Method and apparatus for forming a bale having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces

US7730832B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Eastman Chemical Company · US

Inventors

• Charles Duane Mullins · Kingsport, US
• Charles Clifton Sanders · Jonesborough, US
• Kenneth Wayne Martin · Kingsport, US
• David Weldon Thompson · Kingsport, US
• Paul Ross Hammes · Kingsport, US
• Kenneth A. Lewis · New York, US
• Lori Ballard Larkins · Kingsport, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 28, 2005
• Grant date: Jun 8, 2010
• Expiry date: Jul 28, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B63/02
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method are described for forming a bale having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces. Also described is a bale having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces, which can be safely stacked vertically for transportation and storage purposes. The apparatus comprises upper and lower platens having a protruding surface for compressing the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of a compressible material.