JPWO2018126030A5 - - Google Patents

Description

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 62 / 440,114 filed December 29, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to fasteners and systems for fastening products to packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system for attaching a product to a package using elastic fasteners of various different lengths without the need to modify the system when selecting fasteners of different lengths.

Elastic fasteners (elastic fasteners) are widely used, but not limited to, for fixing various products to packaging materials such as cardboard or plastic lining. Elastic fasteners (also referred to herein as elastic staples) are slightly flexible, but the product is a range of different length staples to secure the irregularly shaped product to the packaging in different positions. Often requires. Existing elastic staple applicators require preformed fixed length fasteners to attach the product to the packaging material. Unfortunately, many different length fasteners are often needed to meet different size applications. Currently, users have to shut down the machine and replace the loaded fastener stock with different lengths of fastener stock, dramatically slowing down the entire process to complete the work. Alternatively, products and packaging would have to be moved to additional machines loaded with different lengths of fasteners to complete a single task.

Therefore, there is a need for a fastening system that can produce fasteners of varying lengths. The present disclosure provides an apparatus and process for producing elastic fasteners of different lengths for fixing a product to a packaging material without the need to interrupt the process and replace the fastener stocks with fastener stocks of different lengths. The system produces elastic fasteners of various lengths without the use of preformed fasteners. Fasteners are manufactured separately to attach the product to the packaging at the same time.

(nothing special)

The following is a simplified overview to provide a basic understanding of some of the embodiments described in the detailed description. This overview is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify or clarify the scope of important / significant elements. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed explanation than will be presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect, comprises a method of producing fasteners and using fasteners to secure at least one product to at least one package. .. As described herein, fasteners can be secured to one or more products in a package. In addition, fasteners can be secured to multiple parts of at least one package. In many embodiments, there may be more than one product secured by fasteners.

In many embodiments, the method uses a device comprising an applicator module and a needle. In some embodiments, the method has 1) a filament and a plurality of T-bar elements, comprising at least a first T-bar element and a second T-bar element, as described herein. Stocking the device, 2) penetrating the packaging with a needle in the first position, 3) deploying (arranging) the filament and the first T-bar element through the needle, 4 ) The first T-bar element is engaged with the filament in the first position.

In some embodiments, the applicator can supply a needle with multiple T-bar elements. The filament is then fed through the applicator module and can interact with the needle. In addition, the needle can then penetrate the packaging in the first position and the first T-bar element can be injected into or around the filament and through the packaging. In some embodiments, the first T-bar element can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the filament once it is engaged or attached to the filament. In many embodiments, if the first T-bar element can be engaged or attached to the filament approximately perpendicularly in the first position, it can then be secured to the packaging. In some embodiments, the needle can then be moved to a second position while stretching the filament over at least one product and can be inserted into the second position. The second T-bar element can then be injected into or around the filament and through the packaging by a needle. In some embodiments, the second T-bar element can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the filament once it is engaged or attached to the filament. In many embodiments, if the second T-bar element can be engaged or attached substantially perpendicular to the filament in the second position, it can then be secured to the packaging. The filament can then be cut at a second position distal to the second T-bar element, thereby producing an elastic fastener that secures at least one product to at least one package.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a filament portion (with a first end, a second end, and a length), a first T-bar element, and a second T-bar element, respectively. Produces elastic fasteners. Each elastic fastener can be used to secure at least one product to at least one package in the first and second positions. The device can then produce elastic fasteners of different lengths for applications where longer or shorter fasteners may be desired. In some embodiments, elastic or fasteners of different lengths can secure at least one product to the packaging and at least one additional fastener to the packaging (eg, in third and fourth positions). It can also include fixing steps.

In many embodiments, the device for configuring fasteners of different lengths can include 1) a needle and 2) an applicator module, using the methods described herein. , Fasteners are produced and used to secure at least one product to at least one package.

Also described herein are devices for constructing fasteners of different lengths, comprising 1) a needle and 2) an applicator module, the applicator module supplying filaments. The filament can interact with the needle, thereby ejecting the first T-bar element and the second T-bar element through the needle, and the first T-bar element and the first. A device in which two T-bar elements engage the filament in first and second positions, respectively.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the disclosed innovations to achieve the aforementioned and related objectives are described herein in connection with the following description and accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments represent only a few of the various methods in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and include all such embodiments and their equivalents. Is intended. Other advantages and new features will be apparent from the detailed description below, when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a device that generates fasteners of the desired length and secures the product to the packaging according to the disclosed configuration. A perspective view of a fastener (fastener) according to the disclosed configuration is shown. A perspective view of a product secured to a package by two fasteners (fasteners) of different lengths according to the disclosed configuration is shown. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the product at the center line formed by the fastener 200 of FIG. 3A, secured to the packaging by the fastener of the desired length according to the disclosed configuration.

The present invention is described herein with reference to the drawings and similar reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements throughout. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, a number of specific details are provided to provide a complete understanding thereof. However, it may be clear that what is described herein can be carried out without these specific details. In another example, well-known structures and devices are shown in the form of block diagrams for ease of explanation.

In one embodiment, it is an apparatus for manufacturing a fastener (fastener) for fixing a product to a package and a method for using the same. Irregularly shaped products are generally secured to other packaging materials such as backing or cardboard, or other similar rigid materials. One problem with traditional methods of fixing these types of products is that they often require different lengths of fasteners to properly secure the product to the packaging. In many embodiments, the methods disclosed herein use a device with a single setting of stock material to produce different lengths of fasteners.

First referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 provides fasteners 200, also called elastic staples, for engaging, attaching or fixing at least one product 10 to at least one package 20. The device 100 for generating is shown. The device 100 utilizes the filament 102 and the plurality of T-bar elements 104 to manufacture the fastener 200.

In many embodiments, the device for configuring fasteners of different lengths can include 1) a needle and 2) an applicator module, using the methods described herein. , Fasteners are produced and used to secure at least one product to at least one package.

In some embodiments, the device 100 can include a needle 112 and an applicator module 114. The device 100 constructs and deploys (arranges) a plurality of fasteners 200, and each fastener 200 (shown in FIG. 2) can have different lengths as described later.

The applicator module 114 can serve to provide the plurality of T-bar elements 104 and filament 102 required to manufacture fasteners. In many embodiments, the applicator module 114 is also capable of deploying (arranging) a plurality of T-bar elements 104. In many embodiments, the applicator module 114 can further engage or attach a plurality of T-bar elements 104 to the filament 102.

In many embodiments, the applicator module 114 can further receive the filament 102 from the spool 110 and then feed the filament 102 via the applicator module to interact with the needle 112. The applicator module 114 synchronously ejects each of the plurality of T-bar elements 104 through the needle 112 separately from the filament 102. The applicator module 114 may include deployment actuators (not shown in FIG. 1) such as buttons, switches, triggers, etc. that are located on the applicator module 114. The applicator module 114 further comprises a cutting component (not shown in FIG. 1) for cutting the filament 102 to separate individual fasteners. Similarly, cutting components can be actuated by cutting actuators (not shown) such as buttons, switches, triggers, etc. located on the applicator module 114.

In some embodiments, the applicator module 114 feeds the filament 102 through the applicator module and interacts with the needle 112. The applicator module 114 can then eject the first T-bar element and the second T-bar element (shown in detail in FIG. 2) through the needle 112. Further, in some embodiments, the applicator module 114 then filaments 102 with a first T-bar element and a second T-bar element in a first position and a second position (shown in FIG. 3B). Engage or attach to.

In many embodiments, the device may further comprise a spool 110 for holding the filament 102. In many embodiments, the spool 110 can also pretension the filament 102 as it enters the applicator module 114. It may be desirable to pretension the filament 102 when engaging or attaching the first T-bar element and the second T-bar element. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, the filament 102 may be supplied as a continuous spool 110 of filament material. The filament 102 may be wound around the spool 110. In many embodiments, the needle 112 can be a hollow needle.

In many embodiments, the device can stock (store) multiple filaments and multiple T-bar elements to produce at least one fastener for fixing at least one product to at least one package. ..

With reference to FIG. 2 as a whole, each fastener (fastener) 200 can include a filament portion 202, a first T-bar element 210, and a second T-bar element 212. The filament portion 202 includes a first end portion 206, a second end portion 208, and a length 204. The length 204 of the filament portion 202 can be variable and is user-dependent depending on the length required to properly secure at least one product 10 to at least one package 20 in a suitable fixing position. Allows you to select and adjust 204. In many embodiments, the first T-bar element 210 can be attached to the filament portion 202 at the first end portion 206. In many embodiments, the second T-bar element 212 can be attached to the filament portion 202 at the second end portion 208. The first T-bar element 210 and the second T-bar element 212 are coupled, welded, and bonded as is known to those of skill in the art without affecting the overall concept of what is disclosed herein. It can be engaged, attached or secured to the filament portion by piercing, tightening, insertion, etc., or by any other suitable method of fixing means.

In one embodiment, the structure of the device 100 and the fastener 200, as well as the use of the device 100 for manufacturing the fastener 200 and using it to secure at least one product 10 to at least one package 20 is shown in FIG. 3A. And can be provided in FIG. 3B. According to many embodiments, FIGS. 3A and 3B show at least one product 10 secured in at least one package 20 using fasteners 200.

In many embodiments, the method of generating fasteners and fixing at least one product to at least one package is 1) a step of stocking (preparing) a device having filaments and multiple T-bar elements. A step in which the device comprises an applicator module and a needle, 2) a step of penetrating the packaging with the needle in the first position, and 3) a step of deploying (arranging) the first T-bar element through the needle. And 4) a step of engaging the first T-bar element with the filament at the first position. In many embodiments, engaging the first T-bar element with the filament in the first position can comprise engaging the first T-bar element with the filament in the first position.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein can further comprise a step of moving the needle to a second position. The needle can be moved to a second position to adapt to the shape of at least one product.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein can further comprise a step of penetrating the packaging with a needle in a second position. The packaging can also be penetrated to accommodate the shape of at least one product for the fasteners described (described) herein. In some embodiments, the methods described herein can further comprise the step of deploying (arranging) a second T-bar element through a needle. In some embodiments, the methods described herein can further comprise the step of engaging or attaching a second T-bar element to the filament in a second position. By engaging or attaching the second T-bar element, the fastener can be secured to at least one product and at least one package by the method described above.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein can further comprise a step of cutting the filament at a second position. After cutting the filament in the second position, the device can provide the other fastener to at least one product and secure it to at least one package.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein for generating fasteners and fixing at least one product to at least one package are 1) stocking a device with filaments and multiple T-bar elements (1) Preparation), the device comprising an applicator module and a needle, 2) a step of penetrating the packaging with a needle in the first position, and 3) a first T through the needle. A step of unfolding (arranging) the bar element, 4) a step of engaging the first T-bar element with the filament in the first position, 5) a step of moving the needle to the second position, and 6) a second. A step of penetrating the package with a needle at position 2, a step of 7) deploying (arranging) a second T-bar element through the needle, and 8) a step of deploying (arranging) the second T-bar element on the filament at position 2. It comprises a step of engaging and 9) a step of cutting the filament at a second position. In many embodiments, engaging the first T-bar element with the filament in the first position can include attaching the first T-bar element to the filament in the first position. In many embodiments, engaging the second T-bar element with the filament in the second position can include attaching the second T-bar element to the filament in the second position.

In some embodiments, the user loads the device 100 with the filament 102 and a plurality of T-bar elements 104. Then, the applicator module 114 receives the filament 102 from the spool 110, supplies the filament 102 via the applicator module, and interacts with the needle 112.

In some embodiments, at least one product 10 is then placed on at least one package 20. The user places the needle 112 in the first position 22 on the at least one package 20 and penetrates the at least one package 20 by the needle 112 and the filament 102, thereby seating the needle 112 in the at least one package 20. be able to. The user can then activate the applicator module 114 to eject the first T-bar element 210 from the applicator module 114 through the needle 112. In many embodiments, the needle 112 is a hollow needle. In some embodiments, the first T-bar element 210 is deployed (placed) through a needle separately from the filament 102. In other embodiments, the first T-bar element 210 may be deployed (arranged) through a needle to interact with the filament 102. The first T-bar element 210 is then engaged or attached to the filament 102 at the first position 22. As mentioned above, the first T-bar element 210 is typically pierced, pierced, tightened, or otherwise secured to the filament 102.

When the first T-bar element 210 is fixed to the filament 102 at the first position 22, the first T-bar element 210 positions or toggles itself so as to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the filament 102. be able to. In doing so, the first T-bar element 210 can itself engage and essentially secure to the back side of at least one package 20. When the first T-bar element 210 engages itself and is essentially fixed, the first T-bar element 210 can prevent the filament 102 from being pulled out at the first position 22. At this point, the needle 112 can be pulled out of at least one package 20 and moved across at least one product 10 while dragging the filament 102 over at least one product 10 to a second position 24.

In some embodiments, the user can now penetrate at least one package 20 with a needle 112 and a filament 102, whereby the needle 112 can be seated in at least one package 20 at a second position 24. .. Further, the user can reactivate the applicator module 114 to eject the second T-bar element 212 from the applicator module 114 through the needle 112. In some embodiments, the second T-bar element 212 can be deployed (placed) through a needle separately from the filament 102. In other embodiments, the second T-bar element 212 may be deployed (arranged) through a needle to interact with the filament 102. In many embodiments, the second T-bar element 212 is then engaged or attached to the filament 102 at the second position 24 by means (method) similar to the first T-bar element 210. Can be Similar to the first T-bar element 210, the second T-bar element 212 can itself be positioned or toggled so that it is oriented substantially perpendicular to the filament 102. In doing so, the second T-bar element 212 can itself engage and essentially secure to the back side of at least one package 20. When the second T-bar element 212 engages itself and is essentially fixed, the second T-bar element 212 can prevent the filament 102 from being pulled out at the second position 24. The filament 102 is then cut or cut distally from the second T-bar element 212 to at least 1 in the first position 22 and the second position 24, leaving the fastener 200 in place. The needle 112 is withdrawn from at least one package 20 while the product 10 can remain secured in at least one package 20.

The user can select the length 204 of the fastener 200. The length 200 of the fastener 200 can depend on the distance between the first position 22 and the second position 24. In many embodiments, the devices described herein do not require modification to vary the length of the fasteners. The device 100 is further used to manufacture a "different length fastener 230 with a second length 232" without modification of the device 100 or without the need to replenish different fastener components. Can be done. To further secure the at least one product 10 to the at least one package 20, the fasteners 230 of different lengths are manufactured in a manner similar to the fasteners 200 used in the first position 22 and the second position 24. To. The user moves the needle 112 to the third position 26 and the fourth position 28 and repeats the steps as described above. The second length 232 is determined by the distance between the third position 26 and the fourth position 28, and most of the product 10 stretched by the filament 102. The method is infinitely repeatable to form any variety of different length fasteners as required by a given application.

The fasteners 200 described herein include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, nylon, PET, polyurethane, recyclable plastics, biobased plastics, and biodegradable plastics, PHA, PHB, and PVA materials. Can consist of at least one thermoplastic material.

The matters mentioned above include examples of claimed subjects. It is of course not possible to describe all possible combinations of components or methodologies for the purpose of explaining the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to make more combinations and substitutions of the claimed subject matter. Can be recognized as. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, as long as the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is "comprising" in one claim. It is intended to be as inclusive as the term "prepared" as when interpreted when used as a transitional word in.

10 Product 20 Packaging 22 First position 24 Second position 26 Third position 28 Fourth position 100 Device 102 Filament 104 Multiple T-bar elements 110 Spool 112 Needle 114 Applicator module 200 Fastener (fastener)
202 Filament part (of fastener part) 204 Length (of filament part) 206 First end part (of filament part) 208 Second end part (of filament part) 210 First T-bar element 212 Second T-bar Element 230 Fastener
232 (second) length