STRETCH WRAP MACHINE WITH TOP CORNER FILM TRANSFER

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns stretch wrap machines, and more particularly relates to stretch wrap machines with a top corner film transfer.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wrapping machines have been developed for wrapping plastic film around items on a pallet to retain the items for shipping and the like. Known wrapping machines include a film dispenser mounted on an arm to rotate about the pallet and thereby wrap the items on the pallet. The film dispenser may also be mounted for vertical travel such that the film is wrapped around the items in a spiral manner. Other known wrapping machines include a rotary table upon which the pallet is placed. In this type or machine, the wrapping device is moulted to a stationary vertical structure. During the wrapping process, the table and pallet thereon are rotated, and the wrapping device travels vertically to thereby spiral wrap the items on the pallet.

[0003] Heretofore, wrapping machines have include a gripper that grips the end of the film to thereby hold the film in a proper position as it is fed from the film dispenser. Known grippers maintain the end of the film adjacent a side of the pallet and an end of the film typically has to be blown or wiped against the side of the product on the pallet at the end of the wrapping process. During the wrapping process, the gripper remains outside of the external vertical periphery of the pallet.

[0004] A wrapping machine is desired making improvements on the aforementioned known wrapping machines.

[0005] EP 0 180 517 A1 refers to a wrapping machine and a method for wrapping a product. A product positioned on a turntable is wrapped, wherein an end of the wrapping material is held sidewise near the top of the product.

[0006] EP 0 022 135 A1 and DE 32 36 029 C1 both relate to a wrapping machine, which includes a clamp for catching an end of the wrapping material and to move the wrapping material in a position above the product that a pressure plate can fix the wrapping material on top of the product to be wrapped. After the pressure plate fixes the wrapping material the end of the wrapping material is released by the clamp and the wrapping process starts.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESET INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a wrapping machine and a method for wrapping which increase a throughput rate and decreases the time needed for preparing the start of then wrapping process. This object is solved by the wrapping machine according to claim 1 and the method for wrapping a product according to claim 14. Advantageous improvements of the present invention are described by the dependent claims.

[0008] A wrapping machine for wrapping a product comprises a base, a turntable on the base for rotating the product and a source of wrapping material connected to the base, with the source of wrapping material supplying wrapping material to the product. The machine may further include an apparatus configured to bring a portion of the wrapping material above the product.

[0009] A wrapping machine for wrapping a product comprises a base, a turntable on the base for rotating the product and a source of wrapping material connected to the base, with the source of wrapping material supplying wrapping material to the product. The machine may also include an apparatus configured to cut the wrapping material at a position above the product during wrapping of the product or after the product has been trapped.

[0010] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a wrapping machine for wrapping a product comprising a base, a turntable on the base for rotating the product and a source of wrapping material to the product. The machine also includes an apparatus configured to hold a portion of the wrapping material at a position above the product as the turntable begins rotating the product.

[0011] A wrapping machine for wrapping a product may comprise a base, a turntable on the base for rotating the product, and a vertically adjustable source of wrapping material connected to the base, with the source of wrapping material supplying wrapping material to the product. The machine may also include a gripping assembly gripping a portion of the wrapping material during initiation of wrapping of the product, with the gripping assembly being configured to move vertically with the vertically adjustable source of wrapping material.

[0012] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of wrapping a product with wrapping material comprising holding a source of the wrapping material in a horizontally stationary position, rotating the product about a vertical axis to wrap the product with the wrapping material, and positioning a leading end of the wrapping material above a top height of the product.

[0013] The method of wrapping a product with wrapping material may comprise rotating the product and dropping an end of the wrapping material on top of the product during or after rotation.

[0014] The method of packaging a product with wrapping material may comprise wrapping the product with the wrapping material, bringing a portion of the wrapping material from a first position adjacent a side of the product to a second position above the product, and cutting the portion of the wrapping material to form a trailing end of the wrapping material such that the trailing end is free.

[0015] The method of packaging products with wrapping material may comprise wrapping a first product with the wrapping material and bringing a portion of the wrapping material comprising a leading end of the wrapping material from a first position adjacent a side of the product to a second position above the product. The method may also include cutting the portion of the wrapping material to form a trailing end of the wrapping material, whereby the trailing end is free. The method may further include clamping the leading end of the wrapping material during wrapping of a second product.

[0016] The method of packaging a product with wrapping material may comprise placing a leading end of the wrapping material in a U-shaped vehicle, moving the U-shaped vehicle to clamp the leading end of the wrapping material, and rotating a source of wrapping material relative to the product to wrap the product.

[0017] A wrapping machine may comprise a base, a powered rotatable turntable on the base for rotating a product, a generally upright column adjacent the turntable, a source of wrapping material including a carriage operably connected to the column for generally vertical movement along the column, and at least one track adjacent the turntable, with the track having a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portion extending above the turntable. The machine may also include at least one powered drive assembly. The machine may further include at least one vehicle operably connected to the powered drive assembly, and movably mounted to the least one track for movement along the horizontal and vertical portions of the track upon actuation of the powered drive assembly, with the at least one vehicle including a holder configured to retain an end portion of wrapping material above a product on the turntable when the at least one vehicle is on the horizontal portion of the track.

[0018] A wrapping machine may comprise a base configured to support the wrapping machine on a floor surface, a clamp connected to the base for holding an end of the wrapping material, a turntable rotatably connected to the base for rotating a product on the turntable relative to the base and the clamp, and a wrap dispenser operably mounted to the base for supplying wrapping material to a product on the turntable,.

[0019] The method of wrapping a product with wrapping material according to the invention comprises rotating the product relative to a source of the wrapping material and not maintaining a leading end of the wrapping material stationary relative to the product during initiation of a rotation cycle of the product relative to the source of the wrapping material.

[0020] A method of retro-fitting a wrapping machine may comprise providing a wrapping machine having a base, a powered rotatable turntable on the base for rotating a product, a generally upright column, adjacent the turntable, and a source of wrapping material including a carriage operably connected to the column for generally vertical movement along the column. The method may also include connecting an apparatus to the column, with the apparatus configured to bring a portion of the wrapping material above the product.

[0021] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specifications, claims, an appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stretch wrap machine of the present invention in an initial position.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a front view of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention in a start position and with a cover of a column and carriage removed to show details of the machine.

[0024] FIG. 3 is top view of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention in the start position and with the cover of the column and carriage removed to show details of the machine.

[0025] FIG. 4 is top view of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention in a first rotated position at the beginning of rotation of a product and with the cover of the column and carriage removed to show details of the machine.

[0026] FIG. 5A is top view of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention in a second rotated position and with the cover of the column and carriage removed to show details of the machine.

[0027] FIG. 5B is a front view of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention in a wrapping position.

[0028] FIG. 5C is a front view of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention in an end of wrapping position.

[0029] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention in a final position.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a front view of an arm of a wrapping assembly and an I-beam of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a top view of the arm of the wrapping assembly and the I-beam of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a side view of the arm of the wrapping assembly and the I-beam of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the arm of the wrapping assembly of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a side view of a track, a vehicle and a cantilever beam of the arm of the wrapping assembly of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a front view of the track and a vehicle of the wrapping assembly of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a close-up view of the track and the vehicle taken from the circle XI of FIG. 10.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a close-up view of the track and the vehicle taken from the circle XII of FIG. 10.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a top view of the track of the wrapping assembly of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a close-up top view of a motor support and transition section of the track of the wrapping assembly of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 15A is a top view of the stretch wrap machine of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 15B is a top view of an end of the arm and track of the wrapping assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 15C is a front view of the stretch wrap machine of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 15D is a side view of a track, a vehicle and a cantilever beam of the arm of the wrapping assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a front of a bottom of the track of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 16A is a front view of the end of the track and the vehicle of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an end of the track and the vehicle of a third embodiment of the present invention, with the vehicle in a first position on the track.

[0047] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the end of the track and the vehicle of a third embodiment of the present invention, with the vehicle in a second position on the track.

[0048] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the vehicle of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 21 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 22 is a top view of the fourth embodiment of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 23 is a fragmentary front view of a stationary arm and a rotating arm of the stretch wrap machine of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0054] The reference number 10 (FIGS. 1-5D) generally designates a stretch wrap machine embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the stretch wrap machine 10 is for wrapping a product 12 and comprises a base 14, a turntable 16 on the base 14 for rotating the product 12, a source 18 of stretch wrap 20 connected to the base 14 and a wrapping assembly 22. The wrapping assembly 22 is configured to bring a portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 above the product 12, cut the stretch wrap 20 at a position above the product 12 after the product 12 has been wrapped and/or hold the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 at a position above the product 12 as the turntable 16 begins rotating the product 12.

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates the stretch wrap machine 10 in an initial position. In the initial position, a product 12 that has not been wrapped yet is placed on the turntable 16. Furthermore, the wrapping assembly 22 is located above the product 12 to allow the product 12 to be placed on the turntable 16 without interference with the wrapping assembly 22. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the stretch wrap 20 extends between the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 and a vehicle 38 (described in more detail below). The vehicle 38 in FIG. 1 holds the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 comprising a leading end 24' of the stretch wrap 20. Thereafter, the wrapping assembly 22 lowers as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 to position the stretch wrap machine 10 in a start position for beginning to wrap the product 12. In the start position, the stretch wrap 20 forms into a first triangular part 25 and a second rope part 27, with the stretch wrap 20 forming a rope transition point 29 between the first triangular part 25 and the second rope part 27 on a top corner 31 of the product 12.

[0056] The stretch wrap machine 10 then begins to wrap the product 12 by rotating the turntable 16 as illustrated in FIG. 4. At first, the rope transition point 29 will move along the top corner 31 of the product 12. However, when the rope transition point 29 meets a corner 200 of the product 12, the rope transition point 29 will catch on the corner 200 and move therewith as illustrated in FIG. 5A, thereby beginning to wrap the product 12 with the stretch wrap 12. The source 18 of stretch wrap 20 will then begin to move vertically to wrap the sides of the product 12. After the product 12 has been wrapped at least one time (including after the product 12 has been completely wrapped), the leading end 24' of the stretch wrap 20 will drop onto the top of the product 12. Thereafter, the vehicle 38 will move to a bottom of the wrapping assembly 22 as illustrated in FIG. 5B.

[0057] To finish wrapping the product 12 in the illustrated example, the vehicle 38 will move upward and grab the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20. At this point, the portion 24 includes a trailing end 24" of the stretch wrap 20 about the product 12 and a second leading end 24' of the stretch wrap (i.e., a leading end 24' for the stretch wrap 20 for a subsequent product to be wrapped). The portion 24 is moved above the product 12 as illustrated in FIG. 5C. Thereafter, the portion 24 is cut to thereby drop the trailing end 24" on top of the product 12. The product 12 is therefore fully wrapped and can be removed from the turntable 16 and the wrapping machine 10 is positioned again in the initial position of FIG. 1. As used herein, the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 can comprise the leading end 24', the trailing end 24" or a combination of both the leading end 24' and the trailing end 24". The elements of the illustrated embodiment the stretch wrap machine 10 will now be described.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the base 14 includes the turntable 16 for rotating the product 12 and a column 26 supporting the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 and the wrapping assembly 22. The turntable 16 is preferably circular and configured to have the product 12 placed thereon. The turntable 16 is connected to a motor 28 preferably via an endless band (e.g., a chain) that is activated to rotate the turntable 16. However, it is contemplated that the turntable 16 can be connected to the motor 28 using other means. The motor 28 is operatively connected to a control system (not shown) that rotates the turntable 16 during the wrapping process. The base 14 and turntable 16 are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0059] The illustrated column 26 extends upwardly from the base 14 and has the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 connected thereto. The source 18 of stretch wrap 20 is located on a carriage 30 that moves the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 vertically between a position above a top and a bottom of the product 12 in order to wrap the product 12. Preferably, the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 includes a roll 32 of stretch wrap 20 placed on the carriage 30. The carriage 30 preferably prestretches the stretch wrap 20 in order to lengthen the stretch wrap 20 in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The carriage 30 can be moved vertically on the column 26 by many methods, all of which are well known to those skilled in the art. The carriage 30 also includes a source of power connected thereto in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The carriage and its manner of loading and moving on the column are conventional and well known to those skilled in the art.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the wrapping assembly 22 uses the stretch wrap 20 from the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 to wrap the product 12. The wrapping assembly 22 includes an arm 34 extending from the column 26, a track 36 connected to the arm 34 and a vehicle 38 that travels along the track 36 to bring the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 to a position above the turntable 16 after a first product is wrapped and before a second product 12 is wrapped. The vehicle 38 also cuts the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 after the product 12 has been wrapped.

[0061] The illustrated arm 34 (FIGS. 6-8A) moves vertically along the column 26 to move the track 36 and the vehicle 38 vertically. The arm 34 of the wrapping assembly 22 rides on an I-beam 40 of the column 26. Preferably, the carriage 30 also rides on the I-beam 40 such that the arm 34 of the wrapping assembly 22 can be connected to the existing structure of currently manufactured wrapping machines (that had previously been made without the wrapping assembly 22 of the present invention.) The I-beam 40 includes a front plate 42 upon which the arm 34 rides and a centrally located and vertically aligned ratchet plate 44 on the front plate 42. As discussed in more detail below, the arm 34 interconnects with the ratchet plate 44 to stop the lowering of the arm 34.

[0062] In the illustrated example, the arm 34 includes a guide plate 46 that rides on the front plate 42 of the I-beam 40. The guide plate 46 includes a front panel 48 and a pair of three-pronged roller guides 50 on each side of the front panel 48. The three-pronged roller guide portion 50 each include three pockets 52 having a roller 54 therein. The rollers 54 in the roller guide portions 50 are configured to roll on a front side, a rear side and an end edge of each side of the front plate 42 of the I-beam 40. In FIG. 7, a top of the housing enclosing the rollers 54 is removed to show the rollers 54. Accordingly, two of the rollers 54 are parallel and the third roller 54 (the roller rolling on the end edge of the front plate 42) is orientated perpendicular to the parallel rollers 54. The front panel 48 of the guide plate 46 of the arm 34 includes a stopping mechanism 56 connected thereto. The stopping mechanism 56 includes a solenoid 58 and a pawl 60. The pawl 60 is rotatably connected to the front panel 48 and is rotated through actuation of the solenoid 58. The pawl 60 is configured to extend through an opening 62 (see FIG. 8) in the front panel 48. During use of the wrapping assembly 22, the control system for the stretch wrap machine 10 will activate the solenoid 58 to rotate the pawl 60 through the opening 62 and into contact with the ratchet plate 44 to stop downward movement of the arm 34. Preferably, the pawl 60 will only prevent downward movement of the arm 34, but will allow the arm 34 to move upwards. Although an embodiment of the stretch wrap machine 10 including the I-beam 40 and the guide plate 46 for moving the arm 34 and a solenoid 58 and pawl 60 for stopping movement of the arm 34 are illustrated, it is contemplated that the arm 34 could move along the column 26 in any manner and stop vertically relative to the column 26 in any manner.

[0063] The illustrated arm 34 includes a top beam 64, a side support beam 66, a top support beam 68, a cantilever beam 70 and a side beam 72 extending from the guide plate 46. The top beam 64 extends horizontally from a top of the guide plate 46 and the side beam 72 extends horizontally from a lower portion of the guide plate 46. The top beam 64 and the side beam 72 are illustrated as being parallel. The cantilever beam 70 extends forwardly from an end of the side beam 72. The top support beam 68 extends forwardly and downwardly from an end of the top beam 64 and a central portion of the cantilever beam 70. Furthermore, the side support beam 66 extends laterally and forwardly from a side of the guide plate 46 to a central portion of the cantilever beam 70. The cantilever beam 70 and the side support beam 66 each include a shock absorber support 74 having a shock absorber 76 thereon. The shock absorbers 76 are configured to abut against a top of the carriage 30 such that the arm 34 rides upward and downward on the carriage 30 until the solenoid 58 actuates the pawl 60 to stop movement of the arm 34 (see FIGS. 1-2, which show the shock absorbers 76 directly above the carriage 30). The track 36 is connected to the cantilever beam 70.

[0064] In the illustrated example, the vehicle 38 moves on the track 36 (FIGS. 10-14) to bring the stretch wrap 20 to a position above the product 12. The track 36 includes a horizontal section 78, a vertical section 80, and a motor support and transition section 82. The horizontal section 78 includes a plurality of ears 84 having holes 86 therethrough for accepting fasteners to connect the horizontal section 78 of the track 36 to the cantilever beam 70. The horizontal section 78, the vertical section 80, and the motor support and transition section 82 each have an inverted T-shaped cross section (see FIG. 9 showing the end of the horizontal section 78 connected to the cantilever beam 70 or the arm 34) and define a continuous rail 88 along the bottom of the horizontal section 78 and a right side of the vertical section 80 as shown in FIG. 10. The vehicle 38 rides along the continuous rail 88 between an outermost end 90 (FIG. 11) of the horizontal section 78 and a lowest end 92 (FIG. 12) of the vertical section 80 of the track 36. Although only one vehicle 38 is used in the illustrated embodiment, FIG. 10 illustrates the vehicle 38 at both the outermost end 90 and the lowest end 92 (even though the vehicle 38 would be at only one of these locations). The track 36 incudes a drive assembly 94 for moving the vehicle 38. The drive assembly 94 includes a motor and sprocket assembly 96 on the motor support and transition section 82, a first sprocket 98 on the outermost end 90 of the horizontal section 78, a second sprocket 100 of the lowest end 92 of the vertical section 80, and a chain 102 connected to the motor and sprocket assembly 96, the first sprocket 98 and the second sprocket 100. The motor and sprocket assembly 96 includes a motor 118 for moving a portion of the chain 102 connected to the vehicle 38 between the outermost end 90 of the horizontal section 78 and the lowest end 92 of the vertical section 80 of the track 36.

[0065] The illustrated vehicle 38 moves along the rail 88 of the track 36 to bring the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 to a position above the product 12. The vehicle 38 includes a support 120 that rides on the rail 88 and is connected to the chain 102. The vehicle 38 also includes a finger 122 rotatably connected to the support 120. The support 120 comprises a plate 124 with four legs 126 having rollers 127 thereon for rolling on the rail (see FIG. 9) and surrounding the rail 88 and being connected to the chain 102. The finger 122 extends from the plate 124 of the support 120 and includes a first portion 128 and a second portion 130 defining a pocket 132. A torsion spring 134 provides a bias to the finger 122 to rotate the finger 122 into a lateral position (see FIG. 12). The finger 122 includes a resilient reverse C-shaped spring wedge 135 configured to capture the stretch wrap 20 within the pocket 132 and a blade 136 for cutting a portion of the stretch wrap 20.

[0066] During use, the stretch wrap machine 10 begins the wrapping procedure by moving the carriage 30 and the wrapping assembly 22 to an uppermost position on the column 26. At this point, the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 is held within the pocket 132 of the finger 122 of the vehicle 38 of the wrapping assembly 22 by the resilient spring wedge 135 or any other spring-like member. Furthermore, the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 will pull the finger 122 against the bias of the torsion spring 134 such that the finger 122 will be in an aligned position (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 10 and 11). Thereafter, the product 12 is placed on the turntable 16, and the carriage 30 and the wrapping assembly 22, which can ride on the carriage 30, is lowered. The arm 34 of the wrapping assembly 22 preferably includes an electronic eye for determining a distance from the top of the product 12. The electronic eye will activate the solenoid 58, which will rotate the pawl 60 into contact with the ratchet plate 44 to prevent any further downward movement of the arm 34, when the arm 34 is a predetermined distance above the product 12 (see FIG. 2). At this point, the stretch wrap machine 10 is ready to begin wrapping the product 12 with the stretch wrap 20.

[0067] In the illustrated example, after the arm 34 has been lowered to the position above the product 12, the turntable 16 will begin to rotate (see FIGS. 4 and spa). As the turntable 16 rotates, the corner 200 of the product 12 will catch the rope transition point 29 of the stretch wrap 20 between the vehicle 38 and the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 and begin pulling the stretch wrap 20 around the product 12. Furthermore, the carriage 30 will move the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 vertically to allow the stretch wrap 20 to surround an outside of the product 12 between a top portion and a bottom portion of the product 12. The method of wrapping the product 12 with the stretch wrap 20 between the top portion and the bottom portion of the product 12 is well known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the corner 200 of the product will pull the leading end 24' of the stretch wrap 20 out of the resilient spring wedge 135 in the pocket 132 of the finger 122 of the vehicle 38, thereby positioning the leading end 24' of the stretch wrap 20 to rest on the top of the product 12. Furthermore, the vehicle 38 will move from the aligned position to the lateral position as shown in FIG. 5B because the stretch wrap 20 is no longer working against the bias of the spring 134.

[0068] At any time during the wrapping of the product 12 or after the product 12 is wrapped with the stretch wrap 20, the motor 118 of the track 36 is activated to move the chain 102 and thereby the vehicle 38 from the outermost end 90 of the horizontal section 78 to the lowest end 92 of the vertical section 80 of the track 36. If the stretch wrap 20 extending from the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 to the product 12 is in the way of the vehicle 38 as the vehicle 38 travels down the vertical section 80 of the track 36, the finger 122 can move to the aligned position against the bias of the torsion spring 134 as the finger 122 abuts the stretch wrap 20 to allow the vehicle 38 to move past the stretch wrap 20. Furthermore, the arm 34 includes a deflector 1000 for moving the arm 34 away from the carriage 30 as the arm 34 passes the carriage 30.

[0069] After the product 12 has been wrapped by the stretch wrap 20, the motor 118 of the track 36 is activated to move the chain 102, and thereby the vehicle 38, up the vertical section 80 of the track 36. As the vehicle 38 moves against the stretch wrap 20, a top 300 of the finger 122 (see FIG. 5B) will collect the stretch wrap 20 as the vehicle 38 will not be able to rotate out of the way of the stretch wrap 20. Once the vehicle 38 makes a transition from the vertical section 80 of the track 36 to the horizontal section 78 of the track 36, the stretch wrap 20 will be pulled into the pocket 132. At this point, the vehicle 38 is still in the lateral position. However, once the stretch wrap 20 is fully inserted into the pocket 132, the vehicle 38 will begin to rotate to the aligned position due to the pulling force of the stretch wrap 20 from the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 on one end. As the vehicle 38 rotates, the blade 136 will rotate into contact with the stretch wrap 20 located between the finger 122 and the product 12. Therefore, the blade 136 will cut the stretch wrap 20 and place the trailing end 24" of the stretch wrap 20 on the top of the product 12. Accordingly, both ends of the stretch wrap surrounding the product will be on top of the product. Furthermore, the leading end 24' of the stretch wrap 20 from the source 18 of stretch wrap 20 will be held within the finger 122 by the resilient spring wedge 135. At this point, the product 12 can be removed from the turntable 16, a new or second product can be placed on the turntable 16 and the process for wrapping can start again.

[0070] The reference numeral 10a (FIGS. 15A-16A) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment for the stretch wrap machine. Since stretch wrap machine 10a is similar to the previously described stretch wrap machine 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-14 and FIGS. 15A-16A, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix "a" in the numerals of the latter. The stretch wrap machine 10a is identical to the first embodiment of the stretch wrap machine 10, except that instead of capturing the portion 24 of the stretch wrap with the resilient spring wedge 135 of the finger 122, the finger 122a includes a plastic flap 502 (see FIG. 15D) that is configured to capture the portion 24 of the stretch wrap 20 between the plastic flap 502 and a first cam 500 extending from the horizontal section 78a of the arm 34a. Therefore, as the vehicle 38a moves onto the horizontal section 78a of the arm 34a, one end of the stretch wrap will come out of the source of stretch wrap and another end of the stretch wrap will surround the product, and the stretch wrap in the middle will be captured between the plastic flap 502 of the finger 122a and the first cam 500. It is contemplated that the vehicle 38a could travel almost to the outermost end 90a of the horizontal section 78a and still capture the portion of the stretch wrap 20, but can move all of the way to the outermost end 90a of the horizontal section 78a after the wrapping procedure has begun to move the portion of the stretch wrap out of being captured between the flap 502 and the first cam 500 (because the first cam 500 will end short of the outermost end 90a). Furthermore, instead of the finger 122a rotating as it travels towards the outermost end 90 of the horizontal section 78 by force of the stretch wrap pulling on the finger 122a, the finger 122a will rotate against a force of a second cam 504 (located on the horizontal section 78a of the arm 34a opposite to the first cam 500) that will abut against the finger 122a to rotate the finger 122a. Moreover, as the vehicle 38a moves to the end of the arm after the finger 122a has rotated, the knife will cut the stretch wrap as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the first cam 500 helps to hold an end of the stretch wrap from the source of stretch wrap in engagement with the vehicle 38a and the second cam 504 helps to rotate the finger 122a on the horizontal section 78a of the arm (instead of using only the tension of the stretch wrap as in the first embodiment) and to thereby cut the stretch wrap.

[0071] The reference numeral 10b (FIGS. 17-20) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a third embodiment for the stretch wrap machine. Since stretch wrap machine 10b is similar to the previously described stretch wrap machine 10a, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 15A-16A and FIGS. 17-20, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix "b" in the numerals of the latter. The stretch wrap machine 10b is identical to the second embodiment of the stretch wrap machine 10a, except with a modified vehicle 38b and arm 34b. The arm 34b of the third embodiment of the stretch wrap machine 10b includes a first cam 500b and a second cam 504b. The second cam 504b includes a beveled front edge 600 and a wrap collection member 602. The wrap collection member 602 extends from the bottom of the second cam 504b and includes a wrap collection slot 604 for collecting an end portion of the wrap when the wrap is cut as described in more detail below.

[0072] The illustrated vehicle 38b includes holds the wrap as described above in the first and second embodiment of the stretch wrap machine. The vehicle 38b includes a support 120b that rides on the arm 34b and a finger 122b. The finger 122b is rotatably connected to the support 120b and includes a first portion 128b and a second portion 130b. The support 120b includes a first stop member 606 for stopping rotational movement of the finger 122b in a first direction and a second stop member 608 for stopping rotational movement of the finger 122b in a second direction, with the first stop member 606 and the second stop member 608 abutting the first portion 128b of the finger 122b during rotation of the finger 122b. The finger 122b also includes a blade 136b for cutting the wrap and a wedge member 610 for holding the wrap and to assist in cutting the wrap. The second portion 130b of the finger 122b also includes a cam member 612 for rotating the finger 122b when the cam member 612 abuts the beveled front edge 600 of the second cam 504b.

[0073] In use, the finger 122b of the third embodiment of the stretch wrap machine 10b grabs the wrap as discussed above after the turntable 16 has stopped rotating and the product 12 has been wrapped. The finger 122b moves upward along the vertical section 80b of the arm 34b and grabs the wrap while it moves upward. As the finger 122b moves onto the horizontal section 78b of the arm 34b, the cam member 612 will abut the beveled front edge 600 of the second cam 504b, thereby rotating the finger 122b to be aligned with the horizontal section 78b of the arm 34b as illustrated in FIG. 18. As the finger 122b moves between the first cam 500b and the second cam 504b, the end of the wrap will be captured in the wrap collection slot 604 of the wrap collection member 602. When the end of the wrap is trapped by the wrap collection member 602, the vehicle 38b will continue to move past the wrap collection member 602 and cut the end of the wrap with the blade 136b, thereby dropping the end of the wrap onto the top of the product 12. Furthermore, the portion of the wrap still connected to the source of wrap will be captured between the wedge member 610 of the finger 38b and the first cam 500b. The vehicle 38b will then move a position between the first cam 500b and the second cam 504b almost at the end of the first cam 500b and the second cam 504b. The arm 34b will then rise as discussed above, the product 12 can be removed from the turntable 16 and a new product is placed on the turntable 16. The arm 34b will then lower again and the turntable 16 will begin to rotate to wrap the new product. After at least a couple of turns of the turntable, the vehicle 38b will move the end 90b of the horizontal section 78b of the arm 34b and from out of a position between the first cam 500b and the second cam 504b, thereby dropping the end of the wrap onto the product.

[0074] The reference numeral 10c (FIGS. 21-23) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a fourth embodiment for the stretch wrap machine. Since stretch wrap machine 10c is similar to the previously described stretch wrap machine 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-14 and FIGS. 21-23, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix "c" in the numerals of the latter. The stretch wrap machine 10c of the fourth embodiment of the present invention does not include a turntable. The stretch wrap machine 10c of the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating arm 704 that has the source 18c of stretch wrap 20c thereon, with the arm 704 rotating about the product 12c to wrap the product 12c.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the stretch wrap machine 10c includes a vertical column 700 fixed to a floor and a cantilever arm 702 extending horizontally from the vertical column 700. The rotating arm 704 is rotatably connected to an end of the cantilever arm 702 by a pivot pin 711. A motor and gear assembly 706 on the cantilever arm 702 rotates the pivot pit 711 to thereby rotating the rotating arm 704. The rotating arm 704 includes a vertical section 714 having a clearance member 712 at a bottom thereof and a horizontal section 716, with the carriage 30c configured to move vertically on the vertical section 714 to wrap the product 12c as the rotating arm 704 rotates about the product 12c. The vertical column 700, the cantilever arm 702, the pivot pin 711, the motor and gear assembly 706, the rotating arm 704, the clearance member 712 and the movement of the carriage 30c on the vertical section 714 of the rotating arm 704 are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0076] The illustrated fourth embodiment of the stretch wrap machine lOc further includes the wrapping assembly 22c on the vertical section 714 of the rotating arm 704. The wrapping assembly 22c can comprise any one of the wrapping assemblies described above in the first, second and third embodiments of the stretch wrap machine described above. In the illustrated embodiment, an end of the horizontal section 716 includes a motor 708 having a linking member 710 connected thereto. The linking member 710 extends from the motor 708, around a wheel 730 at a junction between the horizontal section 716 and the vertical section 714 of the rotating arm 704, and connects to the carriage 30c. The motor 708 is configured to wind and unwind the linking member 710 to move the carriage 30c vertically on the vertical section 714 of the rotating arm 704. As described above, the wrapping assembly 22c is configured to ride on the carriage 30c.

[0077] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention. For example, prior art stretch wrap machines can easily be retrofitted by adding the wrapping assembly of the present invention to the prior art stretch wrap machines. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the turntable could be located on a conveyor or the rotating arm 704 could be configured to surround a product placed on a conveyor and moved thereon. Moreover, it is contemplated that the arm could include a member abutting a top of the product to prevent further downward movement of the arm instead of the pawl and associated elements. Further, it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A wrapping machine for wrapping a product (12) comprising:

a base (14);

a turntable (16) on the base for rotating the product about a first vertical axis;

a source (18) of wrapping material (20) connected to the base, the source of wrapping material supplying wrapping material (2) to the product, the source of wrapping material having a second vertical axis of rotation; and

an apparatus (22) configured to hold a leading end (24) of the wrapping material at a position above the product as the turntable begins rotating the product and to vertically move above the product,

characterized in that
the apparatus (22) is configured not to maintain the leading end (24) of the wrapping material (20) stationary relative to the product during initiation of a rotation cycle of the product relative to the source (18) of the wrapping material.

2. The wrapping machine of claim 1, wherein:

the apparatus is configured to cut the wrapping material (20) at a position above the product after the product has been wrapped.

3. The wrapping machine of any of the preceding claims, wherein:

the base (14) includes a column (26) extending upwardly therefrom, the column supporting the source (18) of wrapping material.

4. The wrapping machine of claim 3, wherein:

the base includes a carriage (30) connected to the column and configured to move vertically on the column, the carriage having the source of wrapping material thereon.

5. The wrapping machine of claim 4, wherein:

a motor moves the carriage vertically on the column.

6. The wrapping machine of claim 4 or 5, wherein:

the carriage includes a prestretcher for stretching the wrapping material before the wrapping material is supplied to the product.

7. The wrapping machine of any of the preceding claims, wherein:

the base includes a motor for turning the turntable.

8. The wrapping machine of any of the preceding claims, wherein:

the apparatus is connected to the column and is configured to move vertically thereon.

9. The wrapping machine of claim 8, wherein:

the base includes a carriage connected to the column configured to move vertically on the column, the carriage having the source of wrapping material thereon.

10. The wrapping machine of claim 9, wherein:

the apparatus is configured to ride on the carriage as the carriage moves vertically on the column.

11. The wrapping machine of any of the preceding claims, wherein:

the apparatus includes a gripping assembly gripping a portion of the wrapping material during initiation of wrapping of the product;

both the apparatus and the source of wrapping material are configured to move vertically; and

the apparatus is configured to move vertically with the source of wrapping material.

12. A method of wrapping a product (12) with wrapping material (20) comprising:

holding a source (18) of the wrapping material in a horizontally stationary position;

rotating the product about a vertical axis to wrap the product with the wrapping material; and

positioning a leading end (24) of the wrapping material above a top height of the product

characterized in

not maintaining the leading end of the wrapping material stationary relative to the product during initiation of a rotation cycle of the product relative to the source of the wrapping material.

13. The method of wrapping a product of claim 12, wherein:

positioning includes holding the leading end of the wrapping material during initiation of rotating the product.

14. The method of wrapping a product of claim 12 or 13, wherein:

positioning comprising holding the leading end of the wrapping material above the top height of the product with a holding apparatus; and

further including moving the holding apparatus vertically directly above the product.

Ansprüche

1. Verpackungsmaschine zum Verpacken eines Produkts (12), die umfasst:

eine Basis (14);

einen Drehtisch (16) auf der Basis zum Drehen des Produkts um eine erste vertikale Achse;

einen Spender (18) für Verpackungsmaterial (20), der mit der Basis verbunden ist, wobei der Spender für Verpackungsmaterial Verpackungsmaterial (20) für das Produkt bereitstellt und wobei der Spender für Verpackungsmaterial eine zweite vertikalen Drehachse aufweist; und

eine Vorrichtung (22), die darauf ausgelegt ist, ein Führungsende (24) des Verpackungsmaterials an einer Position oberhalb des Produkts zu halten, wenn der Drehtisch anfängt das Produkt zu drehen, und vertikal über das Produkt zu bewegen,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

die Vorrichtung (22) darauf ausgelegt ist, das Führungsende (24) des Verpackungsmaterials (20) während der Initialisierung eines relativ zum Spender (18) für Verpackungsmaterial erfolgenden Drehzyklus des Produktes nicht relativ zu dem Produkt stationär zu halten.

2. Verpackungsmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei:

die Vorrichtung darauf ausgelegt ist, das Verpackungsmaterial (20) an einer Position oberhalb des Produktes zu schneiden, nachdem das Produkt verpackt wurde.

3. Verpackungsmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei:

die Basis (14) eine Säule (26) aufweist, die sich von dieser nach oben erstreckt, wobei die Säule den Spender (18) für Verpackungsmaterial trägt.

4. Verpackungsmaschine nach Anspruch 3, wobei:

die Basis einen Schlitten (30) aufweist, der mit der Säule verbunden ist und der darauf ausgelegt ist, sich vertikal auf der Säule zu bewegen, wobei der Schlitten den Spender für Verpackungsmaterial umfasst.

5. Verpackungsmaschine nach Anspruch 4, wobei:

ein Motor den Schlitten vertikal auf der Säule bewegt.

6. Verpackungsmaschine nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, wobei:

der Schlitten einen Vorspanner umfasst, um das Verpackungsmaterial zu spannen, bevor das Verpackungsmaterial für das Produkt bereitgestellt wird.

7. Verpackungsmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei:

die Basis einen Motor zum Drehen des Drehtisches umfasst.

8. Verpackungsmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei:

die Vorrichtung mit der Säule verbunden ist und darauf ausgelegt ist, sich daran vertikal zu bewegen.

9. Verpackungsmaschine nach Anspruch 8, wobei:

die Basis einen Schlitten aufweist, der mit der Säule verbunden ist und der darauf ausgelegt ist, sich vertikal auf der Säule zu bewegen, wobei der Schlitten den Spender für Verpackungsmaterial umfasst.

10. Verpackungsmaschine nach Anspruch 9, wobei:

die Vorrichtung darauf ausgelegt ist, auf dem Schlitten zu fahren, während sich der Schlitten vertikal auf der Säule bewegt.

11. Verpackungsmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Greifanordnung umfasst, die während des Initialisierens des Verpackens des Produkts einen Bereich des Verpackungsmaterials greift, wobei sowohl die Vorrichtung als auch der Spender für Verpackungsmaterial darauf ausgelegt sind, sich vertikal zu bewegen, und wobei die Vorrichtung darauf ausgelegt ist, sich vertikal mit dem Spender für Verpackungsmaterial zu bewegen.

12. Verfahren zum Verpacken eines Produkts (12) mit Verpackungsmaterial (20), das umfasst:

Halten eines Spenders (18) für Verpackungsmaterial in einer horizontal stationären Position;

Drehen des Produkts um eine vertikale Achse, um das Produkt mit dem Verpackungsmaterial einzuhüllen; und

Positionierung eines Führungsendes (24) des Verpackungsmaterials oberhalb einer höchsten Höhe des Produktes,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

das Führungsende des Verpackungsmaterials während der Initialisierung eines relativ zum Spender für Verpackungsmaterial erfolgenden Drehzyklus des Produktes relativ zu dem Produkt nicht stationär gehalten wird.

13. Verfahren zum Verpacken eines Produkts nach Anspruch 12, wobei das Positionieren das Halten des Führungsendes des Verpackungsmaterials während der Initialisierung der Drehung des Produktes umfasst.

14. Verfahren zum Verpacken eines Produkts nach Anspruch 12 oder 13, wobei das Positionieren das Halten des Führungsendes des Verpackungsmaterials oberhalb der obersten Höhe des Produktes mit einer Haltevorrichtung umfasst und
ferner das vertikale Bewegen der Haltevorrichtung direkt über dem Produkt umfasst.

Revendications

1. Machine d'emballage pour emballer un produit (12) comprenant :

une base (14),

une plaque tournante (16) sur la base pour faire tourner le produit autour d'un premier axe vertical ;

une source (18) de matériau d'emballage (20) reliée à la base, la source de matériau d'emballage fournissant du matériau d'emballage (20) au produit, la source de matériau d'emballage ayant un second axe vertical de rotation et

un appareil (22) configuré pour maintenir un bord avant (24) du matériau d'emballage à une position au-dessus du produit lorsque la plaque tournante commence à tourner le produit et pour se déplacer verticalement au-dessus du produit,

caractérisée en ce

que l'appareil (22) est configuré pour ne pas maintenir le bord avant (24) du matériau d'emballage (20) de manière stationnaire par rapport au produit pendant le début d'un cycle de rotation du produit par rapport à la source (18) de matériau d'emballage.

2. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 1, l'appareil étant configuré pour couper le matériau d'emballage (20) à une position au-dessus du produit après que le produit ait été emballé.

3. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, la base (14) comprenant une colonne (26) qui s'étend vers le haut à partir de celle-ci, la colonne supportant la source (18) de matériau d'emballage.

4. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 3, la base comprenant un chariot (30) relié à la colonne et configuré pour se déplacer verticalement sur la colonne, le chariot ayant la source de matériau d'emballage dessus.

5. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 4, un moteur déplaçant le chariot verticalement sur la colonne.

6. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 4 ou 5, le chariot comprenant un dispositif de pré-étirage pour étirer le matériau d'emballage avant que le matériau d'emballage soit fourni au produit.

7. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, la base comprenant un moteur pour faire tourner la plaque tournante.

8. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, l'appareil étant relié à la colonne et étant configuré pour se déplacer verticalement sur celle-ci.

9. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 8, la base comprenant un chariot relié à la colonne configuré pour se déplacer verticalement sur la colonne, le chariot ayant la source de matériau d'emballage dessus.

10. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 9, l'appareil étant configuré pour rouler sur le chariot lorsque le chariot se déplace verticalement sur la colonne.

11. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, l'appareil comprenant un montage de préhension prenant une portion du matériau d'emballage pendant le début de l'emballage du produit, l'appareil et la source de matériau d'emballage étant configurés pour se déplacer verticalement et l'appareil étant configuré pour se déplacer verticalement avec la source de matériau d'emballage.

12. Procédé d'emballage d'un produit (12) avec du matériau d'emballage (20) comprenant :

le maintien d'une source (18) de matériau d'emballage dans une position stationnaire horizontalement ;

la rotation du produit autour d'un axe vertical pour emballer le produit avec le matériau d'emballage et

le positionnement d'une extrémité avant (24) du matériau d'emballage au-dessus d'une hauteur de dessus du produit

caractérisé en le fait de ne pas maintenir l'extrémité avant du matériau d'emballage de manière stationnaire par rapport au produit pendant le début d'un cycle de rotation du produit par rapport à la source du matériau d'emballage

13. Procédé d'emballage d'un produit selon la revendication 12 ou 13, le positionnement comprenant le fait de maintenir l'extrémité avant du matériau d'emballage pendant le début de la rotation du produit.

14. Procédé d'emballage d'un produit selon la revendication 12 ou 13, le positionnement comprenant le fait de maintenir l'extrémité avant du matériau d'emballage au-dessus de la hauteur de dessus du produit avec un dispositif de maintien et comprenant de plus le déplacement de l'appareil de maintien verticalement directement au-dessus du produit.

Drawing