Universal cutoff system for container carrier applicating machine
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsRachell Slovik, Christopher J. Ludwig, Christopher J. Samaras, Jonathan Gregersen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw drum for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided and a cutoff device for cutting the carrier into a desired size. The cutoff device includes an adjustable beam positionable into multiple angular positions relative to a flow of the plurality of containers depending on the desired size of the multipack.
Claims20
A cutoff device for cutting a generally continuous string of container carriers and containers into individual multipacks, the device comprising:
- an adjustable beam including a timing belt, the adjustable beam positionable between a first angular position relative to a flow of the generally continuous string of container carriers and a second angular position relative to the flow of the generally continuous string of container carriers;
- a plurality of blades positioned along the timing belt and traversing along an angular direction relative to the flow of the generally continuous string of container carriers wherein each successive blade of the plurality of blades cuts completely through between successive container carriers to form individual multipacks;
- at least one interchangeable star wheel positioned relative to the timing belt, the at least one interchangeable star wheel engaging the containers.
An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed, the applicating machine comprising:
- a jaw drum positioned with respect to the infeed to accept the plurality of containers, the jaw drum applying the flexible carrier to the plurality of containers in a generally continuous string;
- a cutoff device positioned downstream of the jaw drum, the cutoff device including an adjustable beam and a plurality of blades, the adjustable beam positionable into multiple angular positions relative to a flow of the plurality of containers, wherein each successive blade of the plurality of blades traverses along an angular direction relative to the flow of the generally continuous string of container carriers and cuts completely through between successive container carriers to form individual multipacks.
A method for cutting a generally continuous string of container carrier and containers into individual multipacks, the method comprising:
- providing a generally continuous string of container carrier and containers to a cutoff device;
- adjusting an angular position of an adjustable beam depending on at least one of a size of the multipack and a site of the containers, the adjustable beam including a timing belt;
- conveying a plurality of blades along the timing belt traversing along an angular direction relative to the flow of the generally continuous string of container carriers;
- and
- cutting the generally continuous string of container carrier into individual multipacks having a desired size wherein each successive blade of the plurality of blades cuts completely through between successive container carriers to form individual multipacks.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.