The present invention relates generally to wrapping systems, and in particular to a wrapping system and method suitable for wrapping a plurality of items.

Wrapping systems are well known in the art, and take a variety of subtly different forms. However, different wrapping systems generally have certain features in common. Typically, an item to be wrapped is driven, for example by way of a conveyor belt or the like, along and towards an elevator. Once loaded on to the elevator, the item is elevated up and toward a wrapper holder. The wrapper holder holds a wrapper to be used in wrapping the item. The item is elevated into engagement with the wrapper, and the item and wrapper are then further moved upward into engagement with a wrapper shaper. The wrapper shaper may be a tubelike structure, or some other through-pass arrangement which is used to at least partially shape the wrapper around at least a part of the item. One or more folding elements are then brought under the item to fold excess or loose parts of the wrapper against the item, to finalise wrapping of the item. Heating may optionally be undertaken to at least partially seal the wrapper. Labels might also be applied. The item is then output to a conveyor or similar, and typically moved away from the wrapping station in a linear manner. Although an existing wrapper system may function well, and as intended, there are nevertheless disadvantages associated with existing wrapper systems. One disadvantage is associated with throughput. Only one item can be present on the elevator at any one time, as the item is passed through the wrapper holder, wrapper shaper and so on. Therefore, throughput with a single wrapping system is limited by the mechanics of the elevator, and its interaction with other elements of the system. This limitation on throughput can be significant. A way of overcoming this disadvantage could be to simply use more than one wrapper system, for example systems in parallel with one another. However, this brings other disadvantages, for example a massively increased footprint associated with the use of multiple systems, and the item input and output management, for example the need to deliver multiple different items to multiple different machines using, for instance, multiple conveyors or similar. Also, if one of the systems breaks down, then it is entirely unusable. For instance, the entire functionality of the broken down system is useless until the system is repaired, and at the same time the floor space taken up is wasted. It is an example aim of example embodiments of the present invention to at least partially obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere or to at least provide an alternative to existing wrapping systems. According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wrapping system suitable for wrapping a plurality of items, the system comprising: a plurality of moveable wrapping stations, each station being capable of at least partially wrapping an item in a wrapper during movement of each station from an input location, where each station can receive an item, to an output location, where an item can be removed from each station; and the stations being moveable in a cyclical sequence between the input location and the output location.

The wrapping stations may be arranged to move around a generally circular or elliptical path to implement the cyclical sequence.

The wrapping system comprises a controller that is operable (e.g. automatically and/or via user input) to control which of the plurality of stations are used in the wrapping of items.

The movement of the wrapping stations is, or is controllable to be: continuous; and/or at least partially indexed with input of items and/or output of items.

Each wrapping station may comprise an elevator for receiving and elevating an item into engagement with a wrapper. Each station may comprise a wrapper holder for holding a wrapper.

The wrapping system may comprise one or more wrapper in-feeders for providing a wrapper to a wrapper holder of a wrapping station. The wrapping system may comprise one or more wrapper in-feeders for providing a wrapper to one or more wrapper holders of one or more wrapping stations.

If provided, the one or more wrapper in-feeders may be optionally arranged to be moved in synchronisation with one or more moving stations that are being, or are to be, provided with a wrapper.

Each station may comprise a wrapper shaper for shaping a wrapper at least partially around an item as the item is moved toward and/or into engagement with a wrapper, and then toward and/or into engagement with the wrapper shaper. Each station may be provided with one or more moveable folding elements for use in folding at least a part of the wrapper against the item.

The one or more folding elements may be arranged to support the item when the item is at least partially wrapped.

Each station may comprise one or more item holders for at least temporarily holding an item in position during one or more of: moving the item within or by the system; elevating the item; shaping a wrapper around the item; folding at least a part of the wrapper against the item.

The wrapping system may comprise one or more cams, such that upon the cyclical movement of the stations, the one or more cams are arranged to drive movement involved in one or more of: moving an item within or by the system; elevating an item; folding at least a part of the wrapper against the item; at least temporarily holding an item in position.

The wrapping system may comprise one or both of: an input pocket wheel at the input location for inputting items to the stations; an output pocket wheel at the output location for item output from the stations.

The wrapping system may further comprise a heater for heating and at least partially sealing a wrapper once wrapped around an item, and/or a labeller for labelling a wrapper once wrapped around an item, wherein: each station comprises the heater and/or labeller; and/or the heater and/or labeller is located in an item path that is located in, or in-between, an item path from the stations to an arrangement used in the output of the items; and/or the heater and/or labeller is located in an item path that an item takes in or after arrangement used in the output of the items.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of wrapping a plurality of items, the method comprising: cyclically moving, in sequence, each of a plurality of wrapping stations from an item input to an item output, using each station to at least partially wrap an item, between the item input and the item output.

One or more features of one or more aspects of the present invention may be used in combination with, or in place of, one or more features of one or more other aspects of the present invention, unless clearly understood to be mutually exclusive from a perspective of the skilled person after reading of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a wrapping system in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 2 is a schematic side-on view of the system of Figure 1 , at different stages of use; and

Figure 3 schematically depicts various stages in the wrapping of an item, in accordance with an example embodiment.

As already discussed above, a disadvantage associated with existing wrapping systems is the restriction on throughput. The restriction is imposed by, for instance, the fact that only one item can be elevated through various elements of the wrapping system at any one time, before the elevator can be made to descend in order to load a subsequent item for wrapping. Although the problem can be at least partially solved by using multiple systems, this is again not always desirable or possible.

According to an example embodiment, disadvantages associated with the prior art can be at least partially obviated or mitigated. An example inventive embodiment provides a wrapping system suitable for wrapping a plurality of items, for example in sequence and/or in parallel. The system comprises a plurality of movable wrapping stations. Each wrapping station is capable of at least partially wrapping an item in a wrapper during movement of that station from an input location to an output location. An input location is where each station can receive an item for wrapping. An output location is where an at least partially wrapped item can be removed from the respective station. The stations are moveable in a cyclical sequence between the input location and the output location.

Such a system allows multiple items to be quickly and efficiently wrapped in sequence and/or parallel using the multiple stations that are cyclically moveable in sequence (e.g. in a train or series of stations) from the input to the output. The use of multiple stations moveable in a cyclical sequence means that only a single input and output may be required, which may reduce the footprint of a system in comparison with the use of multiple linear systems that each require dedicated input and output arrangements. Also, by using and moving the stations in a cyclical sequence, it becomes far easier to choose which of the stations are used in any packing method. For instance, even if the system has, say, eight wrapping stations, this does not mean that all eight stations need to be used at any one time. For instance, and depending on throughput, only one or more of those eight stations might need to be used. Indeed, it might be useful to leave at least one of those stations as a redundant station, for use if one of the other stations becomes damaged or otherwise unusable. All of this flexibility is achieved without increasing the footprint of the system.

A practical implementation of an example embodiment will now be described, way of example only, with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figures 1 to 3 are not drawn to any particular scale, and are simply given as an aid to understanding the principles underlying the invention. Also, for consistency and clarity, the same features appearing in different Figures are given the same reference numerals.

Figure 1 shows a wrapping system (2) in plan view. The wrapping system comprises a housing (4), which might be a cylindrical drum or cage or similar. Housed within the housing (4) are a plurality of wrapping stations (6), each wrapping station (6) being capable of at least partially wrapping an item (8). The wrapping stations (6) are all attached to or otherwise engaged with a central hub or spindle (10), which facilitates cyclical movement of the stations (6) within the housing (4), from an item input location (12) to an item output location (14). The cyclical movement is such that each station (6) follows a generally circular path as it moves within the housing (4) about the hub or spindle (10). In other embodiments, cyclical movement could take other forms, for example being elliptical in nature, or around or about a circuital track. However, the use of circular motion is generally preferred, since it is simpler and generally easier to work with. For instance, the use of circular motion readily facilitates the use of cams (16, 18) to drive the movement of one or more elements involved in the wrapping of the items (8). Cams are simplistic but effective, and so being able use cams is an advantage in such a system, as opposed to more complex mechanisms involving linear actuation, gearing, and so on.

Each station comprises an elevator (20) for receiving and elevating an item (8) into engagement with a wrapper, for example a sheet of wrapping material or similar. The degree of elevation of the elevator (20) may be conveniently controlled by a cam (18), which may be a cam dedicated to movement in a particular direction, for instance in/out of the plane in which Figure 1 is presented.

Each station (6) is also provided with a wrapper holder (22) for holding a wrapper. The wrapper holder (22) can take any convenient form, but will typically have a closed or open ended frame-like structure. This allows at least a portion of the elevator (20) and the item (8) it is carrying to be passed through or past the holder in such a way that the item may be brought into engagement with the wrapper that the holder (22) is holding. The wrapper holder (22) may be moveable in a similar manner and/or axis to movement of the elevator, although not necessarily to the same extent or degree as movement of the elevator (20). For instance, the holder (22) may be moved to receive a wrapper, or to at least partially clamp a wrapper against another element, for example a wrapper shaper (24), to be described in more detail below. The wrapper holder (22) may also be moved using a cam arrangement, for example the same cam arrangement (18), or a different cam surface of that cam arrangement (18).

A wrapper will need to be provided to the wrapper holder (22). This will need to be done in a periodic manner, in order to ensure that there is a wrapper at each station (6) where wrapping of an item (8) is required. One or more wrapper in-feeders (26) may therefore be provided. A wrapper in-feeder (26) provides a wrapper (for example a wrapper sheet or portion) to a wrapper holder (22) of each station (6). This provision could be achieved in one of a number of ways, depending on how the system (2) as a whole operates.

In one example, the movement of the stations (6) may be generally continuous when the system (2) is in operation. Depending on properties of the operation, for example speed of rotation and nature of engagement between the wrapper and its holder (22), an in-feeder (26) may be able to quickly and effectively provide a holder (22) with a wrapper without damaging or practically compromising the quality of the wrapper that is held by the holder (22). However, in other embodiments, this may be difficult or impossible to achieve.

Thus, in an alternative, the in-feeder may be moved in synchronisation with the stations (6) or respective station (6), so there is little or no relative movement/angular movement between the in-feeder (26) and the respective station (6) when wrapper is being provided to the holder (22). In-feeder (26) movement may be continuous, or implemented (e.g. brought up to the speed of the station (6)) only when a wrapper is to be provided to a holder (22).

In yet another alternative, cyclical movement of the station (6) may simply be periodically stopped when a section of wrapper is to be loaded into a respective holder (22) of a respective station (6). For instance, the movement of the station (6) may be indexed, either specifically for the provision of wrapper in this manner, or for other reasons (e.g. the input or output of items to the stations (6)), whereby the provision of wrapper can take advantage of the indexing, rather than being the sole reason for the indexing.

In some embodiments, only a single wrapper in-feeder (26) may be provided. However, it is expected that the provision of wrapper to the stations (6) may be a potential restriction in throughput for such a cyclical system. To overcome this restriction, multiple in-feeders (26) may be provided, as shown in Figure 1 . As briefly discussed above, each wrapping station (6) is also provided with a wrapper shaper (24) for shaping a wrapper at least partially around an item (8), as the item (8) is moved toward and/or into engagement with a wrapper, and then toward and/or into engagement with the wrapper shaper (24). The wrapper shaper (24) will typically take the form of a through-pass structure, which might be a tube-like structure or a truncated cone, open at both ends. Functionally speaking, the wrapper shaper (24) needs to be able to receive the item (8) after the item has been brought to engagement with a wrapper held by the wrapper holder (22), one or more surfaces (e.g. internal surfaces) of the wrapper shaper (24) being brought into contact with the wrapper to urge the wrapper into and/or around (or similar) the item (8). At least a portion of the elevator (20) is likely to need to pass at least partially into and/or through the wrapper shaper (24), in order to allow for and implement such wrapper shaping.

Above the wrapper shaper is located one or more moveable folding elements (28), for example in the form of one or more plates. The folding elements (28) are moveable to fold (or in other words tuck) at least a part of the wrapper against the item (8), for example parts of the wrapper that have not been urged into contact with the item (8) by the wrapper arrangement (24). The one or more folding elements (28) may also support the wrapped item (8) after wrapper folding, allowing the elevator (20) to be brought out of engagement with the item, allowing the elevator to descend for use in the loading of a subsequent item. Movement of the folding elements is typically in a radial direction, and the movement may be conveniently achieved or driven by the use of the cam (16, 18).

Each station (6) comprises one or more item holders (29) for at least temporarily holding an item (8) in position during folding of the wrapper by the folding elements (28). The holder (29) might comprise a cup for surrounding the item (6) as and when necessary, and/or one or more moveable elements, moveable to restrict movement of the item (6). The same or different holders (29) may be used at other stages of the wrapping, for example when moving the item within or by the system; elevating the item; shaping a wrapper around the item. Movement or activation of the holders (29) may also be achieved or driven by the use of one or more cams.

Input and output locations (12, 14) have already been described for the system (2). Items (8) may be input by being driven along a linear path by a threaded arrangement (30), for example a screw-thread or the like. The screw-thread (30) drives items (8) into engagement with a pocket-wheel (32), sometimes referred to as a star-wheel or similar. Functionally, the pocket-wheel needs to be able to retain and release items while rotating, and a wheel with shaped recesses (i.e. pockets) is a practical way of achieving this functionality.

The pocket-wheel (32) is rotatable to receive items (8) from the screw-thread (30), and to then move the items (8) into the housing (4) and to load or otherwise position the item (8) on to an elevator (20) of a station (6). The rotation of the screw-thread (30) and/or the pocket- wheel (32), and/or the cyclical movement of the stations (6) will likely be appropriately indexed with one another to ensure that items are delivered accurately and consistently as and when required. Depending on the nature of the system (2), the pocket wheel (32) may continuously and/or periodically deliver items into the housing (4) and on to the elevators (20) of the station (6). However, in other examples, a controller (not shown) of the system (2) may control one or more elements of the system to selectively move one or more parts of the system (e.g. rotation of the pocket-wheel (32) and/or movement of the station (6)) to more intermittently deliver items onto the stations (6). This may depend on whether the system (2) is operating in a continuous or indexed mode, which may be selectable via user interface or similar. In a similar manner, the same controller may be used to determine what stations (6) are to be used for wrapping and what stations are not to be used, either due to damage or the like to a particular station, or simply due to a requirement to keep at least one station (6) in a redundant state in case other stations become unusable. The controller may comprise or be in connection with one or more sensors for sensing one or more states (e.g. position, orientation, speed, and so on) of components parts of the system and or the items, to facilitate the control

Similar principles apply to the output location (14) which is provided with an output pocket-wheel (34). In this embodiment, a path taken by an item that is engaged with and being moved by the output pocket-wheel (34) may coincide with a heater and/or labeller (36). A heater and/or labeller (36) may be used to appropriately heat the wrapper for sealing or similar, and/or to apply a label to the wrapper, as appropriate.

Figure 2 shows some of the elements already described in Figure 1 , but in side-on view so that a perhaps better or clearer understanding of the structure or operation of the system (2) may be obtained. On the right hand side of Figure 2 it is worth noting that two elevators and two items are not, in fact, shown. Instead, an elevator (20) carrying an item (8) is shown in a first, lower configuration, and then the Figure also shows the elevator (20') and item (8') in a second, elevated configuration, once the elevator (20) has elevated the item (8) through the wrapper holder (22) and wrapper shaper (24).

Figure 3 will now be used to describe an example wrapping of an item (8).

At a first time T1 , items (8) are driven towards a wrapping station (6) by the screw-thread (30).

At a second time T2 an item is loaded on to the elevator (20), with a wrapper (38) already being held in place by the wrapper holder (22). At time T3, the elevator moves the item toward engagement with the wrapper.

At time T4, the elevator continues its upward movement, pushing the item into engagement with the wrapper and into engagement with the wrapper shaper. This causes the wrapper to begin to be urged against and at least partly wrap around the item.

T5 shows that further elevation of the item causes further wrapping of the wrapper around the item. T6 shows that the wrapping is such that portions of the wrapper remain beneath the item, and are not urged against the item.

At times T7 and T8, the loose wrapper portions are folded (or in other words tucked) underneath and against the item using the folding elements described above.

At T9, the now wrapped item is removed from the wrapping system.

Figure 3 shows how movement of the elevator (20), and therefore a large portion of the wrapping process, is driven by rotation of the elevator (20) and/or the station (6) to which it belongs along the cam (18). Again, this emphasises how the cyclical, and in particular circular nature of the path of movement of the station (6) facilitates the use of cams, with all the simplistic engineering and maintenance principles associated with such use.

In general, the present invention facilitates a wrapping method for wrapping a plurality of, which method comprises cyclically moving, in sequence, each of a plurality of wrapping stations from an item input to an item output. Each station is used to at least partially wrap an item, between the input and the item output. This facilitates sequential and/or parallel wrapping of a plurality of items in a quick, efficient and practical manner. The wrapper described above may take any particular form, and range from plastic materials, to paper materials, to metallic materials, and so on.

In the above examples, it has been described how using a sub-set of the stations may allow a remaining other sub-set to be left redundant, so that these redundant stations can be used in the event that other stations become damaged or otherwise unusable. At the same time, this allows the damaged or otherwise unusable stations to be removed from the system, while the system can still remain in a functioning state for wrapping, again reducing the impact on throughput. Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.