Patent ID: 6223500
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
An apparatus for wrapping compressible articles with a web-like wrapping material comprisinga conveyor system for serially conveying an article to be wrapped from a first position to a second position which includes a bearing table which is rotatable about a vertical axis, and to a third position,means for rotating the bearing table about the vertical axis;a pressure exerting arrangement mounted to and above said bearing table for compressing an article positioned on the bearing table, and such that the pressure exerting arrangement rotates with the bearing table about the vertical axis, and such that the pressure exerting arrangement and the bearing table define a wrap around channel for receiving an article to be wrapped from the first position, said pressure exerting arrangement comprising at least two spaced apart pressure exerting members and means for independently controlling said exerting members with respect to the distance they are positioned above the bearing table,a web guide arrangement for withdrawing a section of the web-like wrapping material from a supply which has a length sufficient to at least substantially surround the article to be wrapped, and positioning the section so that it is engaged by and at least partially wrapped about three sides of the article to be wrapped as it is moved into the wrap around channel from the first position, and then guiding a portion of the section so as to overlie and extend beyond a trailing side of the article to be wrapped, andwherein upon rotation of the bearing table and the continued advance of the article to be wrapped to the third position, the section of the web-like wrapping material is completely wrapped about the article.