Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for storing flat-folded cases in a pile, and for opening and sealing said cases

US5024640A · kind A · utility

17Cited by
10References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 29, 1990
Grant dateJun 18, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 29, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB31B2120/30
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A number of cases are stored horizontally in a stack in a magazine. A bottom upper-inner flap of a flat folded case is folded downward to open the case by a flap-folding member while the case is being lifted from a magazine station to a flap-folding station, and while attracted to and held by a suction cup. The case is opened during this lifting and folding step. Once the bottom upper-inner flap has been folded downward, it comes into the space between the bottom outer flaps. The bottom upper-inner flap, which has been folded downward, pushes the left outer flap during the lifting operation. As the case is lifted higher and higher, both outer side flaps are opened simultaneously. The case is therefore gradually opened, during lifting, thereby forming a hollow cylindrical case. The remianing bottom flaps are closed and then sealed.

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