[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a stretch film wrapping manipulation tool and the
like for using a synthetic resin film for use in packaged goods for hand wrap application.
[Background Art]
[0002] Conventionally, a large number of manipulation tools for hand wrapping a stretch
film have been disclosed, available on the market, and provided as a promotional material
of the stretch film (for example, see Patent Literature: Japanese Patent Laid-Open
No.
08-119242 (paragraphs 0005 to 0007) and Non Patent Literature: hand wrap holder as illustrated
in Figures 23 and 24).
[Summary of Invention]
[Technical Problem]
[0003] The hand wrapping manipulation tool for a stretch film of the Patent Literature is
a plate-like manipulation tool made of a manipulative material and used by being inserted
into a paper core as a roll core of the stretch film. The manipulation tool includes
a first shoulder portion having a receiving portion for one end face of the paper
core; a grip portion having a receiving portion for the other end face thereof and
being continuous to the first shoulder portion; and a handle portion being continuous
to the second shoulder portion. The paper core holder portion, the first shoulder
portion, and the grip portion can be inserted into the paper core. The second shoulder
portion is wider than the inner diameter of the paper core. The handle portion is
shorter than the paper core holder portion and has a handgrip in a longitudinal end
ridge portion. A stretch film cutter is described to be able to provide at least one
end in the width direction of the handle portion.
[0004] When the Patent Literature is used, a board is inserted into the paper core of the
stretch film, a handle portion and a band located on the lower end face of this board
are folded back toward a hook hole of a grip core on the upper end face thereof to
catch a hook on the leading end of the band. With the grip and the handgrip of the
band held by the hand, the film is wrapped around a package in a substantially vertical
state. Thus,thestretchfilm wrapping manipulation tool of the Patent Literature has
a problem in that it is cumbersome to mount the stretch film roll body on the manipulation
tool.
[0005] Further, there is another problem of poor workability in performing a wrap operation
substantially vertically while holding the grip and the handgrip because of poor stability
in holding the roll body, leading to a difficulty in contacting and wrapping the stretch
film around the package.
[0006] A hand wrap holder illustrated in Figures 23 and 24 is disclosed in a Non Patent
Literature found on the web page of the packing and packaging material related manufacturers
and venders on the Internet. The hand wrap holder disclosed in the Non Patent Literature
is shown herein in both a plan view and a cross-sectional view drawn based on a commercially
available product obtained by the present applicant. As illustrated in the figures,
the hand wrap holder includes a bottomed circular inner cylinder 41 having a hand
grip elongated hole 43 in a perpendicular direction at the center of the bottom portion
41; and a circular outer cylinder 42 rotatably fitted therein. These two members combined
into pairs are used to completely insert the outer cylinder 42 into a paper core P
as a core material from opposite ends of a roll body R of a stretch film F. The roll
body R is held by both hands with all four fingers except the thumb inserted into
the hand grip elongated hole 43 of the inner cylinder 41 and with the roll body R
kept substantially vertical (perpendicular), the stretch filmF is wrapped around a
package. At this time, the thumb is always kept in contact with the surface of the
roll body R so as to impart tension to the stretch film F by the frictional force.
The hand wrap holder is described such that the holder can be easily inserted into
the roll body R of the stretch film F with a horizontal width of about 500 mm, a length
of about 300 m, and a considerable weight, and creates less fatigue due to lightweight.
[0007] The hand wrap holder of the Non Patent Literature is used by being inserted into
the paper core P. The size varies between the inner diameter of the paper core P and
the outer diameter of the hand wrap holder. When the hand wrap holder is inserted
into the paper core P, they may be loosely fitted or tightly fitted, resulting in
uncertain fitting. When tightly fit, it is difficult to insert the hand wrap holder
into the paper core P, leading to poor insertion. In contrast to this, when loosely
fit, the hand wrap holder comes out of the paper core P and the roll body R falls
off during wrapping operation.
[0008] Further, the hand wrap work suffers from remarkable reduction in workability, such
as that in order to lift the roll body R in an upright standing state on the ground
for hand wrap work, the fingers need to be inserted into the hand grip elongated hole
of the hand wrap holder to lift the roll body R, but when loosely fitted, only the
hand wrap holder comes completely out of the paper core P, and thus the roll body
R cannot be lifted up.
[0009] Furthermore, the hand wrap holder disclosed in the Non Patent Literature has a structure
of fixing opposite end portions of the roll body R, and hence the outer cylinder is
completely inserted into the paper core of the roll body R generally having an inner
diameter of about 76 mm (3 inches) . Accordingly, the size of the holder is limited
to be equal to or less than the size excluding the thickness (about 5 mm x 2) of the
inner cylinder 41 and the outer cylinder 42 fitted therein. As a result, the maximum
length of the hand grip elongated hole is equal to or less than about 66 mm as the
size excluding the thickness thereof. However, when an attempt is made to insert all
four fingers except the thumb into the hand grip elongated hole with a size of 66
mm or less, only up to the first joints thereof can be inserted at best.
Stable work without effort or fatigue requires up to the second joints of the fingers
to be inserted into the hand wrap holder. Otherwise, it would be difficult for adult
workers towork comfortably. More specifically, the hand wrap holder disclosed in the
Non Patent Literature imposes significant burden on the fingers, and hence the roll
body may fall off due to figure fatigue or it is difficult to continue work for a
long time. For that reason, currently any one of the index finger and the little finger
is pulled out of the hand grip elongated hole for work at the expense of convenience.
[0010] Furthermore, during work of wrapping the stretch film, the relative angle between
hands changes at any time depending on the position of wrapping the package, but the
hand wrap holder disclosed in the Non Patent Literature cannot be rotated because
the holder is fitted and fixed to the roll body R. Accordingly, the change in relative
angle between the roll body R and both hands cannot be followed, resulting in poor
workability.
[0011] Furthermore, although not publicly known prior to the present application, when the
inner diameter of the paper core P is set to about 66 mm, about 25 mm, or the like,
the elongated hole cannot be held by an adult worker to wrap. Thus, it is difficult
to apply the holder disclosed in the Non Patent Literature and the holder is poor
in versatility since the diameter of the paper core is limited to three inches or
more.
[0012] Further, in a case of a very long roll such as that a 400 m long stretch film is
wound around the paper core with a diameter of three inches, an increase in weight
increases the burden on the fingers. Furthermore, an increase in outer diameter of
the roll body decreases the workability from the beginning. It is substantially difficult
to apply the holder of the Non Patent Literature to the roll body of such a very long
film.
[0013] During storage of the roll body, the roll body is kept standing upright with the
hand wrap holder positioned in the lower end, which increases the risk of falling-down.
If the roll body falls down, the problem is that the stretch film F may be broken
or contaminated with dust or sewage from the floor.
[0014] As described above, the conventional wrapping manipulation tool has many unsolved
problems such as poor mountability of the stretch film on the roll body R, poor workability
in wrapping the stretch film, a risk of falling-down of the roll body R, narrow versatility,
and further a high risk of damage and contamination due to falling-down of the roll
body R during storage.
[0015] The present invention attempts to solve the problems of such a conventional configuration
and an object of the present invention is to provide a wrapping manipulation tool
and the like allowing a stretch film to be easily mounted on a roll body, enabling
work for a long time without fatigue, eliminating the risk of falling-down of the
roll body R, providing good workability and wide versatility, and capable of safely
storing the roll body R.
[Solution to Problem]
[0016] The present invention that achieves the above objects is a stretch film wrapping
manipulation tool for use with a bar-like member or a cylindrical shaft-like member
inserted into a stretch film in a cylindrical shape, the stretch film wrapping manipulation
tool comprising: a core body, which is the bar-like member or the cylindrical shaft-like
member, inserted into a roll body of the stretch film in a cylindrical shape; a pair
of grippers attached to opposite ends of the core body; a coupling portion provided
on the opposite ends of the core body and connecting the core body and the gripper;
and an attaching/detaching mechanism arranged between at least one of the grippers
of the pair and the coupling portion and removably attaching the gripper and the coupling
portion.
[0017] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention, preferably
the gripper has an outer diameter being coverable with a palm.
[0018] The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention preferably includes
a rotation mechanism arranged between at least one of the grippers of the pair and
the coupling portion and holding the gripper and the coupling portion in a relatively
rotatable manner.
[0019] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention, both the attaching/detaching
mechanism and the rotation mechanism are preferably arranged in at least one of the
grippers of the pair.
[0020] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention, the attaching/detaching
mechanism preferably includes an extended portion arranged in one of the gripper and
the coupling portion and extending in the diameter direction of the stretch film;
an insertion opening arranged in the other one of the gripper and the coupling portion
and into which the extended portion is inserted; and an insertion direction engaging
step portion being continuous circumferentially behind the insertion opening in an
insertion direction and engaged with the extended portion in the insertion direction
by causing a relative rotation between the extended portion and the insertion opening.
[0021] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention, the attaching/detaching
mechanism preferably includes a circumferential engaging recessed portion being continuous
to the insertion direction engaging step portion in an opposite direction of the insertion
direction and engaged with the extended portion circumferentially by accommodating
the extended portion.
[0022] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention, the attaching/detaching
mechanism preferably has an urging member causing the extended portion accommodated
in the circumferential engaging recessed portion to be urged to a bottom side of the
circumferential engaging recessed portion.
[0023] The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention preferably includes
a hand grip belt which is arranged in at least one of the grippers of the pair and
into which a hand can be inserted.
[0024] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention, the gripper
preferably has a maximum thickness of 40 mm or less and 3 mm or more along a longitudinal
direction of the stretch film and a maximum size of 100 mm or less and 30 mm or more
in the diameter direction of the stretch film.
[0025] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention, the core
body preferably has a maximum outer diameter of 65 mm or less.
[0026] The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above invention preferably includes
a cylindrical core body cover into which the core body is inserted and which is arranged
to be relatively rotatable with respect to the core body.
[0027] The present invention that achieves the above objects is a stretch film wrapping
apparatus including the above stretch film wrapping manipulation tool and the stretch
film.
[0028] In the stretch film wrapping apparatus of the above invention, the stretch film preferably
has an inner diameter of 75 mm or less.
[0029] In the stretch film wrapping apparatus of the above invention, the stretch film preferably
has a core-less structure without a paper core located on an inner peripheral surface.
[0030] The present invention that achieves the above objects is a stretch film set to the
above stretch film wrapping manipulation tool.
[0031] The stretch film of the above invention preferably has a core-less structure without
a paper core located on an inner peripheral surface.
[0032] According to the above invention, the gripper is freely attached to and detached
from the core body, and hence can be easily attached to the stretch film. Further,
the gripper and the core body are rotatable relative to each other, and hence a relative
angle change between both hands occurring when wrapping the stretch film can be flexibly
followed. Thus, good workability is obtained.
[0033] The above invention adds a hand grip belt allowing a hand to be inserted thereinto
to the gripper and hence can prevent the stretch film from falling off. As a result,
the above invention can prevent falling-down during storage at wrapping work and can
prevent contamination with dust or sewage from the floor which tends to occur at falling-down.
In particular, the stretch film can be safely stored by hooking the hand grip belt
to a hook or the like provided on a wall or a pillar.
[0034] Further, according to the structure of the present invention, the size of the gripper
is not limited to the size of the inner diameter of the stretch film. In light of
this, the gripper has a diametrical size of 100 mm or less and 30 mm or more and a
thickness of 40 mm or less and 3 mm or more; and the core body has an outer diameter
of 65 mm or less. As a result, the stretch film has a wide selection range and hence
provides a wide versatility. Specifically, the external shape of the core body only
needs to be smaller in size than the inner diameter of the stretch film. Thus, such
a thin core body can be free from the limit of the inner diameter of the stretch film
and provides a vide versatility.
[0035] As said before, according to the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the present
invention, the stretch film can be easily mounted. Further, since the gripper is freely
rotatable, a relative angle change between both hands occurring when wrapping the
stretch film can be flexibly followed. Thus, good workability is obtained.
[0036] Furthermore, since the gripper is set to a predetermined size, the gripper can be
held so as to be covered with and pressed by the left and right palms from outside
during wrapping work. Thus, the load on the fingers of both hands is greatly reduced.
Accordingly, the fingers of both hands are made substantially free. The degree of
rolling out the stretch film can be adjusted while the side surfaces of the gripper
are held by the free fingers of the left and right hands and the surface of the stretch
film is pressed by the fingers of the left and right hands. As a result, extremely
excellent workability is obtained.
[0037] Still further, an addition of the hand grip belt to the gripper allowing a hand to
be inserted into can prevent the stretch film from falling off due to fatigue of fingers.
[0038] Further, the gripper can be gripped in a very easy manner since the gripper has a
diametrical size of 100 mm or less and 30 mm or more and a thickness of 40 mm or less
and 3 mm or more regardless of the size of the inner diameter of the stretch film.
Furthermore, since the core body has an outer diameter of 65 mm or less, any core
body with an outer diameter meeting the size of the inner diameter of the stretch
film may be used. In particular, a wide versatility can be obtained such as an application
to a core-less stretch film without a paper core.
[0039] Further, the belt provided in the gripper can be used to store the stretch film by
being hooked to a hook or the like provided on a wall or a pillar, which can prevent
falling-down during storage and can prevent contamination with dust or sewage from
the floor.
[Advantageous Effects of Invention]
[0040] As described above, the wrapping manipulation tool of the present invention can easily
mount the stretch film on the roll body R. Further, since the gripper can be held
by the palm, the need to hook fingers is eliminated and the fingers can be freely
moved during work. As a result, the tension of the stretch film can be fine-tuned
by contacting the finger tips to the stretch film. Further, a relative angle change
between both hands occurring when wrapping the stretch film can be flexibly followed.
Furthermore, since the burden on the fingers is reduced, working for a long time does
not impose fatigue on fingers, thus providing good workability. Still furthermore,
the risk of falling-down of the stretch film due to fatigue of fingers can be eliminated
and a falling-down during storage and a contamination from the floor can be prevented.
Yet furthermore, various sizes of stretch film can be handled, thus providing excellent
versatility.
[0041] Note that the present invention can be applied to packaging of cardboard boxes for
use in the industrial fields requiring somewhat large packages on a base plate and
a floor surface, regular shaped objects such as pipes, as well as irregular shaped
objects such as grain and pasture in the agriculture and dairy farming field.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0042]
[Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of using a hand wrapping apparatus
for a stretch film according to a first embodiment.
[Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sectional view of each component constituting a first gripper.
[Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sectional view of an assembly of the first gripper.
[Figure 4] Figure 4 is a top plan view of the first gripper.
[Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sectional view of each component of a core body and a screw
receiving body fixed in the vicinity of an upper end thereof.
[Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sectional view of an assembly in a state in which the screw
receiving body is mounted in the vicinity of the upper end of the core body.
[Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sectional view of each component constituting a second gripper.
[Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sectional view of an assembly of the second gripper.
[Figure 9] Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the second gripper.
[Figure 10] Figure 10 is a sectional view in a state in which the second gripper is
coupled to one end of the core body that passes through the paper core of the roll
body and the first gripper is mounted on the other end of the core body.
[Figure 11] Figure 11 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand wrapping apparatus
for a stretch film according to a second embodiment.
[Figure 12] Figure 12 is a sectional view of each component constituting a first gripper.
[Figure 13] Figure 13 is a sectional view of each component of a core body and a fixed
body fixed in the vicinity of an upper end thereof.
[Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a cross section of the fixed body when
viewed from obliquely above.
[Figure 15] Figure 15 is a sectional view of an assembly of the first gripper.
[Figure 16] Figure 16 is a sectional view of the assembly describing a method of using
the wrapping apparatus.
[Figure 17] Figure 17 is a sectional view of the assembly describing a method of using
the wrapping apparatus.
[Figure 18] Figure 18 is a sectional view of the assembly describing a method of using
the wrapping apparatus.
[Figure 19] Figure 19 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand wrapping apparatus
for a stretch film according to another configuration example 1.
[Figure 20] Figure 20 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand wrapping apparatus
for a stretch film according to still another configuration example 1.
[Figure 21] Figure 21 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand wrapping apparatus
for a stretch film according to yet another configuration example 1.
[Figure 22] Figure 22 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand wrapping apparatus
for a stretch film according to another configuration example 2.
[Figure 23] Figure 23 is a plan view of a holder of Non-Patent Document obtained from
commercially available products and drawn by the present applicant.
[Figure 24] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view along line Y-Y in Figure 23 illustrating
the holder of Non-Patent Document obtained from commercially available products and
drawn by the present applicant.
[Description of Embodiments]
[0043] Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described referring to the accompanying
drawings.
[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of using a hand wrapping apparatus (hereinafter
referred to as a wrapping apparatus) 1 for a stretch film according to a first embodiment
of the present invention. The wrapping apparatus 1 is configured to include a stretch
film F, and a hand wrapping manipulation tool 2 (hereinafter referred to as a manipulation
tool 2) for the stretch film F.
[0045] This manipulation tool 2 includes a core body S as a bar-like member or a cylindrical
shaft-like member to be inserted into a paper core P of a roll body R for a stretch
film F; and a pair of grippers 10 and 20 attached to opposite ends of the core body
S. When used, a surface 104 (see Figure 2) of a first gripper 10 and a surface 205
(see Figure 7) of a second gripper 20 are held so as to be covered with the left and
right palms respectively; and a side surface 105 of the first gripper 10 and a side
surface 206 of the second gripper 20 are gripped by the left and right fingers f1
to f5. At the same time, wrapping work is performed such that the free fingers f1
to f5 are used to press the surface of the roll body R so as to adjust the wrap of
the stretch film F by applying an appropriate tension to the stretch film F while
adjusting the strength of the pressing force.
[0046] Here, the core body S is a cylindrical shaft-like member and has a maximum outer
diameter of 65 mm or less. According to the present embodiment, the outer diameter
of the core body S is less than 25 mm, or actually 20 mm so as to be able to use a
stretch film with an inner diameter of 66 mm or less, or preferably 25 mm.
[0047] Figures 2 to 4 each illustrate a perimeter structure including the first gripper
10. The manipulation tool 2 includes the first gripper 10, an attaching/detaching
lever 11, a screw body 12 as a component of a coupling tool 50, and a belt B attached
to the first gripper portion 10.
[0048] The first gripper 10 is a plate-like member having an outer diameter allowing the
fingers to be freely manipulated in a state of being covered with the palm. Specifically,
the size of the first gripper 10 is such that the maximum thickness H along the longitudinal
direction (hereinafter referred to as a longitudinal direction) of the stretch film
F is 40 mm or less and 3 mm or more; and the maximum size W in the diameter direction
(hereinafter referred to as a radial direction) of the stretch film F is 100 mm or
less and 30 mm or more. A planar portion 104 is held so as to be covered with and
pressed by the palm during wrapping. A side portion 105 of the first gripper 10 is
gripped by free fingers f1 to f5. As a result, the manipulation tool 2 is securely
held by the palm and the fingers f1 to f5.
[0049] Further, the first gripper 10 includes an accommodating portion 101 formed in an
outside planar portion 104 and serving as a recess for accommodating an attaching/detaching
lever 11; a through-hole 102 formed continuously in an axial direction in a bottom
surface of the accommodating portion 101 so as to pass a screw body 12 therethrough;
and a film accommodating portion 103 formed in an inside surface 106 on the opposite
side of the planar portion 104 and serving as a recess for accommodating a tip portion
(edge) of the paper core P for the stretch film F.
[0050] The hand grip belt B is a strip-like member made of a fabric material. A bolt hole
B3 is formed on the side portion 105 of the first gripper 10. Aholdingplate (washer)
B2 having an opening so as to face the bolt hole B3 is arranged. An end portion of
the belt B is pinched between the side portion 105 and the holding plate B2. In this
state, opposite ends of the belt B are fixed to the first gripper 10 by fixing a bolt
B1 to a bolt hole B3 of the side portion 105 passing through the holding plate B2.
[0051] The attaching/detaching lever 11 is a plate member of a size capable of being held
in the accommodating portion 101. A through-hole 113 for passing through an upper
portion of the screw body 12 is arranged in the center thereof. Further, the attaching/detaching
lever 11 has a bolt hole 111 formed along the radial direction and opened on a side
surface of the through-hole 113.
[0052] The screw body 12 includes a columnar coupling portion 121 having a bolt hole 122
for coupling with the attaching/detaching lever 11 in the radial direction; a columnar
holding portion 124 being continuous to the coupling portion 121 inwardly in the longitudinal
direction thereof and having a larger diameter than that of the coupling portion 121;
and a threaded region 123 being continuous to the holding portion 124 inwardly in
the longitudinal direction thereof, the threaded region 123 being made of a columnar
member having a smaller diameter than that of the holding portion 124 and externally
threaded on the outer periphery. The threaded region 123 is threadedly fitted in a
screw receiving portion 301 of a screw receiving body 30 in the coupling tool 50.
The outer diameter of the holding portion 124 is set so as to substantially match
the inner diameter of the core body S. Accordingly, an outer peripheral surface of
the holding portion 124 abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the core body
S, and thereby increases the rigidity in the bending direction.
[0053] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the columnar screw receiving body 30 as a component of
the coupling tool 50 and the core body S to which the screw receiving body 30 is fixed
respectively. The screw receiving body 30 includes a screw receiving region 301 having
an internally threaded end face in the longitudinal direction, and an insertion portion
304 being continuous to the screw receiving region 301 inwardly in the longitudinal
direction thereof. The insertion portion 304 has a coupling hole 302 passing therethrough
in the radial direction. Two coupling holes 302 are spaced at a predetermined interval
from each other in the longitudinal direction. A resilient pin 60 for connecting to
the core body S is inserted into the coupling hole 302. Note that the coupling hole
302 may be a bolt hole. Then, a bolt can be used to connect to the core body S.
[0054] A coupling hole 303 for connecting the screw receiving body 30 by means of the resilient
pin 60 is formed in the vicinity of the end portion of the core body S. The outer
diameter of the screw receiving body 30 is set to be substantially the same as or
a little smaller than the inner diameter of the core body S. Accordingly, the screw
receiving body 30 is accommodated completely inside the vicinity of the end portion
of the core body S. In a state in which the position of the coupling hole 302 of the
screw receiving body 30 matches the position of the coupling hole 303 of the core
body S, the resilient pin 60 is inserted to fix both bodies. Note that the present
embodiment illustrates a case in which the core body S has a cylindrical shape, but
may have a bar structure filled inside. In a case in which the core body S has a bar
structure, a recessed portion for accommodating the screw receiving body 30 may be
formed in the vicinity of the end portion of the shaft. Note that the present embodiment
illustrates a case in which the screw receiving body 30 is completely accommodated
inside the core body S, but for example, the screw receiving body 30 may be coupled
to an end portion of the core body S so as to stretch from the end portion of the
core body S. Note also that for example, a metal material or the like may be used
to integrally form the core body S and the screw receiving body 30.
[0055] As illustrated in Figure 10, the first gripper 10, the attaching/detaching lever
11, the screw body 12, and the screw receiving body 30 are assembled in the following
procedure. First, the coupling portion 121 of the screw body 12 is rotatably inserted
into the through-hole 102 of the first gripper 10, and further protruded into the
accommodating portion 101 to be fitted in a fitting portion 113 of the attaching/detaching
lever 11. Subsequently, the position of a bolt hole 111 on the side of the attaching/detaching
lever 11 matches the position of a bolt hole 122 on the side of the screw body 12,
and then a bolt 112 is screwed into both holes to connect the attaching/detaching
lever 11 and the screw body 12. As a result, the first gripper 10 is sandwiched in
between the attaching/detaching lever 11 and the screw body 12, but not connected
thereto. Accordingly, the first gripper 10 can be rotated freely relatively around
a periphery of the coupling portion 121 of the screw body 12. Therefore, this configuration
can allow a relative rotation (phase difference) between the first gripper 10 and
the second gripper 20 to be described later. Thus, a change in angle between left
and right hands during use can be flexibly followed. A structure including the first
gripper 10, the screw body 12 of the coupling tool 50, and the attaching/detaching
lever 11 corresponds to a rotation mechanism cited in the present invention.
[0056] As already described, the screw receiving body 30 is fixed inside the core body S.
In this state, the holding portion 124 and the threaded region 123 of the screw body
12 attached to the first gripper 20 are inserted into inside the core body S, and
a user uses the attaching/detaching lever 11 to rotate the screw body 12. As a result,
the threaded region 123 of the screw body 12 is threadedly fitted in the screw receiving
region 301 of the screw receiving body 30 to form the coupling tool 50. Thus, the
screw body 12 can be freely attached to and detached from the screw receiving body
30 by rotating the attaching/detaching lever 11 left and right around the core body
S. The screw structure including the screw body 12 and the screw receiving body 30
corresponds to an attaching/detaching mechanism cited in the present invention.
[0057] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate a state of a perimeter structure including the second gripper
20. The manipulation tool 2 includes the second gripper 20 and a coupling tool 21.
The coupling tool 21 is used to connect the second gripper 20 and an end portion of
the core body S. The second gripper 20 is a plate-like member having an outer diameter
allowing the fingers to be freely manipulated in a state of being covered with the
palm. Specifically, the size of the second gripper 20 is such that the maximum thickness
H along the longitudinal direction is 40 mm or less and 3 mm or more; and the maximum
size W in the diameter direction is 100 mm or less and 30 mm or more. When the second
gripper 20 is covered with the palm, the fingers f1 to f5 are made free. Then, the
fingers f1 to f5 can be used to press the surface of the roll body R and thereby freely
manipulate the degree of rolling out the stretch film F.
[0058] The second gripper 20 includes an accommodating portion 203 formed in an outside
planar portion 205 and serving as a recess for accommodating a part of the coupling
tool 21; a through-hole 202 formed continuously in a bottom surface of the accommodating
portion 203 so as to pass the part of the coupling tool 21 therethrough; a film accommodating
portion 201 formed in an inside surface 207 on the opposite side of the planar portion
205 and serving as a recess for accommodating a tip portion (edge) of the paper core
P for the stretch film F; and a bolt hole 204 formed in the longitudinal direction
of the stretch film F for connecting the gripper 20 and the coupling tool 21. Note
that a total of four openings 209 are formed in the second gripper 20 for reducing
weight.
[0059] Meanwhile, the coupling tool 21 is extended in the radial direction to include a
plate-like coupling portion 22 accommodated in the accommodating portion 203 of the
second gripper 20; and a columnar insertion portion 23 continuously formed inwardly
in the longitudinal direction from the coupling portion 22. A bolt hole for connecting
to the second gripper 20 is formed in the coupling portion 22 in the longitudinal
direction thereof. A coupling hole 231 is formed in the insertion portion 23 so as
to pass therethrough in the radial direction. Two coupling holes 231 are spaced at
a predetermined interval from each other in the longitudinal direction. A resilient
pin 60 for connecting to the core body S is inserted into the coupling hole 231.
[0060] A coupling hole 233 for connecting the coupling tool 21 by means of the resilient
pin 60 is formed in the vicinity of the end portion of the core body S to which the
coupling tool 21 is fixed. The outer diameter of the insertion portion 23 in the coupling
tool 21 is set to be substantially the same as or a little smaller than the inner
diameter of the core body S. Accordingly, the insertion portion 23 is inserted completely
inside the vicinity of the end portion of the core body S. In a state in which the
position of the coupling hole 231 of the insertion portion 23 matches the position
of the coupling hole 233 of the core body S, the resilient pin 60 is inserted to fix
both bodies.
[0061] When the second gripper 20 and the coupling tool 21 are assembled, first, the insertion
portion 23 of the coupling tool 21 is inserted into the through-hole 202 of the second
gripper 20 from outside to inside to hold the coupling portion 22 of the coupling
tool 21 in the accommodating portion 203 of the second gripper 20. Further, in a state
in which the position of a bolt hole of the coupling portion 22 matches the position
of a bolt hole 204 of the second gripper 20, both holes are connected to each other
by means of a bolt 221. Subsequently, the insertion portion 23 of the coupling tool
21 is inserted into the core body S to fix both holes by means of the resilient pin
60.
[0062] As illustrated in Figure 10, the manipulation tool 2 as a finished product according
to the present embodiment is such that the screw receiving body 30 is inserted into
inside one end of the core body S; and the coupling tool 21 and the second gripper
20 are attached to the other end of the core body S. The band B, the attaching/detaching
lever 11, and the screw body 12 are attached to the first gripper 10. In the manipulation
tool 2, one end of the core body S is passed through the paper core P of the roll
body R for the stretch film F. Subsequently, the screw body 12 of the first gripper
10 is inserted into an end portion of the core body S and then the attaching/detaching
lever 11 is rotated to connect the screw body 12 and the screw receiving body 30.
When the stretch film F is exhausted, the attaching/detaching lever 11 is reversely
rotated to detach the first gripper 10 and the used paper core P is removed and discarded.
[0063] According to the present embodiment, the second gripper 20 is completely fixed to
the core body S and hence cannot be rotated. Accordingly, a relative rotation between
the second gripper 20 and the attaching/detaching lever 11 causes a relative rotation
between the screw receiving portion 30 fixed inside the core body S and a screw portion
12 fixed to the attaching/detaching lever 11, and thereby both can be connected to
each other. Thus, the first gripper 10 can be detached very easily.
[0064] Further, during use, the first gripper 10 held by the palm and fingers are sandwiched
in between the attaching/detaching lever 11 and the coupling tool 50, but are not
fixed to each other. Thus, the first gripper 10 can be freely rotated around the coupling
tool 50. Thus, if a relative angle change in both hands occurs during wrapping of
the stretch filmF, rotational flexibility flexibly adapted to the change can be obtained.
[0065] Even if a relative angle change occurs between the first gripper 10 and the second
gripper 20 during use, no relative angle change occurs between the screw body 12 and
the screw receiving body 30 in the coupling portion 50 because the first gripper 10
is freely rotatable. Accordingly, during use, the fitted state between the screw portion
12 and the screw receiving portion 30 can be prevented from being loosed.
[0066] Note that according to the present embodiment, when the stretch film is wrapped,
the paper core P rolls out the stretch film F while relatively rotating along the
periphery of the core body S. At this time, a slight friction occurs between the core
body S and the paper core P, and this frictional force causes the paper core P to
rotate. Even in such a case, since the attachable and detachable structure including
the screw body 12 and the screw receiving body 30 is arranged on the side of the freely
rotatable first gripper 10, no relative rotation occurs between the screw body 12
and the screw receiving body 30 as long as the second gripper 20 is fixed to the core
body S.
[0067] Note that according to the present embodiment, the screw body 12 and the screw receiving
body 30 are formed with left hand screw threads (counterclockwise). The direction
of rolling out the stretch film F is displayed. Then, even if the frictional force
acting between the paper core P and the core body S causes the core body S to rotate,
the force can be acted in a direction of further strongly tightening the screw body
12 and the screw receiving portion 30. In other word, an effective use of this slight
frictional force can prevent the first gripper 10 from coming off during wrapping
work. It is apparent that when the direction of rolling out the stretch film F is
displayed reversely, the screw body 12 and the screw receiving body 30 may be formed
with right hand screw threads (clockwise).
[0068] Further, according to the present embodiment, during wrapping work, the worker holds
the first gripper 10 by the palm with one hand inserted into the belt B of the first
gripper 10 and holds the second gripper 20 by the palm of the other hand. Accordingly,
a plurality of fingers f1 to f5 (particularly the thumb) of both hands are made free,
and hence the surface of the roll body R of the stretch film F can be pressed by the
finger tips while the side surfaces of the first gripper 10 and the second gripper
20 are being held. The degree of pressing force can be increased or decreased to appropriately
adjust the speed and tension for rolling out the stretch film F during wrapping work.
As a result, the risk of falling-down of the roll body R is eliminated and good workability
is obtained. Further, when the wrapping work is finished, the stretch film F can be
cut at any position by strongly pressing the surface of the stretch film roll body
R by means of the thumb f1. Particularly in comparison with a case in which a plurality
of fingers are inserted into grooves and holes for holding, the present embodiment
provides a structure allowing the first gripper 10 and the second gripper 20 to be
held by the hand so as to be covered from outside, and hence the fingers f1 to f5
(particularly the thumb) are made free. Accordingly, the fingers f1 to f5 are not
pressed during work, and hence fatigue can be reduced. Further, the outside surfaces
of the first gripper 10 and the second gripper 20 are flat, and hence the wrapping
apparatus 1 can be stably standing upright on the ground.
[0069] Figure 11 illustrates a wrapping apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a wrapping
apparatus) 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that
in the figure and the following description, the same reference numerals or characters
are assigned to the parts and members which are the same as or similar to those in
the first embodiment; and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted and the
following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.
[0070] The wrapping apparatus 1 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first
embodiment except the first gripper 10 and the perimeter structure in the manipulation
tool 2. As illustrated in Figure 12, the first gripper 10 includes an accommodating
portion 101 formed in an outside planar portion 104 and serving as a recess for accommodating
an attaching/detaching lever 11; a through-hole 102 formed continuously in the axial
direction in a bottom surface of the accommodating portion 101 so as to pass an engaging
body 12 therethrough; and a film accommodating portion 103 formed in an inside surface
106 on the opposite side of the planar portion 104 and serving as a recess for accommodating
a tip portion (edge) of the paper core P for the stretch film F.
[0071] The attaching/detaching lever 11 is a plate member of a size capable of being held
in the accommodating portion 101. A bolt hole 111 for connecting to an engaging body
13 serving as a component of a coupling tool 50 is arranged in the center thereof.
[0072] The engaging body 13 includes a columnar coupling portion 131 having a longitudinal
bolt hole 132 for connecting to the attaching/detaching lever 11; a columnar holding
portion 134 being continuous to the coupling portion 131 inwardly in the longitudinal
direction thereof and having a larger diameter than that of the couplingportion 131;
and an insertion region 133 being continuous to the holdingportion 134 inwardly in
the longitudinal direction thereof, the insertion region 133 being made of a columnar
member having a smaller diameter than that of the holding portion 134 and having a
compression spring 80 and a washer 82 on an outer periphery thereof. A pinhole 135
is formed on the leading end side of the insertion region 133 so as to pass therethrough
in the diameter direction. An extended pin 62 corresponding to an extended portion
cited in the present invention is fixed to the pinhole 135. Opposite ends of the extended
pin 62 protrude in the diameter direction from the insertion region 133. The outer
diameter of the holding portion 134 is set so as to substantially match the inner
diameter of the core body S. Accordingly, an outer peripheral surface of the holding
portion 134 abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the core body S, and thereby
increases the rigidity in the bending direction.
[0073] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a columnar fixed body 31 serving as a component of
the coupling tool 50. The fixed body 31 includes an engaging region 311; and an insertion
portion 314 being continuous to the engaging region 311 inwardly in the longitudinal
direction thereof. The insertion portion 314 has a coupling hole 312 so as to pass
therethrough in the radial direction. A resilient pin 60 for connecting to the core
body S is inserted into the coupling hole 312.
[0074] The engaging region 311 includes an insertion opening 313 formed on an end face on
the side of the engaging body 13; an insertion hole 314 formed continuously in the
longitudinal direction of the insertion opening 313; an annular circumferential groove
315 continuously formed circumferentially behind the insertion hole 314 (here, inwardly
in the longitudinal direction); and a counter insertion direction recessed portion
316 arranged continuously to the circumferential groove 315 on an opposite side (here,
outside in the longitudinal direction) of the insertion direction.
[0075] The inner diameters of the insertion opening 313 and the insertion hole 314 are set
to be greater than the diameter of the insertion region 133 of the engaging body 13
and less than the outer diameter of the compression spring 80 or the washer 82. Thus,
when the insertion region 133 of the engaging body 13 is inserted into the insertion
hole 314 through the insertion opening 313, the washer 82 abuts against an end face
of the fixed body 31 to press the compression spring 82. Note that a relief groove
317 for avoiding the interference with the extendedpin 62 is formed in the insertion
opening 313 and the insertion hole 314 in the longitudinal direction thereof . This
relief groove 317 guides the extended pin 62 in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential
groove 315 formed continuously to the insertion hole 314 circumferentially guides
the extended pin 62. Thus, an insertion direction step portion 318 including corners
of the relief groove 317 and the circumferential groove 315 is engaged with the extended
pin 62 in the longitudinal direction. This engagement prevents the engaging body 13
from coming out of the fixed body 31. The counter insertion direction recessed portion
316 formed continuously in the circumferential groove 315 is circumferentially formed
to have a relative angle difference from the relief groove 317 and is suspended just
before reaching the end face of the fixed body 13. Thus, the extended pin 62 is circumferentially
guided by the circumferential groove 315 and further is guided to the side opposite
to the insertion direction by the counter insertion direction recessed portion 316
to be held at an end view point of the groove. In this state, the circumferential
direction step portion 319 including corners of the circumferential groove 315 and
the counter insertion direction recessed portion 316 is circumferentially engaged
with the extended pin 62. As a result, unless the extended pin 62 accommodated in
the counter insertion direction recessed portion 316 is pushed back in the insertiondirection,
the extended pin 62 and the engaging body 13 cannot be rotated circumferentially inside
the fixed body 31.
[0076] As described above, the extended pin 62, the engaging body 13, the fixed body 31,
the compression spring 80, and the like constitute the attaching/detaching mechanism
cited in the present invention.
[0077] Note that a coupling hole 303 for connecting the fixed body 31 by means of the resilient
pin 60 is formed in the vicinity of the end portion of the core body S. The outer
diameter of the fixed body 31 is set to be substantially the same as or a little smaller
than the inner diameter of the core body S. Accordingly, the fixed body 31 is accommodated
completely inside the vicinity of the end portion of the core body S. In a state in
which the position of the coupling hole 312 of the fixed body 31 matches the position
of the coupling hole 303 of the core body S, the resilient pin 60 is inserted to fix
both bodies.
[0078] As illustrated in Figure 15, the first gripper 10, the attaching/detaching lever
11, and the engaging body 13 are assembled in the following procedure. First, the
coupling portion 131 of the engaging body 13 is rotatably inserted into the through-hole
102 of the first gripper 10, and further protruded from the bottom surface of the
accommodating portion 101 to be fitted in a fitting portion 113 of the attaching/detaching
lever 11. Subsequently, the position of a bolt hole 111 on the side of the attaching/detaching
lever 11 matches the position of a bolt hole 132 on the side of the engaging body
13, and then a bolt 112 is screwed into both holes to connect the attaching/detaching
lever 11 and the engaging body 13. As a result, the first gripper 10 is sandwiched
in between the attaching/detaching lever 11 and the engaging body 13, but not connected
thereto. Accordingly, the first gripper 10 can be rotated freely relatively around
a periphery of the coupling portion 131 of the engaging body 13. A structure including
the first gripper 10, the engaging body 13 of the coupling tool 50, and the attaching/detaching
lever 11 corresponds to the rotation mechanism cited in the present invention.
[0079] Further, the compression spring 80 is inserted over the insertion region 133 of the
engaging body 13, further the washer 82 is inserted, and then the extended pin 62
is fixed to the pinhole 135. As a result, the extended pin 62 causes the washer 82
to be engaged with the compression spring 80, which can prevent the washer 82 and
the compression spring 80 from coming out of the insertion region 133. Thus, the assembly
of the first gripper 10 and the like complete.
[0080] When the manipulation tool 2 is used, first one end of the core body S is passed
through the paper core P of the roll body R for the stretch film F. Subsequently,
as illustrated in Figure 16, the engaging body 13 of the first gripper 10 is inserted
from an end portion of the core body S and further as illustrated in Figure 17, the
extended pin 62 is pushed inside along the relief groove 317. At this time, the washer
82 abuts against an end face of the fixed body 31 to cause the compression spring
80 to shrink. Subsequently, as illustrated in Figure 17, the attaching/detaching lever
11 is rotated to guide the extended pin 62 along the circumferential groove 315. Note
that a slight rotation of the attaching/detaching lever 11 immediately causes the
extended pin 62 to be engaged with the insertion direction step portion 318, and then
a force for shrinking the compression spring 80 is not required. When the angle of
the extended pin 62 matches the angle of the counter insertion direction recessed
portion 316 as illustrated in Figure 18, the restoring force of the compression spring
80 urges the extended pin 62 to move toward the bottom side of the counter insertion
direction recessed portion 316 as illustrated in Figure 11, and the extended pin 62
is automatically guided along the counter insertion direction recessed portion 316
toward the side opposite to the insertion direction. As a result, the extended pin
62 abuts against the bottom of the counter insertion direction recessed portion 316
to be held. Unless the extended pin 62 is pushed back in the insertion direction against
the restoring force of the compression spring 80, the extended pin 62 and the engaging
body 13 cannot be rotated circumferentially inside the fixed body 31. Note that the
first gripper 10 can be detached from the core body S by the aforementioned procedure
in reverse.
[0081] The wrapping apparatus 1 of the second embodiment allows the first gripper 10 to
be attached to and detached from the core body S in a very simple manner, thus further
increasing work efficiency. In particular, since both the attaching/detaching mechanism
and the rotation mechanism are arranged on the side of the first gripper 10 and the
core body S is fixed to the side of the second gripper 20, an external force causing
a relative rotation between the fixed body 31 and the engaging body 13 hardly occurs
during use. Accordingly, the external force acting on the extended pin 62 can be reduced
to be small, and hence the size of the coupling tool 50 including the extended pin
62 can be reduced. As a result, the diameter of the core body S can be reduced to
up to less than 25 mm.
[0082] Note that the second embodiment exemplifies a coil spring as the urging member, but
the present invention is not limited to this. For example, rubber, a plate spring,
and other resilient structures may be used as needed.
[0083] Further, the second embodiment exemplifies a case in which the attaching/detaching
mechanism is arranged inside the core body S, but the present invention is not limited
to this. For example, like the wrapping apparatus 1 of another configuration example
1 schematically illustrated in Figures 19 to 21, the extended portion 63 extending
in the diameter direction can be arranged in an end portion of the coupling tool 50
fixed to the core body S so as to form the insertion opening 117, the insertion direction
engaging step portion 118, and the counter insertion direction recessed portion 119
on the side of the first gripper portion 10. An engaging projection 64 is engaged
with the extended portion 63 so as to face the counter insertion direction recessed
portion 119. The extended portion 63 is inserted into the insertion opening 117 of
the first gripper 10 and then the first gripper 10 is rotated by 90 degrees to engage
the counter insertion direction recessed portion 119 with the engaging projection
64. Thereby, the first gripper 10 can be easily attached and detached. The present
configuration example uses the elastic deformation of the extended portion 63 as the
urging member. Although not particularly illustrated here, the rotation mechanism
is preferably arranged on the side of the second gripper 20.
[0084] Thus, according to the wrapping apparatus of the present embodiment, the outer diameter
of the core body S is set to 65 mm or less and hence the inner diameter of the stretch
film F can be set to 75 mm or less. For example, in the case of the stretch film F
using the paper core P, the inner diameter of the paper core P can be set to 75 mm
or less. For example, the present embodiment uses the paper core P with an inner diameter
of 25 mm. Accordingly, in comparison with a widely used paper core with an inner diameter
of more than 75 mm, the maximum outer diameter of the stretch film F when the same
amount of film is wrapped can be greatly reduced. The stretch film F is consumed in
large amounts and hence transported in large amounts by containers or the like. Thus,
a reduction in outer diameter of the stretch film F itself can greatly reduce the
logistics costs. As a result, energy consumption during transportation is reduced,
leading to a reduction in environmental impact attracting increased attention in recent
years. Particularly, the present wrapping apparatus has the core body S on the side
of the manipulation tool, and hence can use a so-called core-less structure without
the paper core P for the stretch film F. Note that frictional resistance between the
stretch film F and the core body S may increase. Thus, for example, like the wrapping
apparatus 1 of other configuration example 2 of the second embodiment as illustrated
in Figure 22, the manipulation tool 2 preferably has a cylindrical core body cover
S2 arranged outside the core body S to allow a relative rotation with respect to the
core body S. Even if the stretch film F of a core-less structure is closely attached
to the core body cover S2, workability can be improved because the core body cover
S2 is freely rotatable. As a result, the paper core P to be discarded can be eliminated.
Thus, the costs of the roll body R can be reduced and the roll body R for the stretch
film F with less discard costs can be obtained.
[0085] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and apparently
various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
1. A stretch film wrapping manipulation tool for use with a bar-like member or a cylindrical
shaft-like member inserted into a stretch film in a cylindrical shape, the stretch
film wrapping manipulation tool comprising:
a core body, which is the bar-like member or the cylindrical shaft-like member, inserted
into a roll body of the stretch film in a cylindrical shape;
a pair of grippers attached to opposite ends of the core body and held by hands of
a user;
a coupling portion provided on the opposite ends of the core body and connecting the
core body and the gripper; and
an attaching/detaching mechanism arranged between at least one of the grippers of
the pair and the coupling portion and removably attaching the gripper and the coupling
portion.
2. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to Claim 1, wherein the gripper
has an outer diameter being coverable with a palm.
3. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to any one of Claims 1 and 2,
further comprising a rotation mechanism arranged between at least one of the grippers
of the pair and the coupling portion and holding the gripper and the coupling portion
in a relatively rotatable manner.
4. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to Claim 3, wherein both the
attaching/detaching mechanism and the rotation mechanism are arranged in at least
one of the grippers of the pair.
5. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to any one of Claims 1 to 4,
wherein
the attaching/detaching mechanism includes:
an extended portion arranged in one of the gripper and the coupling portion and extending
in the diameter direction of the stretch film;
an insertion opening arranged in the other one of the gripper and the coupling portion
and into which the extended portion is inserted; and
an insertion direction engaging step portion being continuous circumferentially behind
the insertion opening in an insertion direction and engaged with the extended portion
in the insertion direction by causing a relative rotation between the extended portion
and the insertion opening.
6. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to Claim 5, wherein
the attaching/detaching mechanism has a counter insertion direction recessed portion
being continuous to the insertion direction engaging step portion in an opposite direction
of the insertion direction and engaged with the extended portion circumferentially
by accommodating the extended portion.
7. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to Claim 6, wherein
the attaching/detaching mechanism has an urging member causing the extended portion
accommodated in the counter insertion direction recessed portion to be urged to a
bottom side of the counter insertion direction recessed portion.
8. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to any one of Claims 1 to 7,
further comprising a hand grip belt which is arranged in at least one of the grippers
of the pair and into which a hand can be inserted.
9. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to any one of Claims 1 to 8,
wherein
the gripper has a maximum thickness of 40 mm or less and 3 mm or more along a longitudinal
direction of the stretch film and a maximum size of 100 mm or less and 30 mm or more
in the diameter direction of the stretch film.
10. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to any one of Claims 1 to 9,
wherein the core body has a maximum outer diameter of 65 mm or less.
11. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to any one of Claims 1 to 10,
further comprising a cylindrical core body cover into which the core body is inserted
and which is arranged to be relatively rotatable with respect to the core body.
12. A stretch film wrapping apparatus comprising the stretch film wrapping manipulation
tool according to any one of Claims 1 to 11; and the stretch film.
13. The stretch film wrapping apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the stretch film
has an inner diameter of 75 mm or less.
14. The stretch film wrapping apparatus according to any one of Claims 12 and 13, wherein
the stretch filmhas a core-less structure without a paper core located on an inner
peripheral surface.
15. A stretch film mounted on the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to
any one of Claims 1 to 11.
16. The stretch film according to Claim 15, wherein the stretch film has an inner diameter
of 75 mm or less.
17. The stretch film according to any one of Claims 15 and 16, wherein the stretch film
has a core-less structure without a paper core located on an inner peripheral surface.