US3191356A

US3191356A - Packaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3191356A
Application number: US187699A
Authority: US
Inventors: Zelnick Seymour; Barton Lloyd; Edward A Wetzel
Original assignee: Weldotron Corp
Current assignee: Weldotron of Delaware Inc
Priority date: 1962-04-16
Filing date: 1962-04-16
Publication date: 1965-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 1982-06-29
Also published as: GB984587A

Description

s'. ZELNICK ETAL 3,191,356

PACKAGING APPARATUS June 29, 196 5 Filed1April 16, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet l smw Zeuwm Moro 549m fol/4190 M67751.

June 29, 1965 s. ZELNICK ETAL PACKAGING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 16, 1962 INVENTORS CYMOUQ Zsuwex LOYO 54.9 0! av/r190 l/erza 14 ITOQ/vr June 1965 s. ZELNICK ETAL 3,191,356

PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed April 16, 1962 '7 Sheets-Sheet a IN VEN TORS Seymouq Zsuwck 1.40m b/wmw [pa 4 90 Mme-'1.

June 29, 1965 s. ZELNICK ETAL 3,

PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed April 16, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS. Sik im? 264m 4 v Laoyo 84197-0! W GrL June 1965 s. ZELNICK ETAL PACKAGING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 16, 1962 Ti lD.

INVENTORS A rroems United States Patent .0

3,191,356 PACKAGING APPARATUS Seymour Zelnick, Toms River, N.J., Lloyd Barton, Jackson Heights, N.Y., and Edward A. Wetzel, Hillside,

N.J., assignors to Weldotron Corporation, Newark,

NJ., a corporation of New Jersey Filed Apr. 16, 1962, Ser. No. 187,699 15 Claims. (Cl. 53182) for articles of various :sizes having heat-sealing means which are operative in relation to the article which is to be packaged in a manner whichreduces the distortion of the heat-scalable packaging material notwithstanding that the articles vary in height.

Another object is to provide heat-sealing and cutting means which obviate the formation of defective seals because of tension on the heat-sealable material during the sealing ope-ration.

Another object is to provide a pack-aging apparatus which has provision for maintaining the packaging material at the sides of the article in predetermined relative position prior to the heat-sealing thereof so that the packaging material at the sides of the resulting package has a neat appearance with a minimum amount of distortion.

A further object is to provide improved means for conveying the article through the packaging apparatus.

Another object is generally to provide an improved apparatus and improved method of packaging articles.

Another object is to provide an improved packaging apparatus, and which, after the article is inserted in th apparatus, operates automatically to completely package the article.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of the invention considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section and with parts omitted, of the apparatus according to the pres ent invention in an inoperative position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, similar to FIG. 1, showing the apparatus in an operative sealing position;

1 FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus with portions cut away and with parts omitted for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the operating mechanism for the heat-sealing and cutting members of the apparatus;

FIG. 6A is a vertical sectional view, taken on line 6A6A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6B is a vertical sectional view taken on line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of conveyor of the apparatus;

FIG. 8 illustrates the relationship of parts of the apparatus prior to the sealing of the packaging material at a side of the article;

part of the Patented June 29, 1965 FIG. 9 shows the relationship of the parts of the apparatus immediately after the completion of a seal along the side of the article;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the completed packaged article;

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the heatsealing and cutting members in inoperative position prior to a heat-sealing and cutting operation;

FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11 and illustrates the relation of the parts of the heat-sealing and cutting members in an intermediate operating position;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view, similar to FIG. 12, showing the position of the parts of the heat-sealing and cutting members during a heat-sealing and cutting operation;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the positions of the parts of the heat-sealing and cutting members after the completion of the heat-sealing and cutting operation;

FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 15 15 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an electric wiring diagram illustrating the controls for the apparatus; and

FIG. 17 is a detail perspective view of part of the app-aratus.

Briefly described and in accordance with the invention, the article which is to be packaged is placed on a support shelf and is pushed into the inlet end of the apparatus by .a pusher which is moved by the operator of the ap paratus. During the longitudinal movement of the article, the forward end of the article engages a curtain of heatsealable sheet material which is supplied from rollers. The longitudinal movement of the article, in engagement with the sheet material, causes the rollers to unwind an amount corresponding to the forward movement of the article which automatically provides the necessary length of material for sealing the article and, at the end of the forward movement of the article, it is positioned on one end of a conveyor.

Retractive movement of the pusher by the operator, causes a pair of transversely extending heat-sealing and cutting members to move into operative position and form the transversely extending rear sealed end of the package and concomitantly separate the article and its packaging material from the webs of packaging material which are supplied from the rollers. At this time the article is encased in a sleeve of packaging material whose forward and rear transverse ends are sealed and the sides of the packaging material are open, it being understood that the forward sealed end of the package was formed during the completion of a preceding package.

The conveyor is operated and conveys the article, encircled in a sleeve of packaging material, to another heatsealing and cutting station. At this station, the conveyor stops and a pair of laterally spaced heatasealing and cutting members seal and cut the sides of the package to complete the packaging of the article which is now encased in packaging material which is sealed along its periphery. concomitantly with the sealing of the sides of the article, the rear transverse end of the next succeeding package has also been formed and sealed, it being understood that the forward transverse end of said latter package was already formed concurrently with the formation of the rear transverse end of the package which has just been completed. The completed package is conveyed from the sealing station and from the apparatus concurrently with the movement of a succeeding article, encircled in a sleeve of pack aging material, to the sealing station for completion of the sides :of the package.

The apparatus and method of the invention will now be described in detail with respect to the drawings. The packaging apparatus 10 comprises a pair of laterally spaced

vertical frame members

12 and 14 which are positioned at the front of the apparatus near the article supporting shelf 16 which is suitably secured to the frame members. Another pair of laterally spaced

vertical frame members

13 and 26 are positioned at the rear of the apparatus and it will be understood that suitable spacing members are provided for fixing the frame members in their laterally spaced relation.

Frame members

14 and 18 are connected to each other by a longitudinally extending horizontal side frame member 22 and frame members 12 and 29 are connected to each other by a longitudinally extending horizontal frame member 24.

Shelf 16 comprises essentially a horizontal plate which is provided with longitudinally extending, laterally spaced, guide slots 26 for guiding longitudinal article feeding movement of a pusher 28. The pusher comprises a pair of laterally spaced side members 39 and each of the side members has a pair of longitudinally spaced guide pins 32. extending from the bottom of the member into the corresponding guide slot 26. A bar 34- extends between members 30 and provides a handle by which the operator can move the pusher longitudinally for delivering articles, in succession, to the apparatus for the packaging thereof. A vertical plate 36 extends between members 30. In operating the apparatus, the article is placed on the shelf 16 and forward longitudinal movement of the pusher 28 causes plate 36 to engage the rear end of the article and move the latter into position for the heat-sealing and cutting operation.

The packaging material, which may be any suitable heat-sealable sheet material, for example polyethylene, is supplied in the form of two separate webs of sheet material supplied from rolls 38 and 4-0, respectively. Upper supply roll 33 is wound on a horizontal shaft 42 which is suitably supported between

frame members

12 and 14 and lower supply roll 40 is wound on a horizontal rotary shaft 44 which is supported on parts (not shown) which extend from the lower parts of

frame members

12 and 14.

The upper web of material from supply roll 33 extends under an idler roller 46 and over a dancer roller 48 which is operative to maintain a predetermined amount of tension in the web of material. The opposite ends of the dancer roller are supported by

frame members

12 and 14, respectively, for horizontal longitudinal movement and, as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1, each end of the roller is engaged by a compression spring 50 which tends to move the roller longitudinally, toward the exit end of the apparatus, for maintaining a predetermined tension in the material. The web of material extends from the dancer roller through a pair of rollers 52 and 54 which are arranged to rotate in one direction only, as indicated by the arrows, so that the tension provided by the dancer roller 48 does not cause the web of material to move in a Y direction which is opposite to that shown after a predetermined length of material has been withdrawn from the supply roll by the movement of the article into position for the heat-sealing operation. Any convenient means may be provided for preventing rollers 52 and 54 from rotating in a direction which is opposite to that shown, for example a one-way clutch. From rollers 52 and 54, the web of material passes under a guide roller 56, beneath the transverse heat-sealing and cutting members 58 and over the top of the article A with the leading edge of the material extending a short distance in front of the forward end of the article. Supply roll 38 provides the upper layer Mu of packaging material for the article.

The web of material from the bottom supply roll 40 extends over an idler roller 6 9 which is suitably supported between

frame members

12 and 14, as are all the rollers, and from roller 60 the material passes under a dancer roller 62 which is supported at its opposite ends for vertical rectilinear movement, said opposite ends'being biased by a compression spring 59a for maintaining'a predeterminedtension on the material, in like manner as described with the upper web of material. From the dancer roller, the material passes between the guide rollers 52a and 54a 4 which are arranged to rotate only in the direction indicated, for the same reasons as previously explained with respect to rollers 52 and 54. From roller 54a the mate rial passes below the bottom of the article and the forward edge of the material extends slightly beyond the forward end of the article. Supply roll 40 provides the lower layer Ml of packing material for the article.

It is to be understood that the leading edges of the upper and lower webs of material are joined to'each other, byoperating sealing members 58, for example, during the start of the operation of the apparatus with new supply rolls of material. As has been indicated above, operation of the apparatus always results in the joining of the leading edges of the upper and lower supply webs to each other to form, in effect, a curtain of material against which the forward end of the article is pushed during the positioning of the article on the conveyor 66 which automatically results in the unwinding of the necessary lengths of material from rolls 38 and 40 for packaging the article.

In addition to the previously mentioned transversely extending heat-sealing and cutting members 53, which are effective to seal the articles along their opposite ends, the apparatus includes a pair of side, longitudinally extending, heat-sealing and cutting memberses and '70 (FIGS. 4 and 5 which are laterally spaced from each other, transversely of the apparatus, for sealing the article along its side edges. The sealing members are supported from a carrier 72 (FIG. 6) which is operated to bring the upper sealing head '74 and lower cushion head 76 of each of the members in operative engagement for the heat-sealing and cutting operation.

The carrier comprises an upper four-sided frame 78 and a lower four-sided frame 8t), vertically spaced from the upper frame.' The frames are adapted to move in a rectilinear vertical direction toward and away from each other. The mechanism for accomplishing this movement comprises a rotary drive shaft 82 which extends between

frame members

12 and 14 and is supported at its ends by said frame members in suitable bearings which are not shown. A rocker arm 84 is provided at each end of the shaft and each rocker arm has a relatively short link 36 pivotally connected to one of its ends, and a relatively long link 83 pivotally connected to its opposite end. The links 86 are pivotally connected to the adjacent sides of the lower frame and the links 88 are pivotally connected to the adjacent sides of the upper frame 73 so that the frames are operatively connected to each other at their ends which are adjacent the inlet end of the apparatus. The opposite ends of the frames are operatively connected to each other in a similar manner with like parts being designated by primed numerals.

The mechanism for operating drive shaft 82 so that it has a rotary oscillating movement comprises a rotary drive shaft Qt), which is supported at its opposite ends by

frame members

12 and 14, and is rotated by a motor 92 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which is operatively connected to the shaft by a sprocket chain drive assembly 94. A cam 96 is secured to shaft and operates a link 98 which carries a roller 1% that engages the peripheral edge of the cam. A tension spring 102 is connected to the bottom of the 'link and biases the link in a downward direction so that roller 1% is biased into engagement with the peripheral edge of the cam. The link has a longitudinally extending slot 104- through which shaft 9% extends so that the link is free for sliding movement relative to shaft 90. The upper end of the link is pivoted to one end of a link 1% and the opposite end of the link is secured to shaft 82.

The peripheral edge of the cam is formed so that dur' ing rotation of shaft 99, link'ltl oscillates back and forth causing the rocker arms 84 to oscillate back and forth which results in vertical movement of the frames '78 and 80 toward and away from each other. In this regard it will be understood that the sides of the frames are provided with horizontal projecting pins 168 which are in sliding contact with vertically extending grooves (FIG. 3) that are provided in vertical bars 112 which are mounted on the vertical frame members to guide and restrict the movement of the frames to vertical rectilinear motion. It is to be observed that shaft 82 is connected to shaft 82 by a link 114 which is pivotally connected, at one of its ends to a link 116 that is secured to shaft 82, and which is pivotally connected at its opposite end to a similar link 116' which is connected to shaft 82' so that the ends of the frames move in unison. The operative position of the frames, when they have been moved toward each other, is shown in FIG. 2, and the inoperative position of the frames, when they have been moved away from each other, is shown in FIG. 1.

' The transversely extending heat-sealing and cutting member 58 is mounted on the frames 7 8' and 80 for adjustable movement longitudinally of the apparatus. More particularly, the upper sealing head 74 is provided with a threaded rod 118, at each of its ends, which extends through a longitudinally extending slot 120 (FIG. 3) provided in the sides of upper frame 7 8. A pair of nuts 122 are screwed on the rod and engage the portions of the sides of the frame 78 which are adjacent the slot for securing the sealing head 74 to the upper frame 78. It is to be observed that the vertical position of the sealing head with respect to the upper frame 78 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the position of the nuts with respect to the rod 118, so that the position of the sealing head is adjustable both in a longitudinal directionand in a vertical direction.

The cushion head 76 of the transverse sealing and cutting member 58 is provided with a pair of laterally spaced threaded rods 124 which are adjustably connected to the sides of the lower frame 80, so that the position of the cushion head can be adjusted both vertically and longitudinally in a manner similar to the sealing head 74. Vertical adjustability of the ends of the sealing head and cushion head permit them to be positioned with re spect to each other so that they can properly engage each other for the sealing and cuttingoper-ation.

It is important, in order to minimize distortion of the packaging material as a result of the sealing thereof, to seal the upper and lower layers of the heat-scalable material along a peripheral line that is at a level'which is equidistant from the top and bottom of the article. This can be readily accomplished by mounting the conveyor 66 for vertical adjustable movement as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

The longitudinally extending side heat-sealing and cutting

members

68 and 70, which are identical in construe tion to the transverse sealing member 58, are also supported from

frames

78 and 80 in a similar manner as was described with respect to member 58. More particularly, upper frame 78 is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced laterally extending

bars

126 and 128, respectively (FIGS. 3 and 6). The bars are provided with transversely extending slots 130 and the threaded rods.118 of the sealing head 74 extend through said slots of the upper frame, and the threaded rods 124 of the cushion heads 76 of the members extend. through the slots in the lower frame, in the identical manner as described with respect to sealing member 58. The transversely extending slots permit transverse movement of the

side sealing members

68 and 70 toward and away from each other to accommodate various widths of articles, and verticaladjust: ment of the side sealing members.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 to 15, which illustrate the construction of the sealing members and the operation thereof, the sealing head 74 comprises an elongated inverted U-shaped clamping member 132. Disposed within the clamping member and coextensive therewith is a metal bar, for example aluminum, which has goodheat-cond-ucting properties and which is of relatively large mass. The bottom surface of the bar is covered with a good electrically insulating heat-resistant material 136, for example polytetrafluoroethylene tape, which may be secured to the bottom of the bar by any suitable means, for example cementing. The bar is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced threaded rods 118, which were previously referred to, and which extend upwardly from the top of the bar through openings 138 which are provided in the clamping member. A compression spring 140 encircles the rod and extends between the top of the clamping member and the upper frame 78. A heat-sealing and cutting element 142, which is a high electrical and heatres-istant wire, for example a nickel-chromium alloy steel, extends longitudinally of bar 134 in contact with the insulating tape 136. Preferably a strip of insulating tape 136a is also provided adjacent each side of element 142, in sliding contact therewith, so that about two-thirds of the element projects beyond the surface of the tape. One end of the wire is provided with an electric terminal 144 (FIG. 15) to which is connected an electric wire 146 for supplying a short impulse current to the sealing element 142 for the heat-sealing and cutting operation. A tension spring 148 has one of its ends connected to the terminal end of the sealing element and its opposite end is connected to an electrical insulating member 150 which is suitably secured to the adjacent end of bar 134. The opposite end of the bar is provided with another electrical insulating member 152 and the non-terminal end of the sealing element 142 is connected to an electrically con ducting block 154 which is suitably secured to the insulator 152. A lead wire 156 is connected to block 154 so that the sealing element is electrically insulated from the other parts of the sealing head 74 and its ends are electrically connectedto a source of impulse current for operation of the sealing element.

The sealing element is under tension which extends along its length because of the provision of spring 148, to insure a smooth longitudinal expansion and contraction of the element as a result of the intermittent application of the impulse current. It is to be noted that the sealing element 142 is of relatively small diameter and upon application of the heating current, it quickly reaches its high operating temperature and expands rapidly and smoothly due to the provision of the tension spring. Upon interruption of the heating current, which lasts for a relatively short duration, the element cools very rapidly because of its small diameter and because practically all of its surface area is exposed to the ambient temperature. In addition, the thickness of the insulating covering 136 is such as to provide the necessary electrical insulation between the element and bar 134 and yet readily permits the flow of heat from the sealing element to the bar 134 which, because of its large thermal mass, rapidly conducts the heat away from the element. In this manner, upon interruption of the impulse current, the element cools very rapidly and contracts smoothly because of tension spring 148, without impairing the quality of the seal which has just been formed.

The cushion head 76 of the heat-sealing and cutting members comprises a clamping bar 158 which is coextensive in length with the sealing head 74 and has a pair of longitudinally spaced threaded rods 124 which, as explained above, are connected to the lower frame 80. A longitudinally extending groove 160 is provided in the bar and a cushion bar 162 extends longitudinally in the groove and is biased, by longitudinally spaced compression springs 164, so that its upper end 166 extends out wardlyfrom the top surface of the clamping bar 158. The'upper end of the cushion bar is covered with a suitable heat-resistant material 168, for example polytetrafiuoroethylene. The bottom of the cushion bar is provided with a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally extending shoulders 170 which engage adjacent parts 172 of clamping bar 158 to prevent bar 162 from being pushed out of the groove 160 due to the force of springs 164. U

FIG. 11 shows the relative positions of the parts of the heat-sealing and cutting member at the start of a heatsealing and cutting operation with the

frame

78 and 80 of the carrier in their inoperative position, as shown in FIG. 1. Upon the operation of the carrier, the frames move toward each other and, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the upper and lower layers Ma and MI of heat-scalable material are clamped between the laterally spaced arms 174 of clamping member 132 of the sealing head 74 and the confronting parts of clamping bar 158 of the cushion head 76. Clamping of the layers of packaging material prevents tension in the portions of material beyond both sides of the clamping member 132 from being transmitted to the material which extends between the arms 174 of the clamping member. However, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the material which is clamped between the arms of the clamping member is still under tension which, as yet, has not been relieved.

Upon further movement of the

frames

78 and 80 toward each other, the sealing element 142 engages the top surface of the upper layer of the packaging material and springs 140 are also compressed so that clamping member 142 resiliently holds the packaging material against clamping bar 158. Further closing movement of the frames causes bar 134 to apply pressure against the cushion bar 162 causing the latter to move inwardly in groove 160, with which it is in sliding relation, to thereby compress springs 164. Movement of the cushion bar into its groove relieves the tension which existed in the portion of packaging material which is clamped between arms 1 74 of the clamping member, and the heat-sealing and cutting operation occurs during the period that the material is relieved of tension, as illustrated in FIG. 13, it being observed that the pressure applied to the layers of packaging material during the heat-sealing and cutting operation is due to the spring force exerted by thecompressed springs 164. Upon separating movement of the frames, the parts of the heat-sealing and cutting members return to their normal inoperative positions, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the heat-sealed edge of the packaged article being indicated at 176 and the trim waste material being indicated at 178.

It is to be observed that the heat-sealing and cutting members of thepresent invention nullifies the effect of tensions which may be present in the layers of packaging material immediately prior to the heat-sealing and cutting operation and defective seals, because of such tension, are obviated. It is to be understood that the heat-sealing and cutting members, according to the present invention, eliminate the effect of tension in the material due to the supply thereof under tension from supply rolls 38 and 40 as well as the tension created in the material during the heat-sealing and cutting operation by prior sealing and cutting members.

The conveyor 66 which carries the articles longitudinally through the apparatus from the first sealing station, adjacent sealing member 58, to the second sealing station, at the position of the sealing members 68 and 71), comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced rollers 18% and 182, respectively, which extend transversely of the apparatus and are mounted for rotation in suitable bearing supports (FIGS. 4 and 5 which are suitably provided in

horizontal frame members

22 and 24. The rollers are identical in construction and have a series of circular grooves 186 on their outer surfaces which are laterally spaced from each other transversely of the apparatus. A-n intermediate roller (not shown) can also be provided as an intermediate support for the conveyor members 188. Two conveyor members are provided for the conveyor and are laterally spaced from each other transversely of the apparatus and are supported at their respective ends by the

rollers

180 and 182 in any of the circular grooves 186.

As indicated above, conveyor 66 is mounted for vertical adjustable movement so that articles of various heights can be positioned with respect to the sealing members whereby the level of the article, at a position equidistant from the top and bottom of the article, is at the level of the sealing element 142 in its operative sealing position. This results in the provision of a peripheral sealed edge of the packaging material which is equidistant from the top and bottom of the article so that deformation of the packaging material due to sealing thereof is substantially eliminated.

As shown in FIG. 17, the bearing 187 at each end of the conveyor rollers 182 has a plate 137a which carries screws 18% that are supported in adjustable sliding relation in vertical slots 187a provided in framemember 24. .Each screw carries a locking nut (not shown) which engages the sides of member 24 adjacent slots 15170 for releasably holding the plate 187a and thereby the rollers in their adjusted vertical position. A series of horizontal guide lines can be providedon frame 27 adjacent slots 187c to aid in horizontally aligning the rollers with each other as well as aligning their respective ends.

Each conveyor member comprises a closely wound helical tension spring 190 (FIG. 7) which has its opposite ends (not shown) connected to each other to form an endless spring. The spring is encased in a sheath 192 of a suitable plastic material which is resiliently flexible and provides an improved friction surface which is in contact with the lower layer Ml of packaging material. Due to the spring construction of the conveyor member, the tension thereof remains substantially constant over long periods of use since slackness, due to stretching during use, is automatically compensated for by the helical spring 190.

The circular grooves 186 in the conveyor rollers and 182 permit ready adjustment of the position of the conveyor members so that they can be moved toward and away from each other, transversely of the apparatus, to accommodate various widths of articles which are to be packaged. The conveyor is driven by a motor 1% (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a sprocket chain drive assembly 196.

As indicated above, means are provided for maintaining the unsealed portions of the packaging material, which are at the sides of the article, in a horizontal position during the movement of the artitcle, by the conveyor, from the first sealing station to the second sealing station and maintaining said side portions of the material in said position until the sealing thereof. This reduces distortion of the packaging material at the sides of the package.

To accomplish the foregoing, the apparatus includes a pair of upper pipes 198 (FIGS. 1 to 5) which extend longitudinally of the apparatus along the sides thereof and which are laterally spaced from each other transversely of the apparatus. A similar pair of lower pipes 200 are adapted to be positioned below the upper pipes and in registry therewith, as will be more clearly understood hereinafter. Each upper pipe is provided with a series of holes 202 which are longitudinally spaced from each other along the bottom of the pipe. Each of the lower pipes has a series of holes 204 which are longitudinally spaced from each other along the top of the pipe. The pipes are provided with hoses 206 which are connected-to a motor driven vacuum pump 2% (FIG. 16) suitably mounted on the frame of the apparatus for providing a partial vacuum in the pipes.

The upper pipes 260 are supported from a pair of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending, stationary bars 210 (FIGS. 1, 4 and 5), which are suitably connected at their ends to the frame of the apparatus. The bars are provided with transversely extending slots 212 and the upper suction pipes 200 are provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced threaded rods 214 which extend through the slot of the corresponding bar 210 and are secured thereto in the exact same manner as the sealing head 74 of the heat-sealing members are secured to the upper frame 78. In this manner, the upper bars can be laterally adjusted with respect to each other, transversely of the apparatus, and also are vertically adjustable to accommodate articles of different widths and heights.

The lower suction pipes 2410 are mounted in a manner similar to the upper suction pipes and for this purpose a pair of longitudinally spaced transversely extending stationary bars 216 are provided belowbars 210. The bars are connected, at their ends, to the frame of the apparatus in any suitable manner, and the lower pipes are provided with threaded rods 214' which extend downwardly from the bottom of the lower pipes and through the transversely extending slots 218 provided in bars 216. The threaded rods 214 are connected to bars 216 in the exact same manner as the upper suction pipes are connected to their support bars 210. In this manner, the lower pipes can be moved laterally toward and away from each other, transversely of the apparatus, to accommodate articles having different widths and the pipes can also be adjusted vertically but this latter adjustment is not necessary since the lower pipes are always positioned so that the tops of the pipes are at the same level as the bottom of the article which is being packaged, as will be more clearly understood hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The positions of the suction pipes are adjusted so that the upper suction pipes 198 have their bottoms at the level of the top of the article A and are positioned outwardly of the sealing head 74 of the

side sealing members

68 and 70 which, as has been described above, are adjustable transversely of the apparatus to accommodate articles of different widths. The positions of the lower suction pipes 200 are adjusted so that the pipes are in vertical alignment with the upper suction pipes and the tops of the lower suction pipes are at the same level as the bottom of the article. With the pipes in the position described, it will be seen, as illustrated in FIG. 8, that the upper layer 220 and the lower layer 222 of the packaging material, at each side of the article, is maintained in a substantially horizontal plane, coextensive with the top and bottom, respectively, of the article due to the suction effect provided by the upper and lower suction pipes. Accordingly, when the side sealing members are operated to seal the package along the sides thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the positions of the

portions

220 and 222 of the sealing material, prior to the sealing operation, insures a minimum amount of distortion of the packaging material during the sealing operation, so that a neat and efficient seal is formed along the sides of the package. FIG. illustrates the completed package P.

The trim material 220a and 222a shownin FIG. 9, which results from the formation of the sealed side edges of the package, is removed from the apparatus by suction. More particularly, a vacuum intake nozzle 224 is positioned adjacent each of the

side sealing members

68 and 70, outwardly of the

suction pipes

198 and 260 and removes the separated trim material 220a and 222a through its inlet end 226. The suction nozzles are preferably operated by the suction pump 208.

The operation of the apparatus is controlled by a series of switches which are placed at various positions in the apparatus. The supply of electrical power to the apparatus is controlled by a manually operated switch S1 (FIG. 3) which may be placed at any convenient location, for example, on the article supporting shelf 16. A microswitch S2 is mounted for actuation by the pusher 28 and for this purpose the side member 30 of the pusher is provided with a transversely extending actuating member 228 and the operating arm of switch S2 is positioned in the path of movement of member'228. Another microswitch S3 is positioned with its actuating arm in the path of movement of member 228 and is also positioned ahead of switch S2 so that its operating arm is engaged by member 228 ahead of the engagement of the actuating arm of switch S2, during forward movement of the pusher, and is again engaged by member 228, after the engagement of the operating arm of switch S2 by member 228, and during the retracting movement of the pusher, for reasons which will be more clearly understood hereinafter.

A stop 230 (FIG. 3.) is positioned adjacent switch S2 and slightly rearwardly thereof and in the path of movement of pusher member 228 to stop the forward movement of the pusher. Switches S2 and S3 and 10 stop 230 are mounted on a slide 232 (FIGS. 3, 6A and 6B) which is positioned laterally of the pusher 28 and is mounted for adjustable movement longitudinally of the apparatus in the same direction of movement as the webs of packaging material. A T-shaped longitudinally extending platform 234 is mounted on article supporting shelf 16, laterally of the pusher, and supports the slide 232 which has laterally spaced longitudinally extending grooves 236 in which the side edges 238 of the platform are slidably engaged. The ends of the slide are provided with locking screws 240 which are adapted to engage the lens of the platform 234 to lock the slide in its adjusted position.

As indicated above, the pushing of the article into the curtain of packaging material automatically unwinds the supply rolls 38 and 40 to automatically provide the necessary lengths of material for packaging the article. However, in those cases where the height of the article is relatively great, it is desirable to provide material which is slightly longer than would be needed with an article having the same length but a much smaller height. This is accomplished by moving slide 232 forward in a direc tion toward the exit end of the apparatus, so that stop 230 is moved in a direction away from member 228 which results in a greater length of material being supplied during a forward pushing movement of the pusher.

A microswitch S4 (FIG. 1) is positioned so that its actuating arm is in the path of movement of a cam actuating member 242 which is mounted on the side of cam 96 so that switch S4 is operated as soon as the cam be gins to rotate at the start of a heat-sealing and cutting cycle. Another microswitch S5 (FIG. 1) is positioned in the path of movement of cam operating member 242 s that it is operated at the completion of a heat-sealing and cutting operation. A microswitch S6 (FIG. 1) is mounted at the station for the sealing of the sides of the package and its operating arm is in the path of movement of the bottom of the package.

A microswitch S7 has its operating arm positioned in the path of movement of the bottom of the package and is'positioned after switch S6, closer to the exit end of the apparatus, as illustrated in FIG. 1. A microswitch S9 (FIG. 1) is mounted on the sealing head 74 of one member so that the switch is actuated when the sealing members are in closed operative heat-sealing and cutting position.

The function and operation of each of the switches and the operation and control of the apparatus will now be described with respect to FIG. 16. Closing of the switch S1 by the operator connects the power leads L1 and L2 to a source of power. The operator places an article on the article supporting shelf 16 and moves the pusher 28 forward which moves the article into the inlet end of the apparatus and withdraws a predetermined length of heatsealable packaging material from both the upper supply roll 38 and the lower supply roll 40, it being understood that the leading edges of the upper and lower webs of material have been sealed or otherwise joined to each other, as previously indicated. Forward movement of the pusher causes pusher actuating member 228 to engage the operating arm of switch S3 which momentarily closes said switch, but nothing happens because contacts Rlc of relay R1 are open. Further forward pushing movement of the pusher causes member 228 to engage the operating arm to switch S2 which closes the contacts of said switch completing an energizing circuit through R1 which can be traced as follows: line L1, leads 246 and 248, closed contacts 84a of switch S4, the now closed contacts of switch S2, relay R1, leads 250 and 252, and line L2. Energization of relay R1 closes relay contacts Rla which results in the energization of relay R9, thereby closing contacts R9a, R912 and R9c of the relay. This results in the supply of electric power to leads 25 i and 256 as follows: line L1, lead 246, now closed contacts R912, leads 258 and 260 to lead 256, through electric light 262 which is energized to indicate that electric power is being supplied to the apparatus for operation thereof, to lead 254 and from the latter to lead 264, now closed contacts R9a, lead 252 and line L2.

Further movement of the pusher engages stop 230 and the article has been transferred from shelf 16 to the conveyor, which is stationary at this time. The article is now in position for the transverse sealing operation to seal the packaging material along the rear end of the article. The return backward movement of the pusher, by theoperator, causes member 228 to momentarily engage the operating arm of switch S3 to close contacts 33:: of the switch. The release of the operating arm of switch S2, due to the backward movement of the pusher, does not result in the de-energization of relay R1 because of the holding circuit for the relay provided by its closed contacts Rlb. Closing of contacts 83a results in the energization of relay R2, through a circuit which can be traced as follows: line Ll, lead 246, closed contacts R911, leads 258 and 261), closed contacts S ia of switch S4, closed contacts Rite of relay Rl, now closed contacts 83:: of switch S3, relay R2, lead 254, closed contacts Rha'of relay R9, lead 252 and line L2. Energization of relay R2 closes its contacts RZa and its contacts R217 resulting in the energization of relay R3 through a circuit which may be traced from lead 256 through closed contacts R2!) and relay R3 to lead 254. Upon opening of contacts S311 because of the continued retracting movement of the pusher, relay R2 is not deenergized because of the holding circuit provided by its now closed contacts R2a.

Energization of relay R3 closes relay contacts R3a and R31; which results in the energization of the D.C. shunt motor 92 which operates the carrier '72. The energization circuit for the motor may be tracted as follows: line Ll, lead 266 to one input terminal of the full phase rectifier 263, and from line L2 through lead 276 to the other input terminal of the rectifier. The output terminals of the rectifier are connected to stationary parts of contacts R311 and R311 through leads 272 and 274, respectively.

Energization of motor 92 results in the rotation of cam 96 and initial rotation of the cam causes the cam actuating member 242 to release the actuating arm of switch S4, causing contacts 54a to open and contacts 84b f the switch to close. Opening to contacts 84a results in the de-energization of relays R1 and R2 so that their contacts c-pen. However, relay R9 remains energized because of the holding circuit provided therefor by its now closed contacts R90 and contacts R9a and R9]; remain closed so that leads 254 and 256 are connected across lines L1 and L2 for continuing to, supply power to the apparatus.

De-energization of relay R2 and the resulting opening of contacts R2b, due to the opening of contacts 84a, do not de-energize relay R3 since it now receives energy from lead 256 through a circuit including now closed contacts S lb of switch S4, closed contacts 276 and through relay R3 to lead 254, and motor 92 continues to rotate.

The closing of the sealing head 74 and the cushion head 76 of the heat-sealing and cutting members results in the engagement of actuating member 244 with the operating arm of switch S9 causing its contacts She: and 89b to close which results in the energization of relay R6 through a circuit which can be traced as follows: lead 256, now closed contacts 89a, normally closed timer contacts Ta, relay R6 and lead 254. Energization of relay R6 closes contacts R611 of the relay to provide current to the primary of the step-down transformer 28% through a circuit which can be traced as followsf lead 256, now closed contacts R6a, the primary of transformer 286 and lead 254. The transformer provides the impulse heating current for the heat-sealing and cutting element 142 of the heat-sealing and cutting members. The transformer has two secondary coils 280a and 280b, coil 230a being connected to the sealing elements for sealing

members

68 and 70 through the respective leads 146 and 156, and secondary coil 28Gb supplying impulse heating current through the heating element for the transverse sealing member 58 through its

leads

146 and 156.

The closing of contacts S9!) of switch S9 energizes the timer motor of the timer T concurrently with the start of the supply of heating current to the sealing element. Energy for the timer motor is supplied from a transformer 282 whose primary is, connected across lines L1 and L2 by

leads

284 and 286, respectively, and the secondary of the transformer is connected across the timer motor and contacts S912 through leads 283 and 290. Concomitantly with the start of the supply of heating current to the sealing elements, light 292 is energized through closed contacts S911 and Ta to indicate that heat-ing current is being supplied to the sealing elements.

At the conclusion of the heating period, as determined by the timer T, contacts To of the timer open de-energizing relay R6 and the light 292. At this time and during the entire heating cycle, thesealing head and cushion head of the sealing members are in contact due to the provision of a dwell period as determined by the cam. De-energization of relay R6 results in the opening of contacts R6a and the loss of power to transformer 280 so that heating current is no longer supplied to the sealing elements.

()ontinued rotation of the cam results in the movement of the frames '78 and 80 away from each other so that the sealing heads and cushion heads of the sealing members move apart and the operating arm of switch S9 is released and its contacts 59a and S9b open which recycles the timer, closing its switch Ta, and de-energizing its motor.

Further rotation of cam 96 results in the engagement of its operating member 242 with the operating arm or" switch S5, closing contacts 55a and 55b of the switch, which results in the energization of a relay R4 through a circuit which can be traced as follows: lead 256, now closed contacts 85a of switch S5, relay R4, closed contacts 86a of switch S6 and lead 254-. Energization of relay R4 results in the closing of contacts R4a and R45 which'energizes the DC; shunt motor 194 of the conveyor 66 through a circuit which can be traced as follows: from the secondary of transformer 282 to the input terminals of the full phase rectifier 294, via leads 296 and 2%, respectively, and from the output terminals of the rectifier to the stationary parts of contacts R411 and R412 via leads 306) and 302, respectively. Operation of motor 1% moves the article from the first sealing station, adjacent the transverse sealing member 58, to the second sealing station at the position of the sealing

members

68 and 70 to complete the sealing of the sides of the package.

During the movement of the article in its package, which is now in the form of a sleeve, toward the second sealing station, the frames have moved into their normal inoperative position and the actuating member 242 of cam 96 has moved past the operating arm of switch S5,

releasing said arm, so that contacts a and SSbopen and contacts Sea of switch S4 close, and contacts Stb of switch S4 open due to the engagement of cam actuating member 242 with the operating arm of switch S4. Opening of contacts 85a and S51; does not de-energize relay R4 because of its holding circuit provided by its closed contacts R lc which overrides contacts 55a and contacts 86a remain closed since the sleeve packaged article has not yet arrived at the second sealing station, and the conveyor motor 194 continues to operate. However, the carrier motor 92 is de-energized as soon as the cam rotates to the position where its actuating member 242 engages the operating arm of switch S4 to open contacts S411 and de-energize relay R3 which results in the opening of contacts R341 and R31) to de-energize motor 92.

The conveyor continues to operate and the sleeve packaged article reaches the second sealing station where the bottom of the package engages the operating arm of switch S6 and opens contacts 86a which results in the deenergization of relay R4 and the de-energization of the conveyo. motor 194 due to the opening of the contacts R4a and R4]; of the relay. At this time the sleeve packaged article is at the second sealing station for the sealing of its sides and the carrier motor 92 is de-energized and the conveyor motor is also tie-energized; Further operation of the apparatus is efiected by the operator by introducing or feeding another article into the apparatus for packaging of that article.

The operator repeats the operation which was explained above and the resulting operation of the

frames

78 and 80 results in the sealing of the sides of the package which is at the second station concomitantly with the sealing of the rear transverse end of the packaging material of the article which has just been introduced into the apparatus by the operator.

Initiation of the operation of the conveyor is accomplished in the same manner as previously described, by the actuation of the operating arm of switch S5 by cam actuating member 242 to close contacts 55a and 55b of the switch to energize relay R4 and thereby energize the conveyor motor 194. However, it is to be remembered that contacts 86a of switch S6 are open because the just completed package is still in engagement with the oper ating arm of switch S6. Operation of the conveyor due to the closing of contacts 85a and 85b, for a relatively short period of time, brings the forward end of the completed package in engagement with the operating arm of switch S7 which causes its contacts 87a to close and energize relay R8 through

leads

254 and 256 which results in the closing of contacts R811 and R8b of the relay. It is to be understood that the position of switch S7 is such that contacts RSa close at or before the opening of contacts 55b so that the energization circuit to the conveyor motor 194 is not interrupted. The conveyor continues to operate and the bottom of the completed package P disengages the operating arm of switch S6 so that its contacts S6a close. The conveyor motor continues to operate and the completed package P is conveyed from the conveyor, releasing the operating arm of switch S7, which does not effect the operation of the conveyor because contacts S6a are closed. The conveyor continues to operate until the succeeding package arrives at the second sealing sta- N let end of the conveyor into a bin for collection or may be conveyed onto the inlet end of another conveyor of a heat-shrinking apparatus for shrinking the packaging material of the article so that both packaging of the article and heat shrinking of the packaging material can be done on a continuous basis.

The DC.

motors

92 and 194 are provided with braking resistances 304 which enable the motors to stop very quickly upon de-energization. The motor 306 for the vacuum pump 208 can be continuously energized during the operation of the apparatus and is supplied with electric power through switches 310 provided in lines L1 and L2.

While we have shown and described the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that the changes in the form and arrangement of parts and in the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made without departing from the underlying idea or principles of this invention within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for packaging articles in heatsealable material, comprising:

(a) means for supplying a pair of superposed webs of said material for movement longitudinally in the direction of their lengths,

(b) means movable in said longitudinal direction to insert an article endwise between said webs of material,

(c) heat-sealing and cutting means extending transversely of said webs of material and operable in response to the movement of said movable means i for sealing and cutting, said material along a transverse line, and

(d) other heat-sealing and cutting means, longitudinally spaced from said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting means, and extending longitudinally of said material, and operable concurrently with said first mentioned heat sealing and cutting means for sealing and cutting said material along a longitudinal line.

2. Apparatus for packaging articles in heat-scalable material, comprising:

(b) means movablein said longitudinal direction to insert an article endwise between said webs of material,

(c) heat-sealing and cutting means extending transversely of said webs of material and operable in response to the movement of said movable means for sealing and cutting said material along a transverse line,

(d) said heat-sealing and cutting means comprising a transversely extending member positioned at one side of said webs of material and another transversely extending member positioned at the other side of said webs of material in registry with the first mentioned member so that said webs of material are positioned between said members,

' (e) other heat-sealing and cutting means, longitudinally spaced from said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting means, and extending longitudinally of said material, and operable concurrently with said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting means for sealing and cutting said material along a longitudinal line,

(f) said other heat-sealing and cutting means comprising a longitudinally extending member positioned at one side of said webs of material and another longitudinally extending member positioned at the other side of said webs of material in registry with said first mentioned longitudinally extending member so that said webs of material are positioned between said longitudinally extending members, and

(g) another pair of longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting members, laterally spaced from said first mentioned longitudinally extending members, transversely of said material, and positioned in registry with each other so that said webs of material are positioned therebetween. V

3. Apparatus for packaging articles in heat-scalable material, comprising:

invention may be embodied otherwise than as herein (a) means for supplying a pair of superposed webs of said material for movement longitudinally in the direction of their lengths, (b) means movable in said longitudinal direction to insert an article endwise between said webs of material,

(c) heat-sealing and cutting means extending transversely of said webs of material for sealing and cutting said material along a transverse line,

(d) other heat-sealing and cutting means, longitudinally spaced from said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting means, and extending longitudinally of said material, for sealing and cutting said material along a longitudinal line,

(e) means supporting said heat-sealing and cutting means for movement toward and away from said webs of material,

(f) means responsive to said movable means for operating said supporting means for movement of said heat-sealing and cutting means toward and away from said material into operative and inoperative positions, respectively, and means for relieving tensions in said material during the cutting and seal ing thereof.

4. Apparatus for packaging articles in heat-sealable material, comprising:

((1) said heat-sealing and cutting means comprising a transversely extending member positioned at one side I of said webs of material and another transversely extending member positioned at the other side of said webs of material in registry with the first mentioned member so that said webs of material are positioned between said members,

(e) other heat-sealing and cutting means, longitudinally spaced from said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting means, and extending longitudinally of said material, for sealing and cutting said material along a longitudinal line,

(f) said other heat-sealing and cutting means comprising a longitudinally extending member positioned at one side of said webs of material and another longitudinally extending member positioned at the other side of said webs of material in registry with said first mentioned longitudinally extending member so that said Webs of material are positioned between said longitudinally extending members,

(g) another pair of longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting members, laterally spaced from said first mentioned longitudinally extending members, transversely of said material, and positioned in registry with each other'so that said webs of material are positioned therebetween.

(h) movable means supporting said heat-sealing and cutting members which are at said one side of said webs of material for movement toward said webs of material for the heat-sealing and cutting operation,

(i) other movable means supporting said heat-sealing and cutting members which are at said other side of said webs of material for movement toward said webs of material for the heat-sealing and cutting'operation, and

(j) means responsive to the movement of said movable means for inserting said article, for operating said movable supporting means to move said heat-sealing and cutting members which are at one side of said webs of material toward saidheat-sealing and cutting members which are at the other of said webs of material for the heat-sealing and cutting operation.

5. Apparatus for packaging articles in heat-scalable material, comprising:

(a) means for supplying a pair of superposed Webs of 16 said material for movement longitudinally in the direction of their lengths,

(b) means for positioning an article between said webs of material for the packaging thereof in said material,

(0) means for moving said article horizontally and longitudinally through said apparatus for the packaging of said article,

((1) a frame positioned at one side of said webs of material and movable vertically toward and away from said one side,

(e) another frame positioned at the other side of said webs of material and movable vertically toward and away from said other side,

(f) heat-sealing and cutting means having a horizontal heat-sealing and cutting member connected to said first mentioned frame and having another horizontal heat-sealing and cutting member connected to said other frame and positioned in registry with said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting member for cooperating with the latter to effect a seal in the heatsealable material which is positioned between said frames, and

(g) means for adjusting the level of said article moving means so that in the closed position of said horizontal members, the article is at a level whereby the top and bottom thereof are equidistant from the contacting surfaces of said closed members.

6. Apparatus for packaging articles in heat-sealable material, comprising:

(b) a frame positioned at one side of said webs of material and movable toward and away from said one side,

(c) another frame positioned at the other side of said webs of material and movable toward and away from said other side,

((1) heat-sealing and cutting means having a heat-sealing and cutting member connected to said first mentioned frame and extending transversely thereof and having another heat-sealing and cutting member connected to said other frame and extending transversely thereof and positioned in registry with'said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting member for cooperating with the latter to effect a transverse seal in the heat-scalable material which is positioned between said frames,

(e) horizontal means mounted for positioning at various levels for moving said articles horizontally and longitudinally through said apparatus for the packaging of said articles, and

(f) other heat-sealing and cutting means laterally spaced from said first mentioned other heat-sealing and cutting means, transversely of the latter, and having a heat-sealing and cutting member connected to said first mentioned frame and extending longitudinally thereof and having another heat-sealing and cutting member connected to said other frame and extending longitudinally thereof and in position in registry with said first mentioned longitudinally extending member for cooperating with the latter to effect a longitudinal seal in said heat-sealable material which'is laterally spaced transversely of said first mentioned longitudinal seal.

7. Apparatus for packaging articles in heat-scalable material, comprising:

(b) heat-sealing and cutting means extending transversely of said webs of material for sealing and cutting said material along a transverse line,

(0) other heat-sealing and cutting means, longitudinally spaced from said first mentioned heat-sealing 17 and cutting means, and extending longitudinally of said material for sealing and cutting said material along a longitudinal line, and v (d) suction means extending longitudinally of said Webs of material, at both sides thereof, formaintaining said webs in a predetermined position relative to each other prior to the formation'of said seal along said longitudinal line.

8.- Apparatus for packaging articles in heat sealable material, comprising: i

(c) other heat-sealing and cutting means, longitudinally spaced from said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting means, and extending longitudinally of said material,

(d) said longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cuts ting means comprising a pair of longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting members and another pair of longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting members later-ally spaced from said first mentioned pair of longitudinally extending members, transversely of said material,

(e) a pair of longitudinally extending suction pipes positioned adjacent one of said pairs of heat-sealing and cutting members, and

(f) another pair of longitudinally extending suction pipes positioned adjacent said other pair of heat-sealing and cutting members,

(g) each of said pairs of pipes having a pipe positioned at one side of said webs of material for releasably engaging the adjacent web and maintaining it in a predetermined position prior to the sealing thereof by said longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting means, and

(h) each of said pairs of pipes having another pipe positioned at the other side of said webs of material for releasably engaging the adjacent web and maintaining it in a predetermined positioned prior to the sealing thereof by said longitudinally extending heatsealing and cutting means.

9. Apparatus for packaging articles in heat-scalable material, comprising: a

, (b) heat-sealing and cutting means extending transversely of said webs of material for sealing and cutting said material along a transverse line,

(c) other heat-sealing and cutting means, longitudii nally spaced from said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting means, and extending longitudinally of said material,

(d) said longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting means comprising a pair of longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting members and another pair of longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting members laterally spaced trom said first mentioned pair of longitudinally extending members, transversely of said material,

(e) a pair of longitudinally extending suction pipes positioned adjacent one of said pairs of heat-sealing and cutting members,

(f) another pair of longitudinally extending suction pipes positioned adjacent said other pair of heat-sealin g and cutting members,

(g) each of said pairs of pipes having a pipe positioned at one side of said webs of material for releasably engaging the adjacent web and maintaining it in a predetermined position prior to the sealing thereof 8 by said longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting means,

(h) each of said pairs of pipes having another pipe positioned at the other sideof said webs of material for releasably engagingthe adjacent weband maintaining it in a predetermined position prior to the sealing thereof by said longitudinally extending heatsea-ling and cutting means, and

(i) means for mounting said pairs of pipes forradjustmaterial, comprising:

(.a) means for supplying a pair of superposed webs of said material for movement longitudinally in the direction of their lengths,

(b) mean-s for positioning an article between said webs of material for the packaging thereof in said material, and

(c) conveyor means for moving said article longitudinally through said apparatus for the packaging of said article,

(d) said conveyor means comprising a pair of laterally spaced endless bands which extend longitudinally of said webs of material and are movable longitudinally of the material,

(e) each of said bands comprising an endless helical coil spring, and

(f) an endless sheath of resiliently flexible material covering said coil spring and providing an outer surface on which the articles are adapted to be supported.

11. Apparatus for pack-aging articles in heat-scalable material, comprising:

(b) means movable in said longitudinal direction to insent an article endwise between said webs of material,

(0) heat-sealing and cutting means extending transversely of said webs of material and operable in response to the movement of said movable means for sealing and cutting said material along a transverse line,

(d) other heat-sealing and cutting means, longitudinally spaced from said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting means, and extending longitudinally of said material, and operable concurrently with said first mentioned heat-sealing and cutting means for isealing and cutting said material along a longitudinal (e) conveyor means for moving said article longitudinally through said apparatus for the packaging of said article, and I (f) means controlling the operation of said conveyor and operable in response to the operation of said heatsealing and cutting means for moving an article from the position of said transversely extending heat-sealing and cutting means to the position of said longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting means for the formation of a longitudinal seal in said material.

12. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said other heat-sealing and cut-ting means comprise first and second heat-sealing and cutting means laterally spaced transversely of said material, and means adjustably supporting said first and second heat-sealing and cutting means for lateral movement thereof transversely of said material toward and away from each other.

13. Apparatus as in claim -2 wherein said other heat- 1 sealing andcuttin g means further comprise means adjustably supporting said first and second pairs of longitudinally extending heat-sealing and cutting members tor respective lateralmovement thereof transversely of said material toward and away from each other.

14. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein at least one of said heat-sealing and cutting means comprises means for relieving tensions in said material during the cutting and sealing thereof. I t

15. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein at least one of said heat-sealing and cutting means comprises means for relieving tensions in said material during the cutting and sealing thereof.

1,816,085 2,162,230 2,421,373 2,549,122 2,611,225 2,931,148 3,007,295 3,011,295 3,061,989 3,158,973 FRANK E.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Langhammer 53-231 X Salfisberg 53'180 X Cozza 53-388 Osterhof 5328 Williams 53-180 Smith 53182 X Heinzer 53-180 Brugger 53372 X Newell et a1. 53 182 Monaghan 53-233 X BAILEY, Primary Examiner. 15 BROMLEY SEEL-EY, Examiner.

Claims

1. APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING ARTICLES IN HEAT-SEALABLE MATERIAL, COMPRISING: (A) MEANS FOR SUPPLYING A PAIR OF SUPERPOSED WEBS OF SAID MATERIAL FOR MOVEMENT LONGITUDINALLY IN THE DIRECTION OF THEIR LENGTHS, (B) MEANS MOVABLE IN SAID LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION TO INSERT AN ARTICLE ENDWISE BETWEEN SAID WEBS OF MATERIAL, (C) HEAT-SEALING AND CUTTING MEANS EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF SAID WEBS OF MATERIAL AND OPERABLE IN RESPONSE TO THE MOVEMENT OF SAID MOVABLE MEANS FOR SEALING AND CUTTING SAID MATERIAL ALONG A TRANSVERSE LINE, AND (D) OTHER HEAT-SEALING AND CUTTING MEANS, LONGITUDINALLY SPACED FROM SAID FIRST MENTIONED HEAT-SEALING AND CUTTING MEANS, AND EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID MATERIAL, AND OPERABLE CONCURRENTLY WITH SAID FIRST MENTIONED HEAT SEALING AND CUTTING MEANS FOR SEALING AND CUTTING SAID MATERIAL ALONG A LONGITUDINAL LINE.