U.S. patent application number 11/723219 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for film wrapping machine simultaneously utilizing two film carriage assemblies.
This patent application is currently assigned to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.. Invention is credited to Faruk Turfan, Marco Zitella.
Application Number | 20080229716 11/723219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39495870 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080229716 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zitella; Marco ; et
al. |
September 25, 2008 |
Film wrapping machine simultaneously utilizing two film carriage
assemblies
Abstract
A film wrapping machine comprises a pair of diametrically
opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies,
mounted upon a rotary ring member, for simultaneously dispensing
wrapping film. A vertically movable frame member, upon which the
rotary ring member is rotatably mounted, is effectively moved at a
speed of ascent or descent that is approximately twice the speed as
that of a vertically movable frame member incorporated within a
conventional film wrapping machine so as to permit the dual film
roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies to dispense the
wrapping or packaging film within a time frame that is
approximately twice as fast as that of the conventional film
wrapping machine and yet in a slightly overlapped mode as desired
for packaging purposes.
Inventors: |
Zitella; Marco; (Montreal,
CA) ; Turfan; Faruk; (Brossard, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven W. Weinrieb;LAW OFFICES OF STEVEN W. WEINRIEB
8717 Cold Spring Road
Potomac
MD
20854
US
|
Assignee: |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
|
Family ID: |
39495870 |
Appl. No.: |
11/723219 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/461 ;
53/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 11/025 20130101;
B65B 2210/18 20130101; B65B 13/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/461 ;
53/203 |
International
Class: |
B65B 11/00 20060101
B65B011/00 |
Claims
1. A film wrapping machine for wrapping articles within wrapping
film, comprising: an upstanding framework; a wrapping station,
defined within said upstanding framework, at which an article to be
wrapped is adapted to be disposed during an article wrapping
operation; a vertically movable frame member mounted upon said
upstanding framework; first motor drive means for moving said
vertically movable frame member in a vertically reciprocal manner;
a rotary ring member mounted upon said vertically movable frame
member; second motor drive means for causing said rotary ring
member to undergo rotary movement around said wrapping station at
which the article to be wrapped is disposed; and multiple film roll
mounting and dispensing carriage assembly means mounted upon said
rotary ring member for simultaneously dispensing wrapping film so
as to simultaneously wrap the article, to be wrapped and disposed
at said wrapping station, within wrapping film.
2. The film wrapping machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said
multiple film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly means
comprises a pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies.
3. The film wrapping machine as set forth in claim 2, wherein: said
pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies are
mounted upon said rotary ring member at diametrically opposed
positions.
4. The film wrapping machine as set forth in claim 3, further
comprising: control means for controlling said first motor drive
means such that said first motor drive means moves said vertically
movable frame member at a first predetermined rate of speed which
permits said pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies to simultaneously dispense the wrapping film, so as to
simultaneously wrap the article to be wrapped and disposed at said
wrapping station, in wrapping film within a time frame which is
substantially shorter than that which would otherwise be achieved
utilizing a single film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assembly.
5. The film wrapping machine as set forth in claim 4, wherein: said
control means comprises a programmable logic controller.
6. The film wrapping machine as set forth in claim 4, wherein: said
control means for controlling said first motor drive means will
control said first motor drive means such that said first motor
drive means moves said vertically movable frame member at a second
predetermined rate of speed that is approximately one half of said
first predetermined rate of speed so as to permit a first one of
said pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies
to continue wrapping the article, to be wrapped and disposed at
said wrapping station, in wrapping film if the wrapping film
disposed upon a second one of said pair of film roll mounting and
dispensing carriage assemblies experiences a condition comprising
one of depletion and breakage.
7. The film wrapping machine as set forth in claim 2, further
comprising: a pair of film clamping mechanisms respectively
operatively associated with said pair of film roll mounting and
dispensing assemblies for holding leading end portions of the
wrapping films in order to commence film wrapping operations.
8. The film wrapping machine as set forth in claim 7, further
comprising: a pair of beam members upon which said pair of film
clamping mechanisms are respectively mounted; and means for movably
mounting said pair of beam members upon said vertically movable
frame member so as to move said pair of beam members, and said pair
of film clamping mechanisms mounted thereon, toward and away from
said pair of film roll mounting and dispensing assemblies.
9. The film wrapping machine as set forth in claim 8, wherein: said
means for movably mounting said pair of beam members comprises
piston-cylinder assemblies.
10. The film wrapping machine as set forth in claim 8, further
comprising: a pair of auxiliary film clamping means respectively
mounted upon said pair of beam members for removing film tail
portions of the wrapping films from said pair of film roll mounting
and dispensing assemblies in order to prepare for the commencement
of film wrapping operations utilizing new rolls of wrapping
film.
11. A method of wrapping articles within wrapping film, comprising
the steps of: providing an upstanding framework; defining a
wrapping station within said upstanding framework at which an
article to be wrapped is adapted to be disposed during an article
wrapping operation; mounting a vertically movable frame member upon
said upstanding framework; mounting a rotary ring member upon said
vertically movable frame member; mounting multiple film roll
mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies upon said rotary ring
member; and vertically moving said vertically movable frame member
while rotating said rotary ring member such that said multiple film
roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, mounted upon said
rotary ring member, can simultaneously dispense wrapping film so as
to simultaneously wrap the article, to be wrapped and disposed at
said wrapping station, within wrapping film.
12. The method as set forth in claim 11, further comprising the
step of: using a pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies as said multiple film roll mounting and dispensing
carriage assemblies.
13. The method as set forth in claim 12, further comprising the
step of: mounting said pair of film roll mounting and dispensing
carriage assemblies at diametrically opposed positions upon said
rotary ring member.
14. The method as set forth in claim 13, further comprising the
step of: controlling the vertical movement of said vertically
movable frame member at a first predetermined rate of speed which
permits said pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies to simultaneously dispense the wrapping film, so as to
simultaneously wrap the article to be wrapped and disposed at said
wrapping station, in wrapping film within a time frame which is
substantially shorter than that which would otherwise be achieved
utilizing a single film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assembly.
15. The method as set forth in claim 14, further comprising the
steps of: utilizing a variable speed drive motor to drive said
vertically movable frame member; and utilizing a programmable logic
controller to control said variable speed drive motor.
16. The method as set forth in claim 14, further comprising the
step of: controlling the vertical movement of said vertically
movable frame member at a second predetermined rate of speed that
is approximately one half of said first predetermined rate of speed
so as to permit a first one of said pair of film roll mounting and
dispensing carriage assemblies to continue wrapping the article, to
be wrapped and disposed at said wrapping station, in wrapping film
if the wrapping film disposed upon a second one of said pair of
film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies experiences a
condition comprising one of depletion and breakage.
17. The method as set forth in claim 12, further comprising the
step of: respectively providing a pair of film clamping mechanisms
to be operatively associated with said pair of film roll mounting
and dispensing assemblies for holding leading end portions of the
wrapping films in order to commence film wrapping operations.
18. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising the
steps of: respectively mounting said pair of film clamping
mechanisms upon a pair of beam members; and movably mounting said
pair of beam members upon said vertically movable frame member such
that said pair of beam members, and said pair of film clamping
mechanisms mounted thereon, are movable toward and away from said
pair of film roll mounting and dispensing assemblies.
19. The method as set forth in claim 18, further comprising the
step of: utilizing piston-cylinder assemblies, mounted upon said
vertically movable frame member, for reciprocally moving said pair
of beam members, and said pair of film clamping mechanisms mounted
thereon, toward and away from said pair of film roll mounting and
dispensing assemblies.
20. The method as set forth in claim 18, further comprising the
step of: respectively mounting a pair of auxiliary film clamping
mechanisms upon said pair of beam members for removing film tail
portions of the wrapping films from said pair of film roll mounting
and dispensing assemblies in order to prepare for the commencement
of film wrapping operations utilizing new rolls of wrapping film.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to film wrapping or
packaging machines for wrapping film around articles, packages, or
palletized loads, and more particularly to a new and improved film
wrapping or packaging machine that has a pair of diametrically
opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies
disposed upon the rotary ring member of the film wrapping machine,
which rotates around an article, package, or palletized load
disposed at a wrapping or packaging station and which is being
wrapped within the film wrapping or packaging material, such that
both of the diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing
carriage assemblies can simultaneously dispense the wrapping or
packaging film to be wrapped around the article, package, or
palletized load disposed at the wrapping station. The rotary ring
member of the film wrapping machine is mounted upon a vertically
movable frame member which is effectively moved at a predetermined
speed which is approximately twice the normal speed of ascent or
descent as that of a conventional film wrapping machine so that the
wrapping or packaging film being dispensed from both film roll
mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies will overlap to a
predetermined degree, and in view of the fact that both of the
diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies effectively cooperate together in connection with the
wrapping or packaging of the article, package, or palletized load
disposed at the wrapping or packaging station, not only is the
article, package, or palletized load able to be wrapped or packaged
approximately twice as fast as with a conventional film wrapping or
packaging machine, but in addition, the pair of rolls of wrapping
or packaging film, respectively disposed upon the pair of
diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies, effectively last twice as long as normal whereby they
need to be replaced less often. In addition, if film depletion, or
a breakage in the wrapping or packaging film, occurs upon one of
the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, the
other one of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies will continue the article, package, or palletized load
wrapping or packaging operation at a reduced vertical ascent or
descent speed so as to effectively simulate a wrapping or packaging
machine having a single film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assembly mounted thereon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Film wrapping or packaging machines or apparatus, for
wrapping articles, packages, or palletized loads within wrapping
film, are of course well known in the art. Examples of such film
wrapping machines or apparatus are disclosed within U.S. Pat. No.
6,195,961 which issued to Turfan on Mar. 6, 2001, U.S. Pat. No.
5,787,691 which issued to Turfan on Aug. 4, 1998, U.S. Pat. No.
5,517,807 which issued to Morantz on May 21, 1996, and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,587,796 which issued to Haloila on May 13, 1986. As disclosed
within FIG. 1, which substantially corresponds to FIG. 1 of U.S.
Pat. No. 6,195,961, and which is representative of the conventional
film wrapping or packaging machines, a film wrapping or packaging
machine is generally indicated by the reference character 10 and is
seen to comprise a four-post upstanding framework 12 through which
extends a conveyor 14 for conveying articles, packages, or
palletized loads, to be wrapped or packaged, to a wrapping station
16 which is located substantially at the center of the region or
area which is peripherally defined by means of the upstanding posts
of the framework 12.
[0003] An upper frame member 18, vertically movable in a
reciprocating manner with respect to the framework 12, rotatably
supports a ring or circular track member 20 upon which is mounted a
plastic film roll mounting and dispensing assembly or carriage 22
upon which is mounted a roll 24 of plastic wrapping film.
Consequently, when the upper frame member 18 is moved in vertically
upward and downward directions, and the ring or track member 20 is
rotated with respect to the vertically movable upper frame member
18, film from the film roll 24, mounted upon the film roll mounting
and dispensing assembly or carriage 22, can be withdrawn therefrom
and applied onto the articles, packages, or palletized loads which
are to be wrapped within film packaging material and which are
disposed or located at the wrapping station 16.
[0004] While the aforenoted conventional film wrapping or packaging
machine is satisfactory from an overall operational point of view,
it is desirable to effectively shorten the cyclic time required to
wrap or package each article, package, or palletized load within
the wrapping or packaging film. In addition, it is also desirable
to effectively lengthen or extend the service life of the roll of
wrapping or packaging film such that the need to replace the roll
of wrapping or packaging film occurs less often. In this manner,
more articles, packages, or palletized loads can effectively be
wrapped or packaged within wrapping or packaging film dispensed
from a particular roll of wrapping or packaging film than has been
previously possible whereby more continuous article, package, or
palletized load wrapping or packaging operations can be performed
and completed without the need to replenish depleted rolls of
wrapping or packaging film which necessitates a predetermined
amount of operational downtime through means of a suitable wrapping
or packaging film roll exchange operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The foregoing and other objectives are achieved in
accordance with the teachings and principles of the present
invention through the provision of a new and improved film wrapping
or packaging machine which has a pair of diametrically opposed film
roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies disposed upon the
rotary ring member of the film wrapping machine that rotates around
the article, package, or palletized load which is disposed at the
wrapping or packaging station and which is being wrapped within the
film wrapping or packaging material. Both of the diametrically
opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies
simultaneously dispense wrapping or packaging film to be wrapped
around the article, package, or palletized load disposed at the
wrapping or packaging station, and the rotary ring member of the
film wrapping or packaging machine is mounted upon a vertically
movable frame member that is effectively moved at a speed of ascent
or descent which is approximately twice the speed of ascent or
descent as that of a vertically movable frame member disposed upon
a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine wherein the speed
of ascent or descent of the vertically movable frame member is in
fact predetermined so as to permit the dual film roll mounting and
dispensing carriage assemblies to dispense the wrapping or
packaging film in a slightly overlapped mode. In view of the fact
that both of the diametrically opposed film roll mounting and
dispensing carriage assemblies effectively cooperate together in
connection with the wrapping or packaging of the article, package,
or palletized load disposed at the wrapping or packaging station,
the article, package, or palletized load is able to be wrapped or
packaged within a time frame which is approximately twice as fast
as that which can be achieved with a conventional film wrapping or
packaging machine.
[0006] In addition, the pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging
film, respectively disposed upon the pair of diametrically opposed
film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, effectively
last twice as long as similarly sized rolls of wrapping or
packaging film in view of the fact that film, from each one of the
pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging film, is only being
effectively utilized within each one half of each film wrapping or
packaging layer. Accordingly, in view of the fact that the rolls of
packaging or wrapping film are depleted at a substantially slower
rate than that which would be experienced within a conventional
film wrapping or packaging machine, the rolls of packaging or
wrapping film need to be replaced less often than similar rolls of
wrapping or packaging film disposed upon a conventional film
wrapping or packaging machine. Accordingly, still further, more
continuous film wrapping or packaging operations can be performed,
in connection with the wrapping or packaging of multiple articles,
packages, or palletized loads without necessitating or experiencing
operational downtime that would normally be required in order to
perform film roll replenishment, replacement, or exchange
operations, and if film depletion or a breakage in the wrapping or
packaging film occurs upon one of the film roll mounting and
dispensing carriage assemblies, the other one of the film roll
mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies will continue the
article, package, or palletized load wrapping or packaging
operation at a reduced vertical ascent or descent speed so as to
effectively simulate a wrapping or packaging machine having a
single film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly mounted
thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Various other features and attendant advantages of the
present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate
like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional, PRIOR ART
film wrapping machine;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a new and improved film
wrapping machine as constructed in accordance with the principles
and teachings of the present invention and showing the component
parts thereof;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the new and improved
film wrapping machine, as disclosed within FIG. 2, showing the pair
of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies mounted upon the rotary ring member, and the pair of
film clamp assemblies mounted upon oppositely disposed,
longitudinally extending beam members which are movable in
transverse directions toward and away from each other so as to move
the pair of film clamp assemblies between their START and FINISH
positions during a film wrapping or packaging cycle operation;
[0011] FIG. 3a is a partial, enlarged view of FIG. 3 showing the
left wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing
carriage assembly, the details of the left wrapping or packaging
film clamping assembly, and an auxiliary film clamp mechanism which
is adapted to transfer the leading end portion of the wrapping or
packaging film between the film tail holder of the wrapping or
packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly and
the wrapping or packaging film clamping assembly;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the new and improved film
wrapping machine, as disclosed within FIGS. 2 and 3, showing the
motor drive system for the vertically movable frame member upon
which the rotary ring member, and the pair of diametrically opposed
film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, are
mounted;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vertically movable frame
member, and the rotary ring member and the pair of diametrically
opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies
mounted thereon;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the rotary ring member as
mounted upon the vertically reciprocable frame member by means of
the various mounting bracket and wheel assemblies for not only
supporting the rotary ring member as mounted upon the vertically
reciprocable frame member, but in addition, for rotatably guiding
the rotary movement of the rotary ring member with respect to the
vertically reciprocable frame member;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a partial, enlarged, perspective view of the
undersurface portion of the vertically reciprocable frame member,
as illustrated within FIG. 6, showing the drive motor, the idler
rollers, and the drive belt utilized for driving the rotary ring
member with respect to the vertically reciprocable frame member;
and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a partial, enlarged perspective view, similar to
that of FIG. 7, showing, however, the various motor drive
components from a different perspective point of view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 2-5 thereof, a new and improved film wrapping or packaging
machine, constructed in accordance with the principles and
teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally
indicated by the reference character 110. More particularly, the
new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine 110 is
generally or briefly seen to comprise a fixed, upstanding framework
112 through which extends a conveyor mechanism, which is not shown
but which is similar to the conveyor 14 as disclosed within FIG. 1,
for conveying articles, packages, or palletized loads, to be
wrapped or packaged, in a conveying direction CD to a wrapping or
packaging station 116 which is located substantially at the center
of the region or area which is peripherally defined by means of the
upstanding posts of the fixed upstanding framework 112. A frame
member 118, which is vertically movable in a reciprocating manner
with respect to the fixed upstanding framework 112, rotatably
supports a ring or circular track member 120, and in accordance
with a unique and novel feature or structure characteristic of the
present invention, a pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or
packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies
122, 124, upon which rolls of wrapping or packaging film, not
shown, are disposed, are fixedly secured upon the rotary ring
member 120. In this manner, the pair of diametrically opposed
wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies 122, 124 will be movable with the rotary ring member 120
so as to move or rotate around the wrapping station 116 in order to
package or wrap articles, packages, or palletized loads, disposed
at the wrapping station 116, within the wrapping or packaging film
which is being dispensed from the pair of diametrically opposed
wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies 122, 124 during the performance of a wrapping or
packaging operation.
[0018] Continuing further, and with reference being specifically
made to FIG. 2, it is seen that the fixed, upstanding framework 112
comprises four vertically oriented upstanding posts 126, 128, 130,
132, and that in order to properly control the conveyor mechanism,
not shown, for conveying the articles, packages, or palletized
loads into and out from the wrapping or packaging station 116, a
first pair of phototransmitters 134, 136 are mounted upon a lower
end portion of the upstanding post 128, while a first pair of
photoreflectors 138, 140 are mounted upon a lower end portion of
the oppositely disposed upstanding post 132 so as to be
respectively disposed opposite the phototransmitters 134, 136. In a
similar manner, three phototransmitters 142, 144, 146 are mounted
upon a lower end portion of the upstanding post 126, while three
photoreflectors 148, 150, 152 are mounted upon a lower end portion
of the oppositely disposed upstanding post 130 so as to be
respectively disposed opposite the phototransmitters 142, 144. More
particularly, it is noted that the cooperative pairs of
phototransmitters and photoreflectors 136, 140 and 142, 148
comprise safety sensor mechanisms so as to ensure that operator
personnel are not within undesirable perimeter areas of the film
wrapping or packaging machine 110 which are located adjacent to,
for example, the conveyor mechanism, not shown, conveying the
articles, packages, or palletized loads toward the wrapping or
packaging station 116. Alternatively, for example, another article,
package, or palletized load, other than the particular article,
package, or palletized load disposed upon the conveyor and being
conveyed toward the wrapping or packaging station 116, may be
disposed within such perimeter areas of the film wrapping or
packaging machine 110 so as to present a potential hazard to the
operation of the film wrapping or packaging machine 110.
[0019] In either one of these instances, a signal would be sent to
a programmable logic controller PLC, which is schematically
illustrated and which controls all movements of all of the
components of the film wrapping or packaging machine 110, so as to
temporarily terminate operation of the film wrapping or packaging
machine 110 until the aforenoted potentially hazardous situation or
condition is corrected or satisfactorily resolved. Still yet
further, the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and
photoreflector 134, 138 comprise a first article, package, or
palletized load sensor mechanism or system whereby the forward,
leading, or downstream end portion of the article, package, or
palletized load, disposed upon the conveyor mechanism, not shown,
will be sensed as the article, package, or palletized load is being
conveyed toward the wrapping or packaging station 116, and wherein
further, the first article, package, or palletized load sensor
mechanism or system, comprising the cooperative pair of
phototransmitter and photoreflector components 134, 138, will
therefore transmit a signal to the programmable logic controller
PLC that a film wrapping or packaging operation is about to be
commenced. In a similar manner, the cooperative pair of
phototransmitter and photoreflector 146, 152 comprise a second
article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system
whereby the forward, leading, or downstream end portion of the
article, package, or palletized load, disposed upon the conveyor,
not shown, will again be sensed as the article, package, or
palletized load is being conveyed into and within the wrapping or
packaging station 116, and wherein further, the second article,
package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising
the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector
components 146, 152 will therefore transmit a signal to the
programmable logic controller PLC to the effect that the activation
of the conveyor mechanism, not shown, should be terminated so as to
effectively locate the article, package, or palletized load at a
substantially central portion within the wrapping or packaging
station 116 in order to properly perform a film wrapping or
packaging operation.
[0020] Lastly, the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and
photoreflector 144, 150 comprise, in effect, a third, failsafe
article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system.
Accordingly, if the forward, leading, or down-stream end portion of
the article, package, or palletized load, disposed upon the
conveyor, not shown, is sensed by means of the third article,
package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising
the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector
components 144, 150, such as, for example, if the second article,
package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising
the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector
components 146, 152 experiences a failure, or alternatively, if the
article, package, or palletized load, disposed upon the conveyor,
should experience slippage relative to the conveyor when the
movement of the conveyor is terminated, then the third article,
package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising
the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector
components 144, 148 will transmit a signal to the programmable
logic controller PLC to the effect that not only should the
activation of the conveyor mechanism, not shown, be terminated, but
in addition, that the entire film wrapping or packaging machine 110
should effectively be temporarily shut down so as to not to
commence a faulty film wrapping or packaging operation in
connection with the article, package, or palletized load which is
not properly located at the wrapping station 116.
[0021] This is similarly the case with the first article, package,
or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the
cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components
134, 138. More particularly, the first article, package, or
palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the
cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components
134, 138 also acts or serves as a failsafe mechanism in that when
the particular article, package, or palletized load has been
conveyed toward the wrapping or packaging station 116, the rear,
trailing, or upstream end portion of the article, package, or
palletized load must likewise clear the first article, package, or
palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the
cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components
134, 138 so as to effectively ensure that a properly sized article,
package, or palletized load is in fact located, and properly
positioned, at the wrapping or packaging station 116 so as to in
fact be readied for undergoing a film wrapping or packaging
operation.
[0022] As can also be best appreciated from FIG. 2, each one of the
four vertically upstanding posts 126, 128, 130, 132 comprising the
fixed, upstanding framework 112 is noted as comprising, in effect,
an angle iron structure having a substantially L-shaped
cross-sectional configuration such that inner surface portions of
each one of the substantially L-shaped vertically upstanding posts
126, 128, 130, 132 are effectively disposed at 90.degree., or
perpendicular, with respect to each other. In addition, and in
connection with such inner surface portions of the plurality of
vertically upstanding posts 126, 128, 130, 132 disposed
perpendicular with respect to each other, each one of the external
corner regions 154, 156, 158, 160 of the vertically movable frame
member 118, which has a substantially square shaped configuration,
has a pair of wheels, the axes of which are also correspondingly
disposed at 90.degree. or perpendicular with respect to each other,
rotatably mounted upon such external corner region 154, 156, 158,
160 of the vertically movable frame member 118. More particularly,
as can best be seen from FIG. 5, a first pair of wheels 162, 164
are rotatably mounted upon suitable mounting bracket structure
fixedly mounted upon the external corner region 154 of the
vertically movable frame member 118, while a second pair of wheels
166, 168 are rotatably mounted upon suitable mounting bracket
structure fixedly mounted upon the external corner region 156 of
the vertically movable frame member 118.
[0023] In a similar manner, a third pair of wheels, only one of
which is visible at 170, are rotatably mounted upon suitable
mounting bracket structure fixedly mounted upon the external corner
region 158 of the vertically movable frame member 118, while a
fourth pair of wheels, only one of which is visible at 172, are
rotatably mounted upon suitable mounting bracket structure fixedly
mounted upon the external corner region 160 of the vertically
movable frame member 118. In this manner, the vertically movable
frame member 118 is in fact able to be smoothly moved along the
interior, vertically oriented surfaces of the substantially
L-shaped, vertically upstanding posts 126, 128, 130, 132, in
vertically upward and downward directions, in accordance with
particular cyclically staged movements occurring during the
performance of a particular article, package, or palletized load
wrapping or packaging operation.
[0024] Continuing further, in order to drive or move the vertically
movable frame member 118 between its uppermost and lowermost
positions during a film wrapping or packaging operation, a first
reversible drive motor 174 is fixedly mounted upon a first upper
end frame member 176 of the fixed, upstanding framework 112 by
means of a suitable mounting plate, mounting bracket, or mounting
block 178 which is fixedly or integrally secured to the first upper
end frame member 176 of the fixed, upstanding framework 112 as can
best be seen in FIG. 4. In addition, it is also seen that the first
reversible drive motor 174 is provided with first and second
oppositely oriented output drive shafts 180, 182 upon which there
is respectively disposed first and second output drive sprockets
184, 186. First and second output driven sprockets 188, 190 are
respectively fixedly mounted upon first end portions of the first
and second driven shafts 192, 194, and it is seen that the first
and second driven shafts 192, 194 are respectively rotatably
mounted within first and second bearing members 196, 198 which are,
in turn, respectively mounted upon first and second bearing blocks
or bearing brackets 200, 202 that are also fixedly mounted upon the
first upper end frame member 176 of the fixed, upstanding framework
112.
[0025] The first and second output drive sprockets 184, 186,
respectively disposed upon the first and second oppositely oriented
output drive shafts 180, 182 of the reversible drive motor 174, are
respectively operatively connected to the first and second output
driven sprockets 188, 190, respectively disposed upon first end
portions of the first and second driven shafts 192, 194, by means
of first and second endless drive sprocket chains 204, 206, and it
is further seen that the oppositely disposed second end portions of
the first and second driven shafts 192, 194 are respectively
rotatably mounted within third and fourth bearing members 208, 210
which are, in turn, respectively mounted upon third and fourth
bearing blocks or bearing brackets 212, 214 which are also fixedly
mounted upon the first upper end frame member 176. Still yet
further, it is also seen that the distal or free end portions of
the first and second driven shafts 192, 194 are respectively
provided with third and fourth output driven sprockets 216, 218,
while axially inboard regions of the first and second driven shafts
192, 194, disposed upon the opposite side of, and adjacent to, the
third and fourth bearing members 208, 210, are respectively
provided with fifth and sixth output driven sprockets 220, 222.
Upon the opposite side of the overall fixed, upstanding framework
112, and in particular, upon a second upper end frame member 224 of
the fixed, upstanding framework 112, which is disposed opposite the
first upper end frame member 176 of the fixed, upstanding framework
112, third and fourth driven shafts 226, 228 are adapted to be
rotatably mounted.
[0026] More particularly, it is seen that the axially outboard end
portion of the third driven shaft 226 is rotatably mounted within a
fifth bearing member 230 which is mounted upon a fifth bearing
block or bearing bracket 232 that is fixedly mounted upon the
second upper end frame member 224, and in a similar manner, the
axially outboard end portion of the fourth driven shaft 228 is
rotatably mounted within a sixth bearing member 234 which is
mounted upon a sixth bearing block or bearing bracket 236 that is
likewise fixedly mounted upon the second upper end frame member
224. Still further, it is also seen that the axially inboard end
portion of the third driven shaft 226 is rotatably mounted within a
seventh bearing member 238 which is mounted upon a seventh bearing
block or bearing bracket 240 that is also fixedly mounted upon the
second upper end frame member 224, and in a similar manner, the
axially inboard end portion of the fourth driven shaft 228 is
rotatably mounted within an eighth bearing member 242 which is
mounted upon an eighth bearing block or bearing bracket 244 that is
likewise fixedly mounted upon the second upper end frame member
224, the axially inboard end portions of the third and fourth
driven shafts 226, 228 also being operatively connected together by
means of a suitable coupling member 246.
[0027] Continuing still further, it is additionally seen that
seventh and eighth output driven sprockets 248, 250 are
respectively disposed upon the distal end portions of the third and
fourth driven shafts 226, 228, and that ninth and tenth output
driven sprockets 252, 254 are respectively disposed upon the
axially inboard sides of the third and fourth driven shafts 226,
228 at positions adjacent to the fifth and sixth bearing members
230, 234. As can best be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, and taken in
conjunction with FIG. 4, a first vertically oriented endless driven
sprocket chain 256, fixedly connected at an intermediate portion
thereof to the frame member 118, has its upper end portion disposed
around the third output driven sprocket 216 disposed upon the
distal end portion of the first driven shaft 192, while the lower
end portion of the first endless driven sprocket chain 256 is
disposed within a first sprocket chain housing 258 mounted upon a
lower end portion of the vertically oriented upstanding post 126 of
the fixed upstanding framework 112. In a similar manner, a second
vertically oriented endless driven sprocket chain 260, fixedly
connected at an intermediate portion thereof to the frame member
118, has its upper end portion disposed around the fourth output
driven sprocket 218 disposed upon the distal end portion of the
second driven shaft 194, while the lower end portion of the second
endless driven sprocket chain 260 is disposed within a second
sprocket chain housing 262 mounted upon a lower end portion of the
vertically oriented upstanding post 128 of the fixed upstanding
framework 112.
[0028] Still further, a third vertically oriented endless driven
sprocket chain 264, also fixedly connected at an intermediate
portion thereof to the frame member 118, has its upper end portion
disposed around the seventh output driven sprocket 248 disposed
upon the distal end portion of the third driven shaft 226, while
the lower end portion of the third endless driven sprocket chain
264 is disposed within a third sprocket chain housing 266 mounted
upon a lower end portion of the vertically oriented upstanding post
130 of the fixed upstanding framework 112. Furthermore, a fourth
vertically oriented endless driven sprocket chain 268, also fixedly
connected at an intermediate portion thereof to the frame member
118, has its upper end portion disposed around the eighth output
driven sprocket 250 disposed upon the distal end portion of the
fourth driven shaft 228, while the lower end portion of the fourth
endless driven sprocket chain 268 is disposed within a fourth
sprocket chain housing 270 mounted upon a lower end portion of the
vertically oriented upstanding post 132 of the fixed upstanding
framework 112.
[0029] Still yet further, it is also seen that a first horizontally
oriented sprocket chain 272 is disposed around the fifth and ninth
output driven sprockets 220, 252, while a second horizontally
oriented sprocket chain 274 is disposed around the sixth and tenth
output driven sprockets 222, 254. Accordingly, when the first
reversible drive motor 174 is actuated so as to, for example, drive
the sprocket chains 256, 260, 264, 268 in either direction, that
is, to lower or to raise the frame member 118, rotary drive to the
vertically oriented sprocket chains 256, 260 will be achieved by
means of the driven shafts 192, 194 and the driven sprockets 216,
218, whereas rotary drive to the vertically oriented sprocket
chains 264, 268 will be achieved by means of the driven shafts 192,
194, the driven sprockets 220, 222, the horizontally oriented
sprocket chains 272, 274, the driven sprockets 252, 254, the driven
shafts 226, 228, and the sprockets 248, 250.
[0030] With reference now being made to FIGS. 3 and 5-8, the system
for mounting the rotary ring member 120 upon the vertically
reciprocable frame member 118, as well as the system for rotating
the rotary ring member 120 with respect to the vertically
reciprocable frame member 118, will now be described. More
particularly, as can best be appreciated from FIG. 6, the
vertically reciprocable frame member 118 has four substantially
triangularly configured mounting brackets or mounting plates 276,
278, 280, 282 fixedly mounted thereon, and each one of the mounting
brackets or mounting plates 276, 278, 280, 282 is respectively
provided with a horizontally oriented wheel 284, 286, 288, 290 for
engaging a vertically oriented external annular surface portion 292
of the rotary ring member 120. In addition, each one of the
mounting brackets or mounting plates 276, 278, 280, 282 is also
respectively provided with a vertically oriented wheel 294, 296,
298, 300 for engaging a horizontally oriented external undersurface
portion 302 of the rotary ring member 120 whereby the rotary ring
member 120 is in fact supported upon such vertically oriented
wheels 294, 296, 298, 300. Still further, it is also seen that a
first side beam member 304 of the frame member 118 is provided with
a mounting bracket 306 upon which a fifth horizontally oriented
wheel 308 is rotatably mounted so as to be rotatably engaged with
the vertically oriented external annular surface portion 292 of the
rotary ring member 120, as well as fifth and sixth vertically
oriented wheels 310, 312 which are rotatably mounted upon the
mounting bracket 306 so as to be rotatably engaged with the
horizontally oriented external undersurface portion 302 of the
rotary ring member 120. In a similar manner, a second oppositely
disposed side beam member 314 of the frame member 118 is provided
with a mounting bracket 316 upon which a sixth horizontally
oriented wheel 318 is rotatably mounted so as to also be rotatably
engaged with the vertically oriented external annular surface
portion 292 of the rotary ring member 120, as well as seventh and
eighth vertically oriented wheels 320, 322 which are rotatably
mounted upon the mounting bracket 316 so as to be rotatably engaged
with the horizontally oriented external undersurface portion 302 of
the rotary ring member 120.
[0031] As can best be seen in FIG. 5, in order to provide for the
relative rotation of the rotary ring member 120, and the pair of
diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and
dispensing carriage assemblies 122, 124 mounted thereon, with
respect to the vertically reciprocable frame member 118, a second,
vertically oriented drive motor 324 is fixedly mounted in a
dependent manner upon an undersurface portion of the first side
beam member 304 of frame member 118 within the vicinity of the
triangularly configured mounting bracket 276. In addition, as can
best be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, the output drive shaft 326 of the
second, vertically oriented drive motor 324 has an output drive
pulley 328 fixedly mounted thereon for rotation with the output
drive shaft 326, and a pair of idler or driven pulleys 330, 332 are
rotatably mounted upon a substantially L-shaped mounting bracket or
mounting plate 333 which is pivotally mounted upon the frame member
118 about an axis which effectively coincides with the axis of the
idler or driven pulley 330. In addition, an endless pulley drive
belt 334 is disposed around the motor drive pulley 328, routed
around an external circumferential portion of the idler or driven
pulley 332, routed around the external peripheral portion of the
rotary ring member 120, routed back around an external
circumferential portion of the idler or driven pulley 330, and
routed back around the motor drive pulley 328. It is lastly noted
that a turnbuckle mechanism 336 is operatively connected to the
substantially L-shaped mounting bracket or mounting plate 333,
through means of a crank mechanism, not shown, whereby rotation of
the turnbuckle mechanism 336 can pivotally adjust the relative
disposition of the substantially L-shaped mounting bracket or
mounting plate 333 and the idler or driven pulley 332 with respect
to, for example, the motor drive pulley 328 and the idler or driven
pulley 330. In this manner, a predetermined amount of tension can
be impressed upon or imparted to the endless pulley belt 334
disposed around the external peripheral portion of the rotary ring
member 120.
[0032] With reference now being made to FIGS. 3 and 5, it is seen
that a pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film
clamping assemblies 338, 340, which are adapted to be operatively
associated with the pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or
packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies
122, 124, as will become more apparent hereinafter, are
respectively fixedly mounted in a dependent manner upon a pair of
cross-beam members 342, 344. As can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5,
the upper or left end portion of the cross-beam member 342, as
viewed in FIGS. 4 and 5, is fixedly connected, such as, for
example, by means of a suitable welding process, to a linear
bearing housing member 346 containing a linear bearing member, not
shown, and the linear bearing member, not shown, is operatively
engaged with, or effectively rides upon, a rail or track member 348
so as to effectively be capable of linear translational movement
along the same. In a similar manner, the right or lower end portion
of the cross-beam member 344, as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 5, is
fixedly connected to a linear bearing housing member 350 which
likewise contains a linear bearing member, not shown, which is
operatively engaged with a rail or track member 351, which can best
be seen in FIG. 4, so as to likewise effectively be capable of
linear translational movement therealong. A piston-cylinder
assembly 352 is fixedly mounted upon the frame member 118 such that
the free or distal end portion of the piston rod of the
piston-cylinder assembly 352 is operatively connected to the linear
bearing housing member 346, and in a similar manner, another
piston-cylinder assembly 353, also best seen in FIG. 4, is fixedly
mounted upon the frame member 118 such that the free or distal end
portion of the piston rod of the piston-cylinder assembly 353 is
operatively connected to the linear bearing housing member 350.
[0033] The upper or left end portion of the cross-beam member 344,
as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 5, is movably mounted upon a track, or
within a channel 355, as can best be seen in FIG. 4, which is
disposed upon the frame member 118 beneath the piston-cylinder
assembly 352, while in a similar manner, the lower or right end
portion of the cross-beam member 342, as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 5,
is likewise movably mounted upon a track, or within a channel 357,
as best seen in FIG. 4, which is disposed upon the frame member 118
beneath the piston-cylinder assembly 353 operatively connected to
the linear bearing housing member 350. In this manner, when the
piston rods of the piston-cylinder assemblies 352, 353 are extended
or retracted either independently or in unison, the cross-beam
members 342, 344, having the wrapping or packaging film clamping
assemblies 338, 340 disposed thereon, will be respectively moved
toward and away from the side beam members 304, 314 so as to
respectively position the wrapping or packaging film clamping
assemblies 338, 340 away from or adjacent to the pair of
diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and
dispensing carriage assemblies 122, 124. The wrapping or packaging
film clamping assemblies 338, 340 are substantially identical with
respect to each other, and it is noted that they are disposed upon
their respective cross-beam members 342, 344 in the same
orientations so as to be capable of operation at their
diametrically opposed positions with respect to their respective
wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies 122, 124.
[0034] In connection with the structural composition of each one of
the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies 338, 340, and
with wrapping or packaging film clamping assembly 338 being
exemplary as can best be appreciated from FIGS. 3 and 3a, it is
seen that the wrapping or packaging film clamping assembly 338
comprises a vertically oriented, semi-cylindrical hollow tubular
member 354, and a vertically oriented cylindrically configured
clamping rod 356. The entire film clamping assembly 338 is
pivotally mounted upon a mounting bracket 358, as best seen in FIG.
5, so as to be movable between a first inoperative position, to
which the film clamping assembly 338 will have been moved into the
page as viewed in FIG. 3a, and a second operative position at which
the film clamping assembly 338 will be disposed at its illustrated
position within FIG. 3a. The upper end portion of the vertically
oriented cylindrically configured clamping rod 356 is also
pivotally mounted upon the mounting bracket 358 so as to
effectively be movable, by means of suitable mechanisms not shown,
with respect to the semi-cylindrical tubular member 354 between an
OPEN film insertion position, wherein the vertically oriented
cylindrically configured clamping rod 356 is effectively disposed
out of the page as illustrated within FIG. 3a, and a CLOSED film
clamping position as illustrated within FIG. 3a.
[0035] In addition, an auxiliary film clamping mechanism 360 is
pivotally mounted upon the mounting bracket 358 for effectively
transferring the leading end or film tail portion of the wrapping
or packaging film, disposed upon the wrapping or packaging film
roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly 122, from a film
tail holder, not shown, of the wrapping or packaging film roll
mounting and dispensing carriage assembly 122 to a position at
which the package wrapping or packaging operation can be commenced
after a new or fresh roll of wrapping or packaging film is mounted
upon the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing
carriage assembly 122, all as more fully set forth within copending
patent application entitled AUTOMATIC FILM CHANGER FOR A FILM
WRAPPING MACHINE, Ser. No. ______, which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference. Still further, a film cutting device, in the
form of a heated wire 362, is also mounted upon the wrapping or
packaging film clamping assembly 338, at a position adjacent to the
film clamping tubular member 354 and clamping rod 356, so as to
effectively sever the wrapping or packaging film upon completion of
a package wrapping or packaging cycle, and still yet further, a
plurality of vertically spaced heated sealers 364 are provided for
sealing the severed trailing end portion of the wrapping or
packaging film onto the wrapped or packaged load.
[0036] Having described all of the pertinent structural components
of the new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine 110
constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the
present invention, a brief description of the operation of the same
will now be set forth. More particularly, assuming that a package,
to be wrapped or packaged within wrapping or packaging film, is
already disposed at the wrapping or packaging station 116, the pair
of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting
and dispensing carriage assemblies 122, 124 are disposed at their
START positions, as illustrated within FIG. 5, so as to both begin
or commence a package wrapping or packaging cycle, that is, during
a package wrapping or packaging cycle or operation, wrapping or
packaging film will be simultaneously dispensed from both of the
wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies 122, 124. It is noted, at this point in time, that the
wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies 122, 124 have, for example, been provided with new or
fresh rolls of wrapping or packaging film, wherein the free,
leading end or film tail portions of the new or fresh rolls of
wrapping or packaging film are disposed within the auxiliary film
clamp mechanisms 360, which are operatively associated with the
wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies 338, 340, as a
result of the programmable logic controller PLC having caused the
auxiliary film clamp mechanisms 360 to have grasped the free,
leading end or film tail portions of the wrapping or packaging
film, disposed within the film tail holders, not shown, of the
wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies 122, 124, and having subsequently pivoted the auxiliary
film clamp mechanisms 360 so as to move such free, leading end or
film tail portions from the film tail holders to positions at which
the film wrapping or packaging operation can be commenced.
Alternatively, after having completed a previous package wrapping
or packaging cycle or operation, the free end portions of the rolls
of wrapping or packaging film, already disposed upon the wrapping
or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies
122, 124, will be disposed within the wrapping or packaging film
clamping assemblies 338, 340, that is, secured between the clamping
rod 356 and the film clamping tubular member 354.
[0037] Subsequently, the programmable logic controller PLC
initiates operation of the second, vertically oriented drive motor
324 so as to cause rotation of the rotary ring member 120, and the
pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll
mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies 122, 124 disposed
thereon, in the counterclockwise direction, and in addition, and at
substantially the same time, the programmable logic controller PLC
also initiates operation of the first reversible drive motor 174 so
as to drive or move the vertically movable frame member 118, having
the rotary ring member 120 rotatably mounted thereon, between its
uppermost and lowermost positions during the film wrapping or
packaging operation. It is to be noted that, depending upon
predetermined or particular wrapping or packaging preferences,
operational modes, or the packages or articles to be wrapped or
packaged, the vertically movable frame member 118 may initially be
disposed at its lowermost position such that the same will ascend
during a package wrapping or packaging operation, or alternatively,
the vertically movable frame member 118 may initially be disposed
at its uppermost position whereby the same will descend during a
package wrapping or packaging operation.
[0038] In accordance with the unique principles and teachings of
the present invention, it is further noted that the vertically
movable frame member 118 is effectively moved at a predetermined
speed, as controlled by means of the programmable logic controller
PLC, which is approximately twice the normal speed of ascent or
descent as that of a conventional film wrapping machine so that the
wrapping or packaging film being dispensed from both of the film
roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies 122, 124 will only
overlap a predetermined amount or degree. It can therefore be
appreciated that since both of the diametrically opposed film roll
mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies 122, 124 effectively
cooperate together in connection with the wrapping or packaging of
the article, package, or palletized load disposed at the wrapping
or packaging station 116, not only is the article, package, or
palletized load able to be wrapped or packaged approximately twice
as fast as that able to be accomplished by means of a conventional
film wrapping or packaging machine, but in addition, the pair of
rolls of wrapping or packaging film, respectively disposed upon the
pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing
carriage assemblies 122, 124, effectively last twice as long as
normal, that is, they can be utilized in connection with
approximately twice the number of package wrapping or packaging
operations, whereby they need to be replaced less often.
[0039] Continuing further, at the conclusion of a particular
package wrapping or packaging cycle or operation, the programmable
logic controller PLC will actuate the piston-cylinder assemblies
352, 353 so as to move the cross-beams 342, 344 away from each
other and thereby cause the wrapping or packaging film clamping
assemblies 338, 340 to be disposed adjacent to the film roll
mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies 122, 124 that have been
stopped at, or effectively returned to, their START positions as
illustrated within FIG. 5. Subsequently, the programmable logic
controller PLC will actuate the mechanisms, not shown, controlling
the pivotal movements of the film clamping tubular member and
clamping rod components 354, 356 of the wrapping or packaging film
clamping mechanisms 338, 340 so as to pivotally move the same to
their downward positions, and still further, the programmable logic
controller PLC will also actuate the mechanisms, not shown, for
controlling the pivotal movements of the clamping rods 356, that
are respectively disposed upon the wrapping or packaging film
clamping assemblies 338, 340, so as to effectively move the
clamping rods 356, out of the page as illustrated within FIG. 3a,
to their OPEN positions with respect to their semi-cylindrical
hollow tubular members 354. The programmable logic controller PLC
will then actuate the second, vertically oriented drive motor 324
so as to again cause rotation of the rotary ring member 120 in the
counterclockwise direction so as to move the pair of wrapping or
packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies
122, 124 to predetermined angular positions just past or beyond the
wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies 338, 340.
[0040] Subsequently still further, the programmable logic
controller PLC will again actuate the mechanisms, not shown,
controlling the pivotal movements of the clamping rods 356 so as to
now effectively move the clamping rods 356, back into the page as
illustrated in FIG. 3a, to their CLOSED positions with respect to
their semi-cylindrical hollow tubular members 354 so as to
effectively clamp portions of the packaging or wrapping film
therebetween, and in addition, the programmable logic controller
PLC will again actuate the second, vertically oriented drive motor
324 so as to cause rotation of the rotary ring member 120 in the
reverse or clockwise direction so as to effectively move or return
the pair of wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing
carriage assemblies 122, 124 back to their START positions.
Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the wrapping or packaging
film effectively becomes wrapped around the clamping rods 356 of
the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies 338, 340. Still
yet further, at substantially this point in time, the programmable
logic controller PLC will also cause the film cutting wires 362 to
be heated such that as the clamping rods 356 are moved toward their
CLOSED positions, portions of the wrapping or packaging film will
be forced into contact with the heated wires 362 thereby severing
the wrapping or packaging films. The trailing end portions of the
wrapping or packaging films, which form part of the wrapping or
packaging film disposed upon or wrapped around the wrapped or
packaged articles, packages, or palletized loads, will then be
wiped, pressed, and sealed onto the wrapped or packaged articles,
packages, or palletized loads by, for example, the plurality of
vertically spaced heated sealers 364, so as to effectively complete
the wrapping or packaging operation with respect to the article,
package, or palletized load that has just been wrapped or packaged,
while leading end portions of the wrapping or packaging films will
be retained within the wrapping or packaging film clamping
assemblies 338, 340, by means of the tubular cylinders and clamping
rods 354, 364, in preparation for the commencement or start of a
new wrapping or packaging cycle or operation. It is of course to be
understood that at the commencement or start of such a new wrapping
or packaging cycle or operation, after a predetermined number of
wrapping or packaging film layers have been wrapped around the
article or object to be wrapped or packaged, the tubular cylinders
and clamping rods 354, 364 of the film clamping assemblies 338, 340
will release the leading end portions of the wrapping or packaging
films.
[0041] Lastly, it is also to be noted that if one of the rolls of
film, disposed upon either one of the wrapping or packaging film
roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies 122, 124, becomes
depleted or experiences a breakage, such a condition will be
sensed, such as, for example, by means of a tension roller, not
shown but disclosed within the aforenoted copending patent
application entitled AUTOMATIC FILM CHANGER FOR A FILM WRAPPING
MACHINE, Ser. No. ______ Subsequently, a signal will be sent from
the tension roller to the programmable logic controller PLC, and
accordingly, the programmable logic controller PLC will send an
appropriate signal to the first reversible drive motor 174 in order
to adjust the rate of ascent or descent of the vertically movable
frame member 118 so as to effectively simulate a conventional film
wrapping or packaging machine comprising only a single wrapping or
packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly. In
this manner, despite the occurrence of the depletion or breakage of
the wrapping or packaging film upon one of the wrapping or
packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies
122, 124, the package wrapping or packaging cycle or operation can
continue until the package wrapping or packaging cycle or operation
is completed. At such point in time, the depleted roll of wrapping
or packaging film can be replaced with a new or fresh roll of
wrapping or packaging film, or alternatively, the roll of wrapping
or packaging film which experienced the breakage in the film can
effectively have its leading end or film tail portion reinserted
within the film tail holder operatively associated with the
particular one of the wrapping or packaging film clamping
assemblies 338, 340 disposed upon the particular one of the
wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies 122, 124.
[0042] Thus, it may be seen that in accordance with the principles
and teachings of the present invention, there has been disclosed a
new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine wherein the
pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing
carriage assemblies simultaneously dispense the wrapping or
packaging film, and wherein further, the vertically movable frame
member is effectively moved at a speed of ascent or descent which
is approximately twice the speed of ascent or descent as that of a
vertically movable frame member disposed upon a conventional film
wrapping or packaging machine so as to nevertheless permit the dual
film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies to dispense
the wrapping or packaging film in a slightly overlapped mode. In
view of the fact that both of the diametrically opposed film roll
mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies effectively cooperate
together, the article, package, or palletized load is able to be
wrapped or packaged within a time frame which is approximately
twice as fast as that which can be achieved with a conventional
film wrapping or packaging machine.
[0043] In addition, the pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging film
effectively last twice as long as similarly sized rolls of wrapping
or packaging film in view of the fact that film, from each one of
the pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging film, is only being
effectively utilized within each one half of each film wrapping or
packaging layer. Accordingly, in view of the fact that the rolls of
packaging or wrapping film are depleted at a substantially slower
rate than that which would be experienced within a conventional
film wrapping or packaging machine, the rolls of packaging or
wrapping film need to be replaced less often than similar rolls of
wrapping or packaging film disposed upon a conventional film
wrapping or packaging machine. Accordingly, still further, more
continuous film wrapping or packaging operations can be performed,
in connection with the wrapping or packaging of multiple articles,
packages, or palletized loads without necessitating or experiencing
operational downtime that would normally be required in order to
perform film roll replenishment, replacement, or exchange
operations. Lastly, if film depletion, or a breakage in the
wrapping or packaging film, occurs within one of the film rolls of
one of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies,
the other one of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assemblies will continue the article, package, or palletized load
wrapping or packaging operation at a reduced vertical ascent or
descent speed so as to effectively simulate a wrapping or packaging
machine having a single film roll mounting and dispensing carriage
assembly mounted thereon.
[0044] Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is
therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *