TUBULAR BANDING APPLICATOR AND METHOD
First Claim
1. An apparatus for applying a tubular band from a supply of flat tubular material to a container, comprising:
- a flat film feed path along which tubular material in flat condition travels;
a former positioned for opening the tubular material, the former having a film passage with an inlet side and an outlet side, wherein the flat film feed path enters the film passage and a cut segment of tubular material is opened within the film passage to create an opened tubular band; and
a pusher for pushing the opened tubular band out of the outlet side of the former for application onto a container, wherein the pusher includes a film engaging portion that is aligned with and movable into the film passage but offset from the flat film feed path so as to not interfere with flat tubular film entering the film passage.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for applying a tubular band from a supply of flat tubular material to a container includes a flat film feed path and a cutter positioned for cutting tubular material traveling along the feed path. A former is positioned downstream of the cutter for opening the tubular material and includes a film passage with an inlet side and an outlet side. The flat film feed path enters the film passage and a cut segment of tubular material is opened within the film passage to create an opened tubular band. A pusher pushes the opened tubular band out of the outlet side of the former for container application. The pusher includes a film engaging portion that is aligned with and movable into and out of the film passage. The film engaging portion is offset from the flat film feed path to prevent interference with flat tubular film entering the passage.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for applying a tubular band from a supply of flat tubular material to a container, comprising:
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a flat film feed path along which tubular material in flat condition travels; a former positioned for opening the tubular material, the former having a film passage with an inlet side and an outlet side, wherein the flat film feed path enters the film passage and a cut segment of tubular material is opened within the film passage to create an opened tubular band; and a pusher for pushing the opened tubular band out of the outlet side of the former for application onto a container, wherein the pusher includes a film engaging portion that is aligned with and movable into the film passage but offset from the flat film feed path so as to not interfere with flat tubular film entering the film passage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for applying a tubular band from a supply of flat tubular material to a container, comprising:
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a flat film feed path along which tubular material in flat condition travels; a cutter positioned for cutting tubular material traveling along the feed path; a former positioned for opening the tubular material, the former having a film passage with an inlet side and an outlet side, wherein the flat film feed path enters the film passage and a cut segment of tubular material is opened within the film passage to create an opened tubular band; and a pusher for pushing the opened tubular band out of the outlet side of the former for application onto a container, wherein the pusher includes a film engaging portion that is aligned with and movable into and out of the film passage while the film passage remains in alignment with the flat film feed path, wherein the film engaging portion is offset from the flat film feed path so as to prevent interference with flat tubular film entering the film passage. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for producing tubular bands from a supply of flat tubular material, comprising:
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a film feed path along witch tubular material in flat condition travels; a cutter positioned for cutting tubular material traveling along the feed path; a former positioned for opening the tubular material, the former having a film passage with an inlet side and an outlet side, wherein the film feed path enters the film passage and a cut segment of tubular material is opened within the film passage to create an opened tubular band; and a pusher for pushing the opened tubular band out of the outlet side of the former, wherein the pusher includes a film engaging portion that is movable into and out of the film passage while the film passage remains in alignment with the film feed path, wherein the film engaging portion is offset from the film feed path so as to prevent interference with flat tubular film entering the film passage. Attorney Docket No. 070117-00369US - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification