GB536069A - Improvements in packaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

536,069. Packeting. ROSE, A. G., and ROSE BROS. (GAINSBOROUGH), Ltd. Nov. 15, 1939, No. 30106. [Class 94 (i)] Relates to apparatus for closing the two inside flaps of a cardboard box or like container before the outer flaps are closed to seal the container. According to the invention, a container is carried by a conveyer beneath a rotatable front folder which engages and closes the forward flap of the moving container, and a rotatable rear folder that engages and folds the rear nap, the folders being moved apart from one another as the rear flap approaches in order to allow the flap to pass between them. The apparatus comprises a support 16 on which is pivoted a front folder 19 and a rear folder 21, the support being rotated in synchronism with the movement of a conveyer 14 that carries the containers 11. The folder 21 is urged outwards by a spring 46, and the folder 19 is also urged outwards by a spring 41 but it is also provided with an arm 37 that bears on a stationary cam 39. The timing of the moving parts is so regulated that the upstanding rear flap A of the container just clears the tip of the rear folder 21, as shown, and at this time the cam 39 has moved the folder 19 inwards so as to leave the maximum gap between the tips of the folders. After the flaps have been folded, the conveyer is carried beneath a retaining member 48 which resiliently presses the flaps together and then between ploughs 56 which turn the remaining flaps outwards for the application of gum. In a modified construction, the folder 21 is moved outwards by a stationary cam as the folder 19 is moved inwards: The support 16 is secured to a shaft 22 which is journalled in bearings 23 in a pair of arms 24 pivoted to the frame 28 of the machine. The arms are free to swing about the pivots 27, but the movement of the support 16 is restricted by arcuate slots 32 in the frame through which the shaft 22 passes. If a container does not pass smoothly through the apparatus, or in any way fouls the folders, the arms 24 with the support 16 move upwards and release a spring-loaded switch 59 which stops the drive of the machine. Alternatively, the support 16 may be driven through a slipping clutch mechanism which yields in the event of an obstruction occurring during the folding operation.