Method for wrapping silverware in a napkin
First Claim
1. A method for automatically wrapping a plurality of differently shaped, substantially rigid utensils with a napkin into a non-airtight bundle, said napkin having one surface including first and second side portions and a central portion therebetween, said method comprising the steps of:
- positioning a plurality of differently shaped, substantially rigid utensils and at least one napkin in a receiving area wherein said step of positioning includes positioning said utensils in at least one of said portions of said napkins;
manipulating said at least one napkin and said plurality of utensils with an automatic wrapping mechanism, wherein said step of manipulating automatically includes;
generally surrounding said plurality of utensils with said at least one napkin wherein said step of generally surrounding includes automatically folding at least part of one of said portions over said utensils so as to be positioned opposite to and in contact with a part of another of said portions;
forming a variably shaped, non-airtight bundle of substantially rigid utensils of different shapes, said bundle including an open central structure retained by said at least one napkin;
whereby said utensils are prepared for use generally surrounded by at least one napkin.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for automatically wrapping at least one eating utensil in a napkin includes a receiving area for at least one utensil and at least one napkin, and a mechanism for automatically wrapping. The mechanism for automatically wrapping includes a frame, a flexible belt disposed in the frame, and a belt manipulation device. The belt has a first surface adapted for frictional contact with the napkin. At least a portion of the belt is movable to form a trough in which the napkin and utensil are manipulated and urged by frictional contact with the belt to fold and roll, automatically wrapping the utensil.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for automatically wrapping a plurality of differently shaped, substantially rigid utensils with a napkin into a non-airtight bundle, said napkin having one surface including first and second side portions and a central portion therebetween, said method comprising the steps of:
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positioning a plurality of differently shaped, substantially rigid utensils and at least one napkin in a receiving area wherein said step of positioning includes positioning said utensils in at least one of said portions of said napkins; manipulating said at least one napkin and said plurality of utensils with an automatic wrapping mechanism, wherein said step of manipulating automatically includes; generally surrounding said plurality of utensils with said at least one napkin wherein said step of generally surrounding includes automatically folding at least part of one of said portions over said utensils so as to be positioned opposite to and in contact with a part of another of said portions; forming a variably shaped, non-airtight bundle of substantially rigid utensils of different shapes, said bundle including an open central structure retained by said at least one napkin; whereby said utensils are prepared for use generally surrounded by at least one napkin. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification