In parcelled-goods transport, load securing is essential, as irrespective of the transport mode, forces act upon the load during transport and tend to move the packages on the base.

This creates an obvious danger, which attempts are made to avoid by using various forms of ties. Load belts and chains are common used to secure packages in place. However, it is quite labourious to put them in place, is however, quite labourious, leading to a search for simpler and even automatic alterna- tives.

WO publication 0185490 discloses a cargo-securing arrangement, in which adhesive-surfaced securing belts are used. A securing belt is pulled over several packages, for example, cardboard boxes, and stuck to the inner wall of the container. Japanese patent abstract JP 06270941A2 discloses a detachable adhesive layer for use between packages. In this case, adhesive-surfaced balls are used to tie together adjacent packages and those that are on top of each other, thus preventing the cargo from mov- ing. Such an arrangement requires packages of a reasonably rectangular shape, making it nearly impossible to use it, for example, to secure paper reels, between which there is only a small, local contact surface.

DE patent 19907915 discloses a transfer mat, on top of which packages are placed as cargo. The cargo is transferred to the cargo space using a special sliding base. This means that the sliding mat cannot be applied generally, as it requires the use of a cargo unit equipped with a special sliding base. In addi-

tion, the transfer mat must be returned to its despatching point after the load has been emptied, which increases the operating costs of the arrangement. The transfer mat can also be easily broken and has a high purchase cost. In addition, the rapid alteration of the properties of the transfer mat is impossible.

WO publication 9523105 discloses a transfer plate, on top of which packages are placed. The transfer plate with the packages is pushed into the cargo space, after which the transfer plate is pulled out from between the packages and the cargo space.

During the pulling, a suitable device is used to support the packages, so that they remain in the cargo space. The use of the transfer plate considerably accelerates loading and reduces damage to the packages. Nevertheless, the packages must be secured in some way, while the packages must be removed from the cargo space in a conventional manner, for example, individ- ually or in small groups using a forklift. In addition, when, for example, paper reels set on a transfer plate in an inter- locking pattern relative to each other and the transfer plate will change position when the transfer plate is pulled out.

This can lead to breakage of the paper reels and even of the cargo space, thus generally completely preventing the transfer plate from being removed. Finnish patent 109787 also discloses a transfer plate, with the aid of which packages, such as paper reels, can be moved as a group into a cargo space. Unlike the above, the packages are secured to the transfer plate, which is left in the cargo space for the duration of the transportation.

The packages can then be pulled out of the cargo space using the transfer plate. The solution disclosed is a plastic sheet with a suitably slippery surface, on top of which the packages can be pushed into the cargo space and pulled out of it. The purchase of several transfer plates and the return of used transfer plates leads to considerable costs. In addition, the paper reels and other packages must be secured conventionally, which is slow and easily damages the packages.

The present invention is intended to create a new type of cargo handling arrangement and method, by means of which a load can be secured and the cargo space filled and emptied more easily and rapidly, and also more economically than before and without damage. The characteristic features of the arrangement accord- ing to the invention are stated in the accompanying Claim 1.

Correspondingly, the characteristic features of the method according to the invention are stated in the accompanying Claim 11. The arrangement according to the invention is suitable for many different kinds of packages. In addition, the creation of the arrangement can easily be automated, even though the ar- rangement can also be created using simple means. The materials used in the arrangement and particularly in the securing of the packages are cheap and easily recyclable. By means of the arrangement, the packages can be easily secured as a group, which can further be handled as a single totality. The load will then hold together well during the loading and transport- ing. The method can be applied in automatic loading systems.

The arrangement according to the invention can also surpris- ingly be applied to emptying a cargo space, which will acceler- ate cargo handling and reduce damage.

In the following, the invention is examined in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing some embodiments of the invention, in which Figure 1 shows the arrangement according to the inven- tion, in connection with paper reels, Figure 2 shows the transfer-plate apparatus used to form the arrangement according to the invention, Figure 3 shows a variation of the transfer-plate appara- tus of Figure 1, Figure 4 shows a front view of a detail of Figure 2, Figure 5 shows a side view of the detail of Figure 4, Figure 6a shows an axonometric view of the part of the transfer plate forming part of the transfer- plate apparatus,

Figure 6b shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of the strip forming part of the arrangement ac- cording to the invention, Figure 6c shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of the strip forming part of the arrangement ac- cording to the invention, Figure 6d shows a cross-section of a third embodiment of the strip forming part of the arrangement ac- cording to the invention, Figure 7a shows a schematic top view of the traction ele- ment forming part of the arrangement according to the invention, Figure 7b shows a side view of the traction element of Figure 7a, Figure 8a shows a top view of the traction piece forming part of the pulling element according to the invention, Figure 8b shows a cross-section of the traction piece on plane A-A of Figure 8a, Figures 9a-e show a third embodiment of the traction piece according to the invention, in different positions, Figure 9f shows a top view of a component forming part of the traction piece, Figure 9g shows a top view of the traction piece of Figure 9e, without the strip.

Generally in cargo handling a load consisting of several pack- ages is arranged in the cargo space. In practice, the packages are, for example, pallets, paper reels, or even bundles of timber goods. Correspondingly, the cargo space is, for example, an intermodal container, or the platform of a vehicle. In addition, the packages can be secured as groups using interme- diate structures, which are arranged between the cargo space and the package.

Figure 1 shows one example of the arrangement according to the invention in cargo handling. The intermediate structure 44 of the invention consists of several strips 13, set a distance apart, which are arranged under the adjacent packages 14, in order to secure the packages 14 as a group. In addition, the strip 13 is, according to the invention, of a recyclable, preferably one-trip material. This means that the strip is in practice one-trip, allowing it to be disposed of through recy- cling, without the costs incurred from its return transport. In addition, the number and mutual arrangement of the strips can vary as required, which helps to cut the number of strips needed. In addition, as new strips are used to form the cargo, the packages and cargo space will remain clean.

In many cases, the friction between the strip and the packages will be enough to secure the packages. If necessary, a layer of a friction-increasing agent can be used, which is arranged to be in contact with the package. The packages will then remain better in place, without detrimental slipping and falling. In addition, the agent of the friction layer in the arrangement is detachably adhesive to the package. This will allow individual packages to be handled, for example, by lifting, when the adhesion of the agent will release. Despite its release proper- ties, the layer of agent can be used to secure the packages as a group. According to the invention, in order to ensure secur- ing, a separate layer of agent 17 can be used, which is ar- ranged between the strip 13 and the package 14. In that case, each package is first of all attached through the agent layer to the strips, which extend under the adjacent packages. Thus, the arrangement forms simply a unified load, in which the individual packages are secured to form a unified group. In the left-hand side strip 13 in Figure 1, there is a separate agent layer 17.

Figures 2 and 3 show an automatic transfer-plate apparatus, which be advantageously used to form the arrangement according to the invention. In this, the packages 14 which are paper

reels 18 are first of all collected as a group to form a load on the transfer-plate 15, using which they are transferred as a group to the cargo space of the vehicle. In Figure 2, the paper reels 18 are transferred laterally to a semi-trailer 16 and in Figure 3, longitudinally to an intermodal container 19, which is loaded onto a vehicle. The use of the strips according to the invention, and particularly their use beneath the pack- ages, can be easily implemented in connection with the trans- fer-plate apparatus, which will achieve both rapid loading and the securing of the cargo. The use of strips and, if necessary, a friction-increasing agent, secures the packages as a group, which will require a considerably greater impact to make it move during transport than a single package would require. This will reduce both the number of additional devices required for securing and the damage caused by movement of the packages. As the paper reels remain firmly in place, actual loading is facilitated, as is, surprisingly, unloading, as will be de- scribed in later in greater detail.

The following describes the construction and operation of the transfer-plate apparatus, with reference to Figure 2. The same reference numbers are used for components that are functionally similar. For example, paper reels 18, which have been manufac- tured and packaged at a paper mill, are led singly to a product conveyor 1. The product conveyor 1 stops, when a paper reel 18 reaches the end-stop 2. After this, the stopped paper reel 18 is pushed by a shifter 3 to the correct position on a setup conveyor 4. When the shifter 3 returns to its initial position, the product conveyor 1 moves the next paper reel 18 up to the said end-stop 2.

As a continuation of the setup conveyor 4 there is a loading conveyor 5, on which the actual load is formed according to the planned loading pattern. The aim is to fill the cargo space as tightly as possible. On the other, hand the paper reels are placed against each other, to prevent movement. By adjusting the setup conveyor 4 and the shifter 3, the paper reel 18 is

placed in the desired position on the loading conveyor 5. In practice, the setup conveyor and the feed conveyor run at different rates. Thus, when commencing the loading pattern, the desired numbers of strips 13, which are stored in a cassette 6 next to the setup conveyor 4, can be moved to the loading conveyor 5. The construction and operation of the cassette 6 are described in greater detail in connection with Figures 4 and 5. The strips are guided from beneath the setup conveyor and, if necessary, an agent is spread on their upper surface to increase friction. It is then possible to push the paper reels onto the setup conveyor and the paper reels move on top of the strips immediately after the setup conveyor. At the same time, movement between the strips and the paper reels is prevented, which makes it easier to create and maintain the planned load- ing pattern.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the cassette 6, in which there are several slots 21 for the strips 13. In addition, the cas- sette 6 can be moved laterally on guides 22, allowing the strips to be set in the desired position on the loading con- veyor 5. In this case, the strips 13 and fed using a friction wheel 23, which is driven by a worm-drive motor 24. At a slot 21, the friction wheel 23 is pressed against a strip 13 by a hydraulic cylinder 25 (Figure 5). In addition, the position of the friction wheels 23 can be adjusted using a second hydraulic cylinder 7, for example, at a full slot 21 of the cassette 6 (Figure 2). Figure 5 also shows strip guides 26, which are attached beneath the setup conveyor in transverse wheeled guides (not shown). The wheeled guides terminate at the start of the loading conveyor 5, where the paper reels are trans- ferred from the setup conveyor 4 onto the strips 13. Instead of hydraulic operating devices, other types, such as pneumatic or electromechanical operating devices, can be used.

A nozzle 34 for spreading the agent on the surface of the strip 13 is additionally connected to each strip guide 9 (Figure 2).

The amount of the agent can be adjusted and in the initial

stage the adjustment is based on the speed of rotation of the friction wheel. In other words, the strips can be very rapidly moved to the loading conveyor, prior to the first paper reel being placed on it. After this, the amount of the agent is largely adjusted on the basis of the loading conveyor, which also affects the operation of the shifter and the setup con- veyor. Once the first paper reel is on the loading conveyor, the friction wheels can be raised, because the loading conveyor pulls the strips. In this embodiment, three adjacent strips are used, the ones at the edge being able to be moved symmetrically laterally with the aid of a screw adjuster (not shown). The position of the strips is adjusted suitably before they are fed, the position depending mainly on the size of the cargo space and the packages. In the embodiment shown, the product conveyor, setup conveyor, and loading conveyor are slat convey- ors.

In the situation in Figure 2, the paper reels 18 belonging to the load being formed are already either on the loading con- veyor 5 or on the setup conveyor 4, which are now momentarily rotated at the same speed. Once all the paper reels are on the loading conveyor 5, it stops and the entire load is moved laterally on the transfer plate 15 using a ram beam 12. The whole time the mutual position of the paper reels remains unchanged, thanks to the strips uniting the adjacent paper reels and, if necessary, the layer of the friction-increasing agent. The load on the transfer plate is then moved forward on the transfer plate to the cargo space, after which the empty transfer plate is pulled back. During this pulling, the load is supported using a suitable stop. When the transfer plate is being used, the next load can be already being formed on the loading conveyor, which further reduces the time required for loading the paper reels.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, three parallel strips 13 are used. According to the invention, the strip is of a recyclable, preferably one-trip material. Such a preferred material is

cardboard, even more advantageously packaging cardboard. This material is of a sufficient consistent quality, but is cheap.

In addition, when manufactured of such a material, the strip will have excellent lateral rigidity and robustness. Thus, despite its loading, the strip will retain its shape, thus securing the packages to each other and also preventing the movement of the packages. In addition, cardboard can be easily recycled, which will help to reduce costs. In addition, partic- ularly laminated packaging cardboard has good moisture resis- tance. A layer-structure polyethylene laminate is preferably used at the strip according to the invention, in the manufac- ture of which polyethylene-coated board and duplex and kraft board are used. In practice, the desired thickness is achieved by adding layers. Thanks to the layer structure and the poly- ethylene coating the strip is highly resistant to moisture and has good mechanical strength and robustness, especially later- ally. Texts, for example, instructions for the use of the strip can even be printed on the strip. In connection with its manu- facture, plastic-foam stripes, or adhesive glue can also be added to the surface of the strip. The strip is made from recyclable material, so that after use the strips can be dis- posed of together with other board being collected for recy- cling. Alternatively, the strips can be burned without creating noxious flue-gas compounds. In practical terms, the central strip in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3 is important, as it is nearly 100-% covered. It will then remain without crumpling, for example, when the load is being pushed from the loading conveyor onto the transfer plate. According to the invention, the thickness of the strip is 3-12 mm, preferably 4-8 mm.

The packages then remain clear of the floor of the cargo space, in which case they will remain undamaged despite the uneven- nesses often found in cargo spaces. A sufficiently thick card- board strip will also separate the packages from the cargo space, which will reduce the risk of moisture damage. Corre- spondingly, the width of the strip is 50-300 mm, preferably 100-200 mm. The amount of cardboard used will thus remain reasonable, but at the same time a sufficient coverage and

securing effect will be achieved. In addition, a relatively narrow strip is easy to handle. On the other hand, a suffi- ciently wide strip will also prevent the friction-increasing agent from spreading outside of the strip. Generally, there are from one to three strips for each row or line of packages. Each package will then be firmly secured to the next package, so that the load can be handled as a single group. When using conventional transport means, there will then be from three to six parallel strips. For example, depending on the direction of movement of the transfer plate, the packages will form rows (Figure 2) or lines (Figure 3).

Especially in the automation of cargo handling, the agent layer must be quickly and easily formed. Thus, according to the invention the friction-increasing agent is a sprayed glue, with a longer open time than the duration of the transport. In practice, the open time of the glue is infinite, so that a package can be easily detached form the strip at any time.

Despite this, the glue increases the friction between the strip and the package considerably, thus preventing movement between them. The packages can then be firmly secured to each other as a single group. One example of such a glue is self-adhesive hot-melt adhesive, which is a hot glue with an infinite open time. The properties in question are in, for example, the hot-melt adhesive Sitomelt T 3921, manufactured by Kiilto Oy, which is easily spread by spraying and which has good adhesion.

In addition, the softening temperature of a hot-melt adhesive is less than 80 C, making it eminently suitable for even ware- house temperatures, without the danger of damaging the card- board or packages. In use, the glue does not thus actually adhere to the packages or strips, but increases friction with the aid of adhesion. Even though the agent has good adhesion, a package can be detached from the strip without damaging the packaging.

In the cargo handling described above, a load consisting of several packages is arranged as a group in the cargo space by

using an intermediate structure, which is arranged between the cargo space and the package. If necessary, a layer of a fric- tion-increasing agent is used, which is arranged in contact with the package. According to the invention, the intermediate structure is formed by arranging several strips under adjacent packages. In addition, recyclable, preferably one-trip strips are used in the arranging. If necessary, a layer of the agent is arranged between the strip and the package, in order to secure the packages as a group. The method in question can also be applied without the transfer-plate apparatus. For example, a suitable number of strips can be first of all spread on the cargo space of the vehicle. If necessary, a layer of an agent according to the invention is spread on top of the strips, or else strips are used, in which the friction-increasing agent is already in place. After this, the packages are loaded on top of the strips, so that a unified group according to the invention is created. In this embodiment, it is also possible to use shorter strips than those described, which are placed in the cargo space as loading proceeds. Generally, the strips are, however, arranged in the direction of loading of the packages essentially over the entire distance of the cargo space, which is a considerable advantage, for instance, when unloading. On the other hand, it is possible to form a load, particularly of elongated packages, for example, of bundles of timber goods, on top of strips and push the load into the cargo space without a transfer-plate. In that case, the strips act as a slider base.

The load can also be unloaded by pulling on the packages or strips.

According to the invention, the agent can be spread by spraying it onto the strip, on the side facing the package. Spraying creates an even layer of the agent and spraying can be easily automated. In addition, in spraying, the amount of the agent can be easily and precisely regulated. The layer of the agent between the packages and the strips has an important effect in holding the packages together as a single group, even though in many situations the friction between the strip and the package

will be sufficient to secure the load. On the other hand, using suitable tools a layer of the agent can also be arranged be- tween packages stacked on top of each other. This can prevent movement of the towers formed by the packages. For example, in the case of paper reels it is preferable to spread the agent on the upper surface, before the paper reel is lifted to the vertical position. The layer of the agent will then be ready for the next paper reel to be lifted on top of it.

The apparatus shown in Figure 2 also permits the feeding of a strip 13 that is bent to form a corner protector (Figure 1).

According to the invention, the strips at the outer sides of the cargo space are bent longitudinally and placed only partly under the package, in order to form a corner protector. The apparatus can also include creasing means for forming a fold 27 in the strip (not shown). Thus, only one kind of strip will be required in the cassette. On the other hand, strips with dif- ferent properties, which are selected as required, can be stored in the slots of the cassette. In other words, there can be strips of different thicknesses and made from different kinds of cardboard in the cassette. In practice, the corner protectors protect the lower corners of the packages, for example, from the beams and securing hooks of the container during loading, transport, and unloading.

As it forms a unified group, the load can be pushed into the cargo space, for example, using the transfer-plate apparatus described. The relevant load can be unloaded in the traditional manner one package at a time. In that case, the package being unloaded is detached from the possible layer of the agent while the strips remain in the cargo space. However, according to the invention the load is preferably unloaded by pulling the pack- ages on the strips out of the cargo space and only then detach- ing them from the strips. The cargo space is then emptied at one time, so that the transport means can continue its journey immediately and the packages can be moved using many different kinds of tools in an open space. At the same time, the strips

can be collected for recycling. Conventional devices, such as a forklift, can be used for pulling. When using full-length strips the entire load can be unloaded at one time. Of course, this will require strips of greater strength. According to the invention, in each strip 13 there is a reinforcing structure 28, which increases the stiffness of the strip both laterally and longitudinally. The strip will then retain its shape well.

The load can also be removed from the cargo space by pulling on the strips 13. In practice, the reinforcing structure 28 is formed of one or more metal bands 29, which are arranged on the surface of and/or inside the strip 13. The metal band can, if necessary, be fed from a reel. In addition, the metal and the cardboard can be easily separated from each other in the recy- cling stage, which reduces the total cost. In addition, by using the same agent to attach the metal band as is used to secure the packages, the metal band can be easily detached from the strip. In practice, the metal band can even be glued onto the strip as it is fed. On the other hand, strips equipped with metal bands can be manufactured beforehand and placed ready for use in the cassette.

Figures 6b-d show examples of various embodiments of the strip.

In Figure 6a, on the under surface of the strip 13 of cardboard there is one metal band 29, which extends for the entire length of the strip 13. Correspondingly, in Figure 6c the strip 13 is formed of two layers, between which two metal bands 29 are laminated. In Figure 6d, there are metal bands 29 on both surfaces of the strip 13. The reinforcing of the strip can also be implemented in order ways, for example, using a reinforcing fabric or mesh. However, metal band and particularly packing band is cheap and can be easily glued to the strip. In addi- tion, steel packing band was already originally intended to be easily recyclable. In practice, the thickness of the metal band is a few millimetres while its width is chosen according to the tensile strength required. For example, by using a narrow metal band the tensile strength can be increased simply by increasing the number of metal bands in each strip.

In addition, a layer of the agent can also be added to the under surface of the strip to increase friction, if securing requires this. In that case, however, feeding the strips on top of the transfer plate and correspondingly removing the transfer plate from under the load. will require more force. Generally however, the surface of the strip facing the package has greater friction that the surface facing the cargo space. In addition, in practice the friction between the strip and the transfer plate is less than that between the strip and the cargo space. Thus it is possible to use a transfer plate while the load nevertheless remains firmly in place in the cargo space.

In the method according to the invention, it is preferable to use a transfer plate, on top of which the load is formed from the packages, strips, and, if necessary, a layer of the agent.

In necessary, some suitable reinforcing structure is used in the strips, if it is intended to unload by pulling on the strips. In addition, the load is loaded by pushing the transfer plate into the cargo space, after which the transfer plate is pulled out from under the load. In connection with the pulling, the packages are supported using some suitable means, which holds the load in place. Especially in the embodiment of Figure 3, long strips are used and the load is pushed for a long way.

In that case, an elongated recess, which is wider than the strip but the depth of which is less that the thickness of the strip, can be arranged in the transfer plate for each strip.

Part of one such transfer plate 15, together with recesses 30 is shown in Figure 6a. When the strips are being fed and the packages placed on top of the strips, the recesses guide the load being formed. The load is then formed precisely on top of the transfer plate and the strips reduce the friction force. At the same time, at least part of each package is kept clear of the surface of the transfer plate, which reduces the risk of damage to the packages. Also when pulling the transfer plate out, the recesses guide the strips, preventing their deflection and other deformations.

The guiding effect of the recesses also helps the packages to remain in place when the transfer plate is being pulled out from under the load. The strips then remain in place, at the same time keeping the packages stationary. The securing effect can be improved with a layer of the agent. Particularly in the embodiment of Figure 3, the paper reels remain in place and the loading pattern remains unchanged, even though the load is only supported from a single paper reel when the transfer plate is removed. In the known technology, the paper reels tend to rotate, when the loading pattern breaks up, which in the worst case leads to breaking of the packages and the cargo space. By means of a suitable intermediate piece, the supportive force can also be transmitted to a second paper reel.

In practice, the tensile strength requirement of a single strip may be several tonnes, if the load is unloaded by pulling on the strips. If the load is 30 tonnes and the coefficient of friction 0,3-0, 7, the tensile strength requirement when pulling on four strips is a maximum of about 5 tonnes in each strip. In order to pull the load, a traction member is attached to the ends of the strips and is pulled using either a special winch, or a forklift. The traction member is arranged in such a way that, when pulled from one point, the tension is distrib- uted as evenly as possible to each strip. For example, suitable joints or similar are used for the distribution. Figure 7a shows one possible traction member 31, in which there is a traction piece 32 (Figure 7b) for each strip 13. The free end of the strip 13 is passed around the bar 34 forming part of the traction piece 32 and attached, for example, by using bolts 33 to press between two plate pieces 35. Instead of a bar, it is also possible to use a tube, in which there are openings for the strip. In that case, by rotating the tube, the strip, which has been passed through the openings, can be pre-tensioned before the actual traction starts, which will ensure the most even loading possible during the traction. This will also make the bolts unnecessary. A pulley wheel 36 can also be fitted to the traction member, through which, for example, a cable can be

guided. Such an arrangement reduces the traction force re- quired. A block and tackle solution (not shown), for example, can also be used for the same purpose.

Figures 8a-b, and 9a-g show alternative embodiments of the traction piece, by means of which the attachment of the strip to the traction piece is facilitated and accelerated. In the traction piece of Figure 8a, there are two pins 38 and 38' arranged between two side plates 37, with a traction sleeve 39 around the first of the pins. There is one traction piece for each strip and it is attached to the joint of the traction member (Figure 7a). In this case, there is also a slot 40 in the side plates 37, so which a third pin 41 is moveably at- tached. In the pin 41 there is also a friction plate 42, which remains between the doubled end of the strip 13. In practice, the traction piece 32 shown is raised to the vertical position and the middle pin 41 is moved to the centre of the slot 40.

The strip can then be easily threaded around the pin 41 and the friction plate 42 welded to it. When the strip is in place, and traction is applied to the traction sleeve 39, the pins 38'and 41 become wedged against each other, at the same time pressing the strip between them. The use of the solution in question also avoids the use of bolts and creates a secure attachment.

The threading of the strip can be avoided by using the traction piece shown in Figures 9a-f. In this case too, there are three pins 38, 38', and 41, the pin in the centre having a friction plate 42. The pin 41 in question is, however, loose and the side plates 37 for it are shaped in a surprising manner. When the traction piece is attached to a strip, the strip is first bent around the pin 41 and then around the friction plate 42 attached to it. After this, the pin 41 is placed in the trac- tion piece, which, when pulled, turns according to Figures 9c-e. In this embodiment, the strip is pressed between the pin 38'and the friction plate 42. After pulling, the strip can be easily separated by turning the traction piece to the vertical position, when the pin 41 together with the friction plate 42

will drop out of the opening 43 forming in the side plates. The traction piece of Figure 8a is a single unit, without parts that can become detached or lost.

In the transfer-plate apparatus, plastic transfer plates are used, the thickness of which is usually 10-20 mm. By means of the properties of the plastic material and various surface patterning, the friction between the load and both the strips and the transfer plate can be affected. The recesses referred to above can be machined in existing transfer plates, without any significant loss of strength. In addition, by small changes in existing transfer-plate apparatuses, devices for feeding the strips and the glue can be added. In this way, it is possible to improve the efficiency of cargo handling and, for example, use the control devices of the transfer-plate apparatus for controlling the aforesaid devices. In addition, two transfer plates can be combined in a single feed conveyor, in which case more time will remain for parking the cargo spaces, the actual loading remaining quite as fast as before. Alternatively, by means of certain structural changes a single transfer plate can be loaded from two directions. In Figure 2, the control unit of the transfer-plate apparatus is shown with the reference number 11 and the hot-melt glue spray with the reference number 10.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, a loading conveyor 5 is used, which consists of several narrow conveyors 45. There are openings 46 in the transfer plate 15 for the conveyors 45, which can be seen in the empty transfer plate 15 shown next to the loading conveyor 5. When the load is being formed on the loading conveyor, the conveyors protrude above the surface of the transfer plate, through the openings, thus acting in the same way as the slat conveyors described above. When the load is ready on the transfer plate, the conveyors are lowered, when the transfer plate with its load can be pushed into the cargo space. When the transfer plate is pulled out, the load is supported using a suitable stop.

The strips according to the invention can be used in connection with quite many different types of packages, for examples, paper reels, pallets, and bundles of timber goods. On the strips, the packages are secured to form a unified group, which can be handled using different kinds of apparatus. The placing of the strips and, if necessary, the layer of the agent, can be easily automated and particularly when using a transfer plate the load can be made to remain together in connection with loading. Further, the strips can, surprisingly, be used to unload the load, which further reduces costs and increases the efficiency of cargo handling. The use of glue will achieve considerably more friction than known before. Despite this, the packages can be unloaded without breaking the packaging. When using the strips, various auxiliary structures are unnecessary and the load can be made directly in the cargo space, despite unevennesses. Particularly packing cardboard and bands are cheap materials and are completely recyclable. Recycling is further facilitated by the materials that are familiar to the transport sector and by existing recycling devices.