Collapsing Patents (Class 493/311)
  • Patent number: 11364699
    Abstract: A machine is configured to transition a blank having a fold line extending therein directly between first and second panels thereof. The machine includes a side support configured to abut an underside of the first panel, and a vacuum gripper including a suction cup that is extendable into suctioning engagement with an underside of the second panel, and that is retractable while maintaining suctioning engagement with the underside of the second panel. The vacuum gripper is configured to pull the second panel downward by retraction of the suction cup while maintaining suctioning engagement with the underside of the second panel and while the side support abuts the first panel, whereby the first panel bends along the fold line upwardly relative to the second panel. A rod is extendable into engagement with the underside of the first panel for further bending of the first panel along the fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: THATBOX DESIGN, LLC
    Inventor: Donn J. Costanzo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11123909
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing tubular films stretched in-line by blow molding with an extruder, a film blowing line, a lay-flat unit, an oscillating haul-off unit, and a stretching line for monoaxially stretching the film laid flat in machine direction. According to the invention, the stretching line is arranged above the extruder between the lay-flat unit and the oscillating haul-off unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Windmöller & Heilscher KG
    Inventors: Martin Backmann, Markus Bussmann, Karsten Golubski
  • Patent number: 8850780
    Abstract: A forming member for controlling the volume of packages of pourable food products formed from a tube of packaging material and sealed at a number of sections of the tube crosswise to an axis of the tube; the forming member having: a main wall which cooperates cyclically with a first portion of the tube extending between two consecutive sections; and at least one flap extending alongside the wall. The flap is movable, with respect to the wall, between a first position, in which it cooperates with a second portion of the tube, extending between the two consecutive sections, to control the volume, between the two consecutive sections, of the package being formed, and a second position, in which it is detached from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Fontanazzi, Giorgio Mattioli, Franco Santi, Stefano Caselli
  • Patent number: 8562499
    Abstract: A machine for transitioning a box cutout from a flat configuration to a collapsed box configuration includes a first drive wheel configured to drive a box cutout towards a plunging area; a plunger configured to apply force to a central portion of a bottom panel of the box cutout so as to fold the box about a lateral bisecting axis and propel at least a portion of the box cutout downward; and opposed second and third drive wheels configured to grab a box cutout propelled downward by the plunger and further draw the box cutout downward into a collapsed box configuration within a collection area. A box cutout transitioned to a collapsed box configuration in this manner may include a bottom panel having plurality of unbroken minor score lines and broken major score lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Thatbox Design, LLC
    Inventors: Donn J. Costanzo, Jr., Donn J. Costanzo
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8348821
    Abstract: A machine for transitioning a box cutout from a flat configuration to a collapsed box configuration includes a first drive wheel configured to drive a box cutout towards a plunging area; a plunger configured to apply force to a central portion of a bottom panel of the box cutout so as to fold the box about a lateral bisecting axis and propel at least a portion of the box cutout downward; and opposed second and third drive wheels configured to grab a box cutout propelled downward by the plunger and further draw the box cutout downward into a collapsed box configuration within a collection area. A box cutout transitioned to a collapsed box configuration in this manner may include a bottom panel having plurality of unbroken minor score lines and broken major score lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Thatbox Design, LLC
    Inventors: Donn J. Costanzo, Jr., Donn J. Costanzo
  • Patent number: 8348820
    Abstract: A machine for transitioning a box cutout from a flat configuration to a collapsed box configuration includes a first drive wheel configured to drive a box cutout towards a plunging area; a plunger configured to apply force to a central portion of a bottom panel of the box cutout so as to fold the box about a lateral bisecting axis and propel at least a portion of the box cutout downward; and opposed second and third drive wheels configured to grab a box cutout propelled downward by the plunger and further draw the box cutout downward into a collapsed box configuration within a collection area. A box cutout transitioned to a collapsed box configuration in this manner may include a bottom panel having plurality of unbroken minor score lines and broken major score lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Thatbox Design, LLC
    Inventors: Donn J. Costanzo, Jr., Donn J. Costanzo
  • Patent number: 8348819
    Abstract: A machine for transitioning a box cutout from a flat configuration to a collapsed box configuration includes a first drive wheel configured to drive a box cutout towards a plunging area; a plunger configured to apply force to a central portion of a bottom panel of the box cutout so as to fold the box about a lateral bisecting axis and propel at least a portion of the box cutout downward; and opposed second and third drive wheels configured to grab a box cutout propelled downward by the plunger and further draw the box cutout downward into a collapsed box configuration within a collection area. A box cutout transitioned to a collapsed box configuration in this manner may include a bottom panel having plurality of unbroken minor score lines and broken major score lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Thatbox Design, LLC
    Inventors: Donn J. Costanzo, Jr., Donn J. Costanzo
  • Patent number: 8343024
    Abstract: A machine for transitioning a box cutout from a flat configuration to a collapsed box configuration includes a first drive wheel configured to drive a box cutout towards a plunging area; a plunger configured to apply force to a central portion of a bottom panel of the box cutout so as to fold the box about a lateral bisecting axis and propel at least a portion of the box cutout downward; and opposed second and third drive wheels configured to grab a box cutout propelled downward by the plunger and further draw the box cutout downward into a collapsed box configuration within a collection area. A box cutout transitioned to a collapsed box configuration in this manner may include a bottom panel having plurality of unbroken minor score lines and broken major score lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Thatbox Design, LLC
    Inventors: Donn J. Costanzo, Jr., Donn J. Costanzo
  • Patent number: 7987651
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for enclosing bales of materials with at least four substantially rectilinear sides in flexible sheet material tubes having one open end into which the bales are inserted leaving the tube open end projecting loosely beyond the end of the bale utilizing structure temporarily placed inside the tube open end tending to resist inward movement of said tube such that the tube end may be formed into pleats at the four corners of the end of the bale and structure external of the tube cooperating to form and fold the pleats against the bale end surface where they are affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Lummus Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Beeland, Daniel E. Riggs, Donald W. Van Doorn
  • Patent number: 7972258
    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 5, 2011
    Assignee: Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Slovencik, Paul Deis
  • 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: 6409647
    Abstract: A system for re-assembling collapsed collapsible topless containers which have four side walls pivotal to each other and a pallet. The system unfolds a collapsed container by lifting it up by one of the sides. The unfolded container is transferred to an assembling sub-unit which tips the unfolded container upright and deposits it on the pallet which releasably engages two opposing side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Earl D. Bevins, Glenn E. Chernik
  • Patent number: 6305599
    Abstract: A reusable assembled box and a method of transport thereof are provided, in that the box has a base with greater strength, and is capable of disassembled into compact pieces facilitating sending back thereof, thus reducing a transport cost and enabling reuse of the box in higher frequency. The box comprises a first member, a second member, and coupling members. The first member is in a substantially rectangular shape, comprises a base and a pair of opposing side walls folded up from the base. The second member is in a substantially rectangular shape and comprises a base, overlain on the base of the first member, in a shape substantially identical to that of the first member, and a pair of side walls adjacent to the walls of the first member. The coupling members detachably couples upper end corners of adjacent side walls of the first and second members assembled into a box by overlaying the bases of the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masami Tsubaki, Hideki Iino
  • Patent number: 6080096
    Abstract: An improved method for packaging perishable goods comprises an inner insulating container that is quickly and easily formed from a flat sheet of metalized bubble pack material to a finished state that very closely approximates the size and dimensions of the carton. The constructed inner container can be quickly collapsed and reconstructed to improve the stackability and diminish the amount of space required to store the containers prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: John W. Becker, Tomas Toro
  • Patent number: 5762262
    Abstract: A collapsible container (30) includes a collapsible section (31), having orthogonally shaped walls (3), each having a fold line (6) extending in a common direction from a bottom corner (7) on a bottom edge (8) to a diagonally opposite top corner (9) on a top edge (10). A base section (32) and top section (33) which may or may not be collapsible are attached to opposite sides of the collapsible section (31). The container (30) may be collapsed or extended by twisting the base section (32) relative to the top section (33). It thus provides, for example, a convenient means for containing products such as concentrates or two pot mixes, which can be mixed within the container (30) when extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Peter John Martin
  • Patent number: 5230690
    Abstract: A collapsible bottomless storage pen having a continuous articulated peripheral wall including parallel sidewalls and interconnecting end walls. Each end wall includes a bend line. Interior connecting flaps are hingedly attached to the end walls and cooperatively engage each other to retain the pen in an operative position. The end walls and connecting flaps are sized to permit folding of the pen to the length of the sidewalls, such that the connecting flaps and end walls are parallel to and between the parallel collapsed sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventors: Steven S. Adkinson, Avi Fattal, Mark Weinberg
  • Patent number: 5048270
    Abstract: A spreader device for the lower end of a forming and filling tube of a form, fill and seal machine has an operator located on the outside of the upper end of the tube. The operator may effect oscillations causing the finger to swing into and out of spreading position, or the operator may cause the finger to reciprocate into and out of spreading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Zip-Pak Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J. McMahon
  • Patent number: 4983154
    Abstract: Disclosed are carton assembling method and equipment for sucking and taking out flatwise folded cartons one by one from a magazine by means of suction cups, unfolding each carton squarely on a conveyance path while transferring it downward along a rotative path, and supplying the thus-unfolded cartons to an encasing machine by means of a conveyance mechanism. Each carton is held squarely by a pair of stoppers, utilizing its reaction force acting in the returning direction. Thereafter, the carton is reverse-folded against such reaction force and then unfolded again to remove the folding tendency of the carton acting in the folded direction, thereby permitting the carton to hold itself in a square shape. And at the time of reverse folding, the flaps of each carton are expanded so that a contents charging conveyor can be disposed in close proximity to the cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Tokyo Automatic Machinery Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Nagahashi, Kiyoshi Yamashita, Minoru Sato
  • Patent number: 4793507
    Abstract: This folding packaging case or box of parallelipipedic configuration comprises a bottom, a front panel, a back panel and two lateral panels, and a folding lid, the various panel elements being hingedly interconnected by flexible joints. The bottom comprises at least one joint through which it is hingedly connected to one of the lateral panels, and a peripheral ledge engageable by the peripheral panels so as to lock the peripheral panels in position and thus permit the assembling of the case into a rigid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: Alain Delplanque
  • Patent number: 4527376
    Abstract: A collapser/collector and strapping apparatus for processing box partitions to place them in condition for shipment. The assembled partitions are collapsed and moved vertically into transversely indexed slots of a collector. From the indexed slots, the partitions are placed into bundles of a preselected number of partitions. The bundles are then delivered to a strapping section where straps are applied to hold each bundle together for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Clevepak Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Mauger, James W. Lawrie, John T. McCarthy, Michael A. Tozzi
  • Patent number: 4260446
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing a packaging sleeve of polygonal cross-section, particularly adapted to be foldably collapsed, wherein circular or tubular sleeve stock is formed on a stationary spindle or mandrel from a plurality of glued, thin layers of paper, fabric, plastic material or the like, wound or wrapped one over the other. The sleeve is thereafter shaped into a polygonal cross-section. During the shaping of the tubular packaging sleeve while it is in the glue-wetted state, at least one continuous folding edge impressed into the sleeve wall and extending in the longitudinal direction of said sleeve is press-formed at the desired longitudinally extending edge corners of the polygonal cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventor: Franz J. Saul