GB2482511A

GB2482511A - A support apparatus for a wrapped pallet

Info

Publication number: GB2482511A
Application number: GB1013141.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hans Gunnar Arnold Svahn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-04
Filing date: 2010-08-04
Publication date: 2012-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2030-08-04
Also published as: WO2012017196A1; GB201013141D0; GB2482511B

Abstract

A support apparatus for use with a pallet 107 loaded with goods 111 and unitized with stretch wrap film 112. The pallet 107 having an item support surface 110 upon which the goods 111 are loaded, and the stretch wrap film 112 providing a retaining wall around the goods 111. The support apparatus comprises first and second support elements 101, 102, each comprising a support base 103, 105 and a support post 104, 106 extending from the support base 103, 105. Each support element 101, 102 is configured to be located relative to the pallet 107 such that the support base 103, 105 extends under the item support surface 110 and the support post 104, 106 extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to the item support surface 110. In use, the stretch wrap 112 is cut open, as shown in figure 3, and the ends 112 of the retaining wall are wrapped around the located support posts 104, 106 such that a first portion around the item support surface 110 is provided with a retaining wall, to contain goods 111 upon the item support surface 110, and a second portion around the item support surface is open, to provide access to goods 111 upon the item support surface. Use of the support apparatus is said to prevent items 111 falling off the pallet when the wrap 112 is opened. Also disclosed is a support element 101, 102 for use with a pallet, in which the support base 103, 105 of the support element 101, 102 is configured to frictionally engage with a spacer member of the pallet.

Description

SUPPORT APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to support apparatus for use with a pallet loaded with goods and unitized with stretch wrap film, a method of containing goods upon the pallet whilst providing access to those goods, and a support element for use with a pallet comprising a plurality of spacer members and presenting an item support surface.

Background to the Invention

Pallets are used to facilitate handling and/or storage of goods. Typically, a pallet is structured to support goods received upon an item support surface whilst the pallet is lifted and moved, for example, by means of a pallet jack or a forklift truck. Different types of pallet are known. A pallet may be fabricated from wood, *. 15 plastic, metal or paper. Pallets are typically substantially rectangular, with a *.... range of different dimensions being available. A known type of pallet construction is often generally referred to as a stringer pallet'. The frame of this * type of pallet has a central arrangement of parallel elongate spacer members, with upper deck boards connectedly secured across the tops of the spacer members to form an item support surface. Many pallets of this type also have lower deck boards secured to the spacer members in a second arrangement, to provide reinforced support base. A pallet may be a two-way' type pallet, which may be lifted from two, opposite directions only, a four-way' type pallet, which may be lifted from all four directions, or may be two-way' for a pallet jack yet four-way' for a forklift truck. Another known type of pallet construction is often generally referred to as a block pallet'. This type of pallet is similar to a stringer pallet' but uses an arrangement of individual spacer block members instead of parallel elongate spacer members.

It is known for a loaded pallet to be unitized by use of a wrapping, such as stretch wrap film or shrink wrap film, to secure the load and the pallet into a unit load. Unitization of a loaded pallet in this way serves to contain goods upon the item support surface of the pallet during transportation. Stretch wrap film and shrink wrap film differ. Stretch wrap film is stretched as it is wrapped tightly around items and then uses the property of elastic recovery to hold the items.

Shrink wrap film is placed loosely around items and then shrinks in response to applied heat to close around the item and hold them. A problem exists in that when the containing wrapping is removed, the goods received upon the item support surface may fall from the pallet, potentially resulting in undesirable wastage. This problem is particularly prevalent in instances where the size and/or shape of items located upon the pallet causes instability in the free-standing load.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided support apparatus for use with a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and unitized with stretch wrap film pioviding a retaining wall around said goods, said support IS..

.... 15 apparatus comprising: first and second support elements, each comprising a support base and a support post extending from said support base, and each * .. configured to be located relative to said pallet such that said support base S * * * ..

extends under said item support surface and said support post extends upwardly *.S * and substantially perpendicularly to said item support surface; whereby, when in use, said retaining wall presents first and second free ends, one of which is wrapped around the support post of one of said first and second support elements and the other of which is wrapped around the support post of the other of said first and second support elements, such that a first portion around said item support surface is provided with a retaining wall, to contain goods upon said item support surface, and a second portion around said item support surface is open, to provide access to goods upon said item support surface.

In an embodiment, the support base of each of said first and second support elements is configured to engage with said pallet. In an embodiment, the support base of each of said first and second support elements is configured to provide a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, together defining a receiving volume for receiving a spacer member of a pallet. In an embodiment, the support base of each of said first and second support elements is configured to frictionally engage with a received spacer member of a pallet.

In an embodiment, the first support element has a first location orientation and the second support element has a second location orientation that is opposite to said first location orientation.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method of containing goods upon a pallet whilst providing access to said goods, said method comprising the steps of: receiving support apparatus according to the first aspect, identifying a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and provided with containing wrapping presenting a retaining wall around said goods, locating a first support element of said support apparatus relative to said pallet, at a first location, such that said support base of said first support element extends under said item support surface and said support post of said first support element extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to said item support s*e*' 15 surface, locating a second support element of said support apparatus relative to said pallet, at a second location that is different from said first location, such that * .. said support base of said second support element extends under said item * * * * support surface and said support post of said second support e'ement extends *..

* upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to said item support surface, identifying a first free end and a second free end of said containing wrapping, receiving one of said first and second free ends and wrapping it around the support post of one of said first and second support elements, and receiving the other of said first and second free ends and wrapping it around the support post of the other of said first and second support elements.

In a specific example, the step of identifying a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and provided with containing wrapping presenting a retaining wall around said goods comprises identifying a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and secured with stretch wrap film providing a continuous retaining wall around said item support surface, and the method further comprises the step of dividing said continuous retaining wall to create said first free end and said second free end.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a support element for use with a pallet comprising a plurality of spacer members and having an item support surface, said support element comprising a support base and a support post extending from said support base, and configured to be located relative to said pallet such that said support base extends under said item support surface and said support post extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to said item support surface, and said support base configured to frictionally engage with a spacer member of said pallet.

Brief Description of the Drawinqs

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: SI.. * .

Detailed Description

* There will now be described by way of example a specific mode

I

contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific S..

details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

Figure 1 shows first and second support elements, according to a first example, of support apparatus for use with a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and unitized with stretch wrap film providing a retaining wall around the goods; Figure 2 shows features of first and second support elements, according to the first example, in further detail; Figure 3 shows a front view of first and second support elements located relative to a pallet provided with stretch wrap film, ready for use; Figure 4 illustrates first and second support elements with a pallet provided with stretch wrap film of a pallet being brought into use; Figure 5 shows a front view of first and second support elements in use with a pallet provided with stretch wrap film, to provide a first portion around the item support surface with a retaining wall, and to provide a second portion around the item support surface that is open; Figure 6 shows a plan view of the airangement shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows the arrangement of Figure 5 following removal of goods from the pallet, Figure 8 shows a pair of support elements, according to a second example; Figure 9 shows the pair of support elements of Figure 8 in use with a pallet; and Figure 10 illustrates steps in a method of containing goods upon a pallet whilst providing access to the goods. * * ***.

Figure 1 * *. Figure 1 shows support apparatus for use with a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and unitized with stretch wrap film providing **.

a retaining wall around the goods. The support apparatus comprises first and second support elements 101, 102. Each support element 101, 102 comprises a support base and a support post extending from the support base. Thus, first support element 101 comprises a support base 103 and a support post 104 extending from the support base 103 and, similarly, second support element 102 comprises a support base 105 and a support post 106 extending from the support base 105. According to this illustrated embodiment, when the support bases 103, 104 of the first and second support elements 101, 102 are located upon a substantially horizontal support surface, the support posts 104, 106 of the first and second support elements 101, 102 extend substantially vertically.

In an embodiment, each of the support posts 104, 106 is a substantially rigid elongate post. A support post of a support element may be a fixed length.

Alternatively, the support post may be extendable. Thus, for example, the support post may comprise a core fixed length section extending from the base of the support element and one or more additional sections configured to be releasably connected to the fixed length section or may be telescopic.

A support element as described herein is configured to be used with a pallet has a pallet construction that uses a central arrangement of spacer members, such as stringers or blocks, and a plurality of upper deck boards connectedly secured across the tops of the spacer members to form an item support surface.

Pallets are configured to facilitate handling and/or storage of goods, and are structured to present a substantially planar item support surface upon which goods can be located. Subsequent lifting and moving of a loaded pallet is typically achieved by use of a pallet jack or a forklift truck. It is known for a loaded pallet to be unitized by use of a containing wrapping to secure the load and the pallet into a unit load. Unitization of a loaded pallet in this way functions to maintain goods upon the item support surface of the pallet during transportation. In general, pallets are substantially rectangular in shape, to **..

facilitate optimization of available storage space by tessellation. In addition, substantially square pallets assist the resistance of a load to tipping over. It is to * ** be understood that a pallet unit load may be relocated several times before it is * * S * I. opened. *.S

* A problem exists in that after the containing wrapping is removed from around the item support surface of a pallet unit load, to allow access to items loaded thereon, goods may fall from the pallet, potentially resulting in undesirable * damage and wastage. This problem is particularly prevalent in instances where the size and/or shape of items located upon the pallet causes instability in the free-standing load.

As will be described in further detail below, the first and support second elements 101, 102 are configured to be used with a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and provided with containing wrapping presenting a retaining wall around the goods, in such a way that a first portion around the item support surface is provided with a retaining wall, to contain goods upon the item support surface, and a second portion around the item support surface is open, to provide access to goods upon the item support surface.

Figure 1 shows a pallet 107. Pallet 107 is an example of a stringer pallet' and comprises a plurality of stringers, such as stringer 108, and a plurality of upper deck boards, such as upper deck board 109, connectedly extending across the top of the stringers and providing an item support surface 110. In addition, pallet 107 has a construction in which each side of one pair of opposite sides present an elongate side of a stringer and each side of the other pair of opposite sides present an end of a stringer. The pallet 107 is configured such that when located upon a substantially horizontal support surface, the item support surface also extends substantially horizontally, in a plane substantially parallel to that of the support surface.

As illustrated in subsequent Figures, first and second support elements 101, 102 are each configured to be located relative to pallet 107 such that the respective support base 103, 105 of each extends under the item support surface of the pallet 107 and the respective support post 104, 106 of each extends **..

upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to the item support surface 110.

In this Figure, pallet 107 is shown loaded with goods, indicated generally at * ** 111, located upon the item support surface 110. The pallet 107 and goods 111 are unitized with stretch wrap film, indicated at 112. The stretch wrap film 112 *** secures the goods 111 to the pallet 107, to form a unit load. The stretch wrap film 112 provides a retaining wall around the item support surface 110 and the : goods 111. * *

Stretch wrap film is a stretchable material. It is stretched as it is wrapped around items and holds the items tight through the action of elastic recovery.

Different types of stretch wrap film are known, for example a first type is hand stretchable, and therefore suitable for use in manual wrapping, whilst a second type is machine stretchable and more appropriate for a mechanized wrapping process. The specific type of stretch wrap film used in a particular application may be selected according to one or more properties such as: tensile strength, yield strength, cling factor, clarity, tear resistance or static discharge for example.

An important feature of stretch wrap film is that it is self-adherent, such that when brought into contact with itself it will stick to itself. This characteristic of stretch wrap film enables it to be used to secure loads without the requirement for use of any other material. Self-adherent stretch wrap film is known that will stick only to itself. An example of this type of self-adherent stretch wrap film is a plastics material comprising or consisting only of polyethylene.

As will be described in further detail below, when located for use relative to a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and provided with containing wrapping presenting a retaining wall around the goods, a support element as described herein provides a support post about which an end of the containing wrapping may be wrapped.

Thus, when located for use relative to a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and provided with stretch wrap film presenting a retaining wall around the goods, a support element as described herein provides a support post about which stretch wrap film may wrapped, such that it is brought into contact with itself to self-adhere to itself and hence hold itself in this wrapped configuration.

Preferably, and as indicated in this Figure, each of the first and second I: I.E support elements 101, 102 are manually portable. In this Figure, operative 113 is * ** shown manually transporting second support elements 102 in a single hand 114.

* This feature facilitates convenient location of the first and second support **.

* elements 101, 102 relative to pallet 107, for use. * * S..

Figure 2 * S Figure 2 shows features of support elements 101 and 102 in further detail.

In an embodiment, the base of a support element comprises three base walls, a rear wall and a pair of side walls, to define a receiving volume for receiving a pallet spacer member.

In this illustrated example, the support bases 103, 105 of the support elements 101, 102 each have a rear wall R, a first side wall SI and a second side wall S2 extending from the rear wall. The base walls R, Si and S2 of each of the support bases 103, 105 define a receiving volume V. The support bases 103, 105 are configured to receive a pallet spacer member within the receiving volume V. In a preferred embodiment, the support bases 103, 105 are configured such that the side walls Si and S2 provide a degree of grip on a pallet spacer member when the side walls Si and S2 are located around the pallet spacer member.

Thus, the inner surfaces of the side walls Si and S2 of each support base 103, are configured to be brought into frictional engagement with the pallet. Such frictional engagement between a support element and a pallet provides the support element with degree of stability..

The side walls Si and S2 of each of the support bases 103, 105 have a free edge. For example, free edges 201, 201 of the side walls S2 of the support base 103, 105 respectively can be seen in this Figure. In this example, the free edges of the side walls Si and S2 are substantially arcuate. These arcuate free edges, for example edges 201, 201 of support bases 103, 105 respectively, facilitate removal of the support element 101, 102 from engaged positions with a pallet, by enabling rotation of each support member 101, 102, in a direction as indicated at 203, 204 respectively, about a respective support base edge 205, 206. In an alternative example, the side wails Si and S2 of each of the support *...

bases 103, 105 each have a substantially linearly sloping free edge. In an example, the support elements 102, 103 are substantially symmetrical about a * ** substantially central axis 207, 208 through the respective support base i03, i05, and through the respective support post 104, 106. S..

* In an embodiment, the support post of each support element is configured to extend along an outer surface of the support base. In this example, the respective support post 104, 106 of each support element 101, 102 extends along, and projects from, the outer surface of the rear wall R of the support base 103, 105. In this example, the pair of support elements 101, 102 are substantially identical.

Figure 3 Figure 3 shows first and second support elements 101, 102 located relative to pallet 107, ready for use. Support element iOi is located relative to pallet 107, at a first location 301, such that the support base 103 extends under item support surface 110 and the support post 104 extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to item support surface 110. Second support element 102 is located relative to pallet 107, at a second location 302 that is different from the first location 301, such that support base 105 extends under item support surface and the support post 106 extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to the item support surface 110. In the shown arrangement, the first and second substantially rigid elongate posts 104, 106 of the first and second support elements 101, 102 respectively, extend upwardly alongside the outer walls of the stack of goods 111. In the arrangement in this Figure, the first support element 101 is located at a first pallet corner Cl and the second support element 102 is located at a second pallet corner C2.

By separating the continuous retaining wall provided by stretch wrap film 112, first and second free ends of the stretch wrap film 112 can be created.

Thus, as illustrated, the stretch wrap film 112 may be divided along an axis 303, extending substantially perpendicular to item support surface 110, to provide a first free end 304 and a second free end 305. At the same time, first and second flaps El, F2 are created, with flap Fl extending from first free end 304 to first pallet corner Cl and with flap F2 extending from second free end 305 to second *:* pallet corner C2. As shown in this Figure, by splitting the stretch wrap film 112 * along an axis 203 that is substantially centrally located along one side of the * * pallet 107, first and second flaps Fl, F2 may be created that are substantially *s.

* equal in length. To achieve the break in the retaining wail provided by stretch wrap film 112, a cutting tool, indicated generally at 306, may be used carefully in * *.* a manner so as not to damage any of the goods 111. Any suitable cutting tool, * such as a knife or a pair of scissors, may be used.

Once identified, the first end 304 may be moved, in the direction indicated by arrow 307, towards the support post 104 of support element 101, in effect unwrapping the stretch wrap film 112 towards the support element 101. Similarly free edge 305 may be moved, in the direction indicated by arrow 308, towards the support post 106 of support member 102, in effect unwrapping, in a second opposite direction, the stretch wrap film 112 towards the support element 102.

These actions begin to bring the support elements 101, 102 of the support apparatus into use.

Figure 4 As shown in Figure 4, the first and second free ends 304, 305 of the retaining wall provided by stretch wrap film 112 may be wrapped around the first and second support elements 101, 102 respectively. Thus, first free edge 304 may be passed, in the direction indicated by arrow 401, around support element 101, from the inner side (closest to the item support surface 110 of the pallet 107) of support post 104 to the other side and then onto itself. Similarly, second free edge 305 may be passed, in the direction indicated by arrow 402, around support element 102 from the inner side (closest to the item support surface 110 of the pallet 107) of support post 106 to the other side, and then onto itself.

The actions illustrated in Figure 4 wrap each flap Fl, F2 of the stretch wrap film 112 around a support post of a support element onto itself, where it self-adheres and holds itself in the wrapped configuration around the support element. *S..

Figure 5 Figure 5 shows a front view of support elements 101, 102 in use with pallet * ** 107 and shrink wrap film 112 to provide a first portion around the item support * p * * surface 110 with a retaining wall, to contain goods 111 upon the item support S..

* surface 110, and to provide a second portion around item support surface 110 that is open, to provide access to goods 111 upon the item support surface 110.

: Thus, it is to be appreciated that the support elements 101, 102 support * stretch wrap film 112 in providing a retaining wall around palleted goods 111 whilst allowing those palleted goods 111 to be accessed. The self-adherence of the stretch wrap film 112 is utilised to conveniently hold the stretch wrap film 112 to maintain a partial retaining wall around the item support surface 110 of pallet 107.

Figure 6 Figure 6 shows a plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 5.

According to this shown arrangement, a first face Fl of the pallet 107 is open, whilst second, third and fourth faces F2, F3 and F4 of the pallet 107 are provided with a retaining wall by virtue of the stretch wrap film 112 extending between first support 101 and second support element 102. First, second, third and fourth corners Cl, C2, C3 and C4 are also indicated in this Figure. Corner Cl is at the junction of faces F4 and Fl, corner C3 is at the junction of faces Fl and F2, corner C3 is at the junction of faces F2 and F3 and corner C4 is at the junction of faces F3 and F4. In this Figure, first and second support elements 101, 102 are located to either side of face Fl of pallet 107, with first support element 101 located along face F4 and with second support element 102 located along face F2.

This Figure shows first free end 304 of the stretch wrap film 112 having been wrapped around support element 101 and brought into contact with the remaining retaining wall; where by virtue of the self-adhering nature of the stretch wrap film 112, these portions hold together in the region of contact indicated at 601. This Figure similarly shows second free end 305 of the stretch wrap film 112 having been wrapped around support element 102 and brought into contact with the remaining retaining wall; where by virtue of the self-adhering nature of s:...: the stretch wrap film 112, these portions hold together in the region of contact indicated at 602. * .. * . *

* : Moving around the perimeter of the palleted goods 111, there is an open *5.

* portion between first support element 101 and second support element 102 and then a covered portion extending between second support element 102 and first * *5* : support element 101. Thus, support for the palleted goods 101 is provided in a * first direction between the first and second support elements 101, 102, to prevent falling from the pallet 107, whilst a region of access to those palleted goods 111 is provided in the second, opposite direction between the first and second support elements 101, 102.

In a typical scenario, a pallet loaded with goods and unitized with stretch wrap film will be positioned at a desired location within a warehouse or store, the support elements 101, 102 will be used as described herein to contain goods upon the pallet whilst providing access to those goods, and the volume of items on the pallet will reduce over time, for example as they are picked for an order or sold. -.13-

Figure 7 Figure 7 shows a similar arrangement to that shown in Figure 5; however Figure 7 shows only a few individual items of goods 111. It can be seen in this Figure that stretch wrap film 112 is maintained in an arrangement in which it provides a retaining wall around item support surface 110 and goods 111. When no longer required, for example when no goods remain on the pallet, the support elements 101, 102 may be moved away from the pallet 107, and the stretch wrap film 112 disposed of. To remove the support elements away from the pallet 107, support element 101 may be moved in the direction indicated by arrow 701 and support element 102 may be moved in the direction of arrow 702. Following removal of the first and support elements 101, 102 from the pallet 107, they may be used again.

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows a pair of support elements 801, 802, according to a second example. Support elements 801, 802 each have a support base 803, 804 and a * *0 support post 805, 806 respectively. According to this illustrated embodiment, first S. * support element 801 has a first location orientation and second support element ** * 802 has a second location orientation, which is opposite to the first location orientation of the first for element 801. The location orientation of each support *...: element 801, 802 is determined by the relative positioning of the substantially * elongate posts 805, 806 to axes 807, 808 that are substantially central along the length direction L of the support bases 803, 804 respectively. Thus, when facing the rear 809 of support base 803 of support element 801, the support post 805 is to the right hand side of axis 807, and when facing the rear 810 of support base 804 of support element 802, the support post 806 is to the left hand side of axis 808. Support elements with a location orientation may be used accommodate* different construction patterns of pallet or different orientations of a pallet.

A support member as described herein may comprise a storage member.

In this illustrated example, each of the pair of support members 801, 802 comprises a storage member 809, 810 respectively. In this example, each of the storage members 809, 810 is suitable for use in suspending the support element 801, 802 respectively from a storage rack (not shown). In an example, a storage member is movable relative to the remainder of the support element, in another example it is fixed relative to the remainder of the support element.

In an embodiment, a support element as described herein is configured to be freestanding. In an example, the support base has approximate dimensions of: length 162 mm, height 90 mm, width 90mm. In an example, the support base is constructed from sheet metal, bent to form base walls R, Si and S2, and having an approximate thickness of 1 mm. In an example the support post is provided by a pole having an approximate diameter of 20 mm. In an example, a fixed length support post has a length in the range from approximately 0.8 m to approximately 1.7 m. In an example, a fixed length support post has a length of approximately 1 m. In an example, an adjustable length support post has an initial length of approximately I m but is configured to be extendable up to approximately 2 m. In an example of a support element having a location orientation, the side walls Si and S2 slightly from each other, such that at least one edge of the side wall closest to the support post extends beyond a corresponding edge of the side wall furthest from the support post. In such an example intended for use with a pallet having lower deck boards, the lower edge * *** of the side wall furthest from the support post may be profiled to rest on the upper **..

side of a lower deck board and the lower edge of the side wall closest from the * support post may be profiled to rest on the floor. Thus, the support base of a *..,*. support element may be profiled to accommodate structural features of a pallet.

** It is to be appreciated in general that features a support apparatus having functionality as described herein may vary.

: ... 25 **.*.S * Figure 9 Figure 9 shows first and second support elements 801, 802 in use with pallet 107. In this Figure, first and second support elements 801, 802 are both located along face F2 of pallet 107.

As shown, first support element 801 is located to present support post 805 closest to corner C2 and second support element 802 is located to present support post 806 closest to corner C3. Thus, the location orientations of the first and second support elements 801, 802 are being used to position a support post as close as possible at a pallet corner.

It can be seen from comparison of Figures 6 and 9 that it may be possible to use support elements as described herein in different arrangements with the same type of pallet. It is also to be understood that the support elements 101, 102 or support elements 801, 802 may be used in different arrangements with a block type pallet. However, each support element has a support base and a support post extending from the support base and is configured to be located relative to a pallet such that the support base extends under the item support surface of the pallet, so as to be located relative the pallet and a load thereon in a footprint space-saving manner and so as to provide a structural support for containing wrapping arranged such that a first portion around the item support surface is provided with a retaining wall, to contain goods upon the item support surface, and a second portion around the item support surface is open, to allow access to goods upon the item support surface. The ratio of the first retaining portion to the second open portion may vary between uses.

Figure 10 Figure 10 illustrates a method of containing goods upon a pallet whilst SI..

providing access to the goods. According to method 1001, support apparatus is received at step 1002. At step 1003 a pallet with goods located upon an item *:*::* support surface and provided with stretch wrap film presenting a retaining wall around the goods is identified. At step 1004, a first support element is located relative to the identified pallet and a second support element is located relative to : 25 the identified pallet at step 1005. At step 1006 a first end of containing wrapping * is wrapped around the first located support element and at step 1007, a second end of containing wrapping is wrapped around the second located support element.

It is to be appreciated that a support element as described herein may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials, and may be one or more of: wood, metal, a plastics material. The fabrication of a support element as described herein may vary between applications. A support element as described herein may have any suitable dimensions, and may vary between applications; the relative dimensions of component parts of a support element as described herein may have any suitable dimensions, and may vary between applications. The shape of the support base of a support element as described herein may be any suitable shape, and may vary between applications. The cross-sectional shape of a support post of a support element as described herein may be any suitable shape, and may vary between applications. The support post of a support element as described herein may be solid or hollow. The weight of a support element as described herein may vary between applications.

The location of the support post relative to the support base of a. support apparatus may vary. The support base of a support apparatus may be solid, and then the support post of the support apparatus may extend from the top of the support base. In such an example, the weight of support base may contribute to stability of the support apparatus.

A support element as described herein may be manufactured by any suitable process or combination of processes, and may vary between applications; the manufacture of component parts of a support element as described herein may be by any suitable process or combination of processes, * and may vary between applications. The aesthetic finish of a support element as ***.

* 20 described herein may vary between applications. Components of a support S....

* apparatus as described herein may have any desired finish and/or colouration. A support apparatus as described herein may carry graphics. * *. * * . * S..

S S *

Claims

Claims 1. Support apparatus for use with a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and unitized with stretch wrap film providing a retaining wall around said goods, said support apparatus comprising: first and second support elements, each comprising a support base and a support post extending from said support base, and each configured to be located relative to said pallet such that said support base extends under said item support surface and said support post extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to said item support surface; whereby, when in use, said retaining wall presents first and second free ends, one of which is wrapped around the support post of one of said first and second support elements and the other of which is wrapped around the support post of the other of said first and second support elements, such that a first portion around said item support surface is provided with a retaining wall, to contain goods upon said item support surface, and a second portion around said item support surface is open, to provide access to goods upon said item support surface. * S *Se.
2. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support base of each of said first and second support elements is configured to engage with said ***.* pallet. I.,
3. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support base of 25 each of said first and second support elements is configured to provide a rear 5*5S.S * wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, together defining a receiving volume for receiving a spacer member of a pallet.
4. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support base of each of said first and second support elements is configured to frictionally engage with a received spacer member of a pallet.
5. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support post of each of said first and second support element is configured to extend along an outer surface of the respective support base.
6. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in any preceding claim wherein said support post is a fixed length.
7. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each of said first and second support elements is configured to be freestanding.
8. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of said first and second support elements comprises a storage member for use in suspending said support element from a storage rack.
9. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first support element has a first location orientation and said second support element has a second location orientation that is opposite to said first location orientation.
1O.Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fabrication of each of said first and second support elements comprises metal. *... * * **S.
11.A method of containing goods upon a pallet whilst providing access to said goods, said method comprising the steps of: *:::* receiving support apparatus according to claim 1, identifying a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support :. surface and provided with containing wrapping presenting a retaining wall around * said goods, **S*.* * locating a first support element of said support apparatus relative to said pallet, at a first location, such that said support base of said first support element extends under said item support surface and said support post of said first support element extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to said item support surface, locating a second support element of said support apparatus relative to said pallet, at a second location that is different from said first location, such that -1 9-said support base of said second support element extends under said item support surface and said support post of said second support element extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to said item support surface, identifying a first free end and a second free end of said containing wrapping, receiving one of said first and second free ends and wrapping it around the support post of one of said first and second support elements, and receiving the other of said first and second free ends and wrapping it around the support post of the other of said first and second support elements.
12.A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said step of identifying a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and provided with containing wrapping presenting a retaining wall around said goods comprises identifying a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and secured with stretch wrap film providing a continuous retaining wall around said item support surface, and said method further comprises the step of dividing said continuous retaining wall to create said first free end and said second free end. *..S * * ****
13.A support element for use with a pallet comprising a plurality of spacer members and having an item support surface, said support element comprising a support base and a support post extending from said support base, and configured to be located relative to said pallet such that said support base extends under said item support surface and said support post extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly to said item support surface, and * said support base configured to frictionally engage with a spacer member of said pallet.
14. Support apparatus for use with a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and provided with stretch wrap film providing a retaining wall around said goods, substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures.
15.A method of containing goods upon a pallet whilst providing access to said goods, substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures
16.A support element for use with a pallet loaded with goods located upon an item support surface and provided with stretch wrap film providing a retaining wall around said goods, substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures. * S *S�aS* SS.S* * * * ** * S * * S.S *S. * ** * S * S.. ***S 55 S S *