Abstract: A method and apparatus for squaring knocked down slotted boxes employs an L-shaped support and forming platform onto which a partially opened box is applied so that the junction of the two legs of the L-shape is received within the box and a leading flap (and its fold line connection to the box) and a trailing flap (and its fold line connection to the box) each contact one of the legs to fold these flaps outward and tend to square the box. The trailing flap is moved from one leg onto the other which normally will be substantially flat and horizontal so that the leading and trailing flaps are folded perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve portion of the box while the side flaps positioned between the leading and trailing flaps remain in the plane of their respective box wall as the carton is moved into an operating station.

Abstract: A tape applying mechanism employs a puller having a gripper that grips the free end of a tape and then pulls it from a pickup position along a path into an extended position. A pressure bar then moves across the path and forces the tape against the surface of an article, preferably the pressure bar will include a pair of end wipers to wipe end sections of the tape along a pair of sides of the article in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first or major surface of the article. The device is particularly suited for applying a sealing tape to a carton wherein the side of the tape facing the article or carton has an adhesive surface.