Patent · US Expired

Universal four flap opener

US4478023A · kind A · utility

21Cited by
3References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 29, 1982
Grant dateOct 23, 1984
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 29, 2002

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65B43/39
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for automatically receiving and opening the four flaps of a cardboard case or the like. The invention includes a conveyor system for transporting cases in spaced relationship with each other past a pair of vacuum-actuated hinged shoes which engage and partially open the side flaps and direct the same into a plow. The plow completes the opening of the side flaps. A pair of brushes, having common drive, but opposite rotation, are adapted for opening the front and rear flaps. A fabric belt engages and holds the front flap down, while a rotating arcuate member makes hold-down contact with the rear flap. The apparatus is adjustable to accommodate cases and flaps of varying dimensions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.