Problem: A major consumer products company redesigned their RSC shipping cases into hinged telescopic point of purchase display cases in an attempt to obtain greater exposure on the retail level.
A packer formed the die-cut blank into a tray with self-locking tabs because the lid did not have self-locking tabs. The product was inserted into the tray and the lid folded down. Then each flap of the lid was folded down and sealed with an "L" clip. The front flap opposite the hinge required 2 "L" clips. This technique was very time consuming, requiring the case to be rotated three times during the sealing process. In addition, engineers were concerned about the effects of strain related illness - specifically carpal tunnel syndrome, a muscle ailment caused by repeated motion of the wrist.
Solution: Experienced packaging engineers designed a fully automated system which only required the packer to fold down the lid. All flap folding and "L" clipping is now handled by the case sealer.
The most unique feature of this machine is the chain and lug bottom/drive. This drive is a radical departure from either the traditional bottom belt or the side belt drives found on most case sealers. The dual lug system positively propels the case past the manufacturer's patented leading and trailing 2" wide "L" clip cartridges. The case is then diverted 90 degrees where dual front only "L" clips are applied.
The chain and lug drive system provides all the elements necessary for front and rear "L" clipping: positive drive, minimum stress on the chipboard carton, and a way to secure the rear flap to eliminate tape flagging on the rear "L" clip.
