Abstract: The invention is directed to a balanced process for extrusion of a plastic corrugated sheet or blanks, and subsequent converting of the blanks into plastic boxes. The process includes conveying the blanks to a plurality of forming stations for incrementally forming features on the blank needed for forming a box. The present process is performed at a slower speed than typical paper corrugated forming.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus (1) includes a first processing section (1000), a second processing section (2000), and a third processing section (3000) arranged on a straight line, and conveys a sheet (4200) therebetween. The first processing section (1000) forms a plurality of first processing lines extending in a first direction (an X axial direction) on the sheet (4200), by moving a plurality of tools (1110-1260) to the first direction in relation to the sheet (4200). The second processing section (2000) forms a plurality of second processing lines to a second direction (a Y axial direction) orthogonal to the first direction on the sheet (4200), by moving a plurality of tools to the second direction in relation to the sheet (4200). The third processing section (3000) forms a third processing line (aslant line, curve line) on the sheet, by relatively moving the sheet (4200) and the tool (3110, 3120).

Abstract: A box forming machine includes a converter assembly, a fold assembly, and an attachment assembly. The converter assembly converts sheet material into a box template. The fold assembly engages a first end of the box template and moves the first end of the box template to a predetermined position. The attachment assembly engages a second end of the box template and moves the second end of the box template toward and into engagement with the first end of the box template to attach the first and second ends of the box template together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for packaging a product in a packaging material. It also relates to packaged products obtained by packaging them in the packaging material that has been provided with one or more openings, in order to make it easy to open the package. The packaged products can also be provided with a cover element. A punching unit (5) is also described that comprises a rotatable backing roll (34), a rotatable punch roll (33) and a frame in which the backing roll (34) and the punch roll (33) are arranged with respect to each other, and where the punch roll (33) can rotate independently of the backing roll (34). The punch roll (33) can make one or more openings in the packaging material.

Abstract: A folder gluer or folding-box gluer includes a Braille embossing monitoring device that evaluates Braille embossments at least with regard to position, height and volume. Data are passed on to a control device that controls a distance between a male die and a female die and/or a position of the male die and the female die relative to a folding box on a basis of signals being supplied. A method for controlling individual processing stations inside a folder gluer or folding-box gluer during the manufacture of folding boxes, is also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor that is disposed at a printing unit of a box making machine and conveys a corrugated sheet 10a that is to undergo printing, includes: a conveyor belt 23 having a conveying face that conveys the corrugated sheet; a suction box 24a that is disposed at a side of a back 23b of the conveying face of the conveyor belt and that suctions the corrugated sheet onto the conveying face with negative pressure; a plurality of guide rolls that guide or drive the conveyor belt. Air blowing means is disposed on the back side of the conveyor belt within a region from an outlet roll to an inlet roll of the guide rolls and blows air to an outside.

Abstract: A computer-based system for creating customized storage boxes, including: a computer with a memory element storing computer readable instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to: receive first data specifying an item for storage; receive second data specifying a number of the item for storage in at least one box or a use of the item; receive third data describing a physical attribute of the item; calculate, using the first, second, and third data, a volume of the at least one box; and transmit fourth data, including the volume. The system includes a packaging device to receive the fourth data and generate, using the fourth data, a two-dimensional layout, on a piece of media, for the at least one box. The layout includes a plurality of lines, on the piece of media for creasing or cutting the piece of media to form the at least one box.

Abstract: A print job includes a container page, product pages, and a stacking pattern. Methods and systems automatically pattern a first material according to a container pattern specified by the container page to output a flat and patterned container sheet to a stacking location, and automatically fold the flat and patterned container sheet at the stacking location to form a three-dimensional container. Further, such methods and systems automatically print markings specified by the product pages on additional sheets of material. Then, after forming the three-dimensional container and printing the markings, such methods and systems automatically pattern the additional sheets of material according to a product pattern specified by the product pages to output product items to the stacking location. Further, such methods and systems automatically stack the product items in the three-dimensional container. The container pattern has a specific size and shape to accommodate the stacking pattern.

Abstract: A package for a product includes a single sheet having one side with an image of the product printed on it, and blank on the opposing side. The sheet is foldable into a shell having a rear opening, and the shell is sized to receive the product through the opening. The shell has a front panel bearing an image of the product. The sheet further includes a top panel adjacent to the shell, and a rear panel to cover the rear opening. The shell has outer edges adhered to outer edges of the rear panel, so that the product may be placed inside the shell and thereby sealed inside the package. The package has crushed edges around a majority of the perimeter of the package, including preferably between the shell and the rear panel.

Abstract: A method is provided for printing unprinted, or blank, cartons for packaging that have been cut and creased. The method includes receiving, at a printing apparatus, blank cartons that have been cut and creased to be ready for folding and at least one of gluing, tucking and locking. The printing apparatus is adjusted based on at least one attribute of the blank cartons and configured to print an image before the printing apparatus starts printing the image on the blank cartons. The method also includes printing the image on each of the blank cartons to produce packaging cartons printed with the image. The method may further include automatically separating each blank carton in a multiple-up layout configuration after the image is printed on the blank cartons in the multiple-up layout configuration. In some embodiments, the blank cartons include at least one of uneven side edge(s), an uneven leading edge, and an even trailing edge.

Abstract: Described is a first panel for a carton comprising a first guide sheet having a first width (W1), a front panel coupled to the first guide sheet, a first side panel coupled to the front panel, and a top panel coupled to the front panel. Described is a carton blank for a carton comprising the first panel, and a second panel coupled to the first panel comprising a second guide sheet, a back panel coupled to the second guide sheet, a second side panel coupled to the back panel, and a bottom panel coupled to the back panel. The second panel is inverted relative to the first panel. Described is a method for forming a carton comprising producing the carton blank, printing content on the carton blank, removing the first guide sheet and the second guide sheet from the carton blank, and folding the carton blank along score lines to form the carton.

Abstract: A container is formed to include and interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region. The container includes a floor, a side wall coupled to the floor to define the interior region between the floor and the side wall, and artwork on the side wall.

Abstract: A transparent disposable coffee cup used for dispensing coffee by coffeehouses and the like is disclosed. Measurement markings are formed on an interior surface of the cup adjacent the mouth. The measurement markings are identify different fill lines which relate to the amount of milk or cream that the consumer wishes to add to the coffee. Depending on the cup size two or more additional raised markings are provided. These marking are located below the top fill line and may optionally represent the space to add a certain percentage of cream. For 12 ounce cups, the markings may be located at levels equivalent to one ounce of cream and two ounces of cream. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the raised markings can be made on an interior surface of the cup by automated manufacturing methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cardboard article production line. By means of this production line, cups with a single- or a double-sidewall can be produced. Trays, plates, boxes, particularly folded boxes, or the like can also be produced with the inventive production line.

Abstract: A folding toy figurine includes a lid formed from a flat foldable stock and has a top wall and side walls when it is folded into erect position. The toy also has a box component which is formed from flat foldable stock which, when folded into erect position, has a bottom wall, walls and a hollow interior. At least one of side walls has a small slot therein and a lid fitting snugly over the box component to form a hollow box. The toy has parts that are loosely held inside the box. At least one of the parts is removable from the interior of the box and insertable into said small slot in side wall, from the exterior thereof. The invention also provides a method of making parts with boundaries for insertion into slots.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a personalized dimensional document having a packaging label may include receiving, at a printing device, a dimensional document configured to be assembled into a three-dimensional package. A personalized object may be determined and printed on the dimensional document. Similarly, a packaging label may be printed, the packaging label including addressing information for a recipient of the dimensional document. The packaging label may be removably affixed to the dimensional document.

Abstract: A method of making reinforced paperboard cartons comprises the steps of advancing a web of paperboard along a path and progressively laminating at least one ribbon of reinforcing material to the advancing web of paperboard. The ribbon of reinforcing material, which also may be paperboard, has a width less than the width of the web of paperboard and is applied with adhesive at a selected location across the width of the web. The web and its laminated ribbon are cut into sheets of a predetermined size and the sheets are die-cut and scored with fold lines to form carton blanks. The fold lines may transition from non-reinforced to reinforced portions of the blank and a special transition zone is contemplated to accommodate the transition. The carton blanks are subsequently formed into cartons for receiving articles, the laminated reinforcing material providing reinforcement in selected portions of the cartons.

Abstract: A working device (1) to be used on blanks running essentially in a planar manner within a folding and gluing machine, with the outer printable surface originally oriented downwards. First turning device (10) turns over each blank so as to position its outer surface on the top. A transport device (20) moves each blank with the outer surface on the top. An action device (30) implements at least one of printing the outer surface of each blank on the one hand and monitoring the outer surface of each blank on the other hand, while the outer surface is facing up. A second turning device (40) turns over each blank again in order to reposition its outer surface downward.

Abstract: A container is formed to include and interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region. The container includes a floor, a side wall coupled to the floor to define the interior region between the floor and the side wall, and artwork on the side wall.

Abstract: A container is formed to include and interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region. The container includes a floor, a side wall coupled to the floor to define the interior region between the floor and the side wall, and artwork on the side wall.

Abstract: A system for forming a foldable printed substrate includes a creasing system that applies a plurality of creases to the substrate along a first axis. It also applies a plurality of creases to the substrate along a second axis that is angled with respect to the first axis. Each creases is applied in a manner that does not ablate the substrate. The system also may include a cutting system to yield a foldable substrate such as a carton, sleeve, or box. It also may include a printing system to generate a printed, foldable substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to work relatively rigid material such as cardboard in sheets, to make boxes. The apparatus includes a loader suitable to have, according to a desired order, substantially flat reinforcement elements, and gripping means movable between a first gripping position in which they cooperate with the loader to pick up the reinforcement elements, and a second positioning condition, in which they position the reinforcement elements on the sheet according to a predetermined positioning pattern.

Abstract: A folder gluer or folding-box gluer includes a Braille embossing monitoring device that evaluates Braille embossments at least with regard to position, height and volume. Data are passed on to a control device that controls a distance between a male die and a female die and/or a position of the male die and the female die relative to a folding box on a basis of signals being supplied. A method for controlling individual processing stations inside a folder gluer or folding-box gluer during the manufacture of folding boxes, is also provided.

Abstract: A device for holding tools for processing flat, sheet-like material includes top and bottom tool holding devices which have respective top and bottom tool units that are driven by drive shafts through servomotors and are laterally displaceable by tool guide elements which are supported on cross members. The top and bottom cross members have a rectangular construction and are fitted perpendicularly in the device. A sheet-processing machine and a folding carton gluer having the device, are also provided.

Abstract: A package for food products including a first portion, a second portion, and at least one indicator. The first portion has a first closed end, at least one first side wall surrounding the first closed end, and a first open end opposite the first closed end. The second portion has a second closed end, at least one second side wall surrounding said second closed end, and a second open end opposite the second closed end. The first portion and second portion are movably connected at their respective open ends. The at least one indicator is placed in communication with the package such that when the package is expanded to a desired inner volume the indicator is activated.

Abstract: A foldable pot cover provides a foldable die cut pattern which can be imprinted on its exterior surfaces with any of a number of designs. The pot cover is formed from a die cut pattern which can be folded into overlapping flaps and tabs which are folded and interlocked to define a generally trapezoidal pot cover which can receive a variety of different pot sizes and types and resists moisture. The die cut pattern forming the pot cover can be of a universal shape but formed in a variety of different sizes to accommodate different sized potted plants.

Abstract: In a printer for corrugated cardboard sheets and a box making machine for corrugated cardboard sheets, a control device that controls an operation of an air cylinder is provided such that an ink supply roll is moved toward or away from a printing cylinder relative to an intermediate position of a gap between ends of a printing plate attached on a surface of a printing cylinder. With this configuration, ink of an ink supply roll is appropriately transferred to the printing plate, an ink film on the printing plate is uniformized, and then printing precision is enhanced.

Abstract: A folded box gluing machine for making folded boxes from blanks includes several processing stations and a conveying mechanism for delivering the blanks through the individual processing stations. The machine also includes an embossing mechanism that includes embossing dies for embossing a script for the blind in the blanks and that is preferably arranged between two processing stations.

Abstract: A folded box gluing machine for making folded boxes from blanks includes several processing stations and a conveying mechanism for delivering the blanks through the individual processing stations. The machine also includes an embossing mechanism that includes embossing dies for embossing a script for the blind in the blanks and that is preferably arranged between two processing stations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller.

Abstract: A cardboard box with four side panels, four bottom flaps and four top flaps is provided. Adjacent bottom flaps and adjacent top flaps are provided with living hinges so that the flaps may be stored adjacent the body of the box. Additionally, during loading the top flaps are held adjacent the body of the box to move the flaps out of the way and make the box more convenient to load. The hinges may be broken apart to allow the flaps to be moved to the closed and sealed position.

Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.

Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically forms a paperboard blank into a container having a double glued side wall construction for providing an enhanced strength to the container. A platen drives the blank through mechanically powered forming rails for an initial folding of the blank into a partially formed container having a bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports. A compression plate and folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the partially formed container for forming a fully formed container having a double glued side wall construction.

Abstract: A slotter-creaser unit includes an upper creasing head and a lower creasing head. A protruding portion is arranged on a periphery of the lower creasing head in a circumferential direction. A first pressing portion and a second pressing portion having different lengths and different curvature radiuses in a width direction are arranged opposite to each other across the protruding portion and in an alternate manner in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A thermally insulative paperboard sleeve for use in combination with hot and cold drink cups wherein the insulating quality is achieved by a layer of biodegradable, water-based, polymeric, heat-foamable material on at least the inside surface of the sleeve before it is assembled. Conventional graphics may be printed on the outside surface which remains smooth and receptive to conventional printing.

Abstract: A folded box gluing machine for making folded boxes from blanks includes several processing stations and a conveying mechanism for delivering the blanks through the individual processing stations. The machine also includes an embossing mechanism that includes embossing dies for embossing a script for the blind in the blanks and that is preferably arranged between two processing stations.

Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically generally on top of the third air cell at ends thereof. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the two vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperate with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the insert.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and marking a substrate, such as a collapsed corrugated cardboard carton. A feeder station is configured to receive a substantially vertically aligned stack of substrates. An advancement assembly of the feeder station successively moves the lower portions of the substrates in an inboard direction and a tensioner assembly applies a clamping force to the upper portions of the substrates. A transfer assembly engages the innermost substrate in the stack to rotate and remove the substrate from the rest of the stack and provide the substrate to a transport and marking station, which drives the substrate past a marking mechanism. The transport and marking station advances the substrate into a gravity discharge station which induces sufficient tilt in the substrate so that, upon exiting of the substrate from the transport, gravity induces the substrate to rotate and fall in a controlled fashion into a completed stack.

Abstract: A folding box gluing machine has a folding station in which portions of blanks provided with a glue strip are folded, and a subsequent transfer station which includes as a conveyor mechanism at least two pairs of conveying straps, each including an upper and a lower strap, and having a device for achieving the sideways removal of defective boxes arranged on the outside next to one pair of conveying straps. The upper conveying strap on at least one lengthwise side in the transfer station is supported in one region of its conveying path by support rollers, which are secured to a bearing plate, which is mounted with its lower edge tilted inward relative to a perpendicular plane and can move upward to a limited extent, and a guide baffle is secured on the inside next to the support rollers and extends upward from the inner edge of the upper conveying strap and is angled in the direction of the other pair of conveying straps.

Abstract: A packaging machine for loading a plurality of articles into a carton which mechanism comprises carton erecting means for part erecting said carton to define a first article receiving cell, means for selecting a group of articles comprising at least two articles, means for separating said grouped articles from an adjacent like group of articles, means for loading said grouped articles into said first article receiving cell through an open end thereof in the packaging carton and a means for completing the construction of the carton. There also comprises a mechanism for forming a carton including a pair of article receiving cells comprising complementary die members, each said die member being mounted to a rotating wheel wherein each said complementing die member is adapted to interengage when a blank is positioned between the two members, such that said die members cause the blank to be folded to define said article receiving cells.

Abstract: A box for shipping temperature sensitive or perishable goods made from a double walled combined web having an inside barrier layer, a first paper liner bonded to the inside barrier layer, a first paper flute medium bonded to the first paper liner, an outside barrier layer, a second paper liner bonded to the outside barrier layer, a second paper flute medium bonded to the second paper liner, and a sandwich of a barrier layer bonded between third and fourth paper liners. The flute mediums are bonded, respectively, to the third and fourth paper liners.

Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically with the third air cell suspended between them. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperates with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the insert.

Abstract: A machine is provided for spreading out cardboard boxes automatically, which is structured such that cardboards can be held in a holding mechanism upright and closely side by side, and fed to a main body one after another, and which have sucking disks for drawing the cardboards to spread out the same; the sucking disks can be adjusted in position as well as length of space between them; the machine further has a bending mechanism for bending bottom shutter portions of the cardboard boxes after the cardboard boxes are spread out; adhesive tapes are automatically applied onto the bottom of the boxes to seal the boxes after the bottom shutter portions of the boxes are bent.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for erecting a carton, and a method of and an apparatus for closing a carton. The carton has 180° fold lines with a compressed area at each end and a slit joining the compressed areas. A carton is erected by moving the blank in a first direction against a stop to form a first set of 90° folds, holding the blank stationary with a suction while pushing the blank in a second direction to form a second set of 90° folds, erecting the carton. A filled carton is closed by advancing it through the central opening of a V-shaped member to increasingly fold the carton top panels. The closed carton is sealed by advancing it through a second V-shaped member and into contact with a pivotally supported sealing device.

Abstract: A machine is provided for spreading out cardboard boxes automatically, which is structured such that cardboards can be held in a holding mechanism upright and closely side by side, and fed to a main body one after another, and which have sucking disks for drawing the cardboards to spread out the same; the sucking disks can be adjusted in position as well as length of space between them; the machine further has a bending mechanism for bending bottom shutter portions of the cardboard boxes after the cardboard boxes are spread out; adhesive tapes are automatically applied onto the bottom of the boxes to seal the boxes after the bottom shutter portions of the boxes are bent.

Abstract: A device for unfolding of folded boxes, comprising a magazine for receiving of flat folded-box sleeves, a removing device for the individual removal of the folded-box sleeves from the magazine and for feeding the folded-box sleeves to an unfolding station where the folded-box sleeves are partially unfolded along a compressing section. The unfolding device has after the compressing section a chute for the precisely fitting receipt of the partially unfolded folded-box sleeves, an output device to remove the folded-box sleeves from the chute, and an expansion chamber following the chute for receiving the fully unfolded folded-box sleeves in order to achieve a very high unfolding rate.

Abstract: Substantially tubular, or sleeve-type, cartons each with an end opening having a width less than a pitch of flight bars of a packaging machine but having a combined end opening equal to the pitch of the packaging machine are erected and placed between the flight bars. In one embodiment, the cartons are detachable affixed to one another. In another embodiment, the cartons are detachable affixed to one another in collapsed condition such that the composite collapsed carton formed thereby has dimensions substantially similar to a single carton loadable on the machine.

Abstract: The machine assembles cardboard boxes of the type that comprises a main piece or sheet and two independent sheets comprising the front ends, lateral sheets that attach to some laps that form part of the main piece. As a novel characteristic, it includes some side feeders where the independent lateral sheets are stacked and some devices for conveying such lateral sheets that place them on both sides of the male forming element or mandrel, in whose descent such lateral sheets are conveyed and also the main sheet to the folding mold located underneath where the box assembly will be finally formed. This folding mold also includes some improvements that facilitate the assembly of the box.