Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for erecting from a single blank a carton having integral interior partitions. Blanks are supplied to the machine and, in three folding stations, are folded along score lines and cuts and then sealed to form the finished carton. Erection of the carton and provision of interior partitions is accomplished by a single machine in a continuous process.

Abstract: Automatic wraparound packaging machinery comprising a carton blank feeding station, can accumulator, lowerator platform and gluing and sealing station is provided with a loading head adapted for receiving the supply of articles (e.g., cans) to be packed and for forming the articles into discrete groups. The apparatus further comprises a retractable loading curtain associated with the loading head and means associated with the loading head for retracting the loading curtain to release the group of articles formed in the loading head and for returning the loading curtain to its normal position for supporting the next group of articles formed in the loading head. In one embodiment, the articles are packed in the carton in one tier. In another embodiment, releasable lifting means are provided for lifting every other group or articles to form an upper and a lower tier of articles, thus producing a two-tiered arrangement of articles to be packed.

Abstract: A linkage for actuating a pair of suction cups that are located adjacent the other end of the guide rails and that can fold an upwardly inclined blank on the guide rails; the suctions cups being adapted to hold by suction two adjacent side panels of the blank, that are contiguous to the lower guide rail and on vertically opposite sides of the blank, and to rotate in opposite directions about the lower guide rail until the suction cups are 90.degree. apart, so that the two adjacent side panels are folded 90.degree. apart about the lower guide rail and thereby the blank is folded into a rectangular tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for erecting a rectangular carton from a flat blank. The apparatus features:a pair of parallel guide rails, one of which is elevated above the other;a hopper, located at one end of the guide rails, for holding a stack of blanks between the guide rails, so that the bottom blank of the stack is on the guide rails and is upwardly inclined in the cross-direction of the guide rails with the foldably connected edges of its side panels extending in a direction parallel to the guide rails; anda pair of suction cups that are located adjacent the other end of the guide rails and that can fold an upwardly inclined blank on the guide rails; the suctions cups being adapted to hold by suction two adjacent side panels of the blank, that are contiguous to the lower guide rail and on vertically opposite sides of the blank, and to rotate in opposite directions about the lower guide rail until the suction cups are 90.degree. apart, so that the two adjacent side panels are folded 90.degree.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming wall reinforcements in multiple individual cartons. The apparatus includes a single entrance for admitting semi-finished cartons having vertically extending end wall flaps. The cartons are serially admitted centrally of the apparatus to a transport platform and distributed alternately to multiple wall reinforcements formers. The wall reinforcement formers are located in association with opposite ends of the platform and include work stations located along the platform. At the work stations, the vertically extending carton flaps are bent out of the vertical by flap preformers, as glue is applied in an automatically determined pattern to the wall to be reinforced. The glue pattern is determined by: the spacing of multiple interruptable light beams arranged transversely of the carton's paths, the glue applicator and the carton itself. Subsequently, flap folders, employing rigidly mounted rollers, drive the preformed flaps into the carton.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the production of double wall containers is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a single wall container feeding station, a container blank feeding station and an erecting and telescoping station. In accordance with the disclosed process, flat carton blanks are fed in timed sequence from a blank feeding station into an erecting station where the blank is erected. Previously formed single wall containers are aligned in a feeding station with the erected blank and then telescoped into the erected blank with the aid of a plurality of oscillating guide arms disposed between the single wall container and the erected blank. Thereafter, the completed double wall container is ejected from the erecting and telescoping station.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a tray are disclosed. The tray has at least one transverse hollow wall formed by a pair of substantially parallel, spaced flaps that are folded down from a transverse bridge. Each flap is secured to a tab folded upwards from the bottom of the tray. A pair of pivotally-mounted folding arms located above the tray rotate the two flaps downwardly while a mandrel located beneath the tray forces the two tabs upwardly into a substantially parallel, spaced relationship, whereby each tab contacts and becomes secured to its respective flap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact high speed carton erecting and sealing machine and method employing a horizontal blank feeding mechanism. Carton blanks are fed into the erecting station, positioned against a stop and vacuum erected from the trailing side panel. The erected blank is maintained in a squared position and driven through the machine by flights mounted on parallel chain conveyors adjustably positioned adjacent the long sides of the erected carton. As the erected carton is driven through the machine, the trailing and leading bottom end flaps are sequentially folded into place and then the bottom side flaps are partially folded into place. With the side flaps in a partially folded position, adhesive is applied to either or both the bottom end flaps and the bottom side flaps. The partially folded side flaps are then maintained in position by a fixed anvil as the carton is delivered by the conveyor to a set of squaring stops.