JP2012505804A - Case sealing machine with integrated hot melt dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

  A case sealing system comprising an integrated hot melt processing, dispensing, and application system, wherein both the bottom and top of the filled box are sealed at about the same time by a hot melt adhesive.

Description

  This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61/105559, filed Oct. 15, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  The present invention relates to a box or case sealer for closing an open end of a cardboard box or carton. The case sealer has a frame with a conveyor for moving the filled box to a pair of side drive belts spaced apart, which seals the bottom and top flaps It functions to carry the box into an area with a hot melt dispensing system that applies an adhesive to its flaps to allow it to do so.

  In the packaging industry, many products are packaged in cardboard boxes or cartons for shipping. One end of the box, ie the bottom, is usually sealed with hot melt adhesive or tape before the box is filled. Alternatively, the bottom of the box may be closed but not sealed before the box is filled. After the box is filled, the open top edge and side flaps of the box are folded inward and downward. The box is then usually sealed by applying glue inside the mating surfaces of the folded flaps before the flaps are sealed, or by applying tape to these outside after the flaps are sealed. The If the bottom is closed before filling but not sealed, usually both the bottom and top are sealed with tape after filling.

  There are solutions on the market to automatically tape these top and bottom after the case is filled. One solution is that the sealer is sent by a conveyor from a station where multiple operators fill. Another solution is that the filling station is built into the sealing machine, so there is one operator per sealing machine.

  There are also solutions on the market for sealing the case with hot melt adhesive. Most of these apply hot melt to the bottom of the case when the case is automatically assembled and before filling the contents, then the hot melt is applied to the top of the case after the case is filled. Apply. These solutions require two machines (automatic assembler and / or top sealer) that are neither small nor low cost.

  There is a need for a simple solution for sealing a filled case with a hot melt adhesive, similar to what is currently achieved by using tape. The present invention addresses this need.

  The present invention provides the art with small top and bottom hot melt case sealers with integrated hot melt applicators that can meet the needs of a single operator or multiple operators. In the practice of the present invention, the large flap at the bottom of the filled case is reopened and then sealed to apply hot melt adhesive.

  One embodiment of the present invention is that the pre-closed but unsealed bottom large flap of the filled case is reopened to apply hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of each large flap, and It is closed again, after which the bottom of the box is directed to a hot melt case sealer that becomes glued and sealed. In another embodiment, the pre-closed but unsealed bottom large flap of the filled case is reopened to apply hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of each small flap, and again A hot melt case sealer that is closed and then the bottom of the box becomes glued and sealed.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is that the pre-closed but unsealed bottom large flap of the filled case is reopened to apply hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of each large flap, It is then closed again and then directed to a hot melt case sealer where both the bottom and top of the box are glued and sealed. In another embodiment, the pre-closed but unsealed large flap of the filled case is re-opened and re-closed to apply hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of each small flap, Then, it is a hot melt case sealing machine in which both the bottom and top of the box are bonded and sealed. In another embodiment, a hot melt case sealer wherein the large flaps at the bottom of the filled case that are pre-closed but not sealed, the hot melt adhesive on the outer surface of each small flap and / or A hot melt case sealer that is reopened and reclosed for application to the inner surface of each large flap so that both the bottom and top of the box are bonded and sealed.

  The case sealer comprises a frame with a conveyor for moving the filled box into a region with spaced apart side drive belt pairs and hot melt nozzles. The drive belt moves the box through the area where the hot melt dispensing system applies hot melt adhesive to both the top and bottom flaps substantially simultaneously to seal both the bottom and top flaps. In one embodiment, the adhesive is applied substantially simultaneously on the outer surface of the small flap at the top of the case and on the outer surface of the small flap at the bottom of the case. In another embodiment, the adhesive is applied substantially simultaneously on the inner surface of the large flap at the top of the case and on the inner surface of the large flap at the bottom of the case. In other embodiments, the adhesive is applied substantially simultaneously on the outer surface of the small flap at the top of the case and on the inner surface of the large flap at the bottom of the case. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive is applied substantially simultaneously on the inner surface of the large flap at the top of the case and the outer surface of the small flap at the bottom of the case.

  In yet another embodiment, the integral part of the case sealer is a hot melt dispensing system. An integrated hot melt dispensing system includes a hot melt adhesive, a melt tank having an internal cavity configured to receive the adhesive, and optionally an automatic dispensing device integrally coupled to the melt tank. Prepare. In one embodiment, the system comprises a heating element that is controlled or programmed to reach a maximum operating temperature of 250 ° F.

  In one embodiment, the integrated hot melt dispensing system includes an automatic dispensing unit for maintaining a supply of solid hot melt adhesive and supplying solid adhesive from the automatic dispensing unit to the internal cavity of the melt tank. A supply connector; a melt tank with a heating element; a transfer hose connected to the nozzle from the melt tank; at least one nozzle mounting port including a distribution orifice that is opened and closed by a valve; and a distribution orifice for the molten hot melt adhesive At least one nozzle for dispensing from.

  In one embodiment, the case sealer is any case sealer, in which case the device automatically adjusts to accommodate the size of the box, in particular a drive belt that is spaced apart laterally. The pair is adjusted to match the size of the box and the placement of the adhesive on the flap by the hot melt dispensing device.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a packaging method using the case sealing machine of the present invention. The method of the present invention includes assembling the box, closing the bottom of the box but not sealing it, filling the box with the material to be packaged, and filling the packed box to the laterally spaced sides. Moving into a region of a box sealer comprising a pair of drive belts and a hot melt nozzle. The box is moved through the drive belt through the area where the hot melt dispensing system applies adhesive to the bottom and top flaps, then the flaps are closed so that the bottom and top edges of the box are It becomes sealed. In the practice of the present invention, the hot melt is applied to the top and bottom flaps almost simultaneously. In one embodiment, the adhesive is applied substantially simultaneously on the outer surface of the small flap at the top of the case and on the outer surface of the small flap at the bottom of the case. In another embodiment, the adhesive is applied substantially simultaneously on the inner surface of the large flap at the top of the case and on the inner surface of the large flap at the bottom of the case. In other embodiments, the adhesive is applied substantially simultaneously on the outer surface of the small flap at the top and / or bottom of the case and on the inner surface of the large flap at the top and / or bottom of the case. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive may be applied independently on the inner surface of the large flap and the outer surface of the small flap with respect to the top and bottom of the case.

It is a side view of one Embodiment of the case sealing machine of this invention. It is the figure seen from the lower half of the case sealing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows the filled box as it receives hot melt adhesive as it is moved through the adhesive application section of the case sealer.

  The present invention provides the art with an alternative method of sealing the box, where both the top and bottom flaps of the filled box are sealed with a hot melt adhesive. In accordance with the practice of the invention, the box is assembled and filled, and then both the bottom and top are sealed using hot melt adhesive.

  The case sealer of the present invention comprises a frame having a longitudinal axis, the frame including an inlet conveyor for moving the box along the longitudinal axis to enter the case sealer, in a longitudinal, spaced apart manner. A pair of lateral belt drives placed in this way are positioned to receive the boxes from the inlet conveyor and to move them in and out of the hot melt dispensing area and on the sealing platform.

  The box or case is first assembled so that the bottom flap is closed but not sealed and the top flap remains open. The box is filled and then sealed using the case or box sealer of the present invention. The case sealer of the present invention may be semi-automatic in that the inner flap at the top of the box is manually folded and closed before being carried to the case sealer. Alternatively, the case sealer may be automatic, in which case the case sealer folds the inner top flap into a closed position when the top flap is being carried into the area where the adhesive is applied to the flap. Kika "is provided.

  The case sealer of the present invention includes three separate areas: an inlet conveyor, an adhesive application area and a sealing platform.

Entrance conveyor The entrance conveyor includes a plurality of intermeshing rollers arranged at a downward angle. The downward angle generally ranges from about 5 ° to about 10 ° from the horizontal level and is generally about 6 °. The entrance conveyor opens the bottom outer large flap partially lowered, while the inner flap remains in a substantially closed position, thereby allowing the contents to be held within the box.

Adhesive application area The box then enters an adhesive application area with a floor that is open in the middle, which is hot-melted into a pair of angled floor areas located around and the box It is sandwiched between a pair of laterally arranged drive belts that are pushed out or otherwise moved through the application area. The angled floor area (also referred to herein as the bottom large flap guide bar) allows the large flap of the folded box to be lowered further to accept hot melt adhesive . The angle with respect to the horizontal from each bottom large flap guide bar is generally in the range of about 1 ° to about 45 °, typically about 5-20 °, and more typically about 10-15 °. . As the box enters the adhesive application area and the bottom large flap further descends, additional support is provided by the plow to hold the internal small flap in the closed position.

  The plow, which can include a pair of applicator nozzles, is constructed and arranged to provide temporary support to the small flap and / or contents at the bottom of the box when the large flap is lowered to accept the adhesive. Is done. Multiple hot melt dispensing nozzles located both above and below the adhesive application area are present to apply adhesive to the bottom and top flaps as the box is moved through the adhesive application area. ing. While transporting the box through the adhesive application area, the pair of nozzles applies hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of each of the closed small flaps at the top of the box, while the second pair of nozzles Hot melt adhesive is applied to the outer surface of each of the closed small flaps at the bottom of the box. A pair of nozzles can be arranged to apply hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of each of the open large flaps at the top of the box and the bottom of the box. The nozzle also applies hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of each of the closed small flaps at the top of the box, while a second pair of nozzles applies hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of the open large flap at the bottom of the box. It can be arranged to apply to. The nozzle further applies hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of each of the large open flaps at the top of the box, while a second pair of nozzles applies hot melt adhesive to the closed small flaps at the bottom of the box. It can be arranged to apply to the outer surface. The nozzle pairs can also be independently arranged such that each nozzle dispenses hot melt adhesive either on the inner surface of the large open flap or on the outer surface of the closed small flap.

Sealing platform Following application of the adhesive, the box is transported to an area with a plurality of flat rollers. When the box leaves the adhesive application area, the bottom flap is closed as the box is moved on the roller, and the top flap is closed and preferably compressed to seal both the top and bottom of the box .

  The case sealer of the present invention includes an integrated system for processing and dispensing hot melt adhesives. The system processes adhesives formulated to be applied at low temperatures, ie 290 ° F or less, more typically 160 ° F to 260 ° F, and even more typically 170 ° F to 200 ° F. This is particularly useful when configured to distribute. Although the present invention is not limited to the use of low application temperature hot melt adhesives, such adhesives can be transported, processed and dispensed for use in a safer and more economical manner. Can do.

  The integrated hot melt adhesive dispensing system is arranged and configured to dispense hot melt adhesive to the flaps at the end of the box. Using low temperature hot melt adhesives does not cause end users to suffer from the problems traditionally associated with using conventional (high temperature application) hot melt and non-integral hot melt applicators. Means that. Such problems include, for example, hot melt carbonization that causes clogging of the applicator nozzle, causing stoppage, hot melt carbonization that requires tank flushing, high temperature hot melt that may cause safety problems, applicator wear. High temperature hot melts that can be accelerated, such as multipurpose applicators that are not specifically designed for this application and are therefore too complex to operate and maintain.

  The integrated hot melt adhesive dispensing system comprises a hot melt adhesive product, a melt tank, preferably with integrated level control, and optionally a high efficiency automatic dispensing unit.

  The adhesive product used in the system of the present invention is not particularly limited. Virtually any low application temperature hot melt adhesive may be used in the practice of the present invention. Base polymers suitable for use in low-applying hot melt adhesive formulations include amorphous polyolefins, ethylene-containing polymers, and rubbery block copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, isotactic or atactic polypropylene, styrene-butadiene, styrene-isoprene, or styrene-ethylene-butylene ABA or ABBA block copolymer, or mixtures thereof Hot melt adhesive compositions may be used. Any mixture of the above base materials, such as a mixture of n-butyl ethylene acrylate and ethylene vinyl acetate and ethylene vinyl acetate and atactic polypropylene may also be used to prepare the hot melt adhesive composition. In either case, the adhesive may be formulated with other conventional additives including tackifying resins, oil plasticizers, waxes and / or stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, and the like.

  When the adhesive dispensing system is in operation, the solid hot melt adhesive is removed from a relay area or reservoir of solid material, also referred to herein as an automatic dispensing unit or automatic feed tank, drum or container, It is continuously fed, transported or distributed to the melt tank via a supply passage or conduit such as a tube or hose.

  In one embodiment, transport into the melt tank is controlled by an automatic feed tank or automatic dispensing unit that is integrally connected to the melt tank. The automatic dispensing unit automatically fills the melt tank in response to a level detector present in the melt tank.

  In the melt tank, the adhesive contained therein is heated to a predetermined set temperature by the heating element. Using a low application temperature hot melt adhesive and the temperature control of the present invention allows the dispensing unit to be located closer to the melt tank.

  In one embodiment, an integrated control panel is used to control the adhesive level and temperature. When using a low application temperature hot melt adhesive, the control is set so that the temperature is not higher than 290 ° F. In one embodiment, the control is set so that the temperature does not exceed about 250 ° F. In another embodiment, the control is set so that the temperature does not exceed about 200 ° F.

  An audible alarm is preferably issued to indicate when the solid hot melt dispensing unit is empty, when the melt tank is empty, and when the temperature is outside the desired or predetermined limits.

  The system also includes a hot melt dispensing port, a pump, and a transfer hose for transferring the molten adhesive to the application nozzle. When using a low application temperature hot melt adhesive, the molten hot melt can be transferred from the melt tank to the application nozzle up to 10 m, more typically up to 4 m.

  In one embodiment, the system comprises a hot melt adhesive, an automatic dispensing unit, a supply connector, and a melt tank, wherein the solid hot melt adhesive is heated via the automatic distribution unit (automatic supply). The adhesive is melted and maintained at a predetermined temperature. The melted adhesive is maintained at a predetermined level by a level detector present in the melt tank. The molten adhesive then dispenses the molten hot melt adhesive from the melt tank onto the surface of the box through a mounting port, hole or outlet containing a dispensing orifice that is opened and closed by a valve stem, through a transfer hose. It is pumped to the nozzle for.

  The shapes of the automatic dispensing unit and the units and / or parts constituting the melt tank are not particularly limited. Automatic dispensing units and / or melt tanks can include a single wall (eg, cylindrical shape) or multiple walls (eg, square, rectangular, or the like).

  The automatic dispensing unit is integrally connected to the melt tank and these system components can be made of the same or different materials. Pellets or other such conventional forms of solid adhesive are introduced into the dispensing unit via an adhesive inlet valve, for example by blowing or other conventional means. Means for removing air associated with introducing the solid adhesive into the automatic dispensing unit can be used. If desired, a baffle or other such means that functions to direct the solid adhesive to the melt tank and / or to deflect heat may be present in the automatic dispensing unit.

  The melt tank includes heating means and may include a grid heated via a cartridge heater or a band heater. Multiple heating elements can be used throughout the tank to optimize the melt rate and feed rate. The heater can be arranged to provide heat to both the hot melt tank as well as the adhesive in the pump mechanism. Alternatively, separate sets of heating elements may be used to provide heat to the adhesive in the hot melt tank and the adhesive in the pump mechanism. The heating element is controlled by a thermostat and comprises a circuit for providing power.

  Melt tank is a one-way check valve that limits back flow at low pressure from the pump (eg, due to the piston forward stroke) while allowing material to enter the melt chamber of the pump (during the piston return stroke) It is connected to the distribution unit via Distribution may also be achieved, for example, via a gear pump.

  The present invention provides a case sealer with a closed system for automatically processing and dispensing hot melt adhesive at multiple locations, where the adhesive level in the melt tank uses an automatic feeder and level sensor And maintained at a predetermined level of adhesive. The closed system helps prevent contamination and keep the work area safe and clean. In addition, the use of low application temperature adhesives extends the life of consumable parts such as nozzles, filters and modules, hoses, pneumatic assemblies, vibrators, pneumatic assemblies of feeders and control cards, power cards, thermostats, The wear observed in the RTD, level sensor control panel is reduced.

  One embodiment of the invention is that the pre-closed but unsealed bottom large flap of the filled case is reopened to apply hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of each large flap, and Closed again and then directed to a hot melt case sealer where the bottom of the box becomes glued and sealed. Another embodiment of the invention is that the pre-closed but unsealed bottom large flap of the filled case is reopened to apply hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of each small flap, It is then closed again and then directed to a hot melt case sealer where the bottom of the box is glued and sealed. In other embodiments, the pre-closed but unsealed bottom large flap of the filled case allows hot melt adhesive to be applied to the outer surface of each inner flap at approximately the same time with respect to the top and bottom flaps. A hot melt case sealer that is reopened for application and then closed again, after which the bottom of the box becomes glued and sealed. In yet another embodiment, the pre-closed but unsealed bottom large flap of the filled case allows hot melt adhesive to be applied to the top and bottom flaps on the surface of each large flap. A hot melt case sealer that is reopened and reclosed for application at about the same time on the inside and / or outside the surface of each small flap, and then the bottom of the box is glued and sealed .

  The nozzle can be arranged to allow hot melt adhesive to be applied to either one small flap and / or multiple small flaps for both the top and bottom of the box. . Further, the nozzles may be independently arranged to distribute the hot melt adhesive on different flaps on the top and bottom of the box or on the same flap.

  Various patterns and amounts of hot melt adhesive can be dispensed from the nozzle. The pattern can be controlled by dispensing the hot melt adhesive in the desired pattern by moving the nozzles and / or moving the boxes within the adhesive application area on the conveyor belt. The amount of hot melt adhesive dispensed is controlled by the length of time that the nozzle dispenses adhesive at each location and / or by changing the pump pressure. The specific pattern design and amount of adhesive released can be controlled mechanically and / or electronically.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the case sealing machine of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the case sealing machine of the present invention, particularly the bottom part of the case sealing machine. FIG. 3 shows the filled box as it receives hot melt adhesive as it is moved through the adhesive application section.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the case sealing machine comprises a frame having a longitudinal axis including an inlet conveyor (1), an adhesive application area (2) and a sealing platform (3). The case sealer may be stationary or may be supported on casters (4) to allow the case sealer to be easily moved to the desired location.

  The inlet conveyor (1) moves the box along the longitudinal axis into the adhesive application area (2). The entrance conveyor (1) comprises a series of intermeshing rollers (5 and 6) shown in more detail in FIG. A pair of central rails and laterally spaced lateral belt drives (7) receive the boxes from the inlet conveyor (1) and move them into and out of the hot melt distribution area (2). Is located. The case sealer folds the upper inner small flap to the closed position (20b) when it is being carried into the area where hot melt adhesive is applied to either the small flap or the large flap or both “Flap kicker (20a)” is provided. Hot melt adhesive is released from a nozzle (16) attached to the upper small flap guard (19). One upper nozzle (16) is shown. After the adhesive is applied, the box is moved to the sealing platform (3). A compressor (11) is used to close and seal the box.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an integral part of the case sealer is a hot melt dispensing system. The integrated hot melt dispensing system includes an automatic dispensing unit (24) for maintaining a supply of solid hot melt adhesive and a supply connector for supplying solid adhesive from the automatic dispensing unit to the melt tank (22). (25), and in the melt tank (22), the solid adhesive is melted into a molten state. The transfer hose (21) moves the molten hot melt adhesive from the melt tank to the application nozzles (14, 15, and 16) that distribute the adhesive onto the box.

  With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the adhesive distribution area (2) comprises a floor with an open central part (8), which is also referred to as a large flap guide bar (9) at the bottom, Arranged between a pair of angled floor regions located around. The bottom nozzles (14, 15) distribute hot melt adhesive onto the bottom flaps of the box. Following the application of the adhesive, the box (10) moves to the sealing platform (3), where the outside of the bottom small flap contacts the adhesive applied to the inside of the bottom large flap, The upper flap is folded and compressed using the compressor (11), thereby sealing the box. The sealed platform (3) receives a box, which may be made from a movable belt or a fixed platform.

  FIG. 3 shows the box as it receives hot melt adhesive as it moves through the adhesive application section of the case sealer. Referring to FIG. 3, the angled floor area (large flap guide bar) (9) is folded into a box (10) to receive hot melt adhesive (13) on the other small flap. Allows the large flap (12) to be lowered. A plurality of hot melt dispensing nozzles (14, 15, 16, 17) located both above and below the box in the adhesive application area adhere to the flap as the case moves through the adhesive application area. Present to apply the agent. While transporting the box through the adhesive application area, the pair of upper nozzles (16, 17) attached to the upper small flap guard (19) allows the hot melt adhesive to pass through the closed small flap (181), Apply to each of the large open flap (18J), one small closed flap and one large open flap, or both the small closed flap and the large open flap at the top of the box. Also, the second pair of nozzles, the bottom nozzles (14, 15) attached to the central rail (26), let the hot melt adhesive close closed small flap (12I), open large flap (12J), Apply to the inner surface of each one closed small flap and one open large flap, or to both the closed small flap and the open large flap at the bottom of the box (12). In one embodiment, the central rail (26) comprising a pair of nozzles provides temporary support for the small bottom flap and / or contents of the box when the large flap is lowered to accept the adhesive. Configured and arranged. There may be a flap kicker spaced above the side conveyor. The flap kicker is configured to engage and keep closed with the box flap and is configured to have an adhesive nozzle in the center above to seal the box flap.

  Many modifications and variations of this invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are provided by way of example only, and the present invention is intended to be solely by such claims, with the full scope of equivalents to which the appended claims are entitled. Limited.

Claims (20)

  A case sealer having a longitudinal axis and including a frame including an inlet conveyor for moving the box along the longitudinal axis to enter the case sealer; and receiving the box from the inlet conveyor; A pair of longitudinally spaced lateral belt drives positioned to move the box in and out of the hot melt distribution platform, the hot melt distribution platform being open in the middle The central part is sandwiched between a pair of angled floor areas located around to allow a large flap of the folded box to be lowered to receive hot melt adhesive An integrally connected hot melt dispensing system comprising a pair of belt drive units arranged in a plurality of locations and a plurality of hot melt dispensing nozzles, the nozzles comprising: Case sealing machine and a hot-melt dispensing system located both above and below the hot-melt dispensing platform.   The case sealer of claim 1, wherein the angled floor region has a downward angle of about 15 degrees from horizontal.   A first pair of nozzles above the sealing platform for applying hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of each of the closed small flaps at the top of the box, and hot melt adhesive closed at the bottom of the box. The case sealer of claim 1, comprising a second pair of nozzles located below the sealing platform for application to an outer surface of a small flap.   A first pair of nozzles above the sealing platform for applying hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of each open large flap at the top of the box, and hot melt adhesive at the open large at the bottom of the box. The case sealer of claim 1, comprising a second pair of nozzles located below the sealing platform for application to an outer surface of a flap.   The integrally connected hot melt dispensing system comprises a hot melt adhesive, a melt tank having an internal cavity configured to receive the adhesive, and an automatic dispensing unit integrally connected to the melt tank. The case sealing machine according to claim 1, comprising:   The case sealer of claim 5, wherein the hot melt dispensing system is programmed to operate at a temperature of about 250 ° F. or less.   The case sealer of claim 6, wherein the hot melt dispensing system is programmed to operate at a temperature of about 200 ° F. or less.   6. The case sealer of claim 5, wherein the hot melt dispensing system heating chamber is coupled to a dispensing pump.   11. A case sealer according to claim 10, wherein the means for transporting the molten adhesive is a heated hose.   The case sealer of claim 1, wherein the hot melt dispensing system comprises an adhesive inlet valve for introducing solid adhesive into the melt tank.   The case sealer of claim 1, wherein the hot melt dispensing system comprises an adhesive inlet valve for introducing solid adhesive into the automatic supply chamber.   A case sealer comprising an integrated hot melt dispensing system coupled to the case sealer, the integrated hot melt dispensing system being automatic for maintaining the supply of solid adhesive A distribution unit; a supply passage connected to the distribution unit for supplying the adhesive to an internal cavity of the melt tank; a supply port communicating with the internal cavity of the melt tank and connected to the supply passage And a nozzle for dispensing the molten hot melt adhesive.   A method of packaging comprising assembling a box, closing the bottom of the box but not sealing, filling the material to be packaged in the box, and placing the filled box apart. Moving the box into an area of a box sealer with a pair of lateral drive belts and a hot melt nozzle, and via the drive belt, the hot melt dispensing system passes the adhesive to the bottom and top flaps. Moving through the area to be applied, and closing the flap so that the bottom and top ends of the box are sealed.   The method of claim 13, wherein the hot melt adhesive is applied to the top and bottom flaps substantially simultaneously.   15. The method of claim 14, wherein the adhesive is applied substantially simultaneously on the outer surface of the small flap at the top of the box and on the outer surface of the small flap at the bottom of the case.   The method of claim 15, wherein the adhesive is a low application temperature hot melt adhesive.   The method of claim 16, wherein the hot melt dispensing system applies the adhesive at a temperature of about 250 ° F. or less.   The method of claim 17, wherein the hot melt dispensing system applies the adhesive at a temperature of about 200 ° F. or less.   The hot melt adhesive is amorphous polyolefin, ethylene-containing polymer, and rubbery block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, isotactic or atactic polypropylene, styrene-butadiene, styrene-isoprene, styrene-ethylene-butylene A- A polymer comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of B-A or A-B-A-B block copolymers, n-butyl ethylene acrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate, tactic polypropylene, and mixtures thereof. 16. The method according to 16.   The method of claim 19, wherein the hot melt adhesive further comprises a tackifying resin, an oil plasticizer, a wax and an additive.

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