US2577529A

US2577529A - Carton handling machine

Info

Publication number: US2577529A
Application number: US681980A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles E Kerr; Elsheimer Roscoe
Original assignee: FMC Corp
Current assignee: FMC Corp
Priority date: 1946-07-08
Filing date: 1946-07-08
Publication date: 1951-12-04
Anticipated expiration: 1968-12-04

Description

Dec. 4, 1951 c. E. KERR ETAL CARTON HANDLING MACHINE 15 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 8, 194a m mu x n L n w H m-HRH! J @3 m u was mm. m =3. .umu Y a mm c n N a? a N9 02 wm aw l mm 2 o I -M ow F. [LL Sm I. mum vwm T OQN M w 00V mm? @Q ||.|||||ll PD nk I ii. a o X 0 rrw 09m Mme 3.

Dec. 4, 1951 c, K ETAL 2,577,529

CARTON HANDLING MACHINE Filed July 8, 1946 v 15 Sheets-Sheet 2 I W M i rg '3 vl n J rw MW mums; 5; 1mm Rosco: nsunlu.

Dec. 4, 1951 c. E. KERR ETAL 2,

CARTON HANDLING MACHINE Filed July 8, 1946 l5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIIEI '7 A :JYWMM CHARLES E- KERR R0800: ILSHEIMER.

Dec. 4, 1951 c, KERR HAL 2,577,529

CARTON HANDLING MACHINE Filed July 8, 1946 15 Sheets-Sheet 5 T'IE 1EI FIE 11 game/Moo CHARLES E. KERR HD5005 ELSI'IEIMER.

Dec. 4, 1951 c. E. KERR ETAL 2,577,529

CARTON HANDLING MACHINE Filed July 8, 1946 15 Sheets-Sheet 6 IIIIIK'I'EI EI H CHARLES E. KERR 03005 EL SHEIMER.

wa MW Dec. 4, 1951 c E, KERR EAL 2,577,529

CARTON HANDLING MACHINE Filed July 8, 1946 15 Sheets-Sheet 7 TIE -E2 FIE 2 :El

LII

l 705 g 70a 5 m LII i. ioJgm. m. 7%? I n GHARLESE. KERR z #0800: nsnzmm.

Dec. 4, 1951 KERR HAL 2,577,529

CARTON HANDLING MACHINE Filed July 8, 1946 15 Sheets-Sheet 8 GHANLESE'. KER/P I708 05 ELSIIEIMER.

Dec. 4, 1951 c. E. KERR ETAL CARTON HANDLING MACHINE,

l5 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed July 8, 1946 PG OGN A Nam. r QN M00 non 6mm 5 bmm mvm Nflm hm \km QMM mm W EX 3 in 5 own m mwn so gm a grvvwvto'n UHJQRLES E. KERR R0500! ELs/YE/HER.

Dec. 4, 1951 C. E. KERR EI'AL CARTON HANDLING MACHINE l5 Sheets-Sheet 13 Filed July 8. 1946 n S. I smm m 3 5 5 5 @H. 1 n 3 m M M 5 5 5 u a a (5 5 5 Dec. 4, 1951 c. E. KERR :rm.

CARTON HANDLING MACHINE l5 Sheets-Sheet 14 Filed July 8. 1946 CHARLES E. KERR R0300! ELSIIEMIER.

Dec. 4, 1951 c. E. KERR EFAL CARTON HANDLING MACHINE 15 Sheets-Sheet 15 Filed July 8, 1946 we .1. Ef

CHARLES E. KERR R0800! ELSHEIMER.

' Patented Dec. 4, 1951 CARTON HANDLING MACHINE Charles E. Kerr, San Jose, Calif., and Roscoe Elsheimer, Hoopeston, Ill., assignors to Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application July 8, 1946, Serial No. 681,980 17 Claims. (01. 936) The present invention appertains to a method and apparatus for handling cartons used for packaging merchandise such as food products or the like.

More particularly the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling and filling cartons having a formed and secured body portion folded and collapsed in flattened condition and a collapsed cover hinged thereon and overlying the same.

One object of the present invention is to provide a method of forming, filling, and closing collapsed cartons While the cartons are in a continuous uninterrupted flow.

Another object is to provide a method of opening and setting up collapsed cartons while the cartons are in a continuous flow.

Another object is to provide a method of opening up the collapsed flanges of the covers of the cartons and folding the covers over the cartons to thereby close the same while the cartons are in a continuous flow.

Another object is to provide a machine for handling collapsible cartons and for forming, filling, and closing the cartons while the same are in a continuous and uninterrupted flow.

Another object is to provide a machine for advancing collapsed one piece cartons in a continuous and uninterrupted flow past a carton opening, filling, closing, and discharge station for turning back the cover of the cartons, for opening and erecting the body of the cartons, for filling the cartons, for erecting the flanges of the cover of the cartons, for closing the cover, and for pressing the filled and closed cartons into shape for subsequent wrapping or labeling thereof.

Another object is to provide a machine for feeding collapsed cartons in a continuous flow from a supply magazine to a place of use and for opening and blocking the cartons during uninterrupted conveyance thereof.

Another object is to provide a machine for conveying collapsed cartons provided with hinged covers overlying their body portions in a continuous flow along a predetermined path and for turning back the covers to expose the body portions of the cartons.

Another object is to provide a machine for erecting the collapsed walls of the body portion of the cartons to open and set u the cartons for subsequent filling thereof.

Another object is to provide a machine for conveying collapsed cartons having hinged covers overlying their body portions in a single file and in spaced relation along a predetermined path, for elevating and turning back the covers to expose the folded and collapsed body portions of the carton and for erecting the walls of the collapsed body portions to open and set up the same for subsequent filling thereof.

Another object is to provide a machine for closing the covers of the cartons after the cartons have been filled with merchandise and while the same are conveyed in a continuous and uninterrupted flow.

Another object is to provide a machine for closing the covers of cartons provided with collapsed flanges on their sides and for opening up and erecting said flanges prior to the closing of the covers.

Another object is to provide a machine for handling collapsed cartons and for opening, filling, and closing the same which is fully automatic, continuous in operation, and of simple and inexpensive construction.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the carton handling machine of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the front end of the machine illustrating the carton magazine and the carton opening unit, certain parts being broken away while others are shown in section.

' Fig. 3 is a side view of Fig, 2 taken along line 3-3 thereof.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal section of a portion of Fig. 2 taken along line 44 thereof.

Fig. 5 is a transverse section of Fig. 4 taken along line 55 thereof, certain portions being broken away.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged section of a portion of Fig. 2 taken along line 66 thereof.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical cross section of Fig. 3 taken along lines 1l thereof, certain parts being omitted.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged prospective view of a carton body opening finger and certain parts operacarton .body opening finger illustrated in Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged section of Fig. 5 taken along line I l-l I thereof.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective View of a portion of the conveyor chain and one of the carton pusher members associated therewith.

Figs. 13 to 17, inclusive, are diagrammatic views of a carton and the carton body opening fingers of the machine illustratin the operation of the opening fingers and showing in successive steps the opening of the body portion of a collapsed carton thereby.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of'a collapsed and flattened carton adapted to be handled by the machine of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the carton illustrated in Fig. 18 showing the cover of'the'carton elevated and turned back to expose the collapsed body portion of the carton.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the cartonshown in Figs. 13 and 19 illustrating the "b'ody'portion' of the carton in erected and open position ready for filling thereof.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the carton opening unit and the carton filling unit.

Fig.' 22 is anenlarged perspective view of the no carton no fill control mechanism, certain parts being broken away while others 'aresliown in section.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged side elevation of the no carton n fill control mechanism with the cover thereof removed and a portion of the supporting bracket broken away.

Fig. 24 is a section to a portion of the filling unit and the carton opening unit taken along line 24-24 of Fig. 1. V

Fig. 24A is a somewhat diagrammatic horizontalsectionat a reduced scale of the filling unit of the machine; the line along which this section is taken is partially'indicated by line 24A-24A in Fig. 24.

Fig. 25 is 'a section of a portion of the carton filling unit shown in' Fig. 1 taken along line 25-25 thereof.

Fig; 26 is a plan view of a portion of the carton feed turret and a portion of the turret of the filling unit illustrating the feeding of the cartons into the filling unit, certain portions of the turret of the filling unitbeing broken away while others are shown in section.

Fig. 27 is a section of'a portion of Fig. 25 taken along line 21-21 thereof.

Fig; '28 is a plan view of the carton closing and the carton discharge unit of the machine, 'a portion thereof being broken away to reduce the length of the same.

Fig. 29 is a side view of the carton closing and discharge unit illustrated in Fig. 28, certain portions being omitted.

Fig. 30 is a longitudinal section of a portion of Fig. 28 taken along line 38-30 thereof.

Fig. 31 is a transverse section of Fig. 28 taken along line 3I-3l thereof. I

Fig. 32 is a horizontal section of the front end of the carton closing unit taken along line 32-32 of Fig. 29.

Fig. 33 is a longitudinal section through a portion of Fig. 28 taken along line 33-33 thereof.

Fig. 34 is a horizontal section of a portion of Fig. 29 taken along line 34-34 thereof, certain parts being shown in elevation.

Fig. 35 is a transverse section of Fig. 29 taken along line 35-35 thereof.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the universal mounting of one of the turret arms of the carton closing unit of the machine, certain parts being broken away while others are shown in section.

Fig. 3'7 is a perspective view of the cover closing mechanism of the machine.

Fig. 38 is a horizontal section through the carton discharge unit or the machine taken along line 38-38 of Fig. 30.

Fig. 39 is a transverse section of the carton discharge unit taken along line 39-39 of Fig. 30.

Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the carton prior to closing thereof showing the flanges of the cover in folded and flattened condition and overlying the underside of the cover of the carton.

, Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the carton illustrated in Fig. 40 but showing the flanges of the cover of-the carton in opened or erected position.

Fig.42shows a section of the carton shown in Fig. il'taken along line 42-42 thereof with the 'cover disposed in closed position.

Fi"gs.43'to 46,'inclusive, are diagrammatic plan views of a portion of the conveyor mechanism of the closing unit of the machine and the carton turning mechanism associated therewith and illustrating in successive steps the turning of a filled car ton thereby.

Figs. 47 to 50, inclusive, are perspective views of portions of the conveyor mechanism, the flap opening turrets, and other parts of the closing unit associated therewith showing in successive steps the advancement of a filled carton past the turrets and the opening of the flaps of the cover of the carton thereby, portions of the carton discharge unit are illustrated inconnection with Figs. 49 and 50.

Fig. 51 is a. side elevation of a portion of the cover closing unit and a portion of the carton discharge unit showing a carton in different positions of advancement relative thereto and illustrating the manner in which the covers of the carton are closed thereby, certain portions 01' Fig. 51 have been broken away.

Fig. 52 is a diagram of the entire electric contiOl and power supply circuit of the machine.

"In general, the carton handling machine of the present invention (Fig. 1) comprises a magazine A, a carton opening unit B, a carton filling unit C, a carton closing unit D, a carton discharge unit E, anda no carton-no fill control mechanism G.

In'the'operation of the machine the folded and collapsed cartons-are placed into the magazine A and are conveyed therefrom by the carton opening unit B to the filling unit C. During the conveyanceof the cartons from the magazine A to the filling unit C, the cover of the cartons is turnedback and the body portion of the cartons is opened and set up for subsequent filling thereof. The opened'cartons'are thereupon advanced through the filling unit C,'are 'filled'with merchandise, and delivered to the carton closing unit D, which opens and erects the flanges of the cover of the cartons, closes the cover of the cartons, and delivers the close'dand filled cartons to the discharge unit EWliich presses the filled and closed cartons into shape and discharges the same from the machine. The" cartons are conveyed in continuous flow through the machine by appropriate conveyor mechanism associated with the various units and the opening, filling, and closing operations are performed during the continuous and uninterrupted travel of the cartons through the machine.

The no carton-no fill mechanism G associated with the machine stops the operation thereof 'in case the magazine should run empty so that the operation of the filling unit C is not continued when there are no cartonssupplied to receive the charges of material therefrom.

With the foregoing description in mind, the

construction and operation: of the machine will now be specifically described.

The carton opening unit-B of the machine-of thepresent invention comprises aconveyor'lto which the carton supply magazine Ais secured, a

cover or lid turning and elevatingmechanism 2, and a carton body opening mechanism'3.

The folded'and collapsedcartons to be handled by the machine are'placed lids uppermost in a vertical stack into the carton supply magazine A from Which they areseparately fed 'in a con-- tinuous fiow and'in spaced relation pastthe-lid or cover elevating and turning meohanismi and thebody opening mechanism 3 by theconveyor l.

During the advancement ofthe collapsed cartons toward and past the lid turning-mechanism 2 {the lids or covers of the 'oartons are-elevated and -turned-back to expose-the collapsed body portions of the cartons which -*are subsequently opened andset upby the carton bodyopening mechanism 3 so that the cartonsleaving the earton'body openingmechanismare ready-to receive -the-products or articles to-be packedtherein as they are subsequently advanced through the 'filling unit C.

To-facilitate a clear understandingof the-construction and operation of the-- present invention a brief description of the collapsed typeof carton for which the machine is'especially adapted is first given'herein;

This carton (Figs.'18,'19,-and is-manuiactured as a completely formed box :preferably made fromcard'board or similar material which has been folded, collapsed, andflattened for shipping and handlingpurposes. ,In opening the carton to set the same up forfilling thereof, such operations as :forming'ithe bottom 'by gluing or tucking-in of 'locking'orclosureflaps or tabs are not necessary since the body portion and lid or cover of the carton are completely formed,'assembled, and glued so that it is merely amatter of opening and setting up thegcarton 'to prepare the same for subsequent filling thereof.

The carton FiFig. 20, is preferablymadecfrom a single blank of stock material which is creased, bent, and glued to form arectangular' box-which ccmprises'a body portion tand'a'cover' 'i hinged thereon. The body portion 5 includes 'a rectangular bottom 8, side walls!) "and" m, and end walls H and I2, while the cover 'orlid '7 hinged to the marginal edge of the side wall 9includesja lid portion I3 provided with end flaps I4 'and"-|5 and a side flap i6 forminga continuousflangell.

The side wall ll] of the carton is provided with tabs 18 and |9bent at'right-angles thereto-and glued or otherwise'firmly secured to the end walls H and 12, respectively, while the "end walls "I otherwise firmly secured'to'the side 'fiapl-fi'of the A locking'ta'bz l formed'asan integral cover 1. part of the side wall I0 and projecting outwardly and downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof is provided to catch behind the straight "edges and 26 of the tabs 22 and 23when-the cover is closed withthe flange H, i. ve., the flaps I4, 15, and i5 'overlyingthe end walls Hand l2 and the side wall It), respectively,'of ,the ,body portion of the carton so that the cover'l is'firmly held in closed'position.

To permit easy shipment" and-handling-'of-the cartons and toconservexasmuch shipping space as possible, the side and end:walls: of 1 body portion 6 and the continuous flange of the cover I of the carton-F are collapsedwithin the confines of the -bottomand-cover, respectively, i. e., are

folded along lines-21 to 3| and collapsed in the manner as clearly illustrated in Fig. 19. The cover'l is thereupon swung over the body'portion in the direction of "arrow 32 (Fig. 19) :and the entire carton is flattened, as shown in Fig. 18.

Preferably the tabs Ifl and I9-are only gluedto "the end walls I and I2 at the portion between the fold lines' ZB and '29 and the sidewall ||l-so that the inner corners of the tabs are free tofold down flat, as shown in Fig. 19. In the collapsed and flattened condition "the cartons are packed in stacks in shipping boxesin -whichtheyaare shipped and distributed for-use.

M agazinaand, carton opening .um't

Referring now-"more specifically to the construction of the carton opening unit B and the magazine A associated therewith, it should be noted that the conveyor previously referredto herein (Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), comprises a frame structure 40 which includes a pair'of U channels 4| and 42 secured to each other by a plurality of transverse braces 43 (Figs. 2, 4, and 5). The U channels 4| and 42 are-so disposed withrespect to each other as to iorm'a hollow beam structure 45 supported in'substantial'ly horizontal position at desired height by means ofasupporting column 4? partially shown in Fig. 3 which is secured to the

lower flanges

48 and 49 of the channels 4| and 42 by means of a U-shaped supporting bracket- 50 (Figs. 3 and 5) adjacent thefmnt'end 5| of the beam structure 46. "Secured to

web portions

52 and 53 of the U channels 4| and42 by means of flanges .54 and cap screws 55 are bearings 56 and 51 (Figs. '2, '3, and 7) within which a shaft 58 is rotatably mounted and extends transversely of the beam structure 46 through aligned openings 59 and .60 in the web portions 52 and. 53 (Fig. 7). Retaining collars 6| and 62 secured by set screws'to the shaft 58 are provided to retain the shaft 58 in proper position with respect to the beam structure 46. Fixed to the shaft 58 intermediate the

web portions

52 and 53 of .the U channels 4| and 42.by means of a set screwisa sprocket 63 (Fig.

Secured to the rear end'55 of thebeam structure 45 is an U-shaped bracket 66 by means of which the conveyor is removably secured to the frame structure of the inlet conveyor 6? (Figs. 1 and 21) of the filling unit C in the manner described later on. If it is desired "to use the carton opening unit B'byitself for openingcartons to be subsequently ,manually filled and closed, the supporting bracketfifi may be secured to an auxiliary support, not shown, for supporting the rear end of theopeningunit B. The supporting bracket is provided with bearings l5 and 16 (Fig. 2) within which a shaft 7'! is "rotatably received. This shaft extends through aligned openings in the-web portions EZ-and 53 and is retained against'lateral'movement within the bearings 15 and lfiby means of a retainin collar 89 and the hub portion 83- of the sprocket 84 secured to the shaft H for rotation therewith.

Fixed to the shaft '77 by means of'a set screw 85 is a sprocket 85 which is disposed intermediate the bearings 15 and i6. Trained around sprockets 83 and-'86 is-an endless conveyor chain 8? (Figs. 2 and 4)--provided'with=a plurality of carton pusher members-88 (Fig. -1=2) of L-shaped construction. These pusher members 88 are secured to the chain 81 at one side thereof by means of mounting links 89 forming a part of the chain 81. The pusher members are arranged in spaced relation and are disposed at equal distances from each other along the conveyor chain 81. The upper run 81a of the conveyor chain 07 overlies and is supported by a chain guide plate 90 (Figs. 4 and 5) welded to the braces 43 and extending parallel with the beam structure 46 between

sprockets

63 and 85.

The hub portion 83 of the sprocket 84, previously referred to herein, is fixed to shaft 11 (Figs. 2 and 3) by means of a key 92 and is provided with a flange 93 having arcuate slots 94' through which cap screws 95 extend which are threadedly secured to the body portion 96 of the sprocket which is rotatable relative to the hub portion 83 but is normally fixed thereto for rotation therewith when the cap screws 95 are tightened to firmly secure the body portion 90 of the sprocket 8-4 to the flange 93 of the hub 83. The adjustability of the sprocket 84 relative to the flange 93 enables rotative adjustment of the sprocket with respect to the shaft I! so as to permit adjustment of the drive mechanism of the carton opening unit B for timed operation with the remaining units of the machine.

Secured to the top of the beam structure 45 (Figs. 2 and 5) is a conveyor table IOI which comprises angle members I02 and I03 and a wide table plate I04 provided with a side wall I05. The angle members I02'and I03 and table plate I50 are secured to the upper flanges 48a and 49a of the U channels 4| and 42, respectively, by means of countersunk screws I06. The angle members I03 and the table plate I04 which forms the front end continuation thereof are disposed parallel to the angle member I02 and are spaced therefrom so as to permit travel of the pusher members 88 of the conveyor chain 81 therebe tween. These pusher members 88 extend slightly above the surface of the conveyor table formed by the plate I04 and the horizontal leg portions I? and I08 of the angle members I02 and I03 so as to engage the cartons and to advance the same from the receiving end I09 of the conveyor to the rear end H0 thereof in the manner as will be more specifically explained later on.

The table plate I04 provides in conjunction with the leg portion I01 of the angle I02 a wide table surface IOIa at the receiving end of the conveyor I for the reception of the collapsed cartons and this table surface gradually narrows to a table surface IOIb of smaller width between the upright legs III and H2 of the angle members I02 and I03. The legs III and H2 of the angle members I02 and I03, respectively, and the side wall I05 of the plate I04 are disposed in a vertical position and form guide walls for retaining the cartons in proper position of the table IOI during their conveyance along the same. The guide wall I05 is bent, as shown at H3, and is joined with the guide wall II2 to form a continuous guide wall therewith.

Disposed above and secured to the receiving end I09 of the conveyor I above the table IOI is the carton supply magazine A (Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 7) which comprises a vertically extending cage structure II4 of rectangular configuration in cross section slightly larger than the size of a collapsed carton. This cage structure includes a plurality of vertically disposed spaced guides II5 secured at their lower ends to a rectangular frame H6 supported upon the guide walls III '8 and I05 of the conveyor table IOI. The frame H6 is provided with straps II! and H111 rigidly secured thereto in any convenient manner. The free end of the strap III (Fig. 3) is secured by means of cap screws II8 to a supporting bracket II9 firmly attached to the web portion 53 of the U channel 42 while the free end of the strap Illa is secured by cap screws II8a (only one of which is shown in Fig. 2) to the web portion 52 of the U channel 4| so that the entire magazine A is firmly held in fixed position above the receiving end I09 of the conveyor I and in spaced relation to the surface of the conveyor table IN.

The magazine A may be of any desired height and is preferably provided at its upper end with a rectangular frame (not shown) which is similar to the frame H6, to which the upper ends of the guides H5 are attached so as to hold the same in proper position.

Disposed below the magazine A and secured to the surface of the conveyor table IDIa by countersunk screws I20 (Fig. 2) are spacing plates I2I and I22 arranged in spaced relation with respect to each other to provide passage of the pusher members 88 of the conveyor chain 81 therebetween. These plates form the bottom of the magazine and support the stack of collapsed cartons therein and. their thickness is such that only the lowermost collapsed carton in the magazine A is engaged and shifted from the magazine by the pusher members 88 upon operation of the chain 87 so that the cartons are separately discharged from the magazine and are advanced in spaced relation along the conveyor table IOI.

Secured to the rear portion I23 of the magazine frame II6 (Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 7) is a control gate structure I24 which comprises a gate I25 secured to a bracket I26 fastened to the frame portion I23 by means of cap screws I21. The bracket I 26 is provided with a vertically disposed elongated opening I28 and extending through the same is a cap screw I 29 threadedly secured to the gate I25. When the cap screw is tightened, the gate I25 is firmly held in any desired position of adjustment on the bracket I26. The position of the gate I25 with respect to the spacing plates I2I and I22 is adjusted by loosening the cap screw I29 and by shifting the same up 01 down within the slot I28 whereby the elevation of the gate I25 is accordingly varied so as to increase or decrease the size of the discharge opening I30 formed between the lower edge of the gate I25 and the spacing plates I2! and I22. The desired adjustment of the guide plate I25 is thereupon maintained by tightening the cap screw I29 whereby the gate is firmly locked in position. The arrangement of the magazine A with respect to the lid turning mechanism 2 and the body opening mechanism 3 is such that the cartons may be stacked in their collapsed form, as shown in Fig. 18, in the magazine with their lids uppermost and the outer front edges I3a of the lids extending parallel with and adjacent to the side I IBa of the magazine which extends immediately above and parallel with the guide wall I05 of the conveyor table II.

Secured to the rear portion I23 of the magazine frame IIB by means of a cap screw I3I and a clamping plate I32 (Figs. 2 and 4) is a leaf spring I33 which extends downwardly from the frame IIG toward the conveyor table IN and is bent at substantially right angles so that its lower portion I34 is disposed substantially parallel to the conveyor table and in closely spaced relation therewith. The spacing of the lower portion I34 23277;5293 9 1110': of the leaf'springg-I33 with respect'to'theconveyor, therod Ifiilby means'of a set-screw- I It whileza: tableis such that the free endof-the-spring will plurality of openings I'll are provided in the. overlie and exert aslightpressure upon theslde collar to permit rotative adjustment-of the same wall 9 of the collapsed cartonas the latter is by means of a-wrench after the set'screw-I'IB' discharged fromthe magazine A- andadvanced has been-loosened so that the tension of the along the'conveyortable IUI. Theiunctionqof sprin I m y be varied'as described. While this springis to holdathe body-portion of the the employment of spring IIS'maybe desirable, carton in collapsed condition during its discharge the same is not necessary and may beomitted.

from the magazine and a part of the lid turning In such case, the collar I'Mis placed directly operation as willbemore specifically described adjacent the hub portion I58 and merely funclater herein. tions as a retaining collar for the finger I55:

Secured to-the guidev wall ll2ladjacent-the The-carton body opening finger I 5'I (Figs. 2, angularly disposed guide wall-portion. H3 is a- 4, 6, n -9) mp-ri n liii provided w h carton hold down guide: I36; (Figs. 2, Land. 5) a hook portion i'i9- at its free end for engaging while a similar hold down-guide 13 is attached the end: wall I2 ofthe cartons in the manner to the guide wall II I.- Both hold down guides are. later described herein. This .finger is further disposed above the conveyor :table in such spaced provided with-.a hub portion 'I8Il fixed by "means relation relative thereto thatv they wil1 overlie-and of a set screw I8! "toa finger actuating shaft I82 engage the upper surface of the sidewalls IQ and 9 rotatably mounted within a bearing- I83---of the of the .collapsed cartons so :-as to hold .the body bracket Structure 162;"I11'8Vi01lS1ymentioned:

of the cartons in collapsed-condition on the-con- Fixedto the shaft I59 adjacent the bearing III veyor table IllI during the lid turning-operation. bymeans'of a-set'iscrew I85 is asprocket I8i,'

Thefront ends of the holddown guides. I36 and while fixed to .the shaft I82adjacent-thebearing: I31 are tapered, as showneat l 36aandl3'ia .(Figs... I83 by meansof a set screw I89 is a sprocket I89.-

2. and 4) so as to facilitate the lntroductionof' ed' the p k ts 8 and I89-and the collapsed carton body between the-guides. a drive sprocket Idea fixed to a shaft ISI-(FigS; 2,

and'the conveyor table. 1M. 3, and 5) rotatably mounted in the bearing por- Secured to the guide. wall .I I2 .and the guide tion I92 ofithe bracket structure I82 is an endless wall portion H3 of the conveyor tablelfll .intere drive chain I93. The shaft I9I is further promediatewthe magazine Aeandthebarton body- Vided With a Sprocket 9 gs. 5 andill) which.

opening. m h i 3 by. ean of; supporting. is fixed thereto for rotation therewith and around brackets I38 and I39 (Figs...2-, 3,.and.5) is ..-.the Which the conveyor chain'ii'l (F g. 4) is trained cover or lid-elevating andeturning mechanism 2. so t at up n p a n f' conveyor ha n 81 which comprises aturning.orguide.rod I40 see the shaft IM and the sprocket I93, are driven in curedat its front .endJ lI by weldingtothe con- 3,5 the direction ofarrow'I95 (Figs. 3 and .4) and veyor table II. The.front..portion..I43 otthe fi c p nbf' th hain. I93 and .simulrod I40 (Figs. 2 and. 5).-is .gradually upwardly. taneous rotation of the sprocket wheels I81 and inclined and-extends diagonally of .theconveyor I89 therewith.

table. The rear portionJE of,.the.rod I40 is- Adjust-ably securedjtoan; ear I98 (Figs. 3, 5,, curved. downwardly (Figs.- 2. and I 3). towarduoand .11) extendingfrom and iormingan integral, and transversely of the-table IOI and terminates p r Of the bearing. portion I32 is a link !99 pmin a substantially horizontallydisposed portion d d W an idle! Sprocket 9 rotatably I46 extending parallel to the guide wall.I I land mounted .thereonby means of a pivot pinjllll. in spaced relation above and exterior of. the The linkl fiis provided witha slot292 through. same. which a. cap screw 203'threadedly. secured. tothe The body opening..,mechanism 3,.previously ear I38 extends while disposedintermediate the referred to, comprises a carton body opening head of thecap screw 293 andthe link. I99 is a finger I and caltombody ope ing finger I51; Washer 294 so that when the cap screw istight- (Figscz, 4, and 6). The finger I55 is disposed in ened the link. 539 and. the idler sprocketifit are front of the finger. I51 and both are centrally. 5Q firmly held in position. This slot and cap screw arranged between the guide walls III and. H2 arrangement, however, permits adjustment. of

above the conveyor I. Thefinger. I55. (Fig. .8). the sprocket 299 relative .to the conveyor chain 3'! comp-risesan arm I58 provided with a carton for taking 1 p any Slack inihe eyorchaintl. engaging hook I56a for engagingthe end wall II The bracket structure I52 (Figs. 2, 5,. 6, and 11) of the cartonsand a hub portion. I59 rotatably 55 .is' further providedwithan ear 265 provided with. mountedupon a finger supporting ,rod I50 fixed an elongated slot 297 within which a pivot pin 298 1 within a socket portion .I 5| of a bracket structure is adjustably mounted bymeans of a washer 269 I62 secured tothe web 53 of the U..channel 12, and a nut2Idthreadedlysecured to one endof.

previously referred to, by means of screws IE3 the .pivot .pin. The other end ofthe pivot pinis (Fig.7 5) and held in spaced relation to the web ;,provided with a head 2.I I.and rotatably,.disposed,. 53 by bosses I54. The carton body opening finger upon the pivot pin .258. intermediate the. head [ii I I55 is further provided with a lateral extension and-the ear 2.06 is an idler. sprocket .2I2 which. I55 on the free end of which a roller I66 is rotatintermeshes with the drive. chain I93. and is ably mounted. This roller'is adapted to engage adaptedto be adjusted relative thereto insuch a the cam surface I61 of'a rotary can'i I58(Figs. 2, 5 .manneras to-take .up. the .slackof ..the-ochain..in 8, and'lO) fixed to a shaft I69 by means of a themanner as will be obvious ,.to those skilled set screw I10. The-shaft I59 isrotatably mountin the. art... ed withinaa bearing I'll-forming: a part of'the' Disposedaboveand.parallel-,totheconveyor. bracket structure I62. table I5! below the shaft I 82 (Figs.-2 ande5.) is- Disposed adjacent the hub'portion I59 of the. yo a cover.or .ho1d .down.plate;2I5ehaving. a-cut out arm I58'ris a tortion' spring H3,- one end'of which portion ,2 I6. of..sufl1cient length to permit move is secured to acollar. I14-fixed--tothe rod Iiiflment.OLthe cartonhodyw.opening-fingers l5fizandt while the other end thereof-is securedfto the arm I51 therethrough... The. hold down platec2l5 is: [581031 introducing the-.same-into an opening I 85: supp,0rted.- .byla vertically disposed.-portion-...2-I'I-- therein. The collar II l is-preferably securedtoe thereotsecuredlby-screws 218.130.:11113.webfign-ofy