Automated Box or Object Wrapping

Abstract

A wrapping apparatus includes a frame configured to rotate about a rotation axis and an object mount configured to support an object to be wrapped. The frame supports a first mount and a second mount, both radially spaced from the rotation axis. The first mount supports a first packing material dispenser. The second mount is radially spaced from the rotation axis and circumferentially spaced from the first mount, and the second mount supports a second packing material dispenser.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wrapping apparatus comprising:
 a frame configured to rotate about a rotation axis; and   an object mount configured to support an object to be wrapped and to not rotate synchronously with the frame,   wherein the frame comprises:
 a first mount radially spaced from the rotation axis, the first mount configured to support a first packing material dispenser, 
 a second mount radially spaced from the rotation axis and circumferentially spaced from the first mount, the second mount configured to support a second packing material dispenser; 
   wherein the object mount is located radially closer to the rotation axis that the first mount and the second mount and approximately within a rotation path for the first mount and the second mount such that during rotation of the frame, the rotation of the frame effects dispensing of packaging material from the first packing material dispenser and from the second packing material dispenser simultaneously onto the object supported by the object mount.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second packing material dispenser is configured to dispense a different material than the first packing material dispenser. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the first packing material dispenser is configured to dispense stretch wrap. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the second packing material dispenser is configured to dispense adhesive tape. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a motor operatively coupled to the frame so as to rotate the frame about the rotation axis. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame further comprises at least one guide positioned to direct packaging material from at least one of the first packing material dispenser and the second packing material dispenser to the object. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second mount is circumferentially spaced from the first mount by less than 180 degrees about the rotation axis. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a blower configured to direct air flow near the object such that one of the first packing material and the second packing material form an air gap around the object. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the frame is wheel shaped. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the object mount comprises a portion of a conveyor system. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the object mount comprises at least one tine extending in a first direction from the frame. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the object mount further comprises a clamp movable relative to the at least one tine, the clamp configured to secure an object against the at least one tine. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the first mount and the second mount extend in the first direction relative to the frame. 
     
     
         14 . A method of wrapping, the method comprising:
 rotating a frame about a rotation axis, the frame comprising:
 a first mount radially spaced from the rotation axis, the first mount configured to support a first packing material dispenser; 
 a second mount radially spaced from the rotation axis and circumferentially spaced from the first mount, the second mount configured to support a second packing material dispenser; 
   supporting an object to be wrapped radially closer to the rotation axis that the first mount and the second mount and approximately within a rotation path for the first mount and the second mount and in such a manner that the object does not rotate synchronously with the frame;   dispensing packaging material from the first packing material dispenser and from the second packing material dispenser simultaneously onto the object supported by the object mount, wherein the dispensing is driven by the rotating of the frame.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the dispensing packing material from the first packing material dispenser comprises dispensing at least one of a group comprising stretch wrap, adhesive tape, bubble wrap, paper, metal foil, and sheet formed packing foam. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the dispensing packing material from the second packing material dispenser comprises dispensing the second packing material that is different from the first packing material and comprising at least one of a group comprising stretch wrap, adhesive tape, bubble wrap, paper, metal foil, and sheet formed packing foam. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  wherein rotating the frame comprises activating a motor to drive rotation of the frame. 
     
     
         18 . A frame apparatus for wrapping items, the frame apparatus comprising:
 a base having a center point;   a first mount spaced radially from the center point, the first mount configured to support a first dispenser of one or more of a group comprising stretch wrap, adhesive tape, bubble wrap, paper, and sheet formed packing foam;   a second mount spaced radially from the center point, the second mount configured to support a second dispenser of one or more of a group comprising stretch wrap, adhesive tape, bubble wrap, paper, and packing foam; and   a frame portion defining an opening substantially near the center point of the base, and radially inward from the first and second mount.   
     
     
         19 . The frame apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the second mount is circumferentially spaced from the first mount by less than 180 degrees relative to the center point. 
     
     
         20 . The frame apparatus of  claim 18  further comprising at least one of a group comprising an axle and a bearing centered on the center point such that the base can pivot about the center point.