Pallet

• US 20040177791A1
• Filed: 03/12/2004
• Published: 09/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Pallet Detection Systems Limited
• Original Assignee: Pallet Detection Systems Limited
• Inventors: Lawson, Iain
• Application Number:
  US10/799,818
• Publication Number:
  US 20040177791A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 108/51.11
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/026 combined with devices for monitoring insect presence, e.g. termites bait stations A01M1/2005; detecting other animals in a given area A01M31/002
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 31/002 Detecting animals in a given area
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 19/38 Details or accessories
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00099 Wood
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00104 Plastic
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00273 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00278 the load supporting surface and the base surface being identical
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00288 made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00293 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00318 made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00343 contact surface being substantially in the form of a panel
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00373 whereby at least one spacer is made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 79/02 Arrangements or devices for indicating incorrect storage or transport B65D79/005 takes precedence ; measuring devices G01

Abstract

Pallets used for transferring goods from one place to another may be liable to infestation with pests. Such pest infestation can present a risk of cross-contamination of other good in transit with or stored beside an infested pallet. A pallet is provided which includes at least a load-bearing deck and bearer members therefore. An accessible component, which is located beneath the load-bearing deck and is accessible from a side of the pallet, includes a load-infestation monitoring device.

Claims

1. A pallet comprising:

a load-bearing deck;

bearer members for supporting said deck, and

an accessible component located beneath the load-bearing deck and accessible from a side of the pallet, said component comprising a load-infestation monitoring device.

2. A pallet according to claim 1 wherein the load-infestation monitoring device is configured to provide a visible indication of infestation.

3. A pallet according to claim 1 wherein the load-infestation monitoring device comprises a lure for attracting a pest of a type known to cause infestation.

4. A pallet according to claim 1 wherein the accessible component comprises one of the bearer members which is provided with a recess or compartment that is accessible from an exposed end-face or side of the bearer member.

5. A pallet according to claim 4 wherein the recess is provided with a cover to provide a chamber within which the load-infestation monitoring device is located.

6. A pallet according to claim 4 wherein the load-infestation monitoring device is configured to push fit into the recess and to be retained in said recess by an interference-fit.

7. A pallet according to claim 1 wherein a pressure-sensitive or peelable adhesive is used for assisting retention of the load-infestation monitoring device in place.

8. A pallet according to claim 1 wherein a releasable mechanical fixing is used for assisting retention of the load-infestation monitoring device in place.

9. A pallet according to claim 1 further comprising a load-condition monitoring device.

10. A pallet according to claim 1 wherein the monitoring device itself is adapted to release a replaceable part or disposable detection medium.

13. A pallet according to claim 2, in which the load-infestation monitoring device comprises a lure for attracting a pest of a type known to cause infestation.

14. A pallet according to claim 2 wherein the accessible component comprises one of the bearer members which is provided with a recess or compartment that is accessible from an exposed end-face or side of the bearer member.

15. A pallet according to claim 3 wherein the accessible component comprises one of the bearer members which is provided with a recess or compartment that is accessible from an exposed end-face or side of the bearer member.

16. A pallet according to claim 5 wherein the load-infestation monitoring device is configured to push fit into the recess and to be retained in said recess by an interference-fit.

17. A pallet according to claim 2 further comprising a load-condition monitoring device.

18. A pallet according to claim 3 further comprising a load-condition monitoring device.

19. A pallet according to claim 4 further comprising a load-condition monitoring device.

20. A pallet according to claim 5 further comprising a load-condition monitoring device.

11. A pallet comprising:

a load-bearing deck;

bearer members for supporting said deck; and

an integral load-infestation monitoring device located beneath the load-bearing deck and accessible from a side of the pallet.

12. A method of monitoring the quality of goods susceptible to infestation, the method comprising:

providing a pallet comprising at least a load-bearing deck and bearer members for supporting the deck;

locating a load-infestation monitoring device beneath the load-bearing deck and accessible from a side of the pallet for inspection purposes;

loading the goods on the pallet, and periodically inspecting the load-infestation monitoring device for evidence of infestation.