Cinching Or Wiping Around To Form Initial Wrap Patents (Class 53/465)
  • Patent number: 11952153
    Abstract: A self-propelled wrapping machine movable around a load to wrap the load with a plastic film in a wrapping cycle, comprising a self-propelled carriage; a upright fixed to the carriage and slidably supporting an unwinding unit provided at least with a reel of film; a first gripping unit that is supported by the carriage, and is movable and arranged to hold and unwind an initial flap of film from the unwinding unit in an initial step of the wrapping cycle; and a second gripping unit that is supported by the carriage, and is movable and arranged to position and release an anchoring element on the initial flap of film in the initial step of the wrapping cycle so as to fix the initial flap of film to a supporting plane and to grasp and lift the anchoring element from the supporting plane so as to disengage it from the initial flap of film after at least one turn of the self-propelled wrapping machine around the load wrapping the load with the film supplied by the unwinding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: ROBOPAC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Pierangelo Laghi, Luca Delbaldo
  • Patent number: 9199752
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing wrapped bales comprises a wrapping device for circulating a web dispensing device in a first plane of rotation around a bale during a first wrapping stage. The surface of the web of wrapping material is kept substantially normal to the first plane of rotation. During a second wrapping stage, the bale may further be rotated by a rotating device in a second plane of rotation substantially normal to the first plane of rotation. Between the first and the second stages, the surface of the wrapping material web may be turned about 90° such that the surface of the web is always substantially normal to the planes of rotation in both stages. The first wrapping stage includes using a tunnel device, which makes it possible to produce both unbound wrapped bales and bound wrapped bales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Cross Wrap OY
    Inventor: Kalle Kivelä
  • Patent number: 8973340
    Abstract: An aim assembly includes a hub movable about a central axis and at least one support operably connected to the hub. At least one arm is operably connected to the at least one support and thereby movable about the central axis in a predetermined path. At least one adjustment mechanism is located at the central axis and is capable of altering the predetermined path during movement of the at least one support about the central axis. A method of operating an arm assembly includes locating at least one hub at a central axis and moving at least one arm about the central axis in a predetermined path. The at least one arm is operably connected to the at least one hub via at least one support. An adjustment mechanism is engaged thereby altering the predetermined path during movement of the at least one arm about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Standard Knapp Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Weaver
  • Publication number: 20140223860
    Abstract: A method for enveloping an item to be packaged includes supplying the item to a wrapping unit using a first feed unit, cutting a packaging blank having two side flaps, a base flap, and a closing flap to size, supplying the packaging blank to the wrapping unit using a second feed unit, combining the item and the packaging blank in the wrapping unit, and wrapping the item with the packaging blank, wherein the item and the packaging blank are supplied to the wrapping unit in a line and in opposite directions, at least in one section. This method further includes wrapping the item by folding the side flaps, and by folding the base flap, in any order, gluing the side flaps and the base flap together, and wrapping the item by folding the closing flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Gotthard Schmid, Marc Fleckenstein
  • Patent number: 8756901
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved packaging method and apparatus. An item enclosed in the V-Pack is shipped or stored in such a way that there is no extra space inside. This is accomplished by specially formulated foam included in each box. In this manner, internal damage to goods is rendered impossible. In addition, an extra layer of foam protects the item or items from damage by external elements, such as moisture and extreme cold or warm temperatures. Any excess air inside the chamber where the items are located, is removed by an external pump, creating a vacuum effect, which provides for the item's safe storage conditions. To facilitate the vacuum action, a valve is provided in two sections on the packaging box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Vlad Carey
  • Patent number: 8695312
    Abstract: An apparatus for clamping packaging material may include a packaging material holder. The packaging material holder may include a first jaw, a second jaw, opposing the first jaw, and a jaw opening between the first and second jaws. The jaw opening may be configured to receive a portion of packaging material. The packaging material holder may include an inflatable structure configured to fill at least a portion of the opening. The apparatus also may include a packaging material insertion tool configured to insert the portion of packaging material into the jaw opening for clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Johnson, David E. Eldridge, Jeremy McCray
  • Publication number: 20140083055
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a sealed package about a food product, such as a confectionary including a bonbon. A sheet of film having a pre-applied adhesive is wrapped around the food product. The adhesive is positioned on the film so that a fin seal is formed between leading and trailing edge portions of the film in the course of forming a tube about the food product. Adhesive is also positioned on the film so that during the twisting of the open ends of the tube to enclose the food product a seal is formed at each end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Solon Filho Rodrigues, Jose Antonio Azevedo Gomes
  • Patent number: 8650837
    Abstract: A product roll packaging apparatus includes a transfer unit for lifting and transferring a product roll from a conveyor, a wrapping unit for wrapping a protective sheet around the roll and attaching an end thereof with an adhesive tape, a protective sheet supply unit for cutting off the sheet from a sheet roll and supplying it along a protective sheet path line to the wrapping unit, and a tape supply unit for supplying the tape to the end of the cut sheet. The transfer unit includes a position correcting mechanism for establishing a reference line depending on the roll size, and bringing a reference end face of the roll into alignment with a vertical plane including the reference line. The protective sheet supply unit includes an edge position control mechanism for bringing a reference edge of the sheet into alignment with the reference line corresponding to the roll size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Watanabe, Tsutomu Tada, Nobuyasu Akiyoshi, Yasushi Kikuchi, Toshiaki Kenmotsu
  • Publication number: 20130255196
    Abstract: A bale wrapping apparatus includes a bale engager to engage an end of a bale and a bale engager mover to move the bale engager between a bale engaging position in which the bale engager faces in a first direction and a bale releasing position in which the bale engager faces in a second direction such that a bale can be engaged and disengaged by the bale engager while the bale engaging apparatus is propelled in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: FRONT MACHINERY LIMITED
    Inventor: John Johnston
  • Patent number: 8468785
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing and hot-filling a PET container comprising the following steps: a) providing a PET preform capable of being blow molded; b) blow molding the preform in the cavity of a mold so as to form a container; c) removing the container from the mold cavity; d) filling the container with a liquid, the temperature of which is above 80° C.; e) sealing the container in a leaktight fashion; f) sterilizing and cooling the container; and g) shrinking the container, characterized in that: in step a) a PET preform composed of a copolymer based on terephthalic acid is used; in step a), at least one part of the preform is at a temperature greater than or equal to 110° C.; the temperature of the mold used in step b) is less than or equal to 65° C.; and during step g) the container is heated for a duration between 1 and 5 seconds at a temperature between 600 and 1000° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Aisapack Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Jacques Thomasset
  • Patent number: 8387346
    Abstract: A method of gift box wrapping utilizing a pre-formed and pre-taped wrapping paper sheet, having a marking on a back side thereof which divides the sheet into a first end and a second end, a placement area within the marking, and an embossed label integrally disposed on the sheet front side, with which a user wraps a gift box without the use of scissors and a roll of tape. A user places a gift box within the placement area and folds the first end over a portion of the gift box, then folds the second end over the gift box and secures the second end to a double-sided first adhesive strip disposed proximal to a first edge on the first end. The user then folds and secures the left and right sides of the sheet with double-sided second adhesive strips to encase the gift box therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Debora Coates
  • Patent number: 8356456
    Abstract: A wrapping apparatus, system, station and/or process is generally provided. As to the apparatus, it includes a wrap bar for engaging and directing a wrapper about the product, a wrap bar carrier from which the wrap bar extends, and a drive assembly operatively linked to the wrap bar carrier. The carrier block, which translatingly retains the carrier intermediate opposing end portions thereof, is adapted for driven rotation about a wrapping axis of the apparatus so as to thereby rotatingly drive the bar about the axis via rotation of the carrier. The drive assembly, which is operatively linked to the carrier, selectively translates the carrier in relation to the carrier block during driven rotation of the carrier such that a radial distance for the bar from the axis is thereby capable of selective establishment in furtherance of delimiting a wrap bar travel path commensurate with the product profile of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Floding, Richard W. Lukanen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8356460
    Abstract: A wrapping paper for a roll having two opposed roll ends, the wrapping paper includes: a paper layer; and at least one exposed strip having adhesive properties. The at least one exposed strip is proximate to a side edge of the paper layer and covers at least a portion of one of the roll ends when wrapped around the roll. A method for wrapping a roll having a pair of spaced roll ends and an outer roll surface extending between the roll ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cascades Conversion Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Scott Bowden, Denis Aumais, Michel Labbe
  • Publication number: 20110308982
    Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a cylindrical roll of coiled material, such as coiled steel, is a one-piece wrapper which covers the outer periphery, the ends and the inner periphery of the roll. The wrapper has a first portion for covering the ends and outer periphery and a second portion for covering the inner periphery. Draw strings are provided at the longitudinal edges of the first portion for cinching the wrapper against the ends of the roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: IBCO SRL, INTERWRAP INC.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110214397
    Abstract: A wrapping apparatus, system, station and/or process is generally provided. As to the apparatus, it includes a wrap bar for engaging and directing a wrapper about the product, a wrap bar carrier from which the wrap bar extends, and a drive assembly operatively linked to the wrap bar carrier. The carrier block, which translatingly retains the carrier intermediate opposing end portions thereof, is adapted for driven rotation about a wrapping axis of the apparatus so as to thereby rotatingly drive the bar about the axis via rotation of the carrier. The drive assembly, which is operatively linked to the carrier, selectively translates the carrier in relation to the carrier block during driven rotation of the carrier such that a radial distance for the bar from the axis is thereby capable of selective establishment in furtherance of delimiting a wrap bar travel path commensurate with the product profile of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel L. Floding, Richard W. Lukanen, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110120903
    Abstract: A method of forming a sealed wrapping about an article, whereby a sheet of wrapping material is folded and sealed about the article to form a substantially tubular partial wrapping having two open ends, and a sealing flap projecting outwards crosswise to the partial wrapping; the sealing flap is folded onto a major lateral portion of the partial wrapping; and the open ends of the partial wrapping are then gripped and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Daniele Civolani, Massimo Carrara
  • Patent number: 7918072
    Abstract: A manually operated bale wrapping apparatus for a round baler having a wrapping apparatus position indicator device which is visually observable by an operator that enables the operator to manually monitor and manipulate the wrapping apparatus, thereby reducing the need for an electronic control system on the baler to manage the operations of the bale wrapping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John R. McClure, Mark K. Chow
  • Patent number: 7913895
    Abstract: A wrapping paper for a roll having two opposed roll ends, the wrapping paper includes: a paper layer; and at least one exposed strip having adhesive properties. The at least one exposed strip is proximate to a side edge of the paper layer and covers at least a portion of one of the roll ends when wrapped around the roll. A method for wrapping a roll having a pair of spaced roll ends and an outer roll surface extending between the roll ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cascades Conversion, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Scott Bowden, Denis Aumais, Michel Labbé
  • Patent number: 7832187
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods relating to produce wrapping are described. One implementation includes first and second conveying devices configured to conform to, and cooperatively convey a produce item over a distance and thereby cause an associated media to be snugly wrapped around the produce item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Emerald Automation LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Keith Bubar
  • Patent number: 7707804
    Abstract: Soap bars that are not of essentially a square or rectangular shape, but of a generally rectangular shape, can be packaged using a single plastic film wrapper. This plastic film preferably is biaxially oriented polypropylene of from about 60 micron to about 180 microns. It can be a monolayer or a multilayer laminated. However, any plastic film having a Taber stiffness of more than about 5 and preferably about 7 to 20 can be used. The soap bar in order to facilitate making an effective longitudinal seal on the bottom of the soap bar package should have a planar surface adjacent to the position of the overlapping longitudinal edges of the wrapping film. This provides a surface for the sealing plate to seal the longitudinal edges against.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Steven Johnson, Todd VanGordon
  • Publication number: 20100031610
    Abstract: Packaging tools, which, in various embodiments, are adapted to assist a user in applying material from a roll of packaging material (e.g., packing tape, stretch wrap or shrink wrap) to an item or group of items. The packaging tool is typically adapted to move between: (1) a first orientation in which the packaging tool does not substantially restrict the rotation of the roll of packaging material adjacent the packaging tool; and (2) a second orientation in which the packaging tool does substantially restrict (e.g., prevent) the rotation of the roll of stretch wrap tool adjacent the packaging tool. A user typically maintains the packaging tool in the first orientation as the user wraps the packaging material about an item. The user may then move the packaging tool into the second orientation, which allows the user to pull the packaging material tight and separate the applied length of packaging material from the roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Steven L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100018165
    Abstract: In one aspect, a stretch wrap system configured to separately wrap a plurality of loads in film comprising a plurality of stretch wrapping machines, each machine comprising at least one sensing mechanism configured to sense the presence of a load, and a control box electrically coupled to sensing mechanisms, the control box comprising a start button configured to start the machines when sensing mechanisms detect load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Francis Kudia
  • Publication number: 20090277137
    Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting, by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through first and second axially aligned product chutes; (b) pulling covering material from an exterior surface of a covering material chute residing about the second product chute to automatically enclose the object in the material as the object exits the second product chute; (c) applying at least one clip to the material to secure the object in the material; and (d) pivoting the covering material chute and second product chute together to load a sleeve of material onto the covering material chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis J. May, Samuel D. Griggs, Matthew Lowder, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090211205
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for wrapping articles and more particularly a pile of goods on a palette, in a foil hood, comprising the following operations—draw off of a length of a flat tube consisting from a supply, said flat tube consisting of respectively two foil webs, which are folded in an inward direction and accordingly are directly superposed in a flat state with an integral foil, opening out the end, which is to the fore in the draw off direction, of the tube, at least partially sealing the length, pulled off the foil supply, essentially athwart the draw off direction at a position remote from the foremost end of the tube (sealing position), cutting off the tube from the remaining foil supply at a position preceding the sealing position as considered in the draw off direction, drawing the tube over the articles to be wrapped, preferably after preceding reefing of the hood or of the tube portion eventually forming it on a reefing means, the flat tube, after final draw off from the supply thereof and pri
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Per Lachenmaier, Karl Magnus Rasztar
  • Publication number: 20090188213
    Abstract: A box wrapping assembly and method incorporates a framework having a special top hold-down platen that functions with a cooperating fixture that is affixed to a rotatable turntable. Using this assembly and method, the operator can place four sidewall panels in a self-positioning fixture and panel-capturing platen prior to wrapping. Stretch film is connected to the fixture by means of hook device and the stretch film is automatically pre-stretched to a rope of stretched film for particular application where the box contents are intended to be contained within the box under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel M. LARDINOIS
  • Patent number: 7540124
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a plurality of tubes which includes a plurality of supporting stations, each of which includes a pair of stanchions upon which pulleys are positioned. An endless belt is threaded along the pulleys and one of the pulleys is driven by a drive motor to move the endless belt to rotate a bundle of tubes positioned on the belt. A roll of stretch wrapping plastic material such as polyethylene is disposed upon a trolley movable along a rail. The polyethylene plastic film engages the exterior of the bundle of tubes and as the bundle rotates, the film is moved from the roll to encompass and wrap the bundle of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Western Tube & Conduit Corporation
    Inventor: Sherman Dean Anderson
  • Publication number: 20090044494
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a material, such as stretch wrap, to a pallet stacked with objects is provided. Conventional pallet wrapping is labor intensive, causes back injuries, repetitive stress injuries and other work related injuries to users/operators. By contrast, the apparatus of the present invention is portable, light-weight, easy to use and reduces the risk of work place injuries. The apparatus includes an elongated handle having a first end and a second end and a retaining mechanism mounted on the elongated handle for securing a roll of material to the handle. The retaining mechanism includes a first retaining member secured to the first end of the elongated handle and a second retaining member secured to the second end of the elongated handle, where the roll of material is located between the roll of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: BILL THOMAS NORTHRUP
  • Publication number: 20080210591
    Abstract: A method of making a package for shipping an article comprises the step of attaching to a shipping container (22) a flexible material (24) with a cohesive (30) on at least a portion thereof, such that a portion of the flexible material (24) having the cohesive (30) material can be pressed to a cohesive (32) on a surface of at least one of another portion of a flexible material (24) and the shipping container (22). Thus the flexible material (24) is connected to the container (22) such that the cohesive portion can be readily secured to another cohesive portion to hold an article in a desired position in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventor: Robert C. Cheich
  • Patent number: 7415814
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging rolls, particularly paper web rolls; the method includes the steps of taking a roll into a supported position on a roll rotation station and wrapping onto the roll a paper wrapper or the like material dispensed by means of at least one wrapper dispensing station and dispensing means, whereby the wrapper is wound so as to form either a centered wrapping or an overlapping wrapping. The invention is implemented by way of aligning the roll for the wrapping operation by means of transferring the roll rotation station laterally in the axial direction of the roll in regard to the wrapper dispensing system. The invention also relates to an apparatus and a novel roll package utilizing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Saimatec Engineering Oy
    Inventors: Ismo Itkonen, Tapio Korhonen, Risto Laukkanen, Esa Nuutinen, Juha Pitkänen, Heikki Rasimus, Seppo Rasimus, Timo Silvennoinen, Veli Ulvinen
  • Publication number: 20080184676
    Abstract: Packaging apparatus for helically wrapping articles with a stretchable flexible film of wrapping material. A first conveyor (11) for transports unwrapped articles towards a wrapping material applicator (13) and a second conveyor (12) transports articles that have been helically wrapped. The first and second conveyors are spaced apart and the wrapping material applicator (13) is disposed between said first and second conveyors. The wrapping material is applied between the first and second conveyors so as to wrap an article disposed in the space between the conveyors. The applicator has a rotary ring (14) that is supported in rotation by a fixed guide ring. Reels of wrapping film are mounted on the rotary ring and unwound around tensioning rollers. The relative motion of the guide and rotary rings is converted into rotation of the tensioning rollers by a gear train so that the wrapping material is stretched prior to being applied to the articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: OAKBRIDGE INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Graham Paul Downhill
  • Patent number: 7328553
    Abstract: Packets of cigarettes with a predominating longitudinal axis, presenting two larger side faces, two smaller flank faces and two end faces, are overwrapped by a unit incorporating a first conveyor rotatable about a relative axis, on which a sheet of transparent film is folded initially around the side and flank faces of each packet by one of a set of peripheral holder mechanisms pivotable about respective axes parallel to the axis of the conveyor. Each holder mechanism supports a relative packet, gripped between a pair of jaws and disposed with the longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the conveyor, and comprises a clip serving to grip and retain one end of the sheet, operating in conjunction with suction holes by which the remaining free end of the sheet is attracted and restrained and thus kept perfectly under control during the transfer of the packet to a second conveyor that will complete the initial overwrapping step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 7328554
    Abstract: The invention is directed to changing the height of the wrapping bar on a lap seal machine so that articles of different heights can be accommodated by making the height of the wrapping bar adjustable to accommodate taller or shorter articles on a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Alain Cerf
  • Patent number: 7284360
    Abstract: A method for filling a flexible container with a flowable material is provided, including the steps of filling the flexible container, suspending the flexible container, transferring the weight of the flexible container from being suspended to being supported by a support surface, and applying a hoop force to the flexible container to substantially maintain a configuration of the flexible container. The flexible container can be a bag-type container for containing flowable material such as chemicals, food products, agricultural products, and plastic pellets. As the container is lowered from the suspended position to a bottom-supported position, the hoop force is applied around the perimeter as the perimeter changes during transfer of the flexible container from being suspend to being bottom-supported. The hoop force can be applied by stretch wrap. Alternatively, the first flexible container can be lowered into a second flexible container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Randall L. Cary, David C. Ours, Michael Bauman
  • Patent number: 7146780
    Abstract: A method of wrapping an object features using a first conveyor belt to move the object toward a first partial conveyor section which is located at a downstream end of the first conveyor belt and which is moveable vertically and horizontally with respect to a fixing device; transferring the object from the first conveyor belt to the first partial conveyor section and lifting the object to the fixing device; holding and rotating the object using the fixing device; wrapping the object with wrapping material using a wrapping device configured to rotate about an essentially horizontal axis to wrap the object while the object is being rotated by the fixing device about an essentially vertical axis; transferring the object from the fixing device to a second partial conveyor section which is located at an upstream end of a second conveyor and which is moveable vertically and horizontally with respect to the fixing device; and transferring the object from the second partial conveyor section to the second conveyor belt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: H. Bohl GmbH
    Inventor: Karlheinz Brieden
  • Patent number: 7107739
    Abstract: A cross-feed wrapping apparatus and process for wrapping an object such as a paper roll including a stand assembly for supporting a paper wrapper roll, a feeder assembly for moving a paper wrapper section in a first direction, and a knife assembly for cutting the paper wrapper section from the paper wrapper roll. The apparatus has a table assembly including a conveyor assembly for moving the paper wrapper section in the first direction until the paper wrapper section is centered with respect to the paper roll. The table assembly includes a table roller assembly for moving the paper wrapper section in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction toward the paper roll. A vacuum assembly holds the paper wrapper section in the centered position prior to the wrapping of the paper roll. The apparatus includes a support assembly for the paper roll having a support roller assembly for moving the object as the paper roll is being wrapped by the paper wrapper section to produce a wrapped paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Five Brothers Properties, LTD
    Inventors: David J. Pienta, Daniel J. Pienta, David M. Pienta
  • Patent number: 7032361
    Abstract: A system for automatically packaging photosensitive rolls includes a flanged member installing device for selecting flanged members corresponding to a photosensitive roll and automatically installing the flanged members respectively on opposite ends of the photosensitive roll, a tape member applying device for automatically applying a joint tape to an end of the photosensitive roll, a packaging sheet working device for automatically processing light-shielding leaders to dimensions corresponding to the photosensitive roll, an applying mechanism for automatically applying the processed light-shielding leaders to the photosensitive roll, and a packaging sheet takeup device for automatically winding the light-shielding leaders around the photosensitive roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Kadota, Kazuo Okutsu, Koji Tsujimura, Katsumi Tashiro, Kunihiro Sumida
  • Patent number: 6964147
    Abstract: A method of operating a packaging machine and a packaging machine operated by the method, whereby sheets of a packaging material are given an undulating configuration with one or more crests before an end of the sheet is passed between object conveyors and then carried by a wrapping bar around the object to be wrapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Balmer S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Gambetti
  • Patent number: 6877293
    Abstract: The apparatus is a rear extension on a conventional round baler that already produces round bales partially wrapped with plastic around only their cylindrical surface. The additional structure includes a table to receive the bale and rotate the bale so that the unwrapped surfaces face forward and back, after which pivoting arms aligned with the sides of the baler clamp the bale, lift it off the table, and rotate it end over end to continue the wrapping process around the previously uncovered ends. When the bale is completely wrapped, the baler's knife cuts the plastic sheet, and the arms continue pivoting rearward before releasing the bale onto the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Publication number: 20040261364
    Abstract: The invention concern a procedure to wrap an object in a wrapping machine, where the wrapping machine is arranged with a conveyance assembly, containing a first conveyor belt which is leading towards a preferably vertical winding level and a second conveyor belt which is leading away from the winding level, and where furthermore a first partial section of the conveyor belt as well as a second partial section of the second conveyor belt are vertically and horizontally moveable, where furthermore the object to be wrapped in a lifted position can be fixed in the section of the winding level which is located across the basic level of the conveyance assembly where the sections are included which are not vertically moveable, and where according to the procedure the object first will be moved horizontally from the first partial section of the first conveyor belt and next vertically into the level of the fixing device, thereupon this first partial section will be guided out of the section or the winding level, the wr
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: H. Bohl GmbH
    Inventor: Brieden Karlheinz
  • Publication number: 20040177597
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping a protective cover about a bale. The bale is supported stationary on a tined lift of a vehicle and provided within a frame having a roll of a protective cover rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. The roll of protective cover orbits about the bale for at least one complete revolution and protective covering is withdrawn from the roll onto the bale during the revolution. Thereafter, the protective cover is severed, and the wrapped bale is withdrawn from the frame. The time required to load and unload the bale from the wrapping machine is minimized since the bale is engaged by the tined lift of the tractor throughout the entire operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Philip Dougherty
  • Patent number: 6755006
    Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20040083689
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wrapping products having different product profiles includes a conveyor (14, 18, 22) driven by a conveyor drive (34) transporting a product (26). A wrapping mechanism (46) includes a drive mechanism (74) moving a wrap support (86) about a wrapping mechanism axis (58) using a rotatable driver (62) and a carrier (78) extending between the driver (62) and the wrap support (86). In one preferred form, a slideable attachment between the driver (62) and the carrier (78) allows extension and retraction of the wrap support (86) according to the product profile of the product (26). In one preferred form, a guide (82) moves in an adjustable cam track (98) made up of multiple segments (102, 106) to define a path (94) of the wrap support (86). The cam track (98) corresponds to the product profile of the product (26) on the platform (30). One of the cam segments (102, 106) is separately removable to allow for adjustment of the cam track (98).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Leonard Floding, Irvan Leo Pazdernik, Richard Jerome Schoeneck, Paul Howard Wagner
  • Patent number: 6722103
    Abstract: A method of wrapping an object with a heat-shrinkable material. A sheet of the heat-shrinkable material is heated to its frosting temperature and then fitted around the object like a sleeve so that leading and trailing ends of the sheet overlap and are welded together. The object and the sleeve are allowed to cool to shrink the sleeve onto the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Baumer S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Gambetti
  • Patent number: 6720051
    Abstract: A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth, wherein the sleeve is formed of a flexible, laminated material having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. The sleeve includes a lower portion, which has a base portion and a skirt portion, and an upper portion which is detachable from the lower portion. The base, skirt and/or upper portion of the sleeve may be provided with a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. A method for wrapping a floral grouping in a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth includes placing a floral grouping in the sleeve and binding the sleeve about a stem portion of the floral grouping via a bonding material disposed on the sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20030138267
    Abstract: A package including an endless belt; a first cylindrical body contacting an inner surface of the endless belt at a first pressure; a second cylindrical body contacting another inner surface of the endless belt at a second pressure; and a third cylindrical body contacting an outer surface of the endless belt at a third pressure, wherein the endless belt is wound around the first, second and third cylindrical bodies while the first, second and third cylindrical bodies are arranged so as to be parallel to each other and substantially located in one plane, and wherein a surface of each of the first, second and third cylindrical bodies contacting the endless belt has a maximum height of from 0.8 to 150 &mgr;m when measured by a method based on JIS B 0601.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Junichi Yamazaki, Tetsuya Kusano, Mizuho Imaruoka, Satoshi Hasegawa, Kiyoshi Taniguchi, Takato Kiyohara, Naoki Nakatake
  • Patent number: 6591582
    Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20030126837
    Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping includes a sheet of material having a contoured configuration such that the wrapper formed therefrom has a contoured configuration which closely approximates the configuration of the floral grouping, as well as methods for making same. The sheet of material may be constructed of waxed tissue, non-waxed tissue or a tissue substitute, such as a tissue having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of waxed tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20030115835
    Abstract: A system for automatically packaging photosensitive rolls includes a flanged member installing device for selecting flanged members corresponding to a photosensitive roll and automatically installing the flanged members respectively on opposite ends of the photosensitive roll, a tape member applying device for automatically applying a joint tape to an end of the photosensitive roll, a packaging sheet working device for automatically processing light-shielding leaders to dimensions corresponding to the photosensitive roll, an applying mechanism for automatically applying the processed light-shielding leaders to the photosensitive roll, and a packaging sheet takeup device for automatically winding the light-shielding leaders around the photosensitive roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norihiro Kadota, Kazuo Okutsu, Koji Tsujimura, Katsumi Tashiro, Kunihiro Sumida
  • Patent number: 6553741
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically wrapping a sheet about a bouquet of flowers. The sheet having spaced apart defined first and second portions is placed against a support member, such as a prepared table top, and the bouquet is positioned on the sheet with the first and second portions of the sheet extending on right and left sides, respectively, of the bouquet. The first sheet portion is then moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet, and the second sheet portion is moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet and to extend over part of the first sheet portion. The two sheet portions may be secured together by a bonding material, or the first and second portions of the sheet of wrapping material can themselves act as a bonding material by application of appropriate heat sealing, sonic welding, vibratory welding, and similar methods. A stiff wrap ring form may be positioned suspended over the sheet, and the bouquet inserted in the wrap ring form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Fantz, Donald E. Weder, Franklin J. Craig
  • Patent number: 6526729
    Abstract: A method and device for treating plastic film, according to which method plastic film web used as packaging material is wrapped around the object to be packaged. According to the method, the plastic film layers are seamed together and the plastic film web is cut off by heating the seaming point and cutting-off point by means of a heat radiator. Heat-absorbent counterpieces are preferably placed at both the seaming point and the cutting-off point, the said counterpieces being heated through the plastic layers. When the counterpieces absorb heat from the heating radiator, they heat up and at the same time heat the plastic films to be seamed and cut off. In the most advantageous embodiment, the infrared heat radiator is placed inside a tubular gripping counterpiece, which gripping counterpiece comprises slots through which the heat radiation is able to pass to the counterpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: United Packaging PLC
    Inventor: Ismo Herava