Abstract: Apparatus for applying sealing tape to a stationary rectangular carton. As the carton is introduced into the taping area, a tape applicator applies a pre pulled tape length from the tape supply to the carton front vertical panel and extends the tape down into the main frame. A cutter severs a tape length inside the main frame. A wiping member that follows the cutter, wipes the severed tape length around the corner formed by the front vertical panel and onto horizontal panel for the length between the corner of the carton and the cutter. On the return stroke a pre pull member pre pulls the next tape length from the tape supply to be applied on the next carton.

Abstract: Flap folding plates are provided for use with a carton taping machine, the plates normally being disposed in upright orientation and maintained such by bias applied thereto. Further the plates are arranged so that the top corner structure at the sides of the carton strike the plates to cause the plates to pivot rearwardly in folding movement against the carton side flaps thereby absorbing at the said corner structures the force that might otherwise be transmitted to the front edges of the upright side flaps which could result in tearing or ripping of the side flaps where said flaps are joined to associated side walls.

Abstract: Pull tabs are applied to the two ends of the sealing courses of pressure sensitive tape applied to rectangular shipping cartons. A masking material is applied to the pressure sensitive tape during the taping operation so that the masking material will be adhered to a part of the sealing tape as a pull tab means which is applied to the rear wall of the carton being sealed and a part will be left on the tape stock to provide a pull tab means on the front wall of the carton to be next taped from the tape stock. An apparatus for forming these pull tab means also is provided.

Abstract: A machine is provided for applying vertical tape courses to the ends of cartons. Cartridges carrying taping members are stroked downwardly to tape the cartons. Return or upwardly directed travel of the cartridges is either delayed while a taped carton is off-feeding from the machine or the taping arms and cutter in the cartridge are retracted to allow the cartridge to be immediately returned upwardly following taping. This precludes cartridge travel interfering with carton off-feed or carton entry to the taping station.

Abstract: Perimeter seals are applied to cartons to seal them in courses which encircle a carton wall at which the transverse edges of infolded carton closure flaps are disposed. Such perimeter seals create a seal of the carton interior to prevent access thereto by dust in the atmosphere, moisture, etc. Apparatus for applying the seals includes devices to apply tape around the carton wall and wipe that applied tape onto perimeter areas of the encircled wall as well as marginal areas of the four walls adjacent and orthogonal thereto.

Abstract: Machine for taping cartons of shorter height ranges and taller height ranges. One upper taping cartridge is used for the shorter height cartons, whereas, at that time the taping arms of a lower cartridge are retracted. When a taller height carton is to be taped, the lower cartridge arms are released for taping purposes and they with the upper cartridge are used to tape the taller height carton.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying tape to a forwardly traveling carton includes a first projecting tape applicator which lies in the path of carton travel. As the carton strikes the first applicator, tape is applied to the carton front panel, the traveling carton depressing the applicator to allow it to apply and wipe tape around the corner formed by the front panel and onto a horizontal panel. A push finger carried on the tape applicator engages for a time with a tape cutter. On engagement of the push finger with a cam near completion of unit depression travel, the finger disengages the cutter and releases it to sever a tape length from the tape supply. A roller in the depressed applicator unit wipes the severed tape length along the horizontal panel for the length that the tape extends along the panel. A second tape applicator unit which moves from projecting to depressed position in tandem with the first unit is located downstream of the first applicator.