US 8,601,924 B1Granted

Film wrap cutting apparatus

AssigneeXpak USA, LLC

InventorsJoseph Minond, Marcelo Alcantara

Life of this patent

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Abstract

An apparatus is provided for cutting a film wrapped around a tray containing full bottles. The apparatus has a tray supporting surface formed with a pair of mirror image arcuate slots. A pair of knives are mounted to conveyor mechanisms to be driven in paths for cutting the film wrap on the bottom surface of the tray in the form of an X. A pair of adjustable side rails and a retracting stop are positioned to locate the tray for accurate film cutting. The knives travel sequentially to avoid interference as their paths intersect at the apex of each conveyor mechanism. Subsequent to cutting the film wrap, an operator is able to lift the film wrap off the tray and bottles to enable the bottles to be lifted and moved for creating a variety sales unit containing multiple drink flavors in the same tray.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A film wrap cutting apparatus, comprising:

a. a surface for supporting a tray having a first slot and a second slot formed therethrough;
b. a first conveyor mechanism mounted to a base, and positioned below the supporting surface;
c. a second conveyor mechanism mounted to the base and positioned below the supporting surface to be substantially co-planar with the first conveyor mechanism;
d. a first knife mounted to the first conveyor mechanism in a manner for a portion of the first knife to extend through the first slot through the tray supporting surface;
e. a second knife mounted to the second conveyor mechanism in a manner for a portion of the second knife to extend through the second slot through the tray supporting surface;
f. means connected to the first conveyor mechanism and the second conveyor mechanism to drive the first and second knives in opposite cyclical directions;
and
g. means for retracting the first knife and the second knife to positions below the tray supporting surface.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/199,583Filed 2 Sep 2011
Granted: 10 Dec 2013
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

B26D 5/08
Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by…
B26D 1/045
Having a linearly-movable cutting member: for thin material, e.g. for sheets, strips or the like
B26D 1/455
Having a cutting member the movement of which is not covered by any preceding group: for thin material, e.g. for sheets, strips or the like
B26D 5/20
Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by…