Method and apparatus for applying article to interior surface of flexible package

摘要

A method and apparatus for applying an article to the interior surface of a flexible package is provided which includes the application of articles to a flexible web of packaging material at a point along a web feed path which minimizes the likelihood of article separation downstream. Specifically, the present method and apparatus includes a driving system for pulling a web of material through a feed path, a tube former having an inlet positioned along the feed path for receiving the web of material and an article applicator for applying articles onto an interior package surface of the web of material at the inlet of the tube former. In this manner, the article is delivered to the web downstream of the upper edge of the tube former thereby minimizing inadvertent separation of the article from the web as experienced in conventional machines as the web passes over the upper edge of the tube former. The present method and apparatus advantageously utilizes a receiving gap formed in the tube former and a guide wall for guiding and assisting in the application of the label as the tube is formed. Accordingly, the present method and apparatus more reliably and accurately apply an article to a web surface and form a package having an interior surface with the article attached thereto.