BULK MATERIAL PACKAGING APPARATUS

PCT No. PCT/GB87/00849 Sec. 371 Date Jul. 27, 1989 Sec. 102(e) Date Jul. 27, 1989 PCT Filed Nov. 27, 1987 PCT Pub. No. WO88/03896 PCT Pub. Date Jun. 2, 1988.Apparatus for wrapping a load with wrapping material includes a frame, a platform pivotally connected to the frame about a horizontal axis to permit the platform to be tilted between a generally horizontal position and an inclined position. A load support including a pair of rollers is turnably mounted to the platform to permit the load support to be turned about a turning axis perpendicular to the platform, the rollers permitting the load to be rotated about a rotating axis transverse to the turning axis. A wrapping material dispenser is selectively positionable with respect to the frame for dispensing a strip of wrapping material to wrap said load as the load is rotated by the load rotating means and as the load support is turend with respect to the platform. A load support arresting mechanism for arresting the turning of the load support at a preselected position with respect to the platform includes a lever having a first end pivoted to the platform and a second end adapted to contact the load support. An extensible ram has a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to said lever intermediate the lever first and second ends, the extensible ram being extensible among a retracted position wherein the lever second end is disengaged from the load support and the platform is horizontal an intermediate position wherein the lever second end engages the load support to prevent turning thereof, and a third position wherein the platform is tilted with respect to the frame to discharge the load.