Container Or Tube Erecting, Opening, Or Collapsing Patents (Class 493/309)
  • Patent number: 7819791
    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 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Packaging Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Paul John Ross
  • Patent number: 7788881
    Abstract: A case erector is configured to open folded cases. In one example, the case erector includes a planar bearing surface. A semi-circular channel is defined in the planar bearing surface about a center point. Additionally, a notch is located so that the planar bearing surface does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. A plate is in contact with the planar bearing surface. The plate has at least one flange sized for travel within the semi-circular channel so that the plate rotates against the planar bearing surface in a circular manner about the center point. A notch is defined in the plate so that the plate does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. An arm is connected to the plate so that the plate and the arm rotate together with respect to the planar bearing surface. In operation, a folded edge of a folded case is positioned at the center point. One or two arms, moved by plates rotating on bearing surfaces, attach to and open the folded case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Johnson, Richard A. McQuary
  • Patent number: 7766808
    Abstract: A carton flap gripping system including an adjustable pin holder is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Wexxar Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Zepf
  • Patent number: 7708678
    Abstract: A station for erecting tubular blanks in boxes, a gripping and raising unit engages a second lateral wall of the blank and subsequently raises the blank into a 90° rotation, so that the blank assumes, due to raising and rotating and because of the weight, a parallel-piped shore with a vertical axis. A first holder is operated by a first actuator in step relation with rotation of the blank and folds at least a first lateral wall of the blank adjacent to the second lateral wall, engaged by the gripping unit, to erect, the blank in a box with vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Publication number: 20090283580
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing packaging and resulting packaging and associated pre-assemblies and blanks are provided, which, when utilized, result in packaging that has increased side panel strength and corner strength so as to enable effective vertical stacking of packaging when the packaging includes product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: YORK CONTAINER COMPANY
    Inventor: Troy LITTLE
  • Patent number: 7607280
    Abstract: A clamp for sheets of material. The clamp includes a longitudinal main body with an external clamping side. The external clamping side comprises an external dragging surface for engaging a sheet of material. An internal clamping area inwardly extends from the external clamping side. The external dragging surface is at least partially movable into the internal clamping area so as to frictionally drag at least a portion of the sheet of material, engaged thereby, into the internal clamping area therewith. Clamping devices and bagging apparatus including such clamps are also disclosed. A method of clamping overlaying sheets of material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Jacques Dussault
  • Publication number: 20090239726
    Abstract: A case forming apparatus that erects cases from knocked-down case blanks includes a first jaw and a plurality of stabilizer bars each having a first end mounted to the first jaw. The stabilizer bars are spaced radially from each other and form concentric segments of circles centered on a pivotal axis. A moveable second jaw is mounted for movement on the pivotal axis relative to the first jaw between an open position where the moveable second jaw is substantially perpendicular to the first jaw and a closed position where the moveable second jaw is substantially parallel to the first jaw. The moveable second jaw includes openings through which the stabilizer bars pass as the moveable second jaw moves between the open and closed positions. At least one of the stabilizer bars has a cross-sectional width that varies over at least one-third of a cross-sectional height of the at least one stabilizer bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jindai Huang
  • Patent number: 7584593
    Abstract: An apparatus, machine and method for opening a flexible pouch includes a pair of opposed side grippers each holding a side of the pouch. A pair of opposed panel grippers each hold an upper edge of the pouch. The side grippers are displaced inwardly towards each other and the panel grippers are displaced outwardly away from each other to partially open the pouch. A pair of pouch opening fingers are displaceable between a raised position above the pouch and a lowered position within the pouch. The pouch opening fingers are open in the raised position and closed after lowered into the lowered position, to grip the wall of the pouch. The pair of pouch opening fingers move together a predetermined distance in an outboard direction to fully separate the pouch walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Patent number: 7568325
    Abstract: In a device with a plurality of holding units, each holding unit has a leading prong and a rear prong resiliently kept closed for holding a box in vertical orientation. The holding units are arranged spaced out on an operating group for intermittent motion through work stations for inserting products into the boxes. The rear prong can be moved away from the leading prong by a catching pawl for introducing a box into the opened holding unit, at an inlet station, and for removing the box in a discharge station, situated downstream. This avoids rubbing between the prongs and the box walls that could damage the precious ornamental patterns applied to the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7569009
    Abstract: A station includes a magazine containing stacks of flat folded tubular blanks arranged horizontal. Each stack is supported by openable support pad pairs. A platform moves vertically below the magazine and receives, when set at a raised loading position, one stack released by opening a lowermost pad pair. The platform is subsequently lowered, together with the stack, to a waiting position. A withdrawing arm, mounted on a slide moving horizontally, has suction cups for picking up a blank from the stack on the platform, when the platform is temporarily raised and then lowered to the waiting position. After picking up a blank from the stack, the slide and arm take the blank to box forming means of the boxing machine. When the stack on the platform runs out, the magazine releases another stack, while the stacks remaining in the magazine fall down in a sequence to lower levels, due to opening of the pad pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Publication number: 20090093355
    Abstract: An automated case erecting apparatus for use in erecting case blanks includes a case blank feeder configured to hold a plurality of upstanding case blanks arranged face-to-face. The case blank feeder includes a path along which the case blanks are directed. A case erecting assembly receives a case blank from the case blank feeder at a case receiving location. The case erecting assembly includes a first arm carrying a first gripper element and a second arm carrying a second gripper element. The first arm and associated first gripper element are arranged and configured such that the first gripper element grips a first flap of the case blank. The second arm and associated second gripper element are arranged and configured such that the second gripper element grips a second flap of the case blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Jindai Huang, Alex Ching Hung Lau, Jeremy Zoss, Paul Avery
  • Publication number: 20080312054
    Abstract: A stackable and collapsible storage box (100) comprising a foldable wrapper (10) having side wall and end wall panels which are releasably retained within a peripheral channel (30a) on a separate base portion (30). The wall panels have lower extension portions (11, 12) that are folded upwardly to provide a double thickness and these lower extension portions have an upper edge (12a) or apertures (37) that engage with short protrusions (33) formed on an inner wall (32) of the channel to retain the panels. The end wall panels have upper first and second extensions portions (14a, 16) that are respectively folded inwardly and upwardly to provide a support edge (16a) to support hangers for hang files. The support edge can be strengthened with a channel section (19). The box can have a lid (50) has a ridge (53) to compliment channel (36) on the base portion to allow stacking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Timothy Boland
  • Publication number: 20080254963
    Abstract: A carton flap gripping system including an adjustable pin holder is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Zepf
  • Patent number: 7422551
    Abstract: In a station for erecting tubular blanks in boxes, a gripping and raising unit engages a second lateral wall of the blank and subsequently raises the blank into a 90° rotation, so that the blank assumes, due to raising and rotating and because of the weight, a parallelepiped shape with a vertical axis. A first folder is operated by a first actuator in step relation with rotation of the blank and folds at least a first lateral wall of the blank adjacent to the second lateral wall, engaged by the gripping unit, to erect, the blank in a box with a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7422552
    Abstract: A carton flap gripping system including an adjustable pin holder is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Wexxar Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Zepf
  • Patent number: 7418809
    Abstract: A device for picking and opening boxes suitable for packaging products, comprising at least one magazine for substantially parallelepipedal boxes in a flattened configuration, at least one rotating drum provided peripherally with elements for picking the boxes one by one from the magazine and with elements for opening the boxes, and at least one conveyor for conveying the boxes in the open configuration from the rotating drum toward successive production stations of the product packaging process, the box picking elements and the box opening elements being actuated by cams, the conveyor comprising at least one rotating carousel with a plurality of box seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: O.A.M. Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Antonio Martelli
  • Patent number: 7404788
    Abstract: In an apparatus for picking up flat folded tubular blanks from a magazine and for moving the blanks to an erecting station, a horizontal transmission shaft transmits a rotational movement about a first articulation axis to a functional arm hinged with one side to a terminal portion of the transmission shaft. Another side of the functional arm is hinged to an arrangement control mechanism for controlling arrangement of the functional arm about a second articulation axis. The functional arm is also operated into rotation about the first articulation axis between a position in alignment with the functional arm, and a square position arranged at 90 degrees with respect to the functional arm, and vice versa. A pick up arm is connected to arrangement control mechanism and carries suction cups for picking up a flat folded tubular blank through the open bottom of the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7329218
    Abstract: The feed apparatus for feeding container blanks into a container forming machine comprises a hopper at or near its first end for holding a plurality of blanks, a selecting mechanism for selecting one of the blanks, a moving mechanism to move the blanks toward the elevated second end and then the machine and a transferring mechanism for rotating the blank from its angled direction to a substantially vertical direction for placement at the machine's receiving station. Preferably, the moving mechanism comprises a pair of parallel chains interconnected by a shaft having a gripping mechanism configured to securely grip the blank. A pivot mechanism pivots the shaft and the gripping mechanism, which is selectively opened to grip the blank below the hopper and release the blank at the machine. Laminating, folding and compressing components are provided to add adhesive, fold and then compress sections of the blank before reaching the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond George Montague Kisch
  • Patent number: 7316643
    Abstract: A gripping system uses a pin mounting block having at least one passage for accommodating holding pins of a holding pin member that cooperate with a dome to hold a laminate ply there between, the improvement being a releasable latch positioned to engage the pin member and hold the pin member in an operative positions and being releasable to release the pin member. Various forms of pin members may be used. In a preferred form, a gripper is provided positioned adjacent to holding pins and moveable between a retracted position and an operative position wherein the gripper member grips the laminate ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Wexxar Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Peter Makar, Peter Clive Sewell
  • Patent number: 7316642
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming containers fed with their side walls arranged in a flattened tubular configuration, comprising a device for opening the containers that is associated with abutment-retention elements for the abutment and retention of the containers in the open configuration and with transfer elements for transferring the open containers into respective variable-geometry receptacles of a conveyance line, the receptacles being suitable to move from a first open configuration for receiving the containers to a second closed configuration for conveying the containers to a subsequent treatment station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: O.A.M. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Martelli
  • Patent number: 7310925
    Abstract: In a station of a boxing machine, for withdrawing and erecting flat folded tubular blanks into boxes, a blank withdrawing rocker arm strips out a flat folded blank from a magazine and places it onto a operating member situated below and associated to an auxiliary conveying line. The auxiliary conveying line extends along a close loop path. Gripping suction cups associated to the operating member engage the lower side of the blank. An erecting arm with a shaped flap makes edge-resting sides of the blank rotate synchronously, about respective articulation lines adjoining to a lower side, until a corresponding box is erected. A shaped guide engages with the carriage and moves the box laterally with respect to the auxiliary conveying line, to insert the box into a corresponding seat on a box conveying line situated beside the auxiliary conveying line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7311650
    Abstract: A case forming machine for erecting cases from knock down case form to an open form and move an opened case downward to a bottom forming station using a fixed and a moveable jaw system is improved by providing a plurality of stabilizer bars having their bottom edges in a radial plane relative to the pivotal axis. Also provided is a micrometer type adjustment mechanism that is used for adjusting the gap between the fixed and moveable jaws when the jaws are in the parallel pick-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Wexxar Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Peter Makar, Clive Peter Sewell, Warren Brett Payne
  • Patent number: 7192393
    Abstract: A gripping system uses a pin mounting block having at least one passage for accommodating holding pins of a holding pin member that cooperate with a dome to hold a laminate ply there between, the improvement being a releasable latch positioned to engage the pin member and hold the pin member in an operative positions and being releasable to release the pin member. Various forms of pin members may be used. In a preferred form a gripper is provided positioned adjacent to holding pins and moveable between a retracted position and an operative position wherein the gripper member grips the laminate ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Wexxar Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Peter Makar, Peter Clive Sewell
  • Patent number: 7131941
    Abstract: A case forming machine for erecting cases from knock down case form to an open form and move an opened case downward to a bottom forming station using a fixed and a moveable jaw system is improved by providing a plurality of radially spaced, concentric stabilizer bars fixed to the fixed jaw and arranged to form concentric segments of circles centered on the pivotal axis of the moveable jaw and having their bottom edges in a radial plane relative to the pivotal axis. Also provided is a micrometer type adjustment mechanism that is used for adjusting the gap between the fixed and moveable jaws when the jaws are in the parallel pick-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Wexxar Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Peter Makar, Peter Clive Sewell, Brett Warren Payne
  • Patent number: 6962558
    Abstract: A method of forming a box having a plurality of corner gussets includes the steps of providing a generally planar box blank and a box forming device including a gusset formation section having a kicker plate, a forming blade and an adhesive securement device. The box blank is fed into the box forming device, the kicker plate deflects each of the gusset corner formation wall sections upwards, the upper portion thereof is bent towards a side wall via the forming blade and the glue flap section is secured to the side wall via the adhesive securement device to form a gusset, and the box is formed by folding the side walls upwards generally perpendicular to the base wall and securing adjacent ones of the side walls to one another whereby the box is formed. A box formed via the above-described method is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Bruce H. Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 6951530
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for erecting a carton, and a method of and an apparatus for closing a carton. The carton has 180° fold lines with a compressed area at each end and a slit joining the compressed areas. A carton is erected by moving the blank in a first direction against a stop to form a first set of 90° folds, holding the blank stationary with a suction while pushing the blank in a second direction to form a second set of 90° folds, erecting the carton. A filled carton is closed by advancing it through the central opening of a V-shaped member to increasingly fold the carton top panels. The closed carton is sealed by advancing it through a second V-shaped member and into contact with a pivotally supported sealing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventors: Zsolt Toth, Paul A. Chudy
  • Patent number: 6918227
    Abstract: A method and device for end closing tubular wrappings of products, whereby the arms of a scissor-type parting device, once inserted in a closed position inside an end portion of a tubular wrapping, are allowed to part, and are pushed by springs into a fully open position throughout an extraction stroke to crease the end portion and enable the end portion to be pressed taut and accurately by the opposing thrust of two folding-sealing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sandro Salicini, Stefano Cavallari
  • Patent number: 6913568
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a folding-box blank (Z) from a magazine and for erecting the same has a first retaining means (6) with means (62) for gripping a first box wall (W1) of the blank (Z) and a second retaining means (7) with means (72) for gripping a second, adjacent box wall (W2) located on the same side of the blank (Z). The two retaining means (6, 7) can be moved relative to one another in order to erect the box. This allows the folding-box blank to be removed and erected in a space-saving and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Frank, Walter Rühli, Peter Meyer
  • Patent number: 6886311
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for erecting a carton, and a method of and an apparatus for closing a carton. The carton has 180° fold lines with a compressed area at each end and a slit joining the compressed areas. A carton is erected by moving the blank in a first direction against a stop to form a first set of 90° folds, holding the blank stationary with a suction while pushing the blank in a second direction to form a second set of 90° folds, erecting the carton. A filled carton is closed by advancing it through the central opening of a V-shaped member to increasingly fold the carton top panels. The closed carton is sealed by advancing it through a second V-shaped member and into contact with a pivotally supported sealing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Zsolt Toth, Paul A. Chudy
  • Patent number: 6849038
    Abstract: An improved tool container a corner-less exterior adjacent a craftsman to minimize trauma when carried and to provide better access to objects therein than convention designs. In the preferred embodiment, the tool container comprises a substantially cylindrical body having an axial length, opposing first and second ends, and an interior region for tools, couplings, and assorted workpieces. The body includes at least one divider disposed between the first and second ends. Accesses are disposed along the cylindrical body on either side of the divider(s) and provide access to divided portions of the interior region of the tool container. End caps are disposed proximate to the first and second ends of the cylindrical body. A flattened portion can be provided in the cylindrical body to prevent rolling when placed on the ground or other rest surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Steven A. Straface
  • Patent number: 6811530
    Abstract: A former is used to manufacture a bag in a packaging machine. The radius of curvature of the former top along a film guiding direction is between 0.27 mm and 0.50 mm, the average surface roughness of the former top is less than 10 &mgr;m, and the number of high projections per unit length of 10 mm of the former top along a width direction of the film guided by the collar into the cylinder. The high projection is defined as a projection of the surface of the former top that is as tall as or taller than 5 times the average surface roughness of the former top. It is found that the minimum radius of curvature of the former top should be equal to or larger than the critical radius that is defined by a radius of the curvature which causes an elastic limit strain at an innermost portion of a support layer of a laminated film immediately outside a barrier layer of the laminated film when the laminated film is bent over the former top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Toray Plastics America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Watanabe, Hiroyuki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040198576
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for erecting a carton, and a method of and an apparatus for closing a carton. The carton has 180° fold lines with a compressed area at each end and a slit joining the compressed areas. A carton is erected by moving the blank in a first direction against a stop to form a first set of 90° folds, holding the blank stationary with a suction while pushing the blank in a second direction to form a second set of 90° folds, erecting the carton. A filled carton is closed by advancing it through the central opening of a V-shaped member to increasingly fold the carton top panels. The closed carton is sealed by advancing it through a second V-shaped member and into contact with a pivotally supported sealing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Zsolt Toth, Paul A. Chudy
  • Publication number: 20040162207
    Abstract: A box-erecting apparatus has a supply holding a stack of flattened blanks, an erecting station spaced in a transport direction from the supply and provided with a plunger and elements for erecting a flattened blank into an upwardly open box, and a support between the supply and the station positioned to receive a flattened blank. An inner arm between the supply and the station has an inner end pivoted about an inner axis transverse to the direction and an outer end, and an outer arm has an inner end pivoted on the inner-arm outer end about an outer axis generally parallel to the inner axis and an outer end carrying a grab. A drive can pivot the arms independently of each other about the respective axes between a position with the grab engaging one of the blanks in the support and a position depositing one of the blanks on the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: UHLMANN Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reinhold Ruf, Jochen Stohr, Achim Gotz, Klaus-Ulrich Kollner, Helmut Pless, Edgar Wieland
  • Publication number: 20040138039
    Abstract: A case is gripped by its side panel by suction cups mounted on a squaring arm and rotated out of a magazine into contact with a squaring rail, which forces the case into a squared configuration as the case rotates into position between two drive belts, one fixed, and one with a gate-like swinging section which is rotated open. The bottom minor flaps are then closed by minor flap folders as the swinging belt section rotates closed, gripping the case. The drive belts then convey the case out of the squaring area, over flap ploughs which close the bottom major flaps. The squaring arm, fixed drive belt, and rear minor flap folder are mounted to a carrier. The front minor flap folder and major flap ploughs are mounted to a second carrier. The adjustment mechanism of both carriers is coupled to the adjustment mechanism of the magazine height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Stanley Mazurek
  • Publication number: 20040127340
    Abstract: Process for the manufacture of an easy open device for “Flow Pack” or similar packages with longitudinal seams and transversal closings, structured horizontally or vertically, with a detachable strip, attached in alignment on the internal face of the packaging film by means of an applicator head, to be manually grasped and to result in the tearing of said packages, including the steps of:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Celomat Etiquetas Especiales S.A.
    Inventor: Francisco Parra
  • Publication number: 20040110619
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a folding-box blank (Z) from a magazine and for erecting the same has a first retaining means (6) with means (62) for gripping a first box wall (W1) of the blank (Z) and a second retaining means (7) with means (72) for gripping a second, adjacent box wall (W2) located on the same side of the blank (Z). The two retaining means (6, 7) can be moved relative to one another in order to erect the box. This allows the folding-box blank to be removed and erected in a space-saving and efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Frank, Walter Ruhli, Peter Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040092376
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for squaring knocked down slotted boxes employs an L-shaped support and forming platform onto which a partially opened box is applied so that the junction of the two legs of the L-shape is received within the box and a leading flap (and its fold line connection to the box) and a trailing flap (and its fold line connection to the box) each contact one of the legs to fold these flaps outward and tend to square the box. The trailing flap is moved from one leg onto the other which normally will be substantially flat and horizontal so that the leading and trailing flaps are folded perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve portion of the box while the side flaps positioned between the leading and trailing flaps remain in the plane of their respective box wall as the carton is moved into an operating station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Clive Sewell
  • Patent number: 6726613
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for squaring knocked down slotted boxes employs an L-shaped support and forming platform onto which a partially opened box is applied so that the junction of the two legs of the L-shape is received within the box and a leading flap (and its fold line connection to the box) and a trailing flap (and its fold line connection to the box) each contact one of the legs to fold these flaps outward and tend to square the box. The trailing flap is moved from one leg onto the other which normally will be substantially flat and horizontal so that the leading and trailing flaps are folded perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve portion of the box while the side flaps positioned between the leading and trailing flaps remain in the plane of their respective box wall as the carton is moved into an operating station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Dekka Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Clive Sewell
  • Patent number: 6705982
    Abstract: A folder includes a first cutting device for partially cutting a web of material, a former to fold the web of material, so as to form a folded web, a stationary signature opening device located between sides of the passing folded web, and a second cutting device located downstream from the former to cut the folded web into an at least one signature. A related collating device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Kevin Lauren Cote, Lawrence E. Zagar
  • Publication number: 20040038793
    Abstract: A method and machine for making a plurality of accordion-folded strips each having a predetermined unfolded length. A sheet of material is longitudinally and transversely separated into a plurality of strips and the strips are folded into a plurality of accordion-folded strips. The method/machine are characterized by the transverse separation of the strip occurring at completion of the longitudinal separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Lencoski
  • Publication number: 20040038792
    Abstract: A method of forming a perforated tear line in a bag to form an easy-open corner portion. The perforation blade includes a base formed to span the corner portion of the bag. The base has a first end adapted to extend to the end edge of the bag proximate a seal line, and a second end adapted to extend to one side edge of the bag. A series of closely spaced perforation teeth are formed with the base, and are adapted to penetrate the first and second walls of the bag to form a corresponding series of perforations at the corner portion of the bag. A starter tooth is formed at the first end of the base, and is adapted to cut a starter nick in a skirt of the bag between the end edge and the proximate seal line. A burst protection gap is formed between the starter tooth and a first of the series of perforation teeth. The burst protection gap is adapted for safely receiving the seal line of the bag to prevent severing the seal line when cutting the perforations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy L. Albright
  • Patent number: 6669616
    Abstract: A case forming machine for assembling erected cases from blanks including a stacking means configured for receiving a supply of blanks, an opening and forming means for erecting the blanks and ejecting erected cases, and the machine is constructed and arranged so that the stacking means is configured for biasing the supply of blanks in a first direction and the forming means is configured so that the blanks are ejected in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Wojciech Bierenacki, William Menta
  • Publication number: 20030232709
    Abstract: Machine for forming boxes (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) with a closed bottom from punched and folded cardboard elements, which comprises: at least one apparatus (140) for gripping from a store (210) and opening a cardboard element (10) for forming the open box; at least one apparatus (150) for gripping and transporting open boxes; at least one conveyor belt (250) for transporting the formed box to the outlet of the machine, said gripping/opening and gripping/transporting apparatus comprising devices for moving respective gripping/opening means (140) or gripping/transporting means (150), said devices consisting of at least two controlled axes (X-X, Y-Y; X-X, Z-Z) able to determine free trajectories of the respective gripping/opening or gripping/transporting means in the respective planes (X, Y; X, Z).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Cesare Ronchi
  • Publication number: 20030224919
    Abstract: This device for breaking the nicks connecting two edges of a line of cut of stacked sheets of cardboard (5) placed on horizontal support and transportation means (8, 9, 34a, 6, 30) for moving the said sheets in a longitudinal direction, comprises upper clamping means (21, 22, 32) for clamping the stacked sheets (5) against the said support means (8, 9, 34a), first means (35) for longitudinally moving apart the said support and transportation means (8, 9, 34a, 6, 30) and the said clamping means (21, 22, 23) on both sides of a transverse line of cut of the said stacked sheets, and second means for moving apart transversely a part of the said support and clamping means (8, 9, 21, 22) on both sides of a longitudinal line of cut. It further includes second horizontal support and transportation means for moving the said stacked sheets (5) in a transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Bobst S.A.
    Inventor: Gilbert Joux
  • Publication number: 20030207743
    Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Glenn Schackmuth, Benny Nunley, Charles E. Rose
  • Patent number: 6592505
    Abstract: A device for forming a tube provided with gussets out of a single- or multi-layer, continuously pre-stressed material web consists of divided upper and lower folding plates mounted on the machine frame that determine the width of the tube to be formed when it is laid flat, which approach one another with regard to their distance from one another approximately in the shape of a wedge and in a manner perpendicular to the plane of the tube to be formed, beginning from the approach sides, with the wedge angle being adjustable, and with the device having two rows of insertion discs respectively mounted on carriers reaching between the folding plates for forming the gussets, whose distance from one another may be adjusted in the plane of the tube to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Windmoeller & Hoelscher
    Inventor: Achim Seeberger
  • Patent number: 6575886
    Abstract: A packaging machine for loading of individual articles into a product cartons that includes a rotary blank feeder and a rotary board erector. The rotary blank feeder includes a plurality of feeder arms each having a vacuum head. The feeder arms are each rotatable about a common axis of rotation and the entire folding arm assembly is rotatable about an offset secondary axis of rotation. Each vacuum head of the rotary blank feeder moves into contact with the lowermost planar carton blank contained with an overhead hopper and transfers the carton blank to a board feed conveyor. From the board feed conveyor, each carton blank enters into a rotary board erector having a plurality of folding arms rotatable at variable speeds about a common axis of rotation. The folding arms of the rotary board erector partially fold each planar carton blank for loading with individual articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Nigrelli Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Tanck, Dennis L. Ramaker, Mike E. Grunwald
  • Publication number: 20030104915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for erecting flat folding box blanks or the like that comprises a chase (34) and a form punch (33). When the form punch is introduced into the chase, the walls of the folding box blank (1), which is arranged between the form punch and the chase, are folded upward. When the walls are folded upward, the form punch and the chase are synchronously moved in a direction of conveyance of the folding box blanks. According to the invention, the form punch and the chase are each mounted in a crank mechanism (31, 32). A device of this type can be provided with a very simple structural design and can be economically produced. In addition, the device can be easily and quickly retrofitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Helmut Seidel, Bruno Jaksch
  • Publication number: 20030040413
    Abstract: A case erector receives a horizontal stack of flattened cases of varying case size as input, and automatically adjusts to output a stream of formed cubical cases, each case having a rectangular cross-section and a closed bottom end. The case erector includes a sensor for determining the case size signal from the sensor, and plural adjustment devices, responsive to the controller to automatically adjust the case erector to erect the particular case size. The case erector includes a case input magazine that can receive cases of one size or cases of varying size. The magazine includes a rack having a V-shaped supporting surface. The V-shaped supporting surface spans approximately 90° and is bisected by a vertical plane. The V-shaped supporting surface is tilted at an angle downwardly along a direction of case propagation feed into the case forming section of the case erector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Malecki, Robert Zatorski
  • Patent number: 6503180
    Abstract: A device for transferring a folded box from a magazine accommodating flat folded boxes to a circulating transport device thereby simultaneously erecting same, comprises a holding device transferring and carrying the folded box during transfer, and an erecting member. The holding device and the erecting member are rotatably disposed on a planetary part of a planetary gearing and are moved along a hypocycloid path having several turning points and intermediate curves. The planetary part is rotatably disposed on a planetary support which rotates about a stationary sun axis. Via a first gearing arrangement, the holding device is subjected to a superimposed, first correcting rotary motion defined along a first control curve and, via a second gearing arrangement, the erecting member is subjected to a superimposed, second correcting rotary motion defined along a second control curve. Both gearing arrangements are disposed substantially coaxially with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Plüschow, Bernd Hähnel