GB2426498A

GB2426498A - Wrapping of products such as lettuces

Info

Publication number: GB2426498A
Application number: GB0513492A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Bate; Anthony Clavell Bate
Original assignee: BOWLEN PACKAGING Ltd
Current assignee: BOWLEN PACKAGING Ltd
Priority date: 2005-05-28
Filing date: 2005-07-01
Publication date: 2006-11-29
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-01
Also published as: GB0513493D0; GB0510893D0; GB2426498B; GB0513492D0

Abstract

The packaging apparatus comprise a support member 24 on which the product 11 is supported on a section of film 14. The support member is moved downwardly through an iris 26 causing the film to locate around the product. The iris is then closed to grab the film around the product. The support member is then moved upwardly so that the partially wrapped product abuts against the lower surface of the iris and the product is thus urged towards the support member. That member is then rotated to closely wrap the product, and a heating element is applied to the top of the wrapper to seal the film around the product. A spring-urged guide member 34 may be electrically driven to move the product downwardly, and may incorporate fluid supply means to dampen the product.

Description

Field of the Invention Packaging Apparatus The present invention relates to packaging apparatus, an assembly including packaging apparatus, a vehicle including packaging apparatus and a method of packaging articles. Background to the Invention Packaging apparatus and, in particular, prior art machines for wrapping lettuces and the like, comprise pneumatic drive systems in order to wrap lettuces in plastic film. Such drive systems need clean environments with guaranteed clean, dry air in order to prevent the systems from breaking down. However, in agricultural locations such clean environments are difficult and/or expensive to create and, therefore, such machines are liable to break down and may be expensive to maintain.

Prior art packaging apparatus include machines which wrap lettuces in octagonal film. Such shaped films are created by cutting triangle portions from the front edge of a roll of film and triangle portions from a rear portion to create octagonal films. Such a method creates waste film (for example the triangle portions) and, unless this method is completed within a carefully controlled environment, this waste can be troublesome and can either locate within the apparatus and potentially cause the apparatus to fail or can litter the surrounding environment. In addition, prior art packaging apparatus include a component comprising a combined heating element and displacement member whereby the component initially abuts a part of a lettuce to move the lettuce to a wrapping position. The component is heated to act as a heating element to heat a part of a film located around the lettuce. The heating element operates at greater than 140.C and is a solid element which is permanently heated. The combination of a solid heated member contacting some varieties of fresh produce could cause severe and unacceptable permanent damage. The component may therefore damage the lettuce whilst moving the lettuce into the wrapping position.In particular, the extent of pressure applied to the produce to push the produce against air pressure in a displacement member or a support member causes damage to the produce and, in particular cauliflowers which may cause severe damage to the florets. Furthermore, prior art packaging apparatus may only be suitable with substantially spherical objects and are not suitable for use with non-spherical products, for example heads of broccoli. In addition, such apparatus may not be able to effectively wrap objects, whether spherical or non-spherical, where the dimensions of the products vary. With agricultural products, for example vegetables and fruit, the dimensions of the products may vary greatly and may also vary greatly within a single field. Within a field the conditions may vary greatly with one area obtaining more sunlight and one area obtaining more water or greater drainage. Accordingly, such variations in conditions will significantly alter the vegetables and fruit produced. Prior art packaging apparatus may not be able to wrap products of varying sizes. In some circumstances, prior to wrapping natural produce, chemicals or other fluids (for example, liquids or gases) may be used to try and prolong and improve the products within the wrapping such that the products are appealing within the packaging and have an improved "shelf life".

Prior art wrapping mechanisms may require the product to be treated manually prior to locating the product in a wrapping machine. Such treatment takes time and requires a person to manually apply the fluid which can be expensive and is not efficient. In addition, with prior art machines it is not possible to gas flush.

Prior art packaging apparatus includes a machine which wraps a lettuce within an octagonal film on a support member. Once wrapped the lettuce is removed from the support by being swiped off the cup support on to a conveyor belt or other means of onward transport by a piston. Such movement, tend to bruise the produce and in particular sensitive products, for example lettuces. In addition, small produce may lodge in the cup and resist the swiping action. It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member wherein the support member is movable from a receiving position where the support member is arranged to receive a product on a section of film located above the support member to a second position which causes the film to locate at least partially around the product, the apparatus comprising gathering means to gather the film around the product, the support member being movable relative towards an abutment surface to a third position to urge a product towards the support member in the third position. The first position may be a receiving position. Preferably the support member is moved relative towards an abutment surface in order for controlled pressure to be applied to the produce. Preferably, the abutment surface is arranged to urge the product towards the support member. Preferably a support surface of the support member is arranged, in use, to be covered with wrapping material whilst support member is in the first position. Preferably, a product is arranged to be placed on wrapping which is located on the support member in the receiving position. Preferably the support member is rotatable. The support member may be movable along a substantially vertical axis. The support member may be rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. Preferably the apparatus comprises a support table. Preferably the support table and the support member are arranged to support a section of film whilst the support member is in the receiving position. Preferably the support table has an opening defined therein. Preferably a product supported on the support member is arranged to move through the opening on moving from the receiving position to the second position in order for at least a part of the section of film to locate around the product. Preferably the apparatus comprises gathering means. Preferably the gathering means is arranged to gather the peripheral edges of the section of film together. The gathering means may comprise an iris. Preferably the gathering means gathers the peripheral edges of the section of film centrally with respect to the product and/or support member. Preferably, the iris grips the film whilst the support member is in a third position. Preferably the apparatus is arranged to urge a lower surface of the product towards a support surface of the support member. Preferably the support member is movable relative to a support surface to a relative third position. Preferably urging means urges the support member relatively towards the abutment surface in a third position. Preferably the support member is urged relatively towards the abutment surface such that a product on the support member is moved with the support member as the support member is moved and preferably the product is rotated by the support member as the support member is rotated whilst in the third position. Preferably a product is arranged to be wrapped in wrapping by movement and preferably by rotation of the support member. Preferably the rotation of the product closely wraps the wrapping around the product. The support member and/or a product may be arranged to move and/or rotate relative to the abutment surface. The abutment surface may be static during movement and/or rotation of the support member and/or a product supported on the support member. Preferably wrapping is caused to closely gather around a product during movement and/or rotation of the support member and/or a product supported on the support member. Preferably the support member is moved from the second position towards the abutment surface to urge the support member relatively towards the abutment surface. The support member may be moved by a motor and preferably by an electric motor and more preferably by a controlled electric motor. The support member may be moved from the second position to a third position relatively towards the abutment surface by greater than 10mm and preferably by less that 50mm and more preferably in the region of 20mm to 30mm. The urging means may comprise buffer means. Preferably the buffer means restricts or limits pressure applied to a product between the support member and the abutment surface. The buffer means may comprise resilient means. The resilient means may comprise a spring and preferably a helical spring. The urging means may restrict or limit the pressure applied to the product whilst the support member is in the third position. Preferably the first position comprises a receiving position at which a product may be placed, for example manually placed, on to the support member and more preferably on top of wrapping located on the support member. Preferably the second position may be a partially wrapped position at which a product is arranged to be at least partially wrapped and preferably loosely wrapped. Preferably, wrapping is arranged to be gathered around the product whilst the support member is in the second position. Preferably in the second position, the support member is arranged to move to a third position. Preferably, the apparatus may be arranged to closely wrap a product whilst the support member is in the third position. Preferably the support member is movable to a fourth position. Preferably the fourth position is an ejecting position. Preferably in the fourth position the product is arranged, in use, to move off the support member and preferably moves off the support member by the effect of gravity. Preferably in the fourth position the product moves off the support member solely by the effect of gravity and unaided. Preferably the product is arranged, in use, to move off the support member in the fourth position and on to conveying means or chute. Preferably a support surface of the support member is tilted in the fourth position. Preferably the support member is movable to a third position. Preferably the second position is an intermediary or partially (loosely) wrapped position. Preferably the support member is arranged to move from the first position passed the third position to the second position and then to the third position and finally to the fourth position. The support member is arranged to move from the third position to the fourth position to reset the apparatus for wrapping another product. Preferably the support member comprises a support surface to support a product thereon. Preferably the support surface comprises a concave surface. Preferably the support surface comprises a cup. Preferably the cup is tilted in the fourth position. Preferably the packaging apparatus comprises gathering means to gather the wrapping around the product. Preferably the gathering means comprises an iris. Preferably the iris is an electrically driven iris and more preferably a controlled electrically driven iris. Preferably the product moves from the first position through the iris to the second position. Preferably the support member is urged relatively towards the iris in the third position and more preferably is urged relatively towards an abutment surface on the lower surface of the iris. Preferably the lower surface of the iris comprises the abutment surface. Preferably the iris is arranged to close whilst the support member is in the second position. Preferably closure of the support member cause wrapping to be gathered and more preferably loosely gathered around a product. Preferably closure of the iris causes the product to be loosely wrapped in wrapping. Preferably closure of the iris causes the wrapping to tighten the film encapsulation around the product. Preferably the support member is not latched in the third position. Preferably the electrical drive means comprises a motor (and more preferably a controlled motor) associated with a linear slide mechanism. Preferably, the electrical drive means comprises a linear slide which is driven by an electric motor (and more preferably by a controlled electric motor. Preferably, in the second position, the upper part of a product is arranged to locate below the lower surface of the iris and may locate substantially 10mm below the lower surface of the iris. The support member may be arranged to rotate whilst in the third position. The support member may be urged towards the first position whilst rotating. An upper part of a product may be urged against the lower surface of the iris whilst the support member is rotating. A lower part of a product may be urged towards the support member whilst the support member is rotating. Preferably the packaging apparatus is arranged in use, to wrap a product in a film. Preferably the film comprises a heat sealable film. Preferably the film comprises a section of film and more preferably comprises a quadrilateral section of film. The cutting means may use a scissor and/or knife action and/or heat. Preferably the packaging apparatus comprises support means to support a roll or web of film. Preferably the packaging apparatus comprises cutting means to cut a roll or web of film into sections. Preferably the cutting means comprises heated means to cut the film and/or a scissor and/or a knife action cut. The packaging apparatus may comprise a cabinet. The packaging apparatus may be arranged, in use, to wrap foodstuffs and may be arranged to wrap natural and/or agricultural products. In particular, the packaging apparatus may be arranged to wrap items of fruit and/or vegetables. The packaging apparatus may be arranged, in use to wrap generally spherical products. The packaging apparatus may comprise a support table. Preferably the support table is arranged, in use, to support the film whilst the support member is in the first position. Preferably the support table has an opening or aperture located therein. Preferably the support table has an iris located in the opening or aperture. Preferably the support table supports an iris. The packaging apparatus may comprise a guide member wherein the guide member is arranged to retain a product on the support member whilst the support member moves from the first position to the second position. Preferably a heating member is arranged to heat a part of a wrapping (preferably exposed wrapping above the support table and/or iris) whilst a product is located in a wrapping. Preferably the heating member is an independent (and separate) member relative to the guide member. The heating member may comprise a heating element and gathering means. The heating element may comprise a central heating element and preferably comprises a planar substantially circular heating element. The gathering means may comprise an annular gathering member. Preferably the heating element locates within a central aperture defined by the annular gathering member. Preferably the annular gathering member is arranged, in use, to be spaced from the central heating element. Preferably the annular gathering member is arranged, in use, to rotate and preferably rotates in an opposite direction relative to the support member and/or the product. Preferably, the heating element is arranged, in use, to be stationery. Preferably the gathering member comprises a gathering collar which is arranged, in use, to rotate around the heating element. Preferably, the annular gathering collar is concentric with the heating element. Preferably the annular gathering member comprises an annular gathering surface. Preferably the annular gathering surface comprises gathering projections defined thereon. Preferably the gathering projection comprises gathering fins or gathering vains. Preferably the gathering projections comprise ridges. The gathering ridges may extend arcuately from an inner central aperture of the annular gathering member towards an outer periphery of the annular gathering member and preferably extend arcuately from the central aperture in the general direction of intended rotation of the gathering member. The heating element may comprise a recess defined on a lower surface thereof. Preferably the film is arranged to be gathered into the recess in order to be heat sealed within the recess and preferably to create a "button" of sealed film. The packaging apparatus may comprise a support member for supporting a product thereon, the support member being movable between a wrapping position for wrapping a product to an ejecting position for removing a product from the support member wherein gravity causes the product to be removed from the support member in the ejecting position. Preferably the guide member abuts an upper part of a product supported on the support member. The guide member may be driven by electrical drive means which may comprise a motor (and more preferably a controlled motor) associated with a linear slide mechanism. The packaging apparatus may comprise fluid supply means in order to supply a fluid to at least a part of a product prior to wrapping the product. The fluid may comprise a gas. The gas may be used in a gas flushing method which may produce a modified atmosphere for the produce once wrapped. The fluid supply means may provide gas in and/or around the product just prior to the iris closing. The fluid may comprise a liquid. The liquid means may be sprayed on to a part of the product prior to sealing the wrapping. The fluid supply means may be provided on the guide member. The packaging apparatus may comprise cutting means in order to cut a section of wrapping from a roll or web of wrapping material, the cutting means being arranged, in use, to cut a quadrilateral shaped section of film and the packaging apparatus comprising wrapping means to wrap the product in a section of film. The packaging apparatus may comprise a support member wherein the support member is movable from a first (receiving) position where the support member is arranged to receive a product to a third (wrapping) position where the apparatus is arranged to wrap a product, wherein the support member is movable in the third (wrapping) position. Preferably the support member is substantially vertically movable in the third (wrapping) position. The packaging apparatus may comprise a support member for supporting a product to be wrapped thereon, the apparatus further comprises a guide member to abut an upper portion of a product supported on the support member and to retain the product on the support member as the support member moves from a first (receiving) position to a second position, wherein the guide member comprises a deformable element to abut the product. The guide member may comprise a shaft with a deformable element located towards or at one end thereof. The apparatus may comprise a film clamp to clamp a film. The film clamp may clamp the film whilst the film is cut by cutting means. The film clamp may regulate movement of the film. As the support member moves from the first position to the second position a film clamp may resist or restrict or regulate movement of film from a support table to locate film at least partially around a product. Preferably the film clamp comprises a slide or slip resistant surface. Preferably the force or pressure that the film clamp applies is adjustable. Preferably the force of the film clamp is provided by two force applying means. Preferably the film clamp comprises a clamp plate and more preferably a rigid clamp plate. The rigid clamp plate may have a coating to control film slip. Preferably the film is gripped or clamped by the gathering means in the third position. Preferably the support member is rotated in the third position to closely wrap the film around the product. The apparatus may comprise measuring means to measure the product prior to wrapping. Preferably, only a product having specific measurements are wrapped. Preferably the apparatus comprises weighing means to weigh the product prior to wrapping. Preferably only products within a specific weight range are wrapped. The weighing or measuring means may comprise a load cell. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member wherein the support member is movable from a first position where the support member is arranged to receive a product to a second position where the support member is movable relative towards an abutment surface to a third position to urge the product towards the support member. Preferably the support member is moved relative towards an abutment surface in order for controlled pressure to be applied to the produce. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of wrapping a product comprising supporting a product on a support member and moving the support member from a first position to a second position and moving the support member towards an abutment surface to a third position to urge the product towards the support member. Preferably the support member is moved relative towards an abutment surface in order for controlled pressure to be applied to the produce. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising drive means which is arranged, in use, to move a support member, the apparatus comprising a guide member which is arranged, in use, to retain a product on the support member as the support member moves from a first position to a second position and in which, in the first position, the support member is arranged to receive a product, the apparatus being arranged to at least partially wrap the product in wrapping whilst the support member moves from the first position to the second position wherein the drive means comprises electrical drive means. The drive means may comprise controlled electrical drive means. The guide member may comprise controlled electrical drive means. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member for supporting a product wherein the packaging apparatus further comprises a heating member and a guide member wherein the guide member is arranged to retain a product on the support member as the support member moves from a first position to a second position and in which the heating member is arranged to heat a part of a wrapping once a product is located in a wrapping position. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member for supporting a product thereon, the support member being movable between a third (wrapping) position at which a product is wrapped to a fourth (ejecting) position for removing a product from the support member wherein gravity causes the product to be removed from the support member in the fourth (ejecting) position. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging apparatus for wrapping a product, the packaging apparatus comprising fluid supply means in order to supply a fluid to at least a part of a product prior to wrapping the product. The fluid may comprise a gas. The fluid may comprise a liquid. According to a eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising cutting means in order to cut a section of wrapping from a roll or web wrapping material, the cutting means being arranged, in use, to cut a quadrilateral shaped section of film, the packaging apparatus comprising wrapping means to wrap the product in the section of film. Preferably the support member is urged towards the first (receiving) position whilst in the third (wrapping) position. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member for supporting a product to be wrapped thereon, the apparatus further comprising a guide member to abut an upper portion of a product supported on the support member and to retain the product on the support member as the support member is moved from a first (receiving) position to a second position, wherein the guide member comprises a deformable element to abut the product. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising packaging apparatus and a product wherein the packaging apparatus is in accordance with any one of the first, second or fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention. According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a carriage wherein the carriage comprises packaging apparatus in accordance with any one of the first, second or fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of wrapping a product comprising operating packaging apparatus in accordance with any one of the first, second or fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a product which has been wrapped by the apparatus in accordance with any one of the first, second or fourth to ninth aspect of the present invention. According to, a fourteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a product which has been wrapping using the method of the third aspect or the twelfth aspect of the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings that follow in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of packaging apparatus. Figure 2 is a plan view of part of an embodiment of packaging apparatus. Figure 3 is a side view of part of an embodiment of packaging apparatus including a product on a support member in a receiving (first) position. Figure 4 is a side view of a part of an embodiment of packaging apparatus including a product on a support member with a guide member contacting an upper part of a product. Figure 5 is a side view of part of an embodiment of packaging apparatus including a product on a support member in a second position. Figure 6 is a side view of part of an embodiment of packaging apparatus including a wrapped product on a support member with the wrapping being sealed.Figure 7 is a side view of part of an embodiment of packaging apparatus including a wrapped product being ejected. Figure 8 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of a heating element. Figure 9 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a heating element. Figure 10 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of an annular gathering collar. Figure 11 is a plan view of a further embodiment of an annular gathering collar. Figure 12 is a side view of part of a further embodiment of packaging apparatus including a wrapped product with the wrapping being sealed. Figure 13 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of a gathering collar and a heating element.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments A preferred embodiment of packaging apparatus 10 is arranged to wrap or package discrete products and in particular is arranged to wrap agricultural and/or natural products or produce, for example fruit and vegetables. However, it is appreciated that whilst the apparatus 10 is suitable for such products the apparatus 10 may also wrap other products, for example manufactured articles. The apparatus may wrap non-food items or processed food items or natural food products or any other suitable discrete objects. The produce or product to be wrapped may be easily damageable and, therefore, requires gentle handling during the wrapping process. For the purpose of describing an embodiment of the present invention the invention will now be described for wrapping a lettuce 11 whilst it should be appreciated that other suitable products could also be wrapped, as explained above. Briefly, as shown in Figure 1 to Figure 3, the packaging apparatus 10 comprises support means in the form of a support member 24 to support a lettuce 11 thereon. The packaging apparatus comprises a support table 28 having an aperture 30 defined therein. The support member 24 is arranged at the same vertical height as the support table 28 or slightly below the support table 28 and locates substantially co-axially with the aperture 30. A section of film 14 is located directly on the support member 24 and the surrounding support table 28. The film 14 thereby locates between the upper surface of the support member 24 and the lower surface of the lettuce 11 with the surrounding film 14 locating on the support table 28. The support member 24 is arranged to move downwardly away from the aperture 30 defined in the support table 28. The lettuce 11 thereby drags the film downwardly which causes the film 14 to locate around the sides of the lettuce 11. An iris 26 surrounding the aperture 30 is then arranged to close in order to gather up the film 14 to substantially encompass the lettuce 11 or loosely wrap the lettuce 11. The support member 24 and lettuce 11 are then rotated whilst the upper part of the film is gripped by the iris 26 in order to closely wrap the lettuce. During this movement, the lettuce 11 is urged into contact with the support member 24 to maintain rotation by abutting the lower surface of the iris 26. The lettuce 11 may be urged into contact with the support member 24 by movement of the support member to a third position relative to an abutment surface.For example, the support member 24 may be moved (upwards) and/or the abutment surface may be moved (downwardly) to apply pressure to the lettuce 11. Accordingly, where it is stated that the support member is moved relatively to a third position this includes the movement of the abutment member rather than movement of the support member and the support member may in fact be in the same absolute position as defined by the second position and the first and second positions of the support member may be identical with reference to other reference points other than the abutment surface. The film 14 is a heat sealable film which can be sealed together by heating. The packaging apparatus 10 includes heating means in the form of a heating member 36 arranged to substantially seal the edges of the film to effectively seal the lettuce 11 in the film 14. The support member 24 then moves the sealed and wrapped lettuce 11 downwards and a support surface 25 of the support member 24 tilts in order for the lettuce 11 to be ejected on to a conveyor belt 40 for distribution or other form of discharge. The basic operation is described above and the present invention and parts thereof will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In use, initially wrapping material in the form of a film 14 is pulled from a roll 16 or web by grippers until the forward most edge 18 of the film 14 locates above a support table 28 as shown in Figure 1 to 3. The packaging apparatus 10 comprises cutting means 22 in order to cut the film 14 into sections such that a single section is used to wrap a single lettuce 11. The cutting means 22 includes a cutting edge to cut quadrilateral sections of film. The film grippers are driven by an electric stepper motor. The packing apparatus 10 uses a roll 16 or a web of wrapping material and therefore does not create any waste material since quadrilateral sections of film 14 are used. The packaging apparatus 10 includes support means to support a roll 16 or web of wrapping material and in order for the wrapping material to be pulled therefrom. The apparatus 10 comprises a film restraining means in the form of a film clamp 50. The film clamp 50 is located over the support table 28. Prior art film clamps have included a thin plastic plate moved by a single pneumatic cylinder. This clamp does not clamp the film equally as a result of the use of a thin plastic plate and a single cylinder and may only clamp the film sufficiently in one area. Accordingly, the film would not be released equally and results in an inconsistent wrap quality and may also leave an unwrapped portion on the product. The purpose of the film clamp 50 is to enable the sheet of film 14 to be released equally and progressively to ensure the film equally encapsulates the product whilst being moved downwardly. In addition, the film clamp 50 also holds the film in position whilst being cut. In one embodiment, the film clamp 50 comprises a plate of a rigid material in order to transfer forces evenly throughout the plate. The plate includes an opening or aperture which corresponds with the opening or aperture provided in the support table. The apparatus 10 includes support means in the form of a film reel holder. The film web is threaded in and around a series of rollers and the film carriage also incorporates a counter balanced film tension system. The film is then presented to the back of the table that incorporates film run back brakes 74 and also located at the front of the rear table are film "shoes" 76 in the area of the film picker 78 slots. The film is picked from the back table and pulled under the film clamp on the front table to a stop position. In use, the film 14 is pulled from the roll 16 by solenoid operated rubber lined film grippers mounted on horizontally opposed twin slide rails driven by an electric controlled motor. The film 14 is gripped and travels horizontally until the front edge of the film 18 is at the front of the support table. The film 14 is then clamped by the film clamp 50. Whilst the film 14 is being pulled from the roll, the tension of the film is maintained by a counter balanced film delivery system. The film 14 is then cut whilst clamped with the counter balanced film delivery system again maintaining the tension in the film. The cutting means 22 may comprise a heated blade or wire moving across the width of the film 14 which is especially efficient for use with polypropylene films. The heated blade or wire may be moved downwardly and upwardly by a solenoid 52.However, other suitable cutting means 22 could be used, for example a scissor cut or knife cut method. The method of cutting may depend upon the film being used although heated methods are preferred for use with heat sealable films. The clamp plate is operated by two solenoids horizontally opposed and working in tandem to prevent uneven clamping of the film. The clamp plate is operated by tandem solenoids. Once a section of film 14 is located above the support table 20 and the rearward edge 19 of the film 14 has been cut from the roll 16 of film 14 a lettuce 11 can then be placed on top of the film 14 with the lettuce butt uppermost such that the lettuce 11 is supported on the support member 24. The support member 24 is located underneath or within an aperture 30 defined in the support table 20. The aperture 30 has a diameter large enough to enable the lettuces 11 or products to be wrapped to freely pass therethrough. The lettuce 11 is placed on to the support member 24 manually by a user or may be automatically placed on by an automation mechanism. The hand(s) of the operator which manually place the lettuce 11 on to the support member 24 break a light curtain on removal which automatically starts the wrap cycle. The packaging apparatus 10 may be provided in a cabinet in order to protect the packaging apparatus 10 and the parts thereof. The packaging apparatus 10 may be used in potentially dirty environments (for example, agricultural environments) and the cabinet may offer some protection to the packaging apparatus 10. At a forward end, the cabinet may have an opening, for example a safety door, to enable a user to manually place the lettuce into the cabinet and onto the support member 24. The lettuce 11 is supported on the support member 24 with the film 14 located therebetween.The lettuce 11 is substantially centrally located on the quadrilateral section of film 14 with the cut butt upwards. Once the lettuce 11 is correctly positioned, a guide member 34 is driven by drive means . The guide member 34 comprises a shaft 35 having a deformable element 36 located at one end thereof, for example a rod 35 having a cushioned head 36. The cushioned head 36 is arranged to abut an upper part of the lettuce 11 (as shown in Figure 4), for example the upper facing lettuce butt. Accordingly, the cushioned head 36 prevents or inhibits the guide member 34 from damaging the lettuce, and, in particular, the cushioned head prevents or inhibits bruises being formed on natural produce (lettuces etc) and in particular cauliflowers, broccoli and other produce with florets. The guide member 34 comprises resilient means in the form of a spring 37. When the cushioned head 36 abuts the upper part of the lettuce 11 the cushioned head moved upwardly against the spring 37 and triggers sensing means.The sensing means senses when the cushioned head abuts the upper part of the lettuce 11 and controls the movement of the guide member 34 and the support member 24. The sensor starts both braked motors 70, 80 which drive the linear slides 72, 82 at the same speed. In an alternative embodiment the motors may be servo motors controlled by servo drives. The spring/sensing means automatically accommodates the variation in product height to ensure the minimum pressure is applied to the produce and that the top of the produce always finishes on the same datum i.e. the pre-programmed position below the underside of the iris 26. In one embodiment, the film clamp plate may be provided with a non-slip coating to provide controlled resistance to ensure smooth controlled film delivery around the product whilst the support member is being lowered. Once the cushioned head 36 has abutted the top of the lettuce 11 the guide member 34 continues moving downwards and the support member 24 is simultaneously driven downwards as sensed by the sensing means to move the lettuce 11 from the receiving (first) position (as shown in Figure 3) to a partially wrapped or intermediary (second) position (as shown in Figure 5). The guide member 34 prevents the lettuce 11 moving or rolling off the support member 24. The support member 24 is held in the initial upper receiving position by a braked electric motor 80 that is driving a linear slide 82 through a transmission belt 84 or a motorized linear slide. The lettuce 11 is moved downwardly until the top of the lettuce 11 locates below the support table and more specifically the lower surface of the iris 26.In particular, the lettuce 11 is moved downwards until the top of the lettuce is substantially 10mm below the iris 26 as controlled and sensed by the movement of the guide member 32. As the top of the produce arrives at the datum point, this causes the spring pressure to relax which trips the sensor to stop the lower linear slide 82. As the lettuce 11 is lowered the film clamp 50 ensures equal and consistent film delivery to ensure accurate film encapsulation owing to controlled and adjustable pressure being applied to the clamp plate. The clamp plate also provides a non-slip coating to provide resistance against the film slipping. Once lowered the grippers return to their original position and the grippers clamp on the previously cut corners of the film ready for the next cycle. The guide member 34 is driven by electrical drive means 70 associated with a linear slide 72 to which the guide member 32 is engaged.

Prior art pneumatic drive systems especially incorporating a latch mechanisms for support members are not suitable for agricultural environments where such apparatus may be used and, therefore, prior art pneumatic devices are liable to failure. The electrical drive means for the guide member 32 and the support member 24 each comprises an electrical motor 70, 80 and associated linear slide 72, 82. In addition, prior art systems may use displacement members which push the product and support member downwardly. The support member being pneumatic such that the displacement member must exert a force through the lettuce in order to exhaust the air from the pneumatic system to move the product downwardly. When used with different products such systems would need to be set up to adjust the "bleeding" of the pneumatic system to cope with heavy robust produce, light, loose and easily damaged produce.This set up was previously done by trial and error in order for the apparatus to get any kind of wrap around the produce. Such set ups therefore took a long time and could result in lost produce. Electrical drives are advantageous over pneumatic drives in this environment for several reasons for example pneumatic operation is slow in operation, needs stroke recovery time, is unsuitable for certain functions, needs clean dry air, cylinder rods suffer in aggressive environment, easily becomes unbalanced when attempting to perform a "mirror" non connected activities with separate pneumatic cylinders, impossible to have varying torque operations and inconsistent with repetitive action on part cylinder stroke operations. Once in a second position where the film is located around the lettuce, the guide member 34 moves upwardly and returns to its original position and is reset ready to repeat the procedure or cycle. The iris 26 then closes and the iris 26 causes the film 14 or specifically the peripheral edges of the film to be gathered up and around the lettuce 11 albeit relatively loosely. However, prior to closure fluid supply means may be arranged to supply a liquid to the lettuce to help preserve the lettuce, for example a spray nozzle may be provided on the guide member 34. In addition or alternatively, a gas may be supplied to the atmosphere around the lettuce 11, for example to gas flush. This provides a modified atmosphere for the lettuce, once wrapped. The gas is supplied just prior to the iris 25 closing and the gas may be supplied by the guide member 34.The iris 26 is closed by a conventional electric motor with an inverter drive. The support member 24 is moved upwardly to a third (wrapping) position (as shown in Figure 6), for example in the region of 20mm to 30mm on the linear slide in order for the upper surface of the partially wrapped lettuce 11 to abut against the lower surface of the iris 26. The support member 24 comprises buffer means in the form of a spring 60 to limit the pressure applied to the lettuce 11 between the lower surface of the iris 26 and the support member. However, the arrangement ensures that the lettuce is urged towards the support member 24. The support member 24 is rotated in order to further gather up the film around the product to closely wrap the lettuce 11. The support member 24 and hence the lettuce are rotated causing the wrapping to closely wrap the lettuce 11 which may cause the lettuce 11 to compact.As the lettuce compacts the lettuce 11 is continually urged towards the support member 24 as a result of the buffer means and the previous upwards movement of the support member 24. Prior art static systems may result in the failure of transfer of rotation from the support member 24 to the lettuce 11 since the lettuce is not urged into contact with the support member. In particular, in prior art system the lettuce is effectively lifted off the support member as the lettuce compacts during wrapping. The support member 24 or more specifically a cup of the support member 24 is rotated by (electrical) drive means 90 which transfers drive through a flexible shaft 92 to the cup. The drive system for the cup uses a sealed flexible drive shaft 92 and a remote located electric motor 90. The electric member is a conventional electric motor with an inverter drive. Prior art direct cup drives from an electric motor on a sliding keyway are not suitable to agricultural environments. The heating element 33 is moved into contact with the film located above the iris during or following rotation of the lettuce 11 to effectively seal the edges of the film 14 and for the lettuce 11 to be sealed within the film 14 and in particular to form a "button" type seal. Once the iris 26 is closed or more specifically substantially closed since the film 14 still projects through the centre of the iris 26, and the lettuce 11 is rotating or has been rotated a heating member 32 including a heating element 33 can be moved in order to contact the edges of the film 14 that have been gathered up and which locate on the upper surface of the iris 26. The heating member 32 comprises a heating element 33 which locates at an end of a shaft 31. The heating member 32 is an individual and separate member relative to the guide member 34. The heating member 32 is driven by electrical drive means and in particular the electrical motor which also drives the guide member 34. The apparatus 10 comprises a rotation mechanism or rotary actuator to move the guide member 34 and heating member 32 into and out of position above the lettuce 11. The heating element 33 is then removed and returned to its original position and is ready to repeat the process. In a further embodiment of the present invention the heating member 32 comprises a central generally circular heating element 33' surrounded by an annular gathering collar 41, as shown in Figures 8 to 13. The annular gathering collar 41 has gathering projections 38 and in particular gathering fins 38 defined thereon. In particular, the annular gathering collar 38 has three gathering fins 38 which extend arcuately from a central aperture 43 to the periphery of the gathering collar 33'and preferably in the direction of rotation of the gather collar 41. The central heating element 33' is arranged to locate in the central aperture 43 of the gathering collar 41. The central heating element 33' also comprises a circular recessed portion 39 in order for the film to be gathered into and then to be sealed by the central heating element into a "button".The annular gathering collar 41 is arranged to be rotated in an opposite direction to the product 11 and the central heating element 33' is arranged to be stationery. The use of a counter-rotating gathering collar 41 effectively reduces the sealing time and may reduce the sealing time by on third compared to the previously described heating element. The temperature of the central heating element 33' may be substantially 305[deg]C and this distribution of this heat to the gathering collar 41 is inhibited by the use of a small gap between the central heating element 33' and the annular gathering collar 41. This arrangement encourages and provides a uniform and consistent buffer seal whilst the gap prevents or inhibits the heat being distributed from the central heating element 33' to the product 11.However, the gathering collar 41 may be warm which may also increase the efficiency of the seal. The gathering collar 41 may be arranged to rotate at substantially 150 r.p.m. whilst the product 11 may be arranged to rotate in the opposite direction at substantially 120 r.p.m. The sealing time is reduced in this embodiment but the sealing time may also depend upon the thickness of the film and the sealing time may be adjusted accordingly. Again, in this embodiment the displacement member is arranged to be a separate member from the heating member. Both members may be mounted to a hub or axle about which they can rotate in order for either the displacement member or the heating member to be correctly aligned with the top of the product. The vains in gathering collar 41 are arranged to gather the film inwardly towards a central axis and into the recess 39 provided by the heating element 33'. The iris 26 is opened in order to release the film 14. The support member 24 is then moved downwardly from the wrapping position to an ejecting position (fourth position) as shown in Figure 7. As previously mentioned the drive means for the support member 24 is provided by electrical drive means and 80 in particular an electrical motor. As the support member 24 moves downwardly a support surface 25 or a support cup 25 of the support member 24 tilts in order to cause the lettuce 11 to roll or move off the support surface 25 gradually under to action of gravity. In one embodiment the linear slide 82 is driven downwards to which is attached a vertically spring loaded cup that supports the lettuce 11. As the cup moves downwardly a mechanical mechanism causes the cup 25 to tilt and in particular to travel through a geometrical arc.The cup progressively tilts and the angle of tilt increases as the cup is lowered and at the bottom the angle of tilt is at its greatest and guarantees that the lettuce 11 is ejected from the cup under gravity. In an alternative embodiment, a cam follower operating on a segment arc principle could be used as an alternative to the geometrical arc system. The ejection does not require any plungers or other apparatus and is also smooth to prevent or inhibit damage to the lettuce 11. The support member 24 comprises a support surface which is concave and preferably is a cup to retain the lettuce 11 thereon. In one embodiment, the support member 24 may comprise a spring loaded cup provided on an end of a flexible drive shaft 92 associated with an electric motor 90 and engaged is also with the linear slide 82. The lettuce 11 rolls off the support member 24 and on to a padded conveyor belt 40. The conveyor belt 40 is driven by a conventional gear box electric motor controlled by an inverter drive or gear ratio. A cushioned abutment member may be placed on the opposite side of the conveyor belt 40 relative to the support member 24. The lettuce 11 may roll off the support member 24 and, if it continues to roll across the surface of the conveyor belt 40 the lettuce 11 will abut the cushioned abutment member which will direct the product back on to the conveyor belt 40 or other means if effecting a discharge out of the machine. The conveyor belt 40 comprises partitions 42 to ensure that the lettuce 11 moves with the conveyor belt 40 rather than rolling on the surface of the conveyor belt 40. An alternative embodiment may include a different ejection method in which the cup projects through an opening at the end of the wrap cycle and the produce is captivated and indexed away. The lettuce 11 may then be transferred to a packaging area where the lettuces 11 may be placed in boxes ready for transportation. In particular, the conveyor belt 40 extends to an opening in the cabinet where the lettuces 11 can be transferred into further packaging, for example boxes. Alternatively, the lettuces 11 may be transferred from the conveyor belt 40 on to a further conveyor belt to transfer the products to another area or chute or other means of product transfer. In one embodiment the packaging apparatus including measuring means which is used to measure each product prior to wrapping. In particular the apparatus may include weighing means in the form of a load cell. Each product, for example each lettuce, may initially be weighed and if the weight is within a particular range the product may then be wrapped. Accordingly, when wrapping variable products, for example lettuces, a user (or customer of a user) may specify products only within a specific weight range. The packaging apparatus 10 may be located in a vehicle, for example a trailer in order for the lettuces to be picked and immediately treated and wrapped whilst fresh. Once wrapped the lettuces may be transferred to another area to be placed in boxes and then stacked in a further vehicle ready for immediate transportation. In particular, the vehicle may be used within a field for immediate packaging of agricultural products. 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.

Claims

1. Packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member wherein the support member is movable from a receiving position where the support member is arranged to receive a product on a section of film located above the support member to a second position which causes the film to locate at least partially around the product, the apparatus comprising gathering means to gather the film around the product, the support member being movable relative towards an abutment surface to a third position to urge a product towards the support member in the third position.

2. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first position is a receiving position.

3. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the support member is moved relative towards an abutment surface in order for controlled pressure to be applied to the produce.

4. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the abutment surface is arranged to urge the product towards the support member.

5. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which a support surface of the support member is arranged, in use, to be covered with wrapping material whilst support member is in the first position.

6. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which a product is arranged to be placed on wrapping which is located on the support member in the receiving position.

7. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support member is rotatable.

8. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support member is movable along a substantially vertical axis.

9. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus comprises a support table and wherein the support table and the support member are arranged to support a section of film whilst the support member is in the receiving position.

10. Packaging apparatus according to claim 9 in which the support table has an opening defined therein.

11. Packaging apparatus according to claim 10 in which a product supported on the support member is arranged to move through the opening on moving from the receiving position to the second position in order for at least a part of the section of film to locate around the product.

12. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus comprises gathering means.

13. Packaging apparatus according to claim 12 in which the gathering means is arranged to gather the peripheral edges of the section of film together.

14. Packaging apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13 in which the gathering means comprises an iris.

15. Packaging apparatus according to claim 14 in which the iris grips the film whilst the support member is in a third position.

16. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support member is movable relative to a support surface to a relative third position.

17. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which urging means urges the support member relatively towards the abutment surface in a third position.

18. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which a product is arranged to be wrapped in wrapping by movement.

19. Packaging apparatus according to claim 18 in which rotation of the product closely wraps the wrapping around the product.

20. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which urging means restricts or limits the pressure applied to the product whilst the support member is in the third position.

21. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the first position comprises a receiving position at which a product may be placed on top of wrapping located on the support member.

22. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the second position is partially wrapped position at which a product is arranged to be loosely wrapped.

23. Packaging apparatus according to claim 22 in which wrapping is arranged to be gathered around the product whilst the support member is in the second position.

24. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus is arranged to closely wrap a product whilst the support member is in the third position.

25. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support member is movable to a fourth position.

26. Packaging apparatus according to claim 25 in which the fourth position is an ejecting position.

27. Packaging apparatus according to claim 25 or claim 26 in which the product is arranged, in use, to move off the support member in the fourth position and on to conveying means or chute.

28. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the support member is arranged to move from the first position passed the third position to the second position and then to the third position and finally to the fourth position.

29. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the packaging apparatus is arranged, in use, to wrap foodstuffs.

30. Packaging apparatus according to claim 29 in which the packaging apparatus may be arranged to wrap items of fruit and/or vegetables.

31. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which a heating member is arranged to heat a part of a wrapping whilst a product is located in a wrapping.

32. Packaging apparatus according to claim 31 in which the heating member is an independent member relative to the guide member.

33. Packaging apparatus according to claim 31 or claim 32 in which the heating member comprises a heating element and gathering means.

34. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which an annular gathering member is arranged, in use, to rotate in an opposite direction relative to the support member and/or the product.

35. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which a gathering member comprises a gathering collar which is arranged, in use, to rotate around the heating element.

36. Packaging apparatus according to claim 35 in which the annular gathering member comprises an annular gathering surface.

37. Packaging apparatus according to claim 36 in which the annular gathering surface comprises gathering projections defined thereon.

38. Packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 37 in which the heating element may comprise a recess defined on a lower surface thereof.

39. Packaging apparatus according to claim 38 in which the film is arranged to be gathered into the recess in order to be heat sealed within the recess and to create a "button" of sealed film.

40. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the packaging apparatus comprises fluid supply means in order to supply a fluid to at least a part of a product prior to wrapping the product.

41. Packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member wherein the support member is movable from a first position where the support member is arranged to receive a product to a second position where the support member is movable relative towards an abutment surface to a third position to urge the product towards the support member.

42. A method of wrapping a product comprising supporting a product on a support member and moving the support member from a first position to a second position and moving the support member towards an abutment surface to a third position to urge the product towards the support member.

43. Packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising drive means which is arranged, in use, to move a support member, the apparatus comprising a guide member which is arranged, in use, to retain a product on the support member as the support member moves from a first position to a second position and in which, in the first position, the support member is arranged to receive a product, the apparatus being arranged to at least partially wrap the product in wrapping whilst the support member moves from the first position to the second position wherein the drive means comprises electrical drive means.

44. Packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member for supporting a product wherein the packaging apparatus further comprises a heating member and a guide member wherein the guide member is arranged to retain a product on the support member as the support member moves from a first position to a second position and in which the heating member is arranged to heat a part of a wrapping once a product is located in a wrapping position.

45. Packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member for supporting a product thereon, the support member being movable between a third (wrapping) position at which a product is wrapped to a fourth (ejecting) position for removing a product from the support member wherein gravity causes the product to be removed from the support member in the fourth (ejecting) position.

46. Packaging apparatus for wrapping a product, the packaging apparatus comprising fluid supply means in order to supply a fluid to at least a part of a product prior to wrapping the product.

47. Packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising cutting means in order to cut a section of wrapping from a roll or web wrapping material, the cutting means being arranged, in use, to cut a quadrilateral shaped section of film, the packaging apparatus comprising wrapping means to wrap the product in the section of film.

48. Packaging apparatus for wrapping a product comprising a support member for supporting a product to be wrapped thereon, the apparatus further comprising a guide member to abut an upper portion of a product supported on the support member and to retain the product on the support member as the support member is moved from a first (receiving) position to a second position, wherein the guide member comprises a deformable element to abut the product.

49. Packaging apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.

50. A method of wrapping a product substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.