The present invention relates generally to pallet covers and more particularly, to uniquely designed pallet covers to provide strong "Load Containment Force" with mechanical tightening measures, a belt holder and "Self-standing" Flexi-Stand.
BACKGROUND
A pallet is a flat structure that is used for handling transport, storing goods or transporting freight. They are the primary interface of a unit load. They protect the product, absorb the stresses, hold the weight, encounter fork truck impacts, and safeguard goods traveling through the supply chain.
They are the first line of defense for ensuring products reach their destination in the same condition as when they left the shipper. Different types of pallets are used to pile up, store, assemble, or transport goods. Wooden pallets are the most commonly used, however pallets can also be made of plastic, metal, paper, and recycled materials.
Pallets improve warehouse operational efficiency by allowing easy movement of stacked goods using machines or tools, such as forklifts and pallet jacks. High stiffness, proper strength and size, durability, cleanliness, low weight, low moisture content, cost are some of the parameters that are used for selection of pallet. Pallets are used extensively by Industrial supply chain for both Logistics and Intra-logistics.
Goods or shipping containers are often placed on a pallet and are typically secured by stretch wrap, strapping, shrink wrap, adhesive, pallet collar, or other means of stabilization. Single use plastic like stretch wrapping films are used extensively to secure goods on a pallet within a warehouse, inside manufacturing plants or in closed loop logistics from fulfillment centre to retailer. They result in lot of plastic waste and generally more than one people are used to secure the plastic to

the container. Also, pallet covers would often suffer from weak "Load Containment Force" due to poor choice of tightening mechanism using Velcro belts and wear out after few uses.
Thus, it is desirable to design a pallet cover, that is robust, reusable, repairable and recyclable, cost-effective and provide very high "Load Containment Force"
In order to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention provides Cam Buckles that have Very high "Load Containment Force" and a "Mechanical Belt Tightening" tested for break strength at 400 Kgs. They have the ability to reuse the cover upto 100 times as compared to normal Velcro belts, which lack containment force and tear apart or loosen grip after a few times of reuse. Besides the additional belt holder attached to covers to hold the excess belts, enhances safety. A new "Flexi- Stand" holds the cover in self-standing mode, and requires a single person to put the cover across pallet. Also, they requires no machines, hence is cost saving, and typically can reduce Pallet Load Securing costs by upto 80%, as the covers are Reusable, Repairable and Recyclable. Each Pallet Cover can potentially save between 20 - 50Kgs of Plastic Waste from going to landfills and oceans.
OBJECTIVES
The following are the objectives of the present application:
The main objective of the present invention is to provide a uniquely designed reusable pallet cover that is economical to use than conventionally available pallet covers. The pallet cover of the present invention is reusable and can be re-used multiple times which reduce the cost of packaging pallets. Therefore, the reusable pallet cover helps in substantially reducing the cost associated with warehousing operations.

The second objective of the present invention is to provide a pallet cover which is more efficient to use. The reusable pallet covers take less time to package the pallets than conventionally available pallet cover techniques.
The third objective of the present invention is to provide an eco-friendly pallet covers in warehousing operations. The pallet cover generates no wastes and zero plastic wastes as compared to stretch wrap plastic covers.
The fourth objective of the present invention is to provide stability to pallets in warehouse to prevent fallen down of articles.
The fifth objective of the present invention is to provide pallet covers that are easy to apply and remove, and can be kept folded when not in use,
The sixth objective of the present invention is to provide elegant pallet covers that have a tightening mechanism to prevent mishappenings at warehouse while transporting pallets.
The seventh objective to provide seamless data to the user about the conditions like Temperature, Humidity and open and close of cover with time stamp.
Although specific objectives have been enumerated above, various embodiments may be directed towards meeting some, none, or all of the enumerated objectives.
SUMMARY
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present invention provides a reusable pallet covers that provides replacement for single use plastics like stretching films used to secure goods on a

Pallet and has several applications in the areas of warehouse, inside manufacturing plants or in closed loop logistics from fulfillment centre to retailer.
According to aspects of the present invention, the pallet cover is made of laminated PPE-HDPE woven fabric that have manually operated belt tightening mechanism is provided. The pallet cover has a cam buckle at one end, the cam buckle is secured to the pallet cover by a polyester webbing which is stitched to a high quality fabric. The cam buckle is used to tighten belt to secure open ends of pallet cover for tightening the pallet cover around the pallets. A Flexi-Stand is Integrated in both Ends of pallet cover to provide stiffness and make cover stand on its own, when cover is being applied to the pallet.
According to aspects of the present invention, a method to tighten the pallet cover around pallet is provided. The pallet cover is opened and removed by single person as Flexi-stand keeps cover from falling off. The pallet cover is wrapped around the Pallet and the free ends of belts are allowed to bring free ends of pallet cover together. The free ends of belts are passed through CAM buckles and pulled in one direction to tighten the belt. Flexi-Stand holds the cover till tightening is completed.
According to aspects of the present invention, the tightening mechanism comprises a belt holder to secure excess belt in order to reduce mishap while handling and transporting pallets in warehouse operations.
According to aspects of the present invention, the Cam buckles used as a tightening mechanism provide very high "Load containment force".
According to aspects of the present invention, the flexi-stands are provided within ends of cover to make fabric stay firm, while putting cover around a pallet.

According to aspects of the present invention, the pallet cover can be reused upto 100 times as compared to normal Velcro belts, which lack containment force and tear apart or loosen grip after a few times of reuse.
According to aspects of the present invention, the tightening mechanism comprises belt holder is a key component of the process to avoid belts from getting entangled in forklift.
According to aspects of the present invention, the pallet cover are provided with an accessory in forms of flexible stands that helps to hold cover on end, while a user wraps the cover around pallet at the time of application, which allows the method to wrap pallet cover as a single person operation, while eliminating need for additional person.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings, exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:
Figure 1 shows a reusable pallet covers with a belt tightening mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2 shows a pallet cover wrapped around a pallet, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 3 shows a user tightening the locking mechanism around the pallet cover in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a pallet cover with tightening mechanism and belt holder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows flexi-Stand integrated in both ends of pallet cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The detailed description and drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular indefinite articles "a," "an," and the definite article "the," should be considered to include or otherwise cover both single and plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. In other words, these articles are applicable to one or more referents. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" should be considered to mean "and/or," unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
References in the specification to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, if a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, then it would be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless clearly stated to the contrary.

It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. Further, the invention's scope is only limited by, and defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.
Overview
The present invention provides a efficient securing method that can be used in Industrial supply chains for both logistics and intra-logistics. The pallets cover of present invention provides a replacement for single use plastics used in the industry thus reducing plastic wastes generation in logistic industry. The pallet covers can be used in returnable mode and can be reused multiple times. The pallet cover comprises a cam buckle attached to one free end of pallet cover by a polyester webbing stitched to a high quality fabric. The pallet cover can easily be stored in folded form and when required, it can be opened and cam buckles are attached to flexible stand. The cover is wrapped around pallet and the free ands of belts are brought together. The belt is tightened by pulling the belt in one direction to tighten the belt. The load can then be stored in Racks.

In an embodiment, the pallet cover can easily be removed and stored in folded position. The pallet cover can then be sent to the original location where it can be reused further.
Description of Embodiments
Figure 1 shows a reusable pallet covers 100 with a belt tightening mechanism 102 in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. The pallet cover 100 is made of material selected from PPE or HDPE material. The pallet cover 100 can be made in different customizable size, and may be customized to different length, width and height. The shape of pallet cover 100 is generally rectangular with extended length. The pallet cover 100 is made in different shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the pallet cover 100 is a continuous sheet of reusable, recyclable material, which can be rolled to form a roll or a bundle. Depending on the use, the pallet cover is cut into the desired length.
The pallet cover 100 is a one-piece unit in general shape of a continuous sheet of laminated HDPE/ PP fabric that wraps around the pallet to form a front wall, rear wall, a left wall and a right wall around the pallet. In some case, depending on the size of pallet, the pallet cover may have a length of over 3 Meters, a width of 1 Meter or more, and when wrapped around a pallet, gives overall appearance of a cube with open top and bottom surface. The height of the pallet cover allows the securing of articles placed over one another.
In some embodiments, the pallet cover is typically fabricated form plastic material, such as PPE and HDPE.
In an embodiment, the pallet cover 100 also comprises a mechanical tightening mechanism 102. The tightening mechanism 102 comprises a belt 104 which secures the two free end of the pallet cover once it has been moved around the pallets. The first end of the belt is fixed on the one end of the pallet cover and the send end of the belt is free. The second free end of the pallet cover has cam buckle positioned into it.

The cam buckle is fixed to the open end of pallet cover by a polyester webbing stitched to a high quality fabric. The free end of the belt is passed through the cam buckle, once the pallet cover has been wrapped around the pallet. The belt is tightened by pushing the switch on cam buckle so as to pass the belt through the cam buckle. The belt has a Cam buckle 106 at one end and the second end is open. The Cam buckle 106 is used to fasten or tighten the belt 104 against the pallet cover 100 so as to secure the pallet cover 100 over the pallet. Once the pallet cover 100 is wrapped over the pallet with the belt 104, the belt 104 is passed through the cam buckle 106 and tightened by pulling the belt to desired tension, which is enough to secure the pallet. To pass the belt 104 through the cam buckle 106, turn the cam buckle over and feed the belt through while pressing the thumb release. The use of cam buckle 106 ensures the safety of fragile products, as the user cannot over-tension while stretching the product, and thus avoid crushing the product.
Figure 2 shows a pallet cover wrapped around a pallet, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. Referring to Figure 2, the products are placed on a pallet 202. The pallet cover is wrapped around pallet to provide support to the products 204, forming front wall 206, right wall 208, left wall (not shown) and rear wall (not shown). The height of pallet cover is determined usually on the basis of height of product stack. It can be seen that height of pallet cover is less than the height of product stack. This is done to eliminate any issue that results in corner damage of the product.
Figure 3 shows a user tightening the locking mechanism around the pallet cover in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a user 310 wrapping the pallet cover 302 around the product stack and securing the pallet cover by tightening the belt 308 bringing the free ends of the pallet cover together. For wrapping the pallet cover 302, the pallet cover 302 is opened and cam buckles 306 are attached to a flexible holding stand 312. The pallet cover 302 is then wrapped around the pallet and the free ends of belts 308 are brought together on

the same side of the pallet. The free end of the belt is then passed through Cam buckles 306. The user then pulls the belt in one direction to tighten the belt. The process of tightening the belt is repeated for all the belts. The numbers of belts depend on the height of the pallet. Figure 3 shows 3 belts used to tighten the pallet cover. The remaining length of belt is then inserted into belt holder to avoid them from getting entangled in forklift.
In an embodiment of present invention, the flexible stand 312 is an accessory that helps to hold cover at one end while user takes the cover around the pallet at the time of application. The flexible stand 312 ensures that the one end of the pallet cover having cam buckle remains in position while the user is wrapping the pallet cover around the pallets. The flexible stand 312 is positioned at the both end of the pallet cover. The flexible stand holds the pallet cover firmly and prevents the cover from falling on its own while wrapping the pallet cover around pallets. When the first end of the pallet cover is fixed with cam buckles attached to the flexible stand 312, the user can then easily wrap the pallet cover around pallets. The use of flexible stand 312 eliminates the need of additional person to hold one end of the pallet cover while the second person wraps the cover around pallets.
Figure 4 shows a pallet cover with tightening mechanism and belt holder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the pallet cover 404 is tightly wrapped around the pallet. The pallet cover on its first free end has a belt originating point where a belt holder 402 is also placed. The other end of the pallet cover has a cam buckle 408 stitched to it. The free end of the belt is passed through cam buckle 408 once the pallet cover is wrapped around the pallet. The loose end of the belt is then inserted into belt holder 402 to avoid any mishap. Once the load is ready, the pallet can now be placed on racks inside warehouse.
Figure 5 shows flexi-Stand integrated in both ends of pallet cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The flexi stand 312 holds the pallet

cover firmly in position and prevents fallen down of the pallet cover. The user can then easily wrap the pallet cover around the pallet.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the pallet cover is optionally embedded with an radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 502 to monitor or track the goods for better inventory management. The RFID tag 502 comprises a power source, an internal memory to store identifier that corresponds to the pallet cover. The RFID tag 502 may also comprise sensor to apply time stamp and date stamp to different recording event. The RFID tag 502 is configured to communicate with a RFID reader which is located in a warehouse or in destination location or both. The RFID reader periodically communicates with the RFID tags located on the pallet cover through a transceiver in the embedded RFID tag 502. The RFID tag 502 can be used to store inventory data relating to the inventory contained in the pallets. The stored inventory can be used to manage the inventory.
The optional RFID is based on Sigfox Technology and is embedded into pallet covers by stitching the RFID chip in the Flexi-stand area, on the edge of the cover.
This RFID chip shall have battery life of minimum 2 years and is expected to continuously send data for: Temperature, Humidity, Light and Location. This would make reusable pallet cover in to a smart pallet cover.
The data from RFID can be integrated with MIS, for: Asset Management as in tracking covers; Inventory Management as in, what's on Pallet and for how long; and condition monitoring as in temperature and humidity for sensitive cargoes.
In an embodiment, the pallet cover of the present invention is reusable. The pallet cover is wrapped around the pallet and when the products are required from the pallet, the belt is loosened by lifting the toothed part of cam buckle. The belt is then pulled to release the belt from the cam buckle. This process is repeated for all the belts that has been tightened around the pallet. Once removed, the pallet cover is removed and folded and stored for next use. Tn case the nallet cover is removed at

different place, the pallet cover is removed, and collected by the receiver and returned in next trip along with the Pallets.
Various other modifications, adaptations, and alternative designs are of course possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood at this time that within the scope of the appended claims the invention might be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
ADVANTAGES
The main advantage of the present invention is that it helps in eliminating plastic wasters by providing replacement for single use plastics like stretch wrapping films used within a warehouse, inside manufacturing plants or in closed loop logistics.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a very high "Load containment force" using tightening mechanism of present invention.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides economical, efficient and eco-friendly method for packaging and transportation industry.
Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.
Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the instant specification.

We Claim:

1. A re-usable, eco-friendly pallet cover comprising:
a pallet cover made of recyclable plastic material to wrap around a pallet unit;
a cam buckle at a first free end of the pallet cover, the cam buckle is secured to the first free end by using a polyester webbing stitched to a high quality fabric;
a belt secured on the second free end of the pallet cover, the belt is secured to the second free end by stitching to the second end;
wherein the pallet cover is wrapped around the pallets and the free end of the belt is passed through the cam buckle to tighten the belt so as to tightly wrap the pallet cover.
2. The pallet cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pallet cover is made of high density plastic selected from the group consisting of PPE and HDPE.
3. The pallet cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pallet cover comprises a belt holder.
4. The pallet cover as claimed in claim 3, wherein the belt holder is used to secure the free end of the belt to prevent entangling of the belt.
5. The pallet cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pallet cover can be dismantled, folded and can be re-used for securing the pallet.

6. The pallet cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flexible stand is provided to attach cam buckles while wrapping the pallet cover around the pallet.
7. The pallet cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism of cam buckle comprises spring loaded mechanism to secure the belt.
8. The pallet cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cam buckle and belt tightening mechanism provide a very high load containment force to the pallet cover.
9. The pallet cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pallet cover is embedded with a
radio frequency identification (RF1D) tag.
10. The pallet cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the RFE) tag comprises a power
source, a transceiver and a memory to record inventory data.