Patent ID: 7526906
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for forming a film into a sleeve around a filling tube, the apparatus comprising: a continuous film entrance surface operably connected to an entrance of a folding tunnel, the folding tunnel having a longitudinal axis including an upstream extension extending in an upstream direction from the entrance, at least a portion of the entrance surface positioned to lead into the folding tunnel being inclined at an acute angle relative to the upstream extension of the longitudinal axis of the folding tunnel spaced from the folding tunnel; a first folding wing of the folding tunnel positioned for folding a first longitudinal side portion of the film at least partially around the filling tunnel; a second folding wing of the folding tunnel positioned for folding a second longitudinal side portion of the film, disposed opposite the first longitudinal side portion of the film, at least partially around the filling tunnel and overlapping at least a portion of the first longitudinal side portion of the film to form the sleeve.