US1600230A - Carton-closing mechanism - Google Patents

Description

0 G. l. HOHL CARTON CLOSING MECHANISM Filed May 13, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Sept. 21 1926. 1,500,230

G. I. HOHL CARTON CLOSING MECHANISM Filed May 13, 1926 2 .iheets-Shet 2 BY 8 W Z TTORNEYS.

clearly understood from the fOllOWlIlg. de-

stages oft-he operation of the mechanism, when functioning to'close the side tabs and;

Patented Sept. 21, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE I. HOHL, OF N'EWPOR'JI RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOR TO CARTONING MACHIN- ERY CORPORATION, OF NEWPORT, RI'IODE ISLAND, A. CORPORATION OF NEW JER SEY.

' CARTON-CLOSING MECHANISM.

Application filed May 13, 1926.

This invention relates, generally, to im more particularly, to improvements in those parts of such machines which function to manipulate the side tabs and closure flaps to automatically move the same into end closing relation to the carton body, and which at the same time operate to insert the tuck-portions of the end closure flaps in operative closed position.

The invention has for its principal object to provide a novel, carton closing mechanism which is of very simple construction, the number of parts in which have been reduced to a minimum, and one which possesses a novel mode of operation adapting the same to high speed service, without danger of mutilating or otherwise injuring the cartons; and to this end the mechamsm con- J sists of rotatin means for accurately folding the tabs and flaps on theirpredetermined scored lines of bend, while moving the same to closed position, with the tuck portions of the end closure flaps accurately presented and directed for insertion into the carton bodies, together with timed meansfor finally thrusting said tuck portions into the carton bodies. c

Other objects of this invention, not at this time more particularly enumerated, will be tailed description of the same.

The invent-ion is clearly illustrated in ,the accompanying drawings, in wh1ch:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the novel carton closing mechanism made according to and embodying the principles of this inven; tion; Figure 2 is an end. elevation of the same; Figures 3 to 8 inclus ve are respectively side elevations illustrating var ous end closure flap and tucking the tuck portion of the latter relative to the end of a c rto igur 9 is a tragme tary tra Serial No. 103,741v

verse section, taken .online 9-9 in Figure' i; and Figure 10 is a detail-perspective view of one of the rotary folding elements of the mechanism. 7

Similar characters of reference are emiployed in all of the hereinabove'described views, to indicate corresponding parts. 7 i

The novel carton closing mechanism, which is the subject of this invention, is adapted to manipulate that type of commere cial carton or container comprising a rectangular hollow body 1 having open opposite ends, at which are provided inwardly foldable side tabs 2 and a foldableclosure flap 3 having a tuck-portion 4 at its free end. Cartons of this type are generally made of light card-board and furnished by the manufacturer to the user in collapsed or flat form, with the side tabs 2 and closure flaps 3 pro jecting in unfolded condition from the re: spective ends of the carton body l. The operation of raising the body 1 of the carton from initial flat or collapsed condition to properly set up or opened condition is frequently spoken of by users as-squaring the carton, and is an operation which'must be performed before the side tabs and closure flaps can be closed at one end prior to filling the carton, and also closed at the opposite end. after filling the carton. In auto 3 matic machines for setting up, filling and closing such cartons, devices'are provided for delivering the fiat cartons from a stacked supply thereof and then squaring the same preparatory to closing one end thereof, 5 whereupon the squared carton is positioned relative to a tab and flap closing and tucking mechanism. The instant invention, therefore, may be incorporated in an automatic machine of the kind mentioned, and stationed to operate first upon one end of the squared cart-on preparatory to filling the same, and also stationed, if desired, tooperate upon the opposite or remaining end 01' the carton after the same is filled.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, the reference character 11 indicates the deck plate of a machine from which is suitably supported a carton supporting plate 12,

carton closing mechanism. lVhen the carton is squared, suitable mechanism (not shown) registers the end thereof which 1s presented to the carton closing mechanism, against a positioning stop 15 having a chamfered nosing 16 to engage the end edge of the bottom side of said carton.

l/Vhen the squared carton is positioned as above'd-escribed, the carton closing meehanism, which is actuated by power transmission in such manner that its operations are properly synchronized or timed in relation to the carton delivery and squaring operations, functions to close the end'of the carton presented thereto.

The novel carton closing n'iechanisn'i, con prises the following construction Mounted on the deck-plate 12 are a pair of spaced tip-standing bearing members 17 in which is journaled a rotary shaft 18 adapted to be driven by any suit-able form of power transmission mechanism. Fixed on said shaft 18 are a pair of rotating folders 19. These folders 19 are preferably of a segmental shape provided with a peculiar conformation at their outer peripheral portions or faces, to form at the forward portions, helical cam faces 20 progressively changing in plane from an initial inwardly and transversely inclined angular plane to a plane parallel to the axis of rotation, whereby the folders in rotating initially engage the outwardly projecting side tabs 2.01. the carton 1, whereupon the helical can faces 20, as they move against the same, gradually turn them inwardly and across the'open end of the carton. Rearwardly of said helical cam faces 20, the folders 19 are provided with undercut outwardly projecting shoulders21l,

from the free edges of which extend rear-' wardly tucleiiap bending faces 22, which terminate in folder faces 23, the latter being disposed at the rearward? portions and being preferably concentric to the axis of rotation of the folders 19. v

Said bearing members 17 are each provided with inwardly extending secondary bearing arms 24 which overhang the end of the carton 1 when in. position to be acted upon bv the carton closing mechanism. Journale d in said secondary bearing arms 24 is a rock-- shaft 25 upon which are fixed oscillatable push-fingers 26, which, at proper times, function to cooperate with the end closure flap 3 and its bent and inwardly directed tuck-portion 1, to fold down the former across the end of the carton while at the same time thrusting the latter into the carton body.

The means for producing properly timed oscillations of said push-fingers 26 comprises the following devices. Pivoted by its lower end in connection with a fulcrum block 27, which is suitably located and affixed to said deck-plate 12, is a lever member 28. Fixed on an end of said rock-shaft 25 is a crank arm 29, and interconnecting the upper free end of said lever member 28 with said crank-arm 29 is a link 30. Fixed on the end of said'shaft 18, so as to be positioned adjacent to said lever member 28, is a cammember 81 provided in its outer face with a suitablyshaped cam race-way 32. Secured to the sideand intermediate the ends of said lever member 28 is a stud 33 which projects into said cam race-way 32, said stud 38 carrying an anti-friction roller 34. Said cam race-Way32 is so shaped that it will transmit, through the stud and roller entered therein, to the lever member 28 an oscillatory movement, properly'timedrelative to the operative movements ofsaid folders 19, which is in turn transmitted, through the link 30, crank-arm 29 and rock shaft 25,'to the push-fingers 26, to thereby cause the latter to function in timed relation to said folders 19.

In operation, the above describedcarton closing mechanism functions as follows By the time the squared carton 1 is positioned ready for the end closing operations, the rotating shaft 18'has turned the folders 19 to the positionsho'wn' in Figure 3, the direction of movement being that indicated by the arrow in said Figure 3, so that the continued rotation of the shaft and folders turns and moves the operative portions of the latter toward and into folding enga ement with'the projecting side tabs 2 and closure fiap 3.; and during such'stage in the movement of said folders 19, the concentric portion of the cam race-way 32 is in engagement with the levermember 28, to hold the same in normal inactive position operative to position and retain the push-iingers 26 in normal initial raised position, as is also shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. As the folders 19*move into operative relation to the sidet-abs 2,, the helical cam faces 20 will engage, and begin to swing the same inwardly and toward each other, while the end of the tuck-portion 1 of the end closure flap 3 will be engaged by the shoulders 21 of the folders, whereby the closure flap 3 is first bent upwardly along the line of its juncture with the main body of the carton, thus breaking the grain of the paper at the line closing of the carton. First, the operations 7 produce an initial back-bending on the scored line 'markingthe'junction of the clo- 25 of bend to assure .a sharp angular fold when said closure flap 3 is swung. down to closed position, and at the same time the bending of-saidtuck-portion' downwardly and out of the plane ofts'aid closure-flap 3 is in itiated; all of which is shown in Figure 4 of the drawings; As the folders 19 continue to rotate, the closure flap "3ris bent back and upwardly until it. is brought into abutting engagement with the normally raised push-fingers 26', and in the vmeantime the underfolding of said tuck-portion 4 continues, as the free end of-the' same springs out of engagement with the shoulder 21 and into engagement with the bending faces 22 of the folders, all as shownxinFigure 5 of the drawings. Attention may here becalled to two very desirable results, which are obitamed by the above described novel mode of. operation of'the folders, and which contributento the production of a perfect end sure flap 3"with the main body'of th'eicarton,

which, as above'mentioned', breaks or loosens the grain orv fiber of the paper at the line of bend or fold so that all 1181151011 at such point is relieved,.whereby when th'elfiap is swung back and downwardly into closed 'osition, not only will a neat and sharp :angu ar bend be produced, but, the tension at the line of bend being relieved, all tendency of the flap 3 to spring outwardly from desired closed relation to the carton end, once it is so closed,

is eliminated. I I 7 As the folders 19 continue their rotation, their bendingand folder faces 22 and 23'Wlll continue to press against thefside tabs 2, so" I that the same are brought into finally closed and will thus be supported in such position as to readily enter the carton interior, as the push-fingers 26 continue to turn down the closure flap 3 ('seei' Fig'ure' 7), until finally the push-fingers 26 reach the end OfiIhBII R I p I rer, means adapted whrleiir passrngaian-g'atge- 7 downward swinging stroke, which'operates m l t th inwardtthrusting ofsaid tuck=portion 4 andr-tlreclosingl'oftheflap 3 erations is-complete. iNow thefolde-rsfconf tinue their rotation; and the" cam; race way operates to return the flavor-member'- and,

Figure 8), whereupon the cycle of" op? through the interconnect-ions, th'epushefinger's- 26 to normal" initial positions, during I which: movements the" closed car'ton' is removed and. a new 1 cart-on to. be. closed is "brought into'operative relation to th'e c'lo'si'ng mechanism; 4

It will be apparent that the novel c'onstruc'tl'on'fl and novelmod'e of operation involved in the described eartonclosing mechanism is calculated to perform its carton closing fllIlCtlOllS. Wlth :ease, accuracy and rapidity; Since the'rfold'ers 19am arranged for continuous operation, 's1r1ooth,nhigh speed service'i's easily attained with a mini- 'mum of wear,- a nd consequently with-little likelihood of disarrangement of :parts or-"in 'terruptions' of -service from similar causess While I- have stated that m'y n'ovel carton closing mechanism is especially adapted for incorporation in automatic machines" for-setting up, filling andclosingcartons; it will beunderstood that it may also be" used in connection 1 I with machines of more limited service, and may even beflu'se'd as anfindeipendentunit for closin"'-ca'rtons otherwise handled by hand or inin' ep'endent machines.

It .will be also understood that Various changes may be madein the general construction and arrangement of parts, as well as in the detailsrthereof,without departing from the principles'of this invention" within the scope of thei'clairns here follow-ing;-= and consequently I do not limit ;m yself to: the exact combinations: and arrangementsofthe various devices' and 'pa-rts'as' described in myself to'the vexact detail of construction as shown in the accompanyingdrawings. I claim 1 1. Ina carton closing mechanism,the'c0m'-" :blnatlOh wlth meansito'supporta carton having" open sidetabs and an end: closure :flap' or means adapted while in passing engagement 't-herewith to' turn inwardly and laterally .said side tabs',' bend' back said closures flap, and turn inwardly and :und'ervthexlatter its tuck-portion to s'upporti'and direct '.the same for entr'ance into. the carton; and

means synchronized with the. movement-of said. folders. adapted to swing x downward said closurewfiap into'closed position and sishaving open side tabs: and an end "closure: flap provided with a tuck-portion, ofr tary foldment therewith -1t0 turn inwardly aml'laterally;.-said.iside tabs, bend. back'lsaid; closure flap, .and turh inwardly and under the. latter its tuck porTti-on .to supportand directinthe 5TsalIlB.for;Britta-nee, into; thevcart'ongi pirated .pushafingernieans adapted. to; swing{Edew:n

100 the foregoing specificatiom n'or do} confine provided with 'a'tuckeportion; ofrotary foldward said closure flap into closed position and simultaneously thrust the tuck-portion into said carton, cam means rotatable with said rotary folders, and means operated by said cam means for actuating said push-finger means in timed relation to said rotary folders. a g Y 3. In a carton closing mechanism, the combination with means to support a carton having open. side tabs'and anend closure flap provided with a'tuckportion, of rotary folders, a driven shaft upon which said folders are mounted, said; folders having helical cam faces at their peripheries to operatively engage andturn said side tabs, outwardly projecting shoulders at the rearward end of said cam faces adapted to operatively engage said closure flap and its tuck-portion and bending and folding faces rearward" of said shoulder; and means synchronized with the movementof said folders adapted to swing downward said closure flap'into closed posir tion and simultaneously thrust its tuck-portion into saidcarton. u y

4:- In a carton closing mechanism, the .combinatlon with means to support a carton having open side tabs andan end closure flap provided with a tuck portion, of rotary folders, a driven shaft upon which saidfolders are mounted, said folders having helical'cam faces at their peripheries to op-' eratively engage and turn said side tabs, outwardly projecting shoulders at the rearward end of said cam faces adapted to op-- eratively engage said-closure flap and its tuck-portion, and bending and folding faces V rearward of said shoulder; pivoted push fingers adapted to swing downward said closure flap into closed positionand simultaneously thrust its tuck-portion into said carton, cam means on said driven shaft, and

' .means operated bysai-d cam means for ac- J erativel'y'engage and turn said side tabs, outwardly projecting shoulders at'the 'rear-' ward end of said cam faces adapted to 013-- .tuating said push fingers intimed relation to said foldersQ t 1 I 5. In a' -carto'n closing mechanism, the combination withmeans to support a carton having open side tabs and an end closure Hap provided with a tuck portion, ofv rotary folders, a driven shaft upon which said folders are mounted, said foldershaving helical cam faces at their peripheriesto operatively engage said closure flap and its tuck-portion, and bending and folding faces frearward of said shoulder, push fingers adapted to swing downward said closure flap into closed position and simultaneously thrust its tuck-portion into saidcarton, a rock-shaft on which said push-fingers are mounted, a crank-arm on said rock-shaft, a

pivoted lever member, a'link interconnect ingthe free end offsaid lever member with 's-aid crank-arm, a cam provlded with a raceway mounted on said driven shaft, and

,means on said lever member operatively entered in said cam race-way, V

6. In a -mechanism for closing jv ,cartons having side tabs and end closure flaps provided with tuck-portions, a rotary means having peripheral portions shaped to turn the carton side tabs and additional portions adapted'to engage the carton closure flap and its tuck portion to initially bend back ward said closure flap at its point of junction with the carton body and at the same time fold under the tuck portion thereof to direct the same toward the open end of, the carton.

7. In a mechanism for closing cartons having side tabs and end closure flaps provided with tuck portions, a rotary means having peripheral portions shaped to turn the carton side tabs and additional portions adapted to engage the carton closure flap and its tuck portion toinitially bend backward said closure flap at itsapoint of junction with the carton body and at the same time fold under the-tuck portion thereof to direct the same toward the open end of the 7 carton; and means synchronized with the operative movement of said rotary means to swing downward said closure flap into closed position and simultaneously thrust its tuckportion into said carton. A

8. In a mechanism for closing cartons having side tabs and end closure flaps .provided with tuck portions, a continuously rotating shaft, means rotated by said shaft having peripheral portions shaped to turn the carton side tabs and additional portions adapted to. engage the carton closure flap and its tuck-portion to initially bend backward said closureflap at its'point of junctionwith the carton body and at the same i time fold under the tuck-portion thereof to directtheisame toward the open end of the carton; push fingers'adapted to swing downward to closed position said "closure flap in following relation to said rotary means and simultaneously thrust said tuck-Q portion into, said carton, actuating means for said push fingers, and cam means on said rotating shaft for; operating said actuating means. x

9. In a mechanism ,forclosing cartons having side tabs and end closure flaps provided with tuckrportions, a continuously r0 tating shaft,- means rotated by said shaft having peripheral portions shaped to turn the carton side tabs and additional portions adapted to engage the carton closure flap and its tuck-portion to initially bend backward said closure flap 'at-its point of junction with the carton body and at the same time fold under the tuck-portion thereof to direct the same toward the open end', of the cartons; push fingers adapted to swing downward to closed position said closure rotating shaft, and means on' said lever member operatively entered in said cam 10 race-way.

In testimony, that I claim the invention set forth above I have hereunto set my hand this 6th day of May 1926.

GEORGE I. HOHL.

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