Wrapping apparatus and method
AssigneeLantech, Inc.
InventorsSteven E. Degrasse, Kenneth J. McDowell, Donnie Norris, Patrick R. Lancaster, III, David Eldridge
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A stretch wrapping machine includes a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material and a segmented wrapping frame for supporting the packaging material dispenser. The frame includes segments of track which are assembled to one another to form a track for the packaging material dispenser so the packaging material dispenser can revolve around the load while rolling on coaxial wheel pairs. A motor drives the packaging dispenser around the load to wrap packaging material around the load.
Claims32
An apparatus for wrapping a load comprising:
- a packaging material dispenser for dispensing stretch wrap packaging material;
- a segmented wrapping frame for supporting the packaging material dispenser, the frame comprising segments of track which are assembled to one another to form a track for the packaging material dispenser so the packaging material dispenser can revolve around the load, wherein at least one of the assembled segments is adjustable in length;
- and
- a motor for driving the packaging material dispenser around the load to wrap packaging material around the load.
An apparatus for packaging a load comprising:
- a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material around a load the dispenser having a body, a first pair of co-axial wheels having first and second wheels rotatable about a first axis;
- a wrapping frame for supporting the packaging material dispenser, the frame having a first rail for contacting the first wheel of the first pair of co-axial wheels and a second rail for contacting the second wheel of the first pair of co-axial wheels, permitting the packaging material dispenser to travel around a track, wherein the first and second wheels are positioned to rotate in different directions when moving on said first and second rails;
- and
- a motor for driving the packaging material dispenser around the track to wrap packaging material around the sides of the load.
An apparatus for packaging a load comprising:
- a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material;
- a segmented wrapping frame for supporting the packaging material dispenser, the frame having first and second tracks for the packaging material dispenser to travel around;
- a motor for driving the packaging dispenser around the tracks to wrap packaging material around the load;
- a flexible connector supported around a perimeter of the tracks and connected to the packaging material dispenser;
- and
- supports for the flexible connector positioned around the perimeter of the tracks.
A method of wrapping a load, comprising:
- determining a shape and size of a load to be wrapped;
- determining whether the shape and size of an assembled segmented wrapping frame is desirable for the shape and size of the load;
- automatically changing the shape and size of the segmented wrapping frame to improve the desirability of shape and size of the wrapping frame in relation to the shape and size of the load by adjusting the length of at least one segment of the assembled segmented wrapping frame;
- and
- driving a packaging material dispenser around the frame to wrap packaging material around the load.
An apparatus for packaging a load comprising:
- a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material around a load the dispenser having a body, a first pair of co-axial wheels having first and second wheels rotatable about a first axis;
- a wrapping frame for supporting the packaging material dispenser, the frame having a first rail having a surface for contacting the first wheel of the first pair of co-axial wheels and a second rail having a surface for contacting the second wheel of the first pair of co-axial wheels, permitting the packaging material dispenser to travel around the track, wherein the contacting surfaces of the first and second rails are non co-planar and facing in opposite directions;
- and
- a motor for driving the packaging dispenser around the track to wrap packaging material around the sides of the load.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.