GB2586432A - A modular container transport and storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

A transport enclosure comprising a pair of rectangular sheets 56 which are folded into three rectangular sections (denoted 56 i, 56 ii, 56 iii, 57 i, 57 ii and 57 iii). The two sheets overlap orthogonally such that sections 56 i and 57 i overlap as do sections 56 iii and 57 iii. Section 56 ii is arranged such that it lies along the support surface the transport enclosure is atop. Section 57 is provided with at least two tabs 59 i which interact with a cover sheet 58. Optionally these tabs may engage with orthogonally arranged tabs extending in the plane of the cover sheet. Preferably the cover sheet may provide an upper support surface allowing a further transport enclosure to be placed atop it. Optionally section 56 may have a further panel 56 iiii that may provide a closure panel to the aperture of the enclosure.

Description

A MODULAR CONTAINER TRANSPORT AND STORAGE SYSTEM Field of Invention [001] The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and storage of goods, to a modular container for shipping and handling cargo and to a storage system therefor, and to such a container that may be easily assembled or disassembled. In particular, but not necessarily restricted thereto, the present invention relates to a system for the transportation and storage of palletised goods.

Background to the Invention

[002] In the field of logistics, that is the field of movement and supply of produce and materials, the transportation of intermediate and finished products is frequently assisted by the use of pallets. A pallet typically comprises a flat rectangular structure that supports goods in a stable fashion whether remaining in a transport vehicle -such as a lorry, container etc., a warehouse, storage area etc. or being lifted by a forklift, pallet truck, front loader, or other handling device. Pallets are commonly found in a wide range of industries and services, forming an essential part of many mechanical handling systems in factories, distribution warehouses and the like. Pallets are manufactured from a variety of materials, most commonly from: timber 10 per Figure la; plastics 11 per Figure lb; and also paper/fibreboard and sometimes from metal. Wooden pallets typically consist of three or four support stringers that support several deckboards, on top of which goods are placed. Square or nearly square pallets help a load resist tipping. Goods or shipping containers are often placed on a pallet secured with strapping, stretch wrap or shrink wrap and shipped.

[003] Pallets make it easier to move heavy stacks and are extremely adaptable, not being limited to specific dimensions of height, weight or bulk size as such. Loads with pallets under them can be hauled by forklift trucks and pallet trucks of different sizes. Not only are there grades of durability, heavy weights need to be supported by sufficiently strong pallets. Most pallets can easily carry a load of 1,000 kg (2,205 lb.), although, operators must be aware that lightweight pallets may be provided for less significant loads and the load rating must always be confirmed prior to use, given that group transport organisations exist, where pallet products are shared between groups of users, for different types of goods.

[004] In some areas of logistics, it has been found that the pallet has become the structural foundation of a unit load which allows handling and storage efficiencies. For example, a unit load device (ULD) typically comprises a container used to load luggage, freight and mail on aircraft that allows a large quantity of cargo to be bundled into a single unit. Since this leads to fewer units to load, it saves ground crews time and effort and helps prevent delayed flights. Each ULD has its own packing list (or manifest) so that its contents can be checked and tracked. Further, the extensive use of 40' and 20' containers for transport has spurred the use of pallets because such shipping containers provide smooth and level surfaces suitable for easy pallet movement and bulk stacking of a large number of palletized loads. It is presently understood that, over half a billion pallets are made each year and about two billion pallets are in use across the United States, for example.

[5] Typical pallet sizes are: 1200 x 1000mm; 1200 x 800mm; 48" x 40"; being three of six ISO (International Standards Organization) sanctioned standard pallets, although there is a plethora of different sizes for specific tasks, globally. The fork tines of a fork lift or other lifting device may have limited access to a pallet, being limited to only one side, to two sides or can be provided on all four sides (1-, 2-, or 4 way entry). Pallets are reusable packaging items. Every pallet that is built could potentially be used and used again until such a time when it will need to be replaced. The lack of a single international standard for pallets causes substantial continuing expense in international trade. A single standard is difficult because of the wide variety of needs a standard pallet would have to satisfy: passing by or through doorways, placing within standard containers and unit load devices (ULDS), noting that weight, size and bulk affect the use of a standard type of load and use of a standard can reduce labour costs.

[6] In order to maximise the storage capacity of a warehouse pallets are placed upon pallet racks, as shown in Figure 2a; the common frame comprising at least four vertical posts is fitted with beams that can be connected at various levels to the posts, whereby to provide racking systems which can be adjusted in height to provide a number of support platforms each for individual pallets. Whilst pallets can be stacked one atop another, this can be inconvenient; stabilization can be required and, not infrequently, can be hazardous, with a risk of breakage of goods through poor handling and a potential collapse over time.

[7] In another area of use, notably with regard to commercial vehicles, especially of the curtain sided type, reference is made to Figure 2b. The individual pallets must either have boxes of sufficient strength to support the weight of another pallet, when stacked vertically per load "A", taking into account the basic capability of the lower pallets to support further palletized loads, with regard to a flat upper surface, ability/integrity to take further weight etc.; ideally the load of an upper pallet is spread upon two lower pallets, which provides a greater degree of stabilization, per load "B"; load "C" comprises a disparate array of a base level placement of pallets, with the volume above the pallet having loosely placed goods, although there will be instances of there being no higher stacking or no such further loosely placed load, increasing the unit cost of freight.

Additionally, the goods will need to be made secure with straps, locking catches etc. which are not detailed in this Figure, given that when a commercial vehicle goes around a corner, centrifugal forces will apply to the loads; the higher a load is situated, the greater the effect of such forces shall be. Figure 2c i -iii show how loads can be accompanied within a standard pallet height X. Notably, and as shown in Figure 2c iv, an unusual load can cause problems in logistics, when a standard height pallet cannot be used; no stacking is possible etc. [8] Figure 3a shows a pallet with four boxes 32 placed thereon. However, many pallets are loaded with goods such that it is not intended to have further pallets stacked upon a first pallet, such as the case of the pallet 30 per Figure 3b, which is loaded with a load 33 in a central area of the pallet 30, or where shrink/stretch plastics has been wrapped about a load, whilst providing greater security, minimising the possibility of movement of the goods in transit, can dispense with any sides to a palletised load, preventing any possibility of stacking. Additionally, once placed upon a lower pallet, it is frequently the case that the pallet needs to be slid or offset across the tops of one or more pallets. For example with a curtain sided lorry a fork lift driver may not have been correct in the order of pallets being placed upon a truck and it may be desired to shift the loaded pallet sideways. Equally, in a warehouse, as a layer of palletised goods are built up, it may be desired to slide pallets of further layers backwards, from a front access point towards a rearward stack of pallets. Referring to Figure 3c there is shown a pallet assembly 34 having first and second base and lid members 35, 36, with the base member providing a forklift tine access channel on an underside together with a peripheral ledge support 37 for cylindrical sleeve 38, the cover 36 having guide ribs to enable the fitment of the sleeve at the top.

[9] Most cargo shipping containers define a square or rectangular enclosure within which a desired cargo may be carried. Such containers may be constructed from a base pallet, sidewalls, and a top pallet which may be assembled into a container that defines a fully enclosed space. Empty shipping containers are bulky and hard to store, as they consist of rigid walls defining an empty space. Thus, to minimize the storage space necessary for empty containers and to facilitate easy handling, shipping containers have been constructed of modular components which may be disassembled and stored separately. The base pallet, sidewalls, and top pallet are often stackable, foldable or are otherwise designed to allow compact storage.

[010] Modular container construction requires features to enable an interconnection between the elements of a container, namely the base pallet, sidewalls, and top cover suitable for transport and storage. The features enabling interconnection should be simple and easy to use, thereby minimizing the amount of effort required for the assembly and disassembly of a container. Additionally, the features enabling interconnection must be capable of withstanding repeated assembly and disassembly and must fasten the sidewall and pallet components securely enough to maintain the integrity of the shipping container during rough treatment, yet provide integrity.

Object of the Invention [11] The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide a system that can enable goods to be securely and reliably horizontally, vertically and offset stacked, despite different sizes of support members such as pallets, whereby wasted volumes arising from the presence of irregular loads, pallets or pallets of different levels or different load ratings in storage and transport can be minimized.

[12] Furthermore, the present invention seeks to provide a system for a pallet-borne goods and non-pallet-borne goods that protects the goods and enables stacking. The present invention also seeks to provide a temperature controlled arrangement for palletized goods, whereby goods placed upon the pallet can be maintained within an atmosphere having a predefined temperature range.

Statement of Invention

[13] In accordance with a general aspect of the invention, there is provided a transport/storage enclosure for enclosing a product with respect to a support surface, the enclosure comprising a four/five sided form arranged as a general rectangular polyhedral shape absent two/one face(s); the assembly comprising at least first and second rectangular sheet products; wherein the first sheet material comprises a generally rectangular sheet material having first and second fold lines whereby to produce a panel having three rectangular sections, respectively first, second, and third rectangular sections, wherein the second sheet material comprises a generally rectangular sheet material components having first and second fold lines whereby to produce a panel having three rectangular sections, respectively first, second, and third rectangular sections, wherein the first and second sheets are arranged such that respective first and third rectangular sections mutually overlap in an orthogonal fashion whereby to provide the general rectangular polyhedral shape, with the respective second rectangular sections, both sheets being arranged in a general "U" form, with the second sheet lying with a first major edge horizontal, operably in contact with a support surface; wherein along the second major one major edge of the second sheet element there are provided at least two tabs extending from the sheet, in the plane of the sheet element; wherein the castellation tabs are operable to secure a cover sheet, the cover sheet being one of the central rectangular portion of the first rectangular sheet and a third sheet member. Accordingly, a simple to erect enclosure can be simply provided to enclose a product of transport, storage or distribution.

[14] Conveniently, the tabs extending upwardly from the second sheet engage between corresponding orthogonally arranged tabs extending in the plane of the cover sheet, whereby to assist in securing the cover sheet and limiting lateral movement of the cover sheet with respect to the upstanding walls. Alternatively, slits are provided through which the upwardly directed tabs for the second sheet can be inserted/ engaged. The cover sheet can comprise the middle section of the first main rectangular sheet, or can comprise a further, third sheet. In any event, to increase a strength that can be provided by the cover, even if the first rectangular panel acts as a cover, an additional cover sheet can be provided.

[15] By having an enclosure formed from sheet materials, then they can simply be folded flat when not in use, whereby the actual useful storage space of a warehouse, racking system, loading bay, lorry, train wagon or other form of ground / working area support surface can be increased. In a commercial vehicle delivery system, pallets loads can be protected and stacked; equally non-palletized loads can be protected and stacked; whilst on a return journey a totally different type of load can be transported with the inventive sleeves being stored with a reduced space configuration whereby to assist in a logistics business.

[16] Conveniently, the first rectangular sheet member has an extension, which is operable to rest upon an upstanding edge of the second, middle panel of the second rectangular sheet member. This can help in providing a rigid support surface. Additionally, it is convenient if the second rectangular sheet member has a tab which extends from each side of the central further rectangular panel.

[017] Preferably, the first rectangular sheet member has a further rectangular panel orthogonally hingedly attached to the central portion, operable to provide a closure panel to the aperture of the enclosure. Conveniently, the first and third rectangular portions of the second rectangular sheet member are provided with one or more tabs extending in opposite directions, parallel to an axis of rectangular sheet member and wherein the further rectangular panel hingedly attached to the central of the first sheet member has outward extensions arranged on each of the side edges of the panel, the extensions being provided with a slit, operable to accept, when flush with respect to the enclosure, the tab extending from the second rectangular member, from the first and second rectangular portions thereof at respective sides of the further rectangular panel.

Alternatively, the first and third rectangular portions of the first rectangular sheet member are provided with one or more tabs extending in the same direction of the further rectangular panel and wherein the further rectangular panel hingedly attached to the central of the first sheet member has outward extensions arranged on each of the side edges of the panel, the extensions being provided with a slit, operable to accept, when flush with respect to the enclosure, the tab extending from the first and third rectangular portions of the first rectangular member, at respective sides of the further rectangular panel, whereby to enable the panel to be secured and provide a fully enclosed enclosure.

[18] The sheet materials employed for the fabrication of the rectangular sheet can be selected from the following types of sheet material including, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, corrugated plastics, laminated polyurethane foam, moulded plastics sheet, sheet metal and plywood. In the event that the materials are rigid, then hinges can be provided instead of folding the sheet material. Cardboard can be employed, for example in a number of types and sheet cardboard sheet material can be selected from single, double, triple or quadruple corrugated cardboard. Such cardboard can be treated, by wax, resin, paint or other known waterproofing methods. Additionally, such cardboard can be provided with corrugation flutes is strengthened by the use of strengthening materials inserted into the corrugation flutes, comprising elongate support members or strengthening members, such as epoxy-resin or thermosetting resin, plastics rod, metal and wood.

[19] The base support surface upon which transport/storage assembly is placed can comprise one of a ground surface (generally), a floor associated with one of a support bench/storage -racking system associated a stores area, a workshop/office/storage area, a load floor of a transport vehicle and a cover of another transport/storage assembly. By having an enclosure which can be folded in a flat fashion when not in use, the actual useful storage space of a warehouse, racking system, loading bay, lorry, train wagon or other form of ground / working area support surface can be increased.

[20] Thus, in accordance with a general aspect of the invention, there is provided a flat pack pallet assembly; the sheet materials being capable of being folded, such that when stored or transported when not in use, it takes a minimum amount of space; the cover can effectively be a planar sheet with at least one of a lip or a centralizing insulation member which is attached to the underside of the cover or lid such that when the cover is placed over the sleeve, the insulation member abuts against the inside walls of the sleeve or any inside insulating member associated therewith. An enclosure assembly in accordance with the present invention may be assembled in a rapid and expeditious manner. The two or three parts making up the enclosure assembly may be stacked for storage in a relatively small space, conveniently being prior attached to a panel for a container, and may be associated with a container also arranged in a flat-pack style.

Brief Description of the Figures

[21] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:-Figures la -lb illustrate two known forms of pallet; Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an arrangement of pallets upon racks and within a commercial vehicle; Figure 2c.i -2c.iiii show how pallets are typically loaded; Figure 3a -c show prior art pallet systems; Figure 4 shows a typical non-integrated pallet with a load; Figure 5 shows a pallet with a load within an enclosure in accordance with the invention; Figures 5a shows in spaced apart format a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5b shows an almost complete enclosure in accordance in with one aspect of the invention; Figures Sc & 5h show perspective and front views, respectively of a complete enclosure in accordance in with one aspect of the invention; Figures 5e -5f detail various plan views of panels used in the construction of the enclosure of the first embodiment; Figures 6a, e & d show complete enclosures in accordance with a second aspect of the invention in perspective views and a front view thereof; Figures 6b and 6c detail plan views of two panels used in the construction of the enclosure of the second embodiment; Figures 7a and 7b show the front view and perspective view of a third embodiment in accordance with the invention; Figures 7c & 7d detail plan views of two panels used in the construction of the enclosure of the second embodiment; Figures 8a and 8b show two alternative enclosure assemblies in accordance with the present invention; and, Figures 9a -9c show how enclosures in accordance with the invention can be grouped and stacked.

Detailed description of the Preferred Embodiments

[022] There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.

[23] Figure 4 shows an example of a pallet 20 supporting a load 42; the load being placed upon the pallet so that the outer extent of the load corresponds with the area of the pallet base. Whilst the pallet 20 is not shown in any great detail, it is manufactured from wood and is a four-way entry pallet, wherein the tines of a fork lift or similar tined lifting device can insert its tines through gaps typically having a lower-most height of 100 -120 mm, but this will vary, dependent upon the material of manufacture of the pallet and the load to be supported.

[24] Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of the invention 51, made from three sheet material components 56, 57 & 59, arranged in a spaced apart fashion to enable the simplicity thereof to be appreciated. The enclosure assembly having first 52, second 53 and third 54 support walls respectively being, the left hand side, right hand side and rear panel, together a lid 55. Referring now to Figure 5a, the enclosure comprises three sheet material components 56, 57 & 59, again arranged in a spaced apart fashion to enable the simplicity thereof to be appreciated. The first and second sheet materials are generally rectangular sheet material components 56, 57 respectively having first and second 56a, b & 57a, b fold lines whereby to produce a panel having three rectangular sections, respectively 561, 56ii, 56iii, 571, 57i1 & 57i11. The left and right hand side panels 52, 53 are each formed by the first and third panels, respectively 56i, 57i & 56iii, 57iii. The first and second generally rectangular sheet material components 56, 57 are folded and arranged in a generally U-shaped configuration, with the respective rectangular sections having a generally similar overlapping area whereby the top and rear panels 56ii, 57ii are orthogonal with respect to each other. Whilst the side members can be fastened together by a number of fastening means, such as corresponding elements of hook and loop fasteners being placed on facing parts of the rectangular panel sections 56i, ii and 571, ii, it has been found that this configuration benefits from the presence of a third sheet material 58, placed atop the upstanding edges support surfaces of the second panel 57 and in contact with the upper surface of the middle section of first panel, 5611. The top panel 58 is provided with slots 581, cut-outs 58ii and extensions 58iii, operable to interact with castellation tabs 59i, and upstanding wall edge support surfaces 59H. Hook and loop fasteners may be employed to provide or supplement attachment of coplanar panels, such as the walls -as shown by respective opposite-type fastening systems, 59iii and 59iv as disposed on facing panel surfaces 571 and 56ii. Whilst only one hook and loop panel 59111, iv is shown, it will be appreciated that four or more fasteners may be applied to a such facing surfaces. Figure 5b shows the enclosure with panels 56 and 59 arranged orthogonally; Figure Sc show the enclosure per Figure 5b following the placement of the final, upper sheet, lid 59, upon the orthogonally arranged first and second panels, with the upstanding castellation elements 59i extending through slots 58i through the lid 58.

[025] The panels are conveniently formed from materials such as corrugated cardboard sheet and corrugated plastics sheet which are widely employed in the packaging industry. It will be appreciated that by the use of corrugated sheet materials, the sheets have a good degree of rigidity, which is of benefit in a number of areas, for example in the provision of the castellated features upstanding from the side panels, through the slots 58i in the horizontally oriented top panel 58, lateral movement is prevented at the top, which, has the effect of making the enclosure extremely rigid.

[026] Figures 5e, 5f & 5g are plan views of the first, second and third components of the first embodiment in plan view. Figure 5e shows the rectangular panel 56 of length Li having fold lines or hinge elements 56a, 56b dividing the area into three distinct regions, 56i, 56ii & 56iii. The three distinct regions have a length and a width, with the first and third having a length X and the middle portion having a length X2. The height (width) is of length Y. Figure 5f shows the rectangular panel 57 of length L2, with the first and third having a length Y and the middle portion having a length Y2. The height (width) is of length X. It will therefore be appreciated that the areas of the first and second panels of the respective rectangular panels 56, 57 are the same, but the length and height (width) dimensions are interchanged, whereby the panels substantially correspond when the panels are facing each other. It will be appreciated that cut-outs for the forks of a fork lift can be provided. The second panel 57 having fold lines or hinge elements 57a, 57b dividing the area into three distinct regions, 57i, 57ii 8: 57iii. The three distinct regions have a length and a width, with the first and third portions having a length Y and the middle portion having a length Y2. Extending along one length of rectangular panel 57, there is a number of castellation tab elements 59i extending outwardly with respect to upstanding wall edge support surfaces 59ii.

[27] Referring again to Figure Sc, which shows the top sheet 59, with the castellation tab elements 59i extending therethrough, having been passed through the slit apertures 58i defined through the uppermost top panel 59. The uppermost top panel 59 is a rectangular panel of length Y3 and a width Y, with first and second series of slit apertures being spaced apart by a distance Y2. Figure 5h is a view of the front of the enclosure when erected, without a load present; the rear panel 57iii being visible. The rear panel is of a width X2, being smaller than the distance Y2of the outside panels, which also corresponds with the spacing of the slits 59i in the lid element 59.

[28] Figure 6a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment wherein the enclosure comprises two sheet materials 56', 57', as shown in Figures 6b and 6c. Referring to Figure 6b, the layout of sheet 56 is slightly different to that shown in the corresponding panel 56 of Figure 5e. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the length X2 are greater than the dimensions of Y2, the length of the middle portion of sheet 57'. This means that the side walls 56i and 56ii lie outside of the inner walls 57i and 57ii of the completed enclosure, with the castellation elements 59i extending through slits 58i which are created in the rectangular sheet 56', as opposed to a further, third sheet 59, per Figure 5g. Figure 6d shows the enclosure from the front, the dimensions of the sheet 57 being indicated as Y2, with the outer sheet having a width X2. The central panel 56iii also has an extension element 58iii to enable the single top cover sheet to rest upon the central element 59H. Figure 6e shows a completed enclosure without this feature.

[29] In contrast to Figure 6d, Figure 5f shows the rectangular panel 57iii of length L2 and a width X corresponding to the width Y of the lid portion 56iii. It will be appreciated, that it would be a simple matter to provide a further lid element to Figure 6d, similar to panel 59, per Figure 59, whereby to provide additional strength to the top surface, if stacking was required, with further pallet to be placed on top.

[30] Figure 7a shows a front view of another embodiment wherein the enclosure is provided with a front closing panel element 71. Tab elements 59i project form the side panels 56i and 56ii to enable securement of the panel 71 in a closed position. Front panel 71 is hingedly fastened to a top panel 56iii, as shown in Figure 7b, with the panel shown in two positions, one being half open, one being fully closed. With reference to Figures 7c and Figures 7d, the sheet elements are shown in plan view: the rectangular panel 56" is distinct to panel 56' per Figure 6b, whilst it is clear that rectangular panel 57" is effectively the same as panel 57'. As with the embodiments described with reference to Figures 5n and Figures 6n, facing panels may be fastened together with releasable fasteners such as limited tack adhesives and by hook and loop fastening means. It is known, however, that pulling panels apart when provided with hook and loop fasteners can be difficult at time. However, it has been found that the use of stainless steel cord, of a few millimetres diameter, surrounded by a plastics sheath can be introduced between two sheets fastened together with hook and loop fasteners and pulled in a plane between the faces of the two sheets, whereby to assist in separation of said two sheets.

[031] Figures Sa 8: 8b show side perspective and front perspective views of an alternative system, the side walls correspond to the second embodiment yet the castellation elements 59i in between the corner elements of the two sides, 51, 52 do not extend beyond the upper surface of the upper panel 59'i, whilst instead of having slits into which the castellation elements 59i slot through, the edges of the lid or cover member abut against corresponding castellation elements of the edge of the lid, which the prominent castellation elements at the corners ensure that the lid 59'i does not raise in use. To ensure lateral stability of the side members 52, 53, the walls must be secured together with corresponding facing hook and loop fasteners, by the use of elongate plastics edge clips, or similar methods of attachment such as through wall fasteners. In the manufacture of development products, Tr-Wall Europe Limited corrugated cardboard products have been utilised, which company produces high performance corrugated board specifically developed for heavy-duty packaging applications. There are several standard Tr-Wall board grades, and widths ranging from 3mm, to 15mm, with differentiators including the weight of the papers and the flute profiles, as well as the number of corrugations, the use of wet strength resins and wet strength adhesives to give good-excellent performance in moist or humid conditions. It is also possible to coat the board to provide further moisture protection, for example. The present invention can thus provide a simple to erect yet secure enclosure for a load, conveniently placed upon a pallet. Therefore the load is shielded from dust and other interference; the load cannot be tampered with easily and further loads can be placed upon the cover.

[032] Turning now to Figures 9a -9c, it will be realised the enclosures in accordance with the present invention can be arranged in rows, back-to-back if necessary and conditions permit. Here they are shown presented upon a plinth, in much the same way as they could be mounted upon a flat-bed of a truck, for example. Moreover, a second layer of enclosures can be safely be placed upon a first layer. A widely available (and therefore available at an economical cost) 15mm Tr-Wall 1250 grade board can be used for the rectangular sheets. For goods placed upon typical Euro Pallet -sized pallets, having dimensions of 1250mm x 1000mm, the top surfaces of the present invention can support loads approaching 1000Kg albeit, a safe working limit upon the covers would be 300- 600Kg, taking into account potential deterioration over time and possible incompetence of handling in use. Obviously different grades of cardboard will provide different working weigh limits. Moreover, it has been found that standard height loads can be safely stacked up to three high, with health and safety issues necessitating a limit in view of possible overloading in use. Notwithstanding this, the skilled man will realise that a greater number of half-height transport/storage assemblies can be stacked. It will be appreciated that in certain circumstances, that whilst the enclosure provides a three-sided enclosure, a closure to the fourth side may be desired, as discussed above. Additional security may be desired; the castellation elements may be provided with through holes for the insertion of locks, chains and the like to prevent undesired opening of such enclosures. The upstanding castellated elements or tabs could be bent orthogonally with respect to the sheet from which they depend to provide a degree of security. Additionally, adjacent enclosures could be fastened together with U-shaped staples, being made from plastics, steel or other suitable materials, with the parallel prongs being place within cardboard tubing. Equally metallic clips formed from sheet metal and having a generally triangular cross-section could be employed to retain adjacent upstanding elements together, [33] When an enclosure is desired to become a more permanent enclosure, it is possible to protect corners by the use of the commonly available "L"-section members, typically formed as an extruded paper corner-board, available from many paper and cardboard suppliers -for example, they are made by companies such as ITW (under their Angleboard brand). Specifically, such an "L"-section member, the "L"-section member can be attached using hot-melt glues, for example, whilst other types of materials can be used to manufacture such "L"-section members, including plastics, especially extruded plastics.

[34] Cardboard sleeve is reinforced to a degree suitable for purpose: conveniently, the cardboard sleeve is made from industry standard single, double, triple or quadruple corrugated cardboard. In view of the ability of untreated cardboard to absorb water from precipitation or from the atmosphere, the cardboard should be adequately treated, by wax, resin, paint or other known waterproofing methods. When using corrugated board formed from 440gm-2 wet strength Kraft paper, this type of board has a weather resistance which satisfies a 2 hour water immersion test without any ply separation.

[35] In addition to a requirement for waterproofing, in order to strengthen the material, one or more of a number of options may be selected: the number of layers of sheets may be increased -e.g. for a corrugated board, the sheets as a whole, or merely just the corner sections, can be reinforced so that they have two, three of more layers; any corrugated flutes could be filled with elongate support members or strengthening members, which could be plastic rod, metal, wood or any of a number of alternative materials which can be placed within the corrugation flutes, conveniently glued or otherwise permanently attached.

Additionally, distinct materials such as batons or, preferably, sheet materials are provided where extra strength is required. Note that because of the aperture 52 for the forks of a lifting mechanism such as a fork lift truck, such strengthening means are conveniently applied only where weight can be easily be transferred from the lid to the base contact portion of the sleeve or sheath can be borne.

However, cardboard is not the only suitable material; Card/paperboard, plastics sheeting, formed plastics panels corrugated plastics sheeting, plywood and other sheet materials can be employed, the choice being determined upon requirements for specific use, such as weight to be supported, number of uses expected and such like.

[036] Whilst the present invention enables greater flexibility in the positioning of loads with respect to a support surface, whether employing a pallet or not, and the stacking thereof, such stacking should only be performed subject to the ability of a storage/ distribution warehouse/ facility floor, flat bed of a commercial vehicle or base-level transport/storage assemblies to take additional weight. It is to be noted that the enclosure in accordance with the present invention is capable of providing a rectangular surround for a product to be transported or stored and will always cooperate with a corresponding support surface. Dependent on the height, strength and stability of the assemblies and the ability of the operator to see clearly, taller stacks may only be built following detailed consultation with the manufacturer or other competent authority.

Claims (15)

1. CLAIMS: 1) A transport/storage enclosure for enclosing a product with respect to a support surface, the enclosure comprising a four/five sided form arranged as a general rectangular polyhedral shape absent two/one face(s); the assembly comprising at least first and second rectangular sheet products 56, 57; Wherein the first sheet material comprises a generally rectangular sheet material 56 having first and second 56a, b fold lines whereby to produce a panel having three rectangular sections, respectively first 56i, second 56ii, and third 56iii rectangular sections, wherein the second sheet material comprises a generally rectangular sheet material components 57 having first and second 57a, b fold lines whereby to produce a panel having three rectangular sections, respectively first 57i, second 57ii, and third 57iii rectangular sections, wherein the first and second sheets are arranged such that respective first and third rectangular sections mutually overlap in an orthogonal fashion whereby to provide the general rectangular polyhedral shape, with the respective second rectangular sections, both sheets being arranged in a general "U" form, with the second sheet 57 lying with a first major edge horizontal, operably in contact with a support surface; wherein along the second major one major edge of the second sheet element 57 there are provided at least two tabs 59i extending from the sheet, in the plane of the sheet element; wherein the castellation tabs are operable to secure a cover sheet, the cover sheet being one of the central rectangular portion of the first rectangular sheet and a third sheet member.
2. 2) A transport/storage enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the tabs of the second sheet engage between corresponding orthogonally arranged tabs extending in the plane of the cover sheet.
3. 3) A transport/storage enclosure according to claim 1, wherein one or more slits are provided within the cover sheet, through which the tabs engage.
4. 4) A transport/storage enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the cover is arranged to provide an upper support surface operable to enable a further enclosure, together with any enclosed product to be placed upon and be supported by said cover.
5. 5) A transport/storage enclosure according to any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the first rectangular sheet member 56 has an extension 59iii, which is operable to rest upon an upstanding edge of the second, middle panel of the second rectangular sheet member 57.
6. 6) A transport/storage enclosure according to any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the second rectangular sheet member has a tab 29i which extends from each side of the central further rectangular pane157iii.
7. 7) A transport/storage enclosure according to any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the first rectangular sheet member has a further rectangular panel 56iiii orthogonally hingedly attached to the central portion, operable to provide a closure panel to the aperture of the enclosure.
8. 8) A transport/storage enclosure according to claim 7, wherein the first and third rectangular portions of the second rectangular sheet member are provided with one or more tabs 59i extending in opposite directions, parallel to an axis of rectangular sheet member and wherein the further rectangular panel 56iiii hingedly attached to the central of the first sheet member has outward extensions arranged on each of the side edges of the panel, the extensions being provided with a slit, operable to accept, when flush with respect to the enclosure, the tab extending from the second rectangular member, from the first and second rectangular portions thereof at respective sides of the further rectangular panel 56iiii.
9. 9) A transport/storage enclosure according to claim 7, wherein the first and third rectangular portions of the first rectangular sheet member are provided with one or more tabs 59i extending in the same direction of the further rectangular panel and wherein the further rectangular panel 56iiii hingedly attached to the central of the first sheet member has outward extensions arranged on each of the side edges of the panel, the extensions being provided with a slit, operable to accept, when flush with respect to the enclosure, the tab extending from the first and third rectangular portions of the first rectangular member, at respective sides of the further rectangular panel 56iiii, whereby to enable the panel to be secured and provide a fully enclosed enclosure.
10. 10) A transport/storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the rectangular sheet is fabricated from one or more types of sheet material including, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, corrugated plastics panel, laminated polyurethane foam, moulded plastics, sheet metal and plywood.
11. 11) A transport/storage assembly according to claim 10, wherein the rectangular sheet sleeve comprises rigid panels and hinges, the hinges enabling the panels to fold.
12. 12) A transport/storage assembly according to claim 5, wherein the structural sleeve is manufactured from cardboard being selected from single, double, triple or quadruple corrugated cardboard.
13. 13) A transport/storage assembly according to claim 12, wherein the cardboard is treated, by wax, resin, paint or other known waterproofing methods.
14. 14) A transport/storage assembly according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the corrugated cardboard having corrugation flutes is strengthened by the use of strengthening materials inserted into the corrugation flutes, comprising elongate support members or strengthening members, such as epoxy-resin or thermosetting resin, plastics rod, metal and wood.
15. 15) A transport/storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 -14, further comprising linking members operable to link adjacent assemblies either horizontally or vertically, one with respect to the other, by means of at least one of coupling holes, straps and latches arranged along edge portions of the assemblies.