DEVICE FOR APPLYING A STRIP CLOSURE AROUND AN ENVELOPE

Abstract: A device for applying a strip closure around an envelope (7) comprises a housing (2) having a slot (5) and, viewed from an inlet (6) for the envelope (7), in the direction of processing (8), in order of succession in the slot (5): an inlet (9) for strip tape (11), a rotor (13) having recesses (12), a rotatably arranged cutting device (15) provided with a knife (14) for cutting off the formed strip closure (16) and a bracket (19) co-operating with the rotor (13) and forming an assembly with the latter. For prolonging the time of use of the device the bracket (19) forms part (29) of the wall (19, 13, 21, 22) of the slot (5), the bracket (19) and the rotor (13) being disposed on both sides of the slot (5). A maniable device is obtained when the knife (14) is fastened to a knife holder (31) of the cutting device (15) in a manner such that during the cutting operation the knife (14) is leading with respect to the knife holder (31). The housing (2) preferably consists of ABS copolymer doped with silicone.

Description: Device for applying a strip closure around an envelope. The invention relates to a device for applying a strip closure around an envelope, for example, a plastics bag, comprising a housing having a slot and in the order of succession of operations from an inlet for the envelope in the direction of processing in the slot: an inlet for strip tape, a rotor having recesses and a rotatable cutting device having a knife for cutting off the formed strip closure and a bracket co-operating with the rotor and formin an assembly with the latter. Such a device is known. In the known device the substantially sickle-shaped bracket is urged with the aid of a compression spring against the rotor, which thus engages the strip tape extending between the rotor and the opposite wall of the slot. In order to enable this dis- placement of the rotor in the direction towards the opposite wall there is a considerable amount of clearance between the rotor* and the shaft on which the rotor is rotatably arranged Due to this clearance and the consequent wear the lifetime of the rotor and hence the lifetime of the device comprising the rotor are limited. ^REA? O PI In accordance with the invention this disadvantage of the device of the kind set forth in the preamble can be avoided in that the bracket forms part of the wall of the slot, whilst the bracket and the rotor are arranged on both sides of the slot. Further research has taught that the adhesive side of the strip tape passed over the rotor adheres to the bracket so that the strip tape extends transversely of the direction of processing and is hence in a position such that the strip tape, its adhesive side being directed towards an envelope, is wrapped around the same when this envelope is passed through the slot in the direction of processing. In the known device this position of the strip tape is obtained only when the assembly of bracket and rotor is loaded by spring means. A particularly advantageous construction is obtained when the bracket is rotatably arranged with the aid of a hub on a lug. When the steps described above in accordance with the invention are applied to a device for forming a detachable strip closure comprising, in addition, a paper inlet opening out in the vicinity of the rotor it is preferre for the bracket to form, in addition, part of the paper inlet so that an additional separating wall for the paper inlet can be dispensed with, whilst, moreover, a device is obtained which has the same number of separate components as compared with the known device. A further aspect of the invention relates to the rotatably arranged cutting device. The lifetime of a device of the kind set forth in the preamble is determined inter alia by the active units arranged therein, for example, the cutting device rotatably arranged therein for cutting off the strip closure formed in the device. The known cutting device has the disadvantage that the forces absorbed by the knife during the cutting operation cannot be sufficiently transferred to the knife holder so that after a limited number of cutting operations clearance occurs between the knife and the knife holder. This brings about that either the cutting effect is not sufficient to completely cut off the formed strip closure or the knife disengages from the knife holder so that the entire device becomes unserviceable. The invention has for its object to avoid the aforesaid disadvantage by fastening the knife to the knife holder of the cutting device in a manner such that during the cutting operation the knife is leading with respect to the knife holder. In this way the forces exerted on the knife during the cutting operation are taken over appreciabl better by the knife holder so that the cutting device embodying the invention is capable of carrying out a larger number of cutting operations and the device of the kind set forth has an appreciably longer lifetime. A further feature of the invention is characterized in that in the device of the kind set forth above, in the vicinity of one end of the slot, a cutting device is provided for cutting off part of the envelope. It is thus possible, when the strip closure is applied around the envelope, to cut off a redundant part of said envelope. A further aspect of the invention relates to stamp means for applying a code to the tape. Thus the formed, detachable strip closure can be provided with a code indicating, for example, the last date of sale of the product contained in the envelope. The paper strip covering the two ends of the strip closure and being provided with the code has in this case also the function of a seal because, when the strip closure is opened, the paper strip is torn up transversely, which indicates that the product contained in the envelope may be used before. In particular for domestic use it is advisable to make the housing of the device from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene σopolymer) . ABS is impact-resistant, has a smooth finish and in the event of rupture no sharp cutting edges are formed. In a device for applying a strip closure, the housing of which is made from ABS, however, strip tape of PVC (polyvinylchloride) cannot be used because excessive friction occurs between ABS and PVC so that the closing operation cannot be carried into effect. The friction between ABS and PVC can be considerably reduced in that in accordance with the invention the housing consists of two spray-cast housing halves of ABS copolymer doped with silicone, for example, 1% of silicone. It is then advisable to make the bracket, provided, as the case may be, with the strip, the rotor and particularly the cutting device from nylon. In this way a device of the kind set forth above can be composed from a small number of spray castings, which device can be used for a very long time. The above-mentioned and further features will be described with reference to a number of non-limitative embodiments given by way of example which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Herein Figs. 1 and 2 show housing halves forming a first embodiment of the invention and provided with the various operative elements. Figs. " 3, 4 and 5 on an enlarged scale detail III of Fig. 1 of a second embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention in successive positions of use, Fig. 6 illustrates in detail the formation of the strip closure. Fig. 7 shows a variant of a detail VII of Fig. 5, Fig. 8 is on a different scale an exploded view of a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on the line IX-IX of Fig. 8, Fig. 10 is a perspective view of detail X of Fig. 9, Fig. 11 shows in detail part of the envelope to be cut off by the cutting device of Fig. 10, Fig. 12 shows detail XII of Fig. 1, in which the two housing halves are interconnected and Fig. 13 illustrates assembling the cutting device of the device embodying the invention. Figs. 1 and 2 show the housing halves.3, 4 forming the housing 2 of the device 1 embodying the invention. The housing 2 has a slot 5, whilst viewed from the inlet 6 for the envelope 7 in the direction of processing indicated by OMPI the arrow 8 there are provided in order of succession: an inlet 9 for a strip tape 11, a rotor 13 having recesses 12, a rotatable cutting device 15 comprising a knife 14 for cutting off the finished strip closure 16 and a paper inlet 17 for paper tape 18 opening out in the vicinity of the rotor 13 and a bracket 19 co-operating with the rotor 13 and forming an assembly with the latter. The bracket 19, the rotor 13 with the recesses 12, the cutting device 15 and the partitions 21, 22 determine with the slot 5 the path of the envelope 7 to be provided with the strip closure 16. The housing half 3 is furthermore provided with stiffening ridges 23, fastening slots 24 for antifriction strips (not shown) and fastening cylinders 25, which co-operate with fastening pins 26 provided in the housing half 4. The paper inlet 17 is connected with a paper reservoir 27 containing a reel of paper tape on a hub 28. In a similar manner a strip tape reservoir 29 contains a reel of strip tape on a hub 30. The reservoirs 27 and 28 can be closed by the partitions 31 and 32 respectively. In this way a closed housing 2 is formed in which the slot 5 extends in a transverse direction. Figs. 3 to 5 shows in further detail that the knife 14 is fastened to a knife holder 31 of the cutting device 15 in a manner such that during the cutting operation of the knife 14 (in order of succession Figs. 3, 4 and 5) the knife 14 is leading with respect to the knife holder. Thus the forces absorbed by the knife 14 during the cutting operation are transferred to the knife holder 31, whilst the knife 14 bears substantially completely thereon. Therefore, after a long time of use of the device 1 substantially no clearance will occur between the knife 14 and the knife holder 31. The rotating cutting operation of the knife is counteracted by a spring 32, which turns back the cutting device 15 after the termination of the cutting operation into the initial position shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 clearly shows that the bracket 19 forms part of the wall 19, 13, 21, 22 of the " slot 5. The - bracket 19 is rotatable by means of the hub 36 about a lug 35. Since in this case the bracket 19 is displaceable, QMPI the rotor 13 can be rotatably arranged about the shaft 40 substantially without clearance, which materially prolongs the lifetime of the rotor. An additional advantage is that the foot 38 of the bracket 19 furthermore forms part of the paper inlet 17 and of the channel 41 connecting the paper inlet 17 with the paper reservoir 27. Since the strip tape 1 is in contact by its adhesive part 62 with the bracket 19, the adhesive tape 11 blocks the passage of the envelope 7 through the slot 5, establishes a contact with the envelope by the adhesive part 62 and then folds around the same (see Fig. 6) . The device 1 embodying the invention as shown in Fig. 3 furthermore comprises stamping means 41 for applying a code to the paper tape 18. The stamping means 41 comprise a lever 42 extending on the one hand into the slot 5 and being provided on the other hand with a stamp 43 co-operatin with a spring-loaded anvil 44. Between the stamp 43 and the anvil 44 a paper tape 18 and an ink ribbon 5 are passed parallel to one another. The stamp 43 is provided with discs 47 having digits 46 in specular form so that, for example, by hand the desired array of digits 46 can be caused to register with the stamp ribbon 45. When the lever 42 is actuated, which is reset by the spring 48, the stamp ribbon 45 is transported by means of a lever 49. Fig. 4 shows the cutting device 15 just prior to cutting the strip closure 16 formed by a length 50 of paper tape and a length.51 of strip tape 11 applied around the envelope 7. Fig. 5 shows the cut-off strip closure 16, whilst during a continued movement in the direction of the arrow 52 the stamping means 41 are actuated through the lever 42 so that a further strip closure 16 made subsequently after a number of manipulations is provided with a code. It is furthermore apparent that the length 50 of paper tape covers the two ends 53 of the length 51 of strip tape whilst forming a readily disengageable strip closure 16. In the variant of the device 1 embodying the invention shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 it is furthermore apparent that a partition 54 between the rotor 13 and the strip tape reservoir 29 is shortened by the length covered by the strip tape 11 with respect to the partition 55 of Fig. 1, whilst on the side facing the strip tape reservoir 29 the partition 55 is provided with a number of ridges 57 for reducing the friction between the partition 55 and the strip tape 11. In the proximity of the inlet 6 for the envelope 7 the partition 55 is supported by a lug 58 provided on the housing half 4. In the variant of the device 1 embodying the invention shown in Fig. 7 the partition 59 corresponding with the partitions 55 and 54 respectively is further shortened and since in this case the end 60 of the partition 59 is not exposed to a downwardly directed force exerted by the strip tape 11 in forming the strip closure 16 around the envelope 7, the lug 58 on the housing half 4 is redundant. Fig. 6 illustrates a number of successive stages of the formation of the strip closure 16 around the envelope 7. In the stages from Fig. 6a to Fig. 6c strip tape 11 is applied in the recess 12 around the envelope 7, whilst the rotor 13 is rotating, and in the stage of Fig. 6b the closure of the envelope 7 by the strip tape 11 is completed and in the stage of Fig. 6c a part 61 of the strip closure 16 is formed, in which adhesive parts 62 of the strip tape 1 come into contact with one another, after which in the stages from Fig. 6c to Fig. 6d for the first time during the process paper tape 18 is transported from the instant at which at point 63 the paper tape 18 contacts the adhesive part 62 of the strip tape 11. Subsequently paper tape is transported so that it adheres to the strip tape and after the formed strip closure of Fig. 4 is cut off the first part 64 of the next releasable strip closure 16 is ready. Fig. 8 shows a different embodiment of the device 10 in accordance with the invention. As far as the essential elements are concerned the device 10 corresponds with that shown in the various preceding Figures of the device 1 embodying the invention; however, it differs therefrom in that the device 10 is, in particular, intended for industrial use so that the paper reservoir27 and the strip tape reservoir 29 are considerably larger in order to permit of applying a larger number of strip closures without interruption. The paper tape reservoir can be closed by a cover 67. The strip tape reservoir is open and accommodates a rotatable and slidable reel 68 of strip tape 11, whilst lugs 69 provided on the reel 68 are guided in slots 70 in the halves 71 and 72 forming the housing 2. The angle betwee the slots 70 and the horizontal is chosen so that after a strip closure is formed the reel 68 cannot get out of the strip tape reservoir 29 due to reactive forces. The device 10 embodying the invention is furthermore characterized in that in the proximity of the end 73 of the slot 5 there is arranged a different cutting device 74, which is intended for cutting off a part 75 of the envelope 7 by moving the envelope 7 in the direction of the double arrow 76 along the knife 99 of the cutting device 74 (see Fig. 11) : From Fig. 9 it is clearly apparent that the cutting device 74 is arranged in the housing half 72 with the aid of fastening means 77, whilst in order to screen the knife 9 a rim 79 is provided around the slot 78 extending trans¬ versely of the slot 5 for guiding the movement in accordance with the arrow 76. With the aid of fastening means 80 the device 10 is fastened to a base 81. Fig. 10 shows in further detail the relative orientations of the slots 5 and 78. When the part 75 of the envelope 7 need not be removed, the envelope 7 together with the strip closure and the part 75 can be removed through the cavity 82 from the device 10. Fig. 12 shows in further detail one of the connecti of the two housing halves 3, 4 shown in Figs-. 1 and 2. The fastening cylinder 25 secured to the housing half 3 surrounds the fastening pin 26 secured to the housing half 4, whilst the fastening cylinder 25 is received in a recess 84 bounded by the fastening pin and a circular rim 83 around said pin. This structure permits of checking whether the housing halves 3 and 4 have been separated after sale by the user because when the housing halves 3 and 4 are separated from one another at least part of the rim 83 breaks off by the force exerted thereon by the fastening cylinder 25. A similar structure is provided in the housing half 4 in the form of the strip 85 which breaks off when the housing halves 3 and 4 are separated from one another. Fig. 13 shows in further detail the connection of the knife 14 with the knife holder 31. The knife 14 provided with complementary serrations 86 and 87 so that by a single cutting movement the individual knives 14 can be made in order of succession from a metal tape, is arranged by the square, opening 88 on the pin 89, the lower part 90 of which has a shape matching the opening 88, whereas the free end has a cylindrical shape 91. When the knife 14 is arranged on the knife holder 31, the serration 87 is received in the recess 92 and when the part 90 is located in the opening 88 the cylindrical end 91 is bent over outwardly with the aid of an element 94 heated by heating means 93 so that the material of the part 91 first flows in accordance with the shape 95 of the element 94 and contacts the surface 96 of th knife 14, where it cures by cooling and fixes the knife on the knife holder 31. The device 1 shown by way of example in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises a housing 2 consisting of two spray-cast housing halves 3 and 4 of ABS copolymer doped with 1% of silicone so that the friction occurring between ABS copolyme and the strip tape 11 of polyvinylchloride is markedly reduced and there is no need for using the considerably more expensive strip tape of polyester. For industrial use the housing halves 3 and 4 need not be made from ABS co— polymer; the housing halves 71 and 72 may be made from low- pressure polyethylene, which is naturally fairly greasy so that in using low-pressure polyethylene the above-mentioned problems of friction will not occur. For aesthetical reasons low-pressure polyethylene is not suitable for devices embodying the invention intended mainly for domestic use. The bracket, the rotor 13, the knife holder 31 of the cutting device 15 and the stop 97 connected with the OMPI knife holder may be made of nylon. It is finally noted that a rounded-off comb 97 is arranged in each recess 12 of the rotor 13 so that the formation of the strip closure 16 around the envelope 7 as illustrated in Figs. 6a, to 6c is adequately guided and jamming of the envelope in the rotor 13 is avoided. Although the various steps in accordance with the invention are described only for devices 10, 20 embodying the invention for making a strip closure 16 provided at the same time with a paper tape 18, it will be obvious that the invention is not limited to such devices and may as well be applied to devices in which a strip closure only consistin of strip tape 11 is made around an envelope. In this case it is necessary, for example, to arrange the stamping means 41 at such a place near the strip tape reservoir 29 that in these devices the code 97 is applied to the strip tape 11. ( O 3 PPII

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A device (10,20) for applying a strip closure around an envelope (7), for example, a plastics bag (7), comprising a housing (2) having a slot and, viewed from an inlet (6) for the envelope (7) in the direction of processing 5 (8) in order of succession in the slot (5) : an inlet (9) for strip tape (11), a rotor (13) having recesses (12) and a rotatably arranged cutting device (15) having a knife (14) for cutting off the formed strip closure (16) and a bracket (19) co-operating with the rotor (13) and forming 10. an assembly with the latter, characterized in that the bracket (19) forms a part (29) of the wall (19, 13, 21, 22 ) . of the slot (5) and the bracket (19) and the rotor (13) are disposed on both sides of the slot (5) . 2. A device (10, 20) as claimed in Claim 1 15 characterized in that the bracket (19) is rotatably arranged by means of a hub (36) on a lug (35) . 3. A device (10) as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 characterized in that a partition (56) between the rotor (13 ) . and a strip tape reservoir (29) is provided on the side (56). 20 facing the strip tape reservoir (29) with at least one ridge (57) , an end (60) of which located in the vicinity OMP of the inlet (9) of the envelope (7) is supported by a lug. 4. A device (10, 20) as claimed in anyone of Claims 1 to 3, said device (10, 20) for forming a releasable strip closure (16) being, in addition, provided with a paper inlet (17) opening out in the vicinity of the rotor (13) , characterized in that the bracket (19) forms, in addition, a part (38) of the paper inlet (17, 41). 5. A device (10) as claimed in Claim 4 characterized by stamping means (41) for applying a code (97) to the tape (11) . 6. A device (10, 20) as claimed in anyone of the preceding Claims characterized in that the knife (14) is fastened to a knife holder (31) of the cutting device (15) in a manner such that during the cutting operation the knife (14) is leading with respect to the knife holder (31) . 7. A device (20) as claimed in anyone of the preceding Claims characterized in that a cutting device (74) for cutting off a part (75) of the envelope (7) is arranged in the proximity of an end (73) of the slot (5) . 8. A device (10) as claimed in anyone of the preceding Claims characterized' in that the housing (2) consists of two spray-cast housing halves (3, 4) of ABS copolymer doped with silicone, for example, 1% of silicone. 9. A device (10) as claimed in anyone of the preceding Claims characterized in that the bracket (191 provided, as the case may be, with the strip (65) , the rotor (13) and for the major part the " cutting device (151 are made from nylon. 10. A device (10, 20) for applying a strip closure . (16) around an envelope (7) , for example, a plastics bag (7) comprising a housing (2) having a slot and, viewed " from an inlet (6) for the envelope (7) , in the direction of processing (8) , in order of succession in the slot (5) : an inlet (9) for strip tape (11) , a rotor (13) having recesses (12) and a rotatably arranged cutting device (15) having a knife (14) for cutting off the formed strip closure (16) and a bracket (19) co-operating with the rotor (13) and forming an assembly with the latter, characterized in that the knife (14) is secured to a knife holder (31) of the cutting device (15) in a manner.such that during the cutting operation the knife (14) is leading with respect to the knife holder (31). 11. A device (10, 20) for applying a strip closure (16) around an envelope (7), for example, a plastics bag (7) comprising a housing (2) having a slot and, viewed from an inlet (6) for the envelope (7), in the direction of processing (8) , in order of succession in the slot (5) : an inlet (9) for strip tape (11), a rotor (13) having recesses (12) , a rotatably arranged cutting device (15) provided with a knife (14) for cutting off the formed strip closure (16) and a bracket (19) co-operating with the rotor (13) and forming an assembly with the latter, characterized in that a cutting device (74) for cutting off a part (75) of the envelope (7) is arranged in the vicinity of an end (73) of the slot (5) . 12. A device (10, 20) as claimed in Claim 10 or 11 characterized in that the housing (2) consists of two spray- cast housing halves (3, 4) made from ABS copolymer doped wit silicone, for example, 1% of silicone. 13. A device (10, 20) as claimed in Claims 10 to 12 characterized in that the bracket (19) provided, as the case may be, with the strip (65) , the rotor (13) and for the major part the cutting part (15) are made from nylon. 14. A device (10, 20) as claimed in Claims 10 to 13 characterized by stamping means for applying a code (97) to the tape (11) . OMP

Inventors: KUIPERS WILLEM JOHANNES, KUIPERS, WILLEM, JOHANNES
Applicants: INT PROJECT AGENCY B V, INTERNATIONAL PROJECT AGENCY B.V.
Application year: 1984
Main classification: B65B51
IPC codes: B65B51, B65B67