Apparatus for folding and loading microwave popcorn bags into a fixture
US5480372A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B43/54
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The front bag (12) of a supply of bags (12) stored in a magazine (250) is removed by an unloading device (252) including four linkages (254, 256, 258, 260) which are pivoted to attach suction cups (264) thereto. The unloading device (252) inserts the bag (12) between nip rollers (52, 54) including spaced wheels (56, 58) which drive the bag (12) downward until the closed end (20) rests upon an adjustable stop (72). A tucking plate (90) moves from a retracted position to an extended position generally perpendicular to the bag (12) to drive the bag (12) into a slot (46) of a fixture (32), with the bag (12) having a U-shaped configuration around the tucking plate (90). The bag (12) is prevented from moving from the slot (46) with the tucking plate (90) as the tucking plate (90) moves from the extended position to the retracted position by a compression roller (208) pivotable by a cam (214) movable with the tucking plate (90) to sandwich the side edges of the bag (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.