weld threaded rods to the elongate reinforcement member 32, to eliminate the use of one set of fasteners.

[0083] The rectilinear bar is preferably hollow so that the compression process can be performed without difficulty, when forming the fastener connection elements 48. This also has the advantage of reducing the weight of the elongate reinforcement member 32.

[0084] The elongate reinforcement member 32 may also be provided having at least one anti-slip element 68 engaged with the elongate reinforcement member 32 which is formed from a material having a higher co-efficient of friction than that of the elongate reinforcement member 32. There are four anti-slip collars on the elongate reinforcement member 32 illustrated, formed, for instance, from an elastomeric material which allows it to be stretched onto the elongate reinforcement member 32 whilst also retaining its longitudinal position by friction. The anti-slip elements 68 thus form the anti-slip portions 44 in the assembled pallet apparatus 10.

[0085] Figures 10 and 11 show the elongate reinforcement member 32 in situ within the support element 16. Within the leg 26, there is a locator 70 sized to accommodate the anti-slip element 68 when inserted therein. The fit of the anti-slip element 68 within the locator 70 may be sized to form an interference fit to inhibit movement of the elongate reinforcement member 32. This is further improved once the elongate bolt 40 is connected to the fastener connection element 48. In particular, Figure 11 shows how the plate-like surface of the fastener connection element 48 allows for flush seating of the elongate reinforcement member 32 within the leg 26 of the support element 16.

[0086] A second embodiment of pallet apparatus is shown in Figure 12, referenced at 110. Identical or similar features to the first embodiment will be described using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

[0087] The support elements 116 are identical to those in the first embodiment, as are the lower elongate reinforcement members 1321, as are the elongate bolts 140 of the fasteners 138.

[0088] However, the upper support surface 120 of the pallet top 114 has at least one seating channel 172 for receiving upper elongate reinforcement members 132u, with the seating channels 172 being dimensioned to flushly receive the upper elongate reinforcement members 132u therein. Again, there may be anti-slip elements 168 on the upper elongate reinforcement members 132u to form anti-slip portions on the upper support surface 120.

[0089] The provision of the upper elongate reinforcement members 132u may obviate the need for interference plugs, with the fastener connection elements 148 forming washer-like structures within the seating channels 172.

[0090] A complete figure-of-eight structure is formed along each support element 116 in the longitudinal direction of the pallet body 112, and unlike the first embodiment, the figure-of-eight shape is entirely metal. A fully metal figure-of-eight shape will be achieved where the pallet top 114 is formed from metal as well. This provides excellent reinforcement, as the reinforcement spans 150 will be under tension regardless of whether a load is applied from above or below.

[0091] The seating channels 172 are illustrated as being positioned in the upper support surface 120 of the pallet top 114. However, they could just as easily be positioned on the lower support surface 130 or on the tops of the support elements 116, so as to sit between the pallet top 114 and the support elements 116. A third embodiment of pallet apparatus is shown in Figures 13 to 16, referenced at 210. Identical or similar features to the first and second embodiment will be described using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

[0092] The third embodiment of the pallet apparatus 210 is essentially the same as the second embodiment; the pallet top 214, longitudinal support elements 216’, upper and lower longitudinal reinforcement members 232u’, 232I’, and fasteners 238, with the upper longitudinal reinforcement members 232u’ being received in seating channels 272.

[0093] However, there are additional lateral support elements 216” which bridge the longitudinal support elements 216’ at or adjacent to the legs 226 thereof, thereby forming a cross-beam base platform 228” which is flush with the base platform 228’ of the other longitudinal support elements 216’. The longitudinal support elements 216’ include recesses at or adjacent to the legs 226 for accommodating the height of the lateral support elements 216”.

[0094] The lateral support elements 216” can thus be connected to the longitudinal support elements 216’ to improve rigidity of the pallet apparatus 210.

[0095] Furthermore, there may be provided, as shown, lower lateral reinforcement members 232I” which are received within the height of the lateral support elements 216” to perform cross bracing of the base reinforcement structure. This can be best seen in Figures 15 and 16.

[0096] Each lower lateral reinforcement member 232I” has a plurality of fastener connection elements 248” and at least one reinforcement span 250”, with the fastener connection elements 248” again having apertures 264, threaded or otherwise, to engage with the elongate bolts 240 of the fasteners 238.

[0097] The shape of the lower lateral reinforcement members 232I” is such that the fastener connection elements 248” interlock or interengage with the lower longitudinal reinforcement members 232I’. The characteristic shape of the fastener connection elements 248’ of the lower longitudinal reinforcement members 232I’ is actually correctly shaped to match a shape of an upper surface 274 of the lower lateral reinforcement member 232I” .

[0098] A fourth embodiment of pallet apparatus is shown in Figure 17, referenced at 310. Identical or similar features to the first and second embodiment will be described using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

[0099] The fourth embodiment is essentially an extension of the second embodiment; there is a pallet top 314, longitudinal support elements 316, upper longitudinal reinforcement members 332u’, and fasteners 338. There are longitudinal seating channels 372’ positioned in the upper support surface 320 of the pallet top 314. Again, these could just as easily be positioned on the lower support surface 330 or on the tops of the longitudinal support elements 316, so as to sit between the pallet top 314 and the longitudinal support elements 316.

[0100] There are also lateral seating channels 372” positioned in the upper support surface 320 within which upper lateral reinforcement members 332u” are located. Said upper lateral reinforcement members 332u” interlock or interengage with the upper longitudinal reinforcement members 332u’ in a grid pattern. As such, the longitudinal seating channels 372’ and lateral seating channels 372” also together form a grid pattern on the upper support surface 320.

[0101] Whilst not shown, this embodiment of pallet apparatus 310 may have lower longitudinal reinforcement members and / or lower lateral reinforcement members, as defined in the previous embodiments.

[0102] It is therefore possible to improve the strength of a pallet apparatus, particularly one formed predominantly from a plastics material, by the incorporation of a reinforcement framework, preferably formed from metal. This improves the load-bearing capability of the pallet by ensuring that the reinforcement members are under tension wherever an applicable load is applied. This can be used to improve load-bearing capability both on the top of the pallet, and on the bottom of the pallet, which may be of more importance during stacking of pallets.

[0103] The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0104] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0105] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A pallet apparatus (10; 110) comprising: a pallet body (12; 112) having a pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) and at least one support element (16; 116; 216; 316) engaged with the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314), the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) having an upper support surface (20; 120; 320) for supporting loads thereon and a lower support surface (30; 130; 330) in-use supportable by a forklift; an elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) engaged with the pallet body (12; 112) and having a first end and a second end; and a plurality of fasteners (38; 138; 238; 338) for fastening the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) to the pallet body (12; 112) at at least the first end and the second end so that the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) is fixed, resisting both tensile and compressive forces.

2. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) is further fastened using a said fastener (38; 138; 238; 338) at an intermediate fastening position between the first end and the second end.

3. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) comprises a reinforcement span (50; 150; 250”) and a plurality of fastener connection elements (48; 148; 248”).

4. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of fastener connection elements (48; 148; 248”) is or is substantially planar.

5. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of fasteners (38; 138; 238; 338) comprises a screw-threaded fastener.

6. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of fasteners (38; 138; 238; 338) comprises an interface plug (42) engagable with the pallet body (12; 112).

7. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) comprises at least one receiver (18) in the upper support surface (20; 120; 320), the interface plugs (42) being receivably engagable in the or each receiver (18).

8. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 7, wherein each interface plug (42) has a tapered outer surface (58) to spread an applied load laterally within the receiver (18).

9. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) and the at least one support element (16; 116; 216; 316) are modularly engagable with one another.

10. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of fasteners (38; 138; 238; 338) interconnect the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) and the at least one support element (16; 116; 216; 316).

11. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pallet body (12; 112) is formed from a plastics material, and the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) is formed from a metal material.

12. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) is provided at or adjacent to the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314).

13. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) is provided at or adjacent to the at least one support element (16; 116; 216; 316).

14. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of said elongate reinforcement members (32; 132; 232; 332) is provided, and at least some elongate reinforcement elements of the said plurality of elongate reinforcement elements are parallel with one another.

15. A pallet apparatus (210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of said elongate reinforcement members (232; 332) is provided, and at least some elongate reinforcement elements of the said plurality of elongate reinforcement elements are perpendicular to one another.

16. A pallet apparatus (210; 310) as claimed in claim 15 when dependent on claim 14, wherein the parallel said elongate reinforcement members (232; 332) of the said plurality of elongate reinforcement elements interlock or interengage with the perpendicular said elongate reinforcement members (232; 332) of the said plurality of elongate reinforcement elements.

17. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first said elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) is provided at or adjacent to the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314), a second said elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) is provided at or adjacent to the at least one support element (16; 116; 216; 316), and the first and second elongate reinforcement members (32; 132; 232; 332) form a figure-of-eight shape with the plurality of fasteners (38; 138; 238; 338) engaged therewith in a vertical plane through the pallet body (12; 112).

18. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an anti-slip element (68; 168) engaged with the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) formed from a material having a higher co-efficient of friction than that of the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332).

19. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the antislip element (68; 168) is provided as a collar receivable on the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332).

20. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the pallet body (12; 112) comprises at least one locator (70) with which the antislip element (68; 168) is complementarily engagable to locate the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) in position.

21. A pallet apparatus (210) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support element (216) comprises a plurality of longitudinalsupport elements (216’) which extend along a length of the pallet top (214), and a plurality of lateral support elements (216”) which extend along a width of the pallet top (214), wherein the plurality of longitudinal support elements (216’) and the plurality of lateral support elements (216”) are modularly engagable with one another.

22. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) and the at least one support element (16; 116; 216; 316) are integrally formed with one another.

23. A pallet apparatus (10; 110; 210; 310) comprising: a pallet body (12; 112) having a pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) and at least one support element (16; 116; 216; 316) engaged with the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314), the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) having an upper support surface (20; 120; 320) for supporting loads thereon and a lower support surface (30; 130; 330) in-use supportable by a forklift; an elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) engaged with the pallet body (12; 112); and at least one fastener (38; 138; 238; 338) for fastening the elongate reinforcement member (32; 132; 232; 332) to the pallet body (12; 112); wherein the at least one fastener (38; 138; 238; 338) comprises a primary fastener and an interface plug (42) engagable with the pallet body (12; 112), wherein the pallet top (14; 114; 214; 314) comprises at least one receiver (18) in the upper support surface (20; 120; 320), the interface plugs (42) being receivably engagable in the or each receiver (18), and wherein each interface plug (42) has a tapered outer surface (58) to spread an applied load laterally within the receiver (18).

24. A pallet apparatus (210) comprising: a pallet body having a pallet top (214) and at least one support element (216) engaged with the pallet top (214), the pallet top (214) having an upper support surface for supporting loads thereon and a lower support surface in-use supportable by a forklift;wherein the at least one support element (216) comprises a plurality of longitudinal support elements (216’) which extend along a length of the pallet top (214), and a plurality of lateral support elements (216”) which extend along a width of the pallet top (214; 314), wherein the plurality of longitudinal support elements (216’) and the plurality of lateral support elements (216”) are modularly engagable with one another.

25. A pallet apparatus (210) as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a plurality of elongate reinforcement members (232) engaged with the pallet body and having a first end and a second end; and a plurality of fasteners (238) for fastening the elongate reinforcement members (232) to the pallet body at at least the first end and the second end.

Images