US3520104A

US3520104A - Cartoning machine

Info

Publication number: US3520104A
Application number: US735296A
Authority: US
Inventors: Adrian C Mizelle; Robert D Gillespie
Original assignee: Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corp
Current assignee: Brown and Williamson Holdings Inc
Priority date: 1968-06-07
Filing date: 1968-06-07
Publication date: 1970-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 1987-07-14

Description

July 14, 1970 c, MlZELLE ET AL 3,520,104

CARTONING MACHINE Filed June 7, 1968 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS. flfiZ/l/Y 6'. I i/Z51 208527 D. G/LZESP/E {A4, @404, MQQy ATTORNEY;

July 14, 1970 Q MIZELLE ET AL 3,520,104

CARTONING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet Filed June '7, 1968 INVENTORS flog/I C'- fl/ZZZZ! 205527 2.6/1155P/E BY ATTORNE j July 14, 1970 Q MlZELLE ET AL 3,520,104

CARTONING MACHINE Filed June 7, 1968 8 Sheets-Sheet INVENTORS JOE/4A 6. fi/ZEAZE 05537 .3. G/ZZESP/E ATTORNEY;

July 14, 1970 Q MlZELLE ET AL 3,520,104

CARTONING MACHINE s SheotsShee.t 4

Filed June 7, 1968 INVENTORS ADE/4A 6. 17/245215 y 1970 A. c. MlZELLE ET L 3,520,104

. CARTONING MACHINE Filed June 7, 1968 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 m INVENTORS N flap/An a. I l/Z5115 205527 0. mus/v;

' 4{"VATTORNEY;

July 14, 1970 c MIZELLE ET AL 3,520,104

CARTONING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 7, 1968 n INVENTORS 402/! C. M/ZELZE 7 B60852) D. GIZZEsP/f wfiw RNEY) July 14, 1970 MlzELLE ET AL 3,520,104

CARTONING MACHINE Filed June 7, 1968 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 ATTO R N EY! United States Patent Olfice 3,520,104 Patented July 14, 1970 US. Cl. 53-131 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A cartoning machine is provided for enclosing two rows of five packages of cigarettes each in a carton blank. A hopper on the machine chassis supports a plurality of substantially fiat carton blanks in stacked relationship. A blank feeder serves to feed one blank at a time from the hopper to a location at which packages of cigarettes are adapted to be assembled therewith. A coupon feeding means is positioned on the support for feeding and coupling a coupon to each blank as it is fed from the hopper. The blank is then supported at the assembly location until the selected number of packages are collected for assembly therewith. A feeding mechanism for wrapped cigarette packages serves to collect the selected number of packages for assembly with the blank. An elevator operates to arrange the packages in superimposed rows at an elevated position, and a support cooperates in supporting the elevated rows of packages. A plunger mechanism moves the top two rows of the packages into engagement with the support carton blank, and moves the blank and two rows of packages horizontally to a first station at which the blank is partially enclosed about the packages. A folding mechanism cooperates With the blank moving from the initial assembly location to the first station such that the blank has a leading panel over the forward end of the two rows of packages and top and bottom panels over the respective top face of the top row and bottom face of the bottom row together with bottom and side end flaps over part of the ends of the two rows. At the first station, the blank will have extending trailing top and bottom flaps and top end flaps. A pasting mechanism is so located as to apply a pattern of paste to one of the trailing flaps prior to the folding of these flaps. A flap folding means serves to fold these trailing flaps with the pattern of paste therebetween. Indicia applying means are positioned along the path of travel of the partially folded carton blank for applying selected indicia to the blank. The indicia applying means includes an anvil member vertically aligned with an imprinting member having selected indicia thereon. The members are positioned so that an end flap of a blank will become located therebetween and reciprocal drive means are present to drive one member with respect to the other so that the end flap is pressed therebetween to thereby emboss selected indicia thereon. The end flaps then have paste applied thereto by an end flap pasting means. Various pasting means each include reciprocating drive means on the support of the machine. A member is connected to the drive means so that it will reciprocate as the drive means reciprocates. The member has at least one chamber within and at least two passageways extending from each of the chambers to the exterior of the member. One of the passageways is adapted to be connected to a source of paste thereby permitting paste to enter the chamber. An applicator body is mounted in each of the passageways and has a central bore therein. An applicator rod is slidably mounted in the bore with one distal end extending from the exterior portion of the member and has openings therein which permit paste to pass from the chamber through the openings and out of the distal end of the rod to be applied to the end flaps when the drive means drives the member to an open position and precludes the paste from passing into the openings when the drive means drives the member to a closed position. Biasing means are present in the chamber tending to maintain the rod in the closed position. Following application of the paste to the top end flaps, a folding mechanism completes the folding of the carton by securing the end flaps to one another. The blanks and enclosed packages are directed along a substantially linear path from the initial assembly location to the discharge end of the cartoning machine.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Reference is made to applicants pending applications S.N. 512,382 filed Dec. 8, 1965, now Pat. No. 3,405,503, for Cartoner, S.N. 596,667 filed Nov. 23, 1966 for Overwrapping Machine, S.N. 637,752 filed May 11, 1967 for Bundling Machine, and SN. 647,743 filed June 21, 1967 for Improved Cartoner, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is readily apparent from the above-referenced related applications, considerable contributions have been made to the cartoning art. The elaborate advent of machinery as disclosed in those applications have been developed further in certain aspects to further improve the efficiency and function of the machinery to provide a complete carton of cigarettes.

The most recent developments have been directed toward the portion of the apparatus which feeds and attaches the coupons to each cartonblank as it is being passed through the cartoning apparatus, the portion of the machinery which applies the coating or indicia to each carton blank and in the paste or glue applicating means which is used to apply the various amounts of glue to various portions of the carton blank which is to be used to provide a completely enclosed glued carton.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The principal object of this invention is to provide a structurally and functionally new cartoning machine for enclosing a predetermined number of packages arranged in rows having improved flap pasting apparatus, coupon attaching and feeding mechanism and an improved indicia applying means for use in three portions of a cartoning process.

This cartoning machine for enclosing a predetermined number of packages arranged in rows in a carton, includes a frame support. A hopper is on the support for supporting and supplying substantially fiat carton blanks in stacked relationship, with the blanks each having a leading panel integral top and bottom panels, integral top and bottom end panels, integral side end tabs, and integral top and bottom trailing flaps. There is also a package feeder means, part of which is on the support for receiving and feeding packages and a carton blank feeding means on the support for feeding a carton blank from the hopper to an initial location at which the packages are assembled therewith. Blank support means are on the support at the location for supporting a carton blank and elevator means are On the support for receiving a predetermined number of packages in a row and elevating the row to an elevated position. There are also packaged support means on the support for supporting elevated rows of packages. Plunger means are also on the support for moving a group of packages constituting at least one elevated row of packages from the package support means into engagement with the carton blank at the initial location on the blank support means and then moving the engaged group and blank horizontally along a predetermined longitudinal axisand path of travel to a first location at which the blank is partially enclosed about the group. Folding means are present for cooperating with the blank moving from the initial position to the first location such that the blank has the leading panel over one end of the group, the top and bottom panels over the respective top and bottom faces of the group, the leading side end tabs over part of the ends of the group, and the bottom end flaps over part of the ends of the group, the blank has the trailing top and bottom flaps and top end flaps in an extending position. Pasting means are on the support for applying a predetermined pattern of paste to one of the trailing flaps as well as a predetermined pattern of paste to the top end flaps and also to apply a pattern of paste for coupon attachment. Each of the required pasting means includes a reciprocating drive means on the support and a member connected to the drive means so as to reciprocate as the drive means reciprocates. The member has at least one chamber therein and at least two passageways extending from each of the chambers to the exterior of the member. One of the passageways is adapted to be connected to a source of paste thereby permitting paste to enter the chamber. An applicator body is mounted in each of the other of the passageways and has a central bore therein. An applicator rod is slidably mounted in the bore with one distal end extending from the exterior portion of the member and has openings therein which permit paste to pass from the chamber through the openings and out of the distal end of the rod to be applied to the proper position on the carton blank when said drive means drives the member to the open position. When the drive means drives the member to the closed position the paste is precluded from passing into the openings. Biasing means are also included in the chamber tending to maintain the rod in the closed position.

Trailing flap folding means are on the support for folding the trailing flaps upon one another with the pattern of paste therebetween. The trailing flap folding means are automatically operated to fold the trailing flaps while the partially assembled packages and blanks are at the first location. The trailing flap folding means include a pair of vertically reciprocal folding plates adapted to move from a first position away from the respective trailing flaps toward one another to a second position into engagement with the respective trailing flaps to fold the trailing flaps upon one another with the pattern of paste therebetween. Means are also present for actuating the trailing flap folding plates linearly between the first and second positions and to maintain the plates at the second position to maintain the full relationship between the trailing flaps with the pattern of paste therebetween until another carton blank partially enclosing a group of packages is moved by the plunger means from the initial location at which time the trailing flap folding plates are reciprocated away from one another and the trailing flaps and the lead panel of another partially enclosing carton blank is moved into engagement with the folded trailing flaps and moved to the first location by the plunger means. Prior to the application of a further determined pattern of paste to the top end flaps by a pasting means as described above, indicia applying means on the support for supplying selected indicia to the blank is employed. An anvil member vertically aligned with an imprinting member having selected indicia thereon are utilized with said members being positioned so that an end flap of a blank will become located therebetween. Thereafter, a reciprocal drive means to drive one member with respect to the other is activated so that said end flap is pressed therebetween thereby embossing selected indicia thereon.

Coupon feeding means are on the support for feeding and coupling a coupon to each blank as it is fed from the hopper. A coupon holder for holding a multiplicity of coupons in stacked relationship is associated with a conveying means for conveying each individual coupon into contact with a carton. The conveying means 1ncludes drive means for driving a chain conveyor along a conveyor bed continuously between the coupon holder and the blank. Coupon positioning means are on the conveyor including cylinders having serrated surfaces for engaging the bottom coupon in the stack and positioning it on the moving conveyor bed to be transported thereby to the blank. Retaining means are associated with the conveyor to retain the coupon in position on the conveyor bed and includes brushes located in the path of travel of the coupon on the bed and pivotal dogs on the chain conveyor. The pivotal dogs are in an upright position directly behind the coupon in the path of travel to assist in moving the coupon into contact with the blank and the dogs may then be pivoted to a horizontal position when passing along certain portions of the closed conveyor system when a coupon is not adjacent thereto. Naturally, a paste applicator as described above is employed to apply paste to the carton blank prior to contact with the coupon so that when the coupon contacts the blank the paste will couple the coupon to the blank.

Furthermore, end flap folding means are on a support for completing the folding of the carton by securing the end flaps after the predetermined pattern of the paste has been applied thereto. Finally, means are present for directing the partially enclosed blank in line and along the predetermined longitudinal axis and path of travel from location to location with each movement of the plunger means to complete the folding and assembly of the carton about the group of packages.

Numerous other objectives and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing illustrating somewhat preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the cartoning machine of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded fragmentary and diagramatic view illustrating the sequence of operations performed by the cartoning machine of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged end elevation view of the carton blank and cigarette package assembly station taken along the plane of line 3-3 of FIG. 4 and showing the coupon attachment to the cartoning blank and the lowering of the carton blank downwardly into position poised and ready to receive the ten packages of cigarettes forced into the blank by means of a reciprocation of the plunger assembly;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the coupon feeding means of the cartoning machine of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the couplon feeding and attaching portion of the cartoning machine of the invention taken along the plane of line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial top view of the indicia applying apparatus portion, and the pasting means of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial and section view thereof taken along the plane of line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the end flap paster portion of the invention taken along the plane of line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary end elevation view of the end flap paster portion of the invention taken along the plane of line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view of the paster applicator assembly portion of the pasting means of the cartoning machine of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of an alternative embodiment of an indicia applying means portion of a cartoning machine of the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation view thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS General description In the drawings, a cartoning machine incorporating the teachings of this invention as illustrated and is supported primarily by means of a table or chassis 22. The machine 20 includes a carton blank stacking and feeding station 24 adapted to mount a plurality of upwardly extending and slightly inclined stacked carton blanks 26. The mechanism at the discharge end of this station 24 cooperates in feeding a single blank at a time along a downwardly transcending path to an assembly station 28 at which the lowered blank 26 is adapted to receive two stacked rows of five packages each of wrapped cigarette packages 30. These packages originate from a cigarette package feeding station 32 adapted to have a sufficient number of wrapped cigarette packages ready for feeding into the assembly station 28. The package feeding station 32 may be conveniently coupled with the discharge end of one or more cigarette package wrapping lines adapted to package cigarettes and wrap the individual packages in cellophane. An interposed conveyor network may form this connection and may be in the nature of a pneumatic conveying system. The packages are fed in a continuous stream into the machine 20 whereupon an elevator assembly 34 elevates five packages at a time. Two more rows of five are eventually similarly elevated to raise the previous row whereupon a horizontally reciprocal plunger assembly 36 drives the top two rows of ten packages of cigarettes into the lowered carton blank 26 at assembly station 28. This plunger assembly continues to move the group of ten packages 30, together with the lowered blank 26 from the assembly station 28 to the first plunge or carton folding station 38 at which the carton is folded over the top and bottom faces of the group of packages 30 such that the forward end of the group is covered by the forward end panel 40, the top of the group is covered by the top panel 42; and the bottom of the group is covered by the bottom panel 44 of the carton 26 while, at the same time, the opposed bottom end flaps 46 are folded upwardly together with the forward opposed end tabs 47. Further movement of this partially enclosed group of ten packages to the next plunge station is dictated by the feeding of another assembled group of packages and lowered blank into folding station 38. In its descent from the carton hopper to assembly station 28, carton blank 26 comes in contact with a paste or glue applicator which applies a predetermined pattern ofadhesive to the underside of the trailing side of bottom fiap 48. Subsequently, a second predetermined amount of paste is applied by a second gluing mechanism and the carton blank then comes in contact with coupon feeding and attaching means 50 from which a strip of coupons is brought into contact with the second predetermined amount of paste thereby attaching the coupon to the carton blank as it is descending to assembly station 28. At assembly station 38, the trailing side bottom flap 48 is then folded upwardly and the trailing side top flap 52 is subsequently folded downwardly upon the exterior of the upwardly folded trailing side bottom flap 48 and secured thereto by the interposed adhesive. This sequence of flap pasting and folding is accomplished, respectively, by the trailing side bottom flap folder mechanism and the trailing side top flap folder. Thereafter the packages and blanks are moved to the second plunge station. At this station, the partially folded carton blank comes in contact with indicia applying mechanism 54 which applies selected indicia to the end flaps of the partially folded carton. Thereafter the packages and blanks are moved to third plunge station. During the retraction of the plunger, a predetermined pattern of adhesive is applied to the underface of top end flaps 56 by the paster 58. The continued movement of the plunger assembly 36 will eventually place the partially closed carton at the fourth or top end flap folding station 60. At this station, the end flap 56 will be folded downwardly upon the lower end flap 46 by the top end flap folder mechanism 62. Further movement of the entirely wrapped group of cigarette packages will be dictated by the next reciprocal movement of the plunger assembly 36 to feed another assembled group of cigarette packages 30 and carton blank 26 from the assembly station 28. In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, a number of such plunger reciprocations will place the totally wrapped group of packages in the folded carton 64 in a position where it may automatically or manually be placed into boxes for eventual commercial shipment. The sequence in operation of the machine of this invention is similar in many respects to that of our prior filed cartoner application S.N. 512,382 filed Dec. 8, 1965. However, there are certain aspects of the cartoning operation and certain mechanisms which have been altered for purposes of improvement of operation and efficiency. The principal areas of difference lie in the indicia applying apparatus 54 employed, the coupon feeding and attaching mechanism 50, and the sequence of applying predetermined amount of paste to the carton and in particular the structure of the pasting mechanisms. It should be kept in mind however that the actual folding sequence of the cartoning operation itself remains similar to that as disclosed in our previous above-mentioned application. For clarity of description, we will therefore refrain from excessive detail in the common steps of the cartoning operation and confine our detailed disclosure to those portions of the machine which are novel.

Carton blank stacking and carton blank feed In reference to carton blank stacking, attention is directed to the blank hopper and feeding station 24 at which the blanks 26 are vertically stacked and then individually fed downward to the assembly station 28. The particular detailed elements of operation of the carton blank stacking equipment is similar to that disclosed in the above-mentioned related applications. Basically, the carton blanks 26 are stacked on an agitator assembly 65. The lower portion of each blank is tipped slightly forward to facilitate its removal from the agitator assembly 65. The lower edge of each blank 26 rests on base strips 66 and 68 which are agitated by rotation of

shafts

70 and 72 which have reduced sections thereof to provide the agitation as they rotate.

The forwardmost blank 26 is removed from the stack by means of suction cups 74 and 76. These cups are connected to source of suction by means of tubes 78 and '80. They are moved into and away from contact with the carton blank by means of downwardly depending arms 82 and 84 to which they are attached. The upward end of each downwardly extending arm is pivotally connected to pivotal shaft 86 to allow movement of suction cups 74- and 76 into and away from contact with the forwardmost carton blank 26.

As carton blank 26 is pulled free of base strip 66 and 68, it will fall free, as suction is removed downwardly between a stationary rotatable roller and cam assembly 87 and the coupon attaching and feeding means 50. In this manner, carton blank 26 will be guided into proper position for assembly with a group of ten packages of cigarettes at assembly station 28. The operation of the roller and cam assembly in detail is described in the above-referenced related pending patent applications. The entire operation of carton blank feeding and control is synchronized with the operation of plunger assembly 36 to facilitate the supply of a carton blank for each group of ten packages as they are delivered to the assembly area. Similar control means are employed as in previous related applications to prevent a carton blank from being lowered while the plunger assembly 36 is in a forward position. The coupon feeding means and attaching means will be discussed in greater detail below.

7 Cigarette package feed In reference to the wrapped cigarette package feeding station 32, it is preferred to maintain a continuous supply of packages for optimum operating conditions of the cartoning apparatus, and under these circumstances, a build up of packages 30 will occur on the continuously moving belt conveyor 88. A conveniently located switch 90 may be employed to maintain the elevator assembly 34 temporarily non-operational until a sufiicient number of packages 30 are present for feeding into the carton machine 20. Ordinarily, these packages will be received on the conveyor 8-8 from cigarette packaging and wrapping line from which cellophane wrapped cigarette packages are discharged. The manner of transporting the packages from the cellophane wrapping machines to the conveyor does not constitute part of this invention but could readily be accomplishd by means of a pneumatic conveying system.

Thus, the wrapped cigarette package feeding station 32 operates to direct and feed the packages into the cartoning apparatus 20 and, in accordance with the instant embodiment, five of these packages will be received at a time by elevator assembly 34. In this connection, the five packages directed onto the elevator platform 92 are elevated as a group upon signal generated upon the actuation of a microswitch. The vertical reciprocation of elevated platform 92 is accomplished by means of air cylinder 94 from which extends piston rod 96 coupled directly to the platform 92. Each group of five packages received on the platform 92 are elevated upwardly through and above a pair of outwardly

pivotal plates

98 and 100 which are spring biased in an inwardly or convergent direction. In this manner, upon retraction of elevator platform 92, the group of five packages 30 will be retained by the upper edge of the

plates

98 and 100. The more particular construction of elevator assembly 34 is similar to that described in the above related applications which are incorporated herein by reference. In the disclosed embodiment, the elevator mechanism 34 will operate to elevate three rows of five packages before the upper two rows are fed into the lowered carton blank 26 by the plunger assembly 36.

Plunger reciprocation Turning now to the horizontally reciprocal plunger assembly 36, it will be appreciated that it is adapted to move in a forward direction to engage the upper two elevated rows of packages supported by the

plates

98 and 100. The actuation of plunger assembly 36 is dictated by the actuation of a properly positioned microswitch which will be engaged by the uppermost stack of packages supported by the

pivotal plates

98 and 100. Upon actuation of the plunger assembly 36 a plunger plate 102 will engage the upper two rows of packages and feed them forwardly into the lowered carton blank 26 such that the leading ends of the packages engage the panel 40 of blank 26. The plunger will continue its forward movement and, consequently, move the ten packages together with the engaged blank 26 into carton folding station 38. The plunger plate 102 will thereafter be retracted to its original starting position. The forward reciprocation and retraction of plunger plate 102 is accomplished by means of air cylinder assembly 104 from the forward end of which extends piston rod 106 coupled directly with plate 102.

Immediately upon retraction of plate 102, another carton blank 26 will be lowered and the plunger assembly 36 will be paused and ready for its next reciprocatory cycle bearing in mind that the feeding of the packages 30 and the operation of the elevator mechanism 34 is still in process.

As the group of ten packages and lowered carton blank 26 are driven into folding station 38, the carton top panel 42 will be folded downwardly upon the upper face of the group while the lower panel 44 will be folded 8 upwardly into engagement with the lower face of the group of ten packages. The forward end tab 47 will be folded rearwardly by means of end plate 108 and the partially folded carton blank and contained group of ten packages will come to rest at the trailing side flap pasting and folding station.

Trailing flap folding and pasting As carton blank 26 is being removed from its stacked relationship, by means of suction plungers 74 and 76, it will come in contact with trailing flap glue applicator 110 as well as coupon glue applicator 112 which will apply a predetermined amount of paste or glue to the carton blank for the particular purpose of gluing the trailing flaps of the carton together at a later point and attaching the strip of coupons from coupon feeding means 50 respectively. The coupons are to be attached prior to the gluing of the trailing flaps. The particular gluing apparatus employed will be discussed in greater detail at a latter point in the application along with end flap gluer 58 since all three gluing apparatus are similar in structure and operation. Therefore, at folding station 38, a predetermined amount of paste will be present on the underside of trailing top side fiap 52. The actual apparatus for folding of the trailing side flaps into an engaging relationship so that the predetermined amount of applied paste will provide a sealed relationship between the trailing flaps, is similar to that disclosed in the previously mentioned related pending patent application. In brief, the trailing side bottom flap 48 is folded upwardly and thereafter the trailing top flap 52 is folded downwardly to cause these flaps to be interconnected by means of the predetermined spot of paste or glue. Thus, the trailing bottom flap folding plate 116 is adapted to be shifted upwardly to have its top edge engage the bottom flap 48 and continue this movement until the flap is firmly against the trailing edge of the group of ten packages. The top flap folding plate 118 is shifted upwardly while the lower plate 116 is shifted upwardly and will be moved downwardly when the lower plate 116 is retracted. These movements are synchronized with one another through a gear and sprocket timing arrangement. This synchronized movement is accomplished by the employment of structure illustrated in the above-mentioned related applications. Under this type of mechanism, the upper plate will remain in a lowered position after folding the top flap 52 downwardly to maintain the folded relationship between

flaps

52 and 48 and the interposed paste in contact with each other until such time as the paste Will maintain the relationship alone. As the next partially enclosed carton is placed in abutting relationship with partially enclosed carton blank 26 and packages 30, due to the next reciprocation of the plunger, the carton blank 26 and packages 30 will be shifted to the next plunge station.

At the next station of operation, the particular desired date and coded material is applied to the partially enclosed carton blank 26 by means of indicia applying means 54. As may be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the indicia will be applied to the upper side of top end flaps 56. The partially enclosed carton is then moved to the next station whereupon a predetermined amount of paste or glue is applied to the underside of top end flaps 56 by means of gluing and pasting applicator means 58. As previously discussed, all of the gluing applicator apparatus of this invention will be disclosed in greater detail below. This includes

glue applicator

110, 112 and 58'. Similarly, indicia applying apparatus 54 will also be discussed in considerable detail at a later point in this application. The top end flaps will then be folded downwardly at the next station by any means as disclosed in our previously filed applications such as members 62 which have an arcuate undersurface which serves to fold top end flaps 56 downwardly as the package is moved through the machine. In this manner, top end flap 56 will come into suitably packaged for commercial shipment and distribution.

The timing and synchronization of the operation of the mechanism at each of the stations are determined by any one of a number of arrangements including the schematically illustrated arrangement in any of the previously discussed related applications.

Glue applicating assembly Turning to the glue or paste applicator assembly 58 utilized in this invention, whether it be trailing flap gluer 110, coupon gluer 112 or end flap glue applicator assembly 58, the details of all three assemblies are similar in structure and function. Detailed drawings of the structure are best shown in FIGS. 8-10. The assembly is mounted on the support of the machine and the operation of each individual glue applicator is demonstrated by the detailed structure as shown in FIG. 10. The principal components of the applicator assembly 116 as shown in FIG. are the applicator body 118, the applicator itself 120, a cone shaped biasing spring 122, a gasket 145 between the applicator head 144, and the frame member 124 into which these parts are assembled. This assembly 116 is mounted to the piston 126 of an air cylinder 128. In this manner, it may be reciprocally driven into contact with portions of the carton and then retracted to a normal neutral position.

The

glue applicator assemblies

110 and 112 which apply glue or paste to the trailing end flap and to the carton for purposes of attaching a coupon are both mounted on the carton hopper portion of the structure and may be driven by one air cylinder so as to operate simultaneously if desired. In any event, the operation of

glue applicator assemblies

110 and 112 is similar as stated above to that of glue applicator assembly means 58 and so for demonstration purposes the glue applicator assembly means shown and described in connection with FIGS. 8-10 will be the one functioning to apply to the underside of the top end flaps prior to the final folding operation and sealing of the cartons. As shown in FIG. 2, the synchronization of the air cylinder for the gluing application is controlled by an air cylinder programmer 130 which employs a series of synchronized microswitches to ensure that all of the various individual glue applicator assemblies 116 operate in synchronization to apply specific patterns of paste to the underside of end flaps 56.

With respect to glue applicator assembly 116, a frame member includes an inner chamber 134 to which is connected an access passageway 136. Acess passageway 136 is connected to a source of paste or glue for use with the applicator assembly. In this manner, glue may enter chamber 134. Also contained within cham'ber 134 is a cone shaped coil spring 122 mounted on the lower end of applicator 120 and which serves to normally bias applicator 120 to a closed position. Applicator body 118 has an upper portion which extends above and exteriorly of frame member 124 and another portion which has a threaded outer surface which interengages with the threaded inner surface of the upper portion of chamber 134 and forming interengagement 140 thereby affixing applicator body 118 to frame member 124. Applicator body 118 has a centrally located bore 142 extending longitudinally therethrough which normally communicates chamber 134 with the atmosphere. However, when applicator 120 is positioned within bore 142 of body 118 in its normally biased closed position, chamber 134 is sealed from the atmosphere. The seal is accomplished by the enlarged head portion 144 of applicator adjacent its lower end which has a beveled circumferential outer surface 146 which tends to mate with a beveled circumferential inner surface 148 of the lower portion of bore 142 in body 118 to form a seal therewith when biasing spring 122 biases applicator 120 upwardly into sealed relationship with body 118. Gasket 145 assists in maintaining the sealed engagement between the beveled surfaces by being positioned therebetween.

A gasket 138 may be positioned between the upper exterior portion of body 118 and the upper surface of frame member 124 to ensure a sealed relationship therebetween and maintain a tight interengagement therebetween.

In operation, when end flap 56 of a partially closed carton is properly positioned in the machine, piston 126 of air cylinder 128 drives applicator assembly 116 upwardly until the upper end 150 of applicator 120 contacts end flap 56. Since applicator rod 120 is slidably mounted in bore 142 of body 118 further upward movement of assembly 116 will cause applicator rod 120 to move relative to assembly 116 in a manner which will move applicator rod 120 against the bias of spring 122 and free beveled surface 146 of rod 120 from beveled surface 148 of body 118. It should be pointed out at this juncture, that applicator 120 has a centrally located longitudinal bore 152 extending from its upper end down to beveled head portion 144. Longitudinal bore 152 then communicates with horizontal bore 154 which communicates with the exterior surface of applicator rod 120. Thus, as applicator rod 120 is moved downwardly relative to body 118 into chamber 134 sufficient to permit glue within chamber 134 to enter horizontal bore 154 and consequently longitudinal bore 152, the glue under pressure will exit through the upper opening of bore 152 and be applied to end flap 56. The particular arrangement of the glue source is such that a gravity feed arrangement is possible so that the glue will in this manner be forced to exit to the upper end of bore 152. The particular beveled shape at the top of bore 152 and the particular type of rod applicator alleviates the possibility of glue collecting at the upper end thereof which would clog the gluing apparatus. As the reciprocating piston 126 of air cylinder 128 moves downwardly away from engagement with end flap 56, assembly 116 will also move in a downward direction and the upper end 150 of rod '120 will be freed from engagement with end flap 56 allowing biasing spring 122 to force beveled head 144 to return to a locking engagement between

beveled surfaces

146 and 148 with gasket therebetween and prevent further glue from entering either bore 154 or bore 152.

Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9, it can be seen how end flap 56 travels up incline surface 156 until it is properly positioned relative to glue applicator assemblies 116 below and is fixed against resting block portion 158 of the support to form a rigid surface for the gluing assembly when it is driven upward by piston 126 into engagement therewith. It should also be noted that an air switch may be located above and mounted on block 158 and may be connected to air supply 162 with the air exiting through connection 164 which in turn is connected to air cylinder 128. The air exits from air cylinder 128 through exit passage 166 as shown in FIG. 9. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, a roller 168 may be employed to act as a valve opener to initiate the glue application and arm when moved upward by the partially enclosed carton blank as end flap 56 properly moves into position relative to glue applicator means 58 for the glue applicating procedures. A glue applicator of this type which quickly and efficiently applies a predetermined amount of glue to the end flaps of a carton and which minimizes the chance of clogging or malfunction during continuous operation of the cartoning machine aids in efficiency of operation of the entire assembly line procedure. Naturally, after this glue applicating step, the carton passes on to the next station where top end flaps 56 are folded down upon the lower portion of the carton to form a sealed completed carton 64 as shown in FIG. 2. The applicator assembly parts may be constructed of various materials, for instance, applicator 120 and body 118 may be brass or a similar material, spring 122 may be stainless steel or a similar material and gaskets 145 may be of a material such as neoprene. As previously mentioned, the same type of gluing apparatus may be used for trailing flap gluer 110 and coupon gluer 112 which are. best depicted in FIG. 3 and which also therefore add to the efficient operation of the cartoning machine 20.

Coupon feeding and attaching means The coupon feeding and attaching means of this invention and designated by the reference numeral 50 as shown in FIGS. '1-2 and 3 of the drawings, is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings. The basic components of the system include a coupon hopper 170 in which the coupons 172 are stacked, a chain conveyor system 174 which serves basically to transport each individual coupon 172 from coupon hopper 170 into contact with a carton blank 26 onto which a predetermined pattern of paste has been applied by means of paste applicator means 112 so that the coupon will be attached thereto to be incorporated in the completed carton of cigarettes 64 exiting from the assembly line of the machine 20. As mentioned before, both trailing flap glue applicator 110 and coupon glue applicator 112 may both be operated simultaneously by means of one air cylinder 176 so that both predetermined portions of paste may be applied to the carton blank simultaneously before it enters any of the folding and sealing steps. This adds to the efliciency and increases the production of the machine for a given time period. The connection between air cylinder 176 and glue applicator means 110* and 112 is a simple mechanical connection well known in the art.

Returning to the coupon feeding and attachment means, chain conveyor 174 transports each coupon 172 into an exit position from the conveyor where it will come into contact with the predetermined amount of paste applied by paste applicator 112 and adhere to carton blank 26 which then proceeds downwardly into roller assembly 87 and onward to assembly area 28 where it is combined with the ten packages of cigarettes to be cartoned. As the suction member 74 pulls carton blank 26 from the stack hopper of cartons, it will direct it into a relative adjacent position to the exit end of conveyor 174 so that a strip of coupon exiting from the conveyor bed will come in contact with the carton blank. (See FIG. 3.) This operation is synchronized in a manner which is similar to that described in the previously filed related applications. The feeding means comprises two continuous chains 176 of interconnected links which are mounted on a series of gear wheels 178 which are synchronously driven by any common type of drive means. The teeth of the gear wheels serve to pick up and transport each individual link of the chain in the manner of a common type of chain link conveyor. Both chains are driven simultaneously by the same drive means in a synchronous manner. You will note that each end gear wheel 180 has a serrated plate 182 on a portion of its outer surface which as the gear wheel 180 rotates will pick up the lower coupon 172 stacked in hopper 170 and initially position it on the travel bed of the conveyor. No further coupon will then be picked up until plate 182 has made a complete revolution and returned to the pick up position. Once again, this is synchronized with the remainder of the coupon feeding and cartoning machine operations. The coupons are aided in remaining in position on the bed of the conveyor by means of

brushes

184 and 186 which help in preventing the light weight coupons from flying off the bed of the conveyor while it is being transported to the other end thereof and attached to a carton blank. Also assisting in moving each individual coupon along is a series of pivotal dogs 188 intermittently spaced along the chain conveyor so that as each coupon is picked up by plate 182 a dog will follow behindto assist in moving the coupon along the bed of the conveyor. These dogs are pivotal so that when they are positioned so. as to drive the coupon before them they will be in an upright position having been moved to that position by the motion of the chain as it is moving off gear Wheel and by rail 192. When each dog 188 exists from the bed portion of the conveyor it will'be pivoted downwardly by the motion of the chain around end gear wheel 182 and its pivotal action will permit it to pass around'all of the gear wheels on the underside of the conveyor so that each chain may continuously travel in a cycle. The adtion of the chain itself as each link'enters and exits from engagement with a gear wheel will cause the pivoting action of each individual dog 188. A microswitch 190 is also present in the bed of the conveyor system so that if a coupon does not appear when it should in the con veying system, the machine will be stopped. In this manner no carton blank will be lowered for further folding and cartoning process steps until a coupon has been attached thereto. Once again, as in the situation with the improved glue applicators, this coupon feedingand attaching means is a great assistance in adding to the efficiency and time saving value of the cartoningma chine. It can be easily seen that as'each coupon exits from end gear wheel 182 it will come in contact with a carton blank 26 brought adjacent thereto simultaneously so that with the proper predetermined amount of paste properly applied therebetween it will be attached thereto in the most desirable fashion. The entire feeding and attaching means 50 are mounted on the support of the entire cartoning machine 20 as with all other portions of the cartoning machine. An important feature of the chain and dog arrangement is that dogs 188 will be in the pivotal downward position until they are past the stack of coupons 172 in coupon hopper 170 so as to not interfere with their stacked relationship and will be raised by means of rail 192 on which the chain rides along the bed portion of the conveyor. After being raised, dog 188 then serves to assist in moving coupon 172 along the bed of the conveyor. A plate 194 is also present be low the stacked coupons 172 and adjacent to serrated plate 182 to ensure that dogs 188 are in a pivotal downward position when they pass by the stacked coupons 172 so that there is no interference therebetween.

INDICIA APPLICATION MEANS In reference to the improved code dating or indicia applying apparatus of this invention, reference should be had to FIGS. 6 and 7. In particular, the embodiment contemplated is one which embosses the code in ink on the upper surface of the end flaps of the partially enclosed carton. Code data or indicia applying apparatus 54 is employed at both ends of the carton and are synchronous with each other in order to apply indicia ,to both end flaps of the carton. In particular, the indicia applying apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7 is comprised basically of an overhead member 196 the upper. end of which is connected to thepiston 198 of an air cylinder 200. A similar arrangement naturally is present at the other end of the carton. Directly below and in line with member 196 is an anvil 202 which is solidly fastened to the support portion of cartoning machine 20..It should be noted also that the cylinder 200 and member 196 assembly is also solidly fastened to the support of cartoning machine 20. The lower surface 204 of member 196 has raised portions thereon which form a die defining the desired indicia to be imprinted on the carton. Member 196 is arranged so that the indicia may be changed as desired. In the normal non-operating position an ink pad 206 is positioned so that the die on .end surface 204 is in contact therewith so that ink is being applied to the 13 die. A series of links 208 is arranged in connecting ink pad 206 to both member 196 and the support block 210 of cartoning machine so that when air cylinder 200 is activated to drive piston 198 downwardly to drive member 196 downwardly, linkage 208 will act to pull ink pad 206 down and away from lower surface 204 of member 196 which contains the imprinting die. In this manner, when an end flap 56 is properly positioned on anvil 202 the synchronous arrangement of the cartoning machine will activate piston 200 and member 196 will be driven downwardly with sufiicient force to contact end flap 56 and emboss the desired inked indicia thereon. The particular advantage of embossing the inked indicia on end flap 56 is to alleviate the problem of ink indicia from being rubbed off during handling and shipping. The embossing and inking combination serve to provide a permanent, easy-to-read coding on the carton. After the indicia has been applied, the piston 198 returns to its normal position thereby returning member 196 to its normal position which causes linkage 208 to return ink pad 206 in contact with the die on surface 204 so that the die is re-inked and ready for use on the next carton in line. As seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 in particular, the indicia applying apparatus just discussed is positioned immediately in front of end flap glue apparatus means 58 which is the next step in the cartoning process.

An alternative embodiment for applying indicia to the carton end flaps 56 is depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. In this situation, the carton is in the same condition as in the previous embodiment and the apparatus is located in the same position in the assembly line. This particular embodiment will be designated as indicia applying apparatus 54a and all corresponding parts will contain the subscript a for ease of identification. Once again, a separateand synchronous assembly is located at each end of the carton blank so that the particular desired indicia may be applied to each end flap of each partially assembled carton. In this embodiment, the air cylinder 200a is located beneath the apparatus and piston 198a moves in an upward direction. Coincident therewith, anvil 202a although located beneath the end flap is now the moving portion of the structure so that piston 198a drives anvil 202a in an upward direction into contact with the underside of end flap 56a. Once again, the cylinder 200a and anvil 202a assembly are suitably solidly mounted to the support portion of the cartoning machine 20a. On the upper side of end flap 56a and directly in vertical alignment with anvil 202a is the embossing member 196a. There may be a series of replaceable members in order to change any portion or portions of the selected indicia. The lower surface of each member 196a is formed with suitable raised surfaces to form a die 204a with selected indicia thereon. As shown in FIG. 11 when the carton comes into position in connection with apparatus 54a, end flaps 56a will be located in proximity to die surfaces 204a. The synchronized air cylinders will then drive piston 198a to drive anvil 202a into contact with the under surface of end flap 56a with sufficient force to emboss the indicia on dies 204a into the upper surface of end flaps 56a. Both sets of apparatus 54a are synchronized to operate virtually simultaneously. In this particular embodiment, no ink is employed and the particular operation merely involves an embossing procedure. However, the indicia are readily visible and permanent in nature. The support portion 212a of apparatus 54a which holds members 196a in position, is removably fastened together by means of screws 214a so that it may readily be separated in order to replace one or more of the embossing members 196a when a change of indicia is required. This naturally facilitates the proper arrangement of indicia for different coding.

In summary, the indicia is applied in a relatively permanent and non-removable manner so that it may readily be recognized and not easily removed from the cartons. Furthermore, the operation is relatively simple and fast so that once again the cartoning machine of this invention is aided in efiiciency and speed of operation.

SUMMARY Thus, the cartoning machine of this invention provides an efiicient means of cartoning a group of cigarette packages with attendant reduction in machinery and cartoning costs. A novel type of paste applicator means is also provided which quickly and efficiently applies a predetermined amount of paste or glue in the proper position on each individual carton blank as it is being processed and which will be free from clogging thereby assuring against delays and breakdowns in the cartoning procedure. Furthermore, a coupon feeding and attaching apparatus is provided which will quickly, etficiently and accurately apply a strip of coupons to the inside of each carton blank as it is being used to carton a predetermined number of packages of cigarettes. In addition, improve indicia applying means are also incorporated, both disclosed embodiments of which are relatively simple in construction and operation. Thus, the desired indicia may be applied quickly, efiiciently, and essentially permanent to the end flaps of a carton. The simplified coding structure allows the operator to easily change the indicia where required.

Thus, the several aforenoted objects and advantages are most effectively attained. Although several somewhat preferred embodiments have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it should be understood that this invention is in no sense limited thereby but is to be determined by the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A cartoning machine for enclosing a predetermined number of packages arranged in rows in a carton comprising:

a support;

a hopper on said support for supporting and supplying substantially fiat carton blanks in stacked relationship, said blanks each having a leading panel, integral top and bottom panels, integral top and bottom end panels, integral leading side end tabs, and integral top and bottom trailing laps;

a package feeder means part of which is on said support for receiving and feeding packages;

a carton blank feeding means on the support for feeding a carton blank from the hopper to an initial location at which the packages are assembled there with;

coupon feeding means on said support for feeding and coupling a coupon to each blank as it is fed from the hopper including a coupon holder for holding a multiplicity of coupons in stacked relationship, conveying means for conveying each individual coupon into contact with a carton including drive means for driving a chain conveyor along a conveyor bed continuously between said coupon holder and said blank, coupon positioning means on said conveyor including cylinders having serrated surfaces for engaging the bottom coupon in the stack and positioning it on said moving conveyor bed to be transported thereby to said blank, retaining means associated with said conveyor to retain said coupon in position on said conveyor bed including brushes located in the path of travel of said coupon on said bed and pivotal dogs on said chain conveyor in an upright position directly behind said coupon in the path of travel thereof to assist in moving said coupon into contact with said blank and pivotal to a horizontal position when a coupon is not adjacent thereto, and a first pasting means to apply paste to said carton blank prior to contact with said coupon so that when said coupon contacts the blank the paste will couple the coupon to the blank;

blank support means on the support at said locations for supporting a carton blank at said location;

an elevator means on the support for receiving a predetermined number of packages in a row elevating said row to an elevated position;

. package support means on said support for supporting elevated rows of packages;

plunger means on said support for moving a group of said packages constituting at least one elevated row of packages from said package support means into engagement with the carton blank at said initial location on the blank support means and then moving the engaged group and blank horizontally along a predetermined longitudinal axis and path of travel to a first location at which the blank is partially enclosed about the group;

folding means for cooperating with the blank moving from said initial location to the first location such that the blank has the leading panel over one end of the group, the top and bottom panels over the respective top and bottom faces of the group, the leading side end ta'bs over part of the ends of the group and the bottom end flaps over part of the ends of the group, said blank having the trailing top and bottom flaps and top end flaps in an extending position;

i a second pasting means on the support for applying a predetermined pattern of paste to one of the trailing flaps;

trailing flap folding means on the support for folding the trailing flaps upon one another with the pattern of paste therebetween, trailing flap folding means being automatically operated to fold the trailing flaps while the partially assembled packages and blank are at the first location, the trailing flap folding means including a pair of vertically reciprocal folding plates adapted to move from a first position away from the respective trailing flaps toward one another to a second position into engagement with the respective trailing flaps to fold the trailing flaps upon one another with the pattern of paste therebetween, means for actuating the trailing flap folding plates lineally between the first and second positions and to maintain the plates at the second position to maintain the folded relationship between the trailing flaps with the pattern of paste therebetween until another carton blank partially enclosing a group of packages is moved by the plunger means from the initial location at which time the trailing flap folding plates are reciprocated away from one another and the trailing flaps and the lead panel of said partially enclosing carton blank is moved into engagement with the folded trailing flaps and moved from the first location by the plunger means;

a third pasting means on the support for applying a further predetermined pattern of paste to the top end flaps, said first, second and third pasting means each including, reciprocating drive means upon said support, a member connected to said drive means so as to reciprocate as said drive means reciprocates, said member having at least one chamber therein and at least two passageways extending from each of said chambers to the exterior of the member, one of said passageways adapted to be connected to a source of paste thereby permitting paste to enter said chamber, an applicator body mounted in each of the other of said passageways and having a central bore therein, an applicator rod slidably mounted in said bore with one distal end extending from the exterior portion of said member and having openings therein which permit paste to pass from said chamber through said openings and out of said distal end of said rod to be applied to the blank when said drive means drives said member to an open position and precludes the paste from passing into said openings when said drive means drives said frame to a closed position, and biasing means in said chamber tending to maintain said rod in the closed position;

indicia applying means on the support for applying selected indicia to the blank including, an anvil member vertically aligned with an imprinting member having selected indicia thereon, said members being positioned so that an end flap of a blank will become located therebetween, and reciprocal drive means to drive one member with respect to the other so that said end flap is pressed therebetween thereby embossing selected indicia thereon; I end flap folding means on the support for completing the folding of the carton by securing the end flaps by means of said further pattern of paste; and means for directing the partially enclosing blank in line and along said predetermined longitudinal axis and path of travel from location to location with each movement of the plunger means to complete the folding and assembly of the carton about the group of packages. v 2. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said end flap is positioned on said anvil, said imprinting member has a lower end forming the embossing head with raised surfaces forming the selected indicia thereon, a movable cap containing an ink pad normally covering said head so that said raised surfaces contact said ink pad, reciprocal drive means connected so as to drive said imprinting member into contact with said end flap positioned on said anvil with suflicient force to emboss inked indicia on said end flap, and linkage connecting said cap to said imprinting member and said support so that when said imprinting member is driven downward said cap will be moved away from from contact therewith uncovering the head thereof and when said printing member is I returned to its normal position said cap will return to its position covering said head.

3. The invention in accordance with claim 2 wherein said end flap is positioned against said imprinting member, said imprinting member including. a plurality of embossing heads which have surfaces thereon forming the selected indicia, said reciprocal drive means connected to said anvil so as to drive said anvil into contact with said end flap positioned against said imprinting member with sufficient force to emboss indicia on the surface of said end flap. 4. A cartoning machine for enclosing a predetermined number of packages arranged in rows in a carton comprising: .i t

a support;

a hopper on said support for supporting and supplying substantially flat carton blanks in stacked relationship, said blanks each having a leading panel, integral top and bottom panels, integral top and bottom end panels, integral leading side end tabs, and integral top and bottom trailing flaps;

a package feeder means part of which is on said sup port for receiving and feeding packages;

a carton blank feeding means on the support for feeding a carton blank from the hopper to an initial location at which the packages are assembled therewit v blank support means on the support at said location for supporting a carton blank at said location;

package support means on said support for supporting elevated rows of packages;

folding means for cooperating with the blank moving from said initial location to the first location such that the blank has the leading panel over one end of the group, the top and bottom panels over the respective top and bottom faces of the group, the leading side ends tabs over part of the ends of the group, and the bottom end flaps over part of the ends of the group, said blank having the trailing top and bottom flaps and top end flaps in an extending position;

trailing flap pasting means on the support for applying a predetermined pattern of paste to one of the trailing flaps;

trailing flap folding means on the support for folding the trailing flaps upon one another with the pattern of paste therebetween, trailing flap folding means being automatically operated to fold the trailing flaps while the partially assembled packages and blank are at the first location, the trailing fiap folding means including a pair of vertically reciprocal folding plates adapted to move from a first position away from the respective trailing flaps toward one another to a second position into engagement with the respective trailing flaps to fold the trailing flaps upon one another with the pattern of paste therebetween, means for actuating the trailing flap folding plates lineally between the first and second positions and to maintain the plates at the second position to maintain the folded relationship between the trailing flaps with the pattern of paste therebetween until another carton blank partially enclosing a group of packages is moved by the plunger means from the initial location at which time the trailing flap folding plates are reciprocated away from one another and the trailing flaps and the lead panel of said partially enclosing carton blank is moved intoengagement with the folded trailing flaps and moved from the first location by the plunger means;

end flap pasting means on the support for applying a further predetermined pattern of paste to the top end flaps;

indicia applying means on the support for applying selected indicia to the blank including, an anvil member vertically aligned with an imprinting member having selected indicia thereon, said members being positioned so that an end flap of a blank will become located therebetween, and reciprocal drive means to drive one member with respect to the other so that said end flap is pressed therebetween thereby embossing selected indicia thereon;

end flap folding means on the support for completing the folding of the carton by securing the end flaps by means of said further pattern of paste; and

means for directing the partially enclosed blank in line and along said predetermined longitudinal axis and path of travel from location to location with each movement of the plunger means to complete the folding and assembly of the carton about the group of packages.

5. The invention in accordance with claim 4 wherein said end flap is positioned on said anvil, said imprinting memb r has a lower end forming the embossing head with raised surfaces forming the selected indicia thereon, a movable cap containing an ink pad normally covering said head so that said raised surfaces contact said ink pad, reciprocal drive means connected so as to drive said imprinting member into contact with said end flap positioned on said anvil with sufficient force to emboss inked indicia on said end flap, and linkage connecting said cap to said imprinting member and said support so that when said imprinting member is driven downward said cap will be moved away from contact therewith uncovering the head thereof and when said imprinting member is returned to its normal position said cap will return to its position covering said head.

6. The invention in accordance with claim 4 wherein said end flap is positioned against said imprinting mem be said imprinting member including a plurality of embossing heads which have surfaces thereon forming the selected indicia, said reciprocal drive means connected to said anvil so as to drive said anvil into contact with said end flap positioned against said imprinting member with sufiicient force to emboss indicia on the surface of said end flap.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,009,301 11/1961 Hollinger 53131 3,392,501 7/1968 Gilchrist 53l31 XR 3,405,503 10/1968 Mizelle et al. 53-131 X-R THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner H. A. KILBY, 1a., Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 53128