Patent ID: 8733068
Filing Date: 2014-05-27
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A device for wrapping a plurality of articles sequentially, the device comprising a substantially planar support plate for supporting the articles, the support plate having at least one transverse opening therein, a first feeder for a first sheet of plastic film, a second feeder for a second sheet of plastic film, a carriage moveable between a free position above the substantially planar support plate and a folding position below the substantially planar support plate for positioning the article between the first and second sheets of plastic film, wherein the article is placed on the support plate and the carriage pushes the article through the at least one transverse opening to accomplish folding of the article, a pair of opposed plates cooperating to evacuate excess air from between the first and second sheets of plastic film, and a sealing mechanism for sealing the first and second sheets of plastic film together adjacent the periphery of the article, wherein sealing of the first and second sheets of plastic film together to close about a first article forms a top seal and concurrently: a) forms a base seal between the first and second sheets of plastic film to form a containing portion for receiving a subsequent article, the base seal remaining below the transverse opening and, when abutted by the subsequent article being pushed through the transverse opening, forcing deployment of the first sheet of plastic film and the second sheet of plastic film from the first and second feeders; and b) separates the first article from the subsequent article between the top seal of the first article and the base seal of the subsequent article.