Abstract: A method for closing a box (1) by folding a lateral closing flap (5) extending from an upper edge (6) of a lateral aperture (7) of the box (1) and having at least one foldable edge (8), while the box (1) is being moved along a packaging line (L) in a forward movement direction (W), includes the steps of folding the lateral flap (5) until a connection line (9) of the foldable edge (8) touches stop means (15), then folding the foldable edge (8) on the striking means (15) and toward the lateral aperture (7) of the box (1), so that an outer edge (8a) of the foldable edge (8) interacts with contrast means (17), which keep elastically the edge (8) in a position raised with respect to a bottom wall (1a) of the box (1), and lastly introducing the edge (8) into the box (1). A device for carrying out the methods has folding means (14) for folding the said lateral flap.

Abstract: The closure system of the present invention includes a pressure pad of conventional design which is urged against the external surfaces of a plurality of loosely associated overlying prefolded end side wall portions of the bottom end of a carton blank which is disposed on a mandrel which includes a backup pad disposed within the carton and contiguous to the internal surfaces of the prefolded end side wall portions to thereby capture the prefolded end side wall portions between the pressure pad and the backup pad.

Abstract: A method of producing soft packets of cigarettes, whereby an inner packet, as it is fed along a packing path, is mated with a sheet of packing material withdrawn in a direction tangential with respect to the packing path. The sheet of packing material being folded into a U about the inner packet, so that a first end portion of the sheet of packing material contacts a minor lateral surface of the inner packet, and being further folded to form a tubular package which is subsequently closed at the end. The tubular package being closed laterally by detaching the first end portion from the relative minor lateral face, and inserting, beneath the first end portion, a second portion, an outer surface of which has been gummed beforehand.

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 method and apparatus for applying glue to boxes, and more particularly a method and apparatus that is used for applying glue to boxes during a process of sealing the flaps of boxes is disclosed.

Abstract: A sleeve-type half package is closed by applying two beads of glue on each of two flaps on each end of the sleeve, folding those flaps inwardly by engagement with a nonglued strip between the beads and then folding the other two flaps at each end inwardly to engage a bead of glue on each of the two first-folded flaps at each end. The folding is done by thrust members as the half package is displaced linearly along a transport path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper pack for containing milk or beverages, etc. sanitary and for keeping the refrigerator cleanly preventing the smell. More particularly, it relates to a sanitary pack, which provides a method for opening and closing a paper pack without occurring any inconvenience, by sealing up the room of paper gap tightly as itself without any supplementary attachments or devices such as clip, pin, etc. this sanitary pack offer prevention of over flowing of the contents of beverage by falling over during its use after its opening and convenience of keeping the contents of beverage clean with easiness by folding the cutting section of the paper pack in the refrigerator as well. It is highly effective promoting the degree of airtight of paper pack itself.

Abstract: A gabled, gussetted resealable lined container having an outer carton with foldable closure flaps and a liner within the carton. The upper inner surfaces of the liner are releasably sealed together after filling with product and at least one of the liner upper outer edges adhered to the closure flaps on the carton, whereby when the closure flaps are opened, the inner liner is pulled opened and when the closure flaps are closed, the inner liner is resealed to maintain product freshness.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for folding a flap on a work piece. The apparatus comprises a central frame, and a reference surface supported by the frame operatively receivingly engaging the work piece. A positioning and folding device comprises a circular pin extendable over the reference surface and longitudinally moveable to abuttingly engage and position the work piece. An actuator rotates the pin between a first position and a second position. A tamping member extends from the pin and defines an abutting surface abuttingly engaging the work piece in the first position of the pin. A folding member extends from the distal end of the tamping member, and is clearingly angled away from the work piece in the first position of the pin. The folding member foldingly engages the flap in the second position of the pin. The pin maintains the abutting engagement against the work piece at the first and second positions and therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a box having four top flaps initially disposed in an open position. The apparatus includes a conveying system for conveying the box from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a flap folding system for folding the top flaps of the box into folded and horizontal positions as the box is conveyed from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The flap folding system has a first flap folding member configured to fold a fourth top flap of the box, a second flap folding member configured to fold a second top flap of the box, and a pair of oppositely disposed side flap folding members configured to fold a first and third top flaps of the box so as to abut each other. A tape dispensing system is configured to dispense tape across at least a portion of the third and fourth top flaps of the box in order to maintain the third and fourth top flaps in abutment with each other, thereby sealing the box.

Abstract: A carton manipulating device for rotating a carton in a packaging machine, which apparatus comprises carton pick up means adapted to engage at least one carton from the infeed stream and to convey the carton through a working reach of the apparatus and wherein the pick up means is rotatable intermittently along the working reach to cause the carton to be rotated during continuous forward movement.

Abstract: In a method and device for continuously wrapping products (3), while the products (3) are being fed continuously at a first speed (V1) along an intermediate portion (44) of a first path (P1) and in a first direction (D1), together with their intermediate wrappers (2a), the latter having a first and a second wing (37, 38), projection from, and on opposite sides of a surface (30) of the product (3), the wings (37, 38) make contact with a first folder (43) that moves at a second speed (V2) which is faster than the first speed (V1) in a second direction (D2) coinciding with the first speed (D1) along a section (45) of a second a path (P2).

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 package for a sterilizable item is provided. The package includes a tubular member having an open end and a closed end. A reinforcing panel encompassing the closed end is secured to the tubular member proximate the closed end such that the reinforcing panel includes an open end. A cuff portion is attached to the tubular member proximate the open end of the tubular member. The cuff portion includes a first edge secured to the tubular member and a second edge in spaced relation from the first edge, wherein in the cuff portion extends from the open end of the tubular member and substantially overlaps the open end of said reinforcing panel. A portion of the inside surface of the tubular member is thus exposed and defines the width of the cuff portion. In the preferred embodiment, the cuff portion is integral with the tubular member.

Abstract: A gabled, gussetted resealable lined container having an outer carton with foldable closure flaps and a liner within the carton. The upper inner surfaces of the liner are releasably sealed together after filling with product and at least one of the liner upper outer edges adhered to the closure flaps on the carton, whereby when the closure flaps are opened, the inner liner is pulled opened and when the closure flaps are closed, the inner liner is resealed to maintain product freshness.

Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is attached to a retainer to hold the leading end of the packaging material as the retainer moves toward the load. The retainer is positioned adjacent the load and packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material is released from the retainer in response to force applied to the retainer to withdraw it from the wrapped load.

Abstract: A method and machine for packing a product by means of a flat blank having a central portion supporting the product and in turn having first lateral wings, and two opposite lateral portions, each having second lateral wings; the method and machine provide for folding the first lateral wings using at least one folding body, which has a first and a second folding edge differently inclined with respect to each other, and is rotated about an axis of rotation so that the first folding edge folds a respective first lateral wing to a given angle of less than 90°, and the second folding edge folds corresponding second lateral wings to an angle of 90°; the folding body is then rotated further about the axis of rotation so that the first folding edge completes the folding of the first lateral wing to 90°.

Abstract: A case sealer for overlap flap type boxes wherein the major flaps extend greater than ½ the width of the carton. The case sealer uses a folding shoe for folding the inner major flap and then holding the inner major flap and a trailing minor flap in folded position until a plough folds a leading minor flap and the overlies the inner major flap and at least the leading minor flap at least until the outer major flap traps the trailing and leading flaps and thus the inner major flap in folded position.

Abstract: A gabled, gussetted resealable lined container having an outer carton with foldable closure flaps and a liner within the carton. The upper inner surfaces of the liner are releasably sealed together after filling with product and the upper outer edges adhered to the closure flaps on the carton whereby when the closure flaps are opened, the inner liner is pulled opened and when the closure flaps are closed, the inner liner is resealed to maintain product freshness.

Abstract: Apparatus, namely folding turret (20), for producing (cigarette) packs (10), in the case of which a blank, in particular an outer paper blank (13), has folding tabs, namely side tabs (18, 19), which are connected to one another by spots of glue (28). The spots of glue (28) are transferred onto the side tab (18) by glue nozzles (31), the guidance of the movement path of the packs (10) relative to the glue nozzles (31) being such that, following a portion of glue (29) for the spot of glue (28), unwanted portions (32) emerging from the glue nozzle (31) are intercepted by the radially inner side tab (19). For this purpose, said radially inner side tab may be formed so as to be in an oblique position.

Abstract: A disposable and recyclable cooler (300) made of paper coated with a polymer. Some embodiments of the present invention transform from a first configuration that snugly retains a set of beverage containers to a second, expanded configuration that retains ice proximate the beverage containers.

Abstract: A carton folding apparatus operable to close the top of a carton having a front inner flap, a rear inner flap, a right outer flap, and a left outer flap. The carton folding apparatus comprises a frame which has an input end and an output end. Extending between the input end and the output end of the frame is a conveyor which is adapted to transport cartons from a position upstream of the input end of the frame to a position downstream of the output end thereof. A flap folding assembly is mounted for vertical movement along the frame in order to accommodate cartons of various sizes. The flap folding assembly is positioned above the conveyor and includes a stationary front flap folding bar, a rotatable rear flap folding arm, a right outer flap folding member, and a left outer flap folding member. Each of outer flap folding members includes an end. The ends of the outer flap folding members are adapted to be moved closer to or further from one another upon rotation of the outer flap folding members.

Abstract: A folding method for forming a sealed tubular wrapping about a packet, whereby the packet is fed onto a step-operated folding conveyor together with a sheet of wrapping material having a first and a second end portion; the sheet is folded into a tube about the packet so that the first end portion is superimposed on the second end portion along one of the surfaces of the packet; and the first end portion is then detached from the second end portion to deposit adhesive between the first and second end portions, and is then brought back into contact with the second end portion.

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: Soft-case packet plus method and device for manufacturing same and other packets. On soft-case packets for cigarettes, blanks for an inner wrapping (17) and an outer soft pouch (18) made of paper or the like are folded in usual fashion on a hollow folding mandrel (10) of a rotary folding unit (12). Folding flaps of the soft pouch (18) are connected to one another by glue in the region of a side wall (23) and in the region of a base. The glue is applied by glue nozzles during the manufacture of the packet as a row of glue spots (26, 41) to the respective folding flaps, i.e. to an inner flap (24) lying radially on the outside in relation to the rotary folding unit (12) and to the inner side of an outer base flap (39) extending in the direction of the perimeter.

Abstract: A carton blank and a leakproof carton formed therefrom which carton has an outer enclosure formed from a relatively rigid material and having an openable top portion and a closed bottom portion and a leakproof inner liner having a central body portion secured to an opposed central body of the outer enclosure, a closed bottom and an openable closed top so that after portions of the material in the carton have been removed the top portion and adjacent portions of the inner liner's central body may be separated from the central body of the outer enclosure and folded downwardly to protect the remaining material in the carton. In one embodiment, after all the material has been removed from the carton, the leakproof inner liner may be completely removed from the outer enclosure.

Abstract: At a certain stage in the fabrication of a rigid cigarette packet, which appears essentially as a rectangular cup or body with a coaxial lid, the partly formed packet is transferred from a first feed path onto a second feed path, still having longitudinal flaps that project on either side from a front face of the body and a front face of the lid; the transfer is effected by means of a device that includes in a rotatable platform with at least one gripper head designed to engage at least the two front faces of the single packet in such a way that the body and lid remain stably interconnected, and during the course of the transfer movement to rotate the packet through 90.degree. about an axis which is normal to the front faces.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a pre-wrapped gift package which appears to be hand wrapped. It includes forming a sheet of box material with affixed decorative paper into a flattened box tube. The box material is provided with flaps so that a consumer may erect the tube into an open box and use the flaps to form end closures. A volume sizer is provided in the form of creased box material which, when erected, provides an illustration of the volume made available when the pre-wrapped gift box is erected. Box loading devices are provided in the form of inner sleeves and mechanical devices into which the gift is placed before insertion into the pre-wrapped gift box. Side loading, top-opening configurations provide additional support for the pre-wrapped appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a pre-wrapped gift package which appears to have been hand wrapped. The method includes forming a sheet of box construction material with decorative paper affixed thereto into a flattened box tube by joining ends thereof. The box construction material is properly creased and provided with flaps so that a consumer may erect the flattened box tube into an open box so that the end flaps form ends of the box and the decorative paper forms a pair of paper flaps which may be overlapped and secured. A volume sizer is provided in the form of creased box construction material which, when erected, provides an illustration of the volume made available when the pre-wrapped gift box is erected. Box loading devices, particularly useful for shirt box sized packages, are provided in the form of inner sleeves and mechanical devices into which the gift is placed before insertion into the pre-wrapped gift box.

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 carton blank for forming a leakproof carton comprising an outer enclosure formed from a relatively rigid material an openable top a closed bottom and a central body and a leakproof inner liner having a central body portion secured to the central body of the outer enclosure, a closed bottom and an openable closed top so that after portions of the material in the carton have been removed the top portion and adjacent portions of the inner liner's central body may be separated from the central body of the outer enclosure and folded downwardly to protect the remaining material in the carton. In one embodiment, after all the material has been removed from the carton, the leakproof inner liner may be completely removed from the outer enclosure.

Abstract: A carton, formed from a unitary sheet of a relatively rigid material having a sheet of a relatively flexible fluid impervious material secured thereto and wherein a top portion of the sheet of a relatively flexible fluid impervious material extends upwardly from a common plane formed below the fold lines of the top panels of the unitary sheet of a relatively rigid material, wherein the top portion of the sheet of a relatively flexible fluid impervious material has facing surfaces adjacent to the top edge thereof that can be folded over two times to form a folded portion lying substantially in a plane parallel to the common plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding the minor flaps of an unfolded sleeve around an item to be packaged, thereby minimizing the amount of handling required. The apparatus folds a sleeve around the item to be packaged. The sleeve has four walls, each wall having a lower edge defining a lower perimeter, and further having a first and second unfolded panel extending downwardly from the walls. The apparatus comprises a first fold bar located upstream of the box, and a second fold bar located downstream of the box. Each fold bar has a folding portion located at substantially the same height as the perimeter, such that when the fold bar is moved into contact with an unfolded panel, the fold bar contacts and folds an unfolded flap into the plane of the perimeter. In a preferred embodiment, the first fold bar is moved into contact with a first panel, and the sleeve is moved downstream to cause the second fold bar to contact the second panel.

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: The invention relates to a folding box with self-adhesive seal and a method for sealing the folding box. The folding box has a cover (6) which can be locked in the sealing position at one of its free edges by a mechanical locking (10, 11), flaps (14, 15) that can be folded in under the cover, and contact adhesive strips (17) with covering strips (19) able to be pulled off, for gluing the cover (6) together with the flaps (14, 15). The covering strips (19) have at their free end a tab (19a) that protrudes from the closed folding box. By pulling on the tab (19a), the covering strips (19) can be pulled out laterally under the cover (6) locked in sealing position, in order to glue the cover (6) together with the flaps (14, 15). On perforated tear lines (23), the middle section of the cover (6) can be opened again, without having to undo the adhesive connection in doing so.

Abstract: A carrying case for a hand-held transceiver having an antenna either removed or extending from a top wall thereof is provided having a pocket formed of generally flexible panels for receiving the transceiver within the pocket. A pair of independently closable flaps extend from a rear panel of the pocket in side-by-side relationship and the flaps are operable to selectively and independently fold over respective portions of the top wall of the transceiver and attach to a front panel of the pocket with the transceiver stored therein. With an antenna extending from the top wall of the transceiver, one of the flaps is folded adjacent the rear panel of the pocket to accommodate receiving the transceiver within the pocket. The other flap is operable to fold over a portion of the top wall of the transceiver adjacent the antenna to secure the transceiver within the pocket with the antenna extending therefrom.

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 package comprised of a sleeve-type carrier containing stacked layers of bottles. The end panels, which include upper tapered portions to accommodate the necks of adjacent bottles, are formed partially of major and minor end panel flaps connected to the side panels. The minor end panel flaps are in the tapered area, as are upwardly extending flaps of the major end panel flaps. Tapered portions in the side panels are also provided for, if desired. Recesses in the minor end panel flaps avoid interference with the upwardly extending flaps of the major end panel flaps. The recesses are also shaped so that the minor end panel flaps do not interfere with a bottle restraining rail during formation of the end panel.

Abstract: A carton includes a bottom wall panel, four side wall panels, each of the side wall panels being integrally connected along a fold line to the bottom wall panel thereby defining first and second pairs of opposite side wall panels. Corner portions integrally connect adjacent side wall panels. The corner portions are secured in overlapping pairs against the second pair of opposite side wall panels. Flap members are provided with each of the flap members being integral along a flap fold line with one of the side wall panels of the first pair of opposite side wall panels. Each of the flap members includes foldable portions constructed and arranged to be folded into generally overlapping relation with a central portion of the flap member. Closure members are provided with each of the closure members being integral along a closure fold line with one of the side wall panels of the second pair of opposite side wall panels. Tab structure secures a closure member to an adjacent flap member.

Abstract: A carton end closure score line breaker mechanism for pre-breaking the top closure score lines before the filling and closing and sealing steps does not include a center post, or any components which extend into the inside of a carton end closure, eliminating any chance for contamination inside the end panels. The center-free breaker mechanism includes a pair of blades each having an arcuate center section for caving in the adjacent end panel and, thereby, bulging the side end panels and pulling in the oppositely disposed panel, and a blade fork and another pair of blades, wherein the blade fork includes two longitudinal, parallel blades which slide across the side body panels, and each blade of the other pair is a flat-faced bar for engaging the adjacent end panel and causing the side end panels to project outwardly completing the pre-breaking of all end closure score lines.

Abstract: A carton engaging assembly for use in continuous motion packaging machines is designed to perform specific functions on a carton as it moves continuously along the path of travel through the packaging machine. The carton engaging assembly includes mechanisms for aligning the carton engaging device perpendicular to the carton's path of travel and to the carton side wall, so that the engaging device enters and exits the carton side wall along the substantially perpendicular line of travel. The carton engaging assembly is a self-contained, rotary unit which is readily interchanged with other units to facilitate engagement with various sizes and shapes of cartons. The rotational movement of the carton engaging assembly is timed with the continuous linear movement of the carton along the carton path of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing bags having an open end and being particularly suited for packaging diapers. The apparatus having application in line with a diaper production and bag filling machine. The open end has a pair of horizontal lips and a pair of vertical lips. An infeed conveyor intermittently conveys each one of the bags in turn from an existing production line to a sealing station. In the sealing station, advancing means continuously advance the bags past an alignment section, a vacuum and side tucking section, adhesive application sections, and folding sections. The vacuum section holds the horizontal lips in an open position while the side tucking section tucks in each of the vertical lips to form side tucks and an upper and lower horizontal flap.

Abstract: A box forming apparatus for folding and securing the upper flaps of a box including a front inner flap folding body, back inner flap folding body, and left and right outer flap folding bodies for moving the respective flaps of a box into its upper opening plane. The novel apparatus further includes a cooperating tape head for securing the flaps in their folded position.

Abstract: A gable top carton employs a stake joint having spaced apart legs disposed longitudinally on opposite sides of a channel, the channel being formed when a carton blank is folded to form the gable top carton. The spaced apart legs urge the material at the sides of the channel toward the center of the channel to effect a channel seal. The stake seal may be in the form of an inverted U-shaped stake seal. A method and apparatus for forming the stake seal are also contemplated.

Abstract: A cushioned shipping assembly includes a corrugated carton and foam inserts which are returned by an end user to the fabricator. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. The fabricator refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spent pieces. Preferably polyolefin foams, olefin-based adhesives and coatings, and wood fiber-based corrugated material make up the cushioned system, and one component is compatible with recycling processes of others. The fabricator may perform on-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer, thus providing a more efficient, environmentally clean system.

Abstract: A method of producing cartons of packets of cigarettes, whereby a blank, folded in a U about a respective group of packets so as to leave three exposed surfaces from each of which at least two tabs of the blank project outwards, is finish-folded, over at least one of the exposed surfaces, by a respective single folding head having a folding device for each tab, and which provides for folding the tabs in the course of one linear movement in a direction parallel to the tabs for folding and to the respective exposed surface, and with the blank maintained stationary, together with the respective group of packets, in a folding station.

Abstract: An end flap sealer for a cartoning machine for performing the step of closing and sealing at least one of the end flaps of each carton travelling along the conveyor of the cartoning machine. The cartoning machine includes a movable closer plow mounted adjacent the conveyor and having a top edge that slopes downwardly toward the approaching cartons on the conveyor of the cartoning machine. The closer plow is attached to a sliding member that is reciprocated to extend the closer plow above the conveyor of the cartoning machine as the carton moves adjacent the closer plow to fold the outermost end flap into a closed position against the other end flaps of the carton. The sliding rod is preferably angled toward the approaching cartons on the conveyor, such that the plow has components of motion both toward and away from entering cartons. The plow can be extended earlier and retracted sooner, providing increased compression duration and increasing cartoning speeds.

Abstract: A lidding apparatus has a pair of brake shoes which elevate a box from a conveyor, the box being decelerated by the brake shoes. A lidding assembly includes an opposite pair of grooves with a release configuration for supporting a flat lid blank but allowing the flaps of the blank to rotate out of the grooves. The lid blank is maintained in a flat condition as the lid blank and box are bought into mutually centered contact whereupon the side flaps are rotated toward the box through the clearances provided by the release configuration by shoes of the lidding assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for erecting collapsed, tubular cartons (12) is disclosed including a device (32) for removing the top carton (12) of a vertical stack of cartons (12) in a hopper (26) and moving it in a horizontal orientation to an operative position. In the operative position, the second side panel (16) of the collapsed carton (12) underlies at least the first end panel (18) which is in a linear arrangement with the first side panel (14). Suction cups (76) carried by a frame (74) are secured to the second side panel (16) in an attachment position and moved by a parallelogram linkage to an open position located vertically below and coinciding with the first side panel (14). In a first preferred form, the folded closure flaps (22-25) are held by a tape piece (116) applied by a taping machine (114) carried by the last tucking arm (106).

Abstract: A carton blank includes a laminated blank body having a top and a bottom. A plurality of bottom creases are formed in the bottom of the blank body. The bottom creases define bottom flaps that are adapted to be folded and sealed to form a substantially rectangular bottom surface of a finished gable top carton. The bottom flaps are sealed together along a bottom seal that substantially bisects the bottom surface of the finished carton. A plurality of top creases are formed in the top of the blank body. The top creases define top flaps that are adapted to be folded and sealed into a gable top of the finished gable top carton, with the gable top having an upstanding longitudinal top fin. The top creases are arranged on the blank body to enable the carton blank to be folded and sealed such that the top fin of the finished gable top carton may be either parallel with, or transverse to, the bottom seal of the finished gable top carton.