Abstract The specification discloses an apparatus for closing and stapling cartons of varying sizes of the type having a pair of end flaps and a pair of side flaps, which when opened are disposed in a coplanar relationship with respect to the sidewalls of the carton, the dimensions of the flaps measured in the direction of the outward extent thereof being generally equal to one-half the width of the carton. The apparatus includes means for automatically feeding successive open-topped cartons of varying size through the apparatus, during which a flap closing mechanism is operable to close the open top flaps and a staple driving means is operable to drive staples into the closed top flaps to secure them in a closed relation. The staple driving means cooperates with the conveying means for moving successive cartons through the apparatus and with a carton width sensing means to automatically position the carton in stopped relation with respect to the staple driving means in a plurality of different positions at which staples are driven, the arrangement being operable to automatically drive staples into the side flaps and the underlying end flaps only of each successive carton at positions spaced longitudinally in accordance with the width of the carton, the staples associated with each end flap being spaced apart a distance not exceeding a predetermined distance and at least one of which is within approximately 1 inch from the adjacent end of the carton.
Apparatus for conveying cartons of varying sizes comprising an elongated frame having a receiving end and discharging end, carton supporting means carried by said frame in generally horizontally extending relation between the said frame ends for supporting successive cartons for movement thereover, a pair of endless belt assemblies having opposed parallel carton engaging flights extending longitudinally between said frame ends, means mounting said endless belt assemblies above carton supporting means for parallel movement of said flights toward and away from each other between on outward carton receiving position and an inward limiting position, power operated means for effecting movement of said belt assemblies from said outward carton receiving position toward said inward limiting position to engage a carton therebetween supported on said carton supporting means adjacent the receiving end of said frame and for effecting movement of said belt assemblies from their position of engagement with the carton to said carton receiving position to release a carton supported by said carton supporting means adjacent the discharging end of said frame, and carton orienting means carried by said belt assemblies in a position disposed inwardly of the carton engaging flights thereof adjacent the receiving end of said frame operable to initially engage the sides of a carton supported on said carton supporting means therebetween during the inward movement of said belt assemblies from said outward carton receiving position and to effect movement of a carton engaged thereby which is disposed out of longitudinal alignment with said belt assemblies into longitudinal alignment therewith while yielding permitting relative inward movement of said belt assemblies with respect theReto after said initial engagement so as to insure that the carton will be in longitudinal alignment with the operative flights of said belt assemblies when moved longitudinally away from the receiving end of said frame by driving engagement of said operative flights with the sides thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
310 words
Apparatus for conveying cartons of varying sizes comprising an elongated frame having a receiving end and discharging end, carton supporting means carried by said frame in generally horizontally extending relation between the said frame ends for supporting successive cartons for movement thereover, a pair of endless belt assemblies having opposed parallel carton engaging flights extending longitudinally between said frame ends, means mounting said endless belt assemblies above carton supporting means for parallel movement of said flights toward and away from each other between on outward carton receiving position and an inward limiting position, power operated means for effecting movement of said belt assemblies from said outward carton receiving position toward said inward limiting position to engage a carton therebetween supported on said carton supporting means adjacent the receiving end of said frame and for effecting movement of said belt assemblies from their position of engagement with the carton to said carton receiving position to release a carton supported by said carton supporting means adjacent the discharging end of said frame, and carton orienting means carried by said belt assemblies in a position disposed inwardly of the carton engaging flights thereof adjacent the receiving end of said frame operable to initially engage the sides of a carton supported on said carton supporting means therebetween during the inward movement of said belt assemblies from said outward carton receiving position and to effect movement of a carton engaged thereby which is disposed out of longitudinal alignment with said belt assemblies into longitudinal alignment therewith while yielding permitting relative inward movement of said belt assemblies with respect theReto after said initial engagement so as to insure that the carton will be in longitudinal alignment with the operative flights of said belt assemblies when moved longitudinally away from the receiving end of said frame by driving engagement of said operative flights with the sides thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
116 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said carton orienting means comprises an elongated carton side engaging member for each belt assembly, means mounting each of said carton side engaging members between the operative flight of the associated belt assembly and said carton supporting means for transverse movement between a first position disposed inwardly of the associated operative flight and a second position disposed outwardly thereof, and spring means resiliently biasing each of said carton side engaging member into said first position with a force sufficient to move at least most of the cartons engaged thereby without substantially yielding but which is less than the force of said power operated means moving said belt assemblies inwardly.