Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding the bottom panels of a carton blank that includes side walls, first and third bottom panels extending from opposite side walls, second and fourth bottom panels extending from opposite side walls, and a bottom panel flap extending from the third bottom panel. The apparatus includes a frame, a rotatable supporting assembly, two rotatable folding fingers mounted on the frame for inwardly folding the second and fourth bottom panels, a tuck folder mounted on the rotatable mounting assembly for inwardly folding the third bottom panel, a guide mounted on the frame for contacting and inwardly folding the first bottom panel, and a bending member mounted on the rotatable supporting assembly for outwardly folding the bottom panel flap. One portion of the bending member is curved to define a concave surface that faces the tuck folder. The bending member can also be provided with a convex surface positioned on each side of the concave surface.

Abstract: A mechanism for advancing flat-laid package blanks disposed in a magazine includes a shaft extending through the mechanism at right angles to the magazine and journalled by way of a free-wheel hub so that it may rotate in only one direction. The shaft is urged against at least one endless elastic belt which passes around two or more wheels. The belt presses against the flat-laid package blanks. The free-wheel hub is surrounded by a lever that is connected to a drive unit. When the lever is pivoted in one direction by the drive unit, the movement is transferred via the shaft to the belt and the package blanks are fed forwardly in the magazine. When the lever is pivoted in the other direction, the free-wheel hub locks and no movement is transmitted to the belt which might otherwise counteract the forward advancement of the package blanks in the magazine.