Apparatus and Method for Folding Film Edges

Abstract

Pre-stretched films may be used to increase the rate at which loads can be wrapped and to minimize the exertion required when using traditional handheld film. However, the edges of pre-stretched films are easily damaged, which may result in tearing or failure of the film during use. The present disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods for folding the edges of the film, resulting in a film that is less susceptible to damage and easier to use.

1 . A method of folding edges of film in-process, said method comprising:
 separating a first idler roll and a second idler roll by a first distance;   positioning a plurality of folding guides between the first idler roll and the second idler roll;   separating adjacent sections of film and inducing two folds with the folding guides, thereby causing an edge of each section of film to turn under 180° and cling to a bottom surface of the section of film; and   moving the adjacent sections of film from the folding guides to the second idler roll.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said positioning a plurality of folding guides further comprises positioning a plurality of folding rods. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising: positioning a plurality of folding rods having a diameter of between about ⅜-inch and about 1-inch. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising: positioning a plurality of folding rods having a diameter of about 11/16-inch. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: positioning the folding guides between the first idler roll and the second idler roll at a predetermined guide distance and a predetermined guide angle. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising: positioning the folding guides between the first idler roll and the second idler roll at a guide distance that is about ⅔ of said first distance. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising: positioning the folding guides between the first idler roll and the second idler roll at a guide angle of between about 20° and about 90°. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: passing the film through a nip roll assembly after the second idler roll. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: positioning folding guides comprised of a material with sufficient modulus to maintain rigidity. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: positioning folding guides comprised of a material having a coefficient of friction sufficient to introduce edge folds. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: positioning folding guides comprised of a material selected from a group consisting of steel, aluminum and nylon. 
     
     
         12 . A method of producing folded edges in a film in-process, said method comprising the steps of:
 separating a first idler roll from a second idler roll by a first distance;   positioning at least one folding guide between the first idler roll and the second idler roll, and   separating adjacent sections of film and inducing two folds with the folding guide, thereby causing an edge of each section of film to turn under 180° and cling to a bottom surface of the section of film.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising: positioning a folding guide comprised of a material having a coefficient of friction that causes an edge of the film to turn under 180° and cling to a bottom surface of the film. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising: positioning the folding guide between the first idler roll and the second idler roll at a predetermined guide distance and a predetermined guide angle. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising: positioning the folding guide at a guide distance that is about ⅔ of said first distance. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising: positioning the folding guide at a guide angle of between about 20° and about 90°.