Active compression adhesive packaging method and apparatus
a technology of active compression and adhesive, applied in the field of packaging, can solve the problems of insufficient back pressure, inability to provide back pressure, and associated downtime, and achieve the effect of increasing the force exerted by the pressure member(s) and high-quality seal of the container flap
Inactive Publication Date: 2011-08-18
GENERAL MILLS INC
View PDF6 Cites 4 Cited by
- Summary
- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
The invention is a method and system for packaging products in containers by using an active compression assembly. The system includes a leader member and at least one pressure member that is positioned against the upper flaps of the container to hold them in place while adhesive is applied. The pressure member then pushes the upper flaps together while the adhesive sets, ensuring a high-quality seal. The method and system allow for a continuous and automated process of packaging containers, improving efficiency and quality.
Problems solved by technology
Unfortunately, there are at least two potential problems associated with this sealing method.
The first problem only arises if the products being packaged are not solid in nature.
However, if the products are not solid in nature, the products cannot provide the back pressure necessary to enable the major flaps to be adequately compressed against the minor flaps such that the seal is inherently compromised.
The other problem concerns the downtime associated with sealing a box in this manner.
Certainly, incorporating a mandatory pause in a portion of a manufacturing operation is not optimal.
Method used
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View moreImage
Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Smart ImageViewing Examples
Examples
Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test
Embodiment Construction
[0014]With initial reference to FIG. 1, a terminal portion of a manufacturing line is generally indicated at 5. As shown, terminal portion 5 includes upstanding support framework 8 and a substantially horizontal support framework 10. Horizontal support framework 10 rotatably supports a plurality of rollers 13, as well as a pair of side housings 18 and 19 in which are positioned endless side belts 22 and 23 driven by respective motors (not shown). As also illustrated in this figure, terminal portion 5 is provided with a pair of opposing side guide rollers, one of which is indicated at 27, as well as a pair of upper guide rollers, one of which is indicated at 29.
[0015]As will be described more fully below, a container 33 is adapted to be loaded and directed down terminal portion 5 where it is sealed in a final packaging stage of an overall manufacturing process. Although container 33 can be made of various materials, including cardboard, container 33 includes a bottom 36 and opposing ...
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More PUM
Login to View More Abstract
A method and system for packaging products in a container employs an active compression assembly having pressure members which are shifted from a raised position to a lowered operational position. In the operational position, each pressure member holds a respective upper container flap against a lower container flap while an interposed adhesive sets. More specifically, with the at least one pressure member pushing upon the upper flaps, both the container and the at least one pressure member are forced to move in unison along a manufacturing line while the at least one pressure member applies pressure on the upper flaps as the adhesive sets to seal the upper flaps to the lower flaps and close the upper opening.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention pertains to the art of packaging and, more particularly, to packaging various products, such as food products, in containers or cases having folding upper and lower flaps which are adhesively attached to close the container.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Numerous manufactured products are pre-packaged, either individually or in groups, and then a plurality of the pre-packaged products are packaged in a larger container and shipped to a wholesaler who unpacks the container and places the pre-packaged products on display shelves for purchase by consumers. In particular, it is common to package a wide range of products in containers having folding flaps, such as cardboard boxes. Often in the manufacturing of products at many existing facilities, the pre-packaging of the products is performed by automated equipment, while the packaging of the various products into a larger container for shipping or storage purposes is performed manually. For i...
Claims
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More Application Information
Patent Timeline
Login to View More Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B65B7/20B65B51/02B65B51/14
CPCB65B5/00B65B51/144B65B51/023B65B7/20
Inventor BOOK, BILLCANTRELL, SCOTTKEITHLY, MIKEGREER, MATTHEW
Owner GENERAL MILLS INC