US4419855A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low drag static seamer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-05-20
•
Granted: 1983-12-13
•
Expires: 2001-05-20
Abstract
Abstract A static sealer for causing overlapping portions of film to adhere to each other preparatory to shrink-wrapping in an automatic wrapping machine comprising a grounded support having a planar surface and a charging head for generating an electrostatic field between the gounded support and charging head through which the overlapping portions of the film are moved rectilinearly to charge the latter oppositely, said grounded support being so designed as to reduce frictional resistance of the overlapping portions of the film to rectilinear tracking, said charging head being provided with discharge electrodes arranged with at least one electrode positioned medially of the path of travel of the seam and two other transversely-spaced electrodes downstream of the medially-positioned electrode.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank G. Shanklin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 17:56
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B61/00; B29; B29C; B29C65/00; B29C65/002; B29C65/008; B29C65/76; B29C66/00; B29C66/01; B29C66/05; B29C66/10; B29C66/11; B29C66/112; B29C66/1122; B29C66/20; B29C66/21; B29C66/342; B29C66/40; B29C66/41; B29C66/43; B29C66/432; B29C66/4322; B29C66/49; B29C66/80; B29C66/81; B29C66/814; B29C66/8141; B29C66/81427; B29C66/81429; B29C66/84; B29C66/849
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
Apparatus for statically adhering overlapping portions of sheet film comprising a grounded support having a planar surface across which the overlapping portions of the film are tracked, means associated with the support for generating an electrostatic field through which the overlapping portions of the film pass as they are tracked across said planar surface so as to charge the overlapping portions oppositely and means for reducing the surface contact of the overlapping portions of the film with the planar surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
Apparatus for statically adhering overlapping portions of sheet film comprising a grounded support having a planar surface across which the overlapping portions of the film are tracked, means associated with the support for generating an electrostatic field through which the overlapping portions of the film pass as they are tracked across said planar surface so as to charge the overlapping portions oppositely and means for reducing the surface contact of the overlapping portions of the film with the planar surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
95 words
In combination with an automatic wrapping machine wherein sheet film is wrapped about a product preparatory to shrink-wrapping, a folding head for folding the sheet film about the product and overlapping end portions thereof, means defining a support having a planar surface across which the overlapping portions of the film are tracked, means associated with the support for generating an electrostatic field through which the overlapping portions of the film are moved by tracking and means for reducing the surface contact between the overlapping portions of the film and the planar surface of the support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
95 words
In combination with an automatic wrapping machine wherein sheet film is wrapped about a product preparatory to shrink-wrapping, a folding head for folding the sheet film about the product and overlapping end portions thereof, means defining a support having a planar surface across which the overlapping portions of the film are tracked, means associated with the support for generating an electrostatic field through which the overlapping portions of the film are moved by tracking and means for reducing the surface contact between the overlapping portions of the film and the planar surface of the support.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for generating the electrostatic field comprises a charging head positioned in confronting relation to the planar support connected to a source of high voltage direct current.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the means for generating the electrostatic field comprises a charging head positioned in confronting relation to the planar support connected to a high voltage source of direct current.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for statically adhering overlapping portions of sheet film comprising a grounded support defining a flat planar surface across which the overlapping portions of sheet film are moved rectilinearly parallel to the plane of the planar surface, a charging head arranged to generate a static field between it and the support so as to charge the overlapping portions of the sheet film oppositely and means on the planar surface of the support for holding the overlapping portions of the sheet film spaced from said planar surface to reduce the frictional resistance to rectilinear movement of the overlapping portions of the sheet film across the support.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for statically adhering overlapping portions of sheet film comprising a grounded support defining a flat planar surface across which the overlapping portions of sheet film are moved rectilinearly parallel to the plane of the planar surface, a charging head arranged to generate a static field between it and the support so as to charge the overlapping portions of the sheet film oppositely and means on the planar surface of the support for holding the overlapping portions of the sheet film spaced from said planar surface to reduce the frictional resistance to rectilinear movement of the overlapping portions of the sheet film across the support.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said means comprise longitudinally-spaced protrusions on the planar surface of the support which hold the overlapping portions of the sheet film spaced from the planar surface of the support.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the means defining the protrusions extend transversely of the direction of movement of the overlapping portions of the sheet film.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the means defining the protrusions are elongate rods disposed transversely of the direction of movement of the overlapping portions of the sheet film.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the means for holding the overlapping portions of the sheet film are elongate bars positioned transversely of the direction of movement and spaced longitudinally of the direction of movement.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 comprising a plurality of point electrodes on the charging head.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
92 words
Apparatus for electrostatically adhering overlapping portions of sheet material comprising a grounded support and charging head arranged to define a path through which the overlapping portions of the sheet material can be moved, means for generating a field between the support and head, means for moving the overlapping portions of the sheet material along the path through said field, and means for first applying the charge in the field to a medial portion of the overlapping portions of the sheet material exclusively of the marginal portions and thereafter to the marginal portions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
92 words
Apparatus for electrostatically adhering overlapping portions of sheet material comprising a grounded support and charging head arranged to define a path through which the overlapping portions of the sheet material can be moved, means for generating a field between the support and head, means for moving the overlapping portions of the sheet material along the path through said field, and means for first applying the charge in the field to a medial portion of the overlapping portions of the sheet material exclusively of the marginal portions and thereafter to the marginal portions.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said last-named means comprises a single electrode positioned medially of the path of movement of the seam and transversely-spaced electrodes positioned at opposite sides of the medially-positioned electrode and downstream of the medially-positioned electrode.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
107 words
Apparatus for electrostatically adhering overlapping portions of sheet material comprising a grounded support and a charging head arranged to define a path through which the overlapping portions of the sheet material can be moved, means connecting the charging head to a source of electrical output, means for moving the overlapping portions of the sheet material along said path between the charging head and support, electrodes projecting from the charging head into said path comprising a single electrode positioned medially of the path and transversely-spaced electrodes positioned at opposite sides of the medially-positioned electrode and forwardly of the medially-positioned electrode in the direction of movement of the seam.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
107 words
Apparatus for electrostatically adhering overlapping portions of sheet material comprising a grounded support and a charging head arranged to define a path through which the overlapping portions of the sheet material can be moved, means connecting the charging head to a source of electrical output, means for moving the overlapping portions of the sheet material along said path between the charging head and support, electrodes projecting from the charging head into said path comprising a single electrode positioned medially of the path and transversely-spaced electrodes positioned at opposite sides of the medially-positioned electrode and forwardly of the medially-positioned electrode in the direction of movement of the seam.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 13 comprising longitudinally-spaced means on the grounded support supporting the overlapping portions of the film sheet while traveling along said path in spaced, parallel relation to the grounded support.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the longitudinally-spaced means for supporting the overlapping portions of the film while traveling along said path comprise longitudinally-spaced, parallel, transversely-extending ribs on the grounded support.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for forming seams comprised of overlapping portions of sheet material comprising a grounded plate, a charging head positioned in spaced, parallel relation thereto, means for moving the overlapping portions of the sheet material between the plate and head and charge concentrating means on the head arranged medially and transversely of the path of travel with the transversely-positioned means at either side of the medially-positioned means downstream of the medially-positioned means in the direction of movement.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for forming seams comprised of overlapping portions of sheet material comprising a grounded plate, a charging head positioned in spaced, parallel relation thereto, means for moving the overlapping portions of the sheet material between the plate and head and charge concentrating means on the head arranged medially and transversely of the path of travel with the transversely-positioned means at either side of the medially-positioned means downstream of the medially-positioned means in the direction of movement.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
80 words
Apparatus for forming seams comprised of overlapping portions of sheet material comprising a grounded plate, a charging head positioned in spaced, parallel relation thereto, means for moving the overlapping portions of the sheet material between the plate and head and electrodes on the head arranged with one electrode medially of the path of travel of the overlapping portions and two transversely-spaced electrodes, one at either side of the medially-positioned electrode downstream of the medially-positioned electrode in the direction of movement.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
80 words
Apparatus for forming seams comprised of overlapping portions of sheet material comprising a grounded plate, a charging head positioned in spaced, parallel relation thereto, means for moving the overlapping portions of the sheet material between the plate and head and electrodes on the head arranged with one electrode medially of the path of travel of the overlapping portions and two transversely-spaced electrodes, one at either side of the medially-positioned electrode downstream of the medially-positioned electrode in the direction of movement.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of electrostatically adhering overlapping portions of sheet film wherein the edges of the overlapping portions define the width of the seam comprising generating an electrostatic field between a grounded support and a charging head, moving the overlapping portions of the sheet film through the field and applying the field charge medially of the seam exclusively of the edges and thereafter to the edges.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of electrostatically adhering overlapping portions of sheet film wherein the edges of the overlapping portions define the width of the seam comprising generating an electrostatic field between a grounded support and a charging head, moving the overlapping portions of the sheet film through the field and applying the field charge medially of the seam exclusively of the edges and thereafter to the edges.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 18 comprising supporting the overlapping portions of the sheet film while moving through the electrostatic field at longitudinally-spaced intervals in spaced, parallel relation to the grounded support.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
81 words
The method of forming a seam between overlapping portions of sheet film wherein the width of the seam is defined by the edges of the overlapping portions of the film comprising moving the overlapping portions through an electrostatic field and, while moving through said electrostatic field with the aid of selective concentration of the field charge, adhering a portion of the area of the overlapping portions intermediate the edge portions and thereafter adhering the overlapping portions marginally of the intermediate portion.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
81 words
The method of forming a seam between overlapping portions of sheet film wherein the width of the seam is defined by the edges of the overlapping portions of the film comprising moving the overlapping portions through an electrostatic field and, while moving through said electrostatic field with the aid of selective concentration of the field charge, adhering a portion of the area of the overlapping portions intermediate the edge portions and thereafter adhering the overlapping portions marginally of the intermediate portion.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
79 words
The method of forming a seam between overlapping portions of sheet material wherein the width of the seam is defined by the edges of the overlapping portions of the film comprising moving the overlapping portions through an electrostatic field and, while moving the overlapping portions through said electrostatic field, applying the charge in the field to a medial portion of the approaching overlapping portions of the embryonic seam exclusively of the marginal portions and thereafter to the marginal portions.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
79 words
The method of forming a seam between overlapping portions of sheet material wherein the width of the seam is defined by the edges of the overlapping portions of the film comprising moving the overlapping portions through an electrostatic field and, while moving the overlapping portions through said electrostatic field, applying the charge in the field to a medial portion of the approaching overlapping portions of the embryonic seam exclusively of the marginal portions and thereafter to the marginal portions.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
111 words
The method of forming a seam between overlapping portions of sheet film wherein the width of the seam is defined by the edges of the overlapping portions of the film comprising moving the overlapping portions of the seam through an electrostatic field and, while moving the overlapping portions through said electrostatic field, concentrating the field charge medially of the seam exclusively of the marginal edges and thereafter on the marginal edges with the aid of charge transmitting means positioned medially of the path of travel of the seam, and a transversely-spaced charge transmitting means at either side of the medial charge transmitting means and spaced downstream of the medially-positioned transmitting means.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
111 words
The method of forming a seam between overlapping portions of sheet film wherein the width of the seam is defined by the edges of the overlapping portions of the film comprising moving the overlapping portions of the seam through an electrostatic field and, while moving the overlapping portions through said electrostatic field, concentrating the field charge medially of the seam exclusively of the marginal edges and thereafter on the marginal edges with the aid of charge transmitting means positioned medially of the path of travel of the seam, and a transversely-spaced charge transmitting means at either side of the medial charge transmitting means and spaced downstream of the medially-positioned transmitting means.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
108 words
The method of forming a seam between overlapping portions of sheet film wherein the width of the seam is defined by the edges of the overlapping portions of the film comprising moving the overlapping portions of the embryonic seam through an electrostatic field and while traveling through the field, concentrating the field charge medially of the seam exclusively of the marginal edges and thereafter on the marginal edges with the aid of charged transmitting means positioned medially of the path of travel of the seam, and a transversely-spaced charge transmitting means at either side of the medial charge transmitting means and spaced downstream of the medially-positioned transmitting means.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
108 words
The method of forming a seam between overlapping portions of sheet film wherein the width of the seam is defined by the edges of the overlapping portions of the film comprising moving the overlapping portions of the embryonic seam through an electrostatic field and while traveling through the field, concentrating the field charge medially of the seam exclusively of the marginal edges and thereafter on the marginal edges with the aid of charged transmitting means positioned medially of the path of travel of the seam, and a transversely-spaced charge transmitting means at either side of the medial charge transmitting means and spaced downstream of the medially-positioned transmitting means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said last-named means comprises an electrode positioned medially of the path of movement of the seam and an electrode positioned laterally thereof and upstream of the medially-positioned electrode.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said last-named means comprises an electrode positioned medially of the path of movement of the seam and an electrode positioned laterally thereof and downstream of the medially-positioned electrode.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said last-named means comprises a plurality of electrodes positioned diagonally of the seam with one such electrode positioned medially of the seam, one positioned laterally thereof upstream of the medially-positioned electrode and the other positioned laterally and downstream of the medially-positioned electrode.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
135 words
Apparatus for statically adhering overlapping portions of sheet film comprising a grounded support having a planar surface across which the overlapping portions of the film are tracked, means associated with the support for generating an electrostatic field through the overlapping portions of the film as they are tracked across said planar surface so as to charge the overlapping portions oppositely and means for reducing the surface contact of the overlapping portions of the film with the planar surface characterized in that the last-named means not only reduces the surface contact of the overlapping portions of the film with the planar surface, but, in addition, irons the trapped air out from between the overlapping portions and concentrates the static electricity in a series of lines rather than over the entire area, thereby making a stronger seam.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
135 words
Apparatus for statically adhering overlapping portions of sheet film comprising a grounded support having a planar surface across which the overlapping portions of the film are tracked, means associated with the support for generating an electrostatic field through the overlapping portions of the film as they are tracked across said planar surface so as to charge the overlapping portions oppositely and means for reducing the surface contact of the overlapping portions of the film with the planar surface characterized in that the last-named means not only reduces the surface contact of the overlapping portions of the film with the planar surface, but, in addition, irons the trapped air out from between the overlapping portions and concentrates the static electricity in a series of lines rather than over the entire area, thereby making a stronger seam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2152077A
Cited
US2385873A
Cited
US3009298A
Cited
US3392504A
Cited
US3274302A
Cited
US3473288A
Cited
US3462909A
Cited
US3716434A
Cited
US3784711A
Cited
US4025375A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-12-12 | 1987-06-13 | 1987-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-12 | 1991-06-13 | 1991-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-12 | 1995-06-13 | 1995-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |