EP0160251A1 - Method and apparatus for forming containers - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for forming containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0160251A1
EP0160251A1 EP85104672A EP85104672A EP0160251A1 EP 0160251 A1 EP0160251 A1 EP 0160251A1 EP 85104672 A EP85104672 A EP 85104672A EP 85104672 A EP85104672 A EP 85104672A EP 0160251 A1 EP0160251 A1 EP 0160251A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
side wall
mandrel
wall
blank
aperture
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP85104672A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lev Balanovsky
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
International Paper Co
Original Assignee
International Paper Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by International Paper Co filed Critical International Paper Co
Publication of EP0160251A1 publication Critical patent/EP0160251A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B31B50/59—Shaping sheet material under pressure
    • B31B50/592—Shaping sheet material under pressure using punches or dies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2105/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers made by assembling separate sheets, blanks or webs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2105/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers made by assembling separate sheets, blanks or webs
    • B31B2105/002—Making boxes characterised by the shape of the blanks from which they are formed
    • B31B2105/0022—Making boxes from tubular webs or blanks, e.g. with separate bottoms, including tube or bottom forming operations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2110/00—Shape of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B31B2110/20—Shape of rigid or semi-rigid containers having a curved cross section, e.g. circular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2110/00—Shape of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B31B2110/30—Shape of rigid or semi-rigid containers having a polygonal cross section
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B31B50/26—Folding sheets, blanks or webs
    • B31B50/28—Folding sheets, blanks or webs around mandrels, e.g. for forming bottoms

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to the field of manufacturing containers from paperboard stock, and more particularly to producing paperboard containers having a side wall formed from a first blank and an end wall formed from a second blank.
  • Paperboard containers are widely used for the packaging of foodstuffs such as powdered mixes, cereals, snack chips and the like, and are suitable for packaging liquids in general, and also for packing many non-food substances, particularly those which are moisture sensitive.
  • Such containers are often formed from pre-cut blanks comprising paperboard covered on both surfaces with a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene.
  • the polyethylene inhibits passage through the paperboard of bacteria and other microorganisms, moisture, and the contents of the container.
  • the thermoplastic coating can serve as an adhesive when subjected to heat and pressure.
  • seams or joints between overlapped edges of the blank may be made by applying heat and pressure to the area of the overlapped edges.
  • a laminate comprising paperboard covered on both surfaces with a thermoplastic material, such as01 60251 polyethlyene, is formed in a web of indefinite length. Blanks of a desired size and shape are then cut out of the web. The blanks are folded or wrapped by automatic machinery in a packaging plant to form a tube which typically is provided with a closure at one end. The containers thus formed are then filled with a product by means of automatic filling apparatus after which a closure is affixed to the open end of each container.
  • a thermoplastic material such as01 60251 polyethlyene
  • a particular difficulty in the formation of nonround containers is the sealing of the end wall to the side wall, especially at tightly radiused corners, i.e., corners with a radius of curvature of about one-half inch.
  • a rectangular container for example, it is conventional to use a four-piece expandable tool to seal the end wall to the side wall:
  • the four segments are expandable to primarily seal either the four corners or the four sides of a rectangular container, and they do not apply an equal force at all points along the perimeter.
  • thermoplastic coating is heated, to serve as an adhesive, before either of these steps. In order for the coating to remain sufficiently tacky through both steps, it must be overheated during the heating step. Overheating can cause localized melting of the coating resulting in "pinholes" where only bare paperboard is present, decreasing the effectiveness of the container as barrier.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide such a container that can be manufactured easily and economically.
  • Still another object is to provide such a container of a controlled size and shape, especially one having tightly radiused corners, i.e., corners having a radius of curvature of about one-half inch.
  • Yet another object is to provide such a container having a continuous seal between the end wall and the side wall.
  • Apparatus for forming a container according to the invention includes apparatus for forming a side wall and apparatus for sealing an end wall to a side wall.
  • a method for forming a container according to the invention includes a method for forming a side wall and a method for sealing an end wall to a side wall.
  • the apparatus of the invention for forming a side wall or container includes a mandrel, a die having rollers, and sealing means.
  • the mandrel is adjustable between a forming configuration and a discharge configuration, the forming configuration being for forming the side wall having radiused corners around the mandrel and the discharge configuration being for facilitating removal of a formed and sealed side wall from the mandrel.
  • the die has a pair of leading edges spaced apart from each other and has a roller pivotably disposed on each leading edge. Each of the rollers is biased toward that roller on the other leading edge.
  • the die has an interior shape to hold the blank snugly in contact to adjacent radiused corners of the mandrel.
  • the die is movable from a first position remote from the mandrel to a second position adjacent to a portion of the surface of the mandrel for causing the rollers to contact the blank positioned between the mandrel and the die when the die is in the first position, to force the blank against the mandrel, and to roll along the surface of the blank to wrap the blank around the surface, forming radiused corners in the blank which conform to the radiused corners of the surface of the mandrel and causing two opposing edges of the blank to overlap.
  • a sealing means seals the overlapping edges of the blank together to form a container side wall having radiused corners. If a complete container is being formed, an end wall is attached as described below.
  • the shaping surface perimeter of the mandrel is approximately rectangular and includes four radiused corners.
  • the mandrel is made of a first outer segment having two radiused corners, a second outer segment having the other two radiused corners, a central segment disposed between the outer segments, and an end plate normal to the shaping surface.
  • the outer segments are relatively close to the central segments and the end plate is relatively far from the central segment, and when the mandrel is in the forming configuration'the outer segments are each spaced farther from the central segment than when the mandrel is in the discharge configuration, while the end plate is closer to the central segment than when the mandrel is in the discharge configuration.
  • the surface of the mandrel has at least four radiused corners and four sides
  • the first di e has an interior shape to hold a blank snugly in contact with two radiused corners and three sides of the surface
  • the second die has an interior shape to hold the blank snugly in contact with the fourth side and two other radiused corners of the surface.
  • An alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the invention for forming a aide wall or complete container having radiused corners includes an expandable mandrel, a first die, a second die, and sealing means.
  • the mandrel has a shaping surface, having radiused corners, for shaping the side wall.
  • the mandrel is adjustable between two configurations, a forming configuration in which the surface of the mandrel has a perimeter substantially equal to the perimeter of the side_wall to be formed, and a discharge configuration in which the perimeter of the surface is less than the perimeter of the side wall to facilitate removal of a formed and sealed side wall from the mandrel.
  • the end of the mandrel normal to the shaping surface, on which end and end wall is placed if forming a container moves outward to assist in the discharge of the formed container.
  • the first die is movable to a position adjacent to a portion of the surface of the mandrel for wrapping a side wall blank Around part of the surface while the mandrel is in the forming configuration.
  • the second die is movable to a position adjacent another portion of the surface for wrapping the blank around the remainder of the surface while the mandrel is in the forming configuration and for causing two opposing edges of the blank to overlap.
  • the sealing means seals the overlapping edges of the blank together to form a container side wall having radiused corners. If a complete container is being formed, an end wall is attached as described below.
  • the apparatus of the invention for sealing an end wall having an end wall flange to a nonround side wall includes an outer die having an aperture, a housing supporting a plurality of movable segments, means for positioning the housing in the aperture, and means for moving the segments.
  • the aperture of the outer die has a nonround cross sectional shape and has a wall with at least one roughly linear portion and at least one radiused portion.
  • the housing supports a plurality of segments in a plane.
  • the means for positioning the housing in the aperture position the housing so that the plane in which the segments lie is approximately normal to the linear portion of the wall of the aperture.
  • the segments are movable in the plane between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. The segments when in the expanded configuration define a continuous shape approximately identical to the cross-sectional shape of the aperture wall.
  • the continuous shape defined by the segments includes at least one roughly linear portion and at least one radiused portion and each segment defines at least a portion of a roughly linear portion or of a radiused portion of the continuous shape.
  • the means for moving the segments moves the segments simultaneously from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration to seal together an end wall flange and a side wall positioned between the aperture wall and the segments.
  • the aperture of the outer die is rectangular and has four radiused portions and four linear portions. There are eight segments and each of the four radiused portions and four linear portions of the continuous shape are defined by a segment.
  • the housing supporting the segments includes a top plate and a bottom plate and each segment has a pin and a slot, with one end of the slot nearer to and one end further from the opening, the diameter of the slot being larger than the diameter of the pin.
  • Each segment is movably supported between the top and bottom plates by the pin which is attached at one end to the top plate and at the other end to the bottom plate and which passes through the slot in the segment.
  • a compression spring is positioned in each slot between the pin and the nearer end of the slot to hold the segments in the contracted configuration when the cam is not in the opening.
  • a compression spring is positioned around a perimeter of the segments urging the segments into the contracted configuration.
  • an outer die having an aperture with a first-vall of constant perimeter and a second wall having a radiused surface, and a sealing means.
  • the aperture of the outer die defines a first opening and a second opening on opposite sides of the die. Adjacent the first opening is the first wall of constant perimeter. Adjacent the second opening is the second wall having a radiused surface such that the width of the aperture decreases toward the second opening.
  • the sealing means is movable into the second opening and into an operative position adjacent the first wall of the aperture to force the curved portion of the side wall against an additional layer of material, such as the end wall flange, which is lying against the interior of the side wall, to form a side wall flange.
  • the sealing means is expandable towards the perimeter of the first wall to seal the additional layer of material between theside wall and the side wall flange.
  • an outer die has an aperture defining first and second openings on opposite sides of the die.
  • the aperture has a wall having a radiused surface so that the width of the aperture decreases toward the second opening.
  • Means are provided for moving the end of a side wall having substantially the same perimeter as the first opening against the radiused surface to form a curved portion on the end of the side wall.
  • a sealing means is provided which is movable from a position remote from the die into the second opening to press the curved portion of the side wall against an end wall, positioned within and normal to the side wall and between the curved portion and the mandrel, to form a side wall flange from the curved portion and to seal the side wall flange to the end wall.
  • a side wall blank is wrapped around a mandrel by causing rollers which are pivotably disposed on the leading edges of a die to roll along the surface of the blank and press the surface of the blank against the surface of the mandrel.
  • the die has a pair of leading edges spaced apart from each other and the rollers are pivotably disposed on each of the leading edges and biased towards those rollers on the other leading edge.
  • the mandrel has a generally rectangular surface and radiused corners and is adjustable between a forming configuration and a discharge configuration.
  • the forming configuration is for forming a side wall having radiused corners around said mandrel and the discharge configuration is for facilitating removal of a formed and sealed side wall from the mandrel.
  • the die has an interior shape to snugly hold a blank in contact with two adjacent radiused corners of the mandrel. After wrapping the side wall blank around the mandrel, the overlapping edges of the blank are sealed together to form a container side wall having radiused corners. The mandrel is then adjusted to its discharge configuration to facilitate removal of the side wall from the mandrel.
  • a side wall blank is wrapped around part of the surface of a mandrel by moving a first die to a position adjacent to a portion of the surface, wherein the surface has radiused corners.
  • the blank is wrapped around the remainder of the surface and the two opposing edges of the blank are caused to overlap by moving a second die to a position adjacent to another portion of the surface.
  • the overlapping edges of the blank are sealed together to form a container side wall having radiused corners.
  • the mandrel is moved into a discharge configuration in which the perimeter of the surface is less than the perimeter of the side wall to facilitate the removal of the side wall from the mandrel.
  • the end of the side wall is positioned within an aperture of an outer die.
  • the aperture has a non-round cross-sectional shape with at least one roughly linear portion and at least one radiused portion.
  • the end of the side wall has a perimeter substantially identical to the shape of the aperture.
  • the end of the side wall surrounds an end wall having an end wall flange lying adjacent the interior of the side wall.
  • a housing supporting a plurality of segments in the plane normal to the aperture wall is then positioned within the end wall flange. The segments are movable between contracted and expanded configurations.
  • each segment When the segments are in the expanded configuration they define a continuous shape approximately identical to the perimeter of the aperture wall, each segment defining at least a portion of a roughly linear portion or a radiused portion of the continuous shape.
  • the segments When the housing is positioned within the end wall flange, the segments are in the contracted configuration in which they are spaced apart from the aperture wall. The segments are then expanded simultaneously from the contracted configuration outward to the expanded configuration to seal together the end wall flange and the end of the side wall.
  • a curved portion is preformed on the end of the side wall by inserting the end of the side wall into a first opening of an outer die and moving the end along a first wall adjacent the first opening having a constant perimeter and further against a curved wall adjacent a second opening on the opposing side of the die.
  • An end wall is positioned within the end of the side wall such that a flange on the end wall lies adjacent the interior of the side wall positioned adjacent the first wall.
  • a side wall flange is formed by inserting a sealing means into the second opening and into position adjacent the first wall to force the curved portion of the side wall against the end wall flange. The end wall flange is sealed between the side wall and the side wall flange by expanding the sealing means toward the perimeter of the first wall.
  • an end wall an end wall is positioned within the end of the side wall normal to the inner surface thereof.
  • a curved portion is preformed on the end of the side wall by inserting the end of the side wall into a first opening of an outer die and moving the end along a curved wall whose perimeter decreases as it approaches a second opening on the opposing side of the die.
  • the curved portion is formed into a side wall flange by inserting a sealing means into the second opening to force the curved portion against the end wall.
  • the side wall flange is then sealed to the end wall by forcing the side wall flange and the end wall between the sealing means and a mandrel positioned within the side wall.
  • Containers having a side wall and an end wall and having a round or nonround cross-sectional shape can be made according to the invention. Also according to the invention three types of seals can be made between the side wall and end wall; a U-shaped recessed seal; a simple recessed seal; and a flat- seal.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B show a container 10 having a U-shaped recessed seal 11 made according to one version of the invention.
  • the container 10 which may have a round or nonround cross-sectional shape, is shown, by way of example only, as being of approximately rectangular cross section.
  • the container 10 comprises a side wall 12 and an end wall 13.
  • the side wall 12 is rectangular in cross section, having roughly linear portions 14 and radiused portions 15. Two opposing edges of the side wall 12 overlap and are sealed together to form a side seam 16.
  • the end of the side wall 12 which is sealed to the end wall 13 is bent in toward the interior of the side wall 12 approximately 180° to form a side wall flange 17.
  • the perimeter of the wall portion of the end wall 13 is approximately identical to the inner perimeter of the side wall 12 to allow the wall portion of the end wall 13 to lie in a plane normal to the side wall 12.
  • the end wall flange 18 is sealed between the side wall flange 17 and that portion of the side wall 12 immediately adjacent the side wall flange 17.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show a nonround container 20 having a simple recessed seal 21 made according to another version of the invention.
  • the nonround container 20, shown, by way of example only, as being of approximately rectangular cross section, comprises a side wall 22 and an end wall 13.
  • the end wall 13 is identical to that shown in FIG. lA, and the side wall 22 differs from that shown in FIG. 1A only in not having a side wall flange 17.
  • the end wall flange 18 is sealed to the inner surface at one end of the side wall 22.
  • FIG. 3 shows a blank 30 suitable for forming the side wall of the containers shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A.
  • the blank 30 comprises paperboard or other relatively stiff, resilient, and bendable stock material 31 coated on one or, preferably, both sides 32, 33 with a thermoplastic material 34 such as polyethylene (coating thickness exaggerated).
  • the blank can be formed into a side wall by being bent or wrapped around a mandrel so that two of its opposing edges overlap, and then having its overlapping edges sealed together.
  • FIG. 4 shows an end wall 13 suitable for use in the containers shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A.
  • the end wall 13 comprises paperboard or other relatively stiff, resilient, and bendable stock material 31 coated on one, or preferably, both sides 40, 41 with a thermoplastic material 34 such as polyethylene (coating thickness exaggerated).
  • the end wall 13 has a wall portion 42 and a peripheral end wall flange 18.
  • FIGS. SA and 5B show a nonround container 50 having a flat seal 51 made according to another version of the invention.
  • the nonround container 50 again shown, by way of example only, as being of approximately rectangular cross section, comprises a side wall 52 and an end wall 53.
  • the side wall 52 is rectangular in cross section, having roughly linear portions 14 and radiused portions 15. Two opposing edges of the side wall 52 overlap and are sealed together to form a side seam 16.
  • One edge of the side wall 52 is scored and is bent in toward the interior 54 of the side wall 52 about 90° to form a side wall flange 55.
  • the end wall 53 has no peripheral flange.
  • the perimeter of the end wall 53 is approximately the same as the inner perimeter of the side wall 52 so that the edge of the end wall 53 lies along the inner surface of the side wall 52.
  • FIG. 6 shows a side wall blank 60 suitable for forming the side wall 52 of the container 50 shown in FIG. 5.
  • the blank 60 differs from the blank 30 shown in FIG. 3 only in having, along one edge 61, groups of regularly spaced scores 62 lying perpendicular to the edge 61, and a ridge 63 parallel to that edge 61 just above the scores 62.
  • the side wall 52 is bent along the ridge 63 to form the side wall flange 55 for sealing to the end wall 53.
  • the scores 62 permit the side wall flange 55 to lie flat against the end wall 53.
  • FIG. 7 shows an end wall 53 suitable for use in the container 50 shown in FIG. SA.
  • the end wall 53 differs from the end wall 13 shown in FIG. 4 only in not having a peripheral flange such as peripheral flange 18.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing, at six stations 81-86 of container-making machinery 80, the apparatus of the invention. The apparatus is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 9 through 18.
  • FIG. 9 shows, in an exploded view, apparatus 90 at the first station 81 for positioning an end wall 13 on one end of a mandrel 91.
  • the mandrel 91 described in more detail below, is attached to a turret 92 at the center of the machine 80 so the mandrel 91 can be moved sequentially to each of the six stations 81-86 of the machine 80.
  • a magazine 95 delivers an end wall 13, having an end wall flange 18, to the end of the mandrel 91, which is in its discharge configuration as described below in connection with FIGS. 11A-11C.
  • the end 93 of the mandrel 91 moves up against the wall portion 42 of the first end wall 13 in magazine 95.
  • the end wall flange 18 projects approximately 90° away from the end 93 of the mandrel 91.
  • Suction applied through ducts 94 in the mandrel 91 thereafter holds the end wall 13 on the mandrel 91, removing it from the magazine as the mandrel 91 is indexed to the next station 82.
  • the perimeter of the wall portion 42 of the end wall 13 and the perimeter of the mandrel 91 in its forming configuration are approximately the same as the inner perimeter of the side wall 12 to be formed.
  • FIGS. 10A-10E show the preferred apparatus at the second station 82 for forming the side wall 12, and the sequence of operation thereof.
  • a single die 100 having rpllers 101 is used.
  • FIG. 10A is a partial side elevational. view of the die 100 having rollers 101
  • FIGS. 10B-10D are end views thereof.
  • the die 100 has a pair of leading edges 102 spaced apart from each other, and on each leading edge 102 is a roller 101'biased towards the roller 101 on the other leading edge 102.
  • the rollers 101 are disposed about a first shaft 1030 which is mounted at the distal end of a lever 103.
  • the lever 103 is pivotably disposed about a second shaft 1031 which is mounted on the leading edge 102 of the die 100.
  • Auxiliary rollers 104 are disposed about a third shaft 1032 which is mounted at the proximal end of the lever 103-.
  • Springs 1033 are coiled about the second shaft 1031 and have one end in contact with the lever 103 and the other end in contact with the die 100 to cause the rollers 101 to be spring-biased inward.
  • a clamp 106 is mounted on a reciprocating piston 107.
  • the clamp 106 is movable from a first position out of contact with the mandrel 91, to a second position adjacent the shaping surface of the mandrel 91 for placing and holding the blank 30 in proper alignment against the surface of the mandrel 91 during forming of the side wall 12.
  • a sealing means 109 is mounted above the mandrel 91. After the die 100 is moved to its operative position, the sealing means 109 can be pushed down to contact with overlapping edges 108, 1080 of the side wall 12 for sealing of the edges.
  • FIGS. 10B-10E The sequence of steps for forming a side wall 12 with the die 100 is shown in FIGS. 10B-10E.
  • the feeder (not shown) delivers a flat side wall blank 30 (whose opposing edges 108, 1080 have previously been heated by any suitable means) between the top edges of the die 100 and the bottom of the mandrel 91 while the die 100 is in its remote position.
  • the blank 30, which in any case must be longer then the perimeter of the mandrel 91 on its forming configuration in order for edges 108, 1080 to overlap, is preferably fed slightly of center so that the visible edge of seam 16 will be formed in the center of the top side 913 of the mandrel 91.
  • the clamp 106 is then moved into position to place and hold the blank 30 in alignment against the bottom of the mandrel 91 during forming.
  • the die 100 is then moved into position adjacent the mandrel 91 which is in its forming configuration.
  • the rollers 101 are forced apart when auxiliary rollers 104 contact cams 105 so that rollers 101 roll up opposing sides of the mandrel 91, causing the side wall blank 30 to wrap around the mandrel 91.
  • edge 108 is higher than edge 1080 so that, when edge 108 is bent under edge 1080, edge 1080, forming the visible edge of seam 16, will be in the center of side 913.
  • the rollers 101 roll all the way around the top of the mandrel 91 to cause opposing edges 108, 1080 of the side wall 12 to overlap.
  • the sealing means 109 is moved into contact with the outer edge of the side wall 12 to seal the overlapping edges 108, 1080 together.
  • the finished seam 16 is shown in FIG. 10E.
  • FIGS. 11A-11C show in greater detail the three-way expandable mandrel 91 used to form the side wall 12.
  • the shaping surface perimeter 111 of the mandrel 91 is approximately rectangular in cross section and includes four radiused corners 910, 914.
  • the mandrel 91 comprises in cross section a central segment 113 linearly disposed between two outer segments 114, along with an end plate 115.
  • the central segment 113 has opposing linear walls 911, for forming two sides of the side wall 12, and the outer segments are each shaped for forming one side and two adjacent radiused corners of the side wall 12.
  • the mandrel 91 is adjustable between a forming configuration and a discharge configuration.
  • the mandrel is in the forming configuration in which the perimeter of its cross section is approximately identical to the inner perimeter of the side wall 12 to be formed.
  • the two outer segments 114 are spaced farther from the central segment 113 than when the mandrel 91 is in the discharge configuration and end plate 115 is closer to central segment 113.
  • the mandrel 91 is adjustable to the discharge configuration, in which the perimeter .of its cross section is less than the inner perimeter of the side wall 12, by moving the two outer segments 114 toward the central segment 113 and moving the end plate 115 away from central segment 113.
  • FIG. 11B shows in cross section the four-piece mandrel 91 in the forming configuration.
  • a shaft 116 attached to end plate 115, is slidably disposed within a central chamber 1130 in the central segment 113.
  • the shaft 116 has wider diameter portions 1160 and narrower diameter portions 1161, and a cam follower 1162 at the end thereof which is shown on the right in Fig. 11B.
  • An air duct 1134 supplied by tube 1133, runs through the center of the shaft 116.
  • a spring 117 is disposed in the central chamber 1130. Near each end of the central chamber 1130 are a set of upper chambers 1131 and lower chambers 1132.
  • each of the upper and lower chambers 1131, 1132 is a bar 118 which is connected to an outer segment l14 of the mandrel 91.
  • the central portion of each bar 118 is surrounded by a spring 11-80.
  • a roller 1181 is disposed at one end of each bar 118 and is in contact with the shaft 116.
  • mandrel 91 is in its forming configuration, as shown in FIG. 11B.
  • the shaft 116 is forced to the right by the spring 117 in the central chamber 1130 keeping end plate 115 against central segment 113.
  • the rollers 1181 contact the wider diameter portions 1160 of the shaft 116 forcing the outer segments 114 away from the central segment 113.
  • Mandrel 91 can be adjusted to its discharge configuration, as shown in FIG. 11C, when cam follower 1162 contacts a cam (not shown) on turret 92 at station 86.
  • the cam causes the shaft 116 to move to the left, compressing the spring 117.
  • the rollers 1181 roll down inclined surfaces 1163 of the shaft 116 as it moves to the left and stop at the narrower diameter portions 1161 of the shaft 116 causing the outer segments 114 to move into contact with the central segment 113.
  • the leftward movement of shaft 116 also moves end plate 115 away from the central segment 113.
  • Apparatus (not shown) at the third and fourth stations 83 and 84 is used for heating the areas of the end wall 13 and the side wall 12 to be sealed.
  • the heat may be applied, for example, by means of a hot gas or as radiant heat. Any conventional heating means may be used. Heat can be applied gently because the areas to be sealed are heated at two stations,' rather than one, resulting in a greater total dwell time at the heaters than in conventional apparatus.
  • the extra heating station is available because the preforming of the end of the side wall and the attachment of the end wall to the preformed end'of the side wall both take place at one station, rather than at two stations as in conventional apparatus.
  • Figures 12A-12G show apparatus at the fifth station 85 for forming a U-shaped recessed seal 11 between the side wall 12 and the end wall 13.
  • Figure 12A is a top plan view showing an outer die or pilot 120 having an aperture 121 and within the aperture 121 an expandable sealing tool 122 comprised of movable segments 1222-1229. These segments have an opening 123 between them for a cam 124 to enter and expand the segments.
  • Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of an outer die 120 shown preforming the end of the side wall 12.
  • the outer die 120 has an aperture 121 therethrough defining a first opening 1210 and a second opening 1211 on opposite sides of the die 120.
  • the aperture 121 has, adjacent the first opening 1210, a first wall 1201 having a constant perimeter, and, adjacent the second opening 1211, a second wall 1202 having a radiused surface 1203.
  • the width of the aperture 121 decreases toward the second opening 1211.
  • the outer die 120 and sealing tool 122 are mounted on a reciprocating piston 125.
  • the piston 125 pushes the outer die 120 against one end of the side wall 12 to preform a bent edge 126.
  • the side wall 12 may be channelled into the aperture by an angled lead 127, as shown.
  • the end of the side wall 12 moves down the first wall 1201 and is bent at the radiused surface 1203.
  • the pilot 120 then stop moving as it encounters a first stop 128.
  • the piston 125 continues forward, compressing spring 1250, moving the contracted sealing tool 122 into the second opening 1211 and into an operative position adjacent the first wall 1201 of the aperture 121 to force the bent edge 126 of the side wall 12 up against the end wall flange 18 to form a side wall flange 17.
  • the sealing tool 122 stops moving when it encounters end plate 115 of mandrel 91.
  • the piston 125 continues forward, compressing springs 1251, to move a cam 124 into the opening 123 between the segments.
  • the contracted sealing tool 122 is thus moved into the expanded configuration to form a heat and pressure seal 11 between the side wall flange 17, the end wall flange 18, and the side wall 12.
  • the sealing tool 122 is contracted and the outer die 120 and sealing tool 122 are moved away from the mandrel 91.
  • Figures 12E-12G show in greater detail the expandable sealing tool 122.
  • Figure 12E shows in cross section the sealing tool 122 in the contracted configuration.
  • the sealing tool 122 consists essentially of a top plate 1220, a bottom plate 1221, and segments 1222-1229 slidably disposed between the plates 1220, 1221. There is an opening 123 between the segments 1222-1229.
  • at least one pin 1230 attached at each end to the top and bottom plates 1220, 1221, respectively, passes through a slot 1231 in the respective segment to hold the segment between the plates 1220, 1221.
  • the slot 1231 is larger than the diameter of the pin 1230 to allow movement of the segment about the pin 1230 and therefore with respect to the plates 1220, 1221.
  • a compression spring 1232 is positioned in the slot 1231 between the pin 1230 and the end of the slot 1231 nearer the opening 123 to hold the segment in the contracted configuration when the cam 124 is not in the opening.123.
  • Figure 12G is a top plan view of the sealing tool 122 with the top plate 1220 removed.
  • segments 1222-1229 comprising four corner segments 1222-1225, two end segments 1226-1227, and two side segments 1228-1229.
  • the segments have overlapping edges, constituting projections 1234 which fit into adjacent grooves 1235, so that when the sealing tool 122 is in the expanded configuration, a complete perimeter is formed.
  • each segment has a slot 1231 through which it is attached to the top and bottom plates 1220, 1221 by means'of a pin 1230, and a spring 1232 within that slot 1231.
  • FIG. 13 shows the discharge of the container 10 off the mandrel 91 at the sixth station 86.
  • the mandrel 91 is first moved from its forming to its discharge configuration as described above. Then pressurized air is then sent through ducts 94 connected to air passage 1131 in the mandrel 91 directing a stream of air A against the inner surface 130 of the end wall which forces the container 10 off the mandrel 91 in the direction of arrow.B.
  • the container ie given an initial impulse by the movement . of end plate 115 as the mandrel 91 is adjusted to its discharge configuration.
  • end plate 115 is very slightly (e.g., 0.015 inch) less than the perimeter of the remainder of the mandrel in the forming configuration, so that the container does not bind on end plate 115 as it is being discharged.
  • Spring 117 causes the mandrel'to return to the forming configuration on leaving the sixth station 86.
  • FIG. 14 shows alternative apparatus at the fifth station 85 for forming a simple recessed seal 21 between the side wall 22 and the end wall 13.
  • This apparatus differs from that shown in FIGS. 12A-12G only in that the second wall 141 of the outer die 140 is a 90° corner rather than a radiused surface.
  • the outer die 140 is pushed against one end of the side wall 22 forcing the end into the first opening 142 and up to the 90° corner, without forming a bent edge.
  • the contracted sealing tool 122 then enters and expands to seal the end wall flange 18 to the side wall 22.
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B show an alternative eight-piece sealing tool 150.
  • FIG. 15A is a top plan view of the eight-piece sealing tool 150 showing eight outer segments 1501-1508 -- two side segments 1501-1502, four corner segments 1503-1506, and two end segments 1507-1508, surrounding a central eeqment 1509.
  • a spring 151 located in a groove 152 and. the perimeter of the side, corner, and end segments 1501-1508 holds these outer segments 1501-1508 in contact with the central segment 1509 when the sealing tool 150 is in the contracted configuration.
  • the segments 1501-1508 have overlapping edges 153 so that when the sealing tool 150 is in the expanded configuration a complete perimeter is formed.
  • FIG. 15B shows in cross section the sealing tool 150 in the contracted configuration.
  • the central segment 1509 of the sealing tool 150 is attached to a base plate 154 which is attached to a reciprocating piston 125.
  • each of the side, corner, and end segments are held away from the central segment, overcoming the force of the spring 151, by at least one pneumatically-driven piston 155, disposed within an airtight chamber 156 within the central segment 1509.
  • a compressed air supply line (not shown) is connected to the chamber 156.
  • FIGS. 16A-16D show alternative apparatus at the fifth station 85 for forming a flat seal 51 between the side wall 52 and the end wall 53.
  • the apparatus comprises a pressure pad 160 and the outer die 120 previously described in FIGS. 12A-12G for preforming a bent edge 55 on the side wall 52.
  • FIG. 16A is a top plan view of the pressure pad 160.
  • the perimeter of the pad 160 is slightly less than the inner perimeter of the side wall 52.
  • radial grooves 161 for forming a knurled seal.
  • FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view showing the outer die 120 in position having preformed the edge 55 of the side wall 52.
  • the side wall 52 is channelled into the first opening 1210 by the angled lead 127 and then proceeds down the first wall (1201 and is bent at the radiused surface 1203.
  • the pressure pad 160 is then moved upward to force the bent edge 55 against the end wall 53 and to form a heat and pressure seal therebetween.
  • the mandrel 91 positioned within the side wall 52 acts as a restraining wall.
  • FIGS. 17A-17E show an alternative embodiment of apparatus at the second station 82 for forming a side wall 12, and the sequence of operation thereof.
  • FIG. 17A shows the mandrel 91 and the first die 170 and second die 171 disposed respectively below and above the mandrel 91.
  • the dies 170, 171 are in a remote position out of contact with the mandrel 91.
  • a suitable feeder (not shown) delivers a side wall blank 30 between the mandrel 91 and the first die 170.
  • the opposing edges 108, 1080 of the blank 30 which will form the side wall seam 16 are heated prior to delivery.
  • the first die 170 has two segments 1700, 1701 and an interior 1702 shaped to fit snugly around two radiused corners 910 and three sides 911 of the mandrel 91.
  • An aperture 176 between the two segments 1700, 1701 defines an area for the clamp 106 to hold the blank 30 against the mandrel 91 during forming, as shown in FIG. 17B.
  • the first die 170 is mounted on a reciprocating piston 177 and is movable from the remote position shown in FIG. 17A, to an operative position adjacent a portion of the shaping surface of the mandrel 91 as shown in FIG. 17C.
  • the second die 171 has two segments 1710, 1711 and an interior 1712 shaped to fit snugly around the fourth side 913 and other two radiused corners 914 of the mandrel 91 in its forming configuration.
  • An aperture 178 between the two segments 1710, 1711 of the second die 171 defines an area for sealing means 109 to contact and seal together the overlapping edges 108, 1080 of the side wall 12.
  • Each segment 1710, 1711 of the second die 171 is mounted on a rod 1713 connected to a reciprocating piston 1714.
  • the second die 171 is movable from the remote position shown in FIGS. 17A-17C, to an operative position shown in .
  • FIG. 17D wherein the first die 170'is adjacent a portion of the shaping surface of the mandrel 91 and the second die 171 is adjacent another portion of the shaping surface.
  • the first die 170 is moved to its operative position adjacent a portion of the shaping surface of the mandrel 91 and in so moving causes the blank 30 to wrap part way around the surface.
  • the second die 171 is then moved from its remote position, shown in FIGS. 17A-17C, to its operating position shown in FIG. 17D, adjacent another portion of the shaping surface to cause the blank 30 to wrap the rest of the way around the surface.
  • the sealing means 109 is then moved down into contact with the outer surface of the outer side wall edge 1080 to form a heat and pressure seal between the two opposing edges 108, 1080 of the side wall 12.
  • the nonround containers shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A can also be made with the apparatus of the invention disposed at the stations of commercially- available box-making machinery.
  • suitable box-making machinery which can be adapted for use with the apparatus of the invention include Paper Machinery Corp. Model G-1500 or Sherwood Tool, Incorporated Models SW-82 and SW-83.

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  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
EP85104672A 1984-04-30 1985-04-17 Method and apparatus for forming containers Withdrawn EP0160251A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US60563484A 1984-04-30 1984-04-30
US605634 1984-04-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0160251A1 true EP0160251A1 (en) 1985-11-06

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ID=24424540

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85104672A Withdrawn EP0160251A1 (en) 1984-04-30 1985-04-17 Method and apparatus for forming containers

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EP (1) EP0160251A1 (ja)
JP (1) JPS60230838A (ja)
AU (1) AU4173885A (ja)
NO (1) NO851694L (ja)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8051982B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2011-11-08 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Container for holding a stack of premoistened wipes

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6411916U (ja) * 1987-07-08 1989-01-23
JP2007238133A (ja) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-20 Kao Corp 加圧具

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE933546C (de) * 1954-10-14 1955-09-29 Jagenberg Werke Ag Vorrichtung zum Verpressen von Werkstuecken aus Papier, Pappe od. dgl.
US3012483A (en) * 1958-08-04 1961-12-12 Meade Corp Heading machine for closing the ends of tube lengths
GB938578A (en) * 1959-12-11 1963-10-02 Cartonmaster Distributors Ltd Improvements in or relating to machines for forming cartons
US4349345A (en) * 1980-09-15 1982-09-14 Paper Machinery Corporation Blank wrapping mechanism for non-cylindrical container-making machines
GB2103538A (en) * 1981-06-18 1983-02-23 Unilever Plc Making drums for packaging

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE933546C (de) * 1954-10-14 1955-09-29 Jagenberg Werke Ag Vorrichtung zum Verpressen von Werkstuecken aus Papier, Pappe od. dgl.
US3012483A (en) * 1958-08-04 1961-12-12 Meade Corp Heading machine for closing the ends of tube lengths
GB938578A (en) * 1959-12-11 1963-10-02 Cartonmaster Distributors Ltd Improvements in or relating to machines for forming cartons
US4349345A (en) * 1980-09-15 1982-09-14 Paper Machinery Corporation Blank wrapping mechanism for non-cylindrical container-making machines
GB2103538A (en) * 1981-06-18 1983-02-23 Unilever Plc Making drums for packaging

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8051982B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2011-11-08 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Container for holding a stack of premoistened wipes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO851694L (no) 1985-10-31
JPS60230838A (ja) 1985-11-16
AU4173885A (en) 1985-11-07

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