Automated edge wrapping of a panel

An apparatus for wrapping an edge of a panel with a laminate cover positioned on a front surface of the panel such that the laminate cover has a flap extending past the edge of the panel, the apparatus comprising:

• conveying means for moving the panel from an entry end of the apparatus to an exit end of the apparatus;
• lifting means for transversely deflecting the flap upward to a position substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the panel as the panel is conveyed;
• adhesive application means for applying an adhesive to a back surface of the panel proximate the edge substantially throughout the length of the panel as the panel is moved past the adhesive application means;
• a folding bar positioned downstream from the adhesive application means at an angle of about 135 to 170 degrees relative to a trailing part of the edge to transversely deflect the flap downward toward the adhesive on the back surface of the panel;
• and
• a tension roller comprising a bottom roller arranged to spin in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the panel and a top roller positioned to spin over the flap at an angle of about 130 to 150 degrees relative to the trailing part of the edge to cause the flap to stretch inwardly and be secured to the back surface of the panel, the tension roller being positioned downstream from the folding bar.

A method for wrapping an edge of a panel with a laminate cover positioned on a front surface of the panel such that the laminate cover has a flap extending past the edge of the panel, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning the panel at an entry end of an edge wrapping apparatus having a conveying system for effecting generally linear movement of the panel lengthwise through the edge wrapping apparatus;
• transversely deflecting the flap upward to a position substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the panel as the panel is moved through the edge wrapping apparatus;
• applying an adhesive to a back surface of the panel proximate the edge substantially throughout the length of the panel as the panel is moved through the edge wrapping apparatus;
• moving the panel past a folding bar positioned at an obtuse angle relative to a trailing part of the edge to transversely deflect the flap downward toward the adhesive on the back surface of the panel;
• and
• moving the panel through a roller positioned arranged to spin inwardly over the flap at an obtuse angle relative to the trailing part of the edge to cause the flap to stretch inwardly and be secured to the back surface of the panel.