PALLET COVER SYSTEM

Abstract

A system and method for a pallet cover system for covering and securing a load to a pallet, the pallet cover system comprising a cover sized to fit about and over a load on a pallet, a plurality of adjustable rods securable to the cover in a spaced apart arrangement, each of the plurality of adjustable rods being extendable between a first length and a second length so as to provide for a customizable coverage of the load by the cover, a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof and configured to interfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods, and at least one securing strap disposed along an exterior of the cover.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/020,020, filed Jul. 2, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to a pallet cover system and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method of covering, protecting, and securing items stacked on a pallet with a reusable cover.

Typically, items stacked on a pallet are secured to the pallet on which they are stacked by means of a self-adhering plastic wrap, which generally comes in a roll. Either a worker or a machine rotates around the pallet to unroll the plastic wrap and wind it around the pallet numerous times in order to secure the items onto the pallet. Afterwards, the pallet is able to be transported via forklift or pallet jack for loading or unloading.

Once the pallet is transported to its ultimate destination, the plastic wrap is removed by cutting it with a razor, thereby rendering the wrap unusable for future pallet stacks. Because the plastic material adheres to itself when applied, it is impractical to attempt to unwrap the plastic wrap instead of cutting.

The obvious disadvantage with this conventional method of securing items on a pallet is that the wrap is not reusable. As a result, not only is the use of plastic pallet wrap not very cost conscientious, but also results in substantial environmental waste. Another disadvantage with this conventional method of securing items on a pallet is that the plastic pallet wrap is only applied to the sides of the stack of items on the pallet. That is, the top of the stack of items is uncovered and susceptible to water damage.

An additional disadvantage of this conventional method of securing items on a pallet is that the use of plastic pallet wrap does not fully prevent the stack of items on the pallet from shifting and falling from the pallet during transit.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a reusable cover to assist with securing a stack of items on a pallet. The reusable cover would allow for the same cover to be used multiple times and, therefore, eliminate waste associated with the application and removal of plastic pallet wrap. In addition, the reusable cover would be able to cover all exposed sides of the stack of items, resulting in the ability to protect the stack of items from damaging elements, such as water, as well as from possible theft or vandalism. The reusable cover would provide support from every side to keep the stack of items from shifting and falling from the pallet during transit. Further, it would be desirable to have the height of the reusable cover be adjustable in order to accommodate varying sizes of pallet loads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a pallet cover system for covering and securing a load to a pallet includes a cover sized to fit about and over a load on a pallet, a plurality of adjustable rods securable to the cover in a spaced apart arrangement, each of the plurality of adjustable rods being extendable between a first length and a second length so as to provide for a customizable coverage of the load by the cover, a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof and configured to interfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods, and at least one securing strap disposed along an exterior of the cover to apply a pressure to the cover and secure it to load.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a pallet cover system for covering a stack of items on a pallet includes a reusable cover positionable over a stack of items on a pallet, the reusable cover comprising a fastening mechanism that provides for placement of the reusable cover over the stack of items and for closure of the reusable cover, and a plurality of sleeves formed on a surface thereof extending generally along a height of the reusable cover. The pallet cover system also includes a plurality of adjustable rods positioned about a perimeter of the reusable cover, with each adjustable rods being received within a respective sleeve of the cover to secure the adjustable rod relative to the cover, and a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof configured to interfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods, wherein the reusable cover is secured about the stack of items and to the pallet via the plurality of adjustable rods and the plurality of clamp blocks, such that the stack of items is held in place on the pallet.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of covering and securing a stack of items on a pallet includes coupling a plurality of clamp blocks to the pallet at a number of spaced apart locations on the pallet, mating a plurality of adjustable rods with the plurality of clamp blocks, with each adjustable rod being inserted into a first orifice formed in a top surface of a respective clamp block, attaching a cover to the plurality of adjustable rods such that the cover is positioned over the stack of items on the pallet, closing the cover via a zipper included thereon, and positioning and tightening one or more securing straps about an outer perimeter of the cover and about the plurality of adjustable rods.

These and other advantages and features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention that is provided in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate embodiments presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reusable cover system covering and securing items stacked on a pallet, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reusable cover system covering and securing items stacked on a pallet, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reusable cover system of FIG. 1 including additional banner elements.

FIGS. 4A-4D are perspective views of a clamp block used to secure a reusable cover to a pallet, according to an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 5 is a side view of a clamp block used to secure a reusable cover to a pallet, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one of a plurality of adjustable support rods usable with the reusable cover systems of FIGS. 1-3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method and apparatus for covering and securing items stacked on a pallet with a pallet cover system including a reusable cover, adjustable support rods, and pallet fasteners.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pallet cover system 10 including a reusable cover 12 that covers and secures items stacked on a pallet 14, according to an embodiment of the invention. The reusable cover 12 covers the sides and top of the stacked items in order to keep the items within protected from water or other environmental damage. The reusable cover 12 may be constructed of a material resistant to tearing, such as a heavy fabric, heavy vinyl, canvas, etc. In this embodiment of the invention, the reusable cover 12 is in the shape of a rectangle; however, one having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the reusable cover 12 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and could instead be formed in the shape of an oval, circle, triangle, etc.

Pallet cover system 10 also includes a plurality of adjustable rods 16 located along the perimeter of the reusable cover 12, with each of the plurality of adjustable rods 16 being attached to a respective corner of the reusable cover 12. In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of adjustable rods is secured to the reusable cover 12 by way of sleeves 19 formed on the cover. That is, a plurality of sleeves 19 are formed on an outer surface of the reusable cover 12, such as by being sewn on/to the cover for example, with each of the plurality of adjustable rods 16 being received within a respective one of the plurality of sleeves 19 in order to secure the adjustable rod 16 to the reusable cover 12. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the plurality of sleeves 19 may be formed on the interior of the reusable cover 12. In still other alternative embodiments, a series of spaced apart and aligned rings or hoops could be provided on the cover 12 into which the adjustable rods 16 are inserted, rather than a continuous, full-length sleeve.

Each of the plurality of adjustable rods 16 is configured to be vertically adjusted in order to fit or match the height of a load (not shown) on the pallet 14—such that the pallet cover system 10 can accommodate stacked items of a load having a variety of stack heights. The adjustability of the rods 16 allows the pallet cover system 10 to be configurable and useable with loads of numerous sizes/heights, such that the pallet cover system 10 is provided as a versatile system.

In addition to being inserted into sleeves 19, each of the plurality of adjustable rods 16 is also inserted into a respective one of a plurality of clamp blocks 18, which will be shown and described in further detail with respect to FIGS. 4-5. More specifically, a bottom of each adjustable rod 16 is inserted into a clamp block 18 so as to be secured therein, with the rod 16 extending upwardly from the clamp block 18 to a desired height. The clamp blocks 18 allow the pallet cover system 10 to couple to the pallet 14 and assist with positioning the adjustable rods 16 about the pallet 14.

As further shown in FIG. 1, a fastening mechanism 22, such as a zipper, is disposed on the reusable cover 12 and spans from the bottom 24 to the top 26 of the reusable cover 12, in order to open and close the reusable cover 12. It is contemplated that an alternative mechanism may be used to open and close the reusable cover 12, such as buttons, snaps, etc. The fastening mechanism 22 allows the reusable cover 12 to be added to and removed from the load and provides for a secure closure of the cover.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one securing strap 28 is used to surround the outer perimeter of reusable cover 12 and the stack of items, as well as surround the adjustable rods 16. The securing strap 28 provides additional support, pressure, and stability to the stack of items within the reusable cover 12. While FIG. 1 illustrates the use of four (4) securing straps 28, it is contemplated that more or less than four (4) securing straps 28 may be used. In one embodiment of the invention, each securing strap 28 is a nylon strap that may be manually tensioned by a worker (such as via a clamp/buckle on the strap); however, one having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that alternative securing straps may be used, such as flexible rubber straps or the like that provide tension when stretched.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the zipper 22 includes a security seal 34 fastened thereto, with the security seal being, for example, a seal that would indicate if it had been tampered with. As shown in FIG. 1, the security seal 34 is coupled to both zipper 22 and one of the securing straps 28 in order to prevent movement of the zipper 22 when the security seal 34 is in place (and locked). The security seal 34 prevents unauthorized access to the stacked items within the reusable cover 12 such that a customer would be able to be reassured that a third party did not have access to the items once the reusable cover 12 was closed and sealed by the shipper. One having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the security seal 34 could alternatively be configured as a lockable mechanism that provides security for the load when the pallet cover system 10 is positioned thereon.

In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, an envelope box or display pocket 32 is disposed on the outside of the reusable cover 12. The envelope box 32 allows for the storage of and easy visual access to the necessary documents to track and organize the items stacked on the pallet 14 (e.g., a bill of loading). According to various embodiments, the envelope box 32 may be provided as a simple sleeve into which documents can be inserted, or alternatively be provided with a closeable lid that can be secured to a pouch body to more securely enclose documents therein. If it is desired to view the documents within the envelope box 32, the box may be formed of a transparent plastic that provides for viewing of the documents when inserted therein.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a pallet cover system 36 having reusable cover 20 is shown according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the reusable cover 20 is in the form of an oval rather than a rectangular cover. As stacks of items may not always be in a rectangular or square shape, the reusable cover may need to be in the form of an alternative shape, such as, but not limited to, an oval, to properly secure the stack of items. As shown in FIG. 2, pallet cover system 36 includes the same elements as pallet cover system 10. For example, pallet cover system 36 includes a plurality of adjustable rods 16, a plurality of clamp blocks 18, a zipper 22 extending from the bottom of the cover 20 to the top of the cover 20, a security device 34, a display pocket 32, etc.

When the reusable cover is in a shape not having corners, such as the oval shaped reusable cover 20 of FIG. 2, the plurality of adjustable rods 16 are spaced around the perimeter of the reusable cover 20. Proper spacing of the plurality of adjustable rods 16 allows for the reusable cover 20 to maintain its shape, while using the minimum adjustable rods 16 to save cost.

Next, FIG. 3 depicts the reusable cover 12 of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment, where the pallet cover system 10 includes additional banner elements 38 provided thereon. That is, this embodiment allows for at least one pallet banner 38 to be attached to at least one side of the reusable cover 12. The pallet banner 38 can be made of a rubber or vinyl material and display the logo of the items (e.g., of the particular items, of a manufacturer of the items, of a seller/distributor of the items, etc.) stacked inside the reusable cover 12 and on the pallet 14. A plurality of banner hooks 40 is used to secure each pallet banner 38 to a side of the reusable cover 12—with one embodiment providing a hook 40 at each corner of the banner 38. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, each banner hook 40 is coupled to a top or bottom end of one of the plurality of adjustable rods 16, such as by way of a mating hole 17 formed adjacent to the top and bottom edges of the rods 16, for example.

The pallet banner 38 allows for bigger and brighter advertisement of products than what can normally be provided by a box containing the product. The pallet banner 38 also allows shippers and distributors to save costs by minimizing the product advertisement on each box containing the product. Further, the addition of pallet banners 38 to a stack of products allows shippers and distributors to save time and money by easily being able to identify the product on the specific pallet 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, multiple perspective views of a clamp block/pallet fastener 18 used for securing the pallet cover system 10 to the pallet 14 are illustrated. A clamp block 18 is used for each of the plurality of adjustable rods 16, resulting in a plurality of clamp blocks 18 attached to the pallet 14. Each clamp block 18 includes a first orifice 42 formed in a top surface 44 thereof that is configured to receive the respective adjustable rod 16 therein, and thus the diameter of first orifice 42 essentially matches that of a bottom end of rod 16. In addition, a second orifice 46 is formed in a side surface 48 of each clamp block 18. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4D, the second orifice 46 extends from the side surface 48 to the first orifice 42 (i.e., meets with the first orifice 42) and is oriented perpendicular to the first orifice 42. Further, the second orifice 46 is configured to receive/house a through-pin 50 of the adjustable rod 16 (the through-pin 50 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6.). That is, the second orifice 46 assists with securing the adjustable rod 16 within the clamp block 18. It is also contemplated that a means other than a through-pin 50 may be used with the second orifice 46, such as a screw being threaded through second orifice 46 and mating with or provided pressure against rod 16, for example.

Each clamp block 18 is formed to include a recess or groove 52 formed therein between a main body 53 and a bottom flange 55, with the recess 52 configured to receive a top surface plank of the pallet 14 therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the recess may be formed to have a slight tapering thereto, such as a tapering of 5° for example, that creates a “wedge effect” where a top plank of the pallet 14 is wedged into the recess 52 as the clamp block 18 is pushed onto the pallet 14. In order to better provide for positioning of the clamp block 18 on a plank of the pallet 14, a leading edge 57 of the flange 55 may be angled to guide the clamp block 18 onto the pallet. Additionally, a bottom leading corner 59 of the body 53 may be chamfered to again provide ease in positioning of the clamp block 18 onto a plank of the pallet 14. As a result of the above features, each clamp block 18 is easily attached and removed from the pallet 14 while still providing a sufficient clamping force between the pallet 14 and clamp block 18.

As a further means of securing the clamp blocks 18 onto the pallet 14, once the adjustable rods 16 of the reusable cover 12 have been inserted into the first orifice 42 of each of the clamp blocks 18, the clamp blocks 18 are no longer able to be easily removed, as the adjustable rods 16 assist with holding the clamp blocks 18 in place. That is, the placement of the adjustable rods 16 within sleeves 19 of the cover (FIG. 1) and in the first orifice 42 of the clamp blocks 18, along with the retaining of the adjustable rods 16 and cover 12 in place via the security straps 28 (FIG. 1) helps to secure the clamp blocks 18 relative to the pallet 14, as the clamp blocks 18 are prevented from moving outwardly and off of the pallet 14 when the pallet cover system 10 is fully positioned/installed on the load.

FIG. 5 shows the clamp block 18 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the clamp block 18 includes a wedge 54 located on the bottom surface 56 of the clamp block 18. The wedge 54 is angled downwardly from a front edge 60 of a bottom flange 55 of the clamp block 18 to a back edge 58 of the bottom flange 55 of the clamp block 18. That is, the width of the wedge 54 is wider at the back surface 58 of the clamp block 18 and tapers as it approaches the front surface 60 of the clamp block 18—the front surface 60 being the surface of the clamp block 18 closest to the pallet 14. The wedge 54 assists with securing the clamp block 18 to the pallet 14 by interacting with a bottom surface plank of the pallet 14 and providing pressue thereagainst, making it more difficult for the clamp block 18 to slide off of the pallet 14. It is recognized, however, that the wedge 54 could take any shape that aids in retaining the clamp block 18 on the pallet 14.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the configuration of the adjustable rods 16 of the reusable cover 12 are shown in more detail, according to an embodiment of the invention. Each adjustable rod 16 includes a plurality of sections 62, 64, which are pre-cut to a certain length. While FIG. 6 depicts the use of two (2) sections 62, 64, alternative embodiments of the invention may include an adjustable rod 16 with more than two (2) sections 62, 64, such as three or four sections, for example. In one embodiment of the invention, each section 62, 64 is pre-cut to four feet long, but it is recognized that the sections could be pre-cut to any length. It is also contemplated that each section 62, 64 of the adjustable rod 16 is made of a suitably durable material, such as, but not limited to, metal, carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.

In order for the adjustable rod 16 to be able to adjust its height between at least a first length and a second length, the plurality of sections 62, 64 are designed to interfit with each other. That is, adjustable rods 16 may be referred to as telescoping rods. For example, the plurality of sections 62, 64 are constructed so that the outer diameter 66 of the upper section 62 is smaller than the inner diameter 68 of the lower section 64. Therefore, the sections 62, 64 would be able to be stacked within each other when adjustable rod 18 is positioned at its lowest height. In other words, when adjustable rod 16 is in a collapsed position the upper section 62 of the adjustable rod 18 is stored within the lower section 64, so as not to add to (or substantially add to) the height of the adjustable rod 16. When adjustable rod 18 is in an extended position (as shown in FIG. 6), upper section 62 protrudes from the lower section 64, so as to add to the height of the adjustable rod 18.

In order to provide for locking of the adjustable rod 16 in an extended position, each upper section 62 of the rod includes a spring pin 70 and a spring pin orifice 72 located at a bottom end of the upper section 62—with the spring pin 70 mating with a spring pin orifice 74 formed in an adjacent rod section (e.g., lower section 64) at a top end thereof. The spring pin 70 extends through both spring pin orifices 72, 74, in order to lock the section 62 in an extended position relative to section 64. The spring pin 70 includes a thumb release to unlock the section 62 from section 64 and return it to the collapsed position.

As discussed above, in order to lock the adjustable rod 16 within the clamp block 18, a bottom-most section 64 of the adjustable rod 16 includes a through pin 50 designed to extend through the second orifice 46 of the clamp block 18. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower section 64 includes a through pin orifice 76 formed in a bottom end thereof—with the through pin 50 configured to extend through the through pin orifice 76 and into the second orifice 46. The through pin 50 includes a release that, when activated, allows the adjustable rod 16 to be removed from the clamp block 18.

Beneficially, embodiments of the invention thus provide for a more efficient loading and unloading process for manufacturers and distributors. The reusable cover allows for a quick packaging and unpackaging of a stack of products without the waste associated with plastic pallet wrap. Further, the reusable cover provides greater protection than the traditional plastic wrap and prevents the stack of products from shifting or falling off the pallet during transport. Thus, additional time is not needed to readjust or restack the stack of products on the pallet. In addition, the product banner allows for warehouse workers to quickly identify which products are located on which pallets. These banners are able to be seen from far away to help workers identify which pallets need to be loaded or unloaded. Further, the security seal allows for those receiving and distributing the products to have confidence that the product has not been interfered with by a third party.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a pallet cover system for covering and securing a load to a pallet includes a cover sized to fit about and over a load on a pallet, a plurality of adjustable rods securable to the cover in a spaced apart arrangement, each of the plurality of adjustable rods being extendable between a first length and a second length so as to provide for a customizable coverage of the load by the cover, a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof and configured to interfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods, and at least one securing strap disposed along an exterior of the cover to apply a pressure to the cover and secure it to load.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a pallet cover system for covering a stack of items on a pallet includes a reusable cover positionable over a stack of items on a pallet, the reusable cover comprising a fastening mechanism that provides for placement of the reusable cover over the stack of items and for closure of the reusable cover, and a plurality of sleeves formed on a surface thereof extending generally along a height of the reusable cover. The pallet cover system also includes a plurality of adjustable rods positioned about a perimeter of the reusable cover, with each adjustable rods being received within a respective sleeve of the cover to secure the adjustable rod relative to the cover, and a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof configured to interfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods, wherein the reusable cover is secured about the stack of items and to the pallet via the plurality of adjustable rods and the plurality of clamp blocks, such that the stack of items is held in place on the pallet.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of covering and securing a stack of items on a pallet includes coupling a plurality of clamp blocks to the pallet at a number of spaced apart locations on the pallet, mating a plurality of adjustable rods with the plurality of clamp blocks, with each adjustable rod being inserted into a first orifice formed in a top surface of a respective clamp block, attaching a cover to the plurality of adjustable rods such that the cover is positioned over the stack of items on the pallet, closing the cover via a zipper included thereon, and positioning and tightening one or more securing straps about an outer perimeter of the cover and about the plurality of adjustable rods.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pallet cover system for covering and securing a load to a pallet, the pallet cover system comprising:

a cover sized to fit about and over a load on a pallet;

a plurality of adjustable rods securable to the cover in a spaced apart arrangement, each of the plurality of adjustable rods being extendable between a first length and a second length so as to provide for a customizable coverage of the load by the cover;

a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof and configured to interfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods; and

at least one securing strap disposed along an exterior of the cover to apply a pressure to the cover and secure it to load.

2. The pallet cover system of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of clamp blocks comprises a recess formed therein configured to mate with a top surface plank of the pallet so as to secure the clamp block to the pallet.

3. The pallet cover system of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of clamp blocks includes a wedge formed on a bottom surface thereof, the wedge being angled downwardly from a front edge of a bottom flange of the clamp block to a back edge of the bottom flange such that the wedge is wider at the back edge than at the front edge, the wedge interacting with a bottom surface plank of the pallet to further secure the clamp block to the pallet.

4. The pallet cover system of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of clamp blocks further comprises a second orifice formed in a side surface thereof, the second orifice extending from the side surface to the first orifice and being oriented perpendicular to the first orifice; and

wherein each of the plurality of adjustable rods comprises a pin configured to interfit with the second orifice of a respective one of the plurality of clamp blocks to lock the adjustable rod within the clamp block.

5. The pallet cover system of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of adjustable rods comprises a plurality of sections that collectively form a telescoping rod extendable between at least the first length and the second length, each of the plurality of sections having a different diameter such that a respective section is positionable within another respective section.

6. The pallet cover system of claim 5 wherein each of the plurality of sections of a respective adjustable rod comprises:

a spring pin formed adjacent a bottom edge of the section; and

a pin hole formed adjacent a top edge of the section;

wherein the spring pin of a respective section interacts with the pin hole of an adjacent section to secure the sections relative to one another.

7. The pallet cover system of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a zipper extending from a bottom of the cover to a top of the cover, the zipper enabling the cover to be added to and removed from the load.

8. The pallet cover system of claim 7 further comprising a security seal coupled to the zipper and a respective one of the at least one securing strap, the security seal preventing actuation of the zipper when coupled to both the zipper and the at least one securing strap.

9. The pallet cover system of claim 1 further comprising an envelope box formed on an outer surface of the cover, the envelope box constructed to store documents therein related to shipment of the load.

10. The pallet cover system of claim 1 further comprising a pallet banner positionable over a portion of an outer surface of the cover, the pallet banner comprising a hook positioned at each corner thereof;

wherein an adjacent pair of the plurality of adjustable rods comprises a hook hole formed at both the top and bottom of the rod, each hook hole configured to receive a respective hook of the pallet banner therein, such that the pallet banner is coupleable between the adjacent pair of adjustable rods.

11. The pallet cover system of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a plurality of sleeves formed thereon configured to receive the plurality of adjustable rods, the plurality of sleeves formed on an inside surface of the cover.

12. A pallet cover system for covering a stack of items on a pallet, the pallet cover system comprising:

a reusable cover positionable over a stack of items on a pallet, the reusable cover comprising: a fastening mechanism that provides for placement of the reusable cover over the stack of items and for closure of the reusable cover; and a plurality of sleeves formed on a surface thereof extending generally along a height of the reusable cover;

a plurality of adjustable rods positioned about a perimeter of the reusable cover, with each adjustable rods being received within a respective sleeve of the cover to secure the adjustable rod relative to the cover; and

a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof configured to interfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods;

wherein the reusable cover is secured about the stack of items and to the pallet via the plurality of adjustable rods and the plurality of clamp blocks, such that the stack of items is held in place on the pallet.

13. The pallet cover system of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of clamp blocks include a recess formed therein and configured to interfit with a top surface plank of the pallet.

14. The pallet cover system of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of clamp blocks has a second orifice formed therein that is oriented perpendicular to the first orifice, the second orifice being formed in a side surface of the clamp block and extending from the side surface to the first orifice; and

wherein each of the plurality of adjustable rods comprises a spring pin configured to interfit with the second orifice of a respective one of plurality of clamp blocks.

15. The pallet cover system of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of adjustable rods comprises a telescopic rod having an adjustable height, each respective telescopic rod comprising a plurality of sections that each includes:

a spring pin formed adjacent a bottom edge of the section; and

a pin hole formed adjacent a top edge of the section;

wherein the spring pin of a respective section interacts with the pin hole of an adjacent section to secure the sections relative to one another.

16. The pallet cover system of claim 12 further comprising at least one strap disposed along the outer perimeter of the reusable cover, the at least one strap providing tension about the cover and the plurality of adjustable rods.

17. A method of covering and securing a stack of items on a pallet, the method comprising:

coupling a plurality of clamp blocks to the pallet at a number of spaced apart locations on the pallet;

mating a plurality of adjustable rods with the plurality of clamp blocks, with each adjustable rod being inserted into a first orifice formed in a top surface of a respective clamp block;

attaching a cover to the plurality of adjustable rods such that the cover is positioned over the stack of items on the pallet;

closing the cover via a zipper included thereon; and

positioning and tightening one or more securing straps about an outer perimeter of the cover and about the plurality of adjustable rods.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising adjusting a height of each of the plurality of adjustable rods to a height approximate that of the stack of items, wherein adjusting the height comprises positioning and securing each of a plurality of sections of a respective adjustable rod relative to one another to set the height.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein attaching the cover to the plurality of adjustable rods comprises inserting the plurality of adjustable rods into a plurality of sleeves formed on the cover.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein mating the plurality of adjustable rods with the plurality of clamp blocks further comprises interfitting a pin of each adjustable rod into a second orifice formed in a side surface of each of the plurality of clamp blocks.