Method and apparatus for wrapping and securing stretch film about a load

摘要

A method and apparatus for wrapping and securing film about a load by positioning a first arm retaining an end portion of film toward the load, wrapping a layer of film about the first arm so the first arm is between the wrapped film and the load, withdrawing the first arm retaining the film from between the wrapped film and the load, and releasing the end portion of film retained by the first arm to position and secure a first film portion between the wrapped film and the load. The load is further wrapped and a second arm is subsequently positioned toward the load, and a layer of film is wrapped about the second arm so the second arm is between the wrapped film and the load. A roped film portion is captured and retained by the first and second second arms. The roped film is then severed and an end portion of the severed film is retained by the first arm for subsequently wrapping another load. The other end of the severed roped film portion is retained by the second arm, which is withdrawn from between the wrapped film and the load to position and secure a second film portion between the wrapped film and the load. The arms are withdrawn along a relatively straight path by laterally translating the arms while pivoting thereby reducing contact between at least the portion of the arm retaining the film tail and the wrapped film.