US2208776A - Wrapping machine - Google Patents

Description

y 1940 o. SANDBERG 2,208,776

-WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Dec. 11, 1957 1 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENT OR.

ATTORNEYQ July 23; 1940. SANDBERG 2,208,776

- WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Dec. 11, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENT OR.

0660f Jana 66129 ATTORNEYS o. SANDBERG 2,203,776

' WRAPPING MACHINE I -Fi; ,l ed Dec. 11, 1937- 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ZZZ 77.4.

' .z .J. Z7

July 23, 1940. O SANDBERG I 2,208,776

WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Dec. 11, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 f2 j 7 m3 INVENTOR.

04 104v BY ATTORNEYS Patented July 23, 1940 WRAPPING MACHINE Oscar Sandberg, Grand Rapids, Mich, assignor to Automatic Packaging Machinery Company,

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Application December 11, 1937, Serial No. 179,260

23 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in wrapping machines.

The main objects of my invention are:

First, to provide a wrapping machine adapted to enclose candy bars or other irregularly shaped objects in a wrapper of regular size and shape whereby an attractive package results.

Second, to provide a wrapping machine having improved means for associating a card and an article to be wrapped with a wrapper.

Third, to provide a wrapping machine of the type having reciprocating elevator and folders associated therewith, said elevator having novel provisions for producing a regularly shaped ll package.

Fourth, to provide a wrapping machine of the type described having novel provisions in the form of a flight conveyor for transporting wrapped articles therefrom.

an Fifth, to provide a wrapping machine of the type embodying a reciprocating vertically traveling elevator and having means for supporting a partially draped package in elevated position prior to operation of further folding instrumentalities.

Sixth, to provide a wrapping machine of the type described having improved bottom and side folding means for a partially draped wrapper.

Seventh, to provide a wrapping machine of the type described having improved means associated therewith for feeding wrapping paper at variably controllable speeds.

Eighth, to provide a machine of the type described having photoelectrically controlled means for feeding wrapping material and auxiliary means associated with suchfeeding means whereby the same may be employed in case a web of wrapper material is utilized which is not provided with the usual markings or spots to be viewed by the photoelectric control means.

Ninth, to provide a web feeding means characterized by improved provisions for feeding the web at different speeds as desired.

Tenth, to provide a web feeding means of the type described having novel provisions in the form of pairs of pulleys of different diameters and belts loosely associated therewith and further novel provision in the form of selectively operable belt 50 tightening means to render the said pairs of pulleys and belts associated therewith operative at will.

Eleventh, to provide wrapper feeding and cutting mechanism for a wrapping machine 55 which is actuable by photoelectric means either in the case where a web bearing viewing spots or where a plain web is employed.

Twelfth, to provide a novel web feeding and cutting mechanism particularly devised for use in a wrapping machine.

Thirteenth, to provide a method of forming a regularly shaped package for irregularly shaped objects.

Further objects relating to details and economies of my invention will definitely appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of my machine.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in elevation, partially broken away and in vertical section to illustrate details of my machine and the manner of operation of the same.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view par-- tially in section at right angles to Fig. 2, illustrating the wrapper feeding and cutting instrumentalities and controlling and actuating mechanisms therefor.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view partially in vertical section, further illustrating the details shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view partially in vertical section, illustrating details of the elevator and side and end folding means and bottom folding means associated therewith to effect folding of r the wrapper around an article of irregular outline.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section illustrating the final folding instrumentalities of my machine. I

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view in transverse section similar to Fig. 5, illustrating the parts in a succeeding position.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the side and end folding instrumentalities associated with the reciprocating elevator of the machine of my invention.

Fig. 9. is a fragmentary enlarged view partially in section, illustrating the wrapper feeding and gumming means employed in my machine.

Figs. 10 through 14 are perspective views il'- lustrating the steps of the method of associating a wrapper with a card and article to be wrapped to form the completed package, as performed by the present machine.

This invention relates, generally speaking, to a machine for wrapping an irregularly shaped article, as, for instance, a bar of candy of the type commonly found in confectioneries, drug stores, groceries, etc. Such articles have heretofore been wrapped with no attention paid to nor provisions made for shaping the wrapper in definite predetermined form relative to the article. On the contrary, the article itself has served as a former for the wrapper to be draped therearound, with the result that the wrapper is likely to adhere to the article if the latter is-of a sticky nature as is generally the case. This detracts from the attractiveness of the completed package and of the product when the wrapper is removed.

Generally speaking, it is my object to remedy this condition by an improved machine which is provided with a reciprocating elevator having side guides thereon at either side of an article elevated thereby, which guides engage a wrapper blank interposed in the path of the article being elevated. The result is that the wrapper is neatly folded at right angles to its upper edge across the said side guides, which serve to impart an initial crease to the wrapper. It being elevated, the partially draped wrapper passes stationary side and end folding instrumentalities and at the uppermost point in its elevation the side and end bottom folding operations are performed thereon.

An important feature of my invention lies in the fact that I initially place a card or stiif sheet in the conveyor pockets which are employed to transport the articles to the elevator prior to wrapping, the said cards or sheets being so placed by suitable mechanism, after which the articles of irregular shape or outline are deposited on the cards by an operator or otherwise as may be desired. The aforesaid card or sheet provides a folding edge for the side and end bottom folding operations above described and materially contributes to the production of a regularly shaped package for the irregularly shaped ar- Further specific improvements characterize my invention and have been referred to in the foregoing statements of invention. They will be more particularly described and pointed out in the specification to follow, as will the broader aspects of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral I indicates the frame or base of my machine which is made of a suitable casting and provided with a fiat table 2. The frame has journaled therein various shafts for actuating the folding and other instrumentalities, to be hereafter more particularly described, and in view of the fact that certain of the said shafts and driving means'are conventional in nature arid do not of themselves form a part of my invention, specific reference will be made only to those details germane to the invention.

Referring to Fig. 2, I provide a chain feed conveyor 3 which is trained around sprockets 4, 5 suitably journaled on shafts 6, I carried by the frame and around a further sprocket (not shown) rotatably carried on a spindle 8 (Fig. 1). The conveyor carries a series of pockets or compartments 9 of a size suflicient to receive a card or stiff sheet l0 and an irregularly shaped piece or bar of candy or other substance II. The bottoms of pockets 9 are recessed at I 2 for a purpose to be described. A chain tightening sprocket l3 mounted on an arm l4 pivotally carried by the frame I at i5 bears against the lower reach of conveyor 3 and permits the tension of the same to be adjusted at will.

The conveyor, in passing around the sprocket on the spindle 8, receives a suitable rectangular aaoen'm card or stiff sheet II from a card feeding mechanism generally designated II, which latter is actuated to deposit a card in each pocket through a link I! connected at one end to a suitable drive means synchronized with the rest of the machine.

Conveyor 3 is given an intermittent movement during the rest periods of which the card feeding, as well as certain of the folding operations to be hereinafter described, are performed. In order to advance the conveyor intermittently, I employ an arm or lever Ill pivoted on shaft I and connected through a one-way clutch or ratchet (not shown) to sprocket 5. Arm [H is pivotally connected to a rock lever I3 medially Journaled in frame I at l9, by a link 20. At its opposite end, lever I8 is pivotally connected to a connecting rod 2| reciprocated by suitable means (not shown) to oscillate lever I 8. On the counterclockwise portion of such movement, arm I! is rocked through a predetermined number of degrees and accordingly advances chain conveyor 3 a predetermined distances However, on the opposite stroke of rod 2|, the conveyor remains at rest.

In such manner, pockets or compartments 3 successively advance and come to rest beneath an opening 22 in table 2. In vertical alignment with opening 22 and the pocket which may be disposed therebeneath, I mount a vertical folding chute or way 23 consisting of side folding plates 24, 25 and end folding plates 28 secured to the said side folder plates in proper relation to shape the side and end folds of a wrapper around an article being elevated or translated past the plates by mechanism to be hereinafter described. The elevating mechanism or vertical ram (see Figs. 2, 5, and 7) includes a block 21 to which a link 28 is pivotally connected, the link in turn being pivotally connected to a crank arm 29 on the cross shaft 30 and adapted to be actuated thereby, thus causing block 21 and the parts carried by or connected thereto to be intermittently raised and lowered. The block has secured at its ends a pair of bars 3| terminating in outwardly directed fingers or lugs 32, which lugs are adapted to pass through the recesses I! provided for that purpose in the bottom of conveyor pockets 9 and in passing therethrough to engage card i0 and the article II thereon to elevate the same past a wrapper 33 which has been previously placed in operative position over opening 22 by wrapper feed means to be hereinafter more particularly described.

I will now describe my further provisions in addition to card in for forming a rectangular and regularly shaped package for the irregularly shaped article II. Such provisions consist of a pair of wrapping guide blades 34 secured to arms 3| below the lugs 32. These blades extend upwardly beyond the upper surface of lugs 32 a distance determined by the desired height of the package to be wrapped or by the size of the articles. The said blades initially engage the lower side of wrapper 33 on the upward stroke of the elevator and support the wrapper in its travel past end and side folders 24, 25, 26, imparting an initial crease thereto and spacing the wrapper slightly above the top of the article. Of course, card In is simultaneously engaged and elevated by lugs 32. Manifestly, the blades 34 are likewise of proper width to shape the wrapper and preferably correspond in width to the card ill to space the wrapper vertically at the sides of the article.

In Figs. 10 to 14, the successive steps of folding wrapper'33 are illustrated. In initial position, it lies fiat over opening 22 in the form illustrated in Fig. 10. Upon being engaged by wrapping guide blades 34 and elevated past the lowermost edges of side folders 24, 25, the wrapper is draped as illustrated in Fig. 11. The rising, partially draped article now passes end folders 26, which act to first fold the wrapper downwardly at the ends thereof, then to fold the longitudinally extending gussets 35 inwardly toward each other in overlapping relation as illustrated in Fig 12. At this stage in the wrapping procedure, the article II, card l0, and wrapper 33 have reached the uppermost limit of the elevators travel. Next to act are the end folding blades 36.

End folding blades 36 are of width corresponding approximately to the width of the completed package and slide through openings 31 formed in end folder plates 26 to receive the same. However, prior to folding of the end bottom flaps, a sustaining member or support 88 has been raised into operative position underneath card ID in the manner illustrated in Fig. 7 to support the article, card and wrapper while the elevator and blades 34 are withdrawn on the downward stroke. Support 38 is carried on a hook-shaped lever 89 secured to a pin 48 (see Fig. 2) pivotally mounted on a suitable standard 4| on table 2. Pin 40 also carries a lever 42 adapted to be oscillated periodically by a link or rod 43 extending vertically downward and which is reciprocated by suitably synchronized means to effect oscillation of lever 39. Accordingly, the draped article and card are supported by member 38 during the time after the elevator has receded and prior to the action of horizontally sliding end folding, blades 36. The various actuating instrumentalities for elevator arms 3|, support 38 and folders 36 are suitably synchronized to act in the relation described.

The end folding blades 36 heretofore referred to are carried by blocks 44 to which the links 45 are pivotally connected, which links are each pivoted to the opposite ends of a rocker 46 adapted to be oscillated by a lever 41 and a connecting rod or link 48, link 48 being actuated in synchronized relation to other parts by suitable instrumentalities not necessary to specifically describe. Being positioned at one side of the folding blades, it will be apparent that oscillation of rocker 46 causes blades 36 to simultaneously advance and retract, depending upon the direction,

of oscillation, and to fold the overlapped ends of the wrapper inwardly around the bottom of card it! in the manner illustrated in Figs. 7 and 13.

The next step in the folding procedure consists of the folding inwardly of the downwardly extending side flap 49, which step is effected by folding blade 50 (see Figs. 2 and 6). I prefer to advance blade 50 inwardly and at the same time impart a pivotal movementthereto in order to fold flap 49 more perfectly against the bottom of the card. To this end, blade 50 is pivoted on a lug carried for horizontal movement on a reciprocable slide 52. Slide 52 is guided in a stationary way 53 suitably mounted on a standard 54 carried on table 2. -At its free end, blade 50 is connected to a bent spring element 55 extending lengthwise of the slide and at the opposite end of the spring element the same is connected to a member on the slide by a coil sprig 56.' Element 55 passes beneath a roller 51 journaled in the side of slide way 53, the element being bent upwardly at 58, 59 to form cam portions engageable respectively with the forward end of the slide way 53 and with roller 61 on retraction and advance of the slide.

Slide 52 is periodically reciprocated toward the draped article to fold flap 49 beneath the same by means including a lever 68 pivoted to standard 54 at 6|, a connecting rod 62 pivoted to lever 68 and driven in timed relation to the other folding mechanisms above described, and further conventional linkage connecting lever 68 to the slide whereby oscillation of the lever reciprocates the slide. Inward or advance movement of slide 52 causes blade 59 to engage the flap 49 somewhat below the card I0, the blade passing through an opening 63 provided in side folding plate 25 to receive the same. When the flap 49 is partially folded inwardly, the bent or cam portion 59 at the .rear of element 55 engages roller 51 causing the spring 56 to be tensioned and lowering the rear end of the element. Likewise, the forward cam portion 58 leaves the forward end of the slide way 53 and is elevated to raise and pivot folding blade 58, thus swinging the flap into horizontal relationship with card III. In normal withdrawn position, the bent or cam portion 58 is engaged by the forward end of slide way 53 to pull the same and blade 50 to which it is attached downwardly into the position shown in Fig. 2-..

The advanced horizontally disposed final folding position of blade 50 is illustrated in Fig. 6.

Simultaneous with the advance of slide 52, a resilient plunger 64 slidably mounted in lug 5| and a further lug 65 on the slide way is pressed against the side of the draped wrapper to hold the same in place during the folding of flap 49. A coil spring 66 encircling plunger 64 causes the latter to resiliently engage the partially draped package for this purpose.

At this time, only the depending side flap 61 remains to be folded into horizontal position beneath flap 49 and into engagement with an adhesive spot or line 68 placed thereon by mechanism to be hereinafter described. The final folding operation is performed by the following mechanism. A chain discharge conveyor 69 is trained around sprockets mounted on a pair of shafts 1|, one of which shafts also has a pulley 12 thereon. The said pulley furnishes a drive to the shaft through a belt 13 which passes around and is driven by a further pulley 14. Pulley 14 is suitably driven intermittently by mechanism synchronized with the other operating parts of the machine and which need not be particularly described.

Conveyor 69 has a plurality of flights thereon, each of which carries a package engaging member 16 adapted to come to rest adjacent the folding way 23 while an article is draped and partially folded in the manner heretofore described. Each fiight likewise carries a coil spring 11 adapted to bear on the upper side of the partially wrapped package as illustrated in Fig. 2 and to assist in maintaining the partially draped wrapper in desired position during the folding of the end and side bottom flaps. Flap 49 having been folded horizontally as described, and while side bottom folder 50 and plunger 64 are still in engagement with the package, conveyor 69 moves forwardly, pushing the package past a, finger 18 pivoted at 19 adjacent-the upper edge of plate 24. Forward motion of the package as described causes finger 18 to be rocked and the depending flap 61 to be rotated into horizontal position. At the same time finger 18, on being swung as described, bridges the gap between the pivot point 19 and the adjacent portion of a discharge table 8|. Subsequently, the package, still resiliently pnessed downwardly by spring .11, passes onto belt conveyors 82 and over a sealing element 83 designed to effect a better adhesion of the flaps 48, 81, and outwardly of the machine. The folding plates 24, 25, 28 are allsuitably supported on table 2 and provisions preferably made whereby the relative position thereof may be altered at will according to the size of the article being handled.

The web feeding, gumming and cutting instrumentalities together with the means for actuating and controlling the same constitute important features of my invention, being designed to unfailingly feed a length of wrapping material, to apply the spot or line of adhesive 88, to cut off from the web a sheet of desired length, and to forward the same over folding opening Said provisions are particularly illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, and 9, to which attention is directed.

A supply roll of wrapping paper or other web material 84 is suitably supported on arms 85 (see Fig. 1), the said material preferably bearing a series of marks 86 adapted to control the actuation of photoelectric viewing means to be hereinafter described. However, the said marks neednot be provided, as my machine is charac-- terized by auxiliary control means for the photoelectric viewing means as will also be hereinafter described.

The web 84 is fed downwardly from the supply roll around a suitable tensioning roll (not shown) then upwardly and to the right as viewed in Fig. 3 around an idler (not shown), thence to the left around a feed roll 81 which is intermittently driven by mechanism to be hereinafter described. The feed roll is journaled in brackets 88 suitably carried by frame 2. The web passes between feed roll 81 and a further feeding roll generally indicated 88 made up of a plurality of lengths 88 of suitable friction material adapted to engage the web against roll 81 and feed the same forwardly, the gaps between the lengths serving to prevent smearing of the adhesive spot or stripe 88.

The said spot or stripe is applied to the web as it passes around the lower side of roll 81 by mechanism which is illustrated in Fig. 9. Said mechanism consists of a. disk 8| having a gum applying offset 82 adapted to contact the web. Disk 8| is carried by a collar 83 splined to a stub shaft 94 suitably supported for rotation adjacent and beneath roller 81. Disk 8I travels in an adhesive pot or container 85 suitably mounted on the frame of the machine, the collar 83 having an annular groove adapted to receive the wall 88 of the adhesive pot to restrain the collar and disk from excessive axial movement. Chain 81 is driven to rotate shaft 84 from a suitable rotating part of the machine.

Rollers 81, 88 are driven to advance the web a predetermined distance each time they are rotated and to feed a predetermined length of the web between the cutting rollers 88, 88 immediately to the rear of the feeding rollers whereby the said cutting rollers will sever a proper length from the web at each cutting operation. The cutting rollers are driven continuously though a chain I88 passing around the sprocket I8I secured to the upper of the cutting rollers 88 and around a further sprocket I82 carried by a shaft I83 which latter shaft is continuously driven in suitable manner not illustrated. The

I intermittent feed of the proper length of web between the bite of the rollers 88, 88 is accompushed by photoelectric viewing means as folows.

Reference numeral I84 in general indicates photoelectric viewing meansof suitable type secured to a cross bar I88 on the machine and focused to view the marks 88 as they are advanced across the viewing field. The photoelectric viewing means is suitably connected through an interrupter switch generally indicated I85 to a solenoid or relay I88. Energization of the coil of the latter causes a lever I81 pivoted at I88 to be attracted and interpose a stop I88 in the path of a clutch arm II8 governing the rotation of a shaft I and thus disconnecting the driving means for feed rolls 81, 88 and halting the feed of the web. The feed rolls are driven from shaft I35 by an adjustable belt transmission as will be hereinafter particularly described.

Obviously some means must be provided for again starting the feed of the web after a sumcient time interval. To perform such function, I employ a cam II I fixed to the shaft of cutter roll 88, said cam being adapted to elevate and lower a follower roller II2 on a pivoted arm II3 journaled at II4. Oscillation of arm H3 is effective to separate a contact II 5 connected by a strap II8 to the arm from a stationary contact II1 fixedly mounted on the framework of the machine. Obviously, this breaks the circuit between the photoelectric cell I84 and the relay I88 and under the influence of a suitable spring or other means (not shown) lever I81 is released and stop lug I88 removed from engagement with clutch arm II8 causing shaft I35 to be rotated again and the web feed to be initiated and to continue until a further mark 88 passes the photoelectric cell.

The electrical connections between cell I84, switch I85, and relay I88 are entirely conventional and it is not considered necessary to illustrate the same.

In the event that it is desired to utilize wrapping paper having nothing corresponding to the marks 88 printed thereon or a plain paper or Cellophane, I have provided auxiliary means governed by cam, III and associated with the photoelectric viewing means to cause a definite length of web material to be fed on each operation of the feed rolls. Said means consists of an arm II8 pivoted at H8 and pivotally connected to arm II3 through a link, I28. Arm 8 has pivoted at its outer end a tongue I2I pivotally connected to the yoke I22 of an adjustable link I23, the length of which may be controlled by the manipulation of a set screw I24. A further yoke I25 at the other end of link I23 has pivoted thereto an elongated arm I28 fulcrumed at I21 and adapted to be intermittently brought into and out of the viewing field of photoelectric cell I84. When arm I28 is brought from its dotted line position in Fig. 9 to the full line position, it causes the field to be darkened and an impulse to originate in the photoelectric cell. Therefore, it will be seen that arm I28 in effect replaces marks 88 on the web in their function of causing an impulse to originate in the photoelectric cell at definitely timed intervals and renders the use of such marks unnecessary. However, when a web having the marks imprinted thereon is employed, the auxiliary means may be disconnected in a number of ways, either by loosening set screw I24 and disconnecting link I23 or by removing arm I28 entirely as illustrated in Fig. 3.

By the foregoing mechanism, the web is caused to travel intermittently a predetermined distance between each severing operation performed by cutting rolls 98, 99. The feed rolls 81, 89 carry meshing gears I28, I29, respectively, and gear I28 meshing with a gear I28" on shaft I30, which is rotatably carried by a bracket I3I. Shaft I30 also has secured thereto a sprocket I32 around which a chain I33 is trained. Chain I33 further passes around a sprocket on shaft I34 and is driven thereby. Shaft I34 and the sprocket thereon are driven from a clutch controlled shaft I35 above referred to through a belt transmission generally indicated I38, the said belt transmission causing shaft I34 to be rotated each time the clutch arm is released by stop lug I09 as described above. Lug or stop I09 and arm IIO actuate a suitable overrunning or other type of clutch (not shown) to cause shaft I 35 to be disconnected from its source of power.

The belt transmission I38 is a novel arrangement which I have devised to enable feed rollers 81, 89 to be selectively driven at different speeds under the control of an operator. Said transmission is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 and consists of a pair of pulleys I31, I38 of different diameters on shaft I35, said pulleys being in alignment with further pulleysl39 on shaft I34. Belts I40, I4I pass around pulleys I31, I38 respectively and their aligned pulleys I39, the said belts being loosely associated with their corresponding pulleys whereby when not subjected to any tightening action, there is insuificient traction between the belts and pulleys to cause any driving action.

The invention comprehends means to selectively engage belt I40 or belt I4I with their corresponding pulleys, whereby one or the other of pulleys'I39 may be actuated and as a result the rollers 81, 89 may be driven at different speeds. The said means consist of a pair of belt engaging rollers I42, I43. As illustrated, roller I42 is adapted to be engaged with belt I40 to take up slack therein and when roller I42 is disengaged from its belt roller I 43 is adapted to be brought into tightening relation with belt I4I.. Rollers I42, I43 are journaled on a bar I44 mounted in fixed relation to an arm I45 which is pivoted at I35. Arm I45 is actuable byarod I48 pivotally connected thereto. Accordingly, depending upon the actuation of a rod I48, motion is transmitted to shaft I34 through pulley I38 or pulley I31 and as a result rollers 81, 89 are rotated to advance the web more or less rapidly.

The movement of rod I48 is derived from a cam I41 having a track I48 receiving a follower I49 on the'rod. The free end of the said rod is forked at I50 to receive the cam drive shaft I5I, which may be any suitable synchronized rotating shaft.

Inspection of Figs. 3 and 4 shows my belt transmission as being mounted on the exterior of the machine in an easily available position in case it is desired to make changes or adjustments therein. Shafts I34, I35 are journaled in a strap or side frame I52 secured to the exterior of the machine frame.

Upon being severed by cutter rolls 98, 99, the sheet of wrapper material is received between belts I53 and rollers I54 bearing thereon (see Figs. 1 and 2) and the severed sheets are transported by the said belts to position over opening 22, the belts being synchronized by suitable means with the other operating instrumentalities of my machine.

I have illustrated and described my improvements in an embodiment which is very practical.

I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodiments or adaptations as it is believed this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my improvements cards to initial wrapping position, means forplacing a series of cards on said feeding means,

said articles to be wrapped being thereafter placed on said cards and fed therewith to the initial wrapping position, means for feeding a wrapper to position above the article to be wrapped at said initial wrapping position, mechanism for thereafter folding the wrapper about the top and sides of the article to be wrapped, comprising a vertical folding way having side and end wrapper folder plates, and a reciprocating elevator adapted to engage said card and elevate the article and card through said way, said elevator having folding guide members thereon extending above the article on the elevator to engage the wrapper and elevate the wrapper with the article through the folding way and past said plates, said guide members spacing the wrapper from the article during folding whereby to form a regular package for said article having square edges, means to fold the ends and sides of said wrapper around the bottom of said card, and means to transport the wrapped article and card from folding position.

2. In a wrapping machine for irregular articles, means for intermittently feeding articles and cards to initial wrapping position, means for feeding a wraper to position above the article to be wrapped at said initial wrapping position, and mechanism for thereafter folding the wrapper about the top and sides of the article to be wrapped, comprising a vertical folding way having side and end wrapper folder elements and an elevator adapted to engage said card and elevate the article and card through said way, said elevator having folding guide members thereon extending above the article on the elevator to engage the wrapper and'elevate the wrapper with the article through the folding way and past the said elements, said guide members spacing the wrapper from the article during folding whereby to form a regular package for said article having square edges.

3. In a wraping machine for irregular articles, mechanism for folding a wrapper about the top and sides of an article and a card associated therewith comprising a vertical folding way having side and end folding plates and a reciprocating elevator adapted to engage and elevate the article and card through said way, said elevator having folding guide members fixedly secured thereto and extending above the article on the elevator to engage the wrapper and elevate the wrapper with the article through said way and space the wrapper from the article during folding whereby to form a square edged package for said article.

4. In a wrapping machine for irregular articles, mechanism for folding a wrapper about an article and a card associated therewith comprising a folding way and a traveling ram adapted to engage and actuate the article and card through said way, means for disposing a wrapper in line with said way and in the path of travel of said article and card, said ram having folding guide members fixedly secured thereto and extending in advance of the article to engage the wrapper and move the wrapper with, the article through said way and space the wrapper from the article during folding whereby to form a square edged package for said article.

5. A wrapping machine for wrapping preformed articles of irregular shape to produce packages of regular shape comprising a folding way and a reciprocating folding member adapted to transport an article, a card and a wrapper for said article and card past said folding way whereby to drape said wrapper around the top, sides and ends of said article during said transportation, said member having means attached thereto extending beside and in advance of the article in the direction of travel of the same during folding and adapted to initially engage the wrapper to space the wrapper from the article and form square side and end folds in the wrapper at the foremost side of the article during its advance, and means for folding the wrapper around the rearmost side of the card, said card cooperating with said last named folding means to space the wrapper from the article and to provide square side and end folds in the wrapper at the rearmost side of the package.

6. In a wrapping machine, in combination, means to feed articles of irregular shape to be wrapped to folding position comprising an intermittently moving continuous conveyor having spaced article receiving pockets therein, means for depositing a card in each of said pockets prior to placing an article to be wrapped therein, folding means comprising a vertically disposed folding way having side and end folding plates and an elevator movable past said way, said article feed means intermittently halting in line with said way and elevator, means for intermittently feeding a web of wrapping material and cutting said web into sheets of desired length, means for forwarding said sheets to position above said article and in line with said way and elevator, means to reciprocate said elevator to engage the card in said pocket above the elevator and to elevate the card and article thereon and the wrapper thereabove past said folding way whereby to drape the sides and ends of said wrapper about said article, said elevator having spaced fingers extending in advance of said article and engaging said wrapper to space the same from the article and in conjunction with said side and end folding plates to form square side and end edges at the top of the draped wrapper, a swinging arm adapted to engage the under side of the card at the end of its travel through said way to support the same during the retraction of the elevator, means for actuating said arm, and means for folding the ends and sides of said wrapper around the bottom of said card, said card spacing the wrapper from the article to provide square side and end edges at the bottom of the article.

7. In a wrapping machine, in combination, means to feed articles of irregular shape to be wrapped to folding position comprising a conveyor having spaced article receiving pockets therein, means for depositing a card in each of said pockets prior to placing an article to be wrapped therein, folding means comprising a vertically disposed folding way having side and end folding plates and an elevator movable past said way, said article feed means intermittently halting in line with said way and elevator, means for forwarding wrapping sheets to position above said article and in line with said way and elevator, means to reciprocate said elevator to engage the card in said pocket above the elevator and to/elevate the card and article thereon and the wrapper thereabove past said folding way whereby to drape the sides and ends of said wrapper about said article, said elevator having spaced fingers extending in advance of said article and engaging said wrapper to space the same from the article and in conjunction with said side and end folding plates to form square side and end edges at the top of the draped wrapper, a swinging arm adapted to engage the under side of the card at the end of its travel through said way to support the same during the retraction of the elevator, means for actuating said arm, and means for folding the ends and sides of said wrapper around the bottom of said card, said card spacing the wrapper from the article to provide square side and end edges at the bottom of the article.

8. In a wrapping machine, in combination, means to feed articles to be wrapped to folding position, folding means comprising a vertically disposed folding way having side and end folding plates and an elevator movable past said way, said articles being intermittently halted in line with said way and elevator, means for feeding sheets of desired length to position above said article and in line with said way and elevator, means to reciprocate said elevator to elevate the article and the wrapper thereabove 'past said folding way whereby to drape the sides and ends of said wrapper about said article, a movable support adapted to engage the article at the end of its travel through said way to support the same during the retraction of the elevator, means for actuating said support to supporting position relative to the article, and means for folding the ends and sides of said wrapper around the bottom of said article during and after retraction of the elevator.

9. In a wrapping machine, means for elevating an irregular article to be wrapped, a card lying beneath the same, and a wrapper past instrumentalities for draping the sides and ends of the wrapper around the article, said elevating means having means for engaging the wrapper in advance of the article to space the wrapper from the article and form square upper side and end edges for the draped wrapper, means for folding the ends of the wrapper around and beneath the card comprising horizontally movable plates and means for periodically shifting said plates inwardly into engagement with the ends of the draped wrapper, means for folding one side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card comprising a slide, a folding plate pivoted thereto, means for periodically shifting the slide and last named plate inwardly toward the wrapper, and means for pivoting the plate upwardly during said inward shifting to swing he side of the wrapper toward the bottom of the card, and means for folding the other side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card comprising means for moving the partially wrapped article transversely of said other side and a pivoted element engageable with said other side to swing the same around said card and into engagement with the bottom thereof.

10. In a wrapping machine, means for elevating an irregular article to be wrapped, a card lying beneath the same, and a wrapper past instrumentalities for draping the sides and ends of the wrapper around the article, means for folding the ends of the wrapper around and beneath the card comprising horizontally movable plates and means for periodically shifting said plates inwardly into engagement with the ends of the draped wrapper, means for folding one side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card comprising a slide, a folding plate pivoted thereto, means for periodically shifting the slide and last named plate inwardly toward the wrapper, and means for pivoting the plate upwardly during said inward shifting to swing the side of the wrapper toward the bottom of the card, and means for folding the other side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card -comprising means for moving the partially wrapped article transversely of said other side and a pivoted element engageable with saidother side to swing the same around said card and into engagement with the bottom thereof.

11. In a wrapping machine, means for elevating an irregular article to be wrapped, a card lying beneath the same, and a wrapper past instrumentalities for draping the sides and ends of the wrapper around the article, means for folding one side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card comprising a slide, a folding plate pivoted thereto, means for periodically shifting the slide and last named plate inwardly toward the wrapper, and means for pivoting the plate upwardly during said inward shifting to swing the side of the wrapper toward the bottom of the card, and means for folding the other side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card.

12. In a wrapping machine, means for elevating an irregular article to be wrapped, a card lying beneath the same and a wrapper past instrumentalities for draping the sides and ends of the wrapper around the article, means for folding the ends of the wrapper around and beneath the card comprising horizontally movable plates and means for periodically shifting said plates inwardly into engagement with the ends of the draped wrapper, means for folding one side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card comprising a slide, a folding plate pivoted thereto, means for periodically shifting the slide and last named plate inwardly toward the wrapper, and means for pivoting the plate upwardly during said inward shifting to swing the side of the wrapper toward the bottom of the card, and means for folding the other side of the draped wrapper around and beneath. the card comprising means for moving the partially wrapped article transversely of said other side and a pivoted element engageable with said other side to swing the same around said card and into engagement with the bottom thereof.

13. In a wrapping machine, means for elevating an irregular article to be wrapped, a card lying beneath the same and a wrapper past instrumentalities for draping the sides and ends of the wrapper around the article, means for folding one side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card comprising a slide, a folding plate pivoted thereto, means for periodically shifting the slide and last named plate inwardly toward the wrapper, and means for pivoting the plate upwardly during said inward shifting to swing the side of the wrapper toward the bottom of the card, and means for folding the other side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card comprising means for moving the partially wrapped article transversely of said other side and a pivoted element engageable withsaid other side'to swing the same around said card and into engagement with the bottom thereof.

14. In a wrapping machine, means for elevating an irregular article to be wrapped, a card lying beneath the same and a wrapper past instrumentalities for draping the sides and ends of the wrapper around the article, means for folding one side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card, and means for folding the other side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the card comprising means for moving the partially wrapped article transversely of said other side and a pivoted element engageable with said other side to swing the same around said card and into engagement with the bottom thereof.

15. In a wrapping machine, means for elevating an article to be wrapped, and a wrapper past instrumentalities for draping the sides and ends of the wrapper around the article, means for folding one side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the article comprising a slide, a plate pivoted thereto, means for periodically shifting the slide and last named plate inwardly toward the wrapper, and means for pivoting the plate upwardly during said inward shifting to swing the side of the wrapper around the bottom of the article, and means for folding the other side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the article comprising means for moving the partially wrapped article transversely of said other side and a pivoted element engageable with said other side of the wrapper to swing the same around said article and into engagement with the bottom thereof.

16. In a wrapping machine, a vertical folding way, a reciprocating elevator to transport an article to be wrapped and a wrapper therefor past said way whereby the sides and ends of the wrapper are draped around the article, means on said elevator to engage the wrapper and space the same from the article whereby to form square side and end edges at the top thereof, means adjacent the top of the way for folding the wrapper around the bottom sides and ends of the article, and means for supporting the partially draped article during the down stroke of the elevator and until further support therefor is afforded by said folding means, comprising an arm pivotally mounted adjacent the way, and means for periodically swinging the arm into operative supporting relation to the article, said way having provision for receiving the arm during said swinging movement.

17. In a wrapping machine, a vertical folding way, a reciprocating elevator to transport an article to be wrapped and a wrapper therefor past said way whereby the sides and ends of the wrapper are draped around the article, means adjacent the top of the way for folding the wrapper around the bottom sides and ends of the article, and means separate from said folding means supportingly engageable with the article prior to the down stroke of the elevator for supporting the partially draped article during the down stroke of the elevator and until further support therefor is afforded by said folding means, comprising an arm pivotally mounted adjacent the way, and means for periodically swinging the arm into operative supporting relation to the article, said way having provision for receiving the arm during said swinging movement.

18. In a wrapping machine, a vertical folding way, a reciprocating elevator to transport anarticle to be wrapped and a wrapper therefor past said way whereby the sides and ends of the wrapper are draped around the article, means adjacent the top of the way for folding the wrapper around the bottom sides and ends oi the article, means separate from said folding means supportingly engageable with the article prior to the down stroke of the elevator for supporting the partially draped article during the down stroke of the elevator and until further support therefor is aflorded by said folding means, and means for periodically bringing said supporting means into operative supporting relation to the article.

19. In a wrapping machine, a vertical folding way, a reciprocating elevator to transport an article to be wrapped and a wrapper therefor past said way whereby the sides and ends of the wrapper are draped around the article, means on said elevator to engage the wrapper and space the same from the article whereby to form square side and end edges at the top thereof, means adjacent the top of the way for folding the wrapper around the bottom sides and ends of the article, means for supporting the partially draped article during the down stroke of the elevator and until further support therefor is afforded by said folding means, and means for periodically bringing said supporting means into operative supporting relation to the article.

20. In a wrapping machine, a vertical folding way, a reciprocating elevator to transport an article to be wrapped and a wrapper therefor past said way whereby the sides and ends of the wrapper are draped around the article, means for folding the wrapper around the bottom sides and ends of the article, and means separate from said folding means supportingly engageable with the article prior to the down stroke of the elevator for supporting the partially draped article during the down stroke of the elevator.

21. In a wrapping machine, a vertical folding way, a reciprocating elevator to transport an article to be wrapped and a wrapper therefor past said way whereby the sides and ends of the wrapper are draped around the article, means on said elevator to engage the wrapper and space the same from the article whereby to form square side and end edges at the top thereof, means adjacent the top of the way for folding the wrapper around the bottom sides and ends of the article, and means for supporting the partially draped article during the down stroke of the elevator, comprising an arm pivotally mounted adjacent the way.

22. In a wrapping machine, a vertical folding way, a reciprocating elevator to transport an article to benvrapped and a wrapper therefor past saidiway whereby the sides and ends of the wrapper are draped around the article, means on said elevator to engage the wrapper and space the same from the article whereby to form square side and end edges at the top thereof, means adjacent the top of the way for folding the wrapper around the bottom sides and ends of the article, and means for supporting the partially draped article during the down stroke of the elevator.

23. In a wrapping machine, means for elevating an irregular article to be wrapped and a wrapper past instrumentalities for draping the sides and ends of the wrapper around the article, said elevating means having means engaging the wrapper at spaced points in advance of the article to space the wrapper from the article and form square upper side and end edges for the draped wrapper as the same is elevated, periodically acting means for folding the ends of the wrapper around and beneath the article, means for folding one side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the article, comprising a periodically acting folding member, a folding element pivoted thereto, means for periodically actuating said member and element inwardly toward the wrapper, means for pivoting the element upwardly during said inward actuation to shift one side of the wrapper toward the bottom of the article, means for folding the other side of the draped wrapper around and beneath the article, comprising means for moving the partially wrapped article transversely, and means engageable with said other side upon said transverse movement to swing the same around said article and into engagement with the bottom thereof.

OSCAR SANDBERG.

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