Device for wrapping a napkin about silverware and associated method
First Claim
1. 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; and
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.
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Abstract
A device includes isolated hoppers defining independent passageways converging downwardly towards a central and unitary area. A conveyor belt assembly is disposed subjacent to the hoppers, traverses the passageways, and travels along a linear path passing through the unitary area. A mechanism is included for depositing a napkin onto the conveyor belt. The napkin depositing mechanism is connected to the conveyor belt assembly and is spaced adjacent to one end portion thereof. A mechanism is included for simultaneously folding the napkin and horizontally stacking the eating utensils such that the napkin becomes folded about the eating utensils before being ejected from the simultaneous folding mechanism. A receiving conveyor belt assembly is disposed beneath the simultaneous folding mechanism for transporting the combined napkin and eating utensils. A storage bin is laid adjacent to the receiving conveyor belt and houses the combined napkin and eating utensils for transit.
58 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A power operated device for automatically folding napkins and the like about eating utensils, said device comprising:
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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; and 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A power operated device for automatically folding napkins and the like about eating utensils, said device comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A power operated device for automatically folding napkins and the like about eating utensils, said device comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification