GB2503489A

GB2503489A - Modular load device for transportation of garments on hangers

Info

Publication number: GB2503489A
Application number: GB201211511A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Mclean
Original assignee: UNISERVE GROUP
Current assignee: UNISERVE GROUP
Priority date: 2012-06-28
Filing date: 2012-06-28
Publication date: 2014-01-01
Anticipated expiration: 2032-06-28
Also published as: GB2503489B; GB201211511D0

Abstract

A modular load device 100 for transportation of garments on hangers within transport containers comprises a container portion and a hanging portion. The container portion comprises a base 102, end walls 104, 106, side walls 108, 110 and a lid 112. The hanging portion (120, fig. 3) comprises a frame including a perimeter section and hanging rails. The hanging portion is connectable to the container portion such that the perimeter section is secured to the upper ends of the end and side walls. The device is dimensioned and arranged to be received within transport containers: preferably such that eight devices can be received within an FEU and/or two devices can be received within a ULD. The base, end walls, side walls and lid may be separable from each other and may be storable in a planar configuration when separated. The walls may be arranged to be received by the base and may be fastened with connectors. Preferably the base has a castellated pallet structure to enable lifting devices to be inserted under the base. A set of parts for the device and a method of end-to-end transportation of garments on hangers are also disclosed.

Description

Load Device, Method of Making a Load Device and Method of Transportation The present invention relates to a load device. More preferably, the present invention relates to a load device for air or shipping transportation. In embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of loading dissimilar air or shipping containers using a load devicc.

In an international marketplace, goods are often manufactured in one location and transportcd to anothcr. Often, fragile and/or delicate goods nccd to bc transported correctly to cnsurc that thcir condition is maintaincd during transportation. Clothing is onc such type of good. In particular, suits, jackcts, coats and other garments must bc transported on clothing hangers to ensure that the goods arrive at their destination in an appropriate condition for distribution and sale.

Garments on hangcrs (GOH) nccd to be transportcd on a suitable transport support structure within thc transport container. A known typc of transport structure comprises hanging bars in riggcd shipping containers. Such arrangemcnts are expensive and inflexible. Thc hanging bars arc also eumbcrsome and cannot bc transfcrrcd to other types of containers (e.g. air freight containers). In addition, the hanging bars prevent complete utilisation of thc container spacc, for example in thc casc of lcss containcr load (LCL) containers (which are only partially flaIl).

For air freight transportation, the most common known type of trans port structure comprise, for examplc, stillages or fabricatcd frames. These arc rigid frames crcctcd on a single journey basis. However, thcsc structures arc gcnerally cumbersome, inflexible and expensive to purchase. They cannot generally be easily removed when loaded, and cannot be transferred between different types of container. They also require considerable space for storage, sincc they cannot bc folded flat. In addition, thcy may prcscnt health and safety risks.

Therefore, a technical problem exists in the art that current solutions to transportation of GOH are inflexible, expensive and cumbersome. Consequently, there is a need in the art for a loading device and transport method that improves upon known arrangements and procedures.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular load device for transportation of garments on hangers within road, shipping and!or air transport containers, the modular load device comprising a container portion and a hanging portion, thc container portion comprising a base, end walls, side walls and a lid, and thc hanging portion comprising a frame including a pcrimetcr section and hanging rails operablo to receive garments on hangers thereon, the hanging portion bcing connectable to the container portion such that the perimeter section is secured to the upper ends of thc end and side walls of the container portion, the modular load device being dimensioned and arranged to be received within said transport containcrs.

In onc embodiment, the load device has dimensions in the range of approximately ito 2.3 m in width, approximately 1 m to 1.5 m in length and 1 to 2.25 in in height.

In one embodiment, the load device has dimensions in the range of ito 2.3 m in width and 1.5 m to 2.25 m in height, and is 1.5 m in length.

In onc embodiment, the base, end walls, side walls and lid arc separable from one another.

In onc embodiment, the base, end walls, side walls and lid arc storable in a substantially planar configuration when separated.

In onc embodiment, the end walls and side walls are alTanged to be received by the base. 31)

Tn one embodiment, the modular load device liuther comprises releasable locking means for securing the end walls to the side walls.

Tn one embodiment, said connecting means comprises releasable connectors formed from a single piece of material.

In one embodiment, said releasable connecting means are formed from a plastics material.

In one embodiment, the end walls comprise hinged paneLs movable to enable inspection of the interior of the modular load device.

In one embodiment, at least one of the end walls, side walls, lid and base is formed from heavy duty eorrugated fibreboard.

In one embodiment, each of the end walls, side walls, lid and base is formed from heavy duty corrugated fibreboard.

In one embodiment, the modular load device is dimensioned and arranged such that eight modular load deviecs can be received within a single FEU or standard road transport container.

In one embodiment, the modular load device is dimensioned and arranged such that two modular load devices can be received within a single ULD.

In one embodiment, the base comprises a castellated palette structure to enable lifting devices to be inserted between a floor suthce and said base.

In one embodiment, the castellated palette structure is formed from heavy duty fibreboard.

In one embodiment, the castellated palette structure further comprises foam.

In one embodiment, the hanging portion is formed from metal.

In one embodiment, the perimeter section of the hanging portion is secured to the upper ends of the end and side walls of the container portion by means of a friction fit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a set of parts for a modular load device for transportation of garments on hangers within road, shipping and/or air frcight containers, the set of parts comprising a base, end walls, side walls, a lid and a hanging portion comprising a frame including a perimeter section and hanging rails operable, in use, to receive garments on hangers thereon, the set ofparts being storable in a substantially planar configuration and, when assembled, said modular load device being dimensioned and arranged to be received within said road, shipping or air freight containers.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of end-to-end transportation of garments on hangers (GOH) using the modular load device of any one of claims ito 11, the method comprising the steps of: a) packing the load device with garments on hangers at a source location; b) loading the load device onto a first transport container; c) transferring the load device onto a second transport container; d) unloading the load device from the second transport container at a destination location.

In onc embodiment, the first transport container is selected from the group of: road transport container, FEIJ, TEIJ or ULD.

In one embodiment, the second transport container is selected from the group of: road transport container, FEU, TEIJ or ULD.

31) Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: ) Figure I is a schematic diagram of a toad device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a toad device according to a second embodiment of the prescut invention; Figure 3 shows two plan views of different configurations of hanging portion for use with the cmbodimcnt of Figure 1 or thc embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 4 is view of the componcut parts ofthc load device of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a vicw of a complete load device similar to that of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a vicw of a shorter-height load device similar to that of Figure 5 with the lid removed to reveal the interior; Figure 7 shows three imagcs of the load device of the described embodiments inside an FEU; and Figure 8 shows a flow chart of the method of use of the load devices of the described embodiments.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a load device 100. The load device 100 comprises a container portion including a base 102, end walls 104, 106, side walls 108, and alid 112.

The basc 102 comprises a flat base surface surrounded by receiving walls. The receiving walls are operable to receive the end and side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 within 31) the footprint of the base 102.

The end walls 104, 106 are received within the footprint of the base 102. The side walls 108, 110 comprise side flanges I 08a, II Oa at either end thereof The side flanges I 08a, II Oa are operable to surround a portion of the end walls 104, 106 to form closed sides of the load device 100.

Connectors 114 arc provided to enable the side walls 108, 110 to be fastened to the cnd walls 104, 106. Any suitable type of connector 114 may be provided; for example, staples, bolts, screws, rivets or other fixings. However, quick connect/release connectors are preferred. These may comprise quick lock conncctors whercby a rotary knob can be turned to engage/disengage the connection. This is of assistance in situations where the load device 100 is to be reused and can be assembled!disa.ssembled as required.

The connectors 114 may be formed from any suitable material: metal, plastic or composite. Howcver, for transport of some goods, for examplc children's clothing, metallic fixtures cannot be used due to the risk to the end user of sharp and/or potentially hazardous materials or contaminants. Therefore, plastic components are prefelTed. The connectors 114 are, in this embodiment, formed from a single piece of recyclable plastic.

The lid 112 comprises a lip or projection extending around the perimeter thereof and operable to engage with the upper ends of the end and side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 to form a box strncture.

The end walls 108, 110 are provided with movable panels 116, 118 respectively.

The movable panels 116, 118 comprise cut-outs in the respective end walls 104, 106 and are hinged at a lower end thereof by a material hinge. The panels 116, 118 are pivotable downwardly to enable the contents of the load device 100 to be inspected once the load device 100 is assembled.

The load device 100 is dimensioned and arranged to fit within a plurality of different transport containers to enable end-to-end transportation, i.e. the goods can be packed at a loading point (e.g. a manufacturing plant or factory), transported by one or more of road, sea and air and delivered to a destination address without the goods having to be transferred from one load device 100 to another. This wiH be described later.

However, the different container sizes within which the load device 100 is to be located imposes maximum dimensions on the size of the load device 100. Minimum dimcnsions of thc load device 100 are imposed by the increased weight of material requircd and the reduced practicality of an incrcascd number of smaller load devices. In the present embodiment as shown in Figure I, the load device 100 has an outside length I of 1.47 in, an outside width w of 2.06 m and an outside hcight of 2.250 m. These specific dimcnsions have been found to provide good usability.

This configuration is set out in Table I below. Eight load devices tOO can be transported in a single forty-foot equivalent unit (FELl) (either a high-top version or a standard version) or a standard road trailer. Four load devices 100 can be located in a single twenty-foot equivalent unit (TELJ). And two load devices 100 can be loaded into a unit load device (LJLD) for air freight. A ULD is a pallet or container used to load freight on wide-body aircraft and specific narrow-body aircraft. It allows a large quantity of cargo to be transported as a single unit.

As set out in Table 1, the dimensions as illustrated in Figure 1 and Table 1 enable the load device 100 to be used in most transportation environments. However, for particular ULDs (i.e. the PAG type), the load device 100 is too tall. Therefore, an alternative embodiment of load device 100 may be provided having a lower height of 1.5 m. Ai example of this arrangement is shown in Figure 6 and will be describcd later. 31)

Container Dimensions [quivalent load device 100 to fill Container 40'' HIGH-CUBE INSIDE LENGTH 12.024 m OUTSIDE LENGTH 1.473 x 8 = 11.784 m INSIDE WIDTH 2.350 m OUTSIDE WIDTH 2.057 m INSIDE HEIGHT 2.697 m OUTSIDE HEIGHT 2.250 m DOOR WIDTH 2.340 m DOOR HEIGHT 2.597 m CAPACITY 55 Cu.m CAPACITY 76 Cu.m TARE WEIGHT PER GILD O5Eqs TARE WEIGHT 4020 Eqs MAX CARGO HEIGHT PER GILD llOOKqs MAX CARGO WEIGHT 26460 Eqs 40'' STANDARD OUTSIDE LENGTH 1.473 x 8 11.784 m INSIDE LENGTH 12.029 m OUTSIDE WIDTH 2.057 m INSIDE WIDTH 2.350 m OUTSIDE HEIGHT 2.250 m INSIDE HEIGHT 2.392 m DOOR WIDTH 2.340 m CAPACITY 55 Cu.m DOOR HEIGHT 2.292 m TARE WEIGHT PER GILD OSEgs CAPACITY 67 Cu.m MAX CARGO HEIGHT PER GILD llOORqs TARE WEIGHT 3780 Eqs MAX CARGO WEIGHT 26700 Eqs OUTSIDE LENGTH 1.473 x 4 = 5.892 m 20'' STANDARD OUTSIDE WIDTH 2.057 m INSIDE LENGTH 5.395 m OUTSIDE HEIGHT 2.250 m INSIDE WIDTH 2.350 m INSIDE HEIGHT 2.392 m CAPACITY 27 Cu.m DOOR WIDTH 2.340 m TARE WEIGHT PER GILD 85Eqs DOOR HEIGHT 2.292 m MAX CARGO WEIGHT PER GILD llOOKqs CAPACITY 33 Cu.m TARE WEIGHT 2230 Eqs MAX CARGO WEIGHT 20230 Eqs OUTSIDE LENGTH 1.473 x 8 = 11.784 m OUTSIDE WIDTH 2.057 m Road: Trailer Dimensions OUTSIDE HEIGHT 2.250 m Trailer Type DimensiDns Volume CAPACITY 55 Cu.m Box-trailer 13.50 x 2.46 x 2.71 90 m3 Tautliner 13.60 x 2.50 x 2.65 90 m3 MrD door aperture heiqht 2.4 OUTSIDE LENGTH 1.473 x 2 = 2.946 m OUTSIDE WIDTH 2.057 rn AIRFREIGHT: ULD DIMENSIONS OUTSIDE HEIGHT 1.490 m PAG EXTERNAL LENGTH 3.175 CAPACITY 9Cu m EXTERNAL WIDTH 2.235 EXTERNAL HIGHT 1.574, 2.430,2.997m OUTSIDE LENGTH 1.473 x 2 = 2.946 m CAPACITY 11, 17, 21 Cu m OUTSIDE WIDTH 2.057 m

Table 1.

Whilst the above table illustrates a preferred embodiment of the dimensions ofthe load device 100, it is to be appreciated that other dimensions could be utilised with the present invention. A modular load device 100 which enables end-to-end transportation of GOB from a source location to a destination location without the requirement for unloading and repackaging of the GOB contained within can be effected utilising different dimensions of the load device 100.

Figure 2 shows an optional alternative embodiment of load device 200. The features in common with the earlier embodiment retain the same reference numerals for clarity. The first and second embodiments differ in that the side walls 108, ItO of the load device 200 are shorter and are half the width of the load device 100 of Figure 1 and so has a width of approximately irn. This enables different transportation configurations to be used; for example, transportation on smaller aircraft or more compact packaging to take advantage of smallcr spaces within a container. Altcrnatively, it enablcs two load devices 200 to be placed side-by-side in conventional containers and so provides flexibility regarding transportation of contents and in terms of packaging arrangements.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 may also have a shorter height of I Sm as described with reference to the first embodiment.

Whilst the above embodiments have been described with reference to specific dimensions, it is to bc irnderstood that these arc merely preferred. The maximum internal width and height of commonly-used container sizes, and the practicalities of loading the load devices 100, 200 through container doorways utilising mechanisms such as fork lift trucks provides maximum usable dimensions for the load devices 100, 200. This is considered to be a width of 2.3 m (or 2.2 m in the case of a LJLD PAG), a length of 1.5 m and a height of 2.25 m. The minimum dimensions of the load devices 100, 200 is specified by the practicalities of providing a multiplicity of load devices 100, 200 and the related loading/unloading and packaging criteria associated therewith. Consequently, it is desirable that the load devices 100, 200 are no less than approximately 1 m in width, approximately 1 m in length and approximatcly im in height.

Consequently, the load device 100, 200 may have dimensions ranging from 1 - 2.3 m in width, from 1 -1.5 m in length and 1 -2.25 m in height. In a preferred embodiment, the load devices 100, 200 range from 1 -2.3 m in width, are 1.5 m in length 31) and 1.5-2.25minheight.

The load device 100 is required to be manufactured from materials which are sufficiently strong to support the load contained within and to sustain repeat transportation and movement. Typically, each load device 100 is to be reused approximately 4 times. The materials of the load device tOO are also required to be S sufficiently light not to add significant weight to the conveyed garments (a concern for air transportation) and to enable rapid assembly and disassembly of the components of the load device 100 as discussed below.

In addition, it is desirable that the matcrials from which the load device 100 is constructed arc environmentally and ecologically friendly; for example, by utilising recycled/recyclable materials and/or sustainable materials. In addition, the nature of transportation of GOH (which are, in most cases, to be worn by individuals) often requires materials and compositions which pose no risk to human health. For example, any metallic fixtures (such as rivets or staples) which may become dislodged and attached to the GOH arc less prefelTed due to the risk to the end user of sharp andIor potcntially hazardous materials or contaminants.

In this embodiment, the base 102 and end and side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 are manufactured from heavy duty corrugated fibreboard and secured, where appropriate, by means of a starch-based adhesive. In this embodiment, the heavy duty corrugated fibreboard is manufactured from Kraft paper and a test liner with semi-chemical fluting.

Kraft papcr comprises virgin wood pulp and is partially formed (to a percentage less than 40%) from recycled waste paper. The test liner comprises virgin pine wood pulp and recycled waste paper.

The semi-chemical fluting is manufactured from virgin wood pulp and waste timber (1. .e small branches that otherwise would not be used). The semi-chemical treatment provides a resistance to damp and comprises a neutral sulphitc process.

The above-described embodiments illustrate the container portion of the respective load devices 100, 200. In order to hang GOH within the container portion, a hanging portion 120 (shown in Figure 3; not shown in Figures I and 2) is provided. The hanging portion 120 comprises a metal surround and a plurality of I inch thick bars to enable 0011 to be hung therefrom. The metal surround is typically formed from commonly-available metals such as steel or aluminium.

The hanging portion 120 is attachable to the remainder of the load device 100, at an upper end thereof The metal surround is arranged to sit on the upper edges of the end and side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 as shown in Figure 6. The hanging portion 120 is held in place with respect to the upper ends of the end and side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 by a friction fit. However, other releasable mechanisms may be implemented as part of the present invention, e.g. friction fit, clips, Velcro1M fastening or by starch-based adhesive.

Figure 3 shows two variations of the hanging portion 120. In the upper diagram, the bars are arranged perpendicular to the side walls 108,110. In the lower diagram, the barsarearrangedparalleltothesidewalls 108, 110.

Each component of the load device 100 is modular and can be supplied independently of other parts, such that the whole assembly can be flat packed for ease of distribution and/or storage. The components of the load device 100 arc shown in Figure 4 in a disassembled configuration.

As shown in Figure 4, the components of the load device 100 are substantially flat. In addition, the hanging portion 120 is shown. The bars of the hanging portion 120 are spaced by 19 inches to enable GOH to be hung therebetween without interference from adjacent rows.

Images of an assembled load device are shown in Figures 5 and 6. In FigureS, the lid 112 is in place. In Figure 6, the lid has been removed to display the arrangement of GOH within the interior of the load device 100. The Figure 6 view shows the shorter height of an embodiment of the load device 100.

As shown, the base 102 may comprises a plurality of castellations which enable the load device tOO to form a palette-type base. The palette-type base enables the load device tOO to be manipulated by forklift truck or other suitable device for transferring the load device 100 between locations. The palette-type base is also constructed from heavy duty corrugatcd fibrcboard and may, optionally, comprise an internal foam filling to provide additional durability and strcngth.

The load devices 100, 200 are operable to be inserted into standard containers for shipping, air and road freight.

Shipping containers are available in a range of sizes. Figure 7 shows three views of a load device 100, 200 loaded into an FEll As shown, the modular nature of the load device 100, 200 enables GOH to be rapidly and efficiently loaded and unloaded from the FEU. Eight load devices 100,200 can fit into a standard FEU. Table 1 above shows the required dimensions of the load device 100,200 to enable fltmcnt into a standard FEU.

The usc of the load device 100, 200 of the present invention with FEUs have numerous benefits. For example, the load devices 100,200 can be quickly and easily loaded onto, and unloaded from, an FEU to, for example, a unit load device (ULD) (described below) for air transportation.

In addition the GOH can be properly segregated from other packaged goods which preserves the integrity of the goods, enabling them to arrive in bctter condition.

With regard to air freight, most transportation occurs via a unit load device (IJUD). A ULD is a pallet or container used to load freight on wide-body aircrafl and specific narrow-body aircraft. It allows a large quantity of cargo to be transported as a single unit.

The load device 100, 200 has several advantages when used with ULDs. The load device 100, 200 enables rapid removal from the ULD and direct loading to downstream transport, such as a truck. This enables the TJLD to be turned around quicker and retumed to the air transport company. Tn addition, the load device tOO, 200 can be pre-built and preloaded prior to the arrival ofthe ULD which provides significant benefits in terms of S turn-around time. In addition, a modular arrangement of carton and GOH can be implemented on one ULD. This is not possible with Irnown alTangements.

The initial or final stage of goods transport is usually by road. The load device 100, 200 enables efficient movemcnt of GOH frontto an FEU or an (JLD to/from a transportcr or vehicic such as a lony. Thc space within thc vehicle is better utiliscd duc to the modular nature of thc load device 100. Known GOH delivery using conventional GOH trailers (40 II) enables an average of 5500 goods items per trailer. However, the load dcvicc 100, 200 of thc prcscnt invention cnablcs up to 8800 goods items pcr trailer.

No dcdicatcd or specialist hardware is required (i.c. GOH trailers arc not rcquircd).

A method ofusc of thc load dcvicc 100, 200 will now bc describcd with reference to Figure 8.

Step 300: Assemble load device The load dcvicc 100, 200 may bc delivered to a source location, for cxarnplc, a distribution warchousc, production facility or manufficturing plant. Thc load dcviccs 100, may be delivered in component form (as shown in Figure 4) in which case they can bc delivered in a flat-packed statc to rcduce transportation volume and, therefore, cost.

The load devices 100, 200 can then be assembled on-site quickly and efficiently from the component parts. The single piece quick-release and quick-connect connectors 114 enablc rapid asscmbly of the components.

The method then proceeds to step 302.

Step 302: Pack load device with GOH Tn contrast to the conventional appmach using frames, the GOH can be loaded into the load devices 100,200 prior to anival of the freight container. This reduces container downtime and the man hours required to assemble the frames and load the GOH into the container as is necessary conventionally.

Step 304: Load packed had devices into container At step 304, thc packed load devices 100,200 can bc loaded into the container.

This may be done by hand or by suitable device such as a forklift. Tn this example, the packed load devices 100,200 arc loaded onto a road container. In the embodiment of Figure 1, eight load devices can be loaded onto a forty foot trailer. However, this need not be so and the load devices 100,200 may be loaded directly onto an air freight container or a shipping container.

Step 306: Load load devices into furl her container Whilst delivery could be accomplished with a single container between source and destination locations, the method is illustrated with respect to a road container that is then taken to a depot such as a shipping depot or an airport. In step 306 the load devices 100,200 are removed from the road container and placed in a different container (e.g. an FEU or high-top FEU for sea transport, or a ULD for air transport) for onward transportation.

Load times are reduced when compared to known methods because support frames do not need to be assembled or disassembled within the respective containers and the load devices 100, 200 can simply be transtbrred between containers with a significant reduction in man hours required and container downtime when compared to known arrangements.

Step 308: Load load devices onto flirt/icr alt ernal.ive container As for step 306, delivery could be accomplished with a single container between S source and destination locations, or with two containers between source and destination locations. However, stcp 308 illustrates a method with respect to a road containcr that is then takcn to a dcpot such as a shipping dcpot or an airport, and thcn back to a road container for final transport.

In stcp 308 thc load dcviccs 100, 200 are removed from thc sca/air containcr at arrival and placed in a road containcr for onward transportation.

Load timcs arc rcduccd whcn compared to known methods bccausc support framcs do not nccd to bc assembled or disassembled within thc respective containcrs and thc load dcviccs 100, 200 can simply bc transfclTed bchvccn containcrs with a significant rcduction in man hours rcquircd and containcr downtime whcn compared to known arrangcmcnts.

Step 310: Drop load devices at destination In stcp 310, thc load dcviccs 100, 200 arc dropped at thcir dcstination. This may comprise, for example, a storage warehousc or a retail outlet.

In summary, using thc load dcvicc 100, 200 and mcthod of thc present invention, thc GOH havc bccn transportcd from thc source location to dcstination location without the load devices 100,200 having to be unpacked or repacked. The GOH arrives in better condition than in known methods and the transition time from one container to another is significantly rcduccd, both in tcrms of thc required man hours and containcr utilisation. In addition, there is significantly less wastage from the embodiments described above when compared to conventional arrangements.

Variations of the above embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person. The precise configuration of hardware components may difThr and still fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, whilst the above embodiments have been described and illustrated in the context of a fibreboard load device with metal components, other materials and/or structures may be used with the present invention; for example, plastics, Embodiments ofthe present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. While specific examples are shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail, it should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed. Tt will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMSA modular load device for transportation of garments on hangers within road, shipping and/or air transport containers, the modular had device comprising a container portion and a hanging portion, the container portion comprising a base, end walls, side walls and a lid, and the hanging portion comprising a frame including a perimeter section and hanging rails operable to reccive garments on hangers thereon, the hanging portion being connectable to the container portion such that the perimeter section is secured to the upper ends of the end and side walls of the container portion, the modular load device being dimensioned and arranged to be received within said transport containers.
2. A modular load device according to claim I, wherein the load device has dimensions in the range of approximately 1 to 2.3 m in width, appmximately 1 m to 1.5 rn in length and approximately 1 to 2.25 iii in height.
3. A modular load device according to claim 2, wherein the load device has dimensions in the range of 1 to 2.3 m in width and 1.5 into 2.25 in in height. and is 1.5 m in length.
4. A modular load device according to claim 1,2 or 3, whcrein the base, end walls, side walls and lid arc separable from one another.
5. A modular load device according to claim 4, wherein the base, end walls, side walls and lid arc storable in a substantially planar configuration when separated.
6. A modular load device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the end walls and side walls are arranged to be received by the base.
7. A modular load device according to claim 6, further comprising releasable 31) connecting means for securing the end walls to the side walls.
8. A modular load device according to claim 7, wherein said connecting means comprises releasable connectors formed from a single piece of material.
9. A modular load device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said releasable connecting means are formed from a plastics material.
10. A modular load devicc according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end walls comprise hinged panels movable to enable inspection of the interior of the modular load device.
11. A modular load devicc according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the end walls, side walls, lid and base is formed from heavy duty corrugated fibreboard.
12. A modular load devicc according to claim 11, wherein each of the end walls, side walls, lid and base is formed from heavy duty corrugated fibreboard.
13. A modular load device according to any one of the preceding claims, dimensioned and arranged such that eight modular load devices can be received within a single FEU or standard road transport container.
14. A modular load device according to any one of the preceding claims, dimensioned and arranged such that two modular load devices can be received within a single ULD.
15. A modular load devicc according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a castellated palette structure to enable lifting devices to be inserted between a floor surfhce and said base.
16. A modular load device according to claim 15, wherein said castellated palette 31) structure is formed from heavy duty fibreboard.
I?. A modular load device according to claim 16, wherein said castellated palette structure thrther comprises foam.
18. A modular load device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hanging portion is formed from metal.
19. A modular load device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perimeter section ofthe hanging portion is secured to the upper ends of the end and side walls of thc container portion by means of a friction fit.
20. A set of parts for a modular load device for transportation of garments on hangers within road, shipping and/or air freight containers, the set of parts comprising a base, end walls, side walls, a lid and a hanging portion comprising a frame including a perimeter section and hanging rails operable, in use, to receive garments on hangers thcreon, thc set of parts being storablc in a substantially planar configuration and, when assembled, said modular load device being dimensioned and arranged to be rcccived within said road, shipping or air freight containers.
21. A method of end-to-end transportation of garments on hangers using the modular load dcvice of any one of claims 1 to 19, thc method comprising the steps of a) packing the load device with garments on hangers at a source location; b) loading the load device onto a first transport container; c) transferring the load device onto a second transport container; d) unloading the load dcvice from the second transport container at a dcstination location.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the first transport container is selected from thc group of: road transport container, FEV, 1EV or LJLD.

31)
23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the second transport container is selected from the group of: road transport container, FEU, TEU or ULD.
24. A modular load device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
25. A method of end-to-end transportation of garments on hangers as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.