The present disclosure relates to a pallet support system.

In particular the disclosure is concerned with a pallet support system comprising a pallet support member and an element which may be a riser block or back stop element.

Background

A common requirement in warehouses is to provide racking systems on which articles are stored. Often articles are supported on wooden pallets on which they are also transported, carried by forklift vehicles. It is a common requirement that pallets must not be sat directly on the ground, and hence require something to support them, thereby spacing them apart from the ground. This helps to keep the articles dry, as it keeps the articles away from any spillages or damp and promotes air circulation. Also, in an emergency, having an air gap under the article also means fire suppression measures (for example fire suppression fluids and powders) may circulate effectively.

One solution to this is to provide shelves between racking members on which the pallets sit. A problem with pallet shelving, being generally quite large and heavy, is that it is inherently difficult to adjust and/or replace should it get damaged, often requiring at least two users to work together, making assembly and adjustment difficult for a single user. Also shelving tends to have a fixed capacity, meaning that the shelving will be more robust than it needs to be for most loads, or limited to only a small range of loads.

Over time debris may fall from the product, through the pallet and onto the floor. It may be important, or at least desirable, to remove the pallet support in order to clear the debris, for example to discourage vermin, reduce potential for fire hazards and reduce dust generation for warehouse workers.

Another problem with pallet supports of the prior art is that they may pose a hazard to forklift vehicle operators. For example, where the driver stands on a platform at the rear of the forklift vehicle, or walks along with the forklift, if the forklift is reversed a part of the operator (for example their ankles or lower leg) may collide with an edge of the pallet supports, causing serious harm and injury. Additionally, should the shelving of the prior art be inadvertently engaged by the forks of a forklift vehicle (for example, because the operator has targeted the forks too low so they reach under the shelf) the shelving may become damaged. This is most likely to happen when the forklift is moved forwards and the backrest from which the forks extend collide with the front of the shelf. Such damage is unsightly and may result in structural damage necessitating replacement of the shelf.

Hence a system which provides an easy-to-assemble and install pallet support system, which is adjustable to provide different load capacities, reduces the risk of harm to an operative of a forklift vehicle delivering pallets to the system, and is configured to offer resistance to impact with forklifts, and is thus highly adaptable, resilient and safe, is highly desirable.

Summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided a pallet support system and a kit of parts for a pallet support system, as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

Accordingly there may be provided a pallet support system (10) comprising: a pallet support member (100) having a base side (102) and a support side (104), wherein the pallet support member (100) defines a plurality of hollow cells (106) which extend from an opening on the base side (102) to an opening on the support side (104). The system (10) may further comprise an element (200, 500, 600) comprising a body (202, 502, 602), and a first engagement member (204, 504, 604) may extend from the body (202, 502, 602) to a free end (206, 506, 606). The first engagement member (204, 504, 604) and cells (106) may be complementary in shape and configured such that: the first engagement member (204, 504, 604) is operable to be entered into any of the plurality of cells (106) from the base side (102) of the pallet support member (100), to thereby locate the first engagement member (204, 504, 604) in the cell (106). The first engagement member (204, 504, 604) may be operable to be removeable from the cell (106).

The element (200, 500, 600) may comprise a second engagement member (1204, 1504, 1604) comprising the same features as the first engagement member (204, 504, 604) and spaced apart from the first engagement member (204, 504, 604) along the length of the element (200, 500, 600). The pallet support member (100) may comprise a boundary wall (110) which extends from the base side (102) to the support side (104) to define first, second, third and fourth edges (112, 114, 116, 118) of the pallet support member (100). The first edge (112) may be provided on the opposite side of the pallet member (100) to the second edge (114). The third edge (116) may be provided on the opposite side of the pallet member (100) to the fourth edge (118). The cells (106) may be arranged in rows (108) that extend between opposite edges (112, 1 14, 116, 118).

The cells (106) of adjacent rows (108) may be staggered.

The cells (106) may be defined by primary dividing walls (120) and secondary dividing walls (122), the primary dividing walls (120) being spaced apart and extending between two different edges (112, 114, 116, 118) of the boundary wall (110), and the secondary dividing walls (122) extending between the primary dividing walls (120) to define opposite ends of cells (106) in the row (108).

The boundary wall (110), primary dividing wall (120) and secondary dividing wall (122) may be integrally formed from a material comprising a plastic.

A first extension (140), second extension (142) and third extension (144) may be spaced apart along the first edge (112) to define: a first recessed region (150) between the first extension (140) and second extension (142), and a second recessed region (152) between the second extension (142) and third extension (144).

The cells (106) may have a uniform polygonal cross-sectional shape.

The first engagement member (504) may decrease in width from the body (502) to its free end (506) to form a wedge shape.

The pallet support system (10) may further comprise: a locking pin (300) and a locking plate (400), wherein the engagement member (204, 1204; 504, 1504; 604, 1604) of the element (200, 500, 600) comprises a cavity (210) with a first engagement feature (212). The locking plate (400) may define an aperture (410). The locking pin (300) may comprise: a shaft portion (302), a head portion (304) at one end of the shaft portion (302), wherein the head portion (304) has a diameter larger than the shaft portion (302) and larger than the diameter of the locking plate aperture (410), and a second engagement feature (312) for lockable engagement with the first engagement feature (212), the second engagement feature (312) being provided on the shaft portion (302). The shaft portion (302) may be configured to extend through the locking plate aperture (410) and a cell (106) to engage the first engagement feature (212) of the engagement member (204, 1204; 504, 1504; 604, 1604) with the second engagement feature (312) of the locking pin (300). The engagement features (212, 312) may be configured so that as they are engaged, with the shaft portion (302) extending through, in series, the aperture (410) of the locking plate (400), a cell (106) of the pallet support member (100) and into the cavity (210) of the engagement member (204, 1204; 504, 1504; 604, 1604), the head portion (304) is drawn towards the free end (206, 506, 606) of the engagement member (204, 1204; 504, 1504; 604, 1604) of the element (200, 500, 600), and the locking plate (400) is trapped between the head portion (304) and the pallet support member (100) to thereby clamp the pallet support member (100) to the element (200, 500, 600).

The first engagement member (204, 504, 604) may extend part of the way, but not all of the way from the base side (102) towards the support side (104). The cells (106) may comprise a shoulder (130) recessed into the support side (104) to support the locking plate (400) on the support side (104), such that a clearance is maintained between the free end (206, 506, 606) of the first engagement member (204, 504, 604) and the locking plate (400).

The element (200) may be a back stop element (500) which comprises: a stop member (530) which extends from the body (502), the stop member (530) comprising: a first portion (510) which extends from the body (502) of the element (500) and terminates at a support land (512), a second portion (520) which extends from the support land (512) to a free end (522); such that when the first engagement member (504) of the back stop element (500) is located in one of the cells (106) of the pallet support member (100), the first portion (510) is located in a different one of the cells (106) with the support land (512) flush with, or recessed beneath the surface of, the support side (104). The second portion (520) may extends above the support side (104) to provide a back stop abutment (522).

The stop member (530) may be provided in series between the first engagement member (504) and the second engagement member (1504).

The first portion (510) may have a first side (560) spaced apart from a second side (562), the sides (560, 562) being angled relative to one another so that the first portion (510) decreases in width from the body (502) to the support land (512) to form a wedge shape. The second portion (520) may decrease in width from the support land (512) to the free end (522); and the second portion (520) may define a shoulder (544) which extends away from the support land (512) to overhang the second side (562) of the first portion (510), such that when the first engagement member (504) of the back stop element (500) is located in one of the cells (106) of the pallet support member (100), the shoulder (544) rests on the support side (104) of the pallet support member (100).

The body (502) may define a flat surface (564) for engagement with the base side (102) of the pallet support member (100). The first side (560) of the first portion (510) may extend at an acute angle to the surface (564) and terminate at the support land (512). The second side (562) of the first portion (510) may extend at a right angle to the surface (564).

The element (200) may be a riser block (600), and the body (602) may define a foot member (620) which extends from the first engagement member (604) configured to support the pallet support member (100). The foot member (620) may define a riser land (610) from which the engagement member (604) extends, and which supports a region of the base side (102) of the pallet support member (100) when the engagement member (604) is located in the cell (106).

The foot member (620) may extend between the first engagement member (604) and the second engagement member (1604).

The pallet support system (10) may further comprise a kerb member (700) wherein the kerb member (700) is no greater in height than the distance between the base of the foot member (620) and the riser land (610) such that the pallet support member (100) is supported on the riser land (610), the kerb member (700) is locatable underthe pallet support member (100) with a small clearance therebetween.

There may be further provided a kit of parts comprising a pallet support member (100), a back stop element (500), a riser block (600) and/or a kerb member (700) as defined in the preceding claims.

Hence there is provided a pallet support system, and a kit of parts for a pallet support system. Elements (riser blocks and/or back stop elements) may be attached to many locations on the pallet support member, thus providing a system which may be configured for different load weights and sizes, as well as used in different warehouse storage systems. The extensions and recesses of the front edge of the pallet member reduces the likelihood of damage to the pallet support member from a forklift vehicle. The provision of a kerb member prevents part of a user from colliding with the pallet support member, and hence reduces the likelihood of injury to the forklift operator.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows example installation of a pallet support system according to the present disclosure;

Figure 2 shows the pallet support system shown in figure 1 and according to the present disclosure;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the pallet support system in an example configuration when assembled;

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the pallet support system configuration shown in figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the pallet support system shown in the preceding figures;

Figure 6 shows the same view as figure 5 showing how a forklift vehicle may locate relative to the pallet support member of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 shows a front view of the pallet support system shown in figure 3;

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the pallet support system shown in figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a side view of the pallet support system shown in figure 3;

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the shown in figure 9;

Figures 1 1 to 15 show different views of a back stop element 500 which forms part of the pallet support system shown in the preceding figures;

Figures 16 to 20 show different views of a riser block 600 which forms part of the pallet support system shown in figures 1 to 10;

Figures 21 to 25 show different views of a locking plate 400 which forms part of the pallet support system shown in figures 1 to 10; and

Figures 26 to 30 show a locking pin 300 which forms part of the pallet support system shown in figures 1 to 10. Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to a pallet support system 10 for the support of pallets. The pallet support system 10 of the present disclosure has particular efficacy in warehouses, providing support to pallets holding goods that require storage. The pallet support system may be provided as a kit of parts consisting of at least a pallet support member 100 and a further element 200 configured as either a back stop element 500 or a riser block 600. There may also be provided a kerb member 700. The features of the kit of parts, and hence the pallet support system, may be provided in any combination.

Figure 1 shows a pallet support system 10 installed in conjunction with a racking system 1 , and with pallets 2 located on top of pallet support members 100 which form part of the pallet support system 10. Figure 2 shows the pallet support system 10 without the racking system 1 or pallets 2.

As can be seen, the pallet support system 10 comprises a pallet support member 100 with an element 200 which may be fixed thereto. The element 200 may be provided as a back stop element 500 and/or a riser block 600. The elements 200 (i.e. back stop element 500 shown in figures 1 1 to 15 and/or the riser block 600 shown in Figures 16 to 20) may be located at various locations on the pallet support member 100.

The riser block 600 provides a foot-type member which lifts the pallet support member 100 above the substrate (i.e. ground and/or floor) on which it rests.

The back stop element 500 may be located/provided to provide an abutment which locates the pallet 2 on the pallet support system 10 (i.e. prevents it from moving past a certain point). However the back stop element 500 need not be present, and hence the pallet support system 10 may be provided without the back stop element 500, for example if it is required for pallets 2 to be slid from one side of the pallet support system to the other (i.e. to be slid from one pallet support member 100 to another without obstruction).

As shown in figures 1 , 2, when the system is assembled, the kerb member 700 is located at a front (i.e. access) side of the pallet support member 100, and may be located under the pallet support member 100. Hence the kerb member 700 fills the gap under the front (i.e. access) edge of the pallet support member 100, and thus prevents a part of a vehicle or vehicle user from extending under the pallet support member 100. Figure 3 shows an isometric view of an example configuration of the pallet support system 10, albeit without the optional kerb member 700. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the example configuration shown in figure 3. Figure 5 shows a plan view of the pallet support system 10 shown in Figure 3. Figure 7 shows a front view of the pallet support system 10 of Figure 3. Figure 8 shows an exploded view of that shown in Figure 7, with the side back stop elements 500 omitted to avoid obscuring detail of the riser blocks 600. Figure 9 shows a side view of the pallet support system 10 of figure 3. Figure 10 shows an exploded view of that shown in figure 9.

In figure 3 the pallet support member 100 is assembled with a number of elements 200 which are engaged with the body of the pallet support member 100. Even though the elements 200, 500, 600 may vary in configuration, shape and function, they are engaged with the pallet support member 100 in the same way. In the example configuration shown in figures 3, 4 there are provided seven elements 200, three of which are provided as back stop elements 500, and four of which are provided as riser blocks 600.

In the example shown the elements 200 are provided along the edges of the pallet support member 100, however they may be provided at other locations on the pallet support member 100. Additionally fewer or more elements 200 than shown in figures 3, 4 may be provided as part of the pallet support system 10.

The pallet support member 100 has a base side 102 and a support side 104. The base side 102 faces the substrate (i.e. floor) on which the pallet support system 10 rests, and the support side 104 is configured for supporting the pallet 2. That is to say, in use, the support side 104 is the side on which the pallet 2 will sit.

The pallet support member 100 defines a plurality of hollow cells 106 which extend from an opening on the base side 102 to an opening on the support side 104. The cells may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape between the openings on either side of the pallet support member 100. That is to say, each cell 106 defines a passage which extends between the base side 102 to the support side 104, the passage being open on both the base side 102 and the support side 104. The passage may have a uniform cross-sectional shape along its length. In another example the passage may have a uniform cross-sectional shape along at least some of its height h _c between the base side 102 and the support side 104. That is to say, as shown in figure 4, each cell 106 may have the same width w _c and length l _c along at least part of its height he between the base side 102 and the support side 104. The distance between opposing surfaces of the cell walls may be constant along the cell height h _c The cells walls may be polygonal, for example square or rectangular.

Each element 200 comprises a body (i.e. base) 202 and a first engagement member 204 which extends from the body (i.e. base) 202 to a free end 206. That is to say, the back stop element 500 comprises a body 502 which provides a base and a first engagement member 504 which extends from the body 502 to a free end 506 (as shown in figures 11 to 15), and the riser block 600 comprises a body 602 which provides a base and a first engagement member 604 which extends from the body 602 to a free end 606 (as shown in figures 16 to 20). Herein the body, first engagement member and free end of the back stop element 500 and riser block 600 may be collectively referred to as the body 202, first engagement member 204 and free end 206.

As shown in the figures, each element 200 may comprise a second engagement member 1204, comprising the same features as the first engagement member 204 and spaced apart from the first engagement member 204 along the length of the element 200. Hence the back stop element 500 may comprise a first engagement member 504 and a second engagement member 1504 spaced apart along the length of the body 502 of the back stop element 500 (as shown in figures 11 to 15). Likewise the riser block 600 may comprise a first engagement member 604 and a second engagement member 1604 spaced apart along the length of the body 602 of the riser block 600 (as shown in figures 16 to 20). Herein the second engagement member 1504 of the back stop element and second engagement member 1604 of the riser block 600 may collectively be referred to as the second engagement member 1204 of the element 200. In all respects, the second engagement member 1204 (i.e. second engagement member 1504, 1604) is configured to operate and integrate with the cells 106 in the same way as the first engagement member 204 (i.e. first engagement member 504, 604.)

The first engagement member 504, 604 and second engagement member 1504, 1604 of each element type are complementary in shape to the cells 106. That is to say, the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 of each element type and each cell 106 may have the same cross-sectional shape along their length/height, with the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 having external dimensions which are slightly less than the internal dimensions of the cells 106 such that the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 may be entered into each of the cells 106. The engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 and cells 106 may be configured, that is to say sized, such that there is a snug fit between the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 and each cell 106. Put another way, each of the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 and cells 106 may be configured such that each of the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 are operable to be entered into any of the plurality of the cells 106 from the base side 102 of the pallet support member 100, such that each of the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 are locatable in each of the cells 106. In this way the or each engagement member 204 may fix its respective element 200 to the pallet support member 100. Because of the configuration (for example relative sizes of the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 and each cell 106), and because the element 200 is formed as a discrete member separate from the pallet support member 100, each of the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 are operable to be removeable from each of the cells. That is to say each engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 is operable to be positioned in a first location on the pallet support member 100, removed from the pallet support member 100 and positioned at the same or a different location on the pallet support member 100. Hence each engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 is operable to be removeable from the cell 106 in which it is engaged such that the position of the element 200 on the pallet support member 100 may be changed.

The first engagement member 504, 604 and cells 106 are also configured (that is to say sized and shaped) such that when located in the cell 106, the first engagement member 204 extends part of the way, but not all of the way, from the base side 102 towards the support side 104. The body 502, 602 of the element 500, 600 forms an abutment for engagement with the pallet support member 100. The first engagement member 504, 604 extends from the body 502, 602 (and hence the abutment for engagement with the pallet support member 100) to a distance which is less than the height h _c of the cell 106 so that the free end 506, 606 of the first engagement member 504, 604 is recessed beneath the support side 104. That is to say, the free end 506, 606 is recessed into the opening on the support side 104 such that the free end 506, 606 of the first engagement member 504, 604 does not extend out of the opening on the support side 104 of the pallet support member 100.

Each cell 106 and engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 may have the same uniform cross- sectional shape on their length in the direction in which they engage the cells 106. The walls which define the cells 106, and the walls which define the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 may be parallel to one another. However, in further examples to be described, the walls of the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604, or some but not all of the engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604, may taper such that the cross-sectional shape of the engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 reduces in size along its height. Each cell 106 may have a uniform polygonal cross-sectional shape. That is to say, the cells 106 may each have a uniform polygonal cross-sectional shape at least along part of their height between their opening on the base side 102 and the opening on the support side 104. The polygonal cross-sectional shape may be that of a triangle, square, or rectangle. All of the cells may have the same uniform polygonal cross-sectional shape. In further examples, additional cells may be provided having a different polygonal cross-sectional shape. However, the advantage of having cells of the same cross-sectional shape is that they are all compatible with the engagement member 204 of the element 200, and hence providing cells with the same cross-sectional shape increases the number of possible locations of the element 200 on the pallet support member 100, whatever the configuration of the element 200.

In different examples, the cells may be provided with some having one cross-sectional shape and others having a different cross-sectional shape. In such examples, the engagement members of different elements may be different in shape, and hence the different shaped cells are provided to accommodate the engagement members of different element types.

The first engagement member 504, 604 and second engagement member 1504, 1604 may likewise have a uniform polygonal cross-sectional shape along their height between the body 502, 602 of the element 500, 600 from which they extend to their free end 506, 606. In other examples at least a part of the side of one or both of the first engagement member 504, 604 and second engagement member 1504, 1604 decreases in width from the body 502, 602 to its free end 506, 606 to form a wedge shape. For example, with reference to the back stop element 500, as shown in figures 11 to 15, wedge shaped walls 550 extend from the body 502 along the height of a side of the engagement member 504, 1504 and taper from the body 502 towards the side of the engagement member 504, 1504 as the distance from the body 502 increases. At its widest point, i.e. where the wedge wall 550 extends its maximum distance from the side of the engagement member 504, 1504, the sum of the width of the wall wedge 550 and engagement member 504, 1504 is the same, or slightly less than, the width of the cell 106.

Hence, for example with reference to figure 4 where an isolated cell 106 is shown, the cell 106 may have a length l _c , a width w _c , and height h _c . Hence the length l _c and width w _c define the extent (i.e. size, area) of the cell 106 between the base side 102 and the support side 104, or at least part thereof. With reference to figures 16 to 20 of the riser block 600, the engagement members 604, 1604 extend from the body 602 having a height hr, a width w _r and length l _r . Since the engagement members 604, 1604 and cells 106 are complementary in shape, the values of l _c , w _c may be the same as, or slightly greater than, the values of l _r , w _r . The value of hr is less that h _c so that the free end 606 of the engagement member 604, 1604 does not extend out of the opening of the cell 106 on the support side 104.

Likewise the back stop element 500 engagement member 504, 1504 as shown in figures 11 to 15, has a height hbs and a length lbs. With the addition of the wall wedges 550, the engagement member 504, 1504 of the back stop element 500 has a width Wbs which decreases with increasing height hbs. Height hbs may be the same as height hr. Height hbs and/or height hr may be less than height h _c . The length lbs may be the same as length l _r . Length lbs and/or length l _r may be less than length l _c . At its maximum value, Wbs may equal w _r . At its minimum value, Wbs will be less that the value of w _r , and less than the value of w _c to enable the engagement members 504, 1504 of the back stop element 500 to be fitted to the pallet support member 100, as explained below.

The pallet support member may be flat as shown in the examples of the figures. That is to say that the pallet support member 100 may extend in a plane. That is to say the pallet support member 100 may be planar.

As shown in figures 3, 4, 5 the pallet support member 100 comprises a boundary wall 110 which extends from the base side 102 to the support side 104 to define a first edge 112, a second edge 114, a third edge 116, and a fourth edge 118 of the pallet support member 100. The first edge 112 is provided on the opposite side of the pallet member 100 to the second edge 114. The third edge 116 is provided on the opposite side of the pallet member 100 to the fourth edge 1 18. The cells 106 are arranged in rows 108 that extend between opposite edges 112, 114, 116, 118 of the pallet support member 100. The cells 106 may be arranged in parallel rows 108 that extend between opposite edges 112, 114, 116, 118. The rows 108 may be consecutive, insofar as the rows are immediately adjacent one another across the pallet support member 100.

Hence the cells 106 may be arranged in rows 108 that extend between the third edge 116 and the fourth edge 118. Alternatively the cells may be arranged in rows 108 that extend between the first edge 112 and the second edge 114. In the figures shown the cells 106 are arranged in rows 108 that extends between the third edge 116 and the fourth edge 118. The cells of adjacent rows may be staggered. That is to say, the cells 106 of adjacent rows 108 may be misaligned. Put it another way, cells 106 in a first row of cells 108 may be defined by walls such that the cells of the row 108 are offset relative to the cells 106 of an adjacent row 108. Cells 106 may be defined by primary dividing walls 120 and secondary dividing walls 122, the primary dividing walls 120 being spaced apart and extending between two different (e.g. opposite) edges 112, 114, 116, 118 of the boundary wall 100, and the secondary dividing walls 122 extending between the primary dividing walls 120 to define opposite ends of the cells 106 along the row. Hence the secondary dividing walls 122 of one row may be offset from the secondary dividing walls 122 of an adjacent row such that the cells 106 of the adjacent rows 108 are staggered, and cell 106 of alternate rows 108 are aligned, as shown in figures 3, 4, 5, 6.

The boundary wall 110, primary dividing wall 120 and secondary dividing wall 122 may be integrally formed. The boundary wall 110, primary dividing wall 120 and secondary dividing wall 122 may be formed from a material comprising a plastic. Alternatively, the boundary wall 110, primary dividing wall 120 and secondary dividing wall 122 may be formed from a plastic material, for example polyurethane.

As shown in the figures, for example figures 3 to 6, the first edge 112 of the boundary wall 110 comprises a first extension 140, a second extension 142 and a third extension 144 which are spaced apart along the first edge to define a first recessed region 150 between the first extension 140 and the second extension 142, and a second recessed region 152 between the second extension 142 and third extension 144. Hence the first edge 112 has a sculpted serpentine shape, with walls which extend towards and then away from the second edge 114. The first extension 140, second extension 142 and third extension 144, and the first recessed region 150 and second recessed region 152, extend from a row of cells 106 that extend between the third edge 116 and fourth edge 118. The first extension 140, second extension 142 and third extension 144 are each configured as a bumper (i.e. buffer) to absorb shock locks in the plane in which the pallet member 100 extends. Thus the first extension 140, second extension 142 and third extension 144 provide protection for the main body of the pallet support member 100. For example, these extensions provide buffers/bumpers which may be sacrificial such that although they may be damaged when struck (for example by the back or front of a forklift vehicle), the integrity of the remainder of the pallet support member 100 (e.g. the structure which defines the cells 106) may be protected.

This combination of extensions 140, 142, 144 and recessed regions 150, 152 also aids with the integration of the pallet support member 100 with a forklift. For example, as shown in the plan view of figure 6, if the forklift is used to pick up the pallet support member 100, then the forks 3 of the vehicle 5 are locatable in the recessed regions 150, 152. Hence the pallet support member 100, extensions 140, 142, 144 and recessed regions 150, 152 may be configured for use with a particular fork 3 spacing in mind. As illustrated in figure 6, the horizontal parts of the forks 3 may fit underneath the pallet support member 100, and the backrest of the forks 3, plus any support 6 which holds them, is locatable in the recessed regions 150, 152 so that each fork 3 can extend further under the pallet support member 100 compared to an arrangement in which the front edge of the pallet support member 100 would be straight.

The serpentine first edge 112, with the first edge 112 defining the extensions 140, 142, 144 and recess regions 150, 152, increases the surface area for support on the first edge 112, as well as increasing the strength of the first edge 112.

As shown in the figures, and in particular figures 3, 4, the pallet support system 10 may further comprise a locking pin 300 and a locking plate 400. The locking plate 400 is shown in detail in figures 21 to 25, and the locking pin 300 is shown in detail in figures 26 to 30.

The engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 of each element type comprises a cavity 210 with a first engagement feature 212. The first engagement feature 212 is best shown in figures 11 , 16. The locking plate 400 defines an aperture 410. The locking pin 300 comprises a shaft portion 302 and a head portion 304 at one end of the shaft portion 302. The head portion 304 has a diameter larger than the shaft portion 302 such that it overhangs the shaft portion 302. The diameter of the head portion 304 is also larger than the diameter of the locking plate aperture 410. The locking pin 300 further comprises a second engagement feature 312 for lockable engagement with the first engagement feature 212 of the engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604. The second engagement feature 312 is provided on the shaft portion 302.

The locking plate 400 may comprise a cut out 412 in the wall of the aperture 410 to allow for the passage of the second engagement feature 312 of the locking pin 300 to pass through the locking plate 400.

As shown in figure 4, the shaft portion 302 is configured to extend through the locking plate aperture 410 and a cell 106 to engage the first engagement feature 212 of the engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 with the second engagement feature 312 of the locking pin 300. The first engagement feature 212 of the engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 and the engagement feature 312 of the locking pin 300, are configured such that as they are engaged, with the shaft portion 302 extending through, in series, the aperture 410 of the locking plate 400, a cell 106 of the pallet support member 100 and into the cavity 210 of the engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604, the head portion 304 is drawn towards the free end 506, 606 of the engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 of the element 500, 600. The act of the head portion 304 being drawn towards the engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 of the element 500, 600 is such that the locking plate 400 is trapped between the head portion 304 and the walls 120, 122 of the pallet support member 100 to thereby clamp the pallet support member 100 to the element 500, 600.

The second engagement feature 312 may be provided as a pedestal which extends away from the wall of the shaft portion 302. The first engagement feature 212 may be provided as a shaped groove and/or channel in the wall of the engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 which defines the cavity 210. The groove/channel defines a guide path for the second engagement feature 312. With the second engagement feature 312 engaged with the first engagement feature 212, the second engagement feature 312 travels along the guide path as the locking pin 300 is turned around a rotational axis in the cavity 210. The channel/route may be configured at a particular angle to draw the locking pin 300 into the cavity 210 within a desired angle of turn of the locking pin 300 about its rotational axis. Likewise when the pin is to be removed, it is rotated in the opposite direction around its rotational axis to lift the locking pin 300 from the first engagement feature 212 so that the locking pin 300 may be removed from the cavity 210, and hence the element 200 may be removed from the pallet support member 100.

The cells 106 may comprise a shoulder 130 on the support side 104 of the pallet support member 100. That is to say, the shoulder 130 may define a recess feature in the support side 104 of one or more cells 106. The shoulder/recess 130 may be sized so as to allow the locking plate 400 to enter the cell 106, such that when the locking plate 400 is in position in the cell 160, it is flush with, or beneath the surface of, the support side 104 of the pallet support member 100. At the same time the shoulder/recess 130 should have a cross-sectional shape with a length and width which is smaller than the length and width of the locking plate 400 so that the locking plate 400 cannot pass through the cell 106 from the support side 104 to the base side 102.

Hence the (or each) engagement member 504, 1504; 604, 1604 may extend part of the way, but not all of the way, from the base side 102 towards the support side 104 of the pallet support member 100, and the shoulder 130 is recessed into the support side 104 to support the locking plate 400 on the support side 104 such that a clearance is maintained between the free end 506, 606 of the (or each) engagement member 504, 604 and the locking plate 400.

The element 200, when provided as the back stop element 500, and as best shown in figures 11 to 15, may comprise a stop member 530 which extends from the body 502. The stop member 530 is provided in series between the first engagement member 504 and the second engagement member 1504. That is to say, the first engagement member 504 and the second engagement member 1504 are spaced apart by the stop member 530.

The stop member 530 may comprise a first portion 510 which extends from the body 502 of the element 500 and forms (for example terminates at) a support land 512. A second portion 520 extends from the support land 512 to a free end 522. Hence when the (or each) engagement member 504, 1504 of the back stop element 500 is located in one of the cells 106 of the pallet support member 100, the first portion 510 is located in a different one of the cells 106 with the support land 512 flush with, or recessed beneath, the surface of the support side 104, and the second portion 520 extends above the support side 104 to provide a back stop abutment 522.

The first portion 510 has a first side 560 spaced apart from a second side 562. The sides 560, 562 are angled relative to one another so that the first portion 510 decreases in width from the body 502 to the support land 512 to form a wedge shape.

The second portion 520 decreases in width from the support land 512 to the free end 522. The second portion 520 defines a shoulder 544 which extends away from the support land 512 to overhang the second side 562 of the first portion 510, such that when the first engagement member 504 of the back stop element 500 is located in one of the cells 106 of the pallet support member 100, the shoulder 544 rests on the support side 104 of the pallet member 100.

As shown in figure 15, the body 502 defines a flat surface 564 for engagement with the base side 104 of the pallet support member 100, the first side 560 of the first portion 510 extends at an acute angle to the surface 564 and terminates at the support land 512, the second side 562 of the first portion 510 extends at a right angle to the surface 564.

First direction Y and second direction X are illustrated with reference to figures 14, 15. The first direction Y is a direction away from the body 502, being the “height” direction of the features of back stop element 500. The second direction X is perpendicular to the Y direction, defining the “width” direction of features of the back stop element 500.

As shown in figure 15, the support land 512 extends in second direction X at a height hbsi away from the surface of the body 502, and the second portion 520 extends in the first direction Y to a height hbs2from the support land 512 to its free end 522. The height hbsi may be the same as, or slightly less than, the cell height h _c . When the (or each) engagement member 504, 1504 of the back stop element 500 is located in one of the cells 106 of the pallet support member, the surface 564 of the body 502 from which the first portion 510 extends may abut (e.g. be engaged with) the base side 104 of the pallet support member 100.

When fitted, the second portion 520 may thus extend from the support side 104 by the distance hbs2.

As shown in figures 11 , 14, 15, the first portion 510 decreases in width in the second direction X as its height in the first direction Y increases. Hence it forms a wedge shape which extends from the surface of the body 502 to the support land 512. Hence the width of the first portion 510 varies in width in the same way as the engagement members 504, 1504 of the back stop element 500. Put another way, the maximum width of the first portion 510 varies between the surface of the body 502 from which it extends, having a maximum width Wbs at the point at which it extends from the surface of the body 502, and having a minimum width at the support land 512.

As shown in figure 15, the second portion 520 also decreases in width in the second direction X as its height in the first direction Y increases from the support land 512 to the free end 522. The shoulder 544 extends away from the support land 512 in the second direction X to overhang the second side 562 of the first portion 510. Thus when the (or each) engagement member 504, 1504 of the back stop element 500 is located in one of the cells 106 of the pallet support member 100, the shoulder 544 engages with (e.g. rests on and/or contacts with) the support side 104 of the pallet member 100.

To fit the back stop element 500, as illustrated in figure 4, first the first portion 510 is entered into one of the cells 106, with the back stop element 500 tilted at an angle to the plane of the pallet support member 100. The engagement members 504, 1504 and the second portion 520 are then entered into different cells 106 from the base side 102 of the pallet support member 100.

This is why the engagement members 504, 1504 and the second portion 520 of the back stop element 500 have a wedge shape, because the shape of the first portion, comprising the shoulder 544 is such that it cannot be entered other than at an angle into the cell 106. The back stop element 500 must be tilted to be entered into the cell 106 (i.e. angled relative to the cell) because the shoulder 544 extends from the rear of the back stop element 500 beyond (i.e. away from) the second side 562 of the engagement members 504, 1504, and because the second portion 520 is configured with a preferred height. This is the reason why the (or each) engagement member 504, 1504 of the back stop element 500, and the second portion 520 of the back stop element 500, have a wedge shape. The wedge shape allows for the passage of the first portion 510 and second portion 520 through the cell 106 when the back stop element 500 is tilted. Once the shoulder 544 of the second portion 520 is through the cell and extends from the pallet support member on the support side 104, the back stop element 500 may be straightened such that it is generally vertical/perpendicular relative to the pallet support member 100 and so that the engagement members and first portion 510 can be entered the final amount into their respective cells 106.

The back stop element 500 is then located with the shoulder 544 resting on the support side 104. The shoulder 544 adds extra strength to the assembled back stop element 500 and pallet support member 100, increasing the resistance to motion of any object hitting the second portion 520.

In examples in which the element 200 is provided as a riser block 600, the body 602 of the element 600 defines a foot member 620 which extends from the (or each) engagement member 604, 1604 to support the pallet support member 100 and space the pallet support member 100 apart from a substrate on which it stands.

In examples in which the riser block 600 comprises a first engagement member 604 and a second engagement member 1604, the foot member 620 extends between the first engagement member 604 and the second engagement member 1604. In the examples shown, the first engagement member 604 and the second engagement member 1604 of the riser block 600 are spaced apart by a distance equivalent to the width of five cells 106. However, the engagement members 604, 1604 of the riser block 600 may be spaced apart by less than the width of five cells, or greater than the width of five cells. The engagement members 604, 1604 may be spaced apart such that they may be located in adjacent cells 106. In the examples shown in the figures, the cells 106 are staggered along their length in adjacent rows 108, hence in the present example the engagement members 204, 1204 must be spaced apart by the width of at least one cell.

The foot member 620 defines a riser land 610 from which the (or each) engagement member 604, 1604 extends, and which supports a region of the base side 102 of the pallet support member 100 when the engagement member 604, 1604 is located in the cell 106. Hence when the locking pin 300 is located in the cavity 210 of the engagement members 604, 1604 and the pallet support member 100 and riser block 600 are drawn together, the riser land 610 is engaged with (e.g. is in contact with and/or abuts) the base side 102 of the pallet support member 100. Hence the pallet support member 100 is supported by the riser lands 610, such that the load of the pallet support member 100, and any load placed upon the pallet support member 100, is distributed between the riser lands 610 of the riser blocks 600.

The fitting of the riser blocks 600 involves only the entering of the engagement members 604, 1604 into the cells 106, for example arranging the riser blocks 600 such that they are perpendicular to the pallet support member 100 and entering them in the cells 106 by sliding them straight into the cells 106.

Once the elements 500, 600 are located in their respective cells 106, the pins and lock plates may then be added to the assembly to fix them in place to stop them being released from the pallet support member 100.

As discussed previously, and as shown in figure 1 , 2 the pallet support system may further comprise a kerb member 700. The kerb member 700 defines a barrier which is no greater in height than the distance between the base of the foot member 620 and the riser land 610 such that when the pallet member 100 is supported on the riser land 610, the kerb member 700 is located under the pallet support member 100. There may be provided a small clearance between the top of the kerb member 700 and the base side 102 of the pallet support member 100. Alternatively, the kerb member 700 may have a height such that the pallet support member 100 rests upon the top side of the kerb member 700. The kerb member 700 may be elongate and a rectangular prism.

Hence there may be provided a pallet system 10 as described above. There may also be provided a kit of parts comprising a pallet support member 100, a back stop element 500, a riser block 600 and/or a kerb member 700 as herein described, to be provided and assembled to form a pallet support system 10 according to the present disclosure.

In use the pallet support system 10 may be configured according to the need of the application. As a minimum, the pallet support member 100 will be coupled with one of the elements 200 (i.e. one of the back stop element 500 or riser block element 600) where the element 200 may be located and fixed to the pallet support member 100 by their respective engagement members 504, 1504; 604, 1604 being entered into any of the cells 106 of the pallet support member 100. Hence, for example, riser block 600 may be located along an opposing side of the pallet support member 100, as shown in the figures, or may be located further to the centre of the pallet support member 100, or additional riser blocks 600 may be fixed to the pallet support member 100 so that three or more rows of riser blocks are provided spreading across the base side 102 of the pallet support member 100 depending on the expected load which the support side 104 will be in contact with. Likewise the back stop element 500 may be provided along the second edge 114, as shown in the figures or may be provided on any row of cells 106 according to the need of the application.

In the figures, three back stop elements 500 as shown on the second edge 114, but in some uses of the pallet support system 10, it may be that no back stop elements 500 are required or desired, hence these are not fitted.

The riser blocks 600 may not always be fitted to the pallets support member 100, depending on the desired configuration of the pallet support system 10.

The kerb member 700 is provided adjacent to the pallet support member 100, or under the first edge 112 of the boundary wall 110 to thereby prevent objects, for example parts of forklift vehicle and/or users’ body parts from extending underneath the pallet support member 100. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the pallet support member 100 and reduces the likelihood of harm to users of the system.

Each of the pallet support member 100, and elements 200 may be integrally formed, for example by injection moulding.

Hence there is provided a mesh-based pallet support system 10 consisting of a pallet support member 100 and moveable elements 500, 600. The flexibility or configuration of the pallet support system 10 according to the present disclosure provides a significant advantage over examples of the related art, as well as making the pallet support system 10 easy to use.

Since the cells 106 which form the structure of the pallet support member 100 are also used to locate the different elements 200 of the system, no designated areas for fixing elements such as riser blocks and back stops need be provided, which also means that should a number of cells of the pallet support member become damaged through use, then others may be used to locate the different elements 200. With an example of the related art, once the area designated for locating riser blocks or back stop elements (should such exist) are damaged, then the entire system must be replaced.

Since the pallet support member is a mesh of cells (i.e. a grid of cells) this allows for fire suppression chemicals to pass through and for circulation of air for ventilation as well as reduces the weight of the pallet support member 100. Making the pallet support member 100 with so many cells also reduces the amount of material used, thereby reducing the cost and environmental impact of the manufacture of the product.

As set out above, riser blocks 600 can be moved around the pallet support member 100 in order to distribute the load carried on the pallet support member 100. This is advantageous because only as many riser blocks 600 as are needed may be used, depending on the load to be carried on the pallet support member 100. This means that the pallet support system 10 of the present disclosure will suit a wide range of load-supporting applications, and eliminates the need for multiple pallet support system solutions which are bespoke to different applications.

The locking pin 300 and locking plate 400, in combination with the engagement features of the riser blocks 600, provides that the riser blocks 600 can be fixed in place, removed and relocated easily, and by one user. Hence fewer people are needed to configure the storage system which makes it inherently safer to use.

The sculpted front edge 112 of the pallet support member 100 provides a sacrificial region to protect the rest of the structure of the pallet support member 100, as well as providing multiple points of contact for supporting pallets placed on the front edge 112.

The ability to attach and remove and relocate the back stop element 500 provides flexibility over other solutions of the prior art. Since the back stop element 500 can be located anywhere on the grid of cells 106, the pallet support member 100 can be configured to receive different sized loads. Alternatively the pallet system can be configured without the back stop element 500 in place, which may be advantageous so a load can be carried over (i.e. across) two or more pallet support members 100, or so that pallets 2 can be slid from one pallet support member 100 to an adjacent pallet support member 100.

The pallet support system 10 has particular efficacy in storage warehouses or warehouse type shopping units (for example hardware stores). Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.