KR20070095284A - Apparatus for and method of forming containers and container blank having content retaining web attached thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

A container or container dank (100, 200, 300) comprises a pair of opposed side wall portions and an opposed front wall portion and rear wall portion, each wall portion being connected to a base portion at a fold line and at least one opposed pair of walls being provided with a lid section. At least one portion has a web of material (12, 230, 330) adapted to retain an article within a container formed from the blank (100, 200, 300). Apparatus for and methods of forming a container blank having a web attached thereto and apparatus for and methods of forming a container from a material web lined dank are disclosed with reference to the direction in which the improved tension characteristics of the web are applied. An apparatus and method for filing, closing and sealing an open-mouthed container is also disclosed.

Description

Apparatus and method for forming a container and a container blank having a content retaining web to which it is attached {APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF FORMING CONTAINERS AND CONTAINER BLANK HAVING CONTENT RETAINING WEB ATTACHED THERETO}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming a container for packaging a product, in particular for packaging a plurality of planar products, such as irregular shaped products packaged together in a container, or discs such as books or video cassettes and LP records, CDs, CD-ROMs and DVDs. It is about. The present invention particularly relates to standard retail cases and rolled, slotted, corrugated or similar containers (hereinafter referred to as standard retail containers or RSC containers). The invention also relates to a container blank and an apparatus and method for forming the blank. The invention also relates to container packaging (ie, including packaged products) using the apparatus, method and / or blank of the invention. The present invention relates in particular to methods and apparatus used to form and handle container blanks and to form blanks in packaging to confine at least one product therein for shipment and storage.

The present invention relates, in particular, to an apparatus and method for deforming a container blank made of a card or similar material, the blank fixing the product therein to prevent movement that causes damage in the container formed from the blank. It is modified to include a retaining means. In addition, the present invention utilizes a container blank with product holding means, and compared to its associated thickness or width, such as irregularly shaped or especially heavy products such as mechanical parts, and books, video cassettes and various types of discs. A container forming apparatus for forming a packaging container for a product having a relatively large surface area. These products need to be firmly kept inside the container to prevent their damage during transportation. Also disclosed is a method of forming a container.

The methods, devices, blanks and final packaging as described below are mainly described with reference to planar products such as those exemplified above, but are not limited thereto.

The invention can be applied to three-dimensional objects that can be placed in containers and is not limited to similarly formed products such as books and video cassettes.

 Increasingly, customers are avoiding wasting time traveling to purchase shopping and / or business needs. It is now common to make purchases by mail order, telephone and via the Internet and email. Thus, there is a growing market for the use of postal and express services for delivering purchased goods for received goods.

The deep involvement of postal services and other delivery systems is different from the traditional form of shopping in which a customer purchases a product at the cash register and goes back using public transportation or his own means of transportation. In such a scenario, packaging or packaging is done at the cashier or before the customer leaves, and then the liability for damage no longer belongs to the seller. Since most postal and express services limit liability for damage to products that are delivered or impose substantial premiums for insurance against such damage, there is a minimum risk of damage or loss during shipping to the customer. Insured passes to the retailer, wholesaler or company. The term "mail" as used herein is intended to be a convenient representation of all local, national and international shipping and express services, including drop-shipping services.

With the growing popularity of ordered shipments through the Internet shopping and postal systems, the need for packaging has greatly increased. The popularity of websites such as Amazon ^™ and eBay ^™ has increased the postal shipments of popular items such as books, CDs, CDROMs and DVDs, and has reduced postal shipments for vehicles and mechanical parts to laptops and fragile ornaments. Because of the inherent risks associated with the overturning of goods shipped and the bulk handling of goods, there is a market need for durable containers. In addition, because of many mail orders, the catalog business is increased to increase the capacity that is returned. This seriously affects the profitability of mail order sales, and if the returned product is damaged, the customer is responsible for the damage. Trading in these conditions often affects customer relationships. In addition, if the product has sharp or irregular edges, the product may damage the container, and in particular may damage or injure the package handler.

In other words, the basic requirement for a method of transporting goods is that the goods must not be damaged during transportation so that the goods reach their destination intact.

Indeed, it has been found that the packaging of products, such as books, records and similar products, having at least one surface having a relatively large surface area relative to the depth or thickness of the product, presents an important ongoing problem in terms of packaging. This problem is particularly evident in the state where the product is packaged at the base of the manufacturing line by a packaging method comprising folding a blank, such as cardboard, into a container containing the product to be packaged. As described above, there are additional problems associated with the packaging of irregularly shaped or heavy products.

Containers formed from blanks made of cardboard or cardboard and other materials suitable for shipping via postal services are already known in the art. In general, the container is formed from a relatively simple blank having sidewalls separated by fold lines and one or more base portions and lid portions connected to one or more of the sidewalls by corresponding fold lines. To form a container, end tabs of one side wall are fixed to the edge portions of the other side wall, and each base portion is folded and fixed to form an inlet-opened container. When each product to be shipped is placed in a container, each lid portion is folded and secured. The means for securing the lid to form a container is generally selected from gluing or stapling.

In addition to standard RSC type containers, there are many examples of these types of containers of the prior art, and the modified structure is described in the detailed description of the present invention below.

If the container is not intended to accommodate the particular product (s) shipped, additional packaging material is needed to prevent the product (s) from moving around inside the container. This is especially true for the use of irregularly formed products and polystyrene filling materials (sometimes referred to as "peanuts"). However, small pieces of filling material do not prevent heavy objects from moving in the container. In the packaging industry, there are generally attempts to prevent foreign packaging materials, and in some countries there are laws and regulations that prevent consumable packaging practices.

The present invention addresses some of the shortcomings associated with containers of the prior art, in particular encapsulating or securing one or more products within a container to prevent damage due to movement within the container during transportation to its destination. To realize the container.

In an attempt to solve some of the disadvantages highlighted above, the solution proposed in the prior art is to use a web of lining material to secure the product inside the container.

One established solution is to place the product for shipment, often in a cardboard tray. The tray and the product are then wrapped by a web of plastic material that is heated to achieve a shrink-packable package. In turn, the web or film is stretched around the product (s) by folding the components of the tray to which the web is attached. This package is then placed in a pre-formed container that is finally sealed and marked for shipment. However, this structure has its own disadvantages, including that the tray is moved within the container enough to move the product from the tray, even if the product is bound together. In addition, this structure does not prevent the use of unnecessary additional packaging materials and involves additional steps in the packaging process.

In another solution proposed by the applicant in British Patent No. GB 2 343 885, a container blank is disclosed in which a sheet or web of lining material is fixed. Such lining material is shrink-packable such that the product can be placed directly in the container and fixed in its original position.

Although providing a significant improvement over the prior art, the container and container blank disclosed in GB 2 343 885 are not suitable for the mechanical formation of containers. While there is a significant demand for manually formed containers (especially for low volume operations), for example, high volume shipping centers or product-direct delivery require fully automated systems. The advantages for the mechanical formation of the container from the blank are apparent to those skilled in the art.

For reasons of cost and to adhere to the requirements, in particular the requirements for crush resistance, it is desirable to use the inherent strength provided by the "nape" of the corrugations formed in the cardboard material. With the low failure rate of these materials, for the above reasons, despite the considerable cost and accuracy that blanks have to be formed, multi-ply, high quality cardboard is considered. If inexpensive materials are used, the wear of the failure part and the machinery is increased, so machine downtime and process downtime are adversely affected.

In the prior art, it is known that container blanks are generally formed using a die-cutting technique that includes stamping of fold lines. A range of standard retail case is formed using large knife bearing rollers, where the cardboard material is supplied to "roll up, slot and pleat" to form a container. The blank is then introduced into the folding station where the container is formed. The inlet-opened container is then filled and sealed for shipping. In another structure of the prior art, the product (s) to be packaged are placed on a blank and passed through a sealing station where a container is formed around the product and sealed using a hot melt adhesive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a packaging system that mitigates the disadvantages associated with the prior art and minimizes the risk of damage to the product during shipping, packaging, handling and transportation.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container blank suitable for mechanical formation and to provide a container configured to receive a product secured therein prior to shipping.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for forming the blank of the present invention.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shipping container forming and filling device which is high speed and facilitates the use of standard electronic interfaces and control mechanisms.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming and filling a container according to the present invention.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a pair of opposing side wall portions and opposing front and rear wall portions; And at least a portion having a material web capable of retaining the product in a container formed from the container or blank;

Including,

The wall portion is connected to the base portion at the fold line and at least a pair of opposing walls has a lid portion,

The material web is attached to the at least a portion,

The material web provides a container or container blank, characterized in that the web is secured to the at least a portion using an adhesive applied in a direction that coincides directly with the direction in which the tension is applied to retain the product in the container.

In one structure of a container or container blank, the side wall portion and the front and rear wall portions are connected to a common base portion at each fold line;

Each side wall portion has an inner portion and an outer portion separated by a folding land, the inner portion and the outer portion can be folded about a folded land to take a position overlapping each other, and the outer portion fixes the overlapping position. Locking means that can be coupled to the base portion to

The front and rear wall portions each have a riser section and a lid section,

In another structure of the container or container blank, each wall portion has a base portion and a lid portion attached to the base portion at the fold line, and at least one adjacent wall portion at the fold line disposed perpendicular to the reference fold line or the lid fold line. Is connected to.

Preferably, the material web is secured to the at least part using an adhesive applied in a direction consistent with the direction in which the web is applied.

Preferably, the adhesive is selected from materials such as hot melt adhesives, cold-seal contact adhesives, double sided adhesive tapes and the like.

Preferably, the material capable of holding the product in the container or the container formed from the blank is a shrink-wrappable material.

Optionally, the material capable of retaining the product in the container or container formed from the blank includes an adhesive coating having an adhesive material that can be substantially attached only to similar coatings.

Preferably, the material web includes at least one adhesive coating to which a removable liner is applied.

Preferably, the material web comprises a separation coating.

Preferably, at least the side wall portion, the front wall portion and the rear wall portion are formed to have a size that can be mechanically folded.

Preferably, the container or container blank is cut from a card material having a nape disposed to add strength to the container or a container formed from the blank.

In one structure, the web is applied discontinuously. This structure utilizes a plurality of individual lengths or patches of product holding material located on the container blank to effectively secure the product for shipment placed in the container formed from the blank.

The invention also relates to an apparatus for forming a container blank of the type having a product retaining means,

Means for dispensing a substantially continuous supply of container blanks to a feed conveyor;

Means for applying an adhesive;

Means for dispensing a web of retaining material and positioning the web of predetermined length on an inner side of the blank;

Cutting means for cutting the web thinly to form a web of a predetermined length attached to the blank; And

Means for conveying the blank thus formed to a stacking station, a storage station or for further processing;

Including,

The blank further provides a container blank forming apparatus, characterized in that the blank is a desired pre-formed profile formed to form a container and having a plurality of folds having a size.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises pressure applying means for bonding the web material to the inner side of the blank.

Preferably, the means for dispensing the supply of blanks comprises a vacuum actuated picker arm which individually selects one blank from the base of the magazine of the blank and introduces the blank to an adhesive application station. Contains a support table with a picker arm.

Preferably, the table comprises blank edge support means for retaining the blank in the magazine,

The picker arm bends the base portion to engage the base portion of the selected blank and to disengage the edge support means.

Optionally, the means for dispensing the supply of blanks comprises a stack of blanks in a vacuum actuated picker arm capable of individually selecting the trailing edge regions of the blanks and introducing the leading edges of the blanks into an adhesive application station. Means for conveying.

Preferably, the vacuum actuated picker arm is mounted on a carriage that can move parallel to the direction of movement of the blank so that successive blanks are separated from the blanks below the stack of blanks.

In another arrangement, the means for dispensing the supply of the blank comprises a pair of lift tables mounted on the carriage which can be moved laterally in the device relative to the direction of movement of the blank,

The dispensing means comprises a vacuum operated picker arm which individually selects one blank from the top of the magazine of blanks and introduces the blank into an adhesive application station.

Preferably, the means for applying the adhesive comprises a plurality of nozzles for applying at least one strip of flowable adhesive to the inner side of the blank.

Preferably, the means for applying the adhesive comprises a tape dispenser for applying a double-sided adhesive tape to a portion of the web or to the inner side of the blank.

In one structure, the cutting means forms first and second lengths of the web material of the blank.

Preferably, the conveying means comprises a forming station capable of folding the blank into a suitable profile as stacking or intermediate container forming step.

Preferably, the forming station comprises an adhesive application station.

Additionally or alternatively, the forming station comprises stapling means.

The present invention provides a method of forming a container blank of the type having a product holding portion,

Distributing a substantially continuous supply of container blanks to the feed conveyor;

Applying at least one strip of adhesive to a web of retaining material on the inner side of the blank;

Dispensing the web of retaining material and positioning the web of predetermined length on an inner side of the blank;

Cutting the web to form the web of a predetermined length attached to the blank; And

Transferring the blank thus formed to a stacking station, a storage station or for further processing;

Including,

The blank further provides a method of forming a container blank, characterized in that the blank is a desired pre-formed profile which is formed to form a container and has a plurality of folds having a size.

Advantageously, the method comprises applying pressure to said inner surface to bond said web material to said blank.

In one structure, the first and second portions of the web are cut and attached to the blank.

In another structure, each strip of adhesive is applied to the web of retention material.

In another structure, the strip of each adhesive is applied by a tape dispenser.

In a preferred configuration, each strip of adhesive is applied to the inner side of the blank by a plurality of nozzles.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a container from a container blank of a type having a product holding portion,

A feed station that breaks down a substantially continuous supply of container blanks to a feed conveyor;

One or more actuators in contact with or holding a portion of the container blank to move a portion of the blank about pre-formed score lines so that the blank takes the form of an inlet-opened container. A container forming station having a member;

Including,

Each blank further provides a container forming apparatus having a web material of a predetermined length attached to the blank and having a plurality of foldable portions that are shaped and sized to form a container.

In one configuration of a container forming apparatus, the one or more actuator members are in contact with the inner side of the base portion of the container blank and press the blank into a container-forming die,

The die is formed and shaped such that a portion of the blank can be folded about a pre-formed score line.

In another configuration of the device, the at least one actuator member is a vacuum operated device capable of opening the folded container blank to facilitate the formation of a container base from a plurality of base portions,

The blank takes the form of an inlet-open container.

Preferably, the device,

One or more packing stations located within an open inlet of a container in which one or more products are formed;

A product holding station, wherein the operation means brings one end of the web material to a position where it overlaps with the other end and attaches the overlapped portion together;

A lid closing station with the lid overlapping to seal the closed lid; And

A transport conveyor for transporting the container to the last step or for storage;

It includes at least one of.

Preferably, the supply station comprises a container blank forming apparatus as described above.

In one configuration of the apparatus, a shrink-packable station is provided in which heat is applied to an overlapping end of the shrink-wrapable web material so that each product located in the container at the packing station is fixed to the container.

In another configuration of the container forming apparatus, a pressure sensitive adhesive is pre-applied to at least one of the lid portions to facilitate sealing of the container at the lid closing station.

Preferably, the lid closing station includes one or more tape dispensers to seal the container.

Preferably, the lid closing station includes means for securing the base portion of the container.

In one configuration, the feed station includes a pivotable destacking arm that can individually select one blank from a magazine of vertically stacked blanks.

In another configuration, the supply station includes a pair of lift tables mounted on a carriage that can be moved laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the blank in the apparatus,

The dispensing means comprises a vacuum operated picker arm which individually selects one blank from the magazine of blanks and introduces the blank into the adhesive application station.

The present invention relates to a method for forming a container from a container blank of a type having a product holding portion,

Distributing a substantially continuous supply of container blanks to the feed conveyor; And

Contacting or holding a portion of the container blank with one or more actuator members so that the portion of the blank is moved about a pre-formed score line such that the blank takes the form of an inlet-opened container;

Including,

Each blank further provides a method of forming a container, characterized in that it has a portion of the holding material attached to the blank and has a plurality of foldable portions shaped and sized to form a container.

In one structure, the method includes contacting an inner side of the base portion of the container blank and pressing the blank into a container-forming die,

The die is formed and shaped such that a portion of the blank is folded about a pre-formed score line.

In another structure, the method includes using a vacuum operated actuator device to open a folded container blank by touching the surface of the blank, and forming a container base from the plurality of base portions to form an inlet-opened container. It includes.

Preferably, the method is

Positioning at least one product in an open inlet of the formed container;

Bringing one end of the holding material to a position where it overlaps with the other end and attaches the overlapped portion together;

Closing the lid portion overlapping to seal the closed lid; And

Transporting the container to the last step or for storage;

One or more steps selected from.

Preferably, applying heat to an overlapping end of the material to secure each of the products located within the container.

Alternatively, a pressure sensitive adhesive is pre-applied to at least one of the lid portions to facilitate sealing of the container at the lid closing station.

Preferably, the method comprises dispensing and applying an adhesive tape to fix the respective lid portions and / or the respective base portions.

The present invention provides an apparatus for supplying an inlet-opened container through a packing station to a sealing and closing station in preparation for shipment and storage of a packaged product.

Supply means for transporting the inlet-opened container to a buffer conveyor;

A stacking conveyor comprising at least one inlet conveyor supplied by the buffer conveyor;

A discharge conveyor for transporting a filled container from the packing station;

A product fixing station for gathering and joining the free ends of the holding material together to fix the respective products in the container; And

Lid closing means;

It further provides an apparatus for supplying a container comprising a.

In one configuration, a heating zone is provided to heat the shrink-packaging retaining means in the container to secure the contents inside the container.

The present invention provides a method of supplying an inlet-opened container through a packing station to a sealing and closing station in preparation for shipment and storage of a packaged product.

Supplying the inlet-opened container to a buffer conveyor;

Feeding the container from the buffer conveyor to a stacking conveyor;

Filling the container at a packing station, and placing the filled container into a discharge conveyor;

Securing the free end of the holding material by gathering and joining the free ends of the holding material together to fix the respective products in the container; And

Closing and sealing the respective lid portions of the container;

It further provides a method for supplying a container comprising a.

In one configuration, heat is applied to the shrink-packaging retaining means in the container to secure the contents therein.

In another structure, the method includes removing a lining or backing material from the retaining material to expose the adhesive, and tensioning the material to secure the contents of the container therein.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, together with further objects of the present invention.

1A is a view of a prior art container blank capable of packaging a product by manually folding a portion of the blank around the product to form a container from the blank.

1B and 1C are plan views of containers formed from the prior art blank of FIG. 1A, securing a plastic web or sheet to the blank and showing the distribution of synthetic tension or retention force applied to the product constrained in the container.

2a is a view of a first container blank according to the invention, in which the container can be folded manually and mechanically;

2B and 2C are plan views of containers formed from the blank of FIG. 2A, securing the plastic web or sheet to the blank and showing the distribution of synthetic tension or retention force applied to the product constrained in the container.

3A is a diagram of an apparatus for applying a sheet of plastic material to the pre-formed blank of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A with a blank supply apparatus of the first structure for feeding one blank at a time into the apparatus.

3C is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A with a blank supply apparatus of a second structure.

3d shows a blank supply apparatus of a first structure comprising a support table for supplying a blank to a lining apparatus.

3E to 3E are end front views seen from the arrow X in FIG. 3C, showing the blank supply apparatus of the second structure.

4 is a schematic side view of the container forming apparatus.

5 is a series of twelve consecutive frames, including the introduction of the next blank, showing the successive stages of the initial introduction to form the container.

6A and 6B are side views of a process step of forming a container from a blank using a container forming apparatus of another structure.

6C-6C are end elevational views seen from arrow X in FIG. 6A, showing the structure of the blank supply device, similar to that shown in FIGS. 3E-3E.

7 is a schematic plan view of a filling and packaging device.

8A-8C are top, side, and end front views of a heating chamber capable of shrink wrapping a product in a container.

9A and 9B illustrate securing a product holding material web to a blank, which is a plan view of two structures of a container blank of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 9C is a top view of the apparatus for forming the container blank of FIG. 9B by applying a web material of predetermined length to successive ones of a stack of profile blank stocks. FIG.

10A-10C are top, side, and end front views of a blank supply device for feeding continuous blanks into the device.

11A and 11B are schematic perspective and schematic side views of the apparatus for forming the container blank of FIG. 9B.

FIG. 12 is a series of eight frames illustrating the successive steps involved in conveying product holding materials of first and second lengths to a container blank.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 9C with an exhaust conveyor including additional forming or folding stations.

As used herein, the terms “left”, “right”, “up”, and “bottom” are only relevant for the drawings and relate to containers formed from blanks and processing and transportation of the blanks as they move through the apparatus. In this structure, "upper" indicates a source of raw material or a container blank that is currently being processed, ai, and "lower" indicates an accumulation point direction for storage or transportation.

The terms "side wall" and "end wall" are used conveniently to describe pairs of opposing walls and should not be considered as limiting. In addition, any portion or tab is described in a similar format, again only to aid the reader.

1 shows the structure of a prior art container blank 1 disclosed in British Patent No. 2 343 885. The blank 1 comprises a central land which is cut from the kraft card and forms the base 2 of the container formed from the blank. The central land or base 2 is formed by reference fold lines 3, 4, 5, 6. Riser fold lines 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A are each formed in the blank so as to be parallel to the fold lines 3, 4, 5, 6 and continuously spaced apart from the fold line, alternating the depth of the container formed by the blank. End walls and sidewalls 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B are formed.

With particular reference to each end wall 3B, 5B, the over-tab fold lines 3D, 5D are formed in the blank so as to be continuous in parallel to the riser fold lines 3A, 5A. The spacing between the riser fold lines and the over-tab fold lines 3D, 5D is actually twice the thickness of the card material on which the blank is formed, for the reasons described below. The dimensions of the blank are such that portions extending outwardly of the over-tab fold lines 3D and 5D form a tuck-in flaps 7, each of which flap is folded relative to the end wall. It has short rectangular extensions 7A, 7B which are formed to engage with corresponding receiving slots 8A, 8B disposed in the base 2 immediately adjacent to the lines 3, 5.

Removable push-out portions 9 are centrally located along the outer edges of each end wall 3B, 5B, such that the push-out portions 9 are provided with riser fold lines 3A, 5A. A substantially rectangular portion 9A connecting the space between the over-tab fold lines 3D, 5D, and a semicircular portion 9B that opens to the end walls 3B, 5B itself. The end corner region 7C of the tuck-in flap 7 is inclined to facilitate folding of the blank during the container forming process.

Referring to the side walls 4B and 6B, each end of the side walls 4B and 6B has a tuck-in flap 4C having the same height dimension as the side walls 4B and 6B forming the depth of the container formed from the blank. 6C). The tuck-in flaps 4C and 6C may be folded along end-flap fold lines 4D and 6D which are located adjacent to the inner side surfaces of the end walls 3B and 5B. Thus, the tuck-in flap is, at its longest dimension, slightly smaller than half the width (long dimension) of the end walls 3B and 5B, but formed without encroaching the area adjacent to the push-out portion 9. It should be long enough to provide a structural support of. Tuck-in flaps 4C and 6C are similar components that enhance the overall strength of the finished container. At least one of the open corners of the tuck-in flaps 4C and 6C is tapered to facilitate folding.

The first lid portion 10 extends from one side wall 6B and is connected to the side wall 6B through the side wall riser fold line 6A. Each end of the first lid portion 10 includes a foldable flap 10B that is foldable along the lid-flap fold line 10C. As shown in FIG. 1A, one corner of the folded flap 10B is formed to facilitate manual folding or “tucking-in” of the lid end flap 10B.

The depth of the first lid portion 10 is the portion from the riser fold line 6A to the open edge 10G of the lid portion 10, which edge 10G is the leading edge of the blank 100. It includes. As shown in FIG. 1A, the width of the first lid portion is the spacing between the foldable flap fold lines 10C and is smaller than the spacing between adjacent sidewall end flap fold lines 6D. This allows the lid end flap 10B to be folded into the end wall tuck-in flap 7 when an inlet-open container is formed.

The second lid 11 extends from the other side wall 4B through the corresponding riser fold line 4A. The second lid 11 is deeper than the first lid 10 so that the second lid 11 partially overlaps on the first lid 10 when folded along the formed inlet-opened container.

Similar to the first lid portion 10, each end of the second lid portion 11 is centered on a lid flap fold line 11C that is aligned with the long inner edge of the rectangular slot 8A of the base 2. And a pair of collapsible tuck-in flaps 11B. Each end of the second lid portion 11 also includes a second tuck-in flap 11D that is folded about the fold line 11E. The second flap fold line 11E is folded outside the lid flap fold line 11C and forms a straight line with the reference fold lines 3 and 5 of the end walls 3B and 5B. The second tuck-in flap 11D is engaged with a hole formed by the rectangular portion 9A of the removable push-out portion 9 when folded into position. Two flaps 11B and 11D are formed to facilitate the actual folding process.

To form the container from the prior art blank of FIG. 1A, the side walls 4B, 6B are folded up to 90 ° in the vertical position with respect to the base 2 at the reference fold lines 4, 6. The side wall tuck-in flaps 4C and 6C fold at right angles to the associated side walls 4B and 6B and are aligned with the other reference fold lines 3 and 5. The end walls 3B, 5B fold in a vertical position with respect to the base 2, and the associated outer flap 7 first follows the corresponding riser fold lines 3A, 5A and then over-tap fold lines 3D. Folded inward along 5D to form a sandwich of sidewall tuck-in flaps 4C and 6C between the inner surface of end walls 3B and 5B and their corresponding tuck-in flaps 7. . The semicircular portion 9B of the hole formed by the removal of the push-out portion 9 is located outside the end wall thus formed. The tuck-in flap extensions 7A, 7B are also engaged with the corresponding receiving slots 8A, 8B and pushed inwards. This thus forms the form of an inlet-open container.

The lid tuck-in flaps 10B and 11B are folded into positions perpendicular to their respective lid portions 10 and 11. The short tuck-in flap 11D of the second lid portion 11 is directed to a position that can be engaged with the rectangular portion 9A of the removable push-out portion 9. The lid 10 is then folded along the side wall riser fold line 6A so that the base 2 overlaps, and the tuck-in flap 10B of the lid 10 is an end wall tuck-in flap 7 It is positioned against the inner side of the back side. The second lid 11 is then folded along its riser fold line 4A to be positioned over the inlet-opened container and a portion of the first lid 10. The tuck-in flap 11B of the second lid 11 is also located adjacent to the exposed surface of the end wall tuck-in flap 7 and the short tuck-in flap of the second lid 11 is provided. 11D is engaged with the rectangular hole 9A.

The folded blank thus provides a rigid rectangular boxed container.

Indeed, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant packaging method, the product to be packaged (not shown) is required to be placed in the required position in the container thus formed, which position is always located symmetrically within the dimensions of the base. After this arrangement, the blank is folded in the manner described above around the already positioned product.

This means that if the size of the product is intended to effectively fill the container, the product in the container cannot move around inside the container during previous shipping. However, if the product is smaller than the inside of the container, the product is repositioned at least relatively freely within the container and thus may damage the product or the container during transportation. Damage to the container can usually occur with critical parts such as mechanical parts.

For example, it can be seen that when the majority of similar products such as compact discs, books and other flat products are packaged, their thickness can vary widely. It is also true for one product selected from a range of products or products to be packaged and shipped from a location. For example, at a retail store, a customer may request a mix of various purchases to be delivered.

In addition, for all products of various sizes, it is clearly commercially impossible to provide a container of precise dimensions made for each of these products so that the product fits exactly in the container. In this regard, it was conventional practice to provide containers with various sizes in one range, where each container in the range is intended to receive a range of possible sizes of product. This practice has consequences that may not occur if the product fits correctly in the container for displacement. However, if the product is dimensionally smaller than the maximum size acceptable by the container, such product is free to move substantially around in the container in a manner set by the nature of the postal packaging handling.

In order to solve this problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a container forming blank 1 having auxiliary / internal packaging for a product that can restrain the movement of the product after it is located in the required position of the container base. Is provided. In this structure, when the blank is folded in the form of a container, the secondary packaging is substantially automatically in a displacement limited state.

In the above description of the blank of the prior art, no consideration is given to the product holding means comprising the flexible lining material fixed to the base 2 of the blank 1. As schematically shown in FIG. 1B, the sheet or film 12 of lining material is formed by a base of two adhesive lines 13 applied in a continuous line adjacent to the sidewall reference fold lines 4, 6. Is attached to (2). The adhesive may be applied as a dashed line or over an extended area of the base 2 depending on the required adhesion strength. The lining material sheet 12 is large enough to lie on the lid forming portions 10, 11, as indicated by the film flaps 14, 15 of FIG. 1B.

When packing the product 16, the product is placed on the lining material 12 and the two flaps 14, 15 are folded along the product 16. Depending on the nature of the product to be packaged, the upper edge regions of the lining material flaps 14, 15 are secured together to hold the product firmly in place. For manually upright containers, this operation can be done before or after the container is formed from the blank.

1C schematically depicts a container of the present invention in an inlet-opened structure in which one or more products are constrained using lining material 12. The lining material covers the base 2a of the container with a length sufficient to overlap each end to secure the free ends of the film together. Tension line 17 shows the restraining action of the film 12. If considered convenient, an adhesive line is provided around the four sides of the base 2 to hold the lining 12.

In the following a first embodiment of the mechanical foldable blank 100 of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. For convenience and consistency of the description, similar parts of the mechanical foldable blank 100 are described using reference numerals common to the parts used for the blank 10 of the prior art. In common with the blank 1 of the prior art, as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the blank 100 is cut from the kraft card and forms the base 2 of the container formed from the blank 100. To include the central land. Base 2 is formed by fold lines 3, 4, 5, 6, and riser fold lines 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A are parallel to reference fold lines 3, 4, 5, 6, respectively. End walls and sidewalls 3B and 5B which are formed in the blank 100 so as to be continuous and spaced apart from the reference fold lines 3, 4, 5 and 6 so as to alternate the depths of the containers formed by the blank 100; 4B, 6B).

With particular reference to each end wall 3B, 5B, the over-tap fold lines 3D, 5D are formed in the blank, continuous parallel to the riser fold lines 3A, 5A, and the riser fold lines 3A, 5A. ) And the over-tab fold lines 3D, 5D are substantially twice the thickness of the card material from which the blank 100 is cut, for the same reasons described for the blank 1 of the prior art. .

The end walls 3B, 5B of the blank 100 include a tuck-in flap 7 extending outward of the over-tab fold lines 3D, 5D. The tuck-in flap 7 is a short-shaped extension 7A that is formed to engage with corresponding receiving slots 8A, 8B disposed in the base 2 immediately adjacent the end wall reference fold lines 3, 5, Each has 7B).

The length of the over-tab fold lines 3D, 5D is shorter at the edge than the adjacent riser fold lines 3A, 5A, so that the inclined surface edges are formed to facilitate smooth and rapid mechanical folding. Similarly, extensions 7A and 7B are formed to facilitate smooth and rapid mechanical overlap of extensions 7A and 7B in their corresponding receiving slots 8A and 8B. The modified shape eliminates the need to form the distal corner of the tuck-in flap 7. The rectangular corners of the flap 7 provide additional rigidity and strength to the thus formed container and facilitate the forming of the machine. In particular, the end wall riser fold lines 3A, 5A are formed using deeper and / or larger through holes than the corresponding over-tap fold lines 3D, 5D, such that riser fold lines 3A, 5A are formed. This over-tap fold line (3D, 5D) ensures folding first. This is important in that it not only facilitates the correct formation of the container but also correctly positions the extensions 7A, 7B tabs for engagement in the corresponding receiving slots 8A, 8B. Preferably, the through holes forming the over-tab fold lines 3D, 5D are of a corresponding number, length or depth (if available) of the through holes forming the end wall riser fold lines 3A, 5A. Up to 50%.

As compared to the last folding step of the container formed from the blank 100 of the present invention and the step of the prior art example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the short tuck-in flap 11D of the second lid part 11 It can be seen that the lid is removed to enable mechanical closure and the push-out 9 is no longer needed. As a result of the removal of the push-out portion 9, the lands formed between the end wall riser fold lines 3A and 5A and the over-tab fold lines 3D and 5D are continuous along the end wall and thus end wall of the container. Strengthen the part.

Although the above modifications and many of the modifications described below may not be important in appearance, they have been found to greatly facilitate folding and forming, and in particular to facilitate mechanical folding. In addition, features of the prior art blank 1, in particular, assist the manual handling (such as the removable push-out 9 and the flap 11D inserted therein) are eliminated.

Referring to each of the side walls 4B and 6B, each end of the side walls 4B and 6B has a height substantially equal to the side walls 4B and 6B which form the depth of the container formed by the blank 100. Jaw-in flaps 4C and 6C. The tuck-in flaps 4C, 6C can be folded along end flap fold lines 4D, 6D located adjacent to the inner side surfaces of the end walls 3B, 5B. Thus, the tuck-in flaps 4C and 6C, at their maximum dimensions, are slightly smaller than half the width (long dimension) of the end walls 3B and 5B, and provide an important integral structure to the end walls. At least one of the open corners of the tuck-in flaps 4C, 6C is rounded to facilitate mechanical folding.

As above, the first lid 10 extends from one side wall 6B and is connected to the side wall 6B through a corresponding riser fold line 6A. Each end of the first lid portion 10 includes a foldable flap 10B that is foldable along the lid flap fold line 10C. As shown in FIG. 2A, the folded flap 10B is formed to facilitate mechanical folding. Since the first lid 10 is folded toward the inlet-opened container, the first leading side edge 10E of each lid flap 10B is uniform and parallel to the formed end walls 3B, 7; 5B, 7 It is inclined to provide a straight edge that provides an edge. The trailing edge 10F of each lid flap 10B has a rounded shape corresponding to an arc transferred by the lid portion 10 when covered along the inlet-opened container.

The depth of the first lid portion 10 is the portion from the riser fold line 6A to the open edge 10G of the lid portion 10, and the edge 10G includes the leading edge of the blank 100. As such there is a registration shape 12 that is cut into the open edge 10G to position the blank in the forming machine. The corresponding overlapping shape 12 may be formed on the falling edge 11E of the second lid portion 11. The overlap shape assists in the automatic handling of the blank and allows for leading edge or falling edge sensor overlap.

The second lid portion 11 extends from the side wall 4B opposite the side wall of the first lid portion 10 by the corresponding riser fold line 4A. The second lid portion 11 has a wider width (from riser fold line to the falling edge 11G) than the first lid portion 10, so that the second lid portion 11 is folded when it is folded into the container which is opened inlet. 1 is partly located on the lid (10).

Similar to the first lid portion 10, the second lid portion 11 includes a pair of tuck-in flaps 11B that can be folded about the lid flap fold line 11C. The leading edge 11 of each lid flap 11B is inclined and rounded to ensure smooth mechanical folding. Adjacent to the falling edge 11G of the second lid portion 11, an inclined end 11F is formed so that the bonded falling edge 11G does not reveal a corner or portion that can be caught or pulled when the container is closed. To ensure.

The blank 100 further comprises at least a heat shrinkable lining material 12 attached to the base 2. 2B and 2C illustrate the use and layout of lining material or film 12 in connection with a mechanically foldable blank 100. A lining material 12 of a certain length, including a web or film of heat-shrinkable plastic material, lies on an open blank and is disposed on the base 2 of the blank 100. Secured to the blank by a line, the line is parallel to the direction of movement of the blank through a liner device for producing a blank with retaining means according to the invention, as described in detail below. The adhesive line extends from the sidewall reference fold lines 4, 6 toward the central longitudinal axis of the base 2 of the blank 100. The number and location of the adhesive lines 13 are selected depending on the application in which the container is to be placed.

By applying an adhesive line parallel to the direction of movement of the blank through the apparatus for applying the liner, the adhesive can be applied continuously at high speed. When treated, the momentum of the blank does not need to be disturbed. In addition, by applying the adhesive at this location, the shrink wrap of the product in the container is improved because the film / line can be pulled together between the adhesive lines to provide good grip to the contained product.

Also referring to the adhesive line applied to the blank throughout this description, it is also possible to apply an adhesive film to the product holding web, or to use other means for securing the web to the blank, for example double-sided adhesive tape. Those skilled in the art will recognize.

In the embodiment shown, four adhesive lines are used to secure the central portion of the film to the blank 100. Two flaps 14, 15 of material or film 12 can be folded along the contents of the container, but during assembly and transportation of the blank, the flaps 14, 15 are placed under the lid 10, 11. It is held in position by one or more "glue spots" 13a applied. Preferably, the blank can be mechanically folded to form an inlet-opened container without the risk of the film being moved or trapped by the folded portion during the container forming process, or automatically or manually filling the container. In addition, by using a simple adhesive point to hold the flaps 14, 15 in the lid portion, the flaps can be easily torn from the lid portions 10, 11 when required to cover or overlap the contents of the container. . FIG. 2C shows in particular the advantage of using a plurality of adhesive lines 13 to hold the product 16 in a container formed by the blank 100. The flaps 14 and 15 are separated from the adhesive points 13a of the lids 10 and 11 and one end is placed on the other end. Heat is generally applied through the hot air flow or in the heating chamber, and the heat-shrinkable material film 12 is pulled around each of the articles 16. A plurality of tension lines are formed between the product (s) and the adhesive line 13 to hold the product (s) in place.

As described above, the orientation of the blank and the direction of conveyance of the blank through the machine are described with respect to the leading and falling edges 10G, 11G of the blank 100, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" being respectively material Is defined for the supply source and the transfer destination. The fact that materials can be supplied from different physical directions is irrelevant to the above definition.

3A and 3B, a first structure of a blank forming apparatus 20 of the type with product holding means is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. An apparatus 20 for applying a sheet of lining material 12 to a blank so that a stack of the cut blank 100 as described above, which is simply laid out, forms the lined blank of the present invention. Will pass. The blank liner device is controlled through a central microprocessor-based controller unit (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, the liner device 20 includes a first structure of a blank supply device 22 that includes a magazine capable of receiving a flat blank cut to a desired specification. The device 22 is provided in the upper end of the liner device 20, as described in more detail below, and a vacuum circuit for introducing the blanks individually into an adhesive applicator, in this case an adhesive application station 26. 24 and optionally a mechanical pusher 25. Grippers or nip rollers 28 are used to guide the blank between the upper and lower feed belts 29, which feed the blanks to selectively apply a hot melt adhesive to the blanks. When passing through the adhesive applicator gun (30) (gun). The hot melt adhesive is applied by four adhesive guns 30 which are fed through a heated hose 31 from a hot melt adhesive storage tank under microprocessor control. The hot melt adhesive is applied to the blank by a reciprocating compressed air position pump that generates pressure and a solenoid operated applicator gun 30 that opens the pressure circuit to the atmosphere, thereby determining the requirements determined by the shape and structure of the blank 100. Accordingly according to the central control unit at the point controlled by the adhesive on the cardboard. The blank is then fed to a liner application station 35 where a shrink-wrap material 36 is applied to the blank. The material is fed from the film drive system 37 to the application station 35.

The shrink wrap film material 36 is provided as a film web from a reel 38 that is mounted for rotation of the gravity axis 39 located towards the bottom of the device. When the material of the first reel 38 is empty, the gravity axis 39 is moved to activate a splicing mechanism of the type well known in the art. An accumulator comprising a dancing arm roller 40 is provided in the apparatus such that continuous feeding is achieved during splicing. The film web is fed to the pressure roller device 45 through a series of support rollers 42 and through a non-return gripper 43, which pressure roller device 45 Pressure is applied to bond to the blank 100 and to spread the adhesive between the blank and the liner 12 of the film material 36. The film web cutter 46 has a cutting transverse cutter that uses a cold blade that is operated in a running state and protected in a slotted anvil.

In other devices (not shown), the web material is applied to the blank in two separate parts, such that at least the central region of the base is not covered by the material. In such a device, the operation of the cutter determines the length and position of the web applied to the blank. If necessary, the base does not have a web material applied to it, and a web material of a certain length is attached only to the end wall.

The transport conveyor 47 moves the blank together with the liner 12 toward a pair of speed pinch belts 49, which pinches the blank and the liner together with a collating table. Accelerate to 50. When the table 50 is full, the discharge transfer device 51 moves a stack of accumulated blanks to an ejector table 52, which is then blanked through the device 20. Conveyor 53 is disposed 90 ° to the direction of movement of the.

FIG. 3C shows another structure of the blank supply device 70 but in all other respects shows a second structure of the same blank forming device as the device of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

3D is a perspective view of a first structure of the blank supply device 60 provided at the upper end of the lining device 20. The device 60 comprises a support table 61 having a pair of adjustable side plates 62, each of which has a blank edge coupling 63 facing inward. End plates 65 are provided to match the stack of blanks to the magazine feed. At the bottom of the table 61, an upward vacuum actuated suction cup 66 is provided on the pair of rails 67, along which the suction cup is freely moved. In order to supply one blank to the blank lining apparatus 20, the suction cup 66 is in contact with the blank 100 upwards from the base of the stack. When switched on, it is in a vacuum state and the suction cup 66 is coupled to the blank. The suction cup is then moved downward while deflected in the center of the blank, so that its edge is pulled out of the blank edge coupling of the side plate 62. The individual blanks are then provided to the lining device 20 by the movement of the adsorption cup 66 along the rails 67. Then, when the vacuum to the suction cup 66 is released, the gripper roller 28 of the lining apparatus 20 catches the blank. The suction cup assembly is then moved back along its rail 67 to its central position and ready to select the next blank.

3E-3E, the second structure of the blank supply device 70 is a pair of lift tables positioned side by side in a wheeled shuttle carrier 72. (A, B). In the beginning, the first lift table A loads the stack of blanks 100 in a first side position. The shuttle carrier 72 is then moved such that the center of the first table A coincides with the vacuum picker device 75. The individual blanks are fed into the apparatus using the picker apparatus 75, which includes a vacuum pump 76 and a picker arm 75 with a row of suction cups. The vacuum is given to the suction cup 77 by associated couplings having a series of flexible hoses 78 and valves controlled by a sub-controller unit in communication with the central microprocessor controller.

Common to the first structure of the picker device of FIG. 3D, the vacuum pump 76 is operated continuously and the vacuum in the suction cup 77 is ON and OFF depending on the required action and / or position of the picker arm with respect to the device. It is in a state.

When the blank 100 is located in a stack or magazine, the picker arm 75 is moved to engage the top surface of the top blank of the stack. Once the arm is engaged with the stack, a vacuum is applied to the suction cup holding the blank. The pressure differential switch in the vacuum circuit indicates that the cup has obtained adequate adsorption for lifting the cardboard from the stack. The picker arm 75 is then moved back to the center position with the blank and then unfolded to transport the blank downwards, as long as the leading edge 10G of the blank 100 is transferred into the lining device 20. It is positioned between the pair of rotating nip rollers 28.

At the moment the nip roller 28 grabs the blank and starts feeding into the lining device, the valve is actuated to release the cardboard by releasing vacuum pressure from the suction cup 77. The picker arm 75 then returns to the central position until the falling edge 11G of the blank passes through a sensor that signals the picker arm 75 through the controller to join another blank with the stack. The next blank is supplied to the nip roller 28 as before with a relatively small gap (eg 50 mm) between the falling edge 11G of one blank and the leading edge 10G of the next blank.

When the stack is empty, the first lift table A is raised to continuously supply the blank to the picker arm. When the table reaches a raised upper limit with a predetermined number of cardboards (eg 30) on the left side of the stack, the support device including the edge support plate 79 is moved under the remaining blank and the first lift table is withdrawn. do. At this time, the 2nd lift table B is fully loading the blank, and is ready to replace the position occupied by the 1st table A. FIG.

Upon receipt of confirmation that the second table B has been loaded, when the first table A is lowered and ready to receive the next blank to be loaded, the shuttle carrier 72 moves the second table B to the picker arm. Signaled to move to center position in line with 75. During this process, the picker arm 75 continues to hold the blank from the support device plate 79. If the stack of the second table B is in line with the picker arm 75, the blank remaining on the support plate falls to the top of the stack when the support plate is withdrawn. The stack is then lifted by the lift table B so that the top blank is in the proper position to be joined by the picker arm. The support plate 79 is again engaged with the bottom edge of the last blank remaining in the stack when the level reaches a preset amount. This means that the device can be operated continuously without stopping to maximize production rates.

4 is a schematic diagram of a container forming apparatus 120 in which magazines of lined container blanks 100 are stacked vertically on a conveyor 122. A stacking arm 123 rotatably mounted about the pivot 124 allows a container to move the blank along the carriage arm 130 by selecting individual blanks from the front of the magazine. Adsorption cup 125 is provided to the formation mechanism 127,128. The container forming apparatus 120 includes a vacuum circuit powered by a continuously operated pump and opening / closing a switch to an air cylinder and a suction cup through a valve operated under microprocessor control. The elements are described in more detail below.

The container forming apparatus 120, together with the forming tools 127, 128, has a static folding die having a peripheral edge portion 136 that can bend the components of the container blank continuously to facilitate the formation of the container. (135) further. The folding die 135 includes an adsorption cup 138 that engages the base 2 of the container being formed so that the container inadvertently withdraws from the die 135 together with the main forming mechanism 127 when the die is retracted. It doesn't work. An air cylinder 139 may be located on the opposite side of the folding die to press the components of the container blank inwards to engage during the downward stroke of one of the forming tools 127, 128. The carriage arm 130 provides a rail, along which the main forming mechanism 127 and the sub forming mechanism 129 move. The wheeled coupling device 140 is attached to a tool transfer support member 142 in which the forming tools 127 and 128 are spaced apart and fixed at regular intervals. The tool is fixed to the support member 142 by a telescopic cylinder 145 which is pneumatically operated in this embodiment. The main forming mechanism 127 is a blank coupling attached to the vacuum circuit through a support cylinder 142 which also transmits pneumatic power to the telescopic cylinder 145 and the air cylinder 148 provided in the sub forming mechanism 128. Adsorption cup 147 is included. A discharge conveyor 150 for transporting the inlet-opened container to a filling station or reservoir is adjacent the folding die 135 and separates the main forming mechanism 127 and the sub forming mechanism 128. It is provided spaced apart from the main forming mechanism 127 and the sub forming mechanism 128 at the same interval as the interval.

As shown by the twelve consecutive frames making up FIG. 5, each step of the container forming process is described below. The destacking arm 123 includes a series of adsorption cups 125 attached to the front (unlined) front of one of the magazines loaded into the lined container blank 100. The front face of the once folded blank is the outer side of the container thus formed. The magazine has a predetermined capacity but is refilled to be fed continuously with blanks stacked vertically to the destacking arm 123.

The sequence at the start of the production operation without any containers in the process being formed is shown. In the frame 1, the first blank is selected by the stacking arm 123 when the arm is moved from the horizontal stop position about its pivot 124 to the front of the leading cardboard of the magazine. Vacuum is applied to the adsorption cup 125 so that the adsorption cup 125 is coupled with the blank and separates the blank from the magazine stack. The blank is conveyed with the arm while rotating towards its horizontal stop position. In the frame 2, the main forming mechanism 127 and the sub forming mechanism 128 are moved together to the support member 142 when driven along the carriage arm 130, and the main forming mechanism 127 is removed from the stacking arm. Is lowered in contact with the horizontal blank supported by it. The adsorption cup 147 of the base of the main forming mechanism 127 is engaged with the lining inner surface of the blank in the base 2, the vacuum of the adsorption cup 125 of the destacking arm is released, and the adsorption cup of the mechanism A vacuum of 147 is applied. As shown in the frame 4, the blank is then raised by the suction cup 147 of the main forming mechanism, and the support member 142 moves the main forming mechanism 127 along the container folding die 135. Move to position At the same time, the stacking arm 123 is rotated about its pivot 124 from its horizontal stop position toward the new leading (second) blank of the magazine. When the blank is joined by the suction cup 125 of the destacking arm, as shown in the frame 5, the main forming mechanism 127 lowers the first blank toward the folding die 135 and dies the blank. "Stuffs" inside.

When the blank is "filled" in the die, the following folding action occurs:

The side wall tuck-in flaps 4C, 6C are bent to a substantially vertical position;

Longer sidewall reference fold lines 4, 6 bend substantially vertically, which has the effect of moving the tuck-in flaps 4C, 6C to a position adjacent to the shorter end wall reference fold lines 3, 5. have; And

The end wall reference fold lines 3, 5 are bent, thereby forming an entrance-opened cuboid shape.

In the frame 6, the cubic shape is maintained in the folding die 135 by a suction cup 138 disposed at the bottom of the die, and then the main forming mechanism 127 is held by the suction cup 147 of the forming mechanism. ) Is recovered from the cubic shape when the vacuum is removed. Once the instrument is withdrawn, the next blank is taken out of the magazine by the stacking arm 123, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the new blank is in the horizontal position, the support member 142 is moved along the carriage arm 130 so that the main forming mechanism 127 is formed due to the formation of the base 2 of the next container. It is disposed above the blank area, and the subforming mechanism 128 is disposed above the folding die 135 which comprises the inlet-opened cuboid shape of the preceding blank. At this stage, the folding die air cylinders 139 (one pair on each side) move the piston to fold the tuck-in flap position of each end wall 3B, 5B along the lighter riser fold line 3A, 5A. Push out [This ensures that folds occur at riser fold lines 3A, 5A before folding along the over-tap fold lines 3D, 5D]. The piston holds the flap 7 in a substantially horizontal position. The piston is disposed towards the edge of the flap portion 7 so as not to interfere with the forming mechanism 128 when descending into the folding die.

8 shows that when the secondary forming mechanism is pressed into the folding die, the primary forming mechanism is engaged with the next blank supported by the stacking arm. In this step, the subformation mechanism 128 folds the tuck-in flap portion 7 into the inlet-opened cube shape of the container, and the air cylinder 148 in the subformation mechanism is the tuck-in flap portion 7. A piston for pressing against the side wall tuck-in flaps 4C and 6C. The piston transfers the short rectangular extensions 7A, 7B of each flap 7 into corresponding receiving slots 8A, 8B disposed in the base 2 immediately adjacent the end wall reference fold lines 3, 5. Push.

The piston of the air cylinder 148 in the subformation mechanism 128 includes spikes at its free end to join the material of the newly formed inlet-opened container, as shown in the frame 9, The container is withdrawn from the folding die when the shaping mechanism 128 is retracted from the folding die. This action occurs at the same time as raising the next blank from the destacking arm 123 by the main forming mechanism 127.

In the frame 10, the forming mechanism support member 142 moves the main forming apparatus having the next blank and the sub forming apparatus having the inlet-opened container, respectively, above the folding die 135 and the discharge conveyor 150. At this time, the stacking arm 123 is rotated back toward the leading blank of the magazine. This step is a fully-loaded view of the device shown previously (frame 4).

In addition, when the stacking arm 123 is engaged with the magazine's leading blank, the main forming mechanism fills the blank into the folding die 135 and initiates the folding step as before, as shown in the frame 11. , The forming unit 128 places the inlet-opened container on the discharge conveyor 150. The piston of the air cylinder 148 in the subforming mechanism 128 is recovered so that spikes are disengaged from the material of the container at its end. When the filling and folding of the next container is made, the new blank is caught by the suction cup 125 of the destacking arm 123. As shown in frame 12, when the stacking arm transfers the new blank toward the horizontal stop position, the main and secondary forming mechanisms are each recovered from a partially formed and fully formed inlet-opened container.

The container thus formed is conveyed by the discharge conveyor 150 to a reservoir or, more preferably, to a filling and sealing device. After the blank is filled in the folding die, the lids 10, 11 stand up substantially vertically through the forming process. When the container is discharged from the device, the tuck-in flaps 10B and 11B protrude laterally from the first and second lids 10 and 11.

6A and 6B, another structure of the container forming apparatus 160 is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As shown in FIG. 4, the forming apparatus 160 includes a stop folding die 135 and major and secondary forming mechanisms 127, 128 that are coupled with the stop folding die 135. The forming mechanism is spaced apart from the support member 142 that is movable along the carriage arm 130 and vertically movable by the telescopic cylinder 145 as described above. In such a structure, a magazine for supplying the lined blank 100 to the forming mechanism is mounted on the support tables A and B, similarly to the structure shown in detail in FIGS. 3E-3E. One stack of blanks. The operation and loading of the table is very similar to that described previously, so a more detailed description is omitted here. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the continuous step of forming the container does not change with the omission of its distaking arm.

7 shows a filling and closing station 170 for a container of the type disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the two container forming apparatuses 120 are first forming apparatuses for forming a container of a smaller size compared to a large container formed by the second apparatus. The inlet-opened container is a buffer conveyor for alternating positioning of containers from each discharge container 150 to a two-level accumulator 175 adjacent to a plurality of packing tables 178 ( 172). The container is manually removed from the accumulator 175 and packaged with the contents, and the flaps 14 and 15 of the liner material 12 are torn with lids 10 and 11 from the adhesive points 13a attached thereto. They overlap each other over the contents 16 of the container. A label indicating the destination of the contents is then attached to the side wall or lid of the container, and the filled container is placed on an exit conveyor disposed below the accumulator 175. The discharge conveyor includes a partitioned region 180 that terminates at the drop gate 181. The container is conveyed to the conveying zone 182 via a gauge 181, which container includes a "shrink tunnel" comprising a heating chamber described below with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C. 184 is supplied. The heat applied to the exposed liner material 12 overlapping the contents 16 of the container may cause the material 12 to shrink around the contents 16 creating tension lines 17 in the material mentioned in FIG. 2C. To be able. The contents are confined in a container passing through the visual inspection station 186 for lid closure, sealing and shipping.

Preferably, lid closure and sealing are automated using well established techniques, including, for example, tapping.

8A-8C, the heating chamber 187 of the “shrink tunnel” 184 is shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. As described above, the partitioned region 180 of the discharge conveyor includes a drop cate 181 that is moved by the lid opener device. The container passing through the gate 181 is fed to the additional conveyor 190 by the pusher device 191, 90 ° to the conveyor 190 which transports the inlet-opened container and contents through the heating chamber 187. To achieve transport. A fan 193 blows the heated air directly down into the container, and the exhausted air is recycled back towards the fan 193 for reheating. Heating chamber 187 is generally operated at 175C with a short settling time to ensure no damage to shipping contents.

The shrink wrapable web material can be replaced with other materials that can be joined together to secure the contents inside the container. In addition, materials with sufficient strength and properties capable of adhering to each other at their free ends or optionally with applied adhesives are also used to obtain the desired result (included in a manner similar to the so-called "cling film"). Can be. Such materials can be used to remove the heating chamber, reducing the overall size and energy requirements of the packaging equipment and facilitating the packaging of customer purchases or products for shipping at retail stores.

Alternatives proposed include an adhesive coating material web having a lining material applied to the adhesive coating side of the web or a release coat applied to the opposite side. In another embodiment of the present invention, the product holding web comprises a material that can be attached only to itself. This material has a liner applied on one side (to prevent it from sticking to itself in the reel) but is treated by standard non-coating machine feeders, rollers and other components and stocks. Can be. When used with the container of the present invention, in the product packaging step, the liner is removed (usually from the full length of the web material) and the product is placed inside the container and on the newly exposed surface of the material web. The products do not adhere to the material but, if the ends of the material do not come together, they stick firmly to each other. The material web end also applies an adhesive pressure to the web to securely hold the product during transportation, but can be manually "scrunched" together, particularly to provide tension to the web.

Material webs as described above are exemplified by material webs or films available from Milprint, Inc. (Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54904, United States of America).

The mechanical molding of the blank allows for quick and efficient molding of the container which is opened for later material reception. By employing a magazine, folding mechanisms and folding dies, other blanks that are deformed for mechanical folding, can be considered.

For example, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, FIGS. 9A and 9B show a container formed from substantially standard blank stock of an RSC type container already known and a container of a similar type modified to include a product retaining film or web thereof. Or two structures of the second embodiment of the container blank are shown. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first structure of the container blank 200 has four sidewalls 201, 202, 203, and 204 and a fixing flap 205, wherein the fixing flap 205 is a fold line. It is generally folded about, adhered to, or secured into the first sidewall 201 from the last sidewall 204 about 205a. Base portions 211, 212, 213, and 214 are attached to their respective sidewalls through fold lines 201A, 202A, 203A, and 204A, and lids or tops 221, 222, 223, and 224 are connected to other fold lines ( 201B, 202B, 203B, and 204B are attached to their respective sidewalls. The RSC type container blank 200 includes at least a sidewall, at least a portion of the base portions 211, 212, 213, 214, and a web or film extending along substantially the entirety of the lid portions 221, 222, 223, 224. 230). The web or film 230 is attached to the base portion by an adhesive line 232 positioned to compensate for mechanical ingress of the web 230 when the base portions 211, 212, 213, 214 of the container are folded. An adhesive point 233 is provided to attach the web 230 to the top or lid portion to prevent the web from falling into the container during molding and during shipping or loading. In addition, the adhesion point 233 prevents the web 230 from becoming caught in the container forming apparatus. Before the container is closed, the web is mechanically separated from the lid to place the contents of the container thereon. If the web 230 is a heat-shrinkable film, heat may be applied directly to the web to shrink wrap the contents in a suitable location, for example, to reduce potential damage to the movement of the contents during flight or during further transportation. All.

The first structure of the container blank, such as the RSC type, is constructed using substantially the same techniques and apparatus (modified once to accommodate the blank stock) as used for the first embodiment of the container blank 100 described above. Is formed. Another difference between RSC type containers is the formation of containers from blanks. Thus, a method of forming an RSC type container from the container blank 200 of FIG. 9A is provided.

The second structure of the container blank 300 is thus illustrated in FIG. 9B by a standard RSC type container blank to which a material web of a particular length has been applied. The container blank includes four sidewalls 301, 302, 303, 304 and a fixed flap 305, wherein the fixed flap 305 is the first sidewall 301 from the last sidewall 304 about the fold line 305a. Are generally folded and glued or fixed thereto. Base portions 311, 312, 313, 314 are attached to their respective sidewalls through fold lines 301A, 302A, 303A, 304A, and lids or tops 321, 322, 323, 324 are attached to other fold lines 301B, 302B, 303B, and 304B are attached to their respective sidewalls. The container blank 300 is a product holding material web of first and second lengths extending along two sidewalls 301, 303, at least a portion of each base portion 311, 313 and the lid portions 321, 323, or Film 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire area of the associated base portions 311 and 313 is covered, which is explained with reference to the container blank forming apparatus and method described below. The web or film 330 of a particular length is attached to the base portion by an adhesive line 332 which is positioned to ensure mechanical inflow of the web 330 when the base portions 311, 312, 313, 314 are folded. . Adhesion points 333 are provided to attach the web 330 to the top or the lid to prevent the web from falling into the container during formation and during transportation or loading. Also, the adhesion point 333 prevents the web from becoming caught in the container forming apparatus. Before the container is closed, the web is mechanically separated from the lid to place the contents of the container thereon.

Although reference has been made to adhesive lines and adhesive points disposed in specific positions and directions, the invention is not so limited. Likewise, other adhesive means may be used, including a double-sided adhesive tape.

Referring to FIG. 9C, there is shown an apparatus 350 for forming a container blank 300 of the type shown in FIG. 9B with a product retaining web 330 therein. A stack of pre-formed blank stock S is introduced into a blank supply device 360, which blank supply device 360 is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C, wherein the device 350 is A sheet of web material 330 is applied to the blank stock to form the lined blank 300 of the present invention. The lined blank 300 is then sent to the discharge conveyor for introduction of additional processing sites where the additional steps, such as the intermediate container forming step, are carried out or folded for storage. In the illustrated structure, the discharge conveyor 390 includes a folding and shaping step with the adhesive applicator 391. The lined container blank 300 is then discharged into the accumulated stack of blanks.

In the structure of the present embodiment, the liner device 350 is continuously supplied with a blank from the blank supply device 360, and the blank supply device 360 passes through the adhesive application site 352 along the support conveyor and along the end stopper ( It is positioned to introduce a blank stock S into a gripper or nip roller 351 that feeds the cardboard to 353, and the end stopper 353 positions the cardboard blank at the lining or film application site. At the adhesive application site 352, a hot melt adhesive is selectively applied by a pair of adhesive guns. In a structure that is not illustrated, a pair of adhesive tape dispensers is provided. Optionally, with the pusher positioning the cardboard relative to the reference stopper, when the cardboard blank is positioned, the web material 330 is pulled from the pair of reels 355 by a pair of vacuum platens 356. . When the web material of the predetermined length is positioned on the cardboard blank, the knife cuts the material and the lined blank 300 is fed to the conveyor end stopper 357. The blank is then pushed laterally by the pusher device to the discharge conveyor 390, optionally to another adhesive applicator gun 391, or to a folding place, a stapling mechanism or each of the above.

As shown in FIG. 10A, an independent blank stock supply device 360 is provided at the upper end of the lining device 350. The apparatus includes a feed conveyor 361 in which a stack of blank stocks is positioned relative to a reference plane 362 (shown in FIG. 9C). The stack is then transferred to a support device where the picker arm 365 feeds each of the blanks toward the nip roller 351 of the liner device 350. Picker arm 365 includes a series of vacuum operated suction cups 366 mounted to moving carriage 367, coupling suction cups 366 to the falling edge region of the cardboard, and adsorbing the suction cups to the selected top side. It works by raising to stop sufficiently the adsorption between the cardboard blank and the next cardboard blank below. The carriage then moves the selected cardboard in the process direction and feeds the leading edge of the cardboard blank between the nip rollers 351. Vacuum is released from the suction cup 366 and the carriage is returned to its initial position to repeat the cycle for the next cardboard. Since the adsorption cup is coupled only to the falling edge region of the blank and the leading edge is introduced quickly into the nip roller, there is sufficient time for adsorption or surface effect between successive cardboards to be discharged, thus providing a large number of feeds to the nip roller at high speed. Minimize blanks to reduce the occurrence of errors or downtime.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3E, the blank supply devices 22, 24 and associated device 60 may be used with the lining device of FIG. 9C.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the lining apparatus 350 of the present invention includes a lining station in which cardboard is positioned relative to the end stopper 353 on the support conveyor 359. A pair of vacuum tables 370 are provided to hold the product holding film or lining material 330 pulled from the reel 355 in a suitable position. The vacuum platen 356 may be moved along the horizontal carriage shaft 372 such that the platen may be moved along the vacuum table 370 to hold the material web 330 and to convey the material web 330 toward the blank. . When the platen is positioned in a suitable position above the table, vacuum is applied to the platen and the vacuum is released to the table so that the web is reliably held by the platen. The platen is then moved along each of the shafts 372, pulling the web material along the cardboard blank and pulling another material from the reel 355 to the vacuum table. When the appropriate length of material is pulled, each vacuum platen is pressed down against the cardboard by an actuator 373 so that the web is attached to the cardboard. Knife 374 operatively disposed at the falling edge of each platen 356 falls into slotted anvil 375 positioned adjacent to conveyor 359 to cut the required length of material. At the same time, a vacuum is applied to the table 370 to fix the new film material drawn to the table. The vacuum is then released to each platen 356 so that the platen is moved back to its position on which the vacuum table is placed. When the platen releases the lined cardboard, the end stopper 353 is lowered so that the lined container blank 300 can be conveyed toward the conveyor end stopper 357. At least one sensor 377 and reflector 378 are used to confirm the location of the component to the microprocessor control unit. As shown in FIG. 11A, the material reel 355 and dancing arm 379 devices are configured differently, which allows for dispensing a web material with an exposed adhesive coating, where one reel is used to top the web. And the other reels are fed with the adhesive coating disposed downwards. This is particularly useful when using a liningless web material having an adhesive coating on one side of the web and a separate coating on the other side, especially when using an adhesive material that can be attached only to itself.

Each vacuum platen 356 and table 370 include an array of holes through which vacuum is applied. The array includes a switchable portion so that a vacuum can be selectively applied. This structure allows the platen and table to be configured for different widths of web material and different lengths of material to be applied to the cardboard. As such, a range of sizes and shapes of lined container blanks may be formed. Another simpler and cheaper example is to provide a mask to cover along the non-applicable area of the table and the platen. The maximum width of the cardboard that can be processed is determined by the width of the support conveyor 359 and the length of the web material applied thereto. The length of the web material or film applied to the cardboard is determined by the length of the vacuum platen 356. Each assembly including a reel holder and dancing arm 379, vacuum platen 356, table 370, carriage 372 and actuator 373 is independent of the others, which are different material webs and cardboard A device with a size is used to facilitate its relative movement. The assemblies can be mounted on rails and each assembly can be removed independently for service and / or repair.

As shown in the eight frames making up FIG. 12, each step of the lined container blank forming process is described below. Initially set up, the material web or film 330 is manually pulled into each vacuum table 370 and a vacuum is applied to the vacuum table to hold the web in place and across its width by the knife 374. Or squared at the knife position. The cardboard blank is introduced into the nip roller 351 from the cardboard stack S and transported to engage the stopper 353. Side pushers (not shown) may be passed between the rollers of the support conveyor 359 to position the cardboard to line with the web material. Adhesive is applied to the cardboard as it passes through the nip rollers.

The sequence at the start of the manufacturing operation without any container blanks in the process being lined is shown. Just for clarity, one platen, table and web material are shown. In the frame 1, the cardboard blank is in the correct position for film placement with the edge of the cardboard aligned with the cutting path of the knife 374. Once the cardboard is introduced in the correct position, as shown in frame 2, the vacuum platen is transported along its carriage shaft 372 and superimposed on a portion of the vacuum table 356 where the film is held. A predetermined length of material web is placed on the vacuum platen by the position of the sensor reflector 378 and positioned to match the width of the cardboard. In the frame 3, the platen is lowered by the actuator 373 and in contact with the film lying on the table. At this stage, the vacuum is removed from the table, ie, switched off to release the film. The vacuum is applied to the platen. As shown in the frame 4, the actuator raises the platen with the attached web of material, moves along the carriage 372 to be placed on the cardboard, and as shown in the frame 5, the reel on the table ( 355 and a new lining material from the dancing arm 379 device.

In the frame 6, the platen is lowered to the cardboard by an actuator 373 applying a sufficient downward pressure to ensure that the film is bonded to the adhesive applied to the cardboard. The platen is switched off and the vacuum is removed to release the material web lining the container blank, and the table is switched on to fix the newly introduced material. Knife 374 is then moved to its slotted anvil 375 to chop the film thinly in alignment with the edge of the cardboard, as shown in frame 7. At this time, the platen is recovered to the position shown in the frame 8. The stopper 353 is withdrawn and the lined container blank 300 is discharged when a new blank is introduced to complete the lining cycle.

Finally, referring to FIG. 13, the discharge conveyor 390 is disposed at the end of the support conveyor 359 of the lining apparatus 350. The discharge conveyor includes one or more additional stations to fold the container blank 300 or to fold the container blank into the form of an intermediate container for convenient storage. In the structure shown, the trailing wall 304 of the blank has a fixing tab 305 attached thereto. When the container blank 300 is introduced into the discharge conveyor, the opposite end wall 301 of the blank has a strip of adhesive applied to the blank by an adhesive applicator, in this case a heat-melt gun. At the same time, a folding actuator (not shown) folds the trailing wall portion 304 and its associated lid portion 324 and base portion 314 and rests on the attached adjacent wall portion 303. The opposing wall 301 is also folded and positioned to rest on the securing tab 305 so that the adhesive strip is aligned with the securing tab. In order to ensure adhesion, pressure is applied to the area, for example by a pressure roller. For larger containers, staples may be added to the area to reinforce the joint.

In addition, the container blank 300 in the form of a folded or intermediate container can be discharged for further formation of a container that is stored, inlet open, or conveyed for product packaging.

For example, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8A-8C, the filling, product securing and container sealing apparatus and method as previously described above may be applied to the container blanks 200, 300 of FIGS. 9A and 9B. have.

Of course, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, given by way of example only, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming a container for packaging a product, in particular for packaging a plurality of planar products, such as irregular shaped products packaged together in a container, or discs such as books or video cassettes and LP records, CDs, CD-ROMs and DVDs. It can be used to.

Claims (59)

A pair of opposing side wall portions and opposing front and rear wall portions; And At least a portion having a material web capable of retaining the product in a container formed from the container or blank; Including, The wall portion is connected to the base portion at the fold line and at least a pair of opposing walls has a lid portion, The material web is attached to the at least a portion, The material web is secured to the at least a portion using an adhesive applied in a direction that is consistent with the direction in which the tension is applied to maintain the product in the container. Container or container blank, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, The side wall portion and the front and rear wall portions are connected to a common base portion at each fold line; Each side wall portion has an inner portion and an outer portion separated by a folding land, the inner portion and the outer portion can be folded about a folded land to take a position overlapping each other, and the outer portion fixes the overlapping position. Locking means that can be coupled to the base portion to The container or container blank, wherein the front and rear wall portions each have a riser section and a lid section. The method of claim 1, Wherein each wall portion has a base portion and a lid portion attached to the base portion at the fold line, and is connected to at least one adjacent wall portion at a fold line disposed perpendicular to the reference fold line or the lid fold line. Container blanks. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The material web is a container or container blank, characterized in that the web is fixed to the at least a portion using an adhesive applied in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the web is applied. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Wherein said adhesive is selected from materials such as hot melt adhesives, cold-seal contact adhesives, double-sided adhesive tapes, and the like. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, And the material capable of holding the product in the container or the container formed from the blank is a shrink-wrappable material. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Wherein said material capable of holding a product in said container or container formed from said blank comprises an adhesive coating having an adhesive material that can be substantially attached only to a similar coating. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, And the material web comprises at least one adhesive coating to which a removable liner is applied. The method according to claim 7 or 8, A container or container blank, wherein the material web comprises a separation coating. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, And at least the side wall portion, the front wall portion and the rear wall portion are formed to have a mechanically collapsible size. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The container or container blank, wherein the container or container blank is cut from a card material having a nape disposed to add strength to the container or a container formed from the blank. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Container or container blank, characterized in that the web is applied discontinuously. An apparatus for forming a container blank of the type having a product retaining means, Means for dispensing a substantially continuous supply of container blanks to a feed conveyor; Means for applying an adhesive; Means for dispensing a web of retaining material and positioning the web of predetermined length on an inner side of the blank; Cutting means for thinly cutting the web to form a web of a predetermined length attached to the blank; And Means for conveying the blank thus formed to a stacking station, a storage station or for further processing; Including, The blank is a desired pre-formed profile that is formed to form a container and has a plurality of folds having a size. Container blank forming apparatus, characterized in that. The method of claim 13, And the apparatus comprises pressure applying means for bonding the web material to the inner side of the blank. The method according to claim 13 or 14, The means for dispensing the supply of blanks comprises a vacuum actuated picker arm which individually selects one blank from the base of the magazine of the blank and introduces the blank into an adhesive application station. And a support table having a container blank forming apparatus. The method of claim 15, The table comprises blank edge support means for retaining the blank in the magazine, And the picker arm bends the base portion to engage the base portion of the selected blank and to disengage the edge support means. The method according to claim 13 or 14, The means for dispensing the supply of blanks conveys a stack of blanks to a vacuum actuated picker arm capable of individually selecting the trailing edge regions of the blanks and introducing the leading edges of the blanks to an adhesive application station. Container blank forming apparatus comprising means. The method of claim 17, The vacuum actuated picker arm is mounted on a carriage that can move parallel to the direction of movement of the blank, such that a continuous blank is separated from the blank below the stack of blanks. Device. The method according to claim 13 or 14, The means for dispensing a supply of the blank comprises a pair of lift tables mounted on the carriage which can be moved laterally in the device relative to the direction of movement of the blank, And said dispensing means comprises a vacuum actuated picker arm which individually selects one blank from the top of the magazine of blanks and introduces said blank into an adhesive application station. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, And the means for applying the adhesive comprises a plurality of nozzles for applying at least one strip of flowable adhesive to the inner side of the blank. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, And the means for applying the adhesive comprises a tape dispenser for applying a double-sided adhesive tape to a portion of the web or to the inner side of the blank. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, And the cutting means forms first and second lengths of the web material of the blank. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, The conveying means comprises a forming station capable of folding the blank into a suitable profile as stacking or intermediate container forming step. The method of claim 23, wherein And said forming station comprises an adhesive application station. The method of claim 23 or 24, And the forming station comprises stapling means. A method of forming a container blank of a type having a product holding portion, the method comprising: Distributing a substantially continuous supply of container blanks to the feed conveyor; Applying at least one strip of adhesive to a web of retaining material on the inner side of the blank; Dispensing the web of retaining material and positioning the web of predetermined length on an inner side of the blank; Cutting the web to form the web of predetermined length attached to the blank; And Transferring the blank thus formed to a stacking station, a storage station or for further processing; Including, The blank is a desired pre-formed profile that is formed to form a container and has a plurality of folds that are sized. Container blank forming method, characterized in that. The method of claim 26, And the method includes applying pressure to the inner side to bond the web material to the blank. The method of claim 26 or 27, And a first portion and a second portion of the web are cut and attached to the blank. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, Wherein each strip of adhesive is applied to said web of retaining material. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein Wherein each strip of adhesive is applied by a tape dispenser. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, Wherein each strip of adhesive is applied to the inner side of the blank by a plurality of nozzles. An apparatus for forming a container from a container blank of a type having a product holding portion, the apparatus comprising: A feed station that breaks down a substantially continuous supply of container blanks to a feed conveyor; One or more actuators in contact with or holding a portion of the container blank to move a portion of the blank about pre-formed score lines so that the blank takes the form of an inlet-opened container. A container forming station having a member; Including, Each blank has a web material of a predetermined length attached to the blank and has a plurality of foldable portions that are formed and sized to form a container Container forming apparatus, characterized in that. 33. The method of claim 32, The at least one actuator member is in contact with the inner side of the base portion of the container blank and presses the blank into a container-forming die, And the die is shaped and shaped such that a portion of the blank can be folded about a pre-formed score line. 33. The method of claim 32, The at least one actuator member is a vacuum operated device capable of opening a folded container blank to facilitate the formation of a container base from a plurality of base portions, And the blank takes the form of an inlet-opened container. The method of any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein The device, One or more packing stations located within an open inlet of a container in which one or more products are formed; A product holding station, wherein the operation means brings one end of the web material to a position where it overlaps with the other end and attaches the overlapped portion together; A lid closing station with the lid overlapping to seal the closed lid; And A transport conveyor for transporting the container to the last step or for storage; Container forming apparatus comprising at least one of. 36. The method of any one of claims 32 to 35, The supply station comprises a container blank forming apparatus according to claim 13. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 36, And a shrink-packaging station in which heat is applied to an overlapping end of the shrink-wrapable web material such that each product positioned in the container at the packing station is fixed to the container. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, And a pressure sensitive adhesive is pre-coated to at least one of the lid portions to facilitate sealing of the container at the lid closing station. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, And the lid closing station includes one or more tape dispensers to seal the container. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 39, And the lid closing station comprises means for securing the base portion of the container. The method of claim 32, wherein And said supply station comprises a pivotable destacking arm capable of individually selecting one blank from vertically stacked blank magazines. 41. The method of any of claims 32-40, The supply station comprises a pair of lift tables mounted on the carriage which can be moved laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the blank in the apparatus, And said dispensing means comprises a vacuum actuated picker arm which individually selects one blank from the magazine of blanks and introduces said blank into said adhesive application station. In the method of forming a container from a container blank of the type having a product holding part, Distributing a substantially continuous supply of container blanks to the feed conveyor; And Contacting or holding a portion of the container blank with one or more actuator members so that the portion of the blank is moved about a pre-formed score line such that the blank takes the form of an inlet-opened container; Including, Each blank having a portion of a holding material attached to said blank and having a plurality of foldable portions shaped and sized to form a container; Container forming method, characterized in that. The method of claim 43, Contacting an inner side of the base portion of the container blank and pressurizing the blank into a container-forming die, Wherein the die is shaped and shaped such that a portion of the blank is folded about a pre-formed score line. The method of claim 43, Opening the folded container blank by touching the surface of the blank using a vacuum operated actuator device, and forming a container base from the plurality of base portions to form an inlet-opened container. Container Formation Method. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 45, The method, Positioning at least one product in an open inlet of the formed container; Bringing one end of the holding material to a position where it overlaps with the other end and attaches the overlapped portion together; Closing the lid portion overlapping to seal the closed lid; And Transporting the container to the last step or for storage; And at least one step selected from. 47. The method of claim 46 wherein Wherein the method comprises applying heat to an overlapping end of a material to secure each of the products located within the container. 48. The method of claim 46 or 47, A pressure sensitive adhesive is pre-applied to at least one of the lid portions to facilitate sealing of the container at the lid closure station. 48. The method of claim 46 or 47, Dispensing and applying an adhesive tape to fix each lid portion and / or each base portion. An apparatus for supplying an inlet-opened container through a packing station to a sealing and closing station in preparation for shipping and storing the packaged product, Supply means for transporting the inlet-opened container to a buffer conveyor; A stacking conveyor comprising at least one inlet conveyor supplied by the buffer conveyor; A discharge conveyor for transporting a filled container from the packing station; A product fixing station for gathering and joining the free ends of the holding material together to fix the respective products in the container; And Lid closing means; Apparatus for supplying a container comprising a 51. The method of claim 50, And a heating zone is provided to heat heat-shrinkable retaining means in the container to secure the contents inside the container. In preparation for sending and storing a packaged product, a method of feeding an inlet-opened container through a packing station to a sealing and closing station, the method comprising: Supplying the inlet-opened container to a buffer conveyor; Feeding the container from the buffer conveyor to a stacking conveyor; Filling the container at a packing station, and placing the filled container into a discharge conveyor; Securing the free end of the holding material by gathering and joining the free ends of the holding material together to fix the respective products in the container; And Closing and sealing the respective lid portions of the container; Container supply method comprising a. The method of claim 52, wherein Heating heat-shrinkable retaining means in the container to secure the contents therein. The method of claim 52, wherein Removing the lining or backing material from the holding material to expose the adhesive; and tensioning the material to secure the contents of the container therein. Container blanks as shown in the accompanying drawings and substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. A container as shown in the accompanying drawings and substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Apparatus and / or method for forming a container blank as shown in the accompanying drawings and substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Apparatus and / or method for forming a container from a container blank as shown in the accompanying drawings and substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Apparatus and / or method for filling, sealing and closing an inlet-opened container as shown in the accompanying drawings and substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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