WO2000076854A1 - Method and device for applying a covering element to cans - Google Patents

Method and device for applying a covering element to cans Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000076854A1
WO2000076854A1 PCT/IB2000/000750 IB0000750W WO0076854A1 WO 2000076854 A1 WO2000076854 A1 WO 2000076854A1 IB 0000750 W IB0000750 W IB 0000750W WO 0076854 A1 WO0076854 A1 WO 0076854A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
top surface
web
container
cutting
single sheet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2000/000750
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Rodolfo Bettini
Original Assignee
Aetna Group S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aetna Group S.P.A. filed Critical Aetna Group S.P.A.
Priority to AU47743/00A priority Critical patent/AU4774300A/en
Publication of WO2000076854A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000076854A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B17/00—Other machines, apparatus, or methods for packaging articles or materials
    • B65B17/02—Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/162—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by feeding web material to securing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
    • B65D51/185—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures the outer closure being a foil membrane
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
    • B65D2251/0031—Membrane
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
    • B65D2251/0071—Lower closure of the 17-type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/0098—Means for preventing dust contacting pouring opening, e.g. a cover over the tear panel

Abstract

A method for making and applying a covering element (1) on containers (2), each having a top surface (3) and a lower surface or base (4) which rests on a feed belt surface (5) comprises the following steps: positioning a web (6) of film having one adhesive surface (6a) over the top surface of a container (2) so as to bring the surface (6a) into contact with said top surface (3); making from the web (6) a single sheet (8) one side of which is at least as large as the top surface (3); covering the top surface (3) by pressing the sheet (8) onto it so as to cause it to adhere permanently. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method.

Description

Description
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR APPLYING A COVERING ELEMENT TO CANS
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method for making and applying a covering element on beverage cans, tins and similar containers .
Background Art
It has been well known for a long time that one of the major problems connected with the use of cans as containers of beverages or other liquids for human consumption (but also including ordinary cylindrical tin cans designed to contain solid food products) is that of protecting the top portion of the can (or rather, the portion of t that is designed to be opened to allow the contents to be poured out) against contamination by contact with impurities during storage, transportation and sale. Contamination is an especially serious problem in the case of beverage cans with the familiar snap opening top from which the consumer can pour the beverage or drink it directly from the can.
Numerous types of covering elements have been devised to overcome this problem. These come in various forms designed to fit, in such a way as to be easily removed, at least over the portion of the can top where the can opening means are located. In some cases, the top of the can is covered completely.
These covering elements, some of which are disclosed in patents
US-5.105.964, US-5.221.020 and US-5.647.49 , provide a good seal over the can tops since their shape exactly matches the shape of the can. They are, however, uneconomical not only because of the complexity of the moulds used to make them but also because it is necessary to set up extremely complex purpose-designed additional stations on the can packaging lines. In many cases, the high costs involved and the nature of the end product are such that the investment in an accessory of this type cannot be justified.
Also known is another type of covering element that can be obtained by moulding the cover directly on the top of the can as the can moves along the production line.
Patents US-4.281.502 and US-5,088,269 envision a process for making container covers which uses, along the product feed line, a forming plate placed over the cans and having a circular opening in it, a sheet of thermosensitive plastic placed between the plate and the cans moving forward, and means for heating the plastic sheet. In practice, the heating means act on the portion of the sheet concerned through the circular opening in the forming plate in such a way as to soften the sheet. The forming plate then moves down over the can and causes the softened plastic sheet to adhere to the top of the can.
This process cycle, although it is more flexible in applying the covers to the cans, involves heating and cooling the portion of film concerned. This greatly increases the costs of the process not only because of the equipment required but also because the movements of the various component parts of the station must be constant and precisely coordinated and are therefore slow.
Further, for the method to be economical, without significantly raising the unit cost of the cans, it must be used on packs of products which reach the point of sale in considerable numbers since the forming plates must have the openings made in them n defined sizes and styles and the thermosensitive plastic sheet must be cut to the size required by the style of the cans in the packaging line (the cans then being bound to each other by the lengths of plastic sheet that do not adhere to them) . This means that processes of this kind are limited to production of arrays consisting of a fixed number of cans (packs of six, twelve, and the like) but cannot be used to cover a single can at a time.
Disclosure of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above by providing a method and a device for making and applying a covering element on beverage cans and similar containers. The method disclosed is extremely simple and economical, can be applied to single containers and is therefore independent of the number of articles in the array required and gives an economical and practical end product.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device which implements the above method and which can be added to the container production lines (including existing production lines) at a minimum cost for manufacturers, while allowing high production speed m such a way as not to negatively affect the productivity of the production lines . Further characteristics of the invention, in accordance with the above-mentioned aims, are set out in the claims below and the advantages more clearly illustrated in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment without limiting the scope of the invention, and in which:
Figures 1 to 4 are schematic perspective views, with some parts cut away in order to better illustrate others, of four stages of the method for making and applying a covering element on beverage cans and similar containers; - Figure 5 is a schematic side view, with some parts cut away in order to better illustrate others, of the device that implements the method illustrated m Figures 1 to 4;
Figure 6 is a scaled up side detail view of the device illustrated in Figure 5; - Figure 7 shows the same detail as that m Figure 6 in a view from R and with some parts cut away in order to better illustrate others;
Figure 8 is a schematic top plan view, with some parts cut away in order to better illustrate others, of the device illustrated m Figure 5;
Figure 9 is a scaled up view of a detail from Figure 7; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a container with a cover made using the method and device disclosed;
Figure 11 is a scaled up, schematic front view of a detail from Figure 8, showing second cutting means.
With reference to the accompanying drawings listed above, and m particular Figures 1 to 4, the method disclosed is used for making and applying a covering element 1 on containers 2, such as beverage cans or tins, each having a top surface 3 and a lower surface or base 4 which rests on a feed belt surface 5. The containers 2 illustrated n the accompanying drawings are, purely by way of example, cylindrical beverage cans. It is obvious that, without losing in originality, the method and device disclosed can be applied to containers of any shape for other types of products that need to be protected by a covering element.
The method forming the subject matter of the present invention comprises the following steps:
- positioning with suitable means 7 a web 6 of single-sided adhesive film, that is to say, of a material having one adhesive surface 6a, over the top surface 3 of at least one container, so as to bring into contact with said top surface 3 the surface 6a whose adhesive means may be spread on the web during the process by a suitable feeder or may already be present on the web; - cutting from the web 6 a single sheet 8, using suitable cutting means 9 and 10, one side of the single sheet being at least as large as the top surface 3;
- causing the single sheet 8 to adhere permanently to and thus seal the top surface 3 by using suitable means 11 to press the sheet down.
In the steps described above, reference is made to at least one container 2 but, for convenience, the description from here on will refer to a plurality of containers 2 in order to better outline both the method and the device disclosed. As shown in Figure 5, the step of positioning the web 6, is preceded by a step of unwinding the web 6 from a roll 12.
As will be described in more detail below, the cutting step makes a single sheet 8 that is larger in size than the top surface
3. In the embodiment illustrated, the sheet 8 is substantially quadrangular since the step of cutting it is effected by cutting the web 6 lengthways and crossways relative to its unwinding direction.
In the next step, as described above, the top of the can is covered by the single sheet 8 by making the single sheet 8 adhere to the top surface 3 and to an area around it, which in the embodiment illustrated, is a cylindrical portion of the body of the can.
Figures 1 to 4, 5 and 8 show a plurality of containers 2 arranged m rows Fl, F2 Fn moving along a feed direction A side by side on a feed belt 5.
In this case, the method envisages, in more detail, the following steps: unwinding from the film roll 12 a length of the web 6 having a surface 6a on which there are adhesive means; positioning with the means 7 the web 6 of single-sided adhesive film on the top surfaces 3 of the containers 2 in such a way that the adhesive surface 6a comes into contact with each of the top surfaces 3 (see Figure 1) ; performing a first cut on the web 6 lengthways in at least two or more directions parallel to the feed direction A, using suitable first cutting means 9, m such a way as to make a corresponding number of separate, parallel strips 6b, 6c, .6n, each in contact with the top surfaces 3 of the containers 2 of a row Fl, F2, ...Fn (see Figure 2); performing a second cut on each of the separate strips 6b, 6c, ...6n crossways relative to the feed direction A, using suitable second cutting means 10, in such a way as to make for each container
2 one single sheet 8 at least as large m size as each top surface
3 of each container 2 and in contact with the top surface 3 itself (see Figure 3) ; - causing each single sheet 8 to adhere permanently to and thus seal each top surface 3 by using suitable means 11 to press each sheet down (see Figure 4) .
As shown m Figures 5 to 8, the method described above can be implemented, for example, by a device that comprises the following parts located along a feed belt 5 moving in a feed direction A: a station 7 for feeding the web 6 of single-sided adhesive film and designed to position the web 6 in such a way that the adhesive surface 6a is m contact with the top surfaces 3 of the containers 2; - means 9 and 10 for making from the web 6 of film being fed single sheets 8, each of which is at least as large as the top surfaces 3; and means 11 for pressing the single sheets 8 over the top surfaces 3 m such a way as to cover and seal the top surfaces themselves.
Looking more closely at the constructional details of the device, the feed station 7 comprises the above mentioned roll 12 of film to be fed to the belt 5, and means 13 for unwinding the film web 6 and positioning it over the top surfaces 3 of the containers 2.
The unwinding means 13 may (see Figure 5) consist of a plurality of tensionmg rollers 13r and a conveyor 13n that is guided up to the point of contact with the containers 2 moving forward on the feed belt 5. If the film is of a type that already has adhesive means on its surface 6a, the station 7 has no other components. On the contrary, if it is necessary to spread adhesive on the surface 6a, means 14 are envisaged for spreading the adhesive on the surface 6a prior to the positioning of the surface itself over the top surface 3 (in Figure 5, the means 14 are represented by a block since they are of a type well known to experts m the trade) .
Further means 13t are envisaged for cutting the web into suitable lengths depending on the style and number of the containers 2 moving along the feed belt 5. Such means 13t may consist of a knife acting perpendicularly to the direction of film feed.
Between the station 7 that feeds the film web 6 and the above mentioned means 9 and 10 that make the single sheets 8, there may be means 21 for the pre-adhesion of the web 6 on the top surfaces 3 of the containers 2 so as to ensure better contact between the web 6 and the containers 2.
The pre-adhesion means 21 may consist of a third, motor-driven roller 22 that turns about a horizontal axis, mounted transversally to the feed belt 5, and that is designed to press the web 6 down onto the top surfaces 3. The above mentioned means 9 and 10 that make the single sheets 8 are located downstream of the feed station 7 relative to the feed direction A.
The means 9 and 10 comprise a first unit 9 for cutting the web 6 lengthways parallel to the feed direction A so as to make a separate strip 6b, 6c, 6n for each of the rows Fl, F2, Fn (see also Figure 2), and a second unit 10 for cutting the separate strips 6b, 6c, 6n crossways relative to the feed direction A and designed to make for each container 2 a single sheet 8 that is at least as large as the top surface 3 of the containers 2 (see Figure 3) . Looking in more detail, the first, lengthways cutting unit 9
(see Figures 5 and 8) is located upstream of the second, crossways cutting unit 10 relative to the feed direction A of the containers 2.
The first, lengthways cutting unit 9 consists of a first motor- driven roller 15 synchronised with the feeding of the rows of containers 2 and rotating about a horizontal axis. The first roller 15 is mounted transversely over the belt 5 and is equipped with a plurality of cutting rings 16, the latter being rotatably connected with the first roller 15 and protruding from the roller itself in such a way that they can cut the film into separate strips. Obviously, the number of cutting rings depends on the number of rows on the feed belt 5.
Again with reference to Figures 5 and 8, the second cutting unit 10 consists of a second motor-driven roller 17 synchronised with the belt 5 and rotating about a horizontal axis. The second roller 17 is also mounted transversely over the belt 5 and is equipped with a plurality of knives 18, the latter being equally spaced around the outer surface of the second roller 17. Each knife 18 may protrude radially from the second roller 17 and extends along the full length of the second roller. Obviously, the knife 18 spacing, that is to say the distance between two consecutive cuts, depends on the size of the containers 2 on the feed belt 5. Alternatively, each knife 18 may move in and out of the roller 17 radially (see Figure 11) and may be equipped with control means 18a (for example a cam fitted coaxially m the second roller 17) designed to push the knife 18 out of the second roller 17 in a radial direction when it is at the area between two adjacent containers 2 and to retract the knife into the second roller after cutting the film (see arrows F18 m Figure 11) .
The above mentioned means 11 for pressing the single sheets 8 comprise a motor-driven drum 19 that rotates about a horizontal axis and that is mounted transversely over the belt 5. The drum 19 is located downstream of the two cutting units 9 and 10 relative to the feed direction A and has on its surface a set of impressions 20 that match the shape and size of the top surfaces 3 of the containers 2 and of the part of the container body adjacent to the top surface. In practice, the drum 19 has a plurality of impressions 20 made in it (which, in the detail of the embodiment illustrated m Figures 6 and 7, are partly cylindrical in shape) located one after the other right around its surface and side by side to form a plurality of rows running its full length. Again the number of the rows of impressions 20 depends on the number of container rows on the belt 5.
As shown in Figure 6, when the containers 2 move under the drum 19 each impression 20 engages the top of a container 2 in such a way as to press the corresponding single sheet 8 onto the container 2 causing it to adhere to the top surface 3 and on the part of the container 2 body adjacent to the top surface 3. This is accomplished through the relative motion between the drum 19 and the containers 2. Advantageously, each impression 20 (see Figure 9) may have a break 20a in its perimeter, extending in a radial direction and used to make a protrusion 8s on the sheet 8 (see Figure 10) by folding a corner portion of it onto itself. This protrusion forms a pull element used by the consumer to remove the sheet 8 from the top surface 3.
Up to now, the invention has been described with reference to containers 2 of cylindrical shape with a tapered upper portion to allow the single sheet 8 to be cut. To cover containers with a completely straight outer surface even at the upper portion to be covered (for example, containers of parallelepipedal shape) , spacing means 30 and 31 (illustrated schematically n Figure 2) may be inserted between the containers 2 to create sufficient space between them both lengthways and crossways relative to the feed direction A. This space allows the film to be cut in such a way that each single sheet 8 extends beyond the top surface of each container 2 on all sides .
Figure 10 shows the finished container covered using the method and device disclosed. The container 2 has on its top surface 3 the sheet 8 of single-sided adhesive film which covers the top surface itself and which extends downwards over a part of the body of the container 2. The sheet 8 also has a protrusion 8s extending outwards radially from the top surface 3 to form a pull element used by the consumer to remove the covering sheet 8 when he/she wants to open the container 2. In the embodiment illustrated n Figure 10, the protrusion 8s has the shape of an ear formed by crimping a portion of the covering sheet 8.
The method and device disclosed therefore accomplish economy and ease of production and provide protection of the clean condition of the drinking area of the container with a covering element that is not only economical and safe for consumers but also reliable and effective in sealing the container top.
In addition, the device is structured for flexibility and can be adapted to suit a wide range of production requirements, that is to say, it can be used on a wide variety of container types, sizes and styles. Moreover, the layout of the device is extremely simple and compact. The device can be applied at very reasonable cost not only to new production lines but also to existing lines.
The invention described can be subject to modifications and variations without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

Claims
1. A method for making and applying a covering element (1) on containers (2), each having a top surface (3) and a lower surface or base (4) which rests on a feed belt surface (5), the method being characterised in that it comprises the following steps: - positioning with suitable means (7) a web (6) of single-sided adhesive film, that is to say, of a material having one adhesive surface (6a), over the top surface (3) of at least one container (2), so as to bring the surface (6a) into contact with said top surface (3) ; - cutting from the web (6) a single sheet (8), using suitable cutting means (9, 10), one side of the single sheet being at least as large as the top surface (3);
- causing the single sheet (8) to adhere permanently to and thus seal the top surface (3) by using suitable means (11) to press the sheet down.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterised in that the step of positioning at least one web (6) is preceded by a step of unwinding the web (6) from a roll (12) .
3. The method according to claim 1, characterised in that the cutting step makes a single sheet (8) that is larger in size than the top surface (3) .
4. The method according to claims 1 and 2, characterised m that the cutting step is effected by cutting the web (6) at least once crossways relative to its length.
5. The method according to claims 1 and 3, characterised m that the step of causing the single sheet (8) to adhere permanently applies also to at least one portion extending past the top surface (3) .
6. The method according to claim 1, where there is a plurality of containers (2) arranged in at least two rows (Fl, F2 ) moving along a feed direction (A) side by side on a feed belt (5) , characterised m that it comprises the following steps: - unwinding from a roll (12) a length of a web (6) of single-sided adhesive film, that is a to say of a material having one surface (6a) on which there are adhesive means;
- positioning with suitable means (7) the web (6) of single-sided adhesive film on the top surfaces (3) of the containers (2) in such a way that the adhesive surface (6a) comes into contact with each of the top surfaces (3);
- performing a first cut on the web (6) lengthways in at least one direction parallel to the feed direction (A) , using suitable first cutting means (9), in such a way as to make at least two separate, parallel strips of film (6b, 6c), each in contact with the top surfaces (3) of the containers (2) of a corresponding row (Fl, F2);
- performing a second cut on each of the separate strips (6b, 6c) crossways relative to the feed direction (A) , using suitable second cutting means (10), m such a way as to make for each container (2) one single sheet (8) that is at least as large in size as each top surface (3) and that is in contact with the top surface (3) itself;
- causing each single sheet (8) to adhere permanently to and thus seal each top surface (3) by using suitable means (11) to press each sheet down.
7. A device for making and applying a covering element on containers (2), each having a top surface (3) and a lower surface or base (4) which rests on a feed belt surface (5), the device being characterised m that it comprises the following parts located along a feed belt (5) on which each container (2) moves m a feed direction (A) :
- a station (7) for feeding a web (6) of single-sided adhesive film, that is to say, of a material having one adhesive surface (6a), and for positioning the web (6) in such a way that the adhesive surface (6a) is in contact with the top surface (3) of at least one container (2 ) ;
- means (9, 10) for making from the web (6) of film being fed a single sheet (8), which is at least as large as the top surface (3); - means (11) for pressing the single sheet (8) onto the top surface (3) in such a way as to cover and seal the top surface itself.
8. The device according to claim 7, characterised in that the feed station (7) comprises a roll (12) of film to be fed, and means (13) for unwinding the film web (6) and positioning it over the top surface (3) of the container (2).
9. The device according to claim 7, characterised in that it comprises a roll (12) of film to be fed, means (13) for unwinding the film web (6) and positioning it over the top surface (3) of the container (2), and means (14) for spreading the adhesive on the surface (6a) prior to the positioning of the surface itself over the top surface (3) .
10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the means (13) for unwinding the film comprise means (13t) for cutting the film to size.
11. The device according to claim 7, characterised n that the means (9, 10) that make the single sheet (8) are located downstream of the feed station (7) relative to the feed direction (A) .
12. The device according to claim 7, where the feed belt (5) supports a plurality of containers (2) arranged in at least two rows
(Fl, F2 ) side by side, characterised in that the means (9, 10) for making the single sheet (8) comprise a first unit (9) for cutting the web (6) lengthways parallel to the feed direction (A) so as to make a separate strip (6b, 6c) for each of the rows (Fl, F2 ) , and a second unit (10) for cutting the separate strips (6b, 6c) crossways relative to the feed direction (A) and designed to make for each container (2) a single sheet (8) that is at least as large as the top surface (3) of the containers (2) .
13. The device according to claim 12, characterised in that the first, lengthways cutting unit (9) is located upstream of the second, crossways cutting unit (10) relative to the feed direction (A) of the containers (2).
14. The device according to claim 12, characterised in that the first, lengthways cutting unit (9) consists of a first motor-driven roller (15) mounted transversely over the feed belt (5) and equipped with at least one cutting ring (16) that is rotatably connected with, and protrudes from, the first roller (15) .
15. The device according to claim 12, characterised in that the second cutting unit (10) consists of a second motor-driven roller (17) mounted transversely over the feed belt (5) and equipped with at least one knife (18), that protrudes radially from the second roller (17) and extends along the latter 's full length.
16. The device according to claim 12, characterised m that the second cutting unit (10) consists of a second motor-driven roller (17) mounted transversely over the feed belt (5) and equipped with at least one mobile knife (18) having means (18a) designed to push the knife (18) out of the second roller (17) m a radial direction when it is at the area between two adjacent containers (2) and then to withdraw it into the second roller (17); said knife (18) extending along the full length of said second roller.
17. The device according to claim 7, characterised in that the means (11) for pressing down the single sheet (8) comprise a motor-driven drum (19) which rotates about a horizontal axis, is mounted transversely over the feed belt (5), and is located, relative to the feed direction (A), downstream of the means (9, 10) that make the single sheet (8); said drum (19) having in its surface at least one impression (20) that matches the shape and size of the top surface (3) of the container (2) so that when the container (2) moves under the drum (19) the impression (20) engages the top of the container (2) in such a way as to press the single sheet (8) onto the container (2) causing it to adhere to the top surface (3) .
18. The device according to claim 17, characterised in that the drum (19) has a plurality of impressions (20) located one after the other right around the surface the drum (19) and side by side to form a plurality of rows running the full length of the drum (19) .
19. The device according to claim 17, characterised in that the impression (20) has a break (20a) in its perimeter, used to form a protrusion (8s) in the sheet (8) so as to make a pull element that can be used by the consumer to remove the sheet (8) from the top surface (3) .
20. The device according to claim 7, characterised in that between the station (7) that feeds the film web (6) and the cutting means (9, 10) that make the single sheet (8), there are means (21) for the pre-adhesion of the web (6) on the top surfaces (3) of the container (2) .
21. The device according to claim 20, characterised m that the pre- adhesion means (21) consist of a third, motor-driven roller (22) that is mounted transversally to the feed belt (5), and that is designed to press the web (6) down onto the top surfaces (3).
22. A package for beverages or food products in general characterised m that it comprises a container with at least one top surface (3) and a lower surface or base (4), and a single-sided adhesive sheet (8) adhering to and covering at least the top surface (3) of the container (2) and having a protrusion (8s) extending outwards from the top surface (3) to form a pull element used to remove the covering sheet (8) .
23. The package according to claim 22, characterised in that the protrusion (8s) has the shape of an ear formed by crimping a portion of the covering sheet (8) .
PCT/IB2000/000750 1999-06-11 2000-06-06 Method and device for applying a covering element to cans WO2000076854A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU47743/00A AU4774300A (en) 1999-06-11 2000-06-06 Method and device for applying a covering element to cans

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT1999BO000318A IT1310390B1 (en) 1999-06-11 1999-06-11 METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE CREATION AND APPLICATION OF A COVERING ELEMENT ON CONTAINERS, SUCH AS CANS, JARS AND
ITBO99A000318 1999-06-11

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WO2000076854A1 true WO2000076854A1 (en) 2000-12-21

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PCT/IB2000/000750 WO2000076854A1 (en) 1999-06-11 2000-06-06 Method and device for applying a covering element to cans

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IT (1) IT1310390B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000076854A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1232956A2 (en) * 2001-02-20 2002-08-21 Schmalbach-Lubeca AG Overcap for protection against dirt
WO2003035493A1 (en) * 2001-10-23 2003-05-01 David Briones Gomez Cover for cans
ES2264329A1 (en) * 2004-06-17 2006-12-16 Manuel Olive Mestres Hygienic protector application machine for drink containers has box with bodies having elastic flange with short zones that incorporate chopper for tearing protector
WO2010055000A1 (en) * 2008-11-11 2010-05-20 Ribi Pack Spa Stretchable plastic polymer protective cap for cans or similar containers, having a radial fringe for removal of the cap and device for making said cap
CN106742152A (en) * 2016-12-19 2017-05-31 缪家强 A kind of pharmaceutical manufacturing line seals integration apparatus with medicine bottle opening
WO2020021427A1 (en) * 2018-07-24 2020-01-30 Rajesh Ananthakrishnan Tin cover packaging systems and methods thereof
CN111377113A (en) * 2020-04-14 2020-07-07 青岛诺威机电科技有限公司 Pop can, packaging structure, packaging equipment and method

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US4281502A (en) 1979-03-08 1981-08-04 Lorne Bonkowski Clean pack carrier
US4927048A (en) * 1986-04-14 1990-05-22 Howard Roy T Beverage can having a sanitary cover
DE3907380A1 (en) * 1989-03-08 1990-09-13 Ralf Mai Container, in particular can or tin, for packaging food, in particular beverages
US5088269A (en) 1990-11-26 1992-02-18 Nigrelli Systems, Inc. Process and apparatus for producing a sanitary carrier for a plurality of containers
US5105964A (en) 1990-10-29 1992-04-21 Heath William D Beverage can cap
US5221020A (en) 1992-11-18 1993-06-22 Brimo Ii Joseph Reusable beverage can cap
US5647497A (en) 1996-02-21 1997-07-15 Labbe; Andre Protective removable cover for beverage container
WO1998004459A1 (en) * 1996-07-26 1998-02-05 Bantam Engineers Limited Cans or groups of cans for food products with a hygienic protection; method and apparatus therefor
WO1999021775A1 (en) * 1997-10-28 1999-05-06 Lorenzo Francesconi A hygenic barrier for drinks cans

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4281502A (en) 1979-03-08 1981-08-04 Lorne Bonkowski Clean pack carrier
US4927048A (en) * 1986-04-14 1990-05-22 Howard Roy T Beverage can having a sanitary cover
DE3907380A1 (en) * 1989-03-08 1990-09-13 Ralf Mai Container, in particular can or tin, for packaging food, in particular beverages
US5105964A (en) 1990-10-29 1992-04-21 Heath William D Beverage can cap
US5088269A (en) 1990-11-26 1992-02-18 Nigrelli Systems, Inc. Process and apparatus for producing a sanitary carrier for a plurality of containers
US5221020A (en) 1992-11-18 1993-06-22 Brimo Ii Joseph Reusable beverage can cap
US5647497A (en) 1996-02-21 1997-07-15 Labbe; Andre Protective removable cover for beverage container
WO1998004459A1 (en) * 1996-07-26 1998-02-05 Bantam Engineers Limited Cans or groups of cans for food products with a hygienic protection; method and apparatus therefor
WO1999021775A1 (en) * 1997-10-28 1999-05-06 Lorenzo Francesconi A hygenic barrier for drinks cans

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1232956A2 (en) * 2001-02-20 2002-08-21 Schmalbach-Lubeca AG Overcap for protection against dirt
EP1232956A3 (en) * 2001-02-20 2002-09-11 Schmalbach-Lubeca AG Overcap for protection against dirt
WO2003035493A1 (en) * 2001-10-23 2003-05-01 David Briones Gomez Cover for cans
ES2264329A1 (en) * 2004-06-17 2006-12-16 Manuel Olive Mestres Hygienic protector application machine for drink containers has box with bodies having elastic flange with short zones that incorporate chopper for tearing protector
WO2010055000A1 (en) * 2008-11-11 2010-05-20 Ribi Pack Spa Stretchable plastic polymer protective cap for cans or similar containers, having a radial fringe for removal of the cap and device for making said cap
CN106742152A (en) * 2016-12-19 2017-05-31 缪家强 A kind of pharmaceutical manufacturing line seals integration apparatus with medicine bottle opening
WO2020021427A1 (en) * 2018-07-24 2020-01-30 Rajesh Ananthakrishnan Tin cover packaging systems and methods thereof
CN111377113A (en) * 2020-04-14 2020-07-07 青岛诺威机电科技有限公司 Pop can, packaging structure, packaging equipment and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITBO990318A0 (en) 1999-06-11
AU4774300A (en) 2001-01-02
IT1310390B1 (en) 2002-02-13
ITBO990318A1 (en) 2000-12-11

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