Patent GB-1094995-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to package forming machines
IPC: B65B21/24
Filed: 1965-05-18
Abstract: 1,094,995. Packaging machines. CONTINENTAL CAN CO. Inc. May 18, 1965 [May 28, 1964], No. 21057/65. Heading B8C. [Also in Division B6] A packaging machine for applying a carton to a group of moving containers, e.g. cans, includes a blank feed mechanism comprising a hopper, blank gripping means and support therefor, a positioning arm, to which said support is pivotally connected oscillatable towards and away from the hopper, and means operating on said support to rock it about the pivotal connection as the positioning arm is oscillated. The machine is particularly adapted for use with a blank substantially as described in Specification 871,045 but differing primarily in its scalloped edges. The cans C are fed in two rows on conveyer chains 27 and are grouped by dogs 37 on chains 36 which feed them along fixed supports 28. Blank supply.-An overhead hopper 40 (see also Fig. 3, not shown), includes a main frame member 41, with arms 44 at its ends. Blanks are supported at one end in the hopper by a transverse bar 45 with a lip 56 extending between and secured adjustably to the arms 44 and carrying stops 48. Arms 49 support the upstream corner areas of the blanks and are mounted adjustably one on each arm 44. Further guide and support elements 52, 53 and 54 are mounted on member 41. The blanks are removed from the hopper and placed on rails 57 by suction cups 71 (see also Figs. 6, 7, 8, not shown), one on either side of the cans, each being supported on a member 68 pivoted at 69 to an arm 67. In one embodiment the lower end of each member 68 carries a follower 77 sliding on a fixed cam 78. As the arm 67, after the cup has gripped a blank, moves downwardly the pivot pin 69 and follower 77 move to the left as shown. As a result, the cup shifts the blank also to the left clear of magazine lip 56 and down from the hopper. When the arm 67 moves below its horizontal position the pin 69 moves to the right whilst follower 77 is riding off the lower portion of lobe 82 and is moving left. As a result the cup 71 moves rapidly to the right whilst still being moved slowly down, and the blank is fed between idler rolls 61 and upper feed rolls 63. Engagement of the blank and feed rolls is ensured by pushers 76 mounted on the arms 68. Blank forwarding and folding mechanism.- The blank is fed by the rollers 61, 63 into overlying relation with respect to an associated group of cans, and is traversed along the rails 57 by a pair of feed lugs 101, each carried by a chain 97. The chains are carried on a floating frame, having side arms 93, which is urged downwards by spring means and pivoted about a drive shaft 91. Hold down rolls 102 ensure the proper engagement of the blank with its associated cans. The shaft 91 also supports a floating arm 109, urged downwards by spring means which carries a shaft 110. On this shaft are mounted presser rolls 111, which engage the outer edges of the top panel of the blank to ensure proper engagement with underlying cans, and blades 112 which fold down the sides of the blank. Further folding and interlocking means (not described) may be as set forth in Specification 871,045. Take away conveyers 122 carry lugs 126 which each engage both a side panel of the blank and an endmost can simultaneously to deliver them from the machine. To prevent overlapping of can chimes, hold down members 144 are secured to the left-hand portion 147 of the central divider 29 and include spring means (148), (149) and (150 (see also Fig 10, not shown). The springs (150) slide on the tops of the cans until they are wrapped.