Prepositioned Cover And Contents Transported To Wrapping Means Patents (Class 53/209)
  • Patent number: 11192671
    Abstract: A system and a related method for forming a multi-chamber package are disclosed. The system includes a single web of a film material extending in a machine direction and defining a plurality of lateral lanes extending contiguously in a cross-machine direction, orthogonal to the machine direction. The system also includes a forming arrangement configured to interact with the web to form chambers along a second lane of the plurality of lateral lanes in the machine direction, a first filling device configured to deposit a first substance into one or more of the formed chambers of the second lane, and a first folding mechanism configured to form a fold between the lateral lanes in the machine direction such that a first lane of the plurality of lateral lanes is directed to overlie the one or more formed chambers of the second lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Church & Dwight, Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Johnson, Carl Henry, Jonathan Wharton
  • Patent number: 10752394
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Cryovac, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Landolt, Josef Schumacher
  • Patent number: 10543945
    Abstract: Method and system for automatically forming packaging boxes and packaging an article therein, preferably simultaneously with the formation of said boxes. At least four folding units fold side and end panels of a blank upwardly. The four folding units comprise a front pair of folding units and a rear pair of folding units positioned upstream at a longitudinal distance from the front pair of folding units seen in conveying direction, and the folding units of the front pair and the folding units of the rear pair are positioned at a respective transverse distance from each other. Said longitudinal distance is adjustable during feeding of the custom sized blank into the supporting station, preferably by starting the displacement of the front pair of folding units towards the sealing station earlier than the displacement of the rear pair of folding units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: NEOPOST TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Herman Sytema, Fransiscus Hermannus Feijen
  • Patent number: 10507944
    Abstract: A machine for folding and adhesively bonding blanks for the production of folding boxes. It includes a transport system which has at least one puller which wraps around deflecting rollers and extends along a processing path, a drive connected to a deflecting roller and drives the deflecting roller. Workpiece carriers are fastened to the puller and are moved along the processing path by the at least one puller. It also includes a magazine for a stack of blanks, a mechanism for removing individual blanks from the stack in the magazine, a feeding mechanism for the removed blanks to the workpiece carriers, structure for retaining blanks on the workpiece carriers, a control which is connected to the structure to retain blanks, and structure for adhesively bonding blanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Jens Eckermann
  • Patent number: 9738404
    Abstract: An apparatus for at least partially folding outer packaging includes a conveyor that transports the outer packaging, a first folder, a second folder, and a set of one or more rotating folders that are part of the second folder. The first folders swivel on the conveyor and fold a front side segment of the outer package that adjoins its base segment and connecting segments that are hinged relative to the base segment. The second folders are above the conveyor device and are configured to fold connecting segments that are hinged relative to the base segment of the outer package. The second folders act on the front side segment of the outer package in a direction oriented against an effective direction of the first folding device around a fold line running in the particular connecting segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Koster, Reinhard Wilzeck
  • Patent number: 8875480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drawing a tubular film (1) over a stack of goods (2), wherein the tubular film is first gathered on a gathering device (R/Ü). The gathered tubular film is then drawn over the stack of goods using a covering device, in that the covering device is moved along the stack of goods and the tubular film is thereby ungathered. After reaching an end region of the stack of goods, the covering device is moved along a segment of the stack of goods (?) opposite the covering direction, so that a first tubular film segment (15) is laid on the tubular film already contacting the stack of goods. The covering device is then moved along at least part of the segment of the stack of goods in the covering direction again, so that a second tubular film segment (16) is laid on the first tubular film segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: MSK-Verpackungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Enrico Czok, Reiner Hannen
  • Publication number: 20140260087
    Abstract: A packaging machine including an insertion station for inserting the rolls in wrapping sheets; a feed path of the rolls; a conveyor for feeding the rolls along the feed path; and a folding station adapted to be equipped alternatively with different types of folding members, as a function of the type of pack to produce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Luca Antoniazzi, Gabriele Canini, Valter Di Nardo
  • Publication number: 20130167477
    Abstract: The invention relates to an feeding table, comprising a pair of rollers (13, 14), referred to as pressers, arranged downstream from the cutting system, said pair including a motor-driven roller (13) and at least two driven rollers (14) which are arranged so as to form at least two pressure tracks engaging with the plastic film (6) moving between said pair of rollers (13, 14). Each pressure track includes a driven roller (14), the shaft (23) of which is supported by a mobile frame (19) that is guided on a beam (20), wherein said beam (20) is secured to the general frame (2) and a foolproof system for applying pressure is provided between said beam (20) and said frame (19) in order to restrain said driven roller (14) and hold the latter in tangential contact with the motor-driven roller (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Michael Vasse, Lionel Daniere, Grégory Choplin
  • Patent number: 7874130
    Abstract: An improved wrapping apparatus for an ice-cream sandwich-making machine comprises an oscillating arm and cam which drives a horizontal slider plate connected to a frame, and a pusher unit connected to an air cylinder; an improved paper feeder system, including separate paper and knife drives, air compression springs, and a paper low sensor; and a hinged exit tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Darifill Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. Spencer, G. Scott Spears, Eric R. Rousculp
  • Patent number: 7861494
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an absorbent article includes a holding tool, a female tool disposed along a machine axis, and a male tool disposed along the machine axis. The holding tool has an aperture aligned along the machine axis and means for holding a flexible sheet across the aperture. The female tool has at least one folding element extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis, and the male tool has means for holding a fluid storage element and at least one pleating blade extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis. At least two of the holding tool, female tool, and male tool are capable of relative motion along the machine axis. Further the at least one pleating blade and of the male tool and the at least one folding element of the female tool are aligned to permit manipulation of the flexible sheet about the fluid storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Curt Binner
  • Publication number: 20100307106
    Abstract: In a machine for wrapping sticks of chewing gum, sticks of substantially rectangular outline and relatively small thickness advance singly and in succession on a conveyor, arranged flat and spaced apart at a predetermined first pitch, toward a position where they are transferred to a spacing roller revolving tangentially to the conveyor and presenting peripheral seats spaced apart at a pitch greater than the first pitch; the sticks are taken up at the transfer position by a pick-up and transfer mechanism operating between the conveyor and the seats of the spacing roller, describing a trajectory that includes a movement perpendicular to the plane occupied by the sticks and producing a minimal displacement equating approximately to the thickness of a single stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A. S.p.A
    Inventors: Marco CARRARA, Daniele CIVOLANI
  • Patent number: 7707805
    Abstract: A machine for packaging groups of products ordered in one or more layers, which includes a magazine for the supply of the group of products; apparatus for supplying a packaging sheet the sheet being set vertically to a front face of the product, a pusher for unloading the product; a first-folding spindle set downstream of the wrapping sheet; a pair of horizontal conveyors, set on top of one another, set downstream of the first-folding spindle; a vertical folder, which operates in the short space between the folding spindle and the pair of conveyors; and apparatus to superimpose on the bottom of the product the last transverse end flaps of the packaging sheet; and apparatus for fixing the bottom flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: KPL Pack{dot over (a)}ging S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giordano Gorrieri
  • Patent number: 7681380
    Abstract: A bagging conveyor quickly positions two-dimensional arrayed layers of objects inside a sealed, flexible bag prior to the layers of objects being delivered by the bagging conveyor to a palletizer. The bagging conveyor receives continuous films of packaging material from below and above the conveying surface of the bagging conveyor and positions the films of packaging material below and above the layer of objects being conveyed by the conveyor. The bagging conveyor then forms seams along the laterally opposite side edges of the packing material films at the sides of the conveyed layer of objects and forms seams laterally across the upper and lower films of packaging material in front of and behind the conveyed layer of objects, thereby quickly enclosing the conveyed layer of objects in a sealed bag as they are conveyed through the bagging conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ouellette Machinery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Ouellette, Richard J. Ouellette
  • Publication number: 20090301037
    Abstract: An apparatus (010) for packing a group of items, in which the items are preferably packs containing respective products, in a special wrapper formed by a plastic film includes elements for supplying groups of items, elements for feeding a wrapping film, and elements for wrapping the group of items in the wrapper. The wrapping elements include members for forming a tubular film (019) for wrapping the group of items, starting with a film being fed and members for inserting a plurality of items in the tunnel forming the tubular film (019) forming members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Massimo Franzaroli, Stephen William Tanner
  • Publication number: 20090241469
    Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a chamber (4) having a cover (5), wherein the cover (5) which is liftable from a lowered position in which a chamber (4) is closed into a lifted position, in which a chamber (4) is opened. It is the object of the device or the method to improve the ergonomic accessibility and the visibility of the cover inside of a vacuum chamber of a packaging machine during maintenance, repair or cleaning work. For this purpose, the cover (5) is pivotable in the lifted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Konrad Moessnang, Rainer Haering
  • Patent number: 7481033
    Abstract: A bagging conveyor quickly positions two-dimensional arrayed layers of objects inside a sealed, flexible bag prior to the layers of objects being delivered by the bagging conveyor to a palletizer. The bagging conveyor receives continuous films of packaging material from below and above the conveying surface of the bagging conveyor and positions the films of packaging material below and above the layer of objects being conveyed by the conveyor. The bagging conveyor then forms seams along the laterally opposite side edges of the packing material films at the sides of the conveyed layer of objects and forms seams laterally across the upper and lower films of packaging material in front of and behind the conveyed layer of objects, thereby quickly enclosing the conveyed layer of objects in a sealed bag as they are conveyed through the bagging conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Ouellette Machinery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Ouellette, Richard J. Ouellette
  • Publication number: 20080202074
    Abstract: A machine for wrapping ovate articles (P) comprises at least a conveyor mean (2), elongated and positioned horizontally in an operation condition, for the articles (P). The machine (1) comprises also a feeding wheel (25) with rotation axis perpendicular to the conveyor mean (2) and fit to feed this latter with the articles (P) roughly rolled up in wrapping sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Sacmi Packaging S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Frabetti, Luca Baraldi, Flavio Giovannini
  • Patent number: 7328554
    Abstract: The invention is directed to changing the height of the wrapping bar on a lap seal machine so that articles of different heights can be accommodated by making the height of the wrapping bar adjustable to accommodate taller or shorter articles on a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Alain Cerf
  • Patent number: 7322171
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging articles such as pouches which do not have rigid structures. The method includes the steps of placing first and second sets of the articles onto spaced apart loading panels of a carton blank so that the article sets are spaced apart with an unloaded further panel of the blank disposed between the article sets, raising the spaced loading panels together with the respective sets of articles to transfer the sets of articles to the unloaded further panel so that the unloaded further panel becomes the loaded base of the carton and the loading panels become opposed side panels of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LCC
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Bonnain, John W. Cargile, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7313894
    Abstract: A packaging and pricing device for sticking labels on a packaged substance including a first label issuing unit and a second label issuing unit, arranged at both sides around the packaging unit, for issuing labels having different display contents. There is a first applicator and a second applicator for sticking the labels issued from the first labeling issuing unit and the second label issuing unit to a predetermined position on the packaged substance, respectively. The first applicator has a first driving mechanism configured to move the first applicator horizontally between the first label issuing unit and a corresponding sticking position, and the second applicator has a second driving mechanism configured to move the second applicator horizontally between the second label issuing unit and a corresponding sticking position. Additionally, the first applicator and the second applicator perform the sticking operations so as not to interfere with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Mise, Nobue Iwakura
  • Patent number: 7178572
    Abstract: A label wrapper block assembly for mounting in a rotatably mounted wrapper frame in a label wrapper assembly includes a base having opposing ends joined by a top surface and a bottom surface. A channel extends between the ends in the top surface for receiving an object being wrapped by the label wrapper assembly. At least one biasing member is extendible into the channel for urging the label against the object received in the channel. In one embodiment, the at least one biasing member is a flexible material stretched across the base top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Schanke, Brent A. Bandholz
  • Patent number: 6922978
    Abstract: The press comprises at least one final pressing station with a standing press comprising one upper pressing plate and one lower pressing plate; the plates are fitted on coaxial coupling attachments (202) and turned on the vertical axis X—X with the bale after final pressing; a lateral sheet (T10) is unwound from a vertical axis reel (206) and is wrapped laterally on the bale, at least partially, by effect of the rotation of the pressing plates, obtained by the presence of the coupling attachments; a cutting device and fasteners (208, 228) for temporary fastening of the ends of the piece (TS) of sheet (T10) to the plates of the press, for binding are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Gualchierani Textile Automation S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Gualchierani
  • Patent number: 6918226
    Abstract: The automatic utensil wrapping machine is an apparatus for wrapping a napkin around one or more utensils for use as a place setting. The apparatus comprises a housing, a support frame and an assembly of elements mounted to the support frame. The assembly of elements includes a napkin lifting station, a napkin wrapping station, a napkin transfer station, a utensil transfer station, and a napkin folding station. The apparatus wraps each napkin around a predetermined amount of utensils without the need for human contact. The napkins are wrapped by first positioning a stack of napkins on the lifting station, then individually transferring napkins from the lifting station to the wrapping station. The utensils are then transferred from the individual cartridges and placed onto the napkin. Two opposing corners of the napkin are then folded over and the napkin is subsequently wrapped around the utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Heilman, Eric A. Heilman, Andre LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6904733
    Abstract: A machine is used for packing bottles by assembling cardboard boxes starting from an unfolded sheet (2) with adhesive strips, in such a way that in an initial step the bottles (6) to be packed are placed on a central part of the unfolded sheet of the box, a central part that will correspond with the bottom of the box. Once the bottles have been put on this central part of the unfolded sheet (2), in a downward movement, the sheet will encounter a funnel-shaped structure (14), whose mouth and due to the weight of the bottles (6), causes the box (8) to be partially assembled, introducing itself inside this funnel-shaped structure (14), resting at its bottom on a movable platform coupled on longitudinal guides (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Boix Maquinaria, S.A.
    Inventor: José Boix Jaen
  • Patent number: 6892514
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for wrapping bundles of printed matter by placing a folded film sheet around such bundles when these are conveyed to and through a wrapping station. The apparatus includes a lower, through-going belt conveyor with mutually separated conveyor straps and a couple of overhead band conveyors in line with each other creating a transverse gap between them. Below the spaces between the lower conveyor straps and just below the gap a transverse row of compressed air nozzles directed upwards is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Schur Packaging Systems A/S
    Inventor: Ernst Dahl Kragh
  • Patent number: 6865862
    Abstract: A log packaging apparatus for packaging logs using a turret or a shuttle. The turret or shuttle can be used in conjunction with a wrap conveyor. The turret system can include a rotatable turret with at least one clamp movable into different positions in the apparatus, a log station at which logs are received, and a log ejector for ejecting logs from the log station into clamps of the turret. Logs can be ejected from the log station, through wrap material, and into the turret clamps. In other embodiments, a wrap conveyor inserts wrap material between a shuttle and a log station at which logs are received. Logs in such embodiments can pass from the log station to the shuttle through the wrap material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Daoust, Joseph A. Yachinich, Dennis P. Couturier
  • Patent number: 6851250
    Abstract: A method for conveying a package to a wrap station of a package wrapping machine involves the steps of providing a conveying system for moving the package to the wrap station, the conveying system being selectively adjustable for varying a lateral position of a package; sensing a lateral position of the package as it travels along the conveying system; comparing the sensed lateral position of the package with a desired lateral position of the package; and based upon the comparison, adjusting the conveying system to place the package in the desired lateral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael A. Whitby, Lee E. Trouteaud
  • Publication number: 20040237475
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a wrapping apparatus and associated methods. The wrapping apparatus may include a first holder for holding first items to be wrapped. The wrap is placed on a rotating table when the rotating table is rotated into a first position. One of the first items to be wrapped is moved from the first holder onto the wrap on the rotating table when the rotating table is rotated to a second position. A wrapping mechanism then wraps the first item in the wrap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Howard Rubin
  • Patent number: 6761014
    Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping articles comprising a clamp for pulling a film, a first conveyor for moving an article to a second conveyor, a second conveyor, an opening between the first and second conveyor to allow the clamp to pull the film through the opening. A shear located below the first and second conveyors. Feeding an end of the film to the clamp and seizing the end of the film by the clamp below the conveyors. Pulling the film by moving the clamp with the seized end of the film through the opening to a position above the conveyors that would allow the film to wrap the article with an overlap. Cutting the film with the shear after the clamp reached in the position above the conveyors. Wrapping the article by moving the clamp with the seized film from the position above the conveyors through the opening to a second position below the conveyors and releasing the seized film, and overlapping the cut end and the released end of the film wherein the overlap is between the conveyor and bottom of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Alain Cerf
  • Patent number: 6510670
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging apparatus for wrapping flat articles, such as books, in a cardboard-made flat package blank, including first flaps remaining on the inside and second flaps remaining on the outside. The packaging apparatus comprises a supply station for package blanks, including alignment and centering elements for a bundle of package blanks and feed means for delivering the blanks from the bundle one by one onto a packaging line, an opening mechanism for the inner flaps of package blanks, a supply station for feeding one or more articles, or a consignment, onto each package blank, means for folding and bending the inner flaps around the consignment means for turning the package blank through 90° relative to its advancing direction, and means for folding and bending the outer flaps around the consignment on top of the inner flaps. The packaging apparatus is provided with first measuring elements capable of measuring the package blank for its width lateral to the travel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Pussikeskus Oy
    Inventor: Tarmo Janhonen
  • Patent number: 6499276
    Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Comtor Limited
    Inventor: Liam J. Lacey
  • Publication number: 20020059784
    Abstract: A conveying device for machines for packaging rolled articles includes a series of carriages, fastened, regularly spaced apart, to conveying means moved stepwise along an endless path. Each pair of adjacent carriages define holding seats for respective groups of articles to be packaged in a single pack with a sheet of a wrapping material. The carriages include a plurality of pushing prongs which extend, perpendicular to the conveying means, from slide means slidingly mounted on gliding means fastened to the conveying means crosswise to a forward movement direction of conveying means. The conveying device include also means for adjusting the position of the pushing prongs on the carriages, aimed at operating the slide means to move in a selected position along the gliding means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Gianluigi Gamberini
  • Publication number: 20020059785
    Abstract: A station for forming packages of rolls of web material in a packaging machine includes a series of channels which supply the station with rolls according to selected positions. A receiving area of the station is delimited at bottom and at top by a pair of endless conveying belts, parallel to each other and arranged one above the other at adjustable levels. Groups of rolls being formed in the receiving area go out at an outlet side, while a side opposite to the outlet side is closed with a pusher moving in opposite directions, so as to move a group out of the receiving area. A sheet of wrapping material is situated near the outlet side to wrap around the group when exiting. The outlet side is closed by two swinging walls which allow the group of rolls to exit. The swinging walls constitute joining surfaces with a conveying line, and two plates are moved to partially overlap each other and to overlap free edges of the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Gianluigi Gamberini
  • Patent number: 6389782
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for wrapping an elongated article with using a tranfer printing film are provided. A transfer printing film comprising a substrate film and a pattern-decorated transfer layer on the substrate film is drawn out from a roll thereof, and fed to a surface of the article which is conveyed horizontally by the convey rollers. The printing film is subject to an adhesive application during the travel to the article on the rollers. A hot melt type adhesive is employed as the adhesive, which type of adhesive can be easily regulated in thickness by an applicator. The printing film adheres to the article by the thick hot melt type adhesive to the article surface, and pressed with heat to transfer the decorated transfer layer with adhesive together integrally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Kurz Japan Limited and Navitas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Kinugawa, Kazuya Sato
  • Patent number: 6336310
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for making compact packages for spreadable products involving flights mounted on a conveyor chain having tiny cam operated pivoting clamps which open to precut cards fed in by a card feeder. The pivoting clamps on the flights are opened by cam pressure and pick the cards on the fly as they travel. After passing the end of the cam they close down on the card. The cards are then, after passing over rails with spring resistance members, transported through a unique rotary scoring and bending assembly, which simultaneously scores and bends up longitudinal side flanges to create a channel shaped member from the flat paperboard card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Sanford Redmond
  • Patent number: 6282864
    Abstract: There is provided for a packaging machine an overhead boom arrangement 20 having a number of endless belts 22, 23 driven around sets of rollers 25. The belts 22, 23 contact the tops of articles/bottles 11 or carton blanks 50 and are driven at the same speed as the speed of the articles through the packaging machine. At least one of the belts 23 is height adjustable relative to the other belt or belts 22. The boom arrangement holds the articles 11 whilst the blanks 50 are being folded around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Johannes Jänen
  • Patent number: 6101788
    Abstract: A method for forming a sheet of material about an article and for automatically fastening the sheet of material about the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the sheet of material formed about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6038831
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products in open or closed boxes, starting from a flat paperboard material, comprises a paperboard sheet removing assembly for successively removing individual paperboard die-cut sheets, to be supplied to an upward conveyor, supplying the paperboard sheets to a supplying line provided for supplying products to be packaged, which is arranged downward of a product separating device, the products being delivered by a product delivery device, the paperboard sheet being supplied to the line along a direction corresponding to the delivered product displacement direction, and a box forming assembly provided with a bending assembly for bending side flaps and top and bottom flaps of the boxes being formed being moreover provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Vito Giovanni Nava
  • Patent number: 5839256
    Abstract: A method for forming a cover about an article from a sheet of material and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The sheet od material is formed into a cover about the article and a fastener is automatically positioned about a portion of the cover for fastening the cover about the article wherein the article having the cover formed about at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the article is moved to a fastening station of the fastening device. A labeling device may also be provided for automatically applying a label to the covered article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5661952
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The apparatus is provided with a platform having at least one opening sized to allow passage therethrough of an article. A conveyable cover forming assembly having contacting portions for contacting a sheet of material is supported on a conveying assembly beneath the opening in the platform. The article can be pushed into the cover forming assembly, causing the sheet to be formed into a cover about the article. The apparatus also provides for automatically applying a band or fastener about the covered article for fastening the cover about the article wherein the cover forming assembly is conveyed via the rail to the banding or fastening device. The apparatus may also include a labeling device for automatically applying a label to the covered article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5636499
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping covering elements around flat objects. The method and apparatus involve the formation of a compound object comprising a flat object to be wrapped and a covering element. A first main surface of the flat object is covered at least partially with a covering element for creating a projecting portion of the covering element. A plurality of compound objects are conveyed in series in a predetermined conveying-in trajectory. Then, a flow of compound objects are deflected about a wrapping roller having a longitudinal axis oriented transversely to the conveying-in trajectory. During deflection, each compound object is moved through a position where main surfaces of an associated flat object are oriented parallel to the radius of the wrapping roller, and in a moving trajectory substantially transverse to those main surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: B.V. Metaverpa
    Inventors: Jan W. Kramps, Henk De Vlaam
  • Patent number: 5630309
    Abstract: A packing machine receives stacks of blanks, which are to be converted into packets for cigarettes, from an apparatus wherein a first conveyor delivers stacks of blanks to a first station at a first frequency and a second conveyor advances stacks from a second station to the machine at a second frequency which can be less than the first frequency. The stations are connected to each other by two transporting units each of which can act as a first-in first-out reservoir for stacks or as a conveying unit which can move successive stacks without interruptions all the way from the first to the second station. The conveying unit is operative alone as long as the second frequency matches the first frequency, and the reservoir begins to accept surplus stacks when the first frequency exceeds the second frequency. Once filled, the reservoir begins to deliver stacks to the second station and continues to receive stacks from the first station until the reservoir is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Otto Blidung, Lothar Wohlgemuth, Jens Deichmoller
  • Patent number: 5493957
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of comestible-containing sandwich products comprises a sandwich product assembly station and corresponding means for the fabrication and assembly of a sandwich product in the vertical direction. The apparatus includes an extruder nozzle, wafer trays and corresponding components for the location of wafers on opposite sides of the extruded product, an indexing wheel for receiving the assembled sandwich product, and conveying means for conveying to a wrapping station and from there to a discharge end, wherein all of the components of the machine are mounted in cantilevered fashion on a vertical support or base member. The sandwich product assembly station, the indexing wheel and the wrapping station may be disassembled and retrofitted with like components of different size to accommodate corresponding differences in the sandwich product being fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Interbake Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Cory R. Kennedy, Steven D. Balzer
  • Patent number: 5450707
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The apparatus includes a platform and a conveyable cover forming assembly. A sheet of material can be supported in a position generally over the opening. The article can be pushed into the cover forming assembly, causing the sheet to be formed into a cover about the article. The apparatus also comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Highland Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5410862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine for wrapping books or the like for postal deliveries. The package blank includes a rectangularly shaped outer cardboard (2), which is folded by means of transverse belts (5) from a flat condition to a tube surrounding the four sides of a book. The belts (5) extend through sliding slots included in the bottom edge of guides (8) and said guides (8) are operated in vertical and horizontal plane by means of pneumatic cylinders (11, 14). The apparatus also requires two sets of individually operable press plates (6 and 7) for pressing the package from above before and after the folding of a sheet of cardboard (2). (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Pussikeskus Oy
    Inventor: Veikko Janhonen
  • Patent number: 5359833
    Abstract: A method of cutting pieces of an extruded substance and depositing the pieces on individual wrapping sheets which are being conveyed in the same direction and at the same velocity as the extruded substance is disclosed. The wrapping sheets are fed in an overlapped fashion to the point where the cut off extruded piece is placed onto a wrapping sheet and the conveyor under the sheet onto which the cut piece is being placed is accelerated so that the sheet is disengaged from the overlap with the succeeding sheet immediately before the next cut piece is to be placed onto the next following sheet. An apparatus is disclosed with means necessary for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Gerstenberg & Agger, A/S
    Inventor: Per Gronskov
  • Patent number: 5355657
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for packing articles of different sizes which is accordingly intended to use containers that vary in their dimensions and particularly in height.It is characterized in that it includes a working plane 20 and a reference plane 22 that are substantially perpendicular to one another, and an ascending ramp 24-105-106 extending from one to the other, movable devices 23, 23a kinematically connected to a motor 45, guides located on the path that the closure panels 6 must follow in the course of the displacement of container-article sets 1, at least one pressure element 27-54 having a smooth active base 29, mounted to be movable perpendicular to the working plane 20 and elastically urged toward it, at least one pressure element 30-60 having a smooth active face 34, mounted to be movable perpendicular to the reference plane 22 and elastically urged toward it, and means 70 to 72 intended for the fixation of panels 6 of containers 1 equipped with their contents A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Pierre Chevalier, Gilbert E. Veniard
  • Patent number: 5287681
    Abstract: A flexible heat-sealable web is shaped continuously into a tubular cross-sectional shape, e.g. as an intermediate stage in the production of infusion bags comprising severed and sealed lengths of the tubular shape. The web is drawn along a shaped shoe and side margins of the web are folded over opposite sides of the shoe by rollers and fingers to place the opposite side edges of the web in overlapping relationship against the shoe. The overlapped edges pass between a roller mounted in the shoe and an external heated roller to be pressed between the two rollers in order to lap weld the edges together as the web travels along the shoe. The shoe continues to form the web downstream of the welding station into a flattened tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Thomas J. Lipton Co., Divison of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey W. Vernon, James Goodwin
  • Patent number: 5259170
    Abstract: An improvement to the conventional apparatus and method for wrapping products and product trays with a film is provided. As the wrapping film is carried over and with the product by chains fitted with gripper clamps, a set of guiding rollers is brought into contact with the film to maintain the film substantially horizontal between the rollers and the grippers. The apparatus described also permits stretching of the film to minimize wrinkles and maximize film utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1972
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Ossid Corporation
    Inventor: Sidney S. Tolson
  • Patent number: 5197260
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for packing articles of different sizes which is accordingly intended to use containers that vary in their dimensions and particularly in height.It is characterized in that it includes a working plane 20 and a reference plane 22 that are substantially perpendicular to one another, and an ascending ramp 24-105-106 extending from one to the other, movable devices 23, 23a kinematically connected to a motor 45, guides located on the path that the closure panels 6 must follow in the course of the displacement of container-article sets 1, at least one pressure element 27-54 having a smooth active base 29, mounted to be movable perpendicular to the working plane 20 and elastically urged toward it, at least one pressure element 30-60 having a smooth active face 34, mounted to be movable perpendicular to the reference plane 22 and elastically urged toward it, and means 70 to 72 intended for the fixation of panels 6 of containers 1 equipped with their contents A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: L Emballage Carton Sa (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Pierre Chevalier, Gilbert E. Veniard