U.S. patent application number 13/206149 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-09 for film applicator.
Invention is credited to Mark Matthew Castro Rodriguez.
Application Number | 20120031045 13/206149 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45555035 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120031045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castro Rodriguez; Mark
Matthew |
February 9, 2012 |
Film Applicator
Abstract
A film applicator that includes a frame, two plugs connected to
the frame, a bracket connected to the frame, a film cutter
connected to the bracket, a roller, and an adjustable tensioning
roller. The roller and the adjustable tensioning roller are
connected to the bracket. The tensioning knob can be tightened and
increase the force required to rotate the adjustable tensioning
roller.
Inventors: |
Castro Rodriguez; Mark Matthew;
(Brea, CA) |
Family ID: |
45555035 |
Appl. No.: |
13/206149 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61401133 |
Aug 9, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/389.3 ;
53/389.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 67/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/389.3 ;
53/389.4 |
International
Class: |
B65B 41/10 20060101
B65B041/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a frame; two plugs connected to the
frame; a bracket connected to the frame; a film cutter connected to
the bracket a roller; an adjustable tensioning roller; and a
tensioning knob; wherein when the tensioning knob is tightened,
force required to rotate the adjustable tensioning roller is
increased.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rod; wherein the
frame comprises bottom frame and a top frame; the rod comprises a
treaded portion; the rod is attached to either the bottom frame or
the top frame and the treaded portion extends through a through
hole that is defined by the other of the bottom frame and the top
frame; the tensioning knob has a corresponding thread to the
treaded portion; when the tensioning knob is loosened, or when the
tensioning knob is removed, the top frame and the bottom frame are
able to move relative to each other; and when the tensioning knob
is tightened on the treaded portion, movement between the bottom
frame is limited.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the adjustable tensioning
roller is located about the rod.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one magnet
connected to the frame.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the frame has a general
U-shape with two ends, and the at least one magnet comprises a
magnet located on each of the two ends.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the two plugs comprise
a center, and the center of the two plugs define an axis; and the
axis, the roller, and the adjustable tensioning roller are
substantially parallel.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the axis, the roller and the
adjustable tensioning roller define a general L-shape.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the film cutter is located
between the adjustable tensioning roller and the roller.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket extends
substantially perpendicular to the frame.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises abutments
that prevent the bracket from rotational movement in a plane.
11. An apparatus comprising: a frame; a two plugs connected to the
frame; a rod, connected to the frame, comprising a treaded portion
that extends through the frame; an adjustable tensioning roller
located about the rod; two brackets extending from the frame; a
roller connected to the two brackets; a film cutter connected to
one of the two brackets; and a tensioning knob threadedly engaged
with the treaded portion.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a magnet
attached to the frame.
13. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the frame comprises
bottom frame and a top frame; when the tensioning knob is loosened,
and when the tensioning knob is removed, the top frame and the
bottom frame are able to move relative to each other; and when the
tensioning knob is tightened on the treaded portion, movement
between the bottom frame is limited; and when the bottom frame and
the top frame are moved relative to each other, the two plugs are
moved relative to each other.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the two plugs
comprise a center, and the center of the two plugs define an axis;
and the axis, the roller, and the adjustable tensioning roller are
substantially parallel.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the axis, the roller and the
adjustable tensioning roller define a general L-shape.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the film cutter is located
between the adjustable tensioning roller and the roller.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the two brackets extend
substantially perpendicular to the frame.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the frame comprises
abutments that prevent the two brackets from rotational movement in
a plane.
19. An apparatus comprising: a frame; a two plugs connected to the
frame; a rod, connected to the frame, comprising a treaded portion
that extends through the frame; an adjustable tensioning roller
located about the rod; a bracket extending from the frame; a roller
connected to the bracket; a film cutter connected to the bracket;
and a tensioning knob threadedly engaged with the treaded portion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/401,133, filed Aug. 9, 2010, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] Many aspects of the embodiments can be better understood
with reference to the following drawings. The components in the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead
being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0003] FIG. 1 is a view of an embodiment of a film applicator
having a roll of film thereon.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a view of an embodiment of a film applicator
showing the film extending off the roll of film and over the
adjustable tensioning roll and the roll.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a view of an embodiment of a film applicator
having a roll of film thereon.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a view of an embodiment of a film applicator.
[0007] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a film
applicator.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a view of an embodiment of a film applicator.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the grip and frame taken
along the line 7 in FIG. 6.
[0010] FIG. 8 is a view of an embodiment of a film applicator.
[0011] FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the roller taken along the
line 9 in FIG. 8.
[0012] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of one embodiment the
roller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by
way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in
which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted
that references to "an" or "one" embodiment in this disclosure are
not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at
least one.
[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the film applicator
comprises a stand 1, a frame 2, brackets 3, roller 4, an adjustable
tensioning roller 5, film cutter 6, tension knob 7, abutments 8,
magnets 9, plugs 10, rod 11, and a grip 14. A film roll core is
located on the plugs 10.
[0015] The frame 2 is generally U-shaped. The frame 2 can be made
of metal, ceramics, plastics and composites. In one embodiment the
frame 2 comprises of tubular aluminum. The frame 2 may include
magnets 9 located on one or both ends of the frame 2. These magnets
9 enable the user to attach the film applicator to any metallic
surface that is able to have a magnet attached thereto, such as a
pallet lifter or metal shelves. In some embodiments, the frame 2 is
tubular and the magnets 9 are situated so that a portion of the
magnets 9 reside within the frame 2 and a portion will serve as an
end cap of the frame 2. It is understood that the magnets 9 need
not be of the same size. The magnets 9 can correspond to the shape
of their respective end of the frame 2.
[0016] The stand 1 is attached to the frame 2. In some embodiments,
the stand 1 is made of the same material as the frame 2 and is
permanently attached (e.g. welded, adhered). In other embodiments,
the stand 1 is made of material different than that of the frame 2.
It is understood that the stand 1 can be attached to the frame 2 by
fasteners such as screws or by a coupling means that enable the
stand 1 to be disconnected. Additionally in some embodiments, the
stand 1 is planar, without bend ends. In some instances, the user
must apply the film 13 to the very bottom of the pallet. In those
environments, the less height the stand 1 adds, the better.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the frame 2
comprises the top frame 202 and the bottom frame 201. The stand 1
is attached to the bottom frame 201. Additionally, a rod 11 is
firmly secured to the to the bottom frame 201 between the abutments
8. When assembled, the abutments 8 serve to prevent the bracket 3
from rotating. The bottom frame 201 has a diameter that is less
than that of the top frame 202 such that the top frame 202 is able
to side over the bottom frame 201. In some embodiments the top
frame 202 comprises 7/8 OD X 0.58 6063 T832 aluminum tubing, and
the bottom frame 201 comprises 3/4 OD X 0.58 6063 T832.
[0018] The top frame 202 comprises abutments 8 and a through hole.
When fully assembled, a treaded portion 12 of the rod 11 extends
through the through hole such that the tension knob 7 is able to
engage the treaded portion 12. In some embodiments, a grip 14 is
located on a portion of the top frame 202. The grip 14 can be made
of a soft material that will allow for a comfortable gripping
surface 401. In some embodiments, the grip 14 comprises neoprene.
Both the bottom frame 201 and the top frame 202 have the plugs 10
attached to them. The plugs 10 can be attached so that they are
able to rotate or not. In some embodiments, the material of the
plugs 10 is such that the core of the film is able to rotate about
the plug 10. The magnets 9 are located on the ends of the bottom
frame 201 and the top frame 202.
[0019] The adjustable tensioning roller 5 is located over the rod
11. A bracket 3 is located on each end of the rod 11 and positioned
between the abutments 8 on each of the bottom frame 201 and top
frame 202. The tension knob 7, when tightened, is able to increase
the force required to turn the adjustable tensioning roller 5.
Alternatively, when the tension knob 7 is loosened, the force
required to rotate the adjustable tensioning roller 5 is lessened.
The other end of the brackets 3 is secured to the roller 4. The
outer circumference of the roller 4 is free to rotate. On one of
the brackets 3, a film cutter 6 is located near the roller 4. The
film cutter 6 can be located on the upper or lower bracket 3. In
one embodiment the brackets 3 extend substantially perpendicular to
the frame 2. In other embodiments, the brackets 3 extend at an
angle with respect to the frame 2. The angle is in the range from
0-90 degrees.
[0020] It some embodiments, the tension knob 7 has a treaded
projection that extends through the through hole and is accepted in
the rod 11. In some embodiments, the rod 11 is approximately 5/16
inch (approximately 0.7937 centimeter) in diameter.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the film applicator
having film 13 extending out from the roll, around the adjustable
tensioning roller 5, and around the roller 4. Some films 13 have
different properties on each side of the film 13. When the film's
interior is designed to the applied side, the film 13 is arranged
such that the interior of the film 13 contacts the adjustable
tensioning roller 5 and the roller 4. The user is able to adjust
the tension of the film 13 as it is applied to the item by
adjusting the tension knob 7. When tightening the tension knob 7,
the force required to pull the film 13 from the roller 4 is
increased.
[0022] The film cutter 6 only needs to start the cut or harm the
integrity of the film 13. The nature of most films will easily
allow for the completion of the cut once a slit has started. The
film cutter 6 can be a device such that when the film cutter 6 is
actuated, the film 13 is caught between two arms that will cut,
crimp, and/or pierce the film 13. In other embodiments, the film
cutter 6 can have one arm that is actuated so that it moves through
the film 13. It is understood that the blades may or may not be
sharp. In some embodiments, the film cutter 6 is a toggle wing
nut.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an embodiment of roller 4 is
shown. The roller 4 comprises an axle 403, a rotating member 402,
and a gripping surface 401. The gripping surface 401 is such that
the film will be gripped by the gripping surface 401. In some
embodiments, the gripping surface 401 is a coating on the rotating
member 402. The rotating member 402 is able to rotate about the
axle 403. In some embodiments, the axle 403 is an aluminum tube
that is secured to the brackets 3 via a fastener, the rotating
member 402 comprises phenolic tubing, and the gripping member
comprises rubber tubing. In one embodiment the rotating member 402
comprises phenolic garolite grade CE 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) OD
(outer diameter) by 5/16 inch (0.7937 centimeter) ID (inner
diameter). In other embodiments the gripping surface 401 comprises
plastic, and the rotating member 402 comprises plastic, metal,
ceramics, and/or composite. In one embodiment the gripping member
comprises natural rubber. One of the benefits of using natural
rubber is that it helps eliminate the creation of static
electricity that has been known to shock users during the
application of film. The thickness of the gripping surface 401 can
be in the range of about 1/2 inches (about 1.27 centimeters) OD to
about 3/32 inches (about 0.2381 centimeter). In some embodiments
only two of the axle 403, the rotating member 402 and the gripping
surface 401 are present. In some embodiments, the fasteners can
serve as an axle 403.
[0024] The adjustable tensioning roller 5 can be similar to the
roller 4; however, the rod 11 will serve the same purpose as the
axle 403. The tension knob 7 is able to increase the resistance of
the adjustable tensioning roller 5 by applying pressure to the
frame 2, which in turn applies pressure to the brackets 3 to clamp
the adjustable tensioning roller 5.
[0025] In some embodiments, the plugs 10 are circular with a
stepped configuration. The larger diameter section 102 is designed
to abut the roll of film core. The smaller diameter section 101 is
designed to reside in the roll of film core. The roll of film core
is able to rotate with/or about the smaller diameter section 101
while the larger diameter section 102 helps keep the roll of film
secured on the film applicator. In some embodiments, as can be seen
in FIG. 5, there may be a plug base 15 between the plug 10 and the
frame 2. The interaction between the plug base 15 and the plug 10
will act like a clutch to help determine the amount of force
required to rotate the plug 10. This can be achieved by choices of
materials and/or texture of the adjoining surfaces. The plug base
15 can be a circular disk that is secured to the frame 2. The plugs
10 can be made of metal, plastic, ceramics, composites, and
combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the plugs 10 comprises of
UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) plastics. In some embodiments
the plugs 10 are approximately 5/8 inch (approximately 1.587
centimeters) thick.
[0026] In order to insert a film roll onto the film applicator; the
tension knob 7 is loosened or removed. When the tension knob 7 is
loosened, the user is able to slide the top frame 202 up so that a
roll of film is able to slide in between the plugs 10 such that the
inner diameter section 101 of the lower plug 10 is located in the
film roll core. The users is then slides the top frame 202 down so
that the upper plug's 10 inner diameter section 101 is located in
the film roll core. The user is then able to tighten the tension
knob 7 to prevent relative movement between the bottom frame 201
and top frame 202. The user will then run the film around the
adjustable tensioning roller 5 and the roller 4. If there is a side
of the film that is designed to be applied, that side will be in
contact with the adjustable tensioning roller 5 and the roller 4.
The film 13 is ready to be applied.
[0027] There are times when a user will like to vary the direction
of application of the film 13 (e.g. clockwise to counterclockwise).
In some embodiments, the user is able to remove the tension knob 7,
slide the top frame 202 from the bottom frame 201, slide the
adjustable tensioning roller 5 off the rod 11, flip the adjustable
tensioning roller 5 (with the roller 4 secured by the brackets 3)
over, slide back over the rod 11, and reassemble. This ability
allows the user to determine what direction they would like to
apply the film 13.
[0028] When applying stretch film to pallets, it is beneficial to
pretension the film before it is secured in place and in contact
with itself. Thus when the film 13 is put in place, the film 13
wants to contract do to its elasticity. The shape of the wrapped
item goes 360 degrees around the items on the pallet. This serves
to tightly compress the items and better secure the items located
on the pallet. This helps the items and the pallet act as a single
unit.
[0029] When using the film applicator, the user is able to adjust
the pretension of the film 13 before it is put in place. The user
is able to adjust the tension knob 7 to adjust the force required
to rotate the adjustable tensioning roller 5. The more force
required to rotate the adjustable tensioning roller 5, the increase
in the pretension of the film before it is secured in place.
[0030] The adjustable tensioning roller 5 and the roller 4, in
addition to generating pretension, allow for smooth film delivery.
The adjustable tensioning roller 5 and the roller 4 create a
greater surface area to pull against the film applied on the
object. This greater surface area and a convenient holding means,
allows the user to even apply more tension to the film 13 before
the film 13 is put in place, than would be easily applicable
without the film applicator. This tension also enables the user to
provide a counter force (e.g. lean away) to the tension, as the
film 13 is being applied, such that makes it makes it easier for
the user to maintain the weight of the film applicator.
[0031] Most pallets are prepared on and to ground level. Thus the
wraps must be applied at ground level as well. This can be
inconvenient, awkward, and injurious for the user. When using the
film applicator, the user is able to hold the curved portion of the
top frame 202 while applying film 13 at this lower level. In some
embodiments, the user is able to hold on to a section of the top
frame 202 that is between the curve and the tension knob 7.
[0032] In many environments that have a need for film 13, there are
metallic items nearby. These metallic items include manual pallet
movers, forklifts, and shelves. The magnets 9 are able to secure
the film applicator to these items. This helps not only to
conveniently store the film applicator, and keep it out of the way,
but keep the film 13 located thereon, on hand for use. Thus, a user
is able to always have film 13 handy and ready to use.
[0033] It is also understood that the film applicator is
lightweight. In some embodiments, the film applicator weights less
4.5 lbs (2.041 kilograms). In other embodiments, it is less than
2.125 lbs (0.9639 kilogram). In some embodiments, the film
applicator is designed to accept rolls of film that are about 15.4
inches (39.12 centimeters) in height.
[0034] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing
description of embodiments, together with details of the structures
and functions of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative
only and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of
shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the
disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general
meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
And while the invention has been described above with respect to
several embodiments, any element described in reference to any
particular embodiment is hereby disclosed to be associated with any
other embodiment of the invention.
* * * * *