Abstract: A stretch wrap applicator includes one or more cutting members arranged, for instance, in parallel and designed to engage the stretch wrap to cut it into strips as it is dispensed from the roll. The strips are then gathered and stretched into strings that are wrapped around the object. The strings formed from the stretch wrap can stretch to an extended length while maintaining excellent tensile strength to secure heavy loads. In a further approach, an applicator can selectively gathers or not gather the stretch film in such a way as to create a solid string or a film during continuous application to an object so that the user can rotate from film to string and then back to film. Such approaches save on the volume of stretch wrap used to secure a load without significantly compromising strength.
Abstract: Attachment apparatuses are attached to a pallet to allow rope or string, such as that made from stretch film, to securely attach a load or object to the pallet for shipping. The apparatuses can be clip or nail based to secure to the pallet or wedge based to wedge into the middle of the pallet. These devices orient an engagement surface designed to engage the rope or string.
Abstract: A rolled material dispenser includes a brake mechanism designed to govern the rolling of a roll of packing material during dispensing of the packing material to reduce unintended tearing of the packing material and improve the user experience of handling such material dispensing. In one example, the brake mechanism includes a first portion configured to engage the roll during normal unloading of material from the roll and a second portion configured to engage the roll to impede rotation of the roll when unloading of material is uneven. An idler roller engages the material being dispensed, which idler roller may be resiliently supported to absorb forces on the material.
Abstract: A rolled material dispenser includes a brake mechanism designed to govern the rolling of a roll of packing material during dispensing of the packing material to reduce unintended tearing of the packing material and improve the user experience of handling such material dispensing. In one example, the brake mechanism includes a first portion configured to engage the roll during normal unloading of material from the roll and a second portion configured to engage the roll to impede rotation of the roll when unloading of material is uneven. An idler roller engages the material being dispensed, which idler roller may be resiliently supported to absorb forces on the material.
Abstract: A stretch wrap applicator includes a member designed to engage the stretch wrap or stretch film as it is dispensed and to deform the stretch wrap by creating additional pockets of stretch on the stretch wrap transverse to its plane. The additional deformations caused by the member engaging the stretch wrap whether done in-line using the applicator or offline using equipment effects an additional stretch of the stretch film during application beyond the typical stretch caused by tension on stretch wrap when being applied to an object.
Abstract: A packaging material dispenser includes a brake arm with a horizontal portion that rests across the width of the peripheral surface of a roll of packaging material and includes a cutting tool arranged on the brake horizontal portion to aid in cutting across the width of the packaging material. The cutting tool is a slider-cutter that rides along a channel along the horizontal portion to enable the slider-cutter to ride within the channel to cut the packaging material. In another approach, the cutting tool is a stationary tear initiator configured to initiate a tear at one edge of the packaging material to facilitate tearing across the rest of the width of the packaging material. The brake arm is rotatably connected to a mast of the dispenser capable of holding at least one roll of packaging material on a support arm and allowing rotation of the roll thereabout.