Universal four flap opener
AssigneeFiggie International Inc.
InventorMichael L. Becker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus for automatically receiving and opening the four flaps of a cardboard case or the like. The invention includes a conveyor system for transporting cases in spaced relationship with each other past a pair of vacuum-actuated hinged shoes which engage and partially open the side flaps and direct the same into a plow. The plow completes the opening of the side flaps. A pair of brushes, having common drive, but opposite rotation, are adapted for opening the front and rear flaps. A fabric belt engages and holds the front flap down, while a rotating arcuate member makes hold-down contact with the rear flap. The apparatus is adjustable to accommodate cases and flaps of varying dimensions.
Claims16
A flap opener, comprising:
- an input conveyor;
- a pair of vacuum-actuated side flap openers positioned along said conveyor;
- a side flap spreader positioned along said conveyor after said vacuum-actuated side flap openers;
- a pair of brushes in common driven interconnection, rotatably maintained above said conveyor beyond said spreader, said brushes adapted for opening engagement with front and rear flaps of a container;
- and
- wherein said brushes rotate about parallel axes, in opposite directions, said brushes being driven by a common shaft in adjustable spaced relationship with respect to each other, at least one of said brushes being connected to an adjustable hub on said shaft via a crank arm.
A flap opener, comprising:
- an input conveyor;
- a pair of vacuum-actuated side flap openers positioned along said conveyor;
- a side flap spreader positioned along said conveyor after said vacuum-actuated side flap openers;
- a pair of brushes in common driven interconnection, rotatably maintained above said conveyor beyond said spreader, said brushes adapted for opening engagement with front and rear flaps of a container;
- and
- a fabric belt loop maintained above said conveyor, beyond said brushes, said belt loop being driven in common with said brushes for engaging and urging the front flap to an open position.
A flap opener, comprising:
- an input conveyor;
- a pair of vacuum-actuated side flap openers positioned along said conveyor, said side flap openers comprising plates hingedly attached to each side of said conveyor, each plate having a slot therein in communication with a vacuum source, said plates and slots extending over said conveyor in adjustable relation thereto;
- a side flap spreader positioned along said conveyor after said vacuum-actuated side flap openers;
- and
- a pair of brushes in common driven interconnection, rotatably maintained above said conveyor beyond said spreader, said brushes adapted for opening engagement with front and rear flaps of a container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.