Abstract: Pull tabs are applied to the two ends of the sealing courses of pressure sensitive tape applied to rectangular shipping cartons. A masking material is applied to the pressure sensitive tape during the taping operation so that the masking material will be adhered to a part of the sealing tape as a pull tab means which is applied to the rear wall of the carton being sealed and a part will be left on the tape stock to provide a pull tab means on the front wall of the carton to be next taped from the tape stock. An apparatus for forming these pull tab means also is provided.

Abstract: Perimeter seals are applied to cartons to seal them in courses which encircle a carton wall at which the transverse edges of infolded carton closure flaps are disposed. Such perimeter seals create a seal of the carton interior to prevent access thereto by dust in the atmosphere, moisture, etc. Apparatus for applying the seals includes devices to apply tape around the carton wall and wipe that applied tape onto perimeter areas of the encircled wall as well as marginal areas of the four walls adjacent and orthogonal thereto.