Patent ID: 6192662
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A machine for packaging articles with a stretchable film comprising:a dispenser of a stretchable film located at a packaging station;a front gripper which grips a leading edge of the film dispensed from said dispenser and which is moved forwardly to extend a section of the film horizontally and at a disposed angle in the packaging station;respective lateral grippers which grip respective lateral sides of the film section in the packaging station, said grippers being positioned to grip the film section where the film section is extended at a second angle different from the disposed angle; anda cutting device which separates the film section from a remainder of the film in the dispenser in the packaging station, said cutting device includinga) a section located above and forward of said dispenser, said section having a concave part facing downwards,b) a cutting blade fixed longitudinally within said concave part of said section and having a working profile facing downwards which is shielded on either horizontal side by said concave part,c) a film bar disposed under said dispenser and parallel to said cutting blade, said film bar having a grooved transverse profile and rounded edges facing upwards, andd) a moving means (i) for raising said film bar after said front gripper is moved to extend the film section at the disposed angle in order to engage the film section and move the film section vertically to the second angle so as to be positioned for gripping by said lateral grippers, (ii) for further raising said film bar so that the film section is cut by said cutting blade after wrapping of the article, and (iii) for returning said film bar to a lowered rest position so as not to interfere with said dispenser.