US Patent 11097865 Packaging apparatus and method for operating same

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a packaging apparatus and method for packaging an article with a tubular film to be pulled over the article. The packaging apparatus has a machine frame on which a film supply apparatus and a film covering apparatus are mounted. The packaging apparatus includes a releasable drive coupling usable to operatively couple a drive with either the film covering apparatus or the film supply apparatus (or a subcomponent of the film supply apparatus). Once coupled, the drive can move the film covering apparatus or the film supply apparatus relative to the frame.