AU2019204624A1

AU2019204624A1 - Securing apparatus for a transport system

Info

Publication number: AU2019204624A1
Application number: AU2019204624A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Warren Howard Tosse
Original assignee: OUTWORK SERVICES Ltd
Current assignee: OUTWORK SERVICES Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-29
Filing date: 2019-06-28
Publication date: 2020-01-23

Abstract

James and Wells ref: 309498AU A securing apparatus 100 is provided for use in a reusable transport system 101. The securing apparatus 100 comprises a top cleat 1, an inflatable bladder 2 and a compressible abutment 5 member 3. The inflatable bladder 2 is in contact with the top cleat 1 and the abutment member 3 and the abutment member 3 is in contact with the items for transport. The transport system 101 may comprise a plurality of bottom cleats 13, support member(s) 14, side cleats 15 provided to the bottom cleats 13 and securing apparatus 100 connected to the side cleats 15. In use, the items for transport are placed on top of the bottom cleats 13 and between the side cleats 15. The securing 0 apparatus 100 is placed on top and the inflatable bladder 2 is inflated until the items for transport are secured under the securing apparatus 100 through contact with the abutment member 3. Figure 1

Description

SECURING APPARATUS FOR A TRANSPORT SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a securing apparatus for a transport system, and to a transport system including the apparatus. More specifically the present invention relates to a securing apparatus for a pallet system that can conform to the product being transported.

BACKGROUND ART

Goods often need to be transported from one location to another. When transporting a plurality of goods, for example products which have an elongate shape such as aluminium extrusions, it is often easier to use a pallet system.

It is important for the goods to be secure during transportation to ensure safety and avoid damage.

Pallet systems therefore need to be able to safely secure the goods. This can prove difficult when the goods comprise an outer or upper surface that is not uniform. Current pallet systems require a person to cut strips of polystyrene to fill any excess space between the pallet system and the goods. This can be a time-consuming process, and does not guarantee a constant pressure between the goods and the pallet system. In addition, the polystyrene used in this process often cannot be reused. As it cannot be recycled it is often thrown away into landfills. Polystyrene is harmful to the environment and is generally considered non-biodegradable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a securing apparatus for a transport system for transporting goods that addresses at least one of the aforementioned needs/problems.

It is an alternative object of the present invention to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, 25 although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an 30 exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.

James and Wells ref: 309498AU

2019204624 28 Jun 2019

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention a securing apparatus is provided for use in a transport system to transport one or more items, the securing apparatus comprising:

a top cleat;

an inflatable bladder connected to the cleat, the inflatable bladder having a first face and an opposite second face, wherein at least a portion of the first face is in contact with the top cleat and wherein the inflatable bladder is configured such that when the bladder is inflated, in use, a distance 0 between the first and second faces increases;

the apparatus further comprising at least one compressible abutment member having a first surface and an opposite second surface, wherein the first surface of the abutment member is adapted to contact the second face of the inflatable bladder and the second surface of the abutment member is adapted to contact the one or more items when in use.

Preferably the inflatable bladder comprises an inflation valve, wherein the inflation valve connects the inflatable bladder to the cleat.

Preferably the inflation valve is a quick release valve.

Preferably, the top cleat comprises aluminium.

Preferably, the inflatable bladder is connected to the top cleat by hook and loop fastener material.

Preferably, the first surface of the abutment member is connectable to the second face of the inflatable bladder.

Preferably, the abutment member is releasably connectable to the inflatable bladder.

Preferably, the abutment member is connectable to the inflatable bladder by hook and loop fastener material.

Preferably, the abutment member is resiliently compressible.

Preferably, the second surface of the abutment member comprises a plurality of slits.

James and Wells ref: 309498AU

2019204624 28 Jun 2019

Preferably, the abutment member is elongate and the slits are substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the abutment member.

Preferably, the abutment member is configured such that a central portion of the second surface is further from the first surface than an end portion of the second surface.

Preferably, the abutment member comprises a closed cell foam material.

Preferably, the first surface of the abutment member is smaller than the second face of the inflatable bladder.

Preferably, the abutment member comprises a bean bag.

According to a second aspect of the invention a transport system for use in transporting one or more 0 items is provided, the transport system comprising:

a plurality of bottom cleats;

at least one support member connected to the bottom cleats and configured to provide support for the one or more items;

at least one of the bottom cleats provided with a pair of side cleats; and at least one securing apparatus as described in the first aspect of the invention connected to the or each pair of side cleats.

Preferably, the transport system comprises additional side members to aid in securing the one or more items.

Preferably, the transport system comprises a box structure to aid in securing the one or more items.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of securing at least one item in a transport system, the method comprising the steps of:

i) connecting a plurality of bottom cleats of the transport system to at least one support member;

ii) placing the at least one item to be transported on the bottom cleats;

iii) connecting at least one pair of side cleats of the transport system to at least one of the bottom cleats;

James and Wells ref: 309498AU

2019204624 28 Jun 2019 iv) connecting a securing apparatus of the first aspect of the invention to one of the at least one pair of side cleats, such that a gap is provided between the second surface of the abutment member and the at least one item; and

v) inflating the inflation bladder, until the second surface of the abutment member contacts the at least one item and secures the at least one item.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of securing at least one item in a transport system, the method comprising the steps of:

ii) placing the at least one item to be transported on the bottom cleats;

iv) connecting a securing apparatus of the first aspect of the invention to one of the at least one pair of side cleats;

v) placing the at least one abutment member such that the second surface contacts the at least one item; and vi) inflating the inflation bladder, until the first surface of the abutment member contacts the second face of the inflation bladder and secures the at least one item.

Preferably, during inflation of the bladder, the bladder is inflated to a pre-determined pressure selected to suit the items being transported.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a securing apparatus according to a first aspect of the 25 invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the securing apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the securing apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the securing apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the securing apparatus of Figure 1;

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2019204624 28 Jun 2019

	Figure 6 shows a top view of the securing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a transport system according to a second aspect of the invention; Figures 8a to 8e show a construction sequence of a transport system according to a third
5	aspect of the invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the transport system of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a top view of the transport system of Figure 8; Figure 11 shows a front view of the transport system of Figure 8; Figure 12 shows a bottom view of the transport system of Figure 8;
0	Figure 13 shows a side view of the transport system of Figure 8; Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the transport system of Figure 8 through the plane A- A shown in Figure 11; Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a stack of the transport systems of Figure 8; Figure 16 shows an enlarged perspective view of one end of the stack indicated by box B in
5	Figure 15; Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the transport system of Figure 8 in a return configuration with the top cleats positioned to allow for easy return of the transport system to the point of supply; Figure 18 shows a close-up perspective view of one end of the transport system indicated by
20	box D in Figure 17; and Figure 19 shows a side view of a stack of the transport systems of Figure 17. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 1-6, a securing apparatus for securing items to a pallet according to an embodiment of the present invention is generally referenced by arrow 100.
25	As best seen in Figure 1, the apparatus comprises a top cleat 1, an inflatable bladder 2 connected to the top cleat 1, and a resiliently compressible abutment member 3 connected to the bladder 2.

James and Wells ref: 309498AU

2019204624 28 Jun 2019

The inflatable bladder 2 has a first face 4 which is in contact with the top cleat 1, and an opposite second face 5 which contacts a first surface 6 of the resiliently compressible abutment member 3.

An opposite second surface 7 of the abutment member 3 is adapted to contact the items being transported on the pallet. In preferred embodiments the abutment member is made from foam, more preferably closed cell foam such as polyethylene (PE) or ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) foams.

Preferably, the top cleat is made from a metal material, more preferably aluminium.

The abutment member 3 is preferably releasably connectable to the bladder 2, for example by one or more hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro™. In preferred embodiments a hook and loop fastener may be provided at opposite ends of the abutment member 3. The bladder 2 is also 0 preferably releasably connectable to the top cleat 1. The bladder 2 may be provided with one or more hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro™ to assist in securing the bladder 2 to the top cleat 1.

Similar to the abutment member 3, the hook and loop fastener may be provided at opposite ends of the bladder 2.

The inflatable bladder 2 is provided with an inflation valve 8. In preferred embodiments the body 9 of the inflation valve 8 extends through an aperture in the top cleat 1 and assists in securing the bladder 2 to the top cleat 1. The valve 8 is preferably a quick release valve to allow the bladder 2 to be depressurised quickly.

The bladder 2 is configured such that when it is inflated with pressurised air through the inflation valve 8, the space between the first 4 and second 5 faces increases. In some embodiments the 0 bladder 2 may also expand in other dimensions, although this expansion may be limited by the configuration of the bladder 2 and/or by other components such as end caps 10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6, the end caps 10 form part of the top cleat 1. As best seen in Figures 1 to 5, the second surface 7 of the abutment member 3 preferably comprises a plurality of slits 11. The slits 11 are preferably substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis L, as shown in Figure 2, of the abutment 25 member 3. The slits 11 effectively divide the abutment member 3 into a plurality of sub portions 12 which can deform independently of those sub portions 12 which are immediately adjacent. In this way the abutment member 3 is able to maintain a relatively uniform pressure on one or more items, even if those items present a relatively nonuniform upper surface.

In the embodiment shown the central portion of the second surface 7 of the abutment member 3 is 30 further from the first surface 6 than the end portions of the second surface 7 are from the first surface 6, that is the second surface 7 of abutment member 3 defines a convex curve in profile, as best seen in Figure 3.

James and Wells ref: 309498AU

2019204624 28 Jun 2019

Figure 7 shows a transport system, generally referenced by arrow 101, for use in transporting items.

The transport system 101 is in the form of a pallet. The transport system 101 comprises bottom cleats 13 as well as at least one (preferably two) support member(s) 14 connected to the bottom cleats 13 and configured to provide support for the items being transported. In the embodiment shown a pair of support members 14 are used, although only one support member 14 is visible.

The bottom cleats 13 are each provided with a pair of side cleats 15. The side cleats 15 limit sideways movement of the items as they are transported. The transport system 101 further comprises a securing apparatus 100 which is connected to a pair of side cleats 15. The securing apparatus 100 may be similar to the one described above and shown in Figures 1-6. The securing 0 apparatus 100 aids in securing the top of the items being transported. The transport system 101 preferably further comprises additional side members 16 which aid side cleats 15 in preventing sideways movement of the items as they are transported.

In Figure 7 the transport system 101 shows five bottom cleats 13 and five securing apparatuses 100 each connected by a pair of side cleats 15. In alternate embodiments the transport system 101 may 5 comprise a different number of bottom cleats 13 and securing apparatus 100 depending on the size and shape of the items being transported. In some embodiments not all bottom cleats 13 are provided with side cleats 15 and securing apparatus 100 (or alternative top cleats 1).

In the embodiment shown the end caps 10 may comprise apertures 17 at each end, as shown in Figure 4. The apertures 17 are configured to receive the side cleats 15. The apertures 17 may be 0 configured to receive timber side cleats 15 as used in transport systems of the prior art. The apertures 17 also enable the side cleats 15 to be any required length, as the attachment to the securing apparatus 100 is not affected by the length of the side cleats 15. This makes the transport system 101 more versatile and better adapted to transport objects of different sizes and various quantities.

The securing apparatus of the present invention is therefore configured to be used with multiple different transport systems, including the reusable system described above, a timber system as currently used or a semi-reusable system which combines elements of both. This may aid in transitioning users of existing timber based systems to a reusable system, such as that described in Figure 7, over time. It allows the securing apparatus to be introduced into the transportation chain first and used with existing systems before the entire reusable system is incorporated. In some cases a semi-reusable system may also be beneficial, for instance where it is not practical to return an

James and Wells ref: 309498AU

2019204624 28 Jun 2019 entire reusable system to the point of supply. In this situation the securing apparatus 100, top cleats 1, or bottom cleats 13 may be easily placed on a pallet for return to the factory or other such place.

An exemplary method of using the securing apparatus 100 in a transport system 101 is described below.

First, two or more bottom cleats 13 are connected to at least one support member 14. Side cleats 15 are then typically connected to at least one of the bottom cleats 13, although in some embodiments this may be done at a later stage.

The items to be transported are then positioned on the bottom cleats 13. Side cleats 15 are now connected to the bottom cleats 13, if this has not already been done. The securing apparatus 100 is 0 then connected to the side cleats 15. This can be done by attaching the top cleat 1 to the side cleats

15. When connected, a gap is left between the second surface 7 of the abutment member 3 and the items being transported. Preferably this gap is between 40-50mm. The bladder 2 is then inflated until the second surface 7 of the abutment member 3 bears on the items being transported with a required pressure. Preferably the bladder 2 is inflated to a pre-determined pressure selected to suit 5 the items being transported. This aids in ensuring that all portions of the items being transported are equally secured by the securing apparatus 100.

Referring to Figures 8 to 14, a transport system 101 according to a further embodiment is shown. Similar to the transport system 101 shown in Figure 7, the transport system 101 shown in the Figures comprises five bottom cleats 13 and five securing apparatuses 100 each connected by a pair 0 of side cleats 15. The transport system 101 also comprises two support members 14. The transport system 101 further comprises a box structure 19. The box structure 19 comprises a base 20, two long side walls 21, and two short side walls 22 creating an opening 23 which can receive items for transport. The base 20 of box structure 19 is configured to rest on support members 14 and the long sides 21 of the box structure 19 are configured to contact side cleats 15.

As in the embodiment shown, the box structure 19 may have a length equal to that of support members 14. The box structure 19 may have a height equal to the distance between bottom cleat 13 and top cleat 1. Box structure 19 aids in preventing movement of the items as they are transported.

Box structure 19 also makes it easier to transport smaller items, for instance items that have a length shorter than the distance between the two bottom cleats 13 which may be more difficult to 30 otherwise secure.

James and Wells ref: 309498AU

2019204624 28 Jun 2019

The box structure 19 may be formed from a rigid or a flexible material. In some embodiments the box structure 19 comprises a polyvinyl chloride material. Alternatively, the box structure 19 may comprise a lighter material, for instance waterproof tarpaulin, with a stiffening material attached to the long 21 and short 22 side walls. In some embodiments, the stiffening material may be stitched into the long 21 and short 22 side walls of the box structure 19. Currently, some boxes used in transport systems comprise a cardboard material which can get wet when loading and unloading the transport systems onto and off of trucks.

The transport system 101 may also comprise a product cover 24. Product cover 24 is supported by the long side walls 21 of the box structure 19. The product cover 24 is positioned between two 0 adjacent top cleats 1 and is sized to cover at least a portion of the opening 23 of box structure. The product cover 24 may be formed from a flexible or a rigid material. The product cover 24 may be formed from a substantially waterproof material. In some examples, the product cover 24 is formed from the same material as box structure 19.

When the box structure 19 is not in use it may be unfolded into a flattened state 19a such as that 5 shown in Figure 8a. The flattened box structure 19a may then be folded into a smaller size, for instance it may be folded four times into a quarter of the original size. The product cover 24 may then be used to enclose this folded box structure 19, for instance by wrapping around box structure

19. These can then easily be transported and then reused again when the transport system 101 is next used.

Figures 8a to 8e show a construction sequence of the transport system 101. Figure 8a shows a flattened box structure 19a. Figure 8b shows the constructed box structure 19 in which the long and short side wall portions have been folded upward to form an open box shape when in use. Figure 8c shows part of the transport system 101, with the bottom cleats 13 connected to side cleats 15 and support members 14. Figure 8d shows part of the transport system 101 with the box structure 19 placed between the side cleats 15 and on top of the bottom cleats 13 and support members 14. Figure 8e shows a transport system 101 with all the components present, i.e. the components of 8d with the securing apparatuses 100 connected to the side cleats 15 and the product covers 24 shown between the second and third securing apparatus and between the third and fourth securing apparatus.

Figure 14 shows a cross-section of the transport system 101 of the embodiment shown in Figures 813 with an alternative securing apparatus 100 to that shown in Figures 1 to 6.

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2019204624 28 Jun 2019

The embodiment shown in Figure 14 comprises a top cleat 1 and an inflatable bladder 2 connectable to the top cleat 1 by an inflation valve (not shown). In this embodiment the abutment member 3 is in contact with the bladder 2. In some embodiments the abutment member 3 may be connected to the bladder 2.

The abutment member 3 comprises a compressible material. In some embodiments the abutment member 3 is in the form of a bean bag, for example a sealable textile bag filled with beans or beads. Preferably the bag is filled such that when it is contacted by an item for transport it can deform such that the abutment member at least partially conforms to the shape of the item. In some examples the beans comprise a polystyrene material. Alternatively, the beans comprise a biodegradable material, for example bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) which can be made from corn starch.

In the embodiment shown, the first surface of the abutment member 3 is smaller than the second surface of the inflatable bladder 2. In the embodiment shown the abutment member 3 is located on one side of the bladder 2, in other embodiments there may be additional abutment members located in other positions under the bladder 2.

Figures 15 and 16 show a stack of transport systems 101 as shown in the embodiment in Figures 8 to

14. In the embodiment shown the bottom cleat 13 of one transport system is placed on top of the top cleat 1 of another transport system and so on to create a stack of transport systems. In the embodiment shown the top cleat 1 is shaped to assist in self-centering and preventing movement of the bottom cleat 13 that is positioned on top of it. In the embodiment shown top cleat 1 comprises sloped portions 25. When the bottom cleat 13 is placed on top of the top cleat 1, the sloping portions 25 will direct the bottom cleat 13 into its correct position in the centre of the top cleat 1. Sloping portions 25 may also assist in preventing movement of the bottom cleat 13 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transport system. In some embodiments (not shown) there may be other forms of connection between the transport systems 101 in the stack.

Figures 17 to 19 show the transport system 101 of Figures 8 to 14 in a configuration for when the transport system 101 is not in use, for example when the items have been transported to their destination and the transport system 101 is to be transported back to the point of supply to be reused.

The top cleats 1 of the transport system 101 may comprise grooves 26 which are configured to engage support members 14. The securing apparatus 100 can be removed from side cleats 15 and rotated to fit lengthwise between the bottom cleats 13. In the embodiment shown grooves 26 are provided on the sides of the top cleat 1 and clip around the side of support members 14. Positioning the securing apparatus 100 in this way allows for more compact transportation of the transport

James and Wells ref: 309498AU

2019204624 28 Jun 2019 system 101. It also enables the components of the transport system 101 to be transported together, rather than disassembling the securing apparatus 100 from the transport system 101 and transporting it back separately. Since the top cleats 1 fit between the support members 14 when in this configuration they do not take up any additional shipping space.

Figure 19 shows a side view of a stack of transport systems 101 as shown in the configuration in Figures 17 and 18. The bottom cleats 13 may comprise grooves 27 which are configured to engage the support members 14 and/or top cleats 1 of the transport system 101 positioned below it in the stack, as described in the Applicant's co-pending New Zealand Patent Application No. 739865, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The grooves 27 may fit over the support members 14 and/or a portion of the top cleats 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19 the bottom cleats 13 of the transport system 101 are offset horizontally along the longitudinal axis from the bottom cleats 13 of the transport systems 101 immediately above and below it in the stack. However, the bottom cleats 13 of every second transport system 101 in the stack are aligned horizontally along the longitudinal axis. This allows for a compact method of transporting the transport systems 101 when not in use.

A further exemplary method of using the securing apparatus 100 in a transport system 101 as shown in Figures 8 to 14 is described below.

First, two or more bottom cleats 13 are connected to at least one support member 14. Side cleats 15 are then typically connected to at least one of the bottom cleats 13, although in some embodiments 0 this may be done at a later stage.

The items to be transported are then positioned on the bottom cleats 13. Side cleats 15 are now connected to the bottom cleats 13, if this has not already been done. The top cleat 1 and inflatable bladder 2 of the securing apparatus 100 are then connected to the side cleats 15. This can be done by attaching the top cleat 1 to the side cleats 15. The abutment member 3, which may be in the form of a bean bag, may then be placed between the inflatable bladder 2 and the items to be transported such that the second surface 7 contacts the items. A gap is left between the first surface 6 of the abutment member 3 and the second face 5 of the inflatable bladder 2. Preferably this gap is between 40-50mm. The bladder 2 is then inflated until the second face 5 of the inflatable bladder 2 bears on the first surface 6 of the abutment member 3 with a required pressure. Preferably the bladder 2 is inflated to a pre-determined pressure selected to suit the items being transported. This aids in ensuring that all portions of the items being transported are equally secured by the securing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the abutment member is placed on top of the items to be

James and Wells ref: 309498AU

2019204624 28 Jun 2019 transported prior to connecting the top cleat 1 and inflatable bladder 2 of the securing apparatus

100 to the side cleats 15. In some embodiments a box structure 19 is positioned on top of the bottom cleats 13 and the items are positioned within the box structure 19 prior to the attachment of the top cleats 1.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations 0 of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the 0 scope thereof.

Claims

1. A securing apparatus for use in a transport system to transport one or more items, the securing apparatus comprising:

a top cleat;

5 an inflatable bladder connected to the cleat, the inflatable bladder having a first face and an opposite second face, wherein at least a portion of the first face is in contact with the top cleat, and wherein the inflatable bladder is configured such that when the bladder is inflated, in use, a distance between the first and second faces increases;

the apparatus further comprising at least one compressible abutment member

0 having a first surface and an opposite second surface, wherein the first surface of the abutment member is adapted to contact the second face of the inflatable bladder and the second surface of the abutment member is adapted to contact the one or more items when in use.

2. A securing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises an

5 inflation valve, wherein the inflation valve connects the inflatable bladder to the cleat.

3. A securing apparatus according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein the inflation valve is a quick release valve.

4. A securing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the top cleat comprises aluminium.

0 5. A securing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inflatable bladder is connected to the top cleat by hook and loop fastener material.

6. A securing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the abutment member is resiliently compressible.

7. A securing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second surface of

25 the abutment member comprises a plurality of slits.

8. A securing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the abutment member is elongate and the slits are substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the abutment member.

9. A securing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the abutment member is configured such that a central portion of the second surface is further from the first

30 surface than an end portion of the second surface.

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2019204624 28 Jun 2019

10. A securing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the abutment member comprises a closed cell foam material.

11. A securing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the abutment member comprises a bean bag.

5 12. A securing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first surface of the abutment member is smaller than the second face of the inflatable bladder.

13. A transport system for use in transporting one or more items, the transport system comprising:

a plurality of bottom cleats;

at least one of the bottom cleats provided with a pair of side cleats; and at least one securing apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, connected to the or each pair of side cleats.

5 14. A transport system according to claim 13, wherein the transport system further comprises additional side members to aid in securing the one or more items.

15. A transport system according to claim 13, wherein the transport system further comprises a box structure to aid in securing the one or more items.

16. A transport system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the top cleat further

0 comprises at least one groove configured to engage the at least one support member.

17. A method of securing at least one item in a transport system, the method comprising the steps of:

i. connecting a plurality of bottom cleats of the transport system to at least one support member;

25 ii. placing the at least one item to be transported on the bottom cleats;

ill. connecting at least one pair of side cleats of the transport system to at least one of the bottom cleats;

iv. connecting a securing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to one of the at least one pair of side cleats, such that a gap is provided between the second

30 surface of the abutment member and the at least one item; and

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2019204624 28 Jun 2019

v. inflating the inflation bladder, until the second surface of the abutment member contacts the at least one item and secures the at least one item.

18. A method of securing at least one item in a transport system, the method comprising the steps of:

ii. placing the at least one item to be transported on the bottom cleats;

iii. connecting at least one pair of side cleats of the transport system to at least one of the bottom cleats;

iv. connecting a securing apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, to one of the at least one pair of side cleats;

v. placing the at least one abutment member such that the second surface contacts the at least one item; and vi. inflating the inflation bladder, until the first surface of the abutment member contacts the second face of the inflation bladder and secures the at least one item.

19. A method of securing at least one item in a transport system according to either one of claims 17 or 18, wherein during inflation of the bladder the bladder is inflated to a predetermined pressure selected to suit the items being transported.