Patent ID: 7269933
Filing Date: 2007-09-18
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A method of closing and scaling the flaps of successive boxes of different sizes in a case sealer having successively, a measuring stage, a flap folding stage and a sealing stage, wherein boxes of different dimensions move successively through the measuring stage, flap folding stage and scaling stage in a continuous manner, the method comprising the steps of: moving a first box into the measuring stage and measuring the height of the first box while moving the first box through the measuring stage; providing a flap folding apparatus in the flap folding stage moving the flap folding apparatus to a height corresponding to the measured height of the first box; continuously moving the first box from the measuring stage through the flap folding stage while sensing when the first box clears the measuring stage and moving a second box of at least one of different height and width than the first box into the measuring stage as the first box clears the measuring stage; folding the first box closed in the flap folding stage; continuously moving the first box from the flap folding stage to the sealing stage while moving the second box from the measuring stage to the flap folding stage; sealing the flaps of the first box closed in the seating stage; continuously removing the first box from sealing stage while moving the second box from the flap folding stage to the sealing stage; sealing the flaps of the second box closed in the sealing stage; wherein each of the first and second boxes are moved through the measuring, flap folding and sealing stage by providing lateral conveyors in each stage and gripping the sides of each of the first and second boxes by said conveyors; measuring the length of the first and second boxes in the measuring stage; and sensing when the first box has entered the flap folding stage, and opening the lateral conveyors in the measuring stage when the first box enter the flap folding stage.