Abstract: Waste container including a base defining a waste-receiving compartment, a lid movably attached to the base and movable between a first position covering a waste insertion opening and a second position in which it does not obstruct the waste insertion opening and a support portion including an aperture through which a bag is placed into the compartment. An obstruction mechanism includes an actuator and an obstruction member having at least one part that selectively engages with the bag at a location below the support portion. The actuator is manually and/or automatically rotatable to cause rotation of the obstruction member between a first position in which the obstruction member is in a first plane not obstructing insertion of waste into the bag and a second position in which the obstruction member is in a second plane obstructing insertion of waste into the bag.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a sealed package about a food product, such as a confectionary including a bonbon. A sheet of film having a pre-applied adhesive is wrapped around the food product. The adhesive is positioned on the film so that a fin seal is formed between leading and trailing edge portions of the film in the course of forming a tube about the food product. Adhesive is also positioned on the film so that during the twisting of the open ends of the tube to enclose the food product a seal is formed at each end.

Abstract: A bag accumulating device is provided with a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism. The first drive mechanism is configured to advance an open-mouth portion of a bag at a first speed. The second drive mechanism is provided adjacent and downstream of the first drive mechanism. The second drive mechanism is configured to advance the open-mouth portion of the bag at a second speed that is less than the first speed so as to accumulate and foreshorten the open-mouth portion of the bag. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Waste disposal device includes a container defining a waste-receiving compartment having an opening, a lid connected to the container and having a closed position covering the opening of the container and an open position in which the opening is exposed, and a twisting assembly that engages with and twists or untwists a bag or tubing that extends through the twisting assembly and into which waste is inserted. A manual actuator or controller has a first position in engagement with the twisting assembly to enable manual rotation of the twisting assembly and a second position out of engagement with the twisting assembly. When the manual actuator is in the first position, the twisting assembly is manually rotatable in at least one direction, and possibly both, and in the second position, the manual actuator is freely movable.

Abstract: Waste disposal device adapted to receive a waste-containing member includes a container defining a waste-receiving compartment having an opening, a lid connected to the container and having a first, closed position covering the opening of the container and a second, open position in which the opening is exposed, and a rotation mechanism arranged in the container to rotate the waste-containing member when present in the container. The rotation mechanism is arranged to rotate the waste-containing member upon closure of the lid. A switch mechanism enables opening movement of the lid to cause the rotation mechanism to rotate the waste-containing member or prevent the rotation mechanism from rotating the waste-containing member depending on a setting of the switch mechanism.

Abstract: Support member for use in a waste disposal device includes a frame and a length of tubing having a closed or closeable front end and a rear end. The rear end of the tubing is fixed or otherwise attached to the frame. The tubing has a wider cross-sectional area at a portion proximate the front end than at a portion fixed to the frame. The frame and the tubing may be designed for a single use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a twist-wrap film (1, 2, 3) which is produced by coextrusion of a plurality of plastic layers. The inventive film is characterized in that at least a) one or more plastic layer(s) (4, 4?) consist of one or more semicrystalline polyolefin(s) having a uniform structure and b) at least one additional layer from an amorphous cycloolefin copolymer (5) having a uniform structure, the layers a) and b) being in direct contact. The selection of an amorphous cycloolefin copolymer having a uniform structure in at least one layer of the inventive twist-wrap film combined with a semicrystalline polyolefin having a uniform structure allows to provide a twist-wrap film that can be easily produced and that has the rigidity required for twist-wrap packagings and a satisfactory deadfold behavior, i.e., recovery behavior.

Abstract: Described herein is a shuttle device for producing wrappers of sheet material (F) containing a product (P) with at least one fantail-twisted end obtained by twisting said sheet material (F). The shuttle (10) comprises a first part (112a, 112b) for receiving the product (P) located in the precursor of wrapper and at least one second part (212a, 212b; 312a, 312b) that grips on a respective part of precursor of wrapper (F). The first part (112a, 112b) and the second part (212a, 212b; 312a, 312b) of the shuttle (10) are able to turn with respect to one another about a given axis (X10) so as to produce at least one fantail-twisted end as a result of the twisting action imparted on the precursor of wrapper (F) following upon the relative movement of rotation about the aforesaid given axis (X10).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a closed container formed of substantially rigid plastic, and a wrapper that is loosely disposed fully about the closed container. This wrapper may also have twist ties on opposing ends thereof. This apparatus may be used to provide packaging for a retail commodity.

Abstract: A waste storage device includes a container (21) in which a cassette (1) is mounted. Tubing (2) is pulled through the center of the cassette (1) to store packages (35) separated by twists. The cassette (1) is rotated relative to the container (21) to provide the twists between packages (35) by virtue of a rotatable disk (100) and user grip portion (102). The package is gripped against rotation by a gripper diaphragm (120) and is guided towards a wall of the container by a guide diaphragm (122) to prevent untwisting between packages.

Abstract: The invention discloses a waste disposal apparatus including a waste packet forming device integrated with a tool for cutting the packet, and a method for using the apparatus. The disclosed integrated twist-and-cut system provides an improvement over existing waste disposal systems by reducing steps in the disposal of waste material.

Abstract: Confectionery products (2) are packaged singly in double twist wraps (1) prepared from a strip (3) coated with first longitudinal bands (4) and second transverse bands (5) of adhesive, the transverse bands spaced apart to create adhesive-free zones (6) offered in direct contact to the products (2), and caused to advance along a set path (P) in a given feed direction (D). The strip is prepared with an easy tear point (A) on each second adhesive band (5), consisting of a first notch (7) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strip (3) and a second notch (8) superimposed on the first notch (7); the strip (3) is then cut transversely along the second bands (5) to generate single leaves (11), each presenting an indentation (12) and a projection (13) generated by the second notch (8). The leaf (11) is folded around the product (2) to produce a hermetically sealed wrap (1) designed to tear open from the notches.

Abstract: A flexible container is formed from a flexible container body formed from a flexible material, the flexible container body having at least one end opening. A pair of spaced apart elongated flexible closure members is coupled to the sides of the flexible container body generally along the length or portion of the length of the flexible container body. The flexible closure members are deformable and configured to facilitate selectively closing of the end opening of the flexible container body by twisting together the flexible closure members along with a portion of the flexible container body so that the flexible closures generally stay in a twisted configuration. The end opening of the flexible container body is selectively opened by untwisting the flexible closures from the twisted configuration.

Abstract: The invention discloses a waste disposal apparatus including a waste packet forming device integrated with a tool for cutting the packet, and a method for using the apparatus. The disclosed integrated twist-and-cut system provides an improvement over existing waste disposal systems by reducing steps in the disposal of waste material.

Abstract: The invention discloses a waste disposal apparatus including a waste packet forming device integrated with a tool for cutting the packet, and a method for using the apparatus. The disclosed integrated twist-and-cut system provides an improvement over existing waste disposal systems by reducing steps in the disposal of waste material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a flexible intermediate bulk container bag is disclosed wherein the bag is suspended clear of an underlying platform by a lift (9) urged upwards by a counterweight (11) so that during filling the bag “B” the bag falls to the underlying platform to prepare a stable base. There is also disclosed a telescopic spout (8) for delivering fill to the bag (B) and a spout closure (24) for preventing spillage of fill from the spout after filling. Hooks (10) for suspending the bag from the lift may be articulated and overlooking to allow for automation of the bag release after filling. A base (1) and tower frame (2) of the apparatus can be pivotally connected to enable the apparatus height to be reduced for transport.

Abstract: A diaper disposal system for packaging odorous waste objects in individual sealed (substantially air-tight) packages includes a body, base, hinged lid, flexible material, and a first sealing member and second sealing member. The sealing members are operable to seal or form a substantially air-tight seal in the flexible material to prevent the odor from escaping. The sealing members move between an open position and closed/sealing position by twisting an inner lid, closing the lid, or moving an activation arm. The sealing members preferably seal the tubing by thermally fusing the tubing. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging wrapper consisting of a film intended to be closed by two twists on either side of an article to be packaged, characterized in that the film comprises, on the internal side in relation to the article to be packaged, a sealing coating placed along two transverse strips on either side of the article to be packaged and extending parallel to an axis passing through the two twists. The film may additionally comprise two lengthwise strips of sealing coating extending on either side of the strips of sealing coating extending on either side of the article to be packaged, perpendicularly to the said transverse strips in the regions of formation of the twists. These sealing coatings may be either cold-sealing coatings or heat-sealing coatings.

Abstract: A vending machine is provided for packaging a plurality of articles into a unitary package. This vending machine includes a packaging area and a packer. The packer affixes a carrier to the discrete articles in the packaging area to form the package. The formed package is then discharged from the vending machine. The present vending machine therefore provides for forming a plurality of articles into a package within a single vending machine. A consumer can select what articles, such as different brands of beverage containers, which are combined to form the package. Also, the number of articles for each package can be selected by the consumer.

Abstract: Method of closing tubular bags for fruit and vegetable products.The method comprises:1) closing the bag which has been filled, forming a region with a structure similar to a cord by twisting or other means;2) superimposing a laminar element which can be welded to the bag on the closure region so that the said laminar element is partially wound on the closure region of the bag surrounding it completely, the said laminar element being partially superimposed on itself at the end of the winding;3) intimately welding the superimposed laminar element to the closure region of the mesh bag on which it has been superimposed and onto itself in the overlapping region;4) once welded, cutting the welding region transversely, defining two closure regions at the upper end of one bag and at the lower end of the next bag.

Abstract: A multilayer polypropylene film which includes at least one base layer containing propylene polymer or a propylene polymer mixture and resin, and at least one outer layer containing .alpha.-olefinic polymers having 2 to 10 carbon atoms is disclosed. The resin has a mean molecular weight of.gtoreq.1500. The invention also relates to a process for the production of the multilayer film, and to the use of the film in a twist wrapping process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers wherein a sheet of resilient polymeric material is formed with a plurality of container receiving apertures aligned in opposing transverse pairs so that each container receiving aperture has a small radius defining an apex at an interior edge of the container receiving aperture. A transverse web is formed between each opposing transverse pair of container receiving apertures and an elongated aperture is positioned in the transverse web between each apex of the opposing transverse pairs of container receiving apertures. The elongated apertures are preferably sized to permit a small amount of stretch in the transverse web depending upon the diameter and/or contour of the containers resulting in controlled transverse spacing between containers regardless of diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to attach a plastic carrier sheet about the upper edge of a plurality of containers to secure them together as one unit for easier carrying. The apparatus includes a base portion which properly positions the containers below a lower plate that is slidably mounted to vertical supports. A plurality of engagement means, secured to the lower plate, have a plurality of fingers which are adapted to grasp a discrete generally conical member. A release mechanism secured to the lower plate releases the conical members from the engagement fingers onto the upper surface of the containers to allow the carrier sheet to be fitted onto the conical members. The carrier sheet is then fitted onto the containers by lowering the lower plate causing the fingers to force the carrier sheet over the conical member and onto the upper portion of the container. The lower plate is raised and lowered by a lifting mechanism mounted to the lower plate.

Abstract: A sealed system for facilitating the safe transfer of hazardous material through a port in the floor of a containment enclosure to an open topped storage container positionable in precise axial alignment below the port and supported on a lift cart for vertical movement toward and away from the port. The port is defined by a vertically depending flange or enclosure ring in the floor of the containment enclosure and is closeable by a seal cover within said containment enclosure positionable for sealing engagement with the periphery of the port. The port is also closed alternately by a sturdy plastic bag supported from a seal ring engageable in leak-proof sealed relation with the port and partially contained within the storage container supported on the lift cart. A succession of bags are positioned under the port, elevated into sealed relation with the port, filled, sealed shut, severed from the sealed port and lowered and removed for permanent storage.

Abstract: A rigid body in the form of a truncated cone is dimensioned to fit over the top of a container, such as a can with a beaded top, to allow the opening in a carrier comprised of stretchable or elastic material to be manually expanded by movement of the carrier down the side of the truncated cone, beyond the bottom of the truncated cone, allowing the opening to retract against the body of the container below the beaded top.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating balloons to enable insertion thereinto of objects includes a loading ring insertable into the orifice or mouth of the balloon for stretching the orifice to allow insertion therethrough of an object into the interior of the balloon when inflated, and a balloon inflating housing for accommodating an inflated balloon. The housing includes upper and lower hemispherical shells which may be sealingly fitted together to form a complete spherical shell and to allow inflation of the balloon therewithin, and then separated to allow removal of the inflated balloon.

Abstract: Capped bottles filled with a composition are loaded into pack carriers therefor in apparatus in which the bottles are conveyed in a continuous series in two spaced apart lines to respective metering starwheels, each with an associated application starwheel, and each starwheel with an associated retentive curved guide means along an arc thereof, at a loading zone while a continuous series of the pack carriers or clips are advanced on a conveyor between the bottle lines to the loading zone. At the loading zone the respective metering starwheels each move the bottles consecutively past the guide means to the associated application starwheel and the application starwheels are mutually spaced sufficiently close on either side of each pack carrier passing in between them to force successive bottles simultaneously from each line into the respective back to back pockets.

Abstract: Manually operated apparatus for assembling a multi-container pack in a carrier wherein the apparatus has a base formed with apertures in a pattern to form a multi-container pack, a carrier supported on the base and it being formed with a pattern of container receiving apertures having bendable fingers ringing the inner circumference of the container apertures, and a container guide positioned over the carrier for steering the containers into positions with the ends thereof grasped by the fingers ringing the ends of the containers.

Abstract: An automatic bagging machine and method gently and efficiently handle bruisable articles to be automatically bagged, such as apples. The bagger includes a weighing pan, a bag supply, a source of compressed air for inflating a plastic bag while it is held open at spaced points adjacent its top, and a cushioning arm assembly for engaging the exterior of the bag as it is being filled with articles to cushion the fall of the articles. A piston and cylinder moves the cushioning arm into engagement with the bag exterior while it is being filled, and away from the bag after the fall of articles has been effectively broken (cushioned). A number of conveyors that are independently controlled feed articles to the pan, and an ultrasound sensor senses the volume of the next article or articles to be fed to the pan in each conveyor path, and that conveyor or conveyors is or are operated which contains the next article or articles closest to the desired weight of articles in the pan, or slightly above it.

Abstract: Carrier stock formed from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene, for machine application to side walls of substantially identical containers. Integrally joined band segments defining separate apertures to receive the individual containers include longitudinal, cross, and diagonal segments. The diagonal segments are joined at generally X-shaped junctions. From each junction, the generally oblique segments of a first pair are continuously curved toward the nearer edge of such stock and the diagonal segments of a second pair are substantially straight and tend toward the other edge of such stock. Each diagonal segment of the first pair at each junction has a progressively changing width, being wider at its end joined at such junction than at its other end, and has a substantially uniform width.

Abstract: A reusable bag for storing items. The bag has a band located over at least part of the bag's outer surface. The band is detachably secured to the bag with an adhesive. To reseal the bag after opening, the band is partially lifted away from the bag. A space is thus created between the band and the bag into which the twisted end of the bag may be inserted and secured. The band contains adhesive on only a center region of the band to permit the band to be easily separated from the bag and so that user contact with the band does leave adhesive on the user's fingers or wear adhesive from the band.

Abstract: A pack comprising a core and pleated tubing is used to provide a series of packages each containing a disposable object such as a baby's nappy along the tubing as it passes over the top edges of the core and then down through the core. The core is turned by means of a lid about a cylinder to twist the flexible material at locations between the adjacent packs to seal the packs at their ends thereby providing hygienic disposal of the waste. A safely located rotatable cutter in the lid is provided for severing the flexible tubing above the top twist.

Abstract: Closures for shirred tubular food casings comprise a wound end-closure plug positioned entirely inside the casing bore followed by inverted casing wall tapered into the shape of a truncated cone, said closures providing significantly stronger, more resistant means for reducing the incidence of casing blow-out during filling operations.

Abstract: A method and device to close an open end of a length of shirred casing material. A shaft mounted on a housing is moved against the said opened end to engage the same and then turn about its axis to tighten an end portion of the casing material onto the shaft means. The shaft is then retracted, pulling some additional casing material outwardly from the shirred casing material until substantially no portion of the shaft means remains inside of the shirred casing material and the shaft no longer maintains pressure against the casing material. Then, the shaft is again turned in the same first direction to form a double walled twist, the free end of which wanders into the shirred casing material. When the twist has reached a predetermined length the turning movement in this first direction is stopped, and a further rod coaxial with the shaft pushes that twist fully into the interior of the shirred casing material, thereby tearing the tightened end of the casing material from the shaft.

Abstract: Wrapping fragile or easily collapsible articles in foil, for example, aluminium foil by feeding the articles in succession along a track or slideway, forming a tube of foil about the articles, twisting the leading article and its surrounding foil about the main axis of the tube and severing the tube at the twist.

Abstract: A multiple-compartment container is formed from an elongated sleeve of flexible material. Opposing end portions of the sleeve are respectively sealed together. A third seal of the walls of the sleeve, at a location spaced between those end portions, defines first and second hollow compartments respectively on each side of that third seal. The third seal is effected by a twisting of the sleeve about its longitudinal axis. There is illustrated a still further and preferred fourth seal at a location spaced between the third seal and one of the end portions so as to define a still further hollow compartment, and that additional seal also is effected by a twisting of the sleeve.

Abstract: A tube of thermoplastic netting is drawn through a work station in a radially collapsed, condensed condition. At the work station, the netting is angularly twisted to rope-like form, to increase its bulk density and, in such condition, is drawn between the die and platen of an ultrasonic welding horn. Periodically, the die and platen momentarily bear against a succeeding short length of the twisted, condensed rope-like form making a fused seal nugget integrating all strands of the netting at that site. The resulting product may be a long length of such tubing, having such a seal every so often, or a plurality of bags formed from the intermediate product by making one transverse cut through the netting tube beside each seal nugget.

Abstract: To provide a hermetic seal for flexible receptacles such as plastic bags, pouches, or casings, the outside of the mouth of the receptacle is coated with a cold flowing resin so that when the receptacle is filled and its mouth gathered under pressure the resin will cold flow and fill the voids in the gathered folds. Preferably, the end of the gathered mouth is trimmed and then high pressure is applied to cause the resin to exude from the trimmed end. Next, a forming plunger is used to press the exudate into a smooth surface whereby a fused cap of resin is formed hermetically closing the bag's mouth. As an alternative, a clip or band can be placed around the gathered end under sufficient pressure to case cold flow of the resin thereby sealing the voids.

Abstract: The opening of a flexible container is closed by gathering the portion defining the opening into a bunch, surrounding the opening with an adhesive and allowing the adhesive to harden.