Patent ID: 6925776
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for wrapping a load with stretch wrap packaging material, comprising: a dispenser for dispensing stretch wrap material; means for providing relative rotation between the dispenser and a load, the load having a center of rotation; and a top platen having a rotational geometric center and being configured to apply a substantially vertical compressive force to the load while minimizing any horizontal compressive force applied to the load, the top platen including a shaft and a platen pad attached to the shaft, the pad being configured to contact and transmit a substantially vertical compressive force to the load, wherein the shaft is not constrained to rotate around the rotational geometric center of the top platen; wherein the top platen is configured to apply the substantially vertical compressive force to the load around the rotational geometric center of the top platen such that, when the platen pad is on top of the load and the geometric center of the top platen is not aligned with the load center of rotation, the platen pad and shaft rotate in congruence with the load center of rotation.