Abstract: A heat sealing device for sealing layers of plastic film together is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the heat sealing device is incorporated into a stretch wrapping apparatus for wrapping a load. The heat sealing device includes a heater element, an air compressor or blower, and a sealing head in fluid communication with the heater element to distribute the heated air. The sealing head is preferably flexible and includes a plurality of convection ports configured to apply heated air to a portion of the packaging material without being completely covered by the packaging material. At least one insulated film contact portion is provided to distance the convection ports from the plastic film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an initial tail of film to a load while wrapping the load with packaging material are provided. The method includes holding a leading end of packaging material while providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap film around the load. A portion of the leading end of film is secured to a fixed wrapping structure while the leading end of the film is held. After the leading end is secured to the fixed wrapping structure, the leading end of the film is released. The released leading end of the film is then secured to the load. The apparatus holds a leading end of packaging material and provides relative rotation between the load and a dispenser to dispense packaging material. The apparatus also secures a held leading end of packaging material and secures a released leading end of packaging material between two layers of packaging material. A method and apparatus for securing a final tail of film to the load also are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a top and bottom of a load with packaging material is provided. The apparatus includes at least one non-driven packaging material guide is provided for use in combination with a powered conveying surface. The non-powered packaging material guide includes at least one row of non-driven wheels attached to a rail. The force applied by the packaging material as it is wrapped around the guide is supported by both the rail and the at least one row of non-driven wheels. The rail also serves to bridge any gaps between the non-driven wheels, thereby preventing capture of packaging material between the non-driven wheels. Preferably, the packaging material guide includes two rows of non-driven wheels, one on each side of the rail. Further, it is preferable that the rail connect the two rows of wheels such that the two rows of wheels form an angle of 60 degrees between them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an initial tail of film to a load while wrapping the load with packaging material are provided. The method includes holding a leading end of packaging material while providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap film around the load. A portion of the leading end of film is secured to a fixed wrapping structure while the leading end of the film is held. After the leading end is secured to the fixed wrapping structure, the leading end of the film is released. The released leading end of the film is then secured to the load. The apparatus includes means for holding a leading end of packaging material and means for providing relative rotation between the load and a dispenser to dispense packaging material. The apparatus also includes means for securing a held leading end of packaging material and means for securing a released leading end of packaging material between two layers of packaging material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a top and bottom of a load with packaging material is provided. The apparatus includes at least one non-driven packaging material guide is provided for use in combination with a powered conveying surface. The non-powered packaging material guide includes at least one row of non-driven wheels attached to a rail. The force applied by the packaging material as it is wrapped around the guide is supported by both the rail and the at least one row of non-driven wheels. The rail also serves to bridge any gaps between the non-driven wheels, thereby preventing capture of packaging material between the non-driven wheels. Preferably, the packaging material guide includes two rows of non-driven wheels, one on each side of the rail. Further, it is preferable that the rail connect the two rows of wheels such that the two rows of wheels form an angle of 60 degrees between them.