U.S. patent application number 13/348377 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for wrapping machine and inline wrapper comprising the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to GROUPE ANDERSON INC.. Invention is credited to Luc D'amours, Frederic Lavoie.
Application Number | 20120180430 13/348377 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46489679 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120180430 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lavoie; Frederic ; et
al. |
July 19, 2012 |
WRAPPING MACHINE AND INLINE WRAPPER COMPRISING THE SAME
Abstract
A wrapping machine includes a fixed inner hoop having a
non-circular shape. The wrapping machine also includes a rotatable
outer hoop rotatably connected to the outer surface of the inner
hoop and having a shape that matches that of the inner hoop,
thereby allowing the outer hoop to maintain a proximal relationship
with the outer surface of the inner hoop during rotation. The
wrapping machine further includes at least one cantilevered support
mounted on the outer hoop, the cantilevered support having at least
one spool holder for rotatably mounting a spool of wrapping
material thereon, and a driving mechanism operatively connected to
the outer hoop for rotating the outer hoop. The non-circular shape
of the wrapping machine is advantageous in that it is better
adapted to wrap square or rectangular loads.
Inventors: |
Lavoie; Frederic;
(Chesterville, CA) ; D'amours; Luc; (St-Norbert
d'Arthabaska, CA) |
Assignee: |
GROUPE ANDERSON INC.
Chestervile
CA
|
Family ID: |
46489679 |
Appl. No.: |
13/348377 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61432818 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01F 25/14 20130101;
B65B 11/008 20130101; A01F 2025/142 20130101; B65B 2210/18
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/203 |
International
Class: |
B65B 11/00 20060101
B65B011/00 |
Claims
1. A wrapping machine for wrapping a load, the wrapping machine
comprising: a fixed inner hoop having a non-circular shape, the
inner hoop comprising inner and outer surfaces; a rotatable outer
hoop rotatably connected to the outer surface of the inner hoop,
the shape of the outer hoop matching that of the inner hoop,
thereby allowing the outer hoop to maintain a proximal relationship
with the outer surface of the inner hoop during rotation; at least
one cantilevered support mounted on the outer hoop, the
cantilevered support comprising at least one spool holder for
rotatably mounting a spool of wrapping material thereon; and a
driving mechanism operatively connected to the outer hoop for
rotating the outer hoop.
2. The wrapping machine of claim 1, wherein the inner hoop and
outer hoop are each composed of top and bottom arcuate
sections.
3. The wrapping machine of claim 2, wherein the top and bottom
arcuate sections of the inner and outer hoops are one of a half
circle or a half rounded square.
4. The wrapping machine of claim 3, wherein the top and bottom
arcuate sections of the inner and outer hoops are interconnected by
first and second elongated central sections.
5. The wrapping machine of claim 4, wherein the top arcuate
sections of the inner and outer hoops are half circles and the
bottom arcuate sections of the inner and outer hoops are half
rounded squares.
6. The wrapping machine of claim 1, wherein the outer hoop is
formed of a plurality of interlocking sections.
7. The wrapping machine of claim 6, wherein each interlocking
section comprises: an elongated main body; a male interlocking
member located at a first extremity of the main body and pivotally
connectable to a female interlocking member of a first adjacent
interlocking section; a female interlocking member located at a
second extremity of the main body being opposite to the first
extremity and pivotally connectable to a male interlocking member
of a second adjacent interlocking section; and at least one roller
assembly operatively connected to one of the main body, the male
interlocking member or the female interlocking member.
8. The wrapping machine of claim 7, wherein the elongated main body
of each interlocking section presents an outwardly curved
configuration.
9. The wrapping machine of claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism
is a friction wheel.
10. The wrapping machine of claim 1, wherein the load is a
bale.
11. An inline bale wrapper for wrapping a bale, the inline bale
wrapper comprising a base frame having a bale receiving section for
receiving a bale of unwrapped material and a bale unloading section
for unloading the bale, following a wrapping of the bale by a
wrapping machine located between the bale receiving section and the
bale unloading section, wherein the wrapping machine comprises: a
fixed inner hoop having a non-circular shape, the inner hoop
comprising inner and outer surfaces; a rotatable outer hoop
rotatable connected to the outer surface of the inner hoop, the
shape of the outer hoop matching that of the inner hoop, thereby
allowing the outer hoop to maintain a proximal relationship with
the outer surface of the inner hoop during rotation; at least one
cantilevered support mounted on the outer hoop, the cantilevered
support comprising at least one spool holder for rotatable mounting
a spool of wrapping material thereon; and a driving mechanism
mounted on the base frame of the inline bale wrapper and
operatively connected to the outer hoop for rotating the outer
hoop.
12. The inline bale wrapper of claim 11, wherein a bale
transferring mechanism is further provided, the bale transferring
mechanism transferring the bale from the bale receiving section to
the bale unloading section, through the inner hoop of the wrapping
machine.
13. The inline bale wrapper of claim 12, wherein the inner hoop and
outer hoop are each composed of top and bottom arcuate
sections.
14. The wrapping machine of claim 13, wherein the top and bottom
arcuate sections of the inner and outer hoops are one of a half
circle or a half rounded square.
15. The inline bale wrapper of claim 14, wherein the top and bottom
arcuate sections of the inner hoop and outer hoop are
interconnected by first and second elongated central sections.
16. The wrapping machine of claim 15, wherein the top arcuate
sections of the inner and outer hoops are half circles and the
bottom arcuate sections of the inner and outer hoops are half
rounded squares.
17. The inline bale wrapper of claim 11, wherein the outer hoop is
formed of a plurality of interlocking sections.
18. The inline bale wrapper of claim 17, wherein each interlocking
section comprises: an elongated main body; a male interlocking
member located at a first extremity of the main body and pivotally
connectable to a female interlocking member of a first adjacent
interlocking section; a female interlocking member located at a
second extremity of the main body being opposite to the first
extremity and pivotally connectable to a male interlocking member
of a second adjacent interlocking section; and at least one roller
assembly operatively connected to one of the main body, the male
interlocking member or the female interlocking member.
19. The inline bale wrapper of claim 18, wherein the elongated main
body of each interlocking section presents an outwardly curved
configuration.
20. The inline bale wrapper of claim 11, wherein the driving
mechanism is a friction wheel.
Description
[0001] This application claims benefit of Ser. No. 61/432,818,
filed 14 Jan. 2011 in the United States and which application is
incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a
claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed
applications.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a wrapping machine. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a wrapping machine
having an improved design to accommodate a larger selection of load
of different shapes and an inline wrapper comprising the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] Several types of wrapping machines are known in the prior
art. Known wrapping machines range from individual wrapping
machines, for wrapping single items, to wrapping machines for
inline wrappers that wrap a line of conveyed unwrapped materials
into wrapped columns of different shapes and sizes. The latter type
of wrapping machines is often used in the wrapping of bales of
silage.
[0004] An example of a wrapping machine of an inline wrapper, which
is used in the wrapping of bales of silage, can be found in
Canadian patent No. 2,112,530 describing a bale wrapping machine
for wrapping bales with a plastic sheet.
[0005] Conventional wrapping machines for inline wrapper, which
present a hoop with a round configuration, however tend to suffer
from several drawbacks. Indeed, conventional wrapping machines are
limited in the amount of bales of silage which can be stacked
before going through the wrapping machine. Moreover, the shape of
the wrapping machine often proves to be cumbersome, which can be
inconvenient for transport, exportation, and storage of the
machine.
[0006] Furthermore, recently, the trend concerning the shape of the
bales has shifted towards the wrapping of materials into square
shaped columns, which are easier to produce and subsequently stack
and store, especially in the farming industry, thereby resulting in
an improved production rate.
[0007] Current wrappers designed for round bales cannot easily
accommodate squared shape bales without being substantially
modified and unnecessarily stretch the wrapping material, thereby
creating waste and an improper seal.
[0008] In light of the above, there is a presently a need for an
improved wrapping machine and inline wrapper comprising the same
which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to
overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art
concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to a general aspect of the invention, there is
provided a wrapping machine for wrapping a load. The wrapping
machine comprises a fixed inner hoop having a non-circular shape
and comprising inner and outer surfaces. The wrapping machine also
comprises a rotatable outer hoop rotatably connected to the outer
surface of the inner hoop. The shape of the outer hoop matches that
of the inner hoop, thereby allowing the outer hoop to maintain a
proximal relationship with the outer surface of the inner hoop
during rotation. The wrapping machine further comprises at least
one cantilevered support mounted on the outer hoop. The
cantilevered support comprises at least one spool holder for
rotatable mounting a spool of wrapping material thereon, and a
driving mechanism operatively connected to the outer hoop for
rotating the outer hoop.
[0010] According to another general aspect, there is also provided
an inline bale wrapper for wrapping a bale. The inline bale wrapper
comprises a base frame having a bale receiving section, for
receiving a bale of unwrapped material, and a bale unloading
section, for unloading the bale, following a wrapping of the bale
by a wrapping machine located between the bale receiving section
and the bale unloading section. The wrapping machine comprises a
fixed inner hoop having a non-circular shape and comprising inner
and outer surfaces. The wrapping machine also comprises a rotatable
outer hoop rotatable connected to the outer surface of the inner
hoop. The shape of the outer hoop matches that of the inner hoop,
thereby allowing the outer hoop to maintain a proximal relationship
with the outer surface of the inner hoop during rotation. The
wrapping machine further comprises at least one cantilevered
support mounted on the outer hoop. The cantilevered support
comprises at least one spool holder for rotatable mounting a spool
of wrapping material thereon, and a driving mechanism mounted on
the base frame of the inline bale wrapper and operatively connected
to the outer hoop, for rotating the outer hoop.
[0011] In an embodiment, the outer hoop is formed of a plurality of
interlocking sections. Each interlocking section comprises an
elongated main body, a male interlocking member, a female
interlocking member and at least one roller assembly mounted
thereto. The male interlocking member is located at a first
extremity of the main body and is pivotally connectable to a female
interlocking member of a first adjacent interlocking section. The
female interlocking member is located at a second extremity of the
main body, opposite to the first extremity, and is pivotally
connectable to a male interlocking member of a second adjacent
interlocking section. The at least one roller assembly is
operatively connected to one of the main body, the male
interlocking member or the female interlocking member.
[0012] In an embodiment, the inner hoop and outer hoop of the
wrapping machine are each composed of top and bottom arcuate
sections interconnected by first and second elongated central
sections. The top and bottom arcuate sections are preferably one of
a half circle or a half rounded square.
[0013] In an embodiment, the top arcuate sections are half circles
and the bottom arcuate sections are half rounded squares.
[0014] Still according to a preferred embodiment, the driving
mechanism of the wrapping machine, which drives the outer hoop, is
a friction wheel.
[0015] Amongst other things, the non-circular shape of the above
described wrapping machine is advantageous in that it is better
adapted to wrap square or rectangular loads.
[0016] The objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following
non-restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof,
given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wrapping machine,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view of the wrapping machine of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 3 includes FIGS. 3a to 3d which are respectively a
bottom perspective view, a top perspective view, a side view and an
exploded view of the components of an interlocking section of the
wrapping machine of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0020] FIG. 4 includes FIGS. 4a and 4b which are respectively a
bottom view and a top view of the cantilevered support of the
wrapping machine of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inline wrapper comprising
a wrapping machine, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a front view of a wrapping machine, according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a front view of a wrapping machine, according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] It will be noted that in the following description, the same
numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments,
geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions
shown in the figures or described in the present description are
preferred embodiments only, given solely for exemplification
purposes. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional
descriptions such as "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward",
"above", "below", and the like should, unless otherwise indicated,
be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered
limiting.
[0025] Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to
FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an embodiment of a wrapping machine
10 designed for wrapping a load. For example, and without being
limitative, a load can be any wrappable item such as without being
limitative, a bale, a box, a package, a bundle of item or the like.
The wrapping machine 10 comprises a fixed inner hoop 12 which
serves as a support structure and guide for a rotatable outer hoop
13, mounted on the outer surface 14 of the inner hoop 12.
[0026] The fixed inner hoop 12 presents a non-circular
configuration. The term "non-circular" is used herein to include
any shape that differs form a circular configuration such as,
without being limitative, an elliptical shape, a rounded square
shape or any combination thereof.
[0027] In an embodiment, the non-circular configuration encompasses
two arcuate sections 12a and 12d which are located at the top and
bottom extremities. The top and bottom arcuate sections can be
interconnected by first and second elongated sections 12b and 12c.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the top section 12a
is a half circle, the bottom section 12d is a rounded square and
the elongated sections 12b and 12c are straight elongated members.
One skilled in the art will however understand that the top 12a and
bottom 12d arcuate sections could both be half rounded squares (as
shown in FIG. 6) or half circles (as shown in FIG. 7). Moreover the
elongated members of the elongated sections 12b and 12c could
present a curvature without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0028] The term "half rounded square" is used herein to refer to a
shape where a horizontal elongated portion 12e extends between
rounded corners 12f. The vertical elongated portion 12e could be
straight or present a slight curvature without departing from the
scope of the present invention and need not be perfectly aligned
vertically, i.e. could present a slight vertical angle.
[0029] Similarly, the term "half circle" is used herein to refer to
a shape with a continuous curvature. Therefore it is understood
that the shape of the "half circle" need not be such that it would
form a circle if coupled with an inverted replica. Moreover the
curvature need not be constant, but could be sharper in certain
sections than in others without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0030] The shape of the outer hoop 13 matches that of the inner
hoop 12. Therefore, the shape of the outer hoop 13 also is
non-circular. The outer hoop 13 presents a similar configuration to
that of the inner hoop 12, but in a slightly larger format, in
order to be rotatable mounted around the outer surface 14 of the
inner hoop 12, in a proximal relationship. The above description
concerning the different possibilities for the shape of the inner
hoop 12 apply verbatim to the shape of the outer hoop 13.
[0031] It will be understood that even though the illustrated
embodiments, present the inner 12 and outer 13 hoops with the
elongated sections 12b and 12c pointing vertically, the orientation
of the wrapping machine 10 could be different from the one
illustrated in the appended figures, without departing from the
scope of the present invention. For example, the elongated sections
could point horizontally or in a different direction.
[0032] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the preferred
embodiment, the outer hoop 13 comprises a plurality of interlocking
sections 15, interconnected to one another to form the outer hoop
13.
[0033] As can better be seen in FIGS. 3a to 3c, each interlocking
section 15 is preferably composed of an elongated main body 15a.
The elongated main body 15a preferably is outwardly curved in order
to improve the contact between the interlocking section 15 and the
driving mechanism 40, which will be described later in the
description. However, one skilled in the art will understand that
the elongated main body 15a of each interlocking section 15 could
present different configurations, as long as the resulting outer
hoop 13 can be rotatable mounted around the inner hoop 12. For
example, the main body 15a could be straight if the distance
between outer surface 14 of the inner hoop 12 and the outer hoop 13
is sufficient, such that the middle portion of the main body 15a
does not come into contact with the outer surface 14 of the inner
hoop 12 along the arcuate sections 12a and 12d, during
rotation.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the elongated main body 15a is
provided with a male interlocking member 15b at a first extremity.
The male interlocking member 15b comprises a pair of arms 15c
mounted on the main body 15a, at the first extremity. The arms 15c
are mounted on each lateral sides of the main body 15a and project
perpendicularly thereof in an essentially parallel relationship.
One skilled in the art will however understand that the arms 15c
need not be exactly perpendicular from the main body 15a and/or
exactly parallel to one another.
[0035] The male interlocking member 15b, further comprises an
attachment pin 15d projecting between the arms 15c. In the
illustrated, non limitative embodiment, the attachment pin 15d
projecting between each arm 15c is a single pin held in place using
a nut and bolt arrangement. However one skilled in the art will
easily understand that other arrangements could be used to hold the
attachment pin in place, such as, without being limitative, a
security pin or the like. Moreover, a distinct attachment pin 15d
projecting from each arm 15c inwardly towards the opposite arm
could also be provided instead of the single pin without departing
from the scope of the present invention.
[0036] Moreover, the arms 15c of the male interlocking member 15b
preferably have a longitudinally extending configuration, where the
attachment pin 15d is mounted at an extremity of the arms 15c which
extend away from the main body 15a longitudinally. This
configuration ensures that adjacent interlocking sections 15 do not
come into contact during the rotation of the outer loop 13,
therefore preventing adjacent interlocking sections 15 from
impeding movement between each other.
[0037] Still referring to FIGS. 3a to 3c, in a preferred
embodiment, the elongated main body 15a is further provided with a
female interlocking member 15e at a second extremity located
opposite to the first extremity. The female interlocking member 15e
comprises a pair of arms 15f mounted on the main body 15a, at the
second extremity. The arms 15f are mounted on each lateral side of
the main body 15a and project perpendicularly thereof. The arms 15f
are essentially parallel to one another. One skilled in the art
will however understand that the arms 15f need not be exactly
perpendicular from the main body 15a and/or exactly parallel to one
another.
[0038] The female interlocking member 15e comprises a hollow
section 15g at the extremity of each arm 15f located opposite to
the main body 15a. The hollow section 15g is sized and shaped to
receive the attachment pin 15d of an adjacent interlocking section
15 therein, thereby allowing the pivotal interlock of two
interlocking sections 15.
[0039] In the illustrated preferred embodiment of FIG. 3d, a roller
assembly 16 is mounted on the female interlocking member 15e, such
that the outer hoop 13 can roll about freely with respect to the
inner hoop 12. The roller assembly 16 is mounted between the arms
15f and comprises a roller 16a and a bearing assembly 16b, allowing
rotation of the roller with minimal friction. The hollow section of
the female interlocking member 15e extends through the roller
assembly 16. The attachment pin 15d is further provided with a Zerk
fitting 15h which allows easy feeding of lubricant, such as,
without being limitative, lubricating grease, to the bearing
assembly 16b.
[0040] The roller 16a comprises a guiding groove 16c sized and
shaped to receive a portion of the outer surface 14 of the inner
hoop 12 therein. The guiding groove and matching shape of the outer
surface 14 of the inner hoop 12 helps keeping the outer hoop 13
inline with the inner hoop 12 during the rotation of the outer hoop
13 around the fixed inner hoop 12.
[0041] One skilled in the art will easily understand that a
different interlocking system could be used to removably attach the
interlocking sections 15 to one another, as long as the system
allows the interlocking sections to be pivotally mounted to one
another.
[0042] Moreover, the roller assembly 16, which allows the outer
hoop 13 to be rotatable mounted to the inner hoop 12, does not need
to be attached to the female interlocking member 15e, and could be
mounted to the interlocking section 15 using a different
configuration. For example, the rolling mechanism could be mounted
in a different section of the main body 15a. In an alternative
embodiment, the roller assembly 16 could even be mounted on the
outer surface 14 of the inner hoop 12.
[0043] Now referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4a and 4b, the wrapping machine
further comprises at least one cantilevered bracket or support 18
mounted on the outer hoop 13 that rotates along with the outer hoop
13, as the latter rotates around the fixed inner hoop 12. The
cantilevered support 18 has a supporting frame formed of first and
second supporting walls 19c and 19d interconnected at each
extremity by support pipes 19a and 19b.
[0044] In the illustrated, non limitative, preferred embodiment,
two cantilevered supports 18 are provided on the outer hoop 13.
Each cantilevered support 18 is provided on the outer hoop 13 by
one of the supporting walls 19d being affixed to the main body of
an interlocking section 15, using known mounting techniques, such
as nuts and bolts.
[0045] Each cantilevered support 18 is provided with a spool holder
19e for rotatably mounting a spool of wrapping material thereon.
The spool holder 19e comprises a connector 19f mounted on each
supporting wall. When a spool of wrapping material 20 is mounted
thereon, the connector 19f connects with the spool of wrapping
material 20 by projecting into the central bore of the spool of
wrapping material 20.
[0046] A tensioning mechanism 19g is further provided on the
cantilevered support 18 for stretching the wrapping material before
wrapping a load. Stretching of the wrapping material occurs as a
result of the rolls of the tensioning mechanism 19g having
different rotational speeds. Given the elasticity of the wrapping
material, stretching of the wrapping material, before being applied
around the load to be wrapped, results in a tighter subsequent
wrapping of the load, the wrapping material working to return to
its original unstretched state and tightening around the load in
the process. Once again, the tensioning mechanism 19g is mounted
between the supporting walls 19c and 19d using known mounting
techniques such as nuts and bolts.
[0047] When the wrapping machine 10 is in action, and the outer
hoop 13 rotates around the fixed inner hoop 12, the cantilevered
supports 18 rotate around the load to be wrapped, which passes
through the inner hoop 12, thereby wrapping the load with wrapping
material from the spools.
[0048] As better shown in FIG. 5, the outer hoop 13 is put into
motion and is rotated by a driving mechanism 40 that drives the
rotation of the outer hoop 13 about the contours of the outer
surface 14 of the inner hoop 12. In an alternative, non limitative
embodiment, this driving mechanism is mounted to a base frame 17
and comprises a friction wheel 41 abutted to a portion of the outer
hoop 13. The rotation of the friction wheels 41 drives the rotation
of the outer hoop 13 in the desired direction. One skilled in the
art will however understand that other mechanism resulting on the
rotation of the outer hoop 13 around the inner hoop 12 could be
used such as, without being limitative, multiple friction wheels
above and/or on the sides of outer hoop 13, a gear system or the
like.
[0049] Still referring to FIG. 5, an inline bale wrapper 25 which
comprises a wrapping machine 10, such as the one described above,
is provided. The inline bale wrapper 25 comprises a mobile base
frame 17, referred to above, when describing the driving mechanism
40. The mobile base frame 17 is preferably made of metal such as
steel, and comprises a bale receiving section 30 for receiving
unwrapped bales and a bale unloading section 32 for unloading
wrapped bales that were wrapped by a wrapping machine 10 located
between the bale receiving section 30 and the bale unloading
section 32. The bale receiving section 30 further comprises a bale
column transferring mechanism 31, such that an unwrapped bale
column is transferred through the wrapping machine 10 located
between the bale receiving section 30 and the bale unloading
section 32, over to the bale unloading section 32.
[0050] As can be seen in FIG. 5, and as previously mentioned, the
wrapping machine found on the inline bale wrapper 25 comprises all
of the components described above in reference to the wrapping
machine 10. Therefore, when operating, at least one bale column is
wrapped by the rotating spool 20 mounted on the cantilevered
support 18 of the wrapping machine 10, as it is transferred from
the bale receiving section 30 to the bale unloading section 32 of
the inline bale wrapper 25.
[0051] The non-circular shape of the above described wrapping
machine 10 provides several advantages with respect to prior art
circular wrapping machines. The non-circular shape of the inner 12
and outer 13 hoops is better adapted to direct the travel of the
cantilevered support 18 comprising the wrapping spool mechanism
around square or rectangular shaped items.
[0052] Moreover, the non-circular shape of the hoops 12 and 13 of
the wrapping machine 10 provide additional flexibility during
displacement of the machine from one location to another. In
situations where vertical or horizontal clearance is an issue, the
hoops 12 and 13 may be positioned such that its length in the given
direction is minimized and is shorter compared to the diameter of a
circular hoop that could accommodate a similarly sized square or
rectangular item.
[0053] Moreover, the use of the roller assembly 16 on the outer
hoop 13 provides a simplified and efficient means for displacing
the wrapping material, when compared to systems using mechanical
chain links, with a reduced use of lubricant. This also renders the
wrapping machine more energy efficient as less power is required to
drive the outer hoop, when compared to equivalent mechanical chain
link structures.
[0054] Although the above description described a use of a wrapping
machine in combination with an inline bale wrappers, it is
understood that a wrapping machine according to the present
invention can be used for any type of inline wrappers for wrapping
items being conveyed through the inner and outer hoop
structures.
[0055] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been
described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention
described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of
ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the
individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and
variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art
would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be
provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed
herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the scope or central
characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,
therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and
not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the
details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments
have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to
mind without significantly departing from the scope of the
invention. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be
limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *