WO1996005108A1

WO1996005108A1 - Methods of sealing boxes with shortened flaps using a partially adhesive tape and the packages made by the methods

Info

Publication number: WO1996005108A1
Application number: PCT/US1995/008522
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert J. Trent; Michael C. Faust
Original assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
Priority date: 1994-08-16
Filing date: 1995-07-12
Publication date: 1996-02-22
Also published as: AU690718B2; JPH10503998A; CA2196058A1; BR9508593A; MX9701188A; EP0773886A1; AU2964395A

Abstract

Package constructions made by methods of sealing boxes of the type having shortened major flaps which form a gap between the flap edges by adhesive tapes are described. A tape of a width sufficient to cover the gap formed between the flaps is utilized in the method and package constructions of the present invention, and the tape is preferably provided with plural adhesive strips with an intermediate non-adhesive longitudinal portion. Various tape constructions are contemplated to be used in accordance with the methods and package constructions of the present invention. According to one package construction, the method of box sealing includes the use of an adhesive tape having plural adhesive strips and an intermediate non-adhesive portion and applying the tape to at least a part of the box surface defined by the box flaps so that an adhesive strip is adhered to each flap and the non-adhesive portion covers at least some of the gap formed between the flap edges. According to another package construction of the present invention, the length of tape applied to a box surface is provided with a tab along its length formed by spaced slits within the non-adhesive portion of the tape length.

Description

Methods of sea l i ng boxes wi th shortened f l aps us i ng a pa rt i a l l y adhes i ve tape and the packages made by the methods .

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to methods of sealing boxes with shortened flaps using adhesive tape and the package constructions formed by such methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to box sealing using adhesive tape having lateral adhesive zones and a non-adhesive area therebetween that is applied to the plural flaps of a box side.

Background of the Invention

Manufacturers and suppliers of products often package their products in shipping containers before sending products to their customers. Each shipping container may accommodate either a single product or multiple products, depending on the application. Moreover, the container allows for ease in handling, shipping, and storing the products, along with providing protection from damage, theft, and contamination.

Although many types of shipping containers and container materials are readily available on the market, one ofthe most common shipping containers is a corrugated cardboard container or box. Boxes are typically both economical and sufficiently strong for most shipping uses and come in many shapes and sizes. However, included in the known type of boxes to which the present invention is applied is the regular slotted carton with shortened flaps. A regular slotted carton is generally rectangular and comprises four contiguous vertical side surfaces and two pair of flaps, commonly known as the major and minor pairs of flaps, on both the top and bottom ofthe box. Each ofthe flaps is connected to one ofthe vertical side surfaces, such that when the pairs of major and minor flaps are folded toward each other and toward the center ofthe box, the edges of at least the major flaps meet near the center ofthe top or bottom ofthe box, effectively creating the top and bottom horizontal surfaces ofthe box and closing the box. The flaps on the regular slotted carton are typically sealed in place by glue or by pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The tape is often applied in either a "C-clip" or an "L-clip" configuration, both of which are commonly known in the art and are described below.

The C-clip is so named because a cross-section ofthe tape is in the shape of the letter "C". More specifically, a C-clip of tape is a continuous length of adhesive tape that is applied to a portion of one vertical side of a box, across the center of one ofthe horizontal surfaces ofthe box to seal the abutting major flaps together, and finally to a portion ofthe opposite vertical side ofthe box. Moreover, the tape for a C-clip is typically wide enough to be applied along the abutting flaps such that both flaps ofthe outermost, or major, pairs of flaps on the top and bottom ofthe box are sealed by a single piece of tape. When the regular slotted carton is closed and sealed with a C-clip of adhesive tape, there are no substantial gaps to allow contaminants to reach the product or products enclosed in the box.

The L-clip is so named because a cross-section ofthe tape is in the shape of the capital letter "L". More specifically, an L-clip of adhesive tape comprises a length of adhesive tape that is applied to a portion of one vertical side ofthe box and to an adjacent portion of one ofthe horizontal surfaces ofthe box, effectively securing one or both ofthe abutting flaps ofthe horizontal surface to the vertical side ofthe box. The number of L-clips applied to a single box can vary based on the manufacturer's or supplier's requirements for the integrity ofthe box in its sealed condition.

One problem associated with a regular slotted carton sealed with C-clips or L-clips is that the person opening the box typically needs a sharp instrument to penetrate the tape and access the objects inside the box. In addition, in many circumstances, the regular slotted carton may provide more protection than the manufacturer or supplier requires for their products. Moreover, because the price of a box is directly related to the quantity of raw materials (e.g., corrugated cardboard) used in manufacturing the box, the cost of using regular slotted cartons may be unnecessarily high for those box users who do not need as complete a protection for their products. To address these concerns, container manufacturers produce a second type of box also considered pertinent to the present application; a regular slotted carton with shortened or "shied" pairs of major and minor flaps that do not meet each other when the box is in a closed condition, as shown in Figure 1. Instead, when the box is closed, there is a gap between both the major and minor pairs of flaps. Boxes of this type use substantially less raw materials, which correspondingly reduces both the costs to produce the boxes and ultimately reduces the amount of waste generated when disposing ofthe boxes. The reduced box production costs may then be passed on to the manufacturer or supplier who is purchasing the boxes; ultimately, these cost savings may then be passed on to the consumer ofthe products that are shipped in these boxes.

Boxes with shied flaps are commonly sealed with hot glue that is applied at each ofthe intersections ofthe major and minor flaps as the box is being closed. Although hot glue can be adequate to seal the box, hot glue dispensing equipment requires greater care in use and the glue nozzles are often subject to high maintenance costs. In addition, when a box is sealed in this manner, the contents of the box are subject to contamination through the open gap between the major and minor flaps.

Another alternative method of sealing boxes with shied flaps is to apply two C-clips of box sealing tape to the major pair of flaps, with one C-clip applied on each flap ofthe pair. For example, it is known to apply two C-clips of tape on opposite sides of a gap between the major flaps from two separate tape sources (i.e., rolls), each mounted on a separate taping head provided on a box sealing machine. Again, because the two C-clips of tape are not applied to cover the gap between the shied flaps, the products enclosed in the box are not protected from contaminants.

A specific example ofthe use of adhesive tape for sealing a box over a gap provided between the folded flaps is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,039,005. The gap is provided for the purpose of forming a window into the box, and a transparent adhesive tape is utilized to cover the window yet permit viewing ofthe box contents. The general application of lengths of box sealing tape to boxes with or without shied flaps in either a C-clip, L-clip, or other configuration by various apparatuses such as hand-held devices and automatic and semi-automatic box sealing machines is well known. However, there is a continuing need in the packaging industry for improved methods of sealing boxes.

Summary of the Present Invention

The present invention is generally directed to methods of sealing boxes ofthe type having shortened major flaps which form a gap between the flap edges by adhesive tape and which effectively seals the contents ofthe box. The present invention is likewise directed to the resultant package constructions. Such methods and package constructions are advantageous in that the box is sealed to protect its contents, yet a savings is realized in the reduction of box material.

A tape of a width sufficient to cover the gap formed between the flaps is utilized in the method and package constructions ofthe present invention, and the tape is preferably provided with plural adhesive strips with an intermediate non- adhesive longitudinal portion. More preferably, the width ofthe non-adhesive portion is equal to or greater than the width ofthe gap so that adhesive is not exposed to the product within the box. Various tape constructions are contemplated to be used in accordance with the methods and package constructions ofthe present invention including tapes coated to leave a non-adhesive portion, tapes including a means for deadening the adhesive to provide the non-adhesive portion, or tapes constructed of plural components.

According to one aspect ofthe present invention, a method of box sealing includes the use of an adhesive tape having plural adhesive strips and an intermediate non-adhesive portion and applying the tape to at least a part ofthe box surface defined by the box flaps so that an adhesive strip is adhered to each flap and the non- adhesive portion covers at least some ofthe gap formed between the flap edges. Preferably, the tape is also provided to a portion of one ofthe vertical surfaces ofthe box adjacent to the flap surface. According to another aspect ofthe present invention, a package construction includes a box ofthe type having a pair of shortened flaps with a length of tape having plural adhesive strips and an intermediate non-adhesive portion adhered to the flaps and covering the gap. According to yet another aspect ofthe present invention, the length of tape applied to a box surface is provided with a tab along its length formed by spaced slits within the non-adhesive portion ofthe tape length. The method includes the step of slitting the tape to make the tab. Preferably, the slitting occurs between the unwinding ofthe tape from its source and the applying ofthe tape to the box surface. The resultant package construction exhibits such a tab formed between spaced slits provided within the non-adhesive portion ofthe tape construction. Plural tabs are also contemplated, and it is preferred to provide such a tab a both the leading edge and trailing edge ofthe tape length as applied to the box.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art regular slotted carton with shied flaps showing the flaps in their closed position.

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a representative box sealing machine in accordance with the present invention further showing the application of a tape in accordance with the present invention to a box with shied flaps.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tape in accordance with the present invention provided in the form of a tape roll, the tape having adhesive zones and a non-adhesive area between the adhesive zones.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a tape construction, the tape comprising two adhesive strips and an intermediate non-adhesive area.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate tape construction, the tape comprising two adhesive areas on the outer edges ofthe tape and an intermediate area made non-adhesive by a deadening layer. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate tape construction, the tape comprising two strips of adhesive tape laminated to opposite sides of a non-adhesive central portion.

Figure 7 is an illustration of a method of laminating a non-adhesive web material to an adhesive tape to provide a non-adhesive area before applying the tape material to a box.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of box sealing tape applied to a box with shied flaps in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a method of providing tabs on a length of tape before applying the tape to a box.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to the Figures, wherein the components are labeled with like numerals throughout the several Figures, and initially to Figure 2, a box sealing machine 10 for applying tape lengths to boxes is illustrated which basic components comprise a tape source 12 for supplying tape to be dispensed and a taping head 14 for applying tape lengths to boxes and which is supported relative to a base 16. The taping head 14, as shown, supports the tape source 12. Taping head 14 is preferably ofthe type available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, under the trade designation "Accuglide". One specific example is described in U.S. Patent 5,228,943 entitled Low Impact Tape Applying Device, commonly owned by the assignee ofthe present invention, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. As used throughout this application, the term tape is preferably meant to include pressure-sensitive adhesive box sealing tapes such as box sealing tapes under the trade designation "Scotch", product numbers 372 and 373, commercially available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company or other similar adhesive tapes used in box sealing applications. However, other web materials that are applied in the manner of a box sealing machine 10 are also contemplated. The box sealing machine 10 comprises the base 16 and an upper support 17 positioned relative to the base 16 by way of a strut mechanism 18. The upper support 17 is preferably vertically adjustably connected with the base 16 by the strut mechanism 18 which is conventionally vertically adjustable (not shown) to accommodate different height boxes. The upper support 17 supports the taping head 14 to which is preferably connected a tape support member 20. The tape support member 20 further supports the tape source 12, which is rotatably mounted by way of a hub 22, as conventionally known.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, a box guide path is defined along the base 16 by conveyors 24 and 26 which are adapted to move an object over the rollers 28 comprising bed 30 and past the taping head 14 and, more specifically, to contact an application roller 31 and a buffing roller 32 ofthe taping head 14. The operation of such conveying mechanisms are well understood in the art and it is contemplated that other conveying means, whether automatic or manual, could be utilized as presently known or developed.

Also provided are means for defining a tape path, which includes guide rolls 33 mounted within the taping head 14, for guiding the tape from the tape source 12 through the taping head 14 and to the application roller 31. The manner of connection and operation ofthe application roller 31 and buffing roller 32 for applying tape is well known and fully described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 5,228,943. The taping head 14 preferably includes the guide rollers 33 which, with the application roll 31, define the tape path and which also assist in tension control ofthe tape. In the illustrated embodiment, the taping head 14 is positioned directly above the box guide path for sealing the top of a box, however, another taping head 14 is typically provided in the bed 30, as conventionally mounted, to provide tape to the bottom of a box as well. In addition, other various configurations and locations of taping heads and rollers are contemplated by the present invention, such as multiple taping heads located above the box guide path, below the box guide path, or both above and below the box guide path. The box sealing machine 10 is typically used for rectangular boxes or cartons ofthe type comprising a front vertical surface, a rear vertical surface, two vertical side surfaces, and two pair of opposed flaps on both the top and bottom ofthe box. In order to close the top ofthe box, for example, a first pair of flaps, hereinafter the minor pair of flaps, are typically folded toward each other. Next, a second pair of flaps, hereinafter the major pair of flaps, are folded toward each other. In the preferred embodiment, the major pair of flaps effectively comprise the top and bottom horizontal surfaces ofthe box. Although the typical box is described above, other box configurations are contemplated to be used in connection with the present invention, such as boxes with more or less than four sides and boxes with only one pair of flaps on the top and bottom ofthe box and the like.

The present invention is specifically directed to the method of sealing of boxes with shortened or "shied" flaps. This type of box is designed and manufactured such that when the pairs of flaps are folded toward each other, there is a substantial gap intentionally provided between the nearest edges of each ofthe major and minor pairs of opposed flaps. Alternatively, it may be said that the pairs of flaps are "shy" of contacting each other when the box is in a closed position. The flaps are therefore considered "shortened" or "shied" as compared to the flaps ofthe regular slotted carton. The present invention is particularly adapted for use with regular slotted cartons with shortened flaps along with boxes that use a combination of pairs of flaps that are shortened with pairs of flaps that are not shortened.

Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 illustrate preferred embodiments ofthe tape source 12 where, in accordance with one aspect ofthe present invention, the tape source 12 comprises a tape length 34 circumferentially wound onto the outside surface 38 of a cylindrical core 40. Further, the tape length 34 is provided with laterally spaced adhesive strips 35a and 35b, where each ofthe adhesive strips 35a and 35b are preferably on opposite edges ofthe tape length 34, and the area between and adjacent to the adhesive strips 35a and 35b is a non-adhesive area 36. The width of each of the adhesive strips 35a and 35b is preferably the same, although there may be a difference between the width ofthe adhesive strip 35a and the width ofthe adhesive strip 35b. In addition, when the tape length 34 is applied to a closed box with shied flaps, the non-adhesive area 36 is preferably at least as wide as the gap between the major pair of flaps so the product inside the box is not exposed to adhesive and therefore cannot adhere to the tape. It is further contemplated that the tape length 34 may comprise more than two adhesive strips and/or more than one non-adhesive area laterally spaced across the width ofthe tape length 34. For example, the tape length 34 may comprise a non-adhesive portion in the central area of a tape length, one longitudinal adhesive strip on each side ofthe non-adhesive portion, and two additional longitudinal non- adhesive strips, each located on one ofthe edges ofthe tape length and adjacent to one ofthe longitudinal adhesive strips. Other combinations of adjacent alternating adhesive and non-adhesive strips are also contemplated by the present invention. The box sealing tape ofthe present invention is ofthe type that preferably comprises a backing layer film with a layer of adhesive coated to one side ofthe backing layer. A non-exclusive list of conventional polymeric backing layer films follows with the understanding that any could be suitable for use as a tape backing layer: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester (such as polyethylene terepthalate (PET)), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copolymers of propylene and ethylene, and copolymers of ethylene and olefins having four or more carbon atoms.

Further, suitable adhesives for use in the box sealing tape ofthe present invention are generally based on general compositions of polyacrylate; polyvinyl ether; diene-containing rubber such as natural rubber, polyisoprene, and polybutadiene; styrene-butadiene rubber; polychloroprene; butyl rubber; butadiene- acrylonitrile polymer; thermoplastic elastomer block copolymers such as styrene- isoprene (SI) and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers, styrene-butadiene (SB) and styrene-butadiene-styrene polymers (SBS), and ethylene propylene and ethylene-butylene-diene polymers such as styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene (SEPS) and styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS); poly-alpha-olefin; amorphous polyolefin, silicone; ethylene-containing copolymer such as ethylene vinyl acetate, ethyl ethyl acrylate, and ethyl methacrylate; polyurethane; polyamide; epoxy; polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinylpyrrolidone copolymers; polyesters; and mixtures of the above. The use of many of these compositions to give specific characteristics to the adhesives may require cross-linking or curing by methods well known in the art. Additionally, the adhesives can contain additives such as tackifiers, plasticizers, antioxidants, stabilizers, curatives, and solvents.

In addition, a low adhesion backsize is preferably provided on the other side ofthe backing layer so that the tape separates more easily when unwound from a tape roll. Such coatings and/or treatments are well known, and any can be used in accordance with the present invention if they are otherwise suitable for use in the desired tape construction.

Figure 4, which is a cross-sectional view from the section line 4-4 of Figure 3, illustrates one construction for the tape ofthe present invention. The tape of Figure 4 preferably comprises a non-adhesive backing layer 44, with two strips of adhesive 45 coated along the opposite side portions ofthe non-adhesive backing layer 44. The non-adhesive backing layer 44 may be paper, film, or other known web materials suitable for use as a backing layer. Further, the strips of adhesive 45 are preferably equal widths and may be in the form of an adhesive transfer tape, a hot melt adhesive, or the like. Strip coating techniques are well-known and suitable for making this construction. The result is a tape construction wherein the non-adhesive intermediate area is made by simply not coating adhesive over that area ofthe tape. It is also contemplated that the strips of adhesive 45 can be applied inward from the edges of the non-adhesive backing layer 44 and/or have unequal widths.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment ofthe tape ofthe present invention in a view similar to that of Figure 3. In this embodiment, the tape preferably comprises a non-adhesive backing layer 44 coated across its width with a layer of adhesive 45. The central area ofthe tape is further coated with a deadening layer 46, which substantially decreases or "deadens" the adhesive strength ofthe central area ofthe tape. Suitable materials for this deadening layer include web or sheet materials such as films, papers, foils and/or treatments applied to the adhesive that render it non-adhesive.

Figure 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment ofthe tape ofthe present invention again in a view similar to that of Figure 3. In this embodiment, the tape preferably comprises a non-adhesive web material 47 and two lengths of adhesive tape strips 48 laminated to opposite edges ofthe non-adhesive web material 47. The adhesive tape strips 48 themselves include a conventional backing layer and an adhesive layer coated onto this backing layer.

It is also contemplated that the tape ofthe present invention, illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, comprise a transparent tape material that allows viewing ofthe products enclosed in a box. However, in some instances it may be undesirable to allow light into the box or to allow viewing ofthe products in the box; in these cases, it is contemplated that an opaque tape material may be used. In order for the transparent tape material to be rendered transparent, both the backing layer and the coatings applied to the backing layer must be transparent. However, in order for the opaque tape material to be opaque, only one ofthe backing layer or coatings applied to the backing tape need be opaque.

Moreover, the tape embodiments illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 may be manufactured remote from any box sealing machines and provided to the box sealing machine as a pre-manufactured roll. However, a schematic of an alternative procedure is illustrated in Figure 7, where the tape construction of Figure 5 is made along with the box sealing machine itself immediately before the tape is applied to a box. More specifically, a roll of non-adhesive web material 212 such as any suitable deadening material discussed above and at least one roll of adhesive tape 214 such as conventional box sealing tape discussed above are preferably rotatably supported from the frame of a box sealing machine (not shown) and guided by conventional guiding means toward a pair of laminating rollers 216, where the adhesive tape and non-adhesive web material are laminated together to form one composite tape material 218. After lamination, the one composite tape material 218 is directed through guide rollers 220 of a taping head 222 toward an application roller 224, which applies said one composite tape material 218 to a box, as conventionally applied.

The tape construction of Figure 4 could also be made at the box sealing machine just prior to application by combining a non-adhesive backing layer 44 with the plural adhesive strips 45, such as provided in the form of a transfer tape.

Similarly, the construction of Figure 6 would require combining two adhesive tape strips 48 with a non-adhesive web material 47.

The application of tape to boxes by the box sealing machine 10 in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 2. Initially, the tape source 12, comprising the tape length 34, is rotatably mounted to the hub of the tape support member 20, as shown in Figure 2. The tape length 34 is threaded through the taping head 14 along the tape path to the application roller 31, in a manner to present the tape to apply to a box. Preferably, the application roller assembly 3 comprises a single application roller that is at least as wide as the tape length 34, and the tape path is defined such that the entire width of the tape length 34 will be in contact with the single application roller. If the application roller assembly 31 comprises two application rollers provided side-by-side, each ofthe application rollers is spaced axially from one another to correspond with the location ofthe adhesive strips 35a and 35b ofthe tape length 34. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 2, a box 50, which is a regular slotted carton with shortened flaps, is supplied to the box sealing machine 10 in the direction of arrow A, in a closed condition. The taping head 14 guides the tape length 34 from the tape source 12 to the application roller 31, which then presents the adhesive side of tape length 34 toward the front vertical surface ofthe box 50. As the conveyors 24 and 26 move the box 50 over the bed 30 along the box guide path, the front vertical surface ofthe box 50 contacts the tape length 34. The application roller 31 then presses the leading edge ofthe tape length 34 against the box 50 with the force necessary to adhere both adhesive strips 35a and 35b ofthe tape length 34 to the box 50. While the box 50 continues to move along the box guide path, the tape continues to be pulled by the taping head 14 from the tape source 12 and the application roller 31 is driven upward by the box 50 along its support guide path within the taping head 14 and vertically along the front vertical surface ofthe box 50 toward the top horizontal surface ofthe box. Further, after the application roller 31 applies the tape length 34, the buffing roller 32, which is preferably pivotally connected to the taping head 14 and interconnected by a link mechanism (not shown) to the application roller support as conventionally known, rolls over the newly applied tape length 34 to smooth the adhesive strips 35a and 35b onto the surface ofthe box 50. The tape length 34 is typically applied to only a portion ofthe front vertical surface ofthe box 50. After the tape length 34 is applied to a portion ofthe front vertical surface of the box 50 and the application roller 31 has moved to the corner ofthe front vertical surface and the top horizontal surface ofthe box 50, the tape length 34 is then applied to the top horizontal surface ofthe box 50 by way ofthe application roller 31. After the tape length 34 has been applied to at least a portion ofthe top horizontal surface ofthe box 50, a conventional cutting means (not shown) may sever the tape. If the tape length 34 is severed before the tape is applied to the entire length ofthe top horizontal surface ofthe box 50, it is commonly said that an "L- clip" of tape has been applied to the box, since the cross-sectional shape ofthe tape section resembles the capital letter "L". Alternatively, the tape length 34 may not be severed during application to the top horizontal surface ofthe box 50. Rather, the application roller 31 may apply a continuous tape length 34 to a portion ofthe front vertical surface, across the entire top horizontal surface and to a portion ofthe rear vertical surface ofthe box 50 before the tape is severed by the cutting means. When lengths of tape are applied in this manner, it is commonly said that a "C-clip" of tape has been applied to the box, since the cross-sectional shape ofthe tape section resembles the letter "C".

Although the above description refers specifically to sequentially applying tape to the front vertical surface, the top horizontal surface, and the rear vertical surface ofthe box 50, it is understood that this description can also be useful for operations where tape is applied to other vertical surfaces ofthe box 50, to the bottom horizontal surface ofthe box 50, and/or where the tape is applied in a different sequence than that described above. In addition, it is contemplated that the box sealing machine 10 may apply either L-clips, C-clips, a combination of L-clips and C-clips, or straight sections of tape to only one surface ofthe box 50 that is made up of a single section or is made up of folded flaps. It is further contemplated that multiple taping operations may be occurring simultaneously on the same box 50.

Referring now to Figure 8, a perspective view ofthe box 50 sealed with a C- clip of tape in accordance with the method ofthe present invention is illustrated in one embodiment, with a closed box 50 comprising a pair of major flaps 52 and 54 that are shortened, a gap defined as the distance between the nearest edges ofthe pair of major flaps 52 and 54, and a tape length 34. In this embodiment, the tape length 34, as applied to the closed box 50, comprises the non-adhesive area 36 that is preferably substantially equal in width to the width ofthe gap between the pair of major flaps 52 and 54. In other words, the distance between the nearest edges ofthe adhesive strips 35a and 35b on the tape length 34 is substantially equal to the distance between the nearest edges ofthe pair of major flaps 52 and 54. Further, when the tape length 34 is adhered to the box 50, the longitudinal centerline ofthe tape length 34 preferably corresponds with the centerline ofthe gap between the pair of major flaps 52 and 54. Therefore, when the tape length 34 is applied to the box 50, the adhesive strips 35a and 35b are adhered to the pair of major flaps 52 and 54 in a position where the nearest edges ofthe adhesive strips 35a and 35b correspond with, or nearly correspond with, the nearest edges ofthe pair of major flaps 52 and 54. However, it is also contemplated that the tape length 34 could be provided offset so that the centerline ofthe gap between the pair of major flaps 52 and 54 does not correspond with the longitudinal centerline ofthe tape length 34.

Alternatively, the tape length 34 may be applied to the box 50 with shortened flaps where the distance between the adhesive strips 35a and 35b is either larger or smaller than the gap between the nearest edges ofthe pair of major flaps 52 and 54. If the gap between the nearest edges ofthe adhesive strips 35a and 35b is smaller than the gap between the nearest edges ofthe pair of major flaps 52 and 54, a portion of the adhesive strips 35a and 35b may be adhered both to the pair of major flaps 52 and 54 and to the exposed portion of a pair of minor flaps (not shown) ofthe box 50. However, if the gap between the nearest edges ofthe adhesive strips 35a and 35b is larger than the gap between the nearest edges ofthe pair of major flaps 52 and 54, there will be a space between the nearest edge of each ofthe flaps and the nearest edge ofthe adhesive strip 35a or 35b adhered to each ofthe flaps. These variations on placement ofthe tape length 34 are again based on the condition that the centerline ofthe tape length 34 correspond with the centerline ofthe gap between the nearest edges ofthe pair of major flaps 52 and 54. However, it is also contemplated that the tape length 34 as applied to the box 50 can be offset so that the adhesive strip 35a is a different distance from the centerline ofthe gap than is the adhesive strip 35b.

An additional feature that may be added to the package construction is to provide one or more tabs 330 along the tape length 34 as applied to a box to provide an easy opening feature. This feature can be provided by using a slitting means, see schematic Figure 9, that is operatively provided between the tape supply and the taping head. Specifically, a tape roll 312, which is a tape provided with a non- adhesive area between two adhesive strips, as described above, is preferably rotatably supported from the frame of a box sealing machine (not shown) and guided by conventional guiding means through guide rollers 314 of a taping head 316 toward an application roller 318. In addition, a reciprocally moveably mounted slitting mechanism 320 is provided along the tape path after the tape roll 312 and before the taping head 316.

In one embodiment, a pair of spaced blades 321 are supported on the slitting mechanism 320 and are oriented so that each blade can cut the tape material for a short distance in the longitudinal direction ofthe tape. The slits are preferably relatively short and should at least be shorter than the length ofthe box surface defined by the major flaps to which the tape is to be applied. Further, the two blades 321 are spaced laterally from each other and positioned to slit the tape within the non-adhesive area ofthe tape material. An anvil 322 may also be provided against which the tape is slit. Other cutting mechanisms as well known are also contemplated.

As also shown in Figure 8, the slits are preferably provided within the non- adhesive area so as to be applied to a box with the slits positioned at the end ofthe length of tape. More specifically, Figure 8 shows a box sealed by a C-clip of tape with two slits 330 that form the tab 332. As illustrated, the slits 330 are provided in the non-adhesive area 36, which provides for an area ofthe tape that is not adhered to the box 50 and is therefore easy to grasp. To utilize the easy open feature ofthe tab 332, a person would grasp the tab 332 and begin pulling the tape in the longitudinal direction ofthe tape so as to tear the tape. The person may tear the tape a desired amount by continuing to pull the tab 332 the desired distance across the box.

It is also contemplated that the slits may be located at a position other than the ends ofthe lengths of tape. For example, the slits may be positioned on the tape so that when the tape is applied to the box, the slits are located on a corner ofthe box, thereby providing the start ofthe tab at the corner ofthe box rather than at the end ofthe tape length. In addition, it is contemplated that a tab may be provided on one end ofthe length of tape or on both ends ofthe length of tape, and that a length of tape with a tab may be provided on the top, bottom, or both top and bottom surfaces ofthe box.

In order to have the tabs positioned on the box as described, it is important that the slitting operation be coordinated with the application ofthe tape. That is, the tape should be slit by the slitting mechanism 320 so that when the tape is applied to the box, the tabs are positioned on the box in their desired location. For example, when the tabs are desired to be at the end ofthe length of tape, the slits are cut into the tape so that when the desired length of tape is applied to the box, the tape is cut laterally at the location ofthe slits, thereby providing a tab. It is contemplated that the lateral cut in the tape may generally bisect the longitudinal slits, thereby providing a tab on both the trailing edge of one length of tape and the leading edge ofthe next length of tape. To apply specific lengths of tape, it is necessary to coordinate the application of tape and the slitting mechanism so that the tape is cut at intermittent points, with the distance between the points equal to the length of tape to be applied to a box. Preferably, the slitting operation is conducted during the rest periods ofthe intermittent demand of tape by the box sealing machine. In addition, it is contemplated that a length of tape with a tab may be used to facilitate easy opening of a regular slotted carton that does not have shortened flaps. The tape would be applied in the manner described above and the method of opening would also be the same as that described above. In either case, the tabbed tape length might be applied to only one ofthe box surfaces, such as the box surface defined by the folded flaps.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for sealing a box with shortened flaps (50) by a box sealing machine (10) having a box guide path, a taping head (14) that is positioned along the box guide path for applying box sealing tape to the box (50), and an application roller (31), wherein the box (50) is ofthe type comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, and a pair of opposed flaps (52, 54) that when folded toward each other in a closed position provide a gap between their nearest edges, comprising the steps of:

(a) supplying the box (50) with its opposed flaps (52, 54) in the closed position to the taping head (14) ofthe box sealing machine (10) within the box guide path;

(b) providing adhesive tape (34) to the taping head (14) from a tape source (12), the adhesive tape (34) having plural strips of adhesive (35a, 35b) and an intermediate non-adhesive portion (36) on one major surface ofthe tape (34);

(c) initiating relative movement between the box (50) and the taping head (14) along the box guide path; and

(d) during the relative movement, applying adhesive tape (34) from the tape source (12) to at least a portion ofthe pair of opposed flaps (52, 54) with a strip of adhesive (35a, 35b) adhered to each flap (52, 54) and the non-adhesive portion (36) covering at least part ofthe gap.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the provision of adhesive tape (34) further comprises providing adhesive tape (34) with its intermediate non-adhesive portion (36) at least as wide as the gap formed between the nearest edges ofthe pair of opposed flaps (52, 54).

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said application of adhesive tape (34) comprises applying the adhesive tape (34) to the box (50) along a portion ofthe first and second surfaces and to the flaps extending therebetween.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said application of adhesive tape (34) comprises applying the adhesive tape (34) to the box (50) along a portion of one of the first and second surfaces and to only a portion ofthe flaps extending therebetween.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said application of adhesive tape (34) comprises positioning the adhesive tape (34) such that a longitudinal strip of adhesive material (35a, 35b) is provided on each side ofthe gap and the non-adhesive portion (36) extends across the gap.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said provision of adhesive tape (34) further comprises providing adhesive tape (34) with two longitudinal strips of adhesive material (35 a, 35b) and an intermediate non-adhesive portion (36), each of the two longitudinal strips of adhesive (35a, 35b) being located on one edge of said adhesive tape (34).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said provision of adhesive tape (34) further comprises providing a backing layer (44) having an adhesive layer (45) that is partially covered by a deadening layer (46) to provide the non-adhesive portion (36).

8. The method of claim 7, further including the step of providing the deadening layer (46) as a web material and laminating the deadening layer (46) to the adhesive layer (45) ofthe backing layer (44).

9. The method of claim 6, wherein said provision of adhesive tape (34) further comprises providing a backing layer (44) with an adhesive-free zone intermediate the adhesive strips (45).

10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least the intermediate non-adhesive portion (36) of said adhesive tape (34) is transparent.

11. A sealed package for containing products comprising:

(a) a box (50) ofthe type comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, and a pair of opposed flaps (52, 54) folded toward each other to provide a gap between their nearest edges; and

(b) a tape length (34) having plural strips of adhesive (35a, 35b) and an intermediate non-adhesive portion (36), said tape length (34) applied to the pair of opposed flaps (52, 54) with a strip of adhesive (35a, 35b) adhered to each flap and the non-adhesive portion (36) covering at least part ofthe gap.

12. The sealed package of claim 11 , wherein said non-adhesive portion (36) is at least as wide as the gap between the nearest edges ofthe pair of opposed flaps (52, 54).

13. The sealed package of claim 11, wherein said non-adhesive portion

(36) is substantially equal to the gap between the nearest edges ofthe pair of opposed flaps (52, 54).

14. The sealed package of claim 11, wherein said adhesive tape (34) is adhered to the box (50) along a portion ofthe first and second surfaces and to the flaps extending therebetween.

15. The sealed package of claim 11, wherein said adhesive tape (34) is adhered to the box (50) along a portion of one ofthe first and second surfaces and to only a portion ofthe flaps extending therebetween.

16. The sealed package of claim 11, wherein said adhesive tape (34) is adhered to the box (50) in a position such that a longitudinal strip of adhesive material (35a, 35b) is provided on each side ofthe gap and the non-adhesive portion (36) extends across the gap.

17. The sealed package of claim 11, wherein said adhesive tape (34) comprises two longitudinal strips of adhesive material (35a, 35b) and an intermediate non-adhesive portion (36), each ofthe two longitudinal strips of adhesive (35 a, 35b) being located on one edge of said adhesive tape (34).

18. The sealed package of claim 17, wherein said adhesive tape (34) further comprises a backing layer (44) having an adhesive layer (45) and a deadening layer (46) covering part of said adhesive layer (45) for making said intermediate non- adhesive portion (36).

19. The sealed package of claim 17, wherein said adhesive tape (34) further comprises a backing layer (44) with an adhesive free intermediate non- adhesive portion (36).

20. The sealed package of claim 11, wherein at least the intermediate non- adhesive portion (36) of said adhesive tape (34) is transparent.

21. A method for sealing a box (50) by a box sealing machine ( 10) having a box guide path, a taping head (14) that is positioned along the box guide path for applying box sealing tape to the box (50), and an application roller (31), wherein the box (50) is ofthe type comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, and a pair of opposed flaps (52, 54) that when folded toward each other in a closed position provide a box surface between the first and second surfaces, comprising the steps of:

(c) slitting the non-adhesive portion (36) ofthe adhesive tape (34) for a distance shorter in length than the length ofthe box surface formed by the flaps in the longitudinal direction ofthe tape (34) at spaced transverse locations;

(d) initiating relative movement between the box (50) and the taping head (14) along the box guide path; and

(e) during the relative movement, applying adhesive tape (34) including slits (330) as provided in step (c) from the tape source (12) to at least a portion ofthe box surface formed by the flaps.

22. A sealed package for containing products comprising:

(a) a box (50) ofthe type comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, and a pair of opposed flaps (52, 54) folded toward each other to provide a box surface between said first and second surfaces; and

(b) a tape length (34) having plural strips of adhesive (35a, 35b) and an intermediate non-adhesive portion (36), said non-adhesive portion (36) further having plural slits (330) extending for a distance shorter than the length ofthe box surface formed by the flaps in the longitudinal direction of the tape (34) and spaced from one another in the transverse direction ofthe tape (34), said tape (34) applied to the pair of opposed flaps (52, 54) with a strip of adhesive (35a, 35b) adhered to each flap with said slits (330) providing a tab (332) for facilitating opening ofthe package.