Abstract: A method and apparatus for unitizing a load of tires stacked in a longitudinal direction. The stack of tires is compressed in the longitudinal direction between two platens located adjacent the ends of the stack of tires. A web is dispensed and stretched along the direction in which it is dispensed. A leading end portion of the web is held adjacent the stack of tires and mandrels are positioned adjacent the ends of the stack of tires. The stack of tires is rotated relative to the web dispenser about its longitudinal axis. The stretched web is wrapped around and onto the compressed stack of tires and the mandrels, forming a tube which extends in the longitudinal direction beyond the stack of tires and on the mandrels. The mandrels are separated from the web and the stack of tires and the web is collapsed from the mandrel onto the stack of tires, covering the sidewalls of the tires at the ends of the stack.

Abstract: This invention deals with a method for stabilizing stacked loads against shifting during transport and means for carrying out such method comprising a flexible wrapping member and rubber like fastening means for said wrapping member.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a wrapping apparatus having a frame, a reciprocally driven carriage moveably mounted on the frame, the carriage being adapted to hold a rotatable roll of stretchable film material and a film width varying mechanism. A driven rotatable turntable adapted to support a load is positioned adjacent to the frame, and the leading edge of the film material is held adjacent the load. A brake is connected to the film roll to restrict movement of the web of material from the roll and the film width varying mechanism is mounted in the material path so that the film web travels through a pivotable "C" shaped assembly of the film width varying mechanism to collapse the film web width so that the web edges are formed into rope configurations connected by a membrane of film.

Abstract: A combination, or distributor package including upper and lower groups or sub- packages of containers each created by a unitary multi-packaging device, a thin, flexible sheet separating the upper group from the lower group and a tightly, tensioned, envelop around the top, bottom and sides of the groups created by a spirally applied stretch film.

Abstract: A thermoplastic stretch wrap film exhibits a significant level of cling on one surface but no appreciable cling force on the other, the latter surface exhibiting a slide property when in contact with a film or like surface due to the presence of particulate antiblock agent mechanically bonded thereto. The film can be used to overwrap one or a group of articles to form a unitized packaged unit employing any of the known and conventional tension-wrapping techniques. Because of its one-sided cling and slide capabilities, pallet loads overwrapped with the film and in mutual contact avoid film tearing or destruction when the pallet loads are separated from each other.

Abstract: A process for wrapping a load with prestretched film comprising unwinding and prestretching the film before applying the film to the load, passing the load through a curtain of film and cutting the film behind the load while forming the curtain and wherein said prestretching step includes positioning the prestretching means in a standby position in front of the load wherein said means are positioned close together while initially prestretching the curtain, moving the prestretching means apart transversely in association with the required delivery of the prestretched film until such means are in a spaced apart position near the side surfaces of the load, prestretching the film to cover the side surfaces of the load, prestretching the film to cover the rear surface of the load, and then moving the prestretching means toward one another transversely behind the load until they are close together in association with the necessary delivery of prestretched film.

Abstract: A material positioning and securing apparatus and method is disclosed that is particularly useful in association with a device for spirally wrapping palletized units at a wrapping station with a stretchable netting material to form a secure package. A disposable elongated material engaging member, formed from reasonably stiff and yet deformable material, is placed adjacent one side of units on a pallet at the wrapping station with the material engaging member having protruding portions oriented to extend in a direction away from the surface of the units for engagement with the netting material as the netting material is wrapped around the units.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a machine for wrapping filled trays in thermoplastic film, said machine having a film folding device in which the side folding arms and back folding bar move along linear paths in synchronized motion so that the points of coincidence between the back folding bar and the side folding arms define a curve which approximates a diagonal to the tray being wrapped. This film folding device provides uniquely smooth folds on the bottom of a tray which can be readily heat sealed to produce a relatively leakproof package.

Abstract: An elevator package wrapping machine comprises a film gripper for initially drawing fixed lengths of film into the machine. While the film is held by the film gripper and side clamps, a package is elevated into the film such that the height of the package draws a first addition to the film drawn by the gripper, if required. Film side and rear underfolders fold the lateral edges of the film and the rear edge of the film extending from the film source under the packages, respectively. A film cutter is provided for severing the film from its source as the packages are being wrapped, and the cutter is controlled such that the timing of its operation is based on package length. By timing the operation of the film cutter to correspond to package length, a second film addition may be drawn by the rear underfolder during package wrapping, if required.

Abstract: An improvement for use with a stretch wrapping apparatus that applies stretchable plastic film to a basiloid container type load. The improvement comprises a roping device that gathers the plastic film into an elongated continuous band engageable on the basiloid container in the required configuration.

Abstract: The impact strength of containers made from foams of aromatic olefins such as polystyrene and poly-(para-methylstyrene) is improved by the addition of a small amount e.g., 2 to 25 weight percent of a polyethylene such as linear low density polyethylene. Meat trays made of such foams can be processed in automatic packaging equipment and exhibit reduced damage, such as cracking, in processing.

Abstract: An arrangement for wiping down a web wrapped on a load includes a wiper support; and a wiper including at least one strip having two ends, a thickness, a width substantially greater than the thickness, and a length extending between the two ends, at least one end secured to the wiper support, the strip extending from the wiper support in a direction along the length of the strip and being flexible in a direction generally parallel to the thickness of the strip for wiping down the web wrapped on the load by relative movement between the wiper support and the web in said direction.

Abstract: A device for perforating a film web while wrapping a load which the film web includes a web dispenser for dispensing the film web and an arrangement for providing relative rotation between the load and the web dispenser to wrap the film web on the load. It also includes electrodes positioned proximate to the film web and an arrangement for generating an arc at the electrodes to perforate the film web with the arc.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a load by placing, under tension, as panel of elastically stretchable sheet material around the load and including a base (2) having a load positioning recess or notch (3) and a tensioning bar (4) which is movably mounted on the base to grip the surplus of a single wrap of material around the load and to place the wrap under tension, and heat sealing bars (7) located between the load positioning recess or notch (3) and the tensioning bar (4) to secure the material drawn there-through. Other devices to secure the material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping a web during stretch wrapping includes a first longitudinally extending clamp element for engaging the web, a second longitudinally extending clamp element extendable in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first clamp element for clamping the web between the second clamp element and the first clamp element as the second clamp element is longitudinally extended in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first clamp element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a protective wrap is disclosed as including a frame made of four upright posts, the upper and lower ends of which engage with upper and lower rigid members, at least one of the posts is rotatable in one direction to apply tension to a plastic wrapper encircling the four posts and is prevented from rotation in the opposite direction by a tensioning handle on the top of the rotated post.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a wrapping apparatus having a frame, a reciprocally driven carriage moveably mounted on the frame, the carriage being adapted to hold a rotatable roll of stretchable film material and a film width varying mechanism. A driven rotatable turntable adapted to support a load is positioned adjacent to the frame, and the leading edge of the film material is held adjacent the load. A brake is connected to the film roll to restrict movement of the web of material from the roll and the film width varying mechanism is mounted in the material path so that the film web travels through a pivotable "C" shaped assembly of the film width varying mechanism to collapse the film web width so that the web edges are formed into rope configurations connected by a membrane of film.

Abstract: A package of a rectangular tray with a rectangular array of generally cylindrical containers carried therein in a conforming pattern with a stretched-tensioned-elastic plastics material tube encircling the bottom and side walls of the tray and the upper portions of the container array. The side walls of the tray are relatively low, and the end walls are relatively high and provided with hand holds. The tensioned tube causes the bottom wall of the tray to be curvilinear about an axis longitudinally and centrally of said package so that the package will not bend downwardly about a transverse central axis of the package when the package is carried by a person grasping the hand holds in the end walls of the tray.

Abstract: A disposable elongated material engaging member, formed from reasonably stiff and yet deformable material, is placed adjacent one side of units on a pallet at a wrapping station with the material engaging member having protruding portions oriented to extend in a direction away from the surface of the units for engagement with the netting material as the netting material is wrapped around the units. A forming and feeder mechanism, receiving a continuous supply of the reasonably stiff material, forms the material engaging member into the desired configuration and shape, and then dispenses the thus formed member into the wrapping station where the formed member is severed from the continuous supply by the forming and feeder mechanism after the formed material at the wrapping station has been contacted by a plurality of wrapped layers of the netting material.

Abstract: An arrangement for wiping down a web wrapped on a load includes a wiper support and a wiper including at least one strip doubled back along its length to form a loop, the loop being flexible in a direction generally parallel to a plane passing through the length of the strip, the wiper being secured to the wiper support and the loop extending from the wiper support for wiping down the web wrapped on the load by relative movement between the wiper support and the web in the direction generally parallel to the plane passing through the length of the strip.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying a strong elastic sleeve on an article. Especially if the elastic sleeve is very strong and the article is somewhat fragile. It is intended for the container industry, but may have other uses.

Abstract: A packaging method and machine for placing highly stretched relatively thin elastic plastics tubes from a roll of such tubes about a series of generally rectilinear objects. The method and machine involve three basic mechanism, one is a jaw assembly that opens and closes and tilts up and down to receive and stretch a tube and release the tube about one of the objects, the second is a tube shuttle assembly that delivers a tube to the jaw assembly and retracts into the next tube, and the third is a chain and paddle conveyor that intermittently delivers objects to the jaw assembly and moves the objects from the jaw assembly after a tube has been applied.

Abstract: Process for packaging items having irregular shape and size, singly on in groups, in a stretchable film of plastic material, comprising the operations of forming, filling and sealing a bag from the stretchable plastic film such film being maintained under adjustable tension and stretch and subsequently adherent on the items due to the elastic "memory" of the released film. The machine for operating the process continuously comprises essentially two members subjected to a reciprocating motion, provided with means for gripping, stretching, sealing and cutting the plastic film, each of such members being subjected to a motion having a stroke of varying length and independent from the one to the other member.

Abstract: A conveyor for an article extends between two parallel rolls of stretch film (22, 22') to a turntable (40). The sheets of stretch film (24, 24') on the two rolls are joined together to form a curtain of stretch film. The article is brought into contact with the curtain and the sheets of film are joined together to form a sleeve out of the curtain around the article, thus securing the sheets to the article. The turntable is then rotated, thus winding the sheets several turns around the article. The sheets are then joined to form a new curtain of stretch film, after which the sheets are severed, releasing the wrapped article from this curtain.

Abstract: Smearing of fat by fat-containing trayed food products on the interior surface of a thermoplastic overwrap is substantially reduced or eliminated by applying loading forces during a sealing step to the longitudinal edges of the tray containing food product. A tray with a convex bottom is preferred to enhance the quality of the seal. A convex heating plate can be used in conjunction with conventional trays.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and process for high speed continuous film web wrapping of uniform loads, in which a first wrap is applied in a first direction transverse to the path of the moving load and a second wrap is applied in a second direction opposite the first direction. This dual wrap nullifies the disabling effects of helical wrap bias when a single wrap is applied at high speed to a moving load, and produces a longitudinal containment force after film web recovery over time on leading and trailing ends of the load. In the apparatus two wrapping stations are provided together with a wrapping conveyor assembly which carries the film web wrapped around the load and conveyor through the two stations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a packaging machine in which an item is stored on a container such as tray. The container is mechanically and automatically packaged in a bag-form with a stretch film. The film is folded down to the bottom surface of the container. The width of the container may be different in size. A label can be attached to a desired position on the item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for package labeling is incorporated into a packaging machine wherein packages to be wrapped and labeled are conveyed from a package input station to a package wrapping and labeling station whereat an elevator raises packages into sections of wrapping material which are then wrapped about the packages. A label supply delivers labels for the packages to a label delivery station, and a label applicator is positioned over the elevator for receiving the labels from the label delivery station and applying them to sections of wrapping material prior to packages being wrapped therein. The labeling arrangement is best adapted for use in a packaging machine wherein the wrapping material is stretch film, and the sections of wrapping material are prestretched prior to application of labels thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping one or more elongated articles, such as rolls of fabric, into a multi-sided package which is comprised of an infeed conveyor which conveys articles to be wrapped to a wrapping station and an outfeed conveyor which conveys the resultant multi-sided package away from the wrapping station. The infeed and outfeed conveyors each have a pair of intersecting sets of driven rollers which form a "V" shaped cross-section. The angle subtended by each of the intersecting sets of rollers and the orientation of the plane which bisects the angle may be varied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and dispensing a multi-ply web and wrapping a load with the multi-ply web includes a film web dispenser for receiving a plurality of webs from a plurality of rolls of web material, juxtaposing the plurality of webs to form a multi-ply web and dispensing the multi-ply web. The load is rotated relative to the film web dispenser to wrap the multi-ply film on the load and tension is maintained on the multi-ply web between the film web dispenser and the load. A core material such as a web of foam, UV-resistant material, or reinforcement netting is inserted between the plurality of webs prior to dispensing the multi-ply web. Rollers and a clutch and brake assembly are used to intermittently forward the web of core material.

Abstract: A rotatable film wrapping apparatus for wrapping a load on a conveyor with an overwrap of stretched plastic film web, having a ring-mounted film web pre-stretch mechanism which stretches and dispenses film at a varying speed controlled independently of variations in film tension and speed between the pre-stretch mechanism and the load, and a supply speed control mechanism which varies the supply speed of web from the pre-stretch mechanism as the ring rotates. The supply speed control mechanism is configured as a predetermined model of the load to minimize variation in film elongation and containment as successive load edges intercept film web during wrapping, thereby locking in these characteristics at predetermined levels for film web wrapped across the load side which ends at the edge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an invention that relates to packaging techniques and, in particular, to a process and a device for overwrapping containers and the like that hold edible products needing constant aeration.The technical problem that has to be solved is how to achieve the foregoing without either obstructing the aeration or having to resort to the use of overwrapping nets that are particularly expensive and none too easy to place in position.The solution to the problem is attained through a process for overwrapping containers and the like that hold edible products, and this consists in: reeling a band of film that can be tension deformed, dividing the said band into a plurality of strips placed, one at the side of the other, parallel to the axis of the said reel, and applying tension to the said strips prior to their being placed in contact with the containers to be overwrapped, in such a way as to obtain a shrinkage in width and a set spacing of one strip with respect to the other.

Abstract: A novel packaged product as provided by process of contacting an article with a covering film and stretching the film until the film is severed from itself and thus clings to the surfaces of the articles. An apparatus is provided for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A method of producing film-wrapped packages or packaged units, wherein a package or packaged unit is wrapped in a film hose formed by helical wrapping of the film (web) (30). In front of the wrapping front advancing relative to the package, a tear-up thread is also enclosed by the forming film hose. A weakening (tear-up) line is formed in the film hose in the vicinity and along the length of the tear-up thread. Here, an abutment for a spiked roller (10) is formed by a stationary tongue (12) above a conveyor belt (6) and below the film (web) (30).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating selected portions of an article include transport means for moving the article into a heating compartment. Shroud means, which are disposed within the heating compartment and located adjacent to limited portion of the article, direct a stream of heated gas toward a marginal portion of this article. Supply means deliver a volume rate flow of heated gas to the shroud means, and discharge means remove a volume rate of exhaust gas flow from the heating compartment. The discharge means is constructed and arranged to provide a volume rate of exhaust gas flow from the heating compartment which is greater than the volume rate of heated gas flow supplied into the shroud means.

Abstract: For continuously wrapping a palletized load, a self-propelling apparatus is provided, said apparatus being fitted with means for electric traction fed by batteries, said machine moving at a distance around the outer perimeter of a load.The apparatus and with it the reel, from which the film unwinds to wrap the load, follows a path which alters in correspondence with the outer perimeter of the load to be wrapped. The outer perimeter of the load is detected by devices fitted inside a container for evaluating the preselected distance between the path to be followed by the apparatus and said outer perimeter of the load. Conveniently, said means are based on the emission of ultrasonic waves and receiving of their respective echos.

Abstract: A rapid and economical method for forming a stabilized rectangular bundle of round containers is disclosed. Round containers, arranged in a spatially compact contiguous configuration, are first surrounded by a stretchable, endless band. The containers are then rearranged into a rectangular, commercially desirable but less spatially efficient configuration, causing the band to tension. Next a unitary loop matrix is positioned over one end of each of the containers, constituting the squared configuration, to stabilize or immobilize the substantially rectangular shape of the squared configuration. Positioning the unitary loop matrix on the containers causes the containers to spread apart, which causes the band to tension further. The configuration remains substantially rectangular until containers are removed from the bundle.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a load in a unitary package. The load is supported on a rotatable support which can be rotated typically at speeds between 2 and 10 rpm. With the utilization of a variable speed DC motor drive in conjunction with an electronic control circuit, the speed of the support can be infinitely varied. As the support is rotated, a stretchable wrapping material is withdrawn from a rolled up sheet of such material and wrapped around the load due to the rotation of the support. A control mechanism controls the operation of the DC driving motor for causing the support to be rotated a plurality of turns for wrapping the load with the stretchable material being withdrawn from a dispensing mechanism. The control mechanism rotates the support at a first speed during a first portion of the rotatable movement of the support and then at a second slower speed during a subsequent portion of the rotatable movement of the support.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for wrapping a resiliently stretchable film wrap around a group of articles stacked on a pallet, with the film wrap tensioned to a desired tension, by feeding the film wrap along a feed path from supply rolls to a wrapping station, with tension rollers placed serially along the feed path such that the film wrap is coupled for movement with the surface of each tension roller, the tension rollers being driven so that the surface speeds of the serially located roller surfaces differ from one another in order to stretch and tension the film wrap to a given tension, and the stretched and tensioned film wrap being applied to the stacked articles at a rate relative to the advancement of the film wrap from the tension rollers so as to attain the desired tension in the applied film wrap while limiting the magnitude of forces exerted upon the unit load by the tensioned film wrap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of packing an article which comprises the steps of: stretching and gripping a packing film; sending an article onto a reception block having a turning belt for mounting the article thereon, under the packing film; moving up the article together with the reception block so as to urge the article against the packing film; moving thereafter the reception block and a tuck block situated in an article send-in side of the reception block, to an article send-out side of the same, thereby shifting the article from the reception block to the tuck block, the packing film being put in a state where one end portion of the packing film is extended down through a gap between the reception block and the tuck block and gripped thereat, in shifting the article; moving a mounting portion of the belt of the reception block in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the reception block and the tuck block, in shifting the article; and tucking-in the one end portion of the packing film under the

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a film wrapping. A charge or load wherein an anvil is first brought into contact with the charge and then the wrapping operation commences. After the film is wrapped sufficiently to hold itself to the charge, a clamp holding the end of the film is released and is then moved to a retracted position where it stays until the wrapping is almost completed. When a first lap of film has been wrapped over the anvil, a jaw of the clamp is moved into position adjacent the anvil and a second lap of film is wound over the anvil and jaw. Next the heat sealer is operated to cooperate with the anvil and seal the two laps together and a second jaw of the clamp is moved to operative position to clamp the second or last lap of film which is then cut between the clamp and the heat seal so formed.

Abstract: A palletized unstable load is stretch wrapped for unitization of the load to facilitate shipping through the use of a confinement container which contains a pallet and a lift for raising the pallet and load from the container. A stretched film is dispensed about the upper periphery of the container as the container is rotated on a turntable. As the load is raised it engages the film which is transferred from the top of the container to form a spiral about the load.

Abstract: Packing method and apparatus for packing consumer packages directly onto a pallet. First the packages are arranged to form a load layer on a support plate, which plate and load layer is supported at its sides by a guide plate. Then the support plate is removed so that the load layer is immediately slid onto the empty pallet located below the support plate or on top of a previous layer located on the pallet. Now the pallet together with its load layer, is lowered the height of one load layer so that the load layers are supported on all sides by the guide frame and as new packages emerge from below the guide frame they are simultaneously wrapped in the final wrapping material. The method can be modified so that after the load layer supported by the guide frame is formed on the support plate, the plate is lowered and removed so that the load layer is slid onto the pallet located at standard height below the support plate or on top of the previous load layer located on the pallet.

Abstract: Sheets of wrapping film are drawn into a wrapping machine from a continuous film source to accommodate large girth packages. Predetermined lengths of film corresponding to the entering lengths of the packages to be wrapped are initially drawn into the machine, with additional film being drawn in accordance with the girth dimensions of the packages. In a first embodiment, the additional film is drawn from the source by fully elevating packages into the film with the stress thus produced pulling the additional film required. In a second embodiment, a secondary package pusher is connected to a rear underfolder such that as the film is folded beneath a package, any portion of the package exceeding a given length is pushed from the wrapping station beyond a film edge-engaging position to draw additional film approximately equal in length to the extended portion of the package.

Abstract: A package is conveyed to a package elevator which elevates it into a film sheet stretched above the elevator. Side folding levers and a coordinated rear folder fold three sides of the film sheet about the package such that edges of first and second opposed sides of the film sheet are overlapped by edges of a third or rear side of the film sheet. The infolding of the third side of the film sheet by the side underfolders is delayed at the rear edge of the package by expanding the opening between the side underfolders in that area. Thus, the rear underfolding of the third side commences substantially at the rear corners of the package to expand the underfolded third side and ensure film overlap. The package is then pushed onto a conveyor to underfold the fourth side of the film and entirely cover the underside of the package by overlapping edges of the folded sides of the film sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for wrapping a resiliently stretchable film wrap around a group of articles stacked on a pallet, with the film wrap tensioned to a desired tension, by feeding the film wrap along a feed path from supply rolls to a wrapping station, with tension rollers placed serially along the feed path such that the film wrap is coupled for movement with the surface of each tension roller, the tension rollers being driven so that the surface speeds of the serially located roller surfaces differ from one another in order to stretch and tension the film wrap to a given tension, and the stretched and tensioned film wrap being applied to the stacked articles with essentially uniform tension in the film wrap around the periphery of the unit load.

Abstract: In wrapping cylindrical goods or articles the article (1) is rotated about its axis, a stretch film (14) being wrapped round the article (1) substantially in a plane containing the axis of the article. A web-like wrapping material (24) is pressed against the cylindrical surface of the article (1) for rolling out on the article by rotation thereof. The stretch film (14) is wound over the material web (24). The stretch film can be one with a smooth and a sticky side, and which is pulled out from a supply (4). Winding the stretch film can be interrupted when the supply (4) is opposite one end surface of the article while the article rotation is continued a half turn, whereby the stretch film is laterally reversed in relation to the article. The film (14) can be initially wound with its smooth side in contact with the article (1) and later easily laterally reversed so that its smooth side is turned outwards to form the exterior of the article wrapping.

Abstract: A method for stretch film wrapping of goods aggregates (6) in a line operation including keeping the stretch film tensioned between a ready-wrapped goods aggregate and a stretch film store, and forming a new goods aggregate (6) by moving at least two articles towards each other and into contact with either side of the stretch film so that the stretch film is clamped between the articles (4) in the new goods aggregate. The stretch film can then be parted between the new goods aggregate and the ready-wrapped goods aggregate (6'), after which the new goods aggregate (6) is wrapped with stretch film with the aid of a conventional wrapping means. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes, apart from a conventional stretch film wrapping apparatus, means (8) for ejecting a wrapped goods aggregate (6') from the wrapping station.

Abstract: A tube packaging method comprises (a) providing a base platform having a radial array of nests, each adapted for receiving an electron tube, (b) positioning the platform with an empty one of the nests in a prescribed position, (c) loading an electron tube into the nest, (d) rotating the platform about a center to position another empty nest in the prescribed position, and (e) loading another electron tube into another nest.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture is disclosed which involves capturing portions of thermosealing packaging material such as film, stretching the film portions over the article to define isolated annuluses of contacting film, and severing the captured film portions together in isolated areas of the film for providing an annular seal about the article thereby providing a packaged article with the film and the annular seal tightly stretched over and conforming to the shape of the article. If the article is a living article such as a grapefruit, the packaging material is a gas permeable film which minimizes moisture migration from the article and from the package while permitting gases to diffuse into and out of the package slowing down the catabolistic destruction of the living article and resulting in greatly extended shelf life of the article.