Patent Publication Number: US-6990784-B2

Title: Apparatus and method for applying cornerboards to a load

Description:
This application is a division of Ser. No. 10/225,439, filed Aug. 22, 2002 and now U.S. Pat. 6,883,293 which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/314,290, filed Aug. 24, 2001, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for placing cornerboards and wrapping a load. In particular, the present invention is directed to automatically placing cornerboards on the corners of a stacked load and wrapping stretch wrap packaging material around the load while the cornerboards are held in place. 
   2. Background of the Invention 
   Products are often stacked as a load on a pallet to simplify handling of the products. The pallet load is commonly wrapped with stretch wrap packaging material to maintain the stacked configuration. To protect the load during shipping and storage, particularly when the load is fragile and susceptible to indentation, top and bottom caps are provided on respective ends of the load, and corner protectors, i.e., cornerboards, are placed on the corners of the load. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the load during the process of positioning the protectors on the load. 
   Conventionally, this process of positioning the cornerboards is a time-consuming and expensive endeavor. If the process is performed manually, a cornerboard must first be positioned and temporarily secured on each corner of the load. The cornerboard is temporarily secured using tape, straps, or hand wrap film. After a cornerboard has been secured in position on each corner of the load, a top cap then may be placed on the load, if desired. The load is then transported to a stretch wrapping machine for stretch wrapping. 
   An automated apparatus may also be used to position cornerboards and top caps on the corner of a load. This type of apparatus stores a number of cornerboards vertically in a magazine. The vertical magazine feeds the cornerboard, via a series of belts or other moving parts, to a gripper placement device. In turn, the gripper placement device positions the cornerboard on a corner of the load by a series of positioning steps. The cornerboard may slip within the gripper placement device as it is removed from the vertical magazine, thereby creating a vertical misalignment between the cornerboard and the corner. 
   The apparatus may place cornerboards on the corners of the load one at a time. This procedure is relatively slow, and causes an increase in the wrapping cycle time. Alternatively, four magazines and four gripper placement devices may be provided to allow placement of all cornerboards on the load at approximately the same time, thereby reducing wrapping cycle time. However, because the magazines require a separate moving means to move the cornerboard between the magazine and the gripper placement device, the cost of such an apparatus is prohibitively high for most wrapping operations. In addition, if the length of the cornerboards used changes, it may be necessary to adjust the means for feeding the cornerboard to the gripper, causing a reduction in efficiency. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method to quickly, reliably, and inexpensively place corner boards on the corners of a load and to stretch wrap the load with the corner boards in place is provided. 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material is provided. The method includes providing a load having at least a first side and a second side on a load transport surface, providing at least one magazine containing cornerboards, transporting a cornerboard from the magazine in a direction parallel to a direction of movement of the load on the transport surface until a first leg of the cornerboard is proximate to the first side of a corner of the load, transporting the cornerboard in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the load on the load transport surface until a second leg of the cornerboard is proximate to the second side of the corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and moving the packaging material dispenser and the load relative to one another to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material comprises providing a load on a load transport surface, providing at least one magazine containing cornerboards, retrieving a cornerboard from within the magazine with a gripper, transporting the cornerboard in a direction parallel to a direction of movement of the load on the load transport surface until a first leg of the cornerboard is proximate to a first side of a corner of the load, transporting the cornerboard in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the load on the load transport surface until a second leg of the cornerboard is proximate to a second side of the corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and moving the packaging material dispenser and the load relative to one another to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material includes providing a load on a turntable, providing at least one magazine having a longitudinal axis and containing cornerboards adjacent the turntable, retrieving a cornerboard from within the magazine with a gripper, transporting the cornerboard in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the magazine until a first leg of the cornerboard is proximate a first side of a corner of the load, transporting the cornerboard in a direction transverse to the first direction until a second leg of the cornerboard is proximate a second side of the corner of the load, holding the cornerboard adjacent to the load with a cornerboard holding device, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and rotating the turntable to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material includes providing a load on a load transport surface, providing at least one magazine containing cornerboards, retrieving a cornerboard from within the magazine, rotating the cornerboard, transporting the cornerboard from the magazine in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until a first leg of the cornerboard is proximate a first side of a corner of the load, transporting the cornerboard in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until a second leg of the cornerboard is proximate a second side of the corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and moving the packaging material dispenser and the load relative to one another to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material includes providing a load on a load transport surface, providing at least one magazine containing cornerboards, gripping a cornerboard within the magazine with a gripper, removing the cornerboard from the magazine by moving the gripper and cornerboard in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the load transport surface, rotating the gripper and cornerboard, transporting the gripper and cornerboard in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until a first leg of the cornerboard is proximate to a first side of a corner of the load, transporting the gripper and cornerboard in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until a second leg of the cornerboard is proximate to a second side of the corner of the load, releasing the cornerboard from the gripper, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material includes providing a load on a load transport surface, providing a dual magazine having a first magazine containing cornerboards of a first height and a second magazine of a second height, automatically selecting a height of cornerboards to be used for wrapping the load, retrieving a cornerboard of the selected height from the dual magazine, transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material comprises providing a load on a load transport surface, providing at least one magazine containing unformed cornerboards, removing a cornerboard from within the magazine, folding the cornerboard, transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load subsequent to folding the cornerboard, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and moving the packaging material dispenser and the load relative to one another to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material comprises providing a load on a load transport surface, holding an unformed cornerboard with a gripper, folding the unformed cornerboard, transporting the folded cornerboard in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until a first leg of the cornerboard is proximate a first side of a corner of the load, transporting the folded cornerboard in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until a second leg of the cornerboard is proximate a second side of the corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and wrapping the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for wrapping a load with packaging material is provided. The apparatus includes a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material, a load transport surface having a longitudinal axis, a cornerboard gripper movable in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface and movable in a second direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface, and means for providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to yet another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for wrapping a load with packaging material includes a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material, at least one magazine having a longitudinal axis for containing cornerboards, a turntable for providing relative rotation between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap packaging material around at least one cornerboard and load, a cornerboard gripper movable in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the magazine and movable in a second direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the magazine, and a cornerboard holding device for holding the cornerboard as the turntable rotates. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for wrapping a load with packaging material includes a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material, a load transport surface having a longitudinal axis, a rotatable cornerboard gripper movable in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface and movable in a second direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface, and means for providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for wrapping a load with packaging material includes a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material, a load transport surface having a longitudinal axis, a transport arm moveable in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface and moveable in a second direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface, a gripper mounted on the transport arm and movable along a length of the transport arm, and means for providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material comprises providing a load on a load transport surface having a longitudinal axis, providing four magazines, each magazine containing cornerboards, wherein two magazines are positioned upstream of the load, one on either side of the load transport surface, and two magazines are positioned downstream of the load, one on either side of the load transport surface, transporting a cornerboard from each of the magazines in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until a first leg of the cornerboard is proximate a first side of a corner of the load, transporting each of the cornerboards in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until a second leg of the cornerboard is proximate a second side of the corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboards and load. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material comprises providing a load on a load transport surface having a longitudinal axis, rotating a cornerboard until a first leg of the cornerboard is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface and a second leg of the cornerboard is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface, transporting the cornerboard in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until the first leg of the cornerboard is proximate a first side of a corner of the load, transporting the cornerboard in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until the second leg of the cornerboard is proximate a second side of the corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material includes providing a load on a load transport surface having a longitudinal axis, folding an unformed cornerboard, rotating the folded cornerboard until a first leg of the cornerboard is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface and a second leg of the cornerboard is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface, transporting the folded cornerboard in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until the first leg of the cornerboard is proximate a first side of a corner of the load, transporting the folded cornerboard in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface until the second leg of the cornerboard is proximate a second side of the corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for wrapping a load with packaging material a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material, a load transport surface having a longitudinal axis, four magazines, each magazine for containing cornerboards, wherein two magazines are positioned upstream of the load, one on either side of the load transport surface, and two magazines are positioned downstream of the load, one on either side of the load transport surface, four cornerboard grippers, each gripper movable in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface and movable in a second direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface, and means for providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material comprises providing at least one magazine containing cornerboards, gripping a cornerboard in the at least one magazine with a gripper, moving the gripper and cornerboard out of the at least one magazine, transporting the gripper and cornerboard to a corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material includes providing at least one magazine containing cornerboards, using a first drive to remove a cornerboard from the magazine, using a second drive to rotate the cornerboard, using the first drive to transport the cornerboard to a corner of the load, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and wrapping the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to yet another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for wrapping a load with packaging material includes a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material, a load transport surface, at least one magazine for containing cornerboards, means for gripping a cornerboard within the magazine and for transporting the cornerboard to a position proximate a corner of the load, and means for providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for wrapping a load with packaging material comprises a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material, at least one magazine for containing cornerboards, a transport arm connected to a first drive, a gripper connected to a second drive and movable from within the magazine to a position proximate to a corner of the load, wherein the first drive moves the transport arm between the magazine and the load and the second drive moves the gripper between a first and second ends of the transport arm, and means for wrapping the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for wrapping a load with packaging material includes a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material, at least one magazine for containing unformed cornerboards, means for folding an unformed cornerboard, means for transporting the folded cornerboard to a position proximate a corner of the load, and means for wrapping the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of wrapping a load with packaging material includes providing at least one magazine containing cornerboards, moving a gripper and an unformed cornerboard out of a magazine for storing unformed cornerboards, folding the unformed cornerboard, transporting folded cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper, dispensing packaging material from a packaging material dispenser, and providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the packaging material around the cornerboard and load. 
   Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
   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. 
   The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of an apparatus for placing corner boards on a load and wrapping the load with the corner boards in place; 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a transport arm and gripper according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is another isometric view of the transport arm and gripper of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of the transport arm and gripper of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the transport arm and gripper of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of a magazine filled with pre-formed cornerboards according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the magazine of  FIG. 8  tilted into a loading position for receiving cornerboards; 
       FIG. 10  is a front view of the magazine of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 11A  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a magazine according to another aspect of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11B  is a side view of the magazine of  FIG. 11A ; 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for placing corner boards on a load and wrapping the load with the corner boards in place; 
       FIG. 13  is a close-up side view of the magazine of the apparatus in  FIG. 12  filled with pre-formed cornerboards according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 14  is an isometric view of another alternate embodiment of an apparatus for placing corner boards on a load and wrapping the load with the corner boards in place; 
       FIG. 15  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 17A  is a top view of the drive shaft, gripper, clamp, and magazine of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  including directional arrows to show direction of movement of the various components; 
       FIG. 17B  is a side view of the drive shaft, gripper, clamp, and magazine of  FIG. 17A ; 
       FIG. 17C  is an enlarged top view of the gripper, clamp, and magazine of  FIG. 17A ; 
       FIG. 17D  is an enlarged top view of the gripper and clamp of  FIG. 17A ; 
       FIG. 18  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of an apparatus for placing corner boards on a load and wrapping the load with the corner boards in place. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiment 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 provides a method and apparatus for placing cornerboards on a load and for wrapping packaging material around the cornerboards and load. By way of example, the present invention obviates the problems associated with the prior art discussed in the Background of the Invention. Specifically, the present invention may improve cycle time by providing four separate magazines, which allow cornerboards to be placed substantially simultaneously on all corners of the load. The present invention may also substantially reduce the cost associated with devices having four magazines by eliminating the drive mechanism(s) used to feed cornerboards from the magazines to the grippers. The present invention may utilize the same drive to move the cornerboards from the magazine to the gripper and to move the gripper to the load to position the cornerboard. 
   As discussed herein, a corner of the load is formed where two sides, such as first and second sides, of the load meet. The corner may or may not be a right angle (ninety degrees), depending upon the type of load and the tightness of the packing of the load. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated type of corners, and may be used to provide cornerboards to corners of all sizes and dimensions, not only those that are ninety degrees. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for wrapping a load with a packaging material is provided. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus for wrapping a load with stretch wrap packaging material includes a packaging material dispenser, a load transport surface, at least one magazine for containing cornerboards, a cornerboard gripper, and means for providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load. 
   As embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , the present invention may include a packaging material dispenser rotatably mounted on a frame for dispensing stretch wrapping material. As shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , a frame  112  is provided. The frame  112  preferably includes a first leg  116  and a second leg  118 . Both legs  116 ,  118  extend upward substantially vertically from a mounting surface, which can be a floor or some other structure built upon a floor. As shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , brackets  120  are provided for securing the legs  116 ,  118  to the mounting surface. The frame  112  may include a bridge that connects the legs  116 ,  118 . Although it is preferred that frame  112  includes two legs as shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , it is possible that only one leg may be provided, or that more than two legs are provided. 
   Frame  112  rotatably supports a packaging material dispenser  102 . As shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , dispenser  102  is mounted on a rotary arm  104  having a first portion  104   a  secured to a bearing member  106  and a second portion  104   b  holding the dispenser  102 . The first portion  104   a  of the arm  104  is arranged so as to be rotatable about a vertically extending axis of rotation  108  to wrap packaging material around the sides of a load  110 . Packaging material dispenser  102  may include a support for a roll of packaging material such as stretch wrap contained within a roll carriage. Dispenser  102  may also include a variety of rollers, optionally including prestretch rollers for stretching the packaging material longitudinally and/or transversely, to position, dispense, and stretch the packaging material as packaging material  114  is being dispensed from the roll of packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, stretch wrap packaging material is used, however, various other packaging materials such as netting, strapping, banding, or tape can be used as well. 
   A motor drive (not shown) is provided for providing relative rotation around the generally vertical axis  108  between the packaging material dispenser  102  and the load  110  to wrap packaging material  114  about the sides of load  110 . The drive rotates rotatable arm  104  and dispenser  102  about a generally vertical axis  108  to wrap packaging material around the top and bottom of load  110 . 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a load transport surface is provided. The load transport surface preferably includes a conveyor  130  extending between the first and second legs  116 ,  118  for transferring the load  110  to and from a wrapping area. As shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , conveyor  130  includes a plurality of rollers  132  mounted between opposite sides  134 ,  136  that each extend between the first and second legs  116 ,  118 . The conveyor  130  moves the load  110  to and from the wrapping area. The load transport surface includes an infeed portion  138  for conveying the load to a wrapping portion  140 , which supports the load while it is wrapped, and an output portion  142  for conveying the wrapped load  110  away from the wrapping portion. Preferably, the wrapping portion  140  comprises a portion of the conveyor  130  positioned below the bridge and located between legs  116 ,  118 . Alternatively, the wrapping portion  140  may not include rollers, and instead may include a flat surface along which the load  110  can slide or be pushed. Also, wrapping portion  140  may include turntable surface, which may or may not include rollers to move the load. If a turntable is provided, a cornerboard holding device, such as a top platen, should be provided to hold the cornerboards in place as the turntable rotates. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one magazine for containing cornerboards is provided. As shown in  FIGS. 8–10 , a magazine  150  is provided. Magazine  150  is configured to hold cornerboards  152 . Cornerboards  152  include a first leg  154  and a second leg  156  connected by a centerline. Cornerboards  152  may be pre-formed, i.e., bent such that the first leg  154  forms an angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees with the second leg  156 . Cornerboards may also be pre-formed with angles of other than ninety degrees, if so desired. Magazine  150  is passive, i.e., it does not include any indexing means or feeding means for feeding or moving a cornerboard from within the magazine to outside the magazine. Alternatatively, cornerboards  152  may be unformed. Unformed cornerboards are substantially flat cornerboards that have not been pre-formed or that do not have a folded shape. They may include scoring or perforations to help the cornerboard fold along a predetermined line. Use of unformed cornerboards will be discussed later with respect to another embodiment of the present invention. 
   As embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 8–10 , the magazine  150  may include a base  158  and one or more side rails  160   a ,  160   b . Cornerboards  152  sit on base  158  between side rails  160   a ,  160   b  when stored in magazine  150 . Side rails  160   a ,  160   b  may include a brush  162  or other means on an interior surface of rails  160   a ,  160   b  for maintaining cornerboards  152  in an upright position while in magazine  150 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . Magazine  150  may be made of steel or any other suitable material. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , the magazine  150  may be movable between a dispensing position ( FIG. 8 ) and a loading position ( FIG. 9 ). In the dispensing position, the base  158  of the magazine  150  is substantially parallel with the load transport surface  130 . In the loading position, magazine  150  is tilted to receive cornerboards  152 . Magazine  150  is moved between the dispensing position and the loading position by a pneumatic cylinder  164 . Actuation of the piston causes the magazine  150  to move from the dispensing position to the loading position. 
   Alternatively, according to another aspect of the invention and as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the magazine may be a dual magazine  151 . As embodied herein, the dual magazine  151  may include a first magazine  150   a  and a second magazine  150   b . Each magazine  150   a  and  150   b  may include a base  158  and side rails  160   a ,  160   b . Cornerboards  152  sit on base  158  between side rails  160   a ,  160   b  when stored in magazine  150 . Side rails  160   a ,  160   b  may include a brush  162  or other means on an interior surface of rails  160   a ,  160   b  for maintaining cornerboards  152  in an upright position while in magazine  150   a ,  150   b . Dual magazine  151  may be made of steel or any other suitable material. Preferably, the first magazine  150   a  of dual magazine  151  includes cornerboards  152   a  having a first height and the second magazine  150   b  of dual magazine  151  includes cornerboards  152   b  having a second, different height. Alternatively, each magazine  150   a ,  150   b  of dual magazine  151  may include the same size cornerboards, thereby reducing the required frequency for restocking cornerboards in the magazines. 
   As discussed above with respect to magazine  150  and  FIG. 9 , each magazine  150   a  and  150   b  of dual magazine  151  is movable between a dispensing position and a loading position. In the dispensing position, the base  158  of each magazine  150   a ,  150   b  of dual magazine  151  is substantially parallel with the load transport surface  130 . In the loading position, both magazines  150   a ,  150   b  of dual magazine  151  are tilted to receive cornerboards  152 . Magazines  150   a ,  150   b  of dual magazine  151  are movable between the dispensing position and the loading position by a pneumatic cylinder  164 . Actuation of the piston causes the dual magazine  151  to move from the dispensing position to the loading position. 
   In addition to moving between a loading position and a dispensing position, the magazines  150   a ,  150   b  of the dual magazine  151  are movable between a selected or active position and a non-selected or inactive position. Magazines  150   a ,  150   b  of dual magazine  151  are mounted on a rail portion  155 . Magazines  150   a ,  150   b  are movable on rail  155  in a direction transverse to a drive shaft  182  and the load transport surface  130  as indicated by arrow  155   a . The magazines  150   a ,  150   b  of dual magazine  151  are positioned a set distance apart from one another, and the magazines  150   a ,  150   b  shift simultaneously along rail  155  during actuation such that the set distance between magazines  150   a ,  150   b  does not change. Dual magazine  151  is movable on rail  155  by an air cylinder (not shown). At the beginning of each wrap cycle, a determination is made with regard to the height of cornerboards to be used to wrap the load. Once the determination is made, the magazine  151  is actuated by the air cylinder to move the appropriate magazine  150   a ,  150   b  into the selected/active position. The selected/active position places the magazine  150   a ,  150   b  in the path of a cornerboard gripper for removal of cornerboards from the magazine  150   a ,  150   b . As shown in  FIG. 11A , the magazine  150   a  of dual magazine  151  is in the active/selected position. To place magazine  150   b  of dual magazine  151  in the active/selected position, the dual magazine will shift along rail  155 , such that the magazine  150   a  is on the opposite side of shaft  182  than shown in  FIG. 11A , and such that magazine  150   b  is adjacent shaft  182 . 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, a cornerboard gripper is provided. As embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 4–7 , a cornerboard gripper  170  includes a body  172  and gripping elements for holding the cornerboard  152 . Preferably, the gripping elements include suction cups  174 . Cornerboard gripper body  172  preferably includes a first wall portion  176   a  and a second wall portion  176   b . The first and second wall portions  176   a ,  176   b  may be perpendicular to one another, such that suction cups  174  extending through each wall portion are also at right angles to each other. This provides a preferred configuration for gripping and holding pre-formed cornerboards  152 , wherein the first and second sides of the cornerboard form approximately a ninety degree angle. Alternatively, the configuration of the cornerboard gripper body  172  may be changed to accommodate different configurations of the cornerboard  152 . The cornerboard gripper body  172  may be made from steel or other suitable materials. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 4–7 , cornerboard gripper  170  also may include proximity sensors  178 . A first proximity sensor  178   a  may be provided on first wall portion  176   a  and a second proximity sensor  178   b  may be provided on second wall portion  176   b . If desired, a third proximity sensor  178   c  may be provided between the two wall portions  176   a ,  176   b  to determine when a cornerboard is present in the cornerboard gripper  170 . Preferably, one of the proximity sensors is provided on an end of a transfer arm which supports cornerboard gripper  170  rather than on the wall portion of the cornerboard gripper  170 . The proximity sensors  178   a ,  178   b  determine when the cornerboard gripper  170  is proximate to a surface of the load. The sensors are preferably positioned to determine when the gripper  170  is proximate a front surface of the load and when the gripper  170  is proximate a side surface of the load. When the sensors sense that the first and second wall portions  176   a ,  176   b  are proximate surfaces of the load, the air flow to a rodless air cylinder which drives cornerboard gripper  170  along a transfer arm  180  is shut off.  991   
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 – 7 , cornerboard gripper  170  is movably mounted on a transfer arm  180 . Cornerboard gripper  170  is movable vertically with respect to transfer arm  180 . Cornerboard gripper  170  is connected to linear bearing and driven by a rodless air cylinder to rise vertically approximately six to eight inches (6–8 in.) above the transfer arm. This allows the cornerboard gripper  170  to lift the cornerboard  152  from the base  158  of the magazine  150  prior to moving the cornerboard  152  out of the magazine, as will be described in further detail below. The cornerboard gripper  170  also may be driven horizontally by the rodless air cylinder along the length of transfer arm  180 , from a free end of the transfer arm  180  to the end of transfer arm  180  mounted to a driving shaft. Cornerboard gripper  170  may be moveable in either direction along the length of transfer arm  180 . 
   Transfer arm  180  may be mounted on a drive shaft which runs parallel to the load transfer surface  130 . Cornerboard gripper  170  may be mounted on a free end  181   a  of transfer arm  180 . As shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , the other end  181   b  of transfer arm  180  is mounted on polished shaft  182 , which is preferably positioned between the load transfer surface  130  and magazine  150 . Transfer arm  180  is positioned such that it can move cornerboard gripper  170  into magazine  150 , above base  158  and below side rails  160   a ,  160   b , until it comes into contact with a cornerboard  152 . Transfer arm  180  also may be positioned such that it can move cornerboard gripper  170  to a position adjacent a front surface of the load  110 . In order to move cornerboard gripper  170  between magazine  150  and load  110 , the transfer arm  180  may be mounted on motor driven, polished shaft  182 . The transfer arm  180  also may be mounted on a linear bearing and connected with a biased cam follower nut, which drives the transfer arm  180  forward with rotation of the shaft  182  in a first direction. Rotation of shaft  182  in an opposite direction drives transfer arm  180  in a reverse direction. Thus, movement of the transfer arm  180  on shaft  182  is much like a nut on a threaded shaft. However, because no threads are used, if the transfer arm encounters interference as it moves on shaft  182 , the transfer arm  180  may slip on shaft  182  instead of continuing to move forward or binding up. This adds an extra measure of safety to the apparatus design. Other alternatives for driving the transfer arm  180  may include a threaded shaft or a chain and sprocket type arrangement or any other type of suitable arrangement to move the transfer arm  180  in both directions along the length of the load transport surface  130 . 
   Transfer arm  180  may be mounted to be rotatable between a cornerboard pickup position and a cornerboard placement position. Preferably, rotation of transfer arm  180  is controlled by a linear air cylinder with precise limits of rotation. Alternatively, rotation of the transfer arm  180  may be controlled by a rotary air cylinder, hydraulics, electric motor, or other suitable means. The limits of rotation of transfer arm  180  are set dependent upon the type of cornerboard  152  used. For example, if the cornerboard  152  is pre-formed, the transfer arm  180  rotates 135 degrees. A rotation of 135 degrees will rotate a cornerboard  152  from a position in which the first and second legs  154 ,  156  are facing away from the load to a position in which the first leg  154  is parallel to a front surface of the load and the second leg  156  is parallel to a side of the load. Alternatively, if a different cornerboard  152  is used, the transfer arm  180  will rotate as necessary to align the cornerboard to face a corner of the load. Rotation of the transfer arm  180  serves to align the cornerboard gripper  170  and cornerboard  152  to face a corner of the load. After rotation, the transfer arm  180 , the first wall portion  176   a  of the cornerboard gripper  170 , and the first leg  154  of cornerboard  152  are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  131  of the load transport surface and parallel to a front surface of the load  110 . The second wall portion  176   b  of the cornerboard gripper  170  and second leg portion  156  of cornerboard  152  are parallel to the longitudinal axis  131  of the load transport surface and parallel to a side surface of the load  110 . 
   The transfer arm  180  is movable on shaft  182  in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis  131  of the load transport surface  130  and in a direction parallel to a direction of movement of the load on the load transport surface. The cornerboard gripper  170  is movable along transfer arm  180  in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface and in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the load on the load transport surface. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus  100  may be provided with other wrapping elements. As embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , various commonly used stretch wrapping elements may be mounted on the load transport surface  130 . For example, a packaging material holder may be provided for gripping an end of the stretch wrapping material  114  during initiation and termination of a wrapping cycle. A cutter may also be provided for cutting the stretch wrapping material at the end of a wrapping cycle. The cutter may include a cutting blade or blades, or a heating element, as are commonly used. A wipedown device may be provided for attaching a cut end of stretch wrapping material to the load after being cut by the cutter. 
   In a preferred embodiment, as embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , the apparatus  100  may be provided with four magazines  150   a ,  150   b ,  150   c , and  150   d . Two of the magazines  150   a ,  150   b , may be positioned on one side of conveyor  130 , parallel to conveyor  130 , one on either side of wrapping portion  140  of conveyor  130 . In such an embodiment, one or more drive shafts  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c ,  182   d  may be associated with each magazine, two provided on each side of conveyor  130 . Magazines  150   c ,  150   d , are positioned on the other side of conveyor  130 , parallel to conveyor  130 , one on either side of wrapping portion  140  of conveyor  130 . Four transfer arms,  180 ,  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c , and  180   d  are also provided, each being mounted on a respective drive shaft  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c , and  182   d . Each transfer arm  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c , and  180   d  has mounted thereon a cornerboard gripper  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c , and  170   d , respectively. 
   According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a wrapping apparatus  200  may include a packaging material dispenser, at least one magazine for containing cornerboards, means for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser, and a cornerboard gripper. 
   As embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 12 , a packaging material dispenser  202  for dispensing packaging material may be provided. Packaging material dispenser  202  dispenses a sheet of packaging material  214  in a web form and may include a roll carriage  209  for supporting a roll of packaging material  208 . Roll carriage  209  of dispenser  202  is mounted on and vertically moveable on a mast  204 , shown in  FIG. 12 , to dispense packaging material  214  spirally about load  210  as rotation is provided between load  210  and dispenser  202 . Roll carriage  209 , as embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 12 , includes a support for the packaging material roll  208  and means for moving on mast  204 . Alternatively, roll carriage  209  may include a container for holding packaging material roll  208 , and a slit for dispensing packaging material  214  from packaging material roll  208 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, stretch wrap packaging material is used. In the stretch wrapping art, stretch wrap packaging material is known to have a high yield coefficient to allow the material a large amount of stretch during wrapping. Various other packaging materials, generally not considered to be stretch wrap materials, such as netting, strapping, banding, and tape, can be used as well. Dispenser  202  may also include a variety of rollers, optionally including prestretch rollers for stretching the packaging material longitudinally and/or transversely, to position, dispense, and stretch the packaging material as packaging material  214  is being dispensed from the roll of packaging material. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, apparatus  200  includes means for providing relative rotation between the dispenser and the load to wrap packaging material around the load. As embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 12 , the means for providing relative rotation include a conventional turntable assembly  220  having a rotatable turntable  222 . Turntable assembly  220  may be positioned proximate to a conveyor to receive a load  210  to be wrapped from a load building area, and/or a conveyor to remove the wrapped load from the turntable assembly  220 . Load  210  is rotated by rotatable turntable  222  of turntable assembly  220  to provide relative motion between dispenser  202  and load  210 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , turntable assembly  220  may include an upper conveying surface with a plurality of powered rollers. As an alternative to the turntable embodiment, relative rotation may be accomplished by rotating dispenser  202  around a stationary load. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one magazine for containing cornerboards is provided. As shown in  FIG. 12 , a magazine  250  is provided. Magazine  250  may be configured to hold one or more cornerboards  252 . Magazine  250  may be passive, i.e., it does not include any indexing means or feeding means for feeding or moving a cornerboard from within the magazine to outside the magazine. Magazine  250  is substantially identical to magazine  150  previously discussed with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 8–10 . 
   As embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , magazine  250  may include a base  258 , a longitudinal axis  251 , and side rails  260   a ,  260   b . Cornerboards  252  sit on base  258  between side rails  260   a ,  260   b  when stored in magazine  250 . Side rails  260   a ,  260   b  may include a brush  262  or other means on an interior surface of rails  260   a ,  260   b  for maintaining cornerboards  252  in an upright position while in magazine  250 . Magazine  250  may be made of steel or any other suitable material. As discussed with respect to  FIGS. 8–10 , magazine  250  is moveable between a dispensing position and a loading position. Alternatively, as discussed with respect to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , a dual magazine may be used. 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, a cornerboard gripper is provided. As embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 12 , a cornerboard gripper  270  is substantially identical to the cornerboard gripper  170  discussed with respect to  FIGS. 4–7 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , cornerboard gripper  270  may be movably mounted on a transfer arm  280 . Cornerboard gripper  270  may be movable vertically with respect to transfer arm  280 . Cornerboard gripper  270  is connected to linear bearing and driven by a rodless air cylinder to rise vertically approximately four inches, such that it is approximately six inches above a load conveyor and/or turntable assembly  220 . The height the gripper  270  is raised, and the distance between the cornerboard  252  and a load transport surface/turntable may be varied as necessary. This allows the cornerboard gripper  270  to lift the cornerboard  252  from the base  258  of the magazine  250  prior to moving the cornerboard  252  out of the magazine, as will be described in further detail below. The cornerboard gripper  270  is also driven horizontally by the rodless air cylinder along the length of transfer arm  280 , from a free end  281   a  of the transfer arm  280  to the end of transfer arm  280  mounted to a driving shaft  282 . Cornerboard gripper  270  is moveable in either direction along the length of transfer arm  280 . 
   Transfer arm  280  is mounted on a drive shaft which is adjacent to turntable  220  and runs parallel to the longitudinal axis  251  of the magazine  250 . Cornerboard gripper  270  is mounted on a free end  281   a  of transfer arm  280 . The other end  281   b  of transfer arm  280  is mounted on polished shaft  282 , which is preferably positioned between the turntable  220  and magazine  250 . Transfer arm  280  is positioned such that it can move cornerboard gripper  270  into magazine  250 , above base  258  and below side rails  260   a ,  260   b , until it comes into contact with a cornerboard  252 . Transfer arm  280  also may be positioned so that it can move cornerboard gripper  270  to a position adjacent a front surface of the load  210 . In order to move cornerboard gripper  270  between magazine  250  and load  210 , transfer arm  280  is mounted on polished shaft  282  which is motor driven. The transfer arm  280  is mounted, driven, and moveable in substantially the same manner as discussed with respect to transfer arm  180  of  FIGS. 1–3 . However, instead of moving in a direction parallel to a conveyor, transfer arm  280  moves in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis  251  of magazine  250 . 
   Transfer arm  280  is also mounted to be rotatable between a cornerboard pickup position and a cornerboard placement position. Rotation of the transfer arm  280 , whether 135 degrees or 180 degrees, may serve to align the cornerboard gripper  270  and cornerboard  252 . After rotation, the transfer arm  280  and the first leg  254  of cornerboard  252  are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  251  of magazine  250  and parallel to a front surface of the load  210 . Additionally, the second leg portion  256  of cornerboard  252  may be parallel to the longitudinal axis  251  of the magazine  250  and parallel to a side surface of the load  210 . 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a cornerboard holding device may be provided. Because the turntable rotates to provide relative rotation between the load  210  and the packaging material dispenser  202 , the cornerboard gripper  270  may not hold the cornerboard  252  onto the load while it is secured to the load by the packaging material. Thus, as embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 12 , a cornerboard holding device may include a top platen  290 . Top platen  290  preferably includes a shaft  292 , a top platen pad  294 , and arms  296 . Preferably, top platen pad  294  is square or rectangular in shape, having four corners. An arm  296  is preferably pivotably connected via connection  297  to each corner of the top platen pad  294 . Each arm  296  includes a hand  298  on a distal end thereof. Hands  298  are moveable on arms  296  between an engaging position and a non-engaging position. Once a cornerboard  252  is placed on or near a corner of the load  210 , an arm  296  is actuated to pivot from the non-engaging position to the engaging position, bring hand  298  into contact with cornerboard  252  to hold cornerboard  252  against the load  210 . Preferably, each arm  296  is individually actuatable to move from the non-engaging position to the engaging position to engage a corner of the load after a cornerboard  252  is placed on the corner of the load  210 . Top platen  290  rotates with load  210  such that the cornerboards  252  are held in place on load  210  while the load rotates and is wrapped. As the load is wrapped, the packaging material  214  holds the cornerboards  252  in place, allowing the hands  298  to be disengaged. Alternatively, hands  298  may be replaced by panels or other means suitable for holding the cornerboards on the load prior to wrapping. 
   According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a wrapping apparatus  300  includes a packaging material dispenser, a load transport surface, at least one magazine for containing unformed cornerboards, means for folding an unformed cornerboard, means for transporting at least one cornerboard to a load, and means for providing relative movement between the packaging material dispenser and the load. 
   As embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , the present invention includes a packaging material dispenser rotatably mounted on a frame for dispensing stretch wrapping material. As shown in  FIGS. 14–16 , a frame  312  is provided. The frame  312  preferably includes a first leg  316  and a second leg  318 . Both legs  316 ,  318  extend upward substantially vertically from a mounting surface, which can be a floor or some other structure built upon a floor. As shown in FIGS.  14 – 16 , brackets  320  are provided for securing the legs  316 ,  318  to the mounting surface. The frame  312  may include a bridge that connects the legs  316 ,  318 . Although it is preferred that frame  312  includes two legs as shown in  FIGS. 14–16 , it is possible that only one leg may be provided, or that more than two legs are provided. 
   Frame  312  rotatably supports a packaging material dispenser  302 . As shown in  FIGS. 14–16 , the dispenser  302  is mounted on a rotary arm  304  having a first portion  304   a  secured to a bearing member  306  and a second portion  304   b  holding the dispenser  302 . The first portion  304   a  of the arm  304  is so as to be rotatable about a vertically extending axis of rotation  308  to wrap packaging material around the sides of a load  310 . Packaging material dispenser  302  includes a support for a roll of packaging material, such as stretch wrap, contained within a roll carriage, and may also include a variety of rollers, optionally including prestretch rollers for stretching the packaging material longitudinally and/or transversely, to position, dispense, and stretch the packaging material as packaging material  314  is being dispensed from the roll of packaging material. 
   A motor drive (not shown) is provided for providing relative rotation around the generally vertical axis  308  between the packaging material dispenser  302  and the load  310  to wrap packaging material  314  about the sides of load  310 . The drive rotates the rotatable arm  304  and the dispenser  302  about generally vertical axis  308  to wrap packaging material around the top and bottom of load  310 . 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a load transport surface is provided. The load transport surface preferably includes a conveyor  330  extending between the first and second legs  316 ,  318  for transferring the load  310  to and from a wrapping area. As shown in  FIGS. 14–16 , the conveyor  330  may include a plurality of rollers  332  mounted between opposite sides  334 ,  336  that extend between the first and second legs  316 ,  318 . The conveyor  330  moves the load  310  to and from the wrapping area. The load transport surface includes an infeed portion  338  for conveying the load to a wrapping portion, a wrapping portion  340  for supporting the load while it is wrapped, and an outfeed portion  342  for conveying the wrapped load  310  away from the wrapping portion. The load transport surface is substantially the same as that previously described with respect to  FIGS. 1–3 . 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one magazine for containing unformed cornerboards is provided. As shown in  FIGS. 17A–17C , a magazine  350  may be configured to hold unformed cornerboards  352 . Unformed cornerboards  352  are substantially flat and include a first leg  354  and a second leg  356  connected by a centerline, the first leg  354  forming a angle of 180 degrees with the second leg  356  of the unformed cornerboard  352 . Unformed cornerboards  352  are preferably scored or perforated to facilitate bending or folding of the cornerboard to form an angle between the first leg  354  and the second leg  356 . Alternatively, the unformed cornerboard  352  may not include anything to facilitate bending. Magazine  350  is passive, i.e., it does not include any indexing means or feeding means for feeding or moving a cornerboard from within the magazine to outside the magazine. 
   Magazine  350  may include a base  358  and side rails  360   a ,  360   b . Cornerboards  352  sit on base  358  between side rails  360   a ,  360   b  when stored in magazine  350 . Side rails  360   a ,  360   b  may include a brush  362  or other means on an interior surface of rails  360   a ,  360   b  for maintaining cornerboards  352  in an upright position while in magazine  350 . Magazine  350  is of sufficient width to contain unformed cornerboards  352 . Magazine  350  may be made of steel or any other suitable material. As previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 8–10 , magazine  350  is movable between a dispensing position and a loading position, and is moved between the dispensing position and the loading position by a pneumatic cylinder  364 . Alternatively, a dual magazine  350   a  may be provided as previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 11A and 11B . Use of a dual magazine is not preferred, however, due to the extra width necessary for each magazine to hold the unformed cornerboards  350 . The additional width of the magazines would require more floor space for the wrapping apparatus. 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, a cornerboard gripper is provided. As embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 17A–17D , a cornerboard gripper  370  includes a body  372  and gripping elements for holding the unformed cornerboard  352 . Preferably, the gripping elements include suction cups  374 . Cornerboard gripper body  372  preferably includes a first wall portion  376   a  and a second wall portion  376   b . Preferably, first and second wall portions  376   a ,  376   b  form a 180 degree angle with respect to one another, and are capable of moving from this flat or “open” position to a folded or “closed” position in which the first and second wall portions  376   a ,  376   b  form a right angle or are perpendicular to one another, such that suction cups  374  extending through each wall portion are also at right angles to each other. The open or flat position of cornerboard gripper  370  provides a preferred configuration for gripping and holding unformed cornerboards  152 , wherein the first and second sides of the cornerboard form an angle of approximately 180 degrees. Preferably, the first and second wall portions  376   a ,  376   b  of the gripper  370  are connected by a hinge portion  377 . The first and second wall portions  376   a ,  376   b  are movable with respect to one another about hinge portion  377 . The folded or closed position of the gripper  370  provides a preferred position for gripping and holding the unformed cornerboard  352  after it has been folded or bent. The movement of the first and second wall portions  376   a ,  376   b  with respect to one another about hinge portion  377  can be used to fold or bend the unformed cornerboard  352 . The movement of the first and second wall portions  376   a ,  376   b  with respect to one another about hinge portion  377  is provided by an air cylinder. 
   The cornerboard gripper body  372  may be made from steel or other suitable materials. As previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 4–7 , cornerboard gripper  370  also may include proximity sensors for sensing proximity to the load and to the cornerboard when in the magazine. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  17 A– 17 D, cornerboard gripper  370  is movably mounted on a transfer arm  380 . Cornerboard gripper  370  is movable vertically with respect to transfer arm  380 . Cornerboard gripper  370  is connected to linear bearing and driven by a rodless air cylinder (additional to that used to move the first and second wall portions  376   a ,  376   b  with respect to one another) to rise vertically approximately six to eight inches (6–8 in.) above the transfer arm. This allows the cornerboard gripper  370  to lift the unformed cornerboard  352  from the base  358  of the magazine  350  prior to moving the cornerboard  352  out of the magazine, as will be described in further detail below. The cornerboard gripper  370  is also driven horizontally by the rodless air cylinder along the length of transfer arm  380 , from a free end of the transfer arm  380  to the end of transfer arm  380  mounted to a driving shaft. Cornerboard gripper  370  is moveable in either direction along the length of transfer arm  380 . 
   Transfer arm  380  is mounted on a drive shaft which runs parallel to the load transfer surface  330 . Cornerboard gripper  370  is mounted on a free end  381   a  of transfer arm  380 . As shown in  FIGS. 14–17D , the other end  381   b  of transfer arm  380  is mounted on polished shaft  382  which is preferably positioned between the load transfer surface  330  and magazine  350 . Transfer arm  380  is positioned such that it can move cornerboard gripper  370  into magazine  350 , above base  358  and below side rails  360   a ,  360   b , until it comes into contact with an unformed cornerboard  352 . Transfer arm  380  is also positioned such that it can move cornerboard gripper  370  to a position adjacent a front surface of the load  310 . In order to move cornerboard gripper  370  between magazine  350  and load  310 , transfer arm is mounted on polished shaft  382  which is motor driven. The transfer arm  380  is mounted on a linear bearing and connected with a biased cam follower nut which drives the transfer arm  380  forward with rotation of the shaft  382  in a first direction. Rotation of shaft  382  in an opposite direction drives transfer arm  380  in a reverse direction. Thus, movement of transfer arm  380  on shaft  382  is much like a nut on a threaded shaft. However, because no threads are used, if the transfer arm encounters interference as it moves on shaft  382 , transfer arm  380  will slip on shaft  382  instead of continuing to move forward or binding up. This adds an extra measure of safety to the apparatus design. Other alternatives for driving the transfer arm  380  may include a threaded shaft or a chain and sprocket type arrangement or any other type of suitable arrangement to move the transfer arm  180  in both directions along the length of the load transport surface  330 . 
   Transfer arm  380  is also mounted to be rotatable between a cornerboard pickup position and a cornerboard placement position. Preferably, rotation of transfer arm  380  is controlled by a rotary air cylinder with precise limits of rotation. Alternatively, rotation of the transfer arm  380  may be controlled by hydraulics, electric motor, or other suitable means The limits of rotation of transfer arm  380  are set for an unformed cornerboard  352 . For an unformed cornerboard  352 , the transfer arm  380  rotates 180 degrees. Rotation of the transfer arm  380  by 180 degrees serves to align the cornerboard gripper  370  and cornerboard  352  such that the transfer arm  380 , the first wall portion  376   a  of the cornerboard gripper  370 , and the first leg  354  of cornerboard  352  are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  331  of the load transport surface and parallel to a front surface of the load  310 . The second wall portion  376   b  of the cornerboard gripper  370  and second leg portion  356  of cornerboard  352  are parallel to the longitudinal axis  331  of the load transport surface and parallel to a side surface of the load  310 . 
   The transfer arm  380  is movable on shaft  382  in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis  331  of the load transport surface  330  and in a direction parallel to a direction of movement of the load on the load transport surface. The cornerboard gripper  370  is movable along transfer arm  380  in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the load transport surface and in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the load on the load transport surface. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a clamp for facilitating folding of the unformed cornerboard is provided. As embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 17A–17D , a clamp  390  is provided adjacent to magazine  350 . Preferably, clamp  390  is connected to the base that magazine  350  sits upon. Clamp  390  may be connected to any other suitable location that positions the clamp near transport arm  380  and gripper  370 . Clamp  390  includes a first mounted/fixed end  392   a  and a second free end  392   b . As indicated by arrow  394  in  FIG. 17A , clamp  390  is movable, preferably rotatable, between a retracted position out of the path of gripper  370  and transport arm  380  and an extended position in the path of gripper  370  and transport arm  380 . Clamp  390  is preferably actuated by an air cylinder  396 , although other suitable means may be used to actuate clamp  390 . Clamp  390  should be of sufficient length that when in the extended position, the free end  392   b  is approximately aligned with hinge  377  of cornerboard gripper  370 . This positions the free end  392   b  of the clamp  390  approximately where any scoring or perforations of the unformed cornerboard would be located. When a cornerboard is held between clamp  390  and gripper  370 , placement of the free end  392   b  of the clamp  390  near the scoring or perforations encourages folding of the unformed cornerboard at the scoring or perforations. Clamp  390  may be made of steel or other suitable materials and preferably has a flat, thin shape. It is possible that the clamp  390  be replaced by an alternative structure for providing a surface against which to fold the cornerboard, such as, for example, a mandrel. 
   Although it is preferred that a clamp be provided to facilitate bending of the unformed cornerboard  352 , it is possible that a clamp may not be provided. In such an embodiment, the suction of the suction cups  374  must be sufficient to hold the unformed cornerboard  352  as the cornerboard gripper  370  moves from the open/flat position to the folded/closed position, bending the cornerboard  352 . Alternatively, the cornerboard gripper  370  may not be movable between a flat configuration and a folded configuration, and instead may have the folded configuration described with respect to  FIGS. 4–7 . In such an embodiment, the unformed cornerboard may be folded on the load, as described later below. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, apparatus  300  may be provided with other wrapping elements. As embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 14–16 , various commonly used stretch wrapping elements may be mounted on the load transport surface  330 . For example, a packaging material holder may be provided for gripping an end of the stretch wrapping material  314  during initiation and termination of a wrapping cycles. A cutter may also be provided for cutting the stretch wrapping material at the end of a wrapping cycle. The cutter may include a cutting blade or blades, or a heating element, as are commonly used. A wipedown device may be provided for attaching a cut end of stretch wrapping material to the load after being cut by the cutter. 
   In a preferred embodiment, as embodied herein and shown in  FIGS. 14–16 , apparatus  300  is provided with four magazines  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c , and  350   d . Two of the magazines  350   a ,  350   b , are positioned on one side of conveyor  330 , parallel to conveyor  330 , one on either side of wrapping portion  340  of conveyor  330 . In such an embodiment, a drive shaft  382   a ,  382   b ,  382   c ,  382   d  is associated with each magazine, two provided on each side of conveyor  330 . Magazines  350   c ,  350   d , are positioned on the other side of conveyor  330 , parallel to conveyor  330 , one on either side of wrapping portion  340  of conveyor  330 . Four transfer arms,  380 ,  380   a ,  380   b ,  380   c , and  380   d  are also provided, each being mounted on a respective drive shaft  382   a ,  382   b ,  382   c , and  382   d . Each transfer arm  380   a ,  380   b ,  380   c , and  380   d  has mounted thereon a cornerboard gripper  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c , and  370   d , respectively. 
   According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a wrapping apparatus  400  includes a packaging material dispenser, at least one magazine for containing unformed cornerboards, means for providing relative rotation between the load and the dispenser, a clamp for facilitating folding of unformed cornerboards, and a cornerboard gripper. 
   As embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 18 , a packaging material dispenser  402  for dispensing packaging material is provided. Packaging material dispenser  402  dispenses a sheet of packaging material  414  in a web form and includes a roll carriage  409  that supports a roll of packaging material  408 . Roll carriage  409  of dispenser  402  is mounted on and vertically moveable on a mast  404 , shown in  FIG. 18 , to dispense packaging material  414  spirally about load  410  as rotation is provided between load  410  and dispenser  402 . In a preferred embodiment, stretch wrap packaging material is used, although various other packaging materials, generally not considered to be stretch wrap materials, such as netting, strapping, banding, and tape, can be used as well. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, apparatus  400  includes means for providing relative rotation between the dispenser and the load to wrap packaging material around the load. As embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 18 , the means for providing relative rotation include a conventional turntable assembly  420  having a rotatable turntable  422 . Turntable assembly  420  is substantially identical to turntable assembly  220  previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one magazine for containing cornerboards is provided. As shown in  FIG. 18 , a magazine  450  is provided. Magazine  450  is configured to hold unformed cornerboards  252 . Magazine  450  is substantially identical to magazine  350  previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 17A–17C . Alternatively, a dual magazine may be used as previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 11A and 11B . 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, a cornerboard gripper is provided. As embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 18 , a cornerboard gripper  470  is substantially identical to the cornerboard gripper  370  discussed with respect to  FIGS. 17A–17D . 
   As shown in  FIG. 18 , cornerboard gripper  470  is movably mounted on a transfer arm  480 . Cornerboard gripper  470  is movable vertically with respect to transfer arm  480 . Cornerboard gripper  470  is connected to linear bearing and driven by a rodless air cylinder to rise vertically approximately six to eight inches (6-8 in.) above the transfer arm. This allows the cornerboard gripper  470  to lift the unformed cornerboard  452  from the base  458  of the magazine  450  prior to moving the unformed cornerboard  452  out of the magazine, as will be described in further detail below. The first and second wall portions of the cornerboard gripper  470  are actuated to move between the open, flat position and the folded, closed position by the rodless air cylinder. The cornerboard gripper  470  is also driven horizontally by the rodless air cylinder along the length of transfer arm  480 , from a free end  481   a  of the transfer arm  480  to the end of transfer arm  480  mounted to a driving shaft  482 . Cornerboard gripper  470  is moveable in either direction along the length of transfer arm  480 . 
   Transfer arm  480  is mounted on a drive shaft which is adjacent to turntable  420  and runs parallel to longitudinal axis  451  of magazine  450 . Cornerboard gripper  470  is mounted on a free end  481   a  of transfer arm  480 . The other end  481   b  of transfer arm  480  is mounted on polished shaft  482  which is preferably positioned between the turntable  420  and magazine  450 . Transfer arm  480  is positioned such that it can move cornerboard gripper  470  into magazine  450 , above base  458  and below side rails  460   a ,  460   b , until it comes into contact with an unformed cornerboard  452 . Transfer arm  480  is also positioned such that it can move cornerboard gripper  470  to a position adjacent a front surface of the load  410 . In order to move cornerboard gripper  470  between magazine  450  and load  410 , transfer arm  480  is mounted on polished shaft  482  which is motor driven. The transfer arm  480  is mounted, driven, and moveable in substantially the same manner as discussed with respect to transfer arm  380  of  FIGS. 14–16 . However, instead of moving in a direction parallel to a load transport surface, transfer arm  480  moves in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis  451  of magazine  450 . 
   Transfer arm  480  is also mounted to be rotatable by 180 degrees between a cornerboard pickup position and a cornerboard placement position. Rotation of the transfer arm  480  serves to align the cornerboard gripper  470  and cornerboard  452  with a corner of the load  410 . After rotation, the transfer arm  480  and the first leg  454  of cornerboard  452  are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  451  of magazine  450  and parallel to a front surface of the load  410 . The second leg portion  456  of cornerboard  452  is parallel to the longitudinal axis  451  of the magazine  450  and parallel to a side surface of the load  410 . 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a clamp for facilitating folding of the unformed cornerboard is provided. As embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 18 , a clamp  490  is provided adjacent to magazine  450 . Clamp  490  is substantially identical to clamp  390  previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 17A–17D . 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a cornerboard holding device may be provided. Because the turntable rotates to provide relative rotation between the load  410  and the packaging material dispenser  402 , the cornerboard gripper  470  cannot hold the cornerboard  452  onto the load while it is secured to the load by the packaging material. Thus, as embodied herein and shown in  FIG. 18 , a cornerboard holding device includes a top platen  490 . Top platen  490  is substantially identical to top platen  290  previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
   A method of placing cornerboards on a load and wrapping the load and the cornerboards ( FIGS. 1–3 ) will now be described. 
   In use, magazine  150  of apparatus  100  ( FIGS. 1–3 ) is filled with pre-formed cornerboards  152 , preferably prior to wrapping. The magazine  150  is tilted from the dispensing position to the loading position to receive the cornerboards  152 . After the magazine is full, the magazine is returned to the dispensing position. 
   A load  110  moves on conveyor  130 , from an infeed portion  138  to a load wrapping portion  140 . Once the load  110  reaches the load wrapping portion  140 , the conveyor  130  stops moving, leaving load  110  stationary. Transfer arm  180  moves along shaft  182 , parallel to conveyor  130  and toward magazine  150 . Cornerboard gripper  170  is positioned in on the free end  181   a  of transfer arm  180 . Transfer arm  180  moves cornerboard gripper  170  until suction cups  174  are proximate cornerboard  152  as sensed by sensor  178   c . Suction is actuated and suction cups  174  adhere to legs  154 ,  156  of cornerboard  152 . Cornerboard gripper  170  moves linearly and vertically with respect to transfer arm  180 , raising cornerboard  152  approximately 6–8 inches above the base  158  of magazine  150 . Transfer arm  180  then moves with cornerboard gripper  170 , which is holding cornerboard  152 , along shaft  182 , parallel to conveyor  130  and toward load  110  until cornerboard gripper  170  and cornerboard  152  is clear of magazine  150 . Once clear of magazine  150 , cornerboard gripper  170  with cornerboard  152  moves linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  180  to the mounted end  181   b  of transfer arm  180 . After cornerboard gripper  170  and cornerboard  152  reach end  181   b  of transfer arm  180 , transfer arm  180  rotates 135 degrees, positioning cornerboard  152  such that the first leg  154  of cornerboard  152  is perpendicular to the conveyor  130  and the second leg  156  of cornerboard  152  is parallel to the conveyor  130 . 
   After rotation, transfer arm  180  moves with cornerboard gripper  170 , which is holding cornerboard  152 , along shaft  182 , parallel to conveyor  130  and toward load  110  until sensor  178   a  senses that the first leg  154  of the cornerboard  152  is proximate a front face (side of load facing magazine  150  and perpendicular to conveyor  130 ) of the load  110 . Once sensor  178   a  senses proximity to the front face of load  110 , transfer arm  180  stops moving. Cornerboard gripper  170  then begins to move linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  180  toward free end  181   a  until sensor  178   b  senses that the second leg  156  of cornerboard  152  is proximate a side face (side of load parallel to conveyor  130  and adjacent to drive shaft  182 ) of load  110 . Once sensor  178   b  senses proximity to the side face of the load  110 , cornerboard gripper  170  stops moving along transfer arm  180 . At this point, the first leg  154  of cornerboard  152  is proximate the front surface of the load  110  and the second leg  156  is proximate the side face of the load  110 . Cornerboard gripper  170  holds the cornerboard  152  in this position as dispenser  102  begins to rotate around load  110 , dispensing packaging material  114 . As packaging material  114  is wrapped around the load  110 , cornerboard  152  is secured to the corner of the load  110 . 
   Alternatively, if wrapping portion  140  includes a turntable, dispenser  102  may remain stationary while the turntable rotates the load to provide relative movement between the dispenser and the load and to wrap packaging material around the load. In such an embodiment, a top platen is preferably provided to hold the cornerboards in place as the load rotates as discussed previously with respect to  FIG. 12 , instead of having the cornerboard gripper hold the cornerboard during initial wrapping. Additionally, all four cornerboards would preferably be placed before any wrapping occurs. 
   Once the cornerboard  152  is secured to the corner of the load, suction cups  174  of cornerboard gripper  170  release cornerboard  152  as dispenser  102  continues to rotate about load  110  to wrap packaging material around the sides of load  110 . Cornerboard gripper  170  then moves linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  180  toward mounted end  181   b . Transfer arm  180  then rotates 135 degrees. After rotation, transfer arm  180  moves along shaft  182  toward magazine  150  and cornerboard gripper  170  then moves to the free end  181   a  of transfer arm  180 . The cycle can then begin again. 
   In the preferred embodiment, where four magazines  150   a ,  150   b ,  150   c , and  150   d , four shafts  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c , and  182   d , four transfer arms  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c , and  180   d , and four cornerboard grippers  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c , and  170   d , are provided, each transfer arm  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c , and  180   d , and cornerboard gripper  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c , and  170   d , are approximately simultaneously performing the above described procedure. Thus, four cornerboards  152  are placed on four corners of the load  110  at approximately the same time. Of course, if the magazines  150   a ,  150   b ,  150   c , and  150   d , are not all filled to the same level, movement of a cornerboard  152  from one magazine to the load  110  may take more or less time than movement of a cornerboard  152  from another magazine. Once all four cornerboards  152  are in place, dispenser  102  begins to rotate around load  110  to wrap packaging material  114  around load  110 . Once the cornerboards  152  are secured to the load  110  by the packaging material  114 , the cornerboard grippers  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c , and  170   d , release the cornerboards  152  and are moved away from the load  110  as described above. Alternatively, if wrapping area  140  is provided with a turntable, as each cornerboard is placed, an arm of a top platen on top of the load  110  is actuated to bring a hand into engagement with the cornerboard, holding the cornerboard in place. Once each cornerboard is secured by a hand, the turntable begins to rotate, and packaging material is wrapped around the load, securing the cornerboards to the load. 
   A method of placing cornerboards on a load and wrapping the load and the cornerboards ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) will now be described. 
   In use, magazine  250  of apparatus  200  ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) is filled with pre-formed cornerboards  252 , preferably prior to wrapping. The magazine  250  is tilted from the dispensing position to the loading position to receive the cornerboards  252 . After the magazine is full, the magazine is returned to the dispensing position. 
   A load  210  is placed on turntable  220  in preparation for wrapping. Transfer arm  280  moves along shaft  282 , parallel to the longitudinal axis  251  of magazine  250  and toward magazine  250 . Cornerboard gripper  270  is positioned in on the free end  281   a  of transfer arm  280 . Transfer arm  280  moves cornerboard gripper  270  until suction cups  274  are proximate cornerboard  252  as sensed by sensor  278   c . Suction is actuated and suction cups  274  adhere to legs  254 ,  256  of cornerboard  252 . Cornerboard gripper  270  moves linearly and vertically with respect to transfer arm  280 , raising cornerboard  252  approximately 4 inches to give a height of 6–8 inches above a conveying surface  230 . The height the cornerboard is lifted and the spacing between the cornerboard and a support surface may be adjusted as necessary. Transfer arm  280  then moves with cornerboard gripper  270 , which is holding cornerboard  252 , along shaft  282 , parallel to the longitudinal axis  251  of magazine  250  and toward load  210  until cornerboard gripper  270  and cornerboard  252  is clear of magazine  250 . Once clear of magazine  250 , cornerboard gripper  270  with cornerboard  252  moves linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  280  to the mounted end  281   b  of transfer arm  280 . After cornerboard gripper  270  and cornerboard  252  reach end  281   b  of transfer arm  280 , transfer arm  280  rotates 135 degrees, positioning cornerboard  252  such that the first leg  254  of cornerboard  152  is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  251  of the magazine  250  and the second leg  256  of cornerboard  252  is parallel to the longitudinal axis  251  of magazine  250 . 
   After rotation, transfer arm  280  moves with cornerboard gripper  270 , which is holding cornerboard  252 , along shaft  282 , parallel to longitudinal axis  251  of magazine  250  and toward load  210  until sensor  278   a  senses that the first leg  254  of the cornerboard  252  is proximate a front face (side of load facing magazine  250  and perpendicular to longitudinal axis  251  of magazine  250 ) of the load  210 . Once sensor  278   a  senses proximity to the front face of load  210 , transfer arm  280  stops moving. Cornerboard gripper  270  then begins to move linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  280  toward free end  281   a  until sensor  278   b  senses that the second leg  256  of cornerboard  252  is proximate a side face (side of load parallel to longitudinal axis  251  of magazine  250  and adjacent to drive shaft  282 ) of load  210 . Once sensor  278   b  senses proximity to the side face of the load  210 , cornerboard gripper  270  stops moving along transfer arm  280 . At this point, the first leg  254  of cornerboard  252  is proximate the front surface of the load  210  and the second leg  256  is proximate the side face of the load  210 . A top platen  290  may already be resting on top of load  210  or may now come to rest on top of load  210 . An arm  296  of top platen  290  is actuated to move from a non-engaging position to an engaging position, bringing a hand  298  into contact with cornerboard  252 , holding cornerboard  252  in place against load  210 . 
   Once the cornerboard  252  is secured to the corner of the load by hand  298 , suction cups  274  of cornerboard gripper  270  release cornerboard  252 . Turntable  220  rotates a quarter of a revolution, such that the load  210  is rotated 90 degrees from its original position, and is ready to receive another cornerboard. Cornerboard gripper  270  then moves linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  280  toward mounted end  281   b . Transfer arm  280  then rotates 135 degrees. After rotation, transfer arm  280  moves along shaft  282  toward magazine  250  and cornerboard gripper  270  then moves to the free end  281   a  of transfer arm  280 . Cornerboard gripper  270  moves into magazine  250  and secures a second cornerboard  252   a . The process described above is repeated until cornerboard  252   a  is secured to the load by another hand  298 . This process is repeated two more times, as third and forth cornerboards  252   b ,  252   c , are placed on the load  210 . Once four cornerboards have been secured to the load, turntable  220  rotates to provide relative rotation between load  210  and packaging material dispenser  202  to wrap packaging material  214  around the load. The turntable continues to rotate until load  210  is completely wrapped in packaging material  214 , and top platen  290  rotates with the load  210  about shaft  292 . 
   A method of placing cornerboards on a load and wrapping the load and the cornerboards ( FIGS. 14–16 ) will now be described. 
   In use, magazine  350  of apparatus  300  ( FIGS. 14–16 , and  17 A) is filled with unformed cornerboards  352 , preferably prior to wrapping. The magazine  350  is tilted from the dispensing position to the loading position to receive the cornerboards  352 . After the magazine is full, the magazine is returned to the dispensing position. 
   A load  310  moves on conveyor  330 , from an infeed portion  338  to a load wrapping portion  340 . Once the load  310  reaches the load wrapping portion  340 , the conveyor  330  stops moving, leaving load  310  stationary. Transfer arm  380  moves along shaft  382 , parallel to conveyor  330  and toward magazine  350 . Cornerboard gripper  370  is positioned in on the free end  381   a  of transfer arm  380 . Transfer arm  380  moves cornerboard gripper  370  until suction cups  374  are proximate unformed cornerboard  352  as sensed by a proximity sensor. Suction is actuated and suction cups  374  adhere to legs  354 ,  356  of unformed cornerboard  352 . Cornerboard gripper  370  moves linearly and vertically with respect to transfer arm  380 , raising cornerboard  352  approximately 6–8 inches above the base  358  of magazine  350 . Transfer arm  380  then moves with cornerboard gripper  370 , which is holding cornerboard  352 , along shaft  382 , parallel to conveyor  330  and toward load  310  until cornerboard gripper  370  and cornerboard  352  are clear of magazine  350 . Once gripper  370  and cornerboard  352  are clear of magazine  350 , clamp  390  is actuated to move from the retracted position to the extended position, for example by rotation of 180 degrees about a pivot point or hinge. In the extended position, clamp  390  comes into contact with the cornerboard  352  such that cornerboard  352  is between clamp  390  and gripper  370 , at least a portion of the unformed cornerboard being held between the clamp  390  and wall portion  376   a  and suction cup  374 . Preferably, the free end of clamp  390  is positioned at the center of the unformed cornerboard  352 , which may include scoring or perforations. Then, wall portion  376   b  moves about hinge  377  toward wall portion  376   a  while the suction cup  374  on wall portion  376   b  maintains suction on the unformed cornerboard  352 , causing the unformed cornerboard  352  to fold (preferably along a scored line or plurality of perforations) as the wall portions  376   a ,  376   b  move from the open position to the closed position. 
   After the cornerboard  352  is folded, cornerboard gripper  370  and now folded cornerboard  352  move linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  380  to the mounted end  381   b  of transfer arm  380 . After cornerboard gripper  370  and folded cornerboard  352  reach end  381   b  of transfer arm  380 , transfer arm  380  rotates 180 degrees, positioning folded cornerboard  352  such that the first leg  354  of cornerboard  352  is perpendicular to the conveyor  330  and the second leg  356  of cornerboard  352  is parallel to the conveyor  330 . 
   After rotation, transfer arm  380  moves with cornerboard gripper  370 , which is holding cornerboard  352 , along shaft  1382 , parallel to conveyor  330  and toward load  310  until a sensor senses that the first leg  354  of the cornerboard  352  is proximate a front face (side of load facing magazine  350  and perpendicular to conveyor  330 ) of the load  310 . Once the sensor senses proximity to the front face of load  310 , transfer arm  380  stops moving. Cornerboard gripper  370  then begins to move linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  380  toward free end  381   a  until another sensor senses that the second leg  356  of cornerboard  352  is proximate a side face (side of load parallel to conveyor  330  and adjacent to drive shaft  382 ) of load  310 . Once the sensor senses proximity to the side face of the load  310 , cornerboard gripper  370  stops moving along transfer arm  380 . At this point, the first leg  354  of cornerboard  352  is proximate the front surface of the load  310  and the second leg  356  is proximate the side face of the load  310 . Cornerboard gripper  370  holds the cornerboard  352  in this position as dispenser  302  begins to rotate around load  310 , dispensing packaging material  314 . As packaging material  314  is wrapped around the load  310 , cornerboard  352  is secured to the corner of the load  110 . 
   Alternatively, if wrapping portion  340  includes a turntable, dispenser  302  may remain stationary while the turntable rotates the load to provide relative movement between the dispenser and the load and to wrap packaging material around the load. In such an embodiment, a top platen is preferably provided to hold the cornerboards in place as the load rotates as discussed previously with respect to  FIG. 12 , instead of having the cornerboard gripper hold the cornerboard during initial wrapping. Additionally, all four cornerboards would preferably be placed before any wrapping occurs. 
   Once the cornerboard  352  is secured to the corner of the load, suction cups  374  of cornerboard gripper  370  release cornerboard  352  as dispenser  302  continues to rotate about load  310  to wrap packaging material around the sides of load  310 . Cornerboard gripper  370  then moves linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  380  toward mounted end  381   b . Transfer arm  380  then rotates 180 degrees and cornerboard gripper  370  “unfolds” to return to the open or flat position. After rotation, transfer arm  380  moves along shaft  382  toward magazine  350  and cornerboard gripper  370  then moves to the free end  381   a  of transfer arm  380 . The cycle can then begin again. In the preferred embodiment, where four magazines  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c , and  350   d , four shafts  382   a ,  382   b ,  382   c , and  382   d , four transfer arms  380   a ,  380   b ,  380   c , and  380   d , and four cornerboard grippers  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c , and  370   d , are provided, each transfer arm  380   a ,  380   b ,  380   c , and  380   d , and cornerboard gripper  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c , and  370   d , are approximately simultaneously performing the above described procedure. Thus, four cornerboards  352  are placed on four corners of the load  310  at approximately the same time. Of course, if the magazines  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c , and  350   d , are not filled to the same level, movement of a cornerboard  352  from one magazine to the load  310  may take more or less time than movement of a cornerboard  352  from another magazine. Once all four cornerboards  352  are in place, dispenser  302  begins to rotate around load  310  to wrap packaging material  314  around load  310 . Once the cornerboards  352  are secured to the load  310  by the packaging material  314 , the cornerboard grippers  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c , and  370   d , release the cornerboards  352  and are moved away from the load  310  as described above. Alternatively, if wrapping area  340  is provided with a turntable, as each cornerboard is placed, an arm of a top platen on top of the load  310  is actuated to bring a hand into engagement with the cornerboard, holding the cornerboard in place. Once each cornerboard is secured by a hand, the turntable begins to rotate, and packaging material is wrapped around the load, securing the cornerboards to the load. 
   Alternatively, the apparatus  300  may not be provided with a clamp  390  to facilitate folding/bending of unformed cornerboards  352 . In such an embodiment, the method of use would be substantially the same, except that the bending/folding of the cornerboard  352  would be caused solely by moving the cornerboard gripper  370  from the open/flat position to the folded/closed position. It would be necessary to ensure that the suction cups  374  apply sufficient suction to the cornerboard to prevent it from slipping during folding. In addition, it would be preferable that the hinge  377  of the cornerboard gripper  370  be aligned with any scoring or perforations in the unformed cornerboard, and that the scoring/perforations be sufficient to assist in folding the unformed cornerboard. 
   In another alternative, a clamp  390  may not be provided and gripper  370  may not move between a flat position and a folded position. Each unformed cornerboard  352  could be transported to a side of the load as previously described with respect to  FIGS. 1–3 . However, the cornerboard would have to be pressed against the side of the load upstream of and parallel to the film path. In this manner, as the packaging material is wrapped around the load, it would secure one leg of the cornerboard  352  to the load. Then, as the packaging material moved around the corner of the load, it would engage the portion of the cornerboard  352  (other leg) in its film path and pull the other leg into contact with the other side of the corner of the load, forming the cornerboard  352  and securing it to the load at the same time. 
   A method of placing cornerboards on a load and wrapping the load and the cornerboards ( FIG. 18 ) will now be described. 
   In use, magazine  450  of apparatus  400  ( FIG. 18 ) is filled with unformed cornerboards  452 , preferably prior to wrapping. The magazine  450  is tilted from the dispensing position to the loading position to receive the cornerboards  452 . After the magazine is full, the magazine is returned to the dispensing position. 
   A load  410  is placed on turntable  420  in preparation for wrapping. Transfer arm  480  moves along shaft  482 , parallel to the longitudinal axis  451  of magazine  450  and toward magazine  450 . Cornerboard gripper  470  is positioned in on the free end  481   a  of transfer arm  480  in its open or flat position, such that the first and second wall portions of the gripper  470  form an angle of approximately 180 degrees with one another. Transfer arm  480  moves cornerboard gripper  470  until suction cups  474  are proximate cornerboard  452  as sensed by a sensor. Suction is actuated and suction cups  474  adhere to legs  454 ,  456  of cornerboard  452 . Cornerboard gripper  470  moves linearly and vertically with respect to transfer arm  480 , raising cornerboard  452  approximately 6–8 inches above the base  458  of magazine  450 . Transfer arm  480  then moves with cornerboard gripper  470 , which is holding cornerboard  452 , along shaft  482 , parallel to the longitudinal axis  451  of magazine  450  and toward load  410  until cornerboard gripper  470  and cornerboard  452  is clear of magazine  450 . Once the gripper  470  and cornerboard  452  are clear of magazine  450 , clamp  490  is actuated to move from the retracted position to the extended position, for example by rotation of 180 degrees about a pivot point or hinge. In the extended position, clamp  490  comes into contact with the cornerboard  452  such that cornerboard  452  is between clamp  490  and gripper  470 , at least a portion of the unformed cornerboard  452  being held between the clamp  490  and first wall portion of the gripper and suction cup. Preferably, the free end of clamp  490  is positioned at the center of the unformed cornerboard  452 , which may include scoring or perforations. Then, the second wall portion moves about a hinge toward the first wall portion while the suction cup on the second wall portion maintains suction on the unformed cornerboard  452 , causing the unformed cornerboard  452  to fold (preferably along a scored line or plurality of perforations) as the first and second wall portions move from the open position to the closed position. 
   After the cornerboard  452  is folded, cornerboard gripper  470  and now folded cornerboard  452  move linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  480  to the mounted end  481   b  of transfer arm  480 . After cornerboard gripper  470  and cornerboard  452  reach end  481   b  of transfer arm  480 , transfer arm  480  rotates 180 degrees, positioning cornerboard  452  such that the first leg  454  of cornerboard  452  is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  451  of the magazine  450  and the second leg  456  of cornerboard  452  is parallel to the longitudinal axis  451  of magazine  450 . 
   After rotation, transfer arm  480  moves with cornerboard gripper  470 , which is holding cornerboard  452 , along shaft  482 , parallel to longitudinal axis  451  of magazine  450  and toward load  410  until a sensor senses that the first leg  454  of the cornerboard  452  is proximate a front face (side of load facing magazine  450  and perpendicular to longitudinal axis  451  of magazine  450 ) of the load  410 . Once the sensor senses proximity to the front face of load  410 , transfer arm  480  stops moving. Cornerboard gripper  470  then begins to move linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  480  toward free end  481   a  until another sensor senses that the second leg  456  of cornerboard  452  is proximate a side face (side of load parallel to longitudinal axis  451  of magazine  450  and adjacent to drive shaft  482 ) of load  410 . Once proximity to the side face of the load  410  is sensed, cornerboard gripper  470  stops moving along transfer arm  480 . At this point, the first leg  454  of cornerboard  452  is proximate the front surface of the load  410  and the second leg  456  is proximate the side face of the load  410 . A top platen  490  may already be resting on top of load  410  or may now come to rest on top of load  410 . An arm of the top platen  490  is actuated to move from a non-engaging position to an engaging position, bringing a hand or panel into contact with cornerboard  452 , holding cornerboard  452  in place against load  410 . 
   Once the cornerboard  452  is secured to the corner of the load by a hand or panel, suction cups  474  of cornerboard gripper  470  release cornerboard  452 . Turntable  420  rotates a quarter of a revolution, such that the load  410  is rotated 90 degrees from its original position, and is ready to receive another cornerboard. Cornerboard gripper  470  then moves linearly and horizontally along transfer arm  480  toward mounted end  481   b . Transfer arm  480  then rotates 180 degrees. After rotation, transfer arm  480  moves along shaft  482  toward magazine  450  and cornerboard gripper  470  then moves to the free end  481   a  of transfer arm  480  and unfolds into its open or flat position. Cornerboard gripper  470  moves into magazine  450  and secures a second cornerboard  452   a . The process described above is repeated until cornerboard  452   a  is secured to the load by another hand or panel. This process is repeated two more times, as third and forth cornerboards  452   b ,  452   c , are placed on the load  410 . Once four cornerboards have been secured to the load, turntable  420  rotates to provide relative rotation between load  410  and packaging material dispenser  402  to wrap packaging material  414  around the load. The turntable continues to rotate until load  410  is completely wrapped in packaging material  414 , and top platen  490  rotates with the load  410  about shaft  492 . 
   Alternatively, the apparatus  400  may not be provided with a clamp  490  to facilitate folding/bending of unformed cornerboards  452 . In such an embodiment, the method of use would be substantially the same, except that the bending/folding of the cornerboard  452  would be caused solely by moving the cornerboard gripper  470  from the open/flat position to the folded/closed position. It would be necessary to ensure that the suction cups  474  apply sufficient suction to the cornerboard to prevent it from slipping during folding. In addition, it would be preferable that the hinge of the cornerboard gripper  470  be aligned with any scoring or perforations in the unformed cornerboard, and that the scoring/perforations be sufficient to assist in folding the unformed cornerboard. 
   In another alternative, a clamp  490  may not be provided and gripper  470  may not move between a flat position and a folded position. Each unformed cornerboard  452  could be transported to a side of the load as previously described with respect to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . However, the cornerboard would have to be pressed against the side of the load upstream of and parallel to the film path. In this manner, as the packaging material is wrapped around the load, it would secure one leg of the cornerboard  352  to the load. Then, as the packaging material moved around the corner of the load, it would engage the portion of the cornerboard  352  (other leg) in its film path and pull the other leg into contact with the other side of the corner of the load, forming the cornerboard  352  and securing it to the load at the same time. 
   Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.