Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for serially and automatically folding and gluing container body blanks, with optional lamination of a liner to the body blank prior to folding and gluing thereof. The apparatus includes a blank conveyor arrangement which intermittently advances a body blank along a horizontal straight-line work path through the apparatus. Arrangements are provided for applying adhesive to a flap portion of the body blank, folding the body blank about spaced parallel score lines thereof, and applying pressure to the blank to form a so-called manufacturer's joint at the flap portion. The present apparatus further includes an arrangement for advancing an inner liner into the apparatus in a direction transverse of the body blank work path, with an arrangement provided for maintaining the liner in a horizontally fixed stopped position above the blank work path, and for subsequently lowering the liner into superposition on a container body blank prior to folding and gluing of the blank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a flat container blank about parallel score lines to bring a glue flap on the blank into juxtaposed relationship with respect to a side panel of the blank. Gripping mechanisms are associated with an intermittently operated conveyor means for pulling a blank past a glue applying station, into the folding station, and into a compressing station where the manufacturers' joint is set. Release means is provided for opening the gripping mechanisms downstream of the compressing station, and a following set of gripper mechanisms push the freed blank from the machine. Further conveyor means may be associated with the apparatus for feeding a liner to the blank to produce a laminated folded and glued blank.