Patent Publication Number: US-10759557-B2

Title: Automated sandwich wrapping system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/204,085, filed Aug. 12, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wrapping systems and, more specifically, to an automated sandwich wrapping system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sandwiches (and other hand held food products) are often wrapped for transportation purposes, particularly for submarine sandwiches (e.g., sub, wedge, hoagie, hero, grinder, baguette, and the like). Wrapping can be an expensive and time intensive process, particularly for entities with high volumes of sandwich production (e.g., for manufacturers supplying large chain stores). Further, wrapping by hand can have inconsistent results and can also have associated health issues due to the repetitive motion required. Thus, a need exists for a system that wraps sandwiches more quickly than wrapping sandwiches solely by hand, among other things. These and/or other needs are addressed by embodiments of the automated sandwich wrapping system of the present disclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to an automated sandwich wrapping system. Disclosed herein is an automated sandwich wrapping system including a folding subassembly having a plurality of folding plates to inwardly fold side portions of sandwich wrapping paper extending past ends of a sandwich, a roller subassembly to rotate the sandwich to wrap the sandwich, and a controller preprogrammed to control and coordinate operation of the folding subassembly and the roller subassembly. 
     Also disclosed herein is an automated sandwich wrapping system including a sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly to feed the sandwich wrapping paper during wrapping, a creasing blade subassembly to crease side portions of sandwich wrapping paper extending past ends of a sandwich, a left folding subassembly and a right folding subassembly to inwardly fold left side portions of sandwich wrapping paper extending past ends of the sandwich, a lower roller subassembly and an upper roller subassembly to rotate the sandwich to wrap the sandwich, and a controller. The controller is preprogrammed to control and coordinate operation of the creasing blade subassembly, the left folding subassembly, the right folding subassembly, the lower roller subassembly, and the upper roller subassembly. The lower roller subassembly and the upper roller subassembly have a plurality of rollers to rotate the sandwich to wrap the sandwich. The left folding subassembly is positioned adjacent to a left side of the sandwich wrapping paper support assembly, and the right folding subassembly is positioned adjacent a right side of the sandwich wrapping paper support assembly. 
     Also disclosed herein is an automated method of wrapping a sandwich including introducing the sandwich into an automated sandwich wrapping system, the automated sandwich wrapping system including a folding subassembly having a plurality of folding plates, a roller subassembly having at least one roller, and a controller. The method includes controlling and coordinating operation of the folding subassembly with the controller to move one or more of the plurality of folding plates of the folding subassembly between an idle position and an active position to inwardly fold side portions of sandwich wrapping paper extending past ends of the sandwich. The method includes controlling and coordinating operation of the roller subassembly with the controller to rotate the sandwich with the at least one roller of the roller subassembly to wrap the sandwich. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing features of the invention will be apparent from the following Detailed Description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an automated sandwich wrapping system having a lower roller subassembly, an upper roller subassembly pivotable from an open position to a closed position, a creasing blade subassembly rotatable from a front vertical position to a rear horizontal position, a sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly having a left folding flap and a right folding flap movable from a coplanar position to a perpendicular position to a folded position, a left folding subassembly, and a right folding subassembly, the left folding subassembly and right folding subassembly each have an upper folding plate movable from an idle position to an active position, a lower folding plate movable from an idle position to an active position, and an extendable plunger arm movable from a retracted position to an extended position; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the lower roller subassembly and upper roller subassembly of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the lower roller subassembly and upper roller subassembly of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the lower roller subassembly and upper roller subassembly of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the lower roller subassembly and upper roller subassembly of  FIG. 3  taken along section line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the creasing blade subassembly of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1 , additional components shown in dashed lines for the purpose of drawing clarity of the creasing blade subassembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear elevational view of an embodiment of the creasing blade subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the creasing blade subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 7-8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 10-11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom/front perspective view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 10-12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 10-14  when assembled with the lower roller subassembly, the upper roller subassembly, and the creasing blade subassembly; 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1  with the upper roller subassembly in the closed position, the creasing blade subassembly in the rear horizontal position, each of the left folding flap and the right folding flap in the coplanar position, each of the left upper folding plate and the right upper folding plate in the idle position, each of the left lower folding plate and the right lower folding plate in the idle position, and each of the left plunger and the right plunger in the retracted position; 
         FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 15  with the upper roller subassembly in the closed position, the creasing blade subassembly in the front vertical position, each of the left folding flap and the right folding flap in the perpendicular position, each of the left upper folding plate and the right upper folding plate in the active position, each of the left lower folding plate and the right lower folding plate in the active position, and the left plunger and the right plunger in the retracted position; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 15-16  with the upper roller subassembly in the closed position, the creasing blade subassembly in the front vertical position, each of the left folding flap and the right folding flap in the folded position, each of the left upper folding plate and the right upper folding plate in the active position, each of the left lower folding plate and the right lower folding plate in the active position, and each of the left plunger and the right plunger in the extended position; 
         FIG. 18  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1  in combination with a support structure, conveyer belt, label machine, wrapping paper roll, and wrapping paper cutting apparatus; 
         FIG. 20  is front perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is rear perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 19-20 ; and 
         FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 19-21 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It should be understood that the relative terminology used herein, such as “front”, “rear”, “left”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, and “horizontal” is solely for the purposes of clarity and designation and is not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having a particular position and/or orientation. Accordingly, such relative terminology should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to embodiments having specific dimensions. Thus, any dimensions provided herein are merely for an exemplary purpose and are not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having particular dimensions. 
     Disclosed herein is an automated sandwich wrapping system. Although an automated sandwich wrapping system is described, the wrapping system can be used for other wrapping purposes aside from sandwiches (e.g., gift wrapping). The automated sandwich wrapping system can reduce the time for sandwich processing by automating sandwich wrapping and/or can reduce the resources needed to timely prepare sandwich orders. Additionally, the automated sandwich wrapping system can provide a consistent finished size and appearance, while also reducing potential health issues associated with repetitive motion for employees. Although the automated sandwich wrapping system is described specifically with respect to submarine sandwiches (e.g., sub, wedge, hoagie, hero, grinder, baguette, and the like), the automated sandwich wrapping system can be used with any type of sandwich or other food item. 
       FIGS. 1-2  are perspective views of an automated sandwich wrapping system  10 . More specifically,  FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an automated sandwich wrapping system having a lower roller subassembly, an upper roller subassembly pivotable from an open position to a closed position, a creasing blade subassembly rotatable from a front vertical position to a rear horizontal position, a sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly having a left folding flap and a right folding flap movable from a coplanar position to a perpendicular position to a folded position, a left folding subassembly, and a right folding subassembly, the left folding subassembly and right folding subassembly each have an upper folding plate movable from an idle position to an active position, a lower folding plate movable from an idle position to an active position, and an extendable plunger arm movable from a retracted position to an extended position, and  FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1 . 
     The automated sandwich wrapping system  10  includes a lower roller subassembly  12 , an upper roller subassembly  14 , a creasing blade subassembly  16 , a sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly  18 , a left folding subassembly  20   a , and a right folding subassembly  20   b . The lower roller subassembly  12 , the upper roller subassembly  14 , the creasing blade subassembly  16 , and the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly  18  are positioned between the left folding subassembly  20   a  and the right folding subassembly  20   b . The upper roller subassembly  14  is positioned towards a front of the automated sandwich wrapping system  10  and pivotally attached to the lower roller subassembly  12 . The sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly  18  is positioned towards a rear of the automated sandwich wrapping system  10  and adjacent to the lower roller subassembly  12 , such that the lower roller subassembly  12  is positioned between the upper roller subassembly  14  and the sandwich wrapping paper support assembly  18 . The creasing blade subassembly  16  is pivotally interconnected with a front portion of the lower roller subassembly  12 . One or more electronic controllers (e.g., local controller, remote controller, process controller, and the like) can be in electronic communication with components of the automated sandwich wrapping system  10  to control movement and operation thereof. More specifically, the electronic controller can control actuation of pistons, motors, and the like (as described herein) of the automated sandwich wrapping system  10  to control (e.g., induce movement of) and synchronize (e.g., coordinate) the movement (e.g., duration of movement, timing of movement, and the like) of one or more components of the lower roller subassembly  12 , the upper roller subassembly  14 , the creasing blade subassembly  16 , the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly  18 , the left folding subassembly  20   a , and/or the right folding subassembly  20   b . Accordingly, the electronic controller can be preprogrammed for timed synchronization and/or at least partial automation of various components of the automated sandwich wrapping system  10 . 
       FIGS. 3-6  are views of the lower roller subassembly  12  and upper roller subassembly  14  of the automated sandwich wrapping system  10 . More specifically,  FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the lower roller subassembly and upper roller subassembly of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1-2 ,  FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the lower roller subassembly and upper roller subassembly of  FIGS. 1-3 ,  FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the lower roller subassembly and upper roller subassembly of  FIGS. 1-3 , and  FIG. 6  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the lower roller subassembly and upper roller subassembly of  FIG. 3  taken along section line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . The upper roller subassembly  14  is pivotally connected to the lower roller subassembly  12 . The upper roller subassembly  14  and lower roller subassembly  12  cooperate with one another to secure a sandwich between rollers thereof. At least one of the rollers of the upper roller subassembly  14  and lower roller subassembly  12  is driven by a motor so that the rollers of the upper roller subassembly  14  and lower roller subassembly  12  rotate together to roll the sandwich and sandwich wrapping paper, thereby wrapping the sandwich in the sandwich wrapping paper. A variety of motors can be used to drive the upper roller assembly  14  and/or the lower roller assembly  12 , such as one or more stepper motors, one or more a gear motors, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     The lower roller subassembly  12  is provided with (e.g., includes) a base bottom wall  24 , a base left sidewall  26   a  mounted to the base bottom wall  24 , and a base right sidewall  26   b  mounted to the base bottom wall  24 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, the lower roller assembly  12  also includes a lower driver roller  28  (e.g., lower input roller), a first lower driven roller  30  (e.g., first lower output roller), a second lower driven roller  32  (e.g., second lower output roller), and a lower support roller  34 . The lower roller assembly  12  further includes a lower roller drive motor  36 , a compound train axle  38 , a first lower roller drive chain  40 , and a second lower roller drive chain  42  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the base left sidewall  26   a  is positioned towards a left side (e.g., first side), and attached to a top surface, of the base bottom wall  24 . The base right sidewall  26   b  is positioned towards a right side (e.g., second side), and attached to a top surface, of the base bottom wall  24  opposite to the left side of the base bottom wall  24 . In some embodiments, the base left sidewall  26   a  can define a left arc  49   a  in a top edge thereof. Similarly, the base right sidewall  26   b  can define a right arc  49   b  in a top edge thereof. The base left sidewall  26   a  (and the left arc  49   a  thereof) can be aligned with the base right sidewall  26   b  (and the right arc  49   b  thereof). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the base left sidewall  26   a  can include a left pressure arm  44   a , a left pressure block  46   a , one or more left roller openings  48   a , and a left compound train axle opening  50   a . The left pressure arm  44   a  and left pressure block  46   a  can be angularly mounted on an inside surface of the base left sidewall  26   a  (e.g., on the surface closer to the base right sidewall  26   b ). The left pressure arm  44   a  can be mounted adjacent to and below (e.g., closer to the base bottom wall  12  than) the left pressure block  46   a . Further, the left pressure arm  44   a  can be mounted (e.g., spring mounted) to the base left sidewall  26   a  such that the left pressure arm  44   a  is biased to pivot up (e.g., away from the base bottom wall  12 ). More specifically, a first end of the left pressure arm  44   b  is pivotally mounted and a second end of the left pressure arm  44   b  rotates about the pivot point of the first end. Accordingly, the left pressure block  46   a  serves as a pivot limit for the left pressure arm  44   a  (e.g., a point by which the left pressure arm  44   a  cannot move beyond). 
     The one or more left roller openings  48   a  of the base left sidewall  26   a  can be positioned along the left arc  49   a  of the base left sidewall  26   a . More specifically, a first and second left roller opening  48   a  can be adjacently positioned towards a front of the base left sidewall  26   a , and a third left roller opening can be positioned towards a rear of the of the base left sidewall  26   a , where all of the first, second, and third left roller openings  48   a  are positioned along the left arc  49   a . The left compound train axle opening  50   a  can be disposed towards a front lower portion of the base left sidewall  26   a  (e.g., lower than the one or more left roller openings  48   a ). 
     Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, the base right sidewall  26   b  can include a right pressure arm  44   b , a right pressure block  46   b , one or more right roller openings  48   b , and a right compound train axle opening  50   b . The right pressure arm  44   b  and right pressure block  46   b  (not shown) can be angularly mounted on an inside surface of the base right sidewall  26   b  (e.g., on the surface closer to the base left sidewall  26   a ). The right pressure arm  44   b  can be mounted adjacent to and below (e.g., closer to the base bottom wall  12  than) the right pressure block  46   b . Further, the right pressure arm  44   b  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5 ) can be mounted (e.g., spring mounted) to the base right sidewall  26   b  such that the right pressure arm  44   b  is biased to pivot up (e.g., away from the base bottom wall  12 ). More specifically, a first end of the right pressure arm  44   b  is pivotally mounted and a second end of the right pressure arm  44   b  rotates about the pivot point of the first end. Accordingly, the right pressure block  46   b  serves as a pivot limit for the right pressure arm  44   b  (e.g., a point by which the right pressure arm  44   b  cannot move beyond). 
     The one or more right roller openings  48   b  of the base right sidewall  26   b  can be positioned along the right arc  49   b  of the base left sidewall  26   b . More specifically, a first and second left roller opening  48   b  can be adjacently positioned towards a front of the base right sidewall  26   b , and a third right roller opening can be positioned towards a rear of the of the base right sidewall  26   b , where all of the first, second, and third right roller openings  48   b  are positioned along the right arc  49   b . The right compound train axle opening  50   b  can be disposed towards a front lower portion of the base right sidewall  26   b  (e.g., lower than the one or more right roller openings  48   b ). 
     One or more features of the base left sidewall  26   a  and the base right sidewall  26   b  described above can be horizontally aligned (e.g., mirrored) with one another. More specifically, the left pressure arm  44   a  can be aligned with the right pressure arm  44   b , the left pressure block  46   a  can be aligned with the right pressure block  46   b , the one or more left roller openings  48   a  can be aligned with the one or more right roller openings  48   b , and the left compound train axle opening  50   a  can be aligned with the right compound train axle opening  50   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, the lower driver roller  28  can include a lower driver roller axle  52 , a lower driver roller covering  54  positioned about the lower driver roller axle  52 , a lower driver roller sprocket  56  positioned about and fixedly attached (e.g., by a set screw and/or collar) to the lower driver roller axle  52 , and lower driver roller mounting components  58 . The lower driver roller covering  54  does not cover the entire length of the lower driver roller axle  52 , and more specifically, the lower driver roller covering  54  does not cover the portion of the lower driver roller axle  52  where the lower driver roller sprocket  56  is attached. The lower driver roller sprocket  56  can be fixedly attached towards a right side of the lower driver roller axle  52 . A left end (e.g., a first end) of the lower driver roller  28  can be rotatably mounted (by lower driver roller mounting components  58 ) to a second end of the left pressure arm  44   a  of the base left sidewall  26   a , and a right end (e.g., a second end) of the lower driver roller  28  can be rotatably mounted (by lower driver roller mounting components  58 ) to the second end of the right pressure arm  44   b  of the base right sidewall  26   b . Accordingly, the lower driver roller  28  pivots along with the second ends of the left pressure arm  44   a  and the right pivot arm  44   b  and is biased upwardly (e.g., and rearwardly) by the left pressure arm  44   a  and right pressure arm  44   b . The lower driver roller mounting components  58  can include ball bearings, nuts, washers, screws, and the like. 
     The first lower driven roller  30  can include a first lower driven roller axle  60 , a first lower driven roller covering  62  positioned about the first lower driver roller axle  60 , and first lower driven roller mounting components  64 . The first lower driver roller covering  54  can cover substantially the entire length of the first lower driven roller axle  52 . A left end (e.g., a first end) of the first lower driven roller  30  can be rotatably mounted (by first lower driven roller mounting components  64 ) to one of the left roller opening  48   a  of the base left sidewall  26   a , and a right end (e.g., a second end) of the first lower driven roller  30  can be rotatably mounted (by first lower driven roller mounting components  64 ) to one of the right roller openings  48   b  of the base right sidewall  26   b . The first lower driven roller mounting components  64  can include ball bearings, nuts, washers, screws, and the like. 
     The second lower driven roller  32  can include a second lower driven roller axle  66 , a second lower driven roller covering  68  positioned about the second lower driver roller axle  66 , and second lower driven roller mounting components  70 . The second lower driver roller covering  68  can cover substantially the entire length of the second lower driven roller axle  66 . A left end (e.g., a first end) of the second lower driven roller  32  can be rotatably mounted (by second lower driven roller mounting components  70 ) to one of the left roller opening  48   a  of the base left sidewall  26   a , and a right end (e.g., a second end) of the second lower driven roller  32  can be rotatably mounted (by second lower driven roller mounting components  70 ) to one of the right roller openings  48   b  of the base right sidewall  26   b . The second lower driven roller mounting components  70  can include ball bearings, nuts, washers, screws, and the like. 
     The lower support roller  34  can include a lower support roller axle  72 , a lower support roller covering  74  positioned about the lower support roller axle  72 , and lower support roller mounting components  76 . The lower support roller covering  74  can cover substantially the entire length of the lower support roller axle  72 . A left end (e.g., a first end) of the lower support roller  34  can be rotatably mounted (by lower support roller mounting components  76 ) to one of the left roller opening  48   a  of the base left sidewall  26   a , and a right end (e.g., a second end) of the lower support roller  32  can be rotatably mounted (by lower support roller mounting components  76 ) to one of the right roller openings  48   b  of the base right sidewall  26   b . The lower support roller mounting components  76  can include ball bearings, nuts, washers, screws, and the like. 
     Accordingly, the first lower driven roller  30 , the second lower driven roller  32 , and the lower support roller  34  are positioned about the left arc of the base left sidewall  26   a  and the right arc of the base right sidewall  26   b . More specifically, the first lower driven roller  30  is positioned at a front end of the lower roller subassembly  12  approximately at a front end of the left arc  49   a  and right arc  49   b , the lower support roller  34  is positioned at a rear end of the lower roller subassembly  12  opposite the first lower driven roller  30  approximately at a rear end of the left arc  49   a  and right arc  49   b , and the second lower driven roller  32  is positioned between, and lower than, the first lower driven roller  30  and the lower support roller  34  (e.g., at a lower point of the left arc  49   a  and the right arc  49   b ). Further, the lower drive roller  28  is biased upwardly (e.g., and rearwardly) to make and maintain contact with at least one of the first lower driven roller  30  and/or the second lower driven roller  32 , where the first lower driven roller  30  and the second lower driven roller  32  do not make contact with each other. As a result, rotation of the lower drive roller  28  drives rotation of both the first lower driven roller  30  and/or the second lower driven roller  32  in a direction opposite to that of the lower drive roller  28 . The lower drive roller  28 , first lower driven roller  30 , and/or the second lower driven roller  32  have the same surface speed (as a result of direct contact), and have the same rotational speed if the lower drive roller  28 , first lower driven roller  30 , and/or the second lower driven roller  32  are the same size (e.g., have the same diameter as one another). 
     The lower roller drive motor  36  can be mounted to the base bottom wall  24  and at least partially positioned between the base left sidewall  26   a  and the base right sidewall  26   b . The lower roller drive motor  36  includes a lower roller drive motor sprocket  78  which provides rotational output of the lower roller drive motor  36 . 
     The compound train axle  38  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5 ) is mounted to base left sidewall  26   a  and the base right sidewall  26   b . More specifically, a left end (e.g., first end) of the compound train axle  38  is rotatably mounted to the left compound train axle opening  50   a  (e.g., by compound train axle mounting components  83 ) and a right end (e.g., second end) of the compound train axle  38  is rotatably mounted to the right compound train axle opening (e.g., by compound train axle mounting components  83 ). The compound train axle mounting components  83  can include ball bearings, nuts, washers, screws, and the like. 
     The compound train axle  38  includes a first intermediate sprocket  80  and a second intermediate sprocket  82 , each fixedly attached to the compound train axle  38  (e.g., by a set screw and/or collar). The first intermediate sprocket  80  is aligned with the lower roller drive motor sprocket  78  of the lower roller drive motor  36 , and the second intermediate sprocket  82  is aligned with the lower driver roller sprocket  56 . Accordingly, the second intermediate sprocket  82  is disposed towards the right side of the compound train axle  38 . The first lower roller drive chain  40  mechanically connects the lower roller drive motor sprocket  78  with the first intermediate sprocket  80 . The second lower roller drive chain  42  mechanically connects the second intermediate sprocket  82  with the lower drive roller sprocket  56 . The sizes of one or more of the lower driver roller sprocket  56 , the lower roller drive motor sprocket  78 , the first intermediate sprocket  80 , and/or the second intermediate sprocket  82  can be varied to alter the performance of the gear train (e.g., the speed ratio, mechanical advantage, and the like.). 
     Accordingly, mechanical power is transferred through the gear train from the lower roller drive motor  36  to the lower roller drive motor sprocket  78  to the first lower roller drive chain  40  to the first intermediate sprocket  80  to the compound train axle  38  to the second intermediate sprocket  82  to the second lower roller drive chain  42  to the lower driver roller sprocket  56  to the lower driver roller  28  to both the first lower driven roller  30  and the second lower driven roller  32 . Thereby, the lower roller drive motor  36  provides rotational power and energy to the first lower driven roller  30  and second lower driven roller  32 . The resulting speed of the first lower driven roller  30  and second lower driven roller  32  being dependent upon the power output of the lower roller drive motor  36  and the gear train characteristics (e.g., sizes of sprockets, sizes of rollers, and the like). 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, the upper roller subassembly  14  is pivotably connected to the lower roller subassembly  12  and cooperates therewith. The upper roller subassembly  14  pivots between an open position and a closed position. When the upper roller subassembly  14  is in an open position, a sandwich and sandwich wrapping paper can be positioned on the lower roller subassembly  12  (prior to rolling) or removed from the lower roller subassembly  12  (after the sandwich wrapping paper has been wrapped around the sandwich). When the upper roller subassembly  14  is in the closed position, the sandwich and sandwich wrapping paper are secured between the upper roller subassembly  14  and the lower subassembly  12 . Once a sandwich and sandwich wrapping paper is secured between the upper roller subassembly  14  and the lower roller subassembly  12 , the rollers of the upper roller subassembly  14  and/or lower roller subassembly  12  rotate (as driven by one or more motors) to wrap the sandwich in the sandwich wrapping paper. 
     The upper roller subassembly  14  includes a lower vertical arm  84 , an upper horizontal arm  86 , an upper roller mount  88 , an upper driver roller  90  (e.g., upper input roller), a first upper driven roller  92  (e.g., first upper output roller), a second upper driven roller  94  (e.g., second upper output roller  94 ), an upper roller drive motor  96 , and an upper roller drive chain  98 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , for example, the lower vertical arm  84  includes a lower vertical arm left sidewall  100   a , a lower vertical arm right sidewall  100   b  aligned with the lower vertical arm left sidewall, one or more lower vertical arm support struts  102  therebetween, and one or more lower vertical arm mounting components  104 . The lower vertical arm support struts  102  facilitate structural stability of the lower vertical arm  84 . The lower vertical arm  84  is rotatably mounted to the compound train axle  38  by the one or more lower vertical arm mounting components  104  (e.g., ball bearings, nuts, washers, screws, and the like). As a result, rotation of the compound train axle  38  is independent of movement of the vertical arm  84  of the upper roller subassembly  14 . 
     The upper horizontal arm  86  includes an upper horizontal arm left sidewall  106   a , an upper horizontal arm right sidewall  106   b  aligned with the upper horizontal arm left sidewall, and one or more upper horizontal arm support struts  108  therebetween (e.g., where one or more of the support struts can be positioned between the lower vertical arm left sidewall  100   a  and lower vertical arm right sidewall  100   b  and also positioned between the upper horizontal arm left sidewall  106   a  and upper horizontal arm right sidewall  106   b ). The upper horizontal arm support struts  108  facilitate structural stability of the lower vertical arm  84 . The first end of the upper horizontal arm  86  can be fixedly attached to the lower vertical arm  84 . For example, mounting components (e.g., nuts, bolts, screws, and the like) can be inserted through one or more holes in the upper horizontal arm  86  and/or the lower vertical arm  84 . The upper horizontal arm left sidewall  106   a  includes a left limiter slot  110   a  and upper horizontal arm right sidewall  106   b  includes a right limiter slot  110   b . The left limiter slot  110   a  and right limiter slot  110   b  are aligned with one another and can be arc-shaped. 
     A left upper limiter panel  111   a  and a left lower limiter panel  112   a  can each be rotatably attached to the upper horizontal arm left sidewall  106   a . More specifically, a first end of the left upper limiter panel  111   a  can be pivotally attached to the upper horizontal arm left sidewall  106   a  such that a second end of the left upper limiter panel  111   a  can be rotatably positioned to cover at least a portion of the upper portion of the left limiter slot  110   a . Similarly, a first end of the left lower limiter panel  112   a  can be pivotally attached to the upper horizontal arm left sidewall  106   a  such that a second end of the left lower limiter panel  112   a  can be rotatably positioned to cover at least a portion of the lower portion of the left limiter slot  110   a.    
     A right upper limiter panel  111   b  and a right lower limiter panel  112   b  can each be rotatably attached to the upper horizontal arm right sidewall  106   b . More specifically, a first end of the right upper limiter panel  111   b  can be pivotally attached to the upper horizontal arm right sidewall  106   b  such that a second end of the right upper limiter panel  111   b  can be rotatably positioned to cover at least a portion of the upper portion of the right limiter slot  110   b . Similarly, a first end of the right lower limiter panel  112   b  can be pivotally attached to the upper horizontal arm right sidewall  106   b  such that a second end of the right lower limiter panel  112   b  can be rotatably positioned to cover at least a portion of the lower portion of the right limiter slot  110   b.    
     The upper roller mount  88  can include an upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a , an upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b , an upper roller mount back wall  116 , an upper roller mount top wall  118 , one or more upper roller mount support struts  120 , one or more bearing blocks  122 , and one or more tension mounts  123 . More specifically, the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a  is aligned with the upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b  with the one or more upper roller mount support struts  120  therebetween. The upper roller mount front wall  116  can be attached at front edges of the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a  and upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b . The upper roller mount top wall  118  can be attached to the upper roller mount front wall  116 , the top edge of the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a , and/or the top edge the upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b . The one or more upper roller mount support struts  120  can be positioned between the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a  and the upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b , such as at an upper portion thereof (e.g., at the rearward end thereof). The one or more upper roller mount support struts  120  provide structural stability for the upper roller mount  88 . 
     A left bearing block  122   a  can be positioned in a middle portion of the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a  and a right bearing block  122   b  can be positioned in a middle portion of the upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b . The one or more tension mounts  123  can be positioned above each of the one or more bearing blocks  122 . More specifically, a left tension mount  123   a  is attached (e.g., via one or more bolts) to an upper edge of the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a  and a right tension mount  123   b  is attached (e.g., via one or more bolts) to an upper edge of the upper roller mount rights sidewall  114   b . The left tension mount  123   a  is also attached to the left bearing block  122   a  (e.g., via one or more bolts), such that the adjustable attachment (e.g., bolt) is in compression (the degree of which can be adjustable). The right tension mount  123   b  is also attached to the right bearing block  122   b  (e.g., via one or more bolts), such that the adjustable attachment (e.g., bolt) is in compression (the degree of which can be adjustable). 
     The upper roller mount  88  can be rotatably mounted to the upper horizontal arm  86  using one or more mounting components (e.g., tensioner, bearing block, bearing, nuts, bolts, screws, and the like). The upper roller mount  88  can include a left limiter bolt  115   a  fixedly attached to the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a  and contained within and protruding out of the left limiter slot  106   a . The upper roller mount  88  can include a right limiter bolt  115   b  fixedly attached to the upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b  and contained within and protruding out of the right limiter slot  106   b . As a result, rotation of the upper roller mount  88  relative to the upper horizontal arm  86  can be controlled (e.g., limited) by motion of the left limiter bolt  115   a  within the left limiter slot  110   a  and motion of the right limiter bolt  115   b  within the right limiter slot  110   b . Further, the position of the left upper limiter panel  111   a , left lower limiter panel  112   a , right upper limiter panel  111   b , and/or right lower limiter panel  112   b  can be adjusted to control the degree of rotation of the upper roller mount  88  relative to the upper horizontal arm  86 . 
     The upper driver roller  90  (e.g., upper input roller) can include an upper driver roller axle  124 , an upper driver roller covering  126  positioned about the upper driver roller axle  124 , an upper driver roller sprocket  128  positioned about and fixedly attached (e.g., by a set screw and/or collar) to the upper driver roller axle  124 , and upper driver roller mounting components  130 . The upper driver roller covering  126  does not cover the entire length of the upper driver roller axle  124 , and more specifically, the upper driver roller covering  126  does not cover the portion of the upper driver roller axle  124  where the upper driver roller sprocket  128  is attached. The upper driver roller sprocket  128  can be fixedly attached towards a right side of the upper driver roller axle  124 . 
     A left end (e.g., a first end) of the upper driver roller  90  can be rotatably mounted (by upper driver roller mounting components  130 ) to the left bearing block  122   a  in the middle portion of the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a  and a right end (e.g., a second end) of the upper driver roller  90  can be rotatably mounted (e.g., by upper driver roller mounting components  130 ) to the right bearing block  122   b  in the middle portion of the upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b . Accordingly, the upper driver roller  90  is biased downwardly relative to the upper roller mount  88  due to the bearing blocks  122  and tension mounts  123 . The upper driver roller mounting components  130  can include ball bearings, nuts, washers, screws, and the like. 
     The first upper driven roller  92  (e.g., first upper output roller) can include a first upper driven roller axle  132 , an upper driven roller covering  134  positioned about the upper driven roller axle  132 , and first upper driver roller mounting components  136 . The upper driver roller covering  134  can cover substantially the entire length of the first upper driven roller axle  132 . A left end (e.g., a first end) of the first upper driven roller  92  can be rotatably mounted (by upper driven roller mounting components  136 ) to a lower front portion of the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a  and a right end (e.g., a second end) of the first upper driven roller  92  can be rotatably mounted (by upper driven roller mounting components  136 ) to a lower front portion of the upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b . The upper driven roller mounting components  136  can include ball bearings, nuts, washers, screws, and the like. 
     The second upper driven roller  94  (e.g., second upper output roller) can include a second upper driven roller axle  138 , an upper driven roller covering  140  positioned about the upper driven roller axle  138 , and second upper driven roller mounting components  142 . The upper driver roller covering  134  can cover substantially the entire length of the second upper driven roller axle  132 . A left end (e.g., a first end) of the second upper driven roller  94  can be rotatably mounted (by upper driven roller mounting components  142 ) to a lower rear portion of the upper roller mount left sidewall  114   a  and a right end (e.g., a second end) of the second upper driven roller  94  can be rotatably mounted (by upper driven roller mounting components  136 ) to a lower rear portion of the upper roller mount right sidewall  114   b . The upper driven roller mounting components  142  can include ball bearings, nuts, washers, screws, and the like. 
     Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, the upper driver roller  90  is positioned above and in between the first upper driven roller  92  and the second upper driven roller  94 . Further, because the upper driver roller  90  is biased downwardly relative to the upper roller mount  88 , the upper driver roller  90  is biased to make and maintain contact with at least one of the first upper driven roller  92  and the second upper driven roller  94 . As a result, rotation of the upper driver roller  90  drives rotation of both the first upper driven roller  92  and the second upper driven roller  94  at a speed the same as, but in a direction opposite to that of, the upper driver roller  90 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, the upper roller subassembly  14  is narrower than the lower roller subassembly  12 . More specifically, the first upper driven roller  92  and the second upper driven roller  94  of the upper roller subassembly  14  are narrower than the first lower driven roller  30 , the second lower driven roller  32 , and/or the lower support roller  34  of the lower roller subassembly  12 . This is designed to provide sufficient space for the left sandwich guard and right sandwich guard described below. 
     The upper roller drive motor  96  can be mounted to the upper roller mount top wall  118  and includes an upper roller drive motor sprocket  144  which provides rotational output of the upper roller drive motor  96 . The upper roller drive motor sprocket  144  is aligned with the upper driver roller sprocket  128 . The upper roller drive chain  98  mechanically connects the upper driver roller sprocket  128  and the upper roller drive motor sprocket  144 . The sizes of one or more of the upper driver roller sprocket  128  and the upper roller drive motor sprocket  144  can be varied to alter the performance of the gear train (e.g., the speed ratio, mechanical advantage, and the like). 
     Accordingly, mechanical power is transferred through the gear train from the upper roller drive motor  96  to the upper roller drive motor sprocket  144  to the upper roller drive chain  98  to the upper driver roller sprocket  128  to the first upper driver roller  90  to both the first upper driven roller  92  and the second upper driven roller  94 . Thereby, the upper roller drive motor  96  provides rotational power and energy to the first upper driven roller  92  and second upper driven roller  94  via the lower driver roller  28 . The resulting speed of the upper driver roller  90  being dependent upon the power output of the upper roller drive motor  96  and the gear train characteristics (e.g., sizes of sprockets, sizes of rollers, and the like). 
     The upper roller subassembly  14  pivots from an open position (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 3-6 ) where the upper roller mount  114   a  (and associated upper driver roller  90 , first upper driven roller  92 , and second upper driven roller  94 ) is pivoted away from the top portion of the lower roller subassembly  12  (and associated the lower driver roller  28 , first lower driven roller  30 , second lower driven roller  32 , and lower support roller  34 ) to a closed position where the upper roller mount  114   a  is pivoted towards the top portion of the lower roller subassembly  12 . In the closed position the first upper driven roller  92 , second upper driven roller  94 , first lower driven roller  30 , second lower driven roller  32 , and lower support roller  34  form a generally circular shape to rotate and wrap a sandwich placed therein. 
     The multiple drive motors and rollers facilitate even pressure on wrapping the sandwich. The lower roller drive motor  36  and upper roller drive motor  96  can be synchronized in the sense that the first lower driven roller  30 , second lower driven roller  32 , first upper driven roller  92 , and second upper driven roller  94  are all providing the same surface speed on the sandwich. Although multiple drive motors and rollers are disclosed herein, the automated sandwich wrapping system  10  can use more or fewer drive motors and/or rollers. For example, the automated sandwich wrapping system  10  can utilize only the first upper driven roller  92 , second upper driven roller  94 , the lower driver roller  28 , first lower driven roller  30 , lower support roller  34 , and lower roller drive motor  36  (thereby omitting the second lower driven roller  32 , the upper driver roller  90 , and upper roller drive motor  96 ). 
       FIGS. 7-9  are view of the creasing blade subassembly of the automated sandwich wrapping system. More specifically,  FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the creasing blade subassembly of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1 , additional components shown in dashed lines for the purpose of drawing clarity of the creasing blade subassembly,  FIG. 8  is a rear elevational view of an embodiment of the creasing blade subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 7 , and  FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the creasing blade subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 7-8 . The creasing blade subassembly  16  creases the sandwich wrapping paper extending past ends of the sandwich to make it easier to fold the sandwich wrapping paper, which facilitates tight wrapping of the sandwich. 
     The creasing blade subassembly  16  includes a creasing blade drive motor  146 , a creasing blade axle  148 , a left creasing blade  150   a , right creasing blade  150   b , left creasing blade mounting components  152   a , and right creasing blade mounting components  152   b . More specifically, the creasing blade drive motor  146  is in direct mechanical communication with the creasing blade axle  148 . The creasing blade drive motor  146  can be a gear rack motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable type of motor. 
     The creasing blade axle  148  is rotatably mounted to lower roller subassembly  12 . More specifically, a first end of the creasing blade axle  148  is rotatably mounted to and extends through the base left sidewall  26   a  and a second end of the creasing blade axle  148  is rotatably mounted to and extends through the base right sidewall  26   b . Left creasing blade  150   a  is fixedly attached (by left creasing blade mounting components  152   a ) approximately at first end of the creasing blade axle  148  adjacent to the outside surface of the base left sidewall  26   a ) and right creasing blade  150   b  is fixedly attached (by right creasing blade mounting components  152   b ) approximately at second end of the creasing blade axle  148  adjacent to the outside surface of the base right sidewall  26   b ). The left creasing blade mounting components  152   a  and the right creasing blade mounting components  152   b  can include collars, nuts, washers, screws, and the like. 
     Accordingly, when the creasing blade drive motor  146  rotates the creasing blade axle  148  both the left creasing blade  150   a  and the right creasing blade  150   b  rotate together with the creasing blade axle  148 . The left creasing blade  150  and right creasing blade  150   b  rotate from a front vertical position (as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 ) to a rear horizontal position in which at least a portion of the left creasing blade  150   a  rotates past the left arc  49   a  of the base left sidewall  26   a  and in which at least a portion of the right creasing blade  150   b  rotates past the right arc  49   b  of the base right sidewall  26   b.    
       FIGS. 10-14  are views of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of the automated sandwich wrapping system. More specifically,  FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 10 ,  FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 10-11 ,  FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 10-12 , and  FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly, the left folding subassembly, and the right folding subassembly of  FIGS. 1 and 10-14  when assembled with the lower roller subassembly, the upper roller subassembly, and the creasing blade subassembly. 
     The sandwich wrapping paper support assembly  18  supports and secures sandwich wrapping paper to facilitate proper feeding of the sandwich wrapping paper to ensure proper wrapping of the sandwich. The sandwich wrapping paper support assembly  18  also folds portions of the sandwich wrapping paper to facilitate wrapping of the sandwich. The sandwich wrapping paper support assembly  18  is positioned in between a left folding subassembly  20   a  and a right folding subassembly  20   b . The sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly  18  includes a sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 , a folding panel  156 , a left sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate mount  158   a , a right sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate mount  158   b , a sandwich wrapping paper stabilizing clip  159 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , for example, a first end of the left sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate mount  158   a  is pivotably attached at a bottom surface approximately at a left side of the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . A second end of the left sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate mount  158   a  is pivotally and/or slidably attached to a left sidewall  162   a  of the left folding subassembly  20   a  (discussed below). A first end of the right sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate mount  158   b  is pivotably attached at a bottom surface approximately at a right side of the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . A second end of the right sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate mount  158   b  is pivotally and/or slidably attached to a right sidewall  162   b  of the right folding subassembly  20   b  (discussed below). The left sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate mount  158   a  and the right sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate mount  158   b  allow the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  to be oriented at a variety of angles and/or heights. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10, 12, and 14 , for example, the folding panel  156  includes a body portion  160 , a left folding flap  161   a , and a right folding flap  161   b . The bottom edge of the left folding flap  161   a  and the bottom edge of the right folding flap  161   b  can be tapered. The left folding flap  161   a  extends past the left edge of the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  such that the left folding flap  161   a  is foldable at approximately the left edge of the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . The right folding flap  161   b  extends past the right edge of the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  such that the right folding flap  161   b  is foldable at approximately the right edge of the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . As described in more detail below, the left folding flap  161   a  and the right folding flap  161   b  can pivotally move into one or more positions or positions (described below). 
     The sandwich wrapping paper stabilizing clip  159  is mounted approximately at a rear edge of the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 , and is mounted on top of the folding panel  156  such that the folding panel  156  is positioned between the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  and the sandwich wrapping paper stabilizing clip  159 . The sandwich wrapping paper stabilizing clip  159  can be attached to the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  and/or the folding panel  156  using mounting components (e.g., clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, and the like). 
     The left folding subassembly  20   a  includes a left sidewall  162   a , a left upper folding plate  164   a , a left lower folding plate  166   a , a left upper folding plate piston  167   a , a left lower folding plate piston  168   a , a left gripper  170   a , and a left plunger  172   a . More specifically, the left sidewall  162   a  includes a left support brace  174   a  extending outwardly from a left surface at approximately a bottom edge of the left sidewall  162   a  (e.g., away from the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly  18 ). The left support brace  174   a  provides, among other things, stability for the left folding subassembly  20   a.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , for example, the left upper folding plate  164   a  and right upper folding plate  164   b  hingedly move between an idle position to an active position to fold ends of the sandwich wrapping paper that extend past the sandwich. The left lower folding plate  166   a  and the right lower folding plate  166   b  hingedly move between an idle position and an active position to align and contact left gripper  170   a  and right gripper  170   b  with ends of the sandwich. Once left gripper  170   a  and right gripper  170   b  engage ends of the sandwich, left gripper  170   a  and right gripper  170   b  rotate to facilitate wrapping of the sandwich in the sandwich wrapping paper. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , for example, the left sidewall  162   a  includes a left upper folding plate  164   a  hingedly attached at an angled upper edge of the left sidewall  162   a . As a result, the left upper folding plate  164   a  is angled with respect to the bottom edge of the left sidewall  162   a  (and the ground as well). The sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  can be oriented and adjusted such that the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  and the left upper folding plate  164   a  are in the same plane. The left upper folding plate  164   a  includes a left gripper opening  176   a  defined therein, and a left sandwich guard  178   a , and a left plunger opening  180   a . The left sandwich guard  178   a  extends upwardly about at least a portion of the perimeter of the left gripper opening  176   a . For example, there can be a gap in the left sandwich guard  178   a  at the portion closest to the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . The left gripper opening  176   a  is more forwardly positioned than the left plunger opening  180   a  (e.g., the left plunger opening  180   a  is above the left gripper opening  176   a ). 
     The left lower folding plate  166   a  is hingedly attached to the left sidewall  162   a  and positioned beneath the left upper folding plate  164   a . The left lower folding plate  166   a  can be smaller than the left upper folding plate  164   a.    
     A first end of the left upper folding plate piston  167   a  is pivotally attached to the left support brace  174   a . A second end of the left upper folding plate piston  167   a  is pivotally attached to the lower surface of the left upper folding plate  164   a . Accordingly, extension and retraction of the left upper folding plate piston  167   a  controls the position of the left upper folding plate  164   a . More specifically, when the left upper folding plate piston  167   a  is retracted, the left upper folding plate  164   a  is in an idle position, where the left upper folding plate  164   a  is approximately parallel and coplanar with the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 10-14 ). When the left upper folding plate piston  167   a  extends, the left upper folding plate  164   a  moves to an active position, where the left upper folding plate  164   a  is approximately perpendicular to the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . 
     A first end of the left lower folding plate piston  168   a  is pivotally attached to the left support brace  174   a . A second end of the left lower folding plate piston  168   a  is pivotally attached to the lower surface of the left lower folding plate  166   a . Accordingly, extension and retraction of the left lower folding plate piston  168   a  controls the position of the left lower folding plate  166   a . More specifically, when the left lower folding plate piston  168   a  is retracted, the left lower folding plate  166   a  is in a idle position, where the left lower folding plate  166   a  is approximately parallel with the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 10-14 ). When the left lower folding plate piston  168   a  extends, the left upper folding plate  166   a  moves to a active position, where the left lower folding plate  166   a  is approximately perpendicular to the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . 
     The left gripper  170   a  is mounted to the left lower folding plate  166   a . The left gripper  170   a  includes a left rotatable gripper plate  186   a , a plurality of left gripping fingers  188   a  extending from the left rotatable gripper plate  186   a , and a left gripper motor  190   a  mechanically connected to the left rotatable gripper plate  186   a . The left gripper plate  186   a  can be circular and the plurality of left gripping fingers  188   a  can be evenly positioned about the perimeter of the gripper plate  186   a . The left gripper motor  190   a  can control the rotational direction and/or speed of the rotation of the left rotatable gripper plate  186   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, when the left upper folding plate  164   a  is in the idle position and the left lower folding plate  166   a  is in the idle position, the central axis of the left gripper  170   a  is offset to the left of the central axis of the left gripper opening  176   a . This way, when the left upper folding plate  164   a  is in the active position and the left lower folding plate  166   a  is in the active position, the central axis of the left gripper  170   a  will substantially align with the central axis of the left gripper opening  176   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , for example, the left plunger  172   a  is mounted to the left upper folding plate  164   a  at the left plunger opening  180   a . The left plunger  172   a  includes a left pneumatic cylinder  192   a  and a left extendable plunger arm  194   a  in mechanical connection therewith. The left extendable plunger arm  194   a  is extendable (and retractable) and idly rotatable (i.e., rotatably driven). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , for example, the right folding subassembly  20   b  includes a right sidewall  162   b , a right upper folding plate  164   b , a right lower folding plate  166   b , a right upper folding plate piston  167   b , a right lower folding plate piston  168   b , a right gripper  170   b , and a right plunger  172   b . More specifically, the right sidewall  162   b  includes a right support brace  174   b  extending outwardly from a right surface at approximately a bottom edge of the right sidewall  162   b  (e.g., away from the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly  18 ). The right support brace  174   b  provides, among other things, stability for the right folding subassembly  20   b.    
     The right sidewall  162   b  includes a right upper folding plate  164   b  hingedly attached at an angled upper edge of the right sidewall  162   b . As a result, the right upper folding plate  164   b  is angled with respect to the bottom edge of the right sidewall  162   b  (and the ground as well). Further, the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  can be oriented and adjusted such that the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  and the right upper folding plate  164   b  are in the same plane. The right upper folding plate  164   b  includes a right gripper opening  176   b  defined therein, a right sandwich guard  178   b , and a right plunger opening  180   b . The right sandwich guard  178   b  extends upwardly about at least a portion of the perimeter of the right gripper opening  176   b . For example, there can be a gap in the right sandwich guard  178   b  at the portion closest to the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . The right gripper opening  176   b  is more forwardly positioned than the right plunger opening  180   b  (e.g., the right plunger opening  180   b  is above the right gripper opening  176   b ). 
     The right lower folding plate  166   b  is hingedly attached to the right sidewall  162   b  and positioned beneath the right upper folding plate  164   b . The right lower folding plate  166   b  can be smaller than the right upper folding plate  164   b.    
     A first end of the right upper folding plate piston  167   b  is pivotally attached to the right support brace  174   b . A second end of the right upper folding plate piston  167   b  is pivotally attached to the lower surface of the right upper folding plate  164   b . Accordingly, extension and retraction of the right upper folding plate piston  167   b  controls the position of the right upper folding plate  164   b . More specifically, when the right upper folding plate piston  167   b  is retracted, the right upper folding plate  164   b  is in an idle position, where the right upper folding plate  164   b  is approximately parallel and coplanar with the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 10-14 ). When the right upper folding plate piston  167   b  extends, the right upper folding plate  164   b  moves to an active position, where the right upper folding plate  164   b  is approximately perpendicular to the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . 
     A first end of the right lower folding plate piston  168   b  is pivotally attached to the right support brace  174   b . A second end of the right lower folding plate piston  168   b  is pivotally attached to the lower surface of the right lower folding plate  166   b . Accordingly, extension and retraction of the right lower folding plate piston  168   b  controls the position of the right lower folding plate  166   b . More specifically, when the right lower folding plate piston  168   b  is retracted, the right lower folding plate  166   b  is in an idle position, where the right lower folding plate  166   b  is approximately parallel with the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 10-14 ). When the right lower folding plate piston  168   b  extends, the right upper folding plate  166   b  moves to an active position, where the right lower folding plate  166   b  is approximately perpendicular to the sandwich wrapping paper feeder plate  154 . 
     The right gripper  170   b  is mounted to the right lower folding plate  166   b . The right gripper  170   b  includes a right rotatable gripper plate  186   b , a plurality of right gripping fingers  188   b  extending from the right rotatable gripper plate  186   b , and a right gripper motor  190   b  mechanically connected to the right rotatable gripper plate  186   b . The right gripper plate  186   b  can be circular and the plurality of right gripping fingers  188   b  can be evenly positioned about the perimeter of the gripper plate  186   b . The right gripper motor  190   b  can control the rotational direction and/or speed of the rotation of the right rotatable gripper plate  186   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, when the right upper folding plate  164   b  is in the idle position and the right lower folding plate  166   b  is in the idle position, the central axis of the right gripper  170   b  is offset to the right of the central axis of the right gripper opening  176   b . This way, when the right upper folding plate  164   b  is in the active position and the right lower folding plate  166   b  is in the active position, the central axis of the right gripper  170   b  will substantially align with the central axis of the right gripper opening  176   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , for example, the right plunger  172   b  is mounted to the right upper folding plate  164   b  at the right plunger opening  180   b . The right plunger  172   b  includes a right pneumatic cylinder  192   b  and a right extendable plunger arm  194   b  in mechanical connection therewith. The right extendable plunger arm  194   b  is extendable (and retractable) and idly rotatable (i.e., rotatably driven, does not rotatably drive). 
     Using the above mechanisms, the folding panel  156  is movable to a plurality of positions. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 10 , when the left upper folding plate  164   a  is in the idle position and the left extendable plunger arm  194   a  is in the retracted position, the left folding flap  161   a  is in a coplanar position, where the left folding flap  161   a  is substantially coplanar with the folding panel body portion  160 . When the left upper folding plate  164   a  is in the active position and the left extendable plunger arm  194   a  is in the retracted position, the left folding flap  161   a  is in a perpendicular position, where the left folding flap  161   a  is substantially perpendicular with the folding panel body portion  160 . When the left upper folding plate  164   a  is in the active position and the left extendable plunger arm  194   a  is in the extended position, the left folding flap  161   a  is in a folded position, where the left folding flap  161   a  is substantially parallel, but not coplanar, with the folding panel body portion  160  as the left folding flap  161   a  is further folded inward by the left extendable plunger arm  194   a.    
     Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 10 , when the right upper folding plate  164   b  is in the idle position and the right extendable plunger arm  194   b  is in the retracted position, the right folding flap  161   b  is in a coplanar position, where the right folding flap  161   b  is substantially coplanar with the folding panel body portion  160 . When the right upper folding plate  164   b  is in the active position and the right extendable plunger arm  194   b  is in the retracted position, the right folding flap  161   b  is in a perpendicular position, where the right folding flap  161   b  is substantially perpendicular with the folding panel body portion  160 . When the right upper folding plate  164   b  is in the active position and the right extendable plunger arm  194   b  is in the extended position, the right folding flap  161   b  is in a folded position, where the right folding flap  161   b  is substantially parallel, but not coplanar, with the folding panel body portion  160  as the right folding flap  161   b  is further folded inward by the right extendable plunger arm  194   b.    
     When the left upper folding plate  164   a  and the right upper folding plate  164   b  are both in the active position, the left gripper opening  176   a  is coaxial with the right gripper opening  176   b . Further, when the left upper folding plate  164   a  and the right upper folding plate  164   b  are in the active position, and the left lower folding plate  166   a  and the right lower folding plate  166   b  are in the active position, the left gripper opening  176   a , the right gripper opening  176   b , the left gripper  170   a , and the right gripper  170   b  are all coaxial with one another. 
       FIGS. 15-18  are views illustrating use of the automated sandwich wrapping system  10  with components thereof in various positions. More specifically,  FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1  with the upper roller subassembly in the closed position, the creasing blade subassembly in the rear horizontal position, each of the left folding flap and the right folding flap in the coplanar position, each of the left upper folding plate and the right upper folding plate in the idle position, each of the left lower folding plate and the right lower folding plate in the idle position, and each of the left extendable plunger arm and the right extendable plunger arm in the retracted position,  FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 15  with the upper roller subassembly in the closed position, the creasing blade subassembly in the front vertical position, each of the left folding flap and the right folding flap in the perpendicular position, each of the left upper folding plate and the right upper folding plate in the active position, each of the left lower folding plate and the right lower folding plate in the active position, and the left plunger and the right plunger in the retracted position,  FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 15-16  with the upper roller subassembly in the closed position, the creasing blade subassembly in the front vertical position, each of the left folding flap and the right folding flap in the folded position, each of the left upper folding plate and the right upper folding plate in the active position, each of the left lower folding plate and the right lower folding plate in the active position, and each of the left plunger and the right plunger in the extended position, and  FIG. 18  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 17 . 
     To use the automated sandwich wrapping system  10 , the upper roller subassembly  14  is in the open position, the left creasing blade  150   a  and the right creasing blade  150   b  are in the vertical position, the left folding flap  161   a  and right folding flap  161   b  are in the coplanar position, the left upper folding plate  164   a  and right upper folding plate  164   b  are in the idle position, and the left lower folding plate  166   a  and right lower folding plate  166   b  are in the idle position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 ). With these components in these positions, one or more pieces and/or types of sandwich wrapping paper (or other type of wrapping material) is positioned between the folding panel  156  and the sandwich wrapping paper stabilizing clip  159 , such that at least a first portion of the sandwich wrapping paper extends onto at least a portion of the lower roller subassembly  12  (e.g., the first lower driven roller  30 , second lower driven roller  32 , and/or lower support roller  34 ). A sandwich (or other item to be wrapped) is then positioned on top of the first portion of the sandwich wrapping paper extending onto the lower roller subassembly  12 . A second portion of the sandwich wrapping paper (e.g., extending from the first portion) is then positioned over the sandwich. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , with the sandwich wrapping paper and sandwich set up in the automated sandwich wrapping system  10 , the upper roller subassembly  14  moves (e.g., manually or automatically) from the open position to the closed position. Accordingly, the first upper driven roller  92  (not shown) and second upper driven roller  94  contact the second portion of the sandwich wrapping paper, such that the sandwich is at least partially surrounded by the first portion of the sandwich wrapping paper and the second portion of the sandwich wrapping paper and secured between the lower roller subassembly  12  and the upper roller subassembly  14 . 
     Once the sandwich is positioned in the sandwich wrapping paper (forming a cylindrical shape with open ends), the creasing blade drive motor  146  actuates to rotate the left creasing blade  150   a  and right creasing blade  150   b  from a front vertical position to a rear horizontal position, as shown in  FIG. 15 . This creases the sandwich wrapping paper extending past the left and right ends of the sandwich. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the creasing blade drive motor  146  actuates again to rotate the left creasing blade  150   a  and right creasing blade  150   b  from a rear horizontal position back to a front vertical position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , during or after rotative retraction of the left creasing blade  150   a  and right creasing blade  150   b , the left upper folding plate piston  167   a  actuates (e.g., extends) to move the left upper folding plate  164   a  from an idle position to an active position, which moves the left folding flap  161   a  from a coplanar position to a perpendicular position. As a result, the left sandwich guard  178   a  folds the sandwich wrapping paper (e.g., at the crease created by the left creasing blade  150   a  and right creasing blade  150   b ) inwardly, such that the sandwich wrapping paper extending past the left end of the sandwich folds back over onto itself. Further, the sandwich wrapping paper extending past the left edge of the sandwich wrapping paper stabilizing clip  159  (e.g., the sandwich wrapping paper extending onto the left folding flap  161   a  and/or left upper folding plate  164   a ) is folded to a generally perpendicular position by the left folding flap  161   a  and/or left upper folding plate  164   a.    
     Similarly, during or after rotative retraction of the left creasing blade  150   a  and right creasing blade  150   b , the right upper folding plate piston  167   b  actuates (e.g., extends) to move the right upper folding plate  164   b  from an idle position to an active position, which moves the right folding flap  161   b  from a coplanar position to a perpendicular position. As a result, the right sandwich guard  178   b  folds the sandwich wrapping paper (e.g., at the crease created by the left creasing blade  150   a  and right creasing blade  150   b ) inwardly, such that the sandwich wrapping paper extending past the right end of the sandwich folds back over onto itself. Further, the sandwich wrapping paper extending past the right edge of the sandwich wrapping paper stabilizing clip  159  (e.g., the sandwich wrapping paper extending onto the right folding flap  161   b  and/or right upper folding plate  164   b ) is folded to a generally perpendicular position by the right folding flap  161   b  and/or right upper folding plate  164   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the left plunger  172   a  actuates to extend the left extendable plunger arm  194   a , which moves the left folding flap  161   a  from the perpendicular position to the folded position. As a result, the left side of the sandwich wrapping paper extending onto the left folding flap  161   a  folds back on itself (e.g., folds inwardly). Similarly, as also shown in  FIG. 17 , the right plunger  172   b  actuates to extend the right extendable plunger arm  194   b , which moves the right folding flap  161   b  from the perpendicular position to the folded position. As a result, the right side of the sandwich wrapping paper extending onto the right folding flap  161   b  folds back on itself (e.g., folds inwardly). 
     During or after actuation of the left plunger  172   a  and right plunger  172   b , the left lower folding plate piston  168   a  actuates (e.g., extends) to move the left lower folding plate  166   a  from the idle position to the active position. This causes the left gripping fingers  188   a  of the left gripper  170   a  to engage the left side of the sandwich. Similarly, during or after actuation of the left plunger  172   a  and right plunger  172   b , the right lower folding plate piston  168   b  actuates (e.g., extends) to move the right lower folding plate  166   b  from the idle position to the active position. This causes the right gripping fingers  188   b  of the right gripper  170   b  to engage the right side of the sandwich. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the sandwich would be covered substantially along its axis by the first lower driven roller  30 , the second lower driven roller  32 , the lower support roller  34 , the upper driven roller  92 , the second upper driven roller  94 , the left sandwich guard  178   a , and the right sandwich guard  178   b . The lower roller drive motor  36  actuates (e.g., to rotate the first lower driven roller  30  and the second lower driven roller  32 ), the upper roller drive motor  96  actuates (e.g., to rotate the first upper driven roller  92  and the second upper driven roller  94 ), the left gripper motor  190   a  actuates (e.g., to rotate the left rotatable gripper plate  186   a  and corresponding left gripping fingers  188   a ), and/or the right gripper motor  190   b  actuates (e.g., to rotate the right rotatable gripper plate  186   b  and corresponding right gripping fingers  188   b ). This rotates the sandwich, thereby wrapping the sandwich in the sandwich wrapping paper, which results in little or no excess sandwich wrapping paper extending past the ends of the sandwich. The lower roller drive motor  36 , the upper roller drive motor  96 , the left gripper motor  190   a , and/or the right gripper motor  190   b  can be synchronized in the sense that they ensure their respective components rotate the sandwich at the same speed. Such synchronization can be controlled by an electronic controller (e.g., computer system). 
       FIGS. 19-22  are views of an automated sandwich wrapping system  1000 . More specifically,  FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIG. 1  in combination with a support structure, conveyer belt, label machine, wrapping paper roll, and wrapping paper cutting apparatus,  FIG. 20  is front perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 19 ,  FIG. 21  is rear perspective view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 19-20 , and  FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the automated sandwich wrapping system of  FIGS. 1 and 19-21 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the automated sandwich wrapping system  1000  includes the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010 . The automated sandwich wrapping system  1010  is as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-18 . The automated sandwich wrapping system  1010  includes a lower roller subassembly  1012 , an upper roller subassembly  1014 , a creasing blade subassembly  1016 , a sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly  1018 , a left folding subassembly  1020   a , and a right folding subassembly  1020   b , as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-18 . 
     The automated sandwich wrapping system  1000  includes a support structure  1200  to mount the various components of the automated sandwich wrapping system  1000  thereto (e.g., including the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010 . The automated sandwich wrapping system  1000  includes a conveyer belt  1202  positioned in front of the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010 , the conveyor belt  1202  transporting a plurality of sandwiches  1204  (e.g., wrapped and/or unwrapped) which can be loaded (e.g., manually or automatically) into the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010 . 
     The automated sandwich wrapping system  1000  can include a label machine  1206  which can apply labels onto the wrapped sandwiches after they have been wrapped by the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010 . The label machine  1206  can be positioned behind and/or beneath the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010 . The label machine  1206  can apply labels through the space between the lower roller subassembly  1012  and the sandwich wrapping paper support subassembly  1018 . 
     The automated sandwich wrapping system  1000  can also include a sandwich wrapping paper roll  1208  and sandwich wrapping paper cutting apparatus  1210 . The sandwich wrapping paper roll  1208  can be mounted onto the support structure  1200  and positioned behind the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010 . The sandwich wrapping paper cutting apparatus  1210  can be mounted to the support structure  1200  and/or the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010  at approximately the rear of the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010  (e.g., between the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010  and the sandwich wrapping paper roll  1208 . In this way, sandwich wrapping paper from the sandwich wrapping paper roll  1208  can be fed through the sandwich wrapping paper cutting apparatus  1210  onto the sandwich wrapping paper support assembly  1018  of the automated sandwich wrapping system  1010 , and the sandwich wrapping paper cutting apparatus  1210  can cut a piece of sandwich wrapping paper  1212  from the sandwich wrapping paper roll  1208 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20-22 , once a cut piece of sandwich wrapping paper  1212  is removed from the sandwich wrapping paper roll  1208  (e.g., manually or automatically) a sandwich  1204  is placed (e.g., manually or automatically) onto the cut piece of sandwich wrapping paper  1212  above the lower roller subassembly  1012 . A portion of the cut piece of sandwich wrapping paper  1212  is then positioned (e.g., manually or automatically) over the sandwich  1204 , such that a portion of the cut piece of sandwich wrapping paper  1212  substantially covers the sandwich  1204 . Wrapping the sandwich  1204  can proceed as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 15-18 . 
     Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit or scope thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.