Pallet

Abstract

 A light-weight pallet for storage and transport of loads which is designed for being made of a light, compression-resistant plastic material, preferably of an alveolar plastic. The pallet comprises a load arrangement surface (2) for placement of loads which is supported by support elements (3) of substantially dome-shaped cross-section. The pallet design further comprises a base (5) unitary with the load arrangement surface (2) while embracing the support elements (3), and optionally a fabric covering.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention refers to a pallet for storage and transport of goods and loads, and in particular, to pallet designed and made of light, flexible and compression-resistant material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In general, pallets for storage and transport of loads are classified in accordance with their functionality, performance and quality, using parameters such as mechanical resistance, size, static and dynamic stability, etc. They must meet the requirements given by their user in terms of handling, movement and transport uses. This involves the type of material used for making the pallet, the construction and assembly functions of the pallet and finally their manufacture of the pallet. The costs for the making of the pallet however set very stricit limitations with respect its design. On the other hand, a functionally useful pallet having good quality and all desirable features is expensive and therefore a manufacture at low costs appears not within reach.

[0003] With respect to the construction parameters, mechanical resistance is the determining factor for the maximum pallet load. The mechanical resistance is dependent on the construction materials used and the constructive design. A pallet with low mechanical resistance has low load capacity and may buckle or become damaged when a higher weight is placed thereon, jeopardizing safety in general as well the safe transportation of the load.

[0004] Size stability is achieved by raw materials that are not sensitive to climactic changes such as temperature and humidity. The production process may correct any size discrepancies, but any correction involves cost and the cost of reptitive work is high because of the need for specialized manpower and the additional time taken with the production processes.

[0005] Static stability is particularly important in stacking the loads on the pallet and in stacking the pallets on top of one another when not in use. The constructive configuration of the pallets should allow for a maximum quantity of stacked loads without risking their sliding or instability due to any constructive defect in the pallet interface. Therefore, the interface should not only have a physical space to place the loads, but also offer stability and safety for the loads themselves. The same can be said of the stacking of the pallets. Currently, it is commonplace to stack unused pallets in order to streamline space or to use them for other production purposes. The structure should be such that the pallet does not damage an another pallet beneath it.

[0006] Dynamic stability is related to the matter of slipping or sliding of the forks of the forklift trucks when inserting them into the pallets. Many currently known pallets are not able to maintain perfectly stability on the forks, and this may give rise to sliding and consequently damage the loads when the trucks move the pallets. The design of the pallet must also take into consideration other types of movement in which the pallet is subject during the production process such as, for example, transport via a conveyor belt that moves horizontally and vertically. Both the constructive configuration and the material used influence the dynamic stability, and a material having low attrition (friction) facilitates sliding.

[0007] The parameters explained above directly influence the various processes involved in handling pallets such as palletization (separation of stacked pallets and placement of loads on pallets), unitization (grouping of various lesser load volumes into a single larger volume on the pallet) and export (transport, movement and unloading of the pallet).

[0008] The choice of raw materials is a fundamental and determinant stage for the pallet design, and it can become a limiting factor upon the design scope depending on the needs and requirements. The performance of the constructive configuration directly depends on the material used and vice-versa.

[0009] Most currently known pallets are made of wood or injected plastic. The wooden parts have a relatively low manufacturing cost and also are easy to produce and structurally sound. However, this material presents certain problems such as fragility to attack by pests such as termites and the need to use nails or threads, which may damage the load placed upon the pallet, in joining the parts. Another drawback involves the difficulty of size control of the wood, and this fact may prejudice process automation besides creating difficulties in storing the pallets when not in use.

[0010] Despite the low manufacturing cost, wooden pallets may be costly due to the need to carry out the fumigation process, especially for exporting pallets. Fumigation consists of applying chemical products on the wood to disinfect the pallet, eliminating pests such as termites. This process is time-consuming and also costly, and adds to the final cost of the pallet as well as to the cost of transporting goods.

[0011] Lastly, the final disadvantage of wooden pallets concerns sustainability and environmental preservation. The use of wood causes deforestation and negatively impacts the environment. Therefore, the sustainability requirements are compromised, and the natural resource will potentially be depleted or become scarce.

[0012] Injected plastic parts have good durability, inherent pest resistance, and require no nails because generally injected plastic pallets are made in a single unit. However, this material has drawbacks such as low friction (instability), difficulty in repairing and the high cost involved in the manufacture of an injection mold. Thus, the production cost increases the final price of the pallet and, in most cases, the high cost of production of a plastic pallet makes its use unfeasible.

[0013] In this backdrop, it can be said that until the present invention there was no a pallet that brings together all the desired requirements and functionality at low cost. The user was often obliged to opt for certain characteristics whilst renouncing others due to the limitations dictated by cost, material and constructivity of the pallet.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A first object of the present invention is a pallet design that overcomes the problems of prior art, meets the requirements of functionality presented above, provides good performance, and keeps low the final production costs of the pallet. In accordance with this object, the design and construction must allow the use of readily available low-cost materials, and further be simple so that it can be easily implemented and not require expensive equipment (machines and tools) nor a specialized labor force. The combination of these factors then ensures low final production costs compared to other types of pallets known in the art. Additionally, for the reasons set forth above, pallet maintenance and repairs must be easy when needed.

[0015] A second object of the present invention is to provide a pallet having the features mentioned above and allowing transport operations in all four directions (forward, back, left side and right side), including a spinning operation and an easy forklifting.

[0016] A third object of the present invention is a pallet as decribed which does not require a support structure or platform and which keeps in plane due to its geometrical construction, even when very heavy loads are transported,

[0017] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a pallet having all the characteristics descriebed above, which presents low manufacturing costs.

[0018] A fifth objective is to provide a pallet having the characteristics mentioned above which can be molten with other resins so that it can be recycled without incurring additional expenses. The other resins may be those previously transported on the very same pallet when used for transportion of raw materials and plastic resins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The object of the present invention is achieved by a pallet for storage and transport of loads comprising at least a loads arrangement surface capable of accommodating said loads and two support elements associated to the loads arrangement surface and capable of sustaining said loads, said support elements being positioned substantially parallel therebetween and capable of supporting loads, each support element being provided with a substantially cross section of a circular dome-shaped kind and having an upper limit and a lower limit, the loads arrangement surface being positioned in some place between the upper and lower limits of the support elements, the surface being positioned nearer of the upper limit than of the lower limits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will now be described in greater detail, with reference to the drawings appended hereto, wherein:

Fig. 1

represents a perspective view of the support element of the pallet sustained on any surface;

Fig. 2

represents a perspective view of a pallet in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3

is a front view of the pallet shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the pallet in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 5

is a front view of the pallet shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the pallet according to the invention;

Fig. 7

is a front view of the pallet shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8

is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the pallet according to the invention;

Fig. 9

is a front view of the pallet shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the pallet according to the invention;

Fig. 11

is a front view of the pallet shown in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the pallet according to the invention;

Fig. 13

is a front view of the pallet shown in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14

is a perspective view of the support element of the pallet shown in Fig. 12;

Fig. 15

is a front view of the support element shown in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16

is a front view of a surface for receiving loads and a base of the pallet shown in Fig. 12;

Fig. 17

is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the pallet according to the invention;

Fig. 18

is an upper view of the pallet shown in Fig. 17 without the surface receiving load;

Fig. 19

is a perspective view of a eighth embodiment of the pallet according to the present invention;

Fig. 20

is an upper view of the pallet shown in Fig. 19, without the surface for receiving load; and

Fig. 21

is a front view of the pallet shown in Fig. 19, without the surface for receiving load.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Some examples of preferred embodiments of the pallet 1 are now disclosed. In the examples, the pallet 1 comprises a load arrangement surface 2 sustained on two ore more support elements 3. Preferably, three support elements 3 are used, however, this number may be altered in accordance with the desired functional need and requirements.

[0022] The loads arrangement surface 2 has a fabric covering and is capable of accommodating any type of load provided that the total weight limit is respected and provided the load does not damage it. The fabric covering extends to the support elements 3, enveloping them, and they are held together by simple sewing. Other types of join are possible, such as, for example, special glue or soldering. Preferably, a fabric comprising raffia is used. Raffia is a low cost material made of synthetic fibers transformed from polypropylene. Its main characteristics include high mechanical resistance, good size stability (easy to mold), facility to clean and high thermal stability, in addition to providing sufficient attrition to stabilize the load placed on the pallet 1 without sliding. Another kind of natural, synthetic or artificial fabric can be used as long as its characteristics do not compromise the functionality and safety requirements achieved when using raffia.

[0023] The loads arrangement surface 2 comprises four ends: a first end 201, a second end 202, a third end 203 and a fourth end 204. The first end 201 and the second end 202 are arranged in parallel to one another at opposite ends to the surface 2 and the third end 203 and the fourth end 204 are arranged in parallel to one another at opposite ends to the surface 2 and intersecting with the first and second ends 201, 202. The pallet 1 also comprises a base 5 that is capable of providing support for pallet 1 on an external means, which is formed by the extension of the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2. Said external means can be represented by any external surface or by the loads arrangement surface itself of another pallet 1, when these are not in use and are stacked vertically. Accordingly, pallet sliding can be avoided by, for example, a conveyor belt, due to the friction provided by the raffia, thus improving the dynamic stability.

[0024] The support element 3, which is supported on an outer surface 4 (Fig. 1), has a three-dimensional geometrical shape and is made of a light, flexible and compression-resistant material. Preferably, this material comprises an alveolar type plastic, for example, a polycarbonate such as Polyonda^®. The alveolar structure is characterized by a double-layered physical arrangement capable of sustaining weights and movements of all kinds of loads. Polyonda^® is a thermoplastic and comprises other characteristics such as high thermal resistance and impermeability. Evidently, another kind of material can be used as long as the functionality and safety requirements provided by alveolar plastic are maintained. Further, alveolar plastic can be used in conjunction with any other material such as cardboard or some other kind of plastic.

[0025] Preferably, the cross section of the support element 3 is of a circular dome-shaped kind, which provides good support and safety for the load(s) placed on the loads arrangement surface 2. This type of configuration, working together with the alveolar plastic, has good mechanical resistance and, consequently, good total admissible load capacity. Moreover, the support elements 3 are configured such as to allow stable contact with the forks of the fork-life truck, preventing the pallet 1 from slipping when said forks are inserted and during load movement and transport by the fork-lift trucks. Accordingly, good dynamic stability is achieved. In some preferred embodiments, illustrated in Figures 2 to 11, the convex section of the dome-shaped support element 3 faces the loads arrangement surface 2 and the concave section of the dome-shaped support element 3 faces the base 5. Yet this dome-shaped geometric format is not the only possible solution, and other variations are permitted, both in the geometric shape as in the constructive configuration. Therefore, the support element 3 may have the three-dimensional shape of a triangular dome, a parallelepiped or even irregular geometric shapes, provided that the pallet 1 has the intended safety and reliability.

[0026] The longitudinal section of the support element 3 extends from the perpendicular projection of the third end 203 to the perpendicular projection of the fourth end 204 to provide uniform and homogeneous support for the entire area comprised by the loads arrangement surface 2.

[0027] The fabric covering merely extends through the perpendicular projections of the first and second ends 201, 202, and, preferably, the apertures of the support elements 3 are not enveloped by the fabric covering. Thus, the support elements 3 also act as guides for the forks of the forklift trucks, facilitating transport operations by the operator.

[0028] The raw materials used (fabric and alveolar plastic) facilitate the desired size stability, because these materials are easy to handle. So, if there is any discrepancy with the originally designed sizes, no special tools or specialized manpower is required to carry out the repeat work and, even if does generate material wastage, the damage would be much less compared to conventional raw materials. Besides these and other functional advantages explained previously, the raw materials used are recyclable, that is, the fabric and the alveolar plastic can be reused to manufacture other pallets or even other products for other uses. Therefore, the negative environmental impact is reduced, whilst achieving a sustainable yield.

[0029] Some examples of variations of the pallet 1 are presented bellow.

First embodiment

[0030] The first embodiment for the pallet 1 is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Each of the three support elements 3 are externally and individually enveloped by the extension of the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2. In this embodiment, the loads arrangement surface 2 only comprises the fabric covering which, in turn, comprises the raffia. This is one of the preferred embodiments.

Second embodiment

[0031] A second embodiment of the pallet 1 is shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The three support elements 3 are externally and jointly enveloped by the extension of the fabric of the loads arrangement surface 2. Thus, the fabric covering envelops the entire structure of the pallet 1, providing greater stability and safety, but with a greater fabric consumption compared to the first embodiment.

Third embodiment

[0032] The third embodiment of the pallet 1 is shown in Figs 6 and 7. The loads arrangement surface 2 comprises a substantially rigid sustainment platform 205 in addition to the fabric covering. The sustainment platform 205 is rectangular in shape and encompasses the entire area of the loads arrangement surface 2.

[0033] The raw materials used to manufacture this sustainment platform 205 should have rigidity and thickness in accordance with the use requirements. Thus, cardboard, alveolar plastic itself or any kind of material that meets the needs can be used.

[0034] The sustainment platform 205 is positioned between the support elements 3 and the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2, in such a way that the loads are sustained on the support elements 3, and the fabric covering is sewn thereon to avoid slipping on the support elements 3.

Fourth embodiment

[0035] The fourth embodiment for the pallet 1 is illustrated by Figs 8 and 9. In this configuration, the support platform 206 is placed between the support elements 3 and the fabric covering of the base 5 of the pallet 1. The support platform 206 is rectangular in shape and encompasses the entire area projected perpendicularly from the loads arrangement surface 2. The extension of the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2 is sewn on the support platform 206.

[0036] As regards the raw materials, the same observations made for the sustainment platform 205 can be applied to the support platform 206. The support sustainment 205 of the third embodiment and the support platform 206 of the fourth embodiment can be implemented together in another embodiment, thus increasing the mechanical resistance and static stability of the pallet 1.

Fifth embodiment

[0037] A fifth embodiment for the pallet 1 is illustrated by Figs 10 and 11. This constructive configuration is similar to the fourth embodiment, but instead of a support platform 206, there are three support platforms 207 also rectangular in shape, but smaller in width. Thus, two or more support platforms 207 can be extended like a frame which extends from the perpendicular projection of the first end 201 to the perpendicular projection of the second end 202 of the pallet 1. As in the fourth embodiment, the extension of the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2 is sewn to the support platforms 206.

[0038] Having described some examples of preferred embodiments, it must be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations, and is only limited by the content of the claims appended hereto, which include possible equivalents.

Sixth embodiment

[0039] Figs 12 and 13 are schematic drawings of a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The pallet of this embodiment comprises at least two support elements 3 for sustaining loads. Each support element 3 is of a substantially circular dome-shaped cross-section wherein 6 designates the the upper limit and 7 the lower limit; see Figs. 14 and 15. The dome-shaped construction and resulting alveolar cell-structure confer mechanical strength and resistance so that the support elements 3 can provide support to a static load of around 6,000 kg, even when its weight may be as low as 2.7 kg only. The sixth embodiment therefore achieves both low manufacturing costs and very high performance with respect to the supported maximum load in relation to known conventionally formed support elements. Their ratio in terms of pallet mass to load capacity is much worse.

[0040] For comparison, the weight of a wooden pallet is usually of about 28 kilograms which makes it hard to transport it. One man alone can usually not carry a wooden pallet for a distance because too heavy.

[0041] In the sixt embodiment, wherein the cross sections of the support elements are substantially circular dome-shaped (similar to an arc), the upper limit 6 is represented by the upper point, say at the point of inflexion of the arc. On the other hand, the lower limits 7 are made of any points or portions of the base of the arc, which therefore represents the lower limit of said arc.

[0042] More specifically, the loads arrangement surface 2 associated to and supported by the support elements 3 is disposed inbetween the upper and lower limits 6, 7 of the support elements 3. The loads surface 2 however is positioned however close to the upper limit 6, more precisely close to the upper limit than to the lower limit 7 in order to make the load area substantially plane and stable for a positioning of the loads.

[0043] The pallet assembly therefore comprises support elements 3 and an loads arrangement area 2 for a positioning loads and articles which is substantially plane and having an increased area, without deforming easily, even in the case of absence of a support platform.

[0044] It should be noted that the surface 2 is not positioned such that it matches the upper limits 6 because such aa arrangement would give rise to an undesirable deformation of the surface 2 when medium or high loads are arranged thereon.

[0045] This embodiment further comprises at least a base 5 associated to the lower limits 7 of the support elements 3 therebetween to increase the strength and stability of the alveolar pallet construction.

Seventh embodiment

[0046] The seventh embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 and comprises two additional support elements 3 positioned substantially parallel therebetween and substantially perpendicular with respect to the other two support elements 3. Hence, this embodiment has four support elements 3, a first support positioned at the first end 201 of the pallet, a second support 3 positioned at the second end 202, a third support 3 positioned at the third end 203 and a fourth support 3 positioned at the fourth end 204. This pallet has a quadrilateral reinforced shape which enables the support of heavy loads with stability and small deformation of the base 2.

Eighth embodiment

[0047] The eighth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs 19 to 21 and, considering that preferably the cross section is substantially circular dome-shaped (similar to an arc), the upper limit 6 is the point of inflexion of the arc, representing its upper point. On the other hand, the lower limits 7 consist in any point(s) of the base of the arc, representing the lower points of said arc.

[0048] Specifically, the loads arrangement surface 2, associated to the support elements 3, is disposed in some place between the upper and lower limits 6,7 of the support elements 3. The surface 2 must be positioned nearest of the upper limit 6 than of the lower limits 7, enabling a load area substantially plan and stable for positioning loads.

[0049] In other words, the assembly composed of the support elements 3 and the loads arrangement surface 2 creates a portion for positioning loads substantially plan and having an increased area, without deforming easily, even in the case of absence of a support platform.

[0050] It is important to note that the surface 2 is not positioned to match the upper limits 6, since this solution enables the undesirable deformation of the surface 2 under medium to high loads.

[0051] This embodiment also comprises at least a base 5 associating the lower limits 7 of the support elements 3 therebetween in order to increase the resistance and stability of the pallet.

[0052] The pallet comprises two additional support elements 3 positioned substantially parallel therebetween and substantially perpendicular with respect to the other two support elements 3. Hence, this embodiment has four support elements 3, a first support positioned at the first end 201 of the pallet, a second support 3 positioned at the second end 202, a third support 3 positioned at the third end 203 and a fourth support 3 positioned at the fourth end 204. This pallet has a quadrilateral reinforced shape which enables the support of heavy loads with stability and small deformation of the base 2.

[0053] And comprises four support elements 3 positioned in a manner that they show a length smaller that the length of the corresponding first, second, third and fourth end 201,202,203,204. As a result, both openings 10 of all supports 3 are free and open to allow the positioning of a fork of the forklift. Hence, the pallet can be transported by any of the first to fourth ends, increasing its convenience.

[0054] It is important to note that, in any embodiment of the pallet from sixth to eighth, the surface 2 and the base 5 are directly associated in order to form a single piece to involve externally the supports 3. Fig. 16 shows the surface 2 and a base 5 in one single piece according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the single piece is previously assembled and ready to receive the support elements 3 by means of bags 9, simplifying the manufacture of the pallet 1.

[0055] Additionally, due to the high planarity of the load surface 2, even when supporting high loads, any embodiment of the pallet from sixth to eighth can be used (and loaded) upside down, that is to say, the surface 2 and the base 5 can be inverted, increasing the possibility of use. This use is not possible in the case of embodiments one to four of the present pallet.

[0056] Another important advantage of the pallet object of the present invention is that, when used to transport raw material in the form of plastic resin or the like, the pallet 1 can be melted together with the resin it previously transported. In this situation, the pallet can be advantageously manufactured with the same resin it will transport and it will perform an "one way trip" until the company where the resin (and the pallet) will be melted for the manufacturing of polymeric goods. Considering this, the pallet object of the present invention is if fact part of the raw material to be transported and hence its cost will be null. Another advantage is that the costs with the recycling of the pallet are null.

[0057] In other situation, the pallet object of the present invention can be used in complementation with the use of the already known pallets, with advantageous results regarding costs. Here, the conventional pallet (for example, the pallet manufactured with wood) is used internally in a first company (i.e. an industry), and the goods produced are transported with the pallet 1 object of the present invention. In this situation, the first company can spent more resources buying expensive pallets for internal use (to transport goods within its factory), and buy the cheap pallet 1 object of the present invention for the goods to be transport for example to a second company. While the goods are being transported within the factory of the first company, the pallet 1 object of the present inventions, loaded, is positioned, and transported, over the regular pallet, and the assembly is transported. The regular pallet acts as a base of the pallet 1 object of the present invention, being solely a device for internal use. Hence, the regular pallet does not leave the factory, avoiding costs for acquisition of others or the expensive costs for transporting them back.

[0058] Another advantage in the use of the pallet 1 object of the present invention during the transport between two companies is that there is an increase in the available space o truck, ships or whatever, since its height is at least 16 centimeters inferior to the height to a conventional pallet. In case of the positioning of several pallets one over the other, this mean a high increase in available space.

[0059] In summary, the invention provides a light-weight pallet for storage and transport of loads which is designed for being made of a light, compression-resistant plastic material, preferably of an alveolar plastic. The pallet comprises a load arrangement surface (2) for placement of loads which is supported by support elements (3) of substantially dome-shaped cross-section. The pallet design further comprises a base (5) unitary with the load arrangement surface (2) while embracing the support elements (3), and optionally a fabric covering.

[0060] Having described some examples of preferred embodiments, it must be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations, and is only limited by the content of the claims appended hereto, which include possible equivalents.

Claims

1. A pallet (1) for storage and transport of loads comprising a loads arrangement surface (2) for placement of loads and at least two support elements (3) for support of said loads arrangement surface (2) and any load thereon, said support elements (3) being positioned substantially in parallel to each other and each of a cross-section substantially circular dome-shaped, having an upper limit (6) and a lower limit (7), characterized in that
the loads arrangement surface (2) is positioned between the upper and lower limits (6,7) of the support elements (3) but closer to the upper limits (6) than to the lower limits (7).

2. The pallet (1) of claim 1, further comprising a base (5) between the lower limits (7) of the support elements (3) and associated thereto.

3. The pallet of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the loads arrangement surface (2) and the base (5) are associated to form a single piece which embraces said support elements (3).

4. The pallet (1) of any claim 1 to 3, wherein the loads arrangement surface (2) comprises at least a first end (201) and a second end (202) arranged in parallel to each another at opposite ends of the surface (2), at least one support element (3) being associated to the first end (201) and at least one support element (3) being associated to the second end (202).

5. The pallet (1) of any claim 1 to 4, comprising two pairs of substantially parallel support elements (3) disposed substantially perpendicularly to each other.

6. The pallet (1) of any claim 1 to 5, wherein the loads arrangement surface (2) comprises a third end (203) and a fourth end (204) arranged in parallel to one another at opposite ends of the loads arrangement surface (2), at least one support element (3) being associated to the third end (203) and at least one support element (3) being associated to the fourth end (204).

7. The pallet (1) of any claim 1 to 6, wherein the loads arrangement surface (2) comprises a first end (201) and a second end (202) arranged in parallel to one another at opposite ends of the surface (2) and a third end (203) and a fourth end (204) arranged in parallel to one another at opposite ends of the surface (2) and intersecting with the first and second ends (201, 202).

8. The pallet of any claim 1 to 7, wherein the support elements (3) have open endings (10) for a positioning of a fork of a forklift, the open endings (10) being preferably recessed to the respective ends (201,202,203,204).

9. The pallet of any claim 1 to 8, wherein said support elements (3) are made of a light, flexible and compression-resistant material comprising an alveolar plastic.

10. The pallet of any claim 1 to 9, wherein the loads arrangement surface (2) is covered by a fabric or a fabric made of or comprising raffia.

11. The pallet of claim 10, wherein the fabric covering further extends over portions of the support element (3), optionally sewn to the support element (3).

12. The pallet (1) of any claim 1 to 11, wherein the loads arrangement surface (2) further comprises a sustainment platform (205) disposed between the support element (3) and the fabric covering.

13. The pallet (1) of claim 12 wherein the fabric covering is sewn to the sustainment platform (205).

14. The pallet (1) of any claim 1 to 13, further comprising a support platform (206, 207) disposed between support elements (3) and fabric covering.

15. The pallet (1) of claim 14, wherein the fabric covering is sewn to the support platform (206, 207).

Drawing