GB1210031A - Packages and a method of packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

1,210,031. Packaging flat articles. PRATT MFG. CORP. 26 April, 1969, No. 21393/69. Heading B8C. A method of packaging comprises continuously advancing web portions which are to form the opposite panels of a package 43, continuously folding the advancing web portions to form a "W" formation with the two webs of the inverted "V" at the base of the "W" sealed together and dropping merchandise in longitudinally spaced relationship on to the panel portions with the merchandise, e.g. surgical sponges (31), Fig. 8 (not shown), received in each lower edge fold of the "W" in conjunction with the webs of the inverted "V". Sealing is then effected along the upper longitudinal edges of the outer web portions of the "W", and along longitudinally-spaced transverse paths located between merchandise, the packages being cut off intermediate the width of said transversely sealed paths. As shown, a thin strip, e.g. of non- transparent white sulphate paper, or polyethylene, is drawn, from a roller 20, over the "V"- shaped forming end of a forming plate 22, the upfolded material being sealed together, e.g. by providing the underside of the upfold with a heat-sealable material 25 or, with adhesive from a gun 26, and passing the fold between rollers 27 which are heated when the strip 25 is used. The upper edge of the "V" fold is preferably trimmed off by slitter wheels 29, the sides of the strip 20 being held down on to the forming plate 22 before being folded up to complete the "W" as shown in Fig. 6, and the sponges, or other flat articles, are dropped in position as shown at 31. The upper edges of the "W"-formed strip are subjected to sealing pressure preferably between wheels 35 which are heated if heat sealing is required. If the strip is formed of white sulphite the upper edges of the strip emerging from the roll have pre-applied, longitudinal strips of latex. The sealed upper edge is preferably trimmed, at 36, by slitter wheels 37, the crossseals, between the sponges 33, being accomplished by pressure-bars 38 which are driven by wheels 39 and which are heated, as required, and the completed packages 43 being cut off at 40 by knives 41 driven by wheels 42. In a modification, Figs. 9, 10 (not shown), the method is substantially the same except that the web portions comprise two separate rolls (120) of strip which are arranged side-by-side, and can be made of different kinds of materials. Instead of two separate rolls (120) a single roll can be slit into two strips before entering the apparatus. In a further modification, Figs. 13, 14 (not shown), two separate rolls of strip are mounted on vertical axes, the upper edges of the two vertically disposed strips being glued together by pressure rolls (327) and trimmed at (340) by slitters (341) before being folded into "W"- formation. The method is then the same as that described with respect to Fig. 1.