Patent Publication Number: US-9850011-B2

Title: Stretch wrap dispenser with gathering mechanism

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/797,372 filed Mar. 12, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/716,666 filed Oct. 22, 2012, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to the packaging industry and, more specifically, to application of stretch film or wrap to objects. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Stretch film or wrap is generally known in the industry as a material that can be used to securely wrap a collection of objects together using the stretch material&#39;s resiliency and clinginess. Stretch wrap is typically understood to be a polyethylene stretch film that is generally dispensed from a roll form for use in a variety of applications. For instance, stretch wrap is held against a collection of objects and dispensed and stretched around the collection of objects and wrapped over itself up to several times to cover and hold together the collection of objects. In the shipping industry, for example, a collection of materials may be placed on a pallet to secure such articles together during the shipping process. A collection of boxes placed on a pallet can be shipped as a single cohesive unit when bound together through wrapping with stretch wrap. Other applications of stretch wrap are known such as wrapping agricultural products or simply binding together a collection of items. 
     Although such usages for stretch wrap are well known and documented, the amount of stretch wrap used in any given application can be extensive. For example, for an industrial supplier that ships large numbers of pallets of materials out on a consistent basis, a large inventory of stretch wrap must be maintained to facilitate the regular shipment of such products. For example, a large amount of stretch film may be necessary to wrap a given pallet of materials. 
     Typically, during application, a tension is applied to the stretch film as it is applied to the objects being wrapped. This tension stretches the film to facilitate a secure binding of the wrapped objects together, and this tension process also both strengthens the stretch film and allows for the use of less film. In typical approaches, the stretch creates a lengthening of the stretch wrap, but also creates significant narrowing of the stretch wrap in the direction not under tension. The narrowing causes less coverage of the object being wrapped and eliminating much of the efficiency gained in stretching the stretch wrap. One known device includes an idler roller that engages and rotates with the stretch wrap as it is pulled from its roll. The idler roller facilitates stretching of the wrap along its length due to the tension on the film. The roller also generally maintains the film&#39;s flat shape as it engages the object around which it is being wrapped. Although this stretch is advantageous, some narrowing does occur and further stretch and strength is still desirable. Another known approach is to stretch the stretch wrap with tension in the long direction while holding the sides of the stretch wrap to reduce narrowing. Such an approach is largely done through complex and expensive machinery. Another common application for stretch film is the containment and shipment of agricultural products where these products need to be ventilated to avoid spoilage or for evaporation of water. Current applications use stretch film that has holes cut into the film to allow the film to breath. This process is either done in-line during the manufacturing of the stretch film with expensive equipment or done off line as a secondary operation using expensive equipment to wind, perforate and then rewind the film. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally speaking and pursuant to these various embodiments, a stretch wrap manipulator is provided that includes one or more cutting members arranged, for instance, in parallel and designed to engage the stretch wrap to cut it into strips as it is dispensed from the roll. The strips are then gathered and stretched into strings that are wrapped around the object. The strings formed from the stretch wrap can stretch to an extended length while maintaining excellent tensile strength to secure heavy loads. Accordingly, such approaches save on the volume of stretch wrap used to secure a load without significantly compromising strength as a result of the stretching action while gathering the strips into strings. It also successfully wraps the load while providing the ventilation needed that is commonly provided by the more expensive vented film. 
     In some cases, there is a need to provide additional strength to certain section of the load and/or to grab the side of a pallet with a string of film rather than the face of the film. The gathering device allows a user to quickly and efficiently create a methodology of converting the face of the film to a concentrate string of film. This string allows the user to provide additional strength to a specific area on the pallet or tie the film off onto the bottom of the pallet. 
     In one described example, one or more cutting blades are disposed along a width of the stretch wrap where it separates from the roll. Beyond the cutting blades are gathering devices that gather individual strips of the stretch wrap into strings. The end of the stretch wrap is engaged to the object being wrapped such that the stretch wrap is under tension as it is removed from the roll, cut, and gathered into strings. The gathering devices apply this tension to the strips to stretch the strips as they are gathered together into the strings while passing through the gathering devices. This stretching can effect a significant increase in the length of the stretch wrap available to wrap around the object. It also creates a product that allows for the natural venting of the pallet. It also allows the film to be used in a concentrated area of the pallet. 
     The increase in stretch and gathering into strings of the stretch wrap results in a strong material that can hold together large loads while reducing the overall amount of stretch wrap used. So configured, efficiency of use of the stretch wrap increases. In addition, it provides for gaps between the stretch film which will allow the product to vent. These and other benefits may become clearer upon making a thorough review and study of the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the stretch wrap dispenser described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  comprises a perspective view of a prior art stretch film dispenser; 
         FIG. 2  comprises a perspective view of an example stretch film dispenser as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  comprises a top view of the example stretch film dispenser of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  comprises a side view of the example stretch film dispenser of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  comprises a side view of stretch film pulled from a roll of stretch film using a stretch film dispenser similar to that of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  comprises a side view of stretch film dispensed from a roll of stretch film using a stretch film dispenser configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  comprises a perspective view of another example stretch film dispenser as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  comprises a perspective view of another example stretch film dispenser as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  comprises a perspective view of another example stretch film dispenser as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  comprises a perspective view of another example stretch film dispenser as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  comprises a perspective view of an example stretch film dispenser that can pierce a film as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  comprises a top view of the example stretch film dispenser of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  comprises a side view of the example stretch film dispenser of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  comprises a perspective view of an example rotatable member with projections as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  comprises a side view of the example member of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  comprises a top view of the example member of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  comprises a perspective view of an example stretch film dispenser having two members engaging the film as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 18  comprises a top view of the example stretch film dispenser of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  comprises a side view of the example stretch film dispenser of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  comprises a perspective view of a pallet with objects being wrapped with stretch wrap using an example stretch wrap dispenser configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 21  comprises a perspective view of a pallet with objects being wrapped with stretch wrap using an example stretch wrap dispenser configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 22  comprises a perspective view of a partial apparatus for pre-stretching and re-rolling a stretch film in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 23  comprises a perspective view of an example stretch film dispenser having a cutting device and gathering devices forming the film into strings as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 24  comprises a perspective view of an example stretch film dispenser having two cutting devices and three gathering devices forming the film into strings as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 25  comprises a perspective view of another example stretch film dispenser having two cutting devices and three gathering devices forming the film into strings as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 26  comprises a perspective view of an example stretch film dispenser having a gathering device forming the film into a string or rope without cutting the film as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 27  comprises a perspective view of another example stretch film dispenser having a gathering device forming the film into a string or rope without cutting the film as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings and, in particular to  FIG. 1 , a prior art stretch film dispenser  100  is illustrated. The stretch film dispenser includes a frame having a handle  105  extending from the frame, a rotatable support  115  is configured to engage and hold a roll  120  of stretch film and rotate with the roll  120  as the stretch film  125  is pulled and removed from the roll  120 . The rotatable support or arm  115  is rotatably supported by the frame  105  using ball bearings or other rotatable supports as known in the art. The frame  105  also supports an elongated member  130  that extends next to the roll  120  and is disposed to engage the stretch film  125  as it dispenses from the roll  120 . In use, the stretch film  125  engages an object to be wrapped and is kept in tension as the stretch film is dispensed from the roll  120  and applied to the object. The tension on the stretch film  125  stretches the stretch film  125  along its length as it is dispensed from the roll  120 . The elongated member  130  facilitates stretching of the stretch wrap  125  as it engages the stretch wrap  125  during dispensing. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example stretch film dispensing apparatus  200  for applying a stretch film to an object. The stretch film dispensing apparatus  200  includes a support frame  205 , including an extension handle  210  that facilitates manual application of stretch film to an object. The frame  205  can be made of any suitable material such as a metal such as steel or plastic having sufficient strength to support the various aspects of the stretch film dispenser  200  against the forces experienced during stretch film application. One of skill in the art will recognize that the teachings of this disclosure are not limited to hand application of stretch film and may be applied to mechanical or automatic application of stretch wrap or film to objects. A support  215  is configured to support a roll  220  of stretch film and dispense the stretch film in response to tension on the stretch film  225 . The support  215  may be a rotatable arm or an elongated element designed to engage a hollow center of a stretch film roll, gripping members designed to engage either end of a stretch film roll, or other design suitable to support a roll of stretch film for dispensing. 
     The frame  205  also supports at least one member  230  having protrusions  233  configured to engage the stretch film  225  after the stretch film  225  extends from the roll  220  and before the stretch film  225  contacts the object. The protrusions  233  are configured to distort or variably stretch the stretch film  225  along a length of the stretch film  225  engaging the at least one member  230 . In the example of  FIG. 2 , the at least one member is disposed generally parallel to the roll  220  and is an elongated rotatable member that is cylindrical with the protrusions extending out from a radius of the cylinder. The frame  205  in the illustrated example supports the member  230  in a rotatable fashion using roller bearings or other suitable means known in the art such that the member  230  rotates as the stretch film  225  is dispensed and rolls over the member  230 . In this way, the protrusions  233  engage and release the stretch film  225  to deform it as the member  230  rolls with the dispensed stretch film  225 . The member  230  can be formed out of any of a variety of materials having sufficient stiffness to deform the stretch film. For example, the member  230  can be a pre-formed plastic piece to reduce adhesion between the stretch wrap and the member  230 . Also, the member  230  can have any of a variety of cross sectional shapes or be irregularly shaped including optionally protrusions that intentionally pierce the film to give it extra elongation or some type of ventilation. The protrusions also can have a variety of forms as discussed below. These protrusions could also be applied off line during the manufacturing of the stretch film. 
     In operation, the dispensing apparatus  200  performs a method for applying a stretch film to an object including engaging the stretch film  225  being dispensed from the dispenser  200  with the at least one member  230  having protrusions  233  to variably stretch the stretch film  225  along a length of the stretch film  225  engaging the at least one member  230 . Maintaining tension on the stretch film  225  during engagement with the at least one member  230  effects additional stretch on the stretch film  225  before application to an object. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , stretch film  125  dispensed from a stretch film dispenser such as that illustrated in  FIG. 1  will have a stretched length  550  of a given amount with the length being defined from a point of engagement  570  with the rotatable member  130  to an end portion of the stretch film  125 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a same amount of stretch film  225  dispensed from a dispenser like that illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4  having a tension similar to that of the stretch film dispensed as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The stretch of the stretch film  225  illustrated in  FIG. 3  at  650 , illustrates that the additional stretching of the stretch film through engagement with the protrusions  233  in combination with the tension applied during application allows the stretch film  225  to stretch out up to at least 15% more as compared to using a prior stretch film application device. 
     Generally speaking, when the protrusions  233  engage the stretch film  225 , the protrusions locally stretch a portion of the stretch film  225  transverse to the plane of the stretch film  225 . In contrast to the stretching of the film that is entirely in the plane of the stretch film  225  such as when the stretch film is applied using a dispenser like that of  FIG. 1 , stretch film being applied using a device such as that of  FIGS. 2-4  is additionally stretched in the transverse direction. This transverse action bi-axially orients the film to improve its strength and increasing its area of coverage. The extra stretch in the transverse direction in turn produces an additional stretch in the length of the stretch film  225  when a tension is provided laterally on the stretch film  225 . 
       FIGS. 7-10  illustrate additional examples of the types of protrusions and/or patterns of protrusions that can be used to provide a transverse stretching of the stretch film as it is being dispensed from a roll. As illustrated, the protrusions can come in any of a variety of shapes and sizes designed to effect a stretch and/or piercings in the stretch film transverse to the plane of the stretch film. The examples of  FIGS. 7-10  can be modified in a variety of ways to effect such stretching. For example, the protrusions may come in regular or irregular patterns. 
       FIGS. 11-13  illustrate another example type of protrusion array designed to pierce the stretch film as it is dispensed from a roll. In this example, the protrusion  1133  includes a leading, curved edge  1170  that initially engages and stretches the film as it engages the member  1130 . As the film progresses past the rotating member  1130 , the protrusion  1133  rotates further into the film until a pointed end  1180  of the protrusion  1133  pokes through the tensioned film to create a piercing  1190 . So configured, an array of piercings  1190  are created in the film while at the same time the film is stretched as described above. In this approach, the benefits of stretching the film are achieved together with providing a way to allow air circulation through the film after it is applied to an object. One skilled in the art will recognize that other particular shapes of protrusions can be used to pierce the film. Moreover, combinations of different types of protrusions can be used on a single member for engaging the film. For instance, one set of protrusions may be designed to pierce the film, and a second set of protrusions can be designed to only stretch the film so that the processed film includes both stretched portions and pierced portions. 
     For example,  FIGS. 14-16  illustrate another example type of protrusion designed to pierce the stretch film. In this example, the rotatable member  1430  includes two pieces  1431  and  1432  mated together along a seam  1435 . The protrusions  1433  include a jagged edge designed to pierce the stretch film when the film engages the protrusions  1433 . Such a design does not stretch the film as much as other protrusion designs before piercing the film. Many such designs are possible for the protrusions. 
     Moreover, additional members including protrusions may be used to engage the stretch film as it is dispensed from the dispenser. For example, a second roller having protrusions may be placed along the stretch film&#39;s path extending from the dispenser before engaging the object.  FIGS. 17-19  illustrate one such example approach to having two rollers or members engaging the film. The first roller  1730  includes protrusions  1733  to engage the film as the film separates off of its roll to stretch or pierce the film as described above. The second roller  1732  is disposed in the film&#39;s path to provide additional stretch in the film&#39;s length and to stabilize the film&#39;s width to provide additional protection against necking of the film. The second roller may or may not include protrusions. In one such approach shown in  FIG. 19 , the second roller  1732  includes protrusions  1783  designed to engage the stretch wrap in a pattern to largely not overlap with portions of the stretch film that engage protrusions of a first member engaging the stretch film. Other combinations of protrusions between two or more rollers designed to engage the stretch film are possible. 
     An example application for dispensing stretch film from a stretch film dispenser such as accordingly to the teachings of this disclosure is shown in  FIG. 20 . The pallet  2005  supports a plurality of boxes  2010  for shipping. After an end of the stretch film is secured to the boxes  2010 , a person holds and pulls the frame of the dispenser  2000  along the surface of the boxes  2010 , effectively pulling the film  2025  from the roll  2020  over the idler roller  2030 . The dispenser  2000  continues to pull the stretch film  2025  around the boxes  2010  to wrap and bind the boxes  2010  together for stability during shipping. The dispenser  2000  includes an idler roller  2030  having protrusions  2033  configured to engage the stretch film  2025  and stretch it along its length through application of tension and in a direction transverse to the length of the stretch film  2025  through engagement of the protrusions  2033  on the stretch film  2025 . So configured, the stretch film  2025  exhibits an improved stretch and can cover more of the boxes using less stretch film  2025  from the roll  2020 . Thus, less stretch film  2025  is needed to securely wrap the boxes  2010  on the pallet  2005 . 
     Another application is illustrated in  FIG. 21  where the roll  2120  of stretch film is mounted to a frame  2105  supported by a larger apparatus  2110 . In this case the larger apparatus  2110  is configured to move the roll  2120  up and down relative to the boxes  2170  stacked on a pallet  2175 . The apparatus  2110  cooperates with a rotation mechanism  2190  configured to rotate the pallet  2175 . After an end of the stretch film is secured to the boxes  2170 , the rotation of the pallet  2175  pulls the stretch film from the roll  2120 . A roller with protrusions is disposed next to the roll  2120  to engage the tensioned stretch film as it leaves the roll  2120  and before it engages the boxes  2170 . Such an auto-wrapping device is known in the art and needs no further explanation. The apparatus  2110  can be modified to include a mechanism to modify the tension on the stretch film as it is applied the boxes  2170 . 
     Another example application of this subject matter is in applying the protrusions to bi-axially stretch the stretch film during the stretch film&#39;s preparation and prior to its being rolled onto a roll for dispensing. In one example of this approach, one or more members like that described above can be disposed to engage stretch film just before the stretch film is rolled up. One such example is illustrated in  FIG. 22 . In the illustrated example, stretch film is unrolled from a first roll  2220  over a first roller  2225  that stretches the film along its length. A second roller  2230  then engages the film with protrusions  2233  to stretch the film locally and transverse to the plane of the stretch film. Optionally, the stretch film can be pierced in addition to or instead of being stretched by the protrusions. The stretched film is then re-rolled onto a second roll  2250  for storage for later use. Mechanisms can be built to support the rolls  2220  and  2250  and rotate them to effect the stretch film&#39;s engagement of the rollers  2225  and  2230 . The roller  2225  and  2230  may have any combination of protrusions or not, depending on the type of stretch or piercing desired for a given pre-stretched film. Such pre-stretched stretch film can then be applied using a prior applicator such as that of  FIG. 1  while maintaining much of the advantageous described above. 
     In another approach, instead of merely stretching or piercing the stretch wrap, the stretch wrap is cut into strips, which are stretched and gathered into strings that are used to wrap and secure the object. Three such examples are illustrated in  FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 . In each, an apparatus  2300 ,  2400 ,  2500  for applying a stretch film to an object includes a support frame  2305 ,  2405 ,  2505  including an extension handle  2310 ,  2410 ,  2510  that facilitates manual application of stretch film to an object. The frame  2305 ,  2405 ,  2510  can be made of any suitable material such as a metal such as steel or plastic having sufficient strength to support the various aspects of the stretch film dispenser  2300 ,  2400 ,  2500  against the forces experienced during stretch film application. One of skill in the art will recognize that the teachings of this disclosure are not limited to hand application of stretch film and may be applied to mechanical or automatic application (in-line application) of stretch wrap or film to objects, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 21 . A support  2315 ,  2415 ,  2515  is configured to support a roll  2320 ,  2420 ,  2520  of stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525  and dispense the stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525  in response to tension on the stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525 . The support  2315 ,  2415 ,  2515  may be a rotatable arm or an elongated element designed to engage a hollow center of a stretch film roll, gripping members designed to engage either end of a stretch film roll, or other design suitable to support a roll of stretch film for dispensing. 
     A support member  2330 ,  2430 ,  2530  extending approximately parallel (being sufficiently in line to facilitate the cutting and gathering operations along the width of the stretch wrap) to the support  2315 ,  2415 ,  2515  to be along a path between the stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525  dispensed from the stretch roll  2320 ,  2420 ,  2520  and the object. By one approach, the extension handle  2310 ,  2410 ,  2510  is disposed opposite of the support member  2330 ,  2430 ,  2530  to facilitate manual operation and control of the stretch wrap as it is applied to the object. At least one cutting member  2333 ,  2433 ,  2533  is supported by the support member  2330 ,  2430 ,  2530  and relative to the stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525  to cut the stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525  into at least two strips  2327 ,  2427 ,  2527  upon removal from the roll  2320 ,  2420 ,  2520 . At least two gathering devices  2340 ,  2440 ,  2540  are disposed to stretch and gather individual ones of the at least two strips  2327 ,  2427 ,  2527  of stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525  into strings  2350 ,  2450 ,  2550  configured to wrap around the object. The gathering devices engage, gather, and provide and maintain tension on the stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525  after the stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525  engages the gathering devices to effect additional stretch and gathering of the stretch film  2325 ,  2425 ,  2525  into the elongated strings  2350 ,  2450 ,  2550  that are applied to the object. 
     So configured, the dispenser is able to cut, stretch, and gather the stretch film into stretched strings having a significant tensile strength while also being stretched out enough to effect a savings in the amount of stretch wrap used to wrap and secure a particular object. Such approaches can be advantageous for certain loads that need some air circulation and thus cannot withstand being fully sealed by the stretch film.  FIGS. 23, 24, and 25  illustrate three particular examples of such dispensers although details of these examples may be modified while still being within this inventive concept. 
     In the example of  FIG. 23 , individual ones of the at least two gathering devices  2340  define apertures  2342  disposed to direct the strips  2327  away from the stretch roll  2320  and toward the object. The gathering devices  2340  may be rigid rings or washers  2345  secured to the support member  2330 . The inner round (although other shapes are possible) apertures  2342  of the rings or washers  2345  engage, gather, and provide and maintain tension on the stretch film  2325  as the strips  2327  pass through the apertures  2342  while moving toward the object to effect additional stretch and gathering of the stretch film  2325  into the elongated strings  2350  that are applied to the object. The inner apertures  2342  may comprise or be coated in a variety of materials to effect different stretching forces on engaging the stretch wrap. 
     In the example of  FIG. 24 , individual ones of the at least two gathering devices  2440  include two members  2445  and  2446  supported by the support member  2430  and intersecting in a direction away from the support  2405  configured to support the roll  2420 . The two members  2445  and  2446  and support member  2430  define an aperture  2442  disposed to direct one of the strips  2427  away from the roll  2420  and toward the object. The two members  2445  and  2446  may be two distinct members that are mechanically connected together to define the aperture  2442  with the support  2430  or, in another approach, the two members  2445  and  2446  may be separate legs of a single angled member that is mounted to the support  2430  to define the aperture  2442 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 25 , individual ones of the at least one of the gathering members  2550  comprises a rigid member  2545  mounted to the support member  2530 . The rigid member  2545  has a distal end extending away from the support  2530  and defining an aperture  2542 . The aperture  2542  is configured to receive, gather, and stretch one of the strips  2527  into one of the strings  2550  as the strips  2527  pass through the apertures  2542  while moving toward the object. In one approach, the dispenser  2550  also includes a mount  2560  configured to mount to the support member  2530  and to support at least one of the cutting members  2533  and at least one of the rigid members  2545 . In this example the rigid members  2545  made comprise any of a variety of materials having different flexibilities such that the rigid members  2545  may have some flex during the stretching and dispensing of the stretch film, but not so much flex that the rigid members  2545  are unable to direct the strings  2550  toward the object being secured. As with the above examples, the inner aperture  2542  may comprise or be coated in a variety of materials to effect different stretching forces on engaging the stretch wrap as it moves through the aperture  2542 . In still another approach, the gathering devices can be mounted so as to be rotatable to allow a user to selectively engage the gathering devices mid-stream (during continuous dispensing of the stretch film) to apply un-gathered stretch film or gathered strings to a load. 
     In yet another approach, instead of cutting the stretch wrap is cut into strips before gathering the strips into strings used to wrap and secure the object, the entirety of the stretch wrap can be stretched and gathered into one string or rope used to secure a load. Two such examples are illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 27 . In both, an apparatus  2600 ,  2700  for applying a stretch film to an object includes a support frame  2605 ,  2705  including an extension handle  2610 ,  2710  that facilitates manual application of stretch film to an object. The frame  2605 ,  2705  can be made of any suitable material such as a metal such as steel or plastic having sufficient strength to support the various aspects of the stretch film dispenser  2600 ,  2700  against the forces experienced during stretch film application. One of skill in the art will recognize that the teachings of this disclosure are not limited to hand application of stretch film and may be applied to mechanical or automatic application (in-line application) of stretch wrap or film to objects, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 21 . A support  2615 ,  2715  is configured to support a roll  2620 ,  2720  of stretch film  2625 ,  2725  and dispense the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  in response to tension on the stretch film  2625 ,  2725 . The support  2615 ,  2715  may be a rotatable arm or an elongated element designed to engage a hollow center of a stretch film roll, gripping members designed to engage either end of a stretch film roll, or other design suitable to support a roll of stretch film for dispensing. 
     A support member  2630 ,  2730  extending approximately parallel (being sufficiently in line to facilitate engaging the stretch wrap to stretch it and guide it to a gathering device) to the support  2615 ,  2715  to be along a path between the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  dispensed from the stretch roll  2620 ,  2720  and the object. By one approach, the extension handle  2610 ,  2710  is disposed opposite of the support member  2630 ,  2730  to facilitate manual operation and control of the stretch wrap as it is applied to the object. A rotatable member  2635 ,  2735  is supported by the support member  2630 ,  2730  and relative to the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  to engage and stretch the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  as it moves past the rotatable member  2625 ,  2725 . A gathering device  2640 ,  2740  is disposed to stretch and gather the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  into a string or rope  2650 ,  2750  configured to wrap around the object. The gathering devices  2640 ,  2740  engage, gather, and provide and maintain tension on the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  after the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  engages the gathering devices to effect additional stretch and gathering of the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  into the elongated strings or ropes  2650 ,  2750  that are applied to the object. In various approaches, the gathering device  2640 ,  2740  may be mounted so as to be selectively or intermittently movable into engagement with the stretch film  2625 ,  2725 . Thus, in one example, while dispensing stretch film  2625 ,  2725  from a roll from a manually operated dispenser for immediate application to an object, a gathering device  2640 ,  2740  intermittently engages the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  to dispense either the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  or a string  2650 ,  2750  created by the gathering device  2640 ,  2740  when the gathering device  2640 ,  2740  engages and gathers the stretch film  2625 ,  2725  during the application to the object. 
     So configured, the dispenser is able to stretch and gather the entire width of stretch film into one stretched strings or rope having a significant tensile strength while also being stretched out enough to effect a savings in the amount of stretch wrap used to wrap and secure a particular object. Such approaches can be advantageous for certain loads that need some air circulation and thus cannot withstand being fully sealed by the stretch film. Moreover, rope gathered in this manner is more available to be un-gathered back into a flat stretch film for further or reuse. Also, where the gathering device is configured to be movable, a person using such a dispenser is able to selectively apply the gathering device to change on the fly between applying stretched film or string(s), based on the application of the gathering device.  FIGS. 26 and 27  illustrate two particular examples of such dispensers although details of these examples may be modified while still being within this inventive concept. 
     In the example of  FIG. 26 , the gathering device  2640  defines an aperture  2642  shaped to gather the edges of the stretch film  2625  as it pulls away from the stretch roll  2320  together into the rope  2650  directed toward the object. The gathering device  2640  in this example is rigidly mounted on the rotatable member  2635  to rotate with that member  2635 . The rotatable member  2635  can be locked in place to prevent location by a locking mechanism  2660 . The locking mechanism  2660  can be any mechanism suitable to prevent rotation of the rotatable member  2635  in view of the loads created during a stretch wrap dispensing and roping operation. Examples include a gear lock, pin, and the like. Using the locking mechanism  2660 , the rotatable member  2635  and the gathering device  2640  can be positioned in any angular position relative to the stretch film roll  2620  to facilitate the dispensing and gathering operation for a given application. For instance, the gathering device  2640  and the rotatable member  2635  can be locked in a position such that stretch film  2625  is dispensed without engaging the gathering device  2640  such that the stretch film  2625  is applied to the object without gathering. In another approach, they may be locked in a position to facilitate engagement of the stretch film  2625  by the gathering device  2640 . In such a position, the gathering device  2640  engage, gather, and provide and maintain tension on the stretch film  2625  as the stretch film  2625  passes through the aperture  2642  while moving toward the object to effect additional stretch and gathering of the stretch film  2625  into the elongated string or rope  2650  that is applied to the object. The gathering device  2640  may comprise or be coated in a variety of materials to effect different stretching forces on engaging the stretch wrap  2625 , such as steel or other material. 
     In the example of  FIG. 27 , the gathering device  2740  includes a rounded member extending out from the rotatable member  2735  so as to be rotatable independent from the rotatable member  2735  and the support  2730 . For example, the gathering device  2740  here may be an extended thick wire bent into a shape to connect to be rotatably supported by the support  2730  and/or rotatable member  2735 . The rounded nature of the gathering device  2740  can facilitate passage of the stretch film  2725  across the device  2740 . By one approach, the gathering device  2740  defines a notch  2742  into which the stretch film  2725  is guided by the arms  2744  of the gathering device  2740  to facilitate the “roping” of the stretch film  2725 . Because the gathering device  2740  is independently rotatable, a user can readily rotate it to engage or disengage the stretch film  2725  to selectively gather or not gather the stretch film  2725  into a string or rope  2750  during continuous (or in between uses) dispensing of the stretch film  2725  from the roll  2720  to selectively apply stretch film or string/rope to an object. Like the example of  FIG. 26 , a locking mechanism  2760  may be incorporated to lock down rotation of the rotatable member  2735  and/or the gathering device  2740 . So configured, the dispenser  2700  provides further flexibility in how the stretch film is manipulated into a rope or string while applying it to secure a load. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.