GB803644A - A method of and apparatus for banding batches of articles - Google Patents

Abstract

803,644. Packaging. DICKINSON & CO., Ltd., J. Jan. 31, 1956, [Nov. 19, 1954], No. 33574/54. Class 94(1). Means for applying a band about a batch of articles such as post cards or envelopes comprises devices for folding a band to U-form, for inserting a batch into the folded band and for folding and securing the arms of the U in overlapping relation about the batch. The banding is carried out on a turret having suction cups 15-18 between pockets formed by jaws 11, 12 and moving intermittently through four stages. As a cup moves past a band feed device 20, it picks up a band 21 and causes it to rest across the mouth of the following pocket. At station I, a plunger 19 presses the band into the pocket and suction means 14 hold it in position. At station II a member 23 is moved to support the short end 3 of the band and a batch 27 is fed into the pocket. The suction cup releases the long end 4 of the band and thus enables it to be engaged by bars 25, 26 and folded over the open end of the pocket during transit from station II to station III. At station III the end 4 is folded to overlap the end 3, the jaw 12 having a gap extending inwardly from its outer end, through which the end 4 may be thrust by an oscillating finger (not shown) and pressed against the end 3, adhesive having previously been applied to one end. The member 23 prevents the pressure being exerted on the batch. At Station IV, the banded batch is ejected by a radially moveable finger (not shown) engaging its inner end. The jaws are adjustable to vary the width of the pockets.