Abstract: Process and corresponding apparatus for wrapping a product in a wrapper of sheet material, adhering to the surface of the product, the process comprising the steps of: providing a first and a second sheet of wrapping material, shaping said first sheet according to a cup-shaped configuration comprising a bottom portion substantially complementary to a bottom portion of the surface of the product, a tubular portion which extends above the top of the product when inserted in said so-shaped sheet and defining a mouth adapted for the introduction of the product and an annular flange terminal portion surrounding said mouth, introducing the product in said first shaped sheet, and connecting said second sheet to said annular flange so as to form a closed wrapper around said product.

Abstract: A method and a device for packaging a confectionery product (P) in a shaped wrapper of sheet material (1, 2) having a cup-shaped portion (1c, 2c) (pleated cup) formed from the same sheet material as the product wrapper; the method and the device comprise the use or a mandrel with petals (14a, 14b) which cooperates with a forming cavity (11) and which may assume a retracted configuration so that it can penetrate into the forming cavity to shape the wrapper into a cup shape adhering to the product. The packaging is characterized in that the wrapper has a central region (2a) on which the product bears and from which the cup extends with a transverse dimension (or diameter) smaller than the maximum transverse dimension of the packaged product.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a decorative pleated cover about an outer peripheral surface of a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a platform adjustably connected to the frame assembly, a pleating assembly supported on the platform and a banding assembly also connected to the platform. The banding assembly is disposed about the pleating assembly and supports at least one band so that upon forming a decorative pleated cover about the flower pot with the pleating assembly, the decorative pleated cover so formed is secured about the flower pot with a band while the flower pot having the decorative pleated cover formed thereabout is supported within the pleating assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging an article in a wrapping of a sheet material surrounding the article and closed in a fantail configuration, comprising: shaping means suited to wrapping the article with the said wrapping of sheet material and shaping the wrapping into a general cup-like configuration formed into a plurality of loops surmounting the article, holding means suited to grasping the upper portions of the wrapping shaped in said manner in the connecting zones between said loops, to maintain said portions in an upright position, opposed pushing means which are intended to be operated subsequently to said holding means and which are displaceable between a retracted position and an advanced position, in which they interfere with the loops of the wrapping to impart a generally flattened configuration to the wrapping in the zone extending above the article, and opposed fastening means displaceable in a direction substantially at right angles to the direction of motion of said pushing means, and intended to

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging an article in a wrapping of a sheet material surrounding the article and closed in a fantail configuration, comprising:

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: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: The wrapper which surrounds the product is formed from two pieces, for example, of thin aluminium foil. The first piece is shaped to a generally cup-shaped configuration so as to house the product substantially completely also leaving a projecting edge in the region of the mouth portion of the cup-shaped configuration. The second piece, which retains a substantially flat configuration, is applied and welded to the projecting edge. The rim formed as a result of the connection of the two pieces is then subjected to a shaping operation against the product, conferring on the rim a generally case-like configuration. A case-like housing body with a flat base wall which can support the product is thus formed, the case-like housing body being constituted by an integral part of the wrapper.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a base, a stem protruding upwardly from the base and adapted to hold a plurality of stretch loops, and a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

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 invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus 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.

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 invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus 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.

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.

Abstract: Each individual cone is conveyed, while it is laying on its side, to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is at or adjacent to the base of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone in a repeated fashion to form a sleeve of cones, followed by packing of the sleeve of cones for transport.

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 invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus 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.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys cones lying on the side to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is applied to the side of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone and more cones, followed by packing for transport.

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.

Abstract: The articles to be wrapped are located over the mouth of a forming device with the interposition of a sheet of wrapping material. Extending from this mouth is a cavity in which, as a result of the advancement of the article caused by a pusher element, the wrapper material is wrapped around the front face of the article relative to its direction of the advance. Subsequently the cavity contracts around behind the article to be wrapped and this contraction completes the wrapping of the wrapper material around the article itself. The preferred application is in the packaging of food products such as, for example, confectionery products.

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 invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing wrapping material around an article. The apparatus includes a main frame that has a generally rectangular configuration. A spool member for supporting a roll of wrapping material is secured to one end of the main frame. A substantially planar surface with an opening formed therethrough is secured to and partially extends along the length of the main frame. A pulling assembly for grasping an end of the wrapping material from the roll and pulling the same away from the spool member is also secured the main frame. Positioned adjacent the spool member are first and second adhesive applying assemblies, each of which is adapted to apply a predetermined pattern of adhesive to a portion of the wrapping material. A cutting assembly for severing the adhesive covered portion of wrapping material from the roll is mounted to the main frame. A mold is located below the opening in the planar surface.

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.

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 invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus 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.

Abstract: A container and jig assembly for dispensing a sheet of material and for wrapping the sheet of material about a flower pot or floral grouping. The container accommodates a roll of sheet material suitable for wrapping flower pots or floral groupings. In addition, the container may have a cutter for separating a sheet of material from the roll of sheet material. The jig assembly is attached to the container and has a jig opening surrounded by a sheet-supporting surface. The jig opening is sized and shaped to receive a lower portion of a flower pot or a stem end portion of a floral grouping. In operation, a sheet of material is separated from the roll of sheet material and disposed on the sheet-supporting surface over the jig opening. The lower portion of the flower pot or the stem end portion of the floral grouping is inserted through the jig opening and carries a portion of the sheet of material with it. In the process, the sheet of material is formed into a covering about the flower pot or floral grouping.

Abstract: A process for the packaging of fragile articles, such as processed foods articles. The fragile articles are receiving from a source and positioned in a staging area, prior to being placed, in a shock-free manner, upon an unerected container blank. The protective container is erected around the fragile articles, substantially without any contact or physical shock to the fragile articles, so as to preclude damage to the articles. The invention further includes an apparatus for accomplishing the process of packaging the fragile articles.

Abstract: The machine is provided to wrap with a film portion a tray containing food products, the trays being inserted through a side device (13) having weighing scales which trays can moreover be labelled. The film insertion and cutting means comprise a carrier (3) joined to a cam (9) which on turning causes the said carrier to move forwards and backwards, whereas the cutting device has a blade (12) mounted upon a support, which is also driven by the cam (9) in such a way that the carrier and blade movements are synchronised. The machine includes a weighing station located under the carrier, and an electric station with all the power and control means of the machine as such, moreover incorporating tray lifting means that allow the lift to be used to handle variously sized trays, automatically and without having to change parts or elements.

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.

Abstract: A close-fitting wrapper for a product is produced from two sheets, the first of which is made dish-shaped so as to surround the greater part of the product. The other sheet is laid on the rest of the product so as to assume a shape complementary to that of the product itself. After the two sheets have been joined peripherally to give the wrapper sealing characteristics and the edges which project beyond the region of the join have been trimmed, the wrapper formed is subjected to a shaping step which causes the first sheet to cover practically the entire product, hiding the second sheet from view.

Abstract: A packing machine for spherical vegetables includes a machine body, a film-cutting part, a film-gripping part, a clamp device and a heat sealing mechanism. The film-cutting part is installed on the rear part of the machine body and can be moved upwardly and downwardly. The clamp device is situated behind the film-cutting part for clamping the packing film. Furthermore, the film-gripping part is installed opposite to the clamping device and can slide forwardly and backwardly upon two guide rails by means of a motor driven transmission chain. When starting the packing machine, the film-gripping part moves forwardly to the clamping device to grip the packing film and then returns to its original position. Meanwhile, the film-cutting part is lowered to cut off the packing film. Then a spherical vegetable is placed on the packing film from a loading holder which is automatically lowered to an appropriate position while the heat sealing mechanism clamps and seals an upper part of the packing film.

Abstract: In a device for wrapping commodities of discoid shape, having a die by means of which to enfold each commodity initially in a tubular wrapping flush with one face of the discoid and enveloping the peripheral surface, the commodities and their wrappings are provided with rolling movement by a system incorporating wheels and a stationary guide, during the course of which successive folds of the wrapping are engaged and flattened against the top face by a set of fixed teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating floral displays, and other products formed by layers of superposed materials such as pouch or pocket type packages has a base member with an opening therethrough in communication with a receiving space below the base member and at least one or more plate members with openings therein serially and pivotably connected to the base member so they can be pivoted from an open or disengaged position to a closed or engaged position superposed over the base member and/or another of the plate members to bring the openings therein into alignment with one another and with the opening in the base member to permit layers of material to be positioned on the base and between each of the given number of plates, and a plunger tube is used to depress and move the layers of material so they gather or pinch inwardly into the area about the opening to form a centrally disposed depressed section, pouch or pocket for selectively and electively receiving random items therein, spaced clips conne

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus for forming a sheet of material about an object to produce a decorative cover for the object. The cover forming apparatus includes a cover former having an object opening formed through a portion thereof which is adapted to receive the object. The cover former includes portions forming resilient contactors which are adapted to resiliently engage portions of the sheet of material for pressing the engaged portions of the sheet of material against the object when the sheet of material and the object are passed through the object opening. The cover forming apparatus particularly is useful for forming the sheet of material about flower pots to form a decorative flower pot cover.

Abstract: A film of liquid plastic material is formed by surface tension on supports. By a relative displacement, a product and the film are brought into contact with each other, the film deforming under action of the product so as to be progressively applied on and closing onto the product and completely wrapping the product after the product has passed through the supports.

Abstract: Large, paper mill reels of product are protectively wrapped for shipment by capping the reel ends with a header sheet of larger area than that reel end face circle to pleat a flange portion of the header sheet onto the cylindrical surface of reel with a resilient planar element having a freely suspended, circumferentially expansible aperture drawn coaxially over the header sheet and reel to wipe the header sheet flange onto the reel cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A system for wrapping and sealing objects, such as fresh heads of lettuce, may include two fabric tube type iris valves which are capable of fully closing and opening up to a diameter greater than the object to be wrapped and sealed. The two iris valves may be mounted one above the other; then a sheet of plastic wrap film material is dispensed over the top iris valve, and a head of lettuce is set in place on the sheet of plastic. The sheet of plastic may be dispensed from a roll automatically and may be cut either mechanically or by a hot wire, for example. The upper iris valve is open end, and then, as the head of lettuce or other object slides through and is supported by the lower iris valve, the upper valve is at least substantially closed, rotating and drawing together the edges of the plastic wrap. The plastic sheet material is then heat sealed above the head of lettuce, either above or below the upper iris valve.

Abstract: A portioning and packaging machine for pasty materials, especially food products such as butter, margarine and cheese, comprises a stationary feed tube around which a portioning head is rotated. The portioning head is formed with radial portioning cylinders receiving the material from the feed tube and pistons which are displaceable relative to the cylinders for driving the material into vertical filling tubes. The filling tubes are raised and lowered with respect to the head by a stationary cam arrangement which can also include a cam for raising and lowering a sleeve forming a packaging foil or sheet into a cup adapted to receive the portion. The sleeve picks up the sheet from a table rotating with the head and forms the cup which it carries into a cavity of a forming table in which the portion is deposited in the resulting cup.

Abstract: The products to be wrapped are moved from an input conveyor belt onto a vibrating infeed and proceed through a timing wheel which predeterminedly spaces the products. The products are dropped into a receiving yoke, and a sheet of wrapping paper is positioned such that a reciprocating plunger moves the paper and product through a forming cone and into a wrapping head which folds and closes the paper on the product.