Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product utilize a graphical interface to facilitate operator interaction with a load wrapping apparatus, particularly in connection with setting up a wrap profile. The graphical interface may incorporate a graphical depiction of a load, along with graphical depictions of both the number of layers of packaging material and the wrap force associated with a given wrap profile, with the graphical depictions of each of the number of layers of packaging material and the wrap force being capable of being dynamically updated in response to changes made by an operator to a wrap profile. The graphical depictions therefore provide a visual interface to assist an operator who may have limited expertise in setting up a load wrapping apparatus.

Abstract: A device for quickly grouping picked goods for transport. The device includes a pair of stacking bridges lying opposite each other for pushing goods containers together in a defined manner to form a layer. The stacking bridges include a plurality of parallel, finger-like conveyor belts. The goods containers are pushed together in the direction of the diagonals of their base surfaces. A lifting apparatus is provided for lowering a layer of goods containers and placing a layer onto an empty pallet. A film-wrapping apparatus is provided for wrapping a shipment of picked goods prepared for transport.

Abstract: A rotary wrapping machine (30, 110) for packaging products by means of a film unwound from a reel comprises a frame (13, 113) carrying a dispensing unit (19, 119) which is electrically controlled to dispense the packaging film from a reel of film present in the dispensing unit (19, 119). The dispensing unit is supported on the frame so as to be driven rotationally along a closed path around a packaging zone (38, 138) which contains a product to be wrapped with the film Along the closed path there is a power supply antenna (25, 125) which is connected to an antenna power supply unit (26, 126) for transferring, by means of electrical induction, electric power to a corresponding receiver (28, 128) which is movable along the antenna together with the said dispensing unit and which supplies in turn electric power to the dispensing unit.

Abstract: A packaging machine for packs of containers including a horizontal conveying means for the containers grouped as packs, a means for supplying flat paperboard sheets at the bottom side of the containers, wherein the containers are transported in a standing manner on the paperboard sheet, a means for folding upward front and back, in the transport direction, edge portions of the paperboard sheet, each of which extends beyond the footprint of the pack, at least two opposing lateral guide elements for folding upward lateral edges of the paperboard sheet extending laterally beyond the footprint of the grouped containers, wherein at least portions of the guide elements exert a defined pressing force on the upward-folded edges of the paperboard sheet and the side faces of the pack, and an adhesive is provided with edge portions of the lateral edges overlapping with front and/or back edges of the paperboard sheet.

Abstract: A trolley apparatus for dispensing plastic stretch wrap film from a roll suitable for wrapping a pallet of stacked loose goods, characterized by a transportable frame structure having wheels or castors to provide support and mobility, the frame having a means of adjusting the height of the roll, the frame is provided with a guide roller positioned for use as a fulcrum point for generating tension in the stretch wrap film, and, a cutter for detaching the stretch wrap film at the completion of the operation, the end of the stretch wrap film being retained for next use.

Abstract: An apparatus, associable to a wrapping machine (10), comprises at least one unwinding unit (50) for said wrapping machine (10) for wrapping a load (L) with a film (4), and shuttle means (11, 12; 21, 22) that are movable along a path (P) and suitable for receiving and supporting an unwinding unit (50) to be replaced and to be dismantled from said wrapping machine (10), and/or a new unwinding unit (50) to be mounted on said wrapping machine (10); the shuttle means (11, 12; 21, 22) operates along a substantially horizontal operating direction (T) so as to dismantle and receive from said wrapping machine (10) an unwinding unit (50) to be replaced and/or so as to transfer and mount on said wrapping machine (10) a new unwinding unit (50); the apparatus (1) comprises a supporting unit (60) suitable to be fixed to said wrapping machine (10) and arranged to he coupled to, and support, said unwinding unit (50), said unwinding unit (50) comprising first coupling means (58), and said supporting unit (60) comprising secon

Abstract: A process for wrapping a stack of goods in film, wherein a portion of film is drawn from a film supply, cut, opened by a film opening means and pulled over the stack of goods by a travelling pulling means, wherein, after being drawn off and cut, the portion of film is transported lengthwise by a film transport means to the film opening means, characterised in that the portion of film is transported from the cutting unit as far as the film opening means by being gripped by frictional engagement between at least two conveyor members pressed together and circulating endlessly in a transport direction.

Abstract: A self-propelled wrapping machine is movable around a product for wrapping the product with a film of synthetic plastic material and includes a self-propalled carriage provided with directional wheels and with a steering assembly for maneuvering the directional wheels. The wrapping machine further includes a spring acting on the steering assembly to exert a first torque and induce the steering assembly (11) to orient the directional wheels according to a prescribed work direction. The wrapping machine also includes a device that is drivable by the steering assembly to exert a further torque, opposite the first torque, on the steering assembly to lighten the assembly and thus facilitate an orienting maneuver of the directional wheels according to a further direction.

Abstract: A packaging machine having a sealing member that acts on a product wrapped by a lower film and an upper film, and which seals or closes the films to each other around the product in order to vacuum-package said product between both films, and control means for causing the sealing member to move in order to package the product. The sealing member defines at least one inner space where the product to be vacuum-packaged is disposed wrapped at least partially by the two films. According to one implementation the sealing member includes at least one longitudinal first wall, a longitudinal second wall and a transverse wall between which the inner space is defined, and an unobstructed opening facing the transverse wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a palletized load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include a ramp configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The ramp may include at least one fixed portion. The ramp may also include a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion may be configured to support one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck, and move the one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: Machine for winding a load by means of an extensible web, comprising a fixed plane for supporting the load, a fixed framework overlying said plane, a framework moveable vertically on the fixed framework, which rotatably supports a horizontal circular guide, means for rotating the guide, means for imposing vertical translations to the moveable framework, means suspended on said guide bearing the reel with the winding web, in which the circular guide has a hollow tubular section, and is rotatably held within a seat integral with moveable framework and comprising at least three pairs of wheels with mutually inclined axes for creating the seat for sliding and retaining the guide.

Abstract: An automated packing station for automated loading of load carriers with piece goods and for automated wrapping a stack with a foil, comprising: a fixedly arranged packing robot; and a rotational-arm winding device arranged adjacent to the packing robot and comprising a frame which is adapted to absorb forces which occur during the wrapping of the stack with the foil, and to forward the forces to an environment of the packing station.

Abstract: The invention is a do-it-yourself baggage wrapping, protection, anti-tamper and anti-pilferage device. The all-in-one device consists of the stretch film, a dispenser able to draw, stretch and wrap film up to 12 inches in width, consisting of a stopper-ring secured at the very beginning of the extended core followed by a semi-compressible sleeve with embedded guide rings encircling core extension contoured guide-rings or an anti-clockwise coiled and freely rotating spiral-shape flexible sheet to let freely rotate same when film is being drawn off roll, thus followed by a second stopper-ring secured about one inch from the remote end of core extension. Both stopper-rings are dimensioned to prevent the sleeve from separating from the extension at any position or angle and total spacing between the two is greater than the total length of the sleeve to provide free rotation of latter.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to film wrapping or packaging systems, and more particularly to a new and improved robotic film wrapping or packaging system which is not only substantially entirely automatic in its operation except for its initialization or START procedure, but in addition, a single programmable logic controller (PLC) can control the cyclic operations of one or more film wrapping or packaging robots.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus, system, station and/or process is generally provided. As to the apparatus, it includes a wrap bar for engaging and directing a wrapper about the product, a wrap bar carrier from which the wrap bar extends, and a drive assembly operatively linked to the wrap bar carrier. The carrier block, which translatingly retains the carrier intermediate opposing end portions thereof, is adapted for driven rotation about a wrapping axis of the apparatus so as to thereby rotatingly drive the bar about the axis via rotation of the carrier. The drive assembly, which is operatively linked to the carrier, selectively translates the carrier in relation to the carrier block during driven rotation of the carrier such that a radial distance for the bar from the axis is thereby capable of selective establishment in furtherance of delimiting a wrap bar travel path commensurate with the product profile of the product.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping bales, in particular round bales of crop material, includes a frame, a wrapping table to support the bale during wrapping, a wrapping device to wrap wrapping material about the bale. In particular, the wrapper has at least two lateral guiding elements arranged to enclose a bale supported on the wrapping table to limit lateral movement of the bale. At least one of the lateral guiding elements is movable between an open position and a closed position, so that the distance between top ends of the lateral guiding elements is larger in the open position than in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrapping device to wrap an object in foil material including a frame, a wrapping table mounted on the frame and configured to support the object during wrapping, one or more roll support devices to support one or more rolls of foil material to be rotated about the object during wrapping, a carrying structure mounted on the frame and configured to carry the one or more roll support devices, and a clamping and cutting device to clamp the foil material after wrapping of an object, and to cut the clamped foil material, wherein the clamping and cutting device is mounted on the carrying structure, and wherein the carrying structure is pivotable about a substantially horizontal pivot axis with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A trolley apparatus for dispensing plastic stretch wrap film from a roll suitable for wrapping a pallet of stacked loose goods, characterised by a transportable frame structure having wheels or castors to provide support and mobility, the frame having a means of adjusting the height of the roll, the frame is provided with a guide roller positioned for use as a fulcrum point for generating tension in the stretch wrap film, and, a cutter for detaching the stretch wrap film at the completion of the operation, the end of the stretch wrap film being retained for next use.

Abstract: A stretch wrap rope converter and wrapping system includes: a.) a wrapping apparatus having: (i) a frame for movement of a carriage; (ii) the carriage moveably mounted to the frame and adapted to hold at least one rotatable roll of stretchable film material thereon and being adapted to generate two separate streams of film therefrom; (iii) drive mechanism connected to the carriage; (iv) a stretch wrap rope converter functionally connected to the carriage so as to receive the first stream of film and the second stream of film, the converter having a first orifice for diminishing the first film to create a first rope, and having a second orifice for diminishing the second film to create a second rope, and having rope rotation mechanism so as to rotate the first orifice and the second orifice through an arc in either a reciprocal fashion and/or a circular fashion to cause the first rope and the second rope to move toward, cross and then away from one another; b.

Abstract: A manipulator gripper in particular for palletizing and/or depalletizing bundles by means of a robot, has a tool flange for connection to a manipulator; a clamp stop and a counter-stop. Both extend along a lowering axis. A support base extends toward the counter-stop in an insertion plane. The counter-stop and/or the clamp stop can be shifted toward the insertion plane of the support base along the lowering axis, relative to the tool flange.

Abstract: A method using heat for shrinking a heat shrink film wrapping placed around a stack of items. The heat shrink film wrapping protrudes on the upper side of the stack of items at least beyond the upper edge of the stack of items to a top sheet film, which is welded to the heat shrink film wrapping. In the method hot gases rising up along the sides of the stack of items are diverted inward, in a direction parallel to the upper side of the stack of items, by a heat diverting and pressing apparatus, which is arranged above the stack of items. The heat diverting and pressing apparatus is for preheating and inwardly folding over the overhang of the heat shrink film wrapping and for preheating the top sheet film in the region of the upper side. The layers of the overhang are joined, by pressing the layers of the heat shrink film onto one another by the heat diverting and pressing apparatus. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for placing sleeves on traveling articles, said sleeves being cut from a continuous sheath passing over a sheath-opening shaper, first outer wheels serving to advance the sheath along the shaper, and second outer wheels being provided downstream from cutter means for the purpose of ejecting the cut-off sheath segment, said wheels being driven in rotation by associated electric motors controlled synchronously by a virtual-shaft common electronic programmer.

Abstract: A film wrapping machine comprises a pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies which are used to individually and sequentially dispense their wrapping films. Accordingly, if depletion or breakage occurs within the wrapping film being dispensed by a first one of the pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, the second film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly can effectively be activated so as to dispense its wrapping film whereby the film wrapping operation can continue with a minimum amount of stoppage or downtime. The switch-over or change-over between the first and second film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies can be achieved in accordance with automatic and semi-automatic modes of operation.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a top film sheet from a film web wound upon a roll of film and for setting it onto an object to be packaged. A free end portion of the film depends downwardly from a pair of holding jaws, and a pair of pulling jaws is movable between an EXTENDED position at which the pair of pulling jaws will be disposed beneath the pair of holding jaws so as to grasp the free end portion depending downwardly from the pair of holding jaws, and a RETRACTED position at which the pair of pulling jaws will cause a portion of the film to be withdrawn from the roll of film so as to form the top film sheet after the portion of the film, withdrawn from the roll of film, is severed by a cutting blade.

Abstract: A process and a device are disclosed for packaging products in a stretchable plastic film; the device comprises: means for supporting and heating a product; means for supplying and clamping the film in a position overlaying the product; means for contacting and adhering the film, when stretched, to the product; means for cutting the film along its still not-free side; means for locking and releasing the cut film in stretched contact with the product; means for bending and adhering the film to the product through a bending action on the whole product perimeter; means for removing the packaged product; and control means for the device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for packaging and taking away packaged sequenced product such as mail pieces. The apparatus includes a packaging device having an output end, and adapted to package sequenced products. A clamping device is adjacent to the output end of the packaging device. A conveying system is downstream from the clamping device. The conveying system incrementally moves a drop off tray. The clamping device holds one of a plurality of packaged sequenced products such that the drop off tray is in a position to stack multiple packaged sequenced products of the plurality of packaged sequenced products into the drop off tray. In one embodiment, this allows the packages not to hit the drop off tray during the stacking process. A method of packaging is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a decorative cover about an outer peripheral surface of a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly having a well formed therein, and a cover forming and banding assembly having a flower pot receiving opening sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a sheet of cover forming material and at least a lower portion of the flower pot. The platform is provided with an opening therein sized to permit passage of at least a portion of the flower pot and at least a portion of the sheet of cover forming material there through. The cover forming and banding assembly is supported within the well of the frame such that the flower pot receiving opening in the cover forming and banding assembly is aligned with the opening in the platform.

Abstract: An automatic packaging system has a first feed mechanism for feeding a light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow A, an inspection mechanism for reading bar-code information from the light-shielded photosensitive roll, measuring and comparing dimensions of the light-shielded photosensitive roll with the bar-code information to inspect whether the light-shielded photosensitive roll is correct or wrong, a second feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow B if the light-shielded photosensitive roll judged as being correct, and a third feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow C.

Abstract: A semi-automatic gift or package wrapping method and apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a machine frame that provides a work surface with measuring and wrapping sections. A sheet feed and cutting mechanism feeds paper from a role in two steps with a time pause in between for enabling a user or operator to partially wrap the package with part of the first section of dispensed paper web. Thereafter, the second section of paper web is dispensed and the web cut transversely at a trailing edge. Multiple selectable supply rolls are optionally provided, or a single roll machine can be used. Longitudinal cutters trim the sides of the paper to obtain a custom desired width for the full cut sheet. A user interface display controls machine functions such as start, continue and sheeter. In the sheeter mode, a selected number of sheets of a selected size can be dispensed and cut for use at another workstation to warp other boxes of known uniform size (i.e. shirt boxes at a department store).

Abstract: A packaging mechanism has a loading bed moveable between a loading position and a second position. A plate-like member is moveable with respect to the loading bed between a retracted position for loading and a second position for package sealing. The plate-like member has a hinged portion. A sealing member is positioned at an end of the hinged portion. The sealing member seals a wrap about a sequenced group of product to form a package when the plate-like member is positioned over the loading bed. A clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism is positioned proximate to the loading bed when the loading bed is in the first position. The clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism clamps, cuts and serrates the wrap. A method of packaging is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wrapping products having different product profiles includes a conveyor (14, 18, 22) driven by a conveyor drive (34) transporting a product (26). A wrapping mechanism (46) includes a drive mechanism (74) moving a wrap support (86) about a wrapping mechanism axis (58) using a rotatable driver (62) and a carrier (78) extending between the driver (62) and the wrap support (86). In one preferred form, a slideable attachment between the driver (62) and the carrier (78) allows extension and retraction of the wrap support (86) according to the product profile of the product (26). In one preferred form, a guide (82) moves in an adjustable cam track (98) made up of multiple segments (102, 106) to define a path (94) of the wrap support (86). The cam track (98) corresponds to the product profile of the product (26) on the platform (30). One of the cam segments (102, 106) is separately removable to allow for adjustment of the cam track (98).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for covering a flower pot with a sheet of material. The apparatus includes a supporting platform, a pot receiving opening formed through the supporting platform and a plurality of forming members radially arranged around the pot receiving opening. The plurality of forming members are designed and disposed such that upon insertion of the flower pot and the sheet of material into the pot receiving opening the forming members pivot in a downward direction and form the sheet of material around an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot. The forming members are also upwardly biased so as to assist in ejecting the covered flower pot in an upward direction from the pot receiving opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for individually bagging bundles into stretchable open bags. The apparatus comprises a bag stretching structure about which a bag can be turned inside out for wrapping an underlying bundle in response to continuous downward movement of the bag stretching structure once the closed end of the bag opposite the open end thereof has engaged the top surface of the bundle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for covering a flower pot with a sheet of material. The apparatus includes a supporting platform, a pot receiving opening formed through the supporting platform and a plurality of forming members radially arranged around the pot receiving opening. The plurality of forming members are designed and disposed such that upon insertion of the flower pot and the sheet of material into the pot receiving opening the forming members pivot in a downward direction and form the sheet of material around an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot. The forming members are also upwardly biased so as to assist in ejecting the covered flower pot in an upward direction from the pot receiving opening.

Abstract: Flat stacked articles 2, such as envelopes or packaging bags, and packaging blanks 5 are supplied to a packaging station 6, toward one another in offset parallel directions 4 and 15. Then, the stack 3 is moved into the packaging station 6 in an intake direction 17 transverse to the original transporting direction 4 of the articles 2 and, in the packaging station 6, is set down in the packaging blank 5. The stack 3 is then packaged in the packaging blank 5 in two processing positions 7, 8 of the packaging station 6, whereupon the packaged stack is discharged from the packaging station 6 in a discharge direction 11 parallel to the intake direction 17 and transverse to the original transporting direction 4 of the articles 2. The next respective packaging blank 5 is fed to the first processing position 7 in the direction 15 over the packaged stack 10 in the second processing position 8.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for covering a flower pot with a sheet of material. The apparatus includes a supporting platform, a pot receiving opening formed through the supporting platform and a plurality of forming members radially arranged around the pot receiving opening. The plurality of forming members are designed and disposed such that upon insertion of the flower pot and the sheet of material into the pot receiving opening the forming members pivot in a downward direction and form the sheet of material around an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot. The forming members are also upwardly biased so as to assist in ejecting the covered flower pot in an upward direction from the pot receiving opening.

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 having at least one opening sized to allow passage therethrough of an article a conveyable cover forming assembly having contacting portions for contacting the sheet of material, and a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of a covered article for fastening a cover about the article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a napkin about silverware items into a wrapped arrangement involves a worktable within which is provided an upwardly-opening trough for accepting a napkin and silverware items positioned therein. The napkin is automatically placed over the opening of the trough in a spread condition and then silverware items are automatically directed onto the napkin so that the silverware falls to the bottom of the trough thereby positioning the napkin between the silverware and the bottom of the trough. A rotatable blade is positioned within the trough for automatically spinning the napkin and silverware items about the longitudinal axis of the trough until the napkin and silverware items are wound in a wrapped arrangement. The wrapped arrangement is thereafter removed from the trough in preparation of a subsequent napkin-wrapping operation.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus for forming a flower pot or flower pot cover from a sheet of material by engaging a sheet of material about the outer surface of a mold, die or pot. The cover forming apparatus includes a plurality of pivotable forming members resting in a surface which supports a sheet of material upon which is positioned a flower pot mold or flower pot. When the forming members are pivotally moved from the storage position to an extended position, the forming members cause the sheet of material to be appressed to or engaged with the mold or pot. The article formed in accordance with the present invention may be separable from the mold or pot and usable as a flower pot or flower pot cover or may be more or less securely attached to the pot by adhesive, cohesive, barbs, friction pinches or other securing means thereby forming a decorative cover connected to a flower pot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically wrapping a sheet of material about a bouquet of flowers. A sheet of material having spaced apart defined first and second portions is placed against a support member, such as a prepared table top, and the bouquet is positioned on the sheet with the first and second portions of the sheet extending on right and left sides, respectively, of the bouquet. The first sheet portion is then moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet, and the second sheet portion is moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet and to extend over part of the first sheet portion. The two sheet portions may be secured together by a bonding material, or the first and second portions of the sheet of wrapping material can themselves act as a bonding material by application of appropriate heat sealing, sonic welding, vibratory welding, and similar methods.

Abstract: A fully automatic stationary wrapping mechanism is utilized in conjunction with an upstream palletizing device and a downstream distribution system. An inbound zone accepts palletized materials and selectively passes them along to a wrap zone. An outbound zone provides a direct link with the wrapping device in any downstream distribution conveyor system. The apparatus provides a relatively short, straight pathway from the point of construction of the loaded pallet through the wrapping station to the outbound conveyor. An improved film gripping device is provided as an elongated arm, extendable from a home position outside the wrapping area to within the wrap zone in order to grip the film, and such that the specific location of the free end of film is not particularly critical.

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.

Abstract: A method of producing cartons of packets of cigarettes, whereby a blank, folded in a U about a respective group of packets so as to leave three exposed surfaces from each of which at least two tabs of the blank project outwards, is finish-folded, over at least one of the exposed surfaces, by a respective single folding head having a folding device for each tab, and which provides for folding the tabs in the course of one linear movement in a direction parallel to the tabs for folding and to the respective exposed surface, and with the blank maintained stationary, together with the respective group of packets, in a folding station.

Abstract: A bundling apparatus includes a upper and lower platens, at least one of which moves vertically across a plate. The plate is preferably slightly slanted to prevent a stack of articles on the lower platen from toppling over. A continuous wrapping sheet is fed to the plate for wrapping the stack after compression between the platens.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus for forming a flower pot or flower pot cover from a sheet of material by engaging a sheet of material about the outer surface of a mold, die or pot. The cover forming apparatus includes a plurality of pivotable forming members resting in a surface which supports a sheet of material upon which is positioned a flower pot mold or flower pot. When the forming members are pivotally moved from the storage position to an extended position, the forming members cause the sheet of material to be appressed to or engaged with the mold or pot. The article formed in accordance with the present invention may be separable from the mold or pot and usable as a flower pot or flower pot cover or may be more or less securely attached to the pot by adhesive, cohesive, barbs, friction pinches or other securing means thereby forming a decorative cover connected to a flower pot.

Abstract: A method of wrapping articles in plastic, whereby the cross-section of the article dictates variations in the length of plastic web required at various times, with a mechanical wrapper that revolves around the article and has at least one take-off cylinder rotating at a rate controlled in accordance with a sequence of values that depends on the article's cross-section, and releasing plastic in the length required at a particular time. The sequence of values exploited for controlling the take-off cylinder (7) is determined during at least the first revolution of the winder (5) by measuring the stress on the web downstream of the take-off cylinder in the accordance with the angle (.PHI.) of the winder, is stored in a memory (15), and is appropriately standardized for varying the rate of rotation of the take-off cylinder.

Abstract: A means for packaging parcels feeds parcels along a conveyor into a stop bar. A continuous web of thermally shrinkable film is provided from separate supplies above and below the conveyor as a barrier between the conveyor and a platform in the same plane as the conveyor. A pusher member moves the parcels laterally off of the conveyor into the web of film so that the film is withdrawn from the supplies as the parcel is pushed onto the platform. Sealing means is movable into the space between the parcel on the platform and the conveyor to press together, cut and seal the film webs leaving a new web barrier in place at the edge of the conveyor. Movable stop means on the platform into which the pusher pushes the parcel opposes the movement of the parcel but is movable in the direction of the pusher and parcel. The movable stop means has drive means controlling its movement. Sensor means is positioned to be engaged by the pusher member the parcel of the film to control the rate of movement of the movable stop.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a package around an article to be packaged by folding one or a plurality of closing flaps (3, 4) around the open side of a package. The apparatus comprises a conveyor track (13), first folding means (32) which are movable crosswise of the conveyor track, holder and pusher means (22) mounted below folding means (32) and movable crosswise of the conveyor track, a first conveyor track section followed by a second conveyor track section (13), the latter being vertically liftable and lowerable, and press means (8, 18) mounted above the second track section and vertically liftable and lowerable. Said folding means (32) are adapted to be movable together with holder and pusher means (22) and, in addition, relative to holder and pusher means (22). Above the first conveyor track section are means for positioning and measuring of the width of an arriving package.

Abstract: A device for spreading of a top wrapping flm in wrapping in a wrapping machine. The wrapping machine is provided with a top film device which has a top film roll as well as devices for feeding and pulling the top film. These devices are arranged to spread the top film above the product to be packaged and to cut the top film to the specified dimension. The device is provided, as well, with a press plate which presses the product to be packaged from above, for the purpose of keeping the product to be packaged in position during the wrapping. The devices for feeding and for pulling of the top film are arranged on a frame of the wrapping machine, to be simultaneously movable in opposite directions with respect to one another. When products to be packaged are being exchanged and when the wrapping is interrupted, the feed device is arranged to pull a top film out of a top film roll substantially to a middle of the wrapping station.