US3521675A - Container construction and use - Google Patents

Description

July 28, 1970 A, nuss c 3,521,675

CONTAINER CONSTRUCTION AND USE Filed Nov. 8, 1968 INVENTOR. JOSEPH A. DUSSICH ATTORNEYS United States Patent O US. Cl. 138103 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A unique elongated container construction is disclosed wherein a pleated or folded tube is clamped at spaced intervals in order to permit filling of the container and yet leave sufficient material for subsequent enclosure. This construction is coupled to novel apparatus and processes for packaging predetermined quantities of material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is generally concerned with the packaging of products that can be force filled into a receptacle. More particularly, the invention concerns packaging of discrete quantities of material without requiring metered dispensing.

Forced filling as contemplated herein, refers to any techniques where the material being filled into a receptacle exerts a force against the receptacle. Extrusion filling clearly satisfies this definition. In addition, it is intended to include filling arrangements wherein the Weight of the material alone applies the force, as in the case of gravity loading from a hopper.

There are many products which can effectively be packaged by forced filling of containers. These products range from food items such as sausages to large bulk items such as agricultural produce. In almost all instances, it is desirablo to provide packages or units having uniform dimensions and containing a predetermined quantity of material. Obviously, it is desirable to automatically provide a finished packaged product at the output of the machine. This invention is specifically directed to packaging techniques involving the use of elongated containers which are subsequently subdivided and sealed to yield individual packages.

Among the important features in the handling of products of the nature described, is the utilization of labor. Although the packaging of some products can be completely automated, others require the employment of manual labor for such steps as the final sealing of each package. Generally, when individual packages are created from one large unitary container it requires that the rate of filling be exactly synchronized with the rate of package handling by the operator or succeeding apparatus. However, efficient use of machines and operators makes it preferable to have the filling rate substantially independent of the package handling rate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART With respect to the larger produce handling packaging techniques heretofore known, it will be recognized that in general these techniques do not involve the continuous force filling of large containers that are subsequently subdivided. Rather, in the packaging of bulk items, it is conventional to fill individual packages and handle them on a one-by-one basis.

On the other hand, in the handling of foodstuffs, such as sausages, it is conventional to extrude the sausage meat into casings which are subsequently tied off at prearranged intervals. Existing sausage handling equipment includes means for extruding metered charges of filling material into a tubular casing which has been previously longitudinally compressed or shirred over a filling horn.

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The metered charges are subsequently separated automatically by tying off the spaces therebetween. Operator intervention is not necessary in this packaging process; however, the automatic tie-off operation must be synchronized with the extrusion process in order to permit its continuous functioning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a unique container construction primarily adapted for use with a packaging process inyolving the force filling of compressed elongated containers and the subsequent creation of individual packages having predetermined quantities of material. The novel container of the invention cooperates with special apparatus suitable for use therewith in carrying out a unique packaging process.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved elongated container for receiving force fed material.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved elongated container for receiving force fed material which contains self-metering means whereby packages of predetermined dimensions and quantities of material may be formed.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved elongated container for receiving force fed material which is suitable for use with existing extrusion equipment.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved elongated container facilitating the successive filling of a plurality of preliminary package units without requiring completion of individual packaging until some subsequent time.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved elongated container initially axially compressed, and adapted for axial expansion during filling.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved elongated container having selected portions thereof secured to prevent axial extension.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a unique elongated container having at least one end open. The container is longitudinally compressed by folding, pleating, shirring, or the like. At predetermined positions along the length of the compressed container, clamping means secure a plurality of folds against axial extension. This clamping means prevents the extension of a predetermined length of the container during filling and this length of material is subsequently available for eifecting transverse seals. The material between clamping means is of the length required to store or receive a particular volume of the filling material.

The containers embodying the invention are particularly useful in conjunction with a filling process including the steps of providing the elongated container with clamped areas and unclamped areas alternating along the length thereof, and forcing material into the container, thereby extending the unclamped areas. After one or more unclamped areas is filled, the clamping means may be removed and a transverse seal may be effected in the area thus released.

In employing the container of the invention, there may be provided unique apparatus for the force filling operation. The container is initially axially compressed over the discharge part of the apparatus. Restraining means function to permit individual folds of the compressed container to gradually extend under the filling force without opening the clamped folds of the container.

The above objects of the invention, as well as others not specifically recited, Will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description which is made in conjunction with the drawings. This detailed description will also bring out the the unique features and advantages of the invention.

3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a container according to one embodiment of the invention being filled with a material from a hopper;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a container filling apparatus according to another illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing the operation of sealing and cutting the area between individual packaging units;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative lay-out showing an embodiment of the invention wherein a severance line is provided within the clamped area of a container constructed in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention showing apparatus for filling containers constructed in the manner to be fully described.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a container constructed in accordance with one form of the invention, positioned upon a filling apparatus and partially filled with a material 15. The material is initially stored within a hopper 16 and is extruded or forced through a horn cylinder 17 into the container 10 under the action of an impeller means 18. The major portion of container 10 is longitudinally compressed over horn 17. Throughout the specification and claims, reference will be made to the folds of the compressed container. It should be understood that folding, pleating, shirring, etc., may 'be used depending upon the material from which the container is made, the dimensions of the container, and the nature of the filling apparatus.

In the particular container shown in FIG. 1, an end closure 19 is provided. Thus, as material is extruded under the action of impeller 18, it forces the container to extend. Clamping means 13 are provided at various positions along the container and hold together a predetermined number of folds, preventing their axial extension under the effect of the extrusion process. The amount of material retained by the clamping means 13 is determined by the amount of material required to effect transverse closures of the containers. The length 11 between clamping means is determined by the amount of material to be packaged. Quite clearly, the amount of material packaged will depend upon not only the length but also the volume of the container and this depends upon the particular cross-sectional shape used. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a substantially tubular container construction, it is recognized that other cross-sections may be employed.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 which illustrates a container mounted upon extrusion apparatus after several lengths of the container have been filled. The apparatus includes a supply portion 20 terminating in a cylindrical horn 23 that is connected to the supply portion via conical sides 22. A means 21 which may be either a ram or screw-type impeller system is employed to force material 24 through horn 23. The particular input means for supplying material to the apparatus is neither germane nor shown. Container feed units are mounted upon the sloping sidewalls 22, in at least two diametrically opposed positions. The unit shown in the upper portion of the figure is typical and includes a stationary member 25 rigidly secured in any appropriate fashion to wall 22, and a releasing member 26 pivotally attached to station ary member 25 at point 27. A spring 28 is engaged at some stationary point, such as on member 25, and also is secured to pivoting member 26. The end of member 26 is normally biased in a downward position as a result of the compression of spring 28. This end, 29, rests against the container material that has been initially compressed onto horn 23. Underneath end 29, a projection 30 on the external surface of horn 23 may be provided.

During extrusion of material 24 the pressure of the material acting against the end of the container causes it to stretch and it is pulled olf the horn between ends 29 and 30. It will be understood that the pressure of spring 28 and the shape of ends 29 and 30 are so arranged that a single fold is permitted exit at one time. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the clamping means 13 will also be permitted to pass through the space between ends 29 and 30 as a single unit. Thus, the container as it is extruded will appear roughly in the form shown in the right portion of FIG. 2.

It will be noted that the extreme right end of the container 10 in FIG. 2 is shown clamped by means 41. The initial end section of any container may either be permanently closed or closed after the container is mounted. In many instances, the containers are prepared as elongated pleated tubes and after they are mounted upon the horn of an extrusion device, the end is sealed off. Thereafter the process of filling may proceed. The particular manner in which the end is sealed may vary greatly and may employ any of the techniques that are conventional in the art today. For example, a simple wire clamping means 41 may be employed or, if the material is suitable for heat sealing, this may also be utilized.

As the container is filled it travels toward the right under the influence of the extruded material. Depending on the size of the container and other factors, such as weight and supporting surface conditions, auxiliary equip ment or supporting members may also be employed. In still other instances, such as where large agricultural crops are being handled, it may be deemed advantageous to move the extrusion or filling vehicle and leave the container on the field as it fills. There is no need for sealing off the individual packages until some time in the future when the labor or a more propitious time for performing such a task is available.

When the individual packages are to be formed, it is simply necessary to remove clamping means 13 and stretch the previously clamped portions of the container. With reference to FIG. 3, it will be seen that this stretching of the previously clamped portion leaves sufficient material for closing the ends of each unit. FIG. 3 illustrates the actual closure being effected at two points by the use of conventional twisted wire. After the closures have been completed, the portion of the container therebetween is severed at point 40.

It will be appreciated that in order to most expeditiously subsequently separate the packages, it may be desirable to provide initially for this separation by weakening the area to be ultimately severed, with perforations or the like. Thus, FIG. 4 illustrates a container 10 adapted to be folded or crimped substantially along lines 45. The region 46 is that which will be secured by the clamping means. Substantially in the center of region 46 is a perforating line 47 which can be easily torn apart. The clamping means is much stronger longitudinally than the axial force exerted on the fabric, during filling and therefore there is no need for concern that the perforations will longitudinally Weaken the container during the filling process.

Another apparatus for feeding material into containers of the type described, is shown in FIG. 5. The apparatus in this figure is substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 2, with the exception of a different container release mechanism. In the present instance, the mechanism comprises a spring means 50 having an outwardly inclined extension 51 at the end of horn 23. As a result of this extension on the spring means, as the container is forced forward during filling the extension tends to grip each fold of the crimped container until suflicient force is applied by the extruded material to force the fold into axial extension. Once again, it will be noted that due to the unique provision of the clamping means 13 on the external surface of the container, the entire clamped portion will be fed out at the same time and the packaging process may proceed in the manner previously described.

The clamping means 13 may take many forms. Their function requires strength in the longitudinal direction of the container that is suflicient to prevent opening of the clamped folds during filling. In addition, they should be easily removable to conveniently facilitate the individual packaging steps. The number of clamps used to secure a particular plurality of folds is optional.

Several embodiments and aspects of the invention have been described. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the use of particular materials nor to the employment of specific devices or apparatus. It is contemplated that modifications in regard to these features of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings herein. All such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A container formed of elongated circumferentially closed sheet material, the circumferential walls of said container being axially gathered in successive folds, and axially spaced clamping means each securing at least one of said successive folds against axial extension, such that alternate portions of said container are secured and unsecured respectively against axial extension.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the height of said folds is less than the transverse dimensions of said container.

3. A container according to claim 1, wherein said clamping means secures a plurality of successive folds and said plurality yields an extended length sufficient to effect transverse closure of two ends of said container.

4. A container according to claim 1, wherein said sheet material is axially weakened approximately at the center of a clamped portion.

5. A container according to claim .1, wherein a plurality of clamping means are provided, said clamping means being axially separated by a predetermined amount to yield a known volume of space between the clamped portions.

6. A container having a longitudinal axis and at least one open end, comprising an axially compressible and expandible Wall, and axially spaced means securing preselected alternate axial portions of said wall against expansion.

7. A container according to claim 6 wherein said preselected portions of the walls secured in compression are expansible to a length sufiicient to effect transverse closure of two ends of said container.

8. A container according to claim 6 wherein each of said axially spaced means comprises a plurality of elements circumferentially spaced about said wall.

9. A container according to claim 6 wherein said container is formed of flexible material and said wall is axially compressed by creating successive folds exhibiting cross-sectional diameters of greater and lesser dimen- 10. A container according to claim 9 wherein said axially spaced means secure at least one of said successive folds against axial expansion.

11. A container according to claim 10 wherein said axially spaced means include an axially extending portion having a length substantially equal to the compressed length of the material secured thereby, and a portion extending substantially orthogonally to said axially extending portion.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 202,042 4/1878 Miller 138121 X 2,010,626 8/1935 Dietrich 206-46 X 2,057,122 10/1936 Trevellyan 206-56 3,301,293 1/1967 Santelli l50.5 3,434,589 3/1969 Valtri et a1 ISO-.5 X

GEORGE T. HALL, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

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