Forming funnel for constraining cushioned mailers as well as system and method for closing an opening of a mailer
US11383456B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B51/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system (300) for closing mailers includes a forming funnel (320) and a fusing device (310). The forming funnel includes funneling surfaces that receive an opening of a mailer in an insertion direction (302) and constrain the opening of the mailer after the opening of the mailer is inserted. The funneling surfaces are arranged to continue constraining the opening of the mailer as the mailer moves in a sliding direction (304). The fusing device includes a slot that receives the constrained opening of the mailer from the forming funnel. The fusing device applies pressure and heat to the opening of the mailer as the opening of the mailer moves through the slot. The pressure and the heat applied by the fusing device cause portions of the opening to fuse together to close the mailer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.