Automated Load Testing Tool and Methods of Use Therefor
AssigneeParagon Films, Inc.
InventorTom Roudebush
Life of this patent
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Abstract
According to one aspect of the invention, an automated load testing tool suitable for use when field testing stretch film load containment forces is provided. According to a further aspect, the tool safely, reliably and accurately measures load containment forces in a time- and cost-effective manner, and ensures that operators cannot manipulate the test results. According to a still further aspect, the tool is used to accurately measure stretch film stiffness after application to a wrapped load. According to yet another aspect, the test unit is attached to a load that has already been wrapped with stretch film, and the unit automatically hooks and then pulls the film a predefined distance at a predefined rate so that the load force needed to displace the film is accurately measured.
Claims13
An automated testing tool for measuring and recording stretch film properties, wherein said automated testing tool is configured to measure and record the load containment force of stretch wrap film.
An automated testing tool for measuring and recording properties of stretch film wrapped on a load, comprising:
- a grasping device configured to act on an inside surface of the stretch film that is contact with the load;
- a first support arm configured to rest on an outside surface of the stretch film at a first side of the grasping device;
- a second support arm configured to rest on the outside surface of the stretch film at a second side of the grasping device;
- and
- an electronic actuator configured to pull the grasping device away from the load against counteracting forces applied to the outer surface by the first and second support arms.
A method of load testing stretch film, comprising:
- providing a stretch film having an inner surface and an outer surface;
- wrapping a load with the stretch film so that the inner surface is in contact with the load;
- attaching a measuring tool to the load and to the inner surface of the stretch film;
- using the measuring tool to pull the stretch film away from the load to measure a pulling force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.