Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a palletized load are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a film dispenser for dispensing a film web, at least one drive down roller configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping mechanism. The at least one roping mechanism may be a cable rolling element configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include an assembly for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap a roped portion of the film web around a base of the load/top portion of a pallet supporting the load.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material to a load are disclosed. An amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed by a packaging material dispenser is determined based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed is determined, a ratio of relative rotational speed to packaging material dispenser speed can be set and mechanically controlled. In an alternative embodiment, the ratio is electronically controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a load with packaging material may include a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material. The apparatus may also include a relative rotation assembly for providing relative rotation between the load and the packaging material dispenser. The apparatus may further include a mechanical connection operatively coupling the packaging material dispenser to the relative rotation assembly. The relative rotation assembly may be configured to drive the packaging material dispenser through the mechanical connection. The apparatus may further include a force exerting mechanism operatively coupled to the mechanical connection. The apparatus may further include a sensing element configured sense a characteristic of dispensed packaging material. The sensing element may be operatively coupled to the mechanical connection.

Abstract: A packaging material dispenser may include a roll carriage having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a base plate separating the upper portion from the lower portion. The packaging material dispenser may also include a packaging material dispensing assembly mounted on an upper surface of the base plate and defining at least a portion of a packaging material path. A first portion of the packaging material path may extend behind the packaging material dispensing assembly. The upper portion of the roll carriage may include an opening defining a packaging material path access area positioned to provide access to a top of the packaging material path. The packaging material dispenser may also include a packaging material dispensing assembly drive mechanism extending below the base plate.

Abstract: A film dispenser is provided, including an open top roll carriage having a base plate on which a film dispensing assembly, including an upstream roller and a downstream roller, may be mounted. A film path for film traveling through the film-dispensing assembly may be at least partially defined by a surface of the upstream roller and a surface of the downstream roller. The film path may be accessible via the open top of the roll carriage. The film dispenser may also include a drive assembly for the upstream roller and the downstream roller mounted below the base plate.