Wrapping machine and inline wrapper comprising the same

Abstract

A wrapping machine includes a fixed inner hoop having a non-circular shape. The wrapping machine also includes a rotatable outer hoop rotatably connected to the outer surface of the inner hoop and having a shape that matches that of the inner hoop, thereby allowing the outer hoop to maintain a proximal relationship with the outer surface of the inner hoop during rotation. The wrapping machine further includes at least one cantilevered support mounted on the outer hoop, the cantilevered support having at least one spool holder for rotatably mounting a spool of wrapping material thereon, and a driving mechanism operatively connected to the outer hoop for rotating the outer hoop. The non-circular shape of the wrapping machine is advantageous in that it is better adapted to wrap square or rectangular loads.

Description

[0001]This application claims benefit of Ser. No. 61 / 432,818, filed 14 Jan. 2011 in the United States and which application is incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a wrapping machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wrapping machine having an improved design to accommodate a larger selection of load of different shapes and an inline wrapper comprising the same.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0003]Several types of wrapping machines are known in the prior art. Known wrapping machines range from individual wrapping machines, for wrapping single items, to wrapping machines for inline wrappers that wrap a line of conveyed unwrapped materials into wrapped columns of different shapes and sizes. The latter type of wrapping machines is often used in the wrapping of bales of silage.[0004]An example of a wrapping machine...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a wrapping machine for wrapping a load, which includes a fixed inner hoop and a rotatable outer hoop. The outer hoop matches the shape of the inner hoop, allowing it to maintain a proximal relationship with the outer surface of the inner hoop during rotation. The machine also includes at least one cantilevered support mounted on the outer hoop, which has a spool holder for rotatable mounting a spool of wrapping material thereon, and a driving mechanism operatively connected to the outer hoop for rotating it. The invention also includes an inline bale wrapper for wrapping a bale, which includes a base frame and a bale unloading section. The inner hoop and outer hoop of the wrapping machine are each composed of top and bottom arcuate sections interconnected by first and second elongated central sections. The driving mechanism of the wrapping machine is a friction wheel. The non-circular shape of the wrapping machine is advantageous in that it is better adapted to wrap square or rectangular loads."

Problems solved by technology

Conventional wrapping machines for inline wrapper, which present a hoop with a round configuration, however tend to suffer from several drawbacks.

Indeed, conventional wrapping machines are limited in the amount of bales of silage which can be stacked before going through the wrapping machine.

Moreover, the shape of the wrapping machine often proves to be cumbersome, which can be inconvenient for transport, exportation, and storage of the machine.

Current wrappers designed for round bales cannot easily accommodate squared shape bales without being substantially modified and unnecessarily stretch the wrapping material, thereby creating waste and an improper seal.

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