US2253036A

US2253036A - Means for sealing packages

Info

Publication number: US2253036A
Application number: US276956A
Authority: US
Inventors: Louic C Kimple; Gaines Floyd
Original assignee: DIXIE WAX PAPER Co Inc
Current assignee: DIXIE WAX PAPER Co Inc; DIXIE WAX PAPER COMPANY Inc
Priority date: 1939-06-02
Filing date: 1939-06-02
Publication date: 1941-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 1958-08-19

Description

AUS 19, 1941- L.. c. KIMPLE ETAL 2,253,035

MEANS FOR SEALING PACKAGES Aug. 19, 1941. 1 c. KIMPLE E-r Al. 2,253,036

MEANS FOR SEALING PACKAGES Filed June 2, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheel 2 l' am Aug. 19, 1941. l.. c, KIMPLE TAL 2,253,036

MEANS FOR SEALING PACKAGES Filed Jun 2, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug. 19, 1941. L c. KIMPLE E-r AL MEANS FOR SEALING PACKAGES Filed June 2, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 4Patented Aug. 19, 1941 MEANS ron sEALmG PACKAGES Louie C. Kimple and Floyd Gaines, Dallas. Tex., assignors to Dixie Wax Paper Company, Inc., Dallas, Tex., a corporation o! Texas Application June 2, 1939, Serial No. 276,956

Claims. (Cl. 93-6) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in methods of and means for sealing packages.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved method which is particularly adapted for use in sealing packages constructed of wax paper, such as the bags in which food products are packaged.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved method for sealing packages, wherein the open end of each package is folded so .as to close the package, after which said folded end is sealed to permanently close said package, the folding and sealing being done in a continuous operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method for sealing packages after said packages have been filled with a food, or other product, without damaging or injuring the contents of said packages.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method of closing and sealing packages made of waxed material, wherein the packages are carried by a moving conveyor and the open ends of said packages are successively folded, heated, crimped and sealed, whereby each package is automatically closed and sealed in l a minimum length of time and without any manual labor.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for sealing packages which includes a movable conveyor for receiving the packages to be sealed, said conveyor being arranged to move each package into a folding assembly which folds the package material at the open end of said package upon itself to close said open end, after which said conveyor carries the package successively through heating, crimping and pressure assemblies to seal said package in such closed position.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved folding assembly for package sealing apparatus which is constructed so as to first fold the material at a right angle and then downwardly upon itself` to close the open end of the package, whereby the necessity of manually folding said material is obviatecl.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus, of the character described, wherein the various retaining and guide rollers and pulleys which guide the packages in their movement, are yieldably mounted, whereby a proper pressure, suflicient to maintain the packages in proper position at all times, is had.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus, of the character described, which is simple in its construction and economical in manufacture, said apparatus including a minimum number of parts which require little or no adjustment, whereby the eiiiciency of the apparatus is increased.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood Vfrom a reading ofthe following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an apparatus, constructed in accordance with the invention, for` carrying out the improved method,

Figure 2 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a rear elevation of the upper portion of the apparatus,

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the supporting frame and table,

Figure 5 is an enlarged longitudinal, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 5 5 of Figure 1,

Figure 6 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 6--6 of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line l-l of Figure 5,

Figure '8 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 5,

Figure 9 is av transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 9 9 of Figure 5,

Figure 10 is an enlarged isometric view of the folding assembly block,

Figure 11 is an isometric view of one of the bearing supports for the roller shaft,

Figure 12 is an isometric view of one of the crimping rollers,

Figure 13 is a vertical, sectional view taken on the line |3-l3 of Figure l,- and Figure 14 is a schematic view, illustrating the various steps of the improved method, whereby the package is folded and sealed.

In the drawings, the numeral I0 designates a flat table or support which is provided with vertical standards or legs Il (Figure 4). A supporting framework i3 is secured to the llegs of the table and an elongate platform or deck I 4 is secured to the framework I3 by inclined braces l5. As is clearly .shown in Figure 8,' the deck I4 is disposed in a plane above the top of the table l0. The length of the deck I4 is greater than the length of the table I0, whereby the ends of said 'chips, corn chips and the like.

deck extend beyond the transverse edges of the table. y

A bearing support I6 is mounted on the longitudinal bar I3a of the framework I3, being disposed at one end of said bar. A transversely extending shaft I1 has one end Journaled in the bearing I6 while its opposite end is mounted in a similar bearing I6', kwhich latter bearing is mounted on short supporting bars I3v which form a part of the framework I3. The shaft I1 extends beneath one end of the longitudinal deck I4 and is provided with a pair of vsprockets I8 which are secured one on each side of said deck, as is clearly shown in Figure 1. A bearing bracket I6a, similar to the bearing I6, is mounted on the opposite end of the longitudinal frame bar I3a. One end of a transverse shaft I1a is journaled in the bearing I6a, while the opposite end of said shaft is secured in a bearing bracket I6b, which bracket is secured to the top of the table I0. As is clearly shown in- Figure 1, the shaft I1a extends beneath the end of the deck I4 and is provided with a pair of sprockets I9, which are disposed one at each longitudinal edge of said deck. The sprockets I9 on the shaft I1a are alined with the sprockets I8 on the shaft I1, whereby a pair ofv endless chains 20 may pass'around said sprockets. Manifestly, when one of the shafts is rotated, the chains travel over the sprockets. For rotating the shaft I1, said shaft is provided with a drive gear 2| which is secured on said shaft beyond the bearing support I6'. An endless drive chain 22 is utilized to rotate the gear 2|, as will be hereinafter explained.

The elongated deck I4 is adapted to receive the packages which are to be closed and sealed and in order to move said packages longitudinally of said deck a plurality' of angle bars 23 are provided. Each bar has one end secured by means of an angle member 24 to one of the chains 20, as is clearly shown in Figure 8. The other end of the angle bar 23 is secured to the other chain by a similar member. By observing Figure 1, it'will be seen that the bars 23 are spaced throughout the length of the chains 20 and, when the shaft I1 is rotated, the angle bars 23 are vmoved longitudinally of the deck I4. Since the chains are located, one on each side of the deck I4, the bars 23 span and overlie the deck. Also, the deck serves as a support for said bars which move therealong as the sprockets I8 and I9 are rotated. The spacing between the bars 23 is,of course, subject to variation, but it is preferable that this spacing be such that one package can be placed or received between adjacent bars. Y

It is possible to seal various types of. containers or packages but the packages shown in the drawing have been illustrated as bags or sacks A, which receive food products, such as potato The containers may be filled in any suitable manner and 'the filled containers placed on the left side in Figure 1 of the deck I4. As the conveyor, which is formed by the chains 20 and the bars 23, moves longitudinally of the deck, one of the bars will strike the package A, which is indicated in dotted lines in this ligure. Obviously, as the conveyor moves longitudinally of the deck, the package A will be carried along said deck by said conveyor.A For properly positioning each package on the deck, a guide member or plate 25 is provided. This guide plate extends vertically and is secured to an upright 25, which upright is mounted on one of the bars I3' of the framework I3. The vertical face of the plate 25 extends parallel to the longitudinal edge of the deck I4 and when the package A is placed on said deck between two of the bars 23 of the conveyor, the open end of said container is placed against this vertical face. The guide plate 25 is positioned so that the open end of the package is properly positioned to pass through the succeeding element of the apparatus, as will be hereinafter explained. It is pointed out that the guide plate 25 is spaced from the longitudinal edge of the deck (Figure 1), whereby the open end of the package A extends beyond the longitudinal edge of said deck.

-For clamping the extended end of each package, as said package moves longitudinally of the right 26. The belt also passes around a pulley.

3|, which is mounted on a shaft 321 The shaft 32 is journaled in a suitable bearing 33, which bearing is mounted on the table I0 (Figure 1). The belt 21 also engages a plurality of intermediate pulleys, which will be hereinafter explained. The lower belt 28 passes over a pulley 35, which is mounted on the shaft I1 of the conveyor. 'I'his belt also passes over a second pulley 36, which is spaced from the pulley 35 and which is mounted immediately below the pulley 3l of the upper belt 21. The pulleyl 36 is mounted on a shaft 31, which shaft is connected through suitable gears with the shaft 32 on which the pulley 3I is mounted. The belt 26 also passes over a plurality of intermediate pulleys, as will be explained, and is arranged to extend contiguous to the upper belt 21 throughout a goodly portion of its length. With the above arrangement, when the drive shaft I1 of the conveyor is rotated, the pulley 35 is also rotated, whereby the lower belt 28 is caused to move over its pulley. Since the pulleys 36 and 3l are geared together, the upper belt 21 will also be caused to travel over its pulley. As is clearly shown in Figure 2, the lower belt f28 is longer than the upper belt 21, whereby when a package A is placed on the deck, with its open end engaging the guide plate 25, said open end of the package overlies the belt 28. As the conveyor moves longitudinally of the deck, the package is carried to the right in Figures 1 and'2, and the open or extended end of said package is moved between the belts 21 and 28 so as to be firmly clamped therebetween. ,It is noted that the belts 21 and 28 are cylindrical in cross-section, as is clearly shown in Figures 6 to 8.

For guiding the belts 21 and 28 into engagement with each other, so that the extended end in the upper end of the support 4I. A plate 46- l closes the upper end of the slot 45 and a coiled spring 41 is confined between the upper end of the supporting block 44 and said plate, whereby said spring constantly urges the shaft 43 and roller 39 downwardly into engagement with the lower roller 38. The

shafts

40 and 43 are extended beyond the upright support 4| and are provided with meshing gears 48, whereby said shafts and the rollers are simultaneously rotated at the same speed. Each roller is formed with a groove 49 at the outer edge portion of its periphery and said groove forms a pulley wheel through which the belts 21 and 28 are guided.

Adjacent the

rollers

38 and 39 and mounted in a similar manner on an upright support 4Ia are a pair of

rollers

50 and 5|, the lower roller being mounted on a shaft 58a and being spaced a fixed distance from the support. The upper roller 5| has its shaft 5|a mounted within a block. similar to the block 44, whereby the upper roller is constantly urged downwardly into engagement with the lower roller. The

rollers

58 and 5| have their shafts connected by meshing gears 52 so as to rotate the rollers simultaneously and at the same speed. The

rollers

58 and 5| are also provided with grooves 53 at the outer portion of their periphery, whereby guide pulleys for the belts 21 and 28 are provided.

As explained, the

rollers

38 and 39 are exactly alike in construction, but this is not true of the

rollers

50 and 5| for, as is clearly shown in Figure r1,the lower roller. 50 is formed with an annular flange 54. This flange is formed at the inner side of the roller 50 and is preferably made integral therewith. As illustrated, the flange extends outwardly from the 4periphery of the roller 58 and abuts the inner face of the upper roller 5|. The purpose of this flange is to fold the material of which fthe package is constructed upwardly at substantially a right angle, as will be hereinafter explained.

Immediately behind the

rollers

38, 39, 50 and 5| is a curved guide shoe 55. This guide shoe has a horizontal portion which is adjacent the end of the guide plate 25 (Figure 1) and said shoe is bent upon itself so that the remainder thereof is curved to a vertical position, the vertical portion being immediately behind the peripheral edge of the

rollers

58 and 5|. The shoe is welded or otherwise secured to the support 4| (Figure 6). The purpose of this shoe is to support the open end of the package passing between the

rollers

38 and 39 and also to guide the end of said package into `the folding assembly block B, which is immediately adjacent the

rollers

58 and 5| and which will now be described in detail.

The block B (Figures 9 and 10) is substantially T-shaped in cross-section and is supported upon a channel member 56 which is secured to the top of the table Ill. .The upper end of the block is formed with a longitudinally extending groove 51 which extends throughout` the length of the block. The end of the block, which is -adjacent the

rollers

50 and 5|, is cut away as shown at 58.' The groove 51 is flared upwardly to meet the cutaway portion whereby the upper portion of the groove is inclined as shown at 59. An elongate bar or finger 80 is disposed within the enlarged end of the groove 51 and is supported by an upright arm 6| which has its upper end secured to a boss 62 which is formed integral with the top of the block.' The finger, as is clearly shown in Figures 5 and 10, is spaced from the bottom of the groove a suflicient distance to permit the extended portion of the bag, which is travelling along the conveyor between the belts 21 and 28, to pass therebeneath. In addition to the boss 62', the top of the block B is formed with a pair of

other bosses

62 and 62a, these bosses being spaced from each other and from the first mentioned boss 62. l

A trio of guide pulleys 63 are mounted on shafts 64, which shafts extend through the

bosses

62, 62' and 62a. 'Ihe shafts are journaled within the bosses, whereby the pulleys 63 are freely rotatable. 'I'he pulleys 63 are in the same plane as the pulleys or

grooves

49 and 53 on the rollers 39 and 5I, whereby the upper belt 21 may ride in the grooves thereof.

A lower trio of pulleys 65 are mounted immediately below the pulleys 63 and each pulley 65 is secured on a shaft 66. Each shaft is journaled within a flanged bearing support 61 (Figure 11). Each bearing support is slidable vertically within a vertical slot 68 formed in the block B and a coiled spring 69 engages the underside of said support. The lower end of each spring is-mounted within a recess 10 formed in the top of the channel member 56 and the coiled springs 69 exert their pressure to constantly urge the bearing supports 61 upwardly, whereby the pulleys 65 are urged upwardly toward the` upper pulleys 63. The pulleys 65 are in the same vertical plane as the

pulleys

49 and 53 on the

rollers

38 and 58, whereby the lower belt 28 may pass thereover. With Ithe above arrangement, the pulleys 65 are yieldable, whereby a clamping engagement of the extended end of the package A by the belts 21 and 28 is assured.

The rear portion of the block B is formed with recesses 1|, which recesses receive a pair of electrical heating elements 12. When the heating elements are operated, they serve to heat the Vupper portion of the block, whereby the end of the package, which is travelling through the groove 51, will be heated, as will be more fully explained.

From the above, it will be seen that a package placed on the deck I4 will be carried successively through the

rollers

38 and 39, then throughthe

rollers

50 and 5| andl then through the groove 51 of the folding assembly block B. After passing from the block B, the package will be carried between a pair `of crimping rollers 14. The periphery of each crimping roller is formed with a plurality of transverse and peripheral grooves or ridges 15, whereby that portion of the bag or package A passing between said rollers will be crimped. The mounting of the crimping rollers is clearly shown in Figure 5, the lower roller being fixed on a shaft 15 which yis mounted within an upright support 16 extending upwardly from the table I8. The upper rollerv is mounted on a shaft 11, which shaft has its end journaled in a block 18. The block is `formed with a slot 19 and is slidable on an upright bar 80,V as is clearly shown in Figure 3. The bar 88 has its upper end bent at substantially a right angle and an adjusting screw 8| is threaded through the horizontally extending portion of the bar. The lower end of the adjusting screw is secured to the block 18 and it is manifest that when said screw is rotated, the block 18 will be lowered or raised on the supporting bar 88. Since the upper roller 14 is carried by the block18, an adjustment `of said block vertically will adjust the upper roller relative to the lower roller 14. In this manner, the pressure of the rollers against each other may be readily adjusted. The

shafts

15 and 11 are connected by meshing gears 15a and the outer portion of the peripheries of the rollers are grooved to receive the belts 21 and 23.

After passing betweenthe crimping rollers 14, the package A is conveyed to a pair of

pressure belts

82 and 83. The upper belt 82 encircles a roller 84, which roller is made integral with the u pulley 3i over which the belt 21 passes. 'This upper belt also passes over a roller 85, which is mounted on a shaft 88 supported in ap upright 81. 4The lower belt 83 passes over a roller 88, which is made integral with the pulley 38 over which the belt 28 passes. The fiat pressure belt 83 also encircles a roller 89, which is mounted on a shaft 90, also supported in the upright 81. The

pressure belts

82 and 83 are flat. and are held in close contact with each other by means of a flat spring member 90', which is shown in Figure 13. The spring member 90 overlies the upper belt 82 and has one end secured to a lateral deck or supporting bar 9|, which bar is carried by posts 92 extending upwardlyfrom the table I0. This arrangement assures that the

belts

82 and 83 will travelin close proximity to each other, whereby when the end of the package A is passed therebetween, the belts will exert a pressure against said package.

Any suitable gearing or mechanism may be utilized to drive the conveyor and the various rollers and pulleys but, as illustrated, an electrical motor 95 is provided. This motor is mounted on the table I and has connection through a worm and gear 96 with the shaft 31 on which the roller 88 and pulley 38 are mounted. Therefore, when the motor is operating, the shaft 31 is rotated to drive the

belts

28 and 83. Since the shaft of the roller 88 is geared to the shaft 32 of the roller 84 and pulley 3l. it will be obvious that a rotation of the shaft 31 will impart a similar rotation to the shaft 32 to drive the belts 21 and 82.

For driving the shaft of the lower crimping roller 14, a chain drive 91 connects the shaft 31 with the shaft 15. Therefore, when the motor is operating, the rotation of the shaft 31 imparts a rotation to the crimping rollers 14. A chain drive 98 connects the shaft 15 with the shaft 50a of the roller 50. Since the roller 58 is geared to the roller 5| through the intermeshing gears l52, these rollers will operate or revolve at the same speed. A chain drive 99 connects the shaft 50a with the shaft 48 of the roller 38, whereby a simultaneous rotation of the

rollers

38 and 39 may be obtained. The chain 22 which passes over the sprocket 2| on the conveyor d rive shaft I1, as has been explained, passes over a similar sprocket 2Ia which is provided on the shaft 48 and, thus, it will be seen that the various chain drives will operate the conveyor, rollers, pulleys and belts at the same rate of speed. Of course, if desired, another method of driving the various parts may be employed.

In the operation of the device and apparatus, reference is made to Figure 14 which schematically shows the various steps of the method as performed by the apparatus hereinbefore described. The package A, which has been shown as a bag or sack, which is constructed of a waxed paper, is first filled with the product and is then .placed on the deck I4 between two of the transverse conveyor bars 23. When in position on the deck, the open end of the sack abuts the vertical surface of the guide bar or plate 25, as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 1. In such position, the inner portion of the bag or package A overlies the lower circular belt 28. Since the conveyor chains 28 are constantly operating, it will be manifest that the bar 23 will strike the side of the package A and move the same toward the right in Figures 1 and 2. As the conveyor moves the package A inwardly, said package is moved between the belts 21 and 28 which meet at the rollers 38 and 39 (Figure 2). Ihe belts 21 and 28 merely serve to clamp and hold the package in its proper position throughout the operations which are performed upon the bag in closing and sealing the open end.

Referring again to Figure 14,l it will be seen that the bag is first moved opposite the

rollers

38 and 39, whereby the end portion of said bag moves therebetween. These rollers serve to fiatten the end portion of the bag and clamp the same while the edge of said bag overlies or rides on the horizontal portion of the guide shoe 55 which is located immediately behind the

rollers

38 and 39. As movement of the bag continues, the outer or 'open end of the bag strikes the curved portion of the shoe 55 and, due to the curvature of said shoe, the outer end of the bag is turned upwardly. As said end is turned upwardly, the bag moves between the next pair of

rollers

50 and 5|.

As has been explained, the lower roller 58 of this pair is provided with the annular flange 54 and, manifestly, since the inner end of the bag is turned upwardly, the bag or package A will pass between the rollers 58 and 5I in the manner shown in Figure 14. The ange 54 of the lower roller 50 will serve to crease the outer portion of the bag, bending the extreme outer edge thereof at substantially a right angle to the remainder of the bag.

After the outer portion of the bag has been turned upwardly by means of the

rollers

50 and 5|, said outer portion enters the enlarged portion of the groove 51 in the block B. As it enters said groove, the upturned portion of the bag or package abuts the inner vertical wall of said groove and passes therealong. The remainder of the extended portion of the bag passes beneath the elongate bar or linger 80, as is indicated in Figure 14. Continued movement of the bag causes the upturned portion thereof to strike the inclined upper wall 59 of the groove, which curved wall bends the upturned portion downwardly over the bar or finger 68. In this manner, the material of the bag or package A is bent upon itself to form a fold which closes the open end of the bag.

When the device is operating, the electrical heating elements 12 which are mounted in the block B (Figure 9) are also operating, whereby the block is heated. After the bag is folded upon itself as has been explained, to close its open end, the folded portion of said bag must pass through the narrow portion of the groove 51 in said block. As said bag moves through this portion of the groove, it is heated, whereby the wax is melted to some degree.

Immediately upon leaving the groove 51, the folded portion of the bag is passed between the crimping rollers 18. As has been explained, any desired pressure may be applied to the folded portion and since the wax has been softened by heating the fold will be tightly pressed against the remainder of the bag, whereby said fold will adhere thereto. As soon as the folded portion passes through the crimping rollers 14, it is entered between the pressure belts `l82 and 83. These belts apply a fixed pressure to the fold and, while passing between said belts, the bag is permitted to cool. As the wax, which has been previously softened by the heating operation, becomes cool, it will be evident that the fold will adhere to the remainder of the bag. Thus, the fold will be firmly sealed and the open end of the bag permanently closed. As the bags pass outwardly from between the pressure belts 82 and 8l, they may be conducted to a suitable container, or otherwise disposed of.

From the foregoing, lt will be seen that `a simple and effective method for folding and sealing the open ends of packages is provided. 'I'he operation is a continuous one 'as the bags are successively passed between the various rollers to be folded, then heated, then crimped, and flnally cooled under pressure. The various rollers, as has been explained, are yieldably mounted so that a proper pressure is at all times maintained to eiiiciently perform the various operations. A single electric motor 95 is employed for operating all of the movable parts. which makes for economy in operation. It is particularly pointed out that the method disclosed herein provides for sealing the openends of the packages without the danger of damaging the contents of said packages. An important feature of the invention is the particular method and means for automatically folding the open end portion of the bag or package upon itself.v It is this means which makes possible the closing and sealing of the packages without any manual labor or attention. It is noted that although the method has been described with the bags moving from left to right in Figures 1 and 2, it is obvious that the mechanism could be rearranged to move the bags in an opposite direction without departing from the invention.

The foregoing description ofthe invention is explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. An apparatus for closing and sealing packages including, a support, means for conveying a package to be closed and sealed longitudinally of said support, a folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers one of which has a peripheral flange, means for passing the end portion of the package between said rollers to cause folding of said end portion at substantially a right angle to the remainder of the package, a folding assembly block for receiving the bent portion of the package and having means for folding said portion back over the end portion of the package, and means for sealing said folded portion to the underlying portion of the package to seal the package.

2. An apparatus for closing and sealing wax coated packages including, a support, means for conveying a package to be closed and sealed 1ongitudinally of said support, a folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers one of which has a peripheral flange, means for passing tJhe end portion of the package between said rollers to cause folding of said end portion at substantially a right angle to the remainder of the package, a folding assembly block for receiving the bent portion of the package and having means for folding said portion back over the end portion of the package,.means for heating said folded portion to soften the wax coating, and means for applying pressure to said heated portion to cause cohesion of the contacting wax surfaces.

3. An apparatus for closing and sealing wax coated packages including, a support. means for conveying a package to be closed and sealed longitudinally of said support, a folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers one of which has a peripheral flange, means for passing the end portion of the package between said rollers to cause folding of said end portion at substantially a right angle to the remainder of the package, a folding assembly block for receiving the bent portion of the package and having means for folding said portion back over the end portion of the package, means for heating said folded portion to soften the wax coating. means for applying pressure to said heated portion, and means for,maintaining said folded portion under a pressure while cooling to cause cohesion of the contacting wax surfaces.

4. As a sub-combination in a package sealing apparatus, a folding assemblyincluding, a pair of rollers having their peripherles engaging, one of said rollers having a peripheral flange abutting the side of the other roller, whereby when the outer end portion of a package is passed therebetween said end is bent at substantially a right angle to the remainder thereof, and a'folding block associated with said rollers and having an opening provided with a curved Wall for receiving and for folding said bent portion downwardly so as to overlie the end portion of the package.

5. As a sub-combination in a package sealing apparatus, a folding assembly including, a pair of rollers having their peripheries engaging, one of said rollers having a peripheral flange abutting the side of the other roller, whereby when the outer end portion of a package is passed therebetween said end is bent at substantially a right angle to the remainder thereof, a curved guide shoe adjacent the rollers for aiding in bending said portion, and a folding block associated with said rollers and having an opening provided with a curved wall for receiving and for folding said bent portion downwardly so as to overlie the end portion of the package.

6. An apparatus for closing and sealing bags including, a longitudinal support, a pair of endless belts adapted to receive a bag therebetween for conveying the same longitudinally of the support, a folding assembly disposed in the path through which the open end of the bag is moved by the conveyor belts, said folding assembly comprislng a pair of rollers for receiving the end portion of the bag, a guide shoe adjacent the rollers and co-acting therewith for affecting a folding of said end portion of the bag at substantially a right angle to the remainder of saidbag, a folding block beyond the rollers having a recess, the vertical wall of which is alined with the face of the guide shoe so as to receive the folded end of the bag, said vertical wall being gradually curved to a horizontal plane, whereby as the end portion of the bag moves therethrough, it is bent back upon the remainder of the bag, and means beyond the block for sealing the folded end of the bag.

7. An apparatus for closing and sealing bags including, a longitudinal support, a pair of endless belts adapted to receive a bag therebetween for conveying the same longitudinally of the support, a folding assembly` disposed in the path through which the open end of the bag is moved by the conveyor belts, said folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers for receiving the end portion of the bag, a guide shoe adjacent the rollers and co-acting therewith for affecting a folding of said end portion of the bag at substantially a right angle to the remainder of said bag, a folding block beyond the rollers and in the path of the end portion of the bag, said block having a longitudinal groove in its face for receiving the folded end portion of the bag, the inlet end of said groove being enlarged and beinggradually reduced with the vertical wall of the groove being gradually curved toward a horizontal plane, whereby as the bent end portion of the bag moves therethrough, the bag is folded upon itself to close the open end thereof, and means beyond the block for permanently fastening the folded end of the bag in a closed postantially a right angle to the remainder of saidv bag, a folding block beyond the rollers and in the path of the end portion of the bag, said block having a longitudinal groove in its face for receiving the folded end portion of the bag, the inlet end of said groove being enlarged and being gradually reduced with the vertical wall of the groove being gradually curved toward a horizontal plane, whereby as the bent end portion of the bag moves therethrough, the bag is folded upon itself to close the open end thereof, an elongate plate mounted within the groove and spaced from the lower end thereof with its inner longitudinal edge spaced from the vertical wall of the groove, whereby the bag moves beneath the plate while the bent end thereof passes through the space between the plate and vertical wall of the groove, such disposition of the bag causing the bent end thereof to be folded back over the plate by its contact with the curved wall, whereby the end of said bag is closed, and means beyond the block for permanently securing the fold of the bag in its closed position.

9. An apparatus for closing and sealing bags including, a longitudinal support, a pair of endless belts adapted to receive a bag therebetween for conveying the same longitudinally 'of the support, a folding assembly disposed in the path through which the open'end of the bag is moved by the conveyor belts, said folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers for receiving the end portion of the bag, a guide shoe adjacent the rollers and co-acting'therewith for affecting a folding of said end portion of the bag at substantially a right angle to the remainder of said bag, a folding block beyond the rollers and in the path of the end portion of the bag, said block having a longitudinal groove in its face for receiving the folded end portion of the bag, the inlet end of said groove being enlarged and being gradually reduced with the vertical wall of the groove being gradually curved toward a horizontal plane, whereby as the bent end portion ofthe bag moves therethrough, the bag is folded upon itself to close the open end thereof, heating means associated with the block for heating the bag to soften the wax coating thereon, and pressure means beyond the block for applying pressure to the heated folded end portion of the bag to affect a sealing thereof.

10. An apparatus for closing and sealing bags including, a longitudinal support, a pair of endless belts adapted to receive a bag therebetween for conveying the same longitudinally of the support, a folding assembly disposed in the path through which the open end rof the bag is moved by the conveyor belts, said folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers lfor receiving the end portion o f the bag, a guide shoe adjacent the rollers and co-acting therewith for aifecting a folding of said end portion of the bag at substantially a right angle to the remainder of said bag, a folding block beyond the rollers and in the path of the end portion of the bag, said block having a longitudinal groove in ,its face for receiving the folded end portion of the bag. the inlet end of said groove being enlarged and being gradually reduced with the vertical wall of they groove being gradually curved toward a.

horizontal plane, whereby as the bent end portion of the bag moves therethrough, the bag is folded upon itself to close the open end thereof, heating means associated with the block for heating the bag to soften the wax coating thereon, pressure means Ibeyond the block for applying pressure to the heated folded end portion of the bag to affect a. sealing thereof, and a single prime mover mounted on the support for driving the conveyor belts, folding rollers and pressure means.

11. An apparatus for closing and sealing bags including, a longitudinal support, a pair of endless belts adapted to receive a bag therebetween for conveying the same longitudinally of the support, a folding assembly disposed in the path through which the open end of the bag is moved by the conveyor belts, said folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers for receiving the end portion of the bag, a guide shoe adjacent the rollers and co-acting therewith for affecting a folding of said end portion of the bag at substantially a right angle to the remainder of said bag, a folding block beyond the rollers and in the path of the end portion of the bag, said block having a longitudinal groove in its face for receiving the folded end portion of the bag, the inlet end of said groove being enlarged and being gradually reduced with the vertical wall of the groove being gradually curved toward a horizontal plane, whereby as the bent end portion of the bag moves therethrough, the bag is folded upon itself to closethe open end thereof, an elongated plate mounted within the groove and spaced from the lower end thereof with its inner longitudinal edge spaced from the vertical wall of the groove, whereby the bag moves beneath the plate while the bent end thereof passes through the space between the plate and vertical wall of the groove, such disposition of the bag causing the bent end thereof to be folded back over the plate by its contact with the curved Wall, whereby the end of said bag is closed, heating means associated with the block for heating the bag to soften the wax coating thereon, and pressure means beyond the block for applying pressure to the heated folded end portion of the bag to affect a sealing thereof.

l2. An apparatus for closing and sealing bags including, a longitudinal support, a pair of endless belts adapted to receive a bag therebetween for conveying the same longitudinally of the support, a folding assembly disposed in the path through which the open end of the bag is moved by the conveyor belts, saidV folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers for receiving the end portion of the bag, a guide shoe adjacent the rollers and coacting-therewith for affecting a folding of said end portion of the bag at substantially a right angle to the remainder of said bag, a folding block beyond the rollers and in the path of the end portion of the bag, said block having a longitudinal groove in its face for receiving the folded end portion of the bag, the inlet endof said groove bengenlarged and being gradually reducedwith the vertical wall of the groove being gradually curved toward a horizontal plane, whereby as the bent end portion of the bag moves therethrough', the bag is folded upon itself to close the open end thereof, an elongate plate mounted within the groove and spaced from the lower end thereof with its inner longitudinal edge spaced from the vertical wall of the groove, whereby the bag moves beneath the plate while the bent end thereof passes through the space between the plate and vertical wall of the groove, such dispositionof the bag causing the bent end thereof to be folded back over the plate by its contact with the curved wall, whereby the end of said bag is closed, heating means associated with the block for heating the bag to soften to wax coating thereon, pressure means beyond the block for applying pressure to the heated folded end portion of the bag to affect a sealing thereof, and a single prime mover mounted on the support for driving the conveyor, belts, folding rollers and pressure means.

13. An apparatus for closing and sealing bags l including, a longitudinal support, a pair of endless belts adapted to receive a bag therebetween for conveying the same longitudinally of the support, a folding assembly disposed in the path through which the open end of the bag is moved by the conveyor belts, said folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers for receiving the end portion of the bag, the lowermost roller having a peripheral flange which is adjacent the peripheral portion of the side of the other roller so that the end portionyof the bag passes between the flange of one roller and the face of the other roller, a guide shoe adjacent the rollers and co-acting therewith for affecting a fold' ing of said end portion of the bag at substantially a right angle to the remainder of said bag, a folding block beyond the rollers: having a recess, the vertical wall of which is alined with the face of the guide shoe so as t o receive the folded end of the bag, said vertical wall being gradually curved to a horizontal plane, whereby as the end portion of the bag moves therethrough, it is bent back upon the remainder of the bag, and

means beyond the block for sealing the folded end of the bag.

14. An apparatus for closing and sealing bags including, a longitudinal support, a pair of endless belts adapted to receive a bag therebetween for conveying the same longitudinally of the support, a folding assembly disposed in the path through which the open end of the bag is moved by the conveyor belts, the belts being round in cross-section and travelling in a path contiguous to the folding assembly so that the bags may be filled up to said belts and the folding operation does not reduce the content size of said bag, said folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers for receiving the end portion of the' bag, a guide shoe adjacent the rollers and co-acting therewith for affecting a folding of said end portion of the bag at substantially a right angle to the remainder of said bag, a folding block beyond the rollers having a recess, the vertical wall of which is alined with the face of the guide shoe so as to receive the folded end of the bag, said vertical wall being gradually curved to a horizontal plane, whereby as the end portion of the bag moves therethrough, it is bent back upon the remainder of the bag, andmeans beyond the block for sealing the folded end of the bag.

15. An apparatus for closing and sealing bags including, a longitudinal support, a pair of endless belts adapted to receive a bag therebetween for conveying the same longitudinally of the support, means for yieldably maintaining a pressure on the belts so as to yieldably clamp the bag therebetween, a folding assembly disposed in the path through which the open end of the bag is moved by the conveyor belts, said folding assembly comprising a pair of rollers for receiving the end portion of the bag, a guide shoe adjacent the rollers and co-acting therewith for affecting a folding of said end portion of the bag at substantially a right angle to the remainder of said bag, a folding block beyond the rollers having a recess, the vertical wall of which is alined with the face of the guide shoe so as to receive the folded end of the bag, said vertical wall being gradually curved to a, horizontal plane, whereby as the end portion of the bag uoves therethrough, it is bent back upon the remainder of the bag, and means beyond thev block for sealing the folded end of the bag.

LOUIE C. KIMPLE. FLOYD GAINES.