Patent Grant
8984848
1. Technical Field
Aspects of this document relate generally to securing and protecting palletized loads.
2. Background Art
Goods to be transported in containers on, for example, ships, trucks, trains or the like frequently are packed on pallets. Such palletized goods or material, further, may be wrapped in stretch film in order to protect the material from damage caused by, for example, shifting on a pallet or being bumped by goods on adjacent pallets.
Material such as furniture or boxed goods may be completely wrapped in contiguously overlapping stretch film, effectively sealing wrapped material from contact with air or from contact with other material, which may be, for example, on other pallets. However, other types of material, such as, for example, fresh fruits and vegetables, require that air be allowed to circulate among the palletized material in order to prevent buildup of condensation or to aid in cooling or warming the material. One known method for packing these kinds of goods includes wrapping the palletized material in netting, or with a rope rather than in stretch film.
According to a first aspect of particular embodiments and implementations disclosed an apparatus for securing a palletized load comprises a primary roll of stretch film, at least two secondary rolls of stretch film, and at least two sets of guides. The primary roll of stretch film is supported by a first spool support member. The at least two secondary rolls of stretch film are supported by a second spool support member. The at least two sets of guides each comprise a guide width less than a width of each of the at least two secondary rolls, each of the guides being positioned to receive a different one of the at least two secondary rolls through the respective guide, narrow the respective secondary roll to form a rope, and position the rope such that the rope fully overlaps a web formed by the primary roll as the primary roll and the at least two secondary rolls are wrapped around a palletized load.
Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or more of the following. A first set of the at least two sets of guides may be positioned to receive a first secondary roll of the at least two secondary rolls, narrow the first secondary roll to form a first rope, and position the first rope between a central portion of the web and a first edge of the web as the primary roll and the at least two secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load. A second set of the at least two sets of guides may be positioned to receive a second secondary roll of the at least two second rolls, narrow the secondary roll to form a second rope, and position the second rope between the central portion of the web and a second edge of the web as the primary roll and the at least two secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load. The at least two secondary rolls of stretch film may comprise at least three secondary rolls of stretch film and the at least two sets of guides may comprise at least three sets of guides, a third set of guides of the at least three sets of guides being positioned between the first and second sets of guides to receive a third secondary roll of the at least three secondary rolls, narrow the third secondary roll to form a third rope, and position the third rope approximately central between the first and second edges of the web as the primary roll and the at least three secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load. The at least two secondary rolls of stretch film may comprise at least four secondary rolls of stretch film. The at least two sets of guides may comprise at least four sets of guides. A third set of guides of the at least four sets of guides may be positioned between the first and second sets of guides to receive a third secondary roll of the at least four secondary rolls, narrow the third secondary roll to form a third rope, and position the third rope between the first and second edges of the web as the primary roll and the at least four secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load. A fourth set of guides of the at least four sets of guides may be positioned between the first and second sets of guides to receive a fourth secondary roll of the at least four secondary rolls, narrow the fourth secondary roll to form a fourth rope, and position the fourth rope between the first and second edges of the web as the primary roll and the at least four secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load such that each the four ropes are spaced substantially equal distance from the adjacent rope of the four ropes. The at least two secondary rolls of stretch film may be positionally coupled to a common core such that the at least two secondary rolls unroll at substantially the same rate. The at least two second rolls of stretch film may each be coupled to a different core of at least two cores, the at least two cores being coupled together such that the at least two secondary rolls unroll at substantially the same rate. A perforating spindle may be positioned to perforate the primary roll of stretch film and the at least two secondary rolls of stretch film as the primary roll and the at least two second rolls are wrapped around the palletized load. The at least two secondary rolls may be colored differently than the primary roll.
According to another aspect, a method of inhibiting tearing of stretch film wrapped around a palletized load comprises dispensing a primary roll of stretch film supported on a first support member; dispensing at substantially the same rate at least two secondary rolls of stretch film supported by a second support member; narrowing a width of each of the at least two secondary rolls with at least two sets of guides to form at least two ropes; positioning, with the at least two sets of guides, the at least two ropes to fully overlap the primary roll; and simultaneously applying the primary roll and the at least two ropes to a palletized load such that the at least two ropes fully overlap a web formed by the application of the primary roll around the palletized load.
Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or more of the following. Positioning, with the at least two sets of guides, the at least two ropes to fully overlap the primary roll may comprise positioning, with a first set of guides of the least two sets of guides, a first rope of the least two ropes between a central portion of the web and a first edge of the primary roll; and positioning, with a second set of guides of the at least two sets of guides, a second rope of the least two ropes between the central portion and a second edge of the primary roll. The at least two sets of guides may comprise at least three sets of guides, the at least two secondary rolls may comprise at least three secondary rolls, and the at least two ropes may comprise at least three ropes, and the method may further comprise positioning, with a third set of guides of the at least three sets of guides, a third rope of the at least three ropes approximately central between the first edge and the second edge of the primary roll. The at least two sets of guides may comprise at least four sets of guides, the at least two secondary rolls may comprise at least four secondary rolls, and the at least two ropes may comprise at least four ropes, and the method may further comprise positioning, with a third set of guides of the at least four sets of guides, a third rope of the at least four ropes between the first edge and the second edge of the primary roll; and positioning, with a fourth set of guides of the at least four sets of guides, a fourth rope of the at least four ropes between the first edge and the second edge of the primary roll such that each rope of the at least four ropes is equal distance from the adjacent rope of the four ropes. Simultaneously pre-stretching the primary roll and the at least two secondary rolls of stretch film while overlapped prior to applying the primary roll and the at least two second rolls of stretch films to the palletized load. Perforating the primary roll of stretch film and the at least two secondary rolls of stretch film before applying the primary roll and the at least two secondary rolls of stretch film to the palletized load.
According to another aspect, a tamper deterring apparatus for securing a palletized load comprises a primary roll of stretch film, at least one secondary roll of stretch film, and at least one set of guides. The primary roll of stretch film supported by a first spool support member. The at least one secondary roll of stretch film is colored differently than the primary roll of stretch film and supported by a second spool support member. The at least one set of guides comprises a guide width less than a width of the at least one secondary roll and is positioned to receive the at least one secondary roll through the guide, narrow the at least one secondary roll to form a rope, and position the rope such that the rope fully overlaps a web formed by the primary roll as the primary roll and the secondary roll are wrapped around a palletized load.
Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or more of the following. The at least one secondary roll may comprise at least two secondary rolls colored differently than the primary roll of stretch film and supported by a second spool support member, the at least one set of guides may comprise at least two sets of guides each comprising a guide width less than a width of each of the at least two secondary rolls, each of the guides may be positioned to receive a different one of the at least two secondary rolls through the respective guide, narrow the respective secondary roll to form a rope, and position the rope such that the rope fully overlaps the web formed by the primary roll as the primary roll and the second roll are wrapped around the palletized load. A first set of the at least two sets of guides may be positioned to receive a first secondary roll of the at least two secondary rolls, narrow the first secondary roll to form a first rope, and position the first rope between a central portion of the web and a first edge of the web as the primary roll and the at least two secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load. A second set of the at least two sets of guides may be positioned to receive a second secondary roll of the at least two second rolls, narrow the secondary roll to form a second rope, and position the second rope between a central portion of the web and a second edge of the web as the primary roll and the at least two secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load. The at least two secondary rolls of stretch film may comprise at least three secondary rolls of stretch film colored differently than the primary roll and the at least two sets of guides may comprise at least three sets of guides, a third set of guides of the at least three sets of guides being positioned between the first and second sets of guides to receive a third secondary roll of the at least three secondary rolls, narrow the third secondary roll to form a third rope, and position the third rope approximately central between the first and second edges of the web as the primary roll and the at least three secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load. The at least two secondary rolls of stretch film may comprise at least four secondary rolls of stretch film colored differently than the primary roll of stretch film. The at least two sets of guides may comprise at least four sets of guides. A third set of guides of the at least four sets of guides may be positioned between the first and second sets of guides to receive a third secondary roll of the at least four secondary rolls, narrow the third secondary roll to form a third rope, and position the third rope between the first and second edges of the web as the primary roll and the at least four secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load. A fourth set of guides of the at least four sets of guides may be positioned between the first and second sets of guides to receive a fourth secondary roll of the at least four secondary rolls, narrow the fourth secondary roll to form a fourth rope, and position the fourth rope between the first and second edges of the web as the primary roll and the at least four secondary rolls are wrapped around the palletized load such that each the four ropes are spaced substantially equal distance from the adjacent rope of the four ropes.
The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.
Various aspects of implementations of pallet wrapping and roping machines will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:
a is a disassembled view of a subassembly of another particular implementation of a palletized load-wrapping apparatus;
b is a close-up view of a portion of
a-10d are, respectively, four embodiments of a stretch wrap machine;
a and 11b are, respectively, representative top and side views of the path of stretch film travel from the rolls of stretch film through one particular embodiment of a pre-stretch carriage;
This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific devices and methods disclosed herein. Many additional elements, components, and procedures known in the art consistent with the intended use of the apparatus and methods described will become apparent for use with various implementations of pallet-wrapping apparatus and techniques from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although a particular apparatus may be disclosed, such apparatus may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, material, and/or the like as is known in the art for such apparatus, consistent with the intended operation of the devices described herein.
A particular implementation of a pallet roping and wrapping apparatus 10, which may be employed for securing a palletized load, is shown in
Stretch film from first and second rolls 15 and 16 may be threaded or otherwise passed through first and second guides 30 and 31 to form a first rope 50 and a second rope 51 of stretch film. It should be noted that in the industry a “rope” is also sometimes called a “band.” It should also be noted that there is no need to cut or otherwise modify, distort, or weaken the stretch film coming from the roll. Any such cutting, modifying, or distorting is obviated by the use of separate first and second rolls 15 and 16 of stretch film. Indeed, known devices that require cutting of stretch film or that employ cutting or distorting of stretch film in their operation may cause inconvenience and expense to users of the known devices as a result of consequential breaking and/or tearing of the stretch film.
It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates using a plurality of rolls of stretch film and that first and second rolls 15 and 16 in the particular implementation illustrated in
Adjustment of positions of the guides (e.g., first and second guides 30 and 31) may be accomplished in one exemplary implementation using set screws (not shown) employed in the collars in a conventional manner. Adjustable clamps may replace the collars in other implementations without departing from any intention of the present disclosure.
An axial handle 60 may be coupled to an end of the spool support member, the axial handle having an axis nominally aligned with the center axis shared by the spool support member and the first and second rolls 15 and 16 of stretch film. A side handle 70, further, may be affixed to the baseplate 40. A first user supporting the apparatus would hold both the axial handle 60 and the side handle 70. Arm 80 and hand 81 (See
For example, a first user may support the apparatus 10 by using a hand on a first arm 80 to grasp the side handle 70 and a second hand 81 to grasp the axial handle 60. First and second ropes 50 and 51 may be grasped by a hand 82 of a second user to hold ends of the first and second ropes 50 and 51 while the first user circumnavigates (e.g., walks around) a palletized load situated on a nominally stationary pallet 90, thereby wrapping and securing the palletized load. In another particular implementation described more particularly with reference to
a is a disassembled view of a subassembly 110 of a particular implementation of a stretch wrap machine 170 (
The implementation of the stretch wrap machine 170 illustrated in
Returning to
A guide support member 261, which is supported at a first end by the platform 205 and at a second end by the bracket 210, may be disposed nominally parallel to and at a convenient distance from the spool 202. That is, guide support member 261 may have an axis that is parallel to the axis of the spool 202. A plurality of rollers 220, which may be arranged in pairs to form guides, two of which are illustrated, for example, in
Stretch film from the first and second rolls 215 and 216 pass through a pair of guides (formed by pairs of rollers 220 in the implementation shown in
The platform 205 may have disposed thereon a support 212 that supports a rotatable platform 213 on which may be placed a pallet 290 of palletized goods 295 shown in dotted outline in
Referring now to
Positionally coupling the plurality of rolls of stretch film to the plurality of spool cores, and coupling the plurality of spool cores to one another results in a uniform rotation rate of each of the plurality of spool cores and plurality of rolls about an axis. This uniform rotation rate assists in maintaining a uniform tautness of the plurality of stretch film wraps as the palletized load is wrapped. Studies have shown that maintenance of a taut stretch film wrap as the palletized load is wrapped results in a more effectively wrapped and secured palletized load, resists undesired stretch wrap tearing during the wrapping process, and allows much less stretch wrap to be used.
In various implementations, the plurality of coupling devices may either be removably or permanently coupled to one another. As illustrated herein, some implementations utilize a clip to couple the spool cores together. The clip(s) may be integral to the first and/or second spool core, or may be a separate clip. In some implementations, the plurality of spool cores may be further or alternatively be coupled to a separate core to assist with uniform rotation. In such an implementation, the core would then rotate at the same rate as the plurality of spool cores and the plurality of rolls.
Referring specifically to
The coupling clip 704 may comprise a protrusion, nub, or at least one pyramid like point near each end of the coupling clip on a surface that faces the plurality of spool cores 702, 703. The plurality of spool cores 702, 703 may further comprise holes or depressions to mate with the protrusion, nub, or pyramid of the coupling clip 704. In other implementations, the pyramid like points may be pressed into the surface of the spool core 702, 703, thus attaching the coupling clip 704 to the spool core. In still other implementations, the coupling clip 704 or the plurality of spool 702, 703 cores may comprise an adhesive that adheres the coupling clip 704 to the spool core 702, 703. The coupling clips 704 may, in other implementations, comprise any type of mechanism or compound for coupling the clip 704 to the spool core 702, 703.
Referring specifically to
For example, in an implementation, the spool core 712, 713 may each comprise threading that allows the spool core 712, 713 to be screwed into corresponding threading on the coupling ring 714. Similarly, coupling ring 714 may be screwed into the ends of the either or both the spool cores 712, 713. In other implementations, an adhesive may be use to attach the coupling ring 714 to the spool cores 712, 713. The adhesive may be utilized whether the coupling ring 714 is inside the spool cores 712, 713, or outside the spool cores 712, 713. In still other implementations, the coupling ring 714 may be comprised of a stretch material that may be stretch to fit around the ends of the spool cores 712, 713, but then tightens to prevent the spool cores from rotating at different rates. In still other implementations, the coupling ring may comprise tape or other adhesive material wrapped around abutting ends of the spool cores 712, 713. In another implementation, the coupling ring 714 may comprise a clamp that is closed around abutting ends of the spool cores 712, 713.
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
In other implementations, wherein an end of the second spool core 723 fits within an end of the first spool core 722, the spool core 722, 723 may be coupled together with a pin that fits within matching holes on the spool core 722, 723. In some implementations, the pin may also fit within a hole or depression on the support member 206.
In another implementation, the second spool core 723 may comprise a coupling clip in the form of a spring-loaded button and the first spool core may comprise a coupling clip in the form of a hole sized to fit the button within the hole. A user or a machine may then depress the button as the second spool core 723 is slid within the first spool 722. When the button meets the area of the hole of the first spool core 722, the spring forces the button out, thus locking the end of the second spool core 723 in place such that both the first 722 and second 723 spool cores rotate at the same rate as the rolls 715, 716 are unwound.
In another implementation, an end of the second spool core 723 may comprise a coupling clip in the form of exterior threading that allows the end of the second spool core 723 to be screwed into corresponding coupling clip in the form of interior threading on the inside of an end of the first spool core 722.
The implementation of the method of
The implementation of the method illustrated in
The implementation of
The implementation of
The implementation of
The particular implementation of
In an implementation, the method may further comprise removably coupling the plurality of spools to each other (step 610). Removably coupling or coupling the plurality of spools together in general ensures that all the plurality of spool cores rotate at the same rate when the plurality of rolls of film are unrolled.
In an implementation, the method may further comprise passing the stretch film from the plurality of rolls through a plurality of guides at the same rate (step 615). As the stretch film is passed from the plurality of rolls through the plurality of guides, a plurality of stretch film wrap bands or ropes are formed.
In an implementation, the method may further comprise adjusting the characteristics of the stretch film wrap (step 620). Adjusting the characteristics of the stretch film may comprise adjusting a width of one of the plurality of adjustable guides through which one of the plurality of stretch film wrap passes.
In an implementation, the method may further comprise securing the palletized load through wrapping the palletized load with the plurality of stretch film wraps (step 625). This may be accomplished after passing the stretch film through the plurality of adjustable guides.
It should be emphasized that positions of guides in the particular implementations of methods described in
a is a pictorial diagram of a stretch wrap machine 400 that may include elements described with reference to
Different from a conventional stretch wrapping machine, however, the implementation of
A guide support 461, which is also supported by and coupled to the carriage 405 and at a second end by bracket 410, may be disposed nominally parallel to and at a convenient distance from the second spool 402. That is, guide support 461 may have an axis that is parallel to the axis of the spool 402. A plurality of rollers 425, which may be arranged in pairs to form guides, two of which are illustrated, for example, in
According to some aspects, the collars 430 may be configured so that positions of the plurality of rollers 425 may be adjusted on the guide support 461. In other embodiments, the rollers 425 or guides are fixedly positioned on the guide support 461. In a non-limiting embodiment like that shown in
As stretch film from the secondary rolls 415 and 416 passes through a pair of guides (formed by pairs of rollers 425 in the implementation shown in
Although, for purposes of clear illustration
Embodiments of stretch wrap machines having a plurality of ropes 436, 438 that fully overlap the web 440 are advantageous to conventional stretch wrap machines having ropes that do not fully overlap the web or only a single rope that fully overlaps the web. As used herein, the term fully overlapping or fully overlaps means that the edges of the rope 436, 438 are positioned between the edges of the web 440 when the applied to a palletized load 495.
Having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web 440 acts as reinforcement to the web 440. Conventional wrapping machines and techniques typically utilize three to five wraps at the bottom of the load and three to five wraps at the top of the load. This results in little strength in the middle of the palletized load. To remedy this, users of conventional wrapping machines are required to hand-wrap the load again for extra strength, particularly in the middle. By utilizing stretch wrap machines having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web, as contemplated herein, the middle of a palletized load is wrapped at strengths that far exceed conventional wrapping machines.
Another advantage of a stretch wrap apparatus having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web when applied to a palletized load is tear-inhibiting effect of the ropes on the web. Such tears may occur after contact with an object or may even occur as a manufacturing defect of the wrap. In conventional pallet wrapping machines, when the web starts to tear or cut, the tear or cut continues unabated until the tear meets the edge of the web and the web separates. In embodiments of a wrapping apparatus having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web, the tear is inhibited or stopped from progressing beyond the rope due to the extra strength and reinforcement applied to the web by the rope. One rope is typically not enough to prevent tears of significant distance that detrimentally comprise the strength of the web.
Another advantage of a stretch wrap apparatus having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web when applied to a palletized load is the ability for user to cut a portion of the wrap off a palletized load without the remaining wrap becoming unraveled or significantly loosened. For example, a user may wish to remove only a top half of a wrapped palletized load and leave the bottom half of the load still wrapped. If a palletized load is wrapped with a stretch wrap apparatus having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web, then a user may cut the wrap at the level he/she desires and remove the wrap above the cut. The wrap below the cut remains wrapped around the load due to the plurality of ropes and maintains the strength of the wrap sufficient to hold the load. Thus, the ropes reinforce and help hold the initial tension around the wrapped load. If a user made a similar cut or partially unwraps a palletized load after wrapping with a conventional stretch wrap apparatus, the wrapping below the cut would unravel because the cut or tears would run uninhibited by any ropes, and the opposing sides around where the wrap is cut would unravel. Moreover, the remaining wrap will likely be significantly loosened because of the relatively low tension applied to original palletized load, thus providing very minimal containment for the remaining products on the pallet.
Another advantage of a stretch wrap apparatus having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web when applied to a palletized load is the ability for a user to “triangulate” at sharp angles to help pull the products on a palletized load together as a single unitized load. This triangulation inhibits sway and movement of the load. In contrast, if a user attempts to triangulate with a conventional stretch wrap apparatus with the same amount or number of wraps and the same gauge of film as particular embodiments of this disclosure, the conventional stretch wrap apparatus results in a reduced load-holding strength when compared to the particular embodiments.
Another advantage of a stretch wrap apparatus having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web when applied to a palletized load is a reduction in the amount of wrap applied to a palletized load in comparison to conventional stretch wrap machines. By utilizing a plurality of ropes that fully overlap a web, a palletized load may be wrapped with a relatively high degree of tension that results in a relatively high load-holding force that uses less film than conventional stretch wrap machines, requires less time than conventional stretch wrap machines, and fewer machines hours than conventional stretch wrap machines.
By way of contrast, in a conventional stretch wrap machine the user typically cannot apply much tension to gain a significant load-holding force because the conventional wrap becomes more vulnerable to tears and punctures. These tears and punctures easily proliferate without a plurality of ropes, as described above. To compensate for the effect of wrap having a lower overall tension, the user typically applies more total wraps and film around the palletized load. These results in an increased amount of time required wrapping the palletized load, which may create a bottleneck in the production lines. This also results in more stretch wrap machine hours, which may lead to more wear and tear on the stretch wrap machine.
Another similar advantage of a stretch wrap machine or apparatus having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web when applied to a palletized load is a reduced overall cost in wrapping material. Use of a stretch wrap apparatus having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web reduces overall costs in areas such as but not limited to total film required to securely wrap a load, product wear and tear, time, and product change-over. Also, lighter rolls of wrap may be used in certain embodiments.
b and 10c depict additional non-limiting embodiments of stretch wrap machines or apparatus having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web when applying to and securing a palletized load. These and other embodiments of a stretch wrap machine having a plurality of ropes that fully overlap the web when applied to a palletized load may include all of the advantages described above when compared to conventional wrapping machines. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, embodiments of the stretch wrap machines in
b depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a stretch wrap machine 800 for securing a palletized load. According to some aspects a stretch wrap machine 800 is configured to wrap a web 440 and a three ropes 810 around a palletized load 495. In such embodiments, the stretch wrap machine 800 comprises a primary roll 422 of stretch film supported by a first or primary spool support member. Like other embodiments previously described, the stretch film of the primary roll 422 forms a web 440 around the palletized load as the stretch wrap machine 800 rotates around the palletized load (or the palletized load rotates adjacent the stretch wrap machine 800). When wrapped around the palletized load 495, the web 440 comprises a top or first edge 816 and a bottom or second edge 818.
One or more embodiments of a stretch wrap machine 800 further comprise three secondary rolls 806 of stretch film supported by a secondary spool support member. The three secondary rolls 806 of stretch film may each be positionally coupled to the same secondary spool 804. Alternatively, the three secondary rolls 806 of stretch film may each be positionally coupled to a different secondary spool, with each of the three different secondary spools being coupled to one another. In either configuration, the three secondary rolls 806 unwind at substantially the same rate due to the positional coupling of the secondary rolls 806 to either the same secondary spool core 804 or different spool cores coupled to one another.
In a stretch wrap machine 800 embodiment comprising three secondary rolls 806 of stretch film, the stretch wrap machine typically comprises three sets of rollers 425 or guides. In particular embodiments using multiple fully overlapped webs, although separate secondary rolls of stretch film may be used, a common roll of stretch film that is then cut into sections after leaving the roll but before entering the separate guides may be used. The three sets of rollers 425 or guides may comprise any of the rollers 425 or guides described elsewhere in this document. According to some aspects, a stretch wrap machine 800 comprises collars 430 configured so that positions of the plurality of rollers 425 may be adjusted on the guide support 461. In other embodiments, the rollers 425 or guides are fixedly positioned on the guide support 461. In a non-limiting embodiment like that shown in
c depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a stretch wrap machine 825 for securing a palletized load. According to some aspects a stretch wrap machine 825 is configured to wrap a web 440 and a four ropes 830 around a palletized load 495. In such embodiments, the stretch wrap machine 825 comprises a primary roll 422 of stretch film supported by a first or primary spool support member. Like other embodiments previously described, the stretch film of the primary roll 422 forms a web 440 around the palletized load as the stretch wrap machine 825 rotates around the palletized load (or the palletized load rotates adjacent the stretch wrap machine 825). When wrapped around the palletized load 495, the web 440 comprises a top or first edge 816 and a bottom or second edge 818.
One or more embodiments of a stretch wrap machine 825 further comprise four secondary rolls 826 of stretch film supported by a secondary spool support member. The four secondary rolls 826 of stretch film may each be positionally coupled to the same secondary spool 824. Alternatively, the four secondary rolls 826 of stretch film may each be positionally coupled to a different secondary spool, with each of the four different secondary spools being coupled to one another. In either configuration, the four secondary rolls 826 unwind at substantially the same rate due to the positional coupling of the secondary rolls 826 to either the same secondary spool core 824 or different spool cores coupled to one another.
In a stretch wrap machine 825 embodiment comprising four secondary rolls 826 of stretch film, the stretch wrap machine typically comprises four sets of rollers 425 or guides. The four sets of rollers 425 or guides may comprise any of the rollers 425 or guides described elsewhere in this document. According to some aspects, a stretch wrap machine 825 comprises collars 430 configured so that positions of the plurality of rollers 425 may be adjusted on the guide support 461. In other embodiments, the rollers 425 or guides are fixedly positioned on the guide support 461. In a non-limiting embodiment like that shown in
In particular implementations, such as that shown in
Also contemplated as part of this disclosure is a method of inhibiting tearing of stretch film wrapped around a palletized load 495. According to some aspects, a method of inhibiting tearing of stretch film wrapped around a palletized load comprises dispensing a primary roll 422 of stretch film supported on a first support member and dispensing, at substantially a same rate, at least two secondary rolls 415, 416, 806 or 826 of stretch film supported by a secondary support member. Aspects of a method further comprise narrowing a width of each of the at least two secondary rolls 415, 416, 806, 826 with at least two sets of guides 425 to form at least two ropes 436, 438, 810, or 830 and positioning, with the at least two sets of guides 425, the at least two bands 436, 438, 810, or 830 to fully overlap the primary roll 422. Embodiments of a method may further comprise simultaneously applying the primary roll 422 and the at least two ropes 436, 438, 810, or 830 to a palletized load such that the at least two ropes 436, 438, 810, or 830 fully overlap a web 440 formed by the application of the primary roll around the palletized load.
Aspects of a method of inhibiting tearing of stretch film wrapped around a palletized load may further comprise positioning, with the sets of guides 425, the at least two ropes 436, 438, 810, or 830 at strategically desired positions. The strategically desired positions may be as described elsewhere in this documents, such as but not limited to proximate edges 816, 818 of the web 440, central 820 to the web 440, equal distance from one another, and/or any combination thereof.
It is also contemplated that in one or more embodiments, the secondary roll of stretch film is colored differently than the primary roll of stretch film. For example, in the non-limiting embodiments of
In conventional stretch wrap machines, any stretch wrap used to wrap a palletized load is typically all the same color, such as but not limited to transparent stretch wrap. When a palletized load is wrapped with conventional stretch wrap machines, unauthorized individuals may easily cut the stretch wrap, access and remove some of the palletized load, and then wrap new stretch wrap around the palletized load to seal the cut stretch wrap. Once the new stretch wrap is applied to the load, the cut is no longer visible.
Embodiments comprising secondary rolls 806 or 826 that are colored differently than a primary roll 422 are advantageous to convention stretch wrap machines because the colored ropes 810 or 830 act as a deterrent to tampering with the palletized load 495 after the web 440 and colored ropes 810 or 830 are applied to the palletized load 495. For example, because the ropes 810 or 830 are colored differently than the web 440, if an unauthorized individual cuts through the web 440 and ropes 810 or 830, the cut cannot be concealed because the colored ropes 810 or 830 would be misaligned or covered in new wrap if the unauthorized individual tried to cover the cut with new stretch wrap. Thus, having secondary rolls 806 or 826 that are colored differently than the primary roll 422 deters tampering with a palletized load 495 after wrapping. Similarly, such a configuration of ropes 810 or 830 colored differently than the web 440 may also help detect shipping damage before unwrapping of the palletized load 495.
A pre-stretch carriage 420 may comprise any combination of rollers and components to pre-stretch the film being passed through it prior to applying the film to the pallet load 495 being wrapped. In the particular implementation illustrated by the rollers in
a shows a top view of pre-stretch carriage 420 to illustrate the path taken by one or more stretch wrap ropes 505 and stretch wrap web 440 as they simultaneously traverse through pre-stretch carriage 420. In this particular implementation, only one stretch wrap rope 505 is illustrated, though as with other embodiments shown and described herein, multiple stretch wrap ropes may be used. Stretch wrap web 440 passes over the perforating spindle 510, where it is perforated as described above. Thereafter, the combination of the one or more stretch wrap ropes 505 and the stretch wrap web 440 wind past idle roller 480, pre-stretch roller 472, idle roller 482, pre-stretch roller 474, and idle roller 484. Pre-stretch rollers 472 and 474 may be of different diameters. Thus, as the one or more stretch wrap ropes 505 and the stretch wrap web 440 pass through the rollers, the different diameters of pre-stretch rollers 472 and 474 cause the ropes 505 and web 440 to stretch simultaneously. It should be understood that other configurations of pre-stretch carriage 420 may be used in conjunction with stretch wrap machines 400, 502.
The stretch wrap system 400, 502 may comprise a common support (not shown) for the carriage support 410 and a rotatable platform 444 on which may be placed a pallet 490 with a load 495 of palletized goods. The arrangement of the load 495 is not critical to this disclosure and has been shown as a non-descript cube for simplicity.
In operation, and with reference to the respective portions of both
It will be understood that implementations are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for securing palletized loads may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular components may be disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, gauge, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for a palletized load wrapping machine may be used. By specific example, another method and apparatus for wrapping a palletized load known in the art involves a palletized load remaining stationary and the wrapping carriage moving up and down and around the palletized load. It is specifically contemplated that the wrapping carriages of these methods and apparatus would be readily modified by those of ordinary skill in the art to include the advantages of the wrapping carriages and machines identified in this disclosure. Accordingly, it is considered within the scope of this disclosure to include such methods and apparatus adapted to include the carriages and methods described within this disclosure relating to rotating palletized loads.
In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of palletized load-wrapping apparatus, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other forms of devices that secure palletized loads. In particular, the above description describes hand-held and stationary versions of palletized load-wrapping machines. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth in this document. The presently disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application entitled PALLET ROPING AND WRAPPING APPARATUS, Ser. No. 14/265,179, filed Apr. 29, 2014, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application entitled PALLET ROPING AND WRAPPING APPARATUS, Ser. No. 13/287,038, filed Nov. 1, 2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,707,664 on Apr. 29, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application entitled PALLET ROPING AND WRAPPING APPARATUS, Ser. No. 12/551,167, filed Aug. 31, 2009, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,046,975, which is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application entitled PALLET ROPING AND WRAPPING APPARATUS Ser. No. 11/668,954 which was filed on Jan. 30, 2007, and is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,368, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/829,339, entitled HAND ROPER, which was filed on Oct. 13, 2006, and of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/829,085, entitled RAPIDROPER, which was filed on Oct. 11, 2006, the contents of each of which are each hereby incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14265179 | Apr 2014 | US |
| Child | 14337022 | US | |
| Parent | 12551167 | Aug 2009 | US |
| Child | 13287038 | US | |
| Parent | 11668954 | Jan 2007 | US |
| Child | 12551167 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13287038 | Nov 2011 | US |
| Child | 14265179 | US |
