Apparatus, system and method for adjustable wrapping

Abstract

A wrapping apparatus, system, station and/or process is generally provided. As to the apparatus, it includes a wrap bar for engaging and directing a wrapper about the product, a wrap bar carrier from which the wrap bar extends, and a drive assembly operatively linked to the wrap bar carrier. The carrier block, which translatingly retains the carrier intermediate opposing end portions thereof, is adapted for driven rotation about a wrapping axis of the apparatus so as to thereby rotatingly drive the bar about the axis via rotation of the carrier. The drive assembly, which is operatively linked to the carrier, selectively translates the carrier in relation to the carrier block during driven rotation of the carrier such that a radial distance for the bar from the axis is thereby capable of selective establishment in furtherance of delimiting a wrap bar travel path commensurate with the product profile of the product.

1 . A wrapping apparatus for wrapping a product characterized by a product profile, the apparatus comprising:
 a. a wrap bar for engaging and directing a wrapper about the product;   b. a wrap bar carrier having opposing first and second end portions, said wrap bar extending from said first end portion of said opposing first and second end portions;   c. a carrier block, translatingly retaining said wrap bar carrier intermediate said opposing end portions thereof, said carrier block adapted for driven rotation about a wrapping axis of the apparatus so as to thereby rotatingly drive said wrap bar about said wrapping axis via rotation of said wrap bar carrier; and,   d. a drive assembly, operatively linked to said wrap bar carrier, for selectively translating said wrap bar carrier in relation to said carrier block during driven rotation of said wrap bar carrier such that a radial distance for said wrap bar from said wrapping axis is thereby capable of selective establishment in furtherance of delimiting a wrap bar travel path commensurate with the product profile of the product.   
     
     
         2 - 24 . (canceled)