CA2052652A1 - Creamer lid cutting system - Google Patents
Creamer lid cutting systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2052652A1 CA2052652A1 CA 2052652 CA2052652A CA2052652A1 CA 2052652 A1 CA2052652 A1 CA 2052652A1 CA 2052652 CA2052652 CA 2052652 CA 2052652 A CA2052652 A CA 2052652A CA 2052652 A1 CA2052652 A1 CA 2052652A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lids
- series
- interconnected
- lidding
- sheet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/01—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the closures before applying
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2807—Feeding closures
- B65B7/2814—Feeding closures the closures being interconnected
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A series of interconnected lids which supply an apparatus for applying to circular container rims individual lids severed from the series. The series of lids comprise a series of interconnected lids which supply an apparatus for applying to container rims individual lids severed from the series of interconnected lids, the series of lids comprising a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart; the equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs; the series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along the aligned series of lids and about which each of the lids and the tabs is symmetrical; the series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, the opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and the tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions.
A series of interconnected lids which supply an apparatus for applying to circular container rims individual lids severed from the series. The series of lids comprise a series of interconnected lids which supply an apparatus for applying to container rims individual lids severed from the series of interconnected lids, the series of lids comprising a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart; the equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs; the series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along the aligned series of lids and about which each of the lids and the tabs is symmetrical; the series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, the opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and the tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions.
Description
2~ 2 CREAMER LID CUTTING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to lidding for application to containers and more particularly to a lid design which minimizes waste of the material from which the lids are cut.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are several techniques used in applying lidding to various types of c~ntainers. In the field of heat sealing of heat sensitive lids to container rims, there are a number of variations in how the lid is prepared before application to the container rim after the container is filled with the desired commodity. U.S.
Patent No. 3,838,550 discloses application of heat sensitive lidding material which is rectangular shaped for a circular container rim. The rectangular shaped lids are cut from a web and then heat sealed in place.
By virtue of the lid being rectangular, the lidding machine requires an additional unit for folding down the edges of the lid. As a result the lidding design does not provide a neat appearance for the container.
U.S. Patent 4,819,412 discloses a lidding design for containers which are dye cut from the lidding. Excess lidding is rolled onto a rewind device so that the material of the lidding may be re-used. As a result, the lidding as cut from the sheet of lidding material results in wastage and requirement for recycle.
U.S. Patents 4,176,507 and 4,819,413 disclose machines for applying lidding to containers where each lid is severed from a serial supply of lids. In U.S.
Patent 4,176,507, the lid design is such that when cut from a sheet of lidding material there is wastage between each series of lids as cut from the sheeting. Similarly, with the lidding design of U.S. Patent 4,819,413 wastage of sheeting material for the lidding results.
U.S. Patent 2,175,338 discloses the concept of punching from metal sheet, circular blanks which are used 2~2~
in forming caps for bottles. The blanks are cut from the sheet in staggered fsrm to thereby reduce the amount of material wastage in the metal sheet. However, rewinding of the metal sheet is required to recover non-used substrate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVEN~ION
In accordance with an aspect of this invention a lid design is provided for application to container rims which minimizes wastage of sheet material from which the lid is cut.
According to a first aspect of the invention a series of interconnected lids which supply an apparatus for applying to container rims individual lids severed from the series of interconnected lids, the series of lids comprises:
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) the equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs:
iii) the series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along the aligned series of lids and about which each of the lids and the tabs is symmetrical;
iv) the series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, the opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and the severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions.
According to a second aspect of the invention a sheet of lidding material having cut therein at least two adjacent rows of a series of interconnected lids, each row of lids comprises:
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
2~2~2 ii) the equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs;
iii) the series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along the aligned series of lids and about which each of the lids and the severable tabs is symmetrical;
iv) the series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, the opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and the severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions;
v) the at least two adjacent rows being separated by a single cut in the sheet where the cut is defined by the consistent smooth wave pattern;
vi) the lid in one row being adjacent one of the inter~onnecting severable tabs and between interconnected lids of the adjacent row whereby wastage of sheet material between the at least two rows is eliminated.
According to a third aspect of the invention a process for cutting adjacent rows of lidding from a sheet of lidding material in a manner to eliminate material waste in cutting out ad;acent rows of a series of interconnected lids, the series of interconnected lids comprises:
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) the equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical ~everable tabs, iii) the series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along the aligned series of lids and about which each of the lids and the severable tabs is symmetrical;
iv) the series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, the 2~2~
opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and the severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions;
the process of cutting adjacent rows of lidding comprises:
a) cutting the sheet of lidding material to define a single cut between the adjacent rows of lidding, each of the cuts defining the consistent smooth wave pattern for the interconnected lid edge portion, whereby each of the lids in one row of lidding is adjacent one of the interconnecting tabs and between interconnected lids of said adjacent row, and b) storing the individual rows of lidding as cut from the sheet of lidding material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic view in side elevation of a machine for applying lids to containers having circular rims;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of lidding material from which series of interconnected lids have been cut;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a container having a lid of this invention applied thereto;
Figure 4 is a top view of the lidding material of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a top view of the lidding material showing an alternative shape for the lid design;
Figure 6 is a top view of the sealed container of Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of sheet lidding material being fed into a device for cutting lidding therefrom; and 2~6~2 Figure 8 is a perspective view of the manner in which series of lidding are stored as retrieved from the cut sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in Figure 1, an apparatus 10 is provided for applying lids severed from a series of interconnected lids 12 to containers 14. An example of this type of lidding machine is disclosed in applicant's U.S. Patents 4,176,507 and 4,819,413. The series of interconnected lids is stored on a supply roll 16 from which the series is withdrawn as the supply roll 16 rotates in the direction of arrow 18 about support spindle 20. The series of interconnected lids are passed beneath roller 22 which aligns the series with the opposing feed rollers 24 and 2~ in accordance with standard techni~ues. The series of lids then travel towards a device not shown in the apparatus 10 for severing and/or applying the lids to the container rims as they are conveyed on the conveyor belt 26. The sealed container 28 is then removed from the conveyor 26 in the direction of arrow 30. The lids may be severed from the series of lids either before or after the lid is applied to the container in accordance with the techniques disclosed in the above U.S. Patents.
Such severance as shown in Figure 1 may take place by reciprocating the lid application rod 32 in the direction of arrow 34.
The lid design according to this invention preferably fits the shape of the container rim and provides the necessary pull tabs to allow the lid to be removed from the container. As shown in Figure 3, the container 28 has an individual lid 36 sealed thereto.
The lid 36 as severed from the series of lids 12 forms the intermediate section which is sealed to the circular or round container rim and provided with diametrically opposed pull tabs 38 and 40.
As shown in Figure 2, the series of lids as cut from a sheet of material 42 lie adjacent one another to 2~2~
provide adjacent rows of a series of lids identified, for example, by 12a, 12b, 12c etc. By a judicious selection for the shape of the lid, it has been found that in cutting the lid shape from the material in accordance with this invention, wastage of the sheeting material is minimized and in particular between adjacent series of lids such as 12a, 12b and 12c, there is only a single cut, and hence no wastage of lidding material.
With reference to Figures 4 through 6, details of the lidding design are discussed which provide for this elimination of wastage of sheeting material between adjacent rows of lidding. As shown in Figure 4, there are adjacent rows of lidding 12a, 12b ,12c and 12d. For each series of lids as interconnected by a tab portion, a specific shape is provided. In the series of lids 12a, each lid is identical and is equally spaced apart. In row 12a individual lid 36a is identical to lid 36b. The lids are all equally spaced apart in the series and are interconnected by a severable tab portion 44a and 44b. A
longitudinal axis 46 is defined along the series of lids 12a as shown, the lids and the tabs are then symmetrical about this longitudinal axis. Each lid and preferably its tabs are also symmetrical about a transverse line extending through the centre of the lid and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 46. The series of lids 12a has continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions 48 and 50.
The opposing edge portions are the mirror image of one another as defined about the longitudinal axis 46. Each opposing edge portion 48 or 50 defines a consistent smooth wave pattern. For the series of lids 12a the wave pattern is such that the lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions 48a and 50a and the tab 44 is defined by the opposing inward curved portions 48b and 50b.
By virtue of this consistent smooth wave pattern, in defining the lids and tabs of the series of interconnected lids, adjacent rows of series of 2 ~ 2 interconnected lids can be provided and defined by a single cut line between each row, hence eliminating any waste of lidding material between the rows as cut from the sheet of material.
The pattern for the series of interconnected lids can be better explained by reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 4 the centres 52 and 54 for respective lids 36a and 36b are spaced apart a distance equal to two times the distance indicated by arrow 56.
10 Distance 56 from centre 54 defines the midpoint 58 for tab 44a. The line 60, which extends between opposing centres 62 and 64 which defines the lateral extending median line, may be relied on to define the edge for the tab 44a. As shown in Figure S the greater the distance 56a the narrower the tab portion 44a and hence the closer the centres 62 and 64 are for respective lids 36a.
As demonstrated in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, altering the thickness of the tab portion 44 by increasing or decreasing distance 56 alters the shape for the lid to the extent desired, while maintaining the consistent smooth wave pattern so that waste between the cut adjacent rows of lidding is avoided. As is apparent from Figure 4, the radius 66 for the lid 36c defines a first circular curve for the lid. This circular curve for the lid merges into an inverse circular curve for the tab. As shown for adjacent rows 12c and 12d, the circular curve for the lid defines the inverse circular curve for the tab portion 44c. According to this embodiment, the radius of curvature for the first circular curve is then the same as the radius of curvature for the second circular curve defining the tab portion. With the lidding shape of Figure 4, the radius of curvature of the first or second circular curve is substantially the same as the width dimension of one embodiment for the tab 44 at its narrower portion defined by lateral line 60. With the embodiment of Figure 5 and other embodiments, it is understood that the width 2 ~ 2 dimension for the tab if severed at its narrowest portion may range from approximately 0.5 to 1.5 times ~he radius of curvature of the first or second circular curve.
The individual lid 36 as applied to a circular container is shown in more detail in Figure 6. The circular rim 68 for the container is shown in dot beneath the lid 36. The lid 36 may carry on its underside heat sensitive adhesive material such that when heated, adheres and joins the underside of the lid 36 to the container rim. With appropriate lidding machinery, the lid 36 may be applied centrally to the container rim 68 so as to provide an attractive finished product.
According to one embodiment of the invantion, the tabbed portion may be severed at the narrowest portion between each lid. The so defined tab sections 38 and 40 provide sufficient pull tab area to permit removal of the lid from the container rim. Dimension 69 then corresponds to the narrowest portion of the tab as severed by a suitable knife mechanism on the machine 10. Distance 70 then corresponds to approximately one half the tabbed dimension as it interconnects the series of lids of the rows exemplified in Figure 4 or 5. It is appreciated, however, that the tab section 38 may be longer than the tab section 40. This may be accomplished by the knife mechanism on the machine severing the tab portion at a position offset from line 60. Hence, tab section 38 is longer than tab section 40 by the extent of offset from line 60. The larger tab 38 could then include an outer enlarged portion beyond the narrower section at line 60.
As shown in Figure 7, lidding material in the form of a sheet 42 enters a cutting device 72 in the direction of arrow 74 to cut the sheet 42 to form adjacent rows of lidding 12a, 12b, 12c ... 12x. As is apparent from Figure 7, the only wastage in cutting the rows of lidding from the sheet 42 is the edge portion 76 of the sheet which has the straight edge 78, otherwise the remainder of the sheet is cut up into the rows of lidding. As 9 2~3~2~ 2 shown in Figure 7, the rows of lidding are defined by single cuts 80 between adjacent rows. Each single cut 80 is defined by the consistent smooth wave pattern for the edge portion of the series of interconnected lids. The lid of one row is then positioned adjacent an interconnecting tab of the next row and between two lids which are interconnected by that tab. This arrangement of adjacent rows therefore provides a nesting of lids between each other or adjacent rows to form the compact arrangement of Figure 7 with the individual cuts 80 between the adjacent rows.
The sheeting material 42 may be cut in any of a variety of well known techniques. As demonstrated in Figure 7, the sheeting 42 is cut by opposing rollers 82 lS and 84. Rollers 82 and 84 counter-rotate in the direction of arrows 86 and 88 about shafts 90 and 92.
Roller 82 forms the mandrel surface 94 for the cutting roller 84 which has knife edges 96 shaped to define the cut pattern 80 between adjacent rows of lidding. The knife edges 96 as they project from the surface 98 of roller 84 are urged against the mandrel surface 94 of the roller 82 to penetrate the sheet 42 and hence define the individual cut lines 80. The cutting edges 96 are shaped to define the consistent smooth wave pattern so that adjacent rows have the desired lidding shape as discussed with respect to Figures 4, 5 and 6. In this manner, wastage of the sheet material is minimized and between the rows is eliminated. The only wastage with the system of the Figure 7 is the outside strip line 76 of the sheeting material.
As shown in Figure 8, the cut sheeting material as fed in the direction of arrow 100 is removed from the cutting device 72. Alternating rows 12~, 12c and 12e are removed from the cut sheeting and rolled about roller 102 to form rolled supply of series of interconnected lids.
Similarly, alternating rows 12b, 12d and 12f are rolled about roller 104. Although not shown the rollers are 2 ~ 2 readily disassembled to provide individual supply rolls of a series of interconnected lids which may then be fitted on the lidding machine 10 of Figure 1.
The design of the lids for this invention thereby minimize wastage of lidding material in forming the series of interconnected lids, as well as providing an attractive lid shape for application to circular containers. It is appreciated that this technique of cutting out a series of interconnecting lids may be applied not only to lidding material of paper or synthetic plastic material, but also lidding material of strip metal such as aluminum or steel, as used in lidding of various glass, metal and plastic containers. The lidding material of paper construction may include aluminum foil to provide for package freshness. Common forms of hot melt adhesives may be used on the underside of the lidding to provide for sealing to the container rim, although other adhesives may be used for attaching the lid to the container.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
i .
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to lidding for application to containers and more particularly to a lid design which minimizes waste of the material from which the lids are cut.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are several techniques used in applying lidding to various types of c~ntainers. In the field of heat sealing of heat sensitive lids to container rims, there are a number of variations in how the lid is prepared before application to the container rim after the container is filled with the desired commodity. U.S.
Patent No. 3,838,550 discloses application of heat sensitive lidding material which is rectangular shaped for a circular container rim. The rectangular shaped lids are cut from a web and then heat sealed in place.
By virtue of the lid being rectangular, the lidding machine requires an additional unit for folding down the edges of the lid. As a result the lidding design does not provide a neat appearance for the container.
U.S. Patent 4,819,412 discloses a lidding design for containers which are dye cut from the lidding. Excess lidding is rolled onto a rewind device so that the material of the lidding may be re-used. As a result, the lidding as cut from the sheet of lidding material results in wastage and requirement for recycle.
U.S. Patents 4,176,507 and 4,819,413 disclose machines for applying lidding to containers where each lid is severed from a serial supply of lids. In U.S.
Patent 4,176,507, the lid design is such that when cut from a sheet of lidding material there is wastage between each series of lids as cut from the sheeting. Similarly, with the lidding design of U.S. Patent 4,819,413 wastage of sheeting material for the lidding results.
U.S. Patent 2,175,338 discloses the concept of punching from metal sheet, circular blanks which are used 2~2~
in forming caps for bottles. The blanks are cut from the sheet in staggered fsrm to thereby reduce the amount of material wastage in the metal sheet. However, rewinding of the metal sheet is required to recover non-used substrate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVEN~ION
In accordance with an aspect of this invention a lid design is provided for application to container rims which minimizes wastage of sheet material from which the lid is cut.
According to a first aspect of the invention a series of interconnected lids which supply an apparatus for applying to container rims individual lids severed from the series of interconnected lids, the series of lids comprises:
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) the equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs:
iii) the series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along the aligned series of lids and about which each of the lids and the tabs is symmetrical;
iv) the series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, the opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and the severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions.
According to a second aspect of the invention a sheet of lidding material having cut therein at least two adjacent rows of a series of interconnected lids, each row of lids comprises:
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
2~2~2 ii) the equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs;
iii) the series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along the aligned series of lids and about which each of the lids and the severable tabs is symmetrical;
iv) the series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, the opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and the severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions;
v) the at least two adjacent rows being separated by a single cut in the sheet where the cut is defined by the consistent smooth wave pattern;
vi) the lid in one row being adjacent one of the inter~onnecting severable tabs and between interconnected lids of the adjacent row whereby wastage of sheet material between the at least two rows is eliminated.
According to a third aspect of the invention a process for cutting adjacent rows of lidding from a sheet of lidding material in a manner to eliminate material waste in cutting out ad;acent rows of a series of interconnected lids, the series of interconnected lids comprises:
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) the equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical ~everable tabs, iii) the series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along the aligned series of lids and about which each of the lids and the severable tabs is symmetrical;
iv) the series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, the 2~2~
opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and the severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions;
the process of cutting adjacent rows of lidding comprises:
a) cutting the sheet of lidding material to define a single cut between the adjacent rows of lidding, each of the cuts defining the consistent smooth wave pattern for the interconnected lid edge portion, whereby each of the lids in one row of lidding is adjacent one of the interconnecting tabs and between interconnected lids of said adjacent row, and b) storing the individual rows of lidding as cut from the sheet of lidding material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic view in side elevation of a machine for applying lids to containers having circular rims;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of lidding material from which series of interconnected lids have been cut;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a container having a lid of this invention applied thereto;
Figure 4 is a top view of the lidding material of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a top view of the lidding material showing an alternative shape for the lid design;
Figure 6 is a top view of the sealed container of Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of sheet lidding material being fed into a device for cutting lidding therefrom; and 2~6~2 Figure 8 is a perspective view of the manner in which series of lidding are stored as retrieved from the cut sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in Figure 1, an apparatus 10 is provided for applying lids severed from a series of interconnected lids 12 to containers 14. An example of this type of lidding machine is disclosed in applicant's U.S. Patents 4,176,507 and 4,819,413. The series of interconnected lids is stored on a supply roll 16 from which the series is withdrawn as the supply roll 16 rotates in the direction of arrow 18 about support spindle 20. The series of interconnected lids are passed beneath roller 22 which aligns the series with the opposing feed rollers 24 and 2~ in accordance with standard techni~ues. The series of lids then travel towards a device not shown in the apparatus 10 for severing and/or applying the lids to the container rims as they are conveyed on the conveyor belt 26. The sealed container 28 is then removed from the conveyor 26 in the direction of arrow 30. The lids may be severed from the series of lids either before or after the lid is applied to the container in accordance with the techniques disclosed in the above U.S. Patents.
Such severance as shown in Figure 1 may take place by reciprocating the lid application rod 32 in the direction of arrow 34.
The lid design according to this invention preferably fits the shape of the container rim and provides the necessary pull tabs to allow the lid to be removed from the container. As shown in Figure 3, the container 28 has an individual lid 36 sealed thereto.
The lid 36 as severed from the series of lids 12 forms the intermediate section which is sealed to the circular or round container rim and provided with diametrically opposed pull tabs 38 and 40.
As shown in Figure 2, the series of lids as cut from a sheet of material 42 lie adjacent one another to 2~2~
provide adjacent rows of a series of lids identified, for example, by 12a, 12b, 12c etc. By a judicious selection for the shape of the lid, it has been found that in cutting the lid shape from the material in accordance with this invention, wastage of the sheeting material is minimized and in particular between adjacent series of lids such as 12a, 12b and 12c, there is only a single cut, and hence no wastage of lidding material.
With reference to Figures 4 through 6, details of the lidding design are discussed which provide for this elimination of wastage of sheeting material between adjacent rows of lidding. As shown in Figure 4, there are adjacent rows of lidding 12a, 12b ,12c and 12d. For each series of lids as interconnected by a tab portion, a specific shape is provided. In the series of lids 12a, each lid is identical and is equally spaced apart. In row 12a individual lid 36a is identical to lid 36b. The lids are all equally spaced apart in the series and are interconnected by a severable tab portion 44a and 44b. A
longitudinal axis 46 is defined along the series of lids 12a as shown, the lids and the tabs are then symmetrical about this longitudinal axis. Each lid and preferably its tabs are also symmetrical about a transverse line extending through the centre of the lid and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 46. The series of lids 12a has continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions 48 and 50.
The opposing edge portions are the mirror image of one another as defined about the longitudinal axis 46. Each opposing edge portion 48 or 50 defines a consistent smooth wave pattern. For the series of lids 12a the wave pattern is such that the lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions 48a and 50a and the tab 44 is defined by the opposing inward curved portions 48b and 50b.
By virtue of this consistent smooth wave pattern, in defining the lids and tabs of the series of interconnected lids, adjacent rows of series of 2 ~ 2 interconnected lids can be provided and defined by a single cut line between each row, hence eliminating any waste of lidding material between the rows as cut from the sheet of material.
The pattern for the series of interconnected lids can be better explained by reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 4 the centres 52 and 54 for respective lids 36a and 36b are spaced apart a distance equal to two times the distance indicated by arrow 56.
10 Distance 56 from centre 54 defines the midpoint 58 for tab 44a. The line 60, which extends between opposing centres 62 and 64 which defines the lateral extending median line, may be relied on to define the edge for the tab 44a. As shown in Figure S the greater the distance 56a the narrower the tab portion 44a and hence the closer the centres 62 and 64 are for respective lids 36a.
As demonstrated in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, altering the thickness of the tab portion 44 by increasing or decreasing distance 56 alters the shape for the lid to the extent desired, while maintaining the consistent smooth wave pattern so that waste between the cut adjacent rows of lidding is avoided. As is apparent from Figure 4, the radius 66 for the lid 36c defines a first circular curve for the lid. This circular curve for the lid merges into an inverse circular curve for the tab. As shown for adjacent rows 12c and 12d, the circular curve for the lid defines the inverse circular curve for the tab portion 44c. According to this embodiment, the radius of curvature for the first circular curve is then the same as the radius of curvature for the second circular curve defining the tab portion. With the lidding shape of Figure 4, the radius of curvature of the first or second circular curve is substantially the same as the width dimension of one embodiment for the tab 44 at its narrower portion defined by lateral line 60. With the embodiment of Figure 5 and other embodiments, it is understood that the width 2 ~ 2 dimension for the tab if severed at its narrowest portion may range from approximately 0.5 to 1.5 times ~he radius of curvature of the first or second circular curve.
The individual lid 36 as applied to a circular container is shown in more detail in Figure 6. The circular rim 68 for the container is shown in dot beneath the lid 36. The lid 36 may carry on its underside heat sensitive adhesive material such that when heated, adheres and joins the underside of the lid 36 to the container rim. With appropriate lidding machinery, the lid 36 may be applied centrally to the container rim 68 so as to provide an attractive finished product.
According to one embodiment of the invantion, the tabbed portion may be severed at the narrowest portion between each lid. The so defined tab sections 38 and 40 provide sufficient pull tab area to permit removal of the lid from the container rim. Dimension 69 then corresponds to the narrowest portion of the tab as severed by a suitable knife mechanism on the machine 10. Distance 70 then corresponds to approximately one half the tabbed dimension as it interconnects the series of lids of the rows exemplified in Figure 4 or 5. It is appreciated, however, that the tab section 38 may be longer than the tab section 40. This may be accomplished by the knife mechanism on the machine severing the tab portion at a position offset from line 60. Hence, tab section 38 is longer than tab section 40 by the extent of offset from line 60. The larger tab 38 could then include an outer enlarged portion beyond the narrower section at line 60.
As shown in Figure 7, lidding material in the form of a sheet 42 enters a cutting device 72 in the direction of arrow 74 to cut the sheet 42 to form adjacent rows of lidding 12a, 12b, 12c ... 12x. As is apparent from Figure 7, the only wastage in cutting the rows of lidding from the sheet 42 is the edge portion 76 of the sheet which has the straight edge 78, otherwise the remainder of the sheet is cut up into the rows of lidding. As 9 2~3~2~ 2 shown in Figure 7, the rows of lidding are defined by single cuts 80 between adjacent rows. Each single cut 80 is defined by the consistent smooth wave pattern for the edge portion of the series of interconnected lids. The lid of one row is then positioned adjacent an interconnecting tab of the next row and between two lids which are interconnected by that tab. This arrangement of adjacent rows therefore provides a nesting of lids between each other or adjacent rows to form the compact arrangement of Figure 7 with the individual cuts 80 between the adjacent rows.
The sheeting material 42 may be cut in any of a variety of well known techniques. As demonstrated in Figure 7, the sheeting 42 is cut by opposing rollers 82 lS and 84. Rollers 82 and 84 counter-rotate in the direction of arrows 86 and 88 about shafts 90 and 92.
Roller 82 forms the mandrel surface 94 for the cutting roller 84 which has knife edges 96 shaped to define the cut pattern 80 between adjacent rows of lidding. The knife edges 96 as they project from the surface 98 of roller 84 are urged against the mandrel surface 94 of the roller 82 to penetrate the sheet 42 and hence define the individual cut lines 80. The cutting edges 96 are shaped to define the consistent smooth wave pattern so that adjacent rows have the desired lidding shape as discussed with respect to Figures 4, 5 and 6. In this manner, wastage of the sheet material is minimized and between the rows is eliminated. The only wastage with the system of the Figure 7 is the outside strip line 76 of the sheeting material.
As shown in Figure 8, the cut sheeting material as fed in the direction of arrow 100 is removed from the cutting device 72. Alternating rows 12~, 12c and 12e are removed from the cut sheeting and rolled about roller 102 to form rolled supply of series of interconnected lids.
Similarly, alternating rows 12b, 12d and 12f are rolled about roller 104. Although not shown the rollers are 2 ~ 2 readily disassembled to provide individual supply rolls of a series of interconnected lids which may then be fitted on the lidding machine 10 of Figure 1.
The design of the lids for this invention thereby minimize wastage of lidding material in forming the series of interconnected lids, as well as providing an attractive lid shape for application to circular containers. It is appreciated that this technique of cutting out a series of interconnecting lids may be applied not only to lidding material of paper or synthetic plastic material, but also lidding material of strip metal such as aluminum or steel, as used in lidding of various glass, metal and plastic containers. The lidding material of paper construction may include aluminum foil to provide for package freshness. Common forms of hot melt adhesives may be used on the underside of the lidding to provide for sealing to the container rim, although other adhesives may be used for attaching the lid to the container.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
i .
Claims (10)
1. A series of interconnected lids which supply an apparatus for applying to container rims individual lids severed from said series of interconnected lids, said series of lids comprising:
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) said equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs;
iii) said series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along said aligned series of lids and about which each of said lids and said tabs is symmetrical;
iv) said series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, said opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and said severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions.
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) said equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs;
iii) said series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along said aligned series of lids and about which each of said lids and said tabs is symmetrical;
iv) said series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, said opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and said severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions.
2. A series of interconnected lids of claim 1, wherein:
i) said consistent smooth wave pattern is determined by a first circular curve for said outward curved portion for said lid merging with an inverse second circular curve for said severable tab, and ii) said second circular curve having a radius of curvature the same as the radius of curvature for said first circular curve.
i) said consistent smooth wave pattern is determined by a first circular curve for said outward curved portion for said lid merging with an inverse second circular curve for said severable tab, and ii) said second circular curve having a radius of curvature the same as the radius of curvature for said first circular curve.
3. A series of interconnected lids of claim 2, wherein:
i) said severable tab has a width dimension at its narrowest portion which ranges from approximately 0.5 to 1.5 times said radius of curvature of said first or second circular curve.
i) said severable tab has a width dimension at its narrowest portion which ranges from approximately 0.5 to 1.5 times said radius of curvature of said first or second circular curve.
4. A series of interconnected lids of claim 3, wherein:
i) said radius of curvature of said first or second circular curve is substantially the same as the width dimension of said severable tab at its narrowest portion.
i) said radius of curvature of said first or second circular curve is substantially the same as the width dimension of said severable tab at its narrowest portion.
5. A sheet of lidding material having cut therein at least two adjacent rows of a series of interconnected lids, each row of lids comprising:
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) said equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs;
iii) said series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along said aligned series of lids and about which each of said lids and said severable tabs is symmetrical;
iv) said series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, said opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and said severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions;
v) said at least two adjacent rows being separated by a single cut in said sheet where said cut is defined by said consistent smooth wave pattern;
vi) said lid in one row being adjacent one of said interconnecting severable tabs and between interconnected lids of said adjacent row whereby wastage of sheet material between said at least two rows is eliminated.
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) said equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs;
iii) said series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along said aligned series of lids and about which each of said lids and said severable tabs is symmetrical;
iv) said series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, said opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and said severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions;
v) said at least two adjacent rows being separated by a single cut in said sheet where said cut is defined by said consistent smooth wave pattern;
vi) said lid in one row being adjacent one of said interconnecting severable tabs and between interconnected lids of said adjacent row whereby wastage of sheet material between said at least two rows is eliminated.
6. A sheet of lidding material of claim 5, wherein:
i) said consistent smooth wave pattern is determined by a first circular curve for said outward curved portion for said lid merging with an inverse second circular curve for said severable tab.
i) said consistent smooth wave pattern is determined by a first circular curve for said outward curved portion for said lid merging with an inverse second circular curve for said severable tab.
7. A sheet of lidding material of claim 5, wherein said rows of lids are rolled into individual rolls of interconnected lidding and separated from said sheet of lidding material.
8. A process for cutting adjacent rows of lidding from a sheet of lidding material in a manner to eliminate material waste in cutting out adjacent rows of a series of interconnected lids, said series of interconnected lids comprising:
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) said equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs;
iii) said series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along said aligned series of lids and about which each of said lids and said severable tabs is symmetrical;
iv) said series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, said opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and said severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions;
said process of cutting adjacent rows of lidding comprising:
a) cutting said sheet of lidding material to define a single cut between said adjacent rows of lidding, each of said cuts defining said consistent smooth wave pattern for said interconnected lid edge portion, whereby each of said lids in one row of lidding is adjacent one of said interconnecting tabs and between interconnected lids of said adjacent row, and b) storing said individual rows of lidding as cut from said sheet of lidding material.
i) a plurality of identical lids which are equally spaced apart;
ii) said equally spaced apart lids being interconnected by identical severable tabs;
iii) said series of lids when aligned having a longitudinal axis extending along said aligned series of lids and about which each of said lids and said severable tabs is symmetrical;
iv) said series of interconnected lids having continuous spaced apart opposing edge portions, said opposing edge portions being the mirror image of one another and defining a consistent smooth wave pattern whereby each lid is defined by opposing outward curved portions and said severable tab is defined by opposing inward curved portions;
said process of cutting adjacent rows of lidding comprising:
a) cutting said sheet of lidding material to define a single cut between said adjacent rows of lidding, each of said cuts defining said consistent smooth wave pattern for said interconnected lid edge portion, whereby each of said lids in one row of lidding is adjacent one of said interconnecting tabs and between interconnected lids of said adjacent row, and b) storing said individual rows of lidding as cut from said sheet of lidding material.
9. A process of claim 8, wherein said step of cutting said sheet material into a plurality of individual rows, passing said sheet of lidding material through a cutting apparatus having a plurality of spaced apart cutting devices for cutting said sheet material and thereby define said single cuts which provide said plurality of individual rows of lidding.
10. A process of claim 8, wherein said step of storing said individual rows comprising rolling each row of lidding into a roll for subsequent use on a lidding machine.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US60128390A | 1990-10-22 | 1990-10-22 | |
| US601,283 | 1990-10-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2052652A1 true CA2052652A1 (en) | 1992-04-23 |
Family
ID=24406918
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2052652 Abandoned CA2052652A1 (en) | 1990-10-22 | 1991-10-02 | Creamer lid cutting system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2052652A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2250973A (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9260209B2 (en) | 2004-04-20 | 2016-02-16 | Jørgen Henriksen | Container closure application system and method |
| CN111874298B (en) * | 2020-07-24 | 2022-03-22 | 蜡笔小新（福建）食品工业有限公司 | Film sealing laser cutting device for jelly filling |
-
1991
- 1991-10-02 CA CA 2052652 patent/CA2052652A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-10-09 GB GB9121422A patent/GB2250973A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9121422D0 (en) | 1991-11-20 |
| GB2250973A (en) | 1992-06-24 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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