Wrapping apparatus for pallets

Abstract

A wrapping apparatus for pallets is a sturdy plastic wrap for securing products on pallets that has criss-crossed straps with tightening devices that are operated using a cordless drill. The ends of the straps have hooks that attach to the corners of the pallet. As the disc shaped tighteners are turned clockwise, the straps are shortened tightening the straps and therefore tightening the plastic wrap over the cargo.

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims: 
     
         1 . A wrapping apparatus for pallets comprising:
 a sheet of wrapping material;
 wherein said sheet of wrapping material is adapted to be placed over and around material placed upon a pallet; 
   a plurality of tightening strips each including:
 an elongated body having a length; 
 a releasable connector on opposite ends thereof;
 wherein each said releasable connector is adapted to releasably connect with said pallet and thereby releasably hold said sheet of wrapping material securely thereto and thereby cover and releasably hold said material upon said pallet; 
 
 wherein said plurality of tightening strips are attached to a top surface of said sheet of wrapping material along a length thereof; 
   a cross-tightening strip including;
 an elongated body having a length and two opposite ends respectively connected to two of said plurality of tightening strips; and 
 a tightening member;
 wherein said tightening member is connected to a portion of said elongated body and is adapted to be rotated to thereby increase tension within said cross-tightening strip and pull said two of said plurality of tightening strips towards one another to thereby tighten said wrapping apparatus around said material placed upon said pallet, increase tension within said plurality of tightening strips, and more securely releasably hold said material to said pallet via said releasable connectors. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The wrapping apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said tightening member is adapted to be rotated via a drill member. 
     
     
         3 . The wrapping apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said tightening member includes a releasable lock member adapted to hold said tightening member in a chosen rotated position. 
     
     
         4 . The wrapping apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said tightening member is adapted to be rotated in two directions; wherein when rotated in a clock-wise direction said tension within said tightening member is increased, and when rotated in a counter-clock-wise direction said tension within said tightening member is decreased. 
     
     
         5 . The wrapping apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said sheet of wrapping material is formed from a plastic material. 
     
     
         6 . The wrapping apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of tightening strips are formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of plastic, cotton, burlap, fiberglass, and rubber. 
     
     
         7 . The wrapping apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said releasable connectors are formed as hook members. 
     
     
         8 . The wrapping apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said sheet of wrapping material is formed having a rectangular shape. 
     
     
         9 . The wrapping apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of tightening strips are attached to said top surface of said sheet of wrapping material in a crisscross configuration. 
     
     
         10 . The wrapping apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said plurality of tightening strips are attached to said top surface of said sheet of wrapping material in a crisscross configuration, such that said opposite ends thereof are attached in proximity to each respective corner of said rectangular shape. 
     
     
         11 . An improved pallet system comprising:
 a pallet member including:
 a substantially flat top surface; 
 a substantially flat bottom surface; and 
 wherein said pallet member is substantially rigid and is formed having a rectangular shape having four corners; and 
   a wrapping apparatus comprising:
 a sheet of wrapping material;
 wherein said sheet of wrapping material is adapted to be placed over and around material placed upon said pallet member; 
 
 a plurality of tightening strips each including:
 an elongated body having a length; 
 a releasable connector on opposite ends thereof;
 wherein each said releasable connector is adapted to releasably connect with said pallet member and thereby releasably hold said sheet of wrapping material securely thereto and thereby cover and releasably hold said material upon said pallet member; 
 
 wherein said plurality of tightening strips are attached to a top surface of said sheet of wrapping material along a length thereof; 
 
 a cross-tightening strip including;
 an elongated body having a length and two opposite ends respectively connected to two of said plurality of tightening strips; and 
 a tightening member;
 wherein said tightening member is connected to a portion of said elongated body and is adapted to be rotated to thereby increase tension within said cross-tightening strip and pull said two of said plurality of tightening strips towards one another to thereby tighten said wrapping apparatus around said material placed upon said pallet member, increase tension within said plurality of tightening strips, and more securely releasably hold said material to said pallet member via said releasable connectors. 
 
 
   
     
     
         12 . The improved pallet system of  claim 11 , wherein said tightening member is adapted to be rotated via a drill member. 
     
     
         13 . The improved pallet system of  claim 11 , wherein said tightening member includes a releasable lock member adapted to hold said tightening member in a chosen rotated position. 
     
     
         14 . The improved pallet system of  claim 11 , wherein said tightening member is adapted to be rotated in two directions; wherein when rotated in a clock-wise direction said tension within said tightening member is increased, and when rotated in a counter-clock-wise direction said tension within said tightening member is decreased. 
     
     
         15 . The improved pallet system of  claim 11 , wherein said sheet of wrapping material is formed from a plastic material. 
     
     
         16 . The improved pallet system of  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of tightening strips are formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of plastic, cotton, burlap, fiberglass, and rubber. 
     
     
         17 . The improved pallet system of  claim 11 , wherein said releasable connectors are formed as hook members. 
     
     
         18 . The improved pallet system of  claim 11 , wherein said sheet of wrapping material is formed having a rectangular shape. 
     
     
         19 . The improved pallet system of  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of tightening strips are attached to said top surface of said sheet of wrapping material in a crisscross configuration. 
     
     
         20 . The improved pallet system of  claim 18 , wherein said plurality of tightening strips are attached to said top surface of said sheet of wrapping material in a crisscross configuration, such that said opposite ends thereof are attached in proximity to each respective corner of said rectangular shape.