US2971308A - Wrapping method and apparatus, and package produced thereby - Google Patents

Description

J. F. HOBBINS' WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY Y Filed NOV. l, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTIOR. JAMS F. H//Vj un? ...5 llO ie... .wus i Quel!! V www J P hh \w\h\ l.

70K/Vix J. F. HOBBINS Feb. 14, 1961 WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Nov. 1, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 14, 1961 1 F, HOBBlNs 2,97L308 WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Nov. 1, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Feb. 14, 1961 J. F. HoBBlNs 2,971,308

WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Nov. 1, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

TTOR/YEX J. F. HOBBINS Feb. 14, 1961 WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Nov. 1, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

JA MES F. /O//VS ATTO/FNB.

Feb. 14, 1961 J. F. HoBBlNs 2,971,308

WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Nov. 1, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 j?? INVENTOR.

TORNEX J. F. HOBBINS Feb. 14, 1961 WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Nov. 1, 1956 INVENTOR. J/wfs fi /fo//vf By/ Feb. 14, 1961 I J. F. HoBBlNs 2,971,308

WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Nov. l, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR.

JAMES E H05/SWS Feb. 14, 1961 J. F. HoBBlNs 2,971,308

WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY Filed Nov. 1, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 IN VE N TOR. JAM/5 E f/o//vf United States Patent WRAPPING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PACKAGE PRODUCED THEREBY James F. Hobbins, 1102 Bloomdale Road, Philadelphia 15, Pa.

Filed Nov. 1, 1956, Ser. No. 619,834

1 Claim. (Cl. 53-225) This invention relates generally to packaging methods and apparatus, and embraces a novel package or packaging device produced by the instant method and apparai115.

While the method, apparatus and article of the present invention have been primarily developed and employed for use in packaging compressed sanitary napkins of the external type, and particularly in conjunction with the product produced by the method and `apparatus of my copending patent application Serial No. 544,941l now U.S. Patent No. 2,931,075, and will be illustrated and described hereinafter with reference thereto, it is understood that the instant method, apparatus and article are capable of very wide application, for use in conjunction with many varied products, and it is intended that all such applications be comprehended herein.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a method of wrapping and apparatus for practicing said method, wherein a liexible sheet or iilm is formed about an article into a wrapper therefor in a much simpler and more rapid manner than was heretofore possible. In particular, the method and apparatus of the present invention effect a reduction in the number and complexity of voperations previously necessary in similar wrapping procedures, and effect considerable simplification of the mechanisms involved.

It is another object of therpresent invention to provide a novel packaging device or wrapper which is adapted to completely and positively seal an enclosed article, and is capable of quick and sure manual opening without the need for additional materials or manufacturing procedures. More specifically, the package of the present invention provides quick and positive opening means without the use of tear strips, or other special.

wrapping material, to effect considerable economies in packaging costs. j i

It is a further object of the present invention to provide article-wrapping apparatus having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs, which is completely automatic and entirely reliable in operation, which is inexpensive to manufacture, maintain and use, and which is highly versatile in that a single machine is capable of being quickly and easily adapted for wrapping articles of widely varying sizes and shapes.

Other' objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, whichform a material part of this disclosure.` j

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, and combinations of`elements and method steps, which will beexemplified in the following description, and of Ywhich the scope will be indicated by the .appended claim. f f n f l ln the drawings: t

Figure lis a front-elevational -view showinga wrap.V ping maci'tine` `constructed #inaccordance with the present invention, withparts Vbroken :away for clarity ofwunderstandingg g 1 j z t tially along the line 9-9 of Figure 4 showing additional p Figure 2 is a top plan view showing the wrapping machine of Figure l, also partly broken away for clarity;

Figure 3 isa partial, rear elevational view of the wrapping machine of Figures l and 2;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along the line 4 4 of Figure 1, illustrating certain operating cams of the wrapping machine and their related parts;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 of Figure 4 showing an ejector mechanism of the apparatus and operating means therefor;

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 illustrating certain ejector parts in elevation;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the ejector parts of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a sectional elevational view taken substantially along the line 8-8 of Figure 4 showing certain parts of the article-loading or -transfer mechanism and the related actuating mechanism;

Figure 9 is a sectional elevational view taken substanparts of the loading or transfer mechanism and its operating means;

Figure 10 is an enlarged end view showing the transfer parts of Figures 8 and 9 in their cooperating relation; t

Figure l1 is a partial perspective view showing elements of the transfer or loading mechanism of Figure l0 somewhat enlarged;

Figure l2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially `along the line 12-12 of Figure 4, showing a wrapper-folding or -deecting means and its associated actuating mechanism;

Figure 13 is a top view taken substantially along the line 13-13 of Figure l2 illustrating the folding means in greater detail;

Figure 14 is a partial, greatly enlarged front elevational view showing the transfer or loading mechanism in operating relation with respect to a receiving pocket of the wrapping-machine turret;

Figure 15 is a partial elevational sectional View, greatly enlarged, taken substantially along the line 15--15 of Figure 1 and illustrating in partmeans forI feeding sheet wrapping material for use in the wrapping machine;

Figure 16 is a vertical view partly in section taken p through the wrapper-feeding mechanism of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a top view of the wrapper-feeding mechanism of Figures l5 and 16;

Figure 18 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along therline 18-18 of Figure 4, illustrating the initial wrapper-securing means and operating mechanism therefor; l Figure 19 is a front elevational view showing the wrapping-machine turret apart from the machine, and illustrating certain parts of the article-ejector mechanism;

Figure 20 is a generally horizontal sectional view taken substantially along the line 20---20l of Figure 19 and further `illustrates part 0f the turret-operating mechstages in the wrapping `method of the present invention;

Figures 28, 29, and 30 are perspective views respectively illustrating successive later stages in the instant wrapping method;

Figure 31 is a transverse sectional view similar to Figure 23, but illustrating al slightly modified form of wrapper-securing and -removing means; and

Figure 32 is a perspective view showing a wrapped package of the present invention, wrapped in accordance witha method of the present invention, and employing the securing-and-removing Vconstruction of Figure 31.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to Figures l and 2 thereof, there is illustrated therein the delivery end of an article-compressing machine, generally designated 50, of the type disclosed in my copending patent application Serial No. 544,941, The wrapping machine of the present invention, generally designated 51, includes an articlecarrier or turret 52, into which articles to be wrapped are loaded or transferred from the compressing machine 50 by a loading mechanism, generally designated 53. Means` for feeding flexib le wrapping material or sheeting into proper position for the wrapping procedure is located at 54. As will be more fully described hereinafter, various operating stations are located at I, II, III, and IV about the turret to perform the several wrapping steps.

Located on one side of the turret remote from the loading means 53 is a receiver, generally designated 55, which receives the articles and wrappers from the turret and performs additional wrapping operations. The articles are carried through the receiver 55 by suitable conveyor means, generally designated 56, and into a removal means, generally designated 57, which further functions to seal the package wrappers and deliver the finished packages from the wrapping machine.

e The illustrated delivery part of the compressing machine 50 includes a table or bench 60 above which are mounted a pair of generally vertically disposed parallel spaced discs or circular plates 61 and 62 for axial rotation on a generally horizontal shaft 63. The articles to be wrapped, as at 64, are frictionally held in endwise compression in the space between the discs 6 1 and 62 for movement with the latter towards the transfer or loading means 53.

A frame for the wrapping machine 51 includes a pair of front and rear generally horizontal frame pieces 68 and a generally horizontal frame piece 69` extending forwardly and rearwardly between and rigidly connected to adjacent ends of the front and rear pieces. More particularly, the frame piece 69 is xedly seated onV the table 60, on the right-hand side thereofras' seen inFigure l, and the frame pieces 68 extendk insubstantial parallelism away from the table. Depending from` the front and-rear frame pieces 68 are a pair of generally parallel, forwardllyandrearwardly spaced, facing plates 70, each of which isr braced by a generally depending strut 71 and bracket 72 connected to an adjacent lower region'of the table 60. An additional pair of front and rear generally horizontal frame pieces 73 are respectively secured at their inner ends to the front andV rear framepieces 68 and extend laterally outward therefrom, to the right in Figures l and 2, having their outer rightward ends rigidly connected to- Ygether byfa forwardly and rearwardly extending frame piece 74. A frameleg 75 depends from the outer end ofthe laterally extending frame pieces 73, and is provided at its lower end with a ground-engaging adjustable foot 76. e

Fixedly Vsecured yto 'and extending upward from thel fronti and rear `frarnejpieces 68 are a pair of generally parallel-spaced mounting plates 79 and 80.Y That is, a

front ,mounting plate 79 Vprojects upward from the front frame piece 68, whileY a rear mounting plate 80 extends upward, in substantial parallelismwith the front'mount- Ving plate,` from the rear frarnepiecev'68. The front mounting plate 79 is cut away in frontk of the' turret; 52v for reasons appearing-more fully hereinafter. l

An auxiliary plate -81 is arranged in spaced relation rearward of the rear mounting plate 80, adjacent to the left-hand edge thereof as seen in Figure 3, and is xedly secured to the latter plate by bolts or spacers 82. A forwardly and rearwardly extending shaft 83 is journaled in the plates 80 and 81, see Figures 2 and 20, and extends forward through the former plate to rotatably carry on its forward end the turret 52. The front mounting plate 79 is cut away directly in front of the turret. Mounted on the shaft 83 between the rear mounting plate 80 and auxiliary plate 81 is a Yslotted or driven Geneva wheel 88. A forwardly and rearwardly extending shaft 84 is disposed directly below the shaft 83 and has its opposite ends journaled in the plates 80 and 81, respectively. FDhs shaft is best seen in Figure 3, and carries a driving Geneva wheel or disc 85 having a tooth or pin 86 laterally engageable in the slots of the wheel 88. A sprocket wheel or a gear 87, see Figure 2, is also carried on the shaft 84 for driving the latter, which in turn causes the Geneva driver 85 to effect intermittent rotation of the driven Geneva wheel 88.

The turret 52 includes a generally vertically disposed rear disc or plate 90, see Figures 2 and 20, which is provided with a centrally disposed rearwardly extending hub 91 receiving the forward end of the shaft 83. An annulareplate 93V is arranged concentrically of and spaced in front of t-heplate 90, and xedly secured in spaced relation in front of the latter by a plurality of parallel spacer members or rods 92. In the illustrated embodiment'there are s ix equally spaced pairs of spacer members 9:2, one pair being shownmin Figure 2l.

Y Mounted on each pair of spacer members 92, as best seen in Figure 2l, is an article-receiving unit or pocket, generally designated 95. VEach pocket includes a pair of platelike side members 96 and 97 disposed in forwardly and rearwardly spaced, parallel relation, and each extending between the respective pair of spacer members 92. The forward plate 96 is formed at its opposite ends with notches 98 forrespectively receiving the spacer'members 92, and maybe xedly secured, as by threaded fasteners or the like, in facing engagement lwith the rearward surface of the annularV front turret plate 93. A bladelike extension 99 protrudes from an intermediate region of the plate 96, substantially coplanar therewith, generally radiallyA outward from and'in a plane normal to the axis ofthe turret. The plate 97 may be formed in sections andV provided with threaded fasteners 100 for clamping Y the sectionsl on the supporting members 92 in a desired position of forward andrearward adjustmentalongthe latter. That is, the'plate 97 is shiftable laterally along the supporting spacers 92 and adapted to be clamped in anydesired position of its lateral, shifting movement. A bladelike extension 101 projects outward from the plate member 97, intermediate the ends of the latter in substantiallyy parallel Vspacedrelation with respect to the extensionorprotrusion 99. of the plateV 96, so that the extension or protrusion 101 is also disposed generally in a plane -normal to the axis of the turret, and extends gen-- erally radially therefrom. It will be noted that the outer or nonfacing sides of lthe protrusions 99 andll are feathered or beveled, forV purposes appearing more fully hereinafter. AsV will appear more fullyhereinafter, the extensions@5 and 101 of each pocket ,are spaced apart just enough to receive therebetween and frictionally hold an article being wrapped. The extensions may therefore b e considered as article-holding pieces.A

Y ranged in substantially parallehspacedjrelationbetween 102 and 103 arearranged with-theirbightpbrtionsfacing. fi l or-opening generally radially` outwards from `thel turret "f g5 52, Thus, the U-shaped member 102 includes afpairof-fthe plates 96 vandV 97,V with their bight portions :respectively secured in facing engagement with the inner surfaces of t the sideV plates, as by bolts'or other detachable, securing means'. It willbe observed thatthe'U-shaped'members gansos S outwardly projecting arms or legs 104 and 105 on op posite sides of the blade 99, and the U-shaped member 103 includes a pair of outwardly projecting arms or legs 106 and 107 on opposite sides of the blade 101, with the arms 104 and 106 being spaced laterally from each other and the arms 105 and 107 being spaced laterally from each other. The bight portions of the U-shaped members 102 and 103 are formed, respectively, with cutouts or recesses 108 and 109, each of which faces toward its adjacent side plate and combines with the latter to define therebetween a through passageway opening generally radially of the turret. Extending between and removably secured to one pair of laterally spaced arms 104 and 106 is an elongate, generally cylindrical guide member or rod 110; and, a similar elongate, generally cylindrical guide member or rod 111 is detachably secured in position extending between the laterally spaced arms 105 and 107, so as to be disposed in substantial parallelism vwith the guide member 110.

While the construction of only a single article-receiving pocket 95 has been illustrated and described in detail, it will be appreciated that a plurality of such pockets, namely six in the illustrated embodiment, are provided about the circumference of the turret 52.

It will now be understood that each pocket 95 may be considered as constituted of facing front and rear walls 110 and 111, in accordance with the direction of turret rotation, and a pair of facing spaced side walls 99 and 101, each of which is located in spaced relation between the front and rear walls.

Also mounted on the turret shaft 83, see Figures 2, 12, and 13, for rotation relative to the turret 52, is a generally right-angle arm 232 which extends from the shaft at a region just forward of the mounting plate 80, generally toward the input of the wrapping machine, and extends thence at right angles to define a generally horizontal blade or arm 233 having a relatively sharp or beveled upper edge. Pivoted at one end between the frame plate 70, as at 235, is a follower arm 236 which is provided adjacent to its other end with a cam follower or roller 244 engageable with a cam 245 mounted for rotation on the shaft 127. A connecting rod has its opposite ends pivotally connected to the arms 232 and 236 to transmit swinging motion o f the latter arm to the former arm as effected by the cam 245. Suitable resilient means 264 may be connected to the arm 232 to urge the latter downward and maintain the cam follower 244 in engagement with its controlling cam 245. As best seen in Figures l and 2, the forwardly extending blade or arm portion 233 is swingable upon rotation of the cam 245 into and out of the space between an opening 248 anda facing turret pocket.

The transfer or loading mechanism 53, by which articles are transferred from between the plates 61 and 62 of the processing machine 50 to the pockets 95 of the wrapper turret 52, includes a generally rectangular frame 115, best seen in Figure 4, constituted of a pair of generally parallel spaced side pieces 116 and 117 connected together at their upper or head end by a crosspiece 118, and having their lower ends mounted for rotation about the axis of a generally horizontal, forwardly and rearwardly extending shaft 119. In Figure 9 it is best seen that the shaft 119 is mounted on a pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced journal brackets 120 which are fixed to and project from the table 60. A crosspiece 121 extends between and is connected to the side pieces 115 and 116, intermediate the ends of the latter as best seen in Figures 4 and 10, and an adjustable actuating rod 122 is pivotally connected between the crosspiece 121 and one end of a cam-actuated rocker lever 123. That is, the rocker lever 123 is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on a shaft 124 which extends generally horizontally, forwardly and rearwardly between the spaced plates 70. On the other end of the rocker lever 123, remote from the operating rod 122 is'` provided a cam follower or roller 125 for .rolling engagement along the cam surface of a cam 126.

The cam 126 is mounted on a generally horizontal, fon wardly and rearwardly extending shaft 127 which extends between and is journaled in the plates 70. Suitable resilient means, schematically illustrated at 128, may be employed to maintain the cam follower in rolling contact with the cam 126 upon rotation of the latter, so as to effect a desired oscillatory swinging movement of the loading frame 115 about its pivotal axis 119.

In the upper or head end of the transfer frame 115 is mounted a loading head assembly, generally designated 130, which includes a pair of generally parallel rail pieces or ways 131 and 132, the former being adjustably mounted on one side piece 116 of the loading frame by a fastener 133 extending through a longitudinal slot 134 in the side piece, and the latter being mounted indirectly on the other side piece 117 of the loading frame by a mounting bracket 135. In particular, the mounting bracket 135 is secured on the inner side of the loading frame side piece 117, extending inward therefrom, and is adjustably mounted by any suitable means (not shown) for positioning at any desired point longitudinally along its supporting side piece. 132 is adjustably mounted by suitable means on the bracket 135 for selective positioning therealong at a desired location in spaced parallelism with respect to the rail piece 131. It will be noted that the rail pieces 131 and 132 include trailing portions 136 and 137 which extend from the loading frame 115 towards the machine S0, for reception between the plates 61 and 62 of the latter machine, and further that the upper edges of the trailing rail portions 136 and 137 are arcuately convex and have their centers of curvature substantially coincident withV the shaft 119.

Detachably secured to the rail pieces 131 and 132, by any suitable means (not shown) are a pair of article-retaining plates or blades 138 and 139. In particular, the plate 138 is carried by the rail piece 131 and extends upward from the latter within the loading frame 115 toward its upper end piece 118, with the inner face or surface of the plate 138 spaced outward from the inner surface of the rail piece. The plate 138 is formed with a blade-like extension or protrusion 140 disposed substantially coplanar with the plate proper and projecting generally toward the turret 52. The rearend edge 141 of the retaining plate 13S extends beyond the loading frame 115 and is of an arcuate concave configuration for conforming engagement with the peripheral edge of plate 62 of the machine 50 in one limiting position of frame oscillation. The retaining plate 139 is substantially identical to the plate 138, being located in parallel spaced facing relation with respect to the latter, and includes a platelike extension 142 projecting toward the turret 52 in laterally spaced facing relation with respect to the protrusion 140, and a slightly projecting rear edge portion 143 concavely couiigured for conforming engagement with the edge of plate 61 when the loading frame is in its limiting position of movement away from the turret 52. The facing, laterally spaced extensions 140 and 142 preferably have their outer or nonfacing sides feathered or chamfered toward the distal edges thereof.

Fixed to and projecting transversely from the loading frame 115 is an arm 129 which carries at its distal end `an adjustable stop or threaded member 144. The stop member 144 is abuttingly engageable with the bar 69 or other fixed member to limit swinging movement of the loading frame into position with the concave edges 141 and 143 of retaining plates 138 and 139 contiguous to the discs 61 and 62.

The transfer or loading mechanism 53 also includes a crank-type pusher lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the shaft 119 between the side pieces 116 and 117 of the loading frame 115. One end of the lever 150 extends generally upward and has its upper Further, the rail piece or way v emesse with-the arm 150 between the plates V61 :and 62into the loading 'head 150. That is,'the pusher'plate ISS-is-movable into the space between the retaining plates 13S land 139 of the loading head. The other end of the bell crank or lever 150, remote from the Pusher plate 153, is connected by an operating rod 154, preferably adjustable, as bythe turnbuckle, to a cam follower arm 155. More particularly, the cam follower arm 155 is `pivotally mounted at its lower end on a generally horizontal shaft 156 extending forwardly and rearwardly between and mounted in the plates 70, while the adjustable operating rod '154 is pivotally connected at its opposite ends between the lower end of the crank lever 150 and the upper end of the follower arm. The upper end of the follower arm 155 is proximate to the above-,mentioned cam shaft 127; and, a cam 157 is carried by the latter shaft While a follower `or roller 158 is mounted on the follower arm 155 for rolling contact with the cam. Suitable resilient means, schematically indicated at 159, may be connected tothe follower arm 155 to yieldably maintain the latter in Vrolling engagement with the cam 157. By this construction, the follower arm 155 is caused to swing or oscillate about its pivotal axis 156, which in turn causes limited swinging movement of the bell crank about the axis of shaft l119 and movement of the pusher plate 153 from the space between the plates 61 and 62 into the space between the plates 13S and 139.

The mechanism 54 for feeding a web of cellophane or other desired flexible sheet material includes an openended, generally horizontal shaft 165 journaled at one end in anupwardly extending portion 166 of the mounting plate S for carrying a supply roll of the desired wrapping material. A roll of wrapping material is shown in phantom at 167. A locking element 168 is rotatably mounted in the roll-supporting shaft 165 and manually swingable relative to the latter to frictionally engage with and disengage from the roll 167 to lock and release the latter with respect to the supporting shaft. Pivotally mounted on the upwardly extendingportion 166 of the mounting plate 80 are a pair'of brake shoes 170, which arefswingable into and out of frictional braking engagement with a portion of the roll-carrying shaft 165 to retard rotation of the latter. Resilient means, such as a coil compression spring 171, is connected between the brake shoes 170 to yieldably maintain the latter in a desired frictional braking engagement with the shaft 165. Adjustment means 172 may be provided for varying the force of the spring 171, Vand consequently the braking force imposed by the shoes l70'against the shaft 165.

A generally horizontal idler roll 175 is journaled between the mounting plates 79 and S0, in the upper region thereof, and supports aweb of wrappingmaterial 176 unwinding from the supply roll 167. A knife edge '177 is xedly mounted in position between the plates 79' and 80, and cooperates lwith a supporting roll 178 freely journaled between the mounting plates to form a longitudinally extending, weakened line in the web 176. Also extending generally horizontally between and journaled in the mounting plates 79 and Si) are a pressure roll 179, and a Web-cutting'roll lltl, the latter being disposed generally vertically below the former. As best seen in Figure 17, the shaft of pressure roll 179 extends rearward beyond the mounting plate 80 and is there provided with a spur gear 181, while the shaft of cutting roll 139 extends rearward beyond the cutting plate V80 to support a gear 182, and extends forward beyond the mounting plate 79 to carry a hand wheel 183, see Figure 2. An additional pressure roll 184 is journaled in the space between the mounting plates 79 and 80m tangential relation with the pressure roll 179vfor withdrawing the web 176 and feeding the latter downward toward the cutting roll 180.

. The structure mounting the pressure roll 184 is best seen in Figures 15, 16, and 17. `A generally'vertically disposed, Hshaped Vmember '139 extendslaterally between kthe-plates 791an`d 80, 'and includes fa forward up right '190 secured fast l*at its -lower and upper'ends to the plate 79 by fasteners 191 vand 192, -a rear upright 193 secured fast at its lower and upper ends to the plate by a fastener 194 Aand 195, and a generally horizontal crosspiece y196 extending between the uprights. A pair of generally vertically disposed journal arms 200 and 201 are arranged with their lower portions disposed between the upper regions of the uprights and 193 and respectively pivoted thereto by aligned pins 202 and 203. The pressure roll 184 is disposed between the pivoted arms 200 and 201 and has its opposite ends journaled in intermediate regions of the respective arm for axial rotation relative to the arms and swinging move ment with the latter. Just inward of the mounting plate 79, the shafts of the pressure rolls 179 and 184 are provided, respectively, with meshing gears 204 and 265. It will now be appreciated that the pressure roll '184 is mounted for swinging movement kabout the axis Aof the aligned pins 202 and 203 toward and away'from the cooperating pressure roll 179.

In order to maintain the pressure roll 184 in a tangential contact with the pressure roll 179, a crosspiece or spacer bar 210 is arranged adjacent to the upper ends of the journal arms 200 and 201 and fixedly secured between the mounting plates 79 and 80 to mount suitable means for resiliently biasing thejournal arms toward .the pressure roll 179. 'More specifically, a pair of spring housings or casings 211 are mounted in the bar "21d, each having a coil compression spring 212 connected at one end to the upper region ofa respective journal arm. Suitable'means, such as anadjustrnent screw 213, `may be provided in .each spring housing 211 to vary the spring force applied to the respective journalA arm.

In order to swing the pressure roll 184 away from the pressure roll 179 about the pivotal axis of pins 29E-and 203, so as to disengage the pressure rolls from each other, a shaft or bolt -229 extends between and isrrotatably supported in the mounting plates 79 and dit adjacent to the upper regions of the journal arms .200 and 261. A manually actuable lever or handle 230, see Figure l5, is lprovided on one end of the bolt 2129 forward of thc mounting plate 79. Formed in the bolt 229-' are a pair of transverse notches or slots each adapted to receive the adjacent portion of a respective journal arm when the latter is in'its position of movement toward the pressure roll 179. However, upon rotation of the shaft 229, as by turning-of the handle 230, the slot 231 will swing away from the journal arms, causing theshaft to engage with and swing the journal arms away Yfrom the pressure roll 179 against the force of the springs 2.12.

`As bestvseen in Figure 17, the pressure roll 179 is provided with apluralityof peripherally extending external grooves 215, while the cooperating pressure roll 184 is provided with a plurality of peripherally'extending external grooves 216, the latter grooves being located in alternate or offset relationwith respect to the grooves215.

A plate 217 is arranged on one face of the H-shaped member 189 extending across the space between the upper regionof the uprights 190 and 193, and secured fast to the H-shapedrnember. The plate 217 is partially broken away in Figure l5 for clarity of understanding. A plurality of generally vertically disposed elongate clements or tingers 213 have their lower portions secured to the plate 217 and extend upward beyond the plateV into respective grooves 216 of the pressure roll 1&4. In -Figure 16 it will be observed that the upper region of the elongate members or lingers 21S curve smoothly toward their associated pressure roll 184 for reception in the grooves thereof.

An additional group of, generally vertically disposed elongate members or fingers 219 are arrangediin alternate or interdigitated relation with respect to theftingers 21S and carried byja bar 220 Voverlying 'and xedlyrse'- curedt to" the plate 217 "in `spaced"relati'on 'with Arespect" to ,the latter.

In FigureV 17 it is best seen that the Vlingers 219 are each disposed in a respective groove 215 of the pressure roll 179; and, in Figure 16 it will be observed that the upper ends of the fingers 219 curve smoothly toward the pressure roll 179 for reception in the grooves thereof. Thus, the upper end regions of the fingers 218 curve in one direction while the upper end regions of the ngers 219 curve in the opposite direction so as to diverge from the upper ends of the former fingers. However, the lower, major portions of the lingers 218 and 219 are located in substantially the same plane, so that the lingers of each group are alternately interposed between the fingers of the other group.

Clamped on the upper side of the crosspiece 196, as by -a clamping bar 224 and fasteners 225, is a generally horizontally disposed, fixed knife member or cutting blade 226. As best seen in Figure 16, the lower edge of the finger-carrying plate 217 terminates at the upper surface of the blade 226, and the plate is preferably slightly concave at 227, to insure the passage of wrapping material over the blade.

Adapted to cooperate with the fixed knife 226, the cutting roll 180 is provided with a knife 234 extending lon gitudinally of the roll and projecting from the latter for engagement with the fixed knife upon rotation of the cutting roll.

Extending across the H-shaped member 189, between the lower region of the uprights 190 and 193, and spaced below the cross part 196, is a mounting bar 237, which may be fabricated of channel stock. The channel bar 237 is provided with a pair of vertically slotted end extensions 238, only one being shown in Figure 15, which each overlie the adjacent upright of the H-fmember 139 and are adapted to be adjustably secured to the latter by suitable fastening means 239. Thus, the bar 237 is vertically adjustable toward and away from the crosspiece 196 of the H-mernber 159. The upper flange 240 of the channel bar 237, which faces upward toward the underside of the H-member crosspiece 196, is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending slots 241, only one being shown in Figure l5, for adjustably mounting a pair of opstanding generally L-shaped brackets 242. Each of the brackets includes a headed fastener or bolt depending through the adjacent slot 141 for clamping the bracket at lany desired position of shifting movement along the slot. Projecting from the brackets 242 toward each other are a pair of generally horizontally disposed, substantially aligned pins or extensions 243. By this construction, the brackets 242, and their pins 243 are adjustable to various desired positions along the bar 237; and further, the brackets and pins are adjustable along with the bar 237 vertically toward and away from the underside of the H- member crosspiecer196. As will appear more fully hereinafter, the bar 237 and H-mernber crosspiece 196 serve as guides or guide members to properly deflect the wrapping material during the wrapping procedure, while the pins 234 serve to initiate folding or tucking of the wrapping material. Fixedly secured to the crosspiece 196 of the H-member 139, on the side adjacent to the turret 52 is a generally horizontal, forwardly extending plate 246 which carries a plurality of parallel spaced, arcuate lingers 247 which extend upward along the periphery of the turret 52. rIhe fingers or elongate members 247 are advantageously formed and located to have a center of curvature coincident with the axis ofV turret rotation, as best seen in Figure 1.

It will also there be observed that the opening or space 248 between the crosspiece 196 and bar 237 is located to open directly into or toward a turret pocket 95 at station I when the turret is in its illustrated position.

Located directly above the turret 52 at stations II and IH and mounted on the plate 80 are sealing means gennerally designated 25B, which effect partial securing of a wrapper on an article, as will appear fully hereinafter.

The securing means 250 is best seen in Figure I8 as coind prising a generally horizontal shaft 251 extending forward from the plate substantially directly above the turret shaft S3, and a pair of arms 252 and-253 each pivoted atfone end on the shaft 251 and extending in opposite directions from the latter. In particular, the arm 252 extends toward the input end of the wrapping machine and the arm 253 extends toward the output end thereof. The arms 252 and 253 each have their distal portions angulated slightly downward so as to be located over turret pockets at Stations Il `and lli respectively in the turret position of Figure l. On the downwardly angulated distal end portion of arm 252 is provided a heating block 254 having its downwardly facing surface shaped for conforming engagement with an article being wrapped when located in the adjacent turret pocket at station Il. Suitable heating elements and thermostats 255 and 256 may be provided in the heating block 254 to control the temperature thereof; and, suitable electrical connecting means (not shown) are also employed. The downwarrdly angulated distal end portion of the arm 253 is provided with a cooling or heat-receiving block 257 having its undersurface shaped for conforming engagement with an article contained in the adjacent turret pocket at station ill and adapted to receive heat from the latter to cool the same. Rearwardly projecting lugs or bosses 258 and 259 are provided on the arms 252 and 253, respectively, intermediate the ends of the respective arm.

A generally vertically disposed operating bar 261), best seen in Figure 18, is slidable vertically in guides 261 fixed to the plate Si) on one side of the turret shaft S3, and includes a laterally projecting upper end portion 262 which extends beneath the lugs 253 and 259 of the arms 252 and 253 for engagement with the lugs upon upward shifting movement of the bar 269. Thus, the lugs 253 and 259 rest upon the upper edge of the bar extension 262, so that the arms 252 and 253 are raised and lowered upon vertical shifting movement of the bar 260. An upwardly facing cutout 263 may be formed in the upper end bar extension 262 for receiving the shaft 251 upon upward shifting movement of the bar 260 to elevate the arms 252 and 253.

A cam-follower arm 266 has one end pivoted, as at 267, to the rear frame plate 75l, and is provided adjacent to butispaced inward from its distal end with a cam follower or roller 268 disposed approximately directly over the shaft 127. A cam 269 is fixed on the shaft 127 for rotation therewith and engages `with the follower roller 26S to effect a desired swinging up-and-down movement of the follower arm 266 upon rotation of the shaft 127. A connecting rod 27@ has its opposite ends pivotally connected to the lower end of the bar 260 and an intermediate region of the follower arm 266 to transmit the swinging up-and-down movement of the latter arm to the former bar. In this manner, the cam 269 effects a swinging up-and-down movement of the arms 252 and 253, and their respective heating and cooling blocks 254 and 257, in a predetermined-timed relation.

As a safety precaution, to prevent the overheating of an article wrapper by the heating block 254 should the machine stop and the turret remain in one position, a solenoid 271 is mounted on the rear frame plate 70, substantially directly below the distal end of the. follower arm 266, and includes an elongate member or rod 272 having its upper end normally disposed below and out of engagement with the distal end of the follower arm 266. Upon stoppage of the wrapping machine, the solenoid 271 effects a vertical upward shifting movement of its rod 272 so that the latter engages with and swings the follower bar 266 upward and thereby prevents contact of the heating block 254 with an article in the adjacent pocket.

An ejector mechanism, generally designated 275, is seen in Figure 2 as located partially interiorly and parrapen-sos Vtiallyin front ofthe turret 52 in a cutout region of the -plate 79 and is illustrated in greater detail in Figures -7. A generally T-shaped mounting bracket 276 is fixed to an edge portion of the plate 79 in front of the turret 52, and carries a pair of horizontal, generally parallel .rails or ways 277. The rails 277 extend from the bracket 276 across the front of the turret 52 toward the output end of the wrapping machine, toward the right in Figures 2 and 5, where they are supported by an upstanding, generally U-shaped member or yoke 278 which is fixedly lsecured at its lower end to an edge portion of the front frame piece 68.

A crosshead 280 is mounted for sliding movement along the rail 277 and carries an elongate support member 281 extending generally horizontally from the crosshead into the turret 52 through the annular front turret plate 93. A pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced,

.generally parallel and horizontal ejector bars 282 and 283 are located interiorly of the turret 52, as seen in VFigure 2, and fixed at one end to the support member 281. The front ejector bar 282 may be permanently Vfixed to the support 281, while the rear ejector bar 283 is preferably adjustably fixed to the support by a pinin-slot connection 284. Thus, the rear ejector bar 283 is adapted to be adjustably fixed at a desired distance spaced from the front ejector bar.

As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the ejector bars are located entirely interiorly of the turret 52 when in their re- -tracted condition toward the input end of the wrapping machine, and in substantial alignment with a turret pocket 95 at station IV, on the right-hand side of the turret in the illustrated position. Upon shifting movement of the crosshead 280 on the rails 277 toward the light, the free or distal ends of the ejector bars 282 and 283 will enter the rightmost turret pocket and pass respectively through the pocket passageways 108 and 109, as best seen in Figure 2l. By this operation, the distal ends of the ejector bars 282 and 283, which are shaped to conformably engage with an article in the pocket at station IV, serve to eject the article radially outward from the respective pocket.

In order to effect the desired shifting movement of the crosshead 280, and that of the ejector bars 282 and 283 by the crosshead, a lever 287 is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the shaft 124 which extends between the plates 70, and a connecting rod 288 extends through the U-shaped bracket 278 and has its opposite Vends pivotally connected to the crosshead 280 and the upper end of the lever 278. A follower arm 289 has its lower end pivotally mounted on the shaft 156 which extends between the front and rear plates 70, and has its upper end pivotally connected by a curved link 290 to the lower end of the lever 287. The link 290 is curved to extend over and clear the shaft 127. Upon swinging oscillatory movement of the follower arm 289, thismotion is transmitted by the link 290 to the lever 287, which in turn effects reciprocatory sliding movement of the crosshead 280 by the connecting rod 288. A cam 291 is mounted on the shaft 127 and cooperates with a roller or follower 292 mounted on the follower arm 289 adjacent to the swinging end thereof. Suitable resilient means, such as, schematically indicated at 293, may be employed to yieldably maintain the follower 292 in engagement with the cam 291 upon rotation of the latter. In this manner, reciprocation of the crosshead 280 and ejector bars 282 and 283 is effected in a desired timed relation.

Extending between and iixedly secured to the forward and rearward frame pieces 73 are a plurality of stay members or bars 295, see Figure 2, which support a pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced elongate mounting members or bars 296 and 297 extending in substantial parallelism from a region adjacent to the turret 52 to a regionadjace'ntto the frame end piece 74. In particular, the forward mounting bar 296 may be iixedly sup ported on th'e1stay members 295, While the rear mounting `bar 297s slidably-supported on the bars 295 for movementltowardfand away from the front mounting bar. ln addition, a pair of spaced, rotary rods or shafts 298 and 299 extend forwardly and rearwardly between and have their opposite ends journaled in the front and rear frame pieces 73, while each shaft extends rotatably through the mounting bars 296 and 297. The forward portion of each shaft 298 and 299 is journaled in the forward mo-unting bar 296, while the rearward portion of each shaft is externally threaded and extends in threaded engagement through the rear mounting bar 297. Spocke't and chain means connect the shafts 298 and 299 together for simultaneous rotative movement, and a manually actuable hand wheel 301 is provided on the forward end of one shaft 298 in front of the front frame piece 73. In addition, crossheads or blocks 302 and 304 maybe fixed on the rear mounting bar 297 each `in -threaded engagement with one of the shafts 298 and 299, respectively, and yslidably connected to a respective stay member 295.' Hence, manual turning of the hand wheel 301 effects rotation lof both shafts 298 and 299 to adjust the rear mounting bar 297 toward and away from while in parallelism with the front mounting bar 296.

The receiver 55 is constituted of two substantially identical parts or halves mounted on the mounting bars 296 and 297, respectively, for movement toward and away from each other with the mounting bars. in Figure 1, the front half of the receiver 55 has been broken away to expose the rear half thereof. ri`he receiver includes a pair of parallel spaced rails or ways 307 extending longitudinally along and between the -mounting bars 296 and 297, and preferably each fixed to an adjacent one of theV mounting bars. The receiver further includes a pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced, generally vertically disposed and `horizontally extending tucker walls or plates 308 which are each iixedly secured in slightly spaced relation above a lower plate 309 to define therebetween -a generally horizontal lower slot 310. The upper rearward edge portion of feach tucker plate 308 declines toward the output end of the machine to intersect with the lower edge of the respective tucker plate in an acute angle. A generally triangular upper plate 311 is arranged over and substantially coplanar with each tucker plate 308, and is iixedly located in spaced relation'with respect to the latter to define a slot 312 on each side of the receiver 55 declining toward and intersecting with the slot 310. Beyond the output end of each tucker plate 308, the associated lower plate 309 is shaped, as at 313, to define a generally of plates 30S, 309, 311 and 313 may be fixed relative to each other, and relative to the forward mounting bar 296, by any suitable securing means (notshown). The rearward assembly of receiver plates 308, 309, 311, and 313 are iixed relative to each other, by any suitable securing means, and mounted in their fixed relation on the rear mounting bar 297 for movement therewith toward and away vfrom the forward assembly of receiver plates. A freely, vertically slidable article-restraining device 315 is mounted on the facing side of each plate 311 over the associated slot 314.

As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the receiver plates 308 are disposed respectively in substantially vertical andV horizontal alignment with the blades or protrusions 99 and 101 of a turret pocket 95 at station IV facing toward the receiver. Extending through the space between the forward and rearward receiver plate assemblies is the upper run of the conveyor 56,*which inciudes a -`pair of v.forwardly and rearwardly. spaced endless chains `along with the rear mounting bar.

320 each provided with a plurality of outstanding articlecarrying elements 321. The conveyor chains may be supported on sprocket wheels 322 which are rotatably supported between the front and rear mounting bars 296 and 297; and, the rear sprocket chain `along with its associated carrying elements may be movable with the rear mounting bar for adjustment towardand away from the front sprocket chain, if desired.

The article-removing means 57 includes a pair of laterally spaced, generally vertically disposed rollers 325 and 326 arranged `in front of the rails 307, and a similar pair of laterally spaced, generally vertically disposed rollers 327 and 328 arranged on the rearward side of the rails. Suitable means (not shown) are provided for journaling the rollers 325 and 326 about xed centers relative to the forward mounting bar 296, and for mounting the rear rollers 327 and 328 for rotation about axes `movable with the rear mounting bar 297. Thus, the rear rollers are movable toward and away from the front rollers Forward and rearward idler rollers 329 and 330 may be mounted respectively between the pairs of forward and rearward rollers, and forward and rear belts 331 and 332, preferably fabricated of metal or other heat-conductive material, are circumposed respectively about the front rollers 325, 326, and 329, and the rear rollers 327, 328, and 330. As best seen in Figure 2, the rearward stretch of the front belt 331 and the front stretch of the rear belt 332 extend in facing relation along opposite sides of the rails 307; and, as the rollers 325 and 327 are located on opposite sides of the conveyor 56, the removal means 57 is adapted to receive articles from the latter conveyor and transport said articles between the facing stretches `of its belts along said rails to a discharge chute 333. An independent motoror other suitable drive means may be mounted in the leg 75, as at 334, and operatively connected by appropriate transmission mechanism, such as, the gearing 335, for rotating the rollers 326 and 328.

Extending along the facing stretches of the belts 331 and 332, adjacent to the rollers 325 and 327 and delivery end of the conveyor 56, dfsposed on thenonfacing sides of the belt stretches, are front and rear heating elements 338 and 339, controlled by suitable electrical and thermostatic controls at 340. The heating elements 338 and 339 may. have substantially flat surfaces facing toward and contiguous to or contacting with their respective belts 331 and 332 to transmit heat uniformly through the belts in the regions adjacent to the heating elements, for effecting linal heat sealing of the wrappers, as will appear presently. The front heating element 338 is preferably fixed to the front mounting bar 296, while the rear heating element 339 may be xed to the rear mounting element 297. and thereby, movable with the latter mounting element toward and away from the front heating element.

Disposed on the nonfacing sides of the facing stretches of belts 331 and 332, adjacent to the rollers 326 and 328, and output chute 333 are a pair of front and rear heat-receiving or cooling elements 341 and 342. These elements serve to cool the adjacent regions of their Aassociated belts 331 and 332 so as to cool and quickly secure the heat-seal wrapper ofan article carried between the cooling elements.

In order to effect `rotation of the shaft 127, and consequently, rotation of the above-mentioned cams carried by said shaft, power may be taken from any suitable source, say from the machine 50, and transmitted by a fchain 345 to rotate the cam shaft, see Figures 1 and 3.

` naled in the rear plate 70, above the sprocket wheel 346,

and in the `rear frame piece 73. i Carried on the rearward `end ofthe shaft carrying the cutting roll 180, rearward of the mounting plate and rotatable relative to the cutting-roll shaft, is a sprocket wheel 349, which is operatively connected to the cutting-roll shaft by a single revolution clutch 350. That is, the sprocket wheel 349 is freely rotatable relative to the cutting-roll shaft when the clutch 350 is disengaged'relative to the cutting-roll shaft when the clutch 350 is disengaged, and rotatable with the cutting-roll shaft upon engagement of the clutch. An additional idler sprocket wheel 351 is located rearward of the mounting plate 80, and may be jonrnaled therein. A countershaft 352, in driving connection with one pair of conveyor sprocket wheels 322, may be rotatably journaled in the rear frame piece 73 and movable mount ing bar 297, and is provided on its rearward end, rearu ward of the rear frame piece, with a sprocket wheel 353.`

A sprocket chain 354 may extend below the sprocket wheel 346 which is rotated by the cam shaft 127, over the idler sprocket wheel 347, under and over the sprocket wheel 349, over the idler sprocket wheel 351, under the sprocket wheel 87, over and under the sprocket wheel 353, and over the idler sprocket wheel 348.

By this transmission arrangement, all of the above mentioned sprocket wheels will be rotated by the chain 354, so that the conveyor 56 will move constantly, and the turret 52 will move intermittently, through its Geneva wheel drive.

The gear 182, which is carried by the shaft of the cutting roll for rotation therewith, is in meshing engagement with an idler gear 35S rotatably mounted rearward of and on the plate Si), which in turn meshes with the gear t8ll on the end of the shaft of pressure roll 179. Thus, upon rotation of the cutting roll 186, the pressure roll 179, and consequently, the pressure roll E84, will rotate in timed relation with respect to the cutting roll.

As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, a pair of forwardly and rearwardly spaced, fixed arms 360 and 361 project from upper regions of the mounting plates 79 and 80, respectively, generally downward and toward the machine 50. A generally horizontal, forwardly and rearwardly extending rod or shaft 362 is rotatably supported in the outer ends of the arms 360 and 361, and carries a tongue 363 extending from an intermediate region of the rod into the space between the plates 61 and 62. The tongue 363 is xed to the rod 362 and depends from the latter into the path of4 articles 64 being carried between the plates 61 and 62 so as to be deflected by the articles and effect rotation of the rod. Fixed to the rearward end of the rod 362, rearward of the mounting plate 80, is a crank arm 364 which is caused to rotate with the shaft 362 when an article 64 engages with the tongue 363. A bracket 365 is fixed on the rear side of the mounting plate 80, below the clutch 358, and carries an elongate, opstanding stop member 356 which has its lower' end pivoted to the bracket. Adjustable limit means or stop elements 367 are mounted on the bracket 365 to limit pivotal movement of the abutment member 356. In the illustrated position of Figure 3, the abutment member 356 is in one limiting position of its swinging movement and has its upper end in abutting engagement with a control arm 368 of the single-revolution clutch 350 to hold the clutch disengaged. A bar 369 is fixed at one end to a lower region of the abutment member 356 and projects laterally from the latter toward the machine 50. A link 370 is pivotally connected between the projecting end of the bar 369 and the crank arm 364 so that rotation of the latter effects rotation of the abutment member 356. That is, the just-described linkage is illustrated in Figure 3 in its normal, gravity-held condition, wherein the abutment member 366 engages with the clutch control arm 368 to hold the latter disengaged. However, upon swinging movement of the crank arm 36,4, as effected by engagement of an article 64 with the tongue 363; the abutment member would be swung sufficiently to release the clutch control arm 368, whereupon the clutch automatically engages and effects a driving oonf nection between the sprocket wheel -344,-and `thegear 182 and cutting roll 180. 2The gear 182 thus effects rotation ofthe pressure 'rolls Y179 and 184 until the abutment member 356 returns to its gravity-held position and disengages the clutch 350.

Operation As an article 64 carried between the plates 61 and 62 deflects the tongue'363, the clutch 350 is engaged for one revolution to rotate the pressure rolls 179 and 184 a predetermined amount sufficient to draw a desired quantity of cellophane or other wrapping sheet material 176 from the roll 167. The web of wrapping material is drawn about the idler roll 175 and passes between the fixed knife 177 and cooperating supporting roll 178 where it is formed with a longitudinal line of weakening or Score line. The web then passes downward between the pressure rolls 179 and 184 and enters between the groups of interdigitated 'fingers 218 and V211.9

Vto be longitudinally corrugated,and thus stiifened, Yby

the fingers. When a predetermined length of web passes the fixed knife edge 226, so as to extend across the opening 248 defined between the members 196 and 237,

the knife 234 of the knife roll 180 engages with the fixed knife to sever the web portion below the fixed knife.

While this is occurring, the article 64 which tripped the tongue 363 has progressed downward to-engage with the upper arcuate surfaces of the loading- head rail portions 136 and 137 located between the discs 6l and 62. The pusher arm 150 then swings clockwise, as seen in Figure l, so that the pusher plate engages with the article on the loading-head ways to move the latter into position between the retaining plates 133 and 139, and more particularly between the projecting blade portions 140 and E42 of the retaining plates. The loading frame 115 and pusher arm 150 then swing in unison toward the H-shaped member 189. As a sheet of wrapping material extending across the opening 248 is severed from the web 176, the protruding blades 140 and 142 of the loader head i3d, carrying Van article therebetween, enter into the space 24S between the members'196 and 237, the condition illustrated in Figure 14. ln this condition, the severed sheet 375 is carried by the article into the space 24 That is, the article engages with a central portion of the severed sheet 375 to carry the central sheet portion into the space 248, while opposite marginal portions 376 and 377 of the severed sheet are guided or deected by the members i96 and 237 to partially surround or envelop the article. That is, the upper margin 376 is lguided or deflected downward by the crosspic-ce '196, and the lower sheet margin 377 is guided or deected upward by the crossbar 237, so that the opposite sheet margins are deflected toward each other. Thus, the crosspiece 196 and bar 237 function as wrapper guide members upon passage of an article and wrapper through the opening 2%.

During entry of the article into the space 24S, opposite edge portions 373 of the sheet 375 located medially between the margins 376 and 377 are folded or deflected oyengagement with the pins 243 to initiate their tucking. That is, the pins 243 engage with medial edge portions 37S of the sheet 375 as the sheet is carried through the space 248 to deflect the engaged edge portions tow-ard the outer surfaces of the article-carrying blade portions 140 and 142. 39, bar 273, and pins 243 define an open structure adapted to surround an article and through which an article and its wrapper are passed to partially envelop the wrapper about the article. e

J ust subsequent to the condition of Figure 14, the pusher plate 153, carried on the arm 150, moves further toward the turret 52 through the space between the retaining plate blades 140 and 142 to insertthe article and its carried sheet V375 intera turret pocket 95 at the loading sta tion i. When 'the article is inserted virito'the pocket, it

it is now understood that the H-frarne 16 is ="frictionally 'fretained -therein between the extension blades/or Asidepic'ec'es :99 and 101, whichpieces engage with it'he deected opposite edge portions 378` ofthe wrapper |sheet `375 fto l tuckor fold rthe edgev portions -fiiat against opposite `sides or ends of the article., This wrapper condition'is illustrated Vin Figure 24. It will there be seen that the wrapper-sheet margins 376 and377 extend appreciably beyond the article, generally radially outward from the receiving turret pocket. While'the rods or bars `110 and 111 of each turret pocket may aid in proper positioning ofthe article in the -pocket against the concave arcuate outwardly facing surface of the Ceshaped members 102 and 103, and also to maintain the wrapper-sheet margins 376 and 377v in their outwardly projecting condition, it has been found that the rods may be eliminated without seriously affecting either of the above functions. Y

While an article just received in Va turret pocket remains in positionfacing outward toward the space 248, the arm 232 and itsblade '233 are swung upward into the space between the lowerguide member 237 andthe article, to deflect or fold the sheet margin 377 upward against the outer surface of the article. Thiscondition is illustratediin Figure 25.

The turret 52 then Vcommences rotation Yto place the next adjacent turret pocket at the loading station I facing toward the passageway 248. Preferably the margin-folding blade 233imoves a slight distance with the article being operated upon to maintain the lower margin 377 in its folded condition until the upper margin 376 engages with the fixed folding element 247 and is thereby folded downward into overlapping engagementwith the lower margin. These steps are illustrated in Figures 25 and 26.

With the opposite sheet margins 376 and 377 in their overlapping engagement of Figure 26, the turret rotates to shift the article to station'II into position beneath the heating block 254. The heating block then descends under the action vof its controlling cam 269 to effect a heat-scaling securement of the overlapping sheet margins. Upon sequent intermittent rotation of the turret 52, the overlapping, heated sheet margins are presented to the cooling block 257 at station III, which engages with and effects a rapid cooling and permanent sealing `of the margins.

In this condition, the article in its receiving pocket is rotated to station IV, into position facing toward the space between the receiver walls 308. The wrapper -at this location entirely surrounds the article, and has its medial side or end portions 378 tucked in or folded against the article ends orfsides, while the remaining side edge portions, and particularly the opposite end portions of the overlapped margins 376 and 377, extend beyond opposite ends or sides of the article, and beyondthe opposite turret pocket side walls or blades 99 and l101 with the overlapping marginsfacing toward the receiver.

The ejector bars `282 and 283 are then shifted, as actuated by their controlling cam 291, to extend the free ends of the bars through the pocket cutouts 108 and 109, therebyrengaging -with the partially wrapped article to eject the latter from its turret pocket and transferl the same into the receiver 55, between the receiver plates 308. Whenthisoccursthe end portions of the over` `lapping- sheet Ymargins 376 and 377 are engaged bythe end edges of the receiver side walls or plates 308 and deflected, Afolded or tucked in by the latter against the article ends or sides to assume the conditionof Figure 28.

in this condition` the wrapper defines lower and upper end aps 380 and 381 extending beyond oppositeends or sides'of the article, thelower flaps 380 being received in the receiver slot 310, and the upper fiaps381 engagin'g' in thereceiver slot i312. iStated otherwise, asthe .article is ejectedtfr'orntlie turret and insertedintoj'the receiver, the article=r`noving `elements 321ofthe'convey'or rails 387, while the article end flaps 388 and 381 engage in the receiver slots 310 and 312. Obviously, the upper iiaps 381 will be folded downward by the declining slot 312, and the lower flaps 380 will subsequently be folded upward by the inclining slot 314 as each article is moved along the receiver. To prevent upward movement of the entire article as the lower flaps 388 are folded up- Ward,` the member 315 bears against the upper side of the article and restrains upward movement of the latter. Figure 29 illustrates the condition of an article at the juncture of slots 310, 312, and 314, while Figure 30 illustrates the condition of an article subsequent to passage through the receiver 55, wherein the end flaps 380 and 381 have been folded over each other against the article. It is of course appreciated that the conveyor 56 may extend into the turret 52 to withdraw articles therefrom at station 1V, and thereby eliminate the particular ejector mechanism 275.

As the conveyor 56 extends into the removal means 57, to carry the articles of Figure 30 into position between aud engaging the facing stretches of the belts 331 and 332, the belts effect continued movement of the articles along the rails 307 and into the discharge chute 333. As the articles move through the removal means 57, the overlapping end ilaps 339 and 381 are heat-sealed in their folded condition by heat from the heating elements 238 and 239. The heat-sealed iiaps are quickly cooled to make permanent their securement by passage between the cooling members 341 and 342. The wrapped articles 382 are illustrated in Figure 22 passing through 'the removal means.

In the hereinbefore described embodiment, the end naps are heat-sealed both to each other, and to underlying portions of the tucked regions 378 and end regions of the overlapping margins 376 and 377. Opening of the package 382 may be effected by bending the same to sever the Wrapper along its weakened or score line 383 formed by the knife edge 177 and supporting roll 178.

By a slight modification illustrated in Figure 3l, an entirely differently opening package may be produced. Rather than employing the heating elements 338 and 339 of Figure 22 having substantially at inner faces engaging with the belts 331 and 332, heating elements 338er and 339a are provided each having a pair of longitudinally extending ribs in facing engagement with the respective belts. That, is, the heating element 338:1 is formed with a pair of ribs 385 which engage with the belt 331 and space the remainder of the heating element from the belt, so as to heat the latter only along a pair of longitudinal parallel spaced regions. Similarly, the heating element 33941 is formed with a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel spaced ribs 386 which engage with the belt 332 and space the remainder of the heating element from the belt to heat the latter along a pair of parallel spaced longitudinal regions.

By this construction, a package 382g of Figure 32 is produced, wherein the end flaps 38th: and 381a are secured in their inwardly folded, overlapping relation only along a pair of parallel spaced heat seals or welds 387 and 388. In particular, the welds 387 and 388 each secure a respective end flap only to the underlying portions of the tucks defined by the opposite sheet regions 378 and end portions of the overlapping margins 37da and 377a. Hence, the end flaps 380:1 and 381m are not secured directly to each other, and have their end portions free to serve as grasping tabs for severing the welds and opening the package. That is, the end portion of the ap 38ila may be readily grasped to sever the weld 387, and the end portion of the flap 381:1 will then be exposed for manual grasping to sever the weld 388, and

as a sequence of steps, particularly with reference to the insertion into the turret, the heat-sealing therein, and ejection therefrom, it is of course appreciated that these steps are practiced simultaneously upon successive articles and wrapping sheets. Also, while the method and apparatus has been described in connection with a compressed article such as that employed in my abovementioned copending patent application, the instant apparatus and method is not so limited, and. may be employed with otherwise processed articles, for example a rolled sanitary napkin.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a method and apparatus for wrapping articles which fully accomplishes its intended objects, and also embraces a novel package produced by the instant method and apparatus.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claim.

What is claimed is:

An article-wrapping machine comprising a movably mounted open pocket shaped to receive and substantially surround an article being wrapped, loading means located at a loading station along t-he path of movement of said pocket for inserting said article inward into suhstantially surrounded relation within said pocket, feeding means for interposing a flexible wrapping sheet of sufiicient size to completely envelop said article into position between said loading means and pocket when the latter is at said loading station, so that said sheet is moved by said article into said pocket in partially enveloping relation with said article upon said insertion. of the latter with an opposite pair of sheet margins extending outward from said pocket, securing means located along the path of movement of said pocket subsequent to said loading station for securing together said opposite pair of wrapping-sheet margins on the outer side of said article with the end portions of said one pair of sheet margins extending oppositely beyond said article, receiving means located at a discharge station along the path of movement of said pocket subsequent to said securing means and opening toward said pocket when the latter is at said discharge station for snugly receiving said article from said pocket, and ejection means located adjacent to said discharge station for moving said article and sheet outward from said pocket and snugly into said receiving means, whereby said receiving means engages with and folds the end portions of said one pair of sheet margins toward said article, said loading means comprising an open head mounted for movement toward and away from said pocket when the latter is at said loading station and adapted to carry and frictionally retain one of said articles, and a pusher mounted for movement in said head and engageable with the carried article to shift the latter from said head into said pocket when said head is at its position of movement toward said pocket.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,109,461 Price Sept. l, 1914 1,719,405 Townsend July 2, 1929 1,761,771 Brownell June 3, 1930 1,893,990 Grover Ian. 1t), 1933 2,066,414 Milmoe Ian. 5, 1937 2,279,842 Smith et al. Apr. 14, 1942 2,350,244 Malhiot May 30, 1944 2,367,443 Snyder Jan. 16, 1945` 2,567,405 Sandberg Sept. 11, 1951 2,625,779 Peterson Ian. 20, 1953 i

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