WO2007066194A2

WO2007066194A2 - Dispenser device

Info

Publication number: WO2007066194A2
Application number: PCT/IB2006/003463
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franco Strapazzon
Original assignee: Crocco S.P.A.
Priority date: 2005-12-07
Filing date: 2006-12-04
Publication date: 2007-06-14
Also published as: WO2007066194A3; ITVI20050332A1

Abstract

The dispenser device comprises: a body (1) of elongated shape having a central portion (4) narrowed crosswise and comprised between a first end (5' ) and a second end (6' ) and which can be fitted coaxially in a removable way in an axial cavity (2) of a roll (3), said first end (5' ) and second end (6' ) having respective portions (7, 8, 7', 8' ) widened around the perimeter outwards with respect to said central portion (4), so that they can be fitted into/removed from said axial cavity (2) and be restrained in this with the possibility of rotating with respect to it.

Description

DISPENSER DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD.

The invention relates to a dispenser device, suitable for unwinding rolls of plastic film and the like, particularly formed rolls without central core.

Forming rolls of plastic film is known, without these having a central supporting core.

TECHNOLOGICALBACKGROUND.

To form these rolls, automatic wrapping machines are used which are provided with one or more cylindrical spindles that act as temporary central core and around which the multiple layer films are wrapped so as to make the rolls.

When the rolls are completed, devices are triggered able to allow removal from the spindles.

These rolls of plastic film feature an axial cavity left free by the spindles after removal and are then used to wrap goods.

To do this, automatic or manual operation is possible.

To operate automatically, further wrapping machines are used that are provided with a central platform on which the goods to be wrapped are placed; an operating arm is then started that features a spindle onto which a roll of film is placed and which is able to turn around the goods on the platform, gradually winding the firm around and wrapping such goods.

To operate manually, an operator must insert a stiff core inside the axial cavity so the stiff core is of such length that the two ends protrude from it; the operator then grasps the ends of this stiff core, attaches a free end of the film to a point of the goods and then walks around these to gradually wind the film, causing the roll to turn on the stiff core and wrap the goods.

A known stiff core usable to work manually is known from patent EP 1120347 which teaches a "Dispenser for rolls of film material".

According to this patent, the dispenser consists of a stiff core made up of a cylindrical body on the free and open ends of which two heads can be symmetrically fitted with diameters slightly lower than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body which substantially coincides with the inner diameter of a roll without central core. The two heads and corresponding ends of the central body have portions that can be coupled together reciprocally so as to make the heads free to turn with respect to the central body and vice versa.

When a roll has to be used to wrap goods, an operator engages a first head inside a corresponding end of the central body and then inserts the latter in the axial cavity of the roll so that one end of this cavity engages on the diameter of the head already fastened to the central body, and then inserts the second head at the opposite end of the central body so that this too penetrates inside the central body.

Both heads are provided with round end edges for axially retaining the roll which, when it is fitted on the dispenser, can turn integrally with the central body, with respect to the heads.

To unwind the film, an operator attaches the free end of the film to the goods to be wrapped, then grasps the heads and by turning the dispenser around the goods, causes the roll and central body to turn with respect to the heads, unwinding the film.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION.

This dispenser, though working in a satisfactory manner, presents a series of drawbacks.

A first drawback is represented by the high cost of making the dispenser.

Two specific and expensive dies are in fact needed to make the dispenser: a first die to make the central body shaped at the ends to receive the heads so they can turn, and a second die for making the heads.

A second drawback is that this is not very practical to use because every time the dispenser has to be inserted in the axial cavity of a roll, at least one of the heads must first be removed, and then the central body must be inserted in the axial cavity of the roll and then the removed head must be fitted back onto the central body again.

The technical aim of the invention is to improve the state of the art.

One object of the invention is to make a dispenser device with a very low cost.

Another object of the invention is to make a dispenser device that is easy and comfortable to use. According to one aspect of the invention, it is provided a dispenser device comprising: a body of elongated shape having a central portion narrowed crosswise and comprised between a first end and a second end and which can be fitted coaxially in a removable way in an axial cavity of a roll, characterized in that said first end and second end have respective portions widened around the perimeter outwards with respect to said central portion, so that they can be fitted into/removed from said axial cavity and be restrained in this with the possibility of rotating with respect to it.

The dispenser device thus permits manually unwinding the rolls of film without central core by simply inserting it inside the axial cavities of these rolls and turning the rolls with respect to it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

Further characteristics and advantages will appear even more evident from the description of a form of embodiment of a dispenser device, illustrated by way of non limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal and interrupted section-view of a roll of plastic film in an axial cavity of which, without central support core, a dispenser device is fitted in a first form of embodiment;

Figure 2 is an interrupted and enlarged scale view of a widened portion of an end of the dispenser device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side and interrupted view of a second form of embodiment of a dispenser device in a position that precedes insertion into an axial cavity of a roll of plastic film without central support core;

Figure 4 is a side view of a third version of a dispenser device, inserted in an axial cavity of a roll of film indicated by broken lines.

FORMS OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

With special reference to Figure 1, by 1 is indicated a dispenser device which can be inserted inside axial cavities 2 of rolls 3, particularly rolls 3 of plastic films.

The dispenser device 1 comprises a straight central cylindrical portion 4 that extends between two opposite ends 5 and 6.

The latter conform respective widened portions which, in a first form of embodiment of the dispenser device 1, are identical, coaxial and symmetrical with respect to the central portion 4.

With reference to both Figures 1 and 2, it will be noticed that each widened portion comprises a respective first segment "Tl" and a second segment "T2" which have respective truncated-cone profiles 7 and 8 which are joined together to the respective bigger bases 9.

The first segment "Tl" with truncated-cone profile 7 has its own smaller base 10 joined to a concurrent end of the central portion 4 while the second segment "T2" with truncated-cone profile 8 has its own smaller base 11 turned towards the outside of the axial cavity 2.

In the junction area between the respective bigger bases of the "Tl" and "T2" segments with truncated-cone profile 7 and 8, a round external perimeter 12 is defined with a rounded pattern which is designed to be kept in contact with an inner surface of the axial cavity 2 when the dispenser device 1 is fitted in this. The second segment "T2" with truncated-cone profile 8 has a final segment "T3" turned towards the outside and extending from the smaller base 11, so as to protrude slightly from this, as can be seen in Figure 1.

This final segment "T3" comprises a perimeter gripping edge 13, tapered towards the outside and a surrounding groove 14 delimited between the perimeter gripping edge 13 and the second smaller base 11.

The dispenser device 1 is preferably formed in a single piece and, consequently, the widened portions are rotatably integral with the central portion 4.

Moreover, the dispenser device 1 axially has a second axial cavity 15 that makes it empty inside and which, besides allowing a substantial overall lightening, also allows users to easily grip it with the fingers of their hands.

With reference to Figure 3, it will be noted that the dispenser device 1, in a second form of embodiment, or second version, again comprises an end indicated by 5, the same as the corresponding end of the first embodiment, or first version, of the dispenser device 1, while the opposite end of this, indicated by 6' to distinguish it from the corresponding end 6, is shaped in a different way to this, and therefore is asymmetric, with respect to the end 5.

More specifically, the end 6', in this second version, is preferably that which is suitable to be introduced first into the axial cavity 2 of a formed roll 3 devoid of the central supporting core.

The end 6' comprises a single truncated-cone profile, indicated by 8', which extends towards the outside like the opposite end 5 with a further final segment "T5" that comprises a surrounding groove 14' and a contiguous perimeter gripping edge 13', both substantially identical to the groove 14 and to the perimeter gripping edge 13 of the end 5 respectively.

The bigger base of the truncated-cone profile 8', indicated by the reference numeral 9', on the contrary, connects up directly to a concurrent end of the central portion 4 by means of a rounded edge 7' which replaces, at end 6', the truncated-cone profile 7 of the end 5, and which has a round perimeter 12'. With reference to Figure 4, a third embodiment of a dispenser device 1 is illustrated, and which presents an end 6' identical to the corresponding end 6' of the second embodiment, while an opposite end indicated by 5', is substantially the same as the corresponding end 5 of the first embodiment, except for the final segment "T3" of this.

In fact, as Figure 4 shows, the perimeter edge 13 and the groove 14 have been eliminated and replaced by a round stop collar 16 with a diameter bigger than that of the round external perimeters 12 and 12' and which acts as a stop and axial retention element for roll 3 when the latter is fitted on the dispenser device 1, so a roll 3 cannot be accidentally removed from the end 5'.

The operation of the dispenser device 1 is the same for its three forms of embodiment and is the following: an operator fits the dispenser device 1 inside an axial cavity 2 of a roll 3 made up, for example, of plastic film and without the central support core.

In the first embodiment of the dispenser device 1, it does not matter whether the operator first introduces the end 5 or the end 6 while, according to the second and third embodiment, the end 6' is introduced first, because, as the drawings show, in the second embodiment, it is considerably shorter than the corresponding end 6 and in the third embodiment, fitting is prevented by the round stop collar 16.

The dispenser device 1 enters the axial cavity 2 in a slightly forced way because the round external perimeters 12, and 12' for the second embodiment, have substantially similar diameters and these are predetermined so as to be substantially coinciding with the standardised diameter of the inner surface of the axial cavity 2 of a formed roll 3.

This slightly forced fitting permits spontaneously retaining the dispenser device 1 when it is fitted in the axial cavity 2 of a roll 3 without any chance of its slipping out.

In the third embodiment of the dispenser device 1, to prevent this drawback occurring in any case, the end 5' has been equipped with the round stop collar 16.

When an operator has to wrap goods with the plastic film of roll 3, he/she attaches an end flap of the plastic film to a point of the goods to be wrapped then grips with his/her hands both perimeter gripping edges 13, or 13 and 13', in the case of the second embodiment, or again 13' and 16 in the third embodiment, if necessary inserting his fingers inside both the perimeter groove 14, and/or 14', and the second axial cavity 15, for a better grip.

Now, by moving around the goods to be wrapped keeping the dispenser device 1 fast, the traction of the end flap of the film determines the rotation of the roll 3 on the dispenser device 1, with the inner wall of the axial cavity 2 that slides on the round external perimeters 12, and 12', which, for this reason, have rounded profiles with rounded patterns so as not to damage the internal surface itself during rotation, meaning so as not to tear the plastic film which, in this case, could crumple and prevent the rotation of roll 3 on the dispenser device 1.

The limited extension of the contact between the sole internal surface areas of the axial cavity 2 and the external round perimeters 12, and 12', generates a very limited friction between the dispenser device 1 and the roll 3 which turns on this, and determines an adequate resistance to the spontaneous turning of the plastic film, acting as a sort of brake, to prevent the roll from taming freely on the dispenser device 1 thus causing excessive film winding.

Claims

1) Dispenser device comprising: a body (1) of elongated shape having a central portion (4) narrowed crosswise and comprised between a first end (5) and a second end (6) and which can be fitted coaxially in a removable way in an axial cavity (2) of a roll (3), characterized in that said first end (5) and second end (6) have respective portions (7, 8) widened around the perimeter outwards with respect to said central portion (4), so that they can be fitted into/removed from said axial cavity (2) and be restrained in this with the possibility of rotating with respect to it.

2) Device according to claim 1, wherein each of said widened portions (7,8) features a round external perimeter (12) having a diameter substantially coinciding with the diameter of an inner surface of said axial cavity (2).

3) Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when said body (1) of elongated shape is fitted into said central cavity (2), there is a contact only between said round external perimeter ( 12) of said widened portions and said inner surface.

4) Device according to claim 1, wherein, in a fit-in configuration, between said central portion (4) and said axial cavity a free ring-shaped space is defined.

5) Device according to claim 1, wherein said central portion (4) of said body (1) is cylindrical in shape.

6) Device according to claim 1, wherein said body (1) of elongated shape has a total length substantially coinciding with the length of said axial cavity (2).

7) Device according to claim 1, wherein said widened portions (7,8) are symmetrical with respect to said central portion (4).

8) Device according to any of the preceding claims wherein each of said widened portions comprises: a first segment (Tl) with truncated-cone profile (7) featuring a first smaller base (10) which joins to a concurrent end of said central portion (4) and an opposite first bigger base (9).

9) Device according to claim 8, wherein each of said first segments (Tl) extends with a second segment (T2) with truncated-cone profile (8) featuring a second bigger base coinciding with said first bigger base (9) and an opposite second smaller base (11) turned towards the outside. 10) Device according to any of the preceding claims wherein from said second smaller base (11) a final segment (T3) extends arranged so as to protrude outside said axial cavity (2).

11) Device according to claim 2 or 8 or 9, wherein between said first bigger base (9) and second bigger base said round external perimeter (12) is defined.

12) Device according to claim 11 wherein said round external perimeter (12) features a rounded external profile.

13) Device according to claim 10, wherein said final segment (T3) comprises: a perimeter gripping edge (13), tapered towards the outside, a surrounding groove (14) delimited between said perimeter gripping edge (13) and said second smaller base (11).

14) Device according to claim 2 or 10, wherein said final segment (T3) comprises a round stop collar (16) retaining the axial sliding of a roll (3) which has a bigger diameter than a diameter of said round external perimeters (12). 15) Device according to any of the claims from 1 to 14, wherein said widened portions (7, 8) are rotatingly integral with said straight central portion

(4).

16) Dispenser device comprising: a body (1) of elongated shape having a central portion (4) narrowed comprised between a first end (5) and a second end (6') and which can be fitted coaxially in a removable way in an axial cavity (2) of a roll (3), characterized in that said first end (5) and second end (6') have respective portions (7', 8) widened around the perimeter outwards, so that they can be fitted into/removed from said axial cavity (2) and be restrained in this with the possibility of rotating with respect to it.

17) Device according to claim 16, wherein said widened portions (7', 8) are asymmetrical with respect to said central portion (4).

18) Device according to claim 16, wherein a first widened portion (8) comprises : a first segment (Tl) with truncated-cone profile (7) featuring a first smaller base (10) which joins to a concurrent end of said central portion (4) and an opposite first bigger base (9); a second segment (T2) with truncated-cone profile (8) which extends from said first segment (Tl) and features a second bigger base coinciding with said first bigger base (9) and an opposite second smaller base (11) turned towards the outside.

19) Device according to any of the claims from 16 to 18, wherein a second widened portion (7') opposite to said first widened portion (8) comprises: a fourth segment (T4) with truncated-cone profile comprising a bigger base (9') turned towards said central portion (4) and an opposite smaller base (11 ') turned towards the other side; a joining edge (9') which joins said bigger base (9') to said central portion (4).

20) Device according to claim 19, wherein said smaller base (H') extends towards the outside with a further final segment (T5) comprising: a perimeter gripping edge (13'), tapered towards the outside; a surrounding groove (14') delimited between said perimeter gripping edge (13') and said second smaller base (H ').

21) Device according to claim 13 or 20, wherein between said second smaller base (11; 11 ') and said perimeter gripping edge (13; 13') a straight extension section is envisaged.

22) Device according to any of the claims from 1 to 19, wherein said body (1) of elongated shape is axially crossed by a second lightening and/or gripping cavity (15).

23) Device according to any of the claims from 1 to 21, wherein said central portion (4) and widened portions (7, 8, 7') are formed in a single piece.

24) Roll of film made without central core, characterized in that it features an axial cavity (2) inside which a dispenser device (1) is fitted according to any of the claims from 1 to 22.

25) Roll according to claim 24, wherein said roll (3) is a roll of plastic film.