Patent Publication Number: US-7712291-B2

Title: Film wrapping machine simultaneously utilizing two film carriage assemblies

Description:
This patent application is a Continuation patent application of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/723,219, which was filed on Mar. 19, 2007. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to film wrapping or packaging machines for wrapping film around articles, packages, or palletized loads, and more particularly to a new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine that has a pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies disposed upon the rotary ring member of the film wrapping machine, which rotates around an article, package, or palletized load disposed at a wrapping or packaging station and which is being wrapped within the film wrapping or packaging material, such that both of the diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies can simultaneously dispense the wrapping or packaging film to be wrapped around the article, package, or palletized load disposed at the wrapping station. The rotary ring member of the film wrapping machine is mounted upon a vertically movable frame member which is effectively moved at a predetermined speed which is approximately twice the normal speed of ascent or descent as that of a conventional film wrapping machine so that the wrapping or packaging film being dispensed from both film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies will overlap to a predetermined degree, and in view of the fact that both of the diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies effectively cooperate together in connection with the wrapping or packaging of the article, package, or palletized load disposed at the wrapping or packaging station, not only is the article, package, or palletized load able to be wrapped or packaged approximately twice as fast as with a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine, but in addition, the pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging film, respectively disposed upon the pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, effectively last twice as long as normal whereby they need to be replaced less often. In addition, if film depletion, or a breakage in the wrapping or packaging film, occurs upon one of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, the other one of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies will continue the article, package, or palletized load wrapping or packaging operation at a reduced vertical ascent or descent speed so as to effectively simulate a wrapping or packaging machine having a single film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly mounted thereon. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Film wrapping or packaging machines or apparatus, for wrapping articles, packages, or palletized loads within wrapping film, are of course well known in the art. Examples of such film wrapping machines or apparatus are disclosed within U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,961 which issued to Turfan on Mar. 6, 2001, U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,691 which issued to Turfan on Aug. 4, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,807 which issued to Morantz on May 21, 1996, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,796 which issued to Haloila on May 13, 1986. As disclosed within  FIG. 1 , which substantially corresponds to FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,961, and which is representative of the conventional film wrapping or packaging machines, a film wrapping or packaging machine is generally indicated by the reference character  10  and is seen to comprise a four-post upstanding framework  12  through which extends a conveyor  14  for conveying articles, packages, or palletized loads, to be wrapped or packaged, to a wrapping station  16  which is located substantially at the center of the region or area which is peripherally defined by means of the upstanding posts of the framework  12 . 
   An upper frame member  18 , vertically movable in a reciprocating manner with respect to the framework  12 , rotatably supports a ring or circular track member  20  upon which is mounted a plastic film roll mounting and dispensing assembly or carriage  22  upon which is mounted a roll  24  of plastic wrapping film. Consequently, when the upper frame member  18  is moved in vertically upward and downward directions, and the ring or track member  20  is rotated with respect to the vertically movable upper frame member  18 , film from the film roll  24 , mounted upon the film roll mounting and dispensing assembly or carriage  22 , can be withdrawn therefrom and applied onto the articles, packages, or palletized loads which are to be wrapped within film packaging material and which are disposed or located at the wrapping station  16 . 
   While the aforenoted conventional film wrapping or packaging machine is satisfactory from an overall operational point of view, it is desirable to effectively shorten the cyclic time required to wrap or package each article, package, or palletized load within the wrapping or packaging film. In addition, it is also desirable to effectively lengthen or extend the service life of the roll of wrapping or packaging film such that the need to replace the roll of wrapping or packaging film occurs less often. In this manner, more articles, packages, or palletized loads can effectively be wrapped or packaged within wrapping or packaging film dispensed from a particular roll of wrapping or packaging film than has been previously possible whereby more continuous article, package, or palletized load wrapping or packaging operations can be performed and completed without the need to replenish depleted rolls of wrapping or packaging film which necessitates a predetermined amount of operational downtime through means of a suitable wrapping or packaging film roll exchange operation. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The foregoing and other objectives are achieved in accordance with the teachings and principles of the present invention through the provision of a new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine which has a pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies disposed upon the rotary ring member of the film wrapping machine that rotates around the article, package, or palletized load which is disposed at the wrapping or packaging station and which is being wrapped within the film wrapping or packaging material. Both of the diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies simultaneously dispense wrapping or packaging film to be wrapped around the article, package, or palletized load disposed at the wrapping or packaging station, and the rotary ring member of the film wrapping or packaging machine is mounted upon a vertically movable frame member that is effectively moved at a speed of ascent or descent which is approximately twice the speed of ascent or descent as that of a vertically movable frame member disposed upon a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine wherein the speed of ascent or descent of the vertically movable frame member is in fact predetermined so as to permit the dual film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies to dispense the wrapping or packaging film in a slightly overlapped mode. In view of the fact that both of the diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies effectively cooperate together in connection with the wrapping or packaging of the article, package, or palletized load disposed at the wrapping or packaging station, the article, package, or palletized load is able to be wrapped or packaged within a time frame which is approximately twice as fast as that which can be achieved with a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine. 
   In addition, the pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging film, respectively disposed upon the pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, effectively last twice as long as similarly sized rolls of wrapping or packaging film in view of the fact that film, from each one of the pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging film, is only being effectively utilized within each one half of each film wrapping or packaging layer. Accordingly, in view of the fact that the rolls of packaging or wrapping film are depleted at a substantially slower rate than that which would be experienced within a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine, the rolls of packaging or wrapping film need to be replaced less often than similar rolls of wrapping or packaging film disposed upon a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine. Accordingly, still further, more continuous film wrapping or packaging operations can be performed, in connection with the wrapping or packaging of multiple articles, packages, or palletized loads without necessitating or experiencing operational downtime that would normally be required in order to perform film roll replenishment, replacement, or exchange operations, and if film depletion or a breakage in the wrapping or packaging film occurs upon one of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, the other one of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies will continue the article, package, or palletized load wrapping or packaging operation at a reduced vertical ascent or descent speed so as to effectively simulate a wrapping or packaging machine having a single film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly mounted thereon. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventional, PRIOR ART film wrapping machine; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a new and improved film wrapping machine as constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention and showing the component parts thereof; 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the new and improved film wrapping machine, as disclosed within  FIG. 2 , showing the pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies mounted upon the rotary ring member, and the pair of film clamp assemblies mounted upon oppositely disposed, longitudinally extending beam members which are movable in transverse directions toward and away from each other so as to move the pair of film clamp assemblies between their START and FINISH positions during a film wrapping or packaging cycle operation; 
       FIG. 3   a  is a partial, enlarged view of  FIG. 3  showing the left wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly, the details of the left wrapping or packaging film clamping assembly, and an auxiliary film clamp mechanism which is adapted to transfer the leading end portion of the wrapping or packaging film between the film tail holder of the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly and the wrapping or packaging film clamping assembly; 
       FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the new and improved film wrapping machine, as disclosed within  FIGS. 2 and 3 , showing the motor drive system for the vertically movable frame member upon which the rotary ring member, and the pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, are mounted; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the vertically movable frame member, and the rotary ring member and the pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies mounted thereon; 
       FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the rotary ring member as mounted upon the vertically reciprocable frame member by means of the various mounting bracket and wheel assemblies for not only supporting the rotary ring member as mounted upon the vertically reciprocable frame member, but in addition, for rotatably guiding the rotary movement of the rotary ring member with respect to the vertically reciprocable frame member; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial, enlarged, perspective view of the undersurface portion of the vertically reciprocable frame member, as illustrated within  FIG. 6 , showing the drive motor, the idler rollers, and the drive belt utilized for driving the rotary ring member with respect to the vertically reciprocable frame member; and 
       FIG. 8  is a partial, enlarged perspective view, similar to that of  FIG. 7 , showing, however, the various motor drive components from a different perspective point of view. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIGS. 2-5  thereof, a new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine, constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character  110 . More particularly, the new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine  110  is generally or briefly seen to comprise a fixed, upstanding framework  112  through which extends a conveyor mechanism, which is not shown but which is similar to the conveyor  14  as disclosed within  FIG. 1 , for conveying articles, packages, or palletized loads, to be wrapped or packaged, in a conveying direction CD to a wrapping or packaging station  116  which is located substantially at the center of the region or area which is peripherally defined by means of the upstanding posts of the fixed upstanding framework  112 . A frame member  118 , which is vertically movable in a reciprocating manner with respect to the fixed upstanding framework  112 , rotatably supports a ring or circular track member  120 , and in accordance with a unique and novel feature or structure characteristic of the present invention, a pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124 , upon which rolls of wrapping or packaging film, not shown, are disposed, are fixedly secured upon the rotary ring member  120 . In this manner, the pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  will be movable with the rotary ring member  120  so as to move or rotate around the wrapping station  116  in order to package or wrap articles, packages, or palletized loads, disposed at the wrapping station  116 , within the wrapping or packaging film which is being dispensed from the pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  during the performance of a wrapping or packaging operation. 
   Continuing further, and with reference being specifically made to  FIG. 2 , it is seen that the fixed, upstanding framework  112  comprises four vertically oriented upstanding posts  126 , 128 , 130 , 132 , and that in order to properly control the conveyor mechanism, not shown, for conveying the articles, packages, or palletized loads into and out from the wrapping or packaging station  116 , a first pair of phototransmitters  134 , 136  are mounted upon a lower end portion of the upstanding post  128 , while a first pair of photoreflectors  138 , 140  are mounted upon a lower end portion of the oppositely disposed upstanding post  132  so as to be respectively disposed opposite the phototransmitters  134 , 136 . In a similar manner, three phototransmitters  142 , 144 , 146  are mounted upon a lower end portion of the upstanding post  126 , while three photoreflectors  148 , 150 , 152  are mounted upon a lower end portion of the oppositely disposed upstanding post  130  so as to be respectively disposed opposite the phototransmitters  142 ,  144 . More particularly, it is noted that the cooperative pairs of phototransmitters and photoreflectors  136 , 140  and  142 , 148  comprise safety sensor mechanisms so as to ensure that operator personnel are not within undesirable perimeter areas of the film wrapping or packaging machine  110  which are located adjacent to, for example, the conveyor mechanism, not shown, conveying the articles, packages, or palletized loads toward the wrapping or packaging station  116 . Alternatively, for example, another article, package, or palletized load, other than the particular article, package, or palletized load disposed upon the conveyor and being conveyed toward the wrapping or packaging station  116 , may be disposed within such perimeter areas of the film wrapping or packaging machine  110  so as to present a potential hazard to the operation of the film wrapping or packaging machine  110 . 
   In either one of these instances, a signal would be sent to a programmable logic controller PLC, which is schematically illustrated and which controls all movements of all of the components of the film wrapping or packaging machine  110 , so as to temporarily terminate operation of the film wrapping or packaging machine  110  until the aforenoted potentially hazardous situation or condition is corrected or satisfactorily resolved. Still yet further, the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector  134 , 138  comprise a first article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system whereby the forward, leading, or downstream end portion of the article, package, or palletized load, disposed upon the conveyor mechanism, not shown, will be sensed as the article, package, or palletized load is being conveyed toward the wrapping or packaging station  116 , and wherein further, the first article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system, comprising the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components  134 , 138 , will therefore transmit a signal to the programmable logic controller PLC that a film wrapping or packaging operation is about to be commenced. In a similar manner, the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector  146 , 152  comprise a second article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system whereby the forward, leading, or downstream end portion of the article, package, or palletized load, disposed upon the conveyor, not shown, will again be sensed as the article, package, or palletized load is being conveyed into and within the wrapping or packaging station  116 , and wherein further, the second article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components  146 , 152  will therefore transmit a signal to the programmable logic controller PLC to the effect that the activation of the conveyor mechanism, not shown, should be terminated so as to effectively locate the article, package, or palletized load at a substantially central portion within the wrapping or packaging station  116  in order to properly perform a film wrapping or packaging operation. 
   Lastly, the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector  144 , 150  comprise, in effect, a third, failsafe article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system. Accordingly, if the forward, leading, or downstream end portion of the article, package, or palletized load, disposed upon the conveyor, not shown, is sensed by means of the third article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components  144 , 150 , such as, for example, if the second article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components  146 ,  152  experiences a failure, or alternatively, if the article, package, or palletized load, disposed upon the conveyor, should experience slippage relative to the conveyor when the movement of the conveyor is terminated, then the third article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components  144 , 148  will transmit a signal to the programmable logic controller PLC to the effect that not only should the activation of the conveyor mechanism, not shown, be terminated, but in addition, that the entire film wrapping or packaging machine  110  should effectively be temporarily shut down so as to not to commence a faulty film wrapping or packaging operation in connection with the article, package, or palletized load which is not properly located at the wrapping station  116 . 
   This is similarly the case with the first article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components  134 , 138 . More particularly, the first article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components  134 , 138  also acts or serves as a fail-safe mechanism in that when the particular article, package, or palletized load has been conveyed toward the wrapping or packaging station  116 , the rear, trailing, or upstream end portion of the article, package, or palletized load must likewise clear the first article, package, or palletized load sensor mechanism or system comprising the cooperative pair of phototransmitter and photoreflector components  134 , 138  so as to effectively ensure that a properly sized article, package, or palletized load is in fact located, and properly positioned, at the wrapping or packaging station  116  so as to in fact be readied for undergoing a film wrapping or packaging operation. 
   As can also be best appreciated from  FIG. 2 , each one of the four vertically upstanding posts  126 , 128 , 130 , 132  comprising the fixed, upstanding framework  112  is noted as comprising, in effect, an angle iron structure having a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional configuration such that inner surface portions of each one of the substantially L-shaped vertically upstanding posts  126 , 128 , 130 , 132  are effectively disposed at 90°, or perpendicular, with respect to each other. In addition, and in connection with such inner surface portions of the plurality of vertically upstanding posts  126 , 128 , 130 , 132  disposed perpendicular with respect to each other, each one of the external corner regions  154 , 156 ,  158 , 160  of the vertically movable frame member  118 , which has a substantially square shaped configuration, has a pair of wheels, the axes of which are also correspondingly disposed at 90° or perpendicular with respect to each other, rotatably mounted upon such external corner region  154 , 156 , 158 , 160  of the vertically movable frame member  118 . More particularly, as can best be seen from  FIG. 5 , a first pair of wheels  162 , 164  are rotatably mounted upon suitable mounting bracket structure fixedly mounted upon the external corner region  154  of the vertically movable frame member  118 , while a second pair of wheels  166 , 168  are rotatably mounted upon suitable mounting bracket structure fixedly mounted upon the external corner region  156  of the vertically movable frame member  118 . In a similar manner, a third pair of wheels, only one of which is visible at  170 , are rotatably mounted upon suitable mounting bracket structure fixedly mounted upon the external corner region  158  of the vertically movable frame member  118 , while a fourth pair of wheels, only one of which is visible at  172 , are rotatably mounted upon suitable mounting bracket structure fixedly mounted upon the external corner region  160  of the vertically movable frame member  118 . In this manner, the vertically movable frame member  118  is in fact able to be smoothly moved along the interior, vertically oriented surfaces of the substantially L-shaped, vertically upstanding posts  126 , 128 , 130 , 132 , in vertically upward and downward directions, in accordance with particular cyclically staged movements occurring during the performance of a particular article, package, or palletized load wrapping or packaging operation. 
   Continuing further, in order to drive or move the vertically movable frame member  118  between its uppermost and lowermost positions during a film wrapping or packaging operation, a first reversible drive motor  174  is fixedly mounted upon a first upper end frame member  176  of the fixed, upstanding framework  112  by means of a suitable mounting plate, mounting bracket, or mounting block  178  which is fixedly or integrally secured to the first upper end frame member  176  of the fixed, upstanding framework  112  as can best be seen in  FIG. 4 . In addition, it is also seen that the first reversible drive motor  174  is provided with first and second oppositely oriented output drive shafts  180 , 182  upon which there is respectively disposed first and second output drive sprockets  184 , 186 . First and second output driven sprockets  188 , 190  are respectively fixedly mounted upon first end portions of the first and second driven shafts  192 , 194 , and it is seen that the first and second driven shafts  192 , 194  are respectively rotatably mounted within first and second bearing members  196 , 198  which are, in turn, respectively mounted upon first and second bearing blocks or bearing brackets  200 ,  202  that are also fixedly mounted upon the first upper end frame member  176  of the fixed, upstanding framework  112 . 
   The first and second output drive sprockets  184 ,  186 , respectively disposed upon the first and second oppositely oriented output drive shafts  180 , 182  of the reversible drive motor  174 , are respectively operatively connected to the first and second output driven sprockets  188 , 190 , respectively disposed upon first end portions of the first and second driven shafts  192 , 194 , by means of first and second endless drive sprocket chains  204 , 206 , and it is further seen that the oppositely disposed second end portions of the first and second driven shafts  192 , 194  are respectively rotatably mounted within third and fourth bearing members  208 , 210  which are, in turn, respectively mounted upon third and fourth bearing blocks or bearing brackets  212 , 214  which are also fixedly mounted upon the first upper end frame member  176 . Still yet further, it is also seen that the distal or free end portions of the first and second driven shafts  192 , 194  are respectively provided with third and fourth output driven sprockets  216 , 218 , while axially inboard regions of the first and second driven shafts  192 , 194 , disposed upon the opposite side of, and adjacent to, the third and fourth bearing members  208 , 210 , are respectively provided with fifth and sixth output driven sprockets  220 , 222 . Upon the opposite side of the overall fixed, upstanding framework  112 , and in particular, upon a second upper end frame member  224  of the fixed, upstanding framework  112 , which is disposed opposite the first upper end frame member  176  of the fixed, upstanding framework  112 , third and fourth driven shafts  226 , 228  are adapted to be rotatably mounted. 
   More particularly, it is seen that the axially outboard end portion of the third driven shaft  226  is rotatably mounted within a fifth bearing member  230  which is mounted upon a fifth bearing block or bearing bracket  232  that is fixedly mounted upon the second upper end frame member  224 , and in a similar manner, the axially outboard end portion of the fourth driven shaft  228  is rotatably mounted within a sixth bearing member  234  which is mounted upon a sixth bearing block or bearing bracket  236  that is likewise fixedly mounted upon the second upper end frame member  224 . Still further, it is also seen that the axially inboard end portion of the third driven shaft  226  is rotatably mounted within a seventh bearing member  238  which is mounted upon a seventh bearing block or bearing bracket  240  that is also fixedly mounted upon the second upper end frame member  224 , and in a similar manner, the axially inboard end portion of the fourth driven shaft  228  is rotatably mounted within an eighth bearing member  242  which is mounted upon an eighth bearing block or bearing bracket  244  that is likewise fixedly mounted upon the second upper end frame member  224 , the axially inboard end portions of the third and fourth driven shafts  226 , 228  also being operatively connected together by means of a suitable coupling member  246 . 
   Continuing still further, it is additionally seen that seventh and eighth output driven sprockets  248 , 250  are respectively disposed upon the distal end portions of the third and fourth driven shafts  226 , 228 , and that ninth and tenth output driven sprockets  252 , 254  are respectively disposed upon the axially inboard sides of the third and fourth driven shafts  226 , 228  at positions adjacent to the fifth and sixth bearing members  230 , 234 . As can best be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and taken in conjunction with  FIG. 4 , a first vertically oriented endless driven sprocket chain  256 , fixedly connected at an intermediate portion thereof to the frame member  118 , has its upper end portion disposed around the third output driven sprocket  216  disposed upon the distal end portion of the first driven shaft  192 , while the lower end portion of the first endless driven sprocket chain  256  is disposed within a first sprocket chain housing  258  mounted upon a lower end portion of the vertically oriented upstanding post  126  of the fixed upstanding framework  112 . In a similar manner, a second vertically oriented endless driven sprocket chain  260 , fixedly connected at an intermediate portion thereof to the frame member  118 , has its upper end portion disposed around the fourth output driven sprocket  218  disposed upon the distal end portion of the second driven shaft  194 , while the lower end portion of the second endless driven sprocket chain  260  is disposed within a second sprocket chain housing  262  mounted upon a lower end portion of the vertically oriented upstanding post  128  of the fixed upstanding framework  112 . 
   Still further, a third vertically oriented endless driven sprocket chain  264 , also fixedly connected at an intermediate portion thereof to the frame member  118 , has its upper end portion disposed around the seventh output driven sprocket  248  disposed upon the distal end portion of the third driven shaft  226 , while the lower end portion of the third endless driven sprocket chain  264  is disposed within a third sprocket chain housing  266  mounted upon a lower end portion of the vertically oriented upstanding post  130  of the fixed upstanding framework  112 . Furthermore, a fourth vertically oriented endless driven sprocket chain  268 , also fixedly connected at an intermediate portion thereof to the frame member  118 , has its upper end portion disposed around the eighth output driven sprocket  250  disposed upon the distal end portion of the fourth driven shaft  228 , while the lower end portion of the fourth endless driven sprocket chain  268  is disposed within a fourth sprocket chain housing  270  mounted upon a lower end portion of the vertically oriented upstanding post  132  of the fixed upstanding framework  112 . 
   Still yet further, it is also seen that a first horizontally oriented sprocket chain  272  is disposed around the fifth and ninth output driven sprockets  220 , 252 , while a second horizontally oriented sprocket chain  274  is disposed around the sixth and tenth output driven sprockets  222 , 254 . Accordingly, when the first reversible drive motor  174  is actuated so as to, for example, drive the sprocket chains  256 , 260 , 264 , 268  in either direction, that is, to lower or to raise the frame member  118 , rotary drive to the vertically oriented sprocket chains  256 , 260  will be achieved by means of the driven shafts  192 , 194  and the driven sprockets  216 , 218 , whereas rotary drive to the vertically oriented sprocket chains  264 , 268  will be achieved by means of the driven shafts  192 , 194 , the driven sprockets  220 , 222 , the horizontally oriented sprocket chains  272 , 274 , the driven sprockets  252 , 254 , the driven shafts  226 , 228 , and the sprockets  248 , 250 . 
   With reference now being made to FIGS.  3  and  5 - 8 , the system for mounting the rotary ring member  120  upon the vertically reciprocable frame member  118 , as well as the system for rotating the rotary ring member  120  with respect to the vertically reciprocable frame member  118 , will now be described. More particularly, as can best be appreciated from  FIG. 6 , the vertically reciprocable frame member  118  has four substantially triangularly configured mounting brackets or mounting plates  276 , 278 , 280 , 282  fixedly mounted thereon, and each one of the mounting brackets or mounting plates  276 ,  278 , 280 , 282  is respectively provided with a horizontally oriented wheel  284 , 286 , 288 , 290  for engaging a vertically oriented external annular surface portion  292  of the rotary ring member  120 . In addition, each one of the mounting brackets or mounting plates  276 , 278 , 280 , 282  is also respectively provided with a vertically oriented wheel  294 , 296 , 298 , 300  for engaging a horizontally oriented external undersurface portion  302  of the rotary ring member  120  whereby the rotary ring member  120  is in fact supported upon such vertically oriented wheels  294 , 296 , 298 , 300 . Still further, it is also seen that a first side beam member  304  of the frame member  118  is provided with a mounting bracket  306  upon which a fifth horizontally oriented wheel  308  is rotatably mounted so as to be rotatably engaged with the vertically oriented external annular surface portion  292  of the rotary ring member  120 , as well as fifth and sixth vertically oriented wheels  310 , 312  which are rotatably mounted upon the mounting bracket  306  so as to be rotatably engaged with the horizontally oriented external under-surface portion  302  of the rotary ring member  120 . In a similar manner, a second oppositely disposed side beam member  314  of the frame member  118  is provided with a mounting bracket  316  upon which a sixth horizontally oriented wheel  318  is rotatably mounted so as to also be rotatably engaged with the vertically oriented external annular surface portion  292  of the rotary ring member  120 , as well as seventh and eighth vertically oriented wheels  320 , 322  which are rotatably mounted upon the mounting bracket  316  so as to be rotatably engaged with the horizontally oriented external undersurface portion  302  of the rotary ring member  120 . 
   As can best be seen in  FIG. 5 , in order to provide for the relative rotation of the rotary ring member  120 , and the pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  mounted thereon, with respect to the vertically reciprocable frame member  118 , a second, vertically oriented drive motor  324  is fixedly mounted in a dependent manner upon an under-surface portion of the first side beam member  304  of frame member  118  within the vicinity of the triangularly configured mounting bracket  276 . In addition, as can best be seen from  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the output drive shaft  326  of the second, vertically oriented drive motor  324  has an output drive pulley  328  fixedly mounted thereon for rotation with the output drive shaft  326 , and a pair of idler or driven pulleys  330 ,  332  are rotatably mounted upon a substantially L-shaped mounting bracket or mounting plate  333  which is pivotally mounted upon the frame member  118  about an axis which effectively coincides with the axis of the idler or driven pulley  330 . In addition, an endless pulley drive belt  334  is disposed around the motor drive pulley  328 , routed around an external circumferential portion of the idler or driven pulley  332 , routed around the external peripheral portion of the rotary ring member  120 , routed back around an external circumferential portion of the idler or driven pulley  330 , and routed back around the motor drive pulley  328 . It is lastly noted that a turnbuckle mechanism  336  is operatively connected to the substantially L-shaped mounting bracket or mounting plate  333 , through means of a crank mechanism, not shown, whereby rotation of the turnbuckle mechanism  336  can pivotally adjust the relative disposition of the substantially L-shaped mounting bracket or mounting plate  333  and the idler or driven pulley  332  with respect to, for example, the motor drive pulley  328  and the idler or driven pulley  330 . In this manner, a predetermined amount of tension can be impressed upon or imparted to the endless pulley belt  334  disposed around the external peripheral portion of the rotary ring member  120 . 
   With reference now being made to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , it is seen that a pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340 , which are adapted to be operatively associated with the pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124 , as will become more apparent hereinafter, are respectively fixedly mounted in a dependent manner upon a pair of cross-beam members  342 , 344 . As can best be seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the upper or left end portion of the cross-beam member  342 , as viewed in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , is fixedly connected, such as, for example, by means of a suitable welding process, to a linear bearing housing member  346  containing a linear bearing member, not shown, and the linear bearing member, not shown, is operatively engaged with, or effectively rides upon, a rail or track member  348  so as to effectively be capable of linear translational movement along the same. In a similar manner, the right or lower end portion of the cross-beam member  344 , as viewed in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , is fixedly connected to a linear bearing housing member  350  which likewise contains a linear bearing member, not shown, which is operatively engaged with a rail or track member  351 , which can best be seen in  FIG. 4 , so as to likewise effectively be capable of linear translational movement therealong. A piston-cylinder assembly  352  is fixedly mounted upon the frame member  118  such that the free or distal end portion of the piston rod of the piston-cylinder assembly  352  is operatively connected to the linear bearing housing member  346 , and in a similar manner, another piston-cylinder assembly  353 , also best seen in  FIG. 4 , is fixedly mounted upon the frame member  118  such that the free or distal end portion of the piston rod of the piston-cylinder assembly  353  is operatively connected to the linear bearing housing member  350 . 
   The upper or left end portion of the cross-beam member  344 , as viewed in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , is movably mounted upon a track, or within a channel  355 , as can best be seen in  FIG. 4 , which is disposed upon the frame member  118  beneath the piston-cylinder assembly  352 , while in a similar manner, the lower or right end portion of the cross-beam member  342 , as viewed in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , is likewise movably mounted upon a track, or within a channel  357 , as best seen in  FIG. 4 , which is disposed upon the frame member  118  beneath the piston-cylinder assembly  353  operatively connected to the linear bearing housing member  350 . In this manner, when the piston rods of the piston-cylinder-assemblies  352 , 353  are extended or retracted either independently or in unison, the cross-beam members  342 , 344 , having the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340  disposed thereon, will be respectively moved toward and away from the side beam members  304 , 314  so as to respectively position the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340  away from or adjacent to the pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 ,  124 . The wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 ,  340  are substantially identical with respect to each other, and it is noted that they are disposed upon their respective cross-beam members  342 , 344  in the same orientations so as to be capable of operation at their diametrically opposed positions with respect to their respective wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 ,  124 . 
   In connection with the structural composition of each one of the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340 , and with wrapping or packaging film clamping assembly  338  being exemplary as can best be appreciated from  FIGS. 3 and 3   a , it is seen that the wrapping or packaging film clamping assembly  338  comprises a vertically oriented, semi-cylindrical hollow tubular member  354 , and a vertically oriented cylindrically configured clamping rod  356 . The entire film clamping assembly  338  is pivotally mounted upon a mounting bracket  358 , as best seen in  FIG. 5 , so as to be movable between a first inoperative position, to which the film clamping assembly  338  will have been moved into the page as viewed in  FIG. 3   a , and a second operative position at which the film clamping assembly  338  will be disposed at its illustrated position within  FIG. 3   a . The upper end portion of the vertically oriented cylindrically configured clamping rod  356  is also pivotally mounted upon the mounting bracket  358  so as to effectively be movable, by means of suitable mechanisms not shown, with respect to the semi-cylindrical tubular member  354  between an OPEN film insertion position, wherein the vertically oriented cylindrically configured clamping rod  356  is effectively disposed out of the page as illustrated within  FIG. 3   a , and a CLOSED film clamping position as illustrated within  FIG. 3   a.    
   In addition, an auxiliary film clamping mechanism  360  is pivotally mounted upon the mounting bracket  358  for effectively transferring the leading end or film tail portion of the wrapping or packaging film, disposed upon the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly  122 , from a film tail holder, not shown, of the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly  122  to a position at which the package wrapping or packaging operation can be commenced after a new or fresh roll of wrapping or packaging film is mounted upon the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly  122 , all as more fully set forth within copending patent application entitled AUTOMATIC FILM CHANGER FOR A FILM WRAPPING MACHINE, Ser. No. 11/723,220, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Still further, a film cutting device, in the form of a heated wire  362 , is also mounted upon the wrapping or packaging film clamping assembly  338 , at a position adjacent to the film clamping tubular member  354  and clamping rod  356 , so as to effectively sever the wrapping or packaging film upon completion of a package wrapping or packaging cycle, and still yet further, a plurality of vertically spaced heated sealers  364  are provided for sealing the severed trailing end portion of the wrapping or packaging film onto the wrapped or packaged load. 
   Having described all of the pertinent structural components of the new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine  110  constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, a brief description of the operation of the same will now be set forth. More particularly, assuming that a package, to be wrapped or packaged within wrapping or packaging film, is already disposed at the wrapping or packaging station  116 , the pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  are disposed at their START positions, as illustrated within  FIG. 5 , so as to both begin or commence a package wrapping or packaging cycle, that is, during a package wrapping or packaging cycle or operation, wrapping or packaging film will be simultaneously dispensed from both of the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124 . It is noted, at this point in time, that the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  have, for example, been provided with new or fresh rolls of wrapping or packaging film, wherein the free, leading end or film tail portions of the new or fresh rolls of wrapping or packaging film are disposed within the auxiliary film clamp mechanisms  360 , which are operatively associated with the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340 , as a result of the programmable logic controller PLC having caused the auxiliary film clamp mechanisms  360  to have grasped the free, leading end or film tail portions of the wrapping or packaging film, disposed within the film tail holders, not shown, of the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124 , and having subsequently pivoted the auxiliary film clamp mechanisms  360  so as to move such free, leading end or film tail portions from the film tail holders to positions at which the film wrapping or packaging operation can be commenced. Alternatively, after having completed a previous package wrapping or packaging cycle or operation, the free end portions of the rolls of wrapping or packaging film, already disposed upon the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124 , will be disposed within the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340 , that is, secured between the clamping rod  356  and the film clamping tubular member  354 . 
   Subsequently, the programmable logic controller PLC initiates operation of the second, vertically oriented drive motor  324  so as to cause rotation of the rotary ring member  120 , and the pair of diametrically opposed wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  disposed thereon, in the counterclockwise direction, and in addition, and at substantially the same time, the programmable logic controller PLC also initiates operation of the first reversible drive motor  174  so as to drive or move the vertically movable frame member  118 , having the rotary ring member  120  rotatably mounted thereon, between its uppermost and lowermost positions during the film wrapping or packaging operation. It is to be noted that, depending upon predetermined or particular wrapping or packaging preferences, operational modes, or the packages or articles to be wrapped or packaged, the vertically movable frame member  118  may initially be disposed at its lowermost position such that the same will ascend during a package wrapping or packaging operation, or alternatively, the vertically movable frame member  118  may initially be disposed at its uppermost position whereby the same will descend during a package wrapping or packaging operation. 
   In accordance with the unique principles and teachings of the present invention, it is further noted that the vertically movable frame member  118  is effectively moved at a predetermined speed, as controlled by means of the programmable logic controller PLC, which is approximately twice the normal speed of ascent or descent as that of a conventional film wrapping machine so that the wrapping or packaging film being dispensed from both of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  will only overlap a predetermined amount or degree. It can therefore be appreciated that since both of the diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  effectively cooperate together in connection with the wrapping or packaging of the article, package, or palletized load disposed at the wrapping or packaging station  116 , not only is the article, package, or palletized load able to be wrapped or packaged approximately twice as fast as that able to be accomplished by means of a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine, but in addition, the pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging film, respectively disposed upon the pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124 , effectively last twice as long as normal, that is, they can be utilized in connection with approximately twice the number of package wrapping or packaging operations, whereby they need to be replaced less often. 
   Continuing further, at the conclusion of a particular package wrapping or packaging cycle or operation, the programmable logic controller PLC will actuate the piston-cylinder assemblies  352 , 353  so as to move the cross-beams  342 , 344  away from each other and thereby cause the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340  to be disposed adjacent to the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  that have been stopped at, or effectively returned to, their START positions as illustrated within  FIG. 5 . Subsequently, the programmable logic controller PLC will actuate the mechanisms, not shown, controlling the pivotal movements of the film clamping tubular member and clamping rod components  354 , 356  of the wrapping or packaging film clamping mechanisms  338 , 340  so as to pivotally move the same to their downward positions, and still further, the programmable logic controller PLC will also actuate the mechanisms, not shown, for controlling the pivotal movements of the clamping rods  356 , that are respectively disposed upon the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340 , so as to effectively move the clamping rods  356 , out of the page as illustrated within  FIG. 3   a , to their OPEN positions with respect to their semi-cylindrical hollow tubular members  354 . The programmable logic controller PLC will then actuate the second, vertically oriented drive motor  324  so as to again cause rotation of the rotary ring member  120  in the counterclockwise direction so as to move the pair of wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  to predetermined angular positions just past or beyond the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340 . 
   Subsequently still further, the programmable logic controller PLC will again actuate the mechanisms, not shown, controlling the pivotal movements of the clamping rods  356  so as to now effectively move the clamping rods  356 , back into the page as illustrated in  FIG. 3   a , to their CLOSED positions with respect to their semi-cylindrical hollow tubular members  354  so as to effectively clamp portions of the packaging or wrapping film therebetween, and in addition, the programmable logic controller PLC will again actuate the second, vertically oriented drive motor  324  so as to cause rotation of the rotary ring member  120  in the reverse or clockwise direction so as to effectively move or return the pair of wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124  back to their START positions. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the wrapping or packaging film effectively becomes wrapped around the clamping rods  356  of the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340 . Still yet further, at substantially this point in time, the programmable logic controller PLC will also cause the film cutting wires  362  to be heated such that as the clamping rods  356  are moved toward their CLOSED positions, portions of the wrapping or packaging film will be forced into contact with the heated wires  362  thereby severing the wrapping or packaging films. The trailing end portions of the wrapping or packaging films, which form part of the wrapping or packaging film disposed upon or wrapped around the wrapped or packaged articles, packages, or palletized loads, will then be wiped, pressed, and sealed onto the wrapped or packaged articles, packages, or palletized loads by, for example, the plurality of vertically spaced heated sealers  364 , so as to effectively complete the wrapping or packaging operation with respect to the article, package, or palletized load that has just been wrapped or packaged, while leading end portions of the wrapping or packaging films will be retained within the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340 , by means of the tubular cylinders and clamping rods  354 , 364 , in preparation for the commencement or start of a new wrapping or packaging cycle or operation. It is of course to be understood that at the commencement or start of such a new wrapping or packaging cycle or operation, after a predetermined number of wrapping or packaging film layers have been wrapped around the article or object to be wrapped or packaged, the tubular cylinders and clamping rods  354 , 364  of the film clamping assemblies  338 , 340  will release the leading end portions of the wrapping or packaging films. 
   Lastly, it is also to be noted that if one of the rolls of film, disposed upon either one of the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124 , becomes depleted or experiences a breakage, such a condition will be sensed, such as, for example, by means of a tension roller, not shown but disclosed within the aforenoted copending patent application entitled AUTOMATIC FILM CHANGER FOR A FILM WRAPPING MACHINE, Ser. No. 11/723,220. Subsequently, a signal will be sent from the tension roller to the programmable logic controller PLC, and accordingly, the programmable logic controller PLC will send an appropriate signal to the first reversible drive motor  174  in order to adjust the rate of ascent or descent of the vertically movable frame member  118  so as to effectively simulate a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine comprising only a single wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly. In this manner, despite the occurrence of the depletion or breakage of the wrapping or packaging film upon one of the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124 , the package wrapping or packaging cycle or operation can continue until the package wrapping or packaging cycle or operation is completed. At such point in time, the depleted roll of wrapping or packaging film can be replaced with a new or fresh roll of wrapping or packaging film, or alternatively, the roll of wrapping or packaging film which experienced the breakage in the film can effectively have its leading end or film tail portion reinserted within the film tail holder operatively associated with the particular one of the wrapping or packaging film clamping assemblies  338 , 340  disposed upon the particular one of the wrapping or packaging film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies  122 , 124 . 
   Thus, it may be seen that in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, there has been disclosed a new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine wherein the pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies simultaneously dispense the wrapping or packaging film, and wherein further, the vertically movable frame member is effectively moved at a speed of ascent or descent which is approximately twice the speed of ascent or descent as that of a vertically movable frame member disposed upon a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine so as to nevertheless permit the dual film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies to dispense the wrapping or packaging film in a slightly overlapped mode. In view of the fact that both of the diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies effectively cooperate together, the article, package, or palletized load is able to be wrapped or packaged within a time frame which is approximately twice as fast as that which can be achieved with a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine. 
   In addition, the pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging film effectively last twice as long as similarly sized rolls of wrapping or packaging film in view of the fact that film, from each one of the pair of rolls of wrapping or packaging film, is only being effectively utilized within each one half of each film wrapping or packaging layer. Accordingly, in view of the fact that the rolls of packaging or wrapping film are depleted at a substantially slower rate than that which would be experienced within a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine, the rolls of packaging or wrapping film need to be replaced less often than similar rolls of wrapping or packaging film disposed upon a conventional film wrapping or packaging machine. Accordingly, still further, more continuous film wrapping or packaging operations can be performed, in connection with the wrapping or packaging of multiple articles, packages, or palletized loads without necessitating or experiencing operational downtime that would normally be required in order to perform film roll replenishment, replacement, or exchange operations. Lastly, if film depletion, or a breakage in the wrapping or packaging film, occurs within one of the film rolls of one of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, the other one of the film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies will continue the article, package, or palletized load wrapping or packaging operation at a reduced vertical ascent or descent speed so as to effectively simulate a wrapping or packaging machine having a single film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly mounted thereon. 
   Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.