U.S. patent application number 12/558662 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-20 for automatic application of zipper segment.
This patent application is currently assigned to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.. Invention is credited to Kevin OWEN, Stephen S. RUDERMAN.
Application Number | 20100122513 12/558662 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42170921 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100122513 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OWEN; Kevin ; et
al. |
May 20, 2010 |
AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF ZIPPER SEGMENT
Abstract
The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for the
application of zipper segments to opposite sides of a flat, form
cut cardboard, paper or plastic card using double-sided adhesive
tape. The card receives double-sided tape, and then zipper profiles
are secured to the double-sided tape. Alternately, the zipper
profiles and double-sided tape may be joined together and then
applied to the card. The card is then folded and used for the
packing of pieces of chewing gum or similar applications.
Inventors: |
OWEN; Kevin; (Flowery
Branch, GA) ; RUDERMAN; Stephen S.; (Lilburn,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAY PITNEY LLP;ACCOUNT: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
7 TIMES SQUARE
NEW YORK
NY
10036-7311
US
|
Assignee: |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
Glenview
IL
|
Family ID: |
42170921 |
Appl. No.: |
12/558662 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61115768 |
Nov 18, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/449 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B31B 70/00 20170801;
B31B 2160/10 20170801; B31B 70/8132 20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/449 |
International
Class: |
B65B 11/58 20060101
B65B011/58 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a package, comprising the steps of:
providing a sequence of cards; applying a first strip of two-sided
tape to the cards; and applying a first zipper profile to the first
strip of two-sided tape.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of applying a
second strip of two-sided tape to the cards.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of applying a
second zipper profile to the second strip of two-sided tape.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the first strip of two-sided tape
is applied to a first side of the cards and the second strip of
two-sided tape is applied to a second side of the cards.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the first strip of two-sided tape
is parallel to the second strip of two-sided tape.
6. The method of claim 5 further including the step of removing
backing paper from the first and second strips of two-sided tape
prior to the steps of applying the first and second zipper
profiles.
7. The method of claim 6 further including the step of folding the
cards along a machine direction axis thereby bringing the first and
second zipper profiles together.
8. A method of manufacturing a package, comprising the steps of:
providing a strip of stock material; periodically applying a first
strip of two-sided tape to the strip of stock material; and
periodically applying a first zipper profile to the first strip of
two-sided tape.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of applying a
second strip of two-sided tape to the strip of stock material.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of applying a
second zipper profile to the second strip of two-sided tape.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the first strip of two-sided
tape is applied to a first side of the strip of stock material and
the second strip of two-sided tape is applied to a second side of
the strip of stock material.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the first strip of two-sided
tape is parallel to the second strip of two-sided tape.
13. The method of claim 12 further including the step of removing
backing paper from the first and second strips of two-sided tape
prior to the steps of applying the first and second zipper
profiles.
14. The method of claim 13 further including the step of folding
the strip of stock material along a machine direction axis thereby
bringing the first and second zipper profiles together.
15. A method of manufacturing a package, comprising the steps of:
providing a sequence of cards; applying a first zipper profile to a
first strip of two-sided tape; and applying the first strip of
two-sided tape, with the first zipper profile attached thereto, to
the cards.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of applying
a second zipper profile to a second strip of two-sided tape.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of applying
the second strip of two-sided tape, with the second zipper profile
attached thereto, to the cards.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first strip of two-sided
tape is applied to a first side of the cards and the second strip
of two-sided tape is applied to a second side of the cards.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the first strip of two-sided
tape is parallel to the second strip of two-sided tape.
20. The method of claim 19 further including the step of providing
a single reel from which the first and second zipper profiles are
provided, initially interlocking with each other.
21. A method of manufacturing a package, comprising the steps of:
providing a stock material; applying a first zipper profile to a
first strip of two-sided tape; applying the first strip of
two-sided tape, with the first zipper profile attached thereto, to
the stock material.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of applying
a second zipper profiles to a second strip of two-sided tape.
23. The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of applying
the second strip of two-sided tape, with the second zipper profile
attached thereto, to the stock material.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the first strip of two-sided
tape is applied to a first side of the strip of stock material and
the second strip of two-sided tape is applied to a second side of
the strip of stock material.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the first strip of two-sided
tape is parallel to the second strip of two-sided tape.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/115,768
filed Nov. 18, 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference.
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure pertains to the application of zipper
profile segments to opposite sides of a flat, form cut cardboard,
paper or plastic card using double sided tape. The card is then
folded and used for the packing of pieces of chewing gum or similar
applications. This disclosure can also be used for other
applications of securing a zipper to packaging whenever
conventional methods, such as heat sealing, are not practical or
possible.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] There are applications in the field of packaging wherein the
zipper for opening and closing the package cannot be secured to the
package by heat sealing, such as when the walls are made from a
paper product. One way of securing the zipper to the package is to
tuck a package edge under a flap. However, this type of closure can
be difficult to engage. In addition, after several openings and
closing, the flap can become loose or worn and therefore not stay
closed to keep the product in the package.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to
provide a method and apparatus for attaching a zipper to a package
wherein heat sealing cannot be used, such as with certain paper
packages.
[0007] It is therefore a further object of the present disclosure
to provide a method and apparatus for attaching a zipper to a
package, thereby further providing a simple opening and closing
operation by the user, as well as providing a closing method that
will outlast the package or product life.
[0008] These and other objects are attained by providing a method
and apparatus wherein a precut, folded cardboard, paper or plastic
package or card is sequentially transported on a conveyor type
mechanism. Double-sided adhesive tape is unwound from a roll,
applied to the card, its length measured and then cut. A stripper
mechanism removes the backing paper from the tape to expose the
other side of the adhesive. The zipper segment is then cut and
applied to the exposed adhesive. The card is then transported to a
subsequent station where it can be accumulated for subsequent
operations, or can continue on and be folded, closed, and filled
with product. These operations are typically performed in tandem so
that each zipper segment is applied on the two sides on the
card.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Further objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following description and from the accompanying
drawing, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a first embodiment of a
manufacturing process of the present disclosure, further including
plan views showing the sequential manufacturing of the product.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a second embodiment of a
manufacturing process of the present disclosure, further including
plan views showing the sequential manufacturing of the product.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a third embodiment of a
manufacturing process of the present disclosure, further including
plan views showing the sequential manufacturing of the product.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a fourth embodiment of a
manufacturing process of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a fifth embodiment of a
manufacturing process of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like
numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, one
sees that FIG. 1 is a schematic of a first embodiment of the
manufacturing process of the present invention.
[0016] Pre-cut unfolded cardboard, paper or plastic packages (or
cards) 100 (or other suitable substrate) are provided in a stack
10, supported by plate 11, and illustrated in plan view thereabove
in FIG. 1. The presence of packages (or cards) 100 is sensed by
sensor 12 and the data sent to a central processing unit (not
shown) which controls the sequence of operations. Roller 14 is used
to feed packages 100 from stack 10 to a conveyor system 16. The
passage of packages 100 is sensed or monitored by sensor 18 and the
data sent to a central processing unit (not shown) which controls
the sequence of operations. The package 100 arrives at a tape
dispensing station 20 wherein a reel 22 of double-sided adhesive
tape 24 is provided. Typically, tape dispensing station 20 is
supplied in tandem so that two strips of double-sided adhesive tape
24 are supplied as shown in package 100'. The presence of
double-sided adhesive tape 24 is sensed or monitored by sensor 26
and the data sent to a central processing unit (not shown) which
controls the sequence of operations. Double-sided adhesive tape 24
is unwound from reel 22 and fed through tape transport rollers 30
which are positioned on both sides of tape cutter 32. Double-sided
adhesive tape 24 passes underneath measuring roller 34 and
approaches tape fastening roller 36. Tape fastening roller 36 is
configured to adhere double-sided adhesive tape 24 to a registered
edge of package 100. As the package 100 is transported by conveyor
system 16, the double-sided adhesive tape 24 is applied to package
100 and the length of the applied segment of double-sided adhesive
tape 24 is measured by measuring roller 34. When the correct length
of double-sided adhesive tape 24 has been fed, tape cutter 32 cuts
the double-sided adhesive tape 24 and the feeding of double-sided
adhesive tape 24 is momentarily stopped until the subsequent
package 100 is detected. The transport of package 100 continues
until the segment of double-sided adhesive tape 24 is applied. A
stripper mechanism 40, typically including a blade, is positioned
immediately downstream of the tape fastening roller 36 to remove
backing paper from the double-sided adhesive tape 24, thereby
exposing the upper adhesive side of double-sided adhesive tape 24,
resulting in the package 100' illustrated within FIG. 1. Package
100' includes two parallel strips of double-sided adhesive tape 24
with the upper adhesive surface exposed. Backing removal system 42,
typically including a vacuum, a roller, or a blower, is provided to
remove the backing paper from the manufacturing area, typically
placing the cut backing paper into a waste container (not
shown).
[0017] The package 100', including the two strips of double-sided
adhesive tape 24 with the upper adhesive surface exposed, is then
transported by conveyor system 16 to zipper dispensing station 46.
Zipper dispensing station 46 includes reel 48 which dispenses
zipper profile 50. The presence of zipper profile 50 is sensed or
monitored by sensor 54 and the data sent to a central processing
unit (not shown) which controls the sequence of operations. Zipper
dispensing station 46 is typically provided in tandem to provide
two complementary zipper profiles 50, 52 as shown on package 100''.
Complementary zipper profiles 50, 52 are configured to interlock
with each other when card 100'' is folded so as to engage zipper
profiles 50, 52 against each other. Zipper profile 50 is fed
through zipper transport rollers 56 and underneath zipper profile
cutter 58, zipper profile fastening roller 60 and tamper 62. Zipper
profile 50 is unwound from reel 48 and measured, typically by
zipper transport roller 56. Zipper profile 50 is then cut to a
specific length by zipper profile cutter 58, which may be different
from the length of the segment of double-sided adhesive tape 24.
The resulting segments of zipper profile 50, 52 are then applied to
the newly exposed adhesive and tamped by tamper 62 at a selected
location from the edge of the package 100' thereby resulting in the
configuration of illustrated package 100'' wherein strips of zipper
profile 50, 52 are provided in parallel, whereby folding the
package 100'' about the machine direction axis 101 would result in
the engagement and interlocking of the segments of zipper profile
50, 52 with each other. The package 100'' is then transported to a
subsequent station where it can be accumulated for the next
operation or continue on and be folded, closed, and filled with
product, such as, but not limited to, chewing gum.
[0018] In FIG. 2, stack 10 and the associated components of FIG. 1
are replaced with a strip of continuous cardboard, paper or plastic
stock 64 which is provided by reel 66. The stock is not cut at tape
dispensing station 20 thereby resulting in the periodic parallel
application of the segments of double-sided adhesive tape 24 and
zipper profiles 50, 52 to stock 64 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Again,
the stock is ultimately folded about the machine direction axis 101
in order to bring zipper profiles 50, 52 together.
[0019] In FIG. 3, the tape dispensing station 20 is arranged over
the zipper dispensing station 46 whereby the zipper profile 50 is
continuously applied to the double-sided adhesive tape 24, and the
resulting combination of zipper profile 50 and double-sided
adhesive tape 24 is measured, cut and applied to the packages 100
resulting in the packages 100'', substantially identical to the
package 100'' illustrated in FIG. 1. Again, a tandem configuration
of stations is typically used in order to provide the two zipper
profiles 50, 52.
[0020] FIG. 4 discloses an embodiment which integrates the tandem
configuration by using a single zipper profile reel 48 which
provides interlocked zipper profiles 50, 52. The zipper profiles
50, 52 are separated and provided with double-sided adhesive tape
24, 24' by tape dispensing stations 20, 20', and the backing is
removed by backing removal systems 42, 42'. The zipper profiles 50,
52, with double-sided adhesive tape 24, 24', respectively, attached
thereto is applied to the cardboard container 100, similarly to the
embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 discloses an embodiment wherein the cutters 32, 58
(see FIG. 2) are omitted and continuous strips of double-sided
adhesive tape 24 and the zipper profiles 50, 52 are laid down. The
stock 64 would be subsequently cut and folded to produce the final
product.
[0022] Thus the several aforementioned objects and advantages are
most effectively attained. Although preferred embodiments of the
invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it
should be understood that this invention is in no sense limited
thereby and its scope is to be determined by that of the appended
claims.
* * * * *