US 5,826,408 A · Rotary flap tucker for a cartoning machine

Abstract

A rotary flap tucker comprising a tube sector having a smaller arc length end, a larger arc length end, a longitudinal edge, and an edge which helically advances generally from the small arc length end to the large arc length end. The tube sector has end plates each with an edge contoured to avoid contact with a carton flap as the flap tucker rotates about its center axis which is aligned with the carton travel direction. The leading edge of a flap entering the flap tucker follows the helical edge of the flap tucker as it rotates without contacting the flap for a majority of the rotation. Rotation brings the flap tucker's longitudinal edge in contact with the flap along a majority of the flap's length. Continued rotation plows the majority of the length of the flap simultaneously, thereby preventing the flap from misaligning on the carton when the flap is closed. The outside surface of the rotating flap tucker runs against the closed flap of the advancing carton, preferably along the carton's center line.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A flap tucker, comprising a generally tubular member, said tubular member having a center axis and a circumferencial wall formed about said center axis, said circumcerential wall having an opening and further having:

(a) an inside surface;
(b) an outside surface
(c) a first end of smaller arc length
(d) a second end of greater arc length;
(e) a first edge forming a border of said opening in said circumferencial wall said first edge advancing in a generally helical manner about said center axis from said first end to said second end;
and
(f) a second edge forming a border of said opening in said circumferencial wall, said second edge generally being parallel to said center axis and extending from said first end to said second end.

4 more elements

A rotatable flap tucker for use on a machine for cartoning articles comprising:

(a) a generally tubular member having:
a center axis and a circumferencial wall formed about said center axis, said circumferencial wall having an opening and further having:
(i) an inside surface;
(ii) an outside surface;
(iii) a first end of smaller arc length;
(iv) a second end of greater arc length;
(v) a first edge forming a border of said opening in said circumferencial wall, said first edge advancing in a generally helical manner about said center axis from said first end to said second end;
(vi) a second edge forming a border of said opening in said circumferencial wall, said second edge generally being parallel to said center axis and extending from said first end to said second end;
and
(vii) a bend, said bend disposing inward a section of said tubular member adjacent said second edge, said second edge thereby being disposed radially inward;
and
(b) an axis of rotation corresponding to said center axis of said tubular member;
(c) a first end plate located at said first end of said tubular member and a second end plate located at said second end of said tubular member, wherein both of said end plates extend normal to said inside surface of said tubular member to said center axis of said tubular member, said end plates having an outer edge which mates with said inside surface of said tubular member and said end plates having a contoured inner edge contoured to avoid contact with a flap on a carton as said plate rotates about said center axis of said tubular member;
(d) means for fixedly attaching said first end plate to said first end of said tubular member and said second end plate to said second end of said tubular member;
(e) a first shaft having a center axis aligned with said center axis of said tubular member, said first shaft extending outward from and normal to said first end plate;
(f) a second shaft having a center axis aligned with said center axis of said tubular member, said second shaft extending outward from and normal to said second end plate;
(g) a bar of generally round cross section extending from said first end plate to said second end plate along said second edge of said tubular member;
and
(h) means for fixedly attaching said bar to said first end member and said second end member.

16 more elements

A system for closing flaps on cartons on a machine for cartoning articles comprising:

(a) a plurality of cartons for containing articles, said cartons each having at least one closable flap, said cartons having motion in a generally linear direction;
(b) means for moving said cartons in a generally linear direction;
(c) a flap tucker having a generally tubular member, said tubular member having a center axis and a circumferencial wall formed about said center axis, said circumferencial wall having an opening and further having:
an inside surface;
an outside surface;
a first end of smaller arc length;
a second end of greater arc length;
a first edge forming a border of said opening in said circumferencial wall, said first edge advancing in a generally helical manner about said center axis from said first end to said second end;
a second edge forming a border of said opening in said circumferencial wall, said second edge generally being parallel to said center axis and extending from said first end to said second end;
said flap tucker having an axis of rotation corresponding to said center axis of said tubular member;
said flap tucker having rotational motion about said axis of rotation, said flap tucker being disposed relative to said cartons such that said second edge contacts and folds an open flap on a carton as said flap tucker rotates and as said cartons move, and said outside surface rides against a folded flap as said cartons move;
(d) means for supporting said flap tucker such that said axis of rotation is generally parallel to direction of motion of said cartons;
(e) means for rotating said flap tucker;
and
(f) means for synchronizing said rotational motion of said flap tucker with said motion of said cartons such that for a majority of a rotation cycle of said flap tucker said flap tucker does not contact an open flap, and when contact does occur, said contact of said second edge with said open flap occurs over a majority of length of said open flap.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rotary flap tucker for a cartoning machine

Life of this patent

Rotary flap tucker for a cartoning machine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21