Packaging machine with variable-width belt system

摘要

A packaging machine (10) includes a machine foundation (22) and a variable-width belt system (24). The variable-width belt system (24) is moved relative to the packaging machine and configured to establish a belt pocket (26). A product is admitted into the belt pocket and rolled onto itself to establish a rolled product (16) as the belt moves relative to the machine foundation (22).

主权项

1. A packaging machine comprising
a machine foundation and a variable-width belt system coupled to the machine foundation to move relative to the machine foundation to form a belt pocket adapted to receive a product therein to roll the product to establish a rolled product, the variable-width belt system being arranged in one of a narrow-product configuration in which the variable-width belt system has a narrow width and a wide-product configuration in which the variable-width belt system has a relatively greater width, wherein the variable-width belt system includes a center belt coupled to the machine foundation to move about a center-belt path that is generally fixed relative to the machine foundation, a first outer belt coupled to the machine foundation to move about a first outer-belt path that is movable back and forth laterally relative to the center belt while overlapping a first portion of the center belt, and a second outer belt coupled to the machine foundation to move about a second outer-belt path that is movable back and forth laterally relative to the center belt while overlapping a second portion of the center belt.