ROLLED MATERIAL DISPENSER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to the packaging industry and, more specifically, to securing packaging material around items.

BACKGROUND

Stretch film or wrap is generally known in the industry as a material that can be used to securely wrap a collection of objects together using the stretch material's resiliency and dinginess. Stretch film is typically understood to be a polyethylene stretch film that is generally dispensed from a roll form for use in a variety of applications. For instance, stretch film is held against a collection of objects and dispensed and stretched around the collection of objects and wrapped over itself up to several times to cover and hold together the collection of objects. In the shipping industry, for example, a collection of materials may be placed on a pallet to secure such articles together during the shipping process. A collection of boxes placed on a pallet can be shipped as a single cohesive unit when bound together through wrapping with stretch film. Other applications of stretch film are known such as wrapping agricultural products or simply binding together a collection of items.

Although such usages for stretch film are well known and documented, the amount of stretch film used in any given application can be extensive. This can be partially reduced by using the 3″ (inch) wide rolls of stretch film instead of the 18″ (inch) wide variety. However, this generally requires more passes to be made, which is more time consuming. This approach also requires changing out rolls on the dispenser more often, which can also be time consuming.

Additionally, stretch film dispensers frequently require being held by one hand while using the other hand to pull off stretch film. Alternatively, some stretch film dispensers are integral with a larger structure, such as a pallet wrapping machine. These two different applications, however, require two different dispensers, which in turn must both be supplied with stretch film.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, stretch film dispensing apparatuses are described herein that include a plurality of stretch film mounting structures. The stretch film mounting structures are generally cylindrical or frustoconical structures sized and configured to tightly fit into the central aperture of a roll of stretch film. The structures rotate relative to a handle, allowing the stretch film mounted thereon to unroll to dispense film. In some forms, the plurality of mounting structures are positioned relative to each other such that a single roll of stretch film can be mounted on multiple mounting structures. Additionally, the stretch film dispensing apparatuses described herein include attachment structures, such as magnets, for releasably coupling the stretch film dispensing apparatuses to an external structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the rolled material dispenser described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 comprises a top view of an example stretch film dispenser having two roller mounting structures in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 comprises an exploded view of one end of the stretch film dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 comprises a top view of an example stretch film dispenser having two roller mounting structures in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 comprises a perspective view of the stretch film dispensers of FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 5 comprises an exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 comprises a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 3 with a mounted roll of stretch film.

FIG. 7 comprises a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 3 with two mounted rolls of stretch film.

FIG. 8 comprises a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 3 with a mounted roll of string, the dispenser is detachably coupled to an external structure.

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 and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and, in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of an apparatus for dispensing stretch film for application to an object will be described. The stretch film dispenser 100 comprises a handle 102, a first roller mounting structure 110, and a second roller mounting structure 120. Each of the roller mounting structures 110/120 are configured to receive a roll of packing material, such as stretch film. The roller mounting structures 110/120 shown in FIGS. 1-4 are configured to receive a three inch roll of material. In alternative embodiments, the roller mounting structures 110/120 are elongated or shortened so as to be configured to receive different size rolls of packing material. The roller mounting structures 110/120 are secured to the dispenser 100 by a wing nuns 114/124 threaded along rods 112/122. In some embodiments, there is only a single rod that extends the full length of the dispenser 100. The first roller mounting structure, second roller mounting structure, and handle are all coupled to the rod.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of one side of the stretch film dispenser 100. The handle 102 is held onto the stretch film dispenser 100 by a slotted spring pin 106. A flange 104 separates the handle 102 from the roller mounting structure 110. The flange 104 is held in place on the rod 112 relative to the handle by a coupling nut 108. The flange 104 is also spaced apart from the roller mounting structure 110 by a bushing 109. The roller mounting structure 110 in this example includes core insert 113 configured to fit tightly into the core of a roll of wrapping material, such as a roll of stretch film. The end of the core insert 113 nearest the handle 102 forms a plug 111 that removably holds the roll of wrapping material in position. A grommet 118 is inserted between the core insert 113 and the rod 112 to prevent the plastic core insert 113 from being damaged by rubbing against the rod 112. The grommet 118 is held in place by a set screw 117. The core insert 113 is held in position on the rod 112 by the wing nut 114. The wing nut 114 and the grommet 118 are separated by a pair of washers 115 and a bearing 116. The bearing 116 is a thrust bearing, which allows the core insert 113 to spin relative to the wing nut 114. This prevents the wing nut 114 from being loosened as wrapping material is unrolled from the dispenser 100. The second end of the stretch film dispenser 100 is a mirror image to the side shown in FIG. 2. Other known roller mounting structures can be used including, for example, using rubber in addition to the plastic cores. In one such approach, the rubber is split down the middle such that when the wing nut is tightened at the top then the rubber will expand, thereby locking the part in place. Also dimples could be placed at the end of the rubber roller.

A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. The dispenser 300 includes a frame 301. Two roller mounting structures 310 and 320 are coupled to the frame by a pair of at least partially threaded rods 312 and 322. A handle 302 is also attached to the frame. In the embodiment shown, the handle 302 is a knob although other handle structures can be used. The roller mounting structures 310 and 320 are supported by the threaded rods 312 and 322 in the same way as described in FIG. 2. Namely they are held in place between a wing nut 314/324 and a bushing. They are separated from the wing nut 314/324 by bearings so that they are free to rotate. The two illustrated example dispensers 300 and 100 are shown side by side in FIG. 4. In alternative embodiments, the frame includes additional handles so that it can be comfortably gripped in multiple positions. In FIG. 4, two rolls of stretch film 150/152 are mounted on the first and second roller mounting structures 110/120, respectively.

The frame 301 has a generally C shaped configuration and includes two generally L shaped frame parts 301a and 301b. Each frame part 301a/301b includes a leg 305a/305b that extends generally perpendicular to the rods 312/322 about which the mounting structures 310/320 rotate.

The frame parts are slidably coupled to each other such that they can be slid from a first position in which the mounting structures 310/320 are separated by a first distance, to a second position in which the mounting structures 310/320 are separated from each other by a second, further distance. In some forms, the frame 301 includes a release 303 that releasably secures the frame parts 301a/301b to each other. When the release is actuated, the second frame part 301b is released from the first frame part 301a so that it can be slid relative thereto. The release 303 is a set screw that extends through the outer wall one frame part 301b of the frame to tighten against the outer wall of the other frame part 301a. The first frame part 301a extends into the second frame part 301b, and is secured in place by the release 303. In preferred forms, the release 303 includes a large head, such as a thumb screw or wing screw so that it can be actuated by hand without the use of a tool.

The first and second mounting structures 310/320 are coaxial. In operation, each mounting structure can be inserted into a respective roll of stretch film or other material as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, a single, larger roll or packing material can be mounted on the dispenser 300 by inserting both mounting structures 310/320 into opposing ends of the same large roll (see, FIG. 6).

The first mounting structure 310 is mounted on the first leg 305a. The second mounting structure 320 is mounted on the second leg 305b. In some forms, the dispenser 300 includes attachments structure, such as the magnets 332. The magnets 332 are positioned proximate the ends of the legs 305a/305b. In operation, the magnets releasably secure the dispenser 300 to a metal structure, such as a wall or a frame.

Alternatively or additionally to the magnets 332, the dispenser 300 includes a mounting projection or lug 334. The lug 334 extends from the frame 301 and widens at the distal end. It is configured to be received within a slot, such as a keyhole slot, in order to suspend the dispenser 300 from an external structure.

In alternative forms, different attachment structures are used. For example, adhesive, suction cups, snap fits, or quick connects. In some forms, the attachment structure includes a first mating structures, such as a projection or an aperture or recess configured to releasably couple to a corresponding mating structure, such as a projection or an aperture/recess on a wall.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the dispenser 300. Each of the mounting structures 310/320 includes a center rod 312. The center rod 312 extends from, and is perpendicular to, the respective legs 305a/305b of the frame 301. In some forms, the rod 312 extends through the frame 301 and is secured to the frame by a pair of nuts 362 and 363 threadedly attached to the rod and positioned on either side of the frame 301. A bushing 368 is coupled to each rod 312, and a core 369 is mounted on the bushing 368. The bushing 368 enables the core 369 to rotate relative to the rod 312.

The cores 369 have a recess or aperture proximate the center into which a grommet 370 is inserted. The grommet 370 reduces twisting or binding of the cores 369 relative to the rods 312. The grommets 370 are separated from the wing nuts 314 by a flat washer 366 and bearing 367. The bearing 367 enables the core 369 to rotate relative to the wing nut 314, thus preventing the wing nut 314 from being loosened as the stretch film is removed.

Each frame part 301a/301b includes a longitudinal member 307a/307b that extends from one end of the leg 305a/305b. The longitudinal members 307a/307b extend in a direction generally parallel to the axis of rotation 300a of the mounting structures 310/320. The longitudinal members 307a/307b combined form the longitudinal member 307 of the dispenser 300. This longitudinal member 307 serves as a handle on which the dispenser can be gripped. In some forms, an ergonomic grip, such as one similar to the handle 102 described above, is positioned on the longitudinal member 307.

The longitudinal members 307a/307b are configured to be slidably coupled to each other. In one form, the first longitudinal member 307a is sized to be at least partially received within the center of the second longitudinal member 307b. The first longitudinal member 307a includes a slot 372 configured to receive one or more studs 374 extending through the second longitudinal member 307b. The slot 372 and studs 374 prevent the two frame parts 301a/301b from being rotated relative to each other, thus keeping the mounting structures 310/320 aligned.

An exemplary release 303 is shown. The release 303 is a set screw extending through the second longitudinal member 307b. The release 303 is configured to be tightened against the first longitudinal member 307a, resisting any sliding of the first longitudinal member 307a relative to the second longitudinal member 307b. In operation, the release 303 can be loosened to allow the longitudinal member 307 to be extended to contracted.

In one exemplary operation, a first roll 150 of wrapping material is pushed over the first roller mounting structure 110/310 such that the core insert 113 is positioned in the center of the roll. The rolls are held in place on the core inserts 113 by friction. A second roll 152 is placed on the second roller mounting structure 120/320 by pressing it over the other core insert 113. The first and second rolls 150/152 typically are oriented in the same way such that when the material is unrolled from the first and second rolls 150/152 they rotate in the same direction.

In some embodiments, the core inserts 113 are deformable by the tightening of the wing nuts 114/124/314/324. When the wing nuts 114/124/314/324 are loosened, the core inserts 113 are allowed to return to their undeformed shape. A first roll 150 of wrapping material is pushed over the first core insert 113. The first wing nut 114 is then tightened. As the wing nut 114 is tightened the core insert 113 is compressed along the axial direction. This causes the core insert 113 to expand in the radial direction. The radial expansion of the core insert 113 secures the first roll 150 in position. These steps are repeated with a second roll 152 in the second roller mounting structure 120.

To wrap items with the dispenser 100/300, the free ends of the wrapping material are secured to a pallet or bundle of items. The dispenser 100/300 is then moved around the items, as it moves the material is unrolled and wraps around the items. There is friction between the wrapping areas 110/120/310/320 and the rods 112/122/312/322 such that a certain amount of force is required to rotate the rolls 150/152 relative to the dispensers 100/300. This causes the wrapping material to be under tension when it is unrolled. When the wrapping is stretch film, the stretch film is slightly stretched from the tension required to unroll it. When the slightly stretched stretch film is wrapped around a bundle or pallet of items, the tension in the stretch film acts on the items to hold them together.

In alternative embodiments, materials other than stretch film can be dispensed by the dispensers 100/300. Example materials include metal foil, adhesive tape, bubble wrap, polyethylene foam wrap, etc. In still further embodiments, a combination of materials can be used with a first roll comprising a first material being attached to the first roller mounting structure 110/310 and a second roll comprising a second material being attached to the second roller mounting structure 120/320.

In some operations, the two rolls of stretch film are different colors, such as the first roll 750 and second roll 752 shown in FIG. 7. The two different colored rolls are used to mark the wrapped object for different purposes. For example, the first roll 750 can be colored to indicate that the wrapped package or packages are intended for a first recipient, and the second roll 752 is colored to correspond to a second recipient. The single dispenser 300 includes both rolls such that an operator can quickly change back and forth between the two colors depending on the object being wrapped, without having to change what roll is on the dispenser. In some operations, the dispenser 300 is detachably coupled to a motorized package wrapper, such as by the magnets 332. The motorized wrapper includes a second dispenser configured to dispense a wider roll of wrapping material, such as stretch film. The desired color of stretch film is pulled along with the wider stretch film to mark the wrapped object or objects.

In alternative operations, the two rolls 750 and 752 are different wrapping materials. For examples, one is a stretch film and the other is an insulating or padding material, such as a foam sheet or bubble wrap. Alternatively, the two rolls 750 and 752 comprise different strength wrapping materials. In each of these examples, the two rolls 750 and 752 allow the user to quickly switch between wrapping materials without needing to switch dispensers 300 or detach a roll and replace it with a different roll.

The same dispenser 300 can be used to dispense a single, larger roll of wrapping material, such as the stretch film roll 650 shown in FIG. 6. For example, the short rolls 750/752 can be 3 inch rolls, and the roll 650 a standard 18 inch roll. The adjustable longitudinal member 307 enables the distance between the legs 305a/505b to be adjusted relative to each other to accommodate different width rolls 650. In operation, the release 303 is loosened and the longitudinal member 307 is extended until the distance between the mounting structures 310/320 is greater than the width of the roll 650. The roll 650 is pushed onto the first mounting structure 310 such that the core 369 is at least partially received in the center aperture of the roll 650. The longitudinal member 307 is then slid into a second, retracted position in which the second mounting structure 320 is received in the opposite end of the center aperture of the roll 650.

The dispenser 300 can also be used to dispense rolls of material other than stretch film. FIG. 8 illustrates the dispenser 300 dispensing a roll 850 or string or twine. The dispenser 300 is detachably coupled to a metal structure 890. The material can be dispensed from the roll 850 while the dispenser is coupled to the structure 890. Alternatively, the dispenser 300 can be detached from the structure 890, and the material can be dispensed while the dispenser 300 is held.

Many possible configurations of dispensers are possible from the disclosure herein. A few illustrative examples are described below.

A first example dispenser has a generally linear shape. The handle, first roller mounting structure, and second roller mounting structure are all attached to the same rod. The handle is at the center of the dispenser, with the first and second roller mounting structures being on opposite sides thereof. Each roller mounting structure has a radius that increases as it gets nearer to the handle. A first roll of wrapping material, such as stretch film, is pushed over the first roller mounting structure from the first distal end of the dispenser. A second roll of wrapping material, such as stretch film, is pushed over the second roller mounting structure form the second distal end of the dispenser.

The first and second roller mounting structures are rotatably coupled to the dispenser by wing nuts. Bearings are situated between the wing nuts and the wrapping areas so as to allow the roller mounting structures to rotate relative to the dispenser.

A second example dispenser has a generally C shaped frame, as shown in FIG. 3. Two roller mounting structures are coupled to the C shaped frame on the inside of the C shape. The roller mounting structures are rotatably coupled to threaded rods by wing nuts. The roller mounting structures are separated from the wing nuts by bearings so that the roller mounting structures can rotate relative to the frame. The threaded rods are coaxial, such that a first roll of material placed on the first roller mounting structure would be in line with a second roll of material placed on the second roller mounting structure. A knob shaped handle is attached to the outside of the C shaped frame, the handle is in line, or coaxial, with the roller mounting structures.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the various aspects of the illustrated dispensers can be implemented individually or together in any combination. Such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

ROLLED MATERIAL DISPENSER

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