Apparatus for applying external corner or edge protectors onto external corner or edge regions of packages or palletized loads

Abstract

Apparatus for placing external corner protectors upon the external corner regions of palletized loads, prior to the wrapping of the palletized loads within wrapping material, comprises four corner protector pickup, transfer, and applicator mechanisms respectively disposed adjacent to the four corner regions of the palletized load, wherein the corner protector pickup, transfer, and applicator mechanisms are movable independently of the external corner protector magazine assemblies. The external corner protector pickup, transfer, and applicator mechanisms are rotatably mounted upon rotatable actuators which are rotatably movable through angular movements comprising 270°, and, in turn, the rotary actuators are mounted upon linearly movable mechanisms which are movable in both X and Y directions. The external corner protector magazine assemblies, and the external corner protector pickup, transfer, and applicator mechanisms operatively associated therewith, are therefore capable of being oriented either in a parallel mode, or in a perpendicular mode, with respect to the longitudinal extent of the conveyor system which conveys the palletized load into and out from the wrapping station.