Pallet and pallet system

Abstract

A pallet system ( 50 b ) is formed from a pallet ( 10 ) and a plurality of panels ( 54 a, 54 b, 54 c, 54 t and 56 ). The pallet ( 10 ) has a base ( 12 ) configured to receive members of a lifting apparatus to enable lifting of the pallet ( 10 ). The panels ( 54 a, 54 b, 54 c, 54 t and 56 ) are coupled to each other and the pallet ( 10 ) to enable the panels to be moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration the panels can surround and contain one or more articles on the pallet ( 10 ). In the open configuration one of the panels is positioned to provide an opening to enable transfer of an article through the opening onto or off of the pallet ( 10 ) in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the pallet ( 10 ).

1 . A pallet system comprising:
 a pallet having a base configured to receive members of a lifting apparatus enabling the pallet to be lifted by the base; and   a plurality of panels coupled to each other and to the pallet in a manner to enable the panels to be moved between a closed configuration which the panels are positioned to surround and contain one or more articles supported on the pallet, and a flat pack configuration in which the panels are moved to lay flat and overlie the pallet.   
     
     
         2 . The pallet system according to  claim 1  wherein:
 the panels are configured to be moved to an open configuration where a first of the panels is positioned to provide an opening to enable transfer of an article through the opening onto or off of the pallet in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the pallet. 
 
     
     
         3 . The pallet system according to  claim 2  wherein when the panels are in the open configuration the first panel is arranged to lie substantially parallel with and above a second of the panels. 
     
     
         4 . The pallet system according to  claim 3  wherein when the panels are in the open configuration the first panel is arranged to lie substantially parallel with and overlie a third of the panels. 
     
     
         5 . The pallet system according to  claim 1  wherein at least three of the panels are pivotally coupled together about mutually parallel pivot axes. 
     
     
         6 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The pallet system according to  claim 1  wherein when in the closed configuration the panels collectively form an enclosure that extends about and over the pallet. 
     
     
         9 . The pallet system according to  claim 4  wherein when in the closed configuration the panels collectively form an enclosure that extends about and over the pallet, wherein the first panel is parallel with the third panel and the second panel is spaced from extends over the pallet. 
     
     
         10 . The pallet system according to  claim 9  wherein the plurality of panels comprises a fourth panel and a fifth panel each of which is pivotally coupled to the pallet. 
     
     
         11 . The pallet system according to  claim 1  wherein the panels are arranged to form a weatherproof enclosure when in the closed configuration to substantially prevent ingress of liquid onto the pallet. 
     
     
         12 . The pallet system according to  claim 1  wherein the base comprises: a receptacle in which liquid falling onto the pallet drains. 
     
     
         13 . The pallet system according to  claim 1  wherein the panels are further configured to be moved to a stack configuration wherein the first panel is positioned to provide an opening to enable transfer of an article through the opening onto or off of the pallet in direction substantially parallel to a plane of the pallet and wherein the first panel is behind another of the panels when viewed in a direction from the opening toward the pallet wherein a pallet of a second pallet system can be stacked on the pallet system. 
     
     
         14 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A pallet system comprising:
 a pallet having a base configured to receive members of a lifting apparatus enabling the pallet to be lifted by the base; and a plurality of panels coupled to each other and the pallet, the panels being configurable in a plurality of relative juxtapositions without decoupling from the pallet, and wherein in one configuration the panels together with the pallet form an enclosed space in which articles supported on the pallet can be located.   
     
     
         20 . The panel system according to  claim 19  wherein a first of the panels is coupled to other panels in a manner to enable the first panel to form a gate or door that can be moved from a closed position that prevents access into the enclosed space and an open position in which the first panel is disposed above another of the panels and opens to enclosed spaced to enable transfer of an article through the opening onto or off of the pallet in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the pallet. 
     
     
         21 . The panel system according to  claim 1  wherein each panel is pivotally coupled to at least one of: (a) another panel; and (b) the pallet. 
     
     
         22 . The pallet system according to  claim 19  wherein the base comprises: a receptacle in which liquid falling onto the pallet drains. 
     
     
         23 . The pallet system according  claim 12  wherein the pallet comprises a support grate overlying the receptacle. 
     
     
         24 . The pallet system according  claim 23  comprising an absorbent pad disposed in the receptacle. 
     
     
         25 . The pallet system according  claim 22  wherein the pallet comprises a support grate overlying the receptacle.