Package Advanced Through Succeeding Fold Chute Patents (Class 53/230)
  • Patent number: 11945612
    Abstract: A device for wrapping product wrappers including a winder, the winder including a gripper mechanically connected to a tubular shaft rotatable about and translatable along an approach axis, the gripper being rotatable and translatable integrally with the tubular shaft; an actuating rod active on the gripper and movable along an actuating axis, the actuating rod being movable along the actuating axis with respect to the tubular shaft and rotationally constrained to the tubular shaft, wherein the gripper is rotatable and movable following a translation of the actuating rod along the actuating axis; a first electric motor active on the actuating rod to translate the actuating rod along the actuating axis; and a second electric motor active on the tubular shaft to translate the tubular shaft along the approach axis. The device further includes a control unit configured to drive the first electric motor and the second electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marialivia Melchionda, Stefano Piazzi, Marco Zecchi, Andrea Guidetti, Luca Matrà
  • Patent number: 11338946
    Abstract: A machine for packaging an object with a sterilization packaging material the machine comprising: a plate configured to receive the sterilization packaging material and the object to be packaged placed on top, a gripping tool configured to grasp hold of a corner of the sterilization packaging material The gripping tool and the plate being are able to move relative to one another so as to allow the gripping tool to bring the corner over the top of the object and thus form a fold covering the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: STERIMED SAS
    Inventors: Clémentine Auffray, Christophe Simon, Laurent Lebrette
  • Patent number: 10865037
    Abstract: A cigarette pack, having an inner pack for pack contents, in particular for a group of cigarettes, and having an outer pack, preferably in the form of a hinge/lid pack, wherein the inner pack which preferably directly encases the pack contents has lateral walls made of cardboard, which are formed by overlapping lateral tabs of a blank for the inner pack. The invention is characterized in that end corner tabs, which are arranged on both sides of a lid wall of the inner pack, have a respective substantially V-shaped design, and in that each of the end corner tabs is arranged between inner lateral tabs and outer lateral tabs of the lateral walls of the inner pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Thomas Häfker, Christoph Schneider, Henry Buse
  • Patent number: 10196162
    Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping batches of products for insertion into a carton includes a lifter for lifting a batch from a first height to a second height at which a pusher pushes the batch into a tunnel toward a loading zone along a direction of movement, a station for feeding wrapping film to a folder that supports and guides the film around the tunnel; a longitudinal sealer configured to join two longitudinal flaps of the film to form a tubular shape; a transverse sealer positioned close to a rear end of the tunnel for joining the top and bottom flaps of the tubular film; and a pair of panels for containing/retaining the batch coming out from the tunnel; the panels being slideable along respective side walls of the tunnel to modify the operating length of the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: TISSUE MACHINERY COMPANY S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Rasi
  • Patent number: 10010096
    Abstract: An ice cream sandwich apparatus for making and wrapping ice cream sandwiches. The ice cream sandwich apparatus includes a plurality of stations driven by servo motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Darifill, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Spears, Eric Rousculp, Jack Spencer
  • Patent number: 9517850
    Abstract: A rotating tucking device for securing a wrapper to a roll in a roll packaging system comprises a tucking arm for insertion into a hollow cavity of a roll and a rotating insertion system connected to the tucking arm for moving the tucking arm in a rotational pattern coordinated with the movement of the roll through the roll packaging system such that the tucking arm and the rotating insertion system tuck a wrapper into the hollow cavity of the roll as the roll moves continuously through the roll packaging system. Also provided is a roll packaging system having a rotating tucking device, as well as a rotating tucking method for securing a wrapper to a roll as the roll moves continuously through the roll packaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Infinity Machine & Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Christian Zagnoni, Todd Lee Hanson, Scott Santaga
  • Patent number: 8650841
    Abstract: The invention relates to a low friction gliding plate designed to optimize the process of packing at least one compressible object, such as insulation material, in continuous foil. In addition the present invention relates to a method for using a low friction gliding plate in packaging at least one compressible object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Seelen A/S
    Inventor: Jan Waltersdorph Knoblauch
  • 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: 7607277
    Abstract: A work piece wrapping apparatus for wrapping a work piece being transported along a transporting path of the work piece is provided with: a wrapping sheet supply device that supplies the wrapping sheet onto a transporting path of the wrapping sheet intersecting the transporting path of the work piece; a delivery guide device that causes the work piece to be wrapped by pushing the wrapping sheet with the work piece; and a spreading guide provided on the periphery surface of a transit aperture of the delivery guide device, and whose center area in the transverse direction protrudes toward the rear in a transporting direction of the work piece so as to gradually spread the wrapping sheet out from a center area in the transverse direction of the work piece towards both edges thereof with the work piece advances through the transit aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Tokyo Automatic Machinery Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Tsuchiya, Toshio Yoshinari
  • Publication number: 20090120045
    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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: KPL Packaging S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giordano Gorrieri
  • Patent number: 7503153
    Abstract: Banding machine for packaging logs of stacks of folded, overlapped or interfolded sheets applies a banding web of paper or plastic film on four longitudinal sides. During motion of the web in a direction orthogonal to the drawings, a glue gun spreads a glue line the length of the web, near the lower free wing. The packaging web crosses the walls at upper and lower gaps. Pushing the compressed log in the channel, the packaging web is arranged stretched in front of the log, the log being pushed against the packaging web well beyond the gap, causing self-packaging, i.e. the log is wound for ¾ by the web, leaving two free wings with the second having glue on it. At least one of the sections includes a movable portion, which can be a rotating wall, for enlarging the gap to allow the movement of the glued zone of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: MTC-Machine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro De Matteis
  • Publication number: 20080250754
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Jack D. Spencer, G. Scott Spears, Eric R. Rousculp
  • Patent number: 7322166
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for unwrapping a package of frangible articles bearing a wrapping material, the wrapping material having a rear portion and a forward tab, the forward tab adapted to open the wrapping material when pulled, the apparatus comprising: (a) a support member for supporting the package; (b) a grasping mechanism adapted to grasp the forward tab and to pull the forward tab so as to open the wrapping material; (c) an engaging mechanism adapted to grasp the rear portion and pull the wrapping material so as to remove the wrapping material from the frangible articles. The invention may be used in conjunction with standard confection filling, transport and packaging machinery and mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Norse Dairy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Claxton
  • Patent number: 7269931
    Abstract: An overwrapping machine for packets of cigarettes, wherein a first feed line feeds the packets of cigarettes successively along a first path, and a second feed line feeds sheets of transparent packing material successively along a second path intersecting the first path at a cross station to pair each packet with a respective sheet of packing material; and wherein a guide for the packets is located upstream from the cross station, and has an output end, for the packets, facing the cross station; the guide is movable to and from a forward operating position, in which the guide forms part of the first path, and the output end of the guide is positioned substantially contacting the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: G.D. Societa per Anzioni
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Stefano Negrini
  • Patent number: 7032358
    Abstract: In a device for closing side ends of packages enclosing only one roll or one row of rolls in an automatic packaging machine, operating apparatus are connected to the machine packaging line. A package, partially wrapped by a sheet, is fed to the packaging line in a forward direction, so that only the outer cylindrical surface of the package is touched by the operating apparatus. The operating apparatus translate and rotate the package about an axis, in the forward direction, so that edges of the sheet wrapping the package, during transferring along said packaging line, hit edges of stationary folding apparatus situated beside the packaging line, and become twisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Tissue Machinery Company S.p.A.
    Inventor: Davide Dall'omo
  • Patent number: 7013621
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the automatic packaging of one or more articles. An adjustable web guide structure that guides the webs of film into a configuration that mimics the geometry of a package to be wrapped is provided. The webs are conveyed over the guide structure, which structure provides an appropriate predetermined shape defining a web envelope for proper package entry and flow through the wrapping system. The position and geometry of the guides causes the web envelope to form around the corners of the product to be package to minimize film requirement, and allows for fluid transition from web supply rolls to package shape. External tension rods can be used to assist in preventing or minimizing web wrinkling. Guide rolls can be used in conjunction with the guide structure to assist in guiding and tracking the web material, as well as to provide axial transverse tension for proper web forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Shanklin Corporation
    Inventors: Norman D. Shanklin, Robert J. Simonelli, William G. Peabody
  • 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: 6889486
    Abstract: In a machine for the production of packs of rolls of paper, comprising a supporting surface designed to lift the rolls of paper, arranged in two or more rows, towards a zone in which there is a sheet of plastic film, in particular polyethylene, to be wrapped around the rolls to form the pack, the sheet is closed on the lower side of the pack by initiating a process for activating sheet horizontal flat folders, suitably combined with the return stroke of the two parts of which the supporting surface consists. The process allows correct closing of the two flaps of plastic film on the lower side of the pack, guaranteeing the stability of the configuration of the various rows of rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: T.M.C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Zagnoni Christian
  • Patent number: 6766625
    Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping reams of paper in which the units for forming the first tube are adjacent to the devices for lateral folding of the first tube in order simultaneously to form lateral flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Innopack S.r.l.
    Inventor: Andrea Cinotti
  • Patent number: 6718728
    Abstract: A machine for packing groups of rolls of domestic paper in respective sheets of packing material has folding members, each of which has an active portion, which is brought into contact with a flap of a sheet of packing material, and an adjusting device for adjusting the extension of the active portion in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Casmatic S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Antoniazzi, Andrea Cinotti
  • Patent number: 6691492
    Abstract: An elevator device in a machine for forming packs of rolls includes an auxiliary plate member, situated between wrapping sheet folders and a constraining plate of a conveying line. The auxiliary plate member moves vertically between a lower end position near and above the folders, and an upper end position in alignment with the constraining plate. When an elevation plate is raised to push a group of rolls partially wrapped with a wrapping sheet against the constraining plate, the auxiliary plate member keeps the rolls and the sheet firm and is moved synchronously with the plate thus carrying the group of rolls and the sheet upwards until they are received within holding means of a conveying line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Gianluiigi Gamberini
  • Patent number: 6684610
    Abstract: A machine for packaging piles (P) of paper products, such as serviettes, handkerchiefs and the like, comprising: a feed assembly (14) for feeding a sheet of packaging material (F), comprising means (26) designed for withholding a sheet of packaging material (F) in a substantially vertical plane; a station (12) for feeding products (P) to be packaged, comprising a pusher (22) to push the products (P) to be packaged in a direction orthogonal to the aforesaid sheet of packaging material (F); a drawer device (16) comprising a bottom plate (26) and a top plate (38), in which the bottom plate (38) is mobile with respect to the bottom plate (36) between a raised position and a lowered position; a control device (58, 60, 62, 64) designed to control displacement of the drawer device (16) in a longitudinal direction (18) between a receiving position and a position of release of the products; and a second control device (52, 54, 56) independent of the aforesaid first control device for controlling displacement of the to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Casmatic SpA
    Inventors: Giordano Gorrieri, Gabriele Montanari
  • Patent number: 6675556
    Abstract: A method and unit for forming a tubular wrapping about a rectangular-prism-shaped product, whereby a sheet of packing material is folded about the product in a first folding step, wherein the sheet of packing material is folded into a U about the product so that an end portion of the sheet of packing material projects crosswise with respect to a longitudinal axis of the product and beyond the product itself; and in a second folding step, wherein the end portion is subjected to traction in a direction crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the product, and is simultaneously folded further about the product to define the tubular wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: G.D Societa 'per Azioni
    Inventors: Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Alver Tacchi, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 6640522
    Abstract: A method of packing rearms of sheets, wherein each ream is defined by sheets stacked to form a rectangular-base prism of a given height, and has two base faces defined by respective end sheets in the ream, two lateral faces perpendicular to the base faces, and two end faces. The method providing for feeding the ream along a given path in a feed direction parallel to the base faces. Placing a sheet of packing material along the path of the ream and perpendicular to the feed direction, and conveying the ream and the sheet of packing material in the feed direction through a folding spindle to fold the sheet of packing material into a U about the ream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Innopack SRL
    Inventors: Luca Antoniazzi, Andrea Cinotti
  • Publication number: 20030167736
    Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping reams of paper in which the units for forming the first tube are adjacent to the devices for lateral folding of the first tube in order simultaneously to form lateral flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Andrea Cinotti
  • Patent number: 6612100
    Abstract: A protective cover that is pre-folded by a protective cover pre-folding apparatus is supplied to a pack producing apparatus. After sheets are stacked on the protective cover, the protective cover is fully folded onto the sheets to produce a pack, which is then inserted into a bag to produce a package. The package is then delivered from a package stacking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Morimoto, Hirokazu Kawai, Yuji Okabe, Yasushi Kikuchi, Masao Tsuruta, Takao Asakura
  • Patent number: 6510671
    Abstract: During the production of cuboid-shaped packages, in particular bundle packages made of thin cardboard, it is necessary to form sharp-edged package edges (44, 45), namely those having a right-angled cross-section. This is ensured by means of a folding aid, namely by edge supports (40, 41), around which the folding flaps (27, 28) are folded to form the package edges (44, 45). The edge supports (40, 41) are retracted from their supporting position after folding is completed and the package is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Reinhard Lohmann
  • Patent number: 6502375
    Abstract: A machine for packaging a mattress in a sheet, comprising horizontal supporting and receiving mattress surfaces, guides for guiding the sheet on a vertical plane, so that by moving the mattress in the advancement direction from the supporting surface toward the receiving surface the sheet is arranged over and under the mattress, a device for joining and cutting the sheet upstream of the mattress and for forming a bag which wraps around the mattress, sheet unwinding assemblies comprising two rollers movable along the receiving surface with a return stroke, the rollers being articulated to rotate between alignment and parallel positions in which they are perpendicular or parallel to the advancement direction and to the sides of the mattress, and actuators for actuating the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Resta S.r.l.
    Inventor: Roberto Resta
  • Publication number: 20020116895
    Abstract: A machine for packing groups of rolls of domestic paper in respective sheets of packing material has folding members, each of which has an active portion, which is brought into contact with a flap of a sheet of packing material, and an adjusting device for adjusting the extension of the active portion in a first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Luca Antoniazzi, Andrea Cinotti
  • Patent number: 6247292
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved package wrapping machine which produces a wrapped product having a good seal and a favorable appearance for packages of varying sizes and shapes. More particularly, these improvements are obtained by utilizing a novel film gripper having sections that are separately disengageable to release tension on lateral sections of the film web during the wrapping of smaller than average packages, thereby preventing unwanted stretching of the film so as to promote a good seal for the packaged goods and avoid the formation of unsightly film tails. Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel package pusher is utilized to convey the package to be wrapped from a package infeed location to a registration position on the package wrapping elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael A. Whitby, Philip Anthony Ratermann
  • Patent number: 6230474
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing food packaging with a removable prize therein. Prizes are deposited at a predetermined spacing along a first sheet of plastic wrapping. The first sheet of plastic wrapping with the prizes adhered thereon is covered by a second sheet of plastic wrapping. A second surface of the first sheet, opposite the first surface, is folded over, or is covered by a third sheet of plastic wrapping, after food is placed on the second sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Rodolfo Gerardo Murra Giacoman
  • Patent number: 6085494
    Abstract: Cardboard blanks with fold lines between their panels are partially draped around arrays of cigarette packets in an apparatus wherein successive arrays which are being advanced along an elongated path at a first speed strip discrete blanks off a mouthpiece which is advanced along such path at a lesser second speed. Additional panels of a blank which is being transported by the mouthpiece, and a first panel of which is to be engaged and entrained by the front side of an oncoming array, are pivoted relative to the first panel along the respective fold lines by pivotable prefolding members which share the movement of and are caused to pivot relative to the mothpiece while the latter transports a blank at the second speed. The prefolding members cooperate with further folding members to pivot further panels of a blank relative to the additional panels while the blank is being transported by the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Lembke, Wolfgang Schnabel
  • Patent number: 6067780
    Abstract: An automatic packaging machine for packaging products into packs comprises: a wrapper forming line along which there is a succession of at least three operating stations positioned above a sliding surface along which the products are fed with a stepping motion by mobile pusher elements. The forming line co-operates with a lift located below the product sliding surface and vertically and alternately mobile between a lowered level, at which it receives products on its loading table, and a raised level, at which it places the products on the sliding surface of the forming line, feeding them between the pusher elements with a sheet of wrapping material laid on top of the products. The machine comprises adjustment means for a product feed line, the wrapper forming line, the operating stations and the pusher elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: T.M.C. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Gentili, Maria Gioia Grandi
  • Patent number: 6016639
    Abstract: The apparatus uses a single, simple movement of a shoe to wrap the rear bottom tuck panel underneath the ice cream sandwich and to push the ice cream sandwich onto a conveyor surface. In addition, the apparatus utilizes at least one friction member to actively engage the ice cream sandwich while the shoe withdraws after pushing the ice cream sandwich onto the conveyor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Norse Dairy Systems
    Inventor: Jack D. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5845464
    Abstract: A method of wrapping products, whereby a sheet and a respective product for wrapping are fed to a wrapping station in a first and second direction incident with each other; the product travels according to a given movement through the wrapping station to engage the sheet, upon the sheet reaching a given intercept position, and to feed the sheet in the second direction to form a U-shaped wrapping; and the sheet is fed in the first direction through the wrapping station and at most into the intercept position according to any movement as a function of the length of the sheet, and subsequently travels according to the same movement as the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: G.D Societa per Azioni
    Inventor: Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 5819506
    Abstract: The closing of the end edges of the wrapper (5) which is wrapped around the product in a shape made tubular in a known manner, is performed by folders, some of which are dynamic (15, 15' and 17, 17' ), located in different stations, and some static (8, 8' and 18, 18'). The first pair of dynamic folders (15, 15}') is mounted on the same dynamic folder (14) that folds the first lateral edge (505) of the wrapper. A possible option is to replace the last pair of dynamic folders (17, 17') with a pair of static folders (25, 25'). Before the final rolling stage, the wrapped product passes through a shaped channel (19) that keeps the end folds of the wrapper correctly arranged. The last pair of static folders (18, 18') may be incorporated in this channel. The end edges of the wrapper may be folded in three or in four consecutive portions laid over each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Carle & Montanari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Frabetti, Marco Giovanni Carle
  • Patent number: 5782063
    Abstract: A method of overwrapping packets of cigarettes is implemented utilizing a machine by which packets and respective sheets of wrapping material are fed singly and in timed succession to a folding station where each packet is directed against a central portion of the corresponding sheet and advanced together with the sheet through a tubular duct of proportions such that the sheet is constrained to fold into a U formation around the packet. To optimize the folding action, the duct is fashioned with two longer side walls of convex profile by which the two lateral portions of the sheet flattened over the main lateral faces of the respective packet are engaged and compressed only along a limited central band of their full advancing width, and caused as a result to spread gradually into uniform contact with the overwrapped surfaces, without creasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: G.D. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Antonio Gamberini
  • Patent number: 5727365
    Abstract: A method for packaging flat or stacked article groups within a packaging unit such as a paperboard carton. The method comprises the steps of supplying a stream of packaging units, for example paperboard cartons, supplying at least one stream of articles, for example beverage cans; forming at least one article group, for example a group of from six to twenty-four cans, optionally placing a support base on a top surface of the article group, and loading the article group in the packaging unit. In a stacked packaging mode a second article group is formed and loaded into the packaging unit, on top of the support base on each first article group disposed in the packaging unit. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Lashyro, Kelly W. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 5666783
    Abstract: In the production of packs with an outer wrapping of plastic film, a continuous forced guiding of a web of material (13) and the blanks (12) produced therefrom is important. The web of material (13) is fed to a knife roller (20). In the region thereof, the blanks (12) are produced by severing. The web of material (13) or each blank (12) is fed to upright suction belts (25, 26) via a transfer roller (39) with suction bores (42). The suction belts (25, 26) are movable up and down relative to the knife roller (20) and transfer roller (39) for carrying out a change of format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Oskar Balmer
  • Patent number: 5502954
    Abstract: Flap folding device of a wrapping machine. Side folding guides approach side flaps to hit a hitting part against the closed side faces of a wrapped body part of a content or volume, thereby pressing a wrapped body part, near the base end of the side flaps that face the closed side faces, against the closed side faces. Subsequently, the middle part of each of the side folding guides makes a quarter turn while tracing a corner continued to the closed side faces,. Therefore, the base ends of the side flaps are folded along the corners while being pulled toward the forward end thereof, and, at the same time, are pressed by folding parts against the open sides, through the entire length, from the base end to the forward end, of the side flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Tokyo Automatic Machinery Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Heiemon Akiyama, Masafumi Hamaguchi, Minoru Sato, Hiroaki Kikuta
  • 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: 5437144
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus that compresses the contents in a vertical direction and tightly winds the contents. Upon the lowering of the elevator, compressive receiving plates project above the contents. The elevator is raised to hold the contents between the compressive receiving plates and the contents are compressed in the vertical direction. The winding guides approach each other, while the contents are being compressed. Both ends of the packaging sheet are connected by the fixing elements, and then the compressive receiving plates are pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Tokyo Automatic Machinery Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Heiemon Akiyama, Minoru Sato
  • Patent number: 5437142
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for applying a packaging sheet to cover the contents and simultaneously seal them including an adhering mechanism for adhering tape at corresponding sealing positions of the packaging sheet. The adhering mechanism is movable toward or away from the tape feeding-out mechanisms. Adhering tapes are adhered to the corresponding sealing position while being partially projected. The packaging sheet, including the adhering tapes, is fed out by the sheet feeding-out mechanism to the packaging start position. Concurrent to the completion of the folding of the packaging sheet during the packaging operation, projected portions of the adhering tapes are adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Toyko Automatic Machinery Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Heiemon Akiyama, Minoru Sato
  • Patent number: 5406774
    Abstract: A package wrapping apparatus and method compresses a package of napkins or a similarly soft bulked product during the wrapping operation to provide a tight wrapped package which does not become loose with settling. An air activated expandable elevator plate allows the bottom of the napkin package to be completely supported during the wrapping operation, and contracts to allow the plate to be lowered between front and rear underfolders. This allows the napkin stack to undergo a greater degree of compression without defects, since folding or curling of the napkin edges over the elevator plate is avoided. An air activated movable top compression plate applies variable downloading against the top of the package. As the elevator plate is raised, the package presses against the top compression plate and is thereby compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Georgia Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard E. Dodge
  • Patent number: 5179817
    Abstract: A method of folding foil around cigarette bundles where the exposed foil on the top of the bundle is flat with no apparent folds. The smooth flat appearance is created by forming the top folds prior to forming the side folds. Notches or holes cut into the foil by which folding stresses on the outermost cigarettes in the bundle are reduced are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: John D. Barnes, Howard H. Fishburne, Xuan M. Pham, Linwood L. Pitt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5133173
    Abstract: Packets of cigarettes are directly singly and in succession along a conveyor into a cellophane wrapping machine, and thereafter to a packaging machine which is driven, together with the wrapping machine, by one main motor and incorporates a feed unit supplying wrapper blanks, and a wrapping unit by which each blank is folded about a corresponding group of packets. In the event of an interruption in the supply of packets to the conveyor, the feed unit is decoupled automatically from the main motor and the wrapping unit then allowed to complete a further cycle in which a blank already gummed and positioned by the feed unit can be fashioned as usual into an outer wrapper around a relative group of packets before the main motor is finally shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: G.D. Societa per Azioni
    Inventors: Fiorenzo Draghetti, Silvano Boriani
  • Patent number: 5056294
    Abstract: Apparatus (packaging machine) for the packaging of articles of differing sizes. In packaging technology, it is often necessary to solve the problem of producing packs of differing size on one and the same packaging machine. As a rule, adapting this to the different pack formats requires considerable conversion work. This in turn involves lengthy standstill phases of the packaging machine. To make it easier for the packaging to be changed over to different pack formats, packaging members, especially folding members, critical for the packaging process are provided in the form of a plurality of, preferably two sets (40, 41). A particular set of packaging members is in the packaging position (43). A further (part) set is an exchange position (44) for the exchange of individual or all packaging members for other formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Focke & Co., (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventor: Heinz Focke
  • Patent number: 5038549
    Abstract: A stacking packaging machine and a process for stacking and packaging resilient workpieces. The workpieces are usually rolled paper products. The machine is comprised of an input conveyor, an elevator, cams, workpiece holders, a packaging film feeder and an output conveyor. A first group of workpieces is placed upon the elevator by the input conveyor and the elevator is lowered. The workpiece holders are brought into place. A second group of workpieces are fed into the holders and held above the first group. The elevator begins to rise and the second group of workpieces are released. The stacked workpieces rise on the elevator toward the output conveyor. Packaging film is fed over the stacked workpieces. The film drapes over the workpieces as they rise preventing any workpieces from falling off the stack. The workpieces enter the output conveyor and are moved to final processing. The timing of the whole sequence is controlled by the cams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignees: John E. Nordstrom, Barbara A. Nordstrom
    Inventor: John E. Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 4984412
    Abstract: A hopper apparatus for folding the end flaps of a film overwrapper across the ends of a carton enclosed in the overwrapper includes a back wall, two parallel side walls, and an access door closing the front side of the hopper. The top horizontal edges of the side walls, back wall, and closed access door define the open top end of the hopper, and the horizontal bottom edges of the back wall, side walls and closed access door define the open bottom end of the hopper. Carton engaging fingers are attached to the back wall for movement into and out of the hopper, and carton engaging fingers are also attached to the access door at the same elevation in the hopper as the engagement fingers on the back wall for movement into and out of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventor: Everett N. Finn
  • Patent number: 4845924
    Abstract: In the production of packs for stacks (10) of paper handkerchiefs, the problem is to give the cuboid pack an exact shape. Whe a stack of paper handkerchiefs is pushed into a pocket (13) of a folding turret (12), the stack (10) is compressed by a press plate (22) movable up and down in the peripheral direction of the folding turret (12) and, in this compressed form, is pushed into the pocket (13) together with a blank (11). On the opposite side of the folding turret, the virtually finished pack is pushed in the radial direction out of the pocket (13) and onto a push-out platform (48) which moves up and down along the periphery of the folding turret and which is temporarily, in particular during the reception of the pack, in synchronism with the folding turret (12). During a standstill phase of the push-out platform, the pack is transferred from the latter to a discharge conveyor (49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Focke & Co (GmbH &n Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Jurgen Wach