US3656273A

US3656273A - Wrapping machine

Info

Publication number: US3656273A
Application number: US26937A
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew W Anderson; James Alexander; Martin E Leszczynski; Lester A Higgins
Original assignee: Scandia Packaging Machinery Co
Current assignee: Scandia Packaging Machinery Co
Priority date: 1970-04-09
Filing date: 1970-04-09
Publication date: 1972-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 1989-04-18
Also published as: AR203813A1; BR7102112D0; BE765501A; GB1354544A

Abstract

A wrapping machine is provided having a combination which enables the wrapping machine to be run in a fully automatic condition. The web of wrapping material is joined to a tear strip and subsequently fed to a sheet applying work station where individual wrapper sheets are cut from the web and placed over a package. A cutting means is provided to form a slit configuration in the web of wrapping material. This configuration includes two perforations extending longitudinally with respect to the tear strip on either side thereof and a perforation that crosses the two longitudinal perforations. A moving means including primary pushing means and auxiliary pushing means is used to feed packages at predetermined intervals into the wrapping machine. Sensing means are provided to detect any irregular package feed condition being conveyed by the moving means with a first responsive means functioning to stop the moving of the packages within the machine. A heat sealing means is used in this combination and is operably connected to a second means that is responsive to any shut down condition in the wrapping machine to move the heat sealing means away from any package that is being sealed therewith thereby preventing burning of the package. Each of the specific elements provides a function that overcomes various problems associated with wrapping machines now available in the prior art. There are several individual features set forth in the separate embodiments of this invention.

Description

United States Patent Anderson et al.

[15] 3,656,273 1 Apr. 18, 1972 Primary E.taminerTravis S. McGehee AttorneyMarkva & Smith [57] ABSTRACT A wrapping machine is provided having a combination which enables the wrapping machine to be run in a fully automatic condition. The web of wrapping material is joined to a tear strip and subsequently fed to a sheet applying work station where individual wrapper sheets are cut from the web and placed over a package. A cutting means is provided to form a slit configuration in the web of wrapping material. This configuration includes two perforations extending longitudinally with respect to the tear strip on either side thereof and a perforation that crosses the two longitudinal perforations. A moving means including primary pushing means and auxiliary pushing means is used to feed packages at predetermined intervals into the wrapping machine. Sensing means are provided to detect any irregular package feed condition being conveyed by the moving means with a first responsive means functioning to stop the moving of the packages within the machine. A heat sealing means is used in this combination and is operably connected to a second means that is responsive to any shut down condition in the wrapping machine to move the heat sealing means away from any package that is being sealed therewith thereby preventing burning of the package. Each of the specific elements provides a function that overcomes various problems associated with wrapping machines now available in the prior art. There are several individual features set forth in the separate embodiments of this invention.

29 Claims, 27 Drawing Figures PATENTED APR 1 8 I972 SHEET 03 [1F Y2 PATENTEDAPR 18 I972 SHEEI OBUF 12 PATENTEDAPR 18 I572 SHEET [NM 12 &\\\\ I is PATfNTEwmeuerz 3,656,273

sum as or 12 BRAKE K CLUTCH CONTROL.

CIRCUIT ABNORMAL 8O wNDITION .i '9 NORMAL.

cowomou T 2| Tic 2 NORMAL CONDITION PATENTEDAPR 18 (972 SHEET DSBF 12 5 LI/IIIIIIIl/IIIIIIIIIII wal PATENTEDAPR 18 m2 SHEET 10UF 12 PATENTEDAPR 18 m2 SHEET llUF 12 PATENTEDAFR 18 1972 SHEET I'LLSSFLLLY STOP MOTOR STARTER START STOP START I23 E III I I n2 I l BRAKE B, CLUTCH CONTROL CIRCUlT IT.) I

SENSlNG DEVICE WRAPPING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wrapping machines used for wrapping packages in a fully automatic manner are well known. In order to facilitate automatic operation of a wrapping machine, it is absolutely essential that any adverse condition within the machine be promptly detected and the irregularity corrected before any damage is done to the machine. Any shut down time of the machine is very expensive. Furthermore, any undetected damage to the machine during the operation thereof may result in the production of defectively wrapped packages. Heretofore, prior art wrapping machines have not been obtaining full efficiency because the structural combinations have not been designed with an overall view of the adverse effects due to several problems.

Many prior art machines have separate improvements incorporated therein from time to time to overcome specific difficulties or solve certain problems associated therewith. The common type of wrapping machine incorporates the use of a turret wheel assembly. Numerous specific problems have been associated with various portions of such wrapping machines in the prior art. These problems have from time to time been solved by various apparatus combinations. Reference is made to US. Pat. Nos. 2,373,655, 2,400,682, 2,837,978, 3,055,490, and 3,084,582 as examples of specific problems and structures which have been designed to overcome certain specific problems.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The primary object of this invention is to provide a total combination of structural elements which may be used in combination with a wrapping machine to enable the wrapping machine to be run automatically.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a wrapping machine that is capable of running in fully automatic operation while overcoming many problems associated with certain aspects of the wrapping machine.

It is a further object of this invention to solve a series of problems all at once in a single wrapping machine thereby producing a synergistic effect with respect to the efficiency attained while the machine is in operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to a wrapping machine incorporating a combination of assemblies which work together in such a manner as to enable a fully automatic operation. The combination includes an apparatus for making tear strip wrappers, pushing means including a primary pusher member and an auxiliary pusher member, an apparatus for aligning a wrapper sheet on a package, and apparatus for detecting and prevent ing irregular conditions within the wrapping machine. Various specific details and functions of the different embodiments will be fully described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view partially in section of a wrapping machine incorporating the various features of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the wrapping material illustrating successive cuts made in the wrapper and tear strip;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a cutter member used in the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a cutter member having a pair of knife edges;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a cutter member for cutting the tear strip;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 taken through the cutting members;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a pusher assembly made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pusher assembly urging a package along a horizontal support;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pusher assembly of FIG. 1 shown urging a package into a receiving means;

FIG. 11 is the pusher assembly of FIG. 8 shown at an advanced stage of operation;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 8 showing the action of the auxiliary pushing means on the package;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 8 showing the action of auxiliary pushing means in combination with a liquid applying device;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of an alignment apparatus made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 14 shown in relation to a sheet cutting mechanism of a wrapping machine;

FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing showing the operation of the detecting apparatus of FIG. 8;

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing the detecting apparatus of FIG. 8 in combination with an article handling machine;

FIGS. l8, l9, and 20 are partial circuit diagrams showing the operation of the detecting apparatus in FIG. 8 under normal conditions;

FIG. 2i is a partial circuit diagram showing the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 8 under irregular package feed conditions;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the actuating means for a heat sealing mechanism made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 22 shown in another operational position;

FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view of a heat sealing mechanism shown in the sealing position;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus of FIG. 25 shown in a shut down position, and

FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram showing a starting feature made in accordance with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS More specifically, FIG. I shows a machine which incorporates the combination made in accordance with this invention. The apparatus for making tear strip wrappers is generally designated 124. A pushing assembly made in accordance with this invention is generally designated 40. The location of an apparatus for aligning a wrapper sheet on a package is generally designated 62. The apparatus for detecting and preventing irregular conditions within the wrapping machine is shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 16 through 21.

The primary object of the incorporation of the assembly 124 is for producing tear strip wrappers to be placed over packages moving through the machine. A cutting means is provided to form a slit configuration including two

perforations

32 and 33 on either side of the tear strip material It] and a perforation 31 that crosses the two

longitudinal perforations

32 and 33. The apparatus assembly 124 is shown in FIG. 2. The feeding of the tear strip 10 and the wrapping material web 18 is accomplished in a conventional way. The wrapping material web 18 comes off the supply roll 17 and goes under the roll 19, passes upwardly over the roll 22 and downwardly between the

rollers

26 and 27. The web 18 then passes through the cutting mechanism including the rotating cutter member 29 which is mounted on the rotatable shaft 28. The

rotary knife 29 works in conjunction with the stationary knife 30 to cut sheets from the web 18. The sheets are subsequently used to wrap packages moving through the wrapping machine. A more specific description of a sheet feeding and cutting mechanism which may be used in combination with the invention of this application is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,837,978.

While the web 18 is being fed through the apparatus of this invention, a tear strip material is fed downwardly from a supply roll 11 over

guide rollers

12 and 13. As the ribbon 10 passes between the

rollers

12 and 13, a tension is effected therein before it passes onto the next steps in the process. The ribbon 10 passes over a wick 15 which applies solvent that is provided in the reservoir 14. After solvent application, the ribbon 10 passes in contact with the heating element 16 for the purpose of evaporating the solvent. The ribbon 10 then passes over the pressure roll 22 at which location the tear strip ribbon 10 is glued on top of the wrapping material web 18. A pressure roller 22a is used in combination with the roller 22 for the purpose of effecting a joining of the tear strip 10 and web 18.

The wrapping material 18 may be any type of film material such as polypropylene, cellophane, any similar cellulose acetate material or any equivalent substance. The tear strip 10 is made with any similar material. However, the color of the tear strip may be different from that of the wrapping material 18.

A cutter member 21 which revolves with the shaft 20 is located adjacent the roller 19 in this specific embodiment. This cutter member 21 constitutes a first cutting means which is used to make the perforation 31 in the web 18. The perforation 31 extends in a direction transverse to the direction of movement for the web 18 and strip 10. The strip 10 is located on the web 18 at a position intermediate the perforation 31 when passing between

rollers

22 and 22a. A second cutting member 24 as shown in FIG. 5 includes cutting

edges

36 and 37. The cutting member 24 is mounted on the rotatable shaft 23 at a location wherein the cutting edges 36 and 37

cut perforations

32 and 33, respectively, on either side ofthe strip 10. The cutting member 25, also mounted on the rotatable shaft 23, effects the cutting of the ribbon 10 at the perforation 34. The cutting member 25 cuts only through the tape 10 and not through the web 18. The cut 34 in this instance is a diagonal cut across the width of the tear strip 10.

A pair of

perforations

32 and 33 cross the transverse perforation 31 and extends longitudinally with respect to the tear strip 10. The separation of the cutting members to a first and second cutting means thereby overcomes the disadvantages associated with the use ofa single H-cutting member which is now commonly used in the prior art. That is, a complete, clean cut is assured during the continuous operation of the wrapping machine. it is evident that the location of the various cutting

members

21, 24 and 25 may be in different places with respect to each other. The primary limitation is that the cut made by the cutting member 21 forming the perforation 31 must be effected before the tear strip 10 is joined to the web of material 18. It is apparent that the location of the cutting

members

21 and 24 with respect to each other may be varied. Obviously, however, other backing rollers would have to be inserted if the cutting

members

21 and 24 were located at different points in the apparatus combination.

The roller 22 is grooved to effect the cuts desired in the web material. The structure of the

backup rollers

19 and 22 is common in the prior art. They can be made of metal or any other kind of metal material which provides a solid backup for cutting the grooves in the wrapping material web 18.

Since it is possible that the web 18 may be perforated at the same time that the tear tape 10 is cut, the pressure existing between the roller 22 and the cutter member 25 is adjusted so that it will only cut the tear tape 10. if desired, it is possible to reverse the position of the cutter member 24 with respect to the cutter member 25.

The primary object of the package feed assembly is to insure proper seating of the package in a wrapping machine receiving means. In addition, the assembly generally designated 40 insures satisfactory application of liquid to the wrapping material for forming a completely sealed and wrapped package. The pushing assembly 40 includes a pair of endless chains 41 and a plurality of

transverse pusher members

42 and 43. The

pusher members

42 and 43 are fixedly attached to the chains 41. The primary pusher member 42 engages the following side of the package 44. The auxiliary pushing member 43 is disposed behind the primary pusher member 42 As the endless chain 41 moves forward, the primary and auxiliary pushing

members

42 and 43, respectively, travel in the forward direction behind the package 44 to a wrapper sheet applying station. The wrapper sheet applying station is not shown in the instant case and does not form a part of this invention. Any conventional manner of applying a wrapper sheet onto a package may be used in combination with the pusher assembly 40. A mechanism for feeding and cutting wrapper sheets to be placed over packages is shown in US. Pat No. 2,837,978.

The package 44 moves along the support platfonn 73 while being urged to the wrapper sheet applying station. The endless chains 41 move along a channel 46. The manner in which the endless chains 41 move through the mechanism is another conventional structure heretofore known in the prior art. The wrapper sheet material may be cellophane or any other film material. Each of the endless chains 41 engage sprockets 59 which are laterally spaced with respect to each other and located adjacent a wrapping machine receiving means.

The receiving means in this specific embodiment constitutes a turret wheel assembly 53. The turret wheel assembly 53 has a plurality of radial pockets as is well known in the prior art. See in particular US. Pat Nos. 3,055,490 and 2,373,655. The chain 41 which is used to push packages into the turret wheel assembly 53 is constantly driven. The speed of the turret wheel assembly 53 is correlated with the speed of the chain drive 41. This operation involves synchronization to effect the desired packaging. The turret wheel stops for one-third of the cycle and it is moving for two-thirds of the cycle. During the one-third of the cycle is when the package 44 is being inserted into the pocket and liquid material is being placed on the projecting end of the wrapper sheet. Each pocket is formed by the

pocket members

54 and 55 which support the package 44 within the turret wheel assembly 53. The primary pusher member 42 is effective to urge the package 44 into the receiving means constituted by the

pocket members

54 and 55. As the sprockets rotate and carry the endless conveyor chains 41 in a different direction, the auxiliary pusher member 43 is allowed to contact the package 44. in this way, pusher member 43 is effective to insure a firm seating of the package 44 in place within the pocket of the turret wheel assembly 53.

The

pocket members

54 and 55 engage the package 44 adjacent one end thereof. Similar pocket members engage the package 44 at the other end thereof. A folding platform 56 is disposed between the sets of pocket members forming each pocket in the turret wheel assembly 53. The stationary platform member 56 is fixedly mounted onto the wrapping machine with the frame structure 560.

A stationary liquid applying device 60 is disposed adjacent the receiving means in this specific embodiment. The stationary liquid applying device 60 includes a vertically disposed working member 61 which is moistened with either a solvent liquid or an adhesive material. As the conveyor chains 41 change the direction of travel of the primary pushing member 42 and auxiliary pushing member 43, each

pusher member

42 and 43 comes into successive contact with the lower projecting end 58 of the wrapper sheet which has been placed around the package 44. The auxiliary pushing member 43 becomes effective to insure an additional thorough application of liquid from the liquid applying wick 61.

The stationary platform 56 provides a place against which the auxiliary pushing member 43 folds the projecting end 58 of the wrapper sheet. As the endless chains 41 continue to move around the axially aligned and laterally spaced sprockets 59, the auxiliary pusher member 43 exerts an additional force onto the projecting end against the wick 61. This action insures full and complete application of either a solvent material or an adhesive material to the end 58 for subsequent joining of the

ends

57 and 58 around the following end of the package 44. The step by step operation of the pushing assembly 40 made in accordance with this invention is sequentially shown in FIGS. through 13.

The wrapper sheet alignment apparatus is generally designated 62 and includes a control roller or roller member 63 rotatably mounted on a shaft 64. The primary object of this apparatus is to provide a means for shifting the position of a wrapper sheet that is placed contiguous to a package which is moving through the wrapping machine made in accordance with this invention. Many obvious advantages are associated with the incorporation of the wrapper sheet alignment apparatus 62 in the wrapping machine of this invention. The longitudinal axis of the roller member 63 extends transversely to the direction of package 44 movement along the support platform 73 of the wrapping machine. The shaft 64 is attached to a lever member 65 which pivots about the pin 66. The pin 66 also connects the lever arm member 65 to the structure of the support platform 73. The lever member 65 pivots in the manner shown by the double headed arrow about the pin 66. This movement is effected through the use of a rod assembly which extends to an operating side of the wrapping machine. The rod assembly includes a rod member 67 that is rotatably attached to a pin member 69 with a coupling unit 70. The rod 67 is threaded and is inserted into the threaded socket portion of the coupling unit 70. A knurled knob 68 is threaded onto the other end of the rod 67 to cause the rod 67 to be adjusted along its longitudinal axis. A spring member 72 is disposed between the wrapping machine structure 79 and an abutment 71 located on the rod 67. This spring 72 provides a biasing force which is transmitted to the roller member 63 through the pivoting action of the assembly 62 about

pins

66 and 69.

The control roller 63 is comprised of a resilient material which is effective to frictionally grip the material of the wrapper sheet 75 disposed on the package 44. The resilient material of the roller member 63 may be rubber or any other equivalent material.

A plate member 74 is mounted at a spaced distance from the support platform 73. A wrapper sheet 75 is cut from a web 76 of wrapping material through the action of a stationary cutting member 77 and a rotating cutting member 78. The specific manner in which the wrapper sheet 75 is cut from the web 76 is well known in the prior art and does not form a part of this invention. A sheet feeding and cutting mechanism which may be used in combination with the aligning apparatus ofthis invention is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,837,978. When the apparatus of this invention is used with these prior art combinations, the roller member 63 steers the film or web of wrapping material before the knife cuts it off. Such a relationship is shown in FIG. 15.

A package 44 is moved through the wrapper sheet 75 by the pushing assembly 40 so that the wrapping material is draped across the advanced end and two opposite sides of the package 44. The control roller 63 is located right after the package 44 has passed through the sheet 75 so that the frictional gripping of the wrapper 75 by the roller 63 will immediately shift the position of the wrapper sheet on the package 44. Once any wrapper sheet has been folded, it is difficult to shift its position on the package 44. The plate member 74 is spaced at an effective distance from the support platform 73 so that when the package 44 passes therebetween, a pressure is exerted between the roller member 63 and one of the sides of the package 44. This pressure is additional to that caused by the weight of the package. This additional pressure aids in effecting movement of the wrapper sheet 75 once it has been draped over the package 44. The plate member 74 also holds the wrapper sheet 75 on the package 44 as it is passed from the sheet applying station to a subsequent receiving means in the wrapping machine. A common receiving means which may be used in combination with the apparatus of this invention is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,055,490 and 2,373,655 illustrating the use of a turret wheel assembly.

The spring member 72 provides a tensioning effect when the roller member 63 is pivoted about its central axis by the rod assembly. The rotating of the knurled knob 68 effects a control of this pivoting action of the roller member 63 about its central axis. The biased movement of the cylindrically shaped roller member 63 about its central axis provides the necessary shifting means to place the wrapper sheet 75 in its desired position with respect to the package 44. That is, the position of the wrapper sheet 75 is skewed with respect to the package 44.

Generally, the apparatus of this invention incorporates both electrical circuit means and mechanical means to provide the necessary functions.

An electrical circuit for effecting a sequential starting of the machine provides current to the motor (not numbered) which drives the machine. Means is provided for preparing the machine to run. In FIG. 27 on the second horizontal line, a start button is pushed to energize the coil 106. When the coil 106 is energized, the contact relay 107 is turned on and the start button 105 may be released. This is a lock-in magnetic circuit. This type of circuit is well known in the prior art and does not form a part of this invention. However, there is a combination of circuits and other devices which does provide novel means for sequentially starting the machine as shown in FIG. 1. When coil 106 is energized, the motor begins to run and the coil or contact relay 109 is activated. This arms the motor and prepares for the machine to start running.

Upon the pushing of the start button 111, the coil 112 is energized and the contact or coil relay 113 is activated. This is another lock-in magnetic circuit enabling the release of the start button while enabling the machine to continue its run. When the coil 112 is energized, the coil relay is activated as shown in the parallel circuit below the brake and clutch control circuit.

In the first horizontal line of the circuit diagram in FIG. 27, a detector used to sense an irregular package feed condition is located. The switch 82 represents a clutch mechanism that starts the feed mechanism to operate. Once this feed mechanism is started and is running continuously, the coil 83 is energized. Upon energizing the coil 83, the coil relays 84 and 108 are activated thereby preparing the circuit for starting the motor by way of the magnetic circuit including the button 105, coil 106 and contact relay 107. At the same time that the coil relay 84 is activated by coil 83, the coil relay 114 is activated in the brake and clutch control circuit. For this reason, there is a completed circuit through the brake and clutch control device as soon as the start button 111 is depressed. In other words, the current is allowed to flow through the brake and clutch control circuit thereby empowering the machine to run.

It is seen that this sequential procedure for starting up the motor enables the operator to consider all areas of the machine before the machine is placed in a fully automatic operational condition.

It is noted that when the start button 111 is pressed, the timer switch 117 immediately closes thereby providing an additional parallel path for electrical current to flow in the brake and clutch control circuit. This specific electrical circuit means including the timer 117, the coil relay 116 and microswitch 86 is used to effect a retracting of a heat sealing means away from a package to avoid burning of the package. In this specific embodiment, a turret wheel assembly 53 is used to receive packages. A heat sealing means constituted by a heater element 102 in FIGS. 25 and 26 is located adjacent the turret wheel assembly 53 at a heat sealing working station. The microswitch 86 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is activated between an open and closed position by virtue of the oscillating cam 92. The heating and folding mechanism 87 includes

rods

90 and 91 which operate

levers

89 and 88, respectively to oscillate the heating element 102 and folding member 103 between the positions shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. When the cam position as shown in FIG. 22 exists, the heater element 102 and folder member 103 are in the position as shown in FIG. 25. When the cam is in the position as shown in FIG. 23, the heater element I02 and folder member 103 are in the position as shown in FIG. 26. If, for any reason, the parallel circuit of FIG. 27 including the coil relay 114 and coil relay 115 is deactivated, the parallel line including the timer switch 117, coil relay U6 and microswitch 86 will enable current to be maintained as long as the microswitch 86 remains closed. The closed position is shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 25. Therefore, current will continue to flow and the machine will continue to run until such time that the heater 102 and folder 103 move away from the package as shown in FIG. 26 and the microswitch 86 is opened by virtue of its movement on the cam surface as shown in FIG. 23. At that time, the total circuit within the brake and clutch circuit as shown in FIG. 27 will be opened and the machine will stop running.

The manner in which the heater element and folder arm is moved through its mechanical arrangement is shown in FIG. 24. The heater arm 89 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 94 and oscillates the heater 102 back and forth. The folder arm 88 is coaxially arranged with respect to the shaft 94 and moves the folder arm 96 back and forth. This assembly is attached to the frame 93 by virtue of the anchor part 97 and bolt 98.

Bushings

99 and 100 enable the folder am 96 to oscillate with respect to shaft 94. The cam 92 is seen to be fixedly mounted onto the shaft 94 and therefore oscillates with the heater element 102.

The pusher and detecting assembly generally designated 40 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 include a sensing means 49. As a package 44 moves over the roller 49, the member pivots about the pin 50 and opens the circuit by way of the switch means SI. The packages are delivered in a predetermined interval. Synchronized with this predetermined interval is a cam surface 81 that is rotatably mounted in a H relationship. That is, for each cycle of the wrapping machine, the shaft revolves the cam surface 81 one time. The cam operates the cam switch 80 which may be located at any desired place on the wrapping machine. In this particular embodiment, it is located on the feed chain drive shaft (not numbered). Its particular location is not important. Its specific function is extremely important. The cam surface 81 causes the second switch 80 to open and close in synchronization with the opening and closing of the first switch 51. When at least one of these

switches

51 or 80 is closed during normal package feed condition, the conveyor chains 41 continue to operate. However, when both of the

switches

51 and 80 are open during an abnormal package feed condition, the conveyor chains 41 are stopped. The chains 4] stop when the machine stops running in this embodiment. A typical abnormal package feed condition is shown in FIG. 8 wherein two

packages

47 and 48 are fed into the machine at the same time. This causes both switches to be opened as shown in FIG. 21. When these two

switches

51 and 80 are open, the coil 83 is de-energized thereby de-energizing the coil relay 84 and a coil relay in the circuit of the brake and clutch circuit 85. In this specific embodiment, the coil relay 114 is deactivated to stop the running of the machine.

It is seen that although the irregular feed condition detector and the delayed retracting system for the heat sealing means are shown in combination, they may also be used separately.

While the wrapping machine has bed described in detail, it is obvious that this invention is not to be considered as being limited to the exact form disclosed, and that changes in detail and construction may be made therein within the scope of the invention, without departing from the spirit thereof.

Having thus set forth and disclosed the nature of this invention, what is claimed is:

1. In a wrapping machine, the combination comprising:

a. cutting means to form a slit configuration in a web of wrapping material,

material,

c. said slit configuration including two perforations extending longitudinally with respect to the tear strip on either side thereof and a perforation that crosses the two longitudinal perforations,

d. means for moving at least one package in a forward direction of travel from a package supplying work station to a wrapper sheet applying work station,

e. said moving means including primary pushing means and auxiliary pushing means, said auxiliary pushing means being disposed behind said primary pushing means,

f. means for receiving said package after a wrapper sheet has been applied across the advanced end and two opposite sides of the package,

g. said primary pushing means being effective to urge said package into said receiving means and said auxiliary pushing means being effective to insure a firm seating of the package in place within said receiving means,

h. means located at said sheet applying work station for shifting the position of the sheet of wrapping material after being contiguously placed on a package to effect the desired alignment thereof with respect to the package,

i. sensing means located before the receiving means to detect an irregular package feed condition being conveyed by said moving means,

j. first means responsive to said sensing means to stop the moving of the packages into the receiving means,

k. heat sealing means located adjacent the receiving means at a heat sealing work station, and

I. second means responsive to any shutdown condition in the wrapping machine to move the heat sealing means away from the package in the receiving means thereby preventing burning of the package.

2. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein said cutting means includes a first and second cutting means,

said first cutting means is for making a perforation in the web of wrapping material before joining the strip and the web,

said perforation extending in a direction transverse to the direction of movement for the strip and web,

and said second cutting means is for making a pair of perforations which cross the transverse perforations in the web of wrapping material,

said pair of perforations extending longitudinally with respect to the tear strip.

3. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 2 wherein said second cutting means is located after the position where the tear strip is joined to the web of wrapping material.

4. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 3 wherein said second cutting means includes means to cut the tear strip at a distance away from said transverse perforation.

5. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said moving means includes conveyor means to which said primary and auxiliary pushing means are attached.

6. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein the moving means causes the primary and auxiliary pushing means to travel in a forward direction behind the package and the primary pushing means is disposed to engage the following side of the package while moving into said receiving means,

said moving means includes means to change the direction of travel of the primary pushing means for allowing the auxiliary pushing means to engage the following side of the package for insuring said seating in the receiving means.

7. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said moving means includes conveyor means to which said primary and auxiliary pushing means are attached.

8. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein said receiving means comprises a turret wheel assembly having a plurality of pockets for receiving the packages.

9. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said moving means includes a pair of axially aligned spaced sprockets located adjacent said receiving means and endless chains passing around said sprockets,

said primary pushing means and said auxiliary pushing means consist of a first transverse pusher member and a second transverse pusher member, respectively,

said first and second pusher members being fixedly attached to the endless chains.

10. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 including a stationary liquid applying device disposed adjacent the receiving means,

means for disposing a wrapper sheet across the advanced end and two sides of the package with both ends of the wrapper sheet projecting rearwardly from the receiving means,

said auxiliary pushing means being further effective to insure an additional thorough application of liquid from the liquid applying device.

11. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 10 wherein the moving means causes the primary and auxiliary pushing means to travel at a forward direction behind the package and the primary pushing means is disposed to engage the following side of the package while moving into said receiving means,

said moving means includes means to change the direction of travel of the primary pushing means to press one of the projecting ends of the wrapper sheet across the liquid applying device and for allowing engagement of the auxiliary pushing means with the following side of the package to insure seating in the receiving means.

12. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 10 wherein said moving means includes a pair of axially aligned spaced sprockets located adjacent said receiving means,

endless chains passing around said sprockets, and

said primary pushing means in said auxiliary pushing means consist of a first transverse pusher member and a second transverse pusher member, respectively,

13. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 10 wherein said receiving means comprises a turret wheel assembly having a plurality of pockets for receiving the packages.

14. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 13 wherein said receiving means includes a stationary platform located between the turret pockets and against which platform the auxiliary pushing means folds the projecting end of the wrapper sheet to which liquid is being applied.

15. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shifting means includes roller means disposed on one of said opposite sides to frictionally contact the wrapper sheet and means to adjust the alignment of the roller means with respect to the direction of package movement through the machine.

16. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shifting means includes roller means movably disposed on one of said opposite sides to frictionally contact the wrapper sheet and means located on the other of said opposite sides to provide a pressure between the package and the roller means.

17. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 16 wherein said shifting means includes means to adjust the alignment of the roller means with respect to the direction of package movement through the machine.

18. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shifting means includes a roller member comprised of a resilient material which is effective to frictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and means to adjust the alignment of the roller member with respect to the direction of package movement through the machine.

19. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 18 wherein said roller member is cylindrical and has its longitudinal axis being disposed transversely to the direction of travel for the package.

20. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 18 wherein said shifting means includes a cylindrically shaped and movably mounted roller member having its longitudinal axis extending transversely to the direction of movement for the package and means to adjust the axis of the roller member with respect to said direction of movement.

2]. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 20 wherein said roller member is comprised of a resilient material which is effective to frictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and said adjustment means includes control means to effect movement of the roller member about its central axis and biasing means to provide a tension force to the movement of the roller member about its central axis.

22. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 21 wherein said shifting means includes plate means being located on the side of the package opposite said roller member to provide a pressure between the package and the roller member.

23. in a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein said moving means includes a package support means extending from the package supplying work station to the receiving means and said sensing means is disposed at a location along the package support means.

24. in a wrapping machine as defined in claim I wherein said sensing means includes a feeler member disposed adjacent the moving means to touch packages as they move from the package supplying work station to the receiving means and said responsive means includes switch means to maintain and stop electrical current to control operation of the moving means.

25. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said sensing means is disposed a location along the package support means to touch packages as they move from the package supplying work station to the receiving means and said responsive means includes a first switch means adapted to be operated by said sensing means,

a movable cam surface, and second switch means adapted to be operated by said movable cam surface,

said first and second switch means being adapted to maintain and stop electrical current to control the operation of the moving means.

26. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 25 wherein said cam surface is rotatably mounted on the wrapping machine and causes said second switch means to open and close in synchronization with the opening and closing of said first switch means,

when at least one of said switch means is closed during normal package feed condition, said moving means continues to operate,

when both of said switch means are open during an abnormal package feed condition, operation of said moving means is stopped.

27. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said sensing means is disposed at a location along the package support means to touch packages as they move from the package supplying work station to the receiving means and said responsive means includes an electrical circuit means for controlling said moving means, first switch means adapted to be operated by said sensing means, a movable cam surface, and second switch means adapted to be operated by said movable cam surface,

said first and second switch means being electrically parallel in said electrical circuit means,

at least one of said switch means being adapted to maintain current flow in said electrical circuit means under normal package feed conditions and both of said switch means being adapted to stop current flow in said electrical circuit means under abnonnal package feed conditions.

28. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 27 wherein which remains energized for a period of time sufficient to provide power to the heat sealing means whereby the heat sealing means moves away from the package disposed in said receiving means.

& i i k i

Claims

1. In a wrapping machine, the combination comprising: a. cutting means to form a slit configuration in a web of wrapping material, b. means for joining a tear strip to the web of wrapping material, c. said slit configuration including two perforations extending longitudinally with respect to the tear strip on either side thereof and a perforation that crosses the two longitudinal perforations, d. means for moving at least one package in a forward direction of travel from a package supplying work station to a wrapper sheet applying work station, e. said moving means including primary pushing means and auxiliary pushing means, said auxiliary pushing means being disposed behind said primary pushing means, f. means for receiving said package after a wrapper sheet has been applied across the advanced end and two opposite sides of the package, g. said primary pushing means being effective to urge said package into said receiving means and said auxiliary pushing means being effective to insure a firm seating of the package in place within said receiving means, h. means located at said sheet applying work station for shifting the position of the sheet of wrapping material after being contiguously placed on a package to effect the desired alignment thereof with respect to the package, i. sensing means located before the receiving means to detect an irregular package feed condition being conveyed By said moving means, j. first means responsive to said sensing means to stop the moving of the packages into the receiving means, k. heat sealing means located adjacent the receiving means at a heat sealing work station, and l. second means responsive to any shutdown condition in the wrapping machine to move the heat sealing means away from the package in the receiving means thereby preventing burning of the package.

2. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said cutting means includes a first and second cutting means, said first cutting means is for making a perforation in the web of wrapping material before joining the strip and the web, said perforation extending in a direction transverse to the direction of movement for the strip and web, and said second cutting means is for making a pair of perforations which cross the transverse perforations in the web of wrapping material, said pair of perforations extending longitudinally with respect to the tear strip.

6. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein the moving means causes the primary and auxiliary pushing means to travel in a forward direction behind the package and the primary pushing means is disposed to engage the following side of the package while moving into said receiving means, said moving means includes means to change the direction of travel of the primary pushing means for allowing the auxiliary pushing means to engage the following side of the package for insuring said seating in the receiving means.

8. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said receiving means comprises a turret wheel assembly having a plurality of pockets for receiving the packages.

9. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said moving means includes a pair of axially aligned spaced sprockets located adjacent said receiving means and endless chains passing around said sprockets, said primary pushing means and said auxiliary pushing means consist of a first transverse pusher member and a second transverse pusher member, respectively, said first and second pusher members being fixedly attached to the endless chains.

10. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 including a stationary liquid applying device disposed adjacent the receiving means, means for disposing a wrapper sheet across the advanced end and two sides of the package with both ends of the wrapper sheet projecting rearwardly from the receiving means, said auxiliary pushing means being further effective to insure an additional thorough application of liquid from the liquid applying device.

11. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 10 wherein the moving means causes the primary and auxiliary pushing means to travel at a forward direction behind the package and the primary pushing means is disposed to engage the following side of the package while moving into said receiving means, said moving means includes means to change the direction of travel of the primary pushing means to press one of the projecting ends of the wrapper sheet across the liquid applying device and for allowing engagement of the auxiliary pushing means with the following side of the package to insure seating in the receiving means.

12. In a wrapping macHine as defined in claim 10 wherein said moving means includes a pair of axially aligned spaced sprockets located adjacent said receiving means, endless chains passing around said sprockets, and said primary pushing means in said auxiliary pushing means consist of a first transverse pusher member and a second transverse pusher member, respectively, said first and second pusher members being fixedly attached to the endless chains.

21. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 20 wherein said roller member is comprised of a resilient material which is effective to frictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and said adjustment means includes control means to effect movement of the roller member about its central axis and biasing means to provide a tension force to the movement of the roller member about its central axis.

23. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said moving means includes a package support means extending from the package supplying work station to the receiving means and said sensing means is disposed at a location along the package support means.

24. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said sensing means includes a feeler member disposed adjacent the moving means to touch packages as they move from the package supplying work station to the receiving means and said responsive means includes switch means to maintain and stop electrical current to control operation of the moving means.

25. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said sensing means is dIsposed a location along the package support means to touch packages as they move from the package supplying work station to the receiving means and said responsive means includes a first switch means adapted to be operated by said sensing means, a movable cam surface, and second switch means adapted to be operated by said movable cam surface, said first and second switch means being adapted to maintain and stop electrical current to control the operation of the moving means.

26. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 25 wherein said cam surface is rotatably mounted on the wrapping machine and causes said second switch means to open and close in synchronization with the opening and closing of said first switch means, when at least one of said switch means is closed during normal package feed condition, said moving means continues to operate, when both of said switch means are open during an abnormal package feed condition, operation of said moving means is stopped.

27. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said sensing means is disposed at a location along the package support means to touch packages as they move from the package supplying work station to the receiving means and said responsive means includes an electrical circuit means for controlling said moving means, first switch means adapted to be operated by said sensing means, a movable cam surface, and second switch means adapted to be operated by said movable cam surface, said first and second switch means being electrically parallel in said electrical circuit means, at least one of said switch means being adapted to maintain current flow in said electrical circuit means under normal package feed conditions and both of said switch means being adapted to stop current flow in said electrical circuit means under abnormal package feed conditions.

28. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 27 wherein said cam surface is rotatably mounted on the wrapping machine and causes said second switch means to open and close in synchronization with the opening and closing of said first switch means.

29. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said second responsive means includes a switch means which remains energized for a period of time sufficient to provide power to the heat sealing means whereby the heat sealing means moves away from the package disposed in said receiving means.