US3427931A

US3427931A - Method and means of producing multiform containers from pre-cut blanks in a container-forming machine

Info

Publication number: US3427931A
Application number: US545211A
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel Wainberg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1966-04-19
Filing date: 1966-04-19
Publication date: 1969-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 1986-02-18

Description

Feb. 1s, 1969 D. WAINBEG 3,427,931

METHOD AND MEANS OF PRODUCING M ULTIFORM CONTAINERS FROM PRE-CUT BLANKS INA CONTAINER-FORMING MACHINE Filed April 1.9, 1966 Sheet of 2 FIG. l.

INVENTOBR. DANIEL WAINBERG Feb. 18. 1969 D. WAINBERG 3,427,931 METHOD AND MEANS OF PRODUCING MULTIFORM CONTAINERS FROM PRE-CUT FORMING MACHINE BLANKS IN A CONTAINER* Sheet Filed April 19. 1966 Cul United States Patent O METHOD AND MEANS OF PRODUCING MULTI- FORM CONTAINERS FROM PRE-CUT BLANKS IN A CONTAINER-FORMING MACHINE Daniel Wainberg, 4755 Blvd. des Grandes Prairies,

St. Leonard, Montreal 38, Quebec, Canada Filed Apr. 19, 1966, Ser. No. 545,211

U.S. Cl. 93--51 1 Claim Int. Cl. B31b 1/44, 11/00, l/26 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method of producing a multiformity of containers from pre-cut blanks of various sizes and shapes in a container forming machine without interrupting the continuous operation of the container forming machine, and which consists in having a paradigm of a specified type of container blank which conforms with the dimensions of the plunger head and forming die and the blank handling structures of the magazine and feeding mechanism, the paradigm comprising a bottom wall of a predetermined length and `width and provided with integralend walls and side walls, the widths of the end walls and the lengths of the side walls being identical with the width and length of the bottom wall. The side walls are provided with integral locking flaps, and locking means are formed inthe end walls and the locking flaps and are an integral part thereof, the length and width of the locking flaps being comparatively the same length and -width as the portions of the end walls that encompass their locking means. The multiformity of the pre-cut blanks may differ with respect to their configurations and sizes from the paradigm from which they are patterned, always providing that such blanks maintain approximately the same lengths with respect to their bottom walls and accompanying side walls as to the corresponding parts of the paradigm, as well as maintaining the same width of their bottom walls and their integral end walls, together with the lengths and widths of their locking flaps maintaining the same lengths and widths as the portions of the end walls that encompass their locking means, all in accordancewith the corresponding sizes in the said paradigm, andthe blank handling structures of the magazine and the feeding mechanism and the dimensions of the plunger head and the forming die lending themselves to the differences of configurations and sizes of the multiformity of pre-cut blanks with respect to the paradigm in the formation of such blanks into containers.

The invention relates to a method and means of producing multiform containers from predetermined precut blanks in a container-forming machine, as described in the present specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings that form a part of the same.

The invention consists essentially in the novel method and means of producing a multiformity of containers from predetermined pre-cut blanks, Iwithout disturbing the continuity of operation in a container forming machine, as pointed out broadly and specifically in the claims for novelty following a `description containing an eX- planation in detail of an acceptable method and means of carrying out the invention.

In the past and up to the present time, the method of setting up containers from pre-cut foldable sheet material is generally accomplished by the -use of mechanical means for their erection, such as automatic folding machines of the conveyor type, folding machines incorporating the plunger head and forming die type of mechanism, and other types. Many of these container forming machines are very efHcient for their purpose, but are restricted in their use to single continuance runs of forming containers from pre-cut blanks to only one particular sort of container at a time, as otherwise, whenever a |different size, shape or style of container is required to .be erected, it is necessary to stop the operation of the machine and change the handling, carrying and folding mechanisms thereof, in accordance with the new type or size of the pre-cut yblank to be erected into a container.

In many instances, the automatic container forming machines are constructed to include multiple sets of handling, carrying and folding mechanisms so as to permit similar or different types of pre-cut blanks to be formed into containers through concurrent or separate operating runs, which is a costly procedure and requiring the unnecessary duplication of equipment to accomplish the purpose, but again this system does not avoid the need of changing the handling, carrying and folding mechanisms of the individual sets in forming containers of other sizes or shapes, and in the majority of cases, the operation of the machine has to cease until such changes and adjustments have been made.

In container forming machines of the plunger and forming die type, which is now practically universal, it is necessary to stop the operation of the machine in order to make adjustments and change-overs to the various handling, carrying and folding means, whenever it is required to erect other styles, shapes or sizes of containers. This causes undue relays and reduction to the output of production, as well as loss of time and labour, increases costs and adds to the possibility of human errors occurring where manual or mechanical adjustments are required.

It is the purpose of this invention to avoid the necessity of changing the handling, carrying and folding mechanisms in a container forming machine every time a new style, shape and size of container is to be erected in the machine, and avoid the incessant times the machine has to be stopped lfor such adjust-ments and changes, and other drawbacks in the use of the present machines. lt is the further purpose of this invention to devise a method and means of producing a multiformity of containers from predetermined pre-cut blanks for their erection `by a single plunger head and forming die mechanism, and with the need of little or no adjustment or changes to the magazine, supporting the pre-cut blanks, feeding mechanism and other operational parts of the machine, and `without any interruption to the continuance of the operation of the container forming machine.

An object of the invention is to devise :a method and means whereby the same plunger head and forming die mechanism, installed in a container forming machine, may be utilized for the erection of multiform containers and which will require little or no adjustment.

Another object of the invention is to minimize the necessity of having speciiied plunger heads and forming dies made for every size, style or shape of container to be formed, where a single plunger head and forming die combination is capable of replacing them in the erection of a multiformity of containers.

A further object of the invention is to create a method and means whereby the arrangements and structures of the magazine, the feeding mechanism and the container forming mechanism of a container forming machine, are so arranged and constructed that a multiformity of predetermined pre-cut blanks, made to conform with such arrangements and structures, may be formed into containers during the same run without any interruption to the operation of the machine, or in the formation of containers, in successive runs of one size, style or shape,

or runs of mixed sizes, styles or shapes of pre-cut blanks to be erected into containers.

A still further object of the invention is to minimize the need of constant substitution of plunger heads and forming dies for other plunger heads and dies of different sizes, shapes and styles to conform with predetermined types of pre-cut blanks for their erection into formed containers, and thereinplace simply provide one kind of plunger head and one type of forming die to do the work of the multiple types of plunger heads and dies that would otherwise have to be used.

A still further object of the invention is to devise a method and means of producing complete coordination between the magazine holding the pre-cut blanks, the feeding mechanism and the container forming mechanism to form containers of various sizes, shapes and styles, from the predetermined pre-cut blanks, without interfering with the constant operation of the machine.

Still another object of the invention is to reduce the loss of time and labour costs, the slowing down in the production of set-up containers, and in consequence, causing delays in the packaging of the comestibles and other items into the formed containers, and thereby decreasing the output of the product, all being created through stoppages in the operation of the container forming machine and the endless adjustments that are ordinarily required through replacements, changes and alterations to the magazine for the pre-cut blanks, the feeding mechanism and the plunger head and forming die mechanism of the machine, by providing a method and means of producing a multiformity of containers without having to change and adjust the various operational parts of the container forming machine and thereby adding to its versatility in the formation of various sizes and shapes of containers without having to stop the running operation of the machine.

Still another object of the invention is to create a method and means for the pre-cut blanks and the container forming machine that will speed up the production of erected containers and increase the quantity of completed containers formed of varying sizes, styles and shapes and in small or large quantities of the required amount of the individual types of containers being formed in the machine through one type of plunger head and die mechanism and in a continuous running operation.

A further object of the invention is to devise a method and means for forming multiform containers in a container forming machine that Will require little attention from the operator during its operative maintenance, that will be simple to operate and maintain, and efficient for its purpose.

A still further object of the invention is to arrange a method and means whereby a limited leeway will be allowed to permit an increase in the length and/or the width of certain types of pre-cut blanks tht are made from a model paradigm without interfering with the lengths and widths of the other types of pre-cut blanks that are made from the same pattern and being formed through the same run of operation or any runs thereof` of the container forming machine as are the other pre-cut blanks.

Other objects and novel features of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from the consideration of the folowing detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrative of an acceptable method and means of carrying out the invention. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are utilized for purposes of illustration only and are not to be taken as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had for this latter purpose to the appended claim.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a diagrammatic view illustrating a method and means for erecting a multiformity of containers in a single running operation of a container forming machine.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a model paradigm of a pre-cut blank for a container and from which a conformity of pre-cut blanks for various size containers may be based for mass production.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a plurality of multiformity of predetermined pre-cut blanks that are superimposed over one another and illustrating the portions of the pre-cut blanks that are in uniformity with one another and the other portions thereof that are not in uniformity with one another.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a magazine supporting a multiformity of pre-cut blanks placed in an endwise position thereon and ready to be individually removed therefrom.

Like numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the various rfigures.

The materials used for making blanks for the containers are diversified, such as cardboard, pasteboard, other pulp material, plastic, aluminum, composite materials and any other type of material that will lend itself to be made into a pre-cut blank, capable of being folded to form the requisite container, may be utilized.

These one-piece blanks may be cut into diversified shapes, styles and sizes to form the predetermined type of c-ontainer required and provided with the necessary crease lines, integral locking means, glue flaps and any other means for joining and securing the upright walls of a container to one another, so long as they are based on a model paradigm, which in turn will conform with the paradigm of the plunger head and forming die mechanism, and the handling and carrying mechanisms of the container forming machine.

An example or pattern of one type of pre-cut blank, as shown in FIGURE 2, may form a basis from which a multiforrnity of pre-cut blanks for different sizes and shapes of containers are made. In this instance, the pattern has the bottom wall, as indicated by the numeral 15, made of a predetermined width and length, and the dimensions of which will remain constant in all of the conformity of containers that are produced therefrom. The end walls 16 and 17 are integral with the bottom wall 15 and separated therefrom by the crease or folding

lines

18 and 19, the width of the end walls being identical with one another and identical with the width of the bottom wall. These widths will always remain the same regardless of any variations in the size, shape and style of the container that will be constructed from the basis of the pattern.

The

side walls

20 and 21 are integral with the bottom wall 15 and are separated therefrom by the crease or

fold lines

22 and 23 and which terminate at the ends of the

crease lines

18 and 19. In all instances, the length of the side walls will coincide with the length of the bottom. The side walls are `provided at their ends with the integral locking or extension iiaps 24, 25, 26 and 27 that are separated from the side walls by the crease or

fold lines

28, 29, 30 and 31 and are in alignment with the

crease lines

18 and 19. The locking or extension aps have the

locking members

32, 33, 34 and 35 integral therewith and which are adapted to engage with the

slits

36, 37, 38 and 39 that are formed in the end walls 16 and 17, the description and operation of which being similar to the disclosure set forth in the United States patent to Daniel Wainberg and issued on June 29, 1965, under Number 3,191,845.

The length of the locking or extension flaps remains approximately the same throughout the various multiformity of containers or cartons that are made from the above-mentioned model paradigm, so long as the length includes the locking members and also up to their minimum height, so that in the lateral position of the locking flaps, the locking members may be inserted through the slits of the end walls.

The depth of the multiformity of the containers may be of any height so long as the length and width of the containers remain approximately the same and may be provided with or without dust flaps, covers and closure aps.

The model paradigm, as shown in FIGURE 2, con sists of a pre-cut blank representing a tray style of container and which may be used as a pattern for making a multiformity of pre-cut blanks, since the basis of the pattern, as already described, will be followed in regard to the approximate length and width of the container, but from there on the multiformity of the containers may be altered, such as the differences in depth of the container, the style of the container, such as adding an integral cover, dust flaps, closure flaps, the use of picture windows and other ornamental features, as well as the shape or contour of the container.

In FIGURE 3 a plurality of pre-cut blanks of varying sizes are shown as superimposed one over the other and constructed to follow the basis of the model paradigm, which in this instance, is in the form of a tray 15, but from thereon, the different pre-cut blanks 40 vary in depth from one another by varying the height of their upright side walls 41 and end Walls 42, as well as the attending extension or locking flaps 43.

When it is required to have a specified quantity of several multiformity of pre-cut blanks to be run into and through the container forming machine for their erection into completed containers, during a continuous operational run of the machine, the pre-cut blanks of designated sizes, shapes and styles are placed endwise -on the conveyor supporting arms 44 of the magazine 45 that is secured to the container forming machine, and are adapted to be individually removed from the magazine through the gate 46 by the pick-up members 47 of the feeding mechanism 48.

The supporting arms 44 are adjusted in respect to their lateral position with one another so that they will engage with the lower edges of the end walls of the pre-cut blanks that have the shortest length, which in this instance will be the length of the end walls of the model paradigm, and in this way assure the proper support of the multiformity of pre-cut blanks that have been made in accordance with the pattern and the dimension of the forming die.

The feeding mechanism, through its pick-up mechanism, will remove the pre-cut blanks, one at a time, from the magazine and placed over and a-cross the top face of the throat 49 of the forming die 50, the plunger mechanism 51 is then brought into operation for pushing the blank through the throat of the forming die and expelling the thus formed container fromthe forming die onto the conveyor 52 for its removal to the packers or persons for filling and for other purposes.

The throat 49 of the forming die comprises parallel inner longitudinal faces 53 projecting downwardly from the top edge surface 54 of the throat and suitably shaped to provide the required folding means, and also has the inner end faces 55 projecting downwardly from the top edge surface or face 54, which completes the contour of the throat. The diameter of the throat may be slightly larger than the basic pattern Iof the model paradigm of the pre-cut blank, so as to allow leeway to permit limited extension of the dimension of the length and/or width of certain types of pre-cut blanks that have been patterned from the model paradigm, and Without interfering with other sizes of pre-cut blanks that are being formed by the machine.

The plunger head 56 of the 4plunger mechanism, is placed in vertical alignment with the throat of the forming die and is adapted to be pushed therethrough, so as to force the blank through the throat of the forming die for its formation into `a container. The dimensions of the Yplunger head are 'smalle-r than the dimensions of the throat of the forming die and the difference in the space between the vertical faces of the throat and the vertical walls of the plunger head will lbe guided in accordance with the dimensions of the model paradigm and including the leeway permitting limited extension ofthe length and/ or the width of the pre-cut blanks that are based on the pattern of the model paradigm.

Although the invention has been described as being applied to the forming of a multiformity of pre-cut blanks into containers, and which includes containers having integral covers and closure flaps, it must be understood that the same means and methods could be applied for the formation of a two-piece container, such as a receptacle and a detacha-ble cover or lid, all made from the same model paradigm, the pre-cut blanks of which may be run through the container forming machine for their erection into containers and lids therefor, all being accomplished during the same running operation of the machine without the necessity of stopping the same for adjustments or changes in the operational parts.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be Amade in the embodiment set forth, it is understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What I claim is:

1. A method of forming containers from pre-cut blanks of varying sizes and shapes in a container forming machine without interrupting the continuous operation of the container forming machine, a feeding mechanism, a plunger head and a forming die capable of forming the blanks into containers, and characterized by the fact that a paradigm of a specified type of container blank, which conforms with the dimensions of the plunger head and the forming die and the blank handling structures of the magazine and feeding mechanism, is used as a pattern from which a multiformity of container blanks are made, said pa-radigm comprising a bottom wall of a predetermined length and width, end walls integral with said bottom wall and having their widths identical with the width of said -bottom wall, side walls integral with the length of said bottom wall, locking flaps integral with said sidewalls, locking means for-med in said end walls and said locking flaps and being an integral part thereof, the length and width of the locking flaps being compara tively of the same length and width as the portions of the end walls that encompass their locking means; the multiformity of the pre-cut blanks may differ with respect to their configurations and sizes from the paradigm from which they are patterned, always provided. that each of such blanks maintains approximately the same lengths with respect to its bottom wall and its accompanying integral side walls as to the corresponding parts of `the paradigm, as well as maintaining the same width of its bottom wall and its integral end walls, together with the lengths and widths of its locking aps maintaining the same lengths and widths as the portions of the end walls encompassing their locking means, all in accordance with the corresponding parts in said paradigm, and the blank handling structures of the magazine and the feeding mechanism and the dimensions of the plunger head and the forming die lending themselves to the differences of configuration and sizes of the multiformity of pre-cut blanks with respect to the paradigm in the formation of such blanks into containers; and, the paradigm is made to form a pre-cut blank that is adapted to be erected into a tray, and the formation of a pre-cut blank patterned from said paradigm with respect to its length, width, locking flaps and locking means and diverging from the paradigm in that at least one side wall is extended in height to form an integral closure when the blank is: erected into a container by the sa-me blank handling 4structures of the magazine and feeding mechanism and the plunger head and forming die of the container forming machine that 7 comparatively conforms with the dimensions and shape FOREIGN PATENTS 418,728 10/193'4 Great Britain.

of the said paradigm.

R f r n e Cited 890,504 2/1962 Great Britain. e e e c s 932,358 7/1963 Greatritain. UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,270,185 1/1942 Dulmage 9? 51 X WAYNE A. MORSE, IR., Pfl'mlly Examiner. 2,832,270 4/1958 Pierce 93-51 Us' C1. XR

3,065,679 11/1962 Clement 93-51 9336.01, 47, 49