Device for defining a handle in a tubular covering for a food product

An apparatus for forming and securing a loop handle in a tubular covering for an item to be packaged, said apparatus comprising:

• a frame for supporting said apparatus and for engaging a support surface;
• a chute carried by said frame, wherein said chute is adapted for receiving the tubular covering and maintaining an end of said tubular covering in an open position whereby the item to be packaged engages the tubular covering at a distal end of said chute;
• a conveyor assembly for conveying the item to be packaged from a first selected position to said upper end of said chute;
• a voider assembly carried by said frame proximate said chute, said voider assembly including a pair of voider gates defined by a stationary set of voider gates and a moveable set of voider gates, wherein each set of voider gates is defined by a top voider plate and a bottom voider plate, each voider plate having an opening that is adapted to be positioned so as to substantially register with said chute when said voider plates are in an open position, wherein said stationary voider gate is positioned proximate said distal end of the chute, and said moveable voider gate is selectively moveable between an extended position so as to be in spaced relation from said stationary voider gate and a retracted position so as to be positioned proximate said stationary voider gate, further wherein said stationary and said moveable voider gate are adapted to compress said tubular covering when said voider plates are in a closed position thereby forming an elongated compressed cord;
• a product restrainer assembly carried by said moveable voider gate, for receiving the item to be packaged as the item to be packaged exits said chute and passes through said voider assembly;
• a handle formation assembly carried by said frame for engaging a portion of said compressed cord of tubular covering disposed between said stationary voider gate and said moveable voider gate and forming said compressed cord into a loop handle;
• and
• a clipper member carried by said frame in spaced relation from said handle formation assembly, for engaging said loop handle defined in said compressed cord of tubular covering and for securing at least a first clip and a second clip to said compressed cord for securing an open end of said tubular covering for the item to be packaged, and for securing said loop handle, wherein said clipper member is further adapted for severing said compressed cord of tubular covering at a point disposed between said first and second clips.