Sapal Societe Anonyme Des Plieuses Automatiques

Rene Delacretaz

Serge Schor

A method and apparatus for packaging an article such as, for example, a chocolate bar or other food product. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a conveyor system including a portion which leads the articles to a rotary inverter subsequent to an apparatus which folds a wrapper partially around the article. The inverter turns the article over to have the lower surface of the article face upwardly for having the final folds of the wrapper to be folded against the lower surface. The wrapper is preferably made from thermosealable material. Around the periphery of the inverter are workstations which preheat the thermosealable wrapper; apply pressure to cool the wrapper thereby sealing it; and fold the wrapper to create an extra flap with lateral folds projecting from the article. Downstream of the inverter is a workstation which seals the lateral folds, by heating, applying pressure to them, and cooling them. The lateral folds are supported from above during sealing by a support and guidance device. Lastly, a workstation performs the folding of the lateral folds and the extra flap against the lower surface of the article. Either the lateral folds are first folded against the lower surface of the article, with the extra flap folded over them or the extra flap is first folded against the lower surface of the article, after which the lateral folds are folded. In the latter configuration, an open-sleeve printed band is placed over the wrapped article for a more attractive appearance.

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Bournens, Switzerland

Rene Delacretaz