PACKAGING FILM DISPENSER AND WEARABLE SUPPORT ELEMENT ASSEMBLY, KIT, FILM DISPENSER, WEARABLE SUPPORT ELEMENT, PACKAGING METHOD

A wearable packaging film dispenser assembly including a dispenser for packaging film reels, where the dispenser is adapted to rotatably support a packaging film reel for wrapping/packaging a load, and a wearable support element configured to connect the dispenser to a user and to support the the dispenser leaving the hands of the user free, wherein the wearable element includes at least one flexible portion adapted to be connected to the user, wherein the dispenser is reversibly connected to the wearable support element by reversible connection means.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a packaging film reel dispenser and wearable support element assembly, as well as to a film reel dispenser reversibly connectable to a wearable support element, as well as to a wearable support element for reversibly supporting a film reel dispenser, as well as to a method for packaging a load.

BACKGROUND

In the field of machinery for manually packaging a load, packaging film dispensers are known, which are adapted to support a reel or roll of a film wound onto a reel core configured to be handled by a user responsible for packaging a load for manually wrapping the load with one or more layers of film.

Such dispensers have a support frame comprising at least one mandrel on which the reel of film is rotatably supported, and at least one handgrip which allows the user to grip the dispenser and apply the film to the load positioned on a support, e.g. a pallet, wrapping it at different heights from the ground or from the support on which the load to be packaged is positioned.

One of the drawbacks of the use of dispensers of the known type lies in the need for the user to bend his/her back to handle the dispenser at heights close to the ground, supporting the weight of the dispenser, and gradually lifting the dispenser turning around the load to be packaged for wrapping it.

A user responsible for packaging using a dispenser of the known type supports the dispenser throughout the packaging operation with his/her own hands. Thereby, the user must maintain utmost concentration to coordinate his/her movements avoiding discharging the weight of the dispenser and reel on his/her back rather than on his/her legs. However, in the case of inexperienced users, or in the case of repeated packaging operations of numerous loads during a working day, it is inevitable that the backs of users responsible for packaging operations are repeatedly stressed in an incorrect manner generating backache over time.

Furthermore, as loads to be packaged usually rest on supports close to the ground, using film dispensers of the known type, users responsible for packaging are obliged to bend their backs at every packaging operation to fix the film to the support or pallet, and then distribute the film around a lower portion of the load, stressing their backs every time they wrap the film.

Such packaging operations, using known film dispensers, have a significant effect on the physical integrity of users responsible for packaging who can suffer from constant backache, compromising the quality of the user's working life.

Therefore, a need is strongly felt in the field to find solutions for manually packaging a load which allow reducing, if not preventing, the onset of backache in users responsible for packaging.

A need is strongly felt in the field to find solutions for manually packaging a load which are convenient, easy to use, suitable for users who deal with packaging loads both continuously and sporadically over the working day, which allow simplifying the load packaging operations while making them less tiring for the users responsible for packaging.

Therefore, the problem underlying the present disclosure is to devise a solution for packaging a load, which allows obviating the needs and drawbacks of the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure aims to provide a wearable dispenser assembly, and a dispenser and wearable support element which are reversibly connectable, and a packaging method which allows a user to reduce, if not eliminate, the number of bending events of his/her backs in packaging operations, and which allows discharging the weight of the dispenser, and of the reel supportable by the dispenser, without affecting the user's back, at least during the packaging of the lower portions of the load close to the ground.

From the analysis of this solution it has emerged how the suggested solution allows obtaining a reduction of the user's fatigue in load packaging operations, thus reducing and limiting the stress events on the user's back with respect to packaging operations of the prior art.

Furthermore, due to the provision of a fixing device constrained to a reel dispenser reversibly connectable to a support element wearable by a user, it is possible to avoid the user having to bend his/her back in packaging operations right from the moment of fixing the film onto the support or pallet.

Still furthermore, due to the provision of a reel dispenser reversibly connectable to a support element wearable by a user, it is possible for the user to avoid incorrect work postures, reducing the risk of the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders connected to the packaging work activity.

Furthermore, due to the provision of a reel dispenser reversibly connectable to a support element wearable by a user, it is possible for a user to wear the wearable support element at least on the leg of the user and to connect the reel dispenser to the wearable support element to wrap the load in the portion of load close to the ground, and lift the reel dispenser to a position proximal to a portion of the load distal from the ground for wrapping upper portions of the load without bending his/her back, it also being possible to separate the dispenser from the wearable support element once the packaging operation is finished.

Furthermore, due to the provision of a reel dispenser which is linearly slidable with respect to the wearable support element along a longitudinal extension direction of the wearable support element and/or of the dispenser, it is possible to lift the dispenser for wrapping the load at gradually increasing heights from the ground, keeping the dispenser connected to the wearable support element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with a general embodiment, a dispenser2for reels of packaging film indicated with reference numeral1is provided.

Sais assembly1comprises a dispenser2for reels of packaging film, where said dispenser2is adapted to rotatably support a packaging film reel25for wrapping/packaging a load26.

Said assembly1comprises a wearable support element3configured to connect said dispenser2to a user and to support said dispenser2leaving the hands of said user free. In an embodiment, the wearable support element3is configured to connect said dispenser2to the user and to support said dispenser2leaving the arms of said user free.

Said wearable element3comprises at least one flexible portion4adapted to be connected to said user. For example, the flexible portion4is configured to wrap at least one leg of the user. For example, the flexible portion4is configured to wrap at least a leg and the pelvis of the user. For example, the flexible portion4is configured to be connected to said user without being connected to the arms of said user.

Advantageously, said dispenser2is reversibly connected to said wearable support element3by reversible connection means9,10.

According to an embodiment, said assembly1comprises said reel25. In accordance with an embodiment, said reel25comprises a packaging film, of extensible material, wound onto a reel core.

In accordance with an embodiment, said reversible connection means9,10comprise at least one male element9and at least one female element10connected to said dispenser2and said wearable support element3, respectively, or vice versa. In accordance with an embodiment the reversible connection means9,10are quick coupling reversible means. In other words, they are reversible connection means that allow a connection and a separation between the dispenser and the wearable support element3without using tools, such as for example screwdrivers, or without the need to unscrew connection elements.

In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one male element9and said at least one female element10are reversibly connectable by shape coupling or by hooking.

In accordance with an embodiment, said male element9comprises at least one hook and said female element comprises at least one buckle, where said hook is configured to be hooked onto said buckle. In accordance with an embodiment, said male element9and said female element10are quick tear-off fixing strips.

In accordance with an embodiment, said dispenser2comprises a longitudinal frame13which mainly extends along a longitudinal frame direction X-X. In accordance with an embodiment, the longitudinal frame13is reversibly connected to said wearable support element3by reversible connection means9,10. In accordance with an embodiment, the longitudinal frame13is reversibly connected to said first flexible connection portion4by reversible connection means9,10.

In accordance with an embodiment, said dispenser2comprises a first mandrel15adapted to support said reel25. In accordance with an embodiment, the first mandrel15is adapted to rotatably support said reel25about a rotation axis A. In accordance with an embodiment, said distributor2defines a rotation axis A about which the reel is rotatable. In accordance with an embodiment, the first mandrel15defines the rotation axis A, about which the reel25can rotate.

In accordance with an embodiment, said first mandrel15is connected to said longitudinal frame13by a first mandrel bracket20which projects, preferably from one end of said longitudinal frame13, along a transverse direction with respect to said longitudinal frame direction X-X. In accordance with an embodiment, said dispenser2is connected to the wearable support element3so as to arrange the rotation axis A substantially aligned with a leg of a user. In an embodiment, said first mandrel15is connected to said longitudinal frame13so as to arrange the rotation axis A substantially parallel to the longitudinal frame direction X-X. Thereby it is possible to keep the dispenser connected to the user at a lower height than the user's pelvis, keeping the rotation axis A substantially aligned with the leg of the user and/or substantially transverse to the ground for wrapping the load26with the packaging film, without bending the user's back.

In accordance with an embodiment, said wearable support element3comprises a longitudinal bracket14which mainly extends along a longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y.

In accordance with an embodiment, said flexible connection portion4comprises at least one connecting band5,6,7,8extending along an incident direction with respect to the longitudinal frame direction X-X to be connected to said user at at least one of a belt of said user, a shoulder of said user, a thigh of said user, an ankle of said user or a calf of said user. Thereby, in use, the rotation axis A is arranged substantially incident and/or transverse to a ground on which the load26rests directly or indirectly. Thereby, in use, the rotation axis A is substantially aligned parallel to a leg of the user and the dispenser2is supported in a position proximal to the ground.

In accordance with an embodiment, said first flexible connection portion4comprises at least a first band5. In accordance with an embodiment, said first flexible connection portion4comprises at least a second band6.

In accordance with an embodiment, said first band5is reversibly connected to the dispenser2to be connected to said user in a first area of said user. In accordance with an embodiment, said first band5extends along an incident direction with respect to said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y to be connected to said user in a first area of said user.

In accordance with an embodiment, said second band6is reversibly connected to the dispenser2to be connected to said user in a second area of said user. In accordance with an embodiment, said second band6extends along an incident direction with respect to said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y to be connected to said user in a second area of said user.

In accordance with an embodiment, said first band5and said second band6are reversibly connected to the dispenser2spaced apart from each other extending along respective directions to be connected to said user in at least two areas of said user supporting the dispenser2adjacent to a leg of the user. In accordance with an embodiment, said first band5and said second band6extend along respective incident directions with respect to said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y to be connected to said user in at least two areas of said user spaced apart along a direction parallel to said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y. In accordance with an embodiment, said first band5is configured to be connected to the belt of said user and/or to a shoulder of said user or a thigh of said user, and where said second band6is configured to be connected to a thigh of said user or an ankle or calf of said user, supporting the dispenser2on and along a leg of a user. For example, by supporting the dispenser2starting from a position proximal to the ankle of the user or the calf of the user, i.e. by supporting the dispenser2in a position close to the ground on which the load26rests.

In accordance with an embodiment, said first band5and said second band6are connected to said longitudinal bracket14spaced apart from each other along said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y.

In accordance with an embodiment, said first flexible connection portion4comprises at least a third band7and/or at least a fourth band8.

In accordance with an embodiment, said third band7is reversibly connected to the dispenser2extending along a respective direction to be connected to said user in a third area of said user. In accordance with an embodiment, said fourth band8is reversibly connected to the dispenser2extending along a respective direction to be connected to said user in a fourth area of said user. In accordance with an embodiment, said third band7and said fourth band8are reversibly connected to the dispenser2spaced apart from each other extending along respective directions to be connected to said user in at least two areas of said user supporting the dispenser2adjacent to a leg of the user. In accordance with an embodiment, said third band7and/or said fourth band8are connected to said longitudinal bracket14spaced apart from each other along said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y, and where said third band7and said fourth band8extend along respective incident directions with respect to said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y to be connected to said user in at least another two areas, a third area and a fourth area, of said user, spaced apart along a direction parallel to said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y.

In accordance with an embodiment, said first band5is configured to be connected to the belt of said user and/or to a shoulder of said user.

In accordance with an embodiment, said second band6is configured to be connected to a thigh of said user.

In accordance with an embodiment, said third band7is configured to be connected to a said thigh of said user.

In accordance with an embodiment, said fourth band8is configured to be connected to an ankle or a calf of said user.

In accordance with an embodiment, each band5,6,7,8of said flexible connection portion4comprises a pair of connection portions, where each band5,6,7,8is configured to be wrapped around said user, where said pair of connection portions is configured to constrain the respective band5,6,7,8to said user. In accordance with an embodiment, each pair of connection portions comprises a pair of strips of fabric connectable in a tear-off manner. In accordance with an embodiment, each pair of connection portions comprises a pair of connection strips and means for adjusting the length of the respective band5,6,7,8.

In accordance with an embodiment, said flexible connection portion4comprises a longitudinal band32, which extends along a substantially parallel direction to said longitudinal frame direction X-X, connectable to said longitudinal frame13. In accordance with an embodiment, said longitudinal band32extends along an extension direction of a leg of the user, e.g. from the ankle to the pelvis. In accordance with an embodiment, said longitudinal band32connects each band5,6,7,8of said flexible connection portion4. In accordance with an embodiment, said longitudinal band is made of fabric. In accordance with an embodiment, said longitudinal band is connected to said longitudinal support bracket14.

In accordance with an embodiment, the dispenser2is slidingly connected to the wearable support element3so as to slide linearly with respect to the wearable support element3along a longitudinal extension direction of the wearable support element Y-Y and/or of the dispenser X-X for wrapping the load26at gradually increasing heights from the ground, keeping the dispenser2connected to the wearable support element3. In accordance with an embodiment, the dispenser2is slidingly connected to the wearable support element3by said reversible connection means9,10for wrapping the load26at gradually increasing heights from the ground up to a maximum height where the dispenser2is separate from the wearable support element3.

In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one male element9is connected to said longitudinal frame13and said at least one female element10is connected to said longitudinal bracket14, or vice versa, for reversibly connecting said dispenser2to said wearable support element3.

In accordance with an embodiment, said male element9is a protrusion11which projects from said longitudinal frame13along a transverse direction with respect to said longitudinal frame direction X-X and said female element10is a housing12obtained in said longitudinal bracket14or vice versa. In accordance with an embodiment, said housing12is a cavity formed in the body of said longitudinal bracket14or of said longitudinal frame13.

In accordance with an embodiment, said longitudinal frame direction X-X and said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y are parallel. In accordance with an embodiment, said longitudinal frame direction X-X and said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y are parallel.

In accordance with an embodiment, when said protrusion11is accommodated in said housing12, said protrusion11cooperates with said housing12preventing said longitudinal frame13from making movements along transverse directions to said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y with respect to said longitudinal bracket14.

In accordance with an embodiment, said protrusion11is slidingly accommodated in said housing12along said bracket direction Y-Y.

In accordance with an embodiment, said housing12defines a linear guide for said protrusion11allowing said dispenser2to make a guided linear movement along said bracket direction Y-Y between a stroke-end position and at least one sliding position.

In accordance with an embodiment, in said stroke-end position, said protrusion11is completely accommodated in said housing12.

In accordance with an embodiment, in said at least one sliding position, said protrusion11is partially outside said housing12along said bracket direction Y-Y. For example, a sliding position is shown inFIG.5.

In accordance with an embodiment, said longitudinal frame13comprises an abutment portion and where said longitudinal bracket14comprises a counter-abutment portion, or vice versa.

In accordance with an embodiment, when said dispenser2is in said stroke-end position, said abutment portion abuts against said counter-portion unloading the weight of said dispenser2on said wearable element3.

In accordance with an embodiment, when said dispenser2is in said at least one sliding position, said abutment portion is spaced apart from said counter-abutment portion along said longitudinal bracket direction Y-Y.

In accordance with an embodiment, said dispenser3comprises at least a first handgrip18connected to said longitudinal frame13at a frame end.

In accordance with an embodiment, said at least a first handgrip18is configured to be gripped by said user for moving said dispenser2between said resting position, said at least one sliding position, and a separation position.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first handgrip18is rotatably connected to said longitudinal frame13, so that said handgrip is movable between a longitudinal configuration and a transverse configuration, where in said longitudinal configuration the handgrip is substantially parallel to the longitudinal frame direction X-X, and in said transverse configuration the handgrip is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal frame direction X-X.

In accordance with an embodiment, said first handgrip18is a handle having an essentially overturned U shape, connected to the longitudinal frame with the two free ends of the U.

In accordance with an embodiment, in said separation position, said protrusion11is completely outside said housing12along said bracket direction Y-Y.

In accordance with an embodiment, said dispenser3comprises at least a second handgrip19connected to said longitudinal frame13at an opposite frame end with respect to the end to which the first handgrip18is connected, where said second handgrip19is configured to be gripped by said user.

In accordance with an embodiment, said dispenser comprises a second mandrel16configured to be rotatably connected to said reel25on an opposite side with respect to said first mandrel15.

In accordance with an embodiment, said second mandrel15is made as a separate piece from said longitudinal frame13and is connected to said first mandrel16only through said reel25.

In accordance with an embodiment, said second mandrel15is connected to said longitudinal frame13by a second mandrel bracket21which projects transversely to said longitudinal frame direction X-X from said longitudinal frame13.

In accordance with an embodiment, said first mandrel bracket20is spaced apart along said longitudinal frame direction X-X from said second mandrel bracket21so as to allow the connection of said reel25to said first mandrel15and to said second mandrel16.

In accordance with an embodiment, said second mandrel16comprises a clutch17configured to regulate the rotation of said reel25.

In accordance with an embodiment, said assembly1comprises a fixing device22configured to fix at least one fixing element28to a load support27on which the load26is positioned.

In accordance with an embodiment, said fixing device22is connected to said dispenser2.

In accordance with an embodiment, said fixing device22is operable by pushing said dispenser2against said support with said fixing device22interposed between said dispenser2and said load support27thus preventing said user from bending his/her back.

In accordance with an embodiment, the fixing device22comprises an abutment portion29comprising an abutment surface30for abutting against said load support27. In accordance with an embodiment, the fixing device22comprises an operating portion31connected to said dispenser2. In accordance with an embodiment, said operating portion31is connected on one side to said first mandrel bracket20which supports said first mandrel15. In accordance with an embodiment, said operating portion31and said abutment portion29are connected to each other and mutually movable between a rest configuration and a thrust configuration. In accordance with an embodiment, said fixing device22is operable by pushing said operating portion31towards said abutment portion29or vice versa. In accordance with an embodiment, said abutment surface30is in a distal position with respect to said dispenser2in said rest configuration and in a proximal position to said dispenser2in said thrust configuration. In accordance with an embodiment, said operating portion31and said abutment portion29are constantly biased by an elastic element in said rest configuration. In accordance with an embodiment, said abutment portion31comprises a cartridge housing for accommodating a cartridge comprising a plurality of said at least one fixing element28, where said abutment surface30comprises at least one opening in communication with said cartridge housing so that, in said thrust configuration, said fixing element28is ejected from said housing for constraining a film portion of said film to said load support27.

In accordance with an embodiment, said fixing device22is connected to a nail gun or stapler. In accordance with an embodiment, said fixing element28is a nail or a U shaped fixing staple.

In accordance with an embodiment, the fixing device22is connected to said longitudinal frame1, preferably at a lower end thereof, where said fixing device22is configured to fix a film portion of said film to said load support27on which the load is arranged so as to constrain the film in a point of the support27or of the load before starting the packaging operations, avoiding bending the user's back.

In accordance with an embodiment, said fixing device22is configured to apply metal staples or nails to fix said film to the load or the load support.

By virtue of the fixing device22, the user may position a portion of film in front of the fixing device22, in particular at the abutment surface30, and by moving his/her leg can press the film between the coupling system22and the load support or the load, so as to fix the film to the load support or the load without bending his/her back.

The present disclosure further comprises a kit comprising an assembly1according to the embodiments previously described, and at least one reel25configured to be supported by said assembly1.

The present disclosure further comprises a dispenser2for reels of packaging film for a wearable packaging film dispenser assembly1according to one of the embodiments previously described.

Said dispenser2is adapted to rotatably support a packaging film reel25for wrapping/packaging a load26. Said dispenser2comprises reversible connection means8,9for reversibly connecting said dispenser2to a wearable support element3, where said wearable element3is configured to support said dispenser2leaving a user's hands free and is configured to connect said dispenser2to the user by at least one flexible connection portion4.

The present disclosure further comprises a wearable support element3for a wearable packaging film dispenser assembly1according to one of the embodiments previously described.

Said wearable element3comprises at least one flexible portion4adapted to be connected to a user.

Said wearable support element3is configured to connect a packaging film reel dispenser2to a user for supporting said dispenser2leaving the hands of said user free. Said dispenser2is adapted to rotatably support a packaging film reel25for wrapping/packaging a load26,

Said wearable support element3comprises reversible connection means8,9for reversibly connecting said wearable support element3to said dispenser2.

The present disclosure further concerns a method for packaging a load26with a packaging film, comprising the steps of:providing an assembly1according to any one of the embodiments previously described, where said dispenser2supports a reel25of said packaging film, where said wearable element3is connected to a user,wrapping a lower portion of said load26keeping said dispenser2connected to said wearable element3thus preventing said user from bending his/her back and supporting said dispenser2with his/her hands, turning around said load26.

According to an operating mode, said method comprises the further steps of:separating said dispenser2from said wearable element3, supporting said dispenser2with one's own hands,wrapping an upper portion of said load26with said dispenser (2) supported by the hands of said user, and/orsliding said dispenser2with respect to said wearable support element3, lifting said dispenser2with at least one hand so as to wrap said load in an intermediate portion of said load without completely separating said dispenser2from said wearable support element.

According to an operating mode, said method comprises the further steps of:before the step of wrapping a lower portion of said load, constraining a portion of said film to the load or a load support, avoiding bending the user's back, pushing said dispenser against the portion of said film interposed between a fixing device and said load or said load support with the leg of said user.

According to an operating mode, the step of constraining a portion of said film to the load or a load support, envisages operating a fixing device22of the assembly pushing said dispenser against said load or said load support with said portion of film interposed between said fixing device22and said load or said load support.

According to an operating mode, said wearable element3is connected at least to a leg of said user. According to an operating mode, a rotation axis A with respect to which the reel25is rotatable is arranged incident and/or transverse to a ground on which the load26rests directly or indirectly. According to an operating mode, the packaging film wound onto the reel25is arranged facing the lower portion of said load26which is proximal to the ground. According to an operating mode, said wearable element3is connected to said user so as to support and arrange the dispenser2and the reel25along a leg of said user in a position close to the ground on which the load26rests directly or indirectly. According to an operating mode, said wearable element3is connected to said user so as to support and arrange the dispenser2and the reel25starting from a proximal height to the ground close to the user's ankle or the user's calf.

By virtue of the described assembly, it is possible to prevent a user bending his/her back at every load packaging operation.

By virtue of the assembly described, it is possible to keep the dispenser connected to the wearable support element to wrap a lower portion of a load, and it is possible to separate said dispenser from the wearable support element to allow the user to wrap a load in an upper portion.

By virtue of the method described, it is possible to package a load reducing stresses on the back of a packaging operator.