GB961129A - Article wrapping apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

961,129. Wrapping machines. AVISUN CORPORATION. April 8, 1963 [June 8, 1962], No. 13933/63. Heading B8C. Fluid ejected under pressure from the face of a tucker plate 15 (Fig. 3) in a wrapping machine reduces friction between the plate and the wrapper. The fluid may be ejected through at least one passage 83 which extends partially through the plate, opens in one face and is connected to a tube 85. The passages 83 are preferably at an angle to said face and extend in the direction in which the wrapped article moves with respect to the plate. The plate may alternatively be made of a porous material, such as sintered metal particles, with all surfaces except the said face coated with an impermeable substance. The fluid may be gaseous, such as compressed air which may contain an oil mist or particles of starch or graphite, or may be a liquid such as water or oil. The compressed air may be ionized to neutralize static electrical charges on the wrapper. In the wrapping machine illustrated in Fig. 1, an article 21 is advanced by pushers 33 on an endless chain 29 along a table 17, and is pushed on to a carrier 25 and between tucker plates 15 by a plunger 23. Since a continuous web of wrapping material 37 extends across the path of the plunger 23, material is now disposed around and over a portion of the article. The carrier 25 and tucker plates 15 disposed on either side of the article pivot upwards towards top folder plates 49 causing the article to be encircled by wrapping material and the upper edge to be down-folded. The roller 55 moves downwards to form a loop of wrapping material which is then cut by a knife 57. The material falls into position for wrapping the next article. The partially wrapped article is advanced by pushers 67 between side folder blades 69 and bottom folder blades 77 to which heat sealing elements are fixed. As the article moves away from the tucker plates 15 fluid is delivered through the passages 83 to minimize friction between the plates and wrapping material and hence prevent the material unfolding.