Method for sealing packages

Abstract

A method of sealing packages having at least one pair of opposing flaps that are shortened or “shied.” with tape. The tape comprises two or more adhesive strips and a non-adhesive area positioned there between having a line of weakness

1 . A method for sealing a package with shortened flaps comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a package sealing machine having a package guide path and a rotary punch;   b) providing a package comprising two opposing vertical side surfaces, each connected to a separate and opposing flap folded toward each other to provide a gap between their nearest edges;   c) providing a tape from a tape source having two or more adhesive strips and a non-adhesive area;   d) moving the package along the package guide path such that the package contacts the tape and pulls the tape from the tape source;   e) pulling the tape such that the tape moves through the rotary punch;   f) forming a line of weakness in the tape as the tape is pulled through the rotary punch; and   g) applying the tape to at least a portion of the pair of opposed flaps with a strip of adhesive adhered to each flap and the non-adhesive portion covering at least part of the gap.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tape is applied using an application roller. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the line of weakness is formed using a rotary punch comprising a punch carrier and a die holder. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the line of weakness is formed using a punch carrier comprising one or more punches and a die holder comprising one or more dies. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the line of weakness is formed using one or more punches having a shape that is at least one of conical, cylindrical, or pyramidal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the punch carrier and die holder form a line of weakness by producing at least one of perforations or depressions. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein two or more lines of weakness are formed. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the two or more lines of weakness are formed using a rotary punch comprising two or more punch carriers and two or more die holders. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the two or more lines of weakness are formed using a rotary punch having two or more sets of punches and a die holder having two or more sets of dies. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein two or more lines of weakness are formed substantially parallel to one another. 
     
     
         11 . A method for sealing a package with shortened flaps comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a tape from a tape source having two or more adhesive strips and a non-adhesive area, wherein the non-adhesive area has a width;   b) providing a package sealing machine having a package guide path and a rotary punch, the rotary punch comprising a punch carrier and a die holder, the die holder having a width that is equal to or lesser than the width of the tape non-adhesive area;   c) providing a package wherein the package comprises two opposing vertical side surfaces, each connected to a separate and opposing flap folded toward each other to provide a gap between their nearest edges,   d) moving the package along the package guide path such that the package contacts the tape and pulls the tape from the tape source;   e) pulling the tape such that the tape moves through the rotary punch;   f) forming a line of weakness in the tape as the tape is pulled through the rotary punch; and   g) applying the tape to at least a portion of the pair of opposed flaps with a strip of adhesive adhered to each flap and the non-adhesive portion covering at least part of the gap.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the tape is applied using an application roller. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the line of weakness is formed using a rotary punch comprising a punch carrier and a die holder. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the line of weakness is formed using a punch carrier comprising one or more punches and a die holder comprising one or more dies. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the line of weakness is formed using one or more punches having a shape that is at least one of conical, cylindrical, or pyramidal. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the punch carrier and die holder form a line of weakness by producing at least one of perforations or depressions. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein two or more lines of weakness are formed. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the two or more lines of weakness are formed using a rotary punch comprising two or more punch carriers and two or more die holders. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the two or more lines of weakness are formed using a rotary punch having two or more sets of punches and a die holder having two or more sets of dies. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein two or more lines of weakness are formed substantially parallel to one another.