초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for packaging an article such as, for example, a chocolate bar or other food product. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a conveyor system including a portion which leads the articles to a rotary inverter subsequent to an apparatus which folds a wrapper partiall

A method and apparatus for packaging an article such as, for example, a chocolate bar or other food product. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a conveyor system including a portion which leads the articles to a rotary inverter subsequent to an apparatus which folds a wrapper partially around the article. The inverter turns the article over to have the lower surface of the article face upwardly for having the final folds of the wrapper to be folded against the lower surface. The wrapper is preferably made from thermosealable material. Around the periphery of the inverter are workstations which preheat the thermosealable wrapper; apply pressure to cool the wrapper thereby sealing it; and fold the wrapper to create an extra flap with lateral folds projecting from the article. Downstream of the inverter is a workstation which seals the lateral folds, by heating, applying pressure to them, and cooling them. The lateral folds are supported from above during sealing by a support and guidance device. Lastly, a workstation performs the folding of the lateral folds and the extra flap against the lower surface of the article. Either the lateral folds are first folded against the lower surface of the article, with the extra flap folded over them or the extra flap is first folded against the lower surface of the article, after which the lateral folds are folded. In the latter configuration, an open-sleeve printed band is placed over the wrapped article for a more attractive appearance.

대표청구항 ▼

A process for wrapping a product having a predetermined length, an upper surface, and a lower surface, said process comprising the steps of: (a) moving said product, with said upper surface facing substantially upwardly, along a predetermined path by means of a linear conveyer system; (b) positionin

A process for wrapping a product having a predetermined length, an upper surface, and a lower surface, said process comprising the steps of: (a) moving said product, with said upper surface facing substantially upwardly, along a predetermined path by means of a linear conveyer system; (b) positioning a substantially rectangular wrapper made of thermosealable material within said predetermined path of said product as said product moves along said predetermined path thereby folding said wrapper around said product and forming two flaps having unequal lengths extending, respectively, from said upper surface and said lower surface of said product; (c) inserting said product and wrapper into a compartment of a rotary inverting device; (d) moving said product and wrapper along an arcuate path by means of said rotary inverting device; (e) sealing said two flaps together along said predetermined length of said product during the course of moving said product and wrapper along said arcuate path, thereby forming an extra flap extending substantially from said lower surface of said product; (f) forming lateral folds in said wrapper during the course of moving said product and wrapper along said arcuate path; (g) discharging said product and wrapper from said rotary inverting device after said rotary inverting device has moved said product and wrapper approximately 180°along said arcuate path, so that said lower surface of said product faces substantially upwardly; (h) sealing said lateral folds including preheating said thermosealable material by means of two heated ribbons which are adapted to move substantially parallel to the movement of said product, and applying pressure upon said lateral folds by means of cooled pressure rollers, wherein said process further comprises maintaining said lateral folds in a position substantially perpendicular to said lower surface of said product after said step of sealing said lateral folds, by means of at least one support and guidance element; and (i) folding said extra flap and said lateral folds on said lower surface of said product.