Abstract: A firewood bundler device includes a base member having first and second opposed, vertical arm members extending from the base member. A U-shaped, wood support member is attached at an end of each arm member, with an open end opposite the base member. A wrapping support member is rotatably attached to an end of one arm member and includes a spindle section extending therefrom, the spindle section movable in a circular path around the wood support members upon rotation of the wrapping support member. The spindle section holds a roll of wrapping material. A rotation device is operatively connected to the wrapping support member for imparting rotational movement thereto and to the spindle section. Multiple pieces of firewood placed in the U-shaped supports are encircled with wrapping material by rotation of the wrapping support member holding a roll of wrapping material.

Abstract: Method for strapping a package with a strapping machine that includes a motor drive having a drive shaft that rotates 306° within a strapping cycle and controls work components including at least one clamping device for the strap to be strapped, wherein the clamping of the leading strap end, fed in in a strap guide frame, for the strap to be strapped in the subsequent strapping cycle occurs in the current strapping cycle in the time between the beginning of the removal of the package already strapped in the current strapping cycle and the end of the addition of a new package to be strapped, whereupon the drive stops, and, after the conclusion of the tensioning process for the fed-in strap about the package, for performing the strapping process, rotates continuously 360° without an intermediate stop in the new strapping cycle until the new leading strap end has been clamped.

Abstract: To palletize packages, a wrapping vehicle includes a vertically mounted drive screw having a plurality of ball nuts mounted at wrapping-effective distances from each other on the vertically mounted drive screw. Each ball-nut has a corresponding cantilever mounted to the ball nut to support a roll of wrapping material. A tension adjustment mechanism is mounted to adjust the resistance to motion of each roll of wrapping material and thus the tension on the wrapping material. The ball nuts are each connected to side support guide plates positioned to slide against the sides of mast housing the drive screw wherein said ball nuts are supported against tilting movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering goods, and goods stacked on a pallet with plastic wrap supplied in a roll comprises: a) a roll head adapted to rotatably carry the roll of plastic wrap, the roll head having a friction mechanism so that ease of rotation of the roll with respect to the head is controlled thereby facilitating stretching the wrap around the goods after an end portion of the wrap is initially secured adjacent to the goods; and, b) an elongate handle portion carrying the roll head and extending therefrom in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the roll of plastic wrap.

Abstract: A roll package includes a material roll that is provided with the protective covering material. The material roll has an outer surface defining an axis. The protective covering material is axially wrapped about the material roll in a plurality of overlapping layers. An edge covering material is also circumferentially wrapped about the material roll. The edge covering material is radially interleaved/woven between the plurality of overlapping layers of the protective covering material. The roll package can be formed by simultaneously wrapping the material roll axially with the protective covering material while the material roll is rotated to circumferentially wrap the edge covering material thereabout.

Abstract: The invention is directed to changing the height of the wrapping bar on a lap seal machine so that articles of different heights can be accommodated by making the height of the wrapping bar adjustable to accommodate taller or shorter articles on a conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.

Abstract: A device for cutting and fixing plastic film in machines for wrapping pallets comprises: means for spacing (1) at least one layer (2a) of the film (2) at a distance from the rest of the wrapping already applied to the pallet (13) so as to create an empty compartment (16) between said layer (2a) and the pallet (13); means for deforming (4; 17) said layer (2a) of film (2), able to render possible the access to the compartment (16); means for cutting (3) the film (2); means for withholding (8) the film (2) in the proximity of at least one end (7) of the cut film (2); and means for pushing (6) the end (7) of the cut film (2) within the compartment (16). A sequential process enables activation of the aforesaid device so as to perform the corresponding operations in series.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a pallet load having a rotary swing arm carrying two upright towers, each tower having a film carriage mounted to and movable along the upright tower for holding a roll of flexible stretchable film and a roll of relatively unstretchable banner film, a programmable control logic controls the wrapping machine to wrap the pallet load with the flexible stretchable film, then over-wrap with the relatively unstretchable banner film over the wrapped flexible stretchable film, and then continue to over-wrap the wrapped relative unstretchable banner film with the flexible stretchable film.

Abstract: A label wrapper assembly for wrapping a label on an elongated object. The assembly includes a support frame having a first wall spaced from a second wall. A wrapper frame is interposed between the first and second walls, and has a first end and a second end. The wrapper frame includes an opening for receiving the elongated object extending through the wrapper frame between the first and second ends, wherein the wrapper frame revolves around the elongated object to wrap a label thereon. In one embodiment, the first end is rotatably mounted to only one of the first and second walls, and the second end is adjacent to the other of the first and second walls. In another embodiment, a clamp mechanism is mounted to each of the walls, wherein each of the clamp mechanisms clamp onto the elongated object extending through the wrapper frame to hold the elongated object as the wrapper frame revolves around the elongated object.

Abstract: A wrapping device includes a base body which is connected with support elements and a holding arm. The holding arm has rotatably connected thereto a wrapping arm. The wrapping arm carries a roll holder. At the roll holders a rotatably supported film roll is arranged for being displaced in a predetermined direction for wrapping up objects arranged on a pallet. For transporting the wrapping device, the support elements serve as fastening elements and are of hollow configuration such that support elements of a lift truck can be inserted therein.

Abstract: A wrapping packaging machine (10) for the wrapping of an object (11), comprising a track (20) having the shape of a closed loop. The track carries a wrapping film (42) feed device (40) placed in conjunction with an elongated body (30), such as a flexible band or chain. The object is moved by a drive (21) provided in conjunction with the track, by using friction or a toothing (32). The track is openable, allowing one track half (20a) to be moved or turned aside to permit a change of the flexible body and the plastic film band roll (41).

Abstract: The invention concern a procedure to wrap an object in a wrapping machine, where the wrapping machine is arranged with a conveyance assembly, containing a first conveyor belt which is leading towards a preferably vertical winding level and a second conveyor belt which is leading away from the winding level, and where furthermore a first partial section of the conveyor belt as well as a second partial section of the second conveyor belt are vertically and horizontally moveable, where furthermore the object to be wrapped in a lifted position can be fixed in the section of the winding level which is located across the basic level of the conveyance assembly where the sections are included which are not vertically moveable, and where according to the procedure the object first will be moved horizontally from the first partial section of the first conveyor belt and next vertically into the level of the fixing device, thereupon this first partial section will be guided out of the section or the winding level, the wr

Abstract: A strapping machine configured to position a strap material around an associated load when in a feed mode and to tension the strap material and seal the strap material to itself around the load when in a tensioning mode includes an improved winder assembly. The machine includes a flame, a strap material supply and a strapping head. A strap path is defined from the strap material supply to the strapping head. The strapping head includes a feed element for conveying the strap material during the feed mode in a first direction around the load and for conveying the strap material in a second, opposite direction to tension the strap material around the load. The strapping head includes a rotating winder for tensioning the material around the load. The winder has a peripheral strap path and a central strap path.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping groups (1) of products (2) with film (3), comprises: a second surface (6) for forming the product groups (1) and wrapping them with a length of film (3) using suitable means (7) having a first drive axis (AE1); a unit (8) for feeding the film (3) and defining the length of it by cutting, located under and close to a slot (9) for accessing the second surface (6), the feed unit (8) having a second, electric drive axis (AE2) for unwinding the film (3) in the direction of the second surface (6); a unit (10) for pre-unwinding the film (3) and comprising a roll (11) of film (3) located upstream of the feed unit (8) in a film (3) unwinding direction (B), a third electric drive axis (AE3) being located and operative on the pre-unwinding unit (10) to move the film (3) towards the feed unit (8) according to the film (3) requirement or feed speed of the second electric axis (AE2); and a unit (12) which controls the second and third electric axes (AE2, AE3) and which is located and operative bet

Abstract: A wrapping machine and a method for wrapping a plastic foil web (F) around an object. A gripping and cutting device (11) is connected to a lifting frame (3) supporting a circular guide track of a foil dispenser (6) so as to be vertically movable with the lifting frame. In the method, the wrapping action is started from a freely chosen point relative to the vertical direction of the object and ended correspondingly at a freely chosen point relative to the vertical direction of the object.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus, in which the supporting elements supporting a film roll are mounted on the frame of a film dispenser with bearings permitting free rotation so that the film roll supported by them is freely rotatable. The pre-stretching rollers are mutually engaged via a transmission and are likewise mounted on the frame with bearings permitting free rotation. A pendulum roller in the film dispenser and the spring force of a spring applying a load on it have been so adapted that the pendulum roller forms between the second pre-stretching roller and the deflecting roller a bend that functions as a film supply containing a varying amount of film, depending on the prevailing draw of the film to keep the drawing velocity and tension of the film substantially constant at the pre-stretching rollers regardless of the variation in the draw and velocity of the film that is caused by the shape of the article being wrapped.

Abstract: In a wrapping machine for wrapping a plastic foil web (F) around an object, a gripping and cutting device (11) is connected to a lifting frame (3) supporting a circular guide track of a foil dispenser (6) so as to be vertically movable with the lifting frame.

Abstract: A portable plastic film wrapping system comprises a push-cart having a vertical mast member mounted thereon, and a film roll carriage is vertically movable along the mast member. The film roll carriage is operatively connected to negator spring members by a film roll carriage lift cable, and a holding pawl mechanism is adapted to be movable between ENGAGED and DISENGAGED positions with respect to the film roll carriage lift cable. When the holding pawl mechanism is moved to its DISENGAGED position, the negator spring members cause the film roll carriage to be vertically elevated, whereas when the holding pawl mechanism is disposed at its ENGAGED position, movement of the film roll carriage lift cable, and the film roll carriage, is effectively prevented. The film roll carriage can also be controllably moved in both upward and downward directions so as to achieve bottom-to-top, as well as top-to-bottom, wrapping modes of operation upon palletized loads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an initial tail of film to a load while wrapping the load with packaging material are provided. The method includes holding a leading end of packaging material while providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser to wrap film around the load. A portion of the leading end of film is secured to a fixed wrapping structure while the leading end of the film is held. After the leading end is secured to the fixed wrapping structure, the leading end of the film is released. The released leading end of the film is then secured to the load. The apparatus holds a leading end of packaging material and provides relative rotation between the load and a dispenser to dispense packaging material. The apparatus also secures a held leading end of packaging material and secures a released leading end of packaging material between two layers of packaging material. A method and apparatus for securing a final tail of film to the load also are provided.

Abstract: A wrapping device includes a base body which is connected with support elements and a holding arm. The holding arm has rotatably connected thereto a wrapping arm. The wrapping arm carries a roll holder. At the roll holder, a rotatably supported film roll is arranged for being displaced in a predetemined direction for wrapping up objects arranged on a pallet. For transporting the wrapping device, the support elements serve as fastening elements and are of hollow configuration such that support elements of a lift truck can be inserted therein.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a bale processing arrangement in the form of a bale wrapping arrangement. A wrapping table is mounted to a guide arrangement for guided movement between a bale-receiving position and bale wrapping and bale discharge positions. The guide arrangement includes two sections, one of which can be moved to a near vertical non-operating position so as to diminish the overall length of the baler and processing arrangement. The wrapping arm of the bale wrapping arrangement can be dismounted for an operating mode where formed bales are deposited directly on the ground by the wrapping table.

Abstract: The apparatus has a base mounted on castors and upon which a telescopic post is mounted. A winch is mounted on the top of the post. A roll of flexible material is mounted on a bed and is rotatable about the post, The winch raises and lowers the bed so that the height of the roll may be adjusted to that most convenient for wrapping. By means of the castors, the apparatus may be moved around the article as it is being wrapped. The apparatus is suitable for stretch-wrapping an article which is irregular in shape or is heavy and is unusually difficult to wrap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corners of a load with cornerboards prior to wrapping the load is provided. The method may include providing a load on a load transport surface, removing a cornerboard from within a magazine by a gripper, and transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper. Relative rotation may be provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and the load. If the cornerboard is not pre-formed, it is folded prior to transport to the load. The cornerboard is secured to the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, four magazines and four grippers are provided, such that four cornerboards can be carried to the load at the same time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crinkling device comprising a slide rod (16), to which a second crinkling element (15) is fastened. The slide rod is guided in a frame (2) so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction between a lower position (L), in which the second crinkling element (15) is out of contact with the lower edge (4) of a foil web (1), and an upper position (U), in which the second crinkling element (15) deflects the lower edge (4) of the foil web (1) upwards so as to crinkle it. The slide rod returns to the lower position (L) when not exposed to a force acting in the upward direction. The device further comprises first coupling means (171, 181) for forming a releasable coupling between the slide rod (16) and a first drive element portion (8) when the drive element (7) is running in a first direction (11) to move the second crinkling element (15) to the upper position (U).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrapping machine and/or top foil wrapping machine, comprising a machine frame supported on a fixed base and comprising upright vertical columns; a lifting frame arranged to be vertically movable upwards and downwards and guided by the vertical columns; a lifting motor for moving the lifting frame, power transmission means for the transmission of power from the lifting motor to produce vertical motion of the lifting frame, said power transmission means comprising elongate flexible drive elements and wheels for the transmission of the power of the lifting motor to the drive elements. The wrapping machine further comprises a foil dispenser, on which a foil web roll can be rotatably supported. The top foil wrapping machine comprises a top foil depositor. The lifting motor is secured to the lifting frame so as to be movable with it. The wheels comprise a drive belt pulley fitted for reeling a flat belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports, a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.

Abstract: A wrapping implement is mounted to a rear location of a large round baler with connections permitting its quick attachment to, and detachment from, the baler. The wrapping implement includes a guidance ring that is essentially oriented vertically for guiding at least one wrapping material carrier about its periphery. The baler is equipped with a bale conveyor that receives a bale discharged from the baling chamber and transfers the bale to a bale carrier mounted to the guidance ring. The carrier supports and effects or permits the rotation of the supported cylindrical bale, where during the wrapping process the axis of rotation of the cylindrical bale extends perpendicular to the central axis of the circle of movement of the wrapping material carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a tubular length (1) of stretch film is applicable to machines or lines (3) for making packages (C) containing groups of products wrapped with stretch film and comprises at least the following: a feed table (4), extending in a defined direction (D), on which the groups of products presenting a front face (5) are formed; a station (6) for making the packages (C), located on the feed table (4) and equipped with means (7) for unwinding the stretch film and forming the length (1) of the film around means (8) for preforming the package (C), the means (7) for unwinding and forming the length (1) of film comprising at least one roll (9) of stretch film located close to the preforming means (8); means (10) for cutting a length of the film unwound from the roll (9); means (11) for gripping the film and moving along a substantially ring-shaped path (P) in such a way as to wind the film around the package (C) preforming means (8) and place the leading and trailing ends (1a, 1b) of the length (1)

Abstract: A portable membrane packing apparatus includes a holding-and-drawing rod, two reel connecting units, a first roller unit, a swaying plate, a connecting plate, a second roller unit, and four elastic compressing units. The first roller unit is axially assembled at the ends of the opposite combing rods, and the swaying plate and the connecting plate are respectively provided between the first roller unit and the combining rods, with the swaying plate restricted to sway biasly.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an automatic banding packing machine capable of easily removing the ring of a band with a simple structure when idle banding is carried out. When the rear end side of a band is to be pulled back by band pull-back means (84), an amount of the pull-back is detected by detecting means. It is decided that idle banding of the band is carried out when a result of the detection is greater than a preset length and the band is wound around a slide table. Thereafter, the rotation of a cam shaft (41) is temporarily stopped based on a signal, whereby the timing of the pressing to be carried out by a middle presser member, which is operated after melting the superposing portion of the band by means of a heater (36), is delayed in a predetermined time.

Abstract: A wrapping implement is mounted to a rear location of a large round baler with connections permitting its quick attachment to, and detachment from, the baler. The wrapping implement includes a guidance ring that is essentially oriented vertically for guiding at least one wrapping material carrier about its periphery. The baler is equipped with a bale conveyor that receives a bale discharged from the baling chamber and transfers the bale to a bale carrier mounted to the guidance ring. The carrier supports and effects or permits the rotation of the supported cylindrical bale, where during the wrapping process the axis of rotation of the cylindrical bale extends perpendicular to the central axis of the circle of movement of the wrapping material carrier. The bale carrier is mounted for moving between a raised wrapping position, and a lowered discharge position, wherein in different embodiments, it respectively deposits the bale on its circumference or on its end.

Abstract: A wrapping device having at least a circular track structure which forms a closed track, and a film feeding device which is arranged to circulate along the track and to feed a film around a piece to be wrapped, wherein the film feeding device is provided with a mechanism for fixing a film roll in the film feeding device in a rotating manner, feeding mechanism, through which the film is arranged to be fed at a predetermined film tension, and a drive mechanism which is arranged, if necessary, to rotate the film roll in a direction in which the film is rewound onto the film roll and which is arranged to receive its driving force by mechanical contact between the drive mechanism and the circular track structure. The film feeding device also has a mechanism which is arranged to disconnect and reconnect the contact, wherein the mechanism is controlled either on the basis of the film tension or on the basis of the location of the film feeding device on the track, or on the basis of them both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corners of a load with cornerboards prior to wrapping the load is provided. The method may include providing a load on a load transport surface, removing a cornerboard from within a magazine by a gripper, and transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper. Relative rotation may be provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and the load. If the cornerboard is not pre-formed, it is folded prior to transport to the load. The cornerboard is secured to the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, four magazines and four grippers are provided, such that four cornerboards can be carried to the load at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a top and bottom of a load with packaging material is provided. The apparatus includes at least one non-driven packaging material guide is provided for use in combination with a powered conveying surface. The non-powered packaging material guide includes at least one row of non-driven wheels attached to a rail. The force applied by the packaging material as it is wrapped around the guide is supported by both the rail and the at least one row of non-driven wheels. The rail also serves to bridge any gaps between the non-driven wheels, thereby preventing capture of packaging material between the non-driven wheels. Preferably, the packaging material guide includes two rows of non-driven wheels, one on each side of the rail. Further, it is preferable that the rail connect the two rows of wheels such that the two rows of wheels form an angle of 60 degrees between them.

Abstract: A stacking aid for stacking goods on a loading aid, such as a pallet, has wall parts surrounding the goods stacked on the loading aid. It is possible to alter the height of at least one of the wall parts and to remove the stacking aid from the loading aid after completion of the stacking procedure. A method for stacking goods on a loading aid, such as a pallet, with the aid of the stacking aid entails (a) obtaining a stacking aid which surrounds a stack of goods on the loading aid, (b) loading the loading aid with goods by using the stacking aid, and (c) lifting the loading aid relative to the stacking. The stack of goods lifted out of the stacking aid are wrapped for stabilization. The invention makes it possible to efficiently secure the stack of goods on the pallet during the commissioning through the removable stacking aid and during the subsequent transportation of the goods by the stabilizing the goods, for instance with a film.

Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is attached to a retainer to hold the leading end of the packaging material as the retainer moves toward the load. The retainer is positioned adjacent the load and 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 is released from the retainer in response to force applied to the retainer to withdraw it from the wrapped load.

Abstract: A wrapping device provides at least a circular track structure which forms a closed track, and a film feeding device which is arranged to circulate along the track and to feed a film around a piece to be wrapped. The film feeding device includes a frame structure with a rotatable film roll and a feeding mechanism through which the film is arranged to be fed at a desired film tension. The frame structure can be disconnected from and reconnected to the film feeding device for the change of the film roll, and for the change of the film roll, the wrapping device also includes an automatic change system for the change of the frame structure. The frame structure is an integrated unit which can be independently disconnected from and reconnected to the film feeding device.

Abstract: A band refeeding method in a banding packing machine is disclosed which can prevent the tip portion of a band from being excessively pulled back even if the band is not supplied correctly but is automatically pulled back, and can stay the band in a predetermined position and can successively supply the band to the band guide arch side. A length of a band to be pulled back to an original position by band pull back means is previously detected based on the number of rotations of a touch roller constituting band supply means. In addition, the number of rotations of the touch roller before reaching a predetected set value is detected when the tip portion of the band is pulled back. Then, a rotating speed of a roller of the band pull back means is reduced when the number of rotations is detected. Therefore, the roller of the band pull back means is subsequently rotated at the low speed, thereby pulling back the tip of the band to a predetermined position.

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: An apparatus for wrapping products with plastic film includes: a ring-shaped element supporting a carriage; a drive mechanism for moving the ring-shaped element relative to the group of products; and, a motor for driving the carriage. The carriage mounts a roll of film and a pre-stretching unit that includes a pair of rollers and a transmission and control roller that swings towards and away from the products and is designed to start or stop film feed according to its position relative to the products. The drive mechanism for the pre-stretching unit includes a kinematic chain including the motor and a drive take-off track. An engage/release unit is connected to and controlled by the transmission roller and designed to transmit drive from the take-off track to the pre-stretching rollers according to the position of the transmission roller.

Abstract: A wrapping packaging machine (10) for the wrapping of an object (11), comprising a track (20) having the shape of a closed loop. The track carries a wrapping film (42) feed device (40) placed in conjunction with an elongated body (30), such as a flexible band or chain. The object is moved by a drive (21) provided in conjunction with the track, by using friction or a toothing (32). The track is openable, allowing one track half (20a) to be moved or turned aside to permit a change of the flexible body and the plastic film band roll (41).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrapping machine and/or top foil wrapping machine, comprising a machine frame supported on a fixed base and comprising upright vertical columns; a lifting frame arranged to be vertically movable upwards and downwards and guided by the vertical columns; a lifting motor for moving the lifting frame, power transmission means for the transmission of power from the lifting motor to produce vertical motion of the lifting frame, said power transmission means comprising elongate flexible drive elements and wheels for the transmission of the power of the lifting motor to the drive elements. The wrapping machine further comprises a foil dispenser, on which a foil web roll can be rotatably supported. The top foil wrapping machine comprises a top foil depositor. The lifting motor is secured to the lifting frame so as to be movable with it. The wheels comprise a drive belt pulley fitted for reeling a flat belt.

Abstract: The invention also relates to a wrapping machine and/or a top foil wrapping machine and to a method for storing/transporting said machine. The machine comprises a machine frame, which is supported on a fixed base and which comprises upright vertical columns and horizontal cross members connecting the vertical columns to each other. Each vertical column comprises at least two column parts detachably joined together end on end, said column parts comprising a lower column part and an upper column part. Only the lower column parts of the vertical columns are connected to each other by cross members while the upper column parts are not connected to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stretch wrapping a load in an efficient manner so as to tightly and securely wrap the load at a desired tension without rupturing the packaging material. The method and apparatus compensate for variation in demand rate as the load is wrapped so as to apply the wrapping material to a load at a desired force, maintain the desired containment tension on the wrapping material on the load after wrapping, and prevent the wrapping material from rupturing during wrapping. The apparatus combines two systems, power assisted roller stretch (“PRS”) and roller stretch (“RS”) to vary the supply rate of the packaging material as the demand rate varies. The apparatus automatically switches between the two types of prestretch to achieve “high” and “low” wrapping force dependent upon the demand rate.

Abstract: A wrapping machine and a method for wrapping a plastic foil web (F) around an object. A gripping and cutting device (11) is connected to a lifting frame (3) supporting a circular guide track of a foil dispenser (6) so as to be vertically movable with the lifting frame. In the method, the wrapping action is started from a freely chosen point relative to the vertical direction of the object and ended correspondingly at a freely chosen point relative to the vertical direction of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping a protective cover about a bale. The bale is supported stationary on a tined lift of a vehicle and provided within a frame having a roll of a protective cover rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. The roll of protective cover orbits about the bale for at least one complete revolution and protective covering is withdrawn from the roll onto the bale during the revolution. Thereafter, the protective cover is severed, and the wrapped bale is withdrawn from the frame. The time required to load and unload the bale from the wrapping machine is minimized since the bale is engaged by the tined lift of the tractor throughout the entire operation.

Abstract: A device for tensioning web, such as a plastics web dispensed from a shuttle in a wrapping machine, is disclosed. The wrapping machine usually includes an endless track positioned about an object to be wrapped and the shuttle travels on the endless track, dispensing the web as it goes. The rate at which web is dispensed varies as the shuttle progresses around the track and is dependent upon the shape of the track and the shape of the object to be wrapped. The web tensioning device attempts to maintain a constant tension in the web and includes a pair of rollers covered with resilient material. The rollers are urged together to form a nip with the resilient covering of the rollers compressed in the nip. The web is fed between the nip of the rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping loads of goods and materials in a wrapping material such as a plastics film, including placing at least two battens in a spaced substantially parallel orientation on one surface of the load using a pick and place unit, partially wrapping the load with the wrapping material by rotating the load relative to a dispenser for the wrapping material and/or rotating the dispenser around the load, at a first wrapping station, to envelop the battens in the wrapping material and to hold the battens in place on the surface of the load, the battens being spaced apart to support the load and being adapted to receive therebetween the forks of a fork-lift truck for transporting the load. Preferably, the wrapping material overlaps the ends of the battens to hold the battens in position. The load is then turned through about 90° from the first wrapping station to a second wrapping station where the wrapping is completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corners of a load with cornerboards prior to wrapping the load is provided. The method may include providing a load on a load transport surface, removing a cornerboard from within a magazine by a gripper, and transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper. Relative rotation may be provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and the load. If the cornerboard is not pre-formed, it is folded prior to transport to the load. The cornerboard is secured to the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, four magazines and four grippers are provided, such that four cornerboards can be carried to the load at the same time.