The present invention relates to a pallet system comprised of at least one base supporting spacer block and at least one type of packaging in accordance with the claims. The present patent application also includes a method for using the pallet system.

Background of the Invention

In conjunction with movement of cargo (freight, goods) and the like, there exist several problems with transporting and storing goods in a safe and cost effective manner without the goods being significantly damaged. One problem is that it may be difficult to move boxes, packages (packets), or the like if these are for example placed directly on a floor. Another problem with placing boxes or packages directly on for example a floor is that the boxes or similar and also that which is stored in them may be damaged by fluids and contaminants that may be present on the floor.

One current and common way of transporting and storing goods is to place goods on pallets. With pallets goods are elevated a bit from the floor, the ground or the like which reduces the risk of cargo being damaged from any liquids and contaminants that may be found on the underlying surface. Furthermore, by using a pallet goods may be more easily lifted and moved with a forklift, or other vehicle, which is equipped with forks or similar.

Pallets may be of any type of reusable pallets such as the EUR pallet made of wood. One problem with existing reusable pallets of wood is that they are costly to manufacture. Another problem with reusable pallets of wood is that they absorb liquid (moisture) when subjected to it. A further problem with existing reusable wooden pallets is that these are heavy to handle and that the weight of these may also vary greatly. Another significant problem with reusable wooden pallets is that they may also spread harmful or undesirable insect species (pests). A further problem with the transportation of pallets and the like is that they are usually shipped empty to the place where goods are to be loaded on them. Another problem with reusable pallets is that they often entail return transport where pallets are shipped without freight. The result is that a large part of the transportation of pallets is carried out without goods which is very cost ineffective. During the transportation of empty pallets such as standard EUR pallets it is also a problem that a large portion of each respective transported pallet's volume is empty space which makes transport of empty pallets cost ineffective. Thus there exists a need of a pallet system whose included pallets may be efficiency stacked on each other so that gaps are minimized.

Another known way to provide a certain level of elevation for goods, with intent to facilitate the handling of goods and also reduce the risk of goods being damaged by liquids and substances that may be present on the floor (ground etc.), is to place the goods on platforms (or similar) provided with supporting legs, runners, blocks and the like. The supporting legs may be detachably mounted to the platform. One problem with these types of supporting legs is that they need to be fixed to the platform (or goods), for example by them being taped, attached with adhesive materials or the like. This causes problems such as for example that extra labor efforts are necessary.

A further problem exists in conjunction with the transport of goods on different variants of pallets that are relatively narrower than the width of standard EUR pallets. Such a situation exists, for example in connection with shipments of major home appliances and the like. A problem occurs because it is not possible to lift the relatively narrower pallets with forklifts and the like.

Prior Art

Devices for the transport and storage of goods are previously known in numerous different variations. For example, FR2554087 describes a pallet system that includes packaging and base supporting spacer blocks which are connected to the packaging with locking devices. The design has several deficiencies which the present design solves. The system according to its description has the disadvantage that its locking devices risk being damaged by forks when the packaging and spacer blocks are lifted with forklift equipped vehicles. Further, the design according to FR2554087 may hardly be manufactured in the same cost efficient manner compared with the spacer blocks in accordance with the present patent application. FR2765193 describes a variant of a pallet system that includes packaging and base supporting spacer blocks. The design of the base supporting spacer blocks differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present invention.

US5193464 describes a variant of base supports which are intended to be connected to the loading plane (platform) onto which goods and the like are intended to be moved. The design differs to a great extent from the design in accordance with the present application. For example, the design is not intended to be connected to a layer of material such as cardboard or the like.

Even US5799586 shows and describes a loading platform (plane) with base supports which may be attached and detached from the platform. The loading platform is designed to be used to create a space to move goods with previously known designs. The supports are connected to the platform by a connector being inserted in between at least two layers of materials in the platform. The design differs to a great extent from the design in accordance with the present application. For example, the design is not intended to be connected to a layer of material such as cardboard or the like. DE2128297 discloses a device with base supports which may be attached and detached from the load platform. The design differs to a great extent from the design in accordance with the present application. For example, the design is not intended to be connected to a layer of material such as cardboard or the like.

US5588374 describes a device with base supports which may be attached and detached from the device. The design differs to a great extent from the design in accordance with the present application. For example, the design is not intended to be connected to a layer of material such as cardboard or similar.

In WO2006/097686 is described a variant of a runner which is intended to act as a spacer between a load bearer and the underlying surface on which it stands. The design differs to a great extent from the design in accordance with the present application.

None of the above mentioned designs resolve all the technical problems that the present pallet system solves.

Brief Description of the Invention Concept

The main purpose of the present invention is to achieve a significantly improved system for handling and transport of goods and the like. Another purpose of the present patent application is to create a pallet which may be cost-efficiently manufactured and used. A further purpose of the present invention is to create a pallet system that is lighter than reusable wooden pallets. Yet another purpose of the present invention is to create a pallet system that reduces the risk of spreading harmful insects and other pests. A still further purpose of the present patent application is to create a method for using the pallet system. Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. These are briefly described in the following figure list. The exemplifying embodiments found in the figures are not limiting for the scope of the present patent application. Note that the figures are schematic and parts therefore may have been omitted in these.

Figures 1 and 2A-AB show exemplifying pallet systems according to a first embodiment of the present patent application.

Figures 3 A to 3 F show variants of the base supporting spacer block. Figures 4A and 4B show another alternative embodiment, viewed in perspective from above and also from a side view.

Figures 5A and 5B show exemplifying embodiments of the packaging.

Figures 6 and 7 show a base supporting spacer block connected to the packaging as seen in a cross sectional view from the side. Figures 8 A and 8B show an alternative use of the packaging as a cargo (loading) plane.

Figures 9A to 9D show an alternate embodiment of the present design.

Figure 10 shows loading planes which are stacked on each other.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, a pallet system 1 (system) in accordance with the present invention is shown. The pallet system 1 is intended to be connected to, or include, at least one type of packaging (one unit) 2, in which goods and the like are to be placed, in conjunction with the use of systems for storage and transport of goods. The packaging 2 is intended to completely or partially enclose or encircle the goods. The packaging may in its simplest embodiment consist of a loading plane with or without lateral edges or side panels. The packaging 2 may further be comprised of, for example a cardboard box 3 or the like comprised of at least one layer of material. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the packaging 2 may consist of another for the purpose suitable packaging 2, package, load carrier and the like. The packaging may further comprise at least one second material layer. The layers of material may be of the same type of material or of different types of materials. Each material layer may consist of two or more kinds of materials.

The system 1 includes at least one first base supporting spacer block 4 intended to connect to the packaging 2. In the exemplifying embodiment of the figures, the system is comprised of at least one first base supporting spacer block 4, at least one second base supporting spacer block 5, at least one third base supporting spacer block 6 and at least one fourth base supporting spacer block 7 connected to the packaging. In alternative embodiments, the number of base supporting spacer blocks may be more or less than four. In an alternative description of the parts of the system, the base supporting spacer blocks 5,6 and 7 may be defined as a second base supporting spacer block 4, a third base supporting spacer block 4 and a fourth base supporting spacer block 4.

The base supporting spacer blocks 4 - 7 may be made of a variety of conceivable materials. Preferably, the spacer blocks may be made of at least one type of polymeric material such as a plastic material suitable for the purpose. The plastic material may for example be comprised of any type of recycled plastic materials such as fishing nets or other suitable for the purpose recycled material.

In alternative embodiments, the base supporting spacer block 4 may be made of a bio- composite material. The bio-composite material may preferably include plastics and wood meal or other suitable materials. The use of the mentioned material types also has the technical effect of contributing, to a lesser extent, to scratching or damaging the underlying surface.

Each respective base supporting spacer block 4, 5, 6 and 7 is comprised of at least one first spacer part 8 (load supporting segment), at least one first surface contact part (base surface) 9 against the underlying surface 10 and at least one surface contact part (load carrying surface) 11 against the packaging 2. The intended meaning of the term underlying surface is flooring, the ground, shelf planes, another pallet and any other surface (plane, platform) or similar on which each respective base supporting spacer block is intended to support against when the packaging 2, with accompanying base supporting spacer blocks are not lifted up from the underlying surface. The spacer part 8 is intended in its one end 12 to be connected to, or integrated with surface contact part 9 (which is intended to rest against the underlying surface or the like). At its other end 13 the spacer part 8 connects to, or is integrated with surface contact part 11. Surface contact part 11 is preferably designed to be connected to the underside of the packaging 2, or to another, suitable for the purpose, position on the packaging.

Surface contact part 9, which is intended to be the contact surface against the underlying surface 10, is preferably provided with at least one surface structure (texture) 14. The surface structure 14 prevents or hinders the goods slipping, sliding or similar against the underlying surface during transport or similar. The surface structure's design may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. For example, the surface structure may consist of grooves 15 or other type of surface texture suitable for the purpose.

In the exemplifying embodiments of the base supporting spacer blocks, the spacer part 8 is comprised of at least one outer wall 16 and preferably also at least one interior longitudinal wall 17 (inner wall in the spacer part). The interior wall 17 preferably extends from surface contact part 9 to surface contact part 11. The spacer part 8 may also preferably be comprised of at least one intermediate plane (inner plane) 18 or the like extending internally between the walls. The intermediate walls and the planes allow for the design to be both light and stable at the same time. The design also preferably includes an internal transverse wall 17.

With reference to Figures 3A to 3D is shown how each respective base supporting spacer block 4, 5, 6 and 7, preferably in the surface contact part 11 against the packaging 2, includes at least one first connecting assembly 19 and at least one second connecting assembly 20. Each respective base supporting spacer block 4 is connected to the packaging 2 or similar by the connecting assemblies.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the base supporting spacer block's surface contact part 11 is comprised of at least one first connecting assembly 19 and at least one second connecting assembly 20 and also at least one third connecting assembly 21. In the exemplifying embodiment, the surface contact part preferably includes at least one fourth connecting assembly 22. With these connecting assemblies each base supporting spacer block is connected to the packaging 2 or the like. In the figure the third and fourth connecting assemblies 21 and 22 are each comprised of at least one from the surface contact part 1 1 protruding segment 23. In the exemplifying embodiment shown in the figures, segment 23 has a rectangular cross section. The form of the protruding segment 23 may vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application.

In the exemplifying embodiments of the present design, the first connecting assembly 19 and the second connecting assembly 20 and when appropriate further connecting assemblies such as for example a third connecting assembly 21 and a fourth connecting assembly 22, are each intended to be connected to at least one opening 24 (such as a hole, a slot, an aperture or similar) in the packaging 2. The number of openings 24 (holes, slots) may vary within the scope of protection of the present patent application. Each base supporting spacer block is thus intended to be connected to an array of openings 24 (holes, slots or similar) in the packaging 2. The number of (sets of) openings 24 (holes, slots or the like) may vary within the scope of the invention. In a first embodiment of the present patent application, the connecting assemblies are intended to be connected to the openings from the outside of the packaging 2, such as cardboard or the like. Preferably the packaging 2 (such as cardboard 3) has been provided with openings 24 (holes or slots) in conjunction with its manufacture. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the packaging 2 be provided with openings 24 (holes or slots) after its manufacture, but before the base supporting spacer blocks are connected to the packaging 2.

Once again referring to Figure 3A, a preferred embodiment of the present base supporting spacer block 4 which is connected to the packaging 2 is shown. The packaging 2 in the shown embodiment in Figure 3 A is for example made of cardboard or the like. Each base supporting spacer block includes in its surface contact part 11 against the packaging 2, at least one first connecting assembly 19 and at least one second connecting assembly 20.

The base supporting spacer block in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 A to 3E is comprised of, in at least one of the connecting assemblies, a hinge (joint, bearing) 25 or the like. The hinge 25 allows the connection assembly, with its associated hinge member, after it has been inserted into a first opening 24, to be folded down against the packaging and fixed to another part of the base supporting spacer block which is completely or partly passed through a second opening 24. The hinge 25 may be comprised of a previously known and suitable for the purpose hinge (joint) or may be of a hinge in accordance with the figures. The hinge 25 in the exemplifying embodiment is an integrated part of the connecting assembly. For example, the hinge 25 may consist of material of a part 26 of the second connecting assembly 20 which is thinner than the rest of the material. The thinner material forms one hinge with a function similar to the function of so-called "plastic hinges" or "flexure bearings". In alternative embodiments, the hinge may be of any known type of hinge or the like. The design also includes at least one locking device 27 with which a locking of the base supporting spacer block to the packaging may be accomplished. The locking device may be of a type shown in the figures, or may be of another suitable for the purpose locking device.

When using this variant of the base supporting spacer block, the second connecting assembly's 20 articulated part 29 which at its free end (or in the ends proximity) is comprised of at least one first locking member 28, is inserted into the second opening (hole, slot) 24B, after which the first connecting assembly is inserted into the first opening (slot, holes) 24A. After the second connecting assembly's articulated part 29 has been inserted into opening 24A, the articulated part 29 is folded down against the topside of the material layer of the packaging 2. During this folding of the articulated part, a coupling of the first locking member 28 (included in the locking device 27) and the second locking member 30 (included in the locking device 27) occurs, which via the opening 24 (slot, holes) extends from surface contact part 11 completely or partially via the opening 24 through the material layer of the packaging 2. The material layer of the packaging 2 is essentially secured in the space formed between the interlocking first and second connecting assemblies 19, 20 and surface contact part 11. By way of this design the base supporting spacer block is connected to the packaging in a reliable manner. The locking of the base supporting spacer block 4 to the packaging may be temporary or permanent.

A specific feature of the locking device 27, according to the embodiment, is that the first locking member 28 is engaged (clamped) firmly between the second locking members 30A and 30B. The design has the technical effect of achieving an efficient connection (coupling) between locking members 28, 30A and 30B. The design also has the technical effect that the maximum compression of the articulated part toward the surface contact part 11 is restricted. Furthermore, the design has the technical effect that locking member 30B prevents locking member 28 from rotating out of its engagement (wrought out from its engagement) with locking member 30 A during compression of the articulated part against surface contact part 11 with the intermediate packaging.

In the exemplifying embodiments, it is also unique that locking member 28 is relatively longer than locking member 3 OA, which means that the risk of the cardboard being pressed together (damaged) during connection of the connecting assemblies is essentially eliminated, or greatly reduced. This design allows the maximum compression of the first locking member and the second lock member to be limited, which in turn means that the risk of the cardboard being damaged for this reason is eliminated or essentially eliminated. The design is further comprised of at least one recess 50 (shown in Figure 3D). In the exemplifying embodiment, the second connecting assembly's 20 articulated part 29 in the vicinity of locking members 27, 28 includes at least one first recess 50 and at least one second recess 50. The recess 50 or recesses 50, facilitates the disengagement of the locking members, of locking members 28 with locking members 30A and 30B. Disengagement of the locking members may for example be accomplished by an elongate prying device such as a screwdriver or the like being partially inserted into the recess 50 and then used to pry apart the locking members from one another.

Figures 3 B to 3D show an alternative embodiment of the base supporting spacer block whose spacer part 8 is relatively narrower than in the previously shown embodiment. The spacer part 8 is further positioned at the edge, or in the edge's vicinity, of the base supporting spacer block 4. This design has the advantage that it may be placed under a pallet, which is narrower than a standard EUR pallet, which is intended to be used for transporting home appliances and the like. By way of this design, the pallet attached to the goods may be lifted with a forklift, unlike existing types of designs. The alternative embodiment also includes at least one reinforcement 51, or the like, which is placed on the underside of the surface contact part 11. The reinforcement 51 extends, in the exemplifying embodiment, essentially perpendicular from the spacer part 8. However, in alternative embodiments the reinforcement 51 or reinforcements 51 may extend at a different angle than an essentially perpendicular angle in relation to the spacer part 8.

Figures 3E and 3F show a second embodiment of the base supporting spacer block. In this variation of the base supporting spacer block, at least one of the connecting assemblies is comprised of a hinge (joint, bearing) 25 or the like, which allows the connecting assembly to be folded down against the packaging and fixed to another part of the connecting assembly. The hinge may be of a previously known hinge (joint, bearing) suitable for the purpose or may be a hinge in accordance with the figures. The design according to Figures 6 and 7 includes at least one third connecting assembly 21 and at least one fourth connecting assembly 22.

Once again referring to Figure 4 A and 4B is shown how the first connecting assembly 19 of the embodiment includes at least one first connector 31 and at least one second connector 32. The second connecting assembly 20 is comprised, in the embodiment, of at least one first connector 33 and at least one second connector 34. In the shown embodiment, the first connecting assembly extends from the plane of surface contact part 11. The second connector 34 extends from at least one side of the first connector 33 (preferably at a distance from the end of the first surface contact part). The first connector 31 and the second connector 32 form, in the exemplifying embodiment, a cross-like shape. In the shown embodiment the second connector 32 extends in an essentially perpendicular direction from surface contact part 11. In alternative embodiments, the second connector may extend out only on one side of the connecting assembly 20, preferably in toward the packaging. The function of the second connector is shown in Figures 8 and 9, where the second connecting assembly's 20 connector 34 on its one side is connected to the side of the packaging and the other side is connected to a part of the packaging which constitutes a lid (cover or other sealing part) for the packaging 2 that is folded down and locked firmly against the second connector 34 with its second side.

Figure 5A shows an exemplifying embodiment of the packaging 2 spread-out. The

exemplifying embodiment is not limiting for the present invention. The packaging 2 is comprised of at least one material layer 35 or several material layers. The packaging 2 includes a set of holes (openings) for the connection of the base supporting spacer blocks.

With reference to Figure 5B, an alternative embodiment for the placement of holes (openings) in the packaging is shown.

The base supporting spacer blocks 4 preferably include at least one protective groove 36 for one or more straps 37. The protective groove 36 is intended to protect straps and the like in conjunction with the handling of goods with a forklift or similar. The figures show

embodiments where the base supporting spacer blocks 4 include at least one first protective groove 36 and embodiments where the base supporting spacer blocks 4 include at least one first protective groove 36 and at least one second protective groove 36. The protective grooves 36 are located on the opposite side (bottom side) of the surface contact part 11. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the base supporting spacer blocks 4 include more protective grooves than two, three, four, etc. The design of the protective grooves 36 may vary within the scope of the present patent application. In the shown embodiment, however, the protective groove consists of a space that is bounded on three directions and is open in the fourth direction. The protective groove's one side may consist of the bottom of surface contact part 11 , the second and the third side may consist of protruding segments from surface contact part 11 which at its free end may be comprised of transverse segments whereby the protruding segments may be T-shaped. In alternative embodiments, the base supporting spacer block may lack protective grooves 36 for straps 37. When connecting the base supporting spacer blocks as shown in Figures 3D and 3E, the first connecting assembly's 19 first connector 31 is initially inserted into at least one first opening 24 hole or slot in the packaging 2. Upon insertion of the first connecting assembly's 19 first connector 31 in the opening 24 (slot, holes), the surface of the base supporting spacer block's surface contact part 11 is preferably angled in relation to the packaging' s plane (horizontal plane). After the connecting assembly's first connector 31 is inserted into the opening 24 (slot, hole), a wriggling of the base supporting spacer block 4 in towards the packaging 2 occurs. At the same time the base supporting spacer block 4 is inserted in towards the packaging 2, a simultaneous insertion of the second connecting assembly's 20 articulated part 29, the third connecting assembly 21 and the fourth connecting assembly 22 occurs into openings in the packing 2. After the connecting assemblies of the base supporting spacer block 4 have been inserted into the openings (slots, holes) in the packaging, the base supporting spacer block is then connected (attached) to the packaging. After the first base supporting spacer block has been connected to the packaging, the other base supporting spacer blocks are connected to the packaging. The number of base supporting spacer blocks connected to the packaging may vary within the scope of the present patent application. The placement of the openings (holes, slots) in the packaging may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. The packaging may consist of plastic materials.

In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the packaging 2 consists of another for the purpose suitable packaging 2, packages, freight carriers and the like. The packaging may further be comprised of at least one other suitable for the purpose material layer.

With reference to Figures 8A and 8B, an alternative embodiment for packaging material which may be folded together is shown. The packaging may in this embodiment, for example, consist of some variant of cardboard box or the like. In the embodiment, the packaging's (cardboard box's), side panels and any lid parts may be folded together toward the bottom layer of the box and thereby form a plane (a platform from the folded box). It is conceivable that at least one additional layer of material is added to the folded box (platform). The additional material layer may be a layer of cardboard or the like. It is further conceivable that the additional material layer (or layers of material) consists of a metal layer such as at least one sheet of steel, aluminum or another for the purpose suitable metal or alloy of metals. It is further conceivable that the additional material layer is a variant of a lid (package, cover) or the like which is brought down over all or part of the plane (platform) consisting of the folded cardboard box (packaging). In the embodiment, the system functions as (is) a pallet without a collar when the side panels are folded. With the side panels folded up, the system functions as a pallet with a collar.

With reference to Figure 2A, an alternative embodiment is shown where the system includes a cover (lid) 38 or the like. The cover 38 preferably includes at least one positioning device 39 for the base supporting blocks (included in a second pallet (pallet system) placed on top of the cover 38 (included in the first pallet (pallet system)). The positioning device 39 may consist of a cavity, a frame or the like in which the base supporting spacer block 9 (on a second loading system) that is placed on top of the first pallet system, is connected to or placed.

With reference to Figures 9A to 9E, an alternative embodiment of the present pallet system is shown. In the embodiment, the base supporting spacer block 4 is intended to be connected to a loading plane (cargo plane, platform) 40 of wood or similar. The loading plane is included as a part of the pallet system (in alternative embodiments, the loading plane 40 may be a separate unit). The loading plane may for example be designed and constructed just as the cargo plane on EUR pallets (without a base). The pallet in accordance with previously known pallets is comprised of at least several elongated segments 41 which extend in one of the pallet's directions (in the embodiment shown in Figure 9A to 9C, the elongated segments extend in the pallet's longitudinal direction) and at least a number of second parts 42 which extend transversely to the first segments. In the exemplifying embodiment, the second parts are placed under the first elongated segments, in the elongated parts transverse direction. At least several base supporting spacer blocks 4 are intended to be connected temporarily or permanently to the loading plane 40. The number of base supporting spacer blocks 4 may vary within the scope of protection of the present patent application. However, in the exemplifying embodiment, the number of base supporting spacer blocks is six. The number of base supporting spacer blocks, in alternate embodiments, may be more or less. The number may be varied according to the needs that exist.

A unique feature of the embodiment is that the second part 42 is comprised of at least one recess (notch) 43 which, when the first segment 41 and the second part 42 are connected to each other, form a channel 44 in which all or part of the connection assembly may be inserted and connected to at least one connecting part 45 formed by the recess. The channel 44 and the connecting part 45 are formed in the lower area of the loading plane 40, the cargo plane during normal use. The connecting part 45 has a shape whose size and form essentially correspond to, or is slightly smaller than the space between the connecting assembly 20 and surface contact part 11. The channel is bounded in the upward direction by the first elongated segment.

The channel 44 has a first opening 46 in the downward direction and in the horizontal direction relative to the second part and the loading plane. The channel 44 also has a second opening 47 which extends in an essentially vertical direction in relation to the pallets topside. The channel 44 extends between the first opening 46 to the second opening 47 in the pallet's essentially horizontal direction.

During connection of the base supporting spacer block, the base supporting spacer block's articulated part is inserted into the channel's (notch's), first opening 46 and then conveyed along the channel's 44 (notch's) length to at least one angled surface 48, or arched (curved) surface, or a combination thereof, which affects the articulated part, with associated locking member, to move in the downward direction toward the second opening and the second locking member. The angled or curved surface 48 transitions into a shelf 49, support or the like, against which the front part of the articulated part rests against when the locking members are pressed together (connected) with each other.

When the first locking member and the second locking member are moved to a position where they come in contact with each other, they are then pressed together after which a locking between the first locking member and the second locking member occurs. During this compression the shelf 49 acts as a stop (rest) which enables the locking members in assemblies 19, 20 to be pressed together with one another. In an alternative embodiment of the present design, a signal such as preferably a clicking sound or the like occurs when the locking members are interlocked with each other. After locking, the connecting part 45 of the loading plane 40 is essentially secured in the space formed between the interlocking first and second connecting assemblies 19, 20 and the surface contact part 11.

In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the recess 43, notch, has a different form than that of the exemplifying embodiment found in the figures. The connection of the base supporting spacer blocks 4 may be temporary or permanent.

In the preferred embodiment, the edge may include a second recess (not shown in the figures) in the elongated segment's longitudinal direction. A strip or the like which extends for all or part of the pallet's edge is placed in the recess. The strip has a shape which can not easily be machined in place on the pallet. With reference to Figure 10 is shown how several loading planes are stacked on each other in the transportation of pallets without goods (cargo). The pallets are transported to the site of use stacked without base supporting spacer blocks.

In an alternative embodiment of the present system, it is conceivable that at least one first base supporting spacer block 4 and at least one second base supporting spacer block 4 are connected together with each other. This interconnection may be achieved with a connector which is connected between at least one bracket, connection device or the like (not shown in the figures) in the first base supporting spacer block and at least one bracket, connection device or the like in at least one second base supporting spacer block. It is further conceivable that a connector and at least one of the base supporting spacer blocks are manufactured in one piece.

In the detailed description of the present invention, design details may have been omitted which are obvious to persons skilled in the field relating to the method and device. Such obvious design features are included to the extent necessary for a proper function to be obtained for the present pallet system.

Even if certain preferred embodiments have been shown in more detail, variations and modifications of the method and device may be apparent to those skilled in the field of the invention. All such modifications and variations are considered to fall within the scope of the following claims. For example, it is conceivable that one or some of the holes or slots are omitted. It is also conceivable that tape, glue or another adhesive or adhesives are used to permanently or temporarily fix the base supporting spacer block to the packaging. It is further conceivable that the packaging 2 is comprised of at least one or more reinforcements, reinforcing material layers or the like. The reinforcements may for example be located adjacent to the base supporting spacer block's connection points to the packaging 2.

Advantages of the Invention

With the present invention, a number of advantages are achieved. The most obvious is that a cost-effective pallet system, where the pallet is directly integrated with the packaging, is obtained. Another advantage of the present invention is that the base supporting spacer blocks may be connected to packaging without tape or the like being used. A further advantage of the present design is that its size may be varied in a number of dimensions, where the actual size of the goods determines the size of the pallet. The design also results in significant savings in weight compared to existing varieties of reusable pallets and the like. The design also results in a reduced risk of the spread of pests when compared to reusable wooden pallets. With the present alternative embodiment, the benefits of wood pallets are achieved while pallet weight is decreased. A further advantage of the present invention is that the base supporting spacer blocks are of a material that does not absorb moisture, or essentially does not absorb moisture.