Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/829,820 filed May 31, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a reusable device for the retention of articles or other items to be transported via various methods. In the transportation or logistics industry is it common to use various methods to transport goods from one place to another. One such method is through the use of transportation platforms such as pallets. Boxes or other shipping containers are stacked on pallets and then the platform or pallet can be moved as a single unit with a forklift or other mechanical device. 
         [0003]    One issue that arises in the use of palletized goods is that the boxes or load can shift or otherwise move during transportation. If the goods fall off the palletized load, the goods need to be reloaded and the goods can become damaged. One solution to this problem is through the use of shrink-wrap film. Shrink-wrap film can be unrolled and deposited around palletized loads to hold the wrapped goods in position during transportation. 
         [0004]    The use of shrink-wrap, however, has several disadvantages. The process of shrink-wrapping palletized loads is time consuming. Furthermore, the removal of the shrink-wrap is also an inefficient process and labor-intensive. Shrink-wrap film also can only be used once and requires disposal after each use. 
         [0005]    Therefore, an improved product and process is needed to reduce the time to secure goods in a palletized load. Further, a product that does not need to be disposed of or provides improvements with regards to its environmental footprint is needed. 
         [0006]    Similarly, goods that are transported on trolleys, carts, hand-trucks, or other similar means face similar issues. Goods loaded onto carts and other trolleys can also shift or fall that would require re-loading or even replacement of damaged goods. A need therefore exists for an improved product and process for securing goods in position in a cart or trolley. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one embodiment, a transportation container retention device includes a main panel and an extension panel. The extension panel includes a bottom edge connected to a top edge of the main panel such that the extension panel can be moved from a first position in which the extension panel overlays the main panel to a second position in which the extension panel is contiguous to the main panel by moving the extension panel about the bottom edge. The transportation container retention device further includes a side strap connected to the main panel. The side strap connects a first end of the main panel to a second end of the main panel. The transportation contained retention device is operable to retain a first height of articles in the first position and a second height of articles in the second position wherein the second height of articles is larger than the first height. 
         [0008]    In a second embodiment, the transportation container retention device further includes a restraint connected to the lower edge of the main panel at an oblique angle. The restraint is capable of securing the retention device to the transportation container. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the transportation container retention device also includes a strap grabber located approximately midway between the top edge and the lower edge of the main panel. The strap grabber is configured to releasably connect to the side straps. 
         [0010]    In still another embodiment, the transportation container retention device includes a front section and a back section. the front and back sections are connected to each other. The back section includes one or more back tabs and one or more side secure tabs. The back tabs and the side secure tabs are complimentary to one another such that the back section of the transportation container retention device can be secured to a cart by wrapping the side secure tab around a side member of the cart and securing the side secure tab to the complimentary back tab. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the transportation container retention device also includes a cover section. The cover section is positioned between and is connected to the front section and the back section. The cover section includes one or more cover tabs that are configured to wrap around and secure to a top member of the cart. 
         [0012]    In yet another embodiment, a method of securing articles in a transportation container is described. The method includes securing a first and a second edge of a back section of a retention device to a back side of the transportation container. The method also includes loading one or more articles into the transportation and securing a front section of the retention device to a front side of the transportation container by connecting front tabs positioned along the front section to the side secure tabs that are securing the back section to the transportation container. The method may also include folding the front section up and over the top of the transportation container. The method may also include unloading the one or more articles from the transportation container without removing the back section from the transportation container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0013]    The following disclosure as a whole may be best understood by reference to the provided detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, drawing description, abstract, summary, detailed description, background, and other headings, where included. Identical reference numerals when found on different figures identify the same elements of a functionally equivalent element. The elements listed in the abstract are not referenced but nevertheless refer by association to the elements of the detailed description and associated disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of the front side of one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the back side of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an image showing an example pallet wrap in use. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is another image showing an example pallet wrap in use. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is another image showing an example pallet wrap in use. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is an illustration on another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an illustration on another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an illustration on another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is an image of another embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded configuration. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is an image of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  in a folded configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of the top side of one embodiment of a cart wrap of the present disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of the bottom side of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is an image of an embodiment of a cart wrap in use. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is an image showing a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is an image showing the embodiment of  FIG. 13  with the front section in an unsecured state. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a plan view of another embodiment of a pallet wrap of the present disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is an image of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  in use. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is an image of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The present disclosure is not limited to the particular details of the assemblies depicted, and other modifications and applications may be contemplated. Further changes may be made in the assemblies without departing from the true spirit of the scope of the disclosure herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in this disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative, not in a limiting sense. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , a pallet wrap  100  is configured to retain articles  128  stacked on a pallet  102 . In this example, pallet wrap  100  includes main panel  106 , side straps  120 , top strap  130 , restraint  116 , first pocket  114 , second pocket  112 , and third pocket  110 , and strap connection points  132 . 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the main panel  106  of pallet wrap  100  is a piece of material to which the other elements of the device are attached. Main panel  106  can be made of vinyl coated polyester mesh but other types of material can also be used. Other suitable natural and synthetic materials can also be used such as canvas, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, cotton, or composite woven materials as well. As shown in  FIG. 1 , main panel  106  is preferably rectangular in shape so as to appropriately interface with a transportation platform such as a pallet. As shown in  FIGS. 5 through 8 , main panel  106  has an appropriate length such that when pallet wrap  100  is wrapped around a plurality of articles  128  stacked on a transportation platform or pallet  102 , pallet wrap  100  substantially surrounds the plurality of articles  128 . A gap, as shown  FIG. 5 , may exist between the ends of main panel  106  when pallet wrap  100  is installed. Preferably, the gap is less than twelve inches but other gaps and configurations can be used depending on the size of articles  128  being transported. 
         [0035]    In one example, pallet wrap  100  is used in conjunction with a traditional size pallet and the main panel  106  of pallet wrap  100  is approximately fourteen feet long and has a height of four feet. Other sizes of main panel  106  can also be used as well as other shapes, however, so long as pallet wrap  100  is able to prevent a plurality of articles  128  from unwanted movement or shifting during transportation. As stated above, main panel  106  may have a height of four feet in one example. Other heights of main panel  106  may also be used. As shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  8 , different heights of main panel  106  may be used to create small height pallet wrap  300 , with a height of two feet, medium height pallet wrap  400 , with a height of four feet, and tall height pallet wrap  500 , with a height of six feet. Other heights can also be used such that the size of main panel  106  is configured for the needs of a user or to be used to interface with a certain size or shape article  128 . 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, referring back to  FIG. 1 , side straps  120 , top strap  130 , restraint  116 , first pocket  114 , second pocket  112 , and third pocket  110 , and strap connection points  132  may be attached to main panel  106  of pallet wrap  100 . In this embodiment, four side straps  120  extend from a first end of main panel  106 . Each side strap  120  can be made of two inch wide nylon webbing material but other sizes and materials can be used. A portion of each side strap  120  is attached to main panel  106  and another portion extends outward from first end of main panel  106 . 
         [0037]    Located on a second edge of main panel  106  are strap connection points  132 . In this example, two rows of four strap connection points  132  are attached to and positioned along and near second end of main panel  106 . Each row of strap connection points  132  is configured to interface with the side straps  120  previously described. As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , when main panel  106  is wrapped around a plurality of articles stacked on a pallet, side strap  120  interfaces with connection point  132  so as to secure main panel  106  in position around articles  128 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in this example side strap  120  includes pieces of hook and loop fasteners and connection points  132  include a metal D-ring. In this example, when main panel  106  is wrapped around articles  128  on pallet  102 , side strap  120  is inserted through the D-ring on connection point  132  and folded back on itself such that the complimentary pieces of hook and loop fasteners retain side strap  120  in position and keep pallet wrap  100  snugly positioned around articles  128 . In this fashion, in this example, each side strap  120  can be looped through a connection point  132  to retain pallet wrap  100  in a desired position. Other configurations of side strap  120  and connection point  132  can also be used, such as, interfacing clips, snaps, hooks, cleats, and the like. 
         [0039]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , two rows of connection points  132  may be provided on main panel  106 . In this configuration, a second row of connection point  132  allows for interfacing with side straps  120  such that pallet wrap  120  can be used with varying sizes of pallets or varying loads or sizes of articles  128  that may be stacked on a transportation platform. In this example, two rows of connection points  132  can be included on main panel  106  but in other examples more rows and configurations of connection points  132  or side straps  120  can be provided to as to provide further flexibility of use. 
         [0040]    As stated above, main panel  106  may also include top strap  134 . Top strap  134  may also be a piece of nylon webbing. Top strap  134  extends upward from a top edge of main panel  106 . Top strap  134  is configured to interface with and connect to top attachment point  108 . In one example, top strap  134  and top attachment point have pieces of interfacing hook and loop fasteners that allow top strap  134  to be secured to top attachment point  108 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , top strap  134  is configured so as to extend across a stack of articles  128  that may be located on pallet  102  and attach to an opposite surface of main panel  106  when main panel  106  has been wrapped around articles  128 . Top strap  134  further provides stability and restricts movement of articles  128  when installed as described and shown. 
         [0041]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , pallet wrap  100  also includes restraints  116  and restraint attachment points  136 . Restraint  116  can also be a length of nylon webbing or other material. Restraint  116 , as can be seen, extends downward from a bottom of main panel  106 . In one embodiment, restraint  116  extends downward at an oblique angle from bottom edge of main panel  106 . Restraint  116  may include a piece of hook and loop fastener that complimentarily interfaces with a second piece of hook and loop fastener located at restraint attachment point  136 . As can be appreciated, the position of restraint attachment point  136  on main panel  106  is configured such that the two are at complimentary oblique angles such that the two can be easily joined as will be explained. Additionally, in one embodiment, inside or attached to restraint  116  is a stiffening member  138 . Stiffening member  138  may be foam encased inside of restraint  116  but it may also be a piece of semi-rigid material such as plastic, or other suitable material. Stiffening member  138  provides added rigidity to restraint  116  such that restraint  116  can be pushed or fed through openings or under pallet  102  during installation. 
         [0042]    Restraint  116 , in this embodiment, is used to secure pallet wrap  100  to a transportation platform such as pallet  102 . As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , when pallet wrap  100  is installed around a plurality of articles  128  on pallet  102 , restraint  116  can be pushed, pulled, or otherwise fed through an opening on pallet  102 . The end of restraint  116  is then attached to restraint attachment point  136 . As can be appreciated, stiffening member  138  assists the user in feeding restraint  116  under pallet  102 . In this manner, pallet wrap  100  is secured to pallet  102 . Pallet wrap  100  may include one or more restraints  116  located at each corner or at other locations. In one example, two restraints  116  are provided such that the restraints  116  and complimentary restraint connection points  136  are located at two corners of pallet  102 , at corners diagonally opposite one another. 
         [0043]    Referring now to the embodiment shown on  FIG. 16 , restraint  1618  may also include restraint D-ring  1650 . Restraint D-ring  1650  is attached at or near to the end of restraint  1618  that is attached to main panel  1608 . In the course of use of pallet wrap  1600 , restraint  1618  may become damaged, torn, or otherwise unusable. Restraint D-ring  1650  is provided such that a replacement or additional restraint  1618  can be added to pallet wrap  1600 . This feature allows for continued use of pallet wrap  1600  without the need for repair of the damaged restraint  1618 . Instead, a replacement restraint can be provided that can be attached to restraint D-ring  1650  and used as if the damaged restraint  1618  was still operational. Other types or configurations of restraint D-ring could also be provided such as additional hood and loop fasteners, clips, cleats, or other suitable attachment means. In addition, restraint D-ring  1650  could be provided separate from restraint  1618  such as separately attached at or near the attachment location of restraint  1618  to main panel  1608 . 
         [0044]    Further provided in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16  is strap grabber  1602 . In this embodiment, strap grabber  1602  is a piece of hook and loop fastener attached to main panel  1608 . Strap grabber  1602  can be any suitable releasable fastener that can releasably attach to one of more of the straps associated with pallet wrap  1600 . In this example, strap grabber  1602  is located approximately midway between the top edge and the bottom edge of main panel  1608 . Strap grabber  1602  is configured to releasably connect to one or more straps of pallet wrap  1600  so that the free end of a strap can be retained so that the free end of a strap does not interfere during the installation of pallet wrap  1600 . For example, when pallet wrap  1600  is being wrapped around a plurality of articles  128  on a transportation platform, restraint  1618  would likely be dangling at or near the floor. With restraint  1618  in this position, the operator could step on restraint  1618  or restraint  1618  could become tangled around one or more of the other elements of pallet wrap  1600 . To keep restraint  1618  up off of the floor or away from other elements, the free end of restraint  1618  can be attached to strap grabber  1602 . As can be appreciated one or more of the other straps could also be attached to strap grabber  1602  as well. 
         [0045]    Referring back to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , pallet wrap  100  may also include first pocket  114 , second pocket  112 , third pocket  110  and one or more rods  104 . First pocket  114  is piece of material, such as nylon webbing, attached to main panel  106  at or near a first end. First pocket is configured such that it can receive rod  104 . Rod  104 , in one example is a piece of PVC tubing with an outer diameter of three-quarters of an inch. Other types, materials, and sizes of rod  104  can also be used as are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. An opening can be located at an upper end of first pocket  114  such that rod  104  can be inserted into first pocket  114 . In this manner, when installed in first pocket  114 , rod  104  extends along first end of main panel  106  and is retained in this general position. Second pocket  112  and third pocket  110  can also be provided similarly to first pocket  114 . Second pocket  112  and third pocket  110 , in this example, are located at or near the rows of strap connection points  132 . Second pocket  112  and third pocket  110  can also be configured to receive rods  104 . First pocket  114 , second pocket  112 , and third pocket  110  with installed rods  104  provide structure to pallet wrap  100 . When pallet wrap  100  is installed onto a plurality of articles  128  on a transportation platform, the size of main panel  106  can be unwieldy to manipulate and wrap around articles  128 . The structure that can be added to pallet wrap  100  helps during installation, removal and storage of pallet wrap  100 . 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , pallet wrap  100  may include reinforcing elements  140  located at or near the locations at which the different elements are attached to main panel  106 . The above-described elements, such as for example, side straps  120 , strap connection points  132 , top strap  134 , and restraint  116 , can be stitched to main panel  106 . In other examples, the elements may be glued, welded, riveted, or the like. Reinforcing elements  140  can be located on a back side of main panel  106 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The attachment, whether stitched or otherwise, can then be placed through both the attached element, such as a strap, on the front side of main panel  106 , through main panel  106  and through reinforcing element  140 . In this manner, pallet wrap including the attached elements is more durable and reliable for repeated use. 
         [0047]    In another embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a pallet wrap is provided with the capability to extend to a larger size such that varying heights of stacked articles  128  can be accommodated. Extended pallet wrap  900  can be similar to the configuration of pallet wrap  100  with the addition of extension panel  902 . Extension panel  902  can be similar to the main panel  106  of pallet wrap  100 . Extension panel can include side straps, D-rings, strap connection points, top straps, pockets and rods as described above. Extension panel  902  is configured such that, in a first state, it can be folded over onto main panel  906  as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 17 . In this configuration, extended pallet wrap  900  is configured to fit a first size of stacked articles, for example a four foot tall stack of articles. Extension panel  902  can also be operated in a second state, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 18 , in which the extension panel  902  is in an extended position that effectively creates a larger surface for the wrapping of articles. In the second state, extended pallet wrap  900  can be installed onto, for example, a six foot tall stack of articles.  FIGS. 17 and 18  show extended pallet wrap in use.  FIG. 17  shows extended pallet wrap  900  in use in a first state where the size of the articles is at a first height.  FIG. 18  shows extended pallet wrap  900  in use where the size of articles is larger than the height in the first state. As shown in  FIG. 18 , extension panel  902  is raised such that the additional height can be accommodated. 
         [0048]    In still another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 11 through 15 , a cart wrap  1100  is provided. In this embodiment, cart wrap  1100  is configured for use with a cart such as a U-boat or similar transportation trolley. In this embodiment, cart wrap  110  includes front section  1102 , front tabs  1104 , back section  1106 , back tabs  1108 , cover section  1110 , cover tabs  1112 , and side secure tabs  1114 . Front section  1102 , back section  1106  and cover section  1110  are panels of material that can be a single piece of material or separate pieces of material attached together. Front section  1102 , back section  1106  and cover section  1110  can also be made of the same material of different materials. In one embodiment, front section  1102  and back section  1106  are made of vinyl coated polyester mesh and cover section  1110  is made of vinyl. Other natural and synthetic materials can also be used as are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, cover section  1110  is positioned between front section  1102  and back section  1106 . Attached to front section  1102  are front tabs  1104 . Front tabs  1104  extend outward from side edges of front section  1102 . Front tabs, in one example, are made of nylon webbing, but other suitable materials can also be used. Cart wrap  1100  can include one or more front tabs  1104 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , six front tabs  1104  extend from front section  1102 . Three front tabs can be positioned on each edge of front section  1102 . Other configurations can also be used. 
         [0050]    In a complimentary arrangement, in this embodiment, back tabs  1108  can be positioned along edges of back section  1106 . Back tabs  1108  can also be made of nylon webbing or other suitable material. Back tabs  1108  extend outward from edges of back section  1106  and include a connection element. Connection element can be one or more D-rings as shown but other types of connection elements such as clips, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or like can also be used. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the bottom side of cart wrap  1100  is shown. Cart wrap  110  may also include side secure tabs  1114 . Side secure tabs  1114  can be made of nylon webbing but other suitable materials can also be used. Side secure tabs  114  extend outward from back section  1106 . In this embodiment side secure tabs are attached to the bottom side of back section  1106  and are positioned and configured in a similar pattern to back tabs  1108 . In this example configuration, reinforcement webbing is not required on bottom side of back section  1106  at the attachment locations. As can be appreciated, the attachment method, either stitching or other method as previously described, can be placed through back tabs  1108 , back section  1106 , and side secure tabs  1114  to provide a durable connection. At the location of attachment of front tabs  1104  on back section  1102 , reinforcements  1116  are located on the bottom side of front section  1102  to increase the durability of the attachment. Also, on this embodiment, located in a configuration complimentary to cover tabs  1112  but on the bottom side of cover section  1110  are cover tabs attachment points  1118 . Cover tab attachment points can be interfacing pieces of hook and loop fastener material. Cover tab attachment points not only can provide increased durability of attachment of cover tabs  1112  to cover section  1110  but also allow cover tabs  1112  to releasably attach to cover tab attachment points as will hereafter be described. 
         [0052]    As seen in  FIGS. 13-15 , cart wrap  1100  can be removably attached to a mobile transportation cart such as a u-boat or similar transportation trolley. Back section  1106  can first be attached to cart  1120  by wrapping back tab  1108  around the outside of side members  1402  of cart  1120  and wrapping side secure tab  1114  from the inside of side members  1402  of cart  1120  and securing the free end of side secure tab  1114  to the D-ring on the end of back tab  1108 . This process is repeated until all complimentary back tabs  1108  and side secure tabs  1114  are connected on either end of cart  1120 . As can be seen in  FIG. 14 , the D-ring, or other connector element, located on side secure member is now positioned at a point that is accessible for attachment of front tab  1104  as will be described. 
         [0053]    In this example, cover section  1110  can be placed on the top of cart  1120  and cover tabs can be wrapped around top member  1404  of cart  1120  and secured to cover tab attachment point  1118 . In this example configuration, front section  1102  is free to be folded over as shown in  FIG. 15 . In this configuration, items to be transported on cart  1120  can be loaded or removed from cart  1120  without the need to completely remove cart wrap  1100  from cart  1120 . Furthermore, front section can be folded back over the open side of  1120  and secured in position by connecting front tabs  1104  to the D-rings positioned at the sides of cart  1120  on side secure tabs  1114 . 
         [0054]    As can be appreciated, the steps associated with the installation of cart wrap  1100  can be accomplished in different orders or not at all, depending on the configuration and attachment locations of the different elements. In the embodiment shown, when fully installed on a cart, cart wrap  1100  provides retention of material being transported on cart  1120 . In addition, items can be easily loaded and unloaded by detaching and reattaching front section  1102  to cart  1120 . Furthermore, cover section  1110 , front section  1102 , or back section  1106 , if constructed of suitable material, can provide protection from rain, snow, wind, or other elements. 
         [0055]    The preceding detailed description is merely some examples and embodiments of the present disclosure and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from its spirit or scope. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure but to provide sufficient disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention without undue burden.

Technology Category: b