Patent ID: 7322162
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for folding bag top portions of a bag filled with product that includes transversely opposite first and second bag top side wall portions and longitudinal opposite front and rear end wall portions extending above product in the bag and having terminal edge portions, and lower front and rear end portions and side wall portions extending with product being therebetween, comprising a longitudinally elongated frame having a front end portion and a rear end wall portion, a bag top folder assembly mounted to the frame for folding the bag top portions to at least in part extend in overlapping relationship to the product in the bag, the bag folder assembly including first and second folder subassemblies mounted to the frame intermediate the frame front and rear portions for having the bag top portions conveyed therebetween and a longitudinally elongated bottom conveyor assembly and side conveyor assembly mounted to the frame for conveying a filled bag in a longitudinal forward direction to have its bag top portions extend between the subassemblies, the first subassembly including a guide plate and first means connected to the guide plate for transversely moving it between a retracted datum position and a transversely extended position engageable with the first side wall portion between the product in the bag and the terminal edge portions, and the second subassembly includes a folder plate and second means for moving the folder plate transversely between a retracted position out of engagement with the bag top portions when the bag top portions are conveyed to extend between said subassemblies and an extended position to engage the bag top second side wall portion for folding the bag top portions to at least in part extend in overlapping relationship to the guide plate when the guide plate is in its extended position, the first subassembly including third means movable between a retracted position and an extended position for engaging the first side wall portion for reversely folding the bag top portions to at least in part extend in overlapping relationship to the folder plate when the folder plate is moved to its extended position.