Article grouping and tiering apparatus

Abstract

This application discloses methods and apparatus that advance, from a single longitudinal file of abutting articles, a portion of the file containing a desired number of articles which, for convenience, will sometimes be referred to as a sub-group. The first and subsequent sub-groups are sequentially further advanced to a magazine or collection station preferably constructed with overlying vertically spaced compartments. On each compartment containing a sub-group of articles, and for purposes of this description bringing together the sub-groups will be referred to as a group, the group is advanced to the forming box of a horizontal form, fill and seal wrapping machine which essentially produces, from a flat strip of thermoplastic material, a tube having its edges welded and which is thereafter transversely severed and sealed between groups of articles. In advancing the accumulated individual articles of each sub-group in the formation of a group the articles rest upon the lower article aligned therewith.