Device for wrapping a napkin about silverware and associated method

A power operated device for automatically folding napkins and the like about eating utensils, said device comprising:

• a plurality of isolated hoppers defining a plurality of independent passageways converging downwardly towards a central and unitary area for feeding a plurality of utensils;
• a conveyor belt assembly horizontally disposed subjacent said hoppers and traversing said passageways, said conveyor belt assembly traveling along a linear path passing through said unitary area;
• means for selectively depositing a single napkin into said unitary area during operating conditions by moving said napkin depositing means by said conveyor belt assembly and which deposit means is mounted on one portion of said conveyor belt;
• means for simultaneously folding the napkin and horizontally registering the eating utensils in a stacked relationship such that the napkin becomes folded about the eating utensils before being ejected from said simultaneous folding means;
• and
• a receiving conveyor belt assembly disposed beneath said simultaneous folding means for transporting the combined napkin and eating utensils to a remote location.

A power operated device for automatically folding napkins and the like about eating utensils, said device comprising:

• a plurality of isolated hoppers defining a plurality of independent passageways converging downwardly towards a central and unitary area for feeding a plurality of utensils;
• a conveyor belt assembly horizontally disposed subjacent said hoppers and traversing said passageways, said conveyor belt assembly traveling along a linear path passing through said unitary area;
• means for selectively depositing a single napkin into said unitary area during operating conditions by moving said napkin depositing means by said conveyor belt assembly and which deposit means is mounted on one portion of said conveyor belt;
• means for simultaneously folding the napkin and horizontally registering the eating utensils in a stacked relationship such that the napkin becomes folded about the eating utensils before being ejected from said simultaneous folding means;
• a receiving conveyor belt assembly disposed beneath said simultaneous folding means for transporting the combined napkin and eating utensils to a remote location;
• and
• a storage bin laid adjacent to said receiving conveyor belt and housing the combined napkin and eating utensils for transit.