Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on one or more spools and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A primary roll of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a primary spool core, and a plurality of secondary rolls of stretch film may be positionally coupled to one or more secondary spool cores. The wrapping machines may include a plurality of guides positioned to narrow the stretch film from the plurality of secondary rolls to form a plurality of ropes fully overlapping a web of the primary roll of stretch film when wrapped around a palletized load.

Abstract: The invention is a do-it-yourself baggage wrapping, protection, anti-tamper and anti-pilferage device. The all-in-one device consists of the stretch film, a dispenser able to draw, stretch and wrap film up to 12 inches in width, consisting of a stopper-ring secured at the very beginning of the extended core followed by a semi-compressible sleeve with embedded guide rings encircling core extension contoured guide-rings or an anti-clockwise coiled and freely rotating spiral-shape flexible sheet to let freely rotate same when film is being drawn off roll, thus followed by a second stopper-ring secured about one inch from the remote end of core extension. Both stopper-rings are dimensioned to prevent the sleeve from separating from the extension at any position or angle and total spacing between the two is greater than the total length of the sleeve to provide free rotation of latter.

Abstract: There is provided a load fixing device capable of effectively preventing collapse of burdens stacked in multiple stages by wrapping with a sheet, providing excellent work efficiency, providing large binding force, and excellently stabilizing the fastened burdens. A load fixing device according to the present invention includes a belt-like sheet having a predetermined length to be wounded around an outer periphery of loads; a first fastening section provided at an upper part in a width direction of a first end of the belt-like sheet and having an engagement means; a first-fastening-section passing section provided at the upper part in the width direction of a second end of the belt-like sheet; a second fastening section provided at a lower part in the width direction of the second end of the belt-like sheet and having an engagement means; and a second-fastening-section passing section provided at the lower part in the width direction of the first end of the belt-like sheet.

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.

Abstract: There is provided a load fixing device capable of effectively preventing collapse of burdens stacked in multiple stages by wrapping with a sheet, providing excellent work efficiency, providing large binding force, and excellently stabilizing the fastened burdens. A load fixing device according to the present invention includes a belt-like sheet having a predetermined length to be wounded around an outer periphery of loads; a first fastening section provided at an upper part in a width direction of a first end of the belt-like sheet and having an engagement means; a first-fastening-section passing section provided at the upper part in the width direction of a second end of the belt-like sheet; a second fastening section provided at a lower part in the width direction of the second end of the belt-like sheet and having an engagement means; and a second-fastening-section passing section provided at the lower part in the width direction of the first end of the belt-like sheet.

Abstract: A wrap dispensing apparatus for wrapping an article with wrapping material includes a base; a hub assembly; a threaded spindle mounted to the base and the hub assembly, and a brake assembly to control the movement of the threaded spindle. The threaded spindle supports a roll of material between the base and the hub assembly. Further included is a steering arm that is attached to the base and the hub assembly and spaced from the threaded spindle. The base has wheels for omni-directional movement along a horizontal surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket, using the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable plastic film wrapping system comprises a push-cart having a vertical mast member mounted thereon. A film roll carriage is vertically movable along the mast member, and the film roll carriage is operatively connected to a counterweight which is movably disposed within the mast member. The mast member is provided with a plurality of apertures, and a redundant dual stop pin assembly is engageable within particular ones of the mast member apertures so as to incrementally lockingly retain the film roll carriage at a particular elevations along the mast member such that safe controlled movement of the film roll carriage along the mast member is achieved.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket, using the apparatus.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a base, a stem protruding upwardly from the base and adapted to hold a plurality of stretch loops, and a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A plant cover, comprising a base formed from a sheet of material, said base having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, an opening intersecting the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space, a skirt formed from a sheet of material, said skirt connected to the upper end of the base, and expansion means formed integrally with the base, the expansion means comprising an excess of material, the expansion means permitting the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of a pot. Methods of using a plant cover.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping hamburgers or other food items is provided, the wrapping material having a bonding material disposed on either an upper surface or a lower surface.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A device and method for storing wrapping materials, measuring and cutting wrapping paper with a cutting tool, and hand wrapping items. The device includes a platform with a work surface having a pair of sides and grooves at predetermined locations between the sides. The platform is supported at a predetermined height by a plurality of storage compartments. Some of the storage compartments have been adapted for holding wrapping paper, some include drawers adapted for holding related materials and tools. The device allows a user to take an item to be hand wrapped and place it over the surface, where an amount of wrapping paper to be used to cover the item to be hand wrapped can be determined from the numbered grooves on the work surface. The amount of wrapping paper to be used may be cut by sliding the cutting tool along said grooves.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

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 which may be a waxed paper or waxed tissue. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a bale of compressed, resilient fibers comprises the steps of: providing a reusable bale wrap kit. The kit includes at least two pieces. Each piece, when joined with the other piece, is adapted for substantially enclosing and containing the bale of compressed, resilient fibers. Mushroom and loop fasteners are located along an edge portion of each piece and are adapted for joining the pieces to one another. Uncompressed, resilient fibers are provided. A portion of the uncompressed, resilient fibers are surrounded with the kit. Those fibers are compressed, and the mushroom and loop fasteners are engaged.

Abstract: A wrapping material for providing a decorative covering for an item wherein the wrapping material has a width and at least a first end. The first end of the wrapping material is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the item to be wrapped and the wrapping material is wrapped about the outer peripheral surface of the item while moving the wrapping material generally over the outer peripheral surface of the item until the wrapping material covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the item.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: Apparatus for tightly wrapping a package such as disposed on a pallet in a thin film such as for shipping or storage includes a rotating deck adapted to receive the pallet and package to be wrapped. The deck is directly coupled to and supported by a gear box driven by an electric motor. The apparatus further includes a film wrap supply in the form of a roll which lets out the film for wrapping around the package as the deck and package rotate. A manually adjustable tensioner allows for adjusting the stretch of the wrapping film on the package, while the film wrap supply may be adjusted vertically to permit wrapping the package over its entire vertical dimension regardless of the width of the roll of film wrap. A foot control allows an operator of the apparatus to rotate the deck and the package being wrapped while vertically moving the film wrap supply roll-to fully enclose the package within the wrapping film.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.

Abstract: A container and jig assembly for dispensing a sheet of material and for wrapping the sheet of material about a flower pot or floral grouping. The container accommodates a roll of sheet material suitable for wrapping flower pots or floral groupings. In addition, the container may have a cutter for separating a sheet of material from the roll of sheet material. The jig assembly is attached to the container and has a jig opening surrounded by a sheet-supporting surface. The jig opening is sized and shaped to receive a lower portion of a flower pot or a stem end portion of a floral grouping. In operation, a sheet of material is separated from the roll of sheet material and disposed on the sheet-supporting surface over the jig opening. The lower portion of the flower pot or the stem end portion of the floral grouping is inserted through the jig opening and carries a portion of the sheet of material with it. In the process, the sheet of material is formed into a covering about the flower pot or floral grouping.

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 waxed paper or waxed tissue. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: Method for packaging flowers which protects against botrytis and the damage inflicted to flowers by shifting during transportation. The method includes wrapping the flower heads in cardboard and plastic and placing the cardboard flush against the ends of a flower box in order to ensure no shifting occurs.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A method for providing a protective wrapper about a vase containing a floral grouping. A connecting bonding material and a closure bonding material are disposed on the sheet. The sheet is wrapped about the vase causing the connecting bonding material to connect the sheet to the vase. The closure bonding material is sealed above the floral grouping to enclose the floral grouping within the sheet of material. The sheet may have a second closure bonding material for effecting a vertically sealed area in the sheet.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping hamburgers or other food items is provided, the wrapping material having a bonding material disposed on either an upper surface or a lower surface.

Abstract: A wrapping material for providing a decorative covering for an item wherein the wrapping material has a width and at least a first end. The first end of the wrapping material is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the item to be wrapped and the wrapping material is wrapped about the outer peripheral surface of the item while moving the wrapping material generally over the outer peripheral surface of the item until the wrapping material covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the item.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A method of providing a decorative covering for an item wherein the wrapping material has a width and at least a first end. The first end of the wrapping material is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the item to be wrapped and the wrapping material is wrapped about the outer peripheral surface of the item while moving the wrapping material generally over the outer peripheral surface of the item until the wrapping material covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the item.

Abstract: A hand-carryable package of metal railroad spikes and method of making the same, wherein the spikes are stacked in layers with the spikes in alternate layers at right angles to each other, providing an interlocking package contents, and a package container comprising a flexible material in a central portion of which the contents are placed and opposed edge portions of the container material are folded upwardly and inwardly to form container top and side walls, a terminal portion of a pair of opposed, inwardly folded edge portions being twisted and connected together to form a bail-like handle for lifting and carrying the package.

Abstract: Manual wrap stations for handwrapping of trayed products in film are arranged in back-to-back fashion. They have a common wrap surface between them to provide a reduced-cost, space-saving tandem or dual hand wrap station. Two operators face each other during wrapping and alternately use the common wrap surface. In a preferred form, the wrap surface is either a weighing scale platter itself or the platter can be alongside a separate wrap surface. In either such form, the system enables weighing, computing, label printing and hand labeling of wrapped products without loss of productivity. The arrangement eliminates the need for an additional computing scale and label printer, such as would be necessary to obtain the same productivity with separate wrap stations using such equipment. An audible signal is provided to indicate that the scale has completed a weighing, enabling ease of the operators' pacing of their alternating manual functions, without each having to watch the other's actions.

Abstract: A wrapping material roll support assembly which supports the roll of wrapping material within the wrapping device and permits easy placement of the roll of wrapping material thereon. Two spaced apart parallel rollers support the roll or wrapping material by contacting the outer circumference thereof. An adjustable tension brake frictionally engages the parallel rollers which support the roll of wrapping material. By adjusting the tension provided by the brake, undesired unrolling of the free end of the roll of wrapping material can be prevented. A safety catch is received through the core of the roll of wrapping material preventing the roll from falling from the roll support assembly.

Abstract: A countertop wrapping machine for weighing and wrapping merchandise is disclosed. A single roll of film is supported by columns which extend upwardly from the back end of the machine. A shelf for supporting a weighing device is disposed near the bottom of the machine but high enough so that a web of film can pass thereunder. The wrapping machine also has a transverse electrically heated cutter bar with a knife edge which contacts only a small area of film. A hot plate is provided for heating portions of the film for heat sealing. One end of the roll of film is supported by a device which can be adjustably mounted on an axle to accommodate rolls of different widths. The other end of the roll may be supported by conventional means. The machine operator pulls a web of film manually along a path which extends from the film roll, under the shelf for the weighing device, and to the cutter bar.

Abstract: A mandrel for use in winding a web around an article, the mandrel including a support for a roll of the web, a handle rotatably attached at each end of the support and a brake which retards rotation of the support relative to at least one handle by an amount depending on the relative rotation between the handle and support which has already taken place.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for folding cohesive coated material like corrugated paper and coated film about three dimensional solids like paper products, toys, machinery and books for transport is accomplished by a framework supporting a roll or other supply of the cohesive coated material, a guide for the material, a platform for a cutting blade and an end frame or mandrel and a movable U-shaped crimping frame for forcing the leading sheet of coated paper or film back into contact with itself around the object to be packaged.The apparatus may support horizontally a roll or other supply of cohesive coated paper or film that is conducted over a horizontal shelf beneath a restraining strip and then passed over a rounded mandrel until a proper length is beyond the mandrel so as to encompass the object to be wrapped or packaged, the paper being pulled over the mandrel by contact with a crimping frame of rounded tubing that is articulate with respect to the mandrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in hand wrapping articles, for example trays of meat, with thermoplastic wrapping sheet material (plastic film) that includes a frame which mounts a wrapping platform, a heated device for severing the wrapping material, a heat sealing platform for sealing the wrapped article, a pair of spaced parallel rollers for supporting a roller of wrapping material with the web of the material extending away from the roll (free end portion) reversely bent over one of the rollers, bracket mechanism for mounting the rollers on the frame, mechanism for selectively varying the pulling force required to pull material from the roll and guide mechanism for abutting against the web intermediate the pair of rollers and the wrapping platform.

Abstract: In wrapping machinery for wrapping articles in heat sealable plastic film, a web of film is drawn from a supply roll and is severed by pulling the film under tension downwardly onto the narrow edge of a thermal cut-off device, which may be a heated rod or blade, to melt the film material along a thin transverse line and to permit severance thereof by pulling. Following severance of the film, the film-wrapped package is sealed by placing the package on a pedestal hot plate. The temperature of the hot plate is higher than that of the thermal cut-off device used to sever the film. The hot plate is supplied by electrical energy from a single source through a temperature sensor and control. The thermal cut-off device obtains its heat by conduction from the hot plate.

Abstract: A free end portion of sheet wrapping material is grasped and pulled from a dispenser transversely past and spaced from a cutting element mounted on a housing. The cutting element is displaced in response to the movement of the withdrawn material by generating a displacement force, latching the cutting element against displacement in a normally guarded position in which the cutting element is inoperative for cutting, and thereupon unleashing the displacement force in response to a further movement of the material to drivingly displace the cutting element from the guarded position to a cutting position in which the cutting element is in a position to sequentially pierce and cut the sheet material that is subsequently moved toward the same. Methods of dispensing the sheet material and of wrapping items also are disclosed.

Abstract: A tree ball tying apparatus is disclosed comprising a tripartile inverted, truncated conically shaped holder whose included angle is less than 60.degree. and is made of sheet metal attached to a stand by its rearmost part. The two forward parts are hinged, latchable doors which swing open or may be closed and latched in the conical shape. Cordage is woven around hooks and pins in the peripheries of the cone's base and truncation to form a sling over which is placed a degradable material such as burlap. A tree, whose ball is conically cut with typically a 60.degree. included angle, is removed from the ground and installed ball first onto the burlap and sling and set down sling and burlap first into the holder whose included angle is less than that of the ball thereby holding it above the truncation. Thereafter the burlap is folded around the tree trunk and tied with the loose ends of the sling and the tree removed from the holder with its ball wrapped and tied.

Abstract: A hand wrapper for plastic film that thermally cuts a length of plastic wrapping film withdrawn from a supply roll includes an improved heat cutter that uses film resistors instead of a metal blade or a single heater wire for the cutting because the film resistors are not likely to break and they have low heat capacity which permits instantaneous cutting of the plastic film without requiring preheating which causes large power losses.

Abstract: A wrapping device comprises a free wheeling film roll mounted on a frame, a film withdrawal slot to guide the film exterior of the frame, a detector to detect the withdrawn film length, a comparator which produces a locker signal each time when the film withdrawn accords with a predetermined length of the film by means of detector signal from the detector, a locker structure for locking the roll in the film withdrawal direction by means of the locker signal, and a press roller to seal the film about a wrapped goods-laden tray. The film on the roll is prevented from being unnecessarily withdrawn and thus allows and economical use of the film.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus comprises a film roll placed on a pair of support rollers, a film withdrawal port to introduce the film on the roll exterior, a severing tool to cut the film introduced through the port, a film length determiner to detect the leading end of the film partly thrown around product so as to calculate the successive length of the film required, a film length detector which detects the length of the film withdrawn as calculated by the determiner, and a brake assembly which is applied to the support roller to stop withdrawal of the film on the basis of signals generated from the detector. The amount of film on the roll that is withdrawn corresponds to the dimensions of the product to be wrapped.

Abstract: A novel weighing and packing apparatus is provided by which an article is weighed, and weighed article is manually packed with film. The apparatus may be provided at its working table with a packing device for manual packing and a weighing mechanism in an integral manner, or further with a label printer. According to the apparatus provided, an improvement in working efficiency in weighing and packing work is realized. Further, a working space can be minimized.

Abstract: A hand wrapping apparatus for manually wrapping products such as a food-laden tray by a web-like package film emanated from a film roll. The apparatus comprises a film roll, a film withdrawal slot to introduce the film into exterior therethrough in response to the unrolling action of the film roll, a film severing tool arranged in the neighborhood of the slot, a rocker bar having an upper end positioned to meet the slot across the severing tool and being usually urged by a spring toward the severing tool, and a heat sealer mounted on the end of rocker bar in order to weld the film around the product, and, at the same time, have the rocker bar pivot against the force of the spring to sweep the film past the severing tool to cut it when the product is placed thereupon.