Method and machine for pre-fabricating and stacking cardboards blanks

Abstract

 A method of making cardboard blanks is disclosed for enabling a person to prepare packing materials and wrappers, as well as boxes, crates or trays, for use in connection with the delivery of goods. The method for pre-fabricating cardboard blanks includes the steps of:

(a) cutting or stamping from cardboard, a blank of the outline which includes portions representing the different parts of the final packing or wrapping items;

(b) making folding lines on the blank;

(c) applying patches of self-adhering adhesive to pre-defined, selected regions of both sides of the blank;

(d) transferring the blanks for drying; and,

(e) stacking of the blanks to form stacks which contain a multiple number of individual blanks.

Apparatus is also disclosed for use in connection with the claimed method.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns the manufacture of cardboard blank which serve in the preparation of packing and wrapping material, as well as in making cardboard receptacles.

[0002] In an ever increasing degree a great number of articles, especially consumer goods are delivered by the makers of such goods to distributing channels or to retail traders in the form of packages with both safeguard the goods against damage or particularly in the case of comestibles, cosmetics and toilette preparations against contamination and also serve as a means for indicating the nature and origin of an article or product.

[0003] According to the prevailing conditions in this field the packing material, especially cardboard receptacles, including boxes or trays are delivered by the makers thereof to the manufacturer of goods, where that delivers his products to the retailer in some type of wrapping or in boxed state, or to a retail outlet where the packing of an article is attended to by the staff of the retailer, in many cases in the presence of a customer.

[0004] In all these cases the wrapping and packing material as well as receptacles constitute considerable bulk which necessitates storing space at the premises of the receiver of such material. For that reason it has been found impratical to deliver ready made boxes and other types of receptacles and certain types of wrapping material to the user thereof, he be a manufacturer or a retailer, but supply cardboard blanks of which the recipient can prepare the required receptacle.

[0005] However, experience has shown that the supply of cardboard blanks does by no means constitutes a solution of the problem which faces the user of such box - or wrapping material.

[0006] The recipient of the material is expected to make the required receptacles or wrapping and packing material forcing him to use special implements, tools or apparatus for transforming blanks into ready for use boxes or trays or wrapping or packing items.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] There is proposed a method of making cardboard blanks which enable a maker or dealer of whatever goods or articles to prepare packing materials and wrappers, as well as boxes, crates or trays for use in connection with the goods or articles which the said maker or dealer deliver to his clients who may be consumers or retailers.

[0008] According to the invention the method of pre-fabricating cardboard blanks to be supplied to the user of the blanks which comprises the steps of:

a) cutting or stamping from cardboard a blank of the outline which includes portions representing the differet parts of the final packing or wrapping items;

b) making folding lines on the blank;

c) applying patches of self adhering adhesive to pre-defined selected regions on both sides of the blank,

d) transferring the blanks for drying,

e) stacking of the blanks to form stacks which contain a multiple number of individual blanks.

[0009] The application of the adhesive, according to the invention, is effected by a machine.

[0010] The machine for applying the adhesive at the pre-defined selected areas of the blank comprises a stacker for stacking said blanks, a conveyer belt adapted to carry a stack of cardboard blanks, means for feeding in succession to one another individual blanks to two sets of means for applying of the adhesive simultaneously on both sides of said blank, the said means being located superposed to each other, one above and one below the fed in cardboard blank, a hot air tunnel through which the adhesive carryings blanks are led for drying, and a cold air tunnel for cooling.

[0011] The above, and further features of the invention will now be described in detail, having reference to the accompanying drawings.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] 

Fig. 1a shows in a plan view a blank for preparing boxes, which are illustrated by

Fig. 1b and 1c by schematical persepetive views.

Fig. 2a shows in a like plan view, similar to Fig. 1a a blank for making, as shown in

Fig. 2b and 2c cardboard trays shown by schematical, perspective views

Fig. 3a is plan view of the cardboard blank for making therefrom a box according to Figs. 3c and 3d, the lid thereof being shown as a blank in Fig. 3b which also include perpective views of the lid.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a machine for use in practicing the invention.

Fig. 5 is a detail of the machine illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0013] Be it stated here that the machine is operated to perform only the step of applying adhesive to the blanks which had been cut or stamped to size in the appropriate shape according to the items which are to be prepared as final products as shown in any one of the precedingly stated figures.

[0014] The rest of the operative steps, such as marking the panel areas on the blanks, folding the blanks on marking lines, is performed manually.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXEMPLIFYING THE INVENTION

[0015] Turning first to Fig. 1a there is shown a blank designated as a whole by reference numeral 1 at which by folding lines 2 four areas 3 are delimited. From each of two opposite edges of each area 3 extend flaps 4. Onto one side of each flap 4 there are applied patches 5 of an adhesive of the kind which adheres only to a counter patch of the identical type of adhesive. From area 3, at an extreme portion of blank 1, extends a narrow strip 6.

[0016] The application of patches 5 of adhesive will become clear later from the description of the machine.

[0017] The so prepared or pre-fabricated blank is delivered to a user of cardboard boxes who manually folds the blank about lines 2, thus creating a cube shaped box depicted by Figs. 1b in state of being made and in Fig. 1c in a final, closed state.

[0018] The folding lines 2 are preferably obtained by a pre-bending step as commonly used in cardboard processing operations.

[0019] Obviously the cutting of the blank, the application of patches of adhesive, the placement of the folding lines have to be planned with a view of the shape and function of the final product.

[0020] In the manner described in connection with Fig. 1a a blank 10 for a cardboard tray is prepared. The blank 10 comprises a central area or panel 30 which is rimmed at its edges by strips 40. The central panel 30 is delimited by folding lines 20.

[0021] Patches of adhesive 50 are applied to appropriately selected locations on strips 40. Two oppositely disposes strips 40 include square end portion 40'. Here again the user of such tray which may be destined to hold an array of cans, folds the blank along lines 20.

[0022] Fig. 2b shows the tray in an intermediate state of being produced and in Fig. 2c in its final, ready state.

[0023] Figs. 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d show a flat box and its lid, such as may be used for certain wearing apparel.

[0024] The blank of Fig. 3a is destined to produce a box as shown in Figs. 3c and 3d, while the blank of Fig. 3b would result in the lid also shown in Figs. 3c and 3d.

[0025] Figs. 3a to 3d are self explanatory after the description of the foregoing Figures and do not need further description.

[0026] Fig. 1a shows the blank 50 laid out in a plane, its two ends forming crosswise extending strips 60 which are designed to carry the adhesive layers.

[0027] The blank 50, after application of the adhesive may be folded as indicated by the consecutive stages of b, c, d. The wrappers of this type will advantageously be used in the packing of delicate or breakable items.

[0028] All embodiments of blanks shown in the drawings and described in detail are subjected to the steps of being cut to appropriate shape, marked with folding lines and provided with appropriately placed patches of adhesive.

[0029] Obviously the above steps need geometrical calculation and planning because of variations of shape and resulting interconnection of adhesive coated areas at different types of boxes, receptacles and wrappers.

[0030] Similar calculations and planning are required in relation to the machine which now will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0031] As can be understood from the drawings, a stack of blanks which had been cut to size and shape as required by the item eventually to result from mannual folding and erection of lateral portions of a blank intended for a receptacle or box and on which the folding lines has been marked, is placed in a feeder unit 62. From the stack 63 at a time a single blank is detached and is transported by means of conveyor 65 to the latex applying means 66.

[0032] A pump provides latex from a tank 67 to a pressure line 68 supplying latex to a plurality of injector assemblies 69. The applying of latex is engaged electrically, by a programmable controller, as required by the customer.

[0033] Latex applying function is possible in various options:

1. A fixed injector nozzle (easy to move and relocate for different products). Nozzle shape provides the needed area to be coated with glue. Spraying occurs at Dwell time of indexing conveyor.

2. Spraying nozzles mounted on servo driven units 64 which would provide cross movement of the spraying nozzels while longitudinal motion is provided by the indexing phase of conveyor and bridge member 71.

3. Same as option 2 but with continuous conveyor.

[0034] Set up for different products or different size is easy with this option - mostly by programing the controller (not seen).

[0035] The blanks onto which glue was applied on both sides are carried into a tunnel of hot air 73 for drying and then preferably to a cold air tunnel 74. At the end of conveyor 65 the blanks are stacked at 75.

[0036] The patches of adhesive obtained by either method are thus located at register of patches on one side of the blank with those on the opposite side such that on folding on marking lines, registering patches coincide and stick together.

[0037] Obviously separate calculations and planning are mandatory for every type of blank, in accordance with the final item eventually to be made. In view of the fact that of every type a considerable number of blanks are prepared, the change of the injectors or the change of pads on the drums causes no problems and the time spent on planning is negligible in relation to the quantities of blanks being prepared of each type.

[0038] The so pre-fabricated blanks are delivered to the user which might be a manufacturer or dealer of goods which are to be packed. The said user has only to fold the blank along the markings and corresponding patches of adhesive will contact one another.

[0039] It would be within the scope of the invention to place the blanks into a folding machine so as to fold and prepare the boxes automatically rather than naturally.

[0040] It is also within the scope of the invention to cover the patches of self adhesive with a protecting paper.

[0041] It is further within the scope of the invention to provide a computer and connect the machine and the adhesive supplying means by said computer.

[0042] The parts of the machine have been illustrated in a schematical manner and could be varied and changed in accordance with the size and configuration of the machine.

[0043] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. Method of pre-fabricating cardboard blanks to be supplied to the user of the blanks which comprises the steps of:

a) cutting or stamping from cardboard a blank of the outline which includes portions representing the differet parts of the final packing or wrapping items;

b) making folding lines on the blank;

c) applying patches of self adhering adhesive to selected regions on both sides of the blank; the application of the adhesive, according to the invention, is effected by a machine.

d) transferring the blanks for drying,

e) stacking of the blanks to form stacks which contain a multiple number of individual blanks.

2. A cardboard blank manufactured according to the method claims in Claim 1.

3. A cardboard blank according to Claim 2 where protective paper is placed on said selected adhesive regions.

4. A machine for applying adhesive at the selected areas of the blank comprises a stacker for stacking said blanks, a conveyer belt adapted to carry a stack of cardboard blanks, means for feeding in succession to one another individual blanks to two sets of means for applying of the adhesive simultaneously on both sides of said blank the means being located superposed to each other, one above and one below the fed in cardboard blank, a hot air tunnel through which the adhesive carryings blanks are led for drying, and a cold air tunnel for cooling.

5. The machine as claimed in claim 4 where said means for applying adhesive comprises a plurality of injector nozzles which are connected to a pump for the continuous supply of adhesives.

6. The machine as claimed in Claim 5 where there are provided two sets of means for appyling adhesive said two sets being located superposed to each other.

7. The machine as claimed in Claim 4 where the machine and the adhesive supplying means being computer controlled.

Drawing