Wrapping apparatus and method

A stretch wrapping machine includes a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material and a segmented wrapping frame for supporting the packaging material dispenser. The frame includes segments of track which are assembled to one another to form a track for the packaging material dispenser so the packaging material dispenser can revolve around the load while rolling on coaxial wheel pairs. A motor drives the packaging dispenser around the load to wrap packaging material around the load.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for wrapping a load 
with packaging material, and more particularly, stretch wrapping. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
Various packaging techniques have been used to build a load of unit 
products and subsequently wrap them for transportation, storage, 
containment and stabilization, protection and waterproofing. One popular 
system uses stretch wrapping machines to stretch, dispense, and wrap 
stretch packaging material around a load. Such machines may have various 
semi-automatic and automatic features depending on their application and 
cost constraints. For example, the dispenser can include a pre-stretch 
device or be assisted or powered by a motor connected to the stretching 
portion. 
The stretch wrapping machine provides relative rotation between the stretch 
wrap packaging dispenser and the load either by driving the stretch wrap 
packaging dispenser around a stationary load or rotating the load on a 
turntable. 
The stretch wrap packaging material dispenser may rotate with a circular 
ring supported and guided by elements such as wheels, casters, or cam 
followers, located at various points around the ring and mounted to a main 
frame which supports the wrapping apparatus. A drive motor and flexible 
members, such as a belts, chains, or cables, may be used to rotate the 
ring. Upon rotation, the stretch packaging dispenser wraps packaging 
material on the load. 
Conventional arrangements have limitations and disadvantages including 
noncomplementary dispenser paths for square or rectangular loads that 
waste time, space and materials, and limit efficiency and flexibility. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an improved apparatus and 
method that obviates such limitations and disadvantages. 
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be set 
forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from 
the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The 
objectives and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained 
by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the 
appended claims. 
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the present 
invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, an apparatus for 
wrapping a load is provided. 
According to one aspect of the invention the apparatus includes a packaging 
material dispenser for dispensing stretch wrap packaging material; a 
segmented wrapping frame for supporting the packaging material dispenser, 
the frame comprising segments of track which are assembled to one another 
to form a track for the packaging material dispenser so the packaging 
material dispenser can revolve around the load; and a motor for driving 
the packaging dispenser around the load to wrap packaging material around 
the load. 
According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus is also provided 
for packaging a load, the apparatus including a packaging material 
dispenser for dispensing packaging material around a load, the dispenser 
having a body, a first pair of co-axial wheels having first and second 
wheels rotatable about a first axis; a wrapping frame for supporting the 
packaging material dispenser, the frame having a first track, the first 
track having a first rail for contacting the first wheel of the first pair 
of co-axial wheels and a second rail for contacting the second wheel of 
the first pair of co-axial wheels, permitting the packaging material 
dispenser to travel around the track; and a motor for driving the stretch 
wrap packaging dispenser around the track to wrap stretch wrap packaging 
material around the sides of the load. 
According to a further aspect of the invention an apparatus is further 
provided for packaging a load, the apparatus including a packaging 
material dispenser for dispensing packaging material; a segmented wrapping 
frame for supporting the packaging material dispenser, the frame having 
first and second tracks for the packaging material dispenser to travel 
around; a motor for driving the packaging dispenser around the tracks to 
wrap packaging material around the load; a flexible connector supported 
around a perimeter of the track and connected to the packaging material 
dispenser; and supports for the flexible connector positioned around the 
perimeter of the track. 
According to an even further aspect of the invention, a method of 
assembling a wrapping apparatus for wrapping a load is provided. The 
method includes the steps of determining a shape and size of the load to 
be wrapped; choosing and assembling track segments into tracks resembling 
the shape and size of the load to be wrapped; providing a packaging 
material dispenser on the tracks; and providing means for moving the 
packaging material dispenser around the tracks. 
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of wrapping a load 
is also provided. The method includes the steps of determining a shape and 
size of a load to be wrapped; determining whether the shape and size of a 
wrapping frame is desirable for the shape and size of the load; 
automatically changing the shape and size of the wrapping frame to improve 
the desirability of shape and size of the wrapping frame relation to the 
shape and size of the load; and driving a packaging material dispensing 
around the frame to wrap packaging material around the load. 
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the 
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are 
not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments 
of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying 
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used 
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stretch 
wrapping loads. According to one aspect of the present invention, the 
apparatus includes a segmented wrapping frame, a film dispenser, and a 
drive mechanism. The film dispenser dispenses film stretch material that 
wraps around the load. The drive mechanism drives the film dispenser 
around the wrapping frame. 
According to another aspect of the present invention, the segmented 
wrapping frame has a non-circular configuration and has a front and rear 
portion, each portion forming a track within the wrapping frame. The front 
and rear portions are connected to one another by supports such that the 
two tracks together generally form a guiding system for the film dispenser 
and the drive mechanism. Each track has an inner upper rail and an inner 
lower rails which guide the film dispenser around the tracks to wrap the 
load. 
This segmented non-circular wrapping frame requires a smaller support 
framework than a circular ring, and less floor space. In addition, the 
segments permit the shape and size of the wrapping frame to accommodate 
differently sized and shaped loads without requiring a new or specialized 
machine for each load. Also, because the wrapping frame can closely 
approximate the size and shape of the load being wrapped, the film 
dispenser has less distance to travel around the wrapping frame than if a 
conventional round ring was used, therefore decreasing packaging time and 
increasing output and efficiency. 
According to another aspect of the invention, the film dispenser mechanism 
that rides or is guided by the rails of the tracks around the segmented 
wrapping frame may include a roll of stretch packaging material and 
pre-stretch rollers, and is mounted on axles having pairs of coaxial 
wheels at each end. Each pair of wheels has a wheel which rides in the 
first rail of the tracks and a second wheel which rides in the second rail 
of the tracks, to allow the film dispenser to move smoothly around the 
tracks. 
As mentioned, the film dispenser is driven by the drive mechanism. In a 
first embodiment of the drive mechanism, a motor car includes a motor and 
wheels which ride in the tracks of the wrapping frame. A flexible 
connector is supported around the tracks and connects the film dispenser 
and the motor car for movement of the film dispenser. The flexible 
connector is attached to the cars such that it is level with the center of 
the axles and thus the height at which the flexible connector is located 
does not change and there is no change in tension in the flexible 
connector as the film dispenser and motor car travel around the tracks. 
The motor powers the motor car which moves the flexible connector and the 
film dispenser. The film dispenser and the motor car may be spaced such 
that they are located opposite each other on the tracks. In this way, the 
motor car acts as a counter-balancing weight for the film dispenser. 
Alternatively, the film dispenser and the motor car may be proximate and 
directly attached to one another. As a further alternative, the film 
dispenser may contain a motor to power itself around the tracks. 
In a second embodiment of the drive mechanism, an outside drive has a 
flexible connector similar to that of the first embodiment, a motor, and a 
drive belt. The drive belt lies on top of and contacts the flexible 
connector. In operation, the motor drives the drive belt which moves the 
flexible connector and the film dispenser. 
FIGS. 1-4 generally show various sizes and shapes of loads and 
corresponding stretch wrapping apparatuses according to the present 
invention. As is evident from loads 100 being conveyed on a conveyor 104 
through the apparatuses (for example, boats, refrigerators, prefabricated 
portions of housing, and carpets), stretch wrapping apparatuses according 
to the invention have the ability to efficiently wrap any size or shape 
load. The stretch wrapping apparatuses of FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated 
generally by reference numerals 200, 220, 240, and 260. These apparatuses 
include frames 300, 320, 340, and 360 respectively that each support film 
dispenser 14 and a drive mechanism 16. Film dispenser 14 dispenses stretch 
wrap material around a load, and drive mechanism 16 drives film dispenser 
14 around the frame. In FIG. 2 embodiment, wrapping frame 300 is square in 
form and in the FIG. 2 embodiment wrapping frame 320 is an oblong 
rectangle in form. The FIG. 3 wrapping frame 340 has the form of an oblong 
slot, and the FIG. 4 frame 360 is circular. As seen in these figures, the 
wrapping frames are covered by panels 102 that snap on and off of the 
wrapping frames, and are interchangeable so that they may be used on any 
size wrapping frame. 
The wrapping frames according to the present invention may be positioned as 
seen in FIGS. 1-4, such that film dispenser 14 travels around the wrapping 
frame while load 100 travels through the wrapping frame. Alternatively, as 
shown in FIG. 10, wrapping frames may be mounted on vertical risers 106 
and positioned such that film dispenser 14 travels around the wrapping 
frame while the wrapping frame moves vertically along vertical risers 106 
to encompass an incoming load 100. Wrapping frames according to the 
present invention also may be positioned at any angle so as to receive and 
wrap loads being fed at any angle. 
In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a 
wrapping frame 12 for a film dispenser and drive mechanism. Frame 12 
includes a front portion 13, a rear portion 15, and cross member supports 
17. Front portion 13 and rear portion 15 include riveted or bolted 
segments secured to one another by cross member supports 17. Supports 17 
may be made of any suitable material, for example, steel tubular supports, 
that provide sufficient strength and rigidity to wrapping frame 12. 
As mentioned earlier, the shape and size of frame 12 may be chosen based 
upon the type, size, or shape of the load to be stretch wrapped. The shape 
and size of frame 12 is determined by the number and type of track 
segments used to make up frame 12. As best seen in FIG. 11, front portion 
13, and rear portion 15, comprise various interconnected straight track 
segments 30 and curved track segments 32. These track segments 30, 32 can 
be arranged in any number and manner to form wrapping frames of a desired 
shape. 
FIGS. 9A to 9E show additional possible shapes of wrapping frames according 
to the present invention, generally denoted by reference numerals 320, 
340, 360, 380, and 400 respectively. Wrapping frame 320 includes four 
curved segments 32 to form a circular frame. Wrapping frame 340 of FIG. 9B 
includes alternating curved segments 32 and straight segments 30 to form a 
triangular shaped frame. 
In the alternative to track segments of a fixed length, track segments may 
telescope or unfold to facilitate changes in the size of a wrapping frame. 
For example, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, wrapping frames 360 and 380 
incorporate curved segments 32 having telescoping portions 35 that 
telescope from the arrangement of FIG. 9A to alter the size of the 
wrapping frame. Wrapping frame 400, shown in FIG. 9E, includes four 
identical corner segments 34, and four identical side segments 36. Having 
identical segments increases manufacturing ease and interchangeability of 
parts. 
It is to be understood that in addition to being made in variable lengths, 
the segments may be made in various lengths and the curved segments may be 
made in various curvatures according to the desired shape and size of the 
wrapping frame. FIGS. 6-8 show two embodiments of wrapping frames 
incorporating straight and curved segments of varying lengths and degrees 
of curvature. A wrapping frame 280 of irregular shape is shown in FIGS. 6 
and 7, and a wrapping frame 300 also of irregular shape is shown in FIGS. 
8A and 8B. Such frame shapes may be constructed of a number of identical 
single size straight pieces and a number of identical single size curved 
pieces. 
Alternatively, wrapping frame 12 may automatically change size, for example 
from 9A to 9C to 9D, while segments 30, 32 are assembled by using 
mechanisms such as a rack and pinion, or pneumatic drives directed by a 
controller, microprocessing software, or electromechanical connections 
which would enable an in-line change of frame shape and size in response 
to optically or mechanically sensing the shape and/or size of an incoming 
load. 
Alternatively, the frame size and shape can be altered for new load streams 
by assembling more or less segments or changing the arrangement of the 
segments. Besides altering the general shape of a wrapping frame according 
to the present invention, the width of a frame also may be altered by 
changing the length of cross member supports 17. Cross member supports 17 
may be of a fixed length and interchangeable with supports of different 
lengths. Alternatively, supports 17 may be of a variable length in the 
form of telescoping or folding supports so that the supports do not have 
to be interchanged when a change in width of the frame is required. 
Once a plurality of segments have been secured together to form front and 
rear portions 13, 15, and these portions 13, 15 are secured to one 
another, tracks 20 are formed within the wrapping frame, one track in each 
portion 13, 15, as shown in FIG. 7. The tracks form a guiding system 
around which film dispenser 14 and drive mechanism 16 travel. As shown in 
FIG. 12, each track 20 has an inner upper rail 24 and an inner lower rail 
26, where wheel 65 rides rail 51 and wheel 66 rides rail 52. The rails 
guide film dispenser mechanism 14 around tracks 20 to wrap a load 100. 
The track segments are preferably made from a material of appropriate 
strength and rigidity, for example, sheet steel, cast aluminum, or 
plastic. As shown in FIG. 12, a track segment 30 includes a base 40, a 
corner portion 45, and a connecting area 50 for connecting track segments 
30 together. Base 40 includes an upper surface 41, and an opening 42 for 
inserting legs 43 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) if it is desired to raise the 
wrapping frame off the ground. Base 40 also includes small holes 44 for 
bolting track segments 30 together. Connecting area 50, which extends from 
corner portion 45 in the form of a flange or tab to FIG. 12, also includes 
holes 44 for bolting track segments 30 together. It is to be understood 
that track segments may be permanently joined by methods such as welding 
or riveting, or releasably joined by methods such as clamping or bolting. 
With further references, corner portion 45 includes a side section 46 
connected to base 40, and a top piece 48 with an inner surface 49 
connected to side section 46. Together, side section 46 and top piece 48 
form a "J" shape. Corner portion 45 has a flange 47 which acts to secure 
film dispenser 14 on tracks 20. Flange 47 may be integral with or 
separately attached to corner portion 45 and, preferably, is a disc 
comprised of nylon or other suitable synthetic material. Corner portion 45 
and base 40 may be formed integrally, or corner portion 45 may take the 
form of a cap which snaps onto base 40. When these track segments 30 just 
described are joined together to form a frame, inner surfaces 49 of top 
pieces 48 and top surfaces 41 of bases 40 form first and second rails 51, 
52, respectively, of tracks 20 upon which film dispenser 60 and drive 
mechanism 16 ride. 
Alternatively, and as embodied in FIGS. 14A-14E, other forms of tracks may 
be provided within wrapping frame 12. FIG. 14A shows a "T-type" of track 
or guiding rail 500a. FIG. 14B shows a circular track 500b which may be a 
rail, tubing or other material suitable for supporting the film dispensing 
mechanism. FIG. 14C shows an "I" or "H" type configuration 500c for use as 
a track or guiding rail. FIGS. 14D and 14E show yet more embodiments 500d 
and 500e of configurations for use as a track or guiding rail in the 
present invention. 
The film dispenser that rides on rails 51, 52 of tracks 20 includes several 
pairs of co-axial wheels, and a dispenser housing. As shown in FIGS. 12, 
13 and 15, and according to an aspect of the invention, a film dispenser 
mechanism 60 includes four pairs of co-axial wheels 61, 62, 63, 64, each 
pair having a first outer wheel 65 and a second inner wheel 66. In this 
embodiment, first wheel 65 has a width less than that of second wheel 66, 
and a radius R.sub.1 less than a radius R.sub.2 of second wheel 66. First 
wheel 65 may be a urethane or nylon tire used for guiding film dispenser 
60 around the wrapping frame. First wheel 65 rides on rail 51 of track 20 
such that it contacts inner surface 49 of top piece 48. Flange 47 is 
located between first and second wheels 65, 66 to prevent the inward 
movement of side 65a of wheel 65 along its axis. In this way, first wheel 
65 prevents side-to-side motion of film dispenser 60. 
Second wheel 66 is preferably a pneumatic tire which rides on rail 52 of 
track 20 such that it contacts top surface 41 of base 40. Once inflated, 
pneumatic wheel 66 pushes against flange 47 to force flange 47 toward 
wheel 65 and locks wheel 65 into place. 
As alternative to wheels 65, 66 just described, FIGS. 16 show first and 
second wheels 65, 66 of the same width and radius (FIG. 16A), or a first 
wheel 65 of larger width than second wheel 66 (FIG. 16B). In FIG. 16A, 
first and second wheels 65, 66 are of similar construction, either 
pneumatic, rubber, or other suitable construction, and rotate in opposite 
directions. In FIG. 16B, wheel 65 is shown as a rubber, pneumatic, type or 
otherwise deformable material, and wheel 66 is shown as a hard, 
non-deformable material. It is to be understood by one skilled in the art 
that various materials, types, and constructions of wheels 65, 66 may be 
used within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, FIG. 16C 
shows wheels 65, 66 reduced to bearings or cam followers arranged to 
provide the same rotational and load bearing characteristics as pneumatic, 
rubber, or other types of wheels. Furthermore, the wheels used for the 
film dispenser or drive mechanism 16 may have a coating or surface to 
promote compliance and or quietness. 
It is also to be understood by one skilled in the art that it will be 
necessary to change the track configuration to accommodate any change in 
the wheel sizes, as exemplified in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16A-16C. 
With reference once again to FIG. 12, a pair of first and second wheels 65, 
66 is mounted on each end of an axle 70. Film dispenser 60 includes two 
axles 70 in which a total of four pairs of wheels 65, 66 are mounted. Film 
dispenser 60 is also mounted on axles 70, which may be one piece and span 
the width of the wrapping frame, telescope to change length, or separate 
individual axles for each of the four pairs of wheels. In operation, pairs 
61, 62, 63, 64 of co-axial wheels 65, 66 provide movement of film 
dispenser 60 around tracks 20 of the wrapping frame. Each first wheel 65 
rotates in a direction opposite to a direction that second wheel 66 is 
rotating. 
As shown in FIG. 15, an exemplary film dispenser 60 includes a roll of 
stretch film 74, idler rollers 75 and 77, body 73 and pre-stretch rollers 
76 and 78 which stretch the stretch film 74 before dispensing. Film 
dispenser 60 may take forms other than that shown in FIG. 15. 
As shown in FIG. 18, and as an alternative to the use of flange 47 to 
prevent side-to-side movement of the film dispenser, an extruded portion 
48 may be taped, bolted, glued, or otherwise fixed to corner portion 45, 
or formed integrally with corner portion 45. First wheel 65 includes a 
groove 67 of a shape corresponding to extrusion 48, such that first wheel 
65 travels along extrusion 48 by setting extrusion 48 into groove 67. As 
with flange 47 in an earlier embodiment, extrusion 48 and groove 67 
prevent side-to-side movement of film dispenser 60. In this embodiment, 
conventional methods are used to supply current and electrical control to 
film dispenser 60. For example, commutator rings, electrical collector 
rings, or slip rings are used. Current may be supplied by a conventional 
commutator ring system. As shown in FIG. 18, followers 80 slide in 
commutator rings 84 which are attached to base 40 to provide current and 
electrical control to film dispenser 60. 
As shown in FIG. 19, and as a further alternative to the use of flange 47, 
first wheel 65 may take the form of a disc "sandwich" comprising 
alternating discs 80 of nylon or another appropriate force bearing and 
insulating material, and discs 82 of copper or other conductive material. 
This configuration also replaces conventional methods of supplying 
electricity to film dispenser 60. Connection fingers 88 contact copper 
discs 82 to supply current and electrical control discs 82. Discs 82 
supply electricity to inner brushes 150 which, in turn, supply electricity 
to all electrical devices within film dispenser 60. As embodied herein, 
the shaft 70 is stationary and wheels 65, 66 spin about it. Alternatively, 
it would be possible to have rotating axles. In this embodiment, each 
track segment includes an insulating material 86 with metal connection 
fingers 88 extending therefrom. As copper discs 82 rotate, metal fingers 
88 contact copper discs 82 and electricity is supplied from stationary 
fingers 88 which is thus supplied to film dispenser 60 traveling along 
tracks 20. 
Even further alternatives to the described apparatus for guiding the wheels 
of the film dispenser are shown and described in FIGS. 17A-17D. FIG. 17A 
shows a pivoting or nonpivoting caster wheel or tire 160 attached to axle 
70 for guiding the wheels along the rails. FIG. 17B shows a caster or cam 
follower 170 mounted to film dispenser 60 so that caster or cam follower 
170 rides against the frame. FIG. 17C shows troughs 180 and 190 for wheels 
65 and 66 to ride in respectively. FIG. 17D shows a v-belt 210 or a 
similarly shaped extrusion which rides in a corresponding groove 215 in 
wheel 65, 66. A similar extrusion and groove can be used for wheel 66. 
The drive mechanism that drives the film dispenser around tracks 20 will 
now be described. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, 
film dispenser 60 may contain a motor to provide power to film dispenser 
60 to travel around tracks 20 of the wrapping frame. In accordance with 
another aspect of the present invention, film dispenser 60 may be driven 
by a drive mechanism that includes a flexible connector, a motor, and a 
pulley system shown and described with reference to FIGS. 22-25. The drive 
mechanism includes at least one flexible connector 90 for connecting a 
motor car 92 to film dispenser 60. Flexible connector 90 may be a cable, 
belt, chain, rope, or other suitable connector of sufficient flexibility. 
Flexible connector 90 is connected to film dispenser 60 and motor car 92. 
Flexible connector 90 is supported around the circumference of wrapping 
frame 12 by a pulley system 94. As shown in FIG. 22, pulley system 94 a 
plurality of pulleys 96 located at each corner of wrapping frame 12. In 
the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, eleven plastic pulleys 96 each with a 2 
inch outer diameter and a 2 inch width, are used in each corner of frame 
12 to hold are used to support flexible connector 90. This large number of 
pulleys 96 prevents the length of flexible connector 90 from changing or 
becoming slack during use. The number, size and width of these pulleys may 
be altered to accomodate changes in the type of flexible connector used. 
For example, four pulleys, one in each corner of the frame, may be used. 
In such an embodiment, it would be desirable to have means for taking up 
slack of the flexible connector within the cars traveling around the 
frame. 
Motor car 92 includes a motor 97, a motor car housing 98, and car 
connectors 99, as shown in FIG. 21. Motor car 92 further includes four 
pairs 61, 62, 63, 64 of wheels, each having a first wheel 65 and a second 
wheel 66. The structure and operation of these pairs of wheels are the 
same as those described earlier in the discussion of film dispenser 60. It 
is to be understood that the various arrangements of wheels and apparatus 
to guide the wheels described earlier in connection with film dispenser 60 
apply to motor car 92. 
Motor car housing 98 is mounted on axles that connect the pairs of co-axial 
wheels. Motor 97, located within housing 98, must have sufficient power to 
drive motor car 92 and film dispenser 60 around the tracks of the wrapping 
frame. As shown in FIG. 18, car connectors 99 are located on housing 98 
and may be used to connect motor car 92 directly to film dispenser 60 
without the use of flexible connector 90. Flexible connector 90 is 
attached in the same manner as described in the above discussion of film 
dispenser 60. 
As shown in FIG. 22, in the embodiment where motor car 92 and flexible 
connector 90 are used, motor car 92 is preferably positioned 180 degrees 
away from film dispenser 60 on the opposite side of tracks 20 to balance 
the weight. Motor 97 in motor car 92 provides movement of motor car 92 and 
of the attached flexible connector 90. As flexible connector 90 moves, it 
pulls film dispenser 60 so that film dispenser 60 dispenses and wraps 
stretch wrap material 74 around load 100. 
As an alternative to the drive mechanism just described, FIG. 23 shows a 
drive mechanism that includes a flexible connector 90, a pulley system 94, 
a power source such as a motor 197, and an outside drive 93. Flexible 
connector 90 and pulley system 94 are similar in structure described in 
connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 22. Outside drive 93 includes 
a drive belt 89 laid over top of and in contact with flexible connector 
90, and a secondary pulley system 95. Motor 197 is connected to and drives 
pulley system 95 which provides movement of drive belt 89. As drive belt 
89 is in contact with flexible connector 90, the movement of drive belt 89 
causes flexible connector 90 to move, ultimately causing movement of film 
dispenser 60 to dispense and wrap a load 100. 
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 22-25, film dispenser 60 and motor car 92 are 
connected to flexible connector 90 at axles 70 of dispenser 60 and car 92. 
The axles are at the center of rotation and stay spaced at a constant 
distance from the rails while traveling around tracks 20. Thus, the 
position of flexible connector 90 remains constant at the level of and 
even with the center of rotation. As shown in FIG. 18, the top of flexible 
connector 90 is aligned with the exact center of rotation of the co-axial 
wheel pairs, i.e. axle 70. A connection piece 120 connects to and extends 
from axle 70 via a screw or other similar fastening mechanism. A pad 122 
is secured onto connection piece 120 also by a screw or other similar 
fastening mechanism. Flexible connection is similarly secured to pad 122. 
In operation, when flexible connector 90 moves, pad 122, connection piece 
120, and axle 70 move with flexible connector 90. 
In the embodiments where film dispenser 60 is provided with a motor 297 
therein (FIG. 24) or film dispenser 60 is directly attached to motor car 
92 (FIG. 25), it is not necessary to use flexible connector 90. These 
embodiments have the advantage of being able to be quickly adapted to 
various size frames, without having to adjust the length of flexible 
connector 90. This also reduces the assembly time of the wrapping frame, 
as the belts and pulleys are not needed. In addition, maintenance is 
quicker and easier because film dispenser 60 and the drive mechanism are a 
one piece structure. 
The embodiments where film dispenser 60 is driven by either motor car 92 
connected by flexible connector 90 (FIG. 22) or by outside drive 93 (FIG. 
23) evenly distribute weight around the wrapping frame, as discussed 
earlier. This, in turn, reduces the need for reinforcing the wrapping 
frame for stability. Use of flexible connector 90 also enables a reduction 
in motor size and power. 
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the 
art from considering the specification and practicing the invention 
disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be 
considered as exemplary only, with true scope and spirit of the invention 
being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.