AU2022209297A1

AU2022209297A1 - Pallet Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2022209297A1
Application number: AU2022209297A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Raymond Philip Eade
Original assignee: Menzies Gareth William
Current assignee: Menzies Gareth William
Priority date: 2022-07-28
Filing date: 2022-07-28
Publication date: 2024-02-15

Abstract

A pallet assembly for transporting generally cylindrical loads having one or more curved outer surfaces, the assembly comprising a pallet having a base with a length extending between two ends of the base with spaced apart lateral side walls separated by a width of the base, each side wall extending along the length of the base; one or more chocks, each chock being dimensioned with a chock length to be positioned across the length of the pallet between the side walls, the chock further comprising one or more cradles for receiving and supporting the cylindrical load thereon wherein the chock comprises respective flange members at either end of the chock length with a fastening arrangement for fastening the chock to the spaced apart side walls of the pallet. 1/7 50 52 10 60 92 16 50 20 20 94 16FGR 12 60 94 FIGURE 1

Description

1/7

50

52

10

92 16 50

20 94

16FGR 12

60 94

FIGURE 1

Pallet Assembly

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to a pallet assembly for transporting loads, such

as a cylinder.

BACKGROUND

[002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to

be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of

the common general knowledge.

[003] Many fluids are commonly transported in cylinders around the world. In some

instances, there are regulatory requirements for securing loads in preparation for

transportation. As cylinders generally have a number of curved surfaces, they are

difficult to secure and prone to movement during loading, moving and unloading.

Such movement can result in accidents and/or damage to the cylinders or other

equipment.

[004] Pallet assemblies exist for the transportation of irregularly shaped loads which

are required to be secured prior to being transported. While there are some

standardised cylinders there is a need for a pallet assembly capable of being

configured for a specific load. Improvements to pallet assemblies and loading

systems are sought as a matter of practice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[005] In an aspect, the invention provides a pallet assembly for transporting

generally cylindrical loads having one or more curved outer surfaces, the assembly

comprising a pallet having a base with a length extending between two ends of the

base with spaced apart lateral side walls separated by a width of the base, each side

wall extending along the length of the base; one or more chocks, each chock being

dimensioned with a chock length to be positioned across the length of the pallet

between the side walls, the chock further comprising a cradle for receiving and

supporting the cylindrical load thereon wherein the chock comprises respective

flange members at either end of the chock length with a fastening arrangement for

fastening the chock to the spaced apart side walls of the pallet.

[006] In an embodiment, the flange member at the first end of the chock length

extends in a first transverse direction relative to the chock length and the flange

member at the second end of the chock length extends in a substantially opposite

direction relative to the first transverse direction of the flange member at the first end.

[007] In an embodiment, each flange member comprises an upright cradle

supporting plate extending between the ends of the chock wherein the cradle is

located along a top portion of the cradle supporting plate.

[008] In an embodiment, each flange member comprises a side wall engagement

surface extending from the cradle supporting plate for engaging the side walls of the

pallet.

[009] In an embodiment, each flange member comprises a floor engaging surface

extending from the cradle supporting plate to engage a floor of the pallet extending

along the base.

:3

[0010 In an embodiment, the floor engaging surface and the side wall engaging

surface are connected to each other by a first reinforcement member extending

therebetween.

[0011] In an embodiment, the pallet assembly further comprises an additional

reinforcement member that is spaced apart from the vertical cradle supporting plate

by the side wall engaging surface, the floor engaging surface and the first

reinforcement member.

[0012] In an embodiment, the flange member comprises one or more lashing anchor

points.

[0013 In an embodiment, the lashing anchor point is located on the additional

reinforcement member.

[0014 In an embodiment, each of the side walls comprises a plurality to fastening

locations along the length of the side wall to allow the fastening arrangement of the

chock to be fastened at said plurality of locations.

[0015 In an embodiment, the fastening arrangement for each chock comprises a

fastening slot aligned with a corresponding slot on the adjoining side wall during

whereby a fastening bolt when received into the fastening slot of the chock and a

corresponding slot at one of the plurality of fastening locations on the side wall

results in the chock being fastened to the pallet at a fixed location for supporting the

cylindrical load.

[0016] In an embodiment, wherein the chock comprises an upstanding vertical wall

that extends between ends of the chock length with the cradle being positioned

along a top portion of the vertical wall.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cradle comprises a V-shaped convergent configuration

to receive the cylindrical load thereon.

[0018] In an embodiment, the cradle comprises a flat convergent receiving surface

for receiving the cylindrical load thereon.

[0019 In an embodiment, the pallet assembly further comprises at least stop

member comprising a stopping wall having a length extending between the side

walls of the pallet with a height that is greater than height of the cradle member, the

stopping wall further comprising respective attachment brackets at either end of the

length of the stopping wall, the attachment brackets having an attachment

arrangement for attachment of the stop member to the spaced apart side walls of the

pallet.

[0020 In an embodiment, the attachment arrangement allows the brackets of the

stop member to be attached to a plurality of locations along the length of the side

walls.

[0021 In an embodiment, each of the brackets comprises a bracket plate for

engagement with an adjoining side wall of the pallet during use and wherein the

bracket plates extend transversely from the plane of the stopping wall in opposite

directions.

[0022 In an embodiment, the attachment arrangement of the stop member allows

attachment location of the stop member to be adjusted along the length of the side

walls independently relative to the chock.

[0023] In an embodiment, the stop member further comprises a bumper member that

is spaced away from the stopping wall in a substantially parallel arrangement with

connecting walls extending between the bumper member and the stopping wall.

[0024 In an embodiment, underside of the base is structured for receiving lifting

members to enable lifting of the pallet by lifting equipment during use.

[0025] In an embodiment, a volume within the pallet assembly is defined by the base,

the spaced apart side walls and two end walls and/or the at least one stopping

member.

[0026] In an embodiment, the volume comprises a removable bung for draining fluid

from the volume within the pallet assembly.

[0027 In an embodiment, the pallet comprises one or more recesses for stacking

one or more pallet assemblies on a pallet stand.

[0028] In an embodiment, the pallet assembly comprises one or more pairs of tubular

members for lifting the pallet assembly.

[0029 In an embodiment, the pallet assembly comprises a first pair of tubular

members which extend transversely to the pallet assembly.

[0030 In an embodiment, the pallet assembly comprises a second pair of tubular

members which extend longitudinally to the pallet assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be

discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient

information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed

Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of

the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number

of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a pallet assembly according to an embodiment of the

present invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the pallet assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view of an alternative pallet assembly of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the pallet assembly of Figure 1 in an alternative

configuration.

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the pallet assembly of Figure 1 in a further alternative

configuration.

Figure 6 is an isometric view of a chock useable with the pallet assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is an isometric view of a chock useable with the pallet assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a rear side view of an end of the pallet assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is front isometric view of the end of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is an end view of the pallet assembly of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates a pallet assembly 10 for use when storing and/or

transporting generally cylindrical loads, such as a cylinder (not shown). Generally

speaking, cylinders or cylindrical loads have one or more curved outer surfaces. The

pallet assembly 10 preferably comprises a pallet 12 having a base 14 with a length

extending between two end walls 50 of the base 14 with spaced apart lateral side

walls 16 separated by a width of the base 14. Each of the respective side walls 16

extend along the length of the base 14. The pallet assembly 10 preferably comprises

one or more chocks 20. Each chock 20 is dimensioned with a chock length 22 to be

positioned across the length of the pallet 12 between the side walls 16. Each of the

chocks 20 further comprise one or more cradles 24 for receiving and supporting a

cylindrical load thereon.

[0033 In the preferred embodiment, each of the side walls 16 comprise a lip 16A.

Preferably, the lip 16A extends inwardly towards where the chocks 20 are or are to

be installed. Preferably, the lip 16A assists in retaining each of the respective chocks

to the pallet assembly 10. For example, the lip 16A may overlap, abut and/or

engage with one or more of the following features discussed below: upright cradle

supporting plate 30, side wall engaging plate 26 and/or first reinforcement member

56. The lip 16A may also assist in providing some structure and rigidity to the side

walls 16. This is particularly beneficial the further the side walls 16 extend away from

the pallet 12.

[0034]The one or more cradles 24 are shown as being substantially V shaped. The

one or more cradles 24 may be substantially U' shaped or another shape so as to

substantially conform to the shape of the cylindrical load. Furthermore, the pallet

assembly 10 may comprise one or more chocks 20 having different arrangements of

the one or more cradles 24. For example, the pallet assembly 10 may comprise one

chock 20 as shown in Figure 6 and one chock 20 as shown in Figure 7. Therefore,

when interpreting the present disclosure, the shape and configuration of the one or

more cradles 24 should not be limiting on the scope of the invention. The pallet

assembly 10 is customisable to meet the regulatory standards and/or the individual

requirements of a load to be transported.

[0035]As seen in Figures 4 and 5, each of the chocks 20 comprises respective

flange members 26 at each end of the chock length 22. Each of the flange members

26 comprises a fastening arrangement 28 for fastening a respective chock 20 to the

spaced apart side walls 16 of the pallet 12, such as by a nut and bolt arrangement

28C. The fastening arrangement 28 of the preferred embodiment comprises at least

the fastening slots 28A, 28B in each of the chocks 20 and the side walls 16, respectively (discussed in more detail below). The person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that there are many fastening arrangements known in the art which may be used to secure the chocks 20 and/or the end walls 50 to the pallet 12, base 14 and/or side walls 16.

[0036]As best seen in Figures 6 and 7, the flange member 26 at the first end of the

chock length 22 extends in a first transverse direction relative to the chock length 22.

The flange member 26 at the second end of the chock length 22 extends in a second

transverse direction substantially opposite direction relative to the first transverse

direction of the flange member 26 at the first end.

[0037]Referring to Figure 6 and 7, each flange member 26 comprises an upright

cradle supporting plate 30 extending between the ends of the chock 20. One or more

cradles 24 are located along a top portion of the cradle supporting plate 30. The one

or more cradles 24 are angled, so as to retain a cylindrical load therein. The size and

shape of the one or more cradles 24 can be adapted for specific cylindrical loads

and/or to meet regulatory requirements.

[0038]Referring to Figures 6 and 7, each flange member 26 comprises a side wall

engagement surface 26 extending from the cradle supporting plate 30 for engaging

the side walls 16 of the pallet 12. Each flange member 26 comprises a floor

engaging surface 36 extending from the cradle supporting plate 30 to abut and/or

engage a floor (also referred to as the base 14) of the pallet 12. The floor engaging

surface 36 and the side wall engaging surface 26 may be connected to each other

by a first reinforcement member 46 extending therebetween in an angled

configuration.

[0039 In some embodiments, the pallet assembly 10 may further comprise an

additional reinforcement member 56 that is spaced apart from the vertical cradle supporting plate 30 by the side wall engaging surface 26, the floor engaging surface

36 and the first reinforcement member 56. The additional reinforcement member 56

may assist in stabilising the chocks 20. The chocks 20 are resistant to falling over

when loading a cylindrical load on the one or more cradles as each chock 20

preferably has at least one additional reinforcement member 56 on either lateral side

of the vertical cradle supporting plate 30.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, each of the flange members 26 comprise one or

more lashing anchor points 40. The one or more lashing anchor points 40 provide a

point to assist in securing a load within the respective cradle 24. For example, a

lashing (not shown) may be affixed to one or more of the lashing anchor points 40 on

the same chock 20 or another chock 20 installed on the pallet assembly 10.

Preferably, the lashing anchor points 40 are formed within or otherwise present in

the additional reinforcement members 56 of the chocks 20.

[0041]As can be seen in Figures 1 to 5, each of the side walls 16 comprises a

plurality of fastening locations along the length of the side wall 16, The fastening

locations allow a plurality of points which the fastening arrangement 28 of the

respective chocks 20 may be to be fastened at. This also allows the chocks 20 to be

purposefully positioned so as to provide sufficient rigidity of the pallet assembly 10

as a whole. Without sufficient rigidity, the pallet assembly 10 would not be easily

lifted, handled and/or transported. Furthermore, such rigidity and strength may allow

for multiple pallet assemblies 10 to be stacked on top of each other.

[0042]As seen in Figure 6 and 7, the fastening arrangement 28 for each chock 20

comprises a fastening slot 28A aligned with a corresponding slot 28B (shown on

Figures 4 and 5 and labelled to avoid repetition) on the adjoining side wall 16

whereby a fastening bolt when received into the fastening slot 28A of the chock 20 and a corresponding slot 28B at one of the plurality of fastening locations on the side wall 16 results in the chock 20 being fastened to the pallet 12 at a fixed location for supporting the cylindrical load. When the fastening location of the side wall 16 and a respective fastening location on the side wall engaging surface 26 of a respective chock 20 are aligned, the fastening arrangement 28 can be used to releasably affix the chock 20 in place relative to the pallet assembly 10.

[0043]As seen in Figures 6 and 7, each of the chocks 20 comprise an upstanding

vertical wall 30, also referred to above as upright cradle supporting plate 30. The

upstanding vertical wall 30 extends between ends of the chock length 22 with the

one or more cradles being positioned along a top portion of the vertical wall 30.

[0044] As mentioned above, the one or more cradles 24 may comprise a

substantially V-shaped convergent configuration to receive the cylindrical load

thereon. In some embodiments, the one or more cradles 24 may comprise a flat

convergent receiving surface 24A for receiving the cylindrical load thereon. Each of

the one or more cradles 24 including the flat convergent receiving surface 24A, if

present, may also comprise a layer of rubber or other suitable material for

dampening vibrations of the load thereon. The rubber or suitable material may be

any rubber or suitable known in the art for dampening vibration or impact forces from

a load on its supporting structure.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 generally, the pallet assembly 10 preferably

comprises at least two stop members 50 for preventing longitudinal movement of the

cylindrical load in the pallet assembly 10. Each stop member 50 comprises a

stopping wall 52 having a length extending between the side walls 16 of the pallet 12

with a height that is greater than height of the one or more cradle members 24.

Preferably, the stopping member 50 further comprises respective attachment brackets 126 at either end of the length of the stopping wall 50. The attachment brackets 126 have an attachment arrangement 128 for attachment of the stop member 50 to the spaced apart side walls 16 of the pallet 12. The attachment arrangement 128 allows the brackets 126 of the stop member 50 to be attached to a plurality of locations along the length of the side walls 16. For example, the stop members 50 may be releasably coupled to the side walls 16 in the same manner or different than the chocks 20.

[0046] In an embodiment, each of the brackets 126 comprises a bracket plate 126A

for engagement with an adjoining side wall 16 of the pallet 12 during use and

wherein the bracket plates 126A extend transversely from the plane of the stopping

wall 52. Preferably, the bracket plates 126A extend transversely from the plane of

the stopping wall 52 in opposite directions (best shown in Figure 9).

[0047 In the preferred embodiment, the attachment arrangement 128 of the stop

member 50 allows attachment location of the stop member 50 to be adjusted along

the length of the side walls 16 independently relative to the chock 20. In the

preferred embodiment, each of the attachment arrangements 128 of the stop

member 50 comprise a fastening slot 128A for fastening the respective bracket 126

to the side wall 16. The fastening slot 128A can be fastened to the fastening slot 28B

of the side wall 16. As mentioned above, this allows each pallet assembly 10 to be

customised to the particular load which is to be loaded thereon. Furthermore, once a

specific load has been delivered, each pallet assembly 10 may be re-customised for

a new load.

[0048]As seen in Figure 8, the stop member 50 may further comprises a bumper

member 54 that is spaced away from the stopping wall 52 in a substantially parallel

arrangement with connecting walls 56, 58 extending between the bumper member

54 and the stopping wall 52. The pallet assembly 10 may also comprise a closing

plate 60 (as seen in Figures 1, 4 and 5) which may assist in providing a generally

rectangular shape particularly when the stop members 50 are positioned somewhere

closer to the centre of the pallet assembly 10.

[0049]As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the underside of the base 14 is structured for

receiving lifting members to enable lifting of the pallet 12 by lifting equipment during

use. In the preferred embodiment, the structure is a first set of substantially tubular

members 80 for receiving the tines of forklift. Referring to Figure 10, the pallet

assembly 10 may also comprise a second set of substantially tubular members 80A

for receiving the tines of a forklift. The second set of substantially tubular members

A are substantially perpendicular to the first set of substantially tubular members

80. Accordingly, the pallet assembly 10 may be lifted from either side or either end of

the pallet assembly 10. As such, a 4-way lifting pallet assembly is provided by

insertion of a lift members into either the first set of substantially tubular members 80

or the second set of substantially tubulars members 80A. Preferably, the first set of

substantially tubular members 80 extend transversely to the base 14 of the pallet

assembly 10. Preferably, the second set of substantially tubular members 80A

extend longitudinally to the base 14 of the pallet assembly 10. Alternatively, or in

combination, the pallet assembly 10 may also comprise eyebolts at a plurality of

places, for example on each of the corners, for lifting by other lifting equipment, such

as an overhead or gantry crane.

[0050]Referring to the Figures generally, to install each chock 20, the chock 20 is

placed within the pallet 12 such that the chock length 22 is substantially parallel to

the length of the base 14. The chock 20 can then be moved along the length of the

base 14 to a relative desired position. When in the desired position, the chock 20 is rotated such that the end of the chock 20 without the respective flange members 26 approach the side walls 16 first. As the chock 20 is continued to be rotated, the respective flange members 26 become substantially parallel with the side walls 16.

Preferably, the end of the chocks 20 frictionally engage with an inside surface of the

side walls 16.

[0051 In an embodiment, the chocks 20 can be moved along the length of the base

14 to a desired position wherein the fastening arrangement can be used to

releasable fasten the chock 20 to the pallet assembly 10. For example, when the

fastening arrangement 28 is a nut and bolt arrangement 28C, the chock 20 may

have holes of slots 28A which can be aligned with complementary holes or slots 28B

on the side walls 16 and the nut and bolt arrangement 28C can be threaded

therethrough and releasably fastened together. The nut and bolt arrangement 28C

may comprise one or more washers for improving the fastening of the chock 20 to

the side walls 16.

[0052]The inventor has found that in developing the present invention, the simplicity

of having individual chocks 20 resulted in a stronger and more durable pallet

assembly which is easy to manufacture and relatively lightweight since it does not

require additional reinforcing structures on the base 14 of the pallet 12. Accordingly,

each of the components described herein assist in reducing the overall weight of the

pallet assembly 10 while also providing the strength and rigidity required to transport

these types of loads. Furthermore, geometric designs allowed for the pallet assembly

to be stackable and nest within each other.

[0053]Referring to Figures 1, 4 and 5, the pallet assembly 10 comprises a volume

92 within the pallet assembly 10. The volume 92 is defined by at least the base 14,

the spaced apart side walls 16 and two end walls and/or the at least one stopping member 50. The volume 92 is adapted to store a volume of fluid. In an instance where the cylindrical load discharges a fluid from within the cylindrical loads unexpectedly, the fluid release may be stored in the volume 92 to reduce and/or avoid spillage.

[0054]Referring to Figures 2 and 3, there is provided a removable bung 90

associated with the volume 92. The removable bung 90 reduces and/or prevents

fluid within the volume 92 from being discharged until desirable. As the cylindrical

loads may be filled with fluids, there may be instances where the cylindrical loads

leak or accidentally discharge fluid into the volume 92. The bung 90 may be used to

provide an outlet for the fluid to be removed from the volume 92. For example, the

bung 90 may assist in providing time to place a storage container (not shown)

underneath to receive the fluid. This is particularly advantageous where the fluids are

not environmentally friendly and/or where the fluid can be reused or used after being

spilt.

[0055]Referring to Figure 2, the pallet assembly 10 may comprise one or more

recesses 94 for assisting in stacking a respective pallet assembly 10 onto pallet

stands (not shown). In the present embodiment, the one or more recesses 94 are

formed in the base 14 of the pallet 12. One or more of the pallet assemblies 10 may

be stacked on a respective pallet stand. The presence, the number and a positioning

of the recesses 94 may be subject to the overall length of the pallet assembly 10 and

the shape and size of pallet stands available. As can be seen between Figures 2 and

3, a relatively longer pallet assembly 10 (Figure 3) may not have any of the recesses

94 while a relatively shorter pallet assembly 10 (Figure 2) has two of the recesses

94.

[0056]Relative and directional terms used throughout this disclosure should be

interpreted with reference to the Figure to which they refer unless context otherwise

allows.

[0057] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language

more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and

its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an

inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0058 It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features

shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of

putting the invention into effect.

[0059]The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within

the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in

the art.

Claims

1. A pallet assembly for transporting generally cylindrical loads having one or

more curved outer surfaces, the assembly comprising:

a pallet having a base with a length extending between two ends of the base

with spaced apart lateral side walls separated by a width of the base, each side wall

extending along the length of the base;

one or more chocks, each chock being dimensioned with a chock length to be

positioned across the length of the pallet between the side walls, the chock further

comprising one or more cradles for receiving and supporting the cylindrical load

thereon wherein the chock comprises respective flange members at either end of

the chock length with a fastening arrangement for fastening the chock to the

spaced apart side walls of the pallet.

2. A pallet assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the flange member at

the first end of the chock length extends in a first transverse direction relative to the

chock length and the flange member at the second end of the chock length extends

in a substantially opposite direction relative to the first transverse direction of the

flange member at the first end.

3. A pallet assembly in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each flange

member comprises an upright cradle supporting plate extending between the ends of

the chock wherein the one or more cradles are located along a top portion of the

cradle supporting plate.

4. A pallet assembly in accordance with claim 3, wherein each flange member

comprises a side wall engagement surface extending from the upright cradle

supporting plate for engaging the side walls of the pallet.

5. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each

flange member comprises a floor engaging surface extending from the cradle

supporting plate to engage a floor of the pallet.

6. A pallet assembly in accordance with claim 5 when dependent on claim 4,

wherein the floor engaging surface and the side wall engaging surface are

connected to each other by a first reinforcement member extending therebetween.

7. A pallet assembly in accordance with claim 6, further comprising an additional

reinforcement member that is spaced apart from the upright cradle supporting plate

by the side wall engaging surface, the floor engaging surface and the first

reinforcement member.

8. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the

flange member comprises one or more lashing anchor points.

9. A pallet assembly in accordance with claim 8 when dependent on claim 7,

wherein the lashing anchor point is located on the additional reinforcement member.

10. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each

of the side walls comprises a plurality to fastening locations along the length of the

side wall to allow the fastening arrangement of the chock to be fastened at said

plurality of locations.

11. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each

of the side walls comprise a lip.

12. A pallet assembly in accordance with claim 11, wherein the lip retains each of

the respective chocks to the pallet assembly.

13. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the

fastening arrangement for each chock comprises a fastening slot aligned with a

corresponding slot on the adjoining side wall during whereby a fastening bolt when

received into the fastening slot of the chock and a corresponding slot at one of the

plurality of fastening locations on the side wall results in the chock being fastened to

the pallet at a fixed location for supporting the cylindrical load.

14. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the

one or more cradles comprise a V-shaped convergent configuration to receive the

cylindrical load thereon.

15. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the

one or more cradles comprise a flat convergent receiving surface for receiving the

cylindrical load thereon.

16. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 15, further

comprising at least one stop member comprising a stopping wall having a length

extending between the side walls of the pallet with a height that is greater than

height of the one or more cradles, the stopping wall further comprising respective

attachment brackets at either end of the length of the stopping wall, the attachment

brackets having an attachment arrangement for attachment of the stop member to

the spaced apart side walls of the pallet.

17. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the

attachment arrangement allows the brackets of the stop member to be attached to a

plurality of locations along the length of the side walls.

18. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each

of the brackets comprises a bracket plate for engagement with an adjoining side wall

of the pallet during use and wherein the bracket plates extend transversely from the

plane of the stopping wall in opposite directions.

19. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the

attachment arrangement of the stop member allows attachment location of the stop

member to be adjusted along the length of the side walls independently relative to

the chock.

20. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the

stop member further comprises a bumper member that is spaced away from the

stopping wall in a substantially parallel arrangement with connecting walls extending

between the bumper member and the stopping wall.

21. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein

underside of the base is structured for receiving lifting members to enable lifting of

the pallet by lifting equipment during use.

22. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein a

volume within the pallet assembly is defined by the base, the spaced apart side walls

and two end walls and/or the at least one stopping member.

23. A pallet assembly in accordance with claim 22, wherein the volume comprises

a removable bung for draining fluid from the volume within the pallet assembly.

24. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the

pallet comprises one or more recesses for stacking one or more pallet assemblies on

a pallet stand.

25. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the

pallet assembly comprises one or more pairs of tubular members for lifting the pallet

assembly.

26. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the

pallet assembly comprises a first pair of tubular members which extend transversely

to the pallet assembly.

27. A pallet assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the

pallet assembly comprises a second pair of tubular members which extend

longitudinally to the pallet assembly.