Cutting device for plastic netting

In apparatus for packaging bulk products, said apparatus of the type including first and second clipper mechanisms for attaching first and second spaced metal clips about a meltable sleeve material, the improvement of means for severing the sleeve material between the clippers, said means comprising, in combination:

• a generally fixed anvil member positioned intermediate the clipper mechanisms adjacent a center line extending between the clipper mechanisms;
• a movable punch member positioned in opposed spaced relation to the fixed anvil member;
• means for driving the punch member into the anvil member and for retracting the punch member from the anvil member;
• and
• means in the anvil member for heating the anvil member at least to a temperature to melt the sleeve material, said anvil member comprising a block member having a generally straight line edge defined by a triangular shaped cross section end, said block member further including a heating element defining the means for heating, said heating element positioned in a passage generally parallel to the straight line edge to enhance uniform heat conduction to that edge, said anvil member further including spaced legs projecting integrally from the side opposite the edge for supporting the anvil member and for minimizing conduction of heat away from the edge of the anvil member to a mount for the anvil member, the legs further including slots to facilitate mounting of the anvil member by means of a fastener that cooperatively engages the anvil member;
• and
• said punch member comprising a generally planar surface opposed to the edge of the anvil member and movable toward the anvil member to define a line of contact therewith whereby the edge will melt through sleeve material and then contact the planar surface of the punch member.