US3848393A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Packaging machine and process
Assignee: MONAGHAN AUTOMATED SYST Inc
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Filing: 1972-12-18
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Granted: 1974-11-19
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Expires: 1992-12-18
Abstract
Abstract There is provided a continuous uni-directional packaging machine which utilizes atmospheric pressure to conform a plasticized material to the contours of an article to be packaged. Heated air is used to form the plasticized material from a plastic film and an area of reduced atmospheric pressure is provided beneath the article and to a substrate, if desired, allowing atmospheric pressure to form the material about the article and to the substrate. A continuous moving foraminous belt carries the substrate and the articles placed in position thereon through at least one zone of reduced atmospheric pressure. A continuous film of softened plastic material is concurrently fed into position on the substrate and ''''tents'''' around article placed on the substrate and the package is formed in a zone of reduced pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 A Monoghan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 15:10
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B47/00; B65B47/08; B65B47/10; B65B11/00; B65B11/50; B65B11/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A process for the continuous skin packaging of articles which comprise the steps of: forming at least two zones of reduced pressure, providing said first zone with an area of greater reduced pressure than the pressure in said second zone to evacuate the bulk of the air in said first zone, continuously moving a packaging substrate upon which the articles are sequentially directed through said zones, continuously softening a film of plastic material, and continuously feeding said softened film at an angle to said substrate to the front of said zones and in sequence over the articles positioned on said substrate whereby said film is shaped around the articles and adhered to itself.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A process for the continuous skin packaging of articles which comprise the steps of: forming at least two zones of reduced pressure, providing said first zone with an area of greater reduced pressure than the pressure in said second zone to evacuate the bulk of the air in said first zone, continuously moving a packaging substrate upon which the articles are sequentially directed through said zones, continuously softening a film of plastic material, and continuously feeding said softened film at an angle to said substrate to the front of said zones and in sequence over the articles positioned on said substrate whereby said film is shaped around the articles and adhered to itself.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein a current of air at elevated temperatures is directed against said film of plastic material to soften it.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
147 words
A packaging apparatus which comprises: means for establishing first and second successive zones of reduced pressure, said first zone being provided with an area of greater reduced pressure than said second zone to rapidly evacuate the bulk of air pressure in the first zone, an article substrate upon which articles are sequentially placed, means for continuously and successively moving articles on the substrate through said zones, a continuous film of plastic material, means for continuously and progressively softening the film of plastic material, means for continuously feeding said softened film at an angle to said substrate to the forward edge of said zones and over the articles positioned on sAid substrate, said softened film contacting said substrate at the forward edge of said first zone, and means to shape the softened film around the articles on the substrate and to cause it to adhere to said substrate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
147 words
A packaging apparatus which comprises: means for establishing first and second successive zones of reduced pressure, said first zone being provided with an area of greater reduced pressure than said second zone to rapidly evacuate the bulk of air pressure in the first zone, an article substrate upon which articles are sequentially placed, means for continuously and successively moving articles on the substrate through said zones, a continuous film of plastic material, means for continuously and progressively softening the film of plastic material, means for continuously feeding said softened film at an angle to said substrate to the forward edge of said zones and over the articles positioned on sAid substrate, said softened film contacting said substrate at the forward edge of said first zone, and means to shape the softened film around the articles on the substrate and to cause it to adhere to said substrate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said substrate is a sheet of an air permeable material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said substrate is a fiber board.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said substrate is a plastic film.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said softening means is a forced current of heated air.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said softening means comprises at least one heating element, a directing chamber, and means for forcing air across said heating element and through said directing chamber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said moving means comprises an air permeable endless belt.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said moving means comprises a motor-driven continuous foraminous belt.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-18 | 1978-05-20 | 1978-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-18 | 1982-05-20 | 1982-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-18 | 1986-05-20 | 1986-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |