US 5,953,888 A · Pre-stretched film, and apparatus and method for outer packaging

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pre-stretched film, and to apparatus and a method of applying outer packaging to packages and to loads, optimized as a function of the structure and in particular the shape of the package or the load, in particular a palletized load, and also as a function of the transport and handling that the package or the load must be capable of withstanding without the outer packaging being dislocated. According to the invention, a stretchable film is stretched over at least one roller having a diameter that varies along its axis of rotation so as to form parallel longitudinal zones in the film that have different degrees of stretching. These zones make it possible, in particular, to track the external outlines of objects to be packaged and/or to provide locally-reinforced bonding, or on the contrary to present surfaces that are more relaxed. The present invention applies in particular to packaging and grouping together loads that may optionally be palletized. The main application of the present invention lies in grouping together bottles of beverages.

Claims23

Dependent claims

Apparatus for stretching a stretchable film, having a longitudinal extent, in a longitudinal direction corresponding to said longitudinal extent of said stretchable film, comprising:

drive means;
a first rotary rollers;
means interconnecting said drive means and said first rotary roller so as to rotate said first rotary roller at a first tangential peripheral speed;
a second rotary roller spaced from said first rotary roller along said longitudinal direction;
and
means interconnecting said drive means and said second rotary roller so as to rotate said second rotary roller at a second tangential peripheral speed which is greater than said first tangential peripheral speed of said first rotary roller,
wherein the diameter of said second rotary roller varies along its axis of rotation so as to form laterally spaced, longitudinally extending zones within said film, routed about said first and second rotary rollers, which exhibit different degrees of longitudinal stretch which correspond to different regions of said film which exert different stretch and tension forces.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pre-stretched film, and apparatus and method for outer packaging

Life of this patent

Pre-stretched film, and apparatus and method for outer packaging

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23