US 4,656,810 AGranted

Apparatus for automatically locking L-slide lock cartons

AssigneeFrito-Lay, Inc.

InventorJohn Plaskett

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

Apparatus for locking a top of a case having an unlocked closing flap and L-slide lock slots for receiving opposite free end corners of the closing flap includes a closing flap securing device which provides a source of suction for detachably securing a top surface of a generally horizontal unlocked closing flap of a stationary case. Movement of the securing device from a generally horizontal position to a generally inclined position while secured to the closing flap first forms a longitudinal fold in the closing flap and positions the opposite free end corners of the closing flap adjacent respective L-slide lock slots. Subsequent movement of the securing device from the generally inclined position to the generally horizontal position then flattens the longitudinal fold and tucks the opposite free end corners of the closing flap into the respective L-slide lock slots to thereby lock the case. Suction from the closing flap securing device is then terminated to detach the securing device from the top surface of the closing flap of the case.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An apparatus for locking a top of a case having an unlocked closing flap and L-slide lock slots for receiving opposite free end corners of the closing flap, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a closing flap securing member for detachably securing an unlocked closing flap of a stationary case, the case having a top portion which top portion includes said closing flap, the closing flap being connected to a top end of a side of the case, the closing flap having a free longitudinal edge and opposite free end corners, the top portion further including L-slide lock slots for receiving respective free end corners of the closing flap;
and
(b) means for moving the unlocked closing flap with the closing flap securing member secured thereto, from a generally horizontal unlocked position flush with the top of the case, to form a longitudinal fold in the closing flap between said free longitudinal edge and the connection between the closing flap and the side top end, with the free longitudinal edge of the closing flap at about the level of the side top end, to thereby position the opposite free end corners of the closing flap adjacent respective L-slide lock slots;
and for thereafter flattening the longitudinal fold and tucking the opposite free end corners of the closing flap into respective L-slide lock slots to thereby lock the case.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.