Abstract:
A clamping mechanism is provided for supporting a plurality of tools for use in a folder gluer machine. The clamping mechanism includes first and second clamps. Each clamp defines a corresponding clamping cavity for receiving a tool therein. Each clamp is movable between a release position wherein the clamping cavity has a first configuration and a clamping position wherein the clamping cavity has a second configuration. A clamping structure is operatively connected to the first and second clamps. The clamping structure sequentially moves the first and second clamps to their clamping positions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/636,217, filed Dec. 15, 2005. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to folder gluer machines for making paper cartons from a traveling carton blank, and in particular, to a clamping mechanism for supporting various tools used by a folder gluer machine during a folding operation. 
   BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY THE INVENTION 
   As is known, a folder gluer machine is used for making paper cartons from a traveling carton blank. The carton blank is cut to an appropriate shape and scored in order to define a main carton portion and at least one flap. Thereafter, the carton blank is sent to a folder gluer machine for folding the flap to form a sidewall of the carton and to glue the sidewalls of the carton together. Typically, such paper cartons are employed in retail stores for boxing clothing or other similar items wherein a rigid carton is not required. 
   In order to form a paper carton from the carton blank, the folder gluer machine utilizes various tools. For example, a folding hook is typically employed to rotatably engage the bottom surface of the carton flap and to bend the flap along the score line so as to form the inside wall of the carton. The carton blank typically travels in a direction perpendicular to the score line so that the folding hook must be operated in timed relation to the speed of the carton blank. As such, it can be appreciated that the folding hook and the other tools associated with the folder gluer machine must be accurately positioned in order to properly fold the carton blank. 
   Heretofore, the tools used in the folder gluer machine were positioned by means of a clamping mechanism that would support multiple tools such as the folding hooks required to form the paper carton. However, these prior clamp mechanisms have certain disadvantages. For example, these clamping mechanisms do not provide for progressive tensioning of each clamp holding the tools. In other words, prior clamping mechanisms simultaneously clamp or release the multiple tools supported thereby. As a result, it is difficult to accurately position and clamp the tools for the folder gluer machine with the prior clamping mechanisms. In addition, the clamps utilized in these prior clamping mechanisms contact the tools at a minimum number of points such that the clamping pressure exerted by the clamps is insufficient to maintain the positions of the tools supported thereby. As such, it is highly desirable to provide a clamping mechanism for a folder gluer machine that provides increased clamping pressure over prior clamping mechanisms. 
   Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a clamping mechanism for clamping multiple tools used by a folder gluer machine during operation. 
   It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a clamping mechanism for clamping multiple tools used by a folder gluer machine that incorporates progressive clamping of such tools. 
   It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a clamping mechanism for clamping multiple tools used by a folder gluer machine that is inexpensive to manufacture and simple to operate. 
   In accordance with the present invention, a clamping mechanism is provided for supporting a plurality of tools for use in a folder gluer machine. The clamping mechanism includes a first clamp defining a first clamping cavity for receiving a first tool therein. The first clamp is movable between a release position wherein the first clamping cavity has a first configuration and a clamping position wherein the first clamping cavity has a second configuration. A second clamp defines a second clamping cavity for receiving a second tool therein. The second clamp is movable between a release position wherein the second clamping cavity has a first configuration and a clamping position wherein the second clamping cavity has a second configuration. A clamping structure is operatively connected to the first and second clamps. The clamping structure sequentially moves the first and second clamps to the clamping positions. 
   The first clamp includes a plurality of contract surfaces for engaging the first tool when the first clamp is in the clamping position. The first clamp may also include upper and lower clamping elements. The upper clamping element has an inner surface. The inner surface includes an arcuate surface portion partially defining the first clamping cavity. The lower clamping element also has an inner surface. The inner surface of the lower clamping element includes an arcuate surface portion partially defining the first clamping cavity. The first clamp includes a biasing element for urging the upper clamping element away from the lower clamping element such that the first clamping cavity is in the second configuration. 
   The second clamp also includes upper and lower clamping elements. The upper clamping element has an inner surface. The inner surface includes an arcuate surface portion partially defining the second clamping cavity. The lower clamping element also has an inner surface. The inner surface of the lower clamping element includes an arcuate surface portion partially defining the second clamping cavity. 
   The clamping mechanism may include at least one contact pad projecting from the arcuate surface portion of the inner surface of upper clamping element and extending into the first clamping cavity. The clamping structure includes an elongated member extending along an axis through the first and second clamps. The first and second clamps are pivotable about the axis of the elongated member with at least one of the first clamp and the second clamp in the release position. A friction disc may be positioned between the first and second clamps. 
   In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a clamping mechanism is provided for supporting a plurality of tools for use in a folder gluer machine. The clamping mechanism includes first and second clamps. Each clamp has upper and lower clamping elements. Each upper clamping element has an inner surface that includes an arcuate surface portion partially defining a corresponding clamping cavity. Each lower clamping element has an inner surface that includes an arcuate surface portion partially defining a corresponding clamping cavity. An elongated member extends along an axis through the first and second clamps. A clamping structure is movable between a release position wherein the first and second clamps are rotatable about the axis and a clamping position wherein the first and second clamps are maintained at user desired positions about the axis. 
   The upper clamping element and the lower clamping element of each clamp are movable between a release position wherein the corresponding clamping cavity has a first configuration and a clamping position wherein the corresponding clamping cavity has a second configuration. Each clamp may also include a biasing element for urging the corresponding clamping cavity toward the second configuration. The clamping structure progressively moves the upper clamping element and the lower clamping element of the first clamp between the release position and the clamping position and the upper clamping element and the lower clamping element of the second clamp between the release position and the clamping in response to the clamping structure moving from the release position to the clamping position. 
   A friction disc may be positioned between the first and second clamps. The friction disc prevents rotation of the first and second clamps with the clamping structure in the clamping position. The first clamp includes at least one contact pad projecting into the first clamping cavity. Similarly, the second clamp includes at least one contact pad projecting into the second clamping cavity. The first clamp also includes first and second connection hooks for interconnecting the upper clamping element and the lower clamping element of the first clamp. Likewise, the second clamp includes first and second connection hooks for interconnecting the upper clamping element and the lower clamping element of the second clamp. 
   In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a method of clamping a plurality of tools for a folder gluer machine is provided. The method includes the step of providing a clamping mechanism having first and second clamps. Each clamp has a release position and a clamping position. The first and second clamps are sequentially moved to the clamping positions. 
   The first and second clamps are positioned in user desired positions, and thereafter, clamped in such positions. Each clamp has a corresponding clamping cavity. The method may include the additional step of inserting tools in corresponding clamping cavities. The tools may then be restrained in corresponding clamping cavities in multiple planes with the clamps in the clamping positions. Each clamp has a corresponding clamping cavity. Each clamping cavity having a first configuration with a corresponding clamp in the release position and a second configuration with the corresponding clamp in the clamping position. The clamping cavities are urged toward the first configurations. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment. 
     In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the clamping mechanism of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the clamping mechanism of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded, isometric view of the clamping mechanism of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a clamping mechanism in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . Clamping mechanism  10  is intended to support first and second tools  12  and  14 , respectively, for use in a folder gluer machine. As is conventional, each tool  12  and  14  extends along a corresponding axis  16  and  18 , respectively. By way of example, tools  12  and  14  may take the form of folding guides, finger hooks, plows, swords and/or glue applicators. However, other tools may be supported by clamping mechanism  10  without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , clamping mechanism  10  includes upper clamp  20  and lower clamp  22 . Upper clamp  20  includes an upper clamping element  24  and a lower clamping element  26  for receiving tool  12  therebetween. Upper clamping element  24  of upper clamp  20  includes outer surface  28  and inner surface  30 . Inner surface  30  has an arcuate surface portion  32  therein that partially defines a clamping cavity within upper clamp  20 . Contact pads  34  and  36  project from arcuate surface portion  32  and terminate at corresponding contact areas  34   a  and  36   a , respectively. Upper clamping element  24  further includes connection hooks  38  and  40  depending from opposite sides  24   a  and  24   b  of upper clamp element  24  of upper clamp  20 . Connection hooks  38  and  40  are adapted for receipt in corresponding recesses  42  and  44  in sides  26   a  and  26   b , respectively, of lower clamping element  26  of upper clamp  20 . As hereinafter described, recess  42  in side  26   a  of lower clamping element  26  allows for limited vertical movement of connection hook  38  of upper clamping element  24  such that tool  12  may be inserted into or removed from the clamping cavity within upper clamp  20 . 
   Lower clamping element  26  of upper clamp  20  includes inner surface  46  and outer surface  48 . Inner surface  46  includes arcuate surface portion  50  that partially defines the clamping cavity within upper clamp  20 . Contact pads  52  and  54  projects from arcuate surface portion  50  and terminate at corresponding contact areas  52   a  and  54   a , respectively. Lower clamping element  26  further includes spring recess  55  for receiving spring  57  therein. Spring  57  engages and urges upper clamping element  24  of upper clamp  20  away from lower clamping element  26  of upper clamp  20  to allow tool  12  to be inserted into and removed from the clamping cavity within upper clamp  20 . 
   Lower clamp  22  includes upper clamping element  56  and lower clamping element  58  for receiving tool  14  therebetween. Upper clamping element  56  of lower clamp  22  includes upper surface  60  and inner surface  62 . Upper surface  60  of upper clamping element  56  of lower clamp  22  includes recess  64  therein for receiving friction disk  66 . It is intended that friction disk  66  maintain the alignment of upper clamp  20  and lower clamp  22  with respect to one another, as hereinafter described. Inner surface  62  includes an arcuate surface portion  68  that partially defines the clamping cavity within lower clamp  22 . Contact pads  70  and  72  project from arcuate surface portion  68  and terminate at corresponding contact areas  70   a  and  72   a , respectively. Upper clamping element  56  of lower clamp  22  further includes a spring recess (not shown) in inner surface  62  for receiving spring  74  therein. Spring  74  engages and urges lower clamping element  58  of lower clamp  22  away from upper clamping element  56  of lower clamp  22  to allow for tool  14  to be inserted into and removed from the clamping cavity within lower clamp  22 . 
   Lower clamping element  58  of lower clamp  22  includes inner surface  76  and outer surface  78 . Inner surface  76  includes an arcuate surface portion  80  that partially defines the clamping cavity within lower clamp  22 . Contact pads  82  and  84  project from arcuate surface  80  and terminate at corresponding contact areas  82   a  and  84   a , respectively. Lower clamping element of lower clamp  22  further includes connection hooks  86  and  88  projecting from opposite sides  58   a  and  58   b  of lower clamp element  58  of lower clamp  22 . Connection hooks  86  and  88  are adapted for receipt in corresponding recesses  90  and  92  in sides  56   a  and  56   b  of upper clamping element  56  of lower clamp  22 . Recess  90  in side  56   a  of upper clamping element  56  of lower clamp  22  allows for limited vertical movement of connection hook  86  of upper clamping element  58  to allow for tool  14  to be inserted into and removed from the clamping cavity within lower clamp  22 . 
   Upper and lower clamps  20  and  22 , respectively, are pivotably connected to each other by a bolt  96  projecting through upper and lower clamping elements  56  and  58 , respectively, of lower clamp  22  and through upper and lower clamping elements  24  and  26 , respectively, of upper clamp  20 . Bellville springs  98  and  100  are positioned on terminal end  96   a  of bolts adjacent outer surface  28  of upper clamping element  24  of upper clamp  20 . In addition, handle  102  is threaded onto terminal end  96   a  of bolt  96 . It is contemplated to provide a washer  104  on terminal end  96   a  of bolt  96  between handle  102  and Bellville spring  100  so as to facilitate rotation of handle  102  about the axis  106  of bolt  96 . 
   In operation, tools  12  and  14  may be inserted into corresponding clamping cavities within upper clamps  20  and  22 , respectively. As heretofore described, spring  57  acts to separate upper and lower clamping elements  24  and  26 , respectively, of upper clamp  20  so as to enlarge the clamping cavity therein and facilitate the insertion of tool  12  into such clamping cavity. Similarly, spring  74  acts to separate upper and lower clamping elements  56  and  58  of lower clamp  22  so as to allow for insertion of tool  14  into the clamping cavity defined by a lower clamp  22 . As described, it is contemplated that upper and lower clamps  20  and  22 , respectively, of clamping mechanism  10  be pivotable about axis  106  on bolt  96  so as to allow for further alignment of tools  12  and  14 , respectively. Friction disk  66  provides stability during the positioning of upper and lower clamps  20  and  22 , respectively, prior to exertion of a clamping force on tools  12  and  14 , as hereinafter described. 
   As handle  102  is threaded further onto terminal end  96   a  of bolt  96 , handle  102  exerts a pressure on Bellville springs  98  and  100 , which, in turn, exert a clamping pressure on springs  57  and  74 . It is contemplated that springs  57  and  74  have different spring tensions. As a result, as handle  102  is further tightened on terminal  96   a  of bolt  96 , the clamping pressure exerted on tools  12  and  14  within corresponding clamping cavities in upper and lower clamps  20  and  22 , respectively, is progressive such that one of the tools becomes fixed within its corresponding clamping cavity prior to the other tool becoming fixed within its corresponding clamping cavity. It can be appreciated that the progressive clamping of tools  12  and  14  within the corresponding clamping cavities in upper and lower clamps  20  and  22 , respectively, facilitates the positioning of tools  12  and  14  within such clamping cavities. 
   As handle  102  is tightened on terminal  96   a  of bolt  96 , contact areas  34   a  and  36   a  of contact pads  34  and  36 , respectively, of upper clamping element  24  of upper clamp  20  and contact areas  52   a  and  54   a  of contact pads  52  and  54 , respectively, of lower clamping element  26  of upper clamp  20  engage tool  12 . In addition, contact areas  70   a  and  72   a  of contact pads  70  and  72 , respectively, of upper clamping element  56  of lower clamp  22  and contact areas  82   a  and  84   a  of contact pads  82  and  84 , respectively, of lower clamping element  58  of lower clamp  22  engage tool  14 . Since tools  12  and  14  within corresponding clamping cavities and upper and lower clamps  20  and  22 , respectively, are contacted in four distinct contact points within such clamps, each tool  12  and  14  is restrained in all planes. With handle  102  tightened, friction disc  66  discourages movement of upper and lower clamps  20  and  22 , respectively, with respect to each other. 
   In order to release tools  12  and  14 , handle  102  is threaded off bolt  96 . As handle  102  is threaded off bolt  96 , the clamping pressure exerted on tools  12  and  14  within corresponding clamping cavities in upper and lower clamps  20  and  22 , respectively, is progressively reduced such that one of the tools releases from its corresponding clamping cavity prior to the other tool releasing from its corresponding clamping cavity. 
   Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as the invention.