GB2487935A

GB2487935A - Pallet wrapper

Info

Publication number: GB2487935A
Application number: GB1102193.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chaouki Ammar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-09
Filing date: 2011-02-09
Publication date: 2012-08-15
Also published as: GB201102193D0

Abstract

A pallet wrapper 1 comprising a locomotive base 2 having goods engaging rollers 10. Wrapping film is dispensed from a roll 23 carried on a vertically reciprocal platform 21. Drive to the wrapper 1 is such as to urge the goods engaging rollers 10 against the goods 101 and for the wrapper 1 to orbit the goods. Wrapping film is dispensed as the pallet wrapper 1 orbits.

Description

PALLET WRAPPER

This invention relates to apparatus for wrapping pallets. As is well known many goods are transported on a pallet (which is sometimes referred to as a skid). It is often desirable to wrap the goods which are carried on the pallet with plastics film for example to ensure stability or cleanliness of the load. Typically this is achieved by placing the pallet on a rotary table. The table is rotated and film applied from a dispenser. A problem with this is that a forklift truck must be provided to collect pallets from a store location, place it on the rotary table for wrapping and removing it from the rotary table once wrapped.

The invention seeks to over come this problem by providing a wrapping machine which orbits the goods to be wrapped.

According to the invention therefore there is provided a wrapper for wrapping goods mounted on a pallet with a flexible film, the wrapper comprising a locomotive base provided with a plurality of vertically extending goods engaging rollers arranged in a plane, a vertically reciprocal platfonn for carrying flexible film, means for reciprocating the platform, means for urging the wrapper in a direction with a component perpendicular to the plane so as in use to cause the rollers to abut the goods to be wrapped and means for urging the wrapper in a direction parallel to the plane, the arrangement being such that in use the pallet wrapper orbits the pallet wrapping film about goods carried on the pallet.

The flexible film can be a roll carried on the vertically reciprocal platfonm The vertically reciprocal platfonn can be power driven. Means for altering the relative rates of traverse of the wrapper around the goods and of vertical reciprocation of the vertically reciprocal platform can be provided. Means, preferably optical, for detecting the height of the goods and means for controlling vertical motion of the mobile platform can be provided.

According to the invention there is further provided a method of wrapping goods mounted on a pallet with a flexible film the method comprising dispensing film from a locomotive pallet wrapper while the pallet wrapper orbits the pallet. The film can be vertically reciprocated as the pallet wrapper orbits.

Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of non-limiting example by reference to the accompanying figures of which Fig 1 is a scrap side elevation of a first pallet wrapper of the invention; Fig 2 is a scrap view of a fascia panel; Fig 3 is a scrap plan view of the first pallet wrapper; Fig 4 is a scrap side elevation of a second pallet wrapper of the invention and Fig 5 is a scrap plan view of the second pallet wrapper.

Pallet wrapper 1 comprises a mobile base 2. In the illustrated embodiment the unit is provided with wheels 3 but it will be apparent to the skilled worker that tracks or the like could be used instead. At least some of the wheels 3 are driven for example the wheels 3 can be driven by electric motors powered by batteries. Once again it will be apparent to the skilled that other drive means can be used. In particular hydraulic drive and internal combustion engines may be used. It is generally preferred that the power supply for the drive means be carried on the pallet wrapper to avoid the need for trailing power supply cables or conduits. Conveniently a throttle control 6 is provided for varying the speed of the pallet wrapper. In embodiments of the invention start 7 and stop buttons 8 are provided on faseia 9.

The pallet wrapper is provided with a plurality for example 3 goods engaging rollers 10. Goods engaging rollers 10 are generally vertically extending. In the illustrated embodiment the goods engaging rollers are not powered although it is within the ambit of the invention for them to be driven.

Drive of the pallet wrapper is biased towards the goods engaging rollers. This means that in addition to having a component of motion in the direction of arrow A it also has a component of motion in the direction of arrow B. In use therefore the pallet wrapping machine will be urged towards the goods to be wrapped until the pallet wrapper abuts the goods. It will then orbit the goods dispensing film as hereinafter described.

The pallet wrapper further comprises a film dispenser 20 Film dispenser 20 comprises a movable platform 21. Movable platform 21 is movable vertically and for example is driven by a motor powered feedscrew and nut. Movable platform 21 is provided with a film holder 22 on which a roll of plastics wrapping film 23 is carried.

Tensioning rollers which may or may not be driven can be provided on the movable platform. Alternatively, as in the illustrated embodiment, or additionally the film can be tensioned by a friction grip as for example a screw threaded fastener Movable platform allows the plastics wrapping film to be dispensed over the height of the goods on the pallet even if they are higher than the height of the roll of film. The wrapping film holder can be raised and lowered under user control for example by a servo motor responsive to movement of a control lever. In other embodiments of the invention the movable platform is raised and lowered in response to commands issued by the controller 15. In some embodiments of the invention vertical motion of the movable platform is motor controlled via switch 26 and a rate controller responsive to the position of a control element 24.

Means for detecting the height of the goods and from preventing the mobile platform from rising excessively high can be provided. Examples include optical sensors for example lasers for detecting the top of the goods and preventing the mobile platform from rising excessively far above this. It is not essential to use an optical sensor and a mechanical sensor such as a goods engaging arm can be provided.

In use the wrapping machine orbits the pallet and goods dispensing film about the goods as it moves. It may be necessary to secure the free end of the film to the goods.

Because the machine senses the periphery of the pallet and goods steering is not required.

Because the pallet remains stationary as the wrapping machine orbits it is not necessary to put the pallet on a rotary table which thus avoid the need for a forklift truck. Conventional pallet wrappers in which the pallet is mounted on a rotary table are limited by the distance between the centre of rotation of the rotary and the film dispenser. The present invention is not so limited.

Embodiments of the invention are provided with additional features. In some embodiments of the invention the device is provided with a warning light and/or audible alarm to alert bystanders of the presence of the machine when it is in motion. In some embodiments of the invention the device is provided with a remotely operable stop which allows the wrapper to be rendered inoperative for example in the event of real or perceived risk.

Some embodiments of the invention monitor the orbit of the wrapper about the goods to be wrapped. It is therefore possible for the wrapper to monitor the progress of the wrapping and for the controller to switch off drive once it is complete. This means that the wrapper can be unattended during operation. In this event it is desirable that the warning and/or stop control hereinbefore described be provided.

Conveniently means for disengaging drive from the wheels is provided. This can be actuated by a control lever 41 on the fascia. A handle 42 for manoeuvring the device when power is removed is optionally provided.

In an alternative embodiment detection means for detecting a pallet 100 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment it comprises a biased leg 1001. When the leg 1001 engages the pallet the bias is overcome and a signal sent to a controller to be described hereinafter. Other detection means can be provided. In particular contactless detection means such as ultrasonic and laser range-finding can be used.

The detection means and controller are arranged so that the pallet wrapper follows the perimeter of the pallet; moving in the direction of arrow A when the pallet is not detected and perpendicular to it, in direction of arrow B. The effect of this is that in use the pallet wrapper will follow the perimeter of the pallet. For example at least some of the wheels can be steerable and move the pallet wrapper towards the pallet until the pallet is detected and then progresses around the periphery of the pallet keeping the pellet wrapper in contact with the pellet. In at least some embodiments it is preferable for the drive to continually urge the pallet wrapper towards the detection means and thus as the pallet wrapper progress to orbit the pallet.

Those skilled in the art will have no difficulty in devising modifications. In particular it will be appreciated that if the articles to be wrapped are of constant and not excessive height it is not necessary for the film to reciprocate vertically. In this ease the mobile platform can be omitted.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wrapper for wrapping goods mounted on a pallet with a flexible film, the wrapper comprising a locomotive base provided with a plurality of vertically extending goods engaging rollers arranged in a plane, a vertically reciprocal platform for carrying flexible film, means for reciprocating the platform, means for urging the wrapper in a direction with a component perpendicular to the plane so as in use to cause the rollers to abut the goods to be wrapped and means for urging the wrapper in a direction parallel to the plane, the arrangement being such that in use the pallet wrapper orbits the pallet wrapping film about goods carried on the pallet.
2. A wrapper as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flexible film is a roll carried on the vertically reciprocal platfonm
3. A wrapper as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein the vertically reciprocal platform is power driven.
4. A wrapper as claimed in claim 3 further comprising means for altering the relative rates of traverse of the wrapper around the goods and of vertical reciprocation of the vertically reciprocal platfonm
5. A wrapper as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising means for detecting the height of the goods and means for controlling vertical motion of the mobile platform.
6. A wrapper as claimed in claim 5 wherein the height detecting means are optical.
7. A wrapper as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising means for detecting when the wrapper abuts the goods to be wrapped.
8. A locomotive wrapper substantially as described herein.
9. A method of wrapping goods mounted on a pallet with a flexible film the method comprising dispensing film from a locomotive pallet wrapper while the pallet wrapper orbits the pallet.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9 further comprising vertically reciprocating the film as the pallet wrapper orbits.
11. A method of wrapping goods mounted on a pallet substantially as described by reference to any one of the figures.