U.S. patent application number 12/192882 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for wrapping apparatus.
Invention is credited to BILL THOMAS NORTHRUP.
Application Number | 20090044494 12/192882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40361870 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090044494 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NORTHRUP; BILL THOMAS |
February 19, 2009 |
WRAPPING APPARATUS
Abstract
An apparatus for applying a material, such as stretch wrap, to a
pallet stacked with objects is provided. Conventional pallet
wrapping is labor intensive, causes back injuries, repetitive
stress injuries and other work related injuries to users/operators.
By contrast, the apparatus of the present invention is portable,
light-weight, easy to use and reduces the risk of work place
injuries. The apparatus includes an elongated handle having a first
end and a second end and a retaining mechanism mounted on the
elongated handle for securing a roll of material to the handle. The
retaining mechanism includes a first retaining member secured to
the first end of the elongated handle and a second retaining member
secured to the second end of the elongated handle, where the roll
of material is located between the roll of material.
Inventors: |
NORTHRUP; BILL THOMAS;
(BREA, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOZA & LOZA LLP
305 N. Second Avenue, #127
Upland
CA
91786-6064
US
|
Family ID: |
40361870 |
Appl. No.: |
12/192882 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60956697 |
Aug 18, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/465 ;
242/588.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/185 20130101;
B65H 2701/1944 20130101; B65H 2402/412 20130101; B65B 67/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/465 ;
242/588.2 |
International
Class: |
B65B 11/00 20060101
B65B011/00; B65H 49/00 20060101 B65H049/00 |
Claims
1. A wrapping apparatus, comprising: an elongated handle having a
first end and a second end; a retaining mechanism mounted on the
elongated handle for securing a roll of material to the elongated
handle, the retaining mechanism comprising: a first retaining
member secured to the first end of the elongated handle; and a
second retaining member secured to the second end of the elongated
handle; a lock pin, inserted into the elongated handle adjacent to
and contacting the first retaining member for securing the first
retaining member to the elongated handle.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the elongated
handle is placed next to a pallet allowing a user to wrap a bottom
portion of the pallet without bending over.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the elongated
handle is placed onto the ground to assist a user in wrapping a
pallet and the second end of the elongated handle functions as a
gripping area for the user.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first retaining member
comprises: a sleeve; a washer adjacent to and contacting the
sleeve, the washer having a center opening sized to accommodate the
elongated handle; and a retaining pin adjacent to and contacting
the washer and inserted into the elongated handle for retaining the
sleeve and washer on the elongated handle.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sleeve comprises: an outer
ring for supporting a bottom end of the roll of material; and an
inner ring, adjacent to and contacting the outer ring, adapted for
insertion into an opening on the bottom end the roll of material to
secure the sleeve to the roll of material.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second retaining member
comprises: a sleeve comprising: an outer ring for supporting a
bottom end of the roll of material; and an inner ring, adjacent to
and contacting the outer ring, adapted for insertion into an
opening on the bottom end the roll of material to secure the sleeve
to the roll of material; a first washer, adjacent to and contacting
the sleeve, having a first center opening sized to accommodate the
elongated handle; a first retaining pin adjacent to and contacting
the washer and inserted into the elongated handle for holding the
washer in place; and a spring mounted on the elongated handle
directly adjacent to and contacting the first washer for adjusting
tension of the roll of material as it is dispensed.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second retaining member
further comprises: a second washer mounted on the elongated handle
adjacent to and contacting the spring, the second washer having a
second center opening sized to accommodate the elongated handle;
and a removable pin inserted into the elongated handle adjacent to
the second washer for retaining the spring and second washer on the
elongated handle.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the removable pin comprises:
an elongated member; and a locking mechanism having a first end
secured to a first side of the elongated member and a second end
secured to a second side of the elongated member.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a cover mounted on
the elongated handle over the second retaining member, the cover
having a lever for adjusting the tension in the spring wherein the
tension in the spring is decreased upon a user depressing the
lever.
11. A wrapping apparatus, comprising: an elongated handle including
a first end and a second end; a retaining mechanism mounted on the
elongated handle for securing a roll of material to the elongated
handle, the retaining mechanism comprising: a first retaining
member secured to the first end of the elongated handle, the first
retaining member comprising: a first sleeve; a first washer
adjacent to and contacting the first sleeve, the first washer
having a first center opening sized to accommodate the elongated
handle; and a first retaining pin adjacent to and contacting the
first washer and inserted into the elongated handle retaining the
first sleeve and first washer on the elongated handle; a second
retaining member secured to the second end of the elongated handle,
the second retaining member comprising: a second sleeve; a second
washer, adjacent to and contacting the second sleeve, having a
second center opening sized to accommodate the elongated handle; a
second retaining pin adjacent to and contacting the second washer
and inserted into the elongated handle for retaining the second
washer; a spring mounted on the elongated handle directly adjacent
to and contacting the second washer for adjusting tension of the
roll of material as it is dispensed.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a lock pin,
inserted into the elongated handle adjacent to and contacting the
first retaining member for securing the first retaining member to
the elongated handle.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second retaining member
further comprises: a third washer mounted on the elongated handle
adjacent to and contacting the spring, the third washer having a
third center opening sized to accommodate the elongated handle; and
a removable pin inserted into the elongated handle adjacent to the
third washer for retaining spring and third washer on the elongated
handle.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the removable pin comprises:
an elongated member; and a locking mechanism having a first end
secured to a first side of the elongated member and a second end
secured to a second side of the elongated member.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a cover mounted
on the elongated handle over the second retaining member, the cover
having a lever for adjusting the tension in the spring wherein the
tension in the spring is decreased upon the user depressing the
lever.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first end of the
elongated handle is placed next to a pallet allowing a user to wrap
a bottom portion of the pallet without bending over.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first end of the
elongated handle is placed onto the ground to assist a user in
wrapping a pallet and the second end of the elongated handle
functions as a gripping area for the user.
18. A method of using a wrapping apparatus, comprising; placing a
first end of the wrapping apparatus next to an object such that a
roll of material is aligned with a bottom of the object, a user
holding a second end of the wrapping apparatus; securing one end of
the material to a corner of the object; moving the wrapping
apparatus around the object resulting in the material covering a
part of the object; inverting the wrapping apparatus, when
approximately half of the object has been covered by the material
and continuing to move the wrapping apparatus around the object to
cover uncovered portions of the object; and tearing the material
wrapped around the object from the roll for securing to the object,
thereby sealing the object.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising; inverting the
wrapping apparatus upon reaching the top of the object with the
material allowing a user to lift the wrapping apparatus to seal the
top of the object with the material.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the object is on top of a
pallet.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
[0001] The present Application for Patent claims priority to
Provisional Application No. 60/956,697 entitled "Wrapping
Apparatus", filed Aug. 18, 2007 and hereby expressly incorporated
by reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a wrapping apparatus for
applying stretch wrap over and/or around objects, particularly
objects and/or goods stacked on a pallet.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Stretch wrap is a highly stretchable plastic film that is
wrapped around objects, goods and/or items. It is frequently used
to unitize pallet loads but also may be used for bundling smaller
items. In pallet unitizing, stretch wrap improves stability of
products or packages, provides some degree of dust and moisture
protection as well as some degree of tamper resistance and
resistance to package pilferage.
[0004] In one prior art approach, stretch wrap is manually applied
to pallets. The stretch wrap is commonly supplied in a long roll,
weighing 8-10 pounds, from which the material is dispensed by
unwinding from the roll. As it is unwound, the material is pulled
or stretched against the goods on the pallet to which it is being
applied. To wrap the lower portion of the pallet, a user/operator
walks around the pallet hunched over manipulating the heavy roll
while also trying to pull enough tension into the film to hold the
pallet together. Then seconds later, the user/operator is holding
the same roll of stretch film above his head to wrap the top of the
pallet, again tugging on the film using his back and arm muscles.
This procedure is not only labor intensive but causes back
injuries, repetitive stress injuries and other work related
injuries to operators.
[0005] In another prior art approach, stretch wrap is applied using
an automated machine. However, automated machines are expensive and
are stationary. Pallets must be brought to the machine and the
machine is unable to wrap the top of the pallet, i.e. the top of
the objects stacked on the pallet. As such, the user/operator still
has to wrap the top portion of the pallet manually. Furthermore,
the pallets sit on a rotatable base of the automated machine and
rotate around the stationary roll of stretch wrap. The size of the
rotatable base limits the size of the pallet that can be wrapped.
Furthermore, automated machines are not portable and require a
fairly complicated elevating machine which must be used in order to
raise or lower the height of the stretch film application.
[0006] Consequently, an apparatus for applying stretch wrap is
needed that is portable, light-weight, easy to use and prevents
work related injuries.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for
applying a material, such as stretch wrap, to a pallet stacked with
objects is provided. Conventional pallet wrapping is labor
intensive, causes back injuries, repetitive stress injuries and
other work related injuries to users/operators. By contrast, the
present invention provides an apparatus that is portable,
light-weight, easy to use and reduces the risk of work place
injuries.
[0008] The wrapping apparatus of the present invention includes an
elongated handle having a first end and a second end and a
retaining mechanism mounted on the elongated handle for securing a
roll of material to the elongated handle. The retaining mechanism
includes a first retaining member secured to the first end of the
elongated handle; a second retaining member secured to the second
end of the elongated handle; and a lock pin, inserted into the
elongated handle adjacent to and contacting the first retaining
member for securing the first retaining member to the elongated
handle.
[0009] The first retaining member includes a sleeve; a washer
adjacent to and contacting the sleeve, the washer having a center
opening sized to accommodate the elongated handle; and a retaining
pin adjacent to and contacting the washer and inserted into the
elongated handle for retaining the sleeve and washer on the
elongated handle.
[0010] The sleeve may include an outer ring for supporting a bottom
end of the roll of material; and an inner ring, adjacent to and
contacting the outer ring, adapted for insertion into an opening on
the bottom end the roll of material to secure the sleeve to the
roll of material.
[0011] The second retaining member may include a sleeve which may
include an outer ring for supporting a bottom end of the roll of
material; and an inner ring, adjacent to and contacting the outer
ring, adapted for insertion into an opening on the bottom end the
roll of material to secure the sleeve to the roll of material; a
first washer, adjacent to and contacting the sleeve, having a first
center opening sized to accommodate the elongated handle; a first
retaining pin adjacent to and contacting the washer and inserted
into the elongated handle for holding the washer in place; and a
spring mounted on the elongated handle directly adjacent to and
contacting the first washer for adjusting tension of the roll of
material as it is dispensed.
[0012] Additionally, the second retaining member may include a
second washer mounted on the elongated handle adjacent to and
contacting the spring, the second washer having a second center
opening sized to accommodate the elongated handle; and a removable
pin inserted into the elongated handle adjacent to the second
washer for retaining the spring and second washer on the elongated
handle.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wrapping
apparatus may also include a cover mounted on the elongated handle
over the second retaining member, the cover having a ever for
adjusting the tension in the spring wherein the tension in the
spring is decreased upon a user depressing the lever.
[0014] A method of using a wrapping apparatus to wrap objects
and/or goods stacked on a pallet may include the steps of: placing
a first end of the wrapping apparatus next to an object such that a
roll of material is aligned with a bottom of the object, a user
holding a second end of the wrapping apparatus; securing one end of
the material to a corner of the object; moving the wrapping
apparatus around the object resulting in the material covering a
part of the object; inverting the wrapping apparatus, when
approximately half of the object has been covered by the material
and continuing to move the wrapping apparatus around the object to
cover uncovered portions of the object; and tearing the material
wrapped around the object from the roll for securing to the object,
thereby sealing the object.
[0015] The foregoing, together with other features and advantages
of the present invention, will become more apparent when referring
to the following specification, claims and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Various features of the present invention will be better
understood from the following detailed description of an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
like parts.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a wrapping apparatus,
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a sleeve utilized in a
wrapping apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a sleeve utilized in a
wrapping apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a washer utilized in a
wrapping apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a washer utilized in a
wrapping apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a pin utilized in a
wrapping apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a spring utilized in a
wrapping apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a lock pin utilized in a
wrapping apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a wrapping apparatus
having a cover, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a cover of a retaining
mechanism of a wrapping apparatus, according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a cover of a retaining
mechanism of a wrapping apparatus, according to one embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a method of using a
wrapping apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating the general principles of the
invention.
[0030] In the following description, certain terminology is used to
describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the
invention. The term "roll" refers to any type of material for
packaging an object, including stretch wrap, shrink film, shrink
wrap, plastic, tear tape, ream wrap, etc. The term "object" refers
to any type of item that is capable of being wrapped in stretch
wrap or other material, including products, packages, goods.
[0031] One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for
applying stretch wrap to a pallet stacked with objects.
Conventional pallet wrapping is labor intensive, causes back
injuries, repetitive stress injuries and other work related
injuries to users/operators. By contrast, the present invention
provides an apparatus that is portable, light-weight, easy to use
and reduces the risk of work place injuries.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a wrapping apparatus 100,
for wrapping a pallet stacked with objects in a material, such as
stretch wrap, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The wrapping apparatus 100 includes an elongated handle 102 and
first and second retaining members 110 and 112. A roll 104 of
stretch wrap, which is comprised of a rigid tube (not shown) and a
sheet of stretch wrap wound onto the rigid tube, is mounted on the
elongated handle 102 between the first retaining member 110 and the
second retaining member 112.
[0033] In one embodiment, the elongated handle 102 includes a first
end 103 which may be placed onto the ground to assist a
user/operator in wrapping a pallet (or other item) and a second end
105 which functions as a gripping area for the user/operator. The
first retaining member 110, secured to the first end 103 of the
elongated handle 102, includes a sleeve 114, a washer 116 and a pin
118. The washer 116, having a center opening sized to accommodate
the elongated handle 102, is placed onto the elongated handle 102
adjacent to the pin 118, which is inserted into the first end 103
of the elongated handle 102 for holding the washer 116 in place.
The pin 118 may be removable or may be permanently secured to the
elongated handle 102.
[0034] In one embodiment, the bottom of the sleeve 114 is located
2.5 inches from the bottom of the first end 103 of the elongated
handle 102. 2.5 inches is preferred as the bottom of the roll 104
will then be at the same height as the top surface of the pallet
stacked with goods or objects. This allows the user/operator to
wrap the bottom portion of a pallet without having to hunch or bend
over. However, the sleeve 114 may be located at any suitable
distance.
[0035] The sleeve 114, which includes an outer ring 115 for
supporting a base or lower end 108 of the roll 104, an inner ring
117 for insertion into one end of the rigid tube in the roll 104
and an opening (as shown in FIG. 3) sized to accommodate the
elongated handle 102 passing through, is attached to the washer
116.
[0036] Once the roll 104 has been mounted onto the elongated handle
102 and mounted on the first retaining member 110, the second
retaining member 112 is mounted onto the elongated handle 102 on
top of the upper end 106 of the roll 104, securing the roll 104 to
the elongated handle 102. The second retaining member 112 includes
a sleeve 120, a first washer 122, a spring 124, a second washer 126
and a lock pin 128. The sleeve 120, which includes an outer ring
121, an inner ring 123 for insertion into a top end of the rigid
tube in the roll 104 and an opening (as shown in FIG. 3) sized to
accommodate the elongated handle 102 passing through, is attached
to the top of the roll 104.
[0037] The first washer 122, having a center opening sized to
accommodate the elongated handle 102, is mounted onto the elongated
handle 102 on top of the sleeve 120. A spring 124 is mounted on the
elongated handle 102 directly adjacent to and contacting the first
washer 122 to allow the operator to adjust the tension of the wrap
being dispensed from the apparatus 100. The second washer 126,
having a center opening sized to accommodate the elongated handle
102, is mounted on the elongated handle 102 adjacent to and
contacting the spring 124. Next, the lock pin 128 is inserted into
the elongated handle 102 to secure the second retaining member 112
to the elongated handle 102 and create tension in the spring 124.
The spring creates tension on the stretch wrap 104 which holds it
in place. Finally, a cover (shown with reference to FIG. 9) is
placed over the second retaining member 112. The user/operator may
adjust the tension of the spring 124 using a lever on the cover.
Increased tension may allow the stretch wrap to be dispensed or
unwound slowly while decreased tension may allow the stretch wrap
to be dispensed or unwound more quickly. In other words, by
adjusting the tension, the user/operator may customize the speed in
which the stretch wrap may be unwound.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment, the length of the wrapping
apparatus is 57 inches. However, this dimension is by way of
example only and any suitable dimension may be used.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a sleeve 200, according to
one embodiment of the present invention. The sleeve 200 includes an
outer ring 202 which contacts an end of a roll of stretch wrap and
an inner ring 204 for insertion into an opening of a rigid tube in
an end of the roll of stretch wrap. In one embodiment, the height
of the outer and inner rings 202 and 204 is 3/8 inches. These
dimensions are by way of example only and any suitable dimensions
may be used.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a sleeve 300, according to
one embodiment of the present invention. The sleeve 300 includes an
outer ring 302 which contacts an end of a roll of stretch wrap, an
inner ring 304 for insertion into an opening of a rigid tube in an
end of the roll of stretch wrap and a center opening 306 sized to
accommodate an elongated handle passing through it. In one
embodiment, the diameter of the outer ring 302 is 3.5 inches, the
diameter of the inner ring 304 is 3 inches and the diameter of the
center opening 306 is 15/16 inches. These dimensions are by way of
example only and any suitable dimensions may be used.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a washer 400, according to
one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the
height of the washer 400 may be 1/8 inches. This dimension is by
way of example only and any suitable dimension may be used.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a top view of a washer 500 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The washer 500 includes a
center opening 502 sized to accommodate an elongated handle passing
through it, as described above. In one embodiment, the diameter of
the washer 500 is 2.5 inches and the diameter of the center opening
502 is 1 1/16 inches. These dimensions are by way of example only
and any suitable dimensions may be used.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a pin 600, according to
one embodiment of the present invention. The pin 600, having an
elongated member 602 and a head 604, may be used to secure a washer
(as described above with reference to FIG. 1) to an elongated
handle. The elongated member 602 may be inserted into the elongated
handle until the head 604 of the pin is abutting the elongated
handle. In one embodiment, the length of the pin is 2.25 inches and
the diameter of the elongated member is 0.25 inches. These
dimensions are by way of example only and any suitable dimensions
may be used.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a spring 700, according to
one embodiment of the present invention. The spring 700 allows a
user/operator of a wrapping apparatus to increase or decrease
tension of the wrap being dispensed from the wrapping apparatus. As
is described below, the spring 700 may be connected to a lever on a
cover of the wrapping apparatus. The tension in the spring is
directly proportional to the pressure applied to the lever. The
user/operator manually depresses the lever to overcome the force
applied by the spring allowing the stretch wrap, or other material,
to be more easily dispensed or unwound from the roll.
[0045] In one embodiment, the length of the spring 700 maybe 4.25
inches, the outer diameter of the spring is 1.25 inches and the
inner diameter of the spring is 1 inch. These dimensions are by way
of example only and any suitable dimensions may be used.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a lock pin 800, according
to one embodiment of the present invention. The lock pin 800
includes an elongated member 802 and a locking mechanism having one
end secured to one side of the elongated member 802 and an opposite
end secured to the opposite side of the elongated member 802 once
it is inserted into an elongated handle of a wrapping apparatus of
the present invention. The elongated member 802 is inserted into
the elongated handle and secured with the locking mechanism 804 to
prevent the lock pin 800 from falling out which in turn retains the
spring and retaining mechanism (as described above) on the
elongated handle. In one embodiment, the length of the pin is 2.25
inches and the diameter of the pin is 0.25 inches. These dimensions
are by way of example only and any suitable dimensions may be
used.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a wrapping apparatus 900,
for wrapping a pallet, stacked with objects, in stretch wrap or
other material, according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The wrapping apparatus 900 includes an elongated handle
902 and first and second retaining members 910 and 912. A roll 904
of stretch wrap, which is comprised of a rigid tube (not shown) and
a sheet of stretch wrap wound onto the rigid tube, is mounted on
the elongated handle 902 between the first retaining member 910 and
the second retaining member 912.
[0048] In one embodiment, the elongated handle 902 includes a first
end 903 which may be placed onto the ground to assist a
user/operator in wrapping a pallet (stacked with objects) and a
second end 905 which functions as a gripping area for the
user/operator. The first retaining member 910, secured to the first
end 903 of the elongated handle 902, includes a sleeve 914, a
washer 916 and a pin 918. The washer 916, having a center opening
sized to accommodate the elongated handle 902, is placed onto the
elongated handle 902 adjacent to the pin 918, which is inserted
into the first end 903 of the elongated handle 902 for holding the
washer 916 in place. The pin 918 may be removable or may be
permanently secured to the elongated handle 902.
[0049] In one embodiment, the bottom of the sleeve 914 is located
2.5 inches from the bottom of the first end 903 of the elongated
handle 902. 2.5 inches is preferred as the bottom of the roll 904
will then be at the same height as the top surface of the pallet
stacked with goods (or objects). This allows the user/operator to
wrap the bottom portion of a pallet without having to hunch or bend
over. However, the sleeve 914 may be located at any suitable
distance.
[0050] The sleeve 914, which includes an outer ring 915 for
supporting a base or lower end 908 of the roll 904, an inner ring
917 for insertion into one end of the rigid tube in the roll 904
and an opening (as shown in FIG. 3) sized to accommodate the
elongated handle 902 passing through, is attached to the washer
916.
[0051] Once the roll 904 has been mounted on the elongated handle
902 and mounted onto the first retaining member 910, the second
retaining member 912 is mounted onto the elongated handle 902 on
top of the upper end 906 of the roll 904, securing the roll 904 to
the elongated handle 902. The second retaining member 912 includes
a sleeve 920, a first washer 922, a spring 924, a second washer 926
and a lock pin 928. The sleeve 920, which includes an outer ring
921, an inner ring 923 for insertion into a top end of the rigid
tube in the roll 904 and an opening (as shown in FIG. 3) sized to
accommodate the elongated handle 902 passing through, is attached
to the top 906 of the roll 904.
[0052] The first washer 922, having a center opening sized to
accommodate the elongated handle 902, is mounted onto the elongated
handle 902 on top of the sleeve 920. The spring 924 is mounted on
the elongated handle 902 directly adjacent to and contacting the
first washer 922 to allow the user/operator to adjust the tension
of the wrap being dispensed from the apparatus 900. The second
washer 926, having a center opening sized to accommodate the
elongated handle 902, is mounted onto the elongated handle 902
adjacent to and contacting the spring 924. Next, the lock pin 928
is inserted into the elongated handle 902 to secure the second
retaining member 912 to the elongated handle 902 and create tension
in the spring 924. The spring 924 creates tension on the stretch
wrap which holds it in place. A cover 930 is placed over the second
retaining member 912. The cover 930 includes a lever (as shown in
FIG. 11) for allowing the user/operator to adjust the tension in
the stretch wrap as it is dispensed from the wrapping apparatus
900.
[0053] In the preferred embodiment, the length of the wrapping
apparatus is 57 inches so that the user/operator can wrap objects
from ground level to over his head without having to bend over or
stretch. However, this dimension is by way of example only and any
suitable dimension may be used.
[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a cover 1000 of a
retaining mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The cover 1000 includes a center opening 1002 sized to
accommodate an elongated handle passing through it. In one
embodiment, the diameter of the center opening 1002 is 15/16 inches
and the diameter of the cover 1000 is 4.0 inches. These dimensions
are by way of example only and any suitable dimensions may be used.
Although the cover 1000 is shown as circular, any shape of cover
may be utilized, including but not limited to oval, rectangular,
square, etc.
[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a cover 1100 of a
retaining mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The cover 1100 includes a center opening 1104 sized to
accommodate an elongated handle passing through and a lever 1102
for adjusting the tension in a spring, as described above. The
user/operator manually depresses the lever 1102 to overcome the
force applied by the spring allowing the stretch wrap to be more
easily dispensed or unwound from the roll.
[0056] In one embodiment, the length of the cover 1100 is 4.75
inches; the width or diameter of the cover is 4.0 inches and the
width of the lever is 17/8 inches. These dimensions are by way of
example only and any suitable dimensions may be used.
[0057] The elongated handle may be constructed of any suitable
material such as wood, plastic or metal, such as aluminum.
[0058] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a method of using a
wrapping apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
application. First, a user/operator stands erect holding the second
end of the elongated handle such that the first end of the
elongated handle is on the ground and the roll of material, such as
stretch wrap, is aligned with the bottom of the goods/objects,
which may or may not be located on a pallet 1202. The user/operator
then hooks the loose end of the stretch wrap to a corner of the
pallet 1204 and walks around the pallet several times dispensing
the stretch wrap and stretching it over the goods/objects 1206.
This fuses the stretch wrap to the pallet and the goods/objects on
the pallet. When the user/operator has wrapped approximately half
of the goods/objects on the pallet, the apparatus is inverted (i.e.
the second end of the elongated handle is now on the ground and the
first end of the elongated handle is now in the hands of the
operator) 1208. The user/operator then continues to walk around the
pallet stacked with goods/objects dispensing the stretch wrap and
stretching it over the top side surfaces of the goods/objects; the
roll is approximately chest high 1210. Upon reaching the top
surface of the goods on the pallet, the elongated handle is again
inverted so that the second end of the elongated handle is back in
the hands of the user/operator 1212 allowing the user/operator to
lift the apparatus over his head to wrap the top surface of the
goods on the pallet 1214, thus environmentally sealing the entire
goods/objects on the pallet. Finally, the stretch wrap is severed
(or torn) from the remaining material on the roll so that the
wrapping apparatus may be set aside and the end of the material may
be fused to the pallet so that if the pallet tips over, the
goods/objects should not move 1216.
[0059] Although the method described with reference to FIG. 12 is
described with reference to the objects and/or goods stacked on a
pallet, the wrapping apparatus is equally applicable for wrapping
objects and/or goods not stacked on a pallet.
[0060] Advantageously, the wrapping apparatus according to
embodiments of the present application may provide numerous
mechanisms to prevent work related injuries. First, users/operators
do not have to apply the stretch wrap by walking around the pallet
hunched over manipulating the heavy roll while also trying to pull
enough tension into the film to hold the pallet together. By
positioning the roll 2.5 inches from the first end of the elongated
handle as the height of a pallet is 2.5 inches, the user/operator
does not have to hunch or bend over to wrap the bottom portion of
goods stacked on a pallet. Also, the user/operator may invert the
wrapping apparatus to wrap the top of the pallet, or the goods on
stacked on the pallet, instead of holding the same roll of stretch
film above his head to wrap the top of the pallet while tugging on
the film using his back and arm muscles. Additionally, the
user/operator does not have to continually hold the weight of the
roll of stretch wrap; the elongate handle supports the weight of
the roll. As a result of these mechanisms, the physical problems
associated with the job of wrapping a pallet, such as back and hip
injuries, may be eliminated.
[0061] Furthermore, the wrapping apparatus according to embodiments
of the present application may provide may cost savings to standard
methods of wrapping pallets. First, no external power is needed to
operate the wrapping apparatus saving on electricity. Also, the
rolls of stretch wrap may be easily and quickly replaced on the
wrapping apparatus optimizing a user/operator's time so that more
pallets may be wrapped in less time. Furthermore, no additional
tools, such as a chair ladder, fork lift, or pallet jack, are
needed to wrap an entire pallet of goods allowing an entire pallet
of goods to be wrapped regardless of the size of the pallet. Also,
the wrapping apparatus is cost effective to manufacture.
[0062] One or more of the components and functions illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and/or 12 may be rearranged
and/or combined into a single component or embodied in several
components without departing from the invention. Additional
elements or components may also be added without departing from the
invention.
[0063] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and
shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on
the broad invention, and that this invention is not be limited to
the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described,
since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily
skilled in the art.
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