EP1708871A1 - Apparatus and method for folding a tab onto a lid - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for folding a tab onto a lid

Info

Publication number
EP1708871A1
EP1708871A1 EP05700966A EP05700966A EP1708871A1 EP 1708871 A1 EP1708871 A1 EP 1708871A1 EP 05700966 A EP05700966 A EP 05700966A EP 05700966 A EP05700966 A EP 05700966A EP 1708871 A1 EP1708871 A1 EP 1708871A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lidding material
ring
tab
base ring
support pillar
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Withdrawn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
EP05700966A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jason John Hall
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.)
Crown Packaging Technology Inc
Original Assignee
Crown Packaging Technology Inc
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 Crown Packaging Technology Inc filed Critical Crown Packaging Technology Inc
Priority to EP05700966A priority Critical patent/EP1708871A1/en
Publication of EP1708871A1 publication Critical patent/EP1708871A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
    • B31D1/00—Multiple-step processes for making flat articles ; Making flat articles
    • B31D1/0018—Multiple-step processes for making flat articles ; Making flat articles the articles being pull-tap closure discs for bottles, jars or like containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D51/00—Making hollow objects
    • B21D51/16—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects
    • B21D51/38—Making inlet or outlet arrangements of cans, tins, baths, bottles, or other vessels; Making can ends; Making closures
    • B21D51/383—Making inlet or outlet arrangements of cans, tins, baths, bottles, or other vessels; Making can ends; Making closures scoring lines, tear strips or pulling tabs
    • 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
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/18—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for making package-opening or unpacking elements
    • B65B61/184—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for making package-opening or unpacking elements by applying tabs over discharge openings, e.g. over discharge openings defined by tear or score lines

Definitions

  • This invention relates to tab folding.
  • Tabs are in general use for the removal of peelable panels by forming a projection by which the panel can be taken hold of and subsequently peeled off a container.
  • the peelable panel typically comprises a laminate structure, which may include a heat sealable layer and a barrier layer such as aluminium and/or varnish.
  • the tab may be folded over the main part of the panel in order to avoid handling problems.
  • the peelable panel is fixed to a metal ring which is then seamed to the edge of a can body.
  • the tab 5 is forced by the heat sealing tool 10 around the wall 4 at the side of the ring so as to lie in a position approximately perpendicular to the centre part of the peelable panel .
  • a folding tool 11 passes laterally over the seaming panel (Figure 1(b)) until it contacts the tab and folds the tab 5 over the annulus 3 of the ring 2 and main part of panel 1 ( Figure 1(c)) .
  • a press tool 12 crushes the tab flat against the rest of the peelable panel 1 ( Figure 1(e)) .
  • an apparatus for folding a tab over a lidding material comprising: a support pillar; a base ring, slidably mounted on the support pillar for axial movement thereon; a clamp ring for holding lidding material against the base ring; and a biasing device pivotally mounted on the support pillar such that it is movable from a first position during clamping of the lidding material to a second position for folding a tab profile which is cut in the lidding material against an upper surface of the base ring.
  • the apparatus may further comprise an upper ring which is movable from an open position to a closed position in which the upper ring engages the clamp ring; and a cutter which is mounted on the upper ring and which cuts the tab profile when the upper ring moves to its closed position.
  • the base ring includes a channel for connection to a device for applying negative pressure ( "vacuum") for holding the lidding material against the base ring.
  • the apparatus further includes means for fixing the tab in its folded position on the lidding material .
  • the fixing means may comprise a heat seal tool for applying heat to the tab and/or lidding material. In this way the apparatus is able to cut, fold and heat seal the tab in a single tool .
  • Heat sealing is the preferred way of fixing the tab in its folded position, particularly when the lidding material contains little or no aluminium layer or has no inherent deadfold.
  • a method of folding a tab onto a lidding material comprising: placing the lidding material on a lower tool comprising a support pillar and base ring; clamping the lidding material between a clamp ring and the base ring; sliding the base ring and clamp ring, with the lidding material clamped between them, along the support pillar, pushing a tab profile, which is cut in the lidding material, upwardly through the clamp ring; and releasing a biasing device pivotally mounted on the support pillar, from a longitudinal position along the support pillar; pivoting the biasing device towards a transverse position in which the biasing device rests against the base ring with the lidding material and folded tab profile between them.
  • the method further comprises, between the cutting and sliding steps, moving an upper ring having a cutter mounted thereon into engagement with the clamp ring and thereby pushing the cutter through the lidding material so as to cut a tab profile in the lidding material.
  • the method may further include the step of applying a negative pressure to the lidding material to hold it against the base ring at least prior to application of clamping force by the clamp ring.
  • the method may further comprise sealing the tab profile in the folded position on the lidding material .
  • FIG 2 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for tab folding.
  • Figure 2 shows an apparatus for carrying out, in a single press operation, tab cut, fold and heat seal.
  • the figure shows the operation in six consecutive steps (a) to (f) .
  • the apparatus comprises a lower tool 20 having a support pillar 21 and base ring 22.
  • a channel 23 in the base ring enables application of a negative pressure or "vacuum” to a lid material 15 to hold the lid material against the base ring 22.
  • a biasing device such as spring 24 is mounted on the support pillar 21 so as to be rotatable about pivot point 25.
  • Upper tool 26 comprises a clamp ring 27 and an upper (outer) ring 28 on which a cutter 29 is mounted.
  • Heat seal tool 30 is positioned above the upper tool 26.
  • the sequence of operations shown in figure 2 is as follows: In figure 2(a) the apparatus is open and lid material 15 is inserted between upper and lower tools 20, 26.
  • a timed vacuum is applied via channel 23 and the lidding material is clamped between clamp ring 27 and base ring 22 (figure 2(b)).
  • Cutter 29 extends lower than outer ring 28 to which it is fixed so that when the outer ring is lowered onto the clamp ring 27, the cutter passes through the lidding material and cuts a generally "U" shaped profile in the lid material (figure 2(c)). This profile forms an unfolded tab 16, represented by a dotted line in the lidding material in figure 2(c) .
  • Base ring, lid material, clamp ring and outer ring proceed axially downwards along pillar 21, releasing biasing device 24 away from the pillar so that the tab 16 starts to fold over lid material 16 (figure 2(d)).
  • the flexible lidding material has little deadfold, it may for example be desirable to cut a tab in the form of a ring, similar to the classic ring pull on traditional can ends.
  • the centre of the ring is at least partially cut in the lidding material prior to the operations of figure 2(a) to 2(f).
  • the cutter 29 then cuts the outside of the ring, leaving a connecting portion for folding the tab over the lid.
  • the centre of the ring pull may be completely removed or, by leaving a connection so as to form a central flap, handling of the scrap material from the ring centre is not required.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus and method for folding a tab (16) onto a lidding material (15) uses a single press operation which combines folding the tab (16) over the body of the lidding material (15) and heat sealing the tab (16) in position as well as, optionally, cutting the tab (16) prior to folding and heat sealing. By using a single press for these operations, it is possible to utilise lidding material (15) which does not have an inherent deadfold capability.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FOLDING A TAB ONTO A LID
This invention relates to tab folding. In particular it relates to an apparatus for folding a tab over a peelable lid structure on a container. Tabs are in general use for the removal of peelable panels by forming a projection by which the panel can be taken hold of and subsequently peeled off a container. The peelable panel typically comprises a laminate structure, which may include a heat sealable layer and a barrier layer such as aluminium and/or varnish. In closures on containers for food products which require processing by retorting, for example, the tab may be folded over the main part of the panel in order to avoid handling problems. Often the peelable panel is fixed to a metal ring which is then seamed to the edge of a can body. In order to avoid damage to the tab, it is usual to fold the tab radially inwardly away from the ring prior to the seaming operation. Folding the tab of a peelable panel which includes a thick layer of aluminium can be carried out in a relatively straightforward manner by using the material's inherent deadfold properties . A typical folding process for such a tab/panel is carried out in three steps as shown in figure 1. Firstly the peelable panel 1 is fixed to a metal ring 2 by heat sealing (figure 1(a)) . The ring 2 includes a flat annulus 3, an upright wall 4 and a seaming panel 5. During heat sealing, the tab 5 is forced by the heat sealing tool 10 around the wall 4 at the side of the ring so as to lie in a position approximately perpendicular to the centre part of the peelable panel . In a second operation, a folding tool 11 passes laterally over the seaming panel (Figure 1(b)) until it contacts the tab and folds the tab 5 over the annulus 3 of the ring 2 and main part of panel 1 (Figure 1(c)) . When the tool 11 is removed, deadfold in the tab/panel material maintains the tab 5 in its folded position (Figure 1(d)). Finally, a press tool 12 crushes the tab flat against the rest of the peelable panel 1 (Figure 1(e)) . This prior art folding method is only suitable for material which has inherent deadfold properties . Furthermore, three separate operations are required before the tab is folded flat against the peelable panel . According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for folding a tab over a lidding material, the apparatus comprising: a support pillar; a base ring, slidably mounted on the support pillar for axial movement thereon; a clamp ring for holding lidding material against the base ring; and a biasing device pivotally mounted on the support pillar such that it is movable from a first position during clamping of the lidding material to a second position for folding a tab profile which is cut in the lidding material against an upper surface of the base ring. The apparatus may further comprise an upper ring which is movable from an open position to a closed position in which the upper ring engages the clamp ring; and a cutter which is mounted on the upper ring and which cuts the tab profile when the upper ring moves to its closed position. Preferably, the base ring includes a channel for connection to a device for applying negative pressure ( "vacuum") for holding the lidding material against the base ring. Ideally the apparatus further includes means for fixing the tab in its folded position on the lidding material . Usually the fixing means may comprise a heat seal tool for applying heat to the tab and/or lidding material. In this way the apparatus is able to cut, fold and heat seal the tab in a single tool . Heat sealing is the preferred way of fixing the tab in its folded position, particularly when the lidding material contains little or no aluminium layer or has no inherent deadfold. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding a tab onto a lidding material comprising: placing the lidding material on a lower tool comprising a support pillar and base ring; clamping the lidding material between a clamp ring and the base ring; sliding the base ring and clamp ring, with the lidding material clamped between them, along the support pillar, pushing a tab profile, which is cut in the lidding material, upwardly through the clamp ring; and releasing a biasing device pivotally mounted on the support pillar, from a longitudinal position along the support pillar; pivoting the biasing device towards a transverse position in which the biasing device rests against the base ring with the lidding material and folded tab profile between them. In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises, between the cutting and sliding steps, moving an upper ring having a cutter mounted thereon into engagement with the clamp ring and thereby pushing the cutter through the lidding material so as to cut a tab profile in the lidding material. The method may further include the step of applying a negative pressure to the lidding material to hold it against the base ring at least prior to application of clamping force by the clamp ring. Particularly where the lidding material is flexible, the method may further comprise sealing the tab profile in the folded position on the lidding material . A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to figure 2 which is a schematic side view of an apparatus for tab folding. Figure 2 shows an apparatus for carrying out, in a single press operation, tab cut, fold and heat seal. The figure shows the operation in six consecutive steps (a) to (f) . The apparatus comprises a lower tool 20 having a support pillar 21 and base ring 22. A channel 23 in the base ring enables application of a negative pressure or "vacuum" to a lid material 15 to hold the lid material against the base ring 22. A biasing device such as spring 24 is mounted on the support pillar 21 so as to be rotatable about pivot point 25. Upper tool 26 comprises a clamp ring 27 and an upper (outer) ring 28 on which a cutter 29 is mounted. Heat seal tool 30 is positioned above the upper tool 26. The sequence of operations shown in figure 2 is as follows: In figure 2(a) the apparatus is open and lid material 15 is inserted between upper and lower tools 20, 26. A timed vacuum is applied via channel 23 and the lidding material is clamped between clamp ring 27 and base ring 22 (figure 2(b)). Cutter 29 extends lower than outer ring 28 to which it is fixed so that when the outer ring is lowered onto the clamp ring 27, the cutter passes through the lidding material and cuts a generally "U" shaped profile in the lid material (figure 2(c)). This profile forms an unfolded tab 16, represented by a dotted line in the lidding material in figure 2(c) . Base ring, lid material, clamp ring and outer ring proceed axially downwards along pillar 21, releasing biasing device 24 away from the pillar so that the tab 16 starts to fold over lid material 16 (figure 2(d)). Once the spring 24 is fully released, it rests over base ring 22 with the tab 16 fully folded between spring 24 and base ring 22 (figure 2(e)). Finally hot top tool 30 presses down on the tab/lidding material so as to heat seal the tab 16 to the lid 15. Although the operation of figure 2 has been shown as six separate stages, all operations are carried out in a single press. This contrasts with the three distinct operations required by the prior art folding method of figure 1 which is also only viable where the lidding material contains sufficient aluminium barrier layer to provide deadfold characteristics. The operation of figure 2 is thus appropriate for use with lidding material with or without inherent deadfild characteristics. One feature which is also possible within the scope of the invention, is to provide tabs of different shapes. Where the flexible lidding material has little deadfold, it may for example be desirable to cut a tab in the form of a ring, similar to the classic ring pull on traditional can ends. To form such a tab, the centre of the ring is at least partially cut in the lidding material prior to the operations of figure 2(a) to 2(f). In the step of figure 2(c) the cutter 29 then cuts the outside of the ring, leaving a connecting portion for folding the tab over the lid. The centre of the ring pull may be completely removed or, by leaving a connection so as to form a central flap, handling of the scrap material from the ring centre is not required.

Claims

C AIMS : -
1. An apparatus for folding a tab over a lidding material, the apparatus comprising: a support pillar (21) ; a base ring (22) , slidably mounted on the support pillar (21) for axial movement thereon; a clamp ring (27) for holding lidding material against the base ring (22); and a biasing device (24) pivotally mounted on the support pillar such that it is movable from a first position during clamping of the lidding material to a second position for folding a tab profile which is cut in the lidding material against an upper surface of the base ring.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an upper ring (28) which is movable from an open position to a closed position in which the upper ring (28) engages the clamp ring (27); and a cutter (29) which is mounted on the upper ring and which cuts the tab profile when the upper ring moves to its closed position.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 , in which the base ring includes a channel for connection to a vacuum device for holding the lidding material against the base ring.
4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising means for fixing the tab in its folded position on the lidding material .
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, in which the fixing means comprises a heat seal tool for applying heat to the tab and/or lidding material.
6. A method of folding a tab (16) onto a lidding material comprising: placing the lidding material (15) on a lower tool (20) comprising a support pillar (21) and base ring (22) ; clamping the lidding material between a clamp ring (27) and the base ring (22) ; sliding the base ring (22) and clamp ring (27) , with the lidding material clamped between them, along the support pillar (21) , pushing a tab profile, which is cut in the lidding material, upwardly through the clamp ring (27) ; and releasing a biasing device (24) pivotally mounted on the support pillar (21) , from a longitudinal position along the support pillar (21) ; pivoting the biasing device (24) towards a transverse position in which the biasing device rests against the base ring (22) with the lidding material and folded tab profile between them.
7. A method according to claim 6, further comprising, between the cutting and sliding steps, moving an upper ring (28) having a cutter (29) mounted thereon into engagement with the clamp ring (27) and thereby pushing the cutter through the lidding material so as to cut a tab profile in the lidding material.
8. A method according to claim 6 or claim 7 , further comprising applying a negative pressure to the lidding material to hold it against the base ring at least prior to application of clamping force by the clamp ring.
9. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , further comprising sealing the tab profile in the folded position on the lidding material .
EP05700966A 2004-01-26 2005-01-17 Apparatus and method for folding a tab onto a lid Withdrawn EP1708871A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05700966A EP1708871A1 (en) 2004-01-26 2005-01-17 Apparatus and method for folding a tab onto a lid

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04250405 2004-01-26
PCT/EP2005/000386 WO2005070662A1 (en) 2004-01-26 2005-01-17 Apparatus and method for folding a tab onto a lid
EP05700966A EP1708871A1 (en) 2004-01-26 2005-01-17 Apparatus and method for folding a tab onto a lid

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1708871A1 true EP1708871A1 (en) 2006-10-11

Family

ID=34802692

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05700966A Withdrawn EP1708871A1 (en) 2004-01-26 2005-01-17 Apparatus and method for folding a tab onto a lid

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1708871A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005070662A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1397481B1 (en) * 2010-01-19 2013-01-16 Gd Spa PACKAGING WITH A COLLECTION PROVIDED WITH AN OPENING OF RE-HEELABLE EXTRACTION AND CORRESPONDING METHOD OF WRITING AND PACKAGING MACHINE.

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH654542A5 (en) * 1982-04-05 1986-02-28 Sandherr Packungen Ag LOCKING LID FOR STERILIZABLE CAN.
US4846774A (en) * 1988-01-26 1989-07-11 Bernal Rotary Systems, Inc. Rotary die cutting and laminating process and machine
AU6565600A (en) * 1999-07-22 2001-02-13 Alcan Rorschach A.G. Sealing ring, comprising a sealing diaphragm and production of the same

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2005070662A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005070662A1 (en) 2005-08-04

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