Packaging machine former

Abstract

A packaging machine former apparatus 10 through which a film 11 passes to be formed into a tube 12. The apparatus 10 includes a shoulder 15 over which the film 11 passes, the shoulder 15 including an approach member 16 that leads to a crown 17. The member 16 includes a passage 20 terminating in an aperture 21 to which a gas under pressure is delivered so as to create an “air cushion” over which the film passes, thereby aids in movement of the film 11 over the surface 18 of the approach member 16.

The claims defining the invention are as follows:  
     
         1 . A shoulder for a packaging machine former, said shoulder including: 
 a crown over which film passes to be arranged in a tubular configuration; and    an approached member extending to said crown and having a surface past which the film moves in approaching said crown, said member having a passage extending to said surface through which a gas under pressure is delivered to deliver said gas to an area between said surface and said film.    
     
     
         2 . The shoulder of  claim 1 , wherein said passage terminates with an aperture located generally centrally in said surface.  
     
     
         3 . The shoulder of  claim 1 , wherein there is a plurality of said passages extending to said surface through which said gas is delivered so that said gas is delivered to an area between said surface and said film.  
     
     
         4 . The shoulder of  claim 1  further including a valve to deliver said gas to said passage, said valve being adapted to govern the pressure of said gas delivered to said surface.  
     
     
         5 . A packaging machine former including a shoulder according to  claim 1 .  
     
     
         6 . A packaging machine former substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.