US2834168A - Box flap taping and end sealing equipment - Google Patents

Description

May 13, 1958 J. P. LOPEZ BOX FLAP TAPING AND ND SEALING EQUIPMENT 6 Shee 'cs-Sheet 1 Filed March .3, 1954 MQ Q www 1% ATTORN EYS May 13, 1958 J. P. LoPEz Box FLAP TAPING AND END SEALING EQUIPMENT 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 3. 1954 INVENTOR Jaizzz 1. Lope] ATTORNEYS BY .law

May 13, 1958 J. P. LOPEZ 2,834,168

BOX FLAP TAPING ND END SEALING EQUIPMENT e sheets-sheet 5 Filed March 3. 1954 Z of@ gf gi @i 7/5 ...Pg ATTORNEYS May 13, 1958 K J. P. LOPEZ 2,834,168

BOX FLAP TAPING AND END SEALING EQUIPMENT Filed March 3. 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 2% zzz INVENTOR ATTORNEYS M TIM J. P. LOPEZ 2mm BOX FLAP TAPING AND END SEALING EQUIPMENT Filed March s.A 1954 6 sheets'sheet 5 136 25 lf3 QJ l i JOIZN ATTORNEYS May 13, r1958 J. P. LOPEZ Box ELAP TAPING AND END SEALING EQUIPMENT 6 Sheets-Shea?I 6 Filed Mai'ch 3, 1954 BY @ef @mi E I l u PIHHINIHI HMHINHNMIHMNWMHMINM" MNM ||u.n...|.||

lNvEN'roR John/f L iii l l l l ATTORNEYS nited tates :sul

BOX FLAP TAPING AND END SEALING EQUIPMENT John P. Lopez, New York, N. Y., assigner to Universal Corrugated Box Machinery Corporation, a corporation of New York Application March 3, 1954, Serial No. 413,935 13 Claims. (Cl. 53-137) arent As conducive to an understanding of the invention,

it is noted that where, for example, a partially assembled paper box has been filled and the end and side flaps must be folded downwardly and sealed by applying a tape thereon, in order for the box to be securely sealed, the tape, in addition to being applied to the top of the box over the adjacent edges of the folded side flaps, must also be bent downwardly and secured against the front and rear ends of such box.

Where the taping is done manually, the operation is extremely time-consuming and requires considerable personnel. Where the tape is applied automatically to the box, unless the ends of the tape can be folded over the ends of the box and pressed thereagainst so as to securely adhere thereto, the folded ends of the tape may peel away causing an ineffective seal. It is accordingly among the objects of the invention to provide a box taping equipment that will operate at a relatively high rate of speed without need for supervision and which will dependably apply tape to the top of the box to seal the adjacent edges of the side liaps and will also apply such tape to the ends of the box and securely retain such tape against such ends, which equipment is not likely to become deranged even with long use and may readily -be maintained.

According to the invention, from its broader aspect, means are provided to apply a length of tape to the top of a box over the adjacent edges of the side flaps with the front and rear ends of the tape protruding beyond the adjacent ends of such box. The box thus taped is advanced by a suitable conveyer and means are provided in the path of movement of such box to press the protruding front end of the tape against the front of the box and to press the protruding rear end of the tape against the rear of the box.

in the accompanying drawings in which are shown one or more of various possible embodiments of the several features of the invention,

Figs. l and 2 are side elevational views of the machine,

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional View taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the taping unit taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the first end sealer taken along line S-S of Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of said lirst end sealer, taken along line 6 6 of Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken alo-ng line 77 of Fig. 5,

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the second end taken along line 3 8 of Fig. 9, and

Fig. 9 is a rear elevational view of the second end sealer taken along line 9--9 of Fig. 8.

sealer ICC Referring now to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, the taping machine desirably comprises a substantially rectangular frame 21 having parallel, longitudinally extending angle bars 22 securely retained in spaced relationship by transversely extending angle bars 23. The frame also includes a plurality of upright standards 24 spaced along each side thereof which mount elongated substantie ly rectangular rigid panels 25.

Extending transversely across the frame at each end thereof respectively and rotatably mounted in suitable bearings at the upper end of the associated standards 24 are shafts 26 and 27, each having atiixed near each end, a sprocket wheel 28. Each longitudinally aligned pair of Wheels 28 mounts a continuous length of sprocket chain 29, Sil, a plurality of spaced pusher bars 31 extending transversely between the pairs of chains 29, 30 and being afiixed thereto at each end, the chains and bars forming a conveyer.

Atl'ixed at each end to the upper edges of the parallel panels Z5 and extending transversely across the frame are a plurality of supporting beams 35 which mount a plurality of spaced longitudinal bars 36 which form a track lying in a horizontal plane below that of the pusher bars 31.

A plurality of the supporting beams 35 near each end thereof mount an upright bracket 3S (Fig. 3) having an arm 39 extending inwardly above the horizontal plane of the pusher bars 31. Each arm has a stud 41 affixed thereto and rising vertically therefrom which extends through one end 42 of a horizontal arm 43, the other end 44 of which is pinned to an associated bracket 45 affixed to the wall of angle bars 416, 47 extending substantially the length of the frame along each side thereof. The ends 42 of each of the arms 43 has a set screw 49 which, when tightened, engages stud 41 securely'to retain the angle bars 46, 47 in fixed position. Thus, the angle bars 46, 47 may be adjusted to the width of the box B to be taped, to prevent transverse displacement thereof on the track formed by bars 36.

To drive the sprocket chains 29, 30, a motor 50 is desirably securely `mounted on the frame near one end thereof as shown in Fig. 1 and has a sprocket wheel 51 mounted on its drive shaft 52 which is connected by means of a sprocket chain 53 to a sprocket wheel 54 desirably mounted on shaft 26.

Means are desirably provided to close the flaps of the box to be sealed, to apply tape thereto and securely to press the tape in place. To this end, as shown in Figs. l to 3, two pairs of upright, transversely aligned standards 61, 62 are affixed at their lower ends to the panels 25 and rise substantially above the latter, the upper ends of each pair of standards being connected by cross 4beam 63. Mounted on the standards 61, 62 and desirably straddled thereby is a vertically movable substantially rectangular frame 64 which has spaced longitudinally extending side beams 65 connected by transverse beams 66.

Each of the standards 61, 62 desirably has a substantially rectangular bar 67 affixed to the inner surface thereof which forms a track along which the frame 64 is movable. Each of the side beams 65 near each end thereof desirably has a vertical arm 68 affixed thereto desirably mounting a grooved roller 69 at each end which rides on the associated track 67 as is clearly shown in Fig. 3.

In order to move the frame 64 to any desired position and to retain the frame in such position, an opstanding arm 71 (Fig. 3) is affixed to the frame near each corner thereof. The pairs of arms 71 at each end of the frame have transversely aligned bearing openings 72 at their upper ends through which extend shafts 73, 74, the ends of each of said shafts having a gears75 affixed thereon Y and meshing with a rack 76 rallixcdtothe outer .surface of each of the tracks 67.

To rotate the shafts 73, 74 in unison to effect vertical movement of the frame .64, an adjustment .shaft 58 is provided, `which extends longitudinally -o'f Vthe Aframe i164 near one of the sidebearns '65. fhesha'ftSi-s rotatably mounted in suitable bearings 79 adjacent shafts V73,174 and also in a bearingi .in a bracketSZ aixedltozon'e end of the frame, the shaft extending .through beating 81 and having a handle S3 aiiixed vthereon for rotation thereof.

The shaft 78 desirably has a pair Aof .worms 8d affixed thereon which mesh with worm ,gears 85 ,afiixed to .each of the shafts 73, 74 so that upon rotationcf shaft .7.8, through the worm drive 84, E5, the shafts A73, 7d and gears 75 thereon will be rotated to .raise or lower the frame.

V Centrally located on .theframe 64 and extending longitudinally ,thereof is-a tape applying machine ,91 desirably of the vtype `put out Yby Universal Corrugated Machine Company of Linden, New Jersey.

As the tape applying machine 91 per se formsno part of this invention, it will only be described sufficiently to illustrate the invention herein.

The tape applying machine V91 which has a substantially rectangular 1casing,is desirably mounted in upright position as shown, on suitable cross beams aixed to the side beams 65 of the Vframe 64. Themachine 9.1 (Fig. 4) desirably has a roller 92 positioned ina liquid vreservoir 93 and extending transversely with respect to the frame 64. Apair of idly mounted gripping rollers gil-and 95 normally `resiliently urge the tape 96 against roller 92 so that it maybe advanced thereby. The undersurface Lof tape 96, which desirablyhas adhesive material thereon, is .moistenedby .the roller 92 as such tape is advanced 'by the rollerg97 and idler roller 9S to be affixed-to the 4juxtaposed edges of :theiiaps ofthebox B in themanner hereinafter -to `be described.

Tape 'feed mechanism serves to draw the tape 96.from the supplyroll 99 and advance Yitto the reservoir 93 and may comprise a roller 100 with an associated idler roller 101 rotatably mounted Vatvone end of an arm 162 pivotally mounted at its other end as at 163 to the v-casingofthe taping machine. Roller 161 isvnorrnally spaced from roller 100 by .means of arcoil spring .194 which normally urges arm 102 downwardly. Thus, `the tape 96 positioned vbetween spa-ced rollers 1li@ and 101, .but :not foperatively engaged thereby, will not be drawn fromsupply roll r99.

Means are provided to .move roller 161 to press the tape-against the roller l@ so that it vmay be advanced. T o this end, a cam arm 15.5 is pivoted near its lower end asiat 106, and desirablyhasa cam roller17 at-the'upper end thereof which yrides against .a flange .198 extending laterally from arm 192. In ordertolrotate cam 'arm 165 about its pivot 106 to lift arm Y162 thereby to move -roller llll'toward roller .100,.a solenoid 1.11 isdesirably provided, the armature 112 of .which is normally VVin extended position and is desirably-connected through suitable linkage tothe lower end of cam arm 165.

ln order to sever .the tape 96 after a predetermined length thereof has been fed, a pairvof knife :blades ..113 and 114 are provided, .one ofV which, illustratively blade 113, is movable and the other of which, -i.-e bladef114 is fixed. Although blade 113 may be actuated'in any suitablemanner, a solenoid 11.5 is shown for .the purpose, the armature of which is connected to blade 113'by1a suitable linkage and is normally in retracted position, being so retained as by ,spring 116 so that .blade 113 .is spaced from Ablade 114.

Although the tape feeding mechanism V`may be-driven in any suitable manner,-i`n the .illustrative embodiment herein the same motor which drives the sprocket chain29 andStl'isnse'd for this purpose. Y

"As 'shown in Figs. l and?, aninwdly extending stud shaft `12-1 is rotatably mounted on frame 21 and mounts a pair of sprocket wheels 122 and 123. The sprocket wheel 122 is connected by sprocket chain 124 to sprocket wheel 125 atlixed on motor shaft 52, a conventional sprocket chain takeup 126 being provided between the ends of the chain 124. -The sprocket wheel 123 on shaft 121 is connected to a sprocket wheel `127 on a second stud shaft 128, 'by means of a sprocket chain 129, said stud shaft 12S having a second sprocket wheel 131 affixed thereon, connected by sprocket chain 132 to sprocket Wheel 133 aixed'on a shaft 134 on-which therdiler 92 in reservoir 93 is mounted.

Pivotally Vconnected .to the frame of ,the `machine and encompassing sprocket wheels 123 and 127 and sprocket chain 129, is an elongated rigid casing 1-36, the stud shaft 123 extending through the upper end of said casing with the sprocket wheel 131 being mounted on such extending end. .ssecondv elongated-casing '137 -ispivotally mounted at Aone end on stud shaft 128encompassing the sprocket wheel 131, sprocketchain '-132 'and sprocket wheel 133. Thus,'with the assembly above escribed, regardless of the vertical position of the frame 64, drive -will be imparted Atoshaft 134 at the same rate'ofspeed.

The shaft 134 has an additional sprocket .wheel 133 thereon andthe shafts 139, 141 and 142 mounting rollers 97, 100 and 1.43 respectively, .each has a sprocket wheel 144, 145 and 146 which are connected -by a sprocket .chain -147 .so that upon .rotation ofthe shaft 134, the rollers 92, 97, 190 and 143 will rotate .in unison. The shaft '141 mounting roller 1% has.anndditional'sprocket wheel 143 .thereon Vwhich is connected by 'sprocket chain -149 to a sprocket wheel 151 mounted on astud shaft -152 extendinglaterally from the taping Imachine. The stud shaft 152 thas an additional sprocket -wheel `153 thereon which -serves to drive the rear box flap closing mechanism 157 in the manner now to be described.

As'shown inFig. 2, each ofthe'side'beams 65 of the frame 64hasan extension .beam lrafxedlthereto .and extending longitudinally therefrom toward the vinlet of .the box taping machine, the end of each of vthe `extension beams having anoutwardly curvedarm 158. Risingfrorn the .end of each extension beam is .an upstanding arm 159 between which is rotatablymounted a shaft .161. The shaft 161 has a sprocket wheel 162 thereon connected by sprocket chain 163 to sprocket wheel .153 on studshaft 152. Aflixed-to shaft 161 preferably .midway hetweenits ends and extending at right angles .thereto isanarm 164 liavingat oneend, a counter -weight165 .and atzits other end an arcuate strip 166 of rigidnnaterialwith a rounded leading end 167.

Extending longitudinally of the frame 64 midway :between extension beams 156 A*is a front flap ,closing memberi168 which desirably comprises a panel suitably affixed in a vertical plane to the frame 64 and desirably having a slightly inclined front edge 169 rounded at its bottom against which thefleadingap ofthe box may abut. Also aliixed to the side bars of the lframe are two rods 171 which converge outwardly from .adjacent the `roller 172 and which serve to move Ithe .side flaps .of the box inwardly as the box is advancedby thesprocket chains 29, 3G.

Means are desirably provided .to insure that the .tape applied to the box B will oe 'securely retained .on the upper surface 173 and against the front and rear end walls 174,175 thereof. To 'this end an air nozzle 176 is provided immediately to the left of the roller V177 associated withroller 497 and-centrally located so thatit will be aligned with the tape applied to vthe box. The nozzle is connected through suitable conduits (not shown) to a source of compressed air actuated by means of a suitable switch 311 positioned on the frame 'of the machine and adapted to be engaged vby the leading `edge' of the .box as it is advanced in the manner :hereinafterto .be described.

`Rising vertically from each of the side beams .65 -on the frame 64 to the left of the tape applying mechanism es 91 are posts 181 and 182 (Figs. 1, 5 and 6) connected at their upper ends by a cross beam 183 to serve as the support for the iirst tape sealng assembly 184.

As is clearly shown in Figs. and 6, the tape sealing assembly 184 desirably comprises a substantially Ushaped cross beam 155 which extends transversely between the posts 181 and 132. Afxed to the ends of each of the cross beams 185 as by welding, is a substantially rectangular plate 186. Secured to each or" the plates 186 as by bolts 187 is a slide member 183 desirably comprising a substantially rectangular plate having lateral flanges 159:9 on its side edges which ride on a pair of spaced vertical guide rails 151 aixed as by bolts 192 to the inner surface of posts 181 and 132. Thus, as shown in Fig. 7, the slide members 18S will be straddled by the guide rails 191 thereby preventing substantially any transverse displacement of the cross beam 185, yet permitting free vertical movement thereof.

Mounted on each side of the frame 64 in the path of movement of the bottom surface of the slide members 188 is a resilient member 193, desirably a coil spring, which serves to take up the impact of the sealing assembly 184- at the bottom of its stroke.

Mounted on the top surface of cross beam 135 (Fig. 5) is a substantially L-shaped bracket 197, the horizontal leg 19S of which is aixed as by welding to such top surface and extends beyond the rear edge thereof and the vertical leg 139 of which extends longitudinally of said cross beam. Integral with bracket 197 and rising from the horizontal leg 193 thereof at its center, is a flange 201 which has a transverse bore therethrough aligned with the center line of said beam 155. Straddling the flange 201 are the legs of a yoke 292 pivotally connected to said ange by means of a pin 2113 extending through said bore.

Aflixed to the cross piece of the yoke 202 is one end of a piston rod 294, the other end of which is connected to a piston (not shown) slidably mounted in an air cylinder 265. r[he upper end of the cylinder 205 desirably has a plate 2%5 affixed thereto having an opening at one end, positioned between the legs of a yoke 267 aixed to the cross beam 183, said plate being pivotally connected to said yoke by means of a pin 208. The air cylinder is desirably operated by means of a source of compressed air (not shown) connected to an inlet port 209 in the cylinder so that upon ow of air into such port, the piston rod will be raised and upon cessationof such air under pressure, the weight of the sealing unit 184 will Cause the piston rod to move downwardly.

Axed to the cross beam 185 are two parallel plates 211 and 212, the upper ends of which extend between the side walls of the cross beam, preferably being welded thereto. Each of the plates 211 and 212 which are substantially rectangular, has a pair of openings 215 therethrough at the lower end thereof, a bushing 214 being associated with each of said openings 213 and being afxed to the inner surface of said plates as by welding. Extend- Aing through each of the transversely aligned pairs of openings 213 is a rod 215, 216 which mounts the upper ends of pairs of roller arms 217 and 218 respectively. Each of the roller arms desirably comprises a substantially arcuate po-rtion 21g having a bearing opening 221 at its lo ver end, through which a rod 222 extends. Rising from each of the upper ends of arms 21 and preferably formed integral therewith is a cam arm 223, the function Kaixed to the upper end of the associated arm which is ,freeto turn on the associated rod. The ratchet wheels essaies 224, 225 are desirably` controlled by pawl arms 227, 228 respectively, the free ends of which engage the associated ratchet wheel and the other ends of which are pivotally connected by means of a bolt 229 to the free end ot a plate 231 depending from the cross beam 185 and ailr'ixed thereto as by welding.

Rotatably mounted on each of the rods 222 is a pressing member, preferably an elongated roller 232, 253, the peripheries of which are desirably covered with resilient material such as rubber. As shown, the roller 232 desir-ably has lar er diameter than roller 233. The cross beam desirably has two bushings 235 atlixed thereto as by welding and extending outwardly therefrom, said bushings having transversely aligned bearing openings therethrough. An elongated cam arm or lever 236 is pivotuliy mounted between its ends to each of said bush ings by means of a headed stud 237 the end of which is held in place in the bushing by a set screw 235. Each cam arm is positioned so thatit will be engaged by the associated cam 223 actuated by the roller carrying arms 218 as is clearly shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The upper end of each cam arm, desirably has a transverse opening with a pin 239 extending therethrough and through an opening in the end of an elongated threaded rod 241. The other end of each of said rods 2451 extends through an opening 222 in the vertical wail 129 of bracket 197, said openings being of diameter considerably greater than that of the rod 241 which extends therethrough. Each of the rods is encompassed by a coil spring 243 compressed between the vertical wall 199 of bracket 197 and a nut 244 threaded on said rod. The end of each of the rods extending beyond the panel also has a nut 2st-f5 threaded thereon, adjustment of such nuts permitting variation of the tension of said coil springs 243. Associated with ythe free end 246 of at least one of said rods is a micro-switch 247 which is actuated by said rod upon movement thereof to break the circuit to the drive motor of the taping machine as will hereinafter be described.

Each of the arms 217 near its upper end desirably has one end of a rod 251 pivotally connected thereto as at 252. The other end of each of the rods 251'desirably extends through an associated bushing 253 having a lateral stud aihxed thereto at one end and rotatably mounted in an opening in a rearwardly extending arm 25d rigidly aixed to the rear of wall 199. The end of each of the rods 251 extending through the associated bushing 253 desirably has a nut 255 threaded thereon to limit the downward movement of the rod. Each of the rods is desirably encompassed by a coil spring 255 compressed between the bush'- ing 253 and a nut 257 threaded on said rod adacent its pivot 252. The pivot 252 is so positioned with respect to shaft 215, that when the arms 217 are displaced suilicientiy in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Fig. 5, the coil springs 256 will tend to counteract the etect of the coil springs 22d to limit the pressure against the box B.

Positioned to the left of the rst end sealer 184 is a second or auxiiiary end sealer 261 which serves to insure that the tape will be securely retained in position. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the second end sealer 261 is desirably mounted on a cross beam 262 which may have a rectangular plate 265 aiiixed as by welding to each end and secured to the side beams 65 of the frame 64. Aixed as by welding to the undersurface 264 of the cross beam adjacent its center is a substantially U-shaped bracket 265 desirably having side Walls 266 extending longitudinally of the frame. The lower end of each of the side walls 266 has an opening 257 therethrough, a rod 265 extending through each pair ot' transversely aligned openings, and desirably being rigidly mounted so that it cannot rotate. Mounted on each of the rods is a pair of arcuate gear segments 271 and 272, each having an arm 273 with Y a bushing 274 preferably formed integral therewith, through which the associated rod extends. The segments are so positioned that the teeth 275 thereon will be in essaies engagement, vso that movement of Yone of the segments will cause corresponding movement Yof the other.

lEach of the segments 272 has an inwardly extending pin 276 a-ixed thereto at one end to which one end 277 of a coil spring 27S is affixed, the other end of each of the coilsprings being afiixed to a retaining pin 279 aixed to the side walls 266. As shown in Fig. 8, the ends 277 of the coil springs 278 are normally positioned to the left of the associated rod 268 and in normal position, the coil springs 27S are slightly extended so that they may readily be compressed.

The end 231 of each of the segments 271, 272 has an opening therethrough with a rod 283 extending through each pair of transversely aligned openings. Each of the rods 283 mounts a roller 284 and 285 thereon respectively, .said rollers desirablyhaving their surfaces covered with resilient material su'ch as rubber.

As is ,clearly shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings, the diameter Yof 'the Vrollers 284, 28S is such that they extend beyond the Yend of the associated segment. Each of the segments 271 has a counterweight 286 which rises upwardly therefrom and is preferably formed integral therewith, and being of such weight that under normal conditions the segments will hang downwardly as shown with springs 278 slightly extended. The inner surface of each of the counterweights 286 has axed thereon a pad 287 of resilient material designed to abut` against a rod 288 extending transversely between the walls 266 and serving as a stop for the segments 271, 272 to limit their downward movement.

VMeans. are provided to afford adjustable downward tension on the segments. To this end, a ratchet wheel 291 is rotatably mounted on the rod 268 associated with segments 271 between the latter. A coil spring 292 is ypositioned on each side of the ratchet wheel 291 having one end 293 connected to the ratchet wheel 291 and the other end connected to the bushing 274 of the associated segment 271. A pawl 294 pivotally mounted on the rod V288.has .its free end designed to engage the ratchet wheel .291. Thus, the ratchet wheel may be turned to wind up the .springs 292 to exert desired downward Atension on the segments, the pawl 294 retaining the ratchet wheel in ad- 4justed position.

The rod 283 of segments 271 mounts an additional roller ,29,6 which extends parallel to roller 284. To mount roller 296 an arm 297 is pivotally mounted between its endsat each ,end of the rod 283. The lower ends of the arms 29.7 .carry a cross rod 293 on which the roller 296 is mounted and the upper ends of each of the rods has one end of a coil spring 299 connected thereto, the other end .of said vcoil springs 299 being connected to the walls 266 adjacent rod 263 of segments 271. Thus, the arms 297 `will be normally positioned to retain the roller 296 in a plane'below that ofthe roller 284.

To apply pressure on the top of the box B as it is advanced by the conveyer, a plurality of rollers 301 (Fig. 1') are provided. To support the rollers, a pair of parallel'bars 302 are suspended from the trarne 64 extending longitudinally thereot and straddling the segments 271 and 272 and the curved arms 217 and 218. .Extending transversely between the bars are a plurality of spaced rods 303 on which the rollers 301 are mounted, the bottom surfaces of the rollers being substantially aligned with the rollers 97 and 177, for example, of the tape applying machine 91.

In order to control the operation of the machine in timed sequence, a plurality of switches are provided, mounted on the frame of the machine between the longitudinal lbars 36 and adapted to be engaged by the box as itis advanced by the conveyer. The .switches 308 and 309 control the tape feed and cut off, the switch Y311 controls the air jet throughnozzle 176 andthe switches `3-12 and 313 control the lirst end sealerall inthe manner hereinafter to lhe described.

"8 'Operation To operatethe equipment, the drive motor is first energized and, through sprocket lchain 53 (Fig. 1.1), sprocket wheel 54 ywill-berotatedto turn shaft .26. .As a result, the sprocket chains 29 and 30 will be advanced to eftectmovement of the pusher bars 31 carried thereon. Through sprocket chains 124, 129 and V132 (Figs. 1 and 3), the sprocket wheel 133 will be rotated to turnshaft 134 and roller 92 (Fig. 4) of the taping machine 91. Through sprocket wheel 13S on shaft 134 and sprocket chain 147 the sprocket wheels 144, 145 and 146, the associated shafts 139,'141 and 142 and the rollers 97, 100 and 143 thereon will also be rotated. In addition, throughsprocket wheel 148 (Fig. 3) thesprocket .chain 149, the sprocket wheels 151 and 153 will be rotated 'to rotate arm 164 in afclockwise direction (Fig. 2) .through the drive imparted to its sprocket wheel 162 from sprocket chain 163.

'Depending'upon the width-of the box B to be sealed, the appropriate `spacing between lthe guide bars 46 and 47 isset by the adjustment ofset screws 49. By rotation of handle S3 (Fig. l) the vertically movable frame 64 is then positioned so that lthe -rollers 143, 97 and 177 of the taping unit and-the rollers 301 on the frame 64 may ride :on Ytop of the box.

-At 'this ltime Va box fB, preferably rectangular, which has been previously filled, is positioned between two adjacent'pusherlbars 3'1 on the longitudinal bars 36 which dene the track. tWhen the box is thus positioned `its end and side llaps will extend substantially upward in open position'. As `the 'pusher bar 31 to the rear of 'the box is advaneed'by the sprocket chains 29 and 30, Iit will abut against the rear edge of such box to thereupon eiect Vforward movement of the latter. As the box is advanced, Athe upstanding front flap thereof will abut against 'the -front Vflap closing member 169 and as the box vis further advanced the front flap will be moved downwardly by such closing member.

At this time also the front curved edge 167 of the curved rear yflap 'closing member 166 will have been rotated'to abut against the opstanding rear flap of the box to move the-latter forward to closed position. And such rearilap will thereupon pass under the front flap closing member 16S to be retained in closed position.

As the box is `further advanced, the upstanding side flaps thereof Inot'shown) -will abut against the converging bars 171to`be-moved-inwardly and downwardly to closed position on top of the 'front and rear aps respectively. Thus, all `the flaps on the box will be moved to closed position justpriorto entry of the box beneath the rollers 172, 143 as shown in Fig. 4. These rollers will thereupon retain the flaps of the box in closed position until the tape is applied.

Referring to Figs. l and 4, as the box continues to advance, the leading edgeof'the box will abut against switch 308 to actuate solenoid 111. As a rsult, the cam arm 10S will be pivoted to move its roller 107 against frame 102'to move roller101 to'bring the tape 96 against driven roller 100. The tape 96 will thereupon be advanced between idler rollers and 94 and driven roller 92 and between rollers 97 'and '98, to be applied against the top of the Vbox immediately over the inturned edges of the side flaps. It'is noted that the advance of the tape 96 is started suciently in advance of the moving box so that a portion of the leading edge of the tape'will extend beyond the front or leading edge of the box, as clearly shown'in Fig. 4. When the box B has advanced sufficiently Aso that the protruding end of the tape is Valigned with the outlet of nozzle 176,'the switch 311 will be engaged by the leading lower edge of the box, momentarily to actuate the compressor (not shown) connected to such nozzle, so that a'jet 4of air will be directed 'against suchprotruding end Aof the tape to forcethelatter downward against 'the front wall ofthe box adjacent its 'top '9 edge. As the undersurface of the tape has been nioistened by the action of driven roller 92 which rotates in water reservoir 93, the protruding end of the tape will adhere to the front of the box.

As the advance of the box B continues, the leading edge thereof will pass beneath roller 233 (Figs. l and 5) of the lirst end sealing unit 184 and when the upper leading edge of the box substantially abuts against roller 232, the lower leading edge of the box will engage switch 312. When switch 312 is actuated, the air supplied to air cylinder 265 through inlet 299 will be cut oft so that the piston and piston rod 264 thereof will drop downwardly under the weightof the unit connected thereto. As a result, the roller 233 will press against the tape on the top of the box and by reason of the pivotal mount of arms 218 it will move along the length of the tape on the top of the box toward the rear thereof to press such tape downwardly into sealing engagement with the top of the box. At the same time the roller 232 will move downwardly alc-ng the front of the box, pressing the leading edge of the tape thereagaint so that it is tightly sealed, and as the box continues to advance the arms 217 will be pivoted in a clockwise direction so that roller 232 will ride up the front face of the box again pressing the tape thereagainst.

At this time, the rear lower edge of the box will pass over switch 311 so that the latter will thereupon actuate solenoids 111 and 115. As the result, roller 101 will move away from the tape so that no further drive will be imparted by the driven roller 100. The actuation of the solenoid 115 will cause the knife 113 to sever the tape 36. F1`he switch 311 is so positioned that a portion of the tape will protrude beyond the rear edge of the box.

Referring to Fig. 5, with further advance of the box, the roller 233 will move along the top surface of the box pressing the tape into sealing engagement therewith and when such roller reaches the rear of the box it will move downwardly bending the rear pro-truding end of the tape and moving the latter in engagement with the rear of the box to eiect sealing of such tape thereagainst. The roller 232 will also move alo-ng the top of the box insuring sealing engagement of the tape thereagainst. When the rear edge of the box passes by switch 313, the power to the air compressor supplying air solenoid 205 will again be started so that the air solenoid 205 will be actuated t raise its piston rod 294 to move the sealing unit upwardly away from the box ready for the next box to be sealed.

The tension of the associated coil springs 220 on arms 217, 218 may readily be adjusted by turning of the associated ratchet wheel. Thus the pressure of the rollers against the box may be set for maximum sealing action without deformation of the box.

If due to improper adjustment of the position of roller 233 set by the positioning of frame 64, the leading edge or front of the box should abn-t against arms 218 and pivot the latter in a clockwise direction as shown in Fig. 5, the mem-ber 223 will pivot lever 236 so that link 241 will move to the left against the tension of coil spring 243 to actuate switch 247 thereby cutting off power to the main drive motor Sil with resultant stoppage of the equipment thereby preventing jamming.

By reason of the rod 251, when the arms 217 have been rotated in a clockwise direction about their pivot rod 215 to a position such that pivot 252 moves past the vertical projection of rod 215, the spring 256 will thereupon counteract the force of springs 220 so that no undue pressure will be exerted against the top of the box.

In order to insure that the tape is dependably sealed to the front, rear and top of the box, a second end sealer 261 (Figs. l, 8 and 9) is desirably provided. Referring r to Fig. 8, as the box is advanced by the pusher bars 31, the front of the box will abut against roller 285 on arcuate arms 272. With further advance of the box, the arcuate arms 272 will be pivoted upwardly and the roller 285 will ride up the front of the box pressing the tape ifi to against such box. By reason of the engaging teeth 275, the movement of arms 272 will effect corresponding movement of arms 271.

As the box advances, arms 272 will be pivoted upwardly sufficiently so that the roller 285 carried thereon will then press on the top of the box and roller 285 will press the tape on the top of the box into sealing engagement with the side flaps. Further advance of the lbox will move it beneath roller 284 carried on arms 271. When the leading front end of the box a'buts against roller 296 which is carried on arm-s 297, such arms will be pivoted in a clockwise direction. This will again press the tape against the front of the box to provide further sealing action. When the rear of the box passes by roller 285, inasmuch as roller 284 is resting against the top of the box, by reason of the coaction of gear teeth 275, the arms 272 will remain in position with roller 285 above the horizontal plane of the top of the box. When the rear edge of the box passes by roller 284, such roller will ride down the rear of the box pressing the tape thereagainst. Thereupon, both of the segments 271 and 272 will move downwardly balanced 'by counterweights 286 with such downward movement being limited by coil spring 27S, and the roller 296 will move along the top of the box and thereupon move down the rear edge thereof again pressing the rearmost portion of the 'bent tape against the rear of the box. As the box moves away from the roller 296, the latter will be restored to its original position as shown in Fig. 8, by the coil spring 299 and the seco-nd sealing unit 261 will be ready for the next box to be sealed.

When the sealed box reaches the end of the tracks 36, it may thereupon be removed therefrom by discharge onto a suitable conveyer 'belt for further processing.

With the equipment above described, there is assurance that the tape applied to the box will be dependably sealed and retained thereagainst without likelihood of unloosening of the tape at the ends of the box. The rollers 301 which press along the top of the box as it is moved after it leaves the tape applying machine 91 further insure that the tape along such top will be retained in place until the glue has dried for adherence of such tape to the box.

By reason of the vertical adjustability of frame 64 and the considerable space between adjacent pusher bars 31, boxes of a great range of sizes can be handled by the equipment with each setting thereof and as the equipment is automatic and relatively rapid in operation, a

large number of boxes may be dependably sealed in a relatively short space of time.

As many changes could be made in the above construction and many apparently widely different embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the scope of the claims, it is intended that all matter contained in the abo-ve description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, what l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. Equipment for sealing boxes having side and end `iiaps, comprising means to apply a length of tape to the top of such box over the adjacent edges of said side iiaps with the front and rear ends of such tape protruding beyond the adjacent ends of such box, means to advance such box, a pair of pressing members in the path of movement of such box, supporting means for each of said pressing members, respectively pivotally mounted on axes extending at right angles to the path of movement of such box, resilient means associated with the supporting means for each of said pressing members normally urging said supporting means in opposite direction toward each other, vertically movable mounting means for said supporting means, and means operative in timed relation with the movement of such box to effect vertical masajes 'downward movement vof saidmountingmeans `to'bring one f said pressing mernbers'in'frontofV Suchbox and the other Lof said ,pressing members against the top fgthe tape .of such box, whereby with continued forward movement .of such'box, the iirst pressing member will ride .up 'the front .o'f the ,box topress the tape thereagainst and .the secondpressing member will ride .along the top of 'thetbox and down the rear thereof to press the rear en'd of the .tape 'thereagainst `2. Thecombination set forth in claim l in which the supporting means for each pressing member comprises .apair of arms, each pressingmernber extending .transversely between 'thelower ends of the `rassociated pair of arms, .'thepivotalmount for each of said pair of arms comprises a rod extending through the upper ends of the :associated pair of arms, a ratchet wheel is Vrotatably mounted von .each of said rods, a pawl coacts with -each .of-saidrat'chet wheels and the resilient meansnormally ,urgingrsaidzsupporting means toward veach other com- .prises a pair of coil springs encompassing each ofsaid rodsrespec'tively and connected at their ends respectively tothe associated ratchet wheel and to one .of the associ- .ated pair .of arms,.said ratchet wheel and associatedpawl permitting .adjustment of the tension of the .associated spring,

.3. 'Equipment for sealing'boxes having side `.andend flaps, comprising meanstoapplya length of vtape tothe .top of fsuch: box ,over theadjacent edges of said.side }aps with .thefront and rear Aends of .such tape protruding Ibeyond ythe adjacent ends of such box, meansto advance ,such.box, a pair of .spaced .parallel rods extending at .right angles to thepath of movementofsuch box, two pairs of spaced arms pivotally mounted .respectively at their upper yends on `an associated rod .and depending Y therefrom, a pressingmember mounted between each. pair of arms .respectively at. their .lower .ends .and .extending transversely .thereacross, resilient means. associated with .each .pair of arms normally urging said pressing members towardseach other, a trame mounting said rods, vertical fguidemeans forsaidframe, actuating means operatively connected to said frame to .effect vertical movement thereof and means operative in time'd relationwith .the movementof Suchbox to operate. said actuatingmeans to .effect verticaldownward movement of said frame to Abring .one of said pressing .members in front .of such box and theother pressing memberagainst thetop of the-tapeten such box, whereby with. continued forwardmovementtof .such lbox,.the,`tirst pressing member willride up .the front of the box to press the tapethereagainst and vthesecond pressingmember will ride along the topof thebox and dow-nthesrear .thereof topress the rearend oflhetape thereagainst.

4. Thecombination set forth inclaim 3 in which-each ,of said .arms is.curved, theopposed inner Vedgesof-the 4arms of .each pairheingconcave.

5. The combination set forthin claim 3 in whichdrive meansare associated with said taping means and said box `advancing means, a switch is controleldby one of the arms of the pair associated with said second pressing -member and actuated to de-energize said drive y.means .upon pivotal movement of said arm on its associated rod .in the direction of the path of movement of the box beyonda predetermined position.

6. .The combination settorth in claim 3 in which-drive means are associated with said taping means and said box advancing means, the upper end of one of the larms of the pair associated with the second pressing member has .an extending portion, a lever is pivotally mounted `between its ends to said frame, said extending portionnormally engaging the'lower endv of said leverandaswitch controlling said drive means isoperatively conuectedto the upper end of said lever andis actuatedto defenergize said drivemeans upon movement of said,lever...by said arm'when the latter-.has pivoted beyond apredetermined `position onitsassociate'd rod.

'7."The combination set forth 'in claim`.3 Vin which 'drive means "are `associated with said taping means and said box advancing means, the upper end of one of the arms of..the,pair associated with the second pressing member lhas an ,extendingportiom a lever is pivotally mounted between itsends'to said frame, a slidably mounted link on saidframe is pivotally connected at one end to the upper end of said lever, resilient means reacting against said lever-'normally urges the lower end of said lever against said extending .portion and a switch controlling said drive means is operatively .connected tothe other en'd'ofsai'dlink, said switch being actuated to de-energize said drive means upon movement of said lever by said .arm Vwhenlthe Llatterhas pivoted beyond apredetermined position on its associated rod.

'8. The combination recited in claim 3 in which means are'associated with thepair .of arms mounting said first pressing memberto ycounteract the force of the resilient meansassociated with said pair of arms after said arms have pivoted aVv predetermined amount.

-9. LThe combination recited in claim 3 in which'means :are associated withthepair of arms mounting said first pressing means to.counteract the force of the resilient means associated with said pair of arms after said arms have pivoted a vpredetermined amount, said means comprising a'link jpivoted at its lower end .to one of said .arms at its .upper end adjacent to and laterally displaced 'fromtthe associated rod, a stud pivotally mounted onsaid iframe `above said rod and laterally displaced therefrom in the same direction as the lowerend of said link, said studhavingatransverse bore`through which said link extendsrmeans at the .end of the link to'limit its downward movement through said bore and a coil spring re- `acting against the link and the stud, whereby when after ,said .arm has vpivoted such predetermined amount the lowerend of the link will move past the rod and the compressed coilspring will counteract the effect of therresilientmeans.

10. Equipment iorsealing boxes having side and end tlapS, comprisingmeans to apply a length of ltapeto'the 'top of'such box over the adjacent edges of said side flaps withthefront and rear ends of such tape protruding beyondthe adjacent ends of such box, conveyer means to advance suchibox, sealing means to press the protruding front'and rear ends of such tape against the front and rear of such box, means normally supporting saidrseal- 'ing means ',out of t'ne path of movement of such box, means to actuate said supporting means to move-the sealing meansv into` the path of movement of suchboina second sealing means longitudinally displaced 'from said rst sealing means normally in the path of movement ,of such box to pressthe front and rear ends of the tape againstxthefront and rear .of the box, said second sealing means comprising a pair of spaced parallel rodsextendingV at right anglesto theV path of movement of such box, .two pairs 'of parallel arcuate gear segments pivotally mounted on said rods respectively with the teeth of longitudinally aligned segments being in mesh, a pair of Vpressing members mounted respectively at the lower ends of each pair of segments and extending transversely thereacross `adapted to be successively engaged by such box and meanstolimit the 'downward movement of saidsegments.

"11. 'The combination set forth' in claim l0 in whchone of said rods hasyaratchet wheel rotatably mounted thereon,iand a coil spring encompasses said rod beingaiiixed atts'respective ends to said ratchet wheel andro one of thegear segments on said ro'd, and .a pawl coactingwith said Vratchet wheelto retainthelatter'in ixed position on its associated rod.

12."Thecombination .set 'forthinclaim 10 in which saidpressingfmembers,are.rollers, a pair of arms are v.pivotally mounted respectively between ,their ends-.on the ,end ofthe-rodcarryingthe.secondroller to :be engaged and a Athird roller is pivotally mounted between the lower ends of said pair of arms and extends transversely thereone of said pairs of gear segments to counterbalance said across and resilient means associated with the arms coil spring. mounting said third roller to Fimit their movement.

13. The combination set forth in claim 10 in which References Cted m the me of dus Patent one of said rods has a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS thereon, a coil spring encompasses said rod being axed 12377042 Pearce Sept 13, 1932 at its respective ends to said ratchet Wheel and to one w 2,050,268 Bronander Aug. 11, 1935 of the gear segments on said rod, a pawl coacting with 2,095,258 Kimball OGL 12, 1937 said ratchet Wheel retains the latter in fixed position 0n 2,596,158 Lindsey May 13, 1952 its associated rod and counterweights are associated with 10 2,649,221 Wagner et al Aug. 18, 1953

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