GB875806A - Improvements in and relating to packaging of articles - Google Patents

Abstract

875,806. Packaging-machines. HOPE & SANKEY HUDSON Ltd., THOMAS. Jan. 22, 1959 [Jan. 22, 1958], No. 2158/58. Class 94(1). A machine for banding compressible articles and in particular batches of envelopes comprises means for forming a batch and compressing it, the compressed batch being passed through a former about which the band has been folded and secured, the band being removed from the former simultaneously with the exit from it of the batch so that the band encloses the batch. Forming and compressing batches. Envelopes from an associated envelope-making machine (not shown) are fed by a conveyer C to known means D for advancing them against a stop 18, Figs. 1, 3, the latter being mounted resiliently for straight line motion on linkage 26, 28. The envelopes are automatically counted by known photoelectric means responsive to the cycles of operation of the envelope-making machine, as they form the batch and a feeler, Fig. 25 (not shown), responds to the absence of an envelope to cause the light source of the photo-electric means to be interrupted so that no count is made of the missing envelope. When the desired count is attained, a signal causes a further sequence of operations of the banding machine to take place. A plunger 54 thrusts the batch into a hollow holder 50, both the plunger mechanism and the holder being moved forward by means 56, 55 respectively during this operation to avoid interference with formation of the next batch. The holder aligns itself with a plunger 62 which pushes the batch into the compressing box 58. The box comprises a wall forming portion 70 slideable within a frame 68, Fig. 4, the whole being carried on an arm 64. The envelopes are initially vertically disposed when in the box and this is now swung by the arm 64. through 90 degrees to the position of Fig. 4 from that of Fig. 1 to align the box with the former 90. In the final portion of the movement, parts 88 of the wall 70 contact abutments causing the wall to approach the opposite box wall and so compress the batch, Forming the band. Paper strips contained in a magazine 220 are fed by a suction pipe and rollers 254, 256 on to a plate 308, Figs. 1, 14, 15, beneath a bar 318. Here gum is applied to one end of the band by a wheel 326 rotated by ratchet means in a gum bath, Figs. 17-19 (not shown), the wheel and bath rising at intervals to press the strip against a pad 328. The band is next thrust by pusher rods 416, 418 to a position beneath the former and above a clamping plate 440, Fig. 21. The final position of the band is adjustable by a hand wheel 436. The former comprises members 192, 196, Figs. 8, 21, which may be adjusted telescopically to vary the capacity by a handwheel 218. The plate 440 rises to clamp the band resiliently against the base of the former and spring loaded folders 470, 478, originally resting on side extensions 476, 484 of the plate, rise to wipe the band up the sides of the former and over its top. The gummed end is folded in first by the member 470. A presser 492 then descends to consolidate the glued joint. Banding the batch. Means for thrusting the batch through the former and for removing the band are mounted on a crosshead 103 reciprocated on rails 100 by means 104, 106, Fig. 1. They comprise a plunger 116 which forces the batch out of the box 58 and right through the former, and a pair of arms 140 pivoted at 142 and having friction members 176 at one end. As the cross head advances, cam means 166, Fig. 8, press the arms 140 inwards so that the members 176 engage the sides of the former and force off the band. The emerging batch expands into the band giving the finished package.