Patent ID: 7360344
Filing Date: 2008-04-22
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A method of applying a sleeve to a compressible article having first and second ends, comprising the acts of: compressing the article between a pair of spaced apart article compression members; positioning the article compression members in a loading position; positioning an open-ended sleeve adjacent the article compression members such that the sleeve is aligned with the article compression members, wherein the sleeve defines first and second ends; advancing the open-ended sleeve onto the article compression members at the loading position such that the article compression members, with the article therebetween, are contained within the sleeve; positioning a stripper member between the article compression members, wherein the stripper member is in alignment with the first end of the article and with the first end of the sleeve; and releasing compression on the article by engaging the stripper member with the first end of the article and the first end of the sleeve, and moving the article compression members out of the sleeve while engagement of the stripper member with the first end of the article maintains the article within the sleeve, wherein the article expands and engages interior surfaces defined by the sleeve as the article compression members are moved out of the sleeve, to provide a packaged article in which the article is contained within the sleeve.