Package wrapping method and apparatus

1. Field of the Invention

0001The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for wrapping articles such as boxes and more particularly to an improved method and apparatus for semi-automatically wrapping boxes of differing or random sizes in sequence, wherein the box to be wrapped is automatically measured, its dimensions optionally displayed on a user interface screen, and wherein a first section of a full sheet of paper web is dispensed from a supply roll for enabling an operator to partially wrap the box that was previously measured, followed by a further dispensing of the sheet of paper web to provide a second section of the full sheet, the cut full sheet providing preselected dimensions that provides an optimum size full cut sheet paper to wrap the package, while minimizing waste.

2. General Background of the Invention

0002There are numerous types of automated wrapping machines which have been devised in the past. They are usually suited to a particular purpose, and have their limitations when attempts are made to apply them to other purposes.

0003For example, the typical wrapping machine found in the supermarket for applying heat-seal film to packages of butchered meat presents a clear face on the top for display of the meat and hides all the gathered ends and spare film on the bottom of the package. The machine works well in the supermarket for wrapping butchered meat, but would not do an adequate job of wrapping articles of random size, such as gifts in boxes.

0004Another class of machine is available for high speed application ofpreprinted, precut wrappers to product, such as candy bar wrappers to candy bars. While the finished package is attractive and neatly wrapped, the product is usually of a single size, and the wrappers are precut to accommodate that single size.

0005Considering that the packages can be of any random size within limits, the ability to meet that requirement is not straightforward. If it is attempted to meet the requirement by using precut sheets which are large enough to accommodate the largest box, difficulty will be encountered in presenting a neat appearance in the wrapped package for boxes which are smaller than the maximum size.

0006A typical application for such machines is in gift wrapping. In department stores that offer gift wrapping services, the wrapping is usually done completely by hand. It is labor intensive, sometimes incapable of keeping up with peak demands, and oftentimes subject to variable quality of finished product. In hand wrapping, whether the individual uses cut sheets or roll paper, the entire operation of trimming the sheet to size, placing the box on the sheet, folding the paper over the box and making the taped or glued attachments is done by hand using sight and with the judgment of the individual exercised at most steps of the process. Skill and judgment are required to reliably produce attractively wrapped packages on a regular basis.

0007Various patents have issued that are directly to automated packaging and automatic gift wrapping machines. <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US5535573A"><text>US Patent 5,535,573</text></patcit> discloses such an apparatus (blank unit) for feeding blanks to an article which is to be wrapped.

0008The de <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US5651237A"><text>Luca patent 5,651,237</text></patcit> discloses a method for automatically feeding from a roll, successive pairs of inflatable packaging bags each having a common intermediate inflation channel to present the end bag upon a base platform for receiving an item to be packaged, and then to fold the other bag of the pair thereover to envelope the same; and then sealing the enveloping bags to provide a package of appropriate item size, inflating the bags through the inflation channel, and finally severing the inflated package from the roll.

0009The <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US5655356A"><text>Ginestra patent 5,655,356</text></patcit> (hereby incorporated herein by reference)is entitled "Automatic Package Wrapping Machine". That patent names Michael E. Miller (applicant herein) as a co-inventor. The '356 patent discloses an automatic package wrapping machine that wraps a box of arbitrary size. The box is placed in the machine following which all operations are automatic. As the box is immediately advanced to a ready-to-wrap position, its length, width and height are automatically measured. Papers withdrawn from a supply roll and automatically cut to a size calculated to wrap the box. The paper is automatically applied to wrap four sides of the box without causing the box to tilt or tumble. The ends are then automatically wrapped by folding and sealing of flaps, whereupon a neatly wrapped box is ejected from the machine.

0010Another <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US5671593A"><text>Ginestra and Miller patent is US 5,671,593</text></patcit> (hereby incorporated herein by reference) entitled "Semiautomatic Package Wrapping machine". In the Ginestra '593 patent, an automatic package wrapping machine wraps a box of arbitrary size. The box is placed in the machine following which all operations are automatic. As the box is automatically advanced to a ready to wrap position, its length, width and height are automatically measured. Paper is withdrawn from a roll supply and automatically cut to a size calculated to wrap the box. The paper is automatically applied to wrap four sides of the box without causing the box to tilt or tumble. The ends have been automatically processed by folding and sealing the flaps, whereupon a neatly wrapped box is ejected from the machine.

0011The <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US6050057A"><text>Tuyn et al. patent 6,050,057</text></patcit> discloses a packaging apparatus for packaging mail items, magazines, books, CDs and like products composed of one or more layers comprising a product assembling path, a folding station, and a separating station. The folding station comprising a first conveyor belt on which at least a part of the packing material web is located which extends below the products to be packed, a pulley element which is arranged above the first conveyor belt and engages part of the packing material web located on the top side of the products to be packed, and connecting means by means of which the longitudinal edges of the packing material web are interconnected, a pressure plate which is arranged above the first conveyor belt, the top side of which pressure plate is engaged by the pulling element, in operation, with the interposition of at least the longitudinal edges of the packing material web, the distance between the first conveyor belt and the bottom side of the pressure plate being such that the products of different thickness can pass there between.

0012In the <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US6115999A"><text>Adelman patent 6,115,999</text></patcit> there is disclosed a gift wrap article forming method providing wrapping material which is padded and waterproof.

0013The <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US6349526B"><text>Newman patent 6,349,526</text></patcit> discloses an automated packaging machine.

0014The <patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US6363690B"><text>Lay et al. patent 6,363,690</text></patcit> discloses an automatic measuring device and method for dispensing materials.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0015The present invention provides an improved semi-automatic method and apparatus for wrapping a package such as a gift box. The method includes the providing of an apparatus that can be in the form of an enlarged frame or table having work surface areas that can include a wrapping station and a measuring station.

0016One or more paper supply roll dispense paper to be used for wrapping. Longitudinal and transverse cutters are provided for trimming the paper. The longitudinal cutters trim the sides of the paper web to provide a sheet for wrapping of desired width. The transverse cutter cuts the web of paper to provide a desired length to the sheet of paper to be used for wrapping.

0017At the measuring station, the package is placed against a first set of stops at a fixed and known location that is spaced away from the wrapping station. Stop bars index the package during measurement and again during wrapping. Preferably three measuring devices simultaneously contact the package and measure its length, width, and height.

0018The package measurements are stored in a computer. They can also optionally be displayed on a user interface screen. The screen provides a keypad that can be used to initiate machine functions. For example, a key is depressed when the package is to be measured. Once measured, a first section of paper web is automatically dispensed from the roll and cut longitudinally to provide a desired width. The package is then placed on the first section of paper. A keypad entry is made by the user so that an additional section of paper web is dispensed, i.e. a second section that is also cut, but both longitudinally and transversely. The second section of paper web is cut to a desired width, and is also transversely cut to define the overall length of the full cut sheet to be used in wrapping.

0019When the first section of the paper web of wrapping paper is dispensed, the package to be wrapped is manually placed on the first section of paper web and partially, manually wrapped by an operator.

0020When the second section is of paper web is dispensed, the remaining portion of the package is manually wrapped.

0021This two step dispensing of the paper web enables an operator to manually wrap a portion of the box, placing the cut sheet leading edge at a seam. This seam can easily be matched with the trailing edge of the wrapping paper when the second section of wrapping paper has been dispensed and then cut transversely. In so doing the package is encircled and wrapped with the cut sheet to cover the box top, bottom, front and rear. The operator then finishes the wrap by hand folding the end folds (i.e. sides of the paper web) inwardly to cover the box or package ends.

0022In the method of the present invention, stops can optionally be provided at the measuring station in the form of a pair of stop bar members to define an index position during measuring. The method can include placing the package in contact with both of the stop members. A side and an end of the package that are ninety degrees apart can each engage a stop member. This indexing to both of the stop members ensures that an accurate measurement will be made of every box or package, even when the boxes to be wrapped are of random, unknown dimensions.

0023The box can be measured using a plurality of preferably three mechanical measuring devices such as traveling pads. The pads can move from an initial position spaced away from the box or package to a position that contacts the box or package and then returning to the initial position. Measurement of the length, width and height of the box is complete when each pad has contact to the box and moved away from it.

0024The method of the present invention can include a preliminary step of applying adhesive material to the box prior to the measuring step or prior to wrapping. Alternatively, no adhesive can be applied to the box, wherein adhesive tape can be manually applied to the wrapping paper as it is wrapped about the package or box. It should be understood that other measuring devices can be employed such as acoustic sensors, optical sensors or the like.

0025The semi-automatic random size over wrapping machine of the present invention is based on the principle of automatic measurement of a box or package by the push of an input and by that input of measurement paper is dispensed off of a selected roll that is cut to the exact width and length for that box.

0026The paper web is dispensed from the selected supply roll in two stages. First the paper web is dispensed to a length that puts a seam spot in a predesignated area on the package (e.g. at the transverse centerline of the package or box top panel). The package is placed against a stop, centered and ready for the operator to fold and tape the dispensed first section of the paper web. With another input the remainder of the paper is dispensed while the operator pulls the box back against the backstop. The box or package is ready for finishing, the over wrapping by the operator. End folds are cut to the predescribed length and ready for operator folding and taping. The whole process requires no manual trimming and increases quality and productivity.

0027The present invention thus provides an improved semiautomatic gift wrapping method and apparatus that increases productivity as much as threefold compared to conventional manual gift wrapping.

0028The present invention provides a method and apparatus that precuts sheets that provide higher quality.

0029The apparatus of the present invention is easy to operate and provides minimal waste.

0030The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus that enables an operator to select a sheeter mode for providing multiple sheets of the same size to multiple conventional manual package wrapping stations for use in wrapping high volume sizes such as, for example, shirt boxes and the like.

0031The present invention provides a method and apparatus for wrapping gifts or packages that enables the user to easily size a precut sheet with a desired seam locator, end flap length and overlap.

0032The present invention provides a semiautomatic gift or package wrapping station that enable packages of different sizes to be wrapped including very small package sizes. A maximum package size is determined by the paper width, but there is practically no maximum as long as the paper roll is of sufficient length.

0033The present invention enables a package to be wrapped that is very heavy, limited only by the maximum package weight that can be handled safely by the operator.

0034The present invention provides an improved semiautomatic gift or package wrapping station that can be in the form of a single roll machine or an optional multi-roll machine wherein the operator selects a particular roll such as for example one roll from several rolls of different pattern wrapping paper.

0035The method of the present invention is semiautomatic, enabling an operator to very quickly wrap a package. As part of the method of the present invention, the package or box to be wrapped is first placed in a corner of the measuring station, abutting two provided stop bar members. The user then presses a "start" key on a provided user interface display screen. The box is then measured, and a first section of paper is dispensed from a selected supply roll. This first section that is dispensed is cut only longitudinally (and not transversely), to define the width of the paper.

0036The user then places the box or package to be wrapped on the first section of dispensed, cut paper sheet and against a ruled stop at the wrapping station, preferably centering the package in between the sides of the cut paper. A ruled gauge or other means can be provided on the wrapping station stop to aid an operator in centering the box on the wrapping paper section that has been dispensed.

0037After the first section of the sheet of paper for wrapping has been dispensed, the user manually wraps the paper around the box or package and tapes the leading edge of the dispensed sheet section to the top of the box. This operation can be done by manually taping the leading edge to the box. Alternately, double-sided tape or adhesive can be applied to the box before it is measured (or shortly thereafter). Any other adhesive could be employed at this manual step.

0038An additional key that is provided on the user interface display is a "continue" key that, when depressed, causes a second section of the sheet of paper to be dispensed. When the "continue" key is pressed, the user then manually pulls the box away from the wrapping section stop as the paper advances. The second section of paper is then cut both longitudinally and transversely. The transverse cut is made at the trailing edge of the sheet of paper to be used in wrapping.

0039The operator then manually completes the over wrap by folding the trailing edge of the cut sheet up to meet the leading edge and then folds and tapes the enfolds manually to complete the wrap.

0040An optional feature of the present invention is a "sheeter" feature. The sheeter feature is used when an operator wants to cut and dispense multiple sheets of paper of the same size such as for example to wrap a number of boxes of the same size and shape at a different work station.

0041To operate the sheeter function, the "sheeter mode" key on the user interface display panel is pressed. The box is then placed on the measuring station and measured. The operator selects the quantity of sheets to be dispensed and cut. The box is measured and each of the sheets is automatically cut to size. This enables a user at another (conventional manual) work station to obtain for example a selected number of sheets of paper to wrap several boxes of the same size, such as shirt boxes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0042For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the paper feed and cutting mechanism;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along the lines 3-3 of <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0004 f0005 f0006">Figures 4 - 12</figref> are fragmentary views of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and illustrating the method of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">Figure 13</figref> is a fragmentary side view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">Figure 14</figref> is a fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0008">Figure 15</figref> is a view of the user interface display panel portion of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">Figure 16</figref> is a block diagram illustrating machine control for the semi-automatic wrapping apparatus of the present invention; and</li><li><figref idref="f0010">Figure 17</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a sequence of steps for the control system of <figref idref="f0009">Figure 16</figref>.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0043<figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> shows generally the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10. Gift wrapping apparatus 10 includes a structural frame 11 that can be of welded steel or the like. Frame 11 is comprised generally of a front frame section 11A and a rear frame section 11B. The frame 11 can be comprised of a plurality of vertical members that can include legs 12 and a plurality of transverse or horizontal supports 13.

0044Frame 11 is provided with a measuring station 14, wrapping station 16, paper supply 23, and a paper feed and cutting mechanism 24. At measuring station 14, a pair of stop bar members 18, 19 are provided along two edges of measuring station 14 work surface 15 as shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>. The stop bar members 18, 19 preferably define an angle of 90 degrees. When a package 20 is to be wrapped, it is first placed on work surface 15 of measuring station 14. A side and an end of the box of package 20 are placed respectively against stop bar members 18, 19. Home key 70 of user interface display 21 is depressed to initialize the system. The start key 27 of user interface 21 is then depressed. The package 20 is then measured. There are three measuring devices oriented along orthogonal axes as shown in <figref idref="f0001">figures 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4-5</figref>. Each measuring device is comprised of a programmable intelligent motor 28 that rotates a threaded shaft 88 that engages a pad 29. The motors 28 for each measuring device rotate their shaft 88 until the pad moves from an initial position to engage the package to be measured before returning to the original position. The measurement devices are commanded by computer to drive pads 29 into the box 20 until each of their respective motor 28 switches are actuated. Then the motors 28 stop and reverse the direction of shafts 88, returning pads 29 back to their initial, home position and the box 20 dimension is captured via switch input to the motor 28. The input of the switch signals each motor 28 in its internal program to send via serial lines the encoder counts traveled up until the switch was made. The computer in its program uses these counts to compute the length, height and width of the box 20 for all subsequent operations.

0045User interface display screen 21 is provided that has a number of windows for displaying values such as dimensions of the box that is measured and a number of other windows that are in the form of keypad keys for inputting in information "start", "continue" (key 74), "sheeter" (key 75), paper select (key 76), paper supply roll number (keys 77 - 82), and the selected roll number display (key 83). Other machine functions can include a number of boxes wrapped indicator (key 84), clear key 85, time of last box display 86 and average time display 87.

0046A superstructure 22 supports paper supply 23 and its paper web and feed rollers (see <figref idref="f0007">figures 13 - 14</figref>) in a fashion that enables any selected roll of paper 26 to be used in a wrapping operation. Alternatively, the apparatus can be a single roll machine.

0047Each supply roll 26 thus provides a paper web 25 that can be advanced from the selected supply roll 26 and fed to a paper feed and cutting mechanism designated generally by the numeral 24 in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>. At this paper feed and cutting mechanism 24, the paper web is fed from the supply roll 26 that is selected toward the work surface 17 of wrapping station 16 and simultaneously trimmed if necessary to provide a desired width. The "width" is automatically set by spacing two rotary knives or other like cutting devices, a selected distance apart immediately before the paper web 25 is fed through the paper feed and cutting mechanism 24 toward work surface 17 of wrapping station 16.

0048As part of the method of the present invention (see <figref idref="f0004 f0005 f0006">figures 4 -12</figref>), the paper web 25 is then automatically fed until a sheet of paper for wrapping of desired width and length has been dispensed and cut. This feeding operation is accomplished in two steps. A first section 92 of the web 25 of paper on the selected roll 26 is fed and simultaneously trimmed to a selected width (see <figref idref="f0003">figures 3</figref> and <figref idref="f0005">6</figref>). Before the second section 93 of web 25 is fed, a user places box 20 on web 25 (see <figref idref="f0005">figure 7</figref>), manually over wraps part of the package or box to be wrapped with the first section and ensures that it is adhered to the package or box using tape (see <figref idref="f0005">figure 8</figref>), adhesive, preapplied double-sided tape strips 91 or the like. The user then uses continue key 72 of interface display 21 to key in a continuation of the process so that the second section 93 of the web is fed (see <figref idref="f0006">figure 9</figref>). At this time, the user pulls box 20 to backstop 33 as the second section 93 of paper web 25 is dispensed. This second section 93 is cut longitudinally with cutters 42, 43 to the selected width, but also transversely to determine the overall length of the cut sheet to be used for wrapping and to provide trailing edge 96. At this point the user can then wrap the remainder of the box by over wrapping the box with a transversely cut trailing edge 96 of the full cut sheet of paper 94 (see <figref idref="f0006">figure 10</figref>) and then folding the ends in a traditional manner (see <figref idref="f0006">figures 11,12</figref>). The ends of the package or box can be then taped or simply adhered to adhesive or double-sided tape strips 91 that had been applied before or just after the measuring step.

0049<figref idref="f0002 f0003">Figures 2-3</figref> show paper feed and cutting mechanism 24 in more detail. A pair of rails 37, 38 are attached to <figref idref="f0006">Figure 11</figref> at support plates 35, 36. Threaded shaft 39 is positioned generally in between and parallel to rails 37, 38 as shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>. Threaded shaft 39 is driven by motor 40 and belt 41. Left 42 and right 43 longitudinal rotary cutters are provided with internally threaded nuts 46, 47 that engage the threads of shaft 39 so that when the motor 40 rotates shaft 39 in one direction, the cutters 42, 43 slide upon rails 37, 38 and move apart. When motor 40 rotates shaft 40 in an opposite rotational direction, cutters 42, 43 move together. The threads on shaft sections 39A, 39B are thus helical threads that spiral in opposite directions. In between sections 39A, 39B is support 44 having bushing 45 that rotatably supports shaft 39. Support 44 is affixed to rails 37, 38.

0050In <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>, a single longitudinal cutter 43 is shown in more detail. However, the construction left longitudinal cutter 42 can be substantially the same as that shown for right longitudinal cutter 43 of <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>. Cutter 43 can include housing 44 that slides upon rails 37, 38. Internally threaded nut 47 engages externally threaded shaft 39 at section 39B. Rotary cutter wheel 48 rotatably attaches at central shaft 49 to housing 44. Wheel 48 has cutting edge 50. Edge 50 engages roller 51 when cutting so that when web 25 passes between edge 50 and roller 51 it is cut, trimming the sides of web 25 to provide a desired overall width. Roller 51 is driven by shaft 52 that engages belt 53 driven by motor 54. The cutter shells 48 of both cutters 42, 43 engage roller 51.

0051When the paper web 25 is to be trimmed to a final width that is narrower than the width of the web 25 as contained on a selected supply roll 26, cutters 42, 43 are moved with motor 40 to a correct spacing. A first section 92 of the paper web 25 is then advanced as indicated by arrow 25 in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>. Each cutter 42, 43 cutter wheel 48 cuts the paper web 25. The waste that is trimmed from the sides of paper web 25 is directed downwardly as indicated by arrow 56 in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> as waste strip 57. Endless belt 58 mounted on idler rollers 59A, 59B, 59C ensures that waste strip 57 moves down in the direction of arrow 56. Feed rollers 97, 98 feed paper web 25 to work surface 17. Rollers 97, 98 can be driven by motor 54 or can be driven by their own motor or motors.

0052In addition to the longitudinal cutters 42, 43 there is provided a transverse cutter 60. The transverse cutter 60 cuts the paper web 25 after the paper web is advanced twice in sequence with a pause in between (see <figref idref="f0005 f0006">figures 7-9</figref>) for enabling an operator or user to manually wrap part of package 21. Transverse cutter 60 includes a carriage or housing 63 slidably mounted upon rails 61, 62. Rails 61, 62 are firmly anchored to frame 11 rear section 11B. Rotary blade 64 having cutting edge 65 is rotatably mounted upon carriage 63. Motor drive 66 drives endless belt 69 with drive roller 68. Belt 69 can be supported with guide rollers as needed such as roller 67, and one or more guide rollers (not shown) that support the part of belt 69 that is spaced away from motor 66. In order to cut web 25 and provide the trailing edge to a full cut sheet of desired size, cutter wheel 64 travels back and forth upon rails 61, 62 as indicated by arrow 70 in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>.

0053<figref idref="f0009">Figure 16</figref> is a flow chart illustrating the primary elements of a controller capable of operating the apparatus 10 of the present invention of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>. The controller is based upon a conventional CPU motherboard 120. Internal to the computer 120 is a standard memory 121 which can consist of a combination of random access memory, ROM and/or disk memory 122,123 which contains the program to achieve the functionality described herein. The conventional microprocessor 120 can optionally be equipped with modem 124, network 125, keyboard 126.

0054User or operator interface display 21 (see <figref idref="f0001">Figures 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">15</figref>) can interface with microprocessor 120 using graphics card 127 and serial port 128.

0055The Microprocessor 120 interfaces to the apparatus 10 through the serial line 133 that connects to the intelligent motors, example being 28. The serial line 133 passes all information to the intelligent motors, 28 and others, from the microprocessor 120 and controls such aspects as velocity, acceleration, position through encoder counts and other variables as required. Inputs 129 are generally directed through the motors which process the input in the appropriate manner as commanded. Outputs 130 are generally directed from the motors, 28 and others, based on specific motor programming and control a relay 131 1 which in turn, turns on and off devices such as solenoid valves.

0056One of the outputs produced by the microprocessor for driving the package wrapping machine 10 is the serial communication to the numerous intelligent drive motors. The serial line daisy chains between all motors, each of which has its own address and is connected to the microprocessor 120. Alternative control schemes could be utilized and include different communication links between the motors. Additionally the motor system could be constructed utilizing conventional servo motors, stepping motors, dc motors, air cylinders and combinations of all used and suggested. These motors could require separate drives and motion controllers which also could be separate or in combination. In either case a microprocessor of some type would control the apparatus 10 in some manner. This microprocessor could be constructed as an embedded controller or perhaps a PLC.

0057<figref idref="f0010">Figure 17</figref> represents a program of operation by which the processor system of <figref idref="f0009">Figure 16</figref> operates to control the package wrapping machine of <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007">Figures 1 - 14</figref>. The blocks of <figref idref="f0010">Figure 17</figref> are described in terms of their functionality in connection with the semi-automatic package wrapping machine 10 of the present invention. The process starts 100 at which point an operator or user applies power to the apparatus 10. Power application boots up computer, powers up the motors, and resend programming information to the motors via serial line.

0058Setup 101 is a function accessible from the operator interface display 21 that allows the operator to change certain parameters and additionally allows maintenance and service personnel to adjust certain offset numbers if so necessary. Many of the initial machine start up variables are carried here and can be modified for any reason. These items that can be changed include but are not limited to such variables as motor speed, acceleration, offsets, number of roll positions.

0059Pushing the Home Button 102 on the operator interface sends variables to the motors which select the appropriate homing program in each motor. Motor drives to home position against a hard stop in torque mode. It senses the rise in torque and stops and backs off the home stop a variable amount and sets zero to the motor encoder. Subsequent moves reference the zero set point.

0060The machine may be equipped with one or more supply rolls of paper 26. If only equipped with one roll 26, this function does not apply and roll loading and prep is a manual function. If the machine 10 is so equipped with more than one roll 26, then the operator interface display 21 provides that number of roll selections (see keys 76 - 83 of user interface display 21). A prep button is provided and after the roll number is selected the prep button would be pushed for prepping. The select button is then pushed to start the required move. The roll elevator upon command then positions the roll position selected to a distance above the normal feed in point that is convenient for the operator to thread the paper web 25 and cut it off square against a feed out guide. When a selection is made the paper feed engagement assembly 134 is released via an air valve and the roll elevator motor moves the number of encoder pulses and direction sent to the motor 135 over the serial port 132 and line 133 for that roll position from its current position. Once the roll elevator halts motion the paper feed engagement assembly is preengaged.

0061A new roll 26 can be loaded at this point 104 and prepping can occur for that roll. For each box in a multi-roll machine, the option can be made at this point 105 for the operator to select the paper roll for that box 20. Selection is made via the operator interface display 21. The operator selects the roll position to run (see keys 77 - 82) and pushes the select button (see key 76). The elevator motor 136 is then sent via the serial port 132 and serial line 133 the number of encoder pulses to move from its current location and additionally the motor rotational direction. The paper feed engagement assembly 134 disengages before movement and renegades after the movement is complete (see <figref idref="f0007">figure 13</figref>). Air cylinder 139 moves assembly 134 housing 140 to rotate about pivot 141 as indicated schematically by arrow 142 in <figref idref="f0007">figure 13</figref>. Gear 143 is driven by motor 135. Gear 143 engages the selected gear 144 of a feed roller and its companion roller 146. When housing 140 is rotated to engage pinion 137 with gear 144, a pair of rollers 145, 146 can pull paper web from a particular, selected supply roll 26. There are thus a pair of rollers 145, 146 for each supply roll 26.

0062For measurement of the box 106 to take place the operator must push the box into the corner of the measurement area. This is a manual function by the operator.

0063The Sheeter Function 107 allows the operator to select the number of sheets desired for a box size and the machine will output that number of precut sheets for that box. The first step is to enter the number of sheets required on the keypad of the operator interface..

0064Pushing Sheeter key 75 on the operator interface display 21 once a box is placed in the measurement corner actuates the Sheeter Function (operation 108). When the sheeter function (key 75) is pushed by the operator the measurement axis are commanded by computer to drive into the box until each of their respective switches are actuated. Then the motors stop and reverse back to their initial, home position and the box dimension is captured via switch input to the motor. The input of the switch signals the motor in its internal program to send via serial lines the encoder counts traveled up until the switch was made. The computer in its program uses these counts to compute the length, height and width of the box for all subsequent operations. It is after the measurement is calculated that the cutter motor is commanded to drive the cutters to a location that meets the requirements of the computer program for sheet width for the particular box. Additionally, the elevator paper feed motor and the main paper feed motor start and are directed to move a distance calculated by computer. Once the distance is met the cutter motor 60 is commanded by the computer program to cut the paper, which is already at its proper length for that box 20. This process continues until the last sheet is dispensed. At that point the elevator paper feed motor reverses and drives the paper that is at the knife position back to the elevator entrance position. At 109, the operator collects the sheets as they are dispensed from the machine. This is a manual operation.

0065At 110, pushing start key 27 on the operator interface display 21, once a box is placed in the measurement corner actuates the Start Function. When the Start function is pushed by the operator, the three measurement pads 29 are commanded by computer 120to drive into the box 20 until each of their respective switches are actuated. Then the motors stop and reverse back to their home position and the box dimension is captured via switch input to the motor. The input of the switch signals the motor in its internal program to send via serial lines the encoder counts traveled up until the switch was made. The computer in its program uses these counts to compute the length, height and width of the box for all subsequent operations. It is after the measurement is calculated that the cutter motor 40 is commanded to drive the cutters 42, 43 to a location that meets the requirements of the computer program for sheet width for the particular box 20. The cutters and scrap belts are air loaded and when the cutters 42, 43 are commanded to move, the air pressure is removed from the devices and when the cutters reach destination the air pressure is commanded back on via outputs from the intelligent motors.

0066The elevator paper feed motor and the main paper feed motor start in unison when the cutters 42, 43 have nearly met their destination and are directed to move a distance calculated by computer. This distance is either the amount of paper (first paper web section 92) required to wrap around the box 20 to the seam spot 99 plus offset or the amount of paper required to satisfy the entire required length. If the former, then once that amount of paper 25 is dispensed the computer awaits an operator input to continue. If the latter, the cutter motor 66 is commanded by the computer program to cut the paper web 25 if the paper fed out is already at its proper length for that box 20. At that point the elevator paper feed motor reverses and drives the paper that is at the knife position back to the elevator entrance position in order a paper change does not damage the paper end. Once the paper is cut by the cutter 60, the main paper feed motor only advances the paper to the point where, when wrapped around the box 20, it would just overlap the seam spot 99 by the offset entered initially.

0067At the point in the last operation where the measurement devices have functioned it would be possible to apply adhesive transfer tape to the top and sides of the box for speedy manual paper adherence. Step 111 is an option for other taping methods or in fact could be done before the box is measured. This function is completely at the customer's option.

0068Once function 110 has completed, the operator repositions the box 20 that is still in the measurement corner over the dispensed paper up against the ruled box stop bar 31 on the machine frame 11. The operator additionally centers the box via zero centerline scale, operator display and scale or estimation, indicated as operation 112.

0069At 113, the operator manually pulls the paper tight over the box 20 while the box 20 is being held up against the box stop 31 of the machine frame 31. If the box 20 is prepared (as mentioned in item 111) above the operator adheres the leading edge 95 to the tape tightly. Other options at this point could be such methods as applying scotch tape or simply not taping at all and holding the edge of paper in place by hand for the next step.

0070Optionally at this point 114 the operator can apply adhesive transfer tape to the leading edge setting up the final adherence in the next step. Other options include doing nothing.

0071At this point 115 the operator selects the continue button on the operator interface display 21. This signals the paper feed motors or motor to advance the remainder of the paper (second section 93) or the length of paper to satisfy the overall length for the cut by transverse cutter 60. In either case the operator pulls back on the box 20 by hand while the paper 25 is feeding out. The operator pulls until the back edge of the box hits against the back box stop 33 on the worktable 17. The remainder of the paper is fed out at this point or somewhere during the pull back or after the paper stops feeding, the transverse shear knife 60 is actuated, paper 25 is cut to length and then the main paper feed motor dispenses the entire amount of paper out onto the work table 17. After final dispersal of paper (full cut sheet 94) the shear knife returns to its home position and the elevator paper feed motor is commanded to reverse to pull back the amount of paper in the machine that is up to the knife 60.

0072As described in item 115 above the operator pulls back on the paper keeping it tight while it being fed out of the machine. At 116, the operator pulls both paper web 25 and box 20 until the back of the box hits the backstop on the work table work surface 17.

0073At this point 117 the operator may pull the end of paper that just exited the machine 10 over the box 20 and adhere to the box 20 after pulling tightly. If the adhesive was not applied prior as described in item 114 he or she may tape it down in any other manner deemed necessary by the customer. Box 20 is now overwrapped (see <figref idref="f0006">figures 10 - 11</figref>). At this point the operator may pass it to another operator for final manual enfolding or do that process himself (see <figref idref="f0006">figures 11 - 12</figref>).

0074For operation 118, end folds, which are cut to a predetermined length by computer calculation, do not require additional trimming and fold in easily (see <figref idref="f0006">figure 12</figref>). If the box had adhesive strips 91 preapplied to the ends then the operator simply folds them in and pulls down the top flap over the preapplied adhesive. Next using any adhesive method the operator folds up the bottom flap and adheres. The operator repeats this process on the other end. Box 20 is completely wrapped ready for subsequent operations.

0075The apparatus 10 of the present invention could be set in a "repeat" mode. Thereby when hitting a provided repeat button on operator interface display 21, the machine 10 will simply deliver the same full cut sheet of paper 94 that was last cut from the prior measurement every time the start button is pushed. Therefore if there is a stack of 6 boxes, all of the same size, only the first one needs to be measured or have manual input of measurement. The repeat button could for example flash on and off until hit again to cancel the repeat function. This "repeat" function differs from the sheeter mode in that it optionally allows for wrapping each box utilizing the standard process.