Opener for wrapped loads and methods of use

Abstract

A method of wrapping a load is provided. The method includes positioning the load within a wrapping area of a wrapping machine. The method also includes positioning an opener applicator near the load. The method also includes feeding, using the opener applicator, an opener including opener material along a vertical length of at least one side of the load, wherein the opener material includes a first and second edge, and a plurality7 of teeth extending along at least a portion of the second edge. The opener material has a width extending between the first and second edges. The method also includes wrapping, via the wrapping machine, at least part of the load with film such that a first portion of the opener is disposed between the load and the film and a second portion of the opener is not disposed between the load and the film.

Description

OPENER FOR WRAPPED LOADS AND METHODS OF USEPRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 625,242, filed January 25, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to wrapped loads, and more particularly to an opener for wrapped loads and methods of wrapping loads.BACKGROUND

[0003] Goods are often stacked on a pallet for ease of transportation from one location to another. The stack of goods on the pallet is typically unitized before transportation to secure the stack as a single unit, reducing a likelihood of some of the goods falling off the stack during transportation. A variety of securing mechanisms can be used to unitize the stack of goods, including straps, cordage, and plastic stretch film.

[0004] Several types of stretch-wrapping machines use plastic stretch film to unitize the stack of goods and secure it to the pallet. These stretch-wrapping machines include a plastic film carriage to which a replaceable roll of plastic stretch film is mounted. Depending on the type of stretch-wrapping machine, the film carriage rotates relative to the palletized load, or the palletized load rotates relative to the film carriage while the film carriage vertically moves relative to the load to wrap the load with the plastic stretch film. For example, a turntable wrapping machine rotates a turntable carrying the palletized load while vertically moving the film carriage to wrap the load with the plastic stretch film. In another example, a ringwrapping machine rotates the film carriage on a circular ring that circumscribes the palletized load while vertically moving the film carriage to wrap the load with the plastic stretch film. In another example, a rotating arm wrapping machine rotates a cantilevered arm carry ing the film carriage around the palletized load while vertically moving the film carriage to wrap the load wi th the plastic stretch film. During film wrapping, multiple layers of plastic film often overlap one another, increasing the wrapping thickness.

[0005] After the stack of goods is transported to a second location the plastic film is removed and the stack of goods is unloaded from the pallet. Currently, removing the plastic film requires the use of external tools. The plastic film exhibits elastic characteristics making it difficult to tear. Tools, such as a box cutter or knife, are used to cut through the film for removal from the stack. The tools sometimes cut past the plastic film and cause damage to the stack of goods. Extra time and effort is required by a worker to carefully cut through the plastic film without damaging the underlying stack of goods, which decreases efficiency of unwrapping the load.SUMMARY

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an opener for wrapped loads and methods of wrapping loads.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of wrapping a load includes positioning the load within a wrapping area of a wrapping machine. The method also includes positioning an opener applicator near the load. The method also includes feeding, using the opener applicator, an opener including opener material along a vertical length of at least one side of the load. The opener material includes a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality of teeth extending along at least a portion of the second edge. The opener material has a width extending between the first and second edges. The method also includes movingthe opener applicator away from the load. The method also includes wrapping, via the wrapping machine, at least part of the load with film such that a first portion of the opener is disposed between the load and the film and a second portion of the opener is not disposed between the load and the film.

[0008] In one embodiment, a system includes a load comprising a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a plurality of sides defining an outer perimeter. The system also includes a length of film wrapped around the outer perimeter of the load. The system also includes an opener disposed on at least one side of the plurality of sides and oriented at an angle from the top to the bottom. The opener is disposed between the load and the length of film. The opener includes a length of opener material having a first end near the top, a second end spaced from the top, a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality of teeth formed by the second edge and running along a portion of the length. The opener has a width extending between the first and second edges.

[0009] In one embodiment, an opener for a wrapped load is provided. The opener includes a length of material having a first end. a second end opposite the first end, a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality of teeth formed by the second edge and running along a portion of the length of material. The opener has a width extending between the first and second edges.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of a stretch-wrapping machine of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing certain components of the stretch-wrapping machine of Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an example load.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the example load of Figure 3 after wrapping operations.

[0014] Figure 5A is a front view of a one example embodiment of an opener.

[0015] Figure 5B is a front view of another example embodiment of an opener.

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the stretch-wrapping machine of Figure 1 having a load positioned in a wrapping area to undergo one or more wrapping operations.

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the stretch-wrapping machine of Figure 6 after coupling an opener to the load.

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the stretch-wrapping machine of Figure 7 after wrapping the load having the opener.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] While the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in various forms, the drawings show and the specification describes certain exemplary' and nonlimiting embodiments. Not all of the components show n in the draw ings and described in the specification may be required, and certain implementations may include additional, different, or few er components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of connections of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherw ise indicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding draw ings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms that refer to mounting methods, such as mounted, connected, etc., are not intended to be limited to direct mounting methods but should be interpreted broadly toinclude indirect and operably mounted, connected, and like mounting methods. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0020] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an opener for opening a wrapped load and a wrapped load including the opener.

[0021] Figures 1 and 2 show- one embodiment of the stretch-wrapping machine 1 (sometimes referred to herein as the '‘wrapping machine” for brevity) of the present disclosure. The wrapping machine 1 includes a wrapping-machine frame 10, a circular guide 20, a guide actuator 30, a wrapping assembly 40, a cutting-and-fixing device (not shown), an opener applicator 60, an operator interface 500, and a controller 600.

[0022] The wrapping-machine frame 10 is formed from multiple tubular and / or solid members (not individually labeled) and configured to support the other components of the wrapping machine 1. The wrapping-machine frame 10 defines a wrapping area w ithin its interior and has an infeed area 10a at which a load, such as a load L on a pallet P (shown in Figure 3), is conveyed (such as via a conveyor C) into the wrapping area for wrapping and an outfeed area 10b at which the load is conveyed (such as via the conveyor C) from the wrapping area after wrapping. The illustrated wrapping-machine frame 10 is merely one example configuration, and any suitable configuration can be employed.

[0023] The circular guide 20 serves as the mount for the wrapping assembly 40 and is movably mounted to the wrapping-machine frame 10 (such as to one or more vertical members of the wrapping-machine frame 10) such that the circular guide 20 is vertically movable relative to the wrapping-machine frame 10 between an upper position and a low er position.

[0024] The guide actuator 30 is operably connected to the circular guide 20 to move the circular guide 20 relative to the wrapping-machine frame 10 between the upper and lower positions. In certain embodiments, the guide actuator 30 includes one or more motors operably connected to the circular guide 20 via one or more belt-and-pulley assemblies to move the circular guide 20 between the upper and lower positions. In other embodiments, the guide actuator 30 includes one or more pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders operably connected to the circular guide 20 to move the circular guide 20 between the upper and lower positions. These are merely examples, and the guide actuator 30 can include any suitable actuator configured to move the circular guide 20 between the upper and lower positions.

[0025] The wrapping assembly 40 is movably mounted to the circular guide 20 such that the wrapping assembly 40 is rotatable relative to the circular guide 20. The wrapping assembly 40 includes a ring-shaped support (not shown), a film carriage (not shown), and a wrapping-assembly actuator 400 (Figure 2). The ring-shaped support serves as the mount for the film carriage and is movably mounted to the circular guide 20 such that the support (and the film carriage and other components connected to the support) is rotatable relative to the circular guide 20.

[0026] The cutting-and-fixing device (not shown) is supported by the wrapping-machine frame 10 and configured to, after the opener 200 has been added to the load L and the load L has been wrapped, cut the film F at a position between the load L and the w rapping assembly 40 to form a trailing end of the film F and to connect the trailing end of the film F to the wrapped load L to complete the wrapping process. Cutting the film F also creates a leading end of the film F. The cutting-and-fixing device is also configured to hold the leading end after cutting the film F and to connect the leading end of the film F to the next load as it is being wrapped. The cutting-and-fixing device can be any suitable conventional cutting-and- fixing device known in the art.

[0027] The opener applicator 60 is mounted on the wrapping machine 1 such that the opener applicator 60 is operable to position an opener at a desired location on the load L. In certain embodiments, the opener applicator 60 is mounted on the wrapping-machine frame 10. In other embodiments the opener applicator 60 is mounted to another component of the wrapping machine 1. The opener applicator 60 includes one or more components to facilitate application of an opener to the load L. In certain embodiments, the opener applicator 60 includes a feeder, a former, and a cutter. The feeder receives opener material from an opener material supply, such as a roll of opener material. The opener material is fed by the feeder along a portion of the load L until a desired length of opener material is reached. The desired length of opener material is cut by the cutter along a width of the opener material, defined by first and second edges, to sever the length of opener material which then forms the opener.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the opener applicator 60 severs the length of the opener material to form the opener before feeding the opener material along the vertical length of the at least one side of the load L. However, in other embodiments the opener applicator 60 severs the length of the opener material to form the opener after feeding the opener material along the vertical length of the at least one side of the load L.

[0029] In certain other embodiments, the opener applicator 60 receives the opener from a supply of openers. In such embodiments, the opener has a predefined length, such as being cut to length prior to being received by the opener applicator 60. After receiving the opener, the opener applicator 60 then feeds the opener along the vertical length of the at least one side of the load L.

[0030] In various embodiments, as the opener material is being fed by the feeder, the former forms a plurality of teeth in the opener material, such as by removing a portion of the opener material along an edge. For example, where the opener material includes first andsecond parallel edges defining a width, the former (e.g., a punch and / or shear) removes a portion of the material along the second edge of the opener material. In some embodiments, the former includes a rotating punch, shear, or cutter that removes the portion of the material along the second edge.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the former does not remove opener material to form the plurality of teeth in the opener material. For example, the former uses a heating element to alter a shape and / or an angle of an edge of the opener material.

[0032] In various other embodiments, the opener material includes the plurality of teeth along the second edge before being fed to the opener applicator 60. For example, the opener material from the opener material supply, includes the plurality of teeth. In such embodiments, the former is not included on the opener applicator 60.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the opener applicator 60 includes a fastening device to affix the opener material to the load L and / or the pallet P. For example, after feeding the opener material along the vertical length of the load L, the opener applicator 60 affixes a second end of the opener material to the pallet P using a fastener or an adhesive. By affixing the second end of the opener material to the pallet P, the fastener retains a desired position of the second end of the opener material during subsequent wrapping operations. In some embodiments, the fastener is a staple, clip, or pin.

[0034] The wrapping-assembly actuator 400 is operably connected to the wrapping assembly 40 to rotate the wrapping assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. In certain embodiments, the wrapping-assembly actuator 400 includes one or more motors operably connected to the wrapping assembly 40 via one or more belt-and-pulley assemblies to rotate the wrapping assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. This is merely an example, and the wrapping-assembly actuator 400 can include any suitableactuator configured to rotate the wrapping assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L.

[0035] The opener applicator actuator 150 is operably connected to the opener applicator 60 to position the opener actuator 60 near the load L and / or move the opener applicator 60 away from the load L. In certain embodiments, the opener applicator actuator 150 includes one or more motors and / or one or more pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders operably connected to the opener applicator 60 to effect movement of the opener applicator 60 relative to the load L, such as positioning the opener applicator 60 near the load L and / or moving the opener applicator 60 away from the load L. This is merely an example, and the opener applicator actuator 150 can include any suitable actuator configured to effect a change of position of the opener applicator 60 relative to the load L.

[0036] The operator interface 500 is configured to receive inputs from an operator and, in certain embodiments, to output information to the operator. The operator interface includes one or more input devices configured to receive inputs from the operator. In various embodiments, the one or more input devices include one or more buttons (such as hard or soft keys), one or more switches, and / or a touch panel. In various embodiments, the operator interface 500 includes a display device configured to display information to the operator, such as information about the load, the status of the wrapping operation (e.g., information about the opener applicator 60), or the parameters of the wrapping machine 1. The operator interface 500 can include other output devices instead of or in addition to the display device, such as one or more speakers and / or one or more lights. In certain embodiments, the operator interface 500 is formed as part of the wrapping machine 1 and is, for instance, mounted to the wrapping-machine frame 10. In other embodiments, the operator interface is remote from the wrapping machine 1.

[0037] The controller 600 includes a processing device communicatively connected to a memory7device. The processing device can include any suitable processing device such as. but not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a digital-signal processor, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a digital-signal processor core, one or more application-specific integrated circuits, one or more field-programmable gate array circuits, one or more integrated circuits, and / or a state machine. The memory' device can include any suitable memory' device such as, but not limited to, read-only memory, random-access memory, one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory' devices, magnetic media such as integrated hard disks and / or removable memory, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media. The memory device stores instructions executable by the processing device to control operation of the wrapping machine 1 (such as to carry out a wrapping operation, as described below).

[0038] The controller 600 is communicatively and operably connected to the guide actuator 30, the cutting-and-fixing device, the opener applicator 60, the opener applicator actuator 150, and the wrapping-assembly actuator 400 to control operation of these components in conjunction with the wrapping operation, as described below. The controller 600 is communicatively connected to the operator interface 500 to: (1) receive signals from the operator interface 500 that represent inputs received by the operator interface 500; and (2) send signals to the operator interface 500 to cause the operator interface 500 to output (such as to display) information.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the controller 600 controls one or more operations of the opener applicator 60. For example, the controller 600 controls the feeder to feed a desired length of the opener material from the opener applicator 60, controls the former to form the plurality of teeth in the portion of the opener material, and / or controls the cutter to sever the opener material once the desired length is reached. In other embodiments, the openerapplicator 60 includes another controller that controls the one or more operations of the opener applicator 60. In some embodiments, the other controller is similar in form to the controller 600.

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates an example load L on a pallet P that is capable of being wrapped by the wrapping machine 1. The load L includes a top T, a bottom B opposite the top T, and a plurality of sides S disposed between the top T and the bottom B where the plurality of sides S define an outer perimeter. In certain embodiments, the load L comprises a plurality of goods arranged on the pallet P to form a stack. This is merely one example of an item for wrapping by the wrapping machine 1, in other examples the load L does not include the pallet P, such that just the load L is input on the conveyor C for wrapping operations.

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates the load L and the pallet P of Figure 3 after wrapping by the wrapping machine 1. As shown, the load L includes an opener 200 and is wrapped in a length of the film F along the outer perimeter of the load L. The opener 200 is disposed on at least one side of the plurality of sides S of the load L and is oriented at an angle along a vertical length V of the load L such that the opener 200 extends from the top T to the bottom B of the load L. Thus, a first end 230 of the opener 200 is near the top T and a second end 240 of the opener 200 is spaced from the top T of the load L. such as the second end 240 being near the bottom B. While the opener 200 is shown at a substantially ninety degree angle (e.g.. perpendicular) to the top T and bottom B of the load L, in various other embodiments the opener 200 extends along the vertical length V at a non-perpendicular angle. Thus, in certain embodiments the opener 200 is transverse to the direction of the applied length of the film F. The length of the film F is wrapped around at least part of the outer perimeter of the load L such that a first portion 250 of the opener 200 is disposed between the load L and the film F and a second portion 260 of the opener 200 is not disposed betw een the load L and the film F.In other embodiments, the entire length of the opener 200, such as both the first and second portions 250 and 260, are wrapped in the length of the film F.

[0042] In some embodiments, the load L is wrapped by band wrapping in which a band of the film F is wrapped around the load L. In certain such embodiments the opener 200 is included on the band wrapped load L.

[0043] In some embodiments, the opener 200 includes a plurality of teeth 222. The plurality of teeth 222 of the opener 200 are disposed on the first portion 250 of the opener 200 between the load L and the film F. For example, a first surface of the opener 200 contacts at least one of the sides S of the load L and a second surface of the opener 200 contacts the film F such that the plurality of teeth 222 are planar with the at least one of the sides S of the load L.

[0044] The plurality of teeth 222 are configured to engage with the film F during opening operations (e.g., unwrapping of the film F from the load L). During opening operations an operator pulls the opener 200 substantially normal to the load L. By pulling the opener 200 substantially normal to the load 200. point loads produced from the plurality of teeth 222 cause peak stresses in film F to form perforations in the film F. Continued pulling forces on the opener 200 cause the film F to tear open (e.g., sever) which allow for the film F to be tom open without the use of external opening devices, such as a box cutter or knife. For example, pulling the second portion 260 of the opener 200 (e.g., in a downward trajectory) engages the plurality of teeth 222 with the wrapped film F such that the plurality of teeth 222 sever the wrapped film F. Thus, the plurality of teeth 222 of the opener 200 allow for the film F to be unwrapped from the wrapped load L.

[0045] Figures 5A illustrates an example embodiment of an opener 200. The opener 200 includes a first edge 210, a second edge 220, a first end 230, and a second end 240. Thesecond edge 220 includes a plurality of teeth 222. The plurality of teeth 222 extend along at least a portion of the second edge 220 and protrude in a direction opposite of the first edge 210, such as outwardly from the second edge 220. Thus, a first portion of the opener 200 includes the plurality of teeth 222 and a second portion of the opener 200 does not include the plurality of teeth 222. In certain embodiments, the first edge 210 additionally includes the plurality of teeth 222 that extend along at least a portion of the first edge 210 and protrude in a direction opposite the second edge 220, such as outwardly from the first edge 210.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first and / or second edge 210, 220 is oriented at an angle to a transverse axis of the opener 200 such that when the opener 200 is positioned on a side S of the wrapped load L the first and / or second edge 210, 220 protrudes outwardly away from the side S and towards the film F. For example, the first and / or second edge 210, 220 forms approximately a ninety degree angle with the transverse axis such that the first and / or second edge 210, 220 is substantially perpendicular to the side S of the wrapped load L and / or substantially perpendicular to the film F. In various other embodiments, the first and / or second edge 210, 220 forms another angle between zero and ninety degrees with the transverse axis. In certain embodiments where the first and / or second edge 210, 220 is oriented at an angle to the transverse axis, the first and / or second edge 210. 220 includes the plurality of teeth.

[0047] Figure 5B illustrates another example embodiments of an opener 300. The opener 300 includes similar features as the opener 200, and thus similar reference numbers in Figure 5B correspond to reference numbers described in Figure 5A. As shown in Figure 5B the plurality of teeth 322 extend along a greater portion of the second edge 320 of the opener 300 than the plurality of teeth 222 of the opener 200 in Figure 5A. Thus, the portion of the second edge 320 having the plurality of teeth 322 differs between certain embodiments, such as between the opener 200 and the opener 300.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the opener 200, 300 is made from an opener material. The opener material includes a first edge and a second edge, where the first and second edges are parallel. Such opener material may be formed of steel, paper, or a polymer, such as polyester, polypropylene, or other plastic material.

[0049] The opener material is fed through the opener applicator 60 to form the opener 200, 300. For example, a former, such as a forming device, of the opener applicator 60 forms the opener 200, 300 from the opener material by removing a portion of the material along a length of the second edge. The plurality of teeth 222, 322 are thus formed in the opener 200, 300 by removing the portion of material along the length of the second edge. In certain embodiments, the plurality of teeth 222, 322 form a sawtooth profile (e.g., raker, skip, or hook). For example, the portion of material removed from the second edge may result in remaining material along the second edge 220, 320 forming a plurality of triangularly-shaped profiles where each of the triangularly-shaped profiles forms a pointed end that extends away from the first edge 210, 310. In other embodiments, the plurality of teeth 222, 322 form another profile that protrudes outwardly from the second edge 220, 320, such as arcuate, notched, serrated, and / or zigzagged.

[0050] When a desired length of the opener 200, 300 has been reached, the opener applicator 60 severs the opener material along a width defined by the first and second edge to form the opener 200. 300. In embodiments where the opener 200. 300 is included on a load wrapped in film, the opener 200. 300 can be pulled to engage the pointed end of each of triangularly-shaped profiles with the film to cause severing of the film from the load.

[0051] A w rapping operation in which the wrapping machine 1 is used to affix the opener200 to the load L and wrap the load L with the film F is now partially described with reference to Figures 6 through 8. The controller 600 controls the conveyor C to position theload L on the pallet P through the infeed area 1 Oa and into the wrapping area of the w rapping machine 1. After the load L on the pallet P reaches the wrapping area, the controller 600 controls the opener applicator actuator 150 to position the opener applicator 60 near the load L. The controller 600 controls the opener applicator 60 to feed opener material along a vertical length V of at least one side of the load L. In certain embodiments, the first end 230 the opener 200 is secured against the load L during one or more of the wrapping operations. For example, as the opener material is being fed by the opener applicator 60, the first end 230 is secured against the load L by a holder coupled to a load stabilizer of the wrapping machine 1.

[0052] When a desired length of opener material has been fed by the opener applicator 60, the opener applicator 60 severs the desired length of opener material to form the opener 200. The controller 600 then controls the opener applicator 60, such as via the opener applicator actuator 150, to move the opener applicator 60 away from the load L. In certain other embodiments, the controller 600 controls the opener applicator actuator 150 to move the opener applicator 60 away from the load L after w rapping at least part of the load L with film.

[0053] Next the controller 600 controls the guide actuator 30 to lower the circular guide 20 such that the wrapping assembly 40 is at least partially vertically aligned with part of the load L. The controller 600 controls the cutting-and-fixing device to hold the leading end of the film F against or near the load L while controlling the wrapping-assembly actuator 400 to rotate the wrapping assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. The rotation of the wrapping assembly 40 relative to the load L combined with the cutting-and-fixing device holding the leading end of the film F against or near the load L causes the film F to be w rapped around at least part of the load L and the first portion 250 of the opener 200.

[0054] Once the film F has been wrapped around the leading end, the controller 600 controls the cutting-and-fixing device to release the leading end and move away from the load L. The controller 600 continues to control the wrapping-assembly actuator 400 to rotate the wrapping assembly 40 while controlling the guide actuator 30 to vertically move the circular guide 20 such that the load L and the first portion 250 of the opener 200 is wrapped with the film F in a spiral pattern. The film F wrapped around the load L and the first portion 250 of the opener 200 secures the opener 200 against the load L, such that the first portion 250 of the opener 200 is disposed between the load L and the film F and the second portion 260 of the opener 200 is not disposed between the load L and the film F. This is merely one example and in various other embodiments the first and second portion 250 and 260 are disposed between the load L and the film F. In certain embodiments, the holder then releases the first end 230 of the opener 200 after at least part of the load L is wrapped with the film F.

[0055] After wrapping is complete, the controller 600 controls the cutting-and-fixing device to cut the film F and secure the trailing end of the film F to the load L, thereby completing the wrapping operation. The controller 600 controls the conveyor C to move the wrapped load L having the opener 200 and pallet P from the wrapping area and through the outfeed area 10b.

[0056] In some embodiments, load L is wrapped with film F in a first location, and the film F is unwrapped from the load L in a second location. In various such embodiments, after an installer or operator transports the wrapped load L from the first location to the second location, the installer pulls the second portion of the length of the opener to engage the plurality of teeth with the wrapped film such that the plurality of teeth sever the wrapped film.

[0057] Further, in some embodiments, a receiver receives the wrapped load L and then the receiver pulls the second portion of the length of the opener to engage the plurality of teeth with the wrapped film such that the plurality of teeth sever the wrapped film.

[0058] Thus, in various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of wrapping a load. The method comprises positioning the load within a wrapping area of a wrapping machine. The method also includes positioning an opener applicator near the load. The method also includes feeding, using the opener applicator, an opener comprising opener material along a vertical length of at least one side of the load. The opener material includes a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality of teeth extending along at least a portion of the second edge. The opener material has a width extending betw een the first and second edges. The method also includes moving the opener applicator away from the load. The method also includes wrapping, via the wrapping machine, at least part of the load with film such that a first portion of the opener is disposed between the load and the film and a second portion of the opener is not disposed between the load and the film.

[0059] In various such embodiments of the method, the method further comprises forming the plurality of teeth in the opener material by: feeding, before exiting the opener applicator, the opener material through a former, wherein the opener material comprises first and second parallel edges; and removing, using the former, a portion of material along a length of the second edge of the opener material.

[0060] In various such embodiments of the method, the method further comprises securing, before feeding the opener material, a first end of the opener material against the load, wherein the opener material is secured using a holder on a load stabilizer; and releasing, after w rapping the at least part of the load with film, the first end from the holder.

[0061] In various such embodiments of the method, the load comprises a pallet and goods supported by the pallet.

[0062] In various such embodiments of the method, after feeding the opener material along the vertical length the method further comprises affixing, using a fastener, a second end of the opener material to the pallet.

[0063] In various such embodiments of the method, the plurality of teeth form a saw tooth profile.

[0064] In various such embodiments of the method, the method further includes severing, using the opener applicator, a length of the opener material to form the opener.

[0065] In various such embodiments of the method, the severing the length of the opener material to form the opener occurs before the feeding the opener material along the vertical length of the at least one side of the load.

[0066] In various such embodiments of the method, the severing the length of the opener material to form the opener occurs after the feeding the opener material along the vertical length of the at least one side of the load.

[0067] In various such embodiments of the method, the moving the opener applicator away from the load occurs before the wrapping, via the w rapping machine, at least part of the load.

[0068] In various such embodiments of the method, the moving the opener applicator away from the load occurs after the wrapping, via the wrapping machine, at least part of the load.

[0069] In various such embodiments of the method, the method further comprises pulling the second portion of the length of the opener to engage the plurality of teeth with the w rapped film such that the plurality of teeth sever the wrapped film.

[0070] In various other embodiments, the disclosure provides a system. The system comprises a load comprising a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a plurality of sides defining an outer perimeter. The system also includes a length of film wrapped around the outer perimeter of the load. The system also includes an opener disposed on at least one side of the plurality7of sides and oriented at an angle from the top to the bottom. The opener is disposed between the load and the length of film. The opener comprises a length of opener material having a first end near the top, a second end spaced from the top, a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality7of teeth formed by the second edge and running along a portion of the length. The opener has a width extending between the first and second edges.

[0071] In various such embodiments of the system, the plurality of teeth form a sawtooth profile.

[0072] In various such embodiments of the system, a second portion of the opener is not disposed between the load and the film.

[0073] In various such embodiments of the system, the angle is substantially 90 degrees.

[0074] In various such embodiments of the system, the load comprises a pallet and goods supported by the pallet.

[0075] In various such embodiments of the system, the second end of the opener is affixed, using a fastener, to the pallet.

[0076] In various other embodiments, the disclosure provides an opener for a wrapped load. The opener comprises a length of material having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality of teeth formed by the second edge and running along a portion of the length of material; wherein the opener has a width extending between the first and second edges.

[0077] In various such embodiments, the plurality of teeth form a sawtooth profile.

[0078] In various such embodiments, the opener comprises a second portion of the length of material, and the plurality of teeth does not run along the second portion.

[0079] Various changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may be required, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of attachment and connections of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Also, unless otherwise indicated, any directions referred to herein reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the invention as taught herein and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of wrapping a load, the method comprising: positioning the load within a wrapping area of a wrapping machine; positioning an opener applicator near the load; feeding, using the opener applicator, an opener comprising opener material along a vertical length of at least one side of the load, wherein the opener material comprises a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality7of teeth extending along at least a portion of the second edge, and wherein the opener material has a width extending between the first and second edges; moving the opener applicator away from the load; and wrapping, via the wrapping machine, at least part of the load with film such that a first portion of the opener is disposed between the load and the film and a second portion of the opener is not disposed between the load and the film.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising forming the plurality of teeth in the opener material by: feeding, before exiting the opener applicator, the opener material through a former, wherein the opener material comprises first and second parallel edges; and removing, using the former, a portion of material along a length of the second edge of the opener material.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: securing, before feeding the opener material, a first end of the opener material against the load, wherein the opener material is secured using a holder on a load stabilizer; andreleasing, after wrapping the at least part of the load with film, the first end from the holder.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the load comprises a pallet and goods supported by the pallet.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein after feeding the opener material along the vertical length the method further comprises: affixing, using a fastener, a second end of the opener material to the pallet.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth form a sawtooth profile.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: severing, using the opener applicator, a length of the opener material to form the opener.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the severing the length of the opener material to form the opener occurs before the feeding the opener material along the vertical length of the at least one side of the load.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the severing the length of the opener material to form the opener occurs after the feeding the opener material along the vertical length of the at least one side of the load.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the moving the opener applicator away from the load occurs before the w rapping, via the wrapping machine, at least part of the load.

11. The method of claim 1, w herein the moving the opener applicator away from the load occurs after the w rapping, via the wrapping machine, at least part of the load.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: pulling the second portion of the length of the opener to engage the plurality7of teeth with the wrapped film such that the plurality of teeth sever the wrapped film.

13. A sy stem compri sing : a load comprising a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a plurality7of sides defining an outer perimeter; a length of film wrapped around the outer perimeter of the load; and an opener disposed on at least one side of the plurality7of sides and oriented at an angle from the top to the bottom, wherein the opener is disposed between the load and the length of film, and w herein the opener comprises a length of opener material having a first end near the top, a second end spaced from the top, a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality of teeth formed by the second edge and running along a portion of the length; wherein the opener has a width extending between the first and second edges.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of teeth form a sawtooth profile.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein a second portion of the opener is not disposed between the load and the film.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the angle is substantially 90 degrees.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the load comprises a pallet and goods supported by the pallet.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second end of the opener is affixed to the pallet using a fastener.

19. An opener for a wrapped load, the opener comprising: a length of material having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality of teeth formed by the second edge and running along a portion of the length of material; wherein the opener has a width extending between the first and second edges.

20. The opener of claim 19, wherein the plurality of teeth form a sawtooth profile.

21. The opener of claim 19, wherein the opener comprises a second portion of the length of material, and wherein the plurality of teeth does not run along the second portion.

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