GB1081244A - Improvements in and relating to means for folding and sealing the flaps of packages - Google Patents

Abstract

1,081,244. Re-shaping packages. TEPAR A.G. Feb. 24, 1966 [March 5, 1965], No. 8196/66. Heading B8C. Triangular flaps 3, 4, Fig. 1, produced during the formation of parallelepipedic packages from cushion-shaped packages obtained by the transverse sealing and severing of a filled tube, are partially folded down on to adjacent package end and side walls, adhesive is then applied to, or previously applied adhesive activated on, the flaps and/or the package walls, and the flaps sealed down. In the embodiment, the package 1, Fig. 1, is conveyed through the device in a holder 8, Fig. 2, comprising a fixed base 16, a fixed side wall 9, a side wall 10 pivotable about a shaft 13 and side walls 12, which terminate above the level of the base, pivotable about shafts 11. The base-plate 16 is provided with a notch 19 into which the sealing fin 2 is guided so that it is folded down as the package, with flaps 4 uppermost, is thrust into the holder. Before the sides of the holder are locked into position, means (22), Fig. 3 (not shown), pivotable about shafts (21) on the holder, bear down on flaps 3 to ensure that the package is pressed down into contact with the base-plate. The filled holder with flaps 3, 4 projecting from opposite sides, carried on a conveyer 50, then passes beneath a platen (24), Figs. 4, 5 (not shown), which is oscillated into contact with the upper end of the package to cause the flaps 4 to be partially folded up. Guide bars (not shown) continue this folding until the flaps are partially folded down over the top end wall, Fig. 6 (not shown). Simultaneously the flaps 3 run on to guide bars (29) and are partially folded up against the side walls. At the next station hot air from nozzles (30, 31) is blown against the flaps and adjacent walls to activate adhesive, e.g. a layer of plastics laminate. Thereafter, by continued movement along bars (29), the flaps 3 are completely folded and sealed to the side walls, Fig. 9 (not shown), the side walls of the holder being terminated above the base to allow sufficient area of the side walls of the package to be exposed. Meanwhile the flaps 4 are pressed down against the top wall by a pressure plate (47), Fig. 7 (not shown), or by a system of pressure plates (65), Fig. 8 (not shown) carried on a conveyer 60, one end of which is pivotable, the other end being operated on by a cylinder (67) and piston (68) to provide a constant compressive force. For a packaging material which is not plastics coated, the hot air nozzles may be replaced by devices for supplying adhesive.