US4197790A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for opening and handling folded boxes
Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
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Filing: 1978-05-01
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Granted: 1980-04-15
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Expires: 1998-05-01
Abstract
Abstract A single folded carton or box is removed from a magazine and is held by suction cups or the like at one side while being moved into contact with a fixed member which exerts an opening force on the folded box. When thus erected, the box is placed onto a moving conveyor belt for further use. The removal, opening and placement on the conveyor are executed in a substantially single sweeping motion of a transport arm which is moved by a system of articulated levers. After placement of the box on the conveyor, the levers retract the arm and return it to its starting position.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter Dietrich
- 👤 Manfred Bauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 06:44
CPC Classifications
B; B31; B31B; B31B50/00; B31B50/74; B31B50/76; B31B50/80; B31B2100/00; B31B2120/00; B31B2120/30; B31B50/02; B31B50/04; B31B50/06; B31B50/062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
In a method for opening a folded box and preparing it for use, the improvement comprising the steps of: removing a single folded box from a plurality of folded boxes in a magazine and holding it so as to permit relative movement of parts thereof; putting said single folded box in moving contact with a locally fixed member, causing opening forces to be exerted on parts of said folded box to thereby define an internal space; placing the opened box onto a moving conveyor belt; and wherein the steps of removing, putting and placing said box are performed in a substantially single sweeping movement along a continuous path extending between successive removing steps including a portion of said sweeping movement subsequent to said placing step in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of said conveyor belt.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
In a method for opening a folded box and preparing it for use, the improvement comprising the steps of: removing a single folded box from a plurality of folded boxes in a magazine and holding it so as to permit relative movement of parts thereof; putting said single folded box in moving contact with a locally fixed member, causing opening forces to be exerted on parts of said folded box to thereby define an internal space; placing the opened box onto a moving conveyor belt; and wherein the steps of removing, putting and placing said box are performed in a substantially single sweeping movement along a continuous path extending between successive removing steps including a portion of said sweeping movement subsequent to said placing step in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of said conveyor belt.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
176 words
An apparatus for opening a folded box and preparing it for use, comprising: a container for holding a plurality of folded boxes; transport means for grasping a single one of said folded boxes and holding it so as to permit relative movement of parts thereof and for moving it in a substantially single sweeping movement in a continuous path which begins and ends adjacent said container; a locally fixed rail so placed as to be in contact with a part of said single box held by said transport means during said sweeping movement to thereby exert forces on a part of said box causing it to open, thereby defining an interior space; a conveyor belt for receiving the opened box from said transport means during said sweeping movement; and a system of articulated levers, connected to said transport means, for causing said transport means to periodically execute said substantially single sweeping movement along said continuous path, a portion of said sweeping movement including a movement in a direction opposite to the movement of said conveyor belt.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
176 words
An apparatus for opening a folded box and preparing it for use, comprising: a container for holding a plurality of folded boxes; transport means for grasping a single one of said folded boxes and holding it so as to permit relative movement of parts thereof and for moving it in a substantially single sweeping movement in a continuous path which begins and ends adjacent said container; a locally fixed rail so placed as to be in contact with a part of said single box held by said transport means during said sweeping movement to thereby exert forces on a part of said box causing it to open, thereby defining an interior space; a conveyor belt for receiving the opened box from said transport means during said sweeping movement; and a system of articulated levers, connected to said transport means, for causing said transport means to periodically execute said substantially single sweeping movement along said continuous path, a portion of said sweeping movement including a movement in a direction opposite to the movement of said conveyor belt.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus as defined by claim 2, wherein said system of levers is a system of three serial levers turning on four pivots, the outer pivots being locally stationary and the central lever carrying means for grasping and holding said single folded box.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus as defined by claim 3, wherein said carrying means for grasping and holding include suction cups.
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) | 1983-04-15 | 1983-10-15 | 1984-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-04-15 | 1987-10-15 | 1988-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-04-15 | 1991-10-15 | 1992-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |