PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD OF POSITIONING AN INSERT

摘要

Apparatus and a packaging machine comprising apparatus for placing packaging material in a pre-determined position relative to an array of articles for example bottles to be packaged, comprising a conveyor for conveying an array of articles, feed means for feeding the packaging material from a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the articles. The feed means accelerates the packaging material to a sufficient velocity relative to the velocity of the articles such that the packaging material is placed in the predetermined position whilst continuous forward motion of the articles is maintained. Whilst the insert (I) is being erected, the downward motion continues. An insert accelerating means (220) is provided to insert the insert between the articles. In this embodiment there comprises a pair of endless belts (224a, 224b) is staggered from the lower end of conveyors (194, 196) in an overlapping vertical relationship therewith. Drive means (not shown) such as a servomotor is provided to drive the belts (224a, 224b). Each belt (224a, 224b) comprises one or more lugs (222a, 222b) used to engage the insert at spaced positions.