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 means 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: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined substantially constant length of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for each revolution of relative rotation between a packaging material dispenser and the load is determined. A rotational drive system used to provide the relative rotation is linked to a pre-stretch assembly portion of the packaging material dispenser. The linkage may be mechanical or electrical. The linkage controls a ratio of the rotational speed to the pre-stretch assembly dispensing speed, such that the predetermined substantially constant length of pre-stretched packaging material is dispensed for each revolution of the packaging material dispenser relative to the load regardless of the speed of the rotational drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A packaging material dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring may include a pulley that connects to the band, such that the rotating ring is driven by the drive belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum packaging material use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched packaging material that is between approximately 90% and approximately 120% of load girth. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a ratio of rotating ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a final tail of film to a wrapped load are provided. The method includes dispensing a film web from a dispenser and providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap the film web around the load. A blower is actuated and applies a stream of air to the film web as the film web extends along a film path between a corner of the load and the dispenser. While applying the stream of air to the film web, the film web is weakened between the corner of the load and the dispenser and then severed, and the final tail of film is secured to the load with the stream of air.

Abstract: A film dispenser for a stretch wrapping apparatus is provided. The film dispenser includes a pre-stretch assembly having a top portion mounted to and extending downwardly from a drive plate of a roll carriage frame. The pre-stretch assembly includes two pre-stretch rollers having first ends connected to the roll carriage frame and second ends connected to one another. The pre-stretch rollers may be coated. The pre-stretch assembly further includes a cantilevered idle roller mounted to the drive plate and positioned between the pre-stretch rollers. A film path is defined by the space between the pre-stretch rollers and the idle roller. The film path is easily accessible via the bottom end of the pre-stretch assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt, such that the rotating ring is driven by the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set.

Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is grasped in a packaging material holder while a load is wrapped. Packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material holder may be positioned on the rotating surface of a turntable but isolated from any electrical or fluid power source of a rotatable surface of the turntable. During the wrapping cycle, the packaging material holder moves downstream along the turntable, automatically releasing the leading end of the packaging material and automatically grasping a trailing end of the packaging material. The packaging material is weakened and then severed between the packaging material holder and the load. The packaging material holder is mounted to permit it to move upstream due to force exerted by the packaging material held in the holder.

Abstract: Apparatuses and related methods of use are provided for the accumulation and wrapping of palletized loads with packaging material. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a low profile conveyor having non-powered conveying elements. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a stretch wrapping system for wrapping palletized loads. The stretch wrapping system may include a dispenser, a means for providing relative rotation between the dispenser and the load to be wrapped, a low profile conveyor, and a powered pusher assembly for moving the loads.

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 guide rollers configured to engage the width of the film web, and at least one roping element. The at least one roping element may be a cable rolling roper configured to roll a portion of the film web into a rolled cable of film. The apparatus may also include means 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.