U.S. patent application number 11/789199 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-15 for automatic machine and method for the packaging of a series of editorial products in plastic film and relative packaging.
This patent application is currently assigned to SITMA S.p.A. Invention is credited to Aris Ballestrazzi, Lamberto Tassi.
Application Number | 20070261371 11/789199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38283691 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070261371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ballestrazzi; Aris ; et
al. |
November 15, 2007 |
Automatic machine and method for the packaging of a series of
editorial products in plastic film and relative packaging
Abstract
An automatic machine for the packaging of a series of editorial
products in plastic film comprising feeding means of editorial
products (11, 11') and a packaging station (20) equipped with a
mechanical conformer (21) for the winding of the film (12) around
the products (11, 11') and means for the closing of the same, also
comprising two pusher conveyors (14, 16) alongside each other for
the feeding of a first product (11) and at least a second product
(11') respectively, to the packaging station (20), which comprises
at least one longitudinal closing device (23) and a transversal
welding station (25) for the formation of a packaging (100), the
packaging (100) comprising two closed and separate bags (101) for
the first product (11) and the second product (11')
respectively.
Inventors: |
Ballestrazzi; Aris; (Modena,
IT) ; Tassi; Lamberto; (Modena, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEDMAN & COSTIGAN P.C.
1185 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Assignee: |
SITMA S.p.A
Modena
IT
|
Family ID: |
38283691 |
Appl. No.: |
11/789199 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/450 ;
53/550 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 61/20 20130101;
B65B 25/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/450 ;
53/550 |
International
Class: |
B65B 9/06 20060101
B65B009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 9, 2006 |
IT |
MI2006A000909 |
Claims
1. An automatic machine for the packaging of a series of editorial
products in plastic film comprising feeding means of editorial
products (11, 11') and a packaging station (20) equipped with a
mechanical conformer (21) for the winding of the film (12) around
the products (11, 11') and means for the closing of the same,
characterized in that it also comprises two parallel pusher
conveyors (14, 16) for the feeding of a first product (11) and at
least a second product (11') respectively, to said packaging
station (20), said packaging station (20) comprising at least one
longitudinal closing device (23) and a transversal welding station
(25) for the formation of a packaging (100), wherein said packaging
(100) comprises two closed and separate bags (101) for said first
product (11) and said second product (11') respectively, said bags
(101) being foldable.
2. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said at
least first product (11) is fed to said first conveyor (14) by a
first longitudinal feeder (13) and said at least second product
(11') is fed to said second conveyor (16) by transversal feeding
means (17).
3. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that each of
said conveyors (13, 16) comprises lateral guides (18) which can be
regulated on the basis of the dimensions of said products (11,
11').
4. The machine according to claim 3, characterized in that said
second conveyor (16) has an interaxis (19) which can be moved
sideways to be flanked by said first conveyor (14).
5. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said
first conveyor (14) comprises at least a further transversal feeder
(15) for the feeding of other products (11) in a stacked position
with respect to said first product (11).
6. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said
longitudinal closing device (23) is a glue dispenser.
7. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said
longitudinal closing device (23) is a welder suitable for
optionally effecting the longitudinal welding between said bags
(101).
8. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it
comprises a further longitudinal welder (24) positioned laterally
for the welding with a side trimming of an excess (106) of film
(12) and the closing of said packaging (100).
9. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it
comprises an overturning device with a belt (27) for the
superimposition of said two bags (101).
10. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said
packaging station (20) comprises at least one labelling machine
(22) situated along the unwinding run of the packaging film (12)
for the application of labels (103) in pre-established
positions.
11. The machine according to claim 10, characterized in that said
at least one labelling machine (22) is associated with a
perforating device for the perforation of the film (12) in
correspondence with said labels (103).
12. A packaging (100) for a series of editorial products (11, 11'),
characterized in that it comprises two parallel bags (101) closed
and separate from each other for at least one first main product
(11) and for at least a second product (11'), respectively.
13. The packaging according to claim 12, characterized in that said
two bags (101) can be folded along an intermediate closing line
(104) for the presentation of four distinct display sides for a
greater visibility of the packaged products (11, 11').
14. The packaging according to claim 12, characterized in that two
further containment areas (102) for labels (103), forming an
overlapping display band, are positioned at an upper end of said
bags (101) and separated therefrom by means of a transversal
welding (107).
15. A method for the packaging of a series of editorial products
(11, 11') in plastic film (12), characterized in that it comprises
the phases of feeding at least a first main product (11) and at
least a second product (11') separate and flanked with a packaging
station (20), winding said parallel products (11, 11') with plastic
film (12), effecting at least one longitudinal welding (104) in an
intermediate position between said parallel products (11, 11') and
at least one transversal welding (107) for the closing of said
packaging (100) and the formation of at least two separate
containment bags (101) of said products (11, 11').
16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that it
comprises the phase of transversally feeding at least a further
product (11) positioned above said first main product (11).
17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that it
comprises the phase of transversally applying labels (103) on said
plastic film (12) in a pre-established and intermediate position
between said products (11, 11') and effecting a transversal welding
(107) for the formation of two further containment areas (102) for
said labels (103).
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic machine and a
method for the packaging of a series of editorial products in
plastic film and also a relative packaging.
[0002] In the field of graphics, there is the tendency of
presenting clients with products increasingly rich in accessories.
As a result of this, editorial products, such as newspapers,
magazines, or other similar items, are packaged in plastic film
together with other products or gadgets, both for direct
distribution and shipment to subscribers.
[0003] In order to allow the products proposed to be visible, they
are normally packaged in film bags where the most important
products can be seen in the two front and rear sides of the
packaging.
[0004] Another solution, not welcomed by newsagents, is to package
various products arranged on supporting boards where the products
are aligned and/or superimposed for part of the cover. With this
solution, in fact, the products are cumbersome and difficult to
display on the stands.
[0005] An objective of the present invention is to provide an
automatic machine and a method for the packaging of a series of
editorial products in plastic film to provide a relative packaging
in which the product and its contents, as also the content of
editorial inserts and gadgets, are more visible.
[0006] A further objective of the present invention is to provide
an automatic machine and a method for the packaging of a series of
editorial products in plastic film, in which the relative packaging
can be easily stacked.
[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an
automatic machine and a method for the packaging of a series of
editorial products in plastic film, which is particularly simple
and functional, with reduced costs.
[0008] These objectives according to the present invention are
achieved by providing an automatic machine, a method and a relative
packaging as specified in the independent claims.
[0009] Further characteristics of the automatic machine and method
for the packaging of a series of editorial products in plastic film
and also the relative packaging are indicated in the dependent
claims.
[0010] The characteristics and advantages of an automatic machine
and a method for packaging according to the present invention will
appear more evident from the following illustrative and
non-limiting description, referring to the enclosed schematic
drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an automatic machine for the
packaging of a series of editorial products in plastic film, object
of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 schematically shows a packaging at the moment of
separation from the film being fed onto the machine of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively show schematic transversal
sections of two parallel conveyors according to two different
feeding configurations to the packaging machine of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B show two possible arrangements of the
plastic film around the products for the longitudinal welding in a
packaging station of the machine of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show a second longitudinal
welder for the closing of the packaging and a transversal welding
station of the packaging machine of FIG. 1, respectively;
[0016] FIG. 7 shows an overturning device of the automatic
packaging machine, object of the present invention.
[0017] With reference to the figures, these schematically show a
packaging machine, indicated as a whole with 10, on which a method
is embodied for the packaging of a series of products, comprising
at least one editorial product 11 and at least a second product
11', in a plastic film 12 for producing a relative packaging 100
(FIG. 2), which has four distinct display sides for a better
visibility of the products packaged.
[0018] The first page of the cover, which in FIG. 2 is facing
downwards, can for example show either the cover of the main
magazine or a false cover carrying the bar code with the sales
price of the magazine in its promotional form. The second page of
the cover, schematized in the figure as side "B", can for example
show a graphic insert, analogously to the third cover page, shown
in the figure as side "C", which can alternatively show the back of
the gadget. In order to have the maximum visibility, the gadget,
such as an audio disk or video, a book or other object, should in
fact be positioned on the fourth page of the cover, also not
visible in FIG. 2.
[0019] The packaging 100 envisages the presence of two bags 101 for
the products 11 and 11', which are closed and separate from each
other.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the packaging 100, object of
the present invention, two further containment areas 102 for labels
103 are situated at an upper end of the bags 101. An overlapping
band of the packaging is therefore formed, on which, for example,
information necessary for identifying the product and inserts, as
also the sales price as a promotional offer or the like, can be
visualized.
[0021] Each of the containment areas 102 for labels 103, in
addition to the bags 101 for the editorial products 11 and/or
gadgets 11' are closed on all sides by means of weldings 104 or a
folding 105 of the film.
[0022] The packaging 100 according to the present invention can be
folded, at the end of the packaging process in the machine, along
the intermediate longitudinal welding line 104 to create a
conformation with a limited encumbrance.
[0023] The automatic packaging machine 10 comprises a first feeder
13 which longitudinally transfers the first product 11 onto a main
pusher conveyor 14 according to the advance direction schematized
with the arrow F. In the illustrative and non-limiting embodiment
of the packaging machine, object of the present invention, shown
and described, said first product 11 is fed with its cover facing
downwards and forms the most visible product at the end of the
packaging.
[0024] The main conveyor 14 is flanked in a first section by at
least one transversal feeder 15 for the feeding of other products,
such as inserts, magazines, newspapers, leaflets or a series of
these, in a stacked position with respect to the first product.
Each of the transversal feeders 15 feeds a different product 11
onto the first conveyor, providing the possibility of packaging a
series of products 11 in a first bag 101.
[0025] In a subsequent section, the main conveyor 14 is flanked by
a further pusher conveyor 16 for transporting a third and possibly
fourth product 11' towards a packaging station 20. Feeding means
17, such as automatic feeders for graphic editorial products or
robotized feeders for gadgets, audio disks and videos, or other
items are arranged to the side of the second pusher conveyor
16.
[0026] Both conveyors comprise lateral guides 18, which can be
adjusted on the basis of the dimensions of the products transported
thereon.
[0027] Furthermore, the second conveyor 16 also has its own
interaxis 19 which can be moved sideways to flank the second
conveyor 16 alongside the first conveyor 14.
[0028] FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively, schematically show, in a
transversal section, the two conveyors 14 and 16 parallel to each
other carrying products 11 having different side encumbrances.
[0029] Furthermore, the phase of the pusher of the second conveyor
16 can be modified as desired with respect to the phase of the
pusher of the main conveyor 14, as specific autonomous motors, not
shown, are provided, which operate in correlation with the motor of
the main conveyor 14.
[0030] The subsequent packaging station 20 comprises a continuous
unwinding bobbin for the feeding of the plastic film 12 and a
mechanical conformer 21 which unwinds the film 12 and redirects it
in a longitudinal direction F, as schematically illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0031] In FIG. 1, two labelling machines 22 are situated along the
unwinding run of the packaging film 12 for the positioning of
labels 103 either preprinted and/or to be printed with fixed and/or
variable data. The labelling machines 22 apply the labels 103 in
pairs to the film 12 transversally with respect to the feeding
direction F and at a distance from each other corresponding to a
pre-established length greater than the length of the editorial
products 11 to be packaged.
[0032] Alternatively, the labels 103 can all be the same and fed
from a roll, not shown.
[0033] As an alternative, it is also possible to apply a single
label 103 to the film, rather than a pair of labels, suitably
positioned between the products.
[0034] A perforator, of the known type and not shown in the figure,
can also be assembled on the machine 10, which acts on the film 12
in correspondence with the label 103 applied, creating a hole
suitable for hanging the production of packages 100.
[0035] The labels 103, which can be made of various materials, such
as paper, film or other materials, are suitable for making the area
of the display band stronger and more rigid, for sustaining the
weight of the products 11 and 11' when the packaging 100 is hung
and avoiding the formation of folds of the film 12.
[0036] The mechanical conformer 21 winds the film around the
products 11, which are fed from the two conveyors to the packaging
station 20.
[0037] A longitudinal closing device 23 of the known type and
schematically shown in FIG. 1, is for example a wheel welder, a
glue dispenser, an ultrasonic welder, or another device, which
effects an intermediate longitudinal welding 104 for separating the
two flanked bags 101 containing the products 11 and 11'.
[0038] If the plastic film 12 is folded over the flanked products
11 and 11'along their two opposite edges, creating a superimposed
area in a substantially central position, the longitudinal welding
104 also forms the welding of the film 12 (FIG. 4A).
[0039] The film 12 can also be indifferently folded only along one
edge of the editorial products 11', as shown in FIG. 4B. In this
case, the intermediate longitudinal welding 104 separates the two
bags 101 and a further longitudinal welder 24, positioned
laterally, effects the welding with a side trimming of the excess
film 106 and closing of the packaging 100, as schematically shown
in the sectional detail of FIG. 5.
[0040] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the longitudinal
closing device 23 can also be set up for effecting a longitudinal
cut, if the machine is to be converted for the production of single
packagings, for example as an emergency line in the case of damage
to the other lines for single packaging. By feeding the same
products on both conveyors 14 and 16, and subsequently
longitudinally separating the film in an intermediate position with
respect to the two products, it is in fact possible to obtain pairs
of single packagings, i.e. double the productivity.
[0041] In a subsequent transversal welding station 25, double
welding bars 26, also of the known type and only shown
schematically in the detail of FIG. 6, also effect two transversal
weldings 107 of the plastic film which close the packaging 100,
i.e. they separate the bags 101 from the containment areas of the
labels 102, and separate the packaging 100 from the film 12 being
fed.
[0042] An overturning device 27, which allows the superimposition
of the two bags 101, comprises a base belt which effects a torsion
suitable for overturning the product 11' which is alongside the
main product 11 on top of the latter thus reducing the encumbrance
of the packaging machine, as schematically shown in the detail of
FIG. 7.
[0043] The automatic machine 10 for the packaging of a series of
editorial products in plastic film according to the present
invention, can also comprise further known devices, such as an
accumulator, a manipulator, a conveyor towards subsequent packaging
machines, or other devices.
[0044] The packaging of a series of editorial products, produced
with the machine and method, object of the present invention, has
the advantage of giving the inserts greater visibility and
consequently a consistent value added advertising.
[0045] The automatic packaging machine, object of the present
invention can also be advantageously used for the packaging of
single products with a high productivity.
[0046] The automatic machine, the method for the packaging of a
series of editorial products in plastic film and the relative
packaging thus conceived can undergo numerous modifications and
variants, all included in the invention; furthermore all the
details can be substituted by technically equivalent elements. In
practice, the materials used, as also the dimensions, can vary
according to technical requirements.
* * * * *