Patent ID: 6658820
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
For use in gripping and paying-out film in an apparatus for wrapping packages of varying sizes, a gripper assembly comprising:a gripper, mounted for reciprocation in the film paying-out direction between a film paying-out position and a stop position, said gripper having a first jaw and a second jaw which move between a closed film gripping position and an open film releasing position, at least one of said first and second jaws including a central jaw element and at least two lateral jaw elements which can be released separately from said central jaw element and wherein said gripper is mounted to pay-out, but not stretch, the film across the packages; an actuator for opening and closing said first and second jaws; and a selector for selectively releasing said lateral jaw elements of said gripper while said central jaw element remains in a closed gripping position to release a lateral section of the film based on a premeasured package parameter.