Film guide system
AssigneeBaxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
InventorJohn L. Posey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A guide system for improving the orientation of a web of film as it passes around a fill tube structure in a form, fill, seal packaging machine is provided. The guide system comprises at least two members removably coupled to the fill tube structure, and so constructed and arranged that they increase the cross-sectional perimeter of the fill tube structure when they are secured thereto. The members cooperating with the fill tube structure to stretch the web of film as it passes around the fill tube structure. An improved apparatus for attaching fitments to a web of film and method is also provided.
Claims23
A guide system for improving the orientation of a web of film as it passes around a fill tube structure in a form, fill, seal packaging machine that includes a fitment attachment means in juxtaposition to a portion of the fill tube structure comprising:
- means for placing at least a front surface of the web of film in a taut condition for at least a portion of the length of the fill tube structure it passes around, the means being removably coupled to at least one side of the fill tube structure and extending for at least a portion of its length along the side of the fill tube structure and place the web of film in a taut condition at the portion of the fill tube structure in juxtaposition to the fitment attachment means.
A guide system for improving the orientation of a web of film as it passes around a fill tube structure in a form, fill, seal packaging machine having a fitment attaching apparatus for attaching a fitment to the web of film comprising:
- at least two angular members removably coupled to opposite sides of the fill tube structure and extending for at least a portion of their length along the sides of the fill tube structure, the angular members each including a base, the angular members cooperating with the fill tube structure to stretch the web of film as it passes around a portion of the fill tube structure that is in juxtaposition to the fitment attaching apparatus.
In a form, fill, seal packaging machine, an apparatus for attaching fitments to a web of film, the apparatus for attaching fitments being located in proximity to an apparatus for creating a fin seal, the apparatus comprising:
- a fill tube structure including a fill tube and fitment attachment tube, the fitment attachment tube having located therein means for feeding a fitment to a fitment pickup position within the fitment attachment tube, and means for moving the fitment from the fitment pickup position to a fitment attachment position;
- a guide system, the guide system being removably secured to the fill tube structure and including at least two angular members each of the angular members having a base and a leg extending from the base, the base of each angular member being removably secured on opposite sides of the fill tube structure and extending for at least a portion of its length along the side of the fill tube structure in a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the side of the fill tube structure when secured to the fill tube structure;
- and
- the fill tube structure, guide system, and apparatus for creating the fin seal cooperate to put the film under tension and in a taut condition during a fitment attachment operation.
In a form, fill, seal packaging machine, an apparatus for attaching fitments to a web of film, the apparatus for attaching fitments being located in proximity to an apparatus for creating a fin seal, the apparatus comprising:
- a fill tube structure including a fill tube and fitment attachment means for melting a portion of the web of film to a fitment;
- a guide system, the guide system being removably secured to the fill tube structure and including at least two plate members each of the plate members having a sufficient width and depth to cause the guide system to cause the web of film to be stretched at a fitment attachment station of the fill tube structure the plate members extending for a portion of their length along opposite sides of the fill tube structure when the plate members are removably secured thereto;
- and
- the fill tube structure, guide system, and apparatus for creating the fin seal cooperate to put the film under tension and in a taut condition during a fitment attachment operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.