Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing production of packaging products. Packaging products can be automatically produced on-demand and can be optimized based on stored and/or real-time information. In some embodiments, a request for a packaging product is received and a real-time design optimization system accesses information about one or more design groups. The one or more design groups include multiple design options. The multiple design options are scored based on stored and/or real-time criteria. Based on the score, one or more top designs are identified for production and/or selection by an operator of the system.

Abstract: A system that converts sheet material into packaging templates includes a converting assembly that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the sheet material as the sheet material moves through the converting machine in a first direction. The converting assembly may be mounted on a frame such that the converting assembly is elevated above a support surface. One or more longhead converting tools performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a first direction and a crosshead converting tool performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a second direction in order to create packaging templates.

Abstract: A foldable box template includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth segments. Each of the segments has a length, a width, and one or more flaps. The first segment is positioned at a first end of the template and the fifth segment is positioned at a second, opposing end of the template. The sum of the lengths of the first segment and the fifth segment is generally equal to the length of the third segment. As a result, the first and fifth segments form a seam on a sidewall of a box formed from the box template. In some cases, the seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from seams formed in top and bottom surfaces of the box. The seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from a corner of the box.

Abstract: A gluing device for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate assembly are mounted. The support plate is configured for supporting and aligning a gluable item for gluing and assembly by the gluing apparatus. The gluing apparatus includes a first clamp configured for selectively and securely holding a first portion of the gluable item on the support plate, a glue dispensing nozzle fluidly coupled to a glue supply, and a folding apparatus configured for folding the first portion of the gluable item onto a second portion of the gluable item after glue has been applied. A method for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems described herein relate to producing on-demand packaging. For example, packaging can be automatically produced on-demand and be sized and configured for use with a customized set of items. In one aspect, a request for multiple items is received and a packaging customization engine accesses an information store that includes information about each of the requested items. The information may include dimensional information about the three-dimensional size of the items. The packaging customization engine may use the dimensional information to simulate a model arrangement of all of the requested items, and then calculate the dimensions of a box or other package that can provide a precise fit for the items when physically arranged consistent with the model arrangement.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems and methods for processing paperboard and similar fanfold materials into packaging templates and packaging orders using the packaging templates. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to methods of processing orders available for packaging, such as to reduce the time and cost of producing custom-size packaging templates, building custom-sized packaging boxes, and packaging orders in the boxes.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, machines, systems, and computer program products for producing multiple packaging products in a tiled configuration within source production material, enabling production of multiple packaging products in parallel. Embodiments include accessing item data identifying items that are to be packaged, and determining packaging requirements for each item. A pair of box sizes that satisfy the packaging requirements are selected for tiled production. A packaging production machine to be used is also selected. Selection of the box sizes and/or the packaging production machine is based on a collective analysis of packaging requirements, packing system characteristics, and packaging machine characteristics. Based on the collective analysis, it is determined how to allocate box production to the production machine, and the pair of box sizes is matched to the production machine. Box production instructions are generated and sent to the packaging production machine.

Abstract: A system is described relating to the feeding of raw materials into a machine that converts the raw materials into a packaging template. The system may use raw packaging materials and supply the raw materials to a converting mechanism using an infeed wheel. The infeed wheel may rotate and have a number of edges that engage the raw materials. Raw materials of one form used may include fanfold material that has existing fold or score lines that define opposing boundaries of the fanfold material, but which allow separate layers to remain connected. As the infeed wheel rotates, the edges engage the raw materials, and can engage the existing fold or score lines. Some edges may engage at locations between existing fold or score lines, and can crease the raw materials.

Abstract: A box gluing device for attaching a glue tab of a box blank to an opposing panel when the box blank is folded so the glue tab is position at an edge of the box blank. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate are mounted. The gluing apparatus a glue dispensing nozzle for applying glue on one or more surfaces of the box blank. The box blank can be moved through the gluing device to attach the glue tab to the opposing panel. As the box blank moves through the gluing device, a guide rail orients the glue tab in a desired manner while glue is applied to the box blank, and a roller assembly presses the glue tab and the opposing panel together with the glue therebetween. Alternatively, the gluing device can include a clamp arm that holds the box blank in place while glue is applied, and a folding bar that folds the glue tab onto the opposing panel after glue is applied.

Abstract: An erecting aid for packaging materials is described and may include a table portion and a panel. A panel may be coupled to one side of the table portion. The table portion and the panel can be configured such that the table portion and panel form an acute angle and the panel acts as a type of back support wall with respect to the table portion. A clamp may cooperate with the table portion to produce a clamping force. The clamping force may occur by biasing at least a portion of the clamp towards a relaxed, closed. The combination of the table, panel and biased clamp provide the forces necessary to stabilize a partially folded corrugated box during the erecting process such that the partially folded corrugated box is stabilized and maintained in a partially assembled state while the operator can use both hands to complete the erecting process.

Abstract: A packaging container includes at least three integrally coupled panels connected by longitudinal scoring lines for forming a bottom and connecting sides of a rectangular case, which can be raised from an individual cardboard sheet; at least one end of the container is countersunk through an end panel arranged retracted inside a reinforced end zone including strips of side and bottom panel material, folded back against the bottom and side panels along a scoring line extending transversely through the bottom and side panels, wherein the end panel, via a transverse lower scoring line, is united to the folded-back strip of the bottom panel, and the end panel, in each side thereof, includes a respective tab connected with the end panel via a scoring line which extends the longitudinal scoring lines through the end zone, and the tab extends beside and parallel to an adjacent side panel of the container.

Abstract: A foldable box template includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth segments. Each of the segments has a length, a width, and one or more flaps. The first segment is positioned at a first end of the template and the fifth segment is positioned at a second, opposing end of the template. The sum of the lengths of the first segment and the fifth segment is generally equal to the length of the third segment. As a result, the first and fifth segments form a seam on a sidewall of a box formed from the box template. In some cases, the seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from seams formed in top and bottom surfaces of the box. The seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from a corner of the box.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products related to a cable-based measuring system. The cable-based measuring system includes a cable, comprising an inner cable member configured to move linearly within an outer cable housing. The measuring system also includes a measuring device configured to generate measurement information regarding movement of the inner cable member relative to the outer cable housing using one or more encoders. A computer system receives the measurement information from the measuring device. The measurement information indicates length as a function of time, and represents three orthogonal dimensional measurements of a three-dimensional object. Based on the measurement information, the computer system identifies a length of each dimensional measurement, including a length, a width, and a height of the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A gluing device for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate assembly are mounted. The support plate is configured for supporting and aligning a gluable item for gluing and assembly by the gluing apparatus. The gluing apparatus includes a first clamp configured for selectively and securely holding a first portion of the gluable item on the support plate, a glue dispensing nozzle fluidly coupled to a glue supply, and a folding apparatus configured for folding the first portion of the gluable item onto a second portion of the gluable item after glue has been applied. A method for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item is also disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable box template includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth segments. Each of the segments has a length, a width, and one or more flaps. The first segment is positioned at a first end of the template and the fifth segment is positioned at a second, opposing end of the template. The first and third segments are each divided into two subsections by an intermediate crease. The intermediate creases facilitate folding of the foldable box template during the creation of a manufacturer's joint.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, and assemblies for converting fanfold material into packaging templates are disclosed. A converting system includes a converting machine that performs various conversion functions on the fanfold material. An infeed guide system directs the fanfold material from one or more stacks into the converting machine without folding, creasing, or otherwise compromising the fanfold material. The infeed guide system includes infeed guides with substantially S-shaped segments. The infeed guide system also includes a frame structure that substantially maintains the curvature of the substantially S-shaped segments within a desired range to prevent damage to or jamming of the fanfold material in the infeed guide system.

Abstract: Treating packaging as a pick item. Embodiments include methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a container size of a container for packaging one or more items. An identity of one or more items that are to be packaged into a container is received. Corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items are identified. A container size of the container is calculated based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items. The calculated container size is configured to accommodate all of the one or more items within the container. The container is produced, the container having at least the calculated size. In some embodiments, the container can then be sent to a pack station as a pick item.

Abstract: A system that converts fanfold material into packaging templates includes a converting assembly that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the fanfold material as the fanfold material moves through the converting machine in a first direction. The converting assembly may be mounted on a frame such that the converting assembly is elevated above a support surface. An outfeed guide may change the direction of movement of the fanfold material from the first direction to a second, generally vertical direction after the converting assembly has performed the conversion functions on the fanfold material.

Abstract: A box gluing device for attaching a glue tab of a box blank to an opposing panel when the box blank is folded so the glue tab is position at an edge of the box blank. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate are mounted. The gluing apparatus includes a glue dispensing nozzle for applying glue on a surface of the box blank. The box blank can be moved through the gluing device to attach the glue tab to the opposing panel. As the box blank moves through the gluing device, a guide rail orients the glue tab in a desired manner while glue is applied to the box blank, and a roller assembly presses the glue tab and the opposing panel together with the glue therebetween.