GB2312416A

GB2312416A - Transport, Storage & Display Devce

Info

Publication number: GB2312416A
Application number: GB9708121A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robin Stannard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-04-27
Filing date: 1997-04-22
Publication date: 1997-10-29
Anticipated expiration: 2017-04-22
Also published as: GB9608796D0; GB9708121D0; GB2312416B

Abstract

A transport, storage and display device capable of being used in alternative orientations, comprising a substantially L-shaped member (100) which, in one orientation of the device, has an arm (1) defining a base arm of the device and another arm (2) defining a side arm upstanding from the base arm (1), and, in an alternative orientation of the device, has the other arm (2) defining a base arm of the device and the first mentioned arm (1) defining a side arm upstanding from the base arm (2). Preferably a strap 3, which may be buckled, is provided for holding the goods during transportation. Preferably two or more devices are used in opposite orientation - either underneath (Fig 5) or one on top of the other (Figs 7 and 8) or in cross-shape (Fig 11). Preferably padding (207, 208, Fig 12) or a base board (400, Fig 13) is provided to protect the goods. The device may have a stabilising foot (12, Figs 9 and 10) which may be foldable and/or detachable and/or a wheel or castor to aid movement. Preferably the device forms a type of pallet for transport, which can be stored at the point of sale and returned once empty. Preferred goods are paving slabs or boxed goods which may be overwrapped e.g. with shrink film.

Description

TRANSPORT. STORAGE AND DISPLAY DEVICE DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a transport, storage and display device, hereinafter referred to as a TSD devices, which is especially, but not exclusively, constructed as a bulk product handling device intended for use with bulky or heavy goods.

In the market for certain products, there is nowadays an increasing trend in having a point-of-sale display in which the product is stacked on a pallet by which the product has previously been transported from a distribution point. Thus, it is now becoming quite commonplace in retail and trade outlets, such as garden centres, merchants, DIY stores and similar establishments, to display certain bulky or heavy products at ground level on a pallet on which the products have been stored elsewhere and transported to the point-of-sale location. The type of products to which this procedure is typically applied, include, for example, boxed products, as well as slabs and boxed cartons Typically, products such as these are stacked on a pallet and shrink wrapped in a suitable plastics film for subsequent transportation and/or storage, as well as display at a point-of-sale outlet.

At the point-of-sale outlet, the palletised product load, once placed at its point of sale display location, has its shrink wrapping at least partially removed so that individual items can be removed from the load as required. With the removal of the shrink wrapping, certain loads may become relatively unstable, especially when removal of items therefrom commences. For example, in the case of a shrink wrapped load comprising slabs or boxed products, there is a tendency, upon commencement of removal of individual slabs or boxes from the load, for the products to slump or collapse as other slabs or boxes slide about on each other and become displaced. This poses a safety risk to both customers and staff, since these goods tend to be heavy and could easily cause injury by falling on to a person. Furthermore, accidental or unintentional displacement can lead to rupture of the box and release of the contained product which, thus, may pose a health hazard due to its physical and/or chemical constitution. Moreover, any slabs or boxes which become substantially displaced, may intrude upon space normally allocated as a corridor or walkway, where they become a hazard to passing people. Indeed, any disarrangement of items of the load can create a general nuisance which is desirable to avoid.

The present invention aims to provide a transport, storage and display, or bulk goods handling, device which eliminates, or substantially reduces, the disadvantages attendant upon the foregoing procedures based on the use of pallets of any shape and dimensions. Thus, the invention aims to provide a TSD device which is safe, convenient and easy to use and which is intended to supplant the use of pallets for transporting, storing and/or displaying, for example, bulk or heavy products.

According to one aspect of the invention, a transport, storage and display device (TSD device) capable of being used in alternative orientations, comprises a substantially L-shaped member which, in one orientation of the device, has an arm defining a base arm of the device and another arm defining a side arm upstanding from the base arm, and, in an alternative orientation of the device, has the other arm defining a base arm of the device and the firstmentioned arm defining a side arm upstanding from the base arm.

Thus, when the TSD device is in one orientation, one arm of the L-shaped member constitutes the base arm of the device and the other arm, the upstanding side arm of the device and, when the device is rotated through, say, 90 into its other orientation, the roles of the two arms of the member are reversed. The device may be used with the L-shaped member in other orientations, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

Preferably, one arm is longer than the other arm, in which case, the other arm may be of a length of from one quarter to one half the length of the one arm but can vary in dependence upon individual needs The arms are preferably at an angle of substantially 90" to each other.

Preferably, the TSD device of the present invention further includes a load-securing strap having one end fixed, preferably detachably, to one arm and/or the other arm of the L-shaped member at a location remote from their mutual juncture, and having its other end free to be inserted and pulled through a suitable tightening and securing device, such as an eye and/or buckle.

Preferably also, the substantially L-shaped member of the TSD device of the present invention has its arms made of a suitable metallic material, such as steel. Hollow steel section is preferable and that may be provided with a protective coating, as may be any other material from which the device is made. In such an arrangement, any load-securing strap may be stored within the hollow section and may be withdrawn therefrom, in use, against a spring bias.

In one form, and as discussed above, the TSD device of the present invention comprises an elongate base and a side upstanding from one end of the base, the base being formed by one arm and the side being formed by the other arm.

In another form, the TSD device of the present invention comprises an elongate base and a side upstanding from one end of the base, the base being formed of a pair of spaced parallel arms connected by a cross member which may or may not be secured thereto. This arrangement is particularly suited to loads which are, say, shrink-wrapped but which, due to the comparatively small dimensions of the products packed therein, tend to bow or sag when supported at either end or with the devices spaced apart by a comparatively large distance(s).

In yet another form, the TSD device of the present invention comprises an elongate base and a side upstanding from one end of the base, the side being formed of a pair of spaced parallel arms connected by a cross member.

A further form of inventive TSD device, comprising a combination of the latter two forms aforesaid, affords a base formed of a pair of spaced parallel "base" arms, a side formed of a pair of spaced parallel "side" arms and a common cross member.

Also, the device may be provided with at least one stabilising foot, and preferably a pair of such feet, extending outwardly thereof, preferably also being foldable on to one arm and/or the other arm in its non-use position, in which case, the foot/feet may be located at the juncture of the two arms.

Additionally or alternatively, the or each stabilising foot may be detachably secured to one arm and/or the other arm at any suitable position along the length thereof, but preferably at one or both ends thereof. If two or more devices are used together in spaced parallel relationship with each other, then the corresponding detachable feet may be connected together.

Further, the device may be provided with a suitably shaped foot, such as a wedge-shaped or other inclined foot, for tilting the device forwards or backwards. Such a tilting foot would be located beneath the arm of the L-shaped member defining the base arm of the device.

Rolling devices, such as wheels or castors, may be provided, such as detachably, on the underside of either or both arms.

Additionally or alternatively again, such rolling devices may be provided at or adjacent and exterior of the juncture of the two arms of the TSD device, so that the device may be tilted and wheeled, or otherwise rolled, in the manner of a sack or porter's barrow.

The or each one arm and/or other arm may include a strap for securing a load to the device and may also include a handle for manoeuvring the loaded device(s).

Such a handle may be detachable.

Optionally, the arms of the L-shaped member can be folded down, one upon the other.

The TSD device of the present invention may be embodied in other forms, as will be apparent from the illustrative description given hereinbelow. For example, two or more of the inventive devices may be arranged in spaced parallel relationship with respect to each other to provide a transport, storage and display assembly.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of handling goods includes arranging the goods in quantity to form an integral load, disposing the load so formed in relation to a transport, storage and display device comprising a substantially L-shaped member, so that the load can be supported from below by either arm of the member and supported at a side by the other arm.

Preferably, the method includes arranging the load so-formed in relation to at least two such TSD devices, such that the load can be supported from below by either arm of each member and supported at one side by the other arm of one device and at an opposite side by the other arm of the other device.

Preferably also, the or each TSD device has one arm which is relatively long and the other relatively short.

The method according to the present invention preferably includes providing auxiliary support for the supported load by passing a strap or straps over and/or around the load so as to secure the same to the TSD device(s).

Preferably, and in an embodiment of a method according to the present invention, the load, supported on one or more TSD devices of the invention, is transported with one arm(s) maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation, and is displayed at point-of-sale in the same orientation, such orientations being dependent upon the load and its final presentation requirements. thus reducing load handling from manufacturer directly to customer.

Alternatively, if the load is stacked appropriately, it can be rotated through 90* for storage and/or display purposes after transportation, so that the one arm(s) of the device during transportation is, say, horizontal and thus defines the base arm(s) but during storage and/or display is vertical and thus defines the side arm(s), or viceversa.

Embodiments of the device and method of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, and by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a TSD device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view showing two TSD devices of the present invention disposed in conjunction with a load; Figures 3A and 3B are diagrammatic side views of an exemplary method of use of a TSD device of the present invention with a load of paving slabs; Figure 4 shows a pair of TSD devices of a practical construction according to the invention; Figure 5 shows the TSD devices of Figure 4 in use with a load of paving slabs; Figure 6 shows an arrangement of five TSD devices in use with a load of sheet material; Figure 7 shows an arrangement for a pair of TSD devices in use with another load; Figure 7A shows a modification of the arrangement for the pair of TSD devices shown in Figure 7; Figure 8 shows an arrangement of TSD devices in a stacked configuration; Figures 9A and 9B show respective front and side elevational views of a modified form of TSD device with stabilising feet; Figure 10 shows a detail of the stabilising feet of Figures 9A and 9B on an enlarged scale; Figure 11 shows another arrangement of four TSD devices for supporting a load; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of two TSD devices in another arrangement; and Figure 13 is another perspective view of a further arrangement of two TSD devices.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a TSD device of the present invention, which is intended for the transport, storage and/or display of bulk or heavy goods, comprises a substantially Lshaped member 100 which includes a relatively long arm providing a base arm 1 and an upstanding, relatively short arm providing a side arm 2.

The side arm 2 is arranged at one end of the base arm 1 and makes an angle of substantially 90 therewith. Preferably, the length of the side arm 2 is from one quarter to one half the length of the base arm 1 and, in a typical construction, the side arm 2 may be of approximately 450 mm in length. The Lshaped member 100 is preferably made of a metallic material, such as steel, of sufficient thickness to be not only self-supporting but also rigid and able to support the types of load with which the device is intended for use. Hollow steel sections are preferred.

As seen in Figures 1 to 4, the base arm 1 has a substantially planar lower surface 1' capable of resting on the ground or other support surface, and a substantially planar upper surface 1" capable of supporting a load. In a practical construction, as shown in Figure 4, the lower and/or upper surface 1', 1" of the base arm 1 and the outer and/or inner surface 2', 2'' of the side arm 2 may have a covering 7 of suitable resilient cushioning material, for example rubber or a synthetic plastics material.

Preferably, the width of the base arm 1, that is in the direction looking into the plane of the paper, is relatively small compared with its length, although greater or smaller widths may be used in any particular application. The length of the base arm 1 and/or of the side arm 2 may be adjustable, if desired. The side arm 2 may have one or more lateral extensions, which may be detachably secured thereto, for giving additional side support to a load.

Preferably, the TSD device includes one or more flexible straps 3 of any suitable material, which may be used to lend additional support and/or securement to a load 4 when disposed on the device. One end of a strap 3 is fixed to the L-shaped member 100, for example at 3' at the free end of the base arm 1. The other end of the strap 3 may be passed, and pulled, through a suitable tightening and/or securement device, such as an eye 5 or buckle 6 (Figure 4) arranged at 3'' at the remote end of, for example, the side arm 2, possibly to co-operate with another strap.

Clearly, other arrangements of the strap(s) 3 are possible. This saves having to use conventional systems of strapping in which the straps are used only once and then discarded.

The TSD device of the present invention can be used in a pair with another such device, although clearly three or more such devices may be used if and when this is desirable for a particular load.

However, given suitable dimensioning, the TSD device may also be used singly, though this is not currently preferred.

When two or more TSD devices are used in spaced parallel relationship with each other, then a suitable load support surface may be laid across the devices, particularly if the dimensions of the load are too small to ex tend between two or more devices.

In one typical use, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 2, a shrink wrapped load 4 has been arranged so as to be supported from below by the respective base arms 1 (only one shown) of a pair of TSD devices according to the present invention. The L-shaped members 100 of the TSD devices are here disposed generally parallel at a relative spacing so that the respective base arms 1 are spaced apart below the load and the side arm 2 of one TSD device supports the load at one side, whilst the side arm 2 of the other TSD device supports the load at the other side. For transport and storage purposes, a strap or straps (not shown) similar to the strap(s) 3 described above, may be provided and disposed around and over the load 4 supported by the two members 100, so as to give auxiliary support and securement.

The load 4, so supported on the pair of members 100, may readily be lifted, for example by a fork lift or manually handling truck, and transported.

Once the load 4, supported on the members 100 aforesaid, has been located at its point-of-sale display location, the straps 3, if used, are released and any shrink wrapping film around the load 4 is broken open, pulled aside and, optionally, completely removed so as to leave the goods comprising the load 4 exposed for inspection and removal by staff or customers. Because the load 4 is still supported at two sides by the side arms 2, it is less susceptible to slumping and collapsing than it would be without such support and, despite the removal of individual items from the load 4, it tends to be self sustaining in position.

The goods comprising the load 4, thus supported and displayed, constitute a vastly reduced hazard for staff and customers compared with procedures and arrangements used hitherto and, because of their robust nature, the TSD devices of the present invention may be re-used many times with different loads. Further, because the TSD devices of the present invention are generally of small width, they may be nested and stored within a very small area, thus being relatively easily transportable compared with pallets whose size and bulk tell against them and which are often discarded.

In Figures 3A and 3B, the use of the TSD device of the present invention for transporting, storing and displaying heavy, frangible items such as paving slabs, is diagrammatically illustrated, and explained.

As is well known, paving slabs tend to be manufactured of brittle material such as concrete, and are thus susceptible to damage, particularly during transport. Whilst it is desirable and convenient for paving slabs to be disposed horizontally for display purposes, for example at point-of-sale outlets, they cannot readily be transported in this orientation without substantial risk of fracture due to shocks arising during transportation. It is, thus, desirable and/or necessary to support paving slabs in a vertical disposition during transportation, and, as will be explained hereafter, the TSD device of the present invention lends itself readily to transport, storage and display of paving slabs, or similarly planar and frangible goods, by virtue of its ability to be disposed in alternative orientations.

Thus, as can be seen in Figure 3A, paving slabs or other less frangible, planar articles which have been formed into a load 4, which is optionally shrink wrapped, are disposed on one or more TSD devices of the present invention, so that the load 4 is supported from below by the base arm(s) 1 of the device(s), the paving slabs or other articles being disposed vertically on the horizontal base arm(s) 1, this being the orientation in which the supported load 4 can be transported with minimal risk of damage thereto.

However, and as seen in Figure 3B, at a point-ofsale outlet, such as a garden centre, the supported load 4 has been rotated through 90" so that the paving slabs or other planar articles are disposed horizontally for display and sale. Thus, the original base arm(s) 1 of the device(s) now becomes a side arm(s) and the original side arm(s) 2 now becomes a base arm(s) upon which the load 4 is supported.

Once the load 4 and supporting L-shaped member(s) 100 have been placed thus, at the point-of-sale display location, any shrink wrapping film may be removed and further, if desired, a fork lift truck may be used to raise the stacked load 4 of paving slabs or other planar articles to enable removal of the TSD member(s) 100. This removal is, however, optional and the device(s) may be left in situ to lend additional side support, in this case by the now verticallydisposed base arm(s) 1, until the paving slabs or other articles have been sold.

In Figures 4 and 5, there is shown a pair of TSD devices, again in a practical situation, their mode of use being illustrated with a load 4 of paving slabs similar to that described above in relation to Figures 3A and 3B.

In a further development, not shown, a pair of Lshaped members 100 may be arranged side-by-side, as shown in Figure 4, and joined together by a crossbeam (not shown) extending between the regions of the respective junctures of their base arms 1 and side arms 2. The crossbeam may be detachably connected or secured permanently, for example, welded, to the members 100 at its ends. A similar development may have only one base arm 1 and a pair of spaced parallel side arms 2 or a pair of spaced parallel base arms 1 and only one side arm 2. A crossbeam is used in these alternatives.

Further, rolling devices, such as wheels or casters, may be arranged in the regions of the ends of the base arm(s) 1, at the underside(s) thereof, to aid manoeuvrability. Additionally or alternatively, such rolling devices may be provided at the juncture of the base and side arms 1, 2 of each member 100, exterior thereof, so that the TSD device(s) can be tipped and wheeled, or otherwise rolled, in the manner of a sack or porter's barrow.

Referring now to Figure 6, five inventive devices are employed to transport, store and/or display a load 4 of stacked horizontal sheets of hardboard, plywood, plasterboard or the like with three of the devices, namely the two outer and central devices, having the base arms 1 located beneath the load 4 and the other two devices being inverted with the base arms 1k resting upon the load 4. Thus, three of the devices have their side arms 2a extending vertically upwardly on one side of the load 4 and the other two devices have their side arms 2k extending vertically downwardly on the opposite of the load 4. Straps 3 (only two shown) extend between the respective free ends of the base and side arms lk, 2k and around the load 4, as described above in relation to the devices shown in Figures 4 and 5. For display purposes, the two inverted devices, and their associated straps 3 may be removed from the load 4, to permit individual sheets to be removed therefrom.

In Figure 7, a pair of L-shaped members 100, 100' is shown, with one being inverted and located upon the other such that the free ends of the base and side arms lb, 2b of the inverted member 100' rest upon the respective free ends of the side and base arms 2a, 1 of the other member 100. A locating spigot 8 at each of the free ends of the base and side arms lb, 2k of the inverted member 100' is received in a complementary hole (not shown) in the adjacent free end of the side and base arm 2g, la of the other member 100. A strap 3 is secured to the ends of these side and base arms 2k, lb and extends, via an eye or hook 5' at each end of the side and base arms 2a and la of the lower member 100, tautly along the base and side arms 1b, 2k of the inverted upper member 100' to secure it firmly to the lower member 100. A load 4 is located between the two members 100, 100' and two or more pairs of such members 100, 100' may be used, spaced along the load 4. Also, another strap 3' attached to the ends of the side and base arms 2 , 1~ of the lower member 100, extends around the load 4 to assist in its securement between the two members 100, 100'.

Turning now to Figure 8, here there are shown two pairs of L-shaped members 100, 100', each pair being similar to that described above in relation to Figure 7, stacked one upon the other, such that the base arm la of the lower one 100 of the upper pair of members 100, 100' rests upon the base arm 1k of the upper, inverted member 100' of the lower pair 100, 100'.

Again, spigots 8 and associated holes (not shown) are used for location purposes and each pair of members 100, 100' is replicated, as desired, along the length of the respective loads 4', 4''.

With particular regard to the lower pair of members 100, 100' shown in Figure 8, a triangular spacer 9 is used at each end of the load 4'', disposed adjacent the side arm 2, 2k of each of the lower and upper inverted members 100, 100', so that the load 4'', in this case paving slabs 10, is inclined to the vertical along the base arm la of the lower member 100.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the upper inverted member 100' rests upon the other, lower member 100 but in a modification, the two members 100, 100' can be arranged in side-by-side relationship using a support, such as that shown at 11 in Figure 7A. Here, the support 11 comprises a pair of reversed generally Ushaped portions 11', 11" of which one 11'' is located over the free end of the side arm 2a of the lower member 100, whilst the base arm lk of the upper inverted member 100' rests in the other portion 11'.

Figures 9A, 9B and 10 show a TSD device having a pair of feet 12 extending outwardly on opposite sides of the L-shaped member 100 at the juncture of the base and side arms 1, 2 thereof.

Each foot 12, which, in its extended position, as shown, assists in stabilising the member 100 when in its upright position, is pivotable about a generally vertical axis A, to fold on to the base arm 1 in a non-use position. The base arm 1 may be provided with a recess 14 for receiving the folded-down foot 12, such that the foot lies generally flush with the arm 1 when the former is in its non-use position.

In this embodiment, each foot 12 is also rotatably mounted at 13 upon the member 100, such that it can be rotated through 90-, whereby it is then pivotable about a generally horizontal axis B, to fold on to the side arm 2. Again, a recess 14' may be provided in the arm 2 for receiving the folded-down foot 12, when the foot is in its non-use position. In this manner, the foot 12 can be used in either orientation of the member 100, namely, when the base and side arms are constituted by arms 1 and 2 or when the base and side arms are constituted by arms 2 and 1.

Figure 11 shows four inventive devices with an upper spaced pair of L-shaped members 120 resting, in crosswise manner, upon a lower spaced pair of L-shaped members 121. This arrangement is particularly useful for supporting a heavy load and/or one which tends to sag if only, say, two devices are used and/or four way access for a forklift truck.

In Figure 12, there is shown another arrangement of a pair of TSD devices each comprising a generally L-shaped member 200 having respective base and side arms 201, 202. To the upper surface of each base arm 201 and to the inner surface of each side arm 202 is secured a strip 207, 208 of cushioning material, such as rubber or a synthetic plastics material.

Each TSD device also comprises a load securing strap 203 with an adjusting buckle 206. Opposed ends of each strap 203 are provided with hooked devices 205 for detachably attaching the strap 203 to the free end of each base arm 201, as shown at 203', and to the upper free end of each side arm 202, as shown at 203''.

The base arm 201 of each L-shaped member 200 can be supported above ground level by means of an elongate support device, as shown generally at 210, comprising hard rubber or synthetic plastics, square cross-sectioned blocks 212 attached to the underside of an elongate element 211 which is suitably crosssectioned to engage slidably with a complementary cross-sectioned elongate element 209 secured to the underside of each base arm 201. Similarly, each side arm 202 may be provided, on its underside, with such an element 209, for use when the side arms 202 constitute base arms upon rotation of the L-shaped members 200 through 90 , in the alternative orientation of the TSD devices. This arrangement permits a fork lift truck to engage beneath the TSD devices whose L-shaped members 200 are supported above ground level by the elements 210 and also to become compatible with hand held trucks. That element 209 may also be made of a suitably firm but cushioning material, such as that of the strips 207, 208. Also, the confronting faces of the components 209, 211 may be roughened, or otherwise suitably embossed, to provide frictional resistance to sliding movement therebetween, when under load.

Detachable feet 214 may be used for assisting in the stabilisation of each L-shaped member 200. Such a foot 214 can be detachably mounted to an L-shaped member 200 at the juncture of its base and side arms 201, 202, in the orientation indicated by the arrow A.

Additionally or alternatively, such a foot 214 can be detachably mounted to the free end of the base arm 201 of the L-shaped member 200, as shown in the orientation indicated by the arrow B.

The feet 214 can be detachably mounted to the Lshaped member 200 before or after the support element 210 has been slidingly removed from the underside of the base arm 201.

Turning now to Figure 13, here there is shown diagrammatically a further arrangement for a plurality of TSD devices, in this case three. Accordingly, a floor for the three TSD devices is provided in the form of a pair of rigid sheets 400 rested upon the respective base arms 301 of the three corresponding Lshaped members 300. One edge of each sheet 400 may be provided with suitably-shaped cut-outs for engagement with the corresponding side arms 302 of the members 300. The or each sheet 400 may be used in any other suitable orientation, for example, as a side, rear or top sheet.

DB

As discussed hereinabove, a foot for tilting the TSD device(s) forwards or backwards may be employed, in which case, such a foot may be placed or otherwise located underneath the base arm of the L-shaped member(s). Also, any supporting straps, such as those discussed above, may be provided with L-shaped protectors for protecting the edges of loads and the straps.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that TSD devices of the present invention are both safe, easy, and convenient to handle and use with, particularly, bulk or heavy goods, and overcomes, or at least substantially reduces, the disadvantages attendant with hitherto-used procedures, or devices such as pallets. Use of the TSD devices of the present invention for the transport and/or storage and/or display of bulk or heavy goods enhances the integrity of a supported load and is thus attended by a reduced tendency to become a hazard and, thus, confers increased safety upon persons such as staff and customers, who come into the vicinity of the load when so supported, especially at a point of sale display location.

The transport, storage and display device of the present invention is constructed and adapted to be capable of performing any of its transport, storage and display functions singly and separately, or in any combination, and it is also capable of performing all three functions, though not necessarily simultaneously, as well as saving on the use of timber otherwise used in pallets.

Whilst the transport, storage and display device of the present invention1 and its method of use, have been described above in detail related to currently preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that it is susceptible to various modifications, and the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such modifications as are encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transport, storage and display device capable of being used in alternative orientations, comprising a substantially L-shaped member which, in one orientation of the device, has an arm defining a base arm of the device and another arm defining a side arm upstanding from the base arm, and, in an alternative orientation of the device, has the other arm defining a base arm of the device and the first-mentioned arm defining a side arm upstanding from the base arm.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein one arm is longer than the other arm of the substantially Lshaped member.

3. A display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one arm is of a length of from one quarter to one half the length of the other longer arm.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein one arm upstands from the other arm at one end thereof.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein one arm is at an angle of substantially 90" to the other arm.

6. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a load-securing strap having an end fixed or fixable, preferably detachably, to one arm and/or the other arm of the L-shaped member at a location remote from their mutual juncture.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein said end of the load-securing strap is fixed or fixable detachably to any one of a plurality of points spaced along the length of either or both arms of the Lshaped member.

8. A device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the other end of the strap is free to be inserted, and pulled, through a tightening and securing device.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the tightening and securing device comprise an eye and/or a buckle.

10. A device according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein at least part of the tightening and securing device is provided at the free end of another strap having an end fixed, preferably detachably, to the other of the arms.

11. A device according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the load-securing strap comprises at least one generally L-shaped protector arranged to overlie the edge of a load upon the L-shaped member.

12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the arms of the substantially L-shaped member are made of a metallic material.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the metallic material is steel.

14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein either or both arms is/are of hollow section.

15. A device according to claim 14, when dependent upon any of claims 6 to 13, wherein the load securing strap is storable within either or both arms of the L shaped member and can be withdrawn therefrom, preferably against a bias, such as a spring bias.

16. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising an elongate base and a side upstanding from one end of the base, the base being formed of a single base arm and the side being formed of a single side arm.

17. A device according to any of claims 1 to 15, comprising an elongate base and a side upstanding from one end of the base, the base being formed of a pair of spaced parallel base arms connected by a cross member.

18. A device according to any of claims 1 to 15, comprising an elongate base and a side upstanding from one end of the base, the side being formed of a pair of spaced parallel side arms connected by a cross member.

19. A device according to any of claims 1 to 15, comprising a pair of base arms, a pair of side arms and a common cross member.

20. A device according to any preceding claim further, including at least one rolling device on at least one of the arms of the L-shaped member, preferably on the underside thereof when defining the base arm.

21. A device according to claim 20, wherein the or each rolling device comprises a wheel or caster.

22. A device according to claims 20 or 21, wherein a rolling device is located at the juncture of the arms of the L-shaped device, exterior thereof.

23. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the surface of the substantially L-shaped member has a protective and/or cushioning coating.

24. A device according to any preceding claim further including at least one stabilising foot extending outwardly thereof.

25. A device according to claim 24 further comprising a pair of feet extending outwardly on respective opposed sides of the substantially L-shaped member.

26. A device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the or each stabilising foot can be retracted on to at least one of the arms of the substantially L-shaped member.

27. A device according to claim 26, wherein the or each foot is locatable in a recess in at least one of the arms of the L-shaped member when in its retracted position.

28. A device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the or each stabilising foot is detachably securable to at least one of the arms of the substantially L-shaped member.

29. A device according to claim 28, wherein the or each stabilising foot is detachably securable to the free end of at least one of the arms of the substantially L-shaped member and/or to the juncture thereof.

30. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising an elongate support device which is slidably engageable with complementary means, preferably of a cushioning material, provided on the underside of at least one of the arms of the L-shaped member, to support the arm of the L-shaped member defining the base arm of the device above ground level, when so-engaged therewith.

31. A device according to claim 30, wherein the elongate support device comprises at least one block attached to the underside of an elongate element which is suitably cross-sectioned to slidably engage with a complementary cross-sectional elongate element on the underside of the base arm of the device.

32. A device according to claim 31, wherein the or each block is of generally square cross-section.

33. A device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the or each block is made of a hard rubber or synthetic plastics material.

34. A device according to any preceding claim including means arranged to tilt the device forwardly or backwardly.

35. A device according to claim 34, wherein said tilting means comprises a foot located or locatable underneath the base arm(s) of the L-shaped member.

36. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the arms of the L-shaped member can be folded down, one upon the other.

37. A transport, storage and display device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

38. A transport, storage and display assembly comprising two or more devices according to any preceding claim, arranged in spaced parallel relationship with respect to each other.

39. A method of handling goods comprising arranging the goods in quantity to form a load and disposing the so-formed load in relation to at least one transport, storage and display device according to any of claims 1 to 37.

40. A method of handling goods comprising arranging the goods in quantity to form a load and disposing the so-formed load in relation to a transport, storage and display assembly according to claim 38.

41. A method of handling goods including arranging the goods in quantity to form a load, disposing the so-formed load in relation to a generally L-shaped transport, storage and display device which, in one orientation thereof, has an arm defining a base arm and another arm defining a side arm upstanding from the base arm, and, in an alternative orientation thereof, has the other arm defining a base arm of the device and the first-mentioned arm defining a side arm upstanding from the base arm, wherein, in either orientation of the device, the load is supported from below by the base arm and at a side by the upstanding side arm.

42. A method according to claim 41 including arranging the so-formed load in relation to at least two of said transport, storage and display devices, such that the load is supported from below by respective base arms and is supported at one side by the upstanding side arm of one device and at an opposite side by the upstanding side arm of the other device.

43. A method according to claim 41 or 42 further including shrink wrapping the load prior to disposing it in relation to the transport, storage and display device(s).

44. A method according to claim 41, 42 or 43 including providing auxiliary support for the supported load by passing a strap or straps over and/or around the load so as to secure the same to the transport, storage and display device(s).

45. A method according to any of claims 41 to 44 wherein the load, when supported on one or more transport, storage and display devices, is transported with the base arm(s) maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation, and is displayed at point-ofsale with the base arm(s) disposed in a substantially vertical orientation.

46. A method according to any of claims 41 to 45, wherein the load comprises packed, such as boxed, bulk goods.

47. A method according to any of claims 41 to 46, wherein the load comprises paving slabs and/or other generally planar articles.

48. A method according to claim 47, wherein paving slabs are stacked on the device(s) so as to lie substantially vertically with an edge of each paving stone resting on the base arm(s) of the device(s) whilst the base arm(s) is/are in a horizontal orientation.

49. An assembly comprising a pair of devices according to any of claims 1 to 37, wherein one of the devices is inverted and rests upon the other device, with the devices extending at least partially around an associated load.

50. An assembly comprising a pair of devices according to any of claims 1 to 37, wherein one of the devices is inverted and is supported in side-by-side relationship with respect to the other device, with the devices extending at least partially around an associated load

51. A method of handling goods substantially as hereinbefore described.