Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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STA 76079 - 1
cAP ~EnLx~l~ ru~cx~N~
5. This invention relates to an apparatus far
thermally bonding indicia to fabric and more particularly
to a heat sealing machine of a type used for apply~.ng
letters and logos to caps.
8A KGROUND RT
Conventional cap hr~at sealing machiries of the
slam shell type utilize a heated upper platen movable
relative to a lower platen between open and closed
positions for heat sealing, i.s., thermally bonding,
indicia, having thermally activatable adhesive thereon,
to a cap in the c~.osed position of the platens. This
thermally bonding indici.a; i_naluding letters, numbers and
identifying logv~c, is app7.ied to capx by placing the
indici.a on a crown of the cap between the platens,
applying pressure to force the platens toward one another
and at the same time applying heat sufficient to cause
the thermal7.y bonding indioia to stick to the cap. After
an appropriat~a time intexva,l, the platens are separated
and the cap with indicia attached is removed.
Typically, the upper platen is mounted on a
vertica7.ly swingable handle and manual force applied by
an operator to the handle is used to urge the platens
together to supply the pressure necessary to accomplish
the heat ~asaling. The design of the prior art machines
resulted in incons~.stent and, uneven pressure being
applied to the cap and indicia and often times too littJ.e
force was applied to effect correct bonding therebetwaen
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and a less than optimal bond between the indicia and cap resulted.
The force required by the operator in closing and opening the
platens in at least one prior art machine would quickly result in
tiring the average operator thus rendering repetitive use on
several caps a protracted and disagreeable task.
Furthermore, timing of the duration of platen closure is
important so that the bonding malterial melts sufficiently to
impregnate the cap so that proper. bonding of the indicia is
effected. Often, the duration of platen closure is initiated by
the operator or by mechanical means suet by the operator. Often the
timer is a clock or wristwatch although other types of timers have
been employed. This method of timing results in inconsistency in
length of platen closure and that inconsistency can result in an
insufficiently bonded cap and indi.cia. If the platens are not
closed for a long enough period oi= time that can result in an
insufficient bond, and, if the plai~ens are closed for too long,
adhesive may bleed through the fabrics and result in ineffective
bonding.
The present invention providea an improved apparatus for
thermally bonding indicia to caps, which apparatus is extremely
simple to use and requires a minimum of physical effort so that
several caps may be done successively without tiring the operator.
The apparatus includes a solid state control system that monitors
temperature, indicates to an operator when the apparatus is ready
for heat sealing, automatically initiates a timing cycle upon
platen closure to effect a consisteni~ duration of heat sealing time
and alarms the operator to separate: the platens after the proper
duration of platen closure time has expired.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of upper and
lower platens that are shaped such. that the upper platen has a
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concave pressing surface of a larger radius of curvature than that
of the lower platen which has a convex pressing surface so that
equal pressure is applied across the cap and indicia by the
pressing surfaces of the platens in the closed position.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of a
physically easily operated machine wherein a linkage is provided
enabling the operator to open, close and lock together and
thereafter unlock and open the platens with a relatively small
exertion. At the same time, the upper platen is swung through
substantially a 90~ arc between open and closed positions, and the
operating handle is swung through a. smaller arc. An adjuster is
provided for adjusting pressure between the platens in the closed
position to assure proper pressure ~therebetween.
Generally speaking, the present invention provides
apparatus for thermally bonding heat applied transfer indicia to
caps. The apparatus has relatively manually movable upper and
lower platens movable between open and closed positions, with a
heat source in one of the platens and a handle connected to the
upper platen for moving it between 'the open and closed positions.
Control means are mounted on the handle for ready access and
visibility by an operator. The control means include a visual
readout and keypad for controlling the temperature of the heated
platen and setting timing during the duration of platen closure.
The handle has a portion extending downwardly in overhanging
relation to the lower platen in the lowered position and in front
of the upper platen in both the raised and lowered positions.
The improved apparatus constructed in accordance with the
present invention includes a handle pivotal in a vertical plane and
to which the upper platen is connected by a linkage that causes the
upper platen to move through a greater arc than the handle as the
handle is pivoted. The upper platen is movable to a substantially
perpendicular position remote from the lower platen to allow
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maximum working clearance for an operator to load and unload caps
on the lower platen.
The lower platen is cantileveredly supported on a lower
support arm to allow for loading and unloading of caps in the open
position of the platens. The lower support arm includes an
adjuster for adjusting the elevation of the lower platen and
thereby the pressure between the platens in the closed position.
The lower support arm also includes a mechanism for supporting the
lower platen for self-alignment with the upper platen in the closed
position of the platens.
The apparatus may include a cap-hold down mechanism for
securing the cap to one of the platens for heat sealing indicia on
the cap. Such cap hold-down mechani;~m includes a lever and spring
with over center locking ability i~o secure a cap on the lower
platen in a locked position.
The above features, and advantages of the present invention
are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the
best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an improved apparatus for
thermally bonding indicia to caps constructed in accordance with
the present invention;
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Fig. 2 is a sides view oi~ the apparatus with a
portion of the controls housing removed for clarity and
illustrating the handle and platens in closed and open
positions;
Fig. 3 is a front view of the apparatus;
Fig. 4 is a bask side view of the apparatus;
Fig. 5 is a froni:al view of the upper and lower
platens illustrating their respective radii of curvature;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6
l0 6 in Fig. 2t
Fig. ~ is a detailed view of a keypad mounted
on the handle;
Fig. 8 ~.s a detailed view of a visual display
mounted on the handle:
Fig. 9 is a gahs~matic side view of the handle
linkage mechanism for the upper platen;
Fig. ~o is a cross-sectional view taken on the
line 10-10 of Fig. 3; and
F~.g. 17, is a b.loak diagram of the electric
2o control circuit.
0 0 0
kith reference i:o Fig. 1 of the drawings an
improved apparatus for thermally bo»ding indicia to caps
ot~nstructed in accordance with the present invGntian is
geneerally indicated by 1t) and is used for therma7.ly
bonding indiaia such as letters, numerals and logos to
caps. As is mare fully hereinafter described, the
improved apparatus 10 is ~~ manual heat saal~.ng machine
that is simple in construction and operations.
As shown in Fig's. 1-3 of the drawings, the
improved apparatus 10 has relatively movable upper and
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lower platens 12,14 movable between ari open position
shown in phantom in Fig. 2, and a closed positian wherein
both platens are in relative close proximity. Upper
platen 12 includes a heat source in the form of a
resistance heater 13 (show;n schematically in Nig. li) for
heating the upper platen to provide sufficient
temperature far effecting a thermal bond between the
indiaia and a oap. A handle is comprising a pair of
laterally spaced apart arms 18a and 19b, and a handle
la portion 18c extending therebetween and secured thereto,
is pivotally mounted as at 19 on the base pedestal 2~.a
extending upwaxdly from the bases 2~.. The handle 18 is
pivotal by the operator in a vertical plane for raising
and lowering the upper platen 12. The handle 18 is a~.sa
movable relative to the upper platen lZ to provide over-
center locking of the up;~er and lower platens in the
closed position of the platens wherein the platens are
urged together to provide sufficient pressure to affect
the thermal bonding.
As shown in Figs. 3 and 5 of the drawings, the
upper and lower platens 12,14 have nesting pressing
surfaces 20,20' respectively. Aa shown in Fig. 5, the
upper platen pressing surface 20 has a concave shape and
the lower platen pressing a:urface 20' has a convex shape.
The radius of curvature p~ of the upper platen pressing
surface 20 is~greater than the radius of curvature B of
the lowex platen pressing ~~urface 20' so that the platens
properly nest in the closed position shown in Fig. 3 and
generally the~xeby equal pressure is appl~.ed across the
surfaces of a cap disposed between the pressing surfaoes
of the platens in th~a closed pasition. with further
reference to Fig. 3, the lawer platen 14 includes a
compressible heat resistant cover 22 which compensates
SENT BY:B&K MT CLEhIENS r ;10-27-$9 10:00AN : 3134690524 $19 7'70 $$47;# $
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Zor irregu7.arities in they cap and indicia so that the
irregularities are not pressed ~.nto the indicia during
the thermal bonding of the indicia to the cap.
Preferably the compressible heat resistant cover 22 is a
silicone pad although other types of heat resistant
covers are contemplated for uge with the present
invention.
With reference t:o Figs. 2 and 9, the arms 18a
and 18b have a torwardly e~aanding section 23 terminating
at its forward snd in an angularly related downwardly
projecting section 25 whf.ch ie~ pivotally connected as
above-mentioned to the pedestal 21a. Thus, handle 18
swings about pivot 19 subectt~ntially as Shawn in Fig. 2.
The platen 14 is carried by lev$r arm means 26 comprising
a pair of laterally spaced lever arms 26 a and 26b as
shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 9. The forward ends of arms
26a and 26b are pivota~.ly connected at 27 to the platen
between upstanding bifurc;ats~d ears 2s and 29. The
rearward ends of the arms 26a and 26b are pivotally
mounted at 30 to the peclestal 21a. Thus, the upper
platen 12 is mounted far vertical swingable movement
ab4ut the pivot 30 from they solid outline closed position
of fig. 2 juxtaposed an thE~ lower platen 14 to the open
z5 position shown in phantom position vertically spaced
above and rearward of the lower platen 14. short links
31 and 32, see Figs. 2,4, and 9, are connected at pivots
33 and 34 betws~en the hand~,le 18 and the platen carrying
lever arm means 26 to swing platen 12 between open and
closed possitians and to p»ovide an ovax center locking
action. The arrangement of pivots and spacing
therebetween is such that upon swinging handle 18 between
the closed position Shawn _'Ln solid outline in ~'ig. 2 and
the open position shown in phantom outline, are angular
SENT~BY: B&K MT CLEIvIENS ' : 10-2?-89 10: 00~hi : 313460524-~ 81g T70 884?: #
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distances of approximately 55~, the upper platen 12 is
swung through approxt.matE~ly 80~ between the closed solid
outline position and the open phantom outline position.
1t will be noted in Fig 2 that in the open position the
upper platen 12 is well removed away from the lower
platen i4 so that a cap .may be easily positioned can the
lower platen without inter:~erence by the upper platen.
Fig. 9 illustrates more ~~~.early than Fig. 2 the linkage
and pivot points arid operation thereof. The handle le
and upper platen 12 are shown in solid outline positions
~.ntermediate the open and closed positions. The
connection of the link mE~ans 31 to the operating handle
1e and the upper platen support arm z6 is such as to
render the operating handle a second class lever arid the
support arm a third class lever.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the lever arm means
26 and links 31 and 32 are disposed between the handle
arms 18a and 18b. A stop member 34 mounted on lever arm
means: Z6 is positionQd to engage and limit the closing
20' mota.on of handle 18, stopping the handle when it has dust
passed the ovex-center position of pivots 19, 33, and
34. Thus when handle 18 is pulled down until arrested by
stop 34, the platens will .remain closed exerting pressure
on a cap disposed therebet:ween as schematically depicted
z5 at C in Figs. 1 and Z. The cap brim or visor is
illustrated at C1.
Zn the preferred embodiment, the lower platen
14 is cantilsveredly supptfrted an a lower support arm 35
mounted on a hollow pedestal 36 to thereby allow fvr
30 loading and unloading of caps on the lower platen in the
open position of the platens. Lower platen 14 is
interchangeable on lower support arm 35 by simply lifting
the lower p~,aten off the support arm. This allows use of
a variety of lawar platens 14 which can thereby
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t~ecommodate naps having different crown heights.
As shown in figs. 2 and 3, the low~ar support
arm 35 ~.ncludes a pregsure~ adjuster 3'~ for adjusting the
elevation of the lower platen 14 and thereby the pressure
between the platens in they closed position. Adjuster 37
is ~.llustrated. as a rotat;able screw 38 threaded in and
extending through the lower support arm 36 and having a
handle 39. The upper rt~nd of the screw includes an
unthreaded length received in a hale in the bottom of
the lower platen and bearj.ng against the platen to raise
and lower' it on adjustrnr~nt of t:he screw. The lower
platen 14 includes a depending dowel pin 44 loosely
received through the lower support arm for self-alignment
with the upprrx platen when the platens are in the closed
porait~.on. The fit of the unthreaded end of screw 38
in the bottom of the lower platen also allows for a
slight amount of play whereby the lower platen virtually
floats on the lower support arm 35.
As shown in Fig,. 1, the handle 18 is provided
with a housing 42 having a keypad 44 and digital readout
46. The electronic componE~nts and shown schematically in
block diagx~am in Fig. 11., The keypad is a pressure-
sensitive membrane type switoh available from The Hall
Company crf 420 East Water Street, Urbane, Ohio 43078 as
Model No. BTHL 1507.. The digital readout is of the
7.iquid crystal diode type available from several sources.
Within the housing there ins a micro-processor controller
shown at 47 in Fig, z1. A preferred embodiment is
available from Intel Corporation of 3065 Hovers Avenue,
Santa Clare, California 95057., as Model No. 87C64-2, for
regulating temperature of the upper platen and time of
the heat oycle. As shown in Figs. 1 and 8, the digital
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readout 46 displays temperature and time. Keypad 44
allows the operator to input ~.nstructions with respect to
upper platen iz temperature and time. Keypad 44 allows
the aparator to program 'the controller far the time and
temperature settings desired. The digital readout 46
indicates when the upper ;platen 12 is sufficiently hot to
initiate heat sealing, the duration of platen 12,14
closure after the heat sealing is initiated and causes an
alarm to be activated when the heat sealing is completed.
lA
The platen ZZ ~.ncludes a cover i6 within which
there is insulation, not shown, to keep the upwardly
exposed surface of upper platen at ambient temperature.
A platen temperature ~~engor 49 in the form of a
resistance temperature detector (RI'D) is avaiJ.able from
Measurements GrOUp, InC. of P.O. Box 27777, Raleigh, NC
27511, as Model number CT-TR-A02-0050, arid is shown
schematically in ~'ig. 11. The RTD ~.s disposed within the
cover is and includes a printed circuit pr~,nted on
2o platinum car iron a7.loy wh~.ch when heated undergoes a
material change in the electrical resistance of the
temperature sensor. The temperature sensed is relayed
as a signal back tv the microprocessor controller 47
which acts as a thermQStat and through a Triac (ava~.lable
from Motorola Semiconductor Products, Inc., of P.o. gvx
20912, Phoenix, Arizona 85036, as Model No. MC88n5)
contrais energi~ation of the resistance heater 13 in the
upper pXaten 12. The controller is operable to control
the temperature in the upper platen 1z, within plus or
minus 2 degrees Fahranhe~it, and also tar display that
temperature on the digital readout 46 in degrees
Fahrenhs~it .
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The controller writhin housing 42 also includes
a tithing function responsf.ve to platen 12,14 closure for
timing the during of pl~rt~an closure. An optical switch
52 (see Figs. 4 and lI) connected to the mitsropxocessor
47 indicates that the platens 12, 24 are closed and
initiates a timing sequs!nce. Optical switch 52 is
Conventionally known as s reflective opto sensor and
generates low intensity j'.nfrared light. The infrared
light is reflected off av small plate 53 attached to
to handle 18 when the handle is brought down to close the
platens 12,14. The same optical switch 52 receives back
the reflected light and sends a signal. tc~ the
m~.croprvcessor 47 tv indicate that the platens 12,14 are
closed and to initiate tree timing sequence. A switch
such as a TRW reflective opto-sensor Model No. CPB 706A
available from TRW Qptoelectrvnics Division, TRW
Electxanic Components Group of 1215 West Crosby Road,
Carrollton, Texas 75005 is suitable for functioning as
optical switch 52 although other switches are
contemplated for use in the apparatus l0.
The apparatus 20 also includes an audible alarm
55 (available Pram Panasonic, Matsushita Electric
Corporation of America, Dne Panasonic Way, Secaucus, New
,lersey, as Model No. RD24C4~1) shown schematically in gig.
11, which is disposed witlhin housing 42 for signalling
the expiration of time set for platen 12,7.4 closure. The
controller indicates the conclusion of the timing cycle
and actuates the audible alarm to notify the operator to
~0 open the platens.
bigital readout 46 provides a visual xeadout
of readiness of the heat~sd upper platen 12 for use,
temperature of the heated ~>laten, and duration oP plat.en
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STA 76079 - 12
closure. Input ~.nformation for the digital readout 46
is applied by the oontrolle:r.
Iri Figs. 2, 3, and 6 of the drawings a cap
hold-down mechanism or rett~iner 56 is illustrated. Cap
hold-down mechanism 56 is generally U-shaped as shown in
Fig. 3 and is housed within the pedestal 36. The bight
portion 57 is swung up and down by a handle portion 58
between a cap loading posii:ion shown in phantom in Fig.
2 and a cap holding position shown in solid outline. A
spring 60 connected between. the front of the pedestal at
s2 and the bight portion holds the retainer in wither the
phantom or solid outline positions through its over-
center action. In the pv;sitions indicated at 57' the
bight pox~ti.on of the retainer engages within the cap at
the back and pulls the front of the cap downwardly
against the cover 22 on th~a lower platen preparatory to
heat sealing indicia on t:he cap. The cap hold-down
mechanism 56 secures itgelie in both locked and unlocked
positions and is repoaitioriable with the flip of a
finger.
While the best mode for carrying out the
invention has been described in detail, those ramiliar
with the art to which this invention relates will
recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for
practicing the invention as defined by the following
claims.
