Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A carton for containing at least one article. The carton comprises at least one panel that can form an interior of the carton. The carton comprises at least one protection feature for protecting the articles from breakage. The article protection feature can comprise at least one feature in end flaps of the carton. The article protection feature can comprise an article protection flap foldably connected to the at least one panel. The article protection flap can be moveable between a first position and a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the at least one panel.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A packaging system for the selection, grouping and loading of varying size and/or configuration product packs into cartons as provided. The packaging system includes a selection area having a primary selector for forming an initial product pack configuration, and a secondary selector adapted to select and direct an additional grouping of products into a nested arrangement against the initial product pack so as to form a nested product pack. The nested product packs thereafter can be engaged by loader arms of a pair of opposed loading assemblies, which move the nested product packs into a series of cartons moving through the packaging machine. Thereafter, the ends of the cartons can be closed and sealed to complete the packaging of the product packs therein.

Abstract: A method of forming a carton. The method includes obtaining a blank having at least one panel and at least one article protection flap foldably connected to the at least one panel. The method includes positioning the at least one panel to at least partially form an interior space of the carton, loading at least one article in the interior space, and folding the at least one article protection flap relative to the at least one panel after the loading the at least one article. The folding includes moving the article protection flap from a first position that is substantially parallel to the at least one panel to a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the at least one panel.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

Abstract: A method of forming a carton. The method comprises obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel, at least two first end flaps, at least two second end flap, and at least one article protection flap foldably connected to the bottom panel. The method comprises positioning the plurality of panels to form an interior space of the carton, loading a plurality of beverage bottles into the interior space, closing a first end of the carton, closing a second end of the carton, and tightening the carton by folding the at least one article protection flap into the interior space after the loading of the plurality of beverage bottles.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels comprising a top panel. A plurality of end flaps are at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps can comprise a top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert can comprise a central panel and at least one reinforcing end panel foldably connected to the central panel. At least one reinforcing end flap can be foldably connected to the at least one reinforcing end panel. A handle can comprise at least a first handle feature in the top end flap and a second handle feature in the reinforcing end panel. The second handle feature can be generally aligned with the first handle feature.

Abstract: A carton for containing at least one article. The carton comprises at least one panel that can form an interior of the carton. The carton comprises at least one protection feature for protecting the articles from breakage. The article protection feature can comprise at least one feature in end flaps of the carton. The article protection feature can comprise an article protection flap foldably connected to the at least one panel. The article protection flap can be moveable between a first position and a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the at least one panel.

Abstract: A packaging system for the selection, grouping and loading of varying size and/or configuration product packs into cartons as provided. The packaging system includes a selection area having a primary selector for forming an initial product pack configuration, and a secondary selector adapted to select and direct an additional grouping of products into a nested arrangement against the initial product pack so as to form a nested product pack. The nested product packs thereafter can be engaged by loader arms of a pair of opposed loading assemblies, which move the nested product packs into a series of cartons moving through the packaging machine. Thereafter, the ends of the cartons can be closed and sealed to complete the packaging of the product packs therein.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels comprising a top panel. A plurality of end flaps are at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps can comprise a top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert can comprise a central panel and at least one reinforcing end panel foldably connected to the central panel. At least one reinforcing end flap can be foldably connected to the at least one reinforcing end panel. A handle can comprise at least a first handle feature in the top end flap and a second handle feature in the reinforcing end panel. The second handle feature can be generally aligned with the first handle feature.

Abstract: A carton for containing at least one article. The carton comprises at least one panel that can form an interior of the carton. The carton comprises at least one protection feature for protecting the articles from breakage. The article protection feature can comprise at least one feature in end flaps of the carton. The article protection feature can comprise an article protection flap foldably connected to the at least one panel. The article protection flap can be moveable between a first position and a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the at least one panel.

Abstract: A machine for packaging stacks of articles into containers using selectors for grouping the article stacks. The selectors include arrays of vertically spaced wedge members which engage the articles in each stack. The wedge members are aligned with slots in comb-like guide rails and operate to form groups of predetermined numbers of stacks of articles while keeping the articles in each stack in vertical alignment as they progress through the machine into the containers. A method of grouping stacked articles and a method of packaging stacked articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A musical instrument slide including a body portion and a light source. The light source includes a switch for selective activation, enabling the slide body to emit light when activated. As the musician moves the slide across the strings as the instrument, such as a guitar, is played, a visual effect is created by the movement of the light. The body portion preferably is constructed of a material to pass light therethrough, and can be either wholly or partially clear or translucent, or a combination of both. Alternatively or in addition to the light source, the slide body can include an eccentric motor that causes the slide body to vibrate. This vibration, in turn, causes vibration of the guitar strings, or other string instrument, as the slide is positioned on the strings, or moved along the strings, by the musician.

Abstract: A machine for packaging stacks of articles into containers using selectors for grouping the article stacks. The selectors include arrays of vertically spaced wedge members which engage the articles in each stack. The wedge members are aligned with slots in comb-like guide rails and operate to form groups of predetermined numbers of stacks of articles while keeping the articles in each stack in vertical alignment as they progress through the machine into the containers. A method of grouping stacked articles and a method of packaging stacked articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magazine loader for automatically loading stacks of cartons onto a magazine of a mass feeder for supplying cartons to a packaging machine, includes a loader in which stacks of cartons are received and held, and a carriage on which the loader is pivotally mounted. The cartons are received loaded in the loader, after which the loader is pivoted from a loading position to a stacking position. The loader is then moved along a feeder conveyor for the packaging machine toward a magazine or supply of previously stacked cartons, until the stack of cartons is received and stacked against the previously loaded cartons to maintain a supply of cartons for feeding into the packaging machine.

Abstract: A machine for packaging stacks of articles into containers using selectors for grouping the article stacks. The selectors include arrays of vertically spaced wedge members which engage the articles in each stack. The wedge members are aligned with slots in comb-like guide rails and operate to form groups of predetermined numbers of stacks of articles while keeping the articles in each stack in vertical alignment as they progress through the machine into the containers.