STRETCH WRAP DISPENSER

Abstract

An apparatus and method for a stretch wrap dispenser are disclosed. An example embodiment includes: a stem; a lower roll holder and stand-up base attached to the stem, beveled side up, with a stem stud, the lower roll holder and stand-up base being configured to enable the stem to stand upright; an upper roll holder attached to the stem, beveled side down, and configured to cause a stretch wrap material roll to fit snugly between the lower roll holder and stand-up base and the upper roll holder; a compression spring placed over the stem; a handle attached to the stem; and a tension control pin insertable through one of a set of holes in the stem to adjust for a desired level of tension in the compression spring.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to the field of stretch wrap dispensers.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the disclosure provided herein and to the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright 2016-2017, Marc Goldman; All Rights Reserved.

BACKGROUND

Stretch film or wrap is generally known in the industry as a material that can be used to securely wrap a collection of objects together using the stretch material's resiliency and dinginess. Stretch wrap is typically understood to be a polyethylene stretch film that is generally dispensed from a roll for use in a variety of applications. For instance, stretch wrap is held against a collection of objects and dispensed and stretched around the collection of objects and wrapped over itself up to several times to cover and hold together the collection of objects. In the shipping industry, for example, a collection of materials may be placed on a pallet to secure such articles together during the shipping process. A collection of boxes placed on a pallet can be shipped as a single cohesive unit when bound together through wrapping with stretch wrap.

Typically, during application, a tension is applied to the stretch film as it is applied to the objects being wrapped. This tension stretches the film to facilitate a secure binding of the wrapped objects together. Most known devices work by rotating the film around a spindle core while tension is applied to the core of the stretch film to create drag so that when the stretch film unrolls, it is stretched tight around the package. However, conventional devices are often configured to require the user to bend over or reach up while applying the stretch film around the package. This can result in user fatigue or even injury when applying stretch film to packages at a level below the waist of the user or above the chest of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the stretch wrap dispenser of an example embodiment as shown with different handle lengths;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the components of the stretch wrap dispenser of an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the stem of the stretch wrap dispenser of an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side detail view of an end of the handle with an attached tension control pin and lanyard of an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the roller portion of the assembled stretch wrap dispenser of an example embodiment showing the handle, the tension control pin and lanyard, the compression spring, the upper roll holder, and a roll of stretch wrap material;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the lower roll holder and stand-up base of an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the lower roll holder and stand-up base of an example embodiment showing the recessed stem stud and stem stud spacer;

FIG. 8 illustrates usage of an example embodiment by a user showing the application of stretch wrap to a package at various levels including levels below the waist and above the chest of the user; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram representing a sequence of operations performed in a method according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter can be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter as described herein, there is disclosed, illustrated, and claimed an apparatus and method for a stretch wrap dispenser. The example embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus, system, and method implemented as a stretch wrap dispenser, which can be used in a variety of applications including applying stretch wrap material from a roll on and around a variety of types and sizes of packages or freight.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 8, an example embodiment of the stretch wrap dispenser 100 is illustrated. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the stretch wrap dispenser of an example embodiment as shown with different handle lengths. The stretch wrap dispenser 100 can be configured with a handle of varying lengths to enable a user to apply the stretch wrap material to a variety of different sizes, heights, and shapes of packages. The stretch wrap dispensers 100 shown in FIG. 1 with longer handles can be used at ground level or high over the head of a user without bending, stooping, or reaching. As described in more detail below, the stretch wrap dispensers 100 of example embodiments provide a design alternative for applying stretch wrap, wherein the stretch wrap dispenser 100 is lighter, quicker, and less physically demanding to use than a parallel handle dispenser. Moreover, the stretch wrap dispenser 100 allows the user to apply the stretch wrap in a natural, upright manner, thereby reducing fatigue and injuries. The stretch wrap dispenser 100 is configured to allow a user to wrap the bottom, middle, and top of a pallet of freight in a natural, forward facing, upright manner. As described in more detail below, the stretch wrap dispenser 100 is configured with a stand-up base, which allows the stretch wrap dispenser 100 to be set down anywhere when not in use and remain upright. The stand-up base offers a lower profile so the stretch wrap dispenser 100 can wrap less than on inch from the floor, securing freight more securely to a pallet. Additionally, the stand-up base provides longer wear protection and finer tension control. The stand-up base also protects the stretch wrap material from scratches, nicks, and cuts; because the stretch wrap material doesn't touch the ground. The stretch wrap dispenser 100 of the example embodiments are built with super strong, lightweight aluminum to stand up to heavy use. The stretch wrap dispensers 100 of the example embodiments shown in FIG. 1 can be configured with 60″, 52″, or 39″ handles that eliminate all bending when wrapping the bottom of a pallet and eliminate reaching when wrapping the top of tall pallets. Without bending and reaching, more energy is committed to a tighter wrap, top to bottom. The top of a freight bundle can be wrapped without the user having to reach above his/her head. The example embodiments also eliminate the risk involved with securing freight to a pallet with the over-under method of wrapping elevated pallets. The example embodiments are designed for use with 12″, 15″, 16″, 17″, and 18″ rolls of stretch wrap material with a 3″ core. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein that handles of different lengths and stretch wrap rolls of different dimensions can be equivalently accommodated in the various disclosed example embodiments, which are described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the components of the stretch wrap dispenser 100 of an example embodiment. As shown, a stem 110 is provided as a main structural element of the stretch wrap dispenser 100. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the stem of the stretch wrap dispenser 100 of an example embodiment. The stem 110 can be fabricated from aluminum or other rigid material. In the example embodiment, the stem 110 can be perforated with a plurality of tension adjustment holes 112.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the stem 110 is configured to slide into an opening in an end of a handle 115. The handle 115 can be configured with a foam grip and handle plug 160 as shown. The handle 115 can also be perforated with a plurality of tension adjustment holes 117. The handle 115 of an example embodiment can also provide a surface onto which product labeling or advertising can be placed. The end 119 of the handle 115 is configured with a surface to enable compression of a compression spring 130 when the stretch wrap dispenser 100 is assembled as described in more detail below. FIG. 4 illustrates a side detail view of an end of the handle 115 with an attached tension control pin 135 and lanyard 137 of an example embodiment. The tension control pin 135 can be inserted into any of the holes 117 of the handle 115 and through any of the aligned holes 112 of the stem 110 to adjust the tension of compression spring 130. The compression spring 130 can be placed over an end of the stem 110 as the stem 110 is inserted into the opening in the end of the handle 115. The ends 119 of handle 115 and a surface of an upper roll holder 140 attached to the stem 110 serve to capture the compression spring 130 with a desired level of compression as adjusted with the tension control pin 135.

Referring still to FIG. 2, an upper roll holder 140 and a lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 are shown attached concentrically to the stem 110. The upper roll holder 140 and the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 are configured with a round projecting or beveled surface configured to fit within the inner void of a roll of stretch wrap material 150 shown in FIG. 5. The upper roll holder 140 and the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 serve to retain the roll of stretch wrap material 150 therebetween. The action of the compression spring 130 serves to force the upper roll holder 140 against an end of the roll of stretch wrap material 150 with a variable and selectable level of pressure, thereby enabling the user to configure the level of force needed to pull the stretch wrap material from the roll 150. As described above, the tension control pin 135 as inserted into any of the holes 117 and 112 can be used to adjust the tension of compression spring 130 and the force the upper roll holder 140 applies against an end of the roll of stretch wrap material 150. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the roller portion of the assembled stretch wrap dispenser 100 of an example embodiment showing the handle 115, the tension control pin 135 and lanyard 137, the compression spring 130, the upper roll holder 140, and a roll of stretch wrap material 150.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 of an example embodiment. The stretch wrap dispenser 100 of an example embodiment is configured with the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 as shown, which allows the stretch wrap dispenser 100 to be set down anywhere when not in use and remain upright. As a result, the stand-up base also protects the stretch wrap material 150 from scratches, nicks, and cuts; because the stretch wrap material 150 doesn't touch the ground. Additionally, the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 offers a lower profile so the stretch wrap dispenser 100 can wrap less than an inch from the floor, securing freight more securely to a pallet. Thus, the stand-up base provides longer wear protection and finer tension control.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 of an example embodiment showing the stem stud 147 and stem stud spacer. The stem stud 147 and stem stud spacer can be inserted into an end of the stem 110 to attach the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 to the lower end of the stem 110. In the example embodiment as shown, the stem stud 147 and stem stud spacer can be recessed into the lower surface of the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 so the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 can enable the stretch wrap dispenser 100 to stand upright.

In an example embodiment, a method for assembling the stretch wrap dispenser 100 includes among the following operations: inserting the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 over the stem 110, beveled side up and rotating the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 until it locks in place with the stem stud 147; inserting a stretch wrap material roll 150 over the stem 110; inserting the upper roll holder 140 over the stem 110, beveled side down and causing the stretch wrap material roll 150 to fit snugly between the lower roll holder and stand-up base 145 and the upper roll holder 140; placing the compression spring 130 over the stem 110; inserting a handle 115 through an open loop of the tension control pin lanyard 137 to which the tension control pin 135 is attached; sliding the handle 115 over the stem 110; and adjusting to a desired level of tension by compressing the compression spring 130 and inserting the tension control pin 135 through one of a set of holes 112 in the stem 110.

FIG. 8 illustrates usage of the stretch wrap dispenser 100 of an example embodiment by a user showing the application of stretch wrap material to a package or freight pallet at various levels including levels below the waist and above the chest of the user. As shown, the stretch wrap dispenser 100 can be used with the handle 115 up or down. The tension control pin 135 can be used to adjust the tension of compression spring 130 and the force needed to pull the stretch wrap material from the roll 150. Note that the application of stretch wrap material to the package or freight pallet does not require the user to bend, stoop, or reach, which promotes less user fatigue and less chance for user injury.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram representing a sequence of operations performed in a method according to an example embodiment. In accordance with the example method 1000, the method comprises: inserting a lower roll holder and stand-up base over a stem, beveled side up and rotating the lower roll holder and stand-up base until it locks in place with a stem stud (operation 1010); inserting a stretch wrap material roll over the stem (operation 1020); inserting an upper roll holder over the stem, beveled side down and causing the stretch wrap material roll to fit snugly between the lower roll holder and stand-up base and the upper roll holder (operation 1030); placing a compression spring over the stem (operation 1040); inserting the handle through the open loop of a tension control pin lanyard to which a tension control pin is attached (operation 1050); sliding the handle over the stem (operation 1060); and adjusting to a desired level of tension by compressing the compression spring and inserting the tension control pin through one of a set of holes in the stem (operation 1070).

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of components and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the description provided herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The figures herein are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The description herein may include terms, such as “up”, “down”, “upper”, “lower”, “first”, “second”, etc. that are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. The elements, materials, geometries, dimensions, and sequence of operations may all be varied to suit particular applications. Parts of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. While the foregoing examples of dimensions and ranges are considered typical, the various embodiments are not limited to such dimensions or ranges.

The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments have more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

As described herein, an apparatus and method for a stretch wrap dispenser are disclosed. Although the disclosed subject matter has been described with reference to several example embodiments, it may be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed subject matter in all its aspects. Although the disclosed subject matter has been described with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the disclosed subject matter is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the subject matter extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stretch wrap dispenser comprising:

a stem;

a lower roll holder and stand-up base attached to the stem, beveled side up, with a stem stud, the lower roll holder and stand-up base being configured to enable the stem to stand upright;

an upper roll holder attached to the stem, beveled side down, and configured to cause a stretch wrap material roll to fit snugly between the lower roll holder and stand-up base and the upper roll holder;

a compression spring placed over the stem;

a handle attached to the stem; and

a tension control pin insertable through one of a set of holes in the stem to adjust for a desired level of tension in the compression spring.

2. The stretch wrap dispenser of claim 1 including a lanyard attached to the tension control pin.

3. The stretch wrap dispenser of claim 1 wherein the handle is 60″, 52″, or 39″ long.

4. The stretch wrap dispenser of claim 1 wherein the stem and the handle are fabricated from aluminum.

5. The stretch wrap dispenser of claim 1 wherein the handle includes holes through which the tension control pin can be inserted.

6. A method comprising:

inserting a lower roll holder and stand-up base over a stem, beveled side up and rotating the lower roll holder and stand-up base until it locks in place with a stem stud, the lower roll holder and stand-up base being configured to enable the stem to stand upright;

inserting a stretch wrap material roll over the stem;

inserting an upper roll holder over the stem, beveled side down and causing the stretch wrap material roll to fit snugly between the lower roll holder and stand-up base and the upper roll holder;

placing a compression spring over the stem;

inserting a handle through the open loop of a tension control pin lanyard to which a tension control pin is attached;

sliding the handle over the stem; and

adjusting to a desired level of tension by compressing the compression spring and inserting the tension control pin through one of a set of holes in the stem.

7. The method of claim 6 including attaching a lanyard to the tension control pin.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein the handle is 60″, 52″, or 39″ long.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein the stem and the handle are fabricated from aluminum.

10. The method of claim 6 wherein the handle includes holes through which the tension control pin can be inserted.