US3821875A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Container sealing apparatus
Assignee: SANGER WORKS FACTORY Inc A CORP OF
•
Filing: 1973-02-15
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Granted: 1974-07-02
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Expires: 1993-02-15
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for sealing containers having upstanding longitudinal and transverse flap portions, the apparatus having a conveyor for the motivation of containers therealong in spaced intervals; a folding mechansim, having tucking fingers and folding arms, mounted in spaced relation to the conveyor and synchronous therewith, the fingers being adapted to tuck the transverse flap portions and the arms to fold the longitudinal flap portions to overlay their respective containers during passage along the conveyor; an adhesive applicator mounted adjacent to the folding mechanism for the application of adhesive to selected areas of the flap portions; and pressure rollers mounted adjacent to the applicator to fold the selected areas of the flap portions into contact with the container and to maintain such contact during passage of the container along the conveyor until the adhesive sets.
Inventors
- 👤 G Paxton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 08:09
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B7/00; B65B7/16; B65B7/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
285 words
An apparatus for sealing containers having upstanding flap portions, the apparatus comprising a substantially horizontal stationary conveyor adapted to permit containers to be motivated therealong; means mounted in spaced relation to the conveyor for successively folding said flap portions of each container in overlapping, sealing relation to the container; a drive mechanism mounted on the apparatus synchronizing the movement of containers along the conveyor at predefined intervals cooperative with the folding means to permit the folding means to contact and fold the flap portions of each container during the interval said container passes between the folding means and the conveyor, said drive mechanism including a driven conveyor mounted on the apparatus extending longitudinally of the stationary conveyor, said driven conveyor mounting bars transversely thereof predetermined distances apart adapted to motivate the containers over the stationary conveyor between the stationary conveyor and the folding means; said stationary conveyor being mounted on the apparatus on adjustment shafts for vertical adjustment with respect to the driven conveyor and the folding means to permit adjustment of the apparatus for the folding and sealing of containers of a different seLected size; said folding means including a guide and a folding arm individually cooperatively mounted on the apparatus above the driven conveyor for folding the forward and rearward upstanding flap portions of each container, as defined by the direction of travel, toward each other so as to overlay the container during movement thereof along the stationary conveyor by the drive mechanism; and tucking fingers borne by the apparatus for cooperative movement with the guide and folding arm synchronous with the passage of each container along the stationary conveyor for folding the remaining flap portions inwardly in sealing relation to the container.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
285 words
An apparatus for sealing containers having upstanding flap portions, the apparatus comprising a substantially horizontal stationary conveyor adapted to permit containers to be motivated therealong; means mounted in spaced relation to the conveyor for successively folding said flap portions of each container in overlapping, sealing relation to the container; a drive mechanism mounted on the apparatus synchronizing the movement of containers along the conveyor at predefined intervals cooperative with the folding means to permit the folding means to contact and fold the flap portions of each container during the interval said container passes between the folding means and the conveyor, said drive mechanism including a driven conveyor mounted on the apparatus extending longitudinally of the stationary conveyor, said driven conveyor mounting bars transversely thereof predetermined distances apart adapted to motivate the containers over the stationary conveyor between the stationary conveyor and the folding means; said stationary conveyor being mounted on the apparatus on adjustment shafts for vertical adjustment with respect to the driven conveyor and the folding means to permit adjustment of the apparatus for the folding and sealing of containers of a different seLected size; said folding means including a guide and a folding arm individually cooperatively mounted on the apparatus above the driven conveyor for folding the forward and rearward upstanding flap portions of each container, as defined by the direction of travel, toward each other so as to overlay the container during movement thereof along the stationary conveyor by the drive mechanism; and tucking fingers borne by the apparatus for cooperative movement with the guide and folding arm synchronous with the passage of each container along the stationary conveyor for folding the remaining flap portions inwardly in sealing relation to the container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which an adhesive applying mechanism is secured on the guide adapted to contact and deposit adhesive on preselected areas of the flap portions for adhesively securing the flap portions in the folded configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in which a support assembly is mounted on the apparatus in supporting relation to the guide, folding arm and tucking fingers, the support assembly being adjustable for the individual vertical and horizontal repositioning of the guide, arm and fingers so as to permit the handling of containers of different sizes.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
296 words
An apparatus for sealing preformed containers having upstanding longitudinal and transverse flap portions, the longitudinal flap portions having laterally extending tab portions, the apparatus comprising a frame; a stationary conveyor mounted on the frame for vertical adjustment, having entrance and exit ends and adapted to permit the transport therealong of the containers oriented so that their longitudinal flap portions extend transversely of the apparatus; an endless driven conveyor mounted on the frame for movement longitudinally about the stationary conveyor and having flight bars extending transversely thereof at predetermined intervals; a folding arm mounted on the frame above the stationary conveyor adapted for the completion of a downward sweep toward the stationary conveyor corresponding with the passage therebelow of each flight bar so as to contact and fold the rearwardmost longitudinal flap portion so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of guides secured on the frame in transversely spaced relation between the folding arm and the exit end of the conveyor adapted to contact and fold the forwardmost longitudinal flap portion so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of tucking fingers mounted in transversely spaced relation in the frame for cooperative rotational movement with the folding arm adapted to fold the transverse flap portions of each container inwardly under the longitudinal flap portions during passage along the conveyor; a dispensing mechanism fastened on each guide adjacent to the exit end of the conveyor adapted to contact and apply adhesive to the laterally extending tab portions of each container and to fold them inwardly adhesively to retain the longitudinal and transverse flap portions in the folded configuration overlaying the container; and power means mounted on the frame in driving engagement with the driven conveyor, folding arm, and tucking fingers for the synchronous operation thereof.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
296 words
An apparatus for sealing preformed containers having upstanding longitudinal and transverse flap portions, the longitudinal flap portions having laterally extending tab portions, the apparatus comprising a frame; a stationary conveyor mounted on the frame for vertical adjustment, having entrance and exit ends and adapted to permit the transport therealong of the containers oriented so that their longitudinal flap portions extend transversely of the apparatus; an endless driven conveyor mounted on the frame for movement longitudinally about the stationary conveyor and having flight bars extending transversely thereof at predetermined intervals; a folding arm mounted on the frame above the stationary conveyor adapted for the completion of a downward sweep toward the stationary conveyor corresponding with the passage therebelow of each flight bar so as to contact and fold the rearwardmost longitudinal flap portion so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of guides secured on the frame in transversely spaced relation between the folding arm and the exit end of the conveyor adapted to contact and fold the forwardmost longitudinal flap portion so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of tucking fingers mounted in transversely spaced relation in the frame for cooperative rotational movement with the folding arm adapted to fold the transverse flap portions of each container inwardly under the longitudinal flap portions during passage along the conveyor; a dispensing mechanism fastened on each guide adjacent to the exit end of the conveyor adapted to contact and apply adhesive to the laterally extending tab portions of each container and to fold them inwardly adhesively to retain the longitudinal and transverse flap portions in the folded configuration overlaying the container; and power means mounted on the frame in driving engagement with the driven conveyor, folding arm, and tucking fingers for the synchronous operation thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 4 in which a staging conveyor is mounted on the entrance end of the stationary conveyor for vertical adjustment therewith and in driven connection with the power means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 5 in which a staging mechanism operated by contact with each passing flight bar at the entrance end of the stationary conveyor is secured on the staging conveyor adapted selectively to admit containers to the entrance end of the stationary conveyor at intervals defined by the passing flight bars.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 6 in which a discharge conveyor is mounted on the exit end of the stationary conveyor for vertical adjustment therewith having downwardly convergent pressure rollers for maintaining the tab portions of each container in folded relation until the adhesive congeals sUfficiently to hold the tab portions in the folded configuration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
98 words
A container sealing apparatus adjustable to accommodate containers of different sizes and configurations comprising a frame, an elongated conveyor mounted substantially horizontally in the frame for adjustable elevational movement in positions of parallelism, slide supports mounted in the frame substantially horizontally transversely of the conveyor, sub frames mounted on the slide supports on opposite sides of the conveyor for adjustable spacing, and container closing and sealing means individual to the sub frames adjustably spaced by adjustable spacing of the sub frames to accommodate containers of different widths and the conveyor being adjustable to accommodate containers of different thickness.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
98 words
A container sealing apparatus adjustable to accommodate containers of different sizes and configurations comprising a frame, an elongated conveyor mounted substantially horizontally in the frame for adjustable elevational movement in positions of parallelism, slide supports mounted in the frame substantially horizontally transversely of the conveyor, sub frames mounted on the slide supports on opposite sides of the conveyor for adjustable spacing, and container closing and sealing means individual to the sub frames adjustably spaced by adjustable spacing of the sub frames to accommodate containers of different widths and the conveyor being adjustable to accommodate containers of different thickness.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
146 words
A container sealing apparatus adjustable to accommodate containers of different sizes and configurations ocmprising a frame, an elongated conveyor mounted substantially horizontally in the frame for adjustable elevational movement in positions of parallelism, slide supports mounted in the frame substantially horizontally transversely of the conveyor. sub frames mounted on the slide supports on opposite sides of the conveyor for adjustable spacing, container closing and sealing means individual to the sub frames adjustably spaced by adjustable spacing of the sub frames to accommodate containers of different widths and the conveyor being adjustable to accommodate containers of different thickness, a supply conveyor aligned with said elongated conveyor, means connecting an end of the supply conveyor to said elongated conveyor for elevational movement therewith, a compression conveyor aligned with said elongated conveyor, and means connecting an end of the compression conveyor to said elongated conveyor for elevational movement therewith.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
146 words
A container sealing apparatus adjustable to accommodate containers of different sizes and configurations ocmprising a frame, an elongated conveyor mounted substantially horizontally in the frame for adjustable elevational movement in positions of parallelism, slide supports mounted in the frame substantially horizontally transversely of the conveyor. sub frames mounted on the slide supports on opposite sides of the conveyor for adjustable spacing, container closing and sealing means individual to the sub frames adjustably spaced by adjustable spacing of the sub frames to accommodate containers of different widths and the conveyor being adjustable to accommodate containers of different thickness, a supply conveyor aligned with said elongated conveyor, means connecting an end of the supply conveyor to said elongated conveyor for elevational movement therewith, a compression conveyor aligned with said elongated conveyor, and means connecting an end of the compression conveyor to said elongated conveyor for elevational movement therewith.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 9 in which at least one finger is affixed to the container closing and sealing means adjacent to the compression conveyor adapted to introduce containers to the compression conveyor in closed and sealed relation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
79 words
A container sealing apparatus adjustable to accommodate containers of different sizes and configurations comprising a frame, an elongated conveyor mounted substantially horizontally in the frame, slide supports mounted in the frame substantially horizontally transversely of the conveyor, sub frames mounted on the slide supports on opposite sides of the conveyor for adjustable spacing, and container closing and sealing means individual to the sub frames adjustably spaced by adjustable spacing of the sub frames to accommodate containers of different widths.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
79 words
A container sealing apparatus adjustable to accommodate containers of different sizes and configurations comprising a frame, an elongated conveyor mounted substantially horizontally in the frame, slide supports mounted in the frame substantially horizontally transversely of the conveyor, sub frames mounted on the slide supports on opposite sides of the conveyor for adjustable spacing, and container closing and sealing means individual to the sub frames adjustably spaced by adjustable spacing of the sub frames to accommodate containers of different widths.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 11 in which the container closing and sealing means includes top flap closing guides individual to the sub frames mounted for individual floating movement on said sub frames automatically to accommodate containers of mixed thickness.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 12 including a dispensing mechanism mounted on at least one of the top flap closing guides for floating elevational movement therewith adapted to apply adhesive to containers of mixed thickness accommodated by the guides.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 13 having means mounting the conveyor in the frame for adjustable elevational movement in positions of parallelism to accommodate containers of different thickness.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 14 including a supply conveyor aligned with said elongated conveyor, means connecting an end of the supply conveyor to said elongated conveyor for elevational movement therewith, a compression conveyor aligned with said elongated conveyor, and means connecting an end of the compression conveyor to said elongated conveyor for elevational movement therewith.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 15 in which a finger is affixed to the container closing and sealing means adjacent to the compression conveyor adapted to engage closed and sealed containers on said elongated conveyor and convey them to the compression conveyor.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
207 words
An apparatus for Sealing preformed containers having upstanding longitudinal and transverse flap portions, the longitudinal flap portions having laterally extending tab portions, the apparatus comprising a frame; an elongated substantially horizontal conveyor mounted on the frame having entrance and exit ends and adapted for the transport therealong of the containers oriented so that their longitudinal flap portions extend transversely of the apparatus; a folding arm mounted on the frame above the conveyor for reciprocal movement between an upwardly retracted position and a lower flap closing position operated synchronously with the passage therebelow of each container so as to contact and fold the rearwardmost longitudinal flap portion of each container so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of guides secured on the frame in spaced relation transversely of the conveyor between the folding arm and the exit end of said conveyor adapted to contact and fold the forwardmost longitudinal flap portion of each container so as to overlay its respective container; and a pair of tucking fingers mounted in the frame in spaced relation transversely of the conveyor for synchronous movement with the folding arm adapted to fold the transverse flap portions of each container inwardly under the longitudinal flap portions during passage along the conveyor.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
207 words
An apparatus for Sealing preformed containers having upstanding longitudinal and transverse flap portions, the longitudinal flap portions having laterally extending tab portions, the apparatus comprising a frame; an elongated substantially horizontal conveyor mounted on the frame having entrance and exit ends and adapted for the transport therealong of the containers oriented so that their longitudinal flap portions extend transversely of the apparatus; a folding arm mounted on the frame above the conveyor for reciprocal movement between an upwardly retracted position and a lower flap closing position operated synchronously with the passage therebelow of each container so as to contact and fold the rearwardmost longitudinal flap portion of each container so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of guides secured on the frame in spaced relation transversely of the conveyor between the folding arm and the exit end of said conveyor adapted to contact and fold the forwardmost longitudinal flap portion of each container so as to overlay its respective container; and a pair of tucking fingers mounted in the frame in spaced relation transversely of the conveyor for synchronous movement with the folding arm adapted to fold the transverse flap portions of each container inwardly under the longitudinal flap portions during passage along the conveyor.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
280 words
An apparatus for sealing preformed containers having upstanding longitudinal and transverse flap portions, the longitudinal flap portions having laterally extending tab portions, the apparatus comprising a frame; an elongated substantially horizontal conveyor mounted on the frame having entrance and exit ends and adapted for the transport therealong of the containers oriented so that their longitudinal flap portions extend transversely of the apparatus; a folding arm mounted on the frame above the conveyor for reciprocal movement between an upwardly retracted position and a lower flap closing position operated synchronously with the passage therebelow of each container so as to contact and fold the rearwardmost longitudinal flap portion of each container so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of guides secured on the frame in spaced relation transversely of the conveyor between the folding arm and the exit end of said conveyor adapted to contact and fold the forwardmost longitudinal flap portion of each container so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of tucking fingers mounted in the frame in spaced relation transversely of the conveyor for synchronous movement with the folding arm adapted to fold the transverse flap portions of each container inwardly under the longitudinal flap portions during passage along the conveyor; a dispensing mechanism fastened on each guide adjacent to the exit end of the conveyor adapted to contact and apply adhesive to the laterally extending tab portions of each container and to fold them inwardly adhesively to retain the longitudinal and transverse flap portions in the folded configuration overlaying the container; and power means mounted on the frame in driving engagement with the conveyor, folding arm, and tucking fingers for the synchronous operation thereof.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
280 words
An apparatus for sealing preformed containers having upstanding longitudinal and transverse flap portions, the longitudinal flap portions having laterally extending tab portions, the apparatus comprising a frame; an elongated substantially horizontal conveyor mounted on the frame having entrance and exit ends and adapted for the transport therealong of the containers oriented so that their longitudinal flap portions extend transversely of the apparatus; a folding arm mounted on the frame above the conveyor for reciprocal movement between an upwardly retracted position and a lower flap closing position operated synchronously with the passage therebelow of each container so as to contact and fold the rearwardmost longitudinal flap portion of each container so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of guides secured on the frame in spaced relation transversely of the conveyor between the folding arm and the exit end of said conveyor adapted to contact and fold the forwardmost longitudinal flap portion of each container so as to overlay its respective container; a pair of tucking fingers mounted in the frame in spaced relation transversely of the conveyor for synchronous movement with the folding arm adapted to fold the transverse flap portions of each container inwardly under the longitudinal flap portions during passage along the conveyor; a dispensing mechanism fastened on each guide adjacent to the exit end of the conveyor adapted to contact and apply adhesive to the laterally extending tab portions of each container and to fold them inwardly adhesively to retain the longitudinal and transverse flap portions in the folded configuration overlaying the container; and power means mounted on the frame in driving engagement with the conveyor, folding arm, and tucking fingers for the synchronous operation thereof.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
83 words
The apparatus of claim 18 in which said conveyor has an elongated upper run, a lower return run and means engageable with containers while traversing the upper run to urge the containers toward the exit end; and including a substantially horizontal stationary conveyor mounted between the upper and lower runs of the driven conveyor for adjustable elevational movement; and a staging conveyor mounted on the entrance end of the stationary conveyor for elevational adjustment therewith and in driven connection with the power means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus of claim 19 in which a staging mechanism operated by contact with each passing container engaging means of the driven conveyor at the entrance end of the stationary conveyor is secured on the staging conveyor and is adapted selectively to admit containers to the entrance end of the staTionary conveyor at intervals defined by the passing container engaging means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 19 in which a discharge conveyor is mounted on the exit end of the stationary conveyor for elevational adjustment therewith having downwardly convergent pressure rollers for maintaining the tab portions of each container in folded relation until the adhesive congeals sufficiently to hold the tab portions in the folded configuration.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 18 in which a support assembly is mounted on the apparatus in supporting relation to the guide, folding arm and tucking fingers, the support assembly being adjustable for the individual vertical and horizontal repositioning of the guide, arm and fingers so as to permit the handling of containers of different sizes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-01 | 1977-12-31 | 1978-07-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-01 | 1981-12-31 | 1982-07-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-01 | 1985-12-31 | 1986-07-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |