Abstract:
Packaging tools, which, in various embodiments, are adapted to assist a user in applying material from a roll of packaging material (e.g., packing tape, stretch wrap or shrink wrap) to an item or group of items. The packaging tool is typically adapted to move between: (1) a first orientation in which the packaging tool does not substantially restrict the rotation of the roll of packaging material adjacent the packaging tool; and (2) a second orientation in which the packaging tool does substantially restrict (e.g., prevent) the rotation of the roll of stretch wrap tool adjacent the packaging tool. A user typically maintains the packaging tool in the first orientation as the user wraps the packaging material about an item. The user may then move the packaging tool into the second orientation, which allows the user to pull the packaging material tight and separate the applied length of packaging material from the roll.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Before transporting items, such as groups of packages, it is often desirable to wrap the packages in a packaging material, such as stretch wrap or shrink wrap. This helps to keep groups of items together in bundle and also provides protection for the items. Current methods for applying packaging material are cumbersome and often require two hands to implement. Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods and apparatus for applying packaging materials. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    In one embodiment, a packaging tool for rotatably supporting a roll of packaging material having a hollow, at least substantially tubular core is provided. The packaging tool includes a first base and a second base, a first elongate support member extending outwardly relative to a surface of the first base, a second elongate support member extending outwardly relative to a surface of the second base, and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is adapted to move the packaging tool between a first orientation and a second orientation. In various embodiments: (1) when the packaging tool is in the first orientation, a roll engaging portion of the first elongate support member is positioned a first distance apart from a roll engaging portion of the second elongate support member; and (2) when the packaging tool is in the second orientation, the respective roll engaging portions of the first and second elongate support members are separated by a second distance, where the second distance is greater than the first distance. Also, the packaging tool may be adapted so that the first and second elongate support members may be positioned at least partially within a tubular core of a roll of packaging material and moved between the first and second orientations while the first and second elongate support members are disposed at least partially within the tubular core. In particular embodiments, when the first and second elongate support members are positioned at least partially within the tubular core and the packaging tool is in the first orientation, the roll of packaging material is free to rotate. Also, in various embodiments, when the first and second elongate support members are positioned at least partially within the tubular core and the packaging tool is in the second orientation, the first and second elongate support members cooperate to at least substantially prevent the roll of packaging material from rotating. 
         [0003]    An apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention includes a roll of packaging material having a hollow, at least substantially tubular, core and a packaging tool for rotatably supporting the roll of packaging material. The packaging tool includes a first base and a second base, a first elongate support member extending outwardly relative to a surface of the first base, a second elongate support member extending outwardly relative to a surface of the second base, and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is adapted to move the packaging tool between a first orientation and a second orientation. In various embodiments: (1) when the packaging tool is in the first orientation, a roll engaging portion of the first elongate support member is positioned a first distance apart from a roll engaging portion of the second elongate support member; and (2) when the packaging tool is in the second orientation, the respective roll engaging portions of the first and second elongate support members are separated by a second distance, where the second distance is greater than the first distance. Also, in particular embodiments, the packaging tool is adapted so that the first and second elongate support members may be positioned at least partially within the tubular core and moved between the first and second orientations while the first and second elongate support members are disposed at least partially within the tubular core. In various embodiments, when the first and second elongate support members are positioned at least partially within the tubular core and the packaging tool is in the first orientation, the roll of packaging material is free to rotate. When the first and second elongate support members are positioned at least partially within the tubular core and the packaging tool is in the second orientation, the first and second elongate support members cooperate to at least substantially prevent the roll of packaging material from rotating. 
         [0004]    In another embodiment, a method of distributing packaging material from a roll of packaging material is provided. The method includes providing a roll of packaging material and loading the roll of packaging material onto a packaging tool that is adapted to selectively at least substantially prevent the rotation of the packaging material about a central axis of the roll of packaging material. The method also includes attaching an end portion of the packaging material to an object and then moving the packaging tool so that (A) the roll of packaging material rotates and (B) as the roll of packaging material rotates, a length of the packaging material adjacent the end portion peals off of the roll of packaging material and attaches to the object. In various embodiments, after the packaging material attaches to the object, the packaging tool may be moved from: (1) a first orientation, in which the packaging tool does not substantially restrict the rotation of the roll of packaging material about the central axis; to (2) a second orientation, in which the packaging tool substantially prevents the rotation of the roll of packaging material about the central axis. The method further includes separating the length of packaging material from the roll of packaging material. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0005]    Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a packaging tool according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a roll of packaging material supported by a packaging tool. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of a packaging tool according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3B  is an enlarged side view of a pivot device attached to the first elongate support member and the second elongate support member. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of a packaging tool according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3D  is a sectional view of the support system in  FIG. 3C  taken about the plane labeled  3 D in  FIG. 3C . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of one hand of a user controlling first and second handles of a packaging tool. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of one hand of a user controlling first and second handles of a packaging tool. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of packaging supports supporting a roll of packaging. In this figure, the elongate support members of the packaging tool are shown partially disposed within the roll of packaging material and support members are shown attached to the second elongate support member. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side view of elongate support members of a packaging tool in a first orientation. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a side view of elongate support members shown in  FIG. 6  in a second orientation. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a packaging tool supporting a roll of packaging and in a first orientation. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the packaging tool of  FIG. 8A  supporting a roll of packaging and in a second orientation. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of a packaging tool supporting a roll of packaging and in a first orientation. In this figure, the packaging tool includes a support system that supports the inner and outer U-shaped members. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of the packaging tool of  FIG. 8C  supporting a roll of packaging and in a second orientation. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 9A-B  show perspective views of a user applying packaging material with a packaging roll. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying illustrations, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, these embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a packaging tool  100 . Although the embodiment of the packaging tool  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  and described below represents one configuration, the packaging tool  100  and the associated method of using the packaging tool  100  may have other configurations. While packaging tools  100  are commonly employed to unitize pallet loads, they may be used in other applications if so desired. Generally, packaging tools  100  are configured to support a roll of packaging material and distribute and apply packaging material to various objects, such as packages or pallet loads. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a roll of packaging material  1  is supported on a packaging tool  100 .  FIG. 2  shows the typical configuration of a roll of packaging material  1  including a hollow tube  5  (sometimes called a support tube or tubular core) with packaging material  7 , such as plastic film, wrapped tightly around the exterior of the tube  5 . Of course, a roll of packaging material  1  may have other configurations. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the packaging tool  100  may include a first base  105   a  and a second base  105   b,  a first elongate support member  110  extending outwardly relative to a surface of the first base  105   a,  a second elongate support member  120  extending outwardly relative to a surface of the second base  105   b,  and an actuation mechanism, which may include first and second handles  150 ,  160 . The first base  105   a,  first elongate support member  110 , and first handle  150  may comprise a substantially U-shaped structure with the first elongate support member  110  and first handle  150  extending perpendicularly or at an angle relative to a surface of the first base  105   a.  Accordingly, the structure including the first base  105   a,  first elongate support member  110 , and first handle  150  is hereinafter called the “inner U-shaped member”, although an inner U-shaped member according to other embodiments may take other forms. The second base  105   b,  the second elongate support member  120 , and the second handle  160  may comprise a substantially U-shaped structure with the second elongate support member  120  and second handle  160  extending at an angle (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to a surface of the second base  105   b.  Accordingly, the structure including the second base  105   b,  second elongate support member  120 , and second handle  160  is hereinafter called the “outer U-shaped member”, although an outer U-shaped member according to other embodiments may take other forms. 
         [0025]    Inner U-Shaped Member 
         [0026]    The first elongate support member  110  may extend outwardly at various angles relative to a surface of the first base  105   a.  In  FIG. 1 , for instance, the first elongate support member  110  extends from the first base  105   a  at an angle T to the surface  107  of the first base  105   a.  The first handle  150  may extend perpendicularly from the first base  105   a.  Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first handle  150  may extend from the first base  105   a  at an angle S relative to the surface  107  of the first base  105   a.    
         [0027]    The first elongate support member  110  may be attached to the first base  105   a  by rivets, welds, or the like. Alternatively, the first base  105   a  and first elongate support member  110  may be parts of the same structure. In  FIG. 1 , for example, the first base  105   a  and first elongate support member  110  are a continuous structure. Typically, the first base  105   a  and first elongate support member  110  may have the same continuous structure and the same hollow, cylindrical (or semi-cylindrical) shape. Similarly, the first handle  150  may be connected to the first base  105   a  by welds, fastening devices, and the like. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first handle  150  and first base  105   a  may be part of the same continuous structure. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the inner U-shaped member may be a continuous structure having a first base  105   a,  first elongate support member  110 , and first handle  150 . 
         [0028]    The cross-section of the first base  105   a  may be various shapes, including circular, rectangular, or oval. Accordingly, the first base  105   a  of the packaging tool  100  may be a hollow, cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the first base  105   a  of the packaging tool  100  may be a solid structure. The first base  105   a  may be formed of various materials, such as metal, graphite, or plastic. Typically, the first base  105   a  may be molded from a light, strong, and stiff material, such as fiber reinforced plastic. It should be noted that the first base  105   a  may have other configurations and may vary in size and shape. 
         [0029]    The cross-section of the first elongate support member  110  may be various shapes, such as circular, rectangular, or oval. As such, the first elongate support member  110  may be a hollow, cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the first elongate support member  110  may be a solid structure. The first elongate support member  110  may be formed of various materials, such as metal, graphite, or plastic. Typically, the first elongate support member  110  may be molded from a light, strong, and stiff material, such as fiber reinforced plastic. Of course, the first elongate support member  110  may have other configurations and may vary in size and shape. 
         [0030]    The cross-section of the first handle  150  may be various shapes, such as circular, rectangular, or oval. As such, the first handle  150  may be a hollow, cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the first handle  150  may be a solid structure. The first handle  150  may be formed of various materials, such as metal, graphite, or plastic. Typically, the first handle  150  may be molded from a light, strong, and stiff material, such as fiber reinforced plastic. Of course, the first handle  150  may have other configurations and may vary in size and shape. For example, the first handle  150  may be ergonomically shaped for increased comfort for the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0031]    Outer U-Shaped Member 
         [0032]    The second elongate support member  120  may typically extend at least substantially perpendicular (and, in some embodiments, perpendicular) to the surface  106  of the second base  105   b  (see, for example,  FIG. 1 ) but may extend at other angles to the surface  106  of the second base  105   b.  Typically, the second handle  160  is at least substantially perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) to the second base  105   b.  However, the second handle  160  may extend at an angle relative to the surface  106  of the second base  105   b  that is greater or less than 90 degrees. 
         [0033]    The second elongate support member  120  may be attached to the second base  105   b  by rivets, welds, or the like. Alternatively, the second base  105   b  and second elongate support member  120  may be parts of the same, continuous structure. In  FIG. 1 , for example, the second base  105   b  and second elongate support member  120  are a continuous structure. Typically, the second base  105   b  and second elongate support member  120  may have the same continuous structure and the same hollow, cylindrical (or semi-cylindrical) shape. The second handle  160  may be connected to the second base  105   b  by welds, fastening devices, and the like. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the second handle  160  and second base  105   b  may be part of the same continuous structure. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the outer U-shaped member may be a continuous structure including a second base  105   b,  second elongate support member  120 , and second handle  160 . 
         [0034]    The cross-section of the second base  105   b  may be various shapes, including circular, rectangular, or oval. Accordingly, the second base  105   b  of the packaging tool  100  may be a hollow, cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the second base  105   b  of the packaging tool  100  may be a solid structure. The second base  105   b  may be formed of various materials, such as metal, graphite, or plastic. Typically, the second base  105   b  may be molded from a light, strong, and stiff material, such as fiber reinforced plastic. It should be noted that the base  105   b  may have other configurations and may vary in size and shape. 
         [0035]    The cross-section of the second elongate support member  120  may be various shapes, such as circular, rectangular, or oval. As such, the second elongate support member  120  may be a hollow, cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the second elongate support member  120  may be a solid structure. Also, the second elongate support member  120  may be formed of various materials, such as metal, graphite, or plastic. Typically, the second elongate support member  120  may be molded from a light, strong, and stiff material, such as fiber reinforced plastic. In various embodiments, the second elongate support member  120  may have other configurations and may vary in size and shape. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the second handle  160  may be a hollow, cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the second handle  160  may be a solid structure. Also, the second handle  160  may be formed of various materials, such as metal, graphite, or plastic. Typically, the second handle  160  may be molded from a light, strong, and stiff material, such as fiber reinforced plastic. The second handle  160  may have other configurations and may vary in size and shape. For example, the second handle  160  may be ergonomically shaped for increased comfort for the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0037]    Connection of U-Shaped Members 
         [0038]    The outer and inner U-shaped members may be connected to each other using various devices. The U-shaped members may, for example, be pivotably connected to each other, such as by using a pivot device  125  (see  FIG. 3A ). The pivot device  125  may include a pin  126   a  that is attached to the inner U-shaped member and at least one bar  126   b  connecting the outer U-shaped member to the pin  126   a.  In various embodiments, the pivot device  125  is adapted to permit the inner U-shaped member to rotate about the axis defined by the pin  126   a  but restrict the translational movement of the inner U-shaped member relative to the outer U-shaped member. As shown in  FIG. 3A , a pin  126   a  may be attached to the inner U-shaped member where the first elongate support member  110  meets the first base  105   a.  A pin  126   a  may be attached to other parts of the inner U-shaped member. A typical pin  126   a  may be a solid cylinder formed of metal. Other types and shapes of pins  126   a  may be used. A pin  126   a  may be attached to the inner U-shaped member using an adhesive, fastening device, or the like. The pin  126   a  may also be inserted into the inner U-shaped member such that a portion of the pin  126   a  is sticking out of the U-shaped member. 
         [0039]    One or more bars  126   b  typically connect the pin  126   a,  and therefore the inner U-shape tube, to a portion of the second elongate support member  120 . A bar  126   b  may have a hook, a hole, or the like on one of its ends that is adapted to receive and secure a pin  126   a.    FIG. 3B  shows an enlarged view of the pivot device  125  connecting the outer U-shaped member and the inner U-shaped member. In  FIG. 3B , the bar  126   b  includes a washer-like end portion. As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the pin  126   a  may be secured within the opening of the washer-like end portion of the bar  126   b.  As such, the pin  126   a  and inner U-shaped member may not be able to move with respect to the outer U-shaped member. A bar  126   b  may have other shapes and may be formed of various materials, such as plastic or metal. The one or more bars  126   b  may be attached to the second elongate support member  120  by way of adhesives, fastening devices, or the like. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 3C , the inner U-shaped member may be translationally connected to the outer U-shaped member using a support system  128  or other system. A support system  128  may be configured to support the outer U-shaped member and the inner U-shaped member.  FIG. 3D  shows a cross section of the support system  128  of  FIG. 3D  with the first base  105   a ′ positioned within an opening of the support system  128  and the second base  105   b ′ attached to the support system  128 . The second base  105   b ′ may be attached to the support system  128  by a fastening device, adhesive, or the like. The support system  128  may also be configured such that at least a portion of the first base  105   a ′ may be mounted to the support system  128  along a rail, track, or the like of the support system  128 . In any case, the support system  128  may provide support to the inner U-shaped member and permit the translational movement of the inner U-shaped member along the direction defined by the longitudinal axis of the first base  105   a ′. The support system  128  may have other shapes and structures. For instance, the support system  128  may include two washer-like components connected together at a point on the perimeter of each component, such that the washer-like components are configured to receive, support, and separate, at a defined distance, the first and second bases  105   a ′,  105   b ′. The support system  128  may be formed of plastic, metal, or the like. 
         [0041]    Generally, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the inner U-shaped member may be substantially in the same plane as the outer U-shaped member. Furthermore, the inner U-shaped member may typically be nested, as shown in  FIG. 1 , with the outer U-shaped member. In other words, the first base  105   a  may be adjacent to the second base  105   b,  the first elongate support member  110  may be adjacent to the second elongate support member  120 , and the first handle  150  may be adjacent to the second handle  160 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first elongate support member  110  may be slanted or angled away from the second elongate support member  120 . The elongate support members  110 ,  120  may, on the other hand, be parallel to each other. The first and second elongate support members  110 ,  120  are generally designed to have shapes and sizes such that both can be at least partially disposed within the tubular core  5  of a roll of packaging material  1  at the same time. Furthermore, the support members  110 ,  120  are configured to be positioned near each other such that both can fit within the tubular core  5  at the same time. 
         [0042]    The first and second handles  150 ,  160  may be sized and shaped such that a user may control both handles  150 ,  160  with one hand and be able to move the first handle  150  without requiring the use of another hand. See, for example,  FIGS. 4A and 4B . As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the handles  150 ,  160  may be positioned adjacent each other and have cross-sections that are small enough for one of a user&#39;s hands to wrap at least partially around both handles  150 ,  160  at the same time. Consequently, the user can make use of the user&#39;s free hand for other tasks, such as to cut the packaging material  7 , move packages to more suitable positions for wrapping, or the like. As described below, with one hand, a user of the packaging tool  100  can adjust the friction applied to a roll of packaging material  1  on the fly, as well as keep the tool  100  stabilized. 
         [0043]    Roll Engaging Portions 
         [0044]    Each elongate support member  110 ,  120  may contain a roll engaging portion  130  that may provide friction upon engaging an interior portion of the tubular core  5 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , a roll engaging portion  130  may typically be located at or near the end of at least one of the members  110 ,  120 . However, roll engaging portions  130  may be located anywhere on either member  110 ,  120 . Roll engaging portions  130  may include a high friction surface, a low friction surface, or other types of surfaces. Roll engaging portions  130  may be devices that are wrapped around the support members  110 ,  120  and secured thereto, such as with glue, rivets, welds, or the like. Alternatively, the roll engaging portions  130  may be formed out of or integrated with the support members  110 ,  120 . For example, the support members  110 ,  120  may be stamped, carved, or the like to form roll engaging portions  130  in the support members  110 ,  120 . 
         [0045]    Supporting a Packaging Roll 
         [0046]    A packaging roll  1  may be supported by one or both of the first and second elongate support members  110 ,  120  and/or at least one of the first and second bases  105   a,    105   b.  For example, the first base  105   a  may support the weight of the packaging roll  1  by supporting an end of the packaging roll  1 . The first and second elongate support members  110 ,  120  may substantially restrict lateral movement of the packaging roll  1  by being disposed within the tubular core  5  of the packaging roll  1 . 
         [0047]    A packaging roll  1  may be supported by other arrangements and devices, such as packaging supports  50 . A packaging support  50  may be a half-disk or similar device with a width that is at least the same distance as the distance from the second elongate support member  120  to a portion of the hollow tube  5 . Since the second elongate support member  120  may shift positions, particularly during application of packaging material  7 , the packaging support  50  may typically have a width that is at least the same distance as the maximum distance possible between the second elongate support member  120  and a portion of the hollow tube  5 . The maximum distance possible between the second elongate support member  120  and a portion of the hollow tube  5  would basically be about the diameter of the hollow tube  5 . The packaging support  50  may be a full disk with a radius that is about equal to the radius of the hollow tube  5 . 
         [0048]    The full disk may have a cutout for the first elongate support member  110 . Packaging supports  50  may be secured to the elongate support members  110 ,  120  and/or the first and second bases  105   a,    105   b  by welds, fastening devices including screws, and the like and may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second elongate support member  120 . A packaging support  50  that is attached to the second elongate support member  120  may be sized such that at least a portion of the packaging support  50  extends from the second elongate support member  120  beyond, for example, a portion of the hollow tube  5  and, possibly, a portion of the packaging material  7  of the roll of packaging material  1 . 
         [0049]    Packaging supports  50  may be formed of various materials, such as metal, plastic, and the like. Packaging supports  50  may include tabs  55 , such as flat panel devices, rod-like structures, and the like, made of various materials, such as metal, plastic, and the like. Tabs  55  may be attached to the second elongate support member  120  or a part of the packaging support  50 , such as a disk, that is attached to the second elongate support member  120 . Tabs  55  may extend from the second elongate support member  120  beyond a portion of the packaging material  7 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, packaging supports  50  may be configured to support a roll of packaging material  1 . In  FIG. 5 , the packaging supports  50  include tabs  55  that extend out from the second elongate support member  120  to contact the roll of packaging material  1  on both ends of the roll  1 . The tabs  55  are sufficiently rigid and strong to prevent or substantially restrict the longitudinal movement of the roll of packaging material  1 . 
         [0050]    Application of Packaging Roll 
         [0051]    The actuation mechanism is adapted to move the packaging tool  100  between a first orientation and a second orientation. The first orientation refers to a roll engaging portion  130  of the first elongate support member  110  being positioned a first distance A apart from a roll engaging portion  130  of the second elongate support member  120 . See, for example,  FIG. 6 . The second orientation refers to the roll engaging portions  130  of the first and second elongate support members  110 ,  120  being separated by a second distance B, where the second distance B is greater than the first distance A. See, for example,  FIG. 7 . As described below, the actuation mechanism may include first and second handles  150 ,  160 , a spring  127 , a pivot device  125 , or the like.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  show the inner U-shaped member rotating about the pivot device  125 . By moving the first handle  150  toward the second handle  160  and/or closer to the second base  105   b,  the inner U-shaped member may rotate about the pivot device  125 . In effect, by moving the first handle  150  toward the second handle  160  and/or the second base  105   b,  the packaging tool  100  may rotate between the first orientation ( FIG. 8A ) and the second orientation ( FIG. 8B ). In other words, the first elongate support member  110  may rotate so that its roll engaging portion(s)  130  engages an interior portion of the tubular core  5 . See, for example,  FIG. 8B . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the second elongate support member  120  may typically be at least partially engaged with an interior portion of the tubular core  5 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 8C and 8D  show that the inner U-shaped member may translate with respect to the outer U-shaped member using a spring  127  and handles  150 ′,  160 ′. As shown in  FIG. 8C , the spring  127  (here, a compression spring) may be attached to the first handle  150 ′ and the second handle  160 ′. Generally, the spring  127  may bias the inner U-shaped member away from the outer U-shaped member. By pulling the first handle  150 ′ toward the second handle  160 ′, the inner U-shaped member may move towards the second handle  160 ′ and compress the spring  127 . In effect, by pulling the handle  150 ′ towards the second handle  160 ′, the packaging tool  100 ′ may move between the first orientation ( FIG. 8C ) and the second orientation ( FIG. 8D ). 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIGS. 8A-8D , the packaging tools  100 ,  100 ′ are adapted so that the first and second elongate support members  110 ,  120  (for packaging tool  100 ) and  110 ′,  120 ′ (for packaging tool  100 ′) may be positioned at least partially within a tubular core  5  and moved between the first and second orientations while the first and second elongate support members are disposed at least partially within the tubular core  5 . When first and second elongate support members are positioned at least partially within a tubular core  5  and the packaging tool ( 100  or  100 ′) is in the first orientation, the roll of packaging material  1  is substantially free to rotate. While the roll of packaging material  1  rotates, the packaging material  7  of the roll  1  may unwrap from the supportive tube  5 , thereby allowing for portions of packaging material  7  to be wrapped around a package or the like. In  FIGS. 9A-9B , for example, a user is shown wrapping a pallet of items  2  with a packaging tool  100 ′ according to one embodiment of the present invention. Packaging material  7  may be initially attached or secured to a package or packages using a piece of tape or adhesive, trapping a portion of packaging material into a space between items of the pallet or between parts of one package, or the like. Typically, after the packaging material  7  is attached to the package, the user may create tension in the packaging material  7  and, consequently, rotate the roll  1  and unwrap packaging material  7  as the user moves the packaging tool  100  around the package. 
         [0054]    When the first and second elongate support members  110 ,  120  (for packaging tool  100 ) and  110 ′,  120 ′ (for packaging tool  100 ′) are positioned at least partially within the tubular core  5  and the packaging tool  100 ,  100 ′ is in the second orientation, the first and second elongate support members cooperate to substantially prevent the roll of packaging material  1  from rotating. To substantially prevent the roll of packaging material  1  from rotating, as shown in  FIGS. 8B and 8D , the roll engaging portion  130  of the first elongate support member  110 ,  110 ′ may engage a first interior portion  5   a  of the tubular core  5  and the roll engaging portion  130  of the second elongate support member  120 ,  120 ′ may engage a second interior portion  5   b  of the tubular core  5 . The roll of packaging material  1  may also be prevented from rotating by being engaged by the roll engaging portion  130  of only one elongate support member. By preventing the roll  1  from rotating, the user can more easily adjust the tension on the packaging material  7 , such as by moving the packaging tool  100  away from the unwrapped portion of the roll  1 . 
         [0055]    While the roll  1  is prevented from rotating, the packaging material  7  may be cut to separate an unwrapped portion of packaging material  7  from the roll  1 . A user may cut the packaging material  7  using the user&#39;s free hand, such as by tearing the packaging material  7  with the user&#39;s hand, applying a cutting blade, or the like. By preventing the roll  1  from rotating and applying tension to the packaging material  7 , the user can cut the packaging material  7  with less effort compared to cutting a roll  1  that is free to rotate. Even so, a user may still cut the packaging material  7  if the packaging material is not under tension and/or the roll  1  is free to rotate. 
         [0056]    An advantageous method of using a packaging tool  100 ′ is shown beginning at  FIG. 9A , which shows a roll of packaging material  1  placed upon a packaging tool  100 ′ where the first and second elongate support members are disposed within the tubular core  5  of the roll  1 . After disposing the first and second elongate support members at least partially within the tubular core  5  of the roll  1 , the roll  1  may be rotated about the first and second elongate support members. The rotation may be initiated and/or continued by spinning the roll  1  using one&#39;s hand, by using a machine to spin the roll  1 , by attaching part of the packaging material  7  to an object and moving the packaging tool  100 ′, or the like. Typically, a user may attach, such as by using tape, a portion of the packaging material  7  to a package or pallet load and begin wrapping the package or load, thereby causing the roll of packaging material  1  to rotate. Finally, the packaging tool  100 ′ may be moved between a first orientation and a second orientation. See, for example,  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As stated above, the movement between orientations of the packaging tool  100 ′ may be caused by moving the first handle. 
         [0057]    Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.