IL32943A - Method and machine for forming containers - Google Patents

Description

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR FORMING CONTAINERS D' a'a ni»s* naisot τρήπ The present invention relates to the art of forming paper containers and more particularly to an apparatus for forming such container in a rapid and reliable manner.

Various types of containers have long been used for storing and shipping fruit, vegetables and other articles of commerce. In the interest of economy, various machines and methods have been devised for forming such containers of relatively inexpensive materials. In general, in such machines the container parts are fed substantially horizontally to an assembly station employing a vertically disposed die and vertically reciprocal mandrel to effect formation and assembly of the parts. Such machines take up a substantial amount of floor space and require a superstructure of considerable height to accommodate the vertically acting carriage.

The objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing an apparatus for feedin pre-formed end panels and container body mats from magazines wherein such mats and panels are disposed generally vertically. The body mat has bottom and side panels and is fed downwardly from its magazine by a cam operated finger so that the lower edge of the mat is engaged by a driven roller which pulls the mat down. The bottom and side panels have end flanges to which glue is applied as the mat descends. After the mat is pulled down, it is disposed between coacting mandrel and die means with the lower edge of the mat actuating linkage which cage or open framework structure supported for horizontal movement and has vertical sides engaged by the end panels fed from magazines on each side of the mandrel. Movement is imparted to the mandrel by a cam operated rock arm linked to the mandrel. Forward movement of the mandrel carries a pair of end panels into engagement with the bottom panel of the mat and the assembled panels and mat into the die means. Continued movement of the mandrel causes the bottom panel flanges to be partially folded toward the end panels by the die means, the side panels to be folded against the end panels, and the flanges of the side panels to be partially folded toward the end panels. At the end of forward movement of the mandrel into the die means, cam operated toggle mechanisms force a pair of movable compressor plates of the die means against the partially folded flanges, completing the folding thereof and adhesively bonding them to the end panels. The compressor plates are then partly relieved, the mandrel retracts leaving the assembled container between the plates. Upper and lower leaf springs cause the side panels to bow slightly and provide edges engaged by the bottom of the next container for ejecting the assembled container from the die means.

The present invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Pig. 1 is an elevatlonal view of a con the present invention; Fig. 2 is a horizontal section taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2; Fig. k is a fragmentary vertical section generally along lines -k of Fig. 3» with selected parts broken away for illustrative convenience; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the uppermost portion of the apparatus; Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section of the upper portion of the apparatus illustrating details of the body mat feed; Fig. 7 is a horizontal section taken on line 7- of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 6 Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the container body mat in assembly position and schematically illustrating the method of operation of the apparatus for forming a container; and Fig. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the time delay control of the apparatus.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in Fig. 1 a container forming machine 11 consisting of a portable frame 12, a feeding portion 13, an assembly portion 1 ·, and a compression portion 15· The framework 12 includes a base 16 and an upstanding superstructure 17· The base 16 is constructed to provide sufficient strength and rigidity and may The base 16 Includes a pair of side plates 19 at one end thereof and a pair of side plates 21 at its other end, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The plates 19 are interconnected by a transverse bar 22, and plates 21 are Interconnected by a transverse bar 23· The bars 22 and 23 are disposed at about the same level and atop thereof are a pair of parallel longitudinal bars or rails 24 adjustably secured thereto by clamping devices 25, as shown in Pigs. 3 and 4.

Secured to the bars 24 by bolts 26 is a pair of elongated vertical bars or posts 27 extending upwardly and forming part of the superstructure 1 · Also forming part of the superstructure are spaced pairs of oppositely facing channel members 28, as shown in Fig. 2. Each pair of channel members is supported on a respective side plate 19 by a gusset 29 and a buttress or brace plate 31» best seen in Figs. 1 and 4. As shown in Figs. 5 &nd 6» a transverse rod 32 and a cross strap 33 Interconnect the tops of the channel members 28. The posts 27 are adjustably secured to the strap by bolts 34 extending through slots 35· Referring also to Fig. 7» secured to the pairs of members 28 is a pair of mounting plates 36 in which is Journaled a rock shaft 37 to which is fixed an arm 38. Pivotally mounted on the distal end of the arm 38 is a finger 39 having piercing points or teeth 41 biased away from the shaft 37 by tension springs 42, the teeth being of a length to penetrate or mat 3 of planar form. Thus, as shown in Fig. 6, upon downward rocking of the arm 38 the teeth pierce the near side of the mat and force it downwardly toward an idler roller 44 which is engaged and driven by a driven roller 45» each roller having a periphery of high friction resilient material, such as rubber or the like. As will later appear, the mat 43 is engaged therebetween, as shown in Fig. 8, for feeding of the mat downwardly to the assembly portion 14. In the assembly position the mat is designated by reference numeral 43 ' and is disposed in an assembly position below the axes of rotation of the rollers, as shown in Figs. 6 and 9.

As best shown in Fig. 9» each mat is of predetermined planar configuration and is formed with a central bottom panel 46 to which are joined side panels 47 and 48 preferably with scored fold lines 49 at the Junctures. Each of the side panels has associated therewith a top flap 51 with a scored fold line 52 therebetween. Joined to the bottom panel are beveled end flanges 46f with fold lines 53 therebetween. Side panel 7 has end flanges 4?f and fold lines 54, and side panel 48 has end flanges 48f and fold lines 55· Such configuration provides notches 47n and 48n in the longitudinal edges of the mat.

Returning to Figs. 5 and 6, each mat 43 is configured as described for support by and feeding from the feed portion 13 which includes a pair of side plates 56 vertically adjustably secured to the posts 27» Each of the plates 56 h&s attached to the carrying a support aria 58 . The plates and brackets form a magazine and, as will be appreciated from viewing Figs. 1 and 9» number of mats 3 are stacked vertically In the magazine with the support arms and Inclined braokets engaging the edges of the notches 47n. The Inclined disposition of the brackets causes the blanks thereto to gravitate so tha the lead blank is pressed against a steadying standard s fragmentarlly shown, and a pair of contact plates 60, the former being secured to the mldportlon of the strap 35s the latter being attached to the posts 27 by plates 6le Each contact plate has mounted at the inner edge thereof a plurality of freely rotating rollers 62a, b and c with a clearance of about one-sixteenth inch between each plate and the periphery of each roller at the point of contact thereof with the container mat, as best seen In Pig. 7» Each inclined bracket 57 has its inner end 63 spaced from its respective contact plate 60 an amount sufficient to provide a space permitting the leading mat 3 to ride off the brackets upon downward movement of the mat while still retaining the next mat thereon. Because of the aforementioned olearance between the contact plates and the peripheral points of the rollers 62a, b and c, the leading mat is restrained from entering the spaces between the contact plates and the bracket ends and thus is also ordinarily retained on the brackets. However, upon downward movement of the leading mat in response to the action of the arm 38 above the brackets are bent or deflected toward the oontaot plates so as to pass through such spaces for feeding a mat. The rollers also operate to reduce the amount of frictional contact of the leading mat with the contact plates during descent.

Referring to Pig. 6, downward movement of the leading mat 43 brings the lower edge thereof into contact with the periphery of the idler roller 44. The points on the peripheries of the rollers 44 and 45 nearest each other are out of vertical alignment with the normal disposition of the leading mat 43 but engagement of the lower edge thereof by the periphery of the roller 44 causes it to become arched or bowed as shown in Fig. 8. Such arched condition of the mat serves to draw in the side edges thereof from the posts 27, thus further reducing the frictional drag on the mat. The arching or bowing of the mat also serves to stiffen and straighten the mat longitudinally, that Is, vertically, for better guiding thereof during descent. With the mat disposed between the peripheries of the rollers 44 and 45, it Is drawn rapidly downwardly and leaves the rollers with a considerable downward impetus.

The roller 44 is mounted for free rotation in a U-shaped bracket 64 which is secured to a crossbar 65 centrally thereof. The crossbar has ends fixed to a pair of plates 66 mounted on channel members 28. Journaled in the plates 66 is a transverse rotary shaft 67 to which the roller 45 is secured i alignment with the roller 44. ^3 · Any glue applying mechanism suitable for the purpose will suffice. As shown in Fig. 8, a pair of such mechanisms are employed and one each thereof, designated generally by reference numeral 68 , is secured to one of the posts 27» respectively. Each mechanism 68 consists essentially of a backup roller 69 in alignment with a glue applying roller 1 supported in a housing 72. Forming a part of the mechanism is a gear wheel 73 which when rotated serves to feed glue stock 7^ into the housing from a spool 75 Journaled on a bracket 76 secured to a channel member 28. A pair of pinions 77 are adjustably secured on the shaft 67 for meshing with the gear wheels 73 and accommodating movement of the mechanisms with lateral adjustment of the posts 27· The rollers 69 and 71 are mounted for free rotation, the end flanges passing therebetween in engagement therewith for imparting rotation thereto.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 9 » when the body mat has descended to the assembly position designated by numeral kj it is disposed between a ram carriage or mandrel 8 and a compression mechanism or die 79· The mandrel 78 is essentially an open frame or cagelike structure of generally parallelepiped form including angle irons 80 at the longitudinal corners thereof, best seen in Fig. 9· As shown in Figs. 3 and the angle irons are held in adjustable transverse spaced relation by aligned rods 81 which telescope into and are secured to sleeves 8ls, and in vertically spaced relation by side straps 82 and forward end of the structure in the plane of the vertical legs of the angle irons.

Each of the lower pair of angle irons 80 is supported for sliding movement on an elongated slide plate 84 along a path of movement defined by parallel track members 85 secured to the plates inwardly of the angle irons. Secured atop the track members are hold-down plates 86 which prevent the angle irons from moving upwardly. The slide plates 84 are supported on and secured to longitudinal bars 87 , aligned cross bars 88 and short posts 89· The bars 87 are secured atop the rails 24, the bars 88 are fixed to the inner sides of the bars 87 and are interconnected by a sleeve 88s for adjustability.

The lower ends of the posts 89 rest on the bar 23 and are adapted to slide thereover during adjustment of the rails 24.

In Fig. 3 , the mandrel 78 is shown in its retracted position and is adapted to be moved to the right into the compression mechanism or die 79» after which it is returned to the retracted position. Such movement is imparted to the mandrel by a thrust rod 90 connected to the side plates 83 by aligned rods 91 and an interconnecting sleeve 91s . The thrust rod is pivoted to a swinging arm 92 which is affixed to a rock shaft 93 having ends journaled in the plates 21. Also affixed to the rock shaft 93 is a rock arm 94 on which is journaled a cam follower roller 95 disposed in a cam way 96 formed in a rotary member 97 secured to a cross shaft 98 also Journaled Referring to Figs. 2 and , on each side of the mandrel 78 are ramps or Inclined brackets 99 and 100 interconnected by an adjustable brace bar 101, each of the brackets having a generally right angular cross-sectional configuration. Each of the brackets 99 is connected to the post 27 adjacent thereto while each bracket 100 is adjustably connected to the adjacent slide plate Q by a bracket 102. Also connected to each of the posts 27 is a plate 103 disposed in a vertical plane and carrying a guide member 10 generally at right angles thereto, the member having a bent or angular end ^ for a reason later appearing. The plate and member are inclined so as to be generally parallel to the bracket 99 therebelow, as shown in Fig. .

The brackets 99 and 100 and plate 103 with member 104 together constitute a magazine for receiving and stacking a number of end panels 105 substantially vertically disposed, as shown in Fig. 4. Each panel 105 can be formed with a scored fold line 105', as shown in Fig. 9, along which the end panels can be folded to provide inner top flaps over which flaps 51 can be folded for closing a formed container.

The inclination of the brackets 99 and 100 causes the end panels to gravitate downwardly and feed the leading end panel against the adjacent side of the mandrel 78. Heavy pieces of metallic round stock or rods 106 rolling down the inclined brackets behind the last panel serve to assist as followers in the feeding of the end panels. for adjustment of the brackets 100 and the angle Irons 80 of the mandrel 78, various sizes of container body mats and end panels can be accommodated for making various size containers.

The gravitational effect of the end panels and the rods 106 presses the leading panels 105 against the sides of the mandrel 78. Attached to the vertical legs of the rear ends of the angle irons are feed or plckoff plates 107 having a thickness slightly less than the thickness of the end panels. As shown in Fig. 2 , the forward edge of each of the feed plates terminates behind the associated bracket 100 and is beveled to provide an acute notch 108.

Thus, upon forward movement of the mandrel 78 , the forward edges of the feed plates engage the rear vertical edge of each of the leading panels and move them forwardly to pick off or slide them from the stacks. The plates 107 also serve to hold the next panels 105 away from the angle irons until the mandrel has retracted and the notches 108 are behind the brackets 100.

To provide a sufficient supply of end panels, the magazines therefor are often fully stacked to capacity. However, because of frictional drag, particularly when the magazines are substantially full, the lower edges of the panels tend to lag the upper edges thereof as the leading end panels are picked off with the result that the panels tilt from the vertical toward the mandrel. Should the amount of such tilt become excessive, a condition prevails spaced from the carriage a distance greater than the thickness of the plates 107 and the panel is not picked off properly. To overcome this problem, the guide member functions to limit the extent of tilt of the panels. Additionally, the bend 104a in the guide member prevents the panels therebeyond from tilting toward the mandrel and causes each panel to tilt in the opposite direction slightly as it gravitates down the brackets 99 and 100 and slips under the bend.

The plate 104 is spaced from its associated bracket 99 to provide a slight clearance with respect to the upper edges of the panels for accommodating slight variances in panel sizes.

Referring to Pig. 3» during descent the container body mat 3 is guided to the assembly position designated by numeral 3 * by pairs of upper and lower guide elements 109 and pairs of upper plow members 110 and lower plow members 111. The plow members 111 have extensions 111a which are attached to cross bars 112 secured to the rails 24. The cross" bars 112 are adjustably interconnected by sleeves 112s and form part of the compression mechanism 79· Extending upwardly from the ends of the cross bars 112 are two pairs of vertical bars or posts 113 which are adjustably interconnected at their tops b cross bars 114 and sleeves 114s. The plow members 110 have extensions 110a which are attached to the bars 114. The plow members, cross bars and posts thus constitute a box-like cage structure.

Referring also to Figs. 2 and 4, the comression mechanism or die 7 is rovided with a air of parallel rock shafts 115,one at each side thereof and Journaled in a pair of the vertical posts 113· Fixed to each of the rock shafts 115 is an arm 116 pivotally connected to a pair of links 117 pivoted to a supporting bar 118, each arm and its links constituting a toggle mechanism. The bars 118 support presser plates 119 in Inwardly facing relation, each plate having pins 120 at the lower edge thereof slid-ably related to the extensions 111a. Thus, alignment of the arm 116 with its links 117 serves to elongate the toggle mechanism and move the presser plates toward each other to press the end flanges of the container body mat against the respective end panels to complete assembling of the container, as will appear later.

For imparting simultaneous rocking to the shafts 115, each of the shafts has affixed thereto an arm 121 to the distal end of which is pivoted one end of a connecting rod 122. The other ends of the connecting rods are pivoted to a pair of rock arms 123 fixed to a rock shaft 12^, the ends of which are journaled in the side plates 19· Dependingly fixed to the rock shaft 12**- adjacent to one end thereof is a rock arm 125 to the lower end of which is pivoted one end of a thrust rod 126. The other end of the rod 126 is pivoted to a swinging lever 127 pivotally mounted on the inner side of one of the side plates 21. Journaled on the swinging lever 127 is a rotary cam follower 128 adapted to ride on the outer periphery of a cam 129 fixed to the shaft operative engagement with the cam 129 by the bias of a tension spring 130 connected betvieen the rod I26 and one of the side plates 19» Also fixed to the shaft 98 adjacent to the other end thereof is a cam 131 having an outer periphery against which rides a cam follower roller 13 ournaled on the lower end of a lever 133 pivoted intermediate its ends on a pivot pin 133' mounted on the inner side of the adjacent side plate 21, as shown in Figs. 1 and A tension spring 13*4- connected between the lever and the adjacent side plate 21 urges the roller into engagement with the cam. Connected to the upper end of the lever 133 is one end of a pull link 135 of angular form with offset ends and a telescoping intermediate portion which passes through the space between the adjacent side plates 19 and 21, as shown in Fig. 2. The intermediate portion provides a safety feature and includes a rod portion 136 in slidable telescoping relation with a sleeve portion 137 pivoted to a swinging lever 138 pivotally mounted on the adjacent side plate 19· The rod portion moves in response to movement of the lever 133 a d has a groove or socket 139 into which a ball l-0 slidably mounted on the sleeve portion is pressed by a compression spring 1 1 for releasably locking the portions together. The ball and spring are housed in a casing 1 2 mounted on the sleeve portion, an adjusting screw 1 3 threadedly engaging the casing serving to adjust the pressure of the spring for predetermining the ball moves out of the socket and the rod portion slides relative to the sleeve portion. The lever 138 is thus adapted to be swung in response to movement of the link 135 as the roller 132 follows the contour of the periphery of the cam 131. Also pivoted to the lever 138 is the lower end of an elongated connecting rod 144 pivotally connected at its upper end to a bifurcated rock arm 145 fixed to one end of the shaft 37 , best seen in Fig. 7· For imparting rotation to the shaft 98 the outer periphery of the rotary member 97 is provided with gear teeth 146 adapted to mesh with the teeth of a pinion 147 fixed to a cross shaft 1 8 Journaled in the side plates 21. The cross shaft is adapted to be driven by an electric motor 149 suitably supported on the base 16 and having operatively related thereto a magnetic clutch 149a for driving a sprocket 150. Trained about the sprocket 150 and a plate sprocket 151 is a drive chain 152. Referring to Fig. 4, the plate sprocket 151 is part of a friction clutch mechanism and has a central journal opening, not shown, for rotatively mounting the sprocket on a backup plate 153 which is fixed to the shaft 148. The plate sprocket is urged into frictional engagement with the plate 153 by & pressure plate 154 slidably mounted on bolts 155 which carry compression springs 156. The bolts extend through the Journal opening in the plate sprocket into the plate 153 and serve to adjust the pressure of the springs.

Secured to the adjacent end of the shaft 148 is a hand wheel 157 for rotation of the shaft by hand In adjusting the various settings of the machine.

Secured to the other end of the shaft 18 is a drive sprocket 158 about which is trained an endless drive chain 159· The drive chain is trained around a pair of idler sprockets 160 Journaled on the frame and a driven sprocket l6l secured to one end of the shaft 67» best seen in Figs. 1, 3 and 8. Thus, operation of the motor to rotate the shaft 98 in the direction of the arrow l62, as shown in Fig. 3, serves to drive the roller 45 and the gears 77 appropriately. The hub of the sprocket l6l preferably contains an over-running clutch, not shown, to permit turning of the roller 45 ¾y hand for feeding a mat and/or priming of the glue feeding mechanisms.

Returning to Fig. 1, another safety feature is provided in the form of a switch housing 163 carried by the sleeve portion 137 of the link 135» which housing contains a spring-pressed switch, not shown, that is connected by wiring 16 with the power circuit for the motor 149· Carried by the rod portion 136 of the link 135 is an actuating finger 165 which closes the switch when the rod and sleeve portions are locked together but pulls away upon relative sliding of the portions to permit opening of the switch and interruption of power to the motor for stopping the machine. Such interruption can be made to occur from overload due to jamming resulting from more than one oontainer body mat 43 at a time being fed downwardly or any other reason.

Referring to Fig. 3» when the container edge of the mat engages and depresses a plate 166 secured to a plunger 16? mounted for vertical sliding movement In a housing 168 against the upward bias of a bompresslon spring 169, the housing being secured to one of the posts 27· The plate 166 is provided with an aperture, not shown, through which a pull rod 171 is adapted to slide, the rod having an adjustable collar 172 in engagement with the underside of the plate. As shown in Fig. 2, the upper end of the rod 171 is bent and pivotally connected to a rook arm 173 fixed to a transverse rock shaft 1 ^· Journaled on the frame and having latch fingers 175 rookable therewith. A tension spring 176 interconnects the rock arm and the rod urging the latter upwardly and holding the fingers 175 in latched position. Thus, in the absence of downward pressure on the plate l66 It is in its upwardly pressed position, the fingers 175 are disposed In front of the horizontal legs of the lower pair of angle irons 80 for preventing forward movement of the ram carriage or mandrel 78 and the collar 172 engages the underside of the plate. However, when the plate l66 is depressed by the presence of a container body mat in the assembly position **3 a pull is exerted on the rod 171 for withdrawal of the fingers 175 for permitting forward movement of the mandrel. As shown in Fig. t for adequate support of the container body mat in the assembly position, an adjustable stop 177 is mounted on the other post 27 at substantially the same level as the plate 166 when the latter is Protective guards or covers 178 and 179 are attached to the side plates 19 and 21. Additionally, cover plates, not shown, can be provided to close the spaces between the guards and the channel members 28 for further protection.

When the mandrel 78 moves forwardly, the beveled edges 108 of the feed plates 107 engage the rear vertical edges of the leading end panels 105 and move such panels so that the leading vertical edges thereof engage the container body mat at the fold lines 53 thereof, and folding along the fold lines 9 by the plow members 110 and 111 is initiated. Also Initiated is the partial folding of the end flanges 6f by plows or deflectors 181 secured to the posts 27 and having vertical planar facing portions terminating short of the presser plates 119 which plows serve to maintain the flanges 6f partly folded with continued movement of the mandrel. Such continued movement completes folding of the side panels 7 and 8 against the upper and lower horizontal edges of the end panels 105 by the plow members 110 and 111. Also, the end flanges 7f and 48f are partly folded by upper and lower pairs of plow elements 182 which are mounted on the rear cross bars 112 and 114, as shown in Pigs. 2, 3 and 4. With full forward movement of the mandrel, the partially assembled container is fully inserted into the cage structure of the compression mechanism 79 with the partially folded end flanges in engagement with the presser plates 119· When the shafts 115 are rocked to align or 119 move toward each other pressing the container against the sides of the carriage for completing the folding of the end flanges against the end panels. Such pressure Is maintained for a brief period of time to enable the glue to set and adhesively bond the end flanges and panels and provide an assembled container 43a. The shafts 115 are then oppositely rocked to relieve the pressure slightly and the mandrel is withdrawn. To preclude movement of the assembled container 43a therewith, a pair of retainer plates 183» one on each of the presser plates 119» engage behind the rear edges of the folded flanges 46f. Further rocking of the shafts 115 moves the presser plates away from the assembled container. Upper and lower leaf springs 184 are mounted on the sleeves 114s and 112s, respectively. After withdrawal of the mandrel, the springs 184 cause the side panels and top flaps to be bowed or arched slightly inwardly for providing edges engaged by the bottom of the next container during its formation for ejecting the assembled container 3a from the compression mechanism 79· It is understood, of course, that the cam way 96 and cams 129 and 131 are provided with dwell portions and rises or portions with changing radii, all appropriately related to provide for the coordinated sequential action of feeding the container body mat 43, moving the mandrel 78 to effect partial assembly of the container, completing the assembly of the container in the die or compression mechanism container, withdrawing the mandrel from the assembled container and finally releasing the assembled container.

It will be appreciated that the opposite sides of the container forming apparatus of the present invention, in essence, are constructed of parts which are mirror images interconnected by sleeves for adjustability and thus provide a pair of transversely adjustable complementary portions, each with an end panel feed, each of the portions being precisely adjustable substantially as a sub-unit readily and easily for forming containers of various sizes.

In actual practice, the container forming machine of the present invention is capable of operating at high speeds, for example, at about 30 containers per minute. Because of such high speed operation, it is desirable to use a quick setting hot glue. At times it is desired to produce containers at a considerably slower rate, for example, four to five containers per minute. In such instances, however, it is not feasible merely to slow down the operation of the machine since the glue applied to the container parts sets before the parts are pressed together and thus the parts are not properly adhered or bonded unless a slower adhesive is utilized.

To overcome this problem and to avoid the necessity of changing to a slower setting glue or providing other gluing mechanisms, provision is made for operating the machine at its usual high speed for a portion of each cycle of operation until the glued tion Is stopped for a predetermined period of time, and operation is then resumed to complete the cycle* As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the near end of the shaft 98,carries a cam 185 which controls a switch 186, the cam being adjustably secured to the shaft* Best seen in Fig. 10, the cam 185 is provided with a circular periphery 18? and has a flat portion 188 and a control point 189· The switch 186 is of the normally open type and has a spring pressed member 190 which closes the switch when pressed in by the circular portion 187 of the cam.

One side of the switch 186 is connected to a time delay relay 191 by a lead 192, the other side of the switch being connected through a start-stop switch 193 to a power line 19^a. Line 19½a is associated with a power line 19^b and alternating current (A.C.) power is delivered to the lines through a power oontrol switch 195· Power from line 194a is also directed through a lead 196 to the relay 191 and returned therefrom to the line 19^b through a lead 197· The time delay relay 191 is of the type in which the time delay cycle is variable and can be preset by adjusting a knob 198. Upon the application of power to the relay through leads 192 and 1979 reset of the relay is accomplished and the time delay cycle is initiated. At the end of the preset time delay, power from the leads 196 and 197 is applied to the output leads 199» one of which passes through the safety switch in switch housing 163. The power in leads 199 is directed to a rectifier or other current and application to the magnetic clutch 19^a for energizing the same. The time delay relay 191 and control switches 193 and 195 can be conveniently contained in a control box 201 suitably supported on one of the channel members 28, as shown in Fig. 1.

With switches 163, 186, 193 and 195 closed, power is applied to the relay 19.I and the time delay is initiated. At the end of the delay, the relay acts to apply power to the leads 199 and energize the magnetic clutch 149a. This couples the motor 1*1-9 to the sprocket 150 and the cams are rotated. With rotation of the cam Ι85» the switch member 190 rides off the circular portion I87 and is disposed adjaoent to the flat portion 188 with the result that the switch 186 opens, stopping flow of power through lead 192. This causes the relay to remove the application of power to the leads 199» and the magnetic clutch is de-energized. However, the momentum of the moving parts of the machine causes sufficient rotation of the shaft 98 and cam 185 so that the control point 189 sweeps past the switch member 190 and switch 186 is again closed, the relay is reset and another time delay is initiated. With the relay in preset condition, the relay acts to bypass the switch 193 so that it can be opened and, after the time delay, power will be applied to energize the clutch 1^9a until de-energized by opening of the switch 186. The machine thus always stops with the cam 185 substantially as shown In Fig. 10 and the relay in its reset condition. relative to the cams 129 and 131 and cam way 96 so that the control point 189 on the cam 185 sweeps past the switch member 190 to close the switch 186 as the cam 129 acts to actuate the toggle mechanisms for pressing the container parts together after the cam way 96 acts to insert the mandrel 78 into the die 79· This stops the machine with the container parts pressed together and cam 131 holding the arm 38 up ready for feeding a mat kj. After the preset time delay, the mat is fed down and the other related operations recommence. Of course, the time delay can be set to a minimum in which there will be no delay interposed in the operation of the machine and it will operate continuously for all practical purposes. However, when switch 193 Is opened the machine will operate to stop with the mandrel in the die and the container parts being pressed together.

The operation of the apparatus of the present invention is believed to be clearly apparent as briefly summarized at this point. A sufficient supply of container body mats 1+3 and end panels 105 are provided in respective magazine portions thereof on the machine 11. Referring to Fig. 10, and recalling that the machine stopped with the mandrel in the die and the container parts pressed together, the power control switch 195 Is closed which commences heating of the glue in the glue mechanisms 68, starts the motor 1^9 and applies power to the time delay relay 191 through leads 196 and 197· With the switch 186 already closed by the action of cam 185, closure power Is applied through the output leads 199 for energizing the magnetlo olutoh 149a thereby coupling the motor to the driving sprocket 150 and rotation of the various cams reoommenoes. The rotation of the cam 129 causes the toggle mechanisms to be reverse actuated slightly to relieve compressor pressure on the assembled container 3a and the mandrel Is retracted therefrom, the retainer plates 183 engaging with the edges of the folded end flanges 46f and preventing rearward movement of the assembled container. The toggle meohanlsms are then reverse actuated completely to pull the presser plates away from the assembled container and release It for ejection, the springs 184 arching upper and lower edges thereof. With the mandrel completely retracted and latched In place, downward rocking of the rock arm 38 causes the leading body mat 3 to be fed from the magazine of the feed portion 13 and the lower edge of the mat to be engaged between the rollers and 45» whereupon the mat Is arohed or bowed longitudinally and Is drawn rapidly downwardly with a sufficient Impetus to depress the plate I66 and unlatch the mandrel. During downward movement of the mat, glue Is applied to the end flanges thereof. The mandrel then moves for-wardly, the plow member 110 and 111 folding the side panels 47 and 48 against the end panels 105, plows 181 partly folding the end flanges 46f and the plow elements 182 partly folding the end flanges 47f and 48f. As the mandrel Is Inserted Into the die, the partly formed container engages the arohed edges of the swltoh member 190 rides off the circular portion 197 of the cam 185 resulting in the opening of the switch 186, and the de-energization of the magnetic clutch l¾-9a for uncoupling the drive sprocket 150 from the motor. However, the momentum of the moving parts causes the mandrel to be fully inserted into the die and the lat portion 188 of the cam 185 to move past the switch member 190 until the switch 186 is olosed, with attendant resetting of the relay 191 and the initiation of the time delay cycle. With full insertion of the mandrel and partially assembled container into the die, the toggle mechanisms are actuated causing the presser plates to complete folding of the end flanges and press them against the end panels for ad*-hesively bonding the container parts together. After the preset time delay, operation recommences and another cycle is repeated. Should the switch 193 then be opened, the current cycle of operation will be completed and the machine will stop with the mandrel in the die and the parts of the container pressed together.

There has thus been provided a method and machine for forming containers which is of compact and relatively inexpensive construction and operates in a facile and reliable manner for forming containers from vertically disposed body mats and end panels.

Although the Invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention as defined by the a ended

Claims (18)

32943/3

1. An appratus for forming containers comprising a mandrel having fixed transverse dimensions; a hollow contrictible and distendable die adapted to receive the mandrel and have the mandrel retracted therefrom; means for feeding a substantially flat foldable container blank into an assembly position between the die and the mandrel when the mandrel is retracted; means for feeding a pair of end panels to said assembly position into engagement with the blank in substantially right angular relation thereto; and synchronous drive means for successively retracting the mandrel from the die, feeding the blank to assembly position while the mandrel is retracted, feeding the end panels to assembly position while the blank is therein, thrusting the mandrel together with the blank and end panels into the die while the die is distended, constricting the die while the mandrel, blank and end panels are therein, distending the die while the mandrel, blank and end panels are therein, and retracting the mandrel from the blank, end panels and die while the die is distended.

2. An apparatus according to claim I, in which the means for feeding the blank includes a magazine for supporting a plurality of the blanks disposed substantially vertically, powered roller means disposed below the magazine, and an elevationally reciprocal barbed element successively engageabie with the blanks positively to feed said blanks downwardly to the roller means.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, 32943/3 i including means for applying adhesive to edge portions of the blank during feeding thereof.

4. An apparatus according to claims 1 and 3, including means for pressing said edge portions against the end panels while the body blank is held by the mandrel and die means.

5. An apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said means for applying adhesive to the blank comprises a powered roller means having a freely rotat-able roller mounted in rolling engagement with the blank and rotated thereby, means for applying adhesive to the periphery of the roller for transfer to the blank, and back-up means urging the blank into roller engagement during said feeding thereof.

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the die has open opposite ends and including means engageable with the sides of the assembled container for inwardly arching the same for engagement by the next container during assembly thereof for ejecting the assembled container from the die.

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the die has an opening which extends therethrough to provide a discharge opening and containers formed in the die are ejected from the discharge opening by succeeding containers formed therein.

8. 3. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said blank has portions oppositely extended transversely beyond the mandrel and the die, said end panels being fed into substantially right-angularly abutting relation with the blank on opposite sides of the mandrel, said drive means including means engageable with the end panels to carry them into the die as the mandrel forces the blank into the die whereby said extended portions of the blank are folded onto the outside of the end panels and secured thereto to form the container.

9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the mandrel is horizontally reciprocal between the assembly position and a retracted position and including a latch engageable with the mandrel to retain it in retracted position, and means responsive to the presence of a blank in the assembly position for unlatching the latch to release the mandrel.

10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and feed means each consist of a pair of complementary adjustably spaceable sub-units; and said apparatus having a frame providing a pair of substantially horizontal parallel bars, and a pair of substantially horizontal parallel rails supported on the bars; means mounting the sub-units of each pair on separate rails with the sub-units of each pair in cooperative juxtaposition; and means mounting the rails on the bars in adjustably spaced relation whereby the sub-units of each pair are correspondingly automatically adjustably positioned*.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said feeding means includes means engageable with opposite edges of the body blank defining edge traversing tracks disposed in a common erect plane, and means intermediate the tracks flexing the blank between the tracks from said plane whereby the blank is arched transversely of it3 direction of feed to impart greater rigidity thereto.

12. An apparatus according to claim I, in which the end panels are disposed generally vertically, and the feeding means therefor includes a ramp supporting the lower edges thereof for gravitational movement therealong, and means engageable with the uppe edges of the panels for limiting tilting of the panels from said general vertical disposition.

13. An apparatus according to claim 7, including stripper means reciprocable between stripping positions adjacent to the mandrel to block retraction of containers formed in the die means with retraction of the mandrel and retracted positions spaced from the mandrel, , said synchronous means holding the stippe means in stripping positions while the mandrel is retracted and holding the stripper means in retracted positions while the mandrel is thrust into the die means.

14. An apparatus according to claim 4 in which the blank feeding means, the end panel means, the die means, the adhesive applying means, and the pressing means each includes a pair of opposed, complementary sub-units adjustably spaced transversely of the apparatus and just-apositioned to constitute their respective means; and means releasably interconnecting the sub-units i corres- pondingly adjustably spaced juxtaposition to form containers of corresponding dimensions.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14 in which the interconnecting means includes a pair of substantially horizontal parallel bars mounted in the frame transversely of the apparatus; a pair of substantially horizontal parallel rails supported on the bars and extended longitudinally of the apparatus; posts individual to the rails rigidly mounted on their respective rails and upwardly extended therefrom, each rail and its post constituting a frame sub-unit; means mounting the sub-units of the feeding means, die means, adhesive applying means and pressing means in juxtaposition oh opposite sub-units of the frame; and releasable means mounting the rails on the bars in adjustably spaced relation whereby spacing the rails automatically correspondingly spaces the sub-units of the frame, feeding means, die means, adhesive applying means, and pressing means.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 in which the mandrel also consists of opposed, complementary sub-units spaced transversely of the apparatus, and includes telescopically adjustable means interconnecting the sub-units of the mandrel in adjustably spaced relation.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15 or 16 including a pair of mandrel tracks; and means mounting the tracks individually on the frame sub-units in horizontal parallel relation extended longitudinally of the apparatus for automatically spaced adjustment with the means 32943/3

18. An apparatus for forming containers from palar blanks constructed and adapted to operate substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.