Multi-tab folder for ring type stretch film wrapping machine, and a method of operating the same

A method for wrapping a palletized load, comprising a plurality of slip sheets interposed between vertically stacked layers of articles, within plastic film wrapping material, comprising the steps of:

• positioning a palletized load, comprising a plurality of slip sheets interposed between vertically stacked layers of articles, at a wrapping station, defined within a fixed upstanding framework, at which the palletized load is to be wrapped;
• positioning a plastic film wrapping material dispensing assembly upon said fixed upstanding framework in preparation for a plastic film wrapping operation to be performed upon the palletized load;
• positioning a vertically movable framework, having a plurality of vertically oriented posts mounted thereon, at an upper position upon said fixed upstanding framework;
• lowering said vertically movable framework along said fixed upstanding framework so as to permit said plurality of vertically oriented posts to engage outwardly projecting edge portions of the slip sheets and fold the outwardly projecting edge portions of the slip sheets downwardly;
• and
• raising said plastic film wrapping material dispensing assembly along said fixed upstanding framework so as to perform a plastic film wrapping operation upon the palletized load, while said plurality of vertically oriented posts initially maintain the downwardly folded edge portions of the slip sheets in their downwardly folded states, whereby the downwardly folded edge portions of the slip sheets will be subsequently maintained in their downwardly folded states as a result of the downwardly folded edge portions of the slip sheets being encased within the plastic film wrapping material wrapped around the palletized load.

A method for downwardly folding outwardly projecting edge portions of slip sheets interposed between vertically stacked layers of articles forming a palletized load, to be wrapped in plastic film wrapping material at a wrapping station defined within a fixed upstanding framework of a film wrapping machine, comprising the steps of:

• positioning a vertically movable framework, having a plurality of vertically oriented posts mounted thereon, at an upper position upon said fixed upstanding framework such that said plurality of vertically oriented posts are disposed above the palletized load disposed at said wrapping station;
• moving said plurality of vertically oriented posts with respect to said vertically movable framework until said vertically oriented posts are aligned with the outwardly projecting edge portions of the slip sheets of the palletized load;
• and
• lowering said vertically movable framework along said fixed upstanding framework so as to permit said plurality of vertically oriented posts to engage the outwardly projecting edge portions of the slip sheets and fold the outwardly projecting edge portions of the slip sheets downwardly in preparation for a film wrapping operation.