JP6797316B2 - Equipment for manufacturing and distributing individual reinforcing elements - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to a device for manufacturing and deploying a reinforcing element such as a plastic disc in conjunction with a fastening system. More specifically, the present disclosure is a stapled connection point on a packaging material while fixing the product to the packaging material with an elastic stapler for use in combination with an elastic stapler (or elastic stapler). With respect to the device for reinforcing.

Elastic or plastic fasteners (zippers) are commonly used to secure a variety of irregularly shaped products to packaging materials such as cardboard backings. Elastic fasteners (or elastic fasteners) are typically H-shaped, with two parallel shortened horizontal bars or T-bars orthogonal to each other at approximately midpoints between them. They are interconnected by thin soft filaments that extend. Elastic fasteners or staples are typically produced individually from a ladder stock feeder or from separate filament and T-barstock feeders. Elastic fasteners may be formed from ladder stock such as those currently manufactured and sold by Avery Dennison, Inc., located in Pasadena, California, under the PLASTIC STAPLE® and ELASTIC STAPLE ™ lines of plastic fasteners.

Elastic fasteners can be produced by plastic fastening devices such as IndES® 11601 (IndES) manufactured and sold by Avery Dennison, Inc., Pasadena, CA. These systems are designed to securely secure items such as household items, toys and hardware to backing cards, typically made from cardboard. The pneumatically driven IndES unit can operate as a stand-alone unit or be integrated into an automated packaging line. The plastic fastening device secures the product to the package by passing a pair of hollow needles loaded with fastener stock and puncturing the backing card on either side of the product to be secured. The individual (individual) elastic fasteners remain behind (or behind) and secure the product with a pair of T-bars by filaments leading to the backing. The pair of T-bars engage the back side of the backing to attach the product to the packaging material.

As each needle penetrates the backing, a hole is created in the backing. The T-bar portion of the fastener bounces perpendicular to the filament and engages the backing to keep the fastener in place. Heavier products or thinner backing materials can distort the connection point between the fastener and the backing. This strain can result in tearing of the insertion hole and unwanted expansion, resulting in poor connectivity. If the connection is broken, the product will not be secured to the package.

Therefore, there is a need for a method of strengthening the connection point between the elastic fastener and the backing material. The present invention discloses a device that supplies and deploys reinforcements at connecting points that are susceptible to this damage. The device creates and installs multiple reinforcement elements in conjunction with (or in collaboration with) elastic stapled devices. According to the present invention, the elastic fastener is generated and deployed by the elastic staple fastening device at the same time as the generation and deployment of the reinforcing element in a single operation.

(nothing special)

The following is a brief overview to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed technological innovations. This overview is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify or delineate the main / important elements. Its sole purpose is to informally present some concepts as a prelude to a more detailed explanation presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect, includes a device for manufacturing and aligning a plurality of individual (individual) reinforcing elements for use with a plurality of elastic fasteners. The device includes a base plate and a pair of modules attached to the base plate. The pair of modules supplies a pair of reinforcing stock rolls through the device and separates the individual reinforcing elements. The individual reinforcing elements are deployed and aligned with a plurality of elastic fasteners generated and deployed by the elastic staple fastening device by a pair of modules, whereby the fasteners are lined or packaged. The connection points that adhere to the material are reinforced.

In certain preferred embodiments, each of the pair of modules comprises a fluid pressure element, a link mechanism drive block, a cutting block, and a cam element. The link mechanism drive block is engaged by a fluid pressure element and movably connected to the cutting block by a cam element. Each of the pair of modules further comprises a strip feed block for supplying one of the reinforced stock roll pairs through the device. Each of the pair of modules further reinforces a module cover element and a plurality of reinforcing elements, which reinforce the plurality of elastic fasteners, to prevent one of the reinforcing stock roll pairs from moving backward as the device moves. It is provided with a cutting element for cutting when aligned as much as possible.

The fluid pressure element is expanded, which pushes the link mechanism drive block forward along the guide slot in the cam element. This movement pushes the cutting block down and a portion of the reinforcing stock is spread over the cutting block. When the alignment is complete, the fluid pressure element retracts and the link mechanism drive block is pulled back, pushing the cutting block up. As the cutting block is pushed up, a feedstock of reinforcing stock is pressed against the cutting elements, which cuts the individual reinforcing elements.

In order to achieve the aforementioned and related objectives, certain exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technological innovations will be described herein in the context of the following description and accompanying drawings. However, these aspects represent only a fraction of the various methods in which the principles disclosed herein can be used, and are intended to include all of these aspects and their equivalents. ing. Other advantages and new features will become apparent when the following detailed description is taken into account in conjunction with the drawings.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a device for distributing a plurality of individual (individual) reinforcing elements from a supply of reinforcing stock for use with an elastic staple fastening device according to the disclosed architecture (design philosophy or structure). FIG. 5 is a side perspective view showing a device according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing stock and a feeder of a plurality of individual reinforcing elements for use in a device according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a side perspective view showing a pair of reinforcing stock material rolls fed into a pair of modules mounted on the base plate of a device according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing one of a pair of modules according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a side perspective view showing a strip feed block of one of a pair of modules according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a side perspective view showing a stock alignment element of a strip feed block according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a top cover block of one of a pair of modules according to the disclosed architecture. It is a side view which shows the module cover element of one of a pair of modules according to the architecture to be disclosed. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a detent component of a module cover element according to the disclosed architecture. It is a side perspective view which shows the cutting block of one of a pair of modules in a cutting position according to the architecture disclosed. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a pair of modules that are adjustablely mounted to a base plate according to the disclosed architecture. It is a bird's-eye view which shows the central slot in the top plate of a module cover element according to the architecture disclosed. FIG. 5 is an end face notch diagram showing one of a pair of modules according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view showing a feedstock of reinforced stock loaded into one of a pair of stock engaging components of a device according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a side perspective showing a strip of reinforced stock material supplied to one of a pair of modules according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a notched view (partially enlarged view) showing a strip of reinforced stock material supplied to one of a pair of modules according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing one of a plurality of modules at the loading position according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing one of a plurality of modules at the feed position according to the disclosed architecture. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing one of a plurality of modules at a cutting position according to the disclosed architecture.

Next, the present technological innovation will be described with reference to the drawings, but throughout the drawings, similar reference numbers are used to refer to similar elements (components). In the following description, for illustration purposes, many specific details (examples) are given to provide a complete understanding thereof. However, it will be clear that this technological innovation can be implemented without using these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram format for ease of description.

First, with reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 15 show a device 100 for producing a plurality of individual (individual) reinforcement elements 60 from a reinforcement stock feeder 50 according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 100 includes a frame 102 and a base plate 104. The base plate 104 comprises a top surface 106 and a bottom surface 108 and is adapted to support the elastic staple fastening device 30 and the reinforcement stock feeder 50. An example of the elastic staple fastening device 30 that can be used with the device 100 is the IndES industrial elastic staple fastening system, as described above. IndES uses a pair of needles with a diameter of about 3/16 inch to fix the product to a packaging material such as a cardboard backing with elastic staples. The needle of the IndES machine punctures the packaging material and pulls both ends of the staple out of the puncture hole. Both ends of the staples bend in place to secure the elastic staples in place, thus fixing the product to the packaging material.

Device 100 is a plastic or elastic fastener in the fastener assembly, as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0039555A1 assigned to the assignee of the invention, which is included in the disclosure by reference. May be used to manufacture a plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 to reinforce. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 are preferably in a single composed of a rigid plastic material such as, but not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like. Formed as a real disk. In the present specification, the plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 are represented as substantially square tabs. However, this does not imply a limitation, even if the plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 are constructed in any alternative structure, size or shape to accommodate the dimensions required to reinforce the plastic fasteners used. Good.

The reinforcing stock feeder 50 for use with the device 100 is typically configured as a pair of reinforcing stock material rolls. In certain embodiments, each of the pair of reinforcing material rolls is made of a rigid plastic material 56 having a width of about 1/2 inch, with a plurality of holes 52 approximately centered at intervals of about 1/2 inch along the centerline. Formed from strips. The diameter of each of the plurality of holes 52 is made slightly larger than the diameter of the needle of the elastic staple fastening device 30. A pair of reinforcing stock material rolls are loaded into device 100 as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 13, where device 100 inserts each strip of rigid plastic material 56 into an approximately 1/2 inch square with a center hole 52. Cut into individual reinforcing elements 60 of. Although specific dimensions have been described for this particular embodiment, these dimensions are not meant to be limiting and the dimensions may be customized for use with any desired size of plastic fasteners.

The device 100 further comprises a pair of stock engaging components 112, each component 112 comprising a reel 114 attached to the shaft 116. Each of the pair of stock engagement components 112 is attached to the frame 102 under the base plate 104. The frame 102 functions as a support or base for the base 104. The base 104 is generally rectangular in shape and further comprises a centrally located opening 110. Each roll of reinforced stock material is loaded onto one reel 114, which rotates along the shaft 116 to feed each strip of reinforced stock material 56 from the reinforced stock material roll into the device 100.

When the plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 are placed against or near the back of the package, the elastic staple fastening device 30 pierces the packaging material that matches the plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60. The plastic fasteners are distributed through the needles and each plastic fastener is secured to the reinforced connection point formed by the package and one of the individual reinforcing elements 60. Thus, the plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 provide structural stability to the packaging material.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 10, the device 100 is further movably attached to the base plate 104 so as to be aligned with the elastic staple fastening device 30 within the centrally located opening 110. It includes module 118. The first module 120 and the second module 122 of the pair of modules 118 are identically configured, adjustable in position within a centrally located opening 110, and movably mounted in opposite directions. .. The pair of modules 118 receive a plurality of reinforcing stock feeders 50, cut the reinforcing stock feeder 50 into a plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60, and deploy the plurality of individual reinforcing elements 60 together with elastic staples. Adapted to reinforce stapled connections.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, each module of module pair 118 includes a fluid pressure element 124, a link mechanism drive block 128, a cam element 134, and a cutting block 142. The fluid pressure element 124 is typically an air cylinder that moves the piston rod 126. The piston rod 126 is connected to one end of the link mechanism drive block 128. The cam element 134 includes a first end 136 fixed to the module 118, a second end 138 movably connected to the cutting block 142, and a guide slot 140. The other end of the link mechanism drive block 128 is movably held in the guide slot 140 of the cam element 134. Therefore, the cam element 134 is movably connected to the link mechanism drive block 128 and the cutting block 142. The guide slot 140 is generally configured at an angle to move the cutting block 142 up and down as the piston rod 126 is pushed or pulled back by the fluid pressure element 124.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, each module 118 further comprises a strip feed block 130 with a stock alignment element 132. The strip feed block 130 is attached to the upper part of the link mechanism drive block 128. The stock alignment element 132 is typically a pin that is beveled to engage a plurality of holes 52 in a portion of the reinforcement stock feeder 50 that travels along the strip feed block 130. As the linkage drive block 128 is pushed forward by the piston rod 126, the stock alignment element 132 advances the reinforcement stock feeder 50 through the module 118.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 8A and 11, each module 118 further comprises a module cover element 150 with a top plate 152 and a detent component 160. The module cover element 150 is aligned within the opening 110 located in the center of the base plate 104. The top plate 152 includes a first end 154, a second end 156, and a central slot 158. The second end 156 of the first module 120 is aligned so as to face the second end 156 of the second module 122 within the opening 110 located in the center of the base plate 104. The detent component 160 is typically a ball, cylinder or similar mechanism that penetrates the top plate 152 near the first end 154 and is aligned with a plurality of holes 52 in the reinforcement stock feeder 50. And can be engaged to resist or prevent the rearward movement of the reinforcing stock feeder 50 as it is advanced through the module 118 by the stock alignment element 132.

In addition, each module 118 further comprises a top cover block 162, as shown in FIG. The top cover block 162 is positioned in the central slot 158 of the top plate 152. The top cover block 162 has a substantially rectangular shape including a top surface 164 and a bottom surface 166, and the top is covered so that the stock alignment element 132 can advance the reinforcing stock feeder 50 via the module 118. Or, it has a concave shape. Therefore, the bottom surface 166 of the top cover block 162 substantially abuts on the strip feed block 130 while sandwiching or substantially enclosing the engaging portion of the supply body 50 of the reinforcing stock.

Each module 118 further comprises a top holding plate 168 and a cutting element 172. The top holding plate 168 comprises an opening 170 that is attached to the second end 156 of the top plate 152 and is generally shaped in the same shape as each of the individual reinforcing elements 60. The cutting block 142 includes an oblique top 144, a center hole 146, and a bottom 148. The beveled top 144 of the cutting block 142 penetrates the opening 170, thereby pushing the individual cutting reinforcing elements 60 through the opening 170. The cutting element 172 is typically a fixed knife or blade attached to its second end 156, where the module cover element 150 movably contacts the cutting block 142.

As shown in FIG. 12, the beveled top 144 may be laterally angled with respect to the cutting element 172 in order to more easily cut the individual reinforcing elements 60. .. In certain preferred embodiments, the bevel is set to about 5 degrees. However, this does not imply a limitation, and the bevel may be modified to optimize cutting based on the material to be cut or the cutting rate. The center hole 146 is sized and configured to accept the penetration of the needle from the elastic staple fastening device 30. The bottom 148 movably engages the cam element 134.

Upon use of the device 100, the user places each roll pair 50 of reinforcing stock material on one of a pair of stock engaging components 112, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A. Strips of reinforcing stock material 56 from each roll are individually fed in opposite directions (opposite directions) to one of the 118 pairs of modules. Each strip feed block 130 engages a strip of one reinforcing stock material 56 with a stock alignment element 132. The device 100 may be driven by a motor (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 15A, the strip of reinforcing stock material 56 is placed on the strip feed block 130 so that one end of the strip of reinforcing stock material 56 abuts on the cutting block 142. At the loading position, the piston rod 126 is fully pulled back and the link mechanism drive block 128 is held away from the cutting block 142. As the device 100 is engaged, the piston rod 126 is extended by the fluid pressure element 124 as shown in FIG. 15B, bringing the link mechanism drive block 128 into the cutting block 142 along the guide slot 140 of the cam element 134. Push. As the linkage drive block 128 advances, the cam element 134 pulls the cutting block 142 downwards, so that the beveled upper 144 falls below the height of the cutting element 172. At the same time, the linkage drive block 128 is cut by about 1/2 inch portion of the feedstock of the reinforcement stock, i.e., any desired set length of the plurality of individual reinforcement elements 60, passing through the cutting element 172. The strip feed block 130 is advanced so that it is pushed to cover the block 142.

Finally, at the cutting position shown in FIG. 15C, the piston rod 126 is pulled back by the fluid pressure element 124, pulling the link mechanism drive block 128 along the guide slot 140 of the cam element 134 away from the cutting block 142. This retract (backward) allows the cam element 134 to push the cutting block 142 up against a portion of the reinforcement stock feeder positioned over the beveled top 144. This upward movement forces the beveled top 144 against the feedstock of the reinforcing stock, pushing it along the cutting element 172 and through the opening 170 in the top holding plate 168. The individual reinforcing elements 60 are formed and separated. At the same time, the strip feed block 130 returns to its original position as the stock alignment element 132 slides out of the engagement hole 52 and again into the distal hole 52 of the reinforcing stock feeder 50 so that the process can be repeated. Engage. The device 100 may automatically adjust the plurality of holes 52 of the individual reinforcing elements 60 to align with the needles (groups) of the elastic staple fastening device 30. As the elastic staple fastening device 30 is circulated (repeatedly driven), the device 100 may index the strip of reinforcing material 56 via the following application.

What has been described so far includes examples of the subject matter claimed. Of course, it is not possible to explain all possible combinations of components or methodologies for the purpose of explaining the claimed subject matter, but to the general skill in the art, further of the claimed subject matter It can be understood that many combinations and interchanges are possible. Therefore, the claimed subject matter is intended to include all modifications, alterations and modifications contained within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Moreover, as long as the term "includes" is used either in the detailed description or in the claims, such term is used when "comprising" is used as a transitional term in the claim. It is intended to be as comprehensive as the term "comprising" as interpreted.

30 Elastic staple fastening device 50 Reinforcing stock feeder (roll)
60 (Individual) Reinforcing element 100 (Individual) Device 104 Base plate 110 Center opening of base plate 118 Pair of modules 120 First module 122 Second module 124 Fluid pressure element 128 Link mechanism drive block 130 Strip feed block 132 Stock alignment element 134 Cam element 140 Cam element guide slot (guide groove)
142 Cutting block 144 Top of cutting block 146 Center hole of cutting block 150 Module cover element 160 Detent component 162 Top cover block 172 Cutting element

Claims (17)

In equipment that manufactures multiple individual reinforcement elements from a reinforcement stock feeder
The device is
A base plate configured to support the reinforcement stock feeder and
A pair of modules mounted on the base plate, configured to accept the feedstock of the reinforcement stock and to cut out and deploy the individual reinforcement elements.
With strip feed block,
The link mechanism drive block where the strip feed block is attached, and
With the cutting block,
Equipped with a,
The base plate has a centrally located opening.
A device characterized in that each module further comprises a fluid pressure element, the link mechanism drive block being engaged by the fluid pressure element . The device of claim 1 , wherein the strip feed block comprises a stock alignment element that engages with the reinforced stock feeder to advance the reinforced stock feeder through the module. The device of claim 2 , wherein each module further comprises a top cover block that contacts the strip feed block to substantially contain a portion of the reinforcement stock feeder engaged by the module. The device of claim 1 , wherein each module further comprises a module cover element that is disposed within the centrally located opening of the base plate. The device of claim 4 , wherein the module cover element comprises a detent component for engaging the feedstock of the reinforcing stock via the module and resisting its backward movement. The device of claim 5 , wherein each module further comprises a cutting element that contacts the cutting block. The supply of reinforcing stock, when said fluid pressure elements is extended pushing the link mechanism driving block Previous along the guide slot of the cam element, is and advanced onto the cutting block through each module, that The device according to claim 6 , wherein the cutting block is lowered by movement. The device according to claim 7 , wherein the fluid pressure element is retracted to pull the link mechanism drive block back along a guide slot of the cam element, and the movement causes the cutting block to rise. The device of claim 8 , wherein the elevating of the cutting block presses the feedstock of the reinforcing stock against the cutting element to separate one individual reinforcing element. The device according to claim 1, wherein each module further includes a cam element that movably connects the link mechanism drive block and the cutting block. In equipment for manufacturing and distributing multiple individual reinforcement elements from a supply of reinforcement stock for use in conjunction with elastic staple fastening devices.
The device is
A base plate configured to support the elastic staple fastening device and the feedstock of the reinforcing stock, the base plate having a centrally located opening, and the base plate .
A pair of modules movably attached to the base plate so as to align with the elastic staple fastening device, which accepts the supply of the reinforcing stock and cuts out an individual reinforcing element to provide the individual reinforcing element. A pair of modules configured to deploy,
With strip feed block,
The link mechanism drive block where the strip feed block is attached, and
With the cutting block,
Is equipped with
Supply of the reinforcement stock example Bei a pair of rolls of reinforcement stock material,
The pair of modules can be adjusted in position along the centrally located opening.
A device characterized in that each module further comprises a fluid pressure element, the link mechanism drive block being engaged by the fluid pressure element . Each module further includes a module cover elements arranged in an opening arranged in the center in the base plate, according to claim 11. 11. The device of claim 11 , wherein the cutting block comprises an beveled top and a hole for receiving the needle of the elastic staple fastening device. The pair of modules are aligned in opposite directions along the placed opened in the center in the base plate, according to claim 11. 11. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein each of the pair of rolls of the reinforcing stock material is individually fed to one of the pair of modules in opposite directions. The device according to claim 11, wherein each module further includes a cam element that movably connects the link mechanism drive block and the cutting block. A device for reinforcing a plurality of staple fastening connections for use in combination with an elastic staple fastening device.
A base plate configured to support a pair of rolls of elastic staple fastening device and reinforced stock material.
A pair of modules movably attached to the base plate in opposite directions,
Each module accepts one of the roll pairs of reinforced stock material, cuts the rolls of reinforced stock material into a plurality of individual reinforcing elements, and reinforces the stapled joints with the individual reinforcing elements. It is configured to be deployed as much as possible
Each module includes a fluid pressure element, a link mechanism drive block engaged by the fluid pressure element, a cutting block, a strip feed block attached to the link mechanism drive block, the link mechanism drive block, and the above. A device characterized in that it is provided with a cam element that movably connects to a cutting block.

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