Patent Application
20230211908
Aspects of this document relate generally to a pallet wrapping system, and more specifically to a pallet wrapping system with overlapping bands.
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 may be wrapped in stretch film to protect the material from damage caused by, for example, shifting on a pallet or being bumped by goods on adjacent pallets.
A commonly acknowledged need in the industry is to develop systems and methods for reducing the amount of stretch film used per pallet, as well as the amount of time required to wrap each pallet, and/or to eliminate ancillary packaging materials such as corner boards and strapping, without sacrificing load containment.
Aspects of this document relate to a method of wrapping a palletized load comprising forming at least two composite stretch films including a first composite stretch film and a second composite stretch film, wherein forming each of the at least two composite stretch films comprises passing stretch film from a first spool through a first plurality of guides, narrowing a width of the stretch film from the first spool to create a first banded stretch film, wherein the first banded stretch film has a first width and a filament extending along each of a top edge and a bottom edge of the first banded stretch film, passing stretch film from a second spool through a second plurality of guides, narrowing a width of the stretch film from the second spool to create a second banded stretch film, wherein the second banded stretch film has a second width smaller than the first width and a filament extending along each of a top edge and a bottom edge of the second banded stretch film, and overlaying the second banded stretch film on the first banded stretch film to form each of the at least two composite stretch films, wherein each of the filaments of the second banded stretch film is positioned between the filaments of the first banded stretch film, after overlaying, pre-stretching each of the at least two composite stretch films by at least 275%, simultaneously wrapping each of the at least two composite stretch films around the palletized load, and leaving a gap having a width equal to or larger than the first width between the first composite stretch film and the second composite stretch film as the at least two composite stretch films are wrapped around the palletized load.
Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. Each of the at least two composite stretch films may be pre-stretched by between 275% and 340%. The first width may be between 1.5 inches and 15 inches. Forming each of the at least two composite stretch films further may comprise centering the second banded stretch film on the first banded stretch film.
Aspects of this document relate to a method of wrapping a palletized load comprising forming at least two composite stretch films including a first composite stretch film and a second composite stretch film, wherein forming each of the at least two composite stretch films comprises narrowing a width of stretch film from a first spool to create a first banded stretch film with a first width and a filament extending along each of a top edge and a bottom edge of the first banded stretch film, narrowing a width of stretch film from a second spool to create a second banded stretch film with a second width and a filament extending along each of a top edge and a bottom edge of the second banded stretch film, wherein the second width is smaller than the first width, overlaying the second banded stretch film on the first banded stretch film to form each of the at least two composite stretch films, wherein each of the filaments of the second banded stretch film is positioned between the filaments of the first banded stretch film, wrapping each of the at least two composite stretch films around the palletized load, and leaving a gap having a width equal to or larger than the first width between the first composite stretch film and the second composite stretch film as the at least two composite stretch films are wrapped around the palletized load.
Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The method may further comprise pre-stretching the composite stretch film by at least 275%. The method may further comprise pre-stretching the composite stretch film by between 300% and 340%. the first width may be between 1.5 inches and 15 inches. Forming each of the at least two composite stretch films may further comprise centering the second banded stretch film on the first banded stretch film. Wrapping each of the at least two composite stretch films around the palletized load may occur simultaneously. The at least two composite stretch films may further include a third composite stretch film and the method may further comprise leaving a gap having a width equal to or larger than the first width between the second composite stretch film and the third composite stretch film as the at least two composite stretch films are wrapped around the palletized load.
Aspects of this document relate to a method of wrapping a palletized load comprising forming at least two composite stretch films including a first composite stretch film and a second composite stretch film, wherein forming each of the at least two composite stretch films comprises narrowing a width of stretch film from a first spool to create a first banded stretch film with a first width, narrowing a width of stretch film from a second spool to create a second banded stretch film with a second width, wherein the second width is smaller than the first width, and overlaying the second banded stretch film on the first banded stretch film to form each of the at least two composite stretch films, wherein the second banded stretch film is positioned between a top edge and a bottom edge of the first banded stretch film, wrapping each of the at least two composite stretch films around the palletized load, and leaving a gap having a width that is equal to or larger than half of the first width between the first composite stretch film and the second composite stretch film as the at least two composite stretch films are wrapped around the palletized load
Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The first banded stretch film may have a filament extending along each of the top edge and the bottom edge and the second banded stretch film may have a filament extending along each of a top edge and a bottom edge of the second banded stretch film. Forming the at least two composite stretch films may further comprise passing the stretch film from the first spool through a first plurality of guides and passing the stretch film from the second spool through a second plurality of guides. The method may further comprise pre-stretching the composite stretch film by at least 275%. The method may further comprise pre-stretching the composite stretch film by between 300% and 340%. The first width may be between 1.5 inches and 15 inches. Forming each of the at least two composite stretch films may further comprise centering the second banded stretch film on the first banded stretch film. Wrapping each of the at least two composite stretch films around the palletized load may occur simultaneously. The at least two composite stretch films may further include a third composite stretch film and the method may further comprise leaving a gap having a width equal to or larger than half of the first width between the second composite stretch film and the third composite stretch film as the at least two composite stretch films are wrapped around the palletized load.
The foregoing and other aspects, features, applications, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification, drawings, and the claims. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.
The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.
Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.
The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification, drawings, and the claims.
Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of implementations.
This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.
The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.
While this disclosure includes a number of implementations that are described in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular implementations with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the implementations illustrated.
In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration possible implementations. It is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural, as well as procedural, changes may be made without departing from the scope of this document. As a matter of convenience, various components will be described using exemplary materials, sizes, shapes, dimensions, and the like. However, this document is not limited to the stated examples and other configurations are possible and within the teachings of the present disclosure. As will become apparent, changes may be made in the function and/or arrangement of any of the elements described in the disclosed exemplary implementations without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
The present disclosure is related to a pallet wrapping system 100 that creates a composite stretch film that is designed to reduce the amount of stretch film required to secure a palletized load for shipping and decrease the amount of time required to wrap the palletized load. The pallet wrapping system 100 may comprise a plurality of support bars 102 and a plurality of guides 104, as shown in
The pallet wrapping system 100 may also comprise at least one spool 116 configured to hold and dispense the stretch film 108. The at least one spool 116 may comprise a first spool 118 and a second spool 120, as shown in
The pallet wrapping system 100 may be used to form a composite stretch film 122, as shown in
As shown in
During conventional wrapping of palletized loads, the stretch film 108 often has a stretch limit between 190% and 275%, depending on the stretch film's resin blend and the type of load being wrapped. Pre-stretching by more than 275% often causes the stretch film 108 to tear. For the present disclosure, the composite stretch film 122 may be pre-stretched beyond 275%. In some implementations, the pre-stretch may be at least 300%, at least 340%, or between 300% and 340%. This increased stretch in the composite stretch film 122 is possible because of the additional strength that the filaments 110 provide to the composite stretch film 122. The increased stretch facilitates securing the palletized load with less stretch film 108 because the stretch film 108 that is used maintains a tighter grip.
Wrapping each of the at least two composite stretch films 122 may occur simultaneously. In other words, both the first composite stretch film 122 and the second composite stretch film 122 may be wrapped around the palletized load at the same time. Thus, it is possible to leave the gap 144 between the first composite stretch film 122 and the second composite stretch film 122 by having the first composite stretch film 122 separated from the second composite stretch film 122, as shown in
As shown in
It will be understood that implementations of a pallet wrapping system are not limited to the specific assemblies, devices and components disclosed in this document, as virtually any assemblies, devices and components consistent with the intended operation of a pallet wrapping system may be used. Accordingly, for example, although particular pallet wrapping systems, and other assemblies, devices and components are disclosed, such may include any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of pallet wrapping systems. Implementations are not limited to uses of any specific assemblies, devices and components; provided that the assemblies, devices and components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a pallet wrapping system.
Accordingly, the components defining any pallet wrapping system may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the materials selected are consistent with the intended operation of a pallet wrapping system. For example, the components may be formed of: polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; glasses (such as quartz glass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, lead, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel, tin, antimony, pure aluminum, 1100 aluminum, aluminum alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination of the foregoing thereof. In instances where a part, component, feature, or element is governed by a standard, rule, code, or other requirement, the part may be made in accordance with, and to comply under such standard, rule, code, or other requirement.
Various pallet wrapping systems may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here. Some components defining a pallet wrapping system may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another, while other components may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled with the integral components. Various implementations may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here.
Accordingly, manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components.
It will be understood that methods for manufacturing, assembling, or using pallet wrapping systems are not limited to the specific order of steps as disclosed in this document. Any steps or sequence of steps of the assembly of a pallet wrapping system indicated herein are given as examples of possible steps or sequence of steps and not as limitations, since various assembly processes and sequences of steps may be used to assemble pallet wrapping systems.
The implementations of a pallet wrapping system described are by way of example or explanation and not by way of limitation. Rather, any description relating to the foregoing is for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, and implementations may also be used with similar results for a variety of other applications employing a pallet wrapping system.
