CN110621487B

CN110621487B - Device for producing and distributing individual stiffening elements

Info

Publication number: CN110621487B
Application number: CN201780090798.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: W·J·库伯
Original assignee: Avery Dennison Corp
Current assignee: Avery Dennison Corp
Priority date: 2017-04-14
Filing date: 2017-04-14
Publication date: 2021-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-14
Also published as: JP6797316B2; JP2020516472A; EP3609695A1; CN110621487A; WO2018190862A1

Abstract

A device for reinforcing a stapled connection created by an elastic stapling device with a plurality of individual reinforcing elements. The apparatus simultaneously constructs and deploys the plurality of individual reinforcement elements along with a resilient stapling apparatus that produces a plurality of plastic fasteners. The apparatus produces the plurality of individual stiffening elements from a pair of oppositely disposed webs of stiffening blank material. The separate reinforcing element provides additional structural integrity to the structurally deformable article.

Description

Device for producing and distributing individual stiffening elements

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for manufacturing and deploying reinforcement elements (such as plastic discs) incorporating fastening systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to devices used in conjunction with elastic stapling (stapling) devices for reinforcing stapled connection points on packaging materials while securing products to the packaging materials with the elastic stapling devices.

Background

Resilient or plastic fasteners are commonly used to secure various irregularly shaped products to packaging materials, such as cardboard backings. The elastic fasteners are generally of an H-shaped configuration in which two shortened parallel crossbars or T-bars are interconnected at their approximate midpoints by a thin, flexible filament extending orthogonally therebetween. Elastic fasteners or staples are typically produced separately from one batch of ladder stock or from a different batch of filament and T-bar stock. The elastic fastener may be formed from a ladder-like blank, such as that currently manufactured and sold by Elldianson Corporation of Pasadena, Calif. (Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif.) under the name PLASTIC

And ELASTIC STAPLE^TMA series of plastic fastener ladder blanks.

The elastic fasteners may be made and sold by plastic fastener devices (e.g., made and sold by Eledonison, Inc. of Pasadena, Calif.)

11601 (IndES)). These systems are designed to be used in household, toy and toy applicationsThe article of gold furniture is securely fixed to a backing board, usually made of cardboard. The pneumatically driven IndES unit can be operated as a stand-alone unit or integrated into an automated packaging line. The plastic fastener device secures the product to the package by threading a pair of hollow needles filled with fastener blanks and piercing through the cardboard liners on either side of the product to be secured. Leaving a separate elastic fastener to secure the product to the backing with a pair of T-shaped stems with filaments. The pair of T-bars engage the back of the backing to attach the product to the packaging material.

As each needle passes through the backing, a hole is formed in the backing material. The T-shaped stem portion of the fastener springs perpendicular to the filaments to engage the backing and hold the fastener in place. Heavier products or thinner backing materials can create strain on the connection point between the fastener and the backing. Such strain can lead to tearing or unwanted expansion of the insertion hole, resulting in failure of the connection. Once the connection is compromised, the product will no longer be secured to the package.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method of reinforcing the connection point between the elastic fastener and the backing material. Apparatus for supplying and deploying reinforcement to such fragile connection points is disclosed. The device incorporates elastic stapling means to create and install a plurality of stiffening elements. With the present invention, in a single operation, the elastic fasteners are produced and deployed by the elastic stapling device while the stiffening element is produced and deployed.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In one aspect thereof, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein includes an apparatus for manufacturing and positioning a plurality of individual reinforcement elements for use with a plurality of elastic fasteners. The apparatus includes a substrate and a pair of modules mounted to the substrate. The pair of modules feeds a pair of reinforcement rolls through the apparatus and cuts the individual reinforcement elements. A separate stiffening element is deployed and positioned by the pair of modules to align with the plurality of elastic fasteners generated and deployed by the elastic stapling apparatus to stiffen the connection points attaching the fasteners to the backing or wrapping material.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the pair of modules includes a pneumatic element, a link drive block, a cutting block, and a cam element. The linkage drive block is engaged by the pneumatic element and is movably connected to the cutting block by a cam element. Each of the pair of modules further includes a tape feed block for feeding one of the pair of reinforced blank rolls through the apparatus. Each of the pair of modules further includes a module cover element for resisting rearward movement of one of the pair of reinforcing blank rolls as it moves through the apparatus, and a cutting element for severing the plurality of reinforcing elements once the plurality of reinforcing elements are positioned to reinforce the plurality of resilient fasteners.

The pneumatic element is extended to push the link driving block forward along the guide groove in the cam member. This movement forces the cutting block downward, allowing a portion of the reinforcing blank to extend over the cutting block. Once positioned, the pneumatic element retracts, pushing the linkage drive block rearward, forcing the cutting block upward. As the cutting block is pushed upwards, the batch of reinforcement blanks is forced against the cutting element, thereby severing the individual reinforcement elements.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing a plurality of individual reinforcement elements from a supply of reinforcement blanks for use in conjunction with an elastic stapling apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a batch of reinforcement blanks and a plurality of individual reinforcement elements for use with the apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a pair of rolls of reinforcing blank material being fed into a pair of modules attached to a substrate of an apparatus according to the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one of the pair of modules in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a tape feed block of one of the pair of modules in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 6A illustrates a side perspective view of a blank positioning element of a tape feed block in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a top cover block of one of the pair of modules in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 8 illustrates a side view of a module cover element of one of the pair of modules in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 8A illustrates a side view of a detent (depth) feature of a modular cover element according to the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 9 illustrates a side view of a cutting block in a cutting position of one of the pair of modules in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of the pair of modules adjustably attached to a base plate in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 11 illustrates a top view of a central slot in a top plate of a modular cover element in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 12 illustrates an end cross-sectional view of one of the pair of modules in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 13 illustrates a partially exploded view of the batch of reinforcing blanks loaded onto one of a pair of blank engaging members of an apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of a strip of reinforcement blank material being fed into one of the pair of modules in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the strip of reinforcement blank material being fed into one of the pair of modules in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 15A illustrates a perspective view of one of a plurality of modules in a loading position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 15B illustrates a perspective view of one of the plurality of modules in a feed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Fig. 15C illustrates a perspective view of one of the plurality of modules in a cutting position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

Detailed Description

The subject innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the description. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing them.

Referring first to the drawings, fig. 1 to 15C show an apparatus 100 for producing a plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 from a supply of reinforcing blanks 50 according to the invention. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the apparatus 100 includes a frame 102 and a substrate 104. The base plate 104 includes a top side 106, a bottom side 108, and is adapted to support the elastic stapling device 30 and the batch of reinforcement blanks 50. As mentioned above, one example of an elastic stapling apparatus 30 that may be used with the apparatus 100 is the IndES Industrial elastic stapling system. IndES uses a pair of needles about 3/16 inches in diameter to secure the product to the packaging material (such as a cardboard backing) using resilient staples. The needles of the IndES machine pierce the packaging material and eject the staple tips through the pierced holes. The staple tips are bent into place to secure the elastomeric staples in place, thereby securing the product to the packaging material.

Apparatus 100 may be used to manufacture the plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 to reinforce plastic or elastic fasteners in a fastener assembly such as described in commonly assigned U.S.2016/0039555a1, which is incorporated herein by reference. As shown in fig. 3, the plurality of individual stiffening elements 60 are preferably formed as a unitary solid disc constructed of a hard plastic material that resists deformation, such as, but not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate. The plurality of individual stiffening elements 60 are herein denoted as substantially square tabs. However, this is not meant to be limiting, as the plurality of individual reinforcement elements 60 may be constructed in any alternative configuration, size or shape corresponding to the dimensions required to reinforce the plastic fasteners used.

The batch of reinforcing blanks 50 for use with the apparatus 100 is typically configured as a pair of rolls of reinforcing blank material. In one embodiment, each of the pair of rolls of reinforcing material is formed from a strip of hard plastic material 56 approximately 1/2 inches wide having a plurality of generally centrally disposed apertures 52 spaced along the centerline at approximately 1/2 inch intervals. The diameter of each of the plurality of holes 52 is sized to be slightly larger than the diameter of the needle of the elastic stapling device 30. As shown in fig. 2, 4 and 13, the pair of rolls of reinforcement blank material are loaded onto the apparatus 100, and the apparatus 100 cuts each strip of hard plastic material 56 into individual reinforcement elements 60 of approximately 1/2 square inches having a central aperture 52. Although specific dimensions have been described for this particular embodiment, these dimensions are not meant to be limiting as the dimensions may be customized as needed for use with any size plastic fastener.

The apparatus 100 also includes a pair of blank-engaging members 112, each blank-engaging member 112 including a spool 114 attached to a shaft 116. Each of the pair of blank engaging members 112 is mounted to the frame 102 beneath the base plate 104. The frame 102 serves as a support or foundation for the base 104. The base 104 is generally rectangular in configuration and also includes a centrally disposed opening 110. Each roll of reinforcing blank material is loaded on one of the reels 114, the reel 114 being rotated along the shaft 116, thereby feeding each strip of reinforcing blank material 56 from the roll of reinforcing blank material into the apparatus 100.

With the plurality of individual reinforcement elements 60 positioned against or near the back side of the package, the elastic stapling device 30 punches holes in the package material in alignment with the plurality of individual reinforcement elements 60, dispenses plastic fasteners through the needles, and secures each plastic fastener to a reinforcement connection point formed by one of the package and the individual reinforcement element 60. Thus, the plurality of individual stiffening elements 60 provides structural stability to the packaging material.

As shown in fig. 4, 5 and 10, the apparatus 100 further includes a pair of modules 118, the pair of modules 118 being movably mounted to the base plate 104 within the centrally disposed opening 110 to align with the elastic stapling apparatus 30. The first module 120 and the second module 122 of the pair of modules 118 are of identical construction, adjustable in position within the centrally disposed opening 110, and movably mounted in opposite directions. The pair of modules 118 is adapted to receive the batch of reinforcement blanks 50, sever the batch of reinforcement blanks 50 into the plurality of individual reinforcement elements 60, and deploy the plurality of individual reinforcement elements 60 in conjunction with resilient nailing to reinforce the plurality of nailed connections.

As shown in fig. 5 and 9, each of the pair of modules 118 includes a pneumatic element 124, a link drive block 128, a cam element 134, and a cutting block 142. Pneumatic element 124 is typically a pneumatic cylinder that moves a piston rod 126. Piston rod 126 is connected to one end of a link drive block 128. The cam member 134 includes a first end 136 fixed to the module 118, a second end 138 movably coupled to a cutting block 142, and a guide slot 140. The other end of the link drive block 128 is movably retained within the guide slot 140 of the cam member 136. Thus, the cam member 134 movably connects the link drive block 128 and the cutting block 142. Guide slot 140 is generally angularly configured to move cutting block 142 up and down as piston rod 126 is pushed or retracted by pneumatic element 124.

As shown in fig. 6 and 6A, each module 118 further includes a tape feed block 130, the tape feed block 130 including a blank positioning element 132. The tape feed block 130 is mounted to the top of the link drive block 128. The blank positioning element 132 is typically a pin that is beveled to engage the plurality of apertures 52 in the portion of the batch of reinforced blanks 50 extending along the strip feed block 130. The blank positioning element 132 advances the batch of reinforcing blanks 50 through the module 118 as the connecting rod drive block 128 is pushed forward by the piston rod 126.

As shown in fig. 8, 8A and 11, each module 118 further includes a module cover element 150 and a detent feature 160, the module cover element 150 including a top plate 152. The module cover member 150 is positioned within the centrally disposed opening 110 of the base plate 104. The top plate 152 includes a first end 154, a second end 156, and a central slot 158. The second end 156 of the first module 120 is positioned to face the second end 156 of the second module 122 within the centrally-disposed opening 110 of the substrate 104. The detent member 160 is typically a ball, cylinder, or similar mechanism that passes through the top plate 152 near the first end 154, the top plate 152 being alignable with and engageable with the plurality of apertures 52 in the batch of reinforcing blanks 50 to resist or prevent any rearward movement of the batch of reinforcing blanks 50 as the batch of reinforcing blanks 50 is advanced through the module 118 by the blank positioning element 132.

In addition, each module 118 also includes a top cover block 162 as shown in FIG. 7. The top cover block 162 is positioned within the central slot 158 of the top plate 152. The top cover block 162 is of substantially rectangular configuration, including a top side 164 and a bottom side 166, the bottom side 166 being crowned or otherwise concave to permit the blank positioning element 132 to advance the batch of reinforcing blanks 50 through the module 118. Accordingly, the bottom side 166 of the top cover block 162 generally abuts the tape feed block 130, thereby clamping or otherwise substantially enclosing the portion of the batch of reinforcement blanks 50 engaged by the modules 118.

Each module 118 also includes a top retention plate 168 and a cutting element 172. A top retention plate 168 is attached to the second end 156 of the top plate 152 and includes an opening 170, the opening 170 being generally shaped to the same configuration as each of the individual stiffening elements 60. Cutting block 142 includes a beveled top 144, a central aperture 146, and a bottom 148. The beveled tip 144 of the cutting block 142 passes through the opening 170, thereby pushing the individual reinforcing elements 60 through the opening 170 once they are cut. The cutting element 172 is typically a fixed knife or blade that is attached to the second end 156 of the modular cover element 150 where it movably abuts the cutting block 142.

As shown in fig. 12, the beveled tip 144 may be angled laterally relative to the cutting element 172 to more easily cut the individual stiffening elements 60. In a preferred embodiment, the slope is set at approximately 5 degrees. However, this is not meant to be limiting as the bevel may be varied to optimize the cut based on the material to be cut or the speed of the cut. The central bore 146 is sized and configured to receive the passage of a needle from the elastic stapling apparatus 30. The base 148 movably engages the cam member 134.

To use the apparatus 100, a user places each of the pair of rolls of reinforcing blank material 50 onto one of the pair of blank engaging members 112, as shown in fig. 14 and 14A. A strip of reinforcing blank material 56 from each roll is fed individually in opposite directions into one of a pair of modules 118. Each strip feed block 130 engages one of the strips of reinforcing blank material 56 with a blank positioning element 132. The apparatus 100 may be powered by a motor (not shown).

As shown in fig. 15A, the strip of reinforcing blank material 56 is positioned on the strip feed block 130 such that one end of the strip of reinforcing blank material 56 abuts the cutting block 142. In the loading position, piston rod 126 is fully retracted, thereby holding linkage drive block 128 away from cutting block 142. When apparatus 100 is engaged, piston rod 126 is extended through pneumatic element 124, thereby pushing link drive block 128 along guide slot 140 of cam element 134 toward cutting block 142, as shown in FIG. 15B. As the linkage drive block 128 moves forward, the cam member 134 pulls the cutting block 142 downward such that the ramp top 144 drops below the level of the cutting element 172. At the same time, the linkage drive block 128 advances the strip feed block 130 so that a portion of about 1/2 inches of the batch of reinforced blanks, or a plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 of any build length as desired, is pushed beyond the cutting element 172 and over the cutting block 142.

Finally, in the cutting position shown in fig. 15C, piston rod 126 is retracted by pneumatic element 124, thereby pulling link drive block 128 rearward along guide slot 140 of cam element 134, away from cutting block 142. This retraction allows the cam element 134 to push the cutting block 142 upwardly against the portion of the supply of reinforcement stock above the ramp top 144. The upward movement forces the beveled tip 144 against the batch of reinforcement blanks, thereby pushing the batch of reinforcement blanks along the cutting element 172 and through the opening 170 in the top retainer plate 168 to form and separate the individual reinforcement elements 60. At the same time, when the blank positioning element 132 slides out of the engagement hole 52 and re-engages the distal hole 52 in the batch of reinforcing blanks 50, the strap feed block 130 returns to its original position so that the process can be repeated. The device 100 is automatically adjustable to align the plurality of holes 52 of the individual reinforcement elements 60 with the alignment of the elastic stapling device 30. As the elastic stapling apparatus 30 is cycled, the apparatus 100 may index the strip of reinforcement material 56 by the next application.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a plurality of individual reinforcement elements from a supply of reinforcement blanks, comprising:

a base plate adapted to support the batch of reinforcement blanks;

a pair of modules mounted to the substrate, the pair of modules adapted to receive the batch of reinforcement blanks, sever the individual reinforcement elements, and deploy the individual reinforcement elements, each module comprising:

a tape feed block;

a link driving block, wherein the tape feeding block is attached to the link driving block;

a cutting block for severing the individual reinforcement elements; and

a cam element movably connecting the link driving block and the cutting block;

wherein the substrate comprises a centrally disposed opening; and is

Wherein each module further comprises a pneumatic element, wherein the link drive block is engaged by the pneumatic element.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tape feed block includes a blank positioning element for engaging and advancing the batch of reinforcing blanks through the module.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each module further comprises a top cover block abutting the tape feed block to substantially enclose the portion of the batch of reinforcement blanks engaged by the module.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each module further comprises a module cover element positioned within the centrally-located opening of the substrate.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the module cover element includes a detent feature for engaging the batch of reinforcing blanks and resisting rearward movement of the batch of reinforcing blanks through the module.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each module further comprises a cutting element abutting the cutting block.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the batch of reinforced blanks is advanced through each module and over the cutting block as the pneumatic element is extended to push the linkage drive block forward along the guide slot in the cam element, thereby moving the cutting block downward.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pneumatic element retracts to pull the linkage drive block rearward along the guide slot in the cam element, thereby moving the cutting block upward.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said upward movement of said cutting block pushes the batch of reinforcement blanks against said cutting elements, thereby separating out individual reinforcement elements.

10. An apparatus for manufacturing and dispensing a plurality of individual reinforcement elements from a supply of reinforcement blanks, said apparatus for use in conjunction with a resilient stapling apparatus, comprising:

a base plate adapted to support the elastic stapling apparatus and the batch of reinforcing blanks, wherein the base plate includes a centrally disposed opening;

a pair of modules movably mounted to the base plate for alignment with the elastic stapling apparatus and adapted to receive the batch of reinforcement blanks, sever the individual reinforcement elements, and deploy the individual reinforcement elements, each module comprising:

a tape feed block;

a cutting block for severing the individual reinforcement elements; and

a cam element movably connecting the link driving block and the cutting block;

wherein the batch of reinforcement blanks comprises a pair of rolls of reinforcement blank material;

wherein the pair of modules are positionally adjustable along the centrally disposed opening; and is

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each module further comprises a module cover element located within a centrally-located opening in the base plate.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the cutting block includes a beveled top and a hole for receiving a needle of the elastic stapling device.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pair of modules are oppositely aligned along a centrally disposed opening in the substrate.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of rolls of reinforcing blank material is fed individually into one of the pair of modules in opposite directions.

15. An apparatus for reinforcing a plurality of stapled connections, the apparatus for use in combination with an elastic stapling apparatus, comprising:

a base plate adapted to support the elastic stapling apparatus and a pair of rolls of reinforcing blank material;

a pair of modules movably mounted to the base plate in opposite directions, each module adapted to receive one of the rolls of reinforcing blank material, sever the roll of reinforcing blank material into a plurality of individual reinforcing elements, and deploy the individual reinforcing elements to reinforce the stapled connection; and is

Wherein each module comprises a pneumatic element, a link drive block engaged by the pneumatic element, a cutting block, a tape feed block attached to the link drive block, and a cam element movably connecting the link drive block and the cutting block.