Abstract: A battery package capable of standing upright comprising a front member, a rear member pivotally connected to the front member, and a foot pivotally connected to a bottom of the rear member. The rear member and the front member have an open configuration and a closed configuration. The rear member and the front member are configured to capture batteries therebetween when in the closed configuration. The foot is pivoted to abut against a rear bottom portion of the rear member, thereby placing the foot in a support position such that the battery package can stand on a horizontal surface. The foot is maintained in the support position by adhesive.

Abstract: A three-piece pocket-size container for holding a consumer product such as smokeless tobacco product in an interior volume of a perimeter band which has a base locked to a lower rim portion and an openable cover on an upper rim of the perimeter band. When closed, the cover, the perimeter band and the base form a flush exterior sidewall of the container. The base and cover can be metal and the perimeter band can be transparent (clear, tinted or colored) or opaque plastic to provide a container that maintains product freshness, and is easily opened and closed.

Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.

Abstract: A hanger may include a body for supporting a package from a rod. A support portion may extend from the body and may define a gap to receive the rod. The body may define a slot for receiving the tab and may include a first major face that fully encloses the slot. The body may also include a living hinge defining a fold axis. The living hinge may extend across the first major face on opposite sides of the slot and extend inline with the slot. In some examples, the support portion defines a J-hook. In some examples, the hanger is incorporated into a package assembly including a package configured to house a product and including a tab, wherein the tab extends through the slot to support the package from the rod with the hanger.

Abstract: A portable food dispenser includes one or more containers. A first container is capable of being only partially opened to provide access to food or a second container. The second container includes a cover that can be opened to provide access to food.

Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.

Abstract: A container comprises a clamshell-like shape. The container includes a hinge positioned low on a viewing face and opens high on the rear end. The interior of the container is shaped so as to present its contents at a desirable viewing angle, the container intended to provide an unobstructed view through the viewing face. The container may comprise a closing mechanism at the rear end to hold the container closed. The container can contain products for sale, including cookies, slices of pound cake, other baked goods, and other products.

Abstract: An airbag module for use in a motor vehicle is manufactured by first to third steps. In the first step, the airbag is folded into a predetermined configuration, and in the second step, an entire external surface of the airbag, in an initially folded condition obtained in the first step, is wrapped in a bag-shaped film forming member. The bag-shaped film forming member includes a plurality of resin layers formed in a layer-stack manner with regard to a film cross-sectional direction. In the third step, the initially folded airbag is housed in the airbag-housing member in a condition wherein the airbag has an airbag volume reduced to less than the airbag volume at a time of being initially folded, by a compression force applied to the bag-shaped film forming member.

Abstract: A top sealer for a gable top package having a sealed top fin includes an arm support and a pair of opposing arms pivotally mounted to the arm support. The arms each have a sealing jaw at about an end thereof. The arms are pivotal to move the sealing jaws toward and away from one another through an arc. The arm support is linearly movable toward and away from the package, as the arms pivot, to move the sealing jaws downward, toward the package, to alter the arc of the pivoting sealing jaws.

Abstract: A container system and a method for transporting hazardous materials is disclosed. One embodiment of the container system includes a soft-sided outer shell and an inner frame. The outer shell is at least partially collapsible when unsupported. The outer shell may include a plurality of vertical walls integrally formed with a bottom and an open top. A lid may be adapted to be selectively secured to the vertical walls to close the outer shell. A fastener, such as a zipper, may be provided to secure the lid to the vertical walls. The inner frame has rigid walls and is adapted to support the outer shell when the inner frame is inserted inside the outer shell. The inner frame is at least partially collapsible. One embodiment of the method includes providing a soft-sided container that is at least partially collapsible when unsupported. Hazardous material is positioned into the container.

Abstract: A method of handling an alcoholic beverage in a container, the method comprising the steps of: at a first location, obtaining an alcoholic beverage in a container having an unopened state, an unsealed/closed state, and an opened state; changing the container, or having the container changed, from the unopened state into the unsealed/closed state; obtaining a closure system that is operably engageable with the container and having first and second states; placing the closure system in the first state in operative engagement, or having the closure system placed in the first state in operative engagement, with the container in one of the unsealed/closed state and opened state; and transporting the closure system from the first location to a second location with the closure system maintained in the first state and operatively engaged with the container.

Abstract: A packaging (1) in the form of a folding box has two transverse side walls (6) which abut the front side wall (4) and are configured as prismatic hollow side walls having in each case one inner wall (11), one outer wall (13) and one connecting web (12), which can be erected in the manner of a parallelogram from the plane of the bottom section (2). In order to secure an intermediate position, a bottom section (2), a lid part (3), a front side wall (4) and an opposite rear side wall (5) can be stabilized by means of securing means (14, 15) in such a way that they form a prismatic hollow body, it being possible for the intermediate position to be set up before the erection of the transverse side walls (6). Finally, the transverse side walls (6) can be connected in a latching manner to the lid part (3) during the erecting operation by means of latching means (7, 8) in order to secure the end position.

Abstract: A container for holding novelty items, toys or candies that is an openable closed-shape with a lock/release plug. The closed-shape can be repeatedly opened and closed to remove and refill the novelty items. The container can be any closed-shape required for end use. A lock/release plug is used to both open and lock the closed-shape into a closed state. The lock/release plug is dimensioned to fit within the interior diameter of the closed-shape. The closed-shape has slots proximate each open end that interact with compression tabs on the lock/release plug. A center stop assists in aligning the compression tabs with the slots. The container can be configured to be a hula hoop or be adorned on one's body, such as a necklace or a bracelet.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine for forming a latching flip-top box from a blank. A plurality of mandrels are coupled to a conveyor system. Each of the mandrels include a mounting block for coupling the mandrel to the automatic packaging machine, a package-holding assembly operatively connected to the mounting block and being rotatable about a first axis from a first position to a second position, and a flap holder assembly operatively connected to the mounting block. The flap holder assembly is rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A plurality of plows and tucker assemblies sequentially manipulate portions of the blank in order to form portions of the box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means of packaging to reduce decomposition of particulate products, such as dry flake cereals that are often crushed, compacted, or pulverized during shipping and handling, by distributing the product across a multiplicity of structurally isolated cellular storage sections within the package.

Abstract: A method of packaging merchandise items for shipment and display provides a box shaped merchandising container is formed including an enclosure with four quadrilateral sides and open top and a bottom closed by flaps. In preparation for shipment, the merchandise is loaded into an open bottom end of the container, opposite the end in which an information panel is installed, and then a removable cap is installed. The product information panel at a top corner of the enclosure is exposed when an enclosure cap is removed from that end of the enclosure. The information panel disposed at a corner of the rectangular open end of the enclosure is dimensioned to permit flat merchandise, such as home type air filters, to be withdrawn from the enclosure without destructive effect on the information panel when the closure cap is removed from the container.

Abstract: A metal cap 12 is fitted over a vessel (vial 2), into which a rubber plug 4 is driven, and using a pressure block 10, a load is applied to the cap 12 through the top surface 12b thereof to maintain the rubber plug 4 compressed. Under this condition, a tightening roller 14 folds a skirt (lower end 12c of a cylindrical portion 12a) of the cap 12 inwardly to perform a tightening operation. Subsequently, the load applied to the top surface 12b of the cap is once released, and then a load is applied again starting from a value FB which is less than the load FA applied during the tightening operation, gradually increasing to a higher value. In the course of increasing the load, a load FC at the instant when a displacement in the elevation of the top surface of the cap is detected, and this load FC is determined to be a seal load upon completion of the tightening operation. By detecting the load FC upon completion of the tightening operation, a seal capacity of the rubber plug 14 can be confirmed.

Abstract: A capping mechanism comprising an active feeder (20) device in which caps (1, 10) are fed actively forward arranged top-to-bottom along a feeding axis (30), and a hollow rotatable and linearly movable chuck device (40) arranged at the feeder's outlet end (22) and devised to grip a cap and mount said cap to a container opening. The feeder device preferably comprises movable members working in pairs (23, 24 and 25, 26 resp.) alternating to influence a row or pile of caps.

Abstract: A film and method for fastening cargo during transportation wherein the film has a percentage strain change 100 hours after applying a load of 3.5 MPa at a temperature of 23° C. of not more than 2.0%, and a percentage strain change 100 hours after applying a load of 0.5 MPa at a temperature of 55° C. of not more than 2.5%. Moreover, it is preferable for the elastic modulus at a temperature of 23° C. to be not more than 60 MPa, and the elastic modulus at a temperature of 55° C. to be not more than 20 MPa. Such a film can be formed from substantially random interpolymer(s) each comprising 1 to 99 mol % of polymer units derived from an aromatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer and/or a hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer, and 1 to 99 mol % of polymer units derived from at least one ?-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method of packaging and transporting pizza for improved efficiency and crush-resistance, this method involving the steps of (a) providing a box blank erectable into a non-wall-engaged carton comprising a substantially rectangular bottom panel, a rear wall, a pair of left and right side wall structures each comprising a side wall having a free top edge and opposing front and rear free-swinging corner flaps, a front wall structure comprising a front wall and an ancillary panel, and a cover comprising a cover panel, left and right interior-disposed support-bearing cover side flaps, and a cover front flap; (b) erecting the blank into the carton by a unique folding method; (c) opening the carton and, thereby, providing a particular pre-folded opened rectangular carton in non-wall-engaged mode; (d) placing a pizza into the opened carton; (e) closing the carton by a unique closing method; and (f) transporting the loaded carton.

Abstract: A capping apparatus 1 includes torque sensor 12 which detects an output torque when a chuck 7 is driven for rotation by a motor 9. Initially, a cap 5 is held by the chuck 7. The cap 5 is fitted over a mouth of a vessel 2, and then the chuck 7 is rotated through one revolution in a clamping direction. A resulting output torque is detected by the torque sensor 12, and the output torque rapidly increases at the position where the threads on the cap 5 and the vessel 2 abut against each other (an incipient position of meshing engagement P). The cap 5 is rotated through a given angle of rotation as referenced to the incipient position of meshing engagement P, thus threadably engaging the cap 5 with the vessel 2. The invention allows a uniform clamping of cap 5 at the completion of the capping operation.

Abstract: Hinge-lid boxes for cigarettes, comprising a box part (12) and lid (13), are frequently fitted with a closure aid for the lid (13). Said closure aid comprises interlocking elements which can be brought into engagement with one another, namely a lid inner tab (16), on the one hand, and a collar front wall (17), on the other hand. In order to ensure operativeness as soon as the pack is used, it is ensured that the closure aid is already in engagement when the pack is completed, i.e. before it is used for the first time. For this purpose, the lid (13) is partially opened after being substantially completed and is then moved into the closed position again thereby ensuring engagement of the closing elements.

Abstract: Method of using a double sided adhesive tape for sealing and opening cartons or cartonlike packages, at least one of the two films of adhesive being provided with a nontacky covering, which for sticking the adhesive tape between overlapping plies or flaps is removed partially from the adhesive layer, the bonding of the adhesive tape between the overlapping plies or flaps of the carton or of the cartonlike package taking place in such a way that the part of the covering which has not been removed from the film of adhesive is likewise situated between the overlapping plies or flaps.

Abstract: An apparatus and an automated method are disclosed by which embossed seals are created in the necks of corked bottles. A die is employed with an image bearing die surface. The bottle moves along an automated bottle track. Molten seal material is introduced into the cavity above the cork in the neck of the bottle. The image bearing surface of the seal embossing mechanism is superimposed over the mouth of the bottle containing the molten seal material. The seal embossing mechanism is centered relative to the top of the bottle. The die surface is extended from the seal embossing mechanism into contact with the surface of the molten seal material. The mechanism is motivated along an automated seal track coincident with the movement of the bottle along the automated bottle track with the image bearing die surface in contact with the molten seal material until the material has cooled so that the die impression will be retained by the sealing material. The image bearing die surface is then retracted.

Abstract: A manually operable rigid device defines a generally V-shaped groove opening onto an outer face thereof for closing a storage container in a multi-step process by bending a flexible, upstanding peripheral rim thereof over a margin of a central cover. A manually operable rigid device defines a wedge having a tip for opening a storage container in a multi-step process by unbending the previously bent rim thereof.

Abstract: An overfolding device for overfolding the top panels of a formed, filled and sealed gable top carton is disclosed herein. The overfolding of the top panels eliminates the convexing of the top panels due to a springback effect inherent in the packaging material of the carton, and thus provides a flat top panel for placement of a fitment thereon by a post processing fitment applicator. The overfolding device may be positioned directly subsequent to a top sealing station of a form, fill and seal packaging machine such as a TETRA REX® packaging machine. The overfolding device includes an attachment means, a movement means and a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism may include a plurality of projection members, a plurality of engagement members and a frame.

Abstract: Packaging and processes for facilitating fast, efficient, and reliable production line packaging of products, and more particularly perishable products including meat products. Product trays according to the present invention are formed of non-foam plastic material with three dimensional structure and configuration that imparts an esthetically pleasing appearance and feel to the customer at the point of sale, as well as offering to the consumer a container that is microwavable, dishwasher safe and freezer safe in addition, if desired, to being recyclable. Such packaging and processes are particularly useful in newly emerging automated supply chains where inventory sales are tracked to support centralized processing of meat and other perishable products at centralized facilities for shipment to geographically distant points of sale.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a cylindrical shell with an opening extending over the entire length of the cylindrical shell, a gripping member formed on the periphery of the cylindrical shell by extending outward and a pair of hooks linked with the tip end of the cylindrical shell via hinges. A fastening method using the foregoing fastening device includes the steps of passing the pair of hooks through a hole for fastening of a packing box formed of an upper box and a lower box, having the pair of hooks opened outward to bring the holding members thereof into contact with the back side surface of the packing box and at the same time having the pair of hooks engaged with each other firmly. At this time, the gripping member is in contact with the front side surface of the packing box. Accordingly, both surfaces located at each respective rim of the hole for fastening are sandwiched between the pair of hooks and the gripping member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering the top of a container with a cap made of a plastic material, wherein the container is hermetically sealed by said cap thereby protecting the top portion of the container and the contents of the container from contamination.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus (10) for producing a packaging container for liquid foods from a packaging container blank (40) by permanently uniting and sealing at least two of its edges (61, 65) with the aid of a hot melt glue, the hot melt glue being applied along one of the two edges with the aid of a heated applicator roller (11). The circumferential surface (21) of the hot roller is preferably made of hardened steel with a coating (22) countersunk in a groove int he surface along the circumference of the circumferential surface, the coating possessing good slippage properties in relation to the hot melt glue and the coating being of a width which corresponds to the region intended for application. A counter roller (14) acts on the opposite side of the packaging laminate blank against the applicator roller for controlling the outflow of the applied hot melt glue strand.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a leakproof plastic container by completely ejecting from a mold and then transferring to a cap closing station. The process includes the steps of injecting a molten plastic material into a mold cavity and then opening the mold and ejecting the body and cap completely from the mold. Subsequently, the body and cap are gravity fed to a collection device and then transferred to a cap closing station. In the cap closing station, the body and cap are sealed before the material is fully set to form a leakproof seal.

Abstract: A food storage container has a generally rigid tubular sleeve with a generally constant cross-sectional shape along the length thereof and with first and second open ends. A flexible inner storage bag is located within the generally rigid tubular sleeve for storing a food product, and, most preferably, for storing potato chips or other food chips. A generally rigid sleeve includes a first tab adjacent the first open end of the outer sleeve formed by cutting a corner of the outer sleeve and folding the cut corner inward and a second tab adjacent the second open end of the outer sleeve formed by cutting a corner of the outer sleeve and folding the cut corner inward. These first and second tabs retain the inner storage bag within the sleeve. The tabs can be manually moved aside to access the inner bag and thus the food contents therein.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A color identifier for use with a contained cosmetic product comprises a cosmetic grade foam swab for retaining a portion of the cosmetic product and a body for associating the swab with the cosmetic product. The body generally comprises a base for supporting the swab in a region adjacent the cosmetic product's container. Further, the body comprises a translucent enclosure, through which the swab is viewable, for maintaining the swab in place upon the base. A patch of adhesive is utilized for fixed application of the color identifier's body to the cosmetic product's container. In use, a portion of the cosmetic product is applied to the swab, which is then enclosed within the body. Because the body is provided with a translucent area, the portion of the cosmetic product applied to the swab is viewable notwithstanding its sealed enclosure within the body.

Abstract: A system for packaging multiple containers wherein a carrier is moved through an applicating machine having a drum. The carrier is constructed of a flexible plastic sheet having a plurality of elongated apertures aligned in transverse ranks and a plurality of relief holes positioned between adjacent longitudinal rows of the elongated apertures. A plurality of jaw pairs are positioned around a perimeter of the drum for gripping the carrier. The jaw pairs are movable between a closed position and an open position. The applicating machine further includes an adjustment means for adjustment of a distance between the jaws of each jaw pair in the closed position. The carrier is then positioned over a plurality of containers where each elongated aperture engages with one of the containers. The system according to this invention enables the use of a single applicating machine to package a uniform group of containers having a broad range of diameters.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for sealing the open end of a container being processed on a packaging machine. The sealing mechanism includes a first and second jaw assembly positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal pathway. Each jaw assembly includes a pair of sealing jaws, a plurality of grippers, a platform and a platform guide. The jaw assemblies operate along a continuous loop about the longitudinal pathway removing containers from filling mandrels during filling and sealing the open end thereof of the previously removed container.

Abstract: A paper container for a liquid including a base material including: a paper layer, a polyolefin type resin layer disposed on one side of the paper layer, for providing an outer surface, and a saturated polyester resin layer disposed on the other side of the paper layer by the medium of a polyolefin type resin layer, for providing an inner surface; the paper container being formed from the base material so that the polyolefin type resin layer for providing the outer surface provides an outer peripheral surface of the container, wherein the saturated polyester resin layer for providing the inner surface comprises an amorphous or low crystallinity saturated polyester resin having a glass transition point of not lower than 40.degree. C., and a portion of the base material to be disposed on the inner side of the paper container with respect to the paper layer has a water vapor permeability of not higher than 25 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.24 hr.multidot.1 atm.

Abstract: A machine which installs a carrier of elastic material having openings therein onto an end portion of an article such as a beverage can and the like. The machine moves the article generally forwardly relative to the carrier so that a leading edge of the end portion of the article engages the carrier along a portion of the periphery of one of the openings. The carrier is forced by a guide bar downwardly against the end portion of the article so that the carrier tends to be stretched and to be pushed onto the end portion of the article with the end portion being received in the opening. Fingers engaging the carrier in its openings operate cooperatively with the guide bar as the article moves forwardly relative to the carrier to force the carrier against the end portion. The fingers stretch the carrier laterally around the periphery of the end portion as the article moves forwardly relative to the carrier, generally following the contour of the article.

Abstract: Boxes each having a plurality of relatively short side panels having upper edges three of which are free edges and one of which is connected to a cover panel itself having free edges and at least one flap projecting from one of the free edges are closed by first inserting the boxes one after the other into respective pockets formed between crosswise partitions on an endless conveyor belt spanned over a plurality of rollers. Each cover is folded onto the respective box by engagement with the partitions of the respective pocket on insertion of the respective box into the respective pocket. Then adhesive is applied to the flaps while the boxes are in the pockets and the adhesive-coated flaps are pressed against the boxes while the boxes are in the pockets.

Abstract: Process for packaging compact discs (CD's) in CD boxes, in which process a CD box, with a lower side and a lid held thereon in a swingable fashion, is opened, a booklet is inserted into lid of the box, and the box is closed by a swinging back of the lid, characterized hereby, that the booklet and the lid are temporarily pressed firmly against each other during the swinging back of the lid, so that a slipping of the booklet with respect to the lid during the closing is prevented, as well as a device, in particular for carrying out such a process.

Abstract: Medical syringe containment in a telescoping leakproof two-piece container for an individual medical syringe, especially as an inner container enclosing a radiopharmaceutical-filled syringe, and being enclosed in turn within a radiation-shielding outer container useful for shipment to a use location, where the respective containers are uncapped and the syringe is removed and used--whereupon the used syringe is re-inserted into the inner container before recapping, and the outer container is recapped about the recapped inner container and contents, for shipment to a disposal or reclamation site.

Abstract: A linerless double-backed adhesive tape structure is disclosed. In one embodiment the tape has three tape strips each with an adhesive coated surface and an adhesive free surface. Two of the strips are joined to a center strip along its lateral edges with the adhesive coated surfaces of the two strips overlapping and adhered to the adhesive coated surface of the center strip. Also disclosed is a method of unitizing and sealing a plurality of containers. In one embodiment a double-backed adhesive tape structure is adhered to each of the containers and the containers are stacked together with the exposed adhesive side of the tape on each container adhered to the exposed adhesive side of the tape on an adjacent container. Finally, an apparatus for dispensing the double-backed adhesive tape of the present invention is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel top lift carrier and a novel method of forming same are disclosed herein. The carrier is used to carry a plurality of containers, such as cans, bottles and the like. The carrier is formed from a single ply, plastic handle portion which has a plurality of tabs along an edge thereof and a planar, plastic container engaging portion which has a plurality of apertures therethrough that are provided in rows. Each aperture carries one of the containers. The handle portion and the container engaging portion are formed separately and may be made of dissimilar materials. To form the completed carrier, the tabs are fused or welded to the container engaging portion between the rows of apertures. In a first embodiment, the container engaging portion is provided with a plurality of spaced slots between the rows of apertures. The tabs on the handle portion are respectively inserted through the slots and fused or welded to an underside of the container engaging portion to form a strong, peel resistant weld.

Abstract: The combination of a carrier for a container, a squaring plate, a drive for the squaring plate, and a sealing assembly. The carrier accepts a container having first and second spaced flat walls that are substantially parallel to each other with the container in an erected state and third and fourth walls each connecting between the first and second flat walls. The carrier has a first edge against which the first wall of the container can be abutted so that the first wall is thereby supported in a first orientation with the container operatively held by the carrier. The squaring plate is guided in movement relative to the carrier towards the first edge.

Abstract: The present invention forms and seals the top end of a container prior to filling and bottom sealing. The top end may have a fitment attached thereon at a variety of different positions on a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The fitment may be a screw cap, a push-in, a flip-cap type or similar fitments. The container may be a flat top ., tetrahedral or similar type container. The fitment may be applied on the exterior or the interior of the container.

Abstract: A rotary flap tucker comprising a tube sector having a smaller arc length end, a larger arc length end, a longitudinal edge, and an edge which helically advances generally from the small arc length end to the large arc length end. The tube sector has end plates each with an edge contoured to avoid contact with a carton flap as the flap tucker rotates about its center axis which is aligned with the carton travel direction. The leading edge of a flap entering the flap tucker follows the helical edge of the flap tucker as it rotates without contacting the flap for a majority of the rotation. Rotation brings the flap tucker's longitudinal edge in contact with the flap along a majority of the flap's length. Continued rotation plows the majority of the length of the flap simultaneously, thereby preventing the flap from misaligning on the carton when the flap is closed. The outside surface of the rotating flap tucker runs against the closed flap of the advancing carton, preferably along the carton's center line.

Abstract: A method wherein a strip of flat plastic carriers having openings therein for application to groups of containers is moved from a source to a feed drum for delivering a strip of carriers to an applicator apparatus, a trough interposed between the source and the feed drum. Electrical heaters are provided beneath the trough. A strip of carriers is moved through the trough such as to heat the carriers from the underside thereof. The temperature of the heaters is controlled such that the strip of carriers is conditioned to compensate for ambient temperature.

Abstract: Flap tucker assembly and cam actuators for tucking and/or closing a box container flap. One or more flap tucker assemblies, the major elements of which include a slider body, a pivotable tucker blade and a face closer assembly, are carried by a tucker transporter system which presents members of the tucker assembly to be reciprocatingly actuated by cam operators to horizontally and transversely actuate the slide body, to vertically actuate the pivotable tucker blade, and to horizontally and transversely actuate the face closer assembly in sequence as the flap tucker assembly is carried parallel to a box container conveyor.

Abstract: A paperboard container of generally semi-rigid construction and formed from a unitary blank of paperboard folded in the general shape of a U. The interior surface of the container is coated with a thermoplastic polymer barrier layer, the container having a manually openable, normally closed pour spout at one upper edge portion, and also having a recessed or raised bottom. The container is particularly adapted for packaging granular, dry material such as corn flakes, pretzels, and the like. Due to its construction and the thermoplastic barrier layer, the usual inner pouch which contains dry cereal is omitted, thereby effecting savings in both material and in assembly of the final package. In one embodiment, an opening is provided for carrying the package, the opening located at the top of the container. In another embodiment one side wall of the panel is provided with an extension to serve as a reclosure flap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a strip of carriers for delivery to an apparatus for applying a can carrier to successive groups of cans from a strip of carriers on a roll where the strip is fed from the roll to an applicator comprising a cleaning device interposed between the roll and the applicator. The cleaning device includes opposite cleaning brushes between which the strip of carriers is moved such that dirt, dust and material plate-out is removed from the surfaces of the strip.