US 5,311,725 A · Stretch wrapping with tension control

Abstract

A stretch wrap packaging machine includes a support frame and a rotatable frame rotatably mounted on the support frame. A dispenser is mounted on the rotatable frame to follow an orbital path. The dispenser has a web tensioning system which is selectably operable in a plurality of states. At least one actuation ring is moveably mounted on the support frame for cooperation with the tensioning system and selectively rendering the tensioning system operable in each of the plurality of states of operation throughout the orbital path. An activator moves the actuation ring to cooperate with the tensioning system. The tensioning system may include prestretch rollers connected by an engageable clutch. The tensioning system may also include at least one power assisted roller which is connected by a clutch to a power source.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus for stretch wrapping a load with a web of packaging material, the apparatus comprising:

a support frame;
a rotatable frame rotatably mounted on the support frame;
a dispenser mounted on the rotatable frame to travel along an orbital path as the rotatable frame is rotated, the dispenser having a web tensioning system which is selectively operable in a plurality of different web tensioning operation states;
at least one actuation ring movably mounted on the support frame and configured to operatively interact with the web tensioning system throughout the travel of the dispenser along the orbital path to selectively operate the web tensioning system in each of the plurality of different web tensioning operation states;
and
at least one activator for moving the actuation ring to selectively operate the web tensioning system in each of the different web tensioning operation states throughout the travel of the dispenser along the orbital path.

3 more elements

An apparatus for stretch wrapping a load with a web of packaging material, the apparatus comprising:

a support frame;
an actuation ring moveably mounted on the support frame;
an activator for moving the actuation ring between an actuating position and a non-actuating position;
a rotatable frame rotatably mounted on the support frame;
and
a dispenser mounted on the rotatable frame to travel along an orbital path as the rotatable frame is rotated, the dispenser having a web tensioning system which is selectively engageable for and disengageable from tensioning operation throughout the travel of the dispenser along the orbital path by movement of the actuation ring, wherein the actuation ring is configured to operatively interact with the web tensioning system so that the web tensioning system is engaged for tensioning operation when the actuation ring is in the actuating position, and the web tensioning system is disengaged from tensioning operation when the actuation ring is in the non-actuating position, wherein the activator includes means for moving the actuation ring between the actuating and non-actuating positions throughout the travel of the dispenser along the orbital path.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Stretch wrapping with tension control

Life of this patent

Stretch wrapping with tension control

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20