Patent US4384441A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4384441A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Machine for wrapping elongated articles in plastic film
Assignee: Tetra Pak AB
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Filing: 1980-07-11
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Granted: 1983-05-24
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Expires: 2000-07-11
Abstract
Abstract A machine for the production of a web with individually wrapped drinking straws from two separate plastic films is disclosed. The machine includes a rotatable drum around which one of the plastic films is led and simultaneously given a corrugated form. The drinking straws are thereafter placed one by one in the recesses in the corrugated form and the second plastic film is applied and heat-sealed to said corrugated first film so that the drinking straws are completely enclosed in air-tight packages.
Inventors
- 👤 Toshi Maruyama
- 👤 Masami Takine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 17:42
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B19/00; B65B19/34; B65B9/00; B65B9/02; B65B9/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus for wrapping elongated articles in plastic film, comprising means for individually passing said elongated articles sideways in a channel, a first rotatable member having on the periphery thereof grooves each formed such that said elongated articles will fit therein, a second rotatable member provided with axially directed grooves along its periphery, said second rotatable member being located between said channel and said first rotatable member, said second member being immediately below an outlet of said channel which is aligned with said grooves of the second rotatable member, said second rotatable member being adapted to transfer the elongated articles from the outlet of said channel to the grooves arranged along the periphery of said first rotatable member, means for arranging a first plastic film in close contact with both the periphery and the grooves of the first rotatable member, means for applying a second plastic film over said first film and over said grooves, a first heater drum adapted for sealing said second plastic film to said first plastic film along selected transverse zones between said elongated articles, and a second heater drum for subsequently sealing longitudinal edges of said second plastic film to longitudinal edges of said first plastic film whereby said elongated articles are individually sealed between said first and second plastic films.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus for wrapping elongated articles in plastic film, comprising means for individually passing said elongated articles sideways in a channel, a first rotatable member having on the periphery thereof grooves each formed such that said elongated articles will fit therein, a second rotatable member provided with axially directed grooves along its periphery, said second rotatable member being located between said channel and said first rotatable member, said second member being immediately below an outlet of said channel which is aligned with said grooves of the second rotatable member, said second rotatable member being adapted to transfer the elongated articles from the outlet of said channel to the grooves arranged along the periphery of said first rotatable member, means for arranging a first plastic film in close contact with both the periphery and the grooves of the first rotatable member, means for applying a second plastic film over said first film and over said grooves, a first heater drum adapted for sealing said second plastic film to said first plastic film along selected transverse zones between said elongated articles, and a second heater drum for subsequently sealing longitudinal edges of said second plastic film to longitudinal edges of said first plastic film whereby said elongated articles are individually sealed between said first and second plastic films.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
95 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for arranging the first plastic film comprises a rotatable drum provided with elements protruding from the peripheral surface of the drum in the radial direction of said drum, said protruding elements having substantially the same shape and size as said grooves in the first rotatable member and being adapted to push said first film into said grooves in the first rotatable member such that the first film will be arranged in close contact with both the periphery and the grooves of said first rotatable member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising guiding bars arranged along a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first rotatable member between the location at which the elongated articles are transferred to the first member and the first heater drum for maintaining the elongated articles within the grooves in the first rotatable member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a guiding member arranged along a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second rotatable member between the channel outlet and the first rotatable member for maintaining the elongated articles within the grooves in the second rotatable member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the grooves in the first rotatable member is connected to a vacuum source.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3353329A
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US3732663A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-05-23 | 1986-11-22 | 1987-05-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-05-23 | 1990-11-22 | 1991-05-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-05-23 | 1994-11-22 | 1995-05-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |