AUTOMATED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHRINK WRAPPING PLANTS

摘要

The present invention relates in general to an automated, high through-put system and method for shrink wrapping potted plants for packaging and shipping. In particular, the system provides the ability to shrink wrap plants by utilizing a conveyor system and a heating area with heating units having adjustable, directional nozzle heads. The system may safely shrink wrap a variety of plant container sizes and types without causing damage to the plant in the process.

主权项

1. A system of shrink wrapping a plant, the system comprising:
a motor; a conveyor connected to the motor; a shrink wrap film machine; heat shields comprising heat shrinkable film, wherein the shrink wrap film machine deposits the heat shields onto the conveyor; plants potted in plant containers, wherein a plant and a plant container are deposited inside a heat shield; a heating area comprising a first and second heating unit with adjustable, directional nozzles, wherein the first heating unit discharges heated air towards a lower portion of the heat shield and the second heating unit discharges heated air towards an upper portion of the heat shield through the nozzles; a vacuum, wherein the first and second heating units allow for an instant on-off effect at the nozzles by creating the vacuum that pulls air back into the nozzles; and wherein the heated air safely secures the heat shrinkable film of the heat shield around the plant and plant container without damaging the plant in preparation for transport and shipping.