Container Or Tube Erecting, Opening, Or Collapsing Patents (Class 493/309)
  • Patent number: 11897224
    Abstract: A box forming apparatus includes first holders configured to hold a first side surface of a cardboard sheet, second holders configured to hold a second side surface of the cardboard sheet, an arm, a first mover, and a second mover. The arm has a support that supports the first and the second holders. The first mover changes a position of the first holders relative to the second holders while the arm is being rotated to open the cardboard sheet. The second mover moves the arm in association with opening of the cardboard sheet so that, when the cardboard sheet has been opened, the second mover will have moved the support a predetermined distance in a second direction opposite a first direction, which is a direction heading from a rotational center of the arm to a distal end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Iwasa, Yoshinobu Shimomae
  • Patent number: 11752725
    Abstract: A box erecting machine includes a transport mechanism that can move an un-erected box from an entry portion of the box erecting machine to a forward portion of the box erecting machine. The transport mechanism can include pivot arm(s) and clamp(s) for securing and moving the un-erected box. The machine can also include a box erecting assembly that erects the un-erected box. The box erecting assembly can include an opening or unfolding mechanism that opens or unfolds the un-erected box into a generally rectangular tube. The machine can also include a folding mechanism and a closure mechanism for folding and securing the bottom flaps of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Packsize LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Osterhout, Brady Sjoblom, George Davies, Clinton Engleman
  • Patent number: 11505341
    Abstract: A robotic case packer is provided. The packer includes a case conveying apparatus, a case set up station, a case loading station, downstream of the case set up station, and a loaded case closure station, downstream of the case loading station, the case conveying apparatus receiving and conveying a case blank for case set up, case loading and loaded case closure operations, a process flow path as to case operations delimited by the case conveying apparatus. The case set up station, characterized by a case set up robot operable in a process flow path direction, secures a case blank from a source of case blanks and transfers the blank to the case conveying apparatus. The case loading station, characterized by a case loading robot operable across the process flow path direction, transfers an article group for case loading into a set up case conveyed by the case conveying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allan Danner, Jr., Christopher Todd Davis, Aaron M. Frederick, Richard W. Lukanen, Jr., David L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11338536
    Abstract: A box-opening device is disclosed. The box-opening device includes a first holding part that holds a first surface and a second holding part that holds a second surface. The first surface is one of two adjacent surfaces of a folded corrugated cardboard sheet, and the second surface is the other of the two adjacent surfaces of the corrugated cardboard sheet. The box-opening device also includes a first holding part movement mechanism which changes a position of the first holding part with respect to the second holding part and thereby transforms the corrugated cardboard sheet into an opened state. The first holding part movement mechanism has a support member that supports the first holding part so that the part rotates on an arc track about a central axis of rotation that overlaps an imaginary line extending along a boundary line between the first surface and the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Yokota, Yoshinobu Shimomae, Atsushi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11273939
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a case former configured to receive a case in a blank configuration, open the case into a tubular configuration, fold the lower minor flaps to manipulate the case into a partially closed-bottom configuration, square the case while in the partially dosed-bottom configuration, and fold and tape the lower major flaps shut to manipulate the case into a closed-bottom configuration. The squaring step ensures that the case has a rectangular cross-section after taping rather than a rhomboid cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventor: Bryce J. Fox
  • Patent number: 11173686
    Abstract: A carton forming machine includes a carton blank push up device that receives a substantially horizontal folded carton blank and reorients the folded carton blank from the substantially horizontal orientation to an upright orientation below and in a first direction alignment with a carton opening mechanism. A carton blank positioning apparatus shifts the upright folded carton blank in a second direction, transverse to the first direction, below the carton opening mechanism to define a second direction position of the upright carton blank below the carton opening mechanism before the carton opening mechanism engages the upright carton blank for opening of the upright carton blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: WEXXAR PACKAGING, INC.
    Inventors: William Chu, David Porteous, Melvin Tsen, Oliver Pringle
  • Patent number: 11090895
    Abstract: A feeding device is adapted to be installed to a box folding machine for delivering a plurality of unfolded cardboard boxes, and includes a base unit, a positioning unit and a box pushing unit. The base unit is operable for moving the cardboard boxes to push two stopping members of the positioning unit to rotate from a stopping position, where the cardboard boxes are retained between upstream and downstream ends of the base unit, to a releasing position, where one of the cardboard boxes is moved out of the downstream end to a standby position. The box pushing unit is operable to push the one of the cardboard boxes from the standby position to a ready-to-fold position, where the one of the cardboard boxes is ready to be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: EXPACK INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yu-Ting Lai
  • Patent number: 10273042
    Abstract: A bi-directional carton opening system for opening cartons in left hand or right hand configuration. The system utilizes apparatus having a Y axis rail with a first X axis rail fixedly mounted thereto and a second X axis rail mounted moveably thereto. A carton is gripped by a carrier on the first X axis rail and a carrier on the second X axis rail. The carrier on one of the X axis rails is moved along the respective X axis rail while the carrier on the other X axis rail is held in place and the moveable X axis rail is moved along the Y axis to open the carton to a rectangular tubular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: WAYNE AUTOMATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: John Kolodziey
  • Patent number: 9493260
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles in a box blank which has folding lines and also side flaps and/or lid flaps and/or base flaps. The apparatus includes a device for feeding a stream of articles, a device for dividing up the articles into groups and/or assemblies of articles, a device for feeding individual box blanks to the groups of articles and/or for combining the groups of articles and the box blanks, and a device for forming a box and for folding in the side flaps by folding-in elements, which rotate about an axis which is more or less perpendicular to the conveying plane and/or conveying direction of the box blanks. The folding-in elements each have at least one pair of folding-in devices, which can be moved in a common plane and which can be moved and/or controlled and regulated independently of one another. A method and a folding element is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Peter Koch, Thomas Wimmer
  • Patent number: 9339984
    Abstract: A box gluing device for attaching a glue tab of a box blank to an opposing panel when the box blank is folded so the glue tab is position at an edge of the box blank. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate are mounted. The gluing apparatus includes a glue dispensing nozzle for applying glue on a surface of the box blank. The box blank can be moved through the gluing device to attach the glue tab to the opposing panel. As the box blank moves through the gluing device, a guide rail orients the glue tab in a desired manner while glue is applied to the box blank, and a roller assembly presses the glue tab and the opposing panel together with the glue therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Packsize, LLC
    Inventors: Niklas Pettersson, Ryan Osterhout, Hanko Kiessner
  • Publication number: 20150148209
    Abstract: Containment berms (40) for the collection of hazardous materials are provided which include a floor (42) with an upstanding, continuous, foldable sidewall (44) to define and internal zone (46) for receiving and holding hazardous materials. The sidewall (44) may be supported by means of external support structure (48) and/or internal support structure (50). The support structures (48, 50) each include a plurality of support leg assemblies (52, 52a) which are secured to sidewall (44) and are pivotal about respective upright axes (66, 66a, 150) and are pivotal from retracted positions close to the sidewall (44) to deployed positions extending from the sidewall (44) and substantially perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick F. McAtarian, Mark McAtarian
  • Publication number: 20150141229
    Abstract: A container erecting system includes a top engaging surface and a bottom engaging surface that fold a collapsed container such as a carton. The top engaging surface moves at a first speed in a downstream direction and the bottom engaging surface moves at a second speed in the downstream direction. The first speed is different from the second speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Michael F. FLAGG, Bobby L. Miller, Jr., Rafe T. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20150119216
    Abstract: A carton sizing system (1) that has a frame (2), a controller (4), one or more cutters (51) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4), one or more markers (61) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4). The carton sizing system (1) also has a measuring means (7) that is operatively connected to the controller (4) and configured to determine, in use, the footprint of an open top carton and to determine the height of one or more objects contained within the carton. The controller (4) is configured to position the one or more cutters (51) based on the determined footprint and to cut vertical edges of the carton based on the determined height and also to position the one or more markers (61) based on the determined footprint and height and to score or crease vertical walls of the carton between the vertical edges to at least partially define foldable panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Linkx Systems Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Benterman, David Hayward
  • Publication number: 20150111713
    Abstract: A carton conveyer for a packaging machine has upper and lower flights to which sets of flight lugs are attached. Each set of flight lugs comprises leading flight lugs and trailing flight lugs and the leading flight lugs have recesses that face and oppose recesses on the trailing flight lugs. The recesses are formed to confine an open carton therebetween. Notches are formed in the flight lugs in such a way that movement of the leading and trailing flight lugs toward one another causes an un-erected carton between the lugs to be captured and erected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20150034709
    Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels can comprise a top panel, an outer side panel, and a bottom panel. An insert can comprise a central panel, an inner side panel foldably connected to the central panel, and a bottom flap foldably connected to the inner side panel. The inner side panel is spaced apart from the outer side panel, and at least a portion of the bottom flap extends from the inner side panel to the outer side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Raymond R. Spivey, SR., Colin P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20150034711
    Abstract: A carton for holding a product is disclosed. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprise a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The carton further comprises a hinge in at least one of the plurality of panels and a reclosable lid pivotably attached to the carton. The reclosable lid comprises a first intermediate panel foldably connected to at least one of the plurality of panels and a second intermediate panel foldably connected to the first intermediate panel. The first intermediate panel is positioned in face-to-face contact with the second intermediate panel. The reclosable lid is pivotable at the hinge between a closed position preventing access to the interior of the carton and an open position allowing access to the interior of the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Felicia A. Pinkstone
  • Publication number: 20150014402
    Abstract: A carton for holding a product. The carton having a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprises a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel and a second side panel. A tear away panel in at least one of the plurality of panels, the tear away panel providing access to the interior. A hinge in at least one of the plurality of panels and at least one tear line extending at least partially across at least one of the plurality of panels. The at least one tear line dividing the carton into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion configured to be pivotable at the hinge between an open position allowing access to the interior and a closed position with the first portion at least partially overlapping the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Felicia A. Pinkstone
  • Publication number: 20140353366
    Abstract: A blank for forming a container, including a first major panel, a second major panel, a first minor panel connected between the first and second major panel, a first slotted flap connected at a top edge of the first minor panel including a central region having first and second slots, a second minor panel connected to the first major panel and also connectable to the side edge of the second major panel, a second slotted flap connected at a top edge of the second minor panel including a central region having third and fourth slots, a first tabbed flap connected at the top edge of the first major panel having first and fourth tabs positioned at opposite corners of the leading edge, and a second tabbed flap connected at the top edge of the second major panel having second and third tabs positioned at opposite corners of the leading edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: ACCURATE BOX COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Lisa Hirsh
  • Publication number: 20140312103
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sheetlike composite (3) comprising a layer configuration with at least the following layers: i. a first layer of thermoplastic KSu (13); ii. a carrier layer (4); iii. a barrier layer (5); iv. a second layer of thermoplastic KSw (7); wherein the sheetlike composite has at least one further layer of thermoplastic KSv (35); wherein the Vicat softening temperature of the layer of thermoplastic KSu (13) is higher than the Vicat softening temperature of the layer of thermoplastic KSw (7). The present invention furthermore relates to a process for the production of the sheetlike composite, a container surrounding an interior which comprises at least one such sheetlike composite, and a process for the production of this container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: SIG TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Michael Wolters
  • Publication number: 20140305999
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a container is provided. The blank includes a series of four generally rectangular panels connected along a plurality of substantially parallel fold lines. The panels include a first spaced-apart pair of panels and a second spaced-apart pair of panels. Each of the second spaced-apart pair of panels is connected to at least one panel of the first spaced-apart pair of panels. The blank also includes a corner panel extending from each side edge of each panel of the first pair of panels, and a lateral flap extending from each side edge of each panel of the second pair of panels, wherein each lateral flap has free side edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20140263307
    Abstract: A shipping container particularly adapted for both displaying goods therein and flattening to a single panel after use is provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MARS, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Troy Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 8684897
    Abstract: A method for assembling a blank including accessing a blank having a main panel portion and at least one flap portion coupled to the main panel portion. The method further includes positioning a plate adjacent to the blank, the plate having a curved edge, folding the flap portion relative to the main panel portion about the curved edge of the plate such that the flap portion is coupled to the main panel portion along a curved line thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Paul John Ross
  • Publication number: 20140034717
    Abstract: A package for holding a product. The package can comprise a carton comprising a plurality of panels at least partially enclosing an interior of the carton. A liner may optionally be at least partially positioned in the interior of the carton and can comprise an inner dispensing feature. A liner patch can overlap the inner dispensing feature and can be mounted on the liner for facilitating opening of the inner dispensing feature of the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Mark Sinclair, Jeffrey T. Sloat, Norman L. Jesch
  • Publication number: 20140031188
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for erecting part of a container, specifically containers referred to as “trays” in the art. The method includes using a mandrel to fold four walls (14, 16) of the container (12) but return side walls (16) to a slanted, lower intermediate position relative to upstanding end walls (14), so that a finger (30) can pivot to fold a pillar (24) from an end (26) of an extension (20) of the end walls (14) and retract over the side walls (16), before a pressing element (36) raises the intermediately positioned side walls (16) to upstanding positions where they are attached to the pillars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Georg Rudolf Janse Van Rensburg, Charl Nieder-Heitmann
  • Publication number: 20140021204
    Abstract: A carton may include a linter. The liner may include one or more pressure control features for automatically relieving pressure from within an area enclosed by the liner. A pressure control feature may be in the form of one or more vent passageways extending through the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Sinclair, Joseph C. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20140014713
    Abstract: A preassembled display with automatic stackable supports (PDASS) is described. A PDASS may include two or more blanks (for example pieces of corrugated paperboard) that are joined together, for example to initially form a knocked down flat (KDF). The PDASS may include an insert formed from a single blank, where the single insert blank, when the whole display is erected, automatically erects and provides asymmetric supports that form at opposing corners of the outer blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: William Wintermute, David Schoettle, Stan Clifford
  • Patent number: 8617039
    Abstract: A method of and a device for folding a bottom of a package, which includes a sleeve of packaging material with a transversal seal in the end of the bottom forming portion of the package, the portion having the shape of a fin. The method includes folding the fin and forming primary flaps, breaking corners on the folded fin between the primary flaps and the edge between the part of the sleeve forming the bottom and the rest of the sleeve, such that secondary flaps are folded in between the primary flaps and the fin, the secondary flaps thereby being folded essentially towards each other, folding the primary flaps towards each other, and pressing the primary flaps towards the remaining part of the bottom forming part of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Hakan Zetterstrom, Nick Baker
  • Patent number: 8602956
    Abstract: A device for opening out blanks supplied in a flattened tubular configuration comprises a store (100) for containing a stack (P) of flattened tubular blanks, a first hooking device (200) for hooking a first flap (1A) of two external flaps (1A, 1B) of a base blank of the stack, and a drum (300) set in constant rotation, peripherally exhibiting angularly-equidistanced work stations (20). Each work station has a retaining apparatus (22) for receiving, from the first hooking device (200), the first external flap (1A), so as to position a score line (2A), connecting the two external flaps (1A, 1B) along an axis C parallel to the rotation axis (11) of the drum. A folding device (29) oscillates in a direction (R) which is opposite the rotation direction (F) of the drum, about the axis (C) so as to intercept the second external flap (1B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Publication number: 20130306717
    Abstract: A carton includes a chamfered corner, and a dispenser defined in the chamfered corner. A fitment may be mounted to the chamfered corner of the carton, for use in dispensing contents from the interior of the carton by way of the dispenser. The fitment may comprise a base with a rearward receptacle that is in receipt of the chamfered corner of the carton. A passageway extends through the base, from the receptacle to a front opening of the passageway, and the contents from the interior of the carton may be dispensed outwardly through the front opening of the fitment. The fitment may include one or more inwardly protruding mounting members that may engage behind one or more edges of the carton for restricting the fitment from being pulled off of the chamfered corner of the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Grphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Fitzwater, Scott Thomas Strand, Duane R. Mode, Sharon Weaver, Norman L. Jesch
  • Publication number: 20130284628
    Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels comprising a top panel. A plurality of end flaps are at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps can comprise a top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert can comprise a central panel and at least one reinforcing end panel foldably connected to the central panel. At least one reinforcing end flap can be foldably connected to the at least one reinforcing end panel. A handle can comprise at least a first handle feature in the top end flap and a second handle feature in the reinforcing end panel. The second handle feature can be generally aligned with the first handle feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank N. Moncrief, Raymond S. Kastanek, Mark Baldino
  • Publication number: 20130193011
    Abstract: A storage box for a garment such as a graduation gown or keepsake item or other item requiring safe and long-lasting storage is fabricated in one rectangular piece. The storage box in its expanded state may be shipped as a flat rectangular piece approximately 20-40 centimeters wide by 60 to 100 centimeters long. Triangular folding corners join first and second collapsible sides respectively to a binding panel and to an inner folding side panel. An outer folding side panel locks the triangular folding corners joining the respective collapsible side panels with the inner folding side panel to form an inner compartment for receiving a garment for storage. Magnets may be embedded in a magnetic closure panel and at least one folding side panel of corresponding size, shape and location to lock the storage box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: GRADUATIONS SOLUTIONS, LP D/B/A GRADUATION SOURCE
    Inventors: Abby Scanlan, Jesse Alexander
  • Patent number: 8491453
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crumpled paper tube for use as a cushion in packing items, and to a method and apparatus for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Slovencik, Paul Deis
  • Publication number: 20130165307
    Abstract: A unit for picking up and opening a tubular container has a first arm hinged to a frame at a first hinge axis, a second arm hinged at a second axis, and a third arm hinged to the first arm and to the second arm. The frame, first, second and third arms form a four-bar linkage. A fourth arm is hinged to the third arm and bears first aspirators. A fifth arm abuts the first sheet of the tubular container. In an initial pick-up configuration, the third arm is retracted and the fourth arm is in a retracted angular position so that the first aspirators intercept the first sheet. In a final release configuration, the third arm is in a second advanced position and the fourth arm is in a second advanced angular position such that the first aspirators can release the tubular container in a receiving station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: MARCHESINI GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
  • Patent number: 8468783
    Abstract: A pouch-gripping apparatus includes a frame having a vertical mounting surface and a base mounted to that surface. A stationary arm projects outwardly from the vertical mounting surface. The stationary arm has an “L”-shaped distal free end that defines a stop wall. A second arm is rotatably mounted to the stationary arm and a plug is secured to the free end of the second arm. The second arm has a position of repose where it is angled relative to the stationary arm. The plug bears against the stop wall when the second arm rotates from the position of repose to a substantially horizontal position. A rim of a pouch sandwiched between the plug and the stop wall is held by the pressure between the plug and the stop wall and the pressure increases as a weight of the pouch increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Mamata Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy M. Uebler, Fred Freed, Huy Do, Tamas Szalkai
  • Publication number: 20130119086
    Abstract: Provided are tubes with gussets and methods of making such tubes. In one aspect, a tube with gussets includes a fitment with at least one substantially curved concave region, and a tube body joined to the fitment, wherein the tube body is interconnected at a first end to the fitment such as to form at least one side gusset along at least a portion of the length of the tube body and complementary to the at least one substantially curved concave region of the fitment, and wherein the tube body is sealed at a second end distant from the fitment. The tube with gussets allows for the thickness of the film used to form the tube body to be less than the film thickness for a comparably sized tube without the gussets due to the improved tube body stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Ampac Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Ampac Holdings LLC
  • Patent number: 8419602
    Abstract: The cartoner has been designed to form cartons from blanks, whereby the formed cartons have tapered concave sides. A unique series of elements, including capture lugs which hold and “bow” the carton blank, together with plow rods and oscillators which have curved metal plates are used to “pre-break” the score lines of the blank. Travelling pressure blocks having convex outer surfaces are used to press the concave sides of the carton while hot glue dries, whereby the unique, tapered cartons are properly formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Paul John Ross
  • Patent number: 8277367
    Abstract: The machine according to the invention comprises a store containing the blanks; an extractor arm; means for shaping the blanks; and an upstream transport device for receiving and distributing the blanks of the boxes. The extractor arm and the shaping means are provided on the frame of a bench, which is inserted, as in a module, between the store and the upstream transport device. Said bench comprises: a ramp which is upwardly inclined at an angle of 45° in relation to the horizontal and acts as a guiding channel; a sole having an upper part, in the region of the shaping station, which can be retracted to enable the blank to pass via the ramp; a transport system for moving the blanks from the lower point to the upper point; a forming arm carried by a framework which extends above the ramp; and a transfer arm which participates in the shaping of the blank before moving it, once it has become a box blank on the downstream transport device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Michel Jannin, Pascal Murano
  • Publication number: 20120234960
    Abstract: A collapsible reel for storing wound items is preferably transported in a first or collapsed state and subsequently assembled or deployed into an operative, second state. First and second sidewalls having a first thickness are pulled apart to a second operative position. Arm portions form a central core around which the media is wrapped, and sidewall portions are disposed at one end of select arm portions to provide additional sidewall thickness to the final assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Justin Woods
  • Publication number: 20120187119
    Abstract: Containment berms (40) for the collection of hazardous materials are provided which include a floor (42) with an upstanding, continuous, foldable sidewall (44) to define and internal zone (46) for receiving and holding hazardous materials. The sidewall (44) may be supported by means of external support structure (48) and/or internal support structure (50). The support structures (48, 50) each include a plurality of support leg assemblies (52, 52a) which are secured to sidewall (44) and are pivotal about respective upright axes (66, 66a, 150) and are pivotal from retracted positions close to the sidewall (44) to deployed positions extending from the sidewall (44) and substantially perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ANDAX INDUSTRIES LLC
    Inventors: Patrick F. McAtarian, Mark McAtarian
  • Patent number: 8216119
    Abstract: A base insert device for forming crossed bases in paper bags has folding devices, which introduce folds in tubular sections from which the bags are produced, gluing stations, which apply glue to the regions of the folds for gluing and/or to sheets provided for gluing to the base, and a pressing station in which the folded bases and the sheets are brought into contact with one another and glued. Glue outlet openings in the gluing station are provided with an application head that supports valves which can selectively open and close a connection between the glue outlet openings and a glue supply unit. The glue supply unit has glue supply lines and at least one chamber through which at least one part of the valves is supplied with glue. The chamber has a diameter of at least 5 mm in at least one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Windmoeller & Hoelscher KG
    Inventor: Andreas Lamkemeyer
  • Publication number: 20120131884
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri De Paula, Jean-Manuel Gomes
  • Publication number: 20120122646
    Abstract: A process for erecting a cardboard box blank into the form of a case for the manufacture of a shipping-type cardboard box, together with equipment for its implementation. The process includes the following stages: drawing off a blank having an inscription in standard or reverse form from a stand using a first extractor arm, holding this first arm in contact with a first side of the blank and then placing a second arm on a second side of the blank, the second side being opposite the first side. The process includes operation of a control mechanism after application of second arm to erect a blank having an inscription in standard or reverse form into the form of a case, the control mechanism activating the first extractor arm or the second arm to open the blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventor: Pascal Murano
  • Patent number: 8128547
    Abstract: A machine for erecting a polygonal container from a knocked-down flat (KDF) container formed from a blank of sheet material is provided. The container includes four main side panels, at least one corner panel extending between two of the main side panels, and at least one bottom flap extending from one of the main side panels. The machine includes a body, a first erecting mechanism coupled to the body, and a second erecting mechanism coupled to the body. The first erecting mechanism receives the KDF container and erects the KDF container into a partially erected container having a substantially rectangular configuration, and the second erecting mechanism receives the partially erected container and erects the partially erected container from the substantially rectangular configuration into the polygonal container by applying a force to an exterior surface of the partially erected container to erect the polygonal container that has more than four sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Robert Bradley Teany, Tuan Xuan Tran, John Herschel Conley
  • Patent number: 8075467
    Abstract: The device for erecting flat-folded tubular blanks supplied in flat-folded form comprises a collecting group provided with first gripping means which are mobile between a pick-up station of the single tubular blanks from a store and an opening station of the single tubular blanks. An opening group is arranged in the opening station and provided with second gripping means for gripping the single flat-folded tubular blanks at a second surface thereof, opposite the first surface engaged by the first gripping means. The second gripping means are mobile between a gripping position of the single tubular blanks and a distanced opening position thereof. A folding organ is destined to progressively engage a free side of the single tubular blanks during the course of opening, for completing the erecting of the tubular blanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Publication number: 20110263402
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and process for hygienically expediting the opening of plastic bags that are typically used by customers of grocery businesses in the agricultural produce and prepackaged meat departments, for transporting and storing products. The apparatus would need to be installed at the store level in the previously mentioned departments for the customer's use. The apparatus described here includes signage that outlines the system's use, any type of sanitary fluid that has naturally diminishing adhesive qualities, a fluid dispenser that dispenses a small amount of fluid, and any thin film plastic bags or ones of similar compositions. When dispensed, the fluid enables the user's fingers to open the bags quickly and hygienically due to their temporary adhesive state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: David G. Booher
  • Patent number: 7998049
    Abstract: The cartoner has been designed to form cartons from blanks, whereby the formed cartons have tapered concave sides. A unique series of elements, including capture lugs which hold and “bow” the carton blank, together with plow rods and oscillators which have curved metal plates are used to “pre-break” the score lines of the blank. Travelling pressure blocks having convex outer surfaces are used to press the concave sides of the carton while hot glue dries, whereby the unique, tapered cartons are properly formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Packaging Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul John Ross
  • Patent number: 7976449
    Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a folding box from a magazine that accommodates flat folding boxes, to a transport device comprises a holding device which takes over the folding box, holds it during transfer, and can be moved along a cycloid path having several turning points and intermediate curved sections. The transfer device comprises a basic lever which performs a continuous steady rotary motion, a first lever pair comprising a first lever which is pivotably disposed on the basic lever via a first joint, and a second lever which is pivotably disposed on the first lever via a second joint, and a second lever pair comprising a third lever which is pivotably disposed on the basic lever via a third joint, and a fourth lever which is pivotably disposed on the third lever via a fourth joint. The holding device is mounted to a holding block which is pivotably connected to the second lever of the first lever pair via a further joint. A pivotably disposed guiding part is provided, which has a linear guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: IWX Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Klein
  • Publication number: 20110114535
    Abstract: The folded collapsed boxes containing substantially no open gaps are provided. A plurality of different size folded collapsed boxes can be bundled together to yield a display that has the maximum number of folded collapsed boxes displayed thus conserving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Scott D. Pearson, Carter J. Reese
  • Patent number: 7896793
    Abstract: The folded collapsed boxes containing substantially no open gaps are provided. A plurality of different size folded collapsed boxes can be bundled together to yield a display that has the maximum number of folded collapsed boxes displayed thus conserving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Pearson, Carter J. Reese
  • Patent number: 7841975
    Abstract: By forming a resin sheet or a metal sheet, an angular-box-shaped bag main body having gore portions on surrounding side faces to ensure its height is formed. A valley line is formed in an intermediate portion of each of the gore portions in a height direction. A triangular overlaid and folded portion is formed in an end of each of the gore portions on each of the surrounding side faces with each corner portion of the angular-box-shaped bag main body being sandwiched between one surrounding side face and another surrounding side face adjacent to the one surrounding side face in which the gore portion is folded in an overlaid manner in the overlaid and folded portion at a same time when another gore portion on another surrounding side face is folded. The angular box-shaped bag main body is folded so as to be in a flat state by allowing each of the gore portions to be folded in a manner to form a valley line along the folded line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Koji Korechika