US4390337A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus having an automatic foam dispensing system for forming shock-absorbing members in a container
Assignee: Sealed Air Corp
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Filing: 1981-11-24
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Granted: 1983-06-28
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Expires: 2001-11-24
Abstract
Abstract An automatic foam dispensing system is described for forming shock-absorbing members of synthetic foamed material into predetermined shapes at pre-selected locations inside a container for the cushioning of articles to be provided therein. The foam dispensing system is generally constructed from a dispensing booth having a plurality of synthetic foam dispensing apparatus provided thereat and a plurality of mold assembles adapted for movement along a track to and from the dispensing booth.
Inventors
- 👤 Dana R. Gately
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 03:31
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C44/00; B29C44/34; B29C44/36; B29C44/38; B29C44/388
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A system for forming shock-absorbing members of cushioning material inside a container for the cushioning of an article to be provided therein, said system comprising a booth, a mold assembly movable between a first position outside of said booth and a second position within said booth, said mold assembly having means for supporting a container having an opening therein, dispensing means within said booth at said second position for dispensing said cushioning material into said container through said opening when said mold assembly is positioned within said booth underlying said dispensing means, and means for moving said mold assembly between said first and second positions while said dispensing means remains at said second position for dispensing said cushioning material into an incoming underlying container wherein said container has formed therein said shock-absorbing members of said cushioning material.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
A system for forming shock-absorbing members of cushioning material inside a container for the cushioning of an article to be provided therein, said system comprising a booth, a mold assembly movable between a first position outside of said booth and a second position within said booth, said mold assembly having means for supporting a container having an opening therein, dispensing means within said booth at said second position for dispensing said cushioning material into said container through said opening when said mold assembly is positioned within said booth underlying said dispensing means, and means for moving said mold assembly between said first and second positions while said dispensing means remains at said second position for dispensing said cushioning material into an incoming underlying container wherein said container has formed therein said shock-absorbing members of said cushioning material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for moving said mold assembly between said first and second position is constructed and arranged for movement of said mold assembly along a substantially linear path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for moving said mold assembly between said first and second position is constructed and arranged for movement of said mold assembly along a substantially closed path.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system as set forth in claim 1 further including a plurality of booths provided at a plurality of second positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as set forth in claim 1 further including a plurality of mold assemblies removably secured to each other in end-to-end relationship.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dispensing means is movably positioned at said second position for movement while dispensing cushioning material therefrom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mold assembly includes a mold for forming said cushioning material into predetermined shapes at pre-selected locations inside said container.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
221 words
A system for forming shock-absorbing members of foamed material into predetermined shapes at pre-selected locations inside a container for the cushioning of an article to be provided therein, said system comprising a booth, a mold assembly having a mold for forming said foamed material into said predetermined shapes at said pre-selected locations, said mold assembly adapted to be movable between a first position outside of said booth and a second position within said booth and to securely receive thereon a container having an open top and bottom, dispensing means within said booth at said second position for dispensing said foamed material into said container surrounding said mold through said open bottom when said mold assembly is positioned within said booth underlying said dispensing means, means for moving said mold assembly having said container secured thereon between said first and second positions while said dispensing means remains at said second position for dispensing said cushioning material into an incoming underlying container, means at said second position for sequentially closing the end and side flaps on the bottom of said container, and means within said mold assembly for separating said container from said mold when said mold assembly is in said first position, wherein said container has formed on the inside thereof at said pre-selected locations said shock-absorbing members of said predetermined shapes.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
221 words
A system for forming shock-absorbing members of foamed material into predetermined shapes at pre-selected locations inside a container for the cushioning of an article to be provided therein, said system comprising a booth, a mold assembly having a mold for forming said foamed material into said predetermined shapes at said pre-selected locations, said mold assembly adapted to be movable between a first position outside of said booth and a second position within said booth and to securely receive thereon a container having an open top and bottom, dispensing means within said booth at said second position for dispensing said foamed material into said container surrounding said mold through said open bottom when said mold assembly is positioned within said booth underlying said dispensing means, means for moving said mold assembly having said container secured thereon between said first and second positions while said dispensing means remains at said second position for dispensing said cushioning material into an incoming underlying container, means at said second position for sequentially closing the end and side flaps on the bottom of said container, and means within said mold assembly for separating said container from said mold when said mold assembly is in said first position, wherein said container has formed on the inside thereof at said pre-selected locations said shock-absorbing members of said predetermined shapes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said means for closing the end flaps on the bottom of said container comprises a pair of arms pivotally arranged at said second position for engagement with said end flaps for closure thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said means for closing the side flaps on the bottom of said container comprises a pair of projections pivotally arranged on opposite sides of said second position for engagement with said side flaps for closure thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said separating means comprises a fluid cylinder having one end attached to the top portion of said mold for movement thereof in an upward direction away from the remaining portion of said mold for causing separation of said container from said mold for removal thereof.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system as set forth in claim 8 wherein the operation of said system is in timed sequence by a programmed controller.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system as set forth in claim 8 further including means for supplying sheet material to be positioned about the outside of said mold to prevent said foamed material from adhering thereto.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said means for moving said mold assembly between said first and second position is constructed and arranged for movement of said mold assembly along a substantially closed path.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as set forth in claim 8 further including a plurality of mold assemblies removably secured to each other in end-to-end relationship.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system as set forth in claim 1 further including means at said second position for closing said opening of said container.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-06-27 | 1986-12-27 | 1987-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-06-27 | 1990-12-27 | 1991-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-06-27 | 1994-12-27 | 1995-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |