Box-closing machine with hot-melt glue applicator, equipped with a mechanism for holding products in place and preventing them from falling

Abstract

The invention relates to a compact hot-melt box sealer which incorporates a hot-melt adhesive applicator for optimizing the closure of cardboard boxes. It is distinguished by an innovative device that prevents objects inside the boxes from falling during movement and the application of the adhesive. This device makes it possible to partially reopen the main flaps at the bottom of a filled box, to apply a hot-melt adhesive in a precise manner for ensuring efficient and secure closure, and then to firmly seal the cardboard box. This improves the stability of the contents during the closure process and reduces the risk of the objects moving, thereby ensuring the integrity of the final package.

Description

[0001] Case closing machine with hot melt glue applicator, equipped with a mechanism for holding and preventing products from falling

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD:

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for closing boxes or crates, intended for the efficient closing of the open ends of cardboard boxes. This system comprises a frame equipped with a conveyor, which conveys the filled boxes to a drive assembly with two spaced side belts. Distinctively, the machine is provided with two hot melt glue guns, strategically located at the top and bottom, for applying the adhesive to the upper and lower flaps of the boxes. An innovative element of the system is its mechanism designed to ensure precise application of the hot melt glue, while preventing the products contained in the cartons from falling out as they move along the conveyor.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006]

[0002] Before detailing the present invention, it is appropriate to consider the current state of the technology in this field. This section provides an overview of state-of-the-art techniques and methods related to the closing of boxes and crates, particularly those using hot melt adhesives. The state of the art cited below will identify the gaps, challenges and limitations of existing solutions, and serves as a backdrop for understanding the solution and improvement provided by the present invention. This puts into context the importance and relevance of the invention, highlighting its advantages, the solution provided and distinguishing its distinctive features compared to pre-existing approaches.

[0003] Patent application WO2010 / 045322 filed in the name of HENEKEL describes a case closing machine using hot melt adhesive designed to reopen the already closed but unsealed large bottom flaps of a filled case, apply hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of each large flap, and then close them, thereby ensuring closure of the bottom of the case. Incorporating application of hot melt adhesive to both the top and bottom of the case. It is specifically directed to closing the open ends of cardboard boxes.

[0007]

[0004] The solution provided by this invention is its ability to process adhesives designed to be applied at low temperatures (typically between 160°F and 260°F), which reduces safety concerns and accelerated applicator wear associated with high-temperature adhesives. In addition, the system minimizes common problems such as carbonization of the hot melt adhesive, which can block the applicator nozzles and require frequent tank cleanings.

[0008]

[0005] The independent claims of the patent detail the structure of the sealer, comprising a frame with a longitudinal axis equipped with an infeed conveyor, spaced side belt drives for transporting the boxes, and a hot melt adhesive dispensing platform with nozzles positioned above and below. The packaging process involves constructing the box, filling it, passing it through the sealer where adhesive is applied to the top and bottom flaps, and then closing the flaps, thereby ensuring the box is closed.

[0009]

[0006] The disclosed invention has certain potential drawbacks in addition to its advantages. Although designed to improve the efficiency and safety of hot melt adhesive application, there are practical problems that arise during its use and which are listed below:

[0010] • Objects falling out of the box: During the application of glue to the bottom flaps, objects inside the box may fall, move or destabilize the structure of the box during the closing process. This problem is particularly worrying if the objects are heavy or poorly positioned in the box or have large dimensions; • Uncontrolled opening of the flaps: When the flaps are reopened for the application of the adhesive, the opening angle can vary and is not always controllable. This can lead to a wider opening of the flaps and subsequently application of the hot melt glue in the wrong position.

[0011] • Limitation in handling various carton sizes: The machine's efficiency is reduced when faced with cartons of varying sizes or types. The machine's design is not flexible enough to effectively accommodate a wide range of dimensions or cartons with different structural features. As a result, this may require frequent adjustments or even system modifications to efficiently handle different carton sizes, thus impacting the machine's versatility and productivity.

[0012]

[0007] Another art document No. US3496697 relates to an automatic carton closing machine for partially opening the previously folded lower side flaps of a carton loaded with contents, which overlap under the previously folded lower end flaps, in order to apply a securing adhesive therebetween and to fold these side flaps upwards. The machine comprises an adhesive application mechanism, comprising a side conveyor for transporting the carton along a defined lateral path, a pair of transversely spaced and longitudinally spaced roller series, the curved surfaces of the upper portions of one series of which extend obliquely downwards and intersect those of the other series. As the carton advances over these rollers, the opposite free ends of the folded lower side flaps fall through oblique angles to create a gap between them.An adhesive application device is positioned beneath the carton travel path to enter the space between the free ends of the lower side flaps and apply fluid adhesive to the undersides of the folded lower end flaps. A mechanism then raises the lower side flaps until they contact the undersides of the adhesive-bearing lower end flaps, and then holds the side flaps in that position until the applied adhesive sets sufficiently to anchor the side flaps to the lower end flaps.

[0013]

[0008] The machine also includes control devices for raising and lowering elements such as stop pallets and guide rails, depending on the position of the carton and the condition of the applied adhesive. These control devices are activated by limit switches and photosensitive switches placed along the path of travel of the carton.

[0014]

[0009] The invention thus makes it possible to effectively close cartons by applying fixing adhesive precisely and holding the side flaps in place until the adhesive is sufficiently dry to ensure a solid closure of the carton.

[0015]

[0010] This invention has certain disadvantages related to its mechanism for opening the flaps and applying the glue. The system employs a pair of series of rollers spaced transversely and longitudinally to open the flaps, which results in a considerable longitudinal footprint corresponding to the number of rollers used. This configuration limits the space available for the device in a production environment, which can be problematic in confined spaces or requiring space optimization.

[0016]

[0011] Furthermore, the presence of these rollers restricts the surface area available for adhesive application. Glue can only be applied to areas of the flaps that are not in contact with the rollers. This limitation reduces the effective adhesion surface, potentially resulting in lower bond quality. If glue is applied to only a small portion of the flaps, this can compromise the strength and durability of the carton closure, especially if the carton is intended to contain heavy items or items subject to frequent handling. This constraint poses a significant challenge, requiring a balance between the efficiency of the flap opening mechanism and the quality of the adhesion achieved.

[0017]

[0012] Also known from patent WO87 / 06858 is an apparatus for spraying hot melt adhesives at low pressure, primarily intended for the automated packaging industry. This technology addresses the problems associated with traditional adhesive application methods, which generally require high pressure and can present safety risks and high costs associated with pressure-resistant equipment.

[0018]

[0013] The apparatus uses a nozzle system designed to spray droplets of pre-melted hot melt adhesive at low pressure, allowing for economical application. Instead of applying the adhesive in long, continuous strips, it creates series of short dots, thus reducing the overall consumption of adhesive material. This application method avoids the risks associated with high pressure, but is also more efficient by reducing material waste.

[0019]

[0014] The apparatus also includes nozzle manifolds configured in a T or Y shape, for flexible application of the adhesive to different parts of the cartons, such as the minor upper flaps or the lower major flaps. The invention has the following disadvantages, there is the risk of objects falling inside the cartons during application of the adhesive, particularly if the cartons are not well stabilized. Uncontrolled opening of the carton flaps also poses a problem, affecting the accuracy of the application of the adhesive. Finally, if the guidance of the cartons is carried out manually, this can lead to inconsistency in the application of the adhesive and increase the risk of human errors. These factors must be carefully considered when evaluating the suitability of this apparatus for specific industrial environments.

[0020]

[0015] Also patent document US4079573 in the name of RIGGS DISTLER, relates to a device designed to apply adhesive to the lower flaps of a box. This box has a pair of large flaps and small lower flaps, the large flaps being positioned under the small ones when the box advances in a longitudinal direction.

[0021]

[0016] The device consists of an elongated frame with a front end and a rear end. It incorporates several transverse flight bars mounted on an endless mechanism which circulates them through the frame, from the rear side to the front. A bracket is attached to the rear of the frame to hold a filled crate moving forward, with the large lower flaps slightly open. A sliding device located at the front on the frame contacts the small lower flaps as the crate moves forward.

[0022]

[0017] An entry mechanism is designed to slide between the small front lower flap and the slightly open large lower flaps, thereby supporting the small flaps. This entry mechanism can move between a reference position, where it fits between the flaps, and a lowered position. In addition, the device includes a system limiting the opening of the large lower flaps during movement of the box, as well as a system for applying adhesive to the lower flaps to stick them together while the box progresses along the sliding device.

[0018] The entry mechanism is equipped with a packaging plate with a front end and an entry part, the latter being inclined downwards and backwards. The mounting of this part allows an articulated movement about a transverse axis, and an elastic system pushes this front part upwards about this axis.

[0023] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024]

[0019] The invention presented aims to solve specific problems in the field of closing boxes with a hot melt glue dispensing system.

[0025]

[0020] The invention introduces a technical solution to the recurring problem in the state of the art, that of objects falling during the process of closing cartons. It is manifested by a compact hot-melt case closing machine, equipped with a sophisticated hot-melt adhesive applicator. This machine is distinguished by its anti-fall device, specially designed to keep the contents of the carton in place throughout the movement and application of the adhesive.

[0026]

[0021] It provides a significant improvement by allowing the main flaps at the bottom of filled cases to be reopened in a controlled manner. This allows the hot melt adhesive to be applied in a precise and targeted manner, thus avoiding any disturbance to the contents of the carton. Once the adhesive is applied, the flaps can be sealed efficiently and securely, ensuring the carton is completely closed.

[0027]

[0022] The anti-drop device is a key element of this invention. It prevents unwanted movement of objects inside the carton while the flaps are being handled and the adhesive is being applied. This feature is particularly advantageous in high-speed production environments where the continuous movement of cartons on conveyors can often lead to spills or messes that compromise the integrity of the carton closure.

[0028]

[0023] The invention significantly improves the reliability and efficiency of the carton closing process, ensuring that the products inside are protected and reducing the risk of product damage or loss due to inadequate closures. This represents a beneficial technological advancement for industries that depend on safe and reliable packaging for their products.

[0029]

[0024] The primary objective of the invention is to prevent objects from falling out of the carton during the closing operation. To this end, the invention incorporates a sophisticated adhesive application mechanism that partially opens the lower side flaps of a previously loaded carton and supports the objects during passage. These flaps, which are typically folded under the end flaps, are held by folding rods designed to ensure precise alignment. Adhesive is strategically applied between the side flaps and the end flaps, forming a robust joint that secures the flaps in the folded position while the adhesive cures. This process ensures a strong and permanent anchorage, essential for maintaining the carton closure.

[0030]

[0025] The adhesive application mechanism is seamlessly integrated into the advanced transport system of the automatic carton closing machine. This system advances each carton along a predefined lateral path from the inlet to the outlet of the machine. Specially designed carton supports are installed on either side of this path. These supports have surfaces positioned just below the side walls of the loaded cartons, aligned with the fold lines of the lower side flaps. Oriented obliquely downward and outward relative to the transverse plane of the lower end flaps, these support surfaces use gravity and the weight of the carton contents to gently lower the free ends of the lower side flaps along the inclines.This arrangement creates a space conducive to adhesive application, while keeping the side flaps lowered at a precise opening angle that facilitates the closing process. Thus, the flap support rods guarantee a secure space for adhesion while preventing objects from falling inside the carton, ensuring a secure and effective closure.

[0031]

[0026] The invention presented aims to solve specific problems in the field of closing boxes. The main objectives of the invention are to prevent the objects contained in the boxes from falling during the application of glue to the lower flaps, to allow continuous cycle operation without stops for the simultaneous application of glue to the upper and lower flaps.

[0032] To achieve these objectives, the invention incorporates several key features:

[0033] - Support device or object holder: A specific mechanism is designed to hold the objects in place in the box during the application of the glue, especially on the lower flaps. This support prevents the objects from falling or moving, thus ensuring the stability of the box during the closing process.

[0034] -Continuous Cycle without Stops for Glue Application: The machine is designed to operate continuously, avoiding the interruptions often required in traditional systems for glue application. This improves process efficiency and reduces processing time per case.

[0035] -Simultaneous Application of Glue on the Upper and Lower Flaps: The machine is equipped with devices that allow the glue to be applied simultaneously to the upper and lower flaps of the boxes. This ensures a uniform and robust closure while reducing the process steps.

[0036] -Presence of Rods to Guide the Flaps: Special rods are integrated to guide the flaps of the boxes and define a precise opening angle. This ensures that the glue is applied correctly and efficiently, while preventing objects from falling inside the box due to improper opening of the flaps.

[0037] -Space Optimization: The machine design takes into account space efficiency, allowing its integration into environments where space is limited.

[0038]

[0027] In summary, this invention provides a complete solution for improving efficiency, accuracy and safety in the case closing process, while optimizing space utilization and reducing the risk of objects falling.

[0039] Brief Description of the Drawings:

[0028] Other features, objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which;

[0040] - Figure 1: represents a respective view of the case sealing machine.

[0041] - Figure 2: shows a front view of the case sealing machine

[0042] - Figure 3: represents a perspective view of the folding system and orientation of the opening angles of the flaps

[0043] - Figure 4: represents a perspective view of the mechanism for holding and preventing objects from falling, as well as the system for adjusting the transmission conveyor according to the size of the box.

[0044] - Figure 5: represents the mechanism for holding and preventing objects from falling

[0045] - Figure 6: shows the guide rods for the opening angle of the flaps during passage below the device for holding and preventing objects from falling

[0046] - Figure 7: shows a front view of the mechanism for holding and preventing objects from falling, as well as the system for adjusting the transmission conveyor according to the size of the box.

[0047] - Figure 8: Shows a right-hand view of the mechanism for holding and preventing objects from falling, as well as the system for adjusting the transmission conveyor according to the size of the box.

[0048] - Figure 9: Shows a right-hand view of the mechanism for holding and preventing objects from falling

[0049] - Figure 10: Represents a front view showing the position of the flaps during the phase of passage under the device for holding and preventing objects from falling

[0050] - Figure 11: represents a realistic perspective view of the case sealing machine

[0051] - Figure 12 & 13: represents examples of a box to be sealed according to an embodiment of the invention

[0052] - Figure 14: a perspective view of the folding rods of the lower flaps of the box DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053]

[0029] In this illustrated embodiment, the automatic box sealing machine (1) generally comprises: (a) a conveyor system which comprises one or more input conveyors such as the conveyor (2) of the illustrated example, an output conveyor (3) and a conveyor (4); a combined flap closing device (7) and (6), an object holding and flap opening device 5 and hot melt glue application guns (53) and (73);

[0054]

[0030] The illustrated conveyor system comprises: a conveyor (2), a conveyor (3) and a conveyor (4) configured to operate together to move the boxes to, into, through, out at the appropriate times and to the appropriate positions, as explained in more detail below.

[0055]

[0031] The conveyor (2) generally comprises a series of rollers (21) configured to support and direct each box as each box is received from a conveyor belt (not shown) associated with a box filling station (not shown).

[0056]

[0032] The conveyor (2) may be powered by one or more drive assemblies (not shown) and operates under the control of the control system. It should be noted that another conveyor (not shown) that delivers the boxes to the conveyor (2) could be part of the box sealer of the present disclosure or could be separate from the box sealer of the present disclosure.

[0057]

[0033] It should further be noted that the conveyor (2) is configured to move or direct each box or crate (9) from the conveyor (2) to the conveyor (4).

[0058]

[0034] The conveyor (4) comprises a series of substantially parallel extending conveyor belts (41) and (42) powered by geared motors (43). The conveyor (4) is configured to support and move each box received from the conveyor (2) onto the object holding and fall prevention device (5) and to guns (53) and (73) for applying glue to the upper and lower flaps. More specifically, the conveyor (4) is configured to move each box to the guns (53) and (73) having their longitudinal flaps in the semi-closed position and to the flap closing positions. The conveyor (4) operates under the control of the control system. The conveyor (4) also comprises flap opening angle guides (8) configured to adjust the opening angle of the lower flaps of each box.

[0059]

[0035] To adjust the stroke and width of the conveyor, the mechanism incorporates a threaded rod (41). This threaded rod is designed to allow precise and modular adjustments of the width of the conveyor (4) according to the dimensions of the box (9). The mechanism includes a movable bearing (42) which moves along the threaded rod. By rotating the rod (41), the bearing moves, which results in a modification of the effective width of the conveyor (4). This system ensures optimal flexibility to adapt to different product sizes or varying production needs.

[0060]

[0036] The conveyor (3) generally comprises a series of rollers (31) configured to support and direct each box as each box is received from the conveyor (4). It is to be understood that the conveyor (3) may be part of the box sealer of the present invention or could be a separate assembly from the box sealer of the present invention.

[0061]

[0037] the folding mechanism (7) of the flaps comprises a mounting bar

[0062] (76) of box folding area which is arranged horizontally, the rear end of the box folding area mounting bar (76) is fixed in the middle of the upper plane of the crossbar (1 1 ); a mounting seat of the box folding cylinder (77) (9) is arranged respectively at the front end and the rear end of the upper plane of the box folding area mounting bar (76), a folding cylinder

[0063] (77) of box (9) is arranged on the box folding mounting seat (9) positioned at the rear end, a transmission rod (78) is hinged on the mounting seat of the box folding cylinder (9) positioned at the front end, the upper end of the transmission rod (78) is connected to a piston rod of the box flap folding cylinder 9, and the second end to a rear folding rod (71) of the box flap (94) of the box (9).

[0064]

[0038] Returning to Figures 5-8 that the device (5) for holding objects and guiding the opening angle of the flaps (92) comprises a pair of lateral rods (51) and (51') arranged oppositely and symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry, and it is further seen that the rod element (51) has a mounting arm (512) in the form of an "L" fixedly mounted thereon and projecting downwards, moreover, as can best be seen in Figures 5-8

[0039] Said device (5) also comprises:

[0065] -A plate (50) for holding and preventing objects from falling from the box (9) having a first trapezoidal contact end (54) inclined downwardly relative to the horizontal plane to reduce the contact surface and prevent the boxes (9) from clogging when passing over the device (5), and a second end (50) to provide temporary support for the objects when opening the flaps (92);

[0066] -A metal structure supporting the device (5) on the chassis having the shape of an “I”, where two “U” shaped channels are arranged back to back to form an “I” profile;

[0067] -A hot melt glue applicator (53) comprising a pair of applicator nozzles;

[0068] -A pair of rods (51) and (51') for guiding the opening angle of the flaps (92), arranged oppositely and symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry, each rod (51) and (51') having a first horizontal end (510) and a second end (511) inclined with respect to the horizontal plane by an angle [3 and an angle cp with respect to the plane (p) orthogonal to the axis of the rod (510);

[0069]

[0040] The plate (50) is adapted and positioned to provide temporary support to the lower minor flaps (95) and / or the contents of the box once the major flaps (92) lower or partially open to receive the adhesive. The guns (53) and (73) comprising the plurality of hot melt adhesive dispensing nozzles, located both above and below the adhesive application region, are provided to apply adhesive to the lower (95) and upper (94) flaps as the box is moved through the adhesive application region. During transport of the box through the adhesive application region, one pair of nozzles applies hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of each of the closed minor flaps of the top of the box while a second pair of nozzles simultaneously applies hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of the closed minor flaps of the box.The pair of nozzles may be positioned to apply the hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of each of the open major flaps of the top of the box and the bottom of the box. The nozzles may also be positioned to apply the hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of each of the closed minor flaps of the top of the box while the second pair of nozzles applies hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of the open major flaps of the box. The nozzles may further be positioned to apply the hot melt adhesive to the inner surface of each of the open major flaps of the top of the box, while the second pair of nozzles applies hot melt adhesive to the outer surface of the closed minor flaps of the box.

[0070]

[0041] As illustrated in Figures 9, the system incorporates adhesive application heads, specifically lower (53) and upper (73) nozzles or guns. These lower nozzles are strategically installed in the object holding and guiding mechanism (5), which also plays a crucial role in controlling the opening angle of the flaps during glue application, while the upper nozzle (73) is mounted below the mounting bar (76). Their location is meticulously chosen in the same vertical plane passing through the nozzles (53) to optimize the efficiency of the adhesive application, taking into account the spatial and dynamic constraints of the system

[0071]

[0042] Figure 9 illustrates the folding device (6), designed to fold the flaps (92) onto the flaps (95). This process takes place progressively as the box (9) advances, after the application of hot-melt glue by the gun (53). Said device (6): comprises:

[0072] - A shoe (64) which traps the flap (92) beneath it, whilst holding the flaps (95) in the folded position. Thus, once the flaps (92) are folded, they remain in position thanks to the action of the shoe (64), thus ensuring effective bonding between the flaps (92) and (95)

[0073] - Rods (61) for guiding the flaps (92) arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the device. The rod, identified by the number 61, is made up of two subsections, the rods 61-a and 61-b. These two components are positioned so as to form an angle (|) between them

[0074]

[0043] Referring to Figure 9, the upper flap closer (7) comprises a stationary flap closer (75) of the front flap (93) and a rotating or pivoting rear flap closer (71) of the rear flap (94); More specifically, the stationary front flap closer (75) is attached to the support (72) and is configured to engage and close the front surface of the vertical upper end flap (93).

[0075]

[0044] The rotating or pivoting rear flap closer (71) is rotatably or pivotably attached downwardly to the bracket (76), powered by a cylinder (72) controlled by the control system and configured to rotate or pivot downwardly to engage and close the vertical open top end flap (94).

[0076]

[0045] In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details have been presented in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention. It will, however, be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form.

[0077]

[0046] The foregoing description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with a description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various modifications may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0078] Specific details are given in the foregoing description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, the components may have been shown as components in block diagram form so as not to obscure the embodiments with unnecessary details. In other cases, well-known mechanisms, structures, and techniques may have been shown without unnecessary details so as to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0079]

[0047] In this specification, the term "box" or "crate" is intended to indicate the general construction of the side wall and bottom wall to define an enclosed space and is not intended to be construed as limiting the possible relative size ratio of the side wall to the bottom wall or the possible use of the box;that is, the term box may be interpreted, for example, to mean a container for storing articles in which the side wall has an axial extent similar to the width dimensions of the bottom wall, or a container of elongated tubular shape which has a side wall having an axial extent much greater than the width dimensions of the bottom wall, or an arrangement in which the side wall has an axial dimension much less than the width dimensions of the bottom wall and thus defines either a tray on which the articles can be placed or a lid for a container.;

[0080]

[0048] In this description, the term "nozzle" or "gun" is intended to indicate a device for applying a hot melt adhesive, as are the terms "closing machine" and "sealer" and are not intended to be interpreted as limiting the possible relationship relating to the device; machine or the method of application;

[0081]

[0049] The side wall (96) of the box (9) is composed of a closed chain of side wall panels which are arranged side by side, the neighboring side wall panels being hingedly connected to one another. Each side wall panel is associated with a separate bottom wall panel; the separate bottom wall panels (92) and (95) are hingedly connected and collectively cooperate with each other to define the bottom wall when the box is erected from the blank.

[0082]

[0050] In the foregoing description, aspects of the invention are described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited thereto. Various features and aspects of the invention described above may be used individually or in conjunction. Furthermore, embodiments may be used in any number of environments and applications beyond those described herein without departing from the scope of the claims. The specification and drawings should therefore be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for sealing cartons by applying hot-melt glue, provided with an inlet conveyor (2), a pair of longitudinal lateral drive belts (4) spaced and located to receive the boxes from the inlet conveyor (2) and move them to an outlet conveyor (4); simultaneous glue application guns (53) and (73) and a device (5) for holding and preventing the objects from falling and characterized in that said device (5) comprises: - A plate having a first trapezoidal contact end (54) inclined with respect to the horizontal plane downwards and a second end (50) for providing temporary support for the objects when opening the flaps (92); -A metal structure (52) supporting the device (5) on the chassis having the shape of an “I”, where two “U” shaped channels are arranged back to back to form an “I” profile; - A hot melt glue applicator (53) comprising applicator nozzles; - A pair of rods (51) and (51') for guiding the opening angle of the flaps (92), arranged oppositely and symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry of the device (5) each rod (51) and (51') having a first horizontal end (510) and a second end (511) inclined respectively with respect to the horizontal plane by an angle [3 and an angle cp with respect to the plane (p) orthogonal to the axis of the rod (510); 2. Apparatus for sealing cartons according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a folding device (6), flaps (92) on the flaps (95) provided with: - A shoe having at the first end a plate (64) inclined with respect to the horizontal plane downwards and a second horizontal plate (63) in the second end. - Rods (61) for guiding the flaps (92) arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the device. Said rods (61) consist of two subsections, (61-a) and (61-b) positioned so as to form an angle (|) between them 3. Apparatus for sealing cartons according to claim 2 characterized in that it comprises a folding mechanism (7) which closes the upper flaps (7) provided with: - A stationary flap closer (75) attached to the support (72) and is configured to engage and close the front surface of the vertical upper end flap (93); - A rotating or pivoting rear flap closer (71) of the upper rear flap (94); 4. Apparatus for sealing cartons according to claim 3 characterized in that the conveyor (4) comprises: a threaded rod (41) designed to allow adjustments of the width of the conveyor (4) and a movable bearing (42) which moves along the threaded rod (41); 5. Apparatus for sealing cartons according to claim 4 characterized in that the angle [3 of the inclination of the rod 51 1 relative to the rod 510 varies between 35° and 45° and the angle cp of inclination 511 relative to the vertical plane varies between °30 and 50°.

6. Apparatus for sealing cartons according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises bars (8) for limiting the opening angle of the lower flaps (91).

7. Apparatus for sealing cartons according to claim 4 characterized in that the angle (|) of inclination between the two rods (61-a) and (61-b) varies between 130° and 170°

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