Patent GB-1054786-A (GB)
IPC: B65B7/28
Abstract: 1,054,786. Packaging - machines; endless conveyers. REYNOLDS METALS CO. Oct. 7, 1963 [Oct. 8, 19621, No. 39469/63. Headings B8A and B8C. Apparatus for securing covers over the mouths of containers having a continuous peripheral upstanding flange comprises a closing device having a plurality of closing surface means and means for carrying each container continuously through the apparatus with the cover in position over the mouth. along a path leading the flange into engagement with the closing surface means to cause the entire peripheral flange to be bent inwardly over the cover to hold the cover to the container (Fig. 3, not shown). Containers 22 with cover members 20 (Fig. 2, not shown) are fed continuously at station 38, Fig. 9, into holes 52 in plates 49 mounted by rollers 50, 51 on tracks 40, 41 forming an endless conveyer. Each plate 49a passes partially under a counter clockwise rotating paddle wheel 62 without the latter engaging the upwardly directed flanges 27 on the container, but before the container passes completely under the paddle wheel, the rollers 50, 51 ride up slopes 44, 45 on the tracks 40, 41 so that at least one of the paddles 63 engages the trailing portion of the flange 27 bending it inwardly over the cover 20. The leading flange then comes into contact with rollers 77 mounted as shown in Fig. 14 to rotate in a clockwise direction about shafts 78 by the motor 73. The rollers 77 bend inwardly the leading and side flanges as well as bending down further the trailing flange. The container then passes beneath a further roller 87 with a reduced central portion so as to allow the leading flange to be bent over completely without flattening a lifting bead 30 on its edge. The side flanges are flattened by the outer edges 92 of the roller while the beads 30 ride in grooves 93, the trailing flange being flattened in a similar manner to the leading portion. The completed container is then removed from the plate 49 by rails 58. Grooves may be provided along the side flanges by having annular beads around the end portions 92 of the roller 87. The paddle wheel 62 may be mounted for movement away from the path of the containers instead of having the containers moving into engagement with them thus allowing the plates 49 to move in a straight line through the apparatus 33. The paddle wheel may reciprocate in a vertical slot (Figs. 20, 21, not shown) or it may be mounted eccentrically for rotation on a rotating disc, Fig. 22, and (23, not shown). In a further embodiment, Fig. 24 (not shown), in which the containers move in a straight line, the rollers 77 and paddle wheels 62 are replaced by rotating screw members 106, 107 and a member 112 which comprises a horizontal bar 114 and legs 115 secured to support means 116. The bar 114 bends the leading flange inwardly but as it is positioned inside the track of the side flanges these are left vertical until they are engaged by the screw members 106, 107 when they are bent inwardly. The trailing flange, though bent back by the bar 114, is folded forwards by the members 106, 107 the folding being completed as before by the roller 87c. This apparatus may be adjustable for different container heights. The plates may be H-shaped with rollers 97 riding on straight tracks 98 (see Fig. 19, not shown).