Pallet

Abstract

A pallet ( 2 ) has a substantially planar deck ( 6 ), a supporting structure ( 10 ) that supports the deck ( 6 ) above the ground, and a plurality of retractable locating means ( 20 ). Each locating means ( 20 ) is adjustable between a first position in which the locating means extends above the deck ( 6 ) to engage and limit movement of articles placed on that surface, and a second position in which the locating means is located at or below the deck ( 6 ), such that the surface is substantially unobstructed.

1 . A pallet including a deck having a load bearing surface and at least one locating means, said locating means being adjustable between a first position in which the locating means extends above the deck to engage and limit movement of articles placed on the deck, and a second position in which the locating means is located at or below the load bearing surface of the deck, such that the deck is substantially unobstructed.  
     
     
         2 . A pallet according to  claim 1 , having a plurality of locating means distributed across the deck.  
     
     
         3 . A pallet according to  claim 1 , wherein the or each locating means is complementary in shape to features of articles to be placed on the deck.  
     
     
         4 . A pallet according to  claim 1 , wherein the or each locating means is pivotably attached to the deck.  
     
     
         5 . A pallet according to  claim 4 , wherein the or each locating means is an elongate member that is pivotably attached to the deck at each end of the elongate member.  
     
     
         6 . A pallet according to  claim 5 , in which the or each locating means is pivotable between a first position in which it extends above the deck, and a second position in which it is located at or below the load bearing surface of the deck.  
     
     
         7 . A pallet according to  claim 6 , in which the or each locating means rests on the deck when located in said first position.  
     
     
         8 . A pallet according to  claim 6 , in which the or each locating means is accommodated within a recess in the deck when located in said first position.  
     
     
         9 . A pallet according to  claim 5 , in which the or each locating means is accommodated within a recess in the deck when located in said second position.  
     
     
         10 . A pallet according to  claim 5 , in which the or each locating means includes end stop members.  
     
     
         11 . A pallet according to  claim 10 , in which the end stop members rest on the deck when the or each locating means is located in said first position.  
     
     
         12 . A pallet according to  claim 10 , in which the end stop members are accommodated within corresponding recesses in the deck when located in said second position.  
     
     
         13 . A pallet according to  claim 1 , in which the or each locating means includes at least one stop member for engaging a side of an article to be carried by the pallet, each said stop member being adjustable between a first position in which it extends above the deck, and a second position in which it is located at or below the load bearing surface of the deck.  
     
     
         14 . A pallet according to  claim 13 , in which the or each stop member is accommodated within a recess in an end edge of the pallet when located in said second position.  
     
     
         15 . A pallet according to  claim 13 , in which the or each stop member is mounted for pivoting and/or sliding movement between said first and second positions.  
     
     
         16 . A pallet according to any one of claims  13 , in which the or each stop member is resiliently biassed towards said first position.  
     
     
         17 . A pallet according to  claim 16 , in which the or each stop member will retract under the weight of an article placed on the deck.  
     
     
         18 . A pallet according to  claim 1 , in which the load bearing surface of the deck is substantially planar.  
     
     
         19 . A pallet according to  claim 1 , including a supporting structure that, in use, supports the deck above the ground.  
     
     
         20 . A pallet according to  claim 1 , including wheels or rollers.