US4105197A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for folding collapsible box blanks
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1976-09-09
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Granted: 1978-08-08
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Expires: 1996-09-09
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for folding collapsible box blanks transversely to a feed direction in which blanks are fed to strip-like tools each pivoted about an axis above a conveyor on which the blanks are supported, and transverse to the feed direction and having a sliding surface forming a ramp which rises from the conveyor in the feed direction downstream of the said axis. Unlike known apparatus, a movable depressor is provided to hold down the blank in the vicinity of the tools and further the folding tools are not driven. In the embodiments described they are restrained by a spring loaded locking device, against free pivotal movement until the torque applied to the tool during feeding of the blank, exceeds a predetermined minimum. In one embodiment, the folding tools are movable in the same direction as the conveyor but at a higher velocity, the resultant relative velocity determining the feed direction.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz-Hermann Pott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 00:59
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65H; B65H45/00; B65H45/12; B31; B31B; B31B50/00; B31B50/26; B31B50/262; B31B50/52; B31B50/54
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
280 words
Apparatus for folding collapsible planar box blanks about fold lines disposed transversely to a feed direction of said blanks, comprising a conveyor for transporting the blanks in said feed direction, at least one elongated folding tool disposed adjacent said conveyor and extending in a direction transverse to said feed direction, said folding tool being mounted to pivot transversely to the conveyor about an axis located above the conveyor, means for moving the conveyor and the folding tool relative to one another to transport a blank toward the folding tool in the said feed direction to cause an edge of said blank to engage and exert a force on said folding tool at a position on said tool between said conveyor and said pivot axis, the force exerted by said blank on said tool being operative to pivot said tool about said axis without the need for a separate driving mechanism to effect such pivoting of the tool, means for restraining the folding tool against pivotal movement until the force applied to the tool by the blank to be folded during feeding of said blank exceeds a predetermined minimum whereby said force causes said folding tool to pivot, the folding tool having a sliding surface facing said edge of said blank and formed as a ramp which rises from the conveyor, said edge of said blank being adapted to slide along said ramp during said folding operation, a depressor positioned adjacent said conveyor for holding down a blank on the conveyor, and means for moving said depressor in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of motion of the conveyor toward and away from the folding tool during said folding operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
280 words
Apparatus for folding collapsible planar box blanks about fold lines disposed transversely to a feed direction of said blanks, comprising a conveyor for transporting the blanks in said feed direction, at least one elongated folding tool disposed adjacent said conveyor and extending in a direction transverse to said feed direction, said folding tool being mounted to pivot transversely to the conveyor about an axis located above the conveyor, means for moving the conveyor and the folding tool relative to one another to transport a blank toward the folding tool in the said feed direction to cause an edge of said blank to engage and exert a force on said folding tool at a position on said tool between said conveyor and said pivot axis, the force exerted by said blank on said tool being operative to pivot said tool about said axis without the need for a separate driving mechanism to effect such pivoting of the tool, means for restraining the folding tool against pivotal movement until the force applied to the tool by the blank to be folded during feeding of said blank exceeds a predetermined minimum whereby said force causes said folding tool to pivot, the folding tool having a sliding surface facing said edge of said blank and formed as a ramp which rises from the conveyor, said edge of said blank being adapted to slide along said ramp during said folding operation, a depressor positioned adjacent said conveyor for holding down a blank on the conveyor, and means for moving said depressor in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of motion of the conveyor toward and away from the folding tool during said folding operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for restraining the tool comprises a locking device having a spring loaded stop member.
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) | 1981-08-07 | 1982-02-06 | 1982-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-08-07 | 1986-02-06 | 1986-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-08-07 | 1990-02-06 | 1990-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |