Case-handling device with a tape cutter

Abstract

The invention relates to a case-handling device (10) comprising a frame (110), a top-head assembly (400), a top-head-assembly actuator (330), and a tape-cutter cartridge (1000) supported by the top-head assembly. The top-head-assembly actuator is operably connected to the top-head assembly and configured to vertically move the top-head assembly relative to the frame. The tape-cutter cartridge includes an upstream tape cutter (1210) configured to form one or more first cuts in a length of tape on an upper surface of a case as the case moves through the case-handling device and a downstream tape cutter (1410) positioned downstream of the upstream tape cutter and configured to form one or more second cuts in the length of tape as the case moves through the case-handling device.

Description

CASE-HANDLING DEVICE WITH A TAPE CUTTERPriority

[0001] This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 682,134, filed on August 12, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 761,291, filed on February 21, 2025, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to case-handling devices for processing cases, and more particularly to case-handling devices configured to cut tape on the cases being processed.Background

[0003] Every day, companies around the world receive millions of cases, such as corrugated boxes, containing products. Many of these cases are maintained in a closed configuration via tape. In many instances, the tape is applied to the cases in an H-shaped pattern in which one length of longitudinally extending tape secures the major flaps of the case together and two lengths of transversely extending tape secure the major flaps to the first and second end walls of the case, respectively. Unpacking a case is typically a manual procedure that requires an operator to cut the three lengths of tape using a blade (such as that of a box cutter or a utility knife), pull the flaps of the case open, and remove any dunnage to access the product inside. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly at facilities that receive thousands of cases to unpack each day.Summary

[0004] The present disclosure provides a case-handling device comprising a frame, a top-head assembly, a top-head-assembly actuator, and a tape-cutter cartridge supported by thetop-head assembly. The top-head-assembly actuator is operably connected to the top-head assembly and configured to vertically move the top-head assembly relative to the frame. The tape-cutter cartridge includes an upstream tape cutter configured to form one or more first cuts in a length of tape on an upper surface of a case as the case moves through the case-handling device and a downstream tape cutter positioned downstream of the upstream tape cutter and configured to form one or more second cuts in the length of tape as the case moves through the casehandling device.Brief Description of the Figures

[0005] Figure l is a perspective view of one example embodiment of a casehandling device of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing certain components of the case-handling device of Figure 1.

[0007] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the top of the top-head assembly of the case-handling device of Figure 1.

[0008] Figure 3B is a perspective view of the underside of the top-head assembly of Figure 3 A.

[0009] Figure 3C is similar to Figure 3B but with the upstream and downstream tape-cutter covers of the upstream and downstream tape-cutter assemblies removed.

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tape-cutter cartridge of the casehandling device of Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4 but with the second side panel of the cartridge frame of the tape-cutter cartridge removed.

[0012] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C are perspective, front elevational, and side elevational views, respectively, of an upstream tape cutter of the upstream tape-cutter assembly of the tape-cutter cartridge of Figure 4.

[0013] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the upstream tape-cutter cover of the upstream tape-cutter assembly of the tape-cutter cartridge of Figure 4.

[0014] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are perspective, front elevational, and side elevational views, respectively, of a downstream tape cutter of the downstream tape-cutter assembly of the tape-cutter cartridge of Figure 4.

[0015] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the downstream tape-cutter cover of the second tape-cutter assembly of the tape-cutter cartridge of Figure 4.

[0016] Figure 10A is a perspective view of one example embodiment of a case in an open configuration.

[0017] Figure 10B is a perspective view of the case of Figure 10A in a closed configuration.

[0018] Figure 10C is a perspective view of the case of Figure 10A in the closed configuration and secured with three lengths of tape.

[0019] Figures 11 A-l 1C are cross-sectional side-el evational views of the casehandling device of Figure 1 taken substantially along line 11-11 of Figure 1. These figures show the case of Figure 10C at three points in time as the case beneath the top-head assembly of Figure 4.

[0020] Figures 12A-12C are top-plan views of the first tape cutter of Figures 6A- 6C, the second tape cutter of Figures 8A-8C, and the case of Figure 10C that correspond to Figures 11 A-l 1C and show the cuts formed in the tape by the first and second tape cutters.

[0021] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tape-cutter cartridge of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 14 is similar to Figure 13 but with the second side panel of the cartridge frame of the tape-cutter cartridge removed.

[0023] Figures 1 A, 15B, and 15C are perspective, front elevational, and side elevational views, respectively, of an upstream tape cutter of the upstream tape-cutter assembly of the tape-cutter cartridge of Figure 13.

[0024] Figures 16A and 16B are assembled and exploded perspective views, respectively, of a downstream tape cutter of the downstream tape-cutter assembly of the tapecutter cartridge of Figure 13.

[0025] Figure 17 is a bottom plan view of the tape-cutter cartridge of Figure 13 with the tape-cutter covers removed.

[0026] Figures 18A-18C are similar to Figures 12A-12C but show the tape cutters of the tape-cutter cartridge of Figure 13 and the cuts formed in the tape by those tape cutters.Detailed Description

[0027] While the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in various forms, the drawings show and the specification describes certain exemplary and nonlimiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be required, and certain implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components; and the manners of connection of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect the orientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms that refer to mounting methods, such as coupled, mounted, connected, etc., are not intended to be limited to direct mounting methods, but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operably coupled, mounted, connected, and like mounting methods. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0028] Figure 1-9 and 11 A-12C show one example embodiment of a case-handling device 10 of the present disclosure and certain of its components. The case-handling device 10 includes a base assembly 100, a mast assembly 300, a top-head assembly 400, a controller 900, a case-height sensor S, and a tape-cutter cartridge 1000. Although not shown, the case-handling device 10 also includes multiple actuating assemblies and actuators operably connected to and configured to control movement of certain components of the case-handling device 10 and control circuitry and systems for controlling the actuating assemblies and the actuators (and other mechanical, pneumatic, electro-mechanical, and electrical components of the case-handling device 10).

[0029] The base assembly 100 is configured to — along with the top-head assembly 400 — move cases through the case-handling device 10 in a direction of travel D (Figure 1) and support them as they move. The base assembly 100 supports the mast assembly 300, which inturn supports the top-head assembly 400 that includes the tape-cutter cartridge 1000. The base assembly 100 includes a base-assembly frame 110 and a lower drive assembly 120.

[0030] The base-assembly frame 110 is configured to support various components of the case-handling device 10 and is formed from any suitable combination of solid and / or tubular members and / or plates fastened together.

[0031] The lower drive assembly 120 is supported by the base-assembly frame 110 and (along with an upper drive assembly 420, described below) configured to move cases in the direction D. The lower drive assembly 120 includes a first lower drive element 122, a second lower drive element 124, and a lower-drive-assembly actuator 126 operably connected to the first and second lower drive elements 122 and 124 and configured to drive the first and second lower drive elements 122 and 124 to (along with the upper drive assembly 420) move cases through the case-handling device 10. In this example embodiment, the first and second lower drive elements 122 and 124 are endless belts, though they may be any other suitable component or components — such as rollers — in other embodiments. In this example embodiment, the lower- drive-assembly actuator 126 includes an electric motor that is operably connected to the first and second lower drive elements 122 and 124 via one or more other components — such as sprockets, gearing, screws, tensioning elements, and / or a chain — to drive the first and second lower drive elements 122 and 124. The lower-drive-assembly actuator may include any other suitable actuator in other embodiments. The lower drive assembly may include only one lower drive element or more than two lower drive elements in other embodiments and may include multiple lower-drive-element actuators in other embodiments.

[0032] In this example embodiment, and as shown in Figure 1, the base assembly 100 is positioned between an infeed conveyor IN at its upstream end and an outfeed conveyor OUT at its downstream end. As used herein, “downstream” means in the direction D and “upstream” means in the direction opposite the direction D. As explained below with respect to Figures 11 A-l 1C, the case-handling device 10 receives cases for processing from the infeed conveyor IN and ejects cases after processing to the outfeed conveyor OUT.

[0033] In other embodiments, the base assembly includes a case-centering device configured to center the cases before they travel beneath the top-head assembly. In certain such embodiments, the case-centering device includes first and second side rails and a side-rail actuator. The side rails extend generally parallel to the direction and are movable laterally inward(relative to the direction D) to laterally center the case on the infeed conveyor. The side-rail actuator is operably connected to the first and second side rails (either directly or via suitable linkages) to move the side rails between a rest configuration in which the side rails are positioned at or near the lateral extents of the infeed conveyor to enable a case to travel between the side rails on the infeed conveyor and a centering configuration in which the side rails — after being moved toward one another — contact the case and center the case on the infeed conveyor. In certain of these embodiments, the case-handling device includes a suitable sensor configured to detect the presence of the case within the case-centering device (such as between the first and second side rails) to trigger the case-centering device to center the case.

[0034] The mast assembly 300 is configured to support and control vertical movement of the top-head assembly 400 relative to the base assembly 100. The mast assembly 300 includes vertically extending first and second masts 310 and 320 and one or more top-head actuators 330. Although not shown, the first mast 310 includes a vertically extending first rail and a first carriage slidably mounted to the first rail. Similarly, the second mast 320 includes a vertically extending second rail (that is parallel to the first rail) and a second carriage slidably mounted to the second rail. The one or more top-head actuators 330 are operably connected to the first and second carriages and configured to move the first and second carriages toward and away from the base assembly 100. In this example embodiment, the one or more top-head actuators 330 include pneumatic cylinders, thought they may include any other suitable actuators (such as electric motors) in other embodiments.

[0035] The top-head assembly 400 is movably supported by the mast assembly 300 to adjust to cases of different heights and is configured to move the cases through the casehandling device 10, engage the top surfaces of the cases while doing so, and support the tapecutter cartridge 1000. As best shown in Figures 3A-3C, the top-head assembly 400 includes a top-head-assembly frame 410 and an upper drive assembly 420.

[0036] The top-head-assembly frame 410 is configured to be movably mounted to the first and second masts 310 and 320 of the mast assembly 300 and to support the other components of the top-head assembly 400. Specifically, the top-head-assembly frame 410 includes laterally extending first and second mounting arms (not labeled) that are respectively connected to the first and second carriages of the first and second masts 310 and 320 of the mastassembly 300. The top-head-assembly frame 410 is formed from any suitable combination of solid or tubular members and / or plates fastened together.

[0037] The upper drive assembly 420 is supported by the top-head-assembly frame 410 and (along with the lower drive assembly 120, described above) configured to move cases in the direction D. The upper drive assembly 420 includes a first upper drive element 422, a second upper drive element 424, and an upper -drive-assembly actuator 426 operably connected to the first and second upper drive elements 422 and 424 and configured to drive the first and second upper drive elements 422 and 424 to (along with the lower drive assembly 120) move cases through the case-handling device 10. In this example embodiment, the first and second upper drive elements 422 and 424 are endless belts, though they may be any other suitable component or components — such as rollers — in other embodiments. In this example embodiment, the upper- drive-assembly actuator 426 includes an electric motor that is operably connected to the first and second upper drive elements 422 and 424 via one or more other components — such as sprockets, gearing, screws, tensioning elements, and / or a chain — to drive the first and second upper drive elements 422 and 424. The upper-drive-assembly actuator may include any other suitable actuator in other embodiments. The upper drive assembly may include only one upper drive element or more than two upper drive elements in other embodiments and may include multiple upper-drive-element actuators in other embodiments.

[0038] The case-height sensor S is a suitable sensor — such as a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a photoelectric sensor — configured to detect the height of a case on the infeed conveyor IN and to send a corresponding signal to the controller 900. The controller 900 is configured to use this signal — and the height of the case — to position the top-head assembly 400 such that the underside of the top-head assembly 400 is level with or slightly lower than the top of the case.

[0039] The controller 900 may be any suitable type of controller (such as a programmable logic controller) that includes any suitable processing device(s) (such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, or an applicationspecific integrated circuit) and any suitable memory device(s) (such as random access memory, read-only memory, or flash memory). The memory device(s) stores instructions executable by the processing device(s) to control operation of the case-handling device 10.

[0040] The controller 900 is operably connected to the lower-drive-assembly actuator 126, the top-head actuator 330, and the upper-drive-assembly actuator 426 to control operation of those actuators and, therefore, movement of the first and second lower drive elements 122 and 124, the top-head assembly 400, and the first and second upper drive elements 422 and 426. The controller 900 is communicatively connected to the case-height sensor S to send and receive signals to and from the case-height sensor S.

[0041] The tape-cutter cartridge 1000, which is best shown in Figures 4-9, is configured to cut tape applied to a case passing through the case-handling device 10. The type of cut depends on the type of cutting implement employed to make the cut and can include a perforation, a puncture, a slit, or any other suitable type of cut. The tape-cutter cartridge 1000 includes a cartridge frame 1100, an upstream tape-cutter assembly 1200, an upstream tape-cutter- support assembly 1300, a downstream tape-cutter assembly 1400, a downstream tape-cutter- support assembly 1500, multiple first biasing elements 1600, and a second biasing element 1700.

[0042] The cartridge frame 1100 is configured to support the other components of the tape-cutter cartridge 1000 and includes a substantially planar first side panel 1110; a substantially planar second side panel 1120; a substantially planar top panel 1130; tubular first, second, third, and fourth spacers 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, and 1140d; tubular first and second pivot shafts 1150a and 1150b; and first and second stops 1160a and 1160b.

[0043] The first and second side panels 1110 and 1120 are oriented parallel to one another. The top panel 1130 is attached to (via fasteners) and extends between the top edges of the first and second side panels 1110 and 1120 such that the top panel 1130 is transverse to the first and second side panels 1110 and 1120. The first, second, third, and fourth spacers 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, and 1140d are attached to (via fasteners) and extend between the first and second side panels 1110 and 1120 such that the spacers are transverse to the first and second side panels. Similarly, the first and second pivot shafts 1150a and 1150b are attached to (via fasteners) and extend between the first and second side panels 1110 and 1120 such that the pivot shafts are transverse to the first and second side panels. Similarly, the first and second stops 1160a and 1160b are attached to (via fasteners) and extend between the first and second side panels 1110 and 1120 such that the first and second stops are transverse to the first and second side panels.

[0044] The upstream tape-cutter assembly 1200 includes an upstream tape cutter 1210 and an upstream tape-cutter cover 1250.

[0045] In this example embodiment, the upstream tape cutter 1210 is a perforator. More specifically, the upstream tape cutter 1210, which is best shown in Figures 6A-6C, includes a body 1212 and multiple upstream cutting implements 1212p. The body 1212 is substantially tubular and includes an annular first side surface 1212a, an annular second side surface 1212b, and a cylindrical outer surface 1212c. An upstream tape-cutter axis A1200 is defined through a bore 1210o through the center of the body 1212. The body 1212 takes the shape of a crowned roller such that the outer diameter DI of the first and second side surfaces 1212a and 1212b is smaller than the diameter D2 of the outer surface 1212c at the center of its width W1210, as shown in Figure 6B. Each upstream cutting implement 1212p is cone-shaped and includes a base tapering to a point. The base of each upstream cutting implement 1212p is on the outer surface 1212c, and its axis extends substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 1212c. In this example embodiment, the upstream cutting implements 1212p are arranged in several rows that are spaced-apart along the width W1210 of the outer surface 1212c and that extend around the circumference of the outer surface 1212c.

[0046] The upstream tape-cutter cover 1250, which is best shown in Figure 7, includes a semicircular first side wall 1252, a semicircular second side wall 1254, a semicylindrical covering wall 1256, and a finger 1258. The first and second side walls 1252 and 1254 are oriented parallel to one another and include respective first and second mounting ears 1252e and 1254e that are aligned with one another. The covering wall 1256 is attached to and extends between the outer curved surfaces of the first and second side walls 1252 and 1254. The finger 1258 extends from one end of the first and second side walls 1252 and 1254 and the covering wall 1256.

[0047] The upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1300, which is best shown in Figure 5, supports the upstream tape-cutter assembly 1200 and includes a first mount 1310, a second mount 1320, a connector 1330, and an upstream upper cover 1340. The first mount 1310 includes a first arm 1312 and a second arm 1314 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. Similarly, the second mount 1320 includes a first arm 1322 and a second arm 1324 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. The connector 1330, which is a shaft in this example embodiment, is attached to and extends between the free ends of the first arms 1312 and 1322 of the first and second mounts 1310 and 1320. The upstream upper cover 1340 has asemicylindrical shape and is attached to and extends between the second arms 1314 and 1324 of the first and second mounts 1310 and 1320.

[0048] The upstream tape cutter 1210 and the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 are rotatably mounted to the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1300 via a first mounting pin Pl . Specifically, the first mounting pin Pl extends through the bore 1210o through the center of the body 1212 of the upstream tape cutter 1210, through suitably sized bores defined through the first and second mounting ears 1252e and 1254e of the first and second side walls 1252 and 1254 of the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250, and through suitably sized bores defined through the free ends of the second arms 1314 and 1324 of the first and second mounts 1310 and 1320 of the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1300. The first mounting pin Pl is retained in place by retaining clips, fasteners, or any other suitable retaining mechanism(s).

[0049] The upstream tape cutter 1210 is freely rotatable about the first mounting pin Pl and, therefore, about the upstream tape-cutter axis A1200. The upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 is rotatable relative to the upstream tape cutter 1210 about the upstream tape-cutter axis A1200 between a covered position and an uncovered position. A suitable biasing element, such as a torsion spring, biases the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 to the covered position. When the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 is in the covered position, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and HA, the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 is positioned to cover the portion of the upstream tape cutter 1210 extending below the cartridge frame 1100 and is positioned such that the finger 1258 is in the path of a case C. When the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 is in the uncovered position, as shown in Figures 1 IB and 11C, the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 is positioned to expose part of the upstream tape cutter 1210 extending below the cartridge frame 1100.

[0050] The upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1300 is pivotably mounted to the cartridge frame 1100 via the first pivot shaft 1150a such that the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1300 — and the upstream tape-cutter assembly 1200 mounted to it — can pivot relative to the cartridge frame 1100 about the first pivot shaft 1150a and a first support axis A1300. Specifically, the first pivot shaft 1150a extends through suitably sized bores defined through the first mount 1310 at the junction between the first and second arms 1312 and 1314 and through the second mount 1320 at the junction between the first and second arms 1322 and 1324.

[0051] The first biasing elements 1600, which are extension springs in this example embodiment, bias the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1300 to a home position shown inFigures 5 and 11 A. Specifically, opposing ends of each first biasing element 1600 are connected to the first spacer 1140a and the connector 1330 and exert a pulling force on the connector 1330, which imposes a torque on the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1300 in the counterclockwise direction (from the perspective shown in Figures 5 and 11 A) that forces the first arms 1312 and 1322 of the first and second mounts 1310 and 1320 of the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1300 into engagement with the first stop 1160a, at which point the upstream tapecutter-support assembly 1300 is in the home position. Imposition of a torque in the opposite direction sufficient to overcome the torque imposed by the first biasing elements 1600 results in the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1300 pivoting clockwise — i.e., in the clockwise direction from the perspective shown in Figures 5 and 11 A — about the first support axis A1300 and away from the home position.

[0052] The downstream tape-cutter assembly 1400 includes a downstream tape cutter 1410 and a downstream tape-cutter cover 1460.

[0053] The downstream tape cutter 1410, which is best shown in Figures 8A-8C, includes a mounting shaft 1412, a first cap 1414, a second cap 1416, a first downstream cutting implement 1420, a second downstream cutting implement 1430, a third downstream cutting implement 1440, a first spacer 1450, and a second spacer 1460. The mounting shaft 1412 is tubular and defines a longitudinal downstream tape-cutter axis Awoo. The first and second caps 1414 and 1416 and the first and second spacers 1450 and 1460 are disc-shaped with a central bore defined therethrough. The first downstream cutting implement 1420 has a disc-shaped body with a central bore defined therethrough and a circular cutting edge 1420e extending around its circumference. The second downstream cutting implement 1430 has a disc-shaped body with multiple radially extending teeth 1430t extending around its circumference. Similarly, the third downstream cutting implement 1440 has a disc-shaped body with multiple radially extending teeth 1440t extending around its circumference.

[0054] The first cap 1414, the second cap 1416, the first downstream cutting implement 1420, the second downstream cutting implement 1430, the third downstream cutting implement 1440, the first spacer 1450, and the second spacer 1460 are rotatably mounted to the mounting shaft 1412. Specifically, the first downstream cutting implement 1420 is between the first and second spacers 1450 and 1460, the second downstream cutting implement 1430 is between the first spacer 1450 and the first cap 1414, and the third downstream cutting implement1440 is between the second spacer 1460 and the second cap 1416. Suitable retaining elements (such as retaining clips or fasteners) hold these components in place on the mounting shaft 1412.

[0055] While the downstream tape cutter 1410 includes three downstream cutting implements in this example embodiment, it may include any suitable quantity of one or more cutting implements in other embodiments. Additionally, the type of cutting implements may differ from those shown in this illustrated embodiment. For instance, in certain embodiments, the first cutting implement is a non-rotatable cutting implement, such as a vertically extending knife fixed in position so the sharpened edge faces the incoming case.

[0056] The downstream tape-cutter cover 1460, which is best shown in Figure 9, includes a C-shaped first side wall 1462, a C-shaped second side wall 1464, and a semicylindrical covering wall 1466. One end of the first side wall 1462 includes a first finger 1462a. Similarly, one end of the second side wall 1464 includes a second finger 1464a. The first and second side walls 1462 and 1464 are oriented parallel to on, and the covering wall 1466 is attached to and extends between the outer curved surfaces of the first and second side walls 1462 and 1464.

[0057] The downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1500, which is best shown in Figure 5, supports the downstream tape-cutter assembly 1400 and includes a first mount 1510, a second mount 1520, a connector 1530, and a downstream upper cover 1540. The first mount 1510 includes a first arm 1512 and a second arm 1514 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. Similarly, the second mount 1520 includes a first arm 1522 and a second arm 1524 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. The connector 1530, which is a shaft in this example embodiment, is attached to and extends between the free ends of the first arms 1512 and 1522 of the first and second mounts 1510 and 1520. The downstream upper cover 1540 has a semicylindrical shape and is attached to and extends between the second arms 1514 and 1524 of the first and second mounts 1510 and 1520.

[0058] The downstream tape cutter 1410 is rotatably mounted to the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1500 via the mounting shaft 1412. Specifically, the mounting shaft 1412 extends through suitably sized bores defined through the free ends of the second arms 1514 and 1524 of the first and second mounts 1510 and 1520 of the downstream tape-cutter-supportassembly 1500. The downstream tape-cutter cover 1460 is rotatably supported by the mounting shaft 1412 in any suitable manner.

[0059] The downstream tape cutter 1410 is freely rotatable about the mounting shaft 1412 and, therefore, about the downstream tape-cutter axis Anoo. The downstream tape-cutter cover 1460 is rotatable relative to the downstream tape cutter 1410 about the downstream tapecutter axis Ai4oo between a covered position and an uncovered position. A suitable biasing element, such as a torsion spring, biases the downstream tape-cutter cover 1460 to the covered position. When the downstream tape-cutter cover 1460 is in the covered position, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 11 A, the downstream tape-cutter cover 1460 is positioned to cover the portion of the downstream tape cutter 1410 extending below the cartridge frame 1100 and is positioned such that the fingers 1462a and 1464a are in the path of a case C. When the downstream tapecutter cover 1460 is in the uncovered position, as shown in Figure 11C, the downstream tapecutter cover 1460 is positioned to expose part of the downstream tape cutter 1410 extending below the cartridge frame 1100.

[0060] The downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1500 is pivotably mounted to the cartridge frame 1100 via the second pivot shaft 1150b such that the downstream tape-cutter- support assembly 1500 — and the downstream tape-cutter assembly 1400 mounted to it — can pivot relative to the cartridge frame 1100 about the second pivot shaft 1150b and a second support axis Aisoo. Specifically, the second pivot shaft 1150b extends through suitably sized bores defined through the first mount 1510 at the junction between the first and second arms 1512 and 1514 and through the second mount 1520 at the junction between the first and second arms 1522 and 1524.

[0061] The second biasing element 1700, which is an extension spring in this example embodiment, biases the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1500 to a home position shown in Figures 5 and 11 A. Specifically, opposing ends of the second biasing element 1700 are connected to the second spacer 1140b and the connector 1530 and exert a pulling force on the connector 1530, which imposes a torque on the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1500 in the counter-clockwise direction (from the perspective shown in Figures 5 and 11A) that forces the first arms 1512 and 1522 of the first and second mounts 1510 and 1520 of the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1500 into engagement with the second stop 1160b, at which point the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1500 is in the home position.Imposition of a torque in the opposite direction sufficient to overcome the torque imposed by the second biasing element 1700 results in the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 1500 pivoting clockwise — i.e., in the clockwise direction from the perspective shown in Figures 5 and 11 A — about the second support axis Aisoo and away from the home position.

[0062] The tape-cutter cartridge 1000 is removably mounted to the top head assembly 400 in any suitable manner and is configured to cut tape that has been applied to a top surface of a case.

[0063] The case-handling device 10 is configured to cut the tape on a top surface of a case, such as the case C shown in Figures 10A-10C. The case C includes a first major side wall SW1, a second major side wall SW2, a first minor side wall EW1, a second minor side wall EW2, a first upper major flap UMal, a second upper major flap UMa2, a first upper minor flap UMil, a second upper minor flap UMi2, a first lower major flap (not shown), a second lower major flap (not shown), a first lower minor flap (not shown), and a second lower minor flap (not shown).

[0064] Figure 10A shows the case C in a partially closed configuration in which the major and minor side walls are substantially perpendicular to one another, the lower major and minor flaps are closed, and the upper major and minor flaps are open. Since the upper major and minor flaps are open, the upper end of case C is open and ready to receive items (and if necessary, dunnage) before the upper major and minor flaps are closed (i.e., folded and taped shut). Figure 10B shows the case C in a closed configuration with the upper major and minor flaps closed. When in the closed configuration, the case has a length L, a width W, and a height H.

[0065] Figure 10C shows the case C in a taped configuration in which tape has been applied to the case C to maintain the upper major flaps in place and, therefore, the case C in the closed configuration. In this example embodiment, three lengths of tape are applied: a longitudinal length of tape TL, a first transverse length of tape TW1, and a second transverse length of tape TW2. The longitudinal length of tape TL is applied to the first and second upper major flaps UMal and UMa2 where they meet at the center of the width Wc of the case and extends along the length L of the case C. The first transverse length of tape TW1 is applied to the first and second upper major flaps UMal and UMa2 where they meet the first minor side wall EW1 and extends along the width Wc of the case C. The second transverse length of tape TW2 isapplied to the first and second upper major flaps UMal and UMa2 where they meet the second minor side wall EW2 and extends along the width Wc of the case C. The three lengths of tape thus form an H-shaped pattern.

[0066] Operation of the case-handling device 10 to cut the lengths of tape TL, TW1, and TW2 on the case C is explained below with respect to Figures 11 A-12C.

[0067] Initially, the infeed conveyor IN moves the case C toward the case-handling device 10. The case-height sensor S detects the height H of the case C and sends a corresponding signal to the controller 900. In response, the controller 900 uses this signal — and the height H of the case C — to position the top-head assembly 400 such that the underside of the top-head assembly 400 is level with or slightly lower than the top surface of the case C. The infeed conveyor IN eventually moves the case C beneath the top-head assembly 400 and atop the first and second lower drive elements 122 and 124.

[0068] Once this occurs, as shown in Figure 11 A, the first and second upper drive elements 422 and 424 — which engage the top surface of the case C — and the first and second lower drive elements 122 and 124 — which engage the bottom surface of the case C — cooperate to move the case C in the direction D toward the tape-cutter cartridge 1000. As shown in Figure 12A, the tape-cutter cartridge 1000 and the case C are positioned during processing such that they share a common centerline CL in the width direction.

[0069] As the case C moves in the direction D, the first minor side wall EW 1 eventually reaches and engages the finger 1258 of the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250. Continued movement of the case C in the direction D results in the case C forcing the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 to rotate to the uncovered position to expose part of the upstream tape cutter 1210 extending below the cartridge frame 1100, as shown in Figure 1 IB. As this occurs, the case C engages the upstream tape cutter 1210. Because the upstream tape cutter 1210 is partially below the top head assembly 400, this engagement forces the upstream tape cutter 1210 upward to contact the top surface of the case C, which in turn forces the upstream tape-cutter- support assembly 1300 to pivot away from its home position, as also shown in Figure 1 IB. As the case C moves beneath the top-head assembly 400 and the torque imposed by the first biasing elements 1600 forces the upstream tape cutter 1210 against the upper surface of the case C, the upstream tape cutter 1210 rotates and the upstream cutting implements 1212p form non- continuous cuts — here, individual perforations PERF — in the lengths of tape TW1, TW2, andTL. These are shown in Figure 12B. Depending on the magnitude of the imposed torque and the type of material and the strength of the material that the case C is formed from, the upstream tape cutter 1210 may also form perforations in the major flaps of the case.

[0070] As the case C continues moving in the direction D, the first minor side wall EW1 eventually reaches and engages the first and second fingers 1462a and 1464a of the first and second side walls 1462 and 1464 of the downstream tape-cutter cover 1460. Continued movement of the case C in the direction D results in the case C forcing the downstream tapecutter cover 1460 to rotate to the uncovered position to expose part of the downstream tape cutter 1410 extending below the cartridge frame 1100, as shown in Figure 11C. As this occurs, the case C engages the downstream tape cutter 1410. Because the downstream tape cutter 1410 is partially below the top head assembly 400, this engagement forces the downstream tape cutter 1410 upward to contact the top surface of the case C, which in turn forces the downstream tape- cutter-support assembly 1500 to pivot away from its home position, as also shown in Figure 11C. As the case C moves beneath the top-head assembly 400 and the torque imposed by the second biasing element 1700 forces the downstream tape cutter 1410 against the upper surface of the case C, the downstream tape cutter 1410 rotates. The first downstream cutting implement 1420 — which is aligned with the centerline CL — forms a continuous cut through the remaining unperforated portions of the longitudinal length of tape TL to separate that longitudinal length of tape TL along a line of separation SEP shown in Figure 12C. The second and third downstream cutting implements 1430 and 1440 form additional non-continuous cuts — here slits SLIT — in the lengths of tape TW 1, TW2, and TL.

[0071] The upper and lower drive assemblies continue to move the case C until it exits from beneath the top-head assembly 400 onto the outfeed conveyor OUT. Eventually, an operator takes the case C and opens it by pulling on the separated upper major flaps of the case. The case-handling device of the present disclosure solves the above problems by automating the tape-cutting procedure and making it easier for operators to open and unpack cases.

[0072] Figures 13-17 show another embodiment of the tape-cutter cartridge 2000, which includes a cartridge frame 2100, an upstream tape-cutter assembly 2200, an upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2300, a middle tape-cutter assembly 2400, a middle tape-cutter support assembly 2500, a downstream tape-cutter assembly 2600, a downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2700, multiple first biasing elements 2800a, multiple second biasing elements 2800b, and a third biasing element 2800c.

[0073] The cartridge frame 2100 is configured to support the other components of the tape-cutter cartridge 2000 and includes a substantially planar first side panel 2110; a substantially planar second side panel 2120; a substantially planar top panel 2130; tubular first, second, third, fourth, and fifth spacers 2140a, 2140b, 2140c, 2140d, and 2140e; tubular first, second, and third pivot shafts 2150a, 2150b, and 2150c; and first, second, and third stops 2160a, 2160b, and 2160c.

[0074] The first and second side panels 2110 and 2120 are oriented parallel to one another. The top panel 2130 is attached to (via fasteners) and extends between the top edges of the first and second side panels 2110 and 2120 such that the top panel 2130 is transverse to the first and second side panels 2110 and 2120. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth spacers 2140a, 2140b, 2140c, 2140d, and 2140e are attached to (via fasteners) and extend between the first and second side panels 2110 and 2120 such that the spacers are transverse to the first and second side panels. Similarly, the first, second, and third pivot shafts 2150a, 2150b, and 2150c are attached to (via fasteners) and extend between the first and second side panels 2110 and 2120 such that the pivot shafts are transverse to the first and second side panels. The first, second, and third stops 2160a, 2160b, and 2160c are attached to (via fasteners) the second side panel 2120.

[0075] The upstream tape-cutter assembly 2200 includes an upstream tape cutter 2210 and an upstream tape-cutter cover 2250.

[0076] In this example embodiment, the upstream tape cutter 2210 is a perforator. More specifically, the upstream tape cutter 2210, which is best shown in Figures 15A-15C, includes a body 2212 and multiple cutting implements 2212p. The body 2212 is substantially tubular and includes an annular first side surface 2212a, an annular second side surface 2212b, and a cylindrical outer surface 2212c. An upstream tape-cutter axis A2200 is defined through a bore 2210o through the center of the body 2212. The outer surface 2212c has a width W2210 and a substantially constant diameter across the width. Each upstream cutting implement 2212p is cone-shaped and includes a base tapering to a point. The base of each cutting implement 2212p is on the outer surface 2212c, and its axis extends substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 2212c. In this example embodiment, the cutting implements 2212p are arranged in several rowsthat are spaced-apart along the width W2210 of the outer surface 2212c and that extend around the circumference of the outer surface 2212c.

[0077] The upstream tape-cutter cover 2250 is substantially similar to the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 of the tape cartridge 1000 and is not separately described.

[0078] The upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2300, which is best shown in Figure 14, supports the upstream tape-cutter assembly 2200 and includes a first mount 2310, a second mount 2320, a connector 2330, and an upstream upper cover 2340. The first mount 2310 includes a first arm 2312 and a second arm 2314 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. Similarly, the second mount 2320 includes a first arm 2322 and a second arm 2324 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. The connector 2330, which is a shaft in this example embodiment, is attached to and extends between the free ends of the first arms 2312 and 2322 of the first and second mounts 2310 and 2320. The upstream upper cover 2340 has a semicylindrical shape and is attached to and extends between the second arms 2314 and 2324 of the first and second mounts 2310 and 2320.

[0079] The upstream tape cutter 2210 a is rotatably mounted to the upstream tapecutter-support assembly 2300 via a first mounting pin P10. Specifically, the first mounting pin P10 extends through the bore 2210o through the center of the body 2212 of the upstream tape cutter 2210 and through suitably sized bores defined through the free ends of the second arms 2314 and 2324 of the first and second mounts 2310 and 2320 of the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2300. The first mounting pin P10 is retained in place by retaining clips, fasteners, or any other suitable retaining mechanism(s). The upstream tape cutter 2210 is freely rotatable about the first mounting pin P10 and, therefore, about the upstream tape-cutter axis A2200.

[0080] The mounting arrangement and functionality of the upstream tape-cutter cover 2250 are substantially similar to the upstream tape-cutter cover 1250 of the tape cartridge 1000 and are not separately described.

[0081] The upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2300 is pivotably mounted to the cartridge frame 2100 via the first pivot shaft 2150a such that the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2300 — and the upstream tape-cutter assembly 2200 mounted to it — can pivot relative to the cartridge frame 2100 about the first pivot shaft 2150a and a first support axis A2300. Specifically, the first pivot shaft 2150a extends through suitably sized bores defined through thefirst mount 2310 at the junction between the first and second arms 2312 and 2314 and through the second mount 2320 at the junction between the first and second arms 2322 and 2324.

[0082] The first biasing elements 2800a, which are extension springs in this example embodiment, bias the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2300 to a home position shown in Figure 14. Specifically, opposing ends of each first biasing element 2800a are connected to the first spacer 2140a and the connector 2330 and exert a pulling force on the connector 2330, which imposes a torque on the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2300 in the counter-clockwise direction (from the perspective shown in Figure 5) that forces the first arms 2312 and 2322 of the first and second mounts 2310 and 2320 of the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2300 into engagement with the first stop 2160a, at which point the upstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2300 is in the home position. Imposition of a torque in the opposite direction sufficient to overcome the torque imposed by the first biasing elements 2800a results in the upstream tape- cutter-support assembly 2300 pivoting clockwise — i.e., in the clockwise direction from the perspective shown in Figure 14 — about the first support axis A2300 and away from the home position.

[0083] The middle tape-cutter assembly 2400 includes a middle tape cutter 2410 and a middle tape-cutter cover 2450. In this example embodiment, the middle tape-cutter 2410 is identical to the upstream tape cutter 2210 and is therefore not separately described. Additionally, in this example embodiment, the middle tape-cutter cover 2450 is identical to the upstream tapecutter cover 2250 and is therefore not separately described.

[0084] The middle tape-cutter-support assembly 2500, which is best shown in Figure 14, supports the middle tape-cutter assembly 2400 and includes a first mount 2510, a second mount 2520, a connector 2530, and a middle upper cover 2540. The first mount 2510 includes a first arm 2512 and a second arm 2514 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. Similarly, the second mount 2520 includes a first arm 2522 and a second arm 2524 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. The connector 2530, which is a shaft in this example embodiment, is attached to and extends between the free ends of the first arms 2512 and 2522 of the first and second mounts 2510 and 2520. The middle upper cover 2540 has a semicylindrical shape and is attached to and extends between the second arms 2514 and 2524 of the first and second mounts 2510 and 2520.

[0085] The middle tape cutter 2410 is rotatably mounted to the middle tape-cutter- support assembly 2500 via a second mounting pin P12 — similar to how the upstream tape cutter 2210 is mounted to the upstream tape-cutter support assembly 2300 — such that the middle tape cutter 2210 is freely rotatable about the second mounting pin P12 and about a middle tape-cutter axis A2400.

[0086] The mounting arrangement and functionality of the middle tape-cutter cover 2450 are identical to the upstream tape-cutter cover 2250 and are not separately described.

[0087] The middle tape-cutter-support assembly 2500 is pivotably mounted to the cartridge frame 2100 via the second pivot shaft 2150b such that the middle tape-cutter-support assembly 2500 — and the middle tape-cutter assembly 2400 mounted to it — can pivot relative to the cartridge frame 2100 about the second pivot shaft 2150b and a second support axis A2500. Specifically, the second pivot shaft 2150b extends through suitably sized bores defined through the first mount 2510 at the junction between the first and second arms 2512 and 2514 and through the second mount 2520 at the junction between the first and second arms 2522 and 2524.

[0088] The second biasing elements 2800b, which are extension springs in this example embodiment, bias the middle tape-cutter-support assembly 2500 to a home position shown in Figure 14. Specifically, opposing ends of each second biasing element 2800b are connected to the second spacer 2140b and the connector 2530 and exert a pulling force on the connector 2530, which imposes a torque on the middle tape-cutter-support assembly 2500 in the counter-clockwise direction (from the perspective shown in Figure 5) that forces the first arms 2512 and 2522 of the first and second mounts 2510 and 2520 of the middle tape-cutter-support assembly 2500 into engagement with the second stop 2160b, at which point the middle tapecutter-support assembly 2500 is in the home position. Imposition of a torque in the opposite direction sufficient to overcome the torque imposed by the second biasing elements 2800b results in the middle tape-cutter-support assembly 2500 pivoting clockwise — i.e., in the clockwise direction from the perspective shown in Figure 14 — about the second support axis A2500 and away from the home position.

[0089] The downstream tape-cutter assembly 2600 includes a downstream tape cutter 2610 and a downstream tape-cutter cover 2650.

[0090] The downstream tape cutter 2610, which is best shown in Figures 16A and 16B, includes a downstream cutting implement 2612, a first cap 2614, and a second cap 2616.The downstream cutting implement 2612 has a thin planar rectangular body 2612b having an angled linear cutting edge 2612e. The first and second caps 2614 and 2614 are disc-shaped. The downstream cutting implement 2612 is fixedly mounted between the first and second caps 2614 and 2616 via a suitable fastener extending through bores defined through the first and second caps 2614 and 2614 and a slot defined through the body 2612b of the downstream cutting implement 2612.

[0091] The downstream tape-cutter cover 2650, shown in Figure 14, is substantially similar to the downstream tape-cutter cover 1460 of the tape cartridge 1000 and is therefore not separately described.

[0092] The downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2700, which is best shown in Figure 14, supports the downstream tape-cutter assembly 2600 and includes a first mount 2710, a second mount 2720, a connector 2730, and a downstream upper cover 2740. The first mount 2710 includes a first arm 2712 and a second arm 2714 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. Similarly, the second mount 2720 includes a first arm 2722 and a second arm 2724 attached to each other (and here integrally formed with each other) and oriented in an L shape. The connector 2730, which is a shaft in this example embodiment, is attached to and extends between the free ends of the first arms 2712 and 2722 of the first and second mounts 2710 and 2720. The downstream upper cover 2740 has a semicylindrical shape and is attached to and extends between the second arms 2714 and 2724 of the first and second mounts 2710 and 2720.

[0093] The downstream tape cutter 2610 is fixedly mounted to the downstream tapecutter-support assembly 2700 in any suitable manner such that the cutting edge 2612e of the downstream cutting implement 2612 faces the middle tape cutter 2410 (and therefore incoming cases) and such that the downstream tape cutter 2610 is not rotatable relative to the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2700. The mounting arrangement and functionality of the downstream tape-cutter cover 2650 are substantially similar to the downstream tape-cutter cover 1460 of the tape cartridge 1000 and are therefore not separately described.

[0094] The downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2700 is pivotably mounted to the cartridge frame 2100 via the third pivot shaft 2150b such that the downstream tape-cutter- support assembly 2700 — and the downstream tape-cutter assembly 2600 mounted to it — can pivot relative to the cartridge frame 2100 about the third pivot shaft 2150c and a third supportaxis A2700. Specifically, the third pivot shaft 2150c extends through suitably sized bores defined through the first mount 2710 at the junction between the first and second arms 2712 and 2714 and through the second mount 2720 at the junction between the first and second arms 2722 and 2724.

[0095] The third biasing element 2800c, which is an extension spring in this example embodiment, biases the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2700 to a home position shown in Figure 14. Specifically, opposing ends of the third biasing element 2800c are connected to the third spacer 2140c and the connector 2730 and exert a pulling force on the connector 2730, which imposes a torque on the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2700 in the counterclockwise direction (from the perspective shown in Figure 14) that forces the first arms 2712 and 2722 of the first and second mounts 2710 and 2720 of the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2700 into engagement with the third stop 2160c, at which point the downstream tape- cutter-support assembly 2700 is in the home position. Imposition of a torque in the opposite direction sufficient to overcome the torque imposed by the third biasing element 2800c results in the downstream tape-cutter-support assembly 2700 pivoting clockwise — i.e., in the clockwise direction from the perspective shown in Figure 14 — about the second support axis A2700 and away from the home position.

[0096] Figure 17 identifies a width direction W and shows the underside of the tapecutter cartridge 2000 with the tape-cutter covers 2250, 2450, and 2650 removed. Also shown in Figure 17 are an upstream-cutter centerline 2210cl, a middle-cutter center line 2410cl, and a downstream-cutter centerline 2610cl The upstream-cutter centerline 2210cl extends through the center of the width of the upstream tape cutter 2210, the middle-cutter centerline 2410cl extends through the center of the width of the middle tape cutter 2410, and the downstream-cutter centerline 2610cl extends through the center of the width of the downstream tape cutter 2610.

[0097] The upstream-cutter centerline 2210cl, the middle-cutter center line 2410cl, and the downstream-cutter centerline 2610cl are parallel to one another. In this example embodiment, none of the upstream-cutter centerline 2210cl, the middle-cutter center line 2410cl, and the downstream-cutter centerline 2610cl are coaxial, meaning they are all offset from one another in the width direction. Specifically, the upstream-cutter centerline 2210cl is offset from the downstream-cutter centerline 2610cl by a first distance DI, the middle-cutter centerline 2410cl is offset from the downstream-cutter centerline 2610cl by a second distance D2, and theupstream-cutter centerline 221 Ocl is offset from the middle-cutter centerline 241 Ocl by a third distance D3. In this example embodiment, the first and second distances DI and D2 are the same, and the third distance D3 is greater than the first and second distances DI and D2, though in other embodiments these values may differ. In other embodiments, any two of the upstreamcutter centerline 221 Ocl, the middle-cutter center line 241 Ocl, and the downstream-cutter centerline 261 Ocl are coaxial. In further embodiments, all of the upstream-cutter centerline 221 Ocl, the middle-cutter centerline 241 Ocl, and the downstream-cutter centerline 261 Ocl are coaxial.

[0098] Figures 18A-18C are similar to Figures 12A-12C and show the tape cutters of the tape-cutter cartridge 2000 during processing of a case C. As shown in Figure 18A, the tape-cutter cartridge 2000 and the case C are positioned during processing such that the downstream-cutter centerline 261 Ocl is coaxial with a centerline CL of the case C in the width direction. Figure 18B shows the non-continuous cuts — here, individual perforations PERF — in the lengths of tape TW1, TW2, and TL and the upper major flaps of the case C formed by the upstream tape cutter 2210 and the middle tape cutter 2410. Because the upstream tape cutter 2210 and the middle tape cutter 2410 are slightly offset in the width direction by the third distance D3, they form twice as many perforations PERF than if they were aligned in the width direction. Figure 18C shows the continuous cut formed by the downstream cutting implement 2610 through the remaining unperforated portions of the longitudinal length of tape TL to separate that longitudinal length of tape TL along a line of separation SEP.

Claims

Claims1. A case-handling device comprising: a frame; a top-head assembly; a top-head-assembly actuator operably connected to the top-head assembly and configured to vertically move the top-head assembly relative to the frame; and a tape-cutter cartridge supported by the top-head assembly and comprising: an upstream tape cutter configured to form one or more first cuts in a length of tape on an upper surface of a case as the case moves through the case-handling device; and a downstream tape cutter positioned downstream of the upstream tape cutter and configured to form one or more second cuts in the length of tape as the case moves through the case-handling device.

2. The case-handling device of claim 1, wherein the length of tape comprises a longitudinal length of tape applied to two upper major flaps of the case.

3. The case-handling device of claim 2, wherein the case further comprises a transverse length of tape applied to the two upper major flaps of the case and a side wall of the case, wherein at least one of the upstream tape cutter and the downstream tape cutter is configured to form one or more third cuts in the transverse length of tape.

4. The case-handling device of claim 3, wherein the upstream tape cutter and the downstream tape cutter are different.

5. The case-handling device of claim 4, wherein the upstream tape cutter comprises one or more upstream cutting implements, wherein the downstream tape cutter comprises one or more downstream cutting implements, wherein the one or more upstream cutting implements and the one or more downstream cutting implements are different.

6. The case-handling device of claim 5, wherein the upstream tape cutter is configured to form the one or more third cuts in the transverse length of tape.

7. The case-handling device of claim 6, wherein the upstream tape cutter comprises a perforator and wherein the one or more upstream cutting implements are cone-shaped.

8. The case-handling device of claim 7, wherein the downstream cutting implement comprises a cutting edge configured to form a continuous second cut to separate the longitudinal length of tape along a line of separation.

9. The case-handing device of claim 1, further comprising: one or more first biasing elements forcing the upstream tape cutter against the upper surface of the case; and one or more second biasing elements forcing the downstream tape cutter against the upper surface of the case.

10. The case-handling device of claim 9, wherein the upstream tape cutter is rotatable and the downstream tape cutter is fixed in rotation.

11. The case-handling device of claim 10, wherein the tape-cutter cartridge further comprises a middle tape cutter configured to form one or more third cuts in the length of tape as the case moves through the case-handling device, wherein the middle tape cutter is between the upstream tape cutter and the downstream tape cutter.

12. The case-handling device of claim 1, wherein an upstream-cutter centerline is defined through a center of a width of the upstream tape cutter, wherein a downstream-cutter centerline is defined through a center of a width of the downstream tape cutter, wherein a middle-cutter centerline is defined through a center of a width of the middle tape cutter, wherein the upstream-cutter centerline, the downstream-cutter centerline, and the middle-cutter centerlineare parallel to one another, and wherein the down stream -cutter centerline is offset from at least one of the upstream-cutter centerline and the downstream-cutter centerline by a first distance.

13. The case-handling device of claim 12, wherein the upstream tape cutter comprises a perforator, wherein the middle tape cutter comprises a perforator, and wherein the downstream tape cutter comprises an angled cutting edge.

14. A tape-cutter cartridge for a case-handling device, the tape-cutter cartridge comprising: a cartridge frame; an upstream tape cutter configured to form one or more first cuts in a length of tape on an upper surface of a case as the case moves through the case-handling device; and a downstream tape cutter positioned downstream of the upstream tape cutter and configured to form one or more second cuts in the length of tape as the case moves through the case-handling device.

15. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 14, wherein the length of tape comprises a longitudinal length of tape applied to two upper major flaps of the case.

16. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 15, wherein the case further comprises a transverse length of tape applied to the two upper major flaps of the case and a side wall of the case, wherein at least one of the upstream tape cutter and the downstream tape cutter is configured to form one or more third cuts in the transverse length of tape.

17. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 16, wherein the upstream tape cutter and the downstream tape cutter are different.

18. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 17, wherein the upstream tape cutter comprises one or more upstream cutting implements, wherein the downstream tape cutter comprises one or more downstream cutting implements, wherein the one or more upstream cutting implements and the one or more downstream cutting implements are different.

19. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 18, wherein the upstream tape cutter is configured to form the one or more third cuts in the transverse length of tape.

20. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 19, wherein the upstream tape cutter comprises a perforator and wherein the one or more upstream cutting implements are cone-shaped.

21. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 20, wherein the downstream cutting implement comprises a cutting edge configured to form a continuous second cut to separate the longitudinal length of tape along a line of separation.

22. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 14, further comprising: one or more first biasing elements forcing the upstream tape cutter against the upper surface of the case; and one or more second biasing elements forcing the downstream tape cutter against the upper surface of the case.

23. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 22, wherein the upstream tape cutter is rotatable and the downstream tape cutter is fixed in rotation.

24. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 23, wherein the tape-cutter cartridge further comprises a middle tape cutter configured to form one or more third cuts in the length of tape as the case moves through the case-handling device, wherein the middle tape cutter is between the upstream tape cutter and the downstream tape cutter.

25. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 24, wherein an upstream-cutter centerline is defined through a center of a width of the upstream tape cutter, wherein a downstream-cutter centerline is defined through a center of a width of the downstream tape cutter, wherein a middle-cutter centerline is defined through a center of a width of the middle tape cutter, wherein the upstream-cutter centerline, the downstream-cutter centerline, and the middle-cutter centerlineare parallel to one another, and wherein the down stream -cutter centerline is offset from at least one of the upstream-cutter centerline and the downstream-cutter centerline by a first distance.

26. The tape-cutter cartridge of claim 25, wherein the upstream tape cutter comprises a perforator, wherein the middle tape cutter comprises a perforator, and wherein the downstream tape cutter comprises an angled cutting edge.

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