End Flap Folding Patents (Class 493/183)
-
Patent number: 12151449Abstract: Various embodiments provide a case-handling system including multiple flap-suppressing devices that can be vertically moved independently of one another to, when processing a case, enable the case-handling system to prepare for and receive the next case to-be-processed while the case-handling system is still folding the upper major flaps of the current case, which increases throughput.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2023Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: SIGNODE INDUSTRIAL GROUP LLCInventors: Bryce J. Fox, Robert Thane Rickard
-
Patent number: 11780199Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for forming a can from a re-configurable blank. A blank is also disclosed that may be a paper based blank and may be of multi-layer construction. The method may comprise: (a) supporting the blank in a first orientation; (b) positioning a first portion of an outward facing surface of a blank support device proximate a first portion of the blank while the blank is in the first orientation; (c) while the first portion of the blank is in the first orientation, rotating a second portion of the blank around a second portion of the outward facing surface of the blank support device; and (d) rotating a third portion of the blank from the first orientation, around a third portion of the outward facing surface of the blank support device. A generally tubular side wall may thus be formed for a can.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2017Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: LANCAN SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: H. J. Paul Langen
-
Patent number: 11738897Abstract: A method and a system for erecting boxes from box templates of different sizes, said method comprising the steps of: adjusting a size of a frame according to a size of a box template which should be erected; wrapping the box template to be erected around the frame; and separating the frame from the box template.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Packsize LLCInventor: Niklas Pettersson
-
Patent number: 11286073Abstract: A method and a system for erecting boxes from box templates of different sizes, said method comprising the steps of: adjusting a size of a frame (5; 105) according to a size of a box template (3; 103) which should be erected; wrapping the box template (3; 103) to be erected around the frame (5; 105); and separating the frame (5; 105) from the box template.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: PACKSIZE LLCInventor: Niklas Pettersson
-
Patent number: 11214392Abstract: A clamp and a process of using a clamp within a gable top carton conveyor system is provided. The clamp and process of using the clamp provides for improved alignment of gable top cartons such that the edges are better aligned and can form a more effective heat seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Evergreen Packaging, LLCInventor: Michael P. Hughes
-
Patent number: 10293962Abstract: A method for filling packages or containers with a padding material, wherein the padding material is fed to the package or the container by way of a feed unit. Contour properties of one or more packing pieces in the package or in the container are determined by a scanning unit, are processed by a logic device and a filling quantity of that volume of the package or the container to be filled is determined therefrom and, derived therefrom, a variable quantity of padding material is introduced into the package or the container.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: B & W SOLUTIONS GMBHInventors: Thomas Weinmann, Giovanni Berardi
-
Patent number: 8961380Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a carton. The system may comprise a magazine for storing a plurality of carton blanks in a generally flat configuration. The system also has a mandrel and a panel rotation apparatus. The mandrel has a first surface oriented at a first orientation and a second surface oriented at a second orientation that may be generally orthogonal to the first orientation. The panel rotation apparatus is operable to engage a second panel of the carton blank and rotate the second panel to proximate to, and generally in the same orientation as, the second surface of the mandrel such that the second panel is oriented in a second orientation generally orthogonal to the first panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: H. J. Paul Langen
-
Patent number: 8931686Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container is provided. The blank includes two end panels, two side panels, and four corner panels connected in series along a plurality of fold lines. The blank further includes a plurality of bottom panels each extending from one panel of the end panels and the side panels. The plurality of bottom panels is configured to define a locking slot and a locking tab that is insertable into the locking slot to form a bottom wall of the container.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services LLCInventors: David Joe Brundage, Kenneth C. Smith
-
Publication number: 20150001251Abstract: A container for dispensing beverages is provided. The container includes at least six side walls coupled together along a plurality of parallel fold lines. The at least six side walls include two end panels and at least two side panels, and the at least six side walls define a substantially cylindrical shape of the container. A bottom wall is coupled to at least one of the two end panels, wherein a shape of the bottom wall corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the at least six side walls. The container further includes a spout cutout removably defined in a first end panel of the two end panels proximate to a fold line connecting the first end panel to the bottom wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Kenneth Charles Smith
-
Patent number: 8911339Abstract: A paperboard carton doubles as a shipping container for articles such as beverage cans and a cooler for containing ice to cool the articles when the carton is opened. The top portion of the carton is breached by removing an opening strip defined by zipper rules. Once breached, the tops and side panels of the carton are opened up to form an upwardly open chimney or skirt into which ice can be placed to cool the contents of the carton. Gussets formed in the lower corners of the cartons insure that water from melting ice does not leak prematurely from the carton.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Andrea Coltri De Paula, Jean-Manuel Gomes
-
Patent number: 8844797Abstract: A container for dispensing beverages is provided. The container includes at least six side walls coupled together along a plurality of parallel fold lines. The at least six side walls include two end panels and at least two side panels, and the at least six side walls define a substantially cylindrical shape of the container. A bottom wall is coupled to at least one of the two end panels, wherein a shape of the bottom wall corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the at least six side walls. The container further includes a spout cutout removably defined in a first end panel of the two end panels proximate to a fold line connecting the first end panel to the bottom wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLCInventor: Kenneth Charles Smith
-
Publication number: 20140151444Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles includes a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, end flaps respectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the end flaps comprising a first end flap and a second end flap being at least partially overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton, and a handle formed in at least two of the end flaps, the handle comprising a handle panel in the first end flap for grasping the carton and a handle end portion in the second end flap for directing stress from the handle panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: James C. Fogle, Colin P. Ford
-
Publication number: 20140123604Abstract: A carton for containing at least one article is described herein. The carton includes a plurality of side panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton, a handle for grasping and carrying the carton formed in at least two side panels of the plurality of side panels, and a protective feature for providing access to grasp the handle. The protective feature includes at least one protective panel arranged in the interior of the carton relative to the handle and the at least two side panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventor: Todd Wagner
-
Publication number: 20140103101Abstract: A container comprising a cardboard enclosure having six sides, wherein the left side of the container and the right side of the container each comprises at least a first layer of cardboard and a second layer of cardboard for increased top load strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: Mauro Alvarado, JR.
-
Patent number: 8672822Abstract: A carton blank may be formed having at least one score line therein. A second layer of material may overlay at least a portion of the first layer, including the score line, thus defining an overlaid score area. The overlaid score area may include at least a portion in which the second layer is not adhered to the first layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Robert L. Conatser
-
Patent number: 8647248Abstract: A device for folding blanks has a bottom conveyor (30) capable of conveying blanks along a conveyance path (10). The bottom conveyor (30) includes several longitudinal side frame members (40a, 40b, 40c) each supporting an endless conveyor belt (38) guided along the conveyance path (10) by top rollers (31, 31a, 31b, 32, 33). At least one member (50) folds a front tab of a blank. The folding member (50) is static. At least one top roller (32) is offset vertically from the other top rollers so that the conveyance path is curved, and the folding member (50) is suspended in the vicinity of the offset roller (32) in a position to intercept a front tab.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Bobst SAInventors: Pascal Criblez, Olivier Favre
-
Publication number: 20140024510Abstract: A container and a method of forming a container having a locking closure and a method of forming the locking closure. The container includes bottom, side and top walls and at least one of the walls being an opening wall formed of panels which provide an opening to an interior of the container and which overlap to provide the locking a closure of the opening wall. In a closed condition of the container, a bottommost panel of the opening wall is partially overlapped by adjacent panels of the opening wall and a topmost panel of the opening wall located opposite the bottommost panel partially overlaps the adjacent panels and the bottommost panel. A tab of the bottommost panel is lifted upwardly to partially overlap the topmost panel to form the locking closure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: YORK CONTAINER COMPANYInventor: Troy LITTLE
-
Publication number: 20140011653Abstract: An apparatus for folding the flaps of a package is provided. The apparatus has a pair of folding conveyors positioned such that, as a package having open major flaps is urged towards the folding conveyors, the folding conveyors fold the major flaps of the case to a closed position. The apparatus has a front flap mechanism configured to close the front flap of the package, and a rear flap mechanism configured to close the rear flap of the package.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Packaging Distributors, Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Fallas
-
Patent number: 8579778Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a reinforcing panel assembly for forming a reinforcing corner assembly. The machine includes a hopper station for storing the blank in a substantially flat configuration and a forming station for forming the blank into the container. The forming station includes an initial forming station that rotates a first portion of the reinforcing panel assembly with respect to a second portion of the reinforcing panel assembly, and a secondary forming station having male and female forming members with shapes corresponding to an interior shape and an exterior shape of the reinforcing corner assembly, respectively. The male and the female forming members are configured to form the reinforcing corner assembly by compressing together the first and second portions of the reinforcing panel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLCInventors: Amer Aganovic, Thomas Dean Graham, Kenneth Charles Smith, John Hershcel Conley, Robert Bradley Teany, Gregory Scott Gulik, Paul Andrew Spurlock
-
Patent number: 8500946Abstract: A method for assembling a fin seal container including folding a container blank into a three-dimensional body that defines an internal volume and includes an end portion that defines an opening into the internal volume, the end portion including a first fin seal panel having inner and outer major surfaces and a second fin seal panel having inner and outer major surfaces, folding the end portion such that the inner major surface of the first fin seal panel is positioned adjacent to the inner major surface of the second fin seal panel, separating the first fin seal panel from the second fin seal panel, treating the inner major surface of the first fin seal panel and/or the inner major surface of the second fin seal panel, and pressing the first fin seal panel into engagement with the second fin seal panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: MeadWestvaco CorporationInventor: Rune K Haraldsson
-
Patent number: 8485954Abstract: A box folding apparatus operable to close the top of a box having four flaps is provided. The boxing folding apparatus includes a worktable, a feeding assembly for transporting the box from an upstream position of the worktable to a downstream position of the worktable. A first folding assembly includes a rotatable folding arm, a second folding assembly includes a stationary resisting bar inclined toward the feeding assembly in the direction in which the box is transported, and a third folding assembly includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface intersecting with the first inclined surface. The first and second inclined surfaces extend toward and gradually close to the feeding assembly in the direction in which the box is transported.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shu-Ming Liao
-
Publication number: 20130075457Abstract: A folder assembly including a plurality of telescopically-arranged folders. According to one embodiment, the folder assembly includes a front folder, three identical middle folders, and a rear folder. Each of the folders includes a front panel, a back panel, and a cover flap, the front panel and the back panel jointly defining a pocket having an open top. The back panel of each of the front folder and the three middle folders is configured to include a plurality of integrally-formed flexible hooks. The front panel of each of the three middle folders and the rear folder is configured to include a plurality of integrally-formed flexible straps. The hooks on the back panel of one folder are slidably coupled to the straps of the front panel of the folder directly behind it.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Jay K. Sato, Vincent H. Bowman
-
Patent number: 8297029Abstract: In an apparatus for folding cardboard boxes, an area of each of four top portion flaps of a corrugated cardboard box is locked by a locking member having an elastic member, and an area of each of the four top portion flaps of the corrugated cardboard box is pushed down by an overlapping folding member.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seisaku Iwasa, Yuji Yokota
-
Patent number: 8246527Abstract: A folding system for folding leading and/or trailing flaps of container blanks is provided. The system may include a conveyor having a conveying surface configured for conveying the blank along a predetermined path to a first folding position and a second folding position, a folding apparatus, and a control system. The folding apparatus may include a drive assembly and a folding tool. The control system may be operatively coupled to the folding apparatus and operable to control movement of the folding tool between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. Rotation of the folding tool to the first rotational position may cause the leading flap of the container blank positioned in the first folding position to fold about a leading flap fold line. Rotation of the folding tool from the first rotational position to the second rotational position may cause the trailing flap of the container blank positioned in the second folding position to fold about a trailing flap fold line.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: J&L Group International, LLCInventor: Richard W. Wilkinson
-
Patent number: 8177698Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tray from a blank of sheet material is provided. The apparatus includes a platen configured to move along a path between a first position and a second position to drive the blank downstream from the first position and a first folding arm configured to fold an outside corner support member of the blank to form the blank into a partially formed tray including at least a portion of the outside corner support member being substantially parallel to the bottom panel. The apparatus further includes a fixed plate and a movable plate spaced from and movable with respect to the fixed plate. The fixed plate and the movable plate define a passage therebetween. The fixed plate guides the outside corner support member through the passage to a position adjacent a side panel and/or an end panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container CorporationInventor: Robert M. Herrin
-
Patent number: 7993255Abstract: An apparatus automatically forms a paperboard blank into a container having a double glued side wall construction for providing an enhanced strength to the container. A platen drives the blank through mechanically powered forming rails for an initial folding of the blank into a partially formed container having a bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports. A compression plate and folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the partially formed container for forming a fully formed container having a double glued side wall construction.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container CorporationInventor: Robert M. Herrin
-
Patent number: 7976448Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling a composite box, in two parts, the method being implemented by a machine having: a conveyor system for bringing an envelope into position; a store for storing the blanks of the trays; means in the form of extractor arms for removing one of the tray blanks from the store and bringing it to the assembly station, facing the envelope; a device for gluing the edges of the envelope and the tongues of the tray blank during the movement towards the assembly station; a framework having two mobile carriages, a first carriage carrying a die for shaping the blank, and a second carriage carrying a tappet for driving the envelope towards the die and a stamp maintaining a counter-pressure using a suitable device against the pressing device of the die.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Sidel ParticipationsInventors: Michel Jannin, Pascal Murano
-
Publication number: 20110095076Abstract: A box (10) having a box sidewall composed of a closed string of side wall forming panels (18) which defines a tube having a desired polygonal cross sectional shape, the side wall forming panels (18) each having a bottom edge (23) which together define one end of the tube, and a box bottom wall (12) extending across and closing off said one end of the tube, the box bottom wall (12) being composed of a plurality of side by side separate bottom wall forming panels (19), each separate bottom wall forming panel hingeably depending from a bottom edge (23) of a respective side wall forming panel (19), each separate bottom wall forming panel (19) having a tongue (60, 62) laterally projecting from one of its sides and a tongue receiving pocket (80, 82b) laterally projecting inwardly from its opposite side, neighbouring bottom wall forming panels (19) being inter-connected to one another by the tongue (60, 62) of one bottom wall forming panel (19) being accommodated internally within the pocket (80, 82b) of the neighboType: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2008Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventor: Patrick Charles William Knighton
-
Patent number: 7895812Abstract: A machine for raising planar articles (2), preferably made of cardboard, corrugated cardboard or plastics, in order to manufacture box-shaped or crate-shaped packaging. The machine comprises at least one main conveyor (16) for advancing the planar articles (2) one at a time and side forming means (8) for turning the side panels (5b) of the articles predominantly 90° upwards with respect to the bottom panel (4) of the article (2). Moreover, the machine is provided with transversely arranged end forming means (15) for turning the end panels (6a, 6b) of the articles substantially 90° upwards and optionally also turning the end portions (5b?, 5b?) of the side panels (5b) substantially 90° with respect to the remaining portion of the side panels. Finally, there are joining means (12, 20) for joining the side panels (5a, 5b) and the end panels (6a, 6b) of the articles. This provides a machine requiring less space than the known one but remaining very reliable.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventor: Mikael Svensson
-
Patent number: 7815559Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming a stackable container from a container blank. The apparatus generally includes a blank feeder configured to place the blank on a conveyor, an index folder configured to pre-fold a plurality of inner fold-down flaps and an index flap over each of two opposing sidewall flaps of the blank, and a pressure former configured to attach a first leading extension to a leading wall of the blank and a first trailing extension to a trailing wall of the blank, wherein the first leading extension and the first trailing extension are foldably attached at an angle of about 90 degrees to one of the inner fold-down flaps or one of the sidewall flaps. Embodiments of the present the present invention can advantageously provide a reliable approach for forming a container from a blank with relatively fewer folding defects.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Maxco Supply, Inc.Inventor: Max Flaming
-
Publication number: 20100173765Abstract: In an apparatus for folding cardboard boxes, an area of each of four top portion flaps of a corrugated cardboard box is locked by a locking member having an elastic member, and an area of each of the four top portion flaps of the corrugated cardboard box is pushed down by an overlapping folding member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.Inventors: Seisaku IWASA, Yuji YOKOTA
-
Patent number: 7739856Abstract: An apparatus for forming an end closure structure of a carton. The end closure structure is formed from minor end flaps and major end flaps. The apparatus includes a carton conveyor for transferring the carton in a flow direction along a carton conveyor path, a major end flap retaining guide assembly for retaining the major end flaps in an outwardly upright position, a minor end flap retaining guide assembly for retaining the minor end flaps in an inwardly folded position, and a gluing station for applying adhesive to the major and minor end flaps.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLCInventor: John W. Cash, III
-
Patent number: 7717318Abstract: A cooler carton for items such as beverage containers is erected from a blank (11) having a unique configuration of panels (12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 41, 47, 56, 66, 96, 99), tabs (28, 29, 31, 32), flaps (111), creases (18, 19, 21, 22, 33, 34, 36, 37, 42, 48, 57, 67, 77, 87), perforations (23, 26, 27), cut-creases (24, 97, 101), and gussets (46, 52, 81, 91). The erected carton has top panels (12, 17) forming a top with a central longitudinal perforation line (23, 26) and oblique cut-creases and perforation lines (24, 27) extending from the ends of the central perforation line (23, 26) to the corners of the top. Flaps (111) are formed at respective end portions of the top by folded tabs (28, 29, 31, 32). In use, the carton is erected and filled with articles to be contained. An end user may open the carton by pulling up and back on the flaps (111) at the end portions of the top, which severs the oblique cut-creases and perforation lines (23, 26), and severs the top along its central perforation line (23, 26).Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventor: Kirsten L. Brand
-
Patent number: 7699211Abstract: A substantially planar shipping container blank is configured for planar stacking to permit compact packaging but simplifies the ease of assembly into a triangular shipping container. The container blank is foldably divided into a rectangular longitudinal section, two end sections, and a closure tab. The interior surfaces of certain portions of the end sections are pre-mounted to the interior surface of the longitudinal section. By folding the longitudinal section of the blank along two pre-pressed longitudinal fold lines, the end sections of the blank automatically fold along pre-pressed angular fold lines to form a triangular shipping container. The container can thereafter be fastened shut by folding the closure tab along a third pre-pressed longitudinal fold line and affixing the tab to the exterior of the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Buckeye Boxes, Inc.Inventor: Stephen J. Holloway
-
Patent number: 7682300Abstract: A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly is provided. The machine includes a body blank feeding device for providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks, an erecting device for partially erecting the body blank, a folding device for partially folding a bottom blank, a bottom insertion device for inserting the partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank, and first fingers for attaching major flaps of the body blank to the bottom blank. The machine also includes second fingers for attaching minor flaps of the body blank to major flaps of the body blank, wherein the erecting device collapses the partially erected body blank after the first fingers attach the major flaps to the bottom blank.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic
-
Patent number: 7641607Abstract: A packaging machine having a folding apparatus for closing an end of an end loaded carton that includes leading and trailing side end flaps. The packaging machine includes a carton conveyor for transporting a carton in a flow direction along a carton path. The folding apparatus includes a lug assembly that has at least one folding lug that travels along an endless lug path. The folding lug travels in the flow direction and in parallel to the carton path along at least a portion of the lug path such that the folding lug can operate in concert with separation guide and a combination guide to fold the leading and trailing side end flaps in the desired sequence.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: MeadWestVaco Packaging Systems, LLCInventors: Alan P. Martin, John W. Cash, III, Rafe T. Patterson, Michael F. Flagg
-
Patent number: 7637857Abstract: A device for holding lateral tabs of box blanks filing along a conveyor particularly in a folder-gluer. At least one rotary support is actuated in synchronicity with the passage of said blanks the activation being via a drive member arranged on an adjustable bearing structure. At least one sensor detects the blanks. The sensor is connected to an electronic control unit that commands the drive member which is rendered autonomous.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Bobst, S.A.Inventors: Gérard Coullery, Pascal Dumusc, Sacha Bourgeois
-
Patent number: 7625334Abstract: A method and unit for folding a reinforcing flap of the lid of a rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes, wherein at least one reinforcing flap of the lid is folded 180° with respect to a blank and about a fold line onto the blank; the reinforcing flap is prefolded about the fold line by means of a first folding device having a movable folding body; and folding of the reinforcing flap about the fold line is completed by means of a second folding device having fixed folding rails.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: G.D Societa' per AzioniInventors: Andrea Corsini, Valerio Fiorini, Alessandro Minarelli
-
Patent number: 7585265Abstract: Several implementations of a fan folding mechanism for folding flaps of a case into a fan fold arrangement are disclosed and described. In one implementation, the fan folding mechanism comprises four shoes, arranged to allow one shoe to contact a flap on each of four sides of the case. A finger, carried by each of the four shoes is configured for movement between a retracted position and an extended position, such that in the retracted position, each finger is in contact with a leading corner of a different flap of the case and the flaps are in an open position and in the extended position, each finger is in contact with the same leading corner of the same flap, and the flap is in the closed position. Four suction cups, each configured for releasable attachment to a trailing corner of a flap, may inhibit contention between flaps.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Al Gebhardt, Derick Charles Baker, Christopher Carl Eickstadt, Douglas Alan Boozer, Troy Scott
-
Patent number: 7571587Abstract: A flaps closing apparatus for closing full flap boxes is provided. The apparatus includes a flaps closing assembly with a first brake mechanism and closing bars with a second brake mechanism. The first brake mechanism controls the vertical motion of the flaps closing assembly with respect to the flaps closing apparatus. The second brake mechanism holds the closing bars in an angled configuration and at a first predetermined vertical position permits the bars to pivot to a horizontal configuration. A flap sealing assembly includes a pair of compression plates positioned outside the flaps closing assembly. A compression plate actuating mechanism draws the compression plates inwardly to urge side flaps of the full flap box into contact with sides of the full flap box at a second predetermined vertical position. A vertical movement mechanism lowers and raises the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Prototype Equipment CorporationInventor: James A. Goodman
-
Patent number: 7555874Abstract: A case sealing apparatus includes a frame structure including a case conveyance path extending from a case infeed station to a case outfeed station. First and second side conveying units extend between the infeed station and the outfeed station. The first and second side conveying units are moveable toward and away from the conveyance path for engaging opposite sides of cases to move cases of various widths from the infeed station toward the outfeed station. A lower tape head assembly is positioned along the conveyance path to apply tape to case bottoms. The lower tape head assembly is movable between a lowered position for taping and a raised position for changing tape. An upper tape head assembly is positioned along the conveyance path to apply tape to case tops. The upper tape head assembly is vertically movable to accommodate cases of various heights. A control system controls movement of the first and second side conveying unit, the upper tape head assembly and the lower tape head assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Wexxar Packaging Inc.Inventor: William Yiu Tong Chu
-
Patent number: 7509790Abstract: A random case former accepts an opened-up flat corrugated material representing an unformed box with open bottoms and tops. The random case former automatically adjusts to the dimensions of the box by closing in on the unformed box with flap folders from one or more sides. As the flap folders close in on the box, they first fold the minor-flaps and then the major-flaps on the bottom of the unformed box, thereby forming a box with a closed bottom and an open top into which items can then be placed. The automatic adjustment of the random case former to the box size avoids time-consuming manual adjustment and provides efficiency and speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventor: Zoltan Filep
-
Publication number: 20090005226Abstract: An apparatus for forming an end closure structure of a carton. The end closure structure is formed from minor end flaps and major end flaps. The apparatus includes a carton conveyor for transferring the carton in a flow direction along a carton conveyor path, a major end flap retaining guide assembly for retaining the major end flaps in an outwardly upright position, a minor end flap retaining guide assembly for retaining the minor end flaps in an inwardly folded position, and a gluing station for applying adhesive to the major and minor end flaps.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: John W. Cash, III
-
Publication number: 20080314770Abstract: A carton for packaging articles arranged in rows, includes a top panel (16/66), side panels (12/14, 18/20), a bottom panel (10/22) and an integral tear-open access feature (16/62/66) provided by the top panel and one of the side panels to gain access to the contents. The tear-open access feature is hingedly connected to the carton. When the carton is placed on the other side panel (18/20), the tear open access feature is foldable to be disposed in part in contact with the other side panel and in part spaced from the other side panel to provides a platform structure for enhancing the stability of the carton.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2006Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Jean-Michel Auclair
-
Publication number: 20080290146Abstract: A blank (2) comprising a row of body panels (P1-P4), and a row of end closure panels (P6-P9) extending substantially parallelly to the row of body panels (P1-P4), whereof each end closure panel (P6-P9) has an edge (E1-E4), and whereof each of the second (P7) and fourth (P9) end closure panels has oblique lines of weakness (S1, S11, S2, S12) which divide its panel into a central sub-panel (P7a, P9a) adjacent the corresponding second or fourth body panel (P2, P4) and two end sub-panels (P7b, P7c, P9b, P9c) adjacent the corresponding edges (E2, E4), wherein the end sub-panels (P7b, P7c, P9b, P9c) bulge away from its corresponding edge (E2, E4). A container formed from the sheet material blank and a method of forming the container is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2006Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Michael Stephen Daley, John Kelly, Ole Peter Trovaag, Harald Harsson, Ivica Franic
-
Patent number: 7445589Abstract: Cardboard boxes are formed starting from a stamped sheet which is vertically pushed by a descending core (13) for folding the sectors (6) that are going to form the sides and those that are going to form the front ends (7), including equipment for folding of the extensions and/or flaps (8, 10) which are folded on the front ends and/or sides. The mold is intended to shape boxes having an upper horizontal bridge (9) in the sides (6), bridges presenting flaps (10) which fold over the front ends (7), being fixed to the outer face of them, with these front ends (7) in turn presenting end extensions (8) which are folded in the inner face of the sides (6). The mold includes runners (11) adjustable in height, permitting to fold the end extensions (8) of the front ends (7), also having wedges in ramp (14) and presses (15) with an inclined plane (16), for folding the flaps (10) of the upper bridges (9) of the sides (6), these flaps (10) being folded on the front ends (7).Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Los Pinos Finca Agricola, S.L.Inventor: José Boix Jaen
-
Patent number: 7381176Abstract: A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly is provided. The machine includes a body blank feeding device for providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks, an erecting device for partially erecting the body blank, and a bottom insertion device for inserting a partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank. The machine also includes first fingers for attaching major flaps of the body blank to the bottom blank, second fingers for attaching minor flaps of the body blank to major flaps of the body blank after the body blank has been collapsed, and a strapping device for simultaneously applying a plurality of straps to an exterior surface of the body blank.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, John Thomas Yoder, IV, Tesfahun Y. Mengistu
-
Patent number: 7331916Abstract: A new and improved case former, or carton folding and erecting apparatus, is disclosed wherein a pair of pivotal support arms, upon each one of which is mounted a case or carton engagement roller, are mounted upon the machine framework such that when actuator mechanisms, for folding the oppositely disposed major side bottom flap members of the case or carton to their folded positions so as to complete the formation of the bottom portion of the case or carton, are actuated, the pair of pivotal support arms are effectively released from a restrained position, at which case or carton engagement rollers are disposed at retracted positions with respect to the case or carton blank so as to initially permit the case or carton blank to be inserted into the case former, or carton folding and erecting apparatus, in an unobstructed manner, whereby the case or carton engagement rollers can now engage the major side walls of the case or carton so as to retain the case or carton in position while the case or carton is subsType: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Bryce J. Fox
-
Patent number: 7309307Abstract: A device for folding flaps of box blanks having crease lines transverse to the travel direction of the blanks, for use in a folder-gluer. A rotary member is rotatable around a transverse axis and provided with at least one folding arm. A removable linking device linking to a support secured to a frame of the folder-gluer. An adjusting device adjusts the position of the folding arm with respect to the support. A motor drives the rotary member. A synchronization device of the motor comprises an encoder in desmodromic connection with a drive mechanism for driving the box blanks in the drive direction and a detector of the passage past a reference position of the box blanks on the folder-gluer.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Bobst S.A.Inventors: Michel Baenninger, Pierre Regazzoni
-
Patent number: 7258655Abstract: A gathering and pressing device for a folded box gluing machine has two machine-width, circulating conveyor belts which are connected to a drive and whose conveying runs are disposed horizontally, one above the other and running parallel to each another. An upper conveying run of the lower conveyor belt being mounted such it can be moved vertically with respect to the lower conveying run of the upper conveyor belt in order to press the folded blanks. Both the lower conveyor belt and the upper conveyor belt having their own drive which includes a servomotor with a resolver connected directly to the respective drive roll.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Karl Saro, Wolfgang Diehr, Klaus Naber, Klaus Torka