Patent ID: 6079187
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
An apparatus for packaging a flexible duct in a container of the type having a box-like exterior comprising opposing side walls that define first and second opposing open ends, and flaps associated with at least one of the walls to close the open ends, the apparatus comprising:an elongated housing having an outlet and adapted to receive a length of flexible duct;a plate positioned within the housing and connected to a driving mechanism for moving the plate toward and away from the housing outlet along a line of travel for urging a flexible duct out of the housing through the outlet;a container holder positioned at the housing outlet and adapted to hold a container in an open position in the line of travel for receiving a flexible duct as it is urged through the outlet;a first retractable retainer, moveable in a direction generally transverse to the line of travel between an extended position where it is within a first open end of a container in the line of travel and a retracted position where it is clear of the container; anda closing mechanism positioned near the container holder and having at least one moveable member adapted to close a flap over an open end of the container;whereby a container will be partially closed by the closing mechanism around a flexible duct when a first end of the flexible duct is held by the first retractable retainer in the open container after being compressed and moved along the line of travel by the driving mechanism into a first open end of the container, and the at least one moveable member closes a flap on a container open end around the first retractable retainer before the retractable retainer is retracted.