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 system is disclosed for sealing a manufacturer's joint and/or the ends of a customized box. The system includes at least a first arm spaced apart from a second arm. The arms are arranged so that an end flap of a box blank can be inserted between the arms to align the box blank relative to the arms and secure and maintain at least two side panels of the box blank in an adjacent position to form a manufacturer's joint. Methods for forming and sealing a manufacturer's joint and/or the ends of a customized box are also disclosed. Such methods, are designed to, for example, reliably form, close, and seal the manufacturer's joint and/or the ends of a customized box in a simplified manner.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to dynamically assigning product groups to production machines using production groups and producing product groups at a specified ratio using production groups. In one scenario, a computer system dynamically assigns a production entity to a product group based on properties for that production entity. The production entity is to be produced using a production machine. The computer system then dynamically assigns each product group to a production group, where each production group includes production machines that are available to produce production entities for product groups that belong to the assigned production group. The computer system also indicates that a production entity is to be produced using the production machines in the dynamically assigned production group.

Abstract: A closure device including a closure assembly for closing the flaps of a box. The closure assembly includes a T-shaped structure having a first horizontal surface upon which a box can move during a closure process and a guide positioned on each side of the T-shaped structure, each guide being angled relative to the T-shaped structure and adapted to close the major flaps of the box as the box is moved proximally across the T-shaped structure. The horizontal portion can be positioned vertically higher than a support surface to allow a portion of the box to move therebetween. The closure device can further include a minor flap closure device for closing the minor flaps of the box prior to closing the major flaps of the box. The closure device can also include a sealing device, such as a taping head, for sealing the box closed.

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 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 system that converts fanfold material into packaging templates includes a converting machine and a fanfold bale. The converting machine has 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, to convert the fanfold material into one or more packaging templates. An outfeed guide changes the direction of movement of the packaging templates from the first direction to a second generally upwardly oriented direction after the packaging templates exit the converting machine.

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: 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: 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: Methods, apparatus, assemblies, and systems 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 and/or a customized arrangement of items. In one aspect, one or more items are arranged. The one or more items are then measured using a measurement device. The measurement device includes, in some aspects, a bracket that engages the arranged one or more items. The bracket may, in some embodiments, elevate a measurement component relative to the arranged one or more items so as to provide clear line of sight unobstructed by the arranged one or more items. Measurements in three dimensions may be obtained and used to create a custom, on-demand package.

Abstract: A blank-folded box-shaped package includes a top, a bottom opposite the top, two opposite lateral walls (I) connecting the top and the bottom, two opposite ends walls (U) connecting the top and the bottom, and two opposite peripheral shock absorbing end zones (R). Each end zone (R) is defined by one of the opposite end walls and extensions of the top, bottom and two opposite lateral walls. Also, each end zone (R) defines an exposed cavity region with the end walls in a retracted position inwardly of the shock absorbing end zone (R) of doubled material. The package defines a package blank in an unfolded state.

Abstract: A box template formed of a sheet of material defines a foldable box having at least four side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The box template also includes a definition of corner protector sections integrally formed with the foldable box. The corner protector sections are configured to be folded to protect an object placed inside the foldable box. The top surface and bottom surface may each include at least two surfaces that are integrally formed with, and connected to, two of the side surfaces. The corner protector sections may be integrally formed with, and connected to, the other two sides of the four side surfaces. The corner protector sections are configured with a plurality of identifiable sections that may be folded in order to create corner protectors. Four corner protector sections may be integrally formed with the foldable box so as to define eight corner protectors.

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: 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: Methods, apparatus, assemblies, and systems 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 and/or a customized arrangement of items. In one aspect, items are arranged on a resting device and an imaging component obtains image or other data related to such arrangement. Based on the image, dimensions of the arrangement may be determined and a packaging template, such as a box template, may be designed. The designed template may have dimensions suitable to enclose the items when arranged in the manner provided on the resting device. A packaging production machine may produce a box template, on-demand, after the box template has been designed based on the physical arrangement of items on the resting device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sealing a manufacturer's joint and/or the ends of a customized box. The system includes at least a first arm spaced apart from a second arm. The arms are arranged so that an end flap of a box blank can be inserted between the arms to align the box blank relative to the arms and secure and maintain at least two side panels of the box blank in an adjacent position to form a manufacturer's joint. Methods for forming and sealing a manufacturer's joint and/or the ends of a customized box are also disclosed. Such methods, are designed to, for example, reliably form, close, and seal the manufacturer's joint and/or the ends of a customized box in a simplified manner.

Abstract: A box template formed of a sheet of material defines a foldable box having at least four side surfaces, a first end surface, and a second end surface. The box template also includes corner protector sections integrally formed with the foldable box. The corner protector sections are configured to be folded to protect an object placed inside the foldable box. The first end surface and second end surface may each include at least two surfaces that are integrally formed with, and connected to, two of the side surfaces. The corner protector sections may be integrally formed with, and connected to, the other two sides of the four side surfaces. The corner protector sections are configured with a plurality of identifiable sections that may be folded in order to create corner protectors. Four corner protector sections may be integrally formed with the foldable box so as to define eight corner protectors.