Abstract: A universal packer unfolds folded open side container blanks into fully opened containers and side loads them with complements of articles. The blanks are metered by a supply station and are propelled downstream to an unfolding station. The container flaps are spread apart, and expander arms enter the interior of each blank, thereby starting to unfold it. Erector arms strike the partially opened blank at the trailing edge thereof and push the trailing edge downward relative to the blank leading edge, thereby continuing the unfolding process. Drop lug assemblies emerge from under the blank trailing panel and pivot from a horizontal to a vertical attitude while in contact with the blank trailing panel, thereby completely unfolding the blank. Simultaneously with blank unfolding, a pair of grouper mechanisms forms the complements from a mass of the articles. The complements are propelled downstream in unison and aligned with the open containers.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for opening folded open side carton blanks. The apparatus includes a first conveyor system for stripping blanks from a supply thereof at a first speed and for propelling the blanks downstream to a second conveyor system operating at a second speed greater than the first speed to accelerate the blanks and propel them to an unfolding station. The carton lower layer flaps are bent angularly downward. A pair of paddles having inclined leading edges rotate in horizontal planes to penetrate the space between the carton upper and lower layers and to lift the upper layer above the lower layer. The paddles also have bottom surfaces for holding the blank lower layer downwardly. The paddle tips travel at a faster speed than the second conveyor, so the tips slide forwardly to contact and push the blank leading panel forwardly to further unfold the flank.

Abstract: A case packer for loading open side cases and trays with generally upright articles includes apparatus for controlling the location of the case flaps during the loading operation. A pair of doors is interposed in the path of the articles being loaded. The articles contact the doors, which swing open to push the side flaps out of the way. A plow-like strip is employed to control the location of the case bottom flap. The case blanks are stored in generally vertical stacks in an open-bottom hopper. The blanks are folded and supported so that pulling the lowest blank downwardly partially unfolds the blank before it is deposited onto a conveyor. The conveyor completes the unfolding process while transporting the case to the article loading station.

Abstract: A case loader for placing articles such as beverage packs in cases or cartons includes a supply conveyor for articles and a carton conveyor which merges into the article conveying path and pairs of spaced guide plates or loading plates supported on overhead endless chains arranged along the sides of the conveying path to grip and center the articles on the supply conveyor and to "shoe horn" the articles into the cartons. A case displacement lever pivots in the gap between spaced runs of the case conveyor to raise the leading edge of the case or carton upwardly to lessen the drop distance of the article into the case to minimize damage.

Abstract: A case loader for placing articles such as beverage packs in cases or cartons includes a supply conveyor for articles and a carton conveyor which merges into the article conveying path and pairs of spaced guide plates or loading plates supported on overhead endless chains arranged along the sides of the conveying path to grip and center the articles on the supply conveyor and to "shoe horn" the articles into the cartons. A case displacement lever pivots in the gap between spaced runs of the case conveyor to raise the leading edge of the case or carton upwardly to lessen the drop distance of the article into the case to minimize damage.

Abstract: Apparatus for closing the flaps on a carton in an in-line path includes rotary brushes located on opposite sides of the conveyor path with the bristles extending toward and within the carton conveying path. In one embodiment, the bristles on the brushes sweep the leading carton flap upwardly and rearwardly over the carton top to close the leading flap as the cartons are conveyed past the bristles. The trailing flap brushes engage the trailing carton flap and fold the flap upwardly and forwardly over the carton. The side flaps are folded over the end flaps by folding plows after glue has been applied to the end flaps. The apparatus also includes slitting knives for severing the connections between the edges of downturned carton flaps prior to movement of the cartons to the flap folding station.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a tray blank into a tray about its contents. The apparatus includes leading and trailing tray flap folders and side flap folders. The flaps on the tray blank have end tabs which are interconnected in angled oblique relation when the tray blank is formed into a tray, thus to create beveled or oblique corners of the tray. The leading and trailing tray flap folders have oblique fingers which engage the end tabs on the leading and trailing tray flaps to fold the end tabs into oblique position when the flaps are folded. The end tabs on the side flaps of the tray blank have notches into which the fingers are received. A conveyor moves the tray and its contents through the various folding elements.