Method and apparatus for forming palletless packages

摘要

A method and apparatus for forming a palletless package having a plurality of layers of objects, the bottom layer of which is formed with cavities to receive the fork arms of a lift truck. A stack of the objects to be packaged is first formed in a palleting device by placing the objects in a plurality of layers each having the same base area. Then, an additional layer of objects is placed on top of the stack in such a way that at least two recessed cavities are formed on opposite sides of the additional layer. A first shrink-on foil bonnet is then pulled over the top of the completed stack in a bonnet pullover device and the stack is transported to a first shrinking furnace where the first bonnet is heat shrunk onto the stack. The stack is then transported to a turnover device where it is rotated 180 DEG so that the additional layer and the recessed cavities are repositioned to the bottom of the stack. The turned over stack is then transported to a second bonnet pullover device where a second shrink-on foil bonnet is pulled over the completed stack covering the end opposite the additional layer. The stack is then transported to an addtional shrinking furnace where the second bonnet is heat shrunk onto the completed stack and so that overlapping areas of the first and second shrink-on bonnets were welded together. Conveyor means are used for transporting the stack between the various operating devices.