Abstract: A new or fresh plastic film roll/depleted or exhausted plastic film roll tube or core exchange system comprises a plastic film roll dispenser mounting framework, a plastic film roll magazine assembly, and a new or fresh plastic film roll/depleted or exhausted plastic film roll tube or core exchange assembly. A supply of new or fresh plastic film rolls are serially mounted upon the new or fresh plastic film roll supply magazine, and the new or fresh plastic film roll/spent or exhausted plastic film roll core or tube exchange mechanism is utilized to remove a spent or exhausted plastic film roll core or tube from the plastic film roll dispenser mounting framework, remove a new or fresh plastic film roll from the supply magazine, and mount the new or fresh plastic film roll upon the plastic film roll dispenser mounting framework while the spent or exhausted plastic film roll core or tube is mounted upon the supply magazine.

Abstract: A framework for mounting a wrapping material film roll spindle upon a film wrapping material dispensing assembly of a film wrapping or packaging machine comprises an external framework fixedly mounted upon the film wrapping material dispensing assembly, and an internal framework pivotally mounted interiorly of the external framework. A spindle is mounted upon the internal framework for supporting a roll of film wrapping material. The external framework comprises a rigidified four-sided framework defining an enclosed space within which the internal framework is disposed such that when the film wrapping material is dispensed, vibrations within the assembly are effectively eliminated or substantially reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for placing corner protectors upon corner regions of loads or articles to be wrapped, banded, or otherwise packaged comprises a plurality of corner protector magazines and operatively associated corner protector pick-up arm and transfer assemblies which are divided into two groups of diagonally opposed magazines and pick-up arm and transfer assemblies wherein the two groups of magazines respectively house corner protectors having two different height dimensions. Depending upon the sensed height dimensions of the loads or articles, one of the two groups of magazines and pick-up arm and transfer assemblies are selectively activated so as to place the proper dimensioned corner protectors upon corner regions of the loads or articles.

Abstract: A composite ring member comprises an annular ring member and an annular reinforcing ring member welded to the external peripheral portion of the annular ring member. The annular ring member comprises a tubular stock member, having a substantially rectangular or square-shaped cross-sectional configuration, which is bent into the form of the annular ring member and the free end portions thereof are welded together. In this manner, excessive waste of material in forming conventional ring members, wherein such conventional ring members are cut out from square plates, is eliminated. Segmentally-configured gusset plate members are welded to diametrically opposite internal peripheral portions of the annular ring member so as to respectively support a film roll carriage and dispensing assembly and a counterbalancing mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping articles in film material includes a stationary frame supporting a vertically reciprocable frame which in turn supports a rotatable ring member carrying a film carriage assembly by which film is wrapped around a load during rotation of the ring member. The ring member is a cast composite ring of a thermosetting, fiberglass reinforced polyester and comprises a flange by which the ring member is supported for rotation, and a body portion on which the film carriage and slip ring members are mounted.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping articles in film material includes a stationary frame supporting a vertically reciprocable frame which in turn supports a rotatable ring member carrying a film carriage assembly by which film is wrapped around a load during rotation of the ring member. The ring member is a cast composite ring of a thermosetting, fiberglass reinforced polyester and comprises a flange by which the ring member is supported for rotation and a body portion on which the film carriage and slip ring members are mounted.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a palletized load is provided with a film carriage having a spool of film. A means for unwinding the film from the spool from an upstream winding position to a downstream position in accordance with a selected path where it is applied to the load is also provided. Prestretching rollers for prestretching the film before it is applied to the load are contained on the film carriage. Cutting blades are used to pierce the film, downstream of the prestretching rollers, into longitudinally extending strips. The strips are then separated into longitudinally extending bands by a separating roller. The bands are applied to a load by the carriage which slidably moves up and down along a support column in combination with a turntable upon which the load rotates.