Abstract: The beverage container apparatus utilizes die cut positioning points, which are mechanically engaged to assist accurate location of a two piece package, when joined on an automatic folder/gluer. A six fold top includes four flaps in the top four corners. A horizontal score line is located at the base of each flap, so that the flaps may be reverse folded approximately 90 degrees, allowing adhesive applicator to access the upper region of the partially closed end panels. The center gusset flap crease is slightly offset, to allow a pulling action forcing a tight closure of the flap against the unglued portion of the final closure. The flaps are designed to match up with the end wall alignment, when closed. The six-fold bottom has relief edges cut on both long panels. This assists accurate location of both panels. A die cut paper handle patch, or other separate and integrated handle options are included, which provides improved tear strength.

Abstract: A bottle carrier is foldable from two blanks, and is relatively strong, inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetic in appearance, and easy to assemble. The carrier has several advantages: it provides a reduction in paper board costs, improves manufacturing costs, retains the “basket” features demanded by the marketing needs of the beverage industry, and improves packaging line production at the beverage manufacturing location. The carrier is made by joining two blanks, one of which is a component referred to as a shell. The shell provides all “basket” printed surfaces and a handle visible to the consumer on the display shelf. The second component provides the internal longitudinal and transverse product separation, handle reinforcement, and bottom closure flaps. This component is referred to as a partition assembly. The shell and the partition assembly are formed as die cut components, which are then accurately joined by adhesive applied to designated locations.

Abstract: A thread and punch lock for article carriers includes a first closure panel with a plurality of spaced tongues along its terminal end. A locking tab is provided in longitudinal line with each tongue and adjacent thereto. The tab extends in opposing direction to the tongue; the tab and tongue together forming a locking unit. The second closure panel includes two substantially parallel, transversely elongated slits for receiving each locking unit when the closure panels are in proper overlapping relation. Disposed between these slits is the closure panel material forming a protector strap. The closure panels are locked together by inserting the tongue through the slit furthest from the edge of the second closure panel. The tab is then punched in the slit nearest the edge of the second closure panel so as to overlie the second closure panel and create edge to edge engagement. The protector strap overlies the tab along the interior of the carrier to hold the tab in locked engagement and provide extra strength.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming flat cut carton blanks into erected cartons with debowed carton side panels is disclosed. The apparatus includes a forming head receiving and directing a carton blank through forming guides, side walls engaging and supporting the carton side panels that bend into upright position relative to the carton bottom panel during descending movement through the forming guides. Presser fingers pivotally secured to the forming guides project inwardly into the forming head path. The presser fingers bend the side panels into cutout openings provided in the side walls to overbreak the side panels at fold lines between the carton side and bottom panels. An inclined surface with a sharp creasing edge abutting the fold lines enables the presser fingers to initially crease the fold lines and thereafter bend the carton side panels inwardly onto the inclined surface for controlled overbreaking movement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a stackable tray from a paperboard blank having a base panel, two pairs of wall panels attached to the base panel, adhesive coated gussets formed at the corners of the wall panels, and flanges formed along the outer edge of each wall panel. The tray forming apparatus includes a vertically reciprocating plunger having vacuum ports formed in its side walls, two pairs of flange folding fingers mounted on the plunger, a forming head including a cavity disposed beneath the plunger, and a stacking cage having flange retaining rails disposed beneath the cavity for receiving the trays after forming. The trays are formed as follows:A tray blank is first positioned over the forming cavity. The downwardly reciprocating plunger contacts the blank and urges it into the cavity causing the tray sidewalls to be erected and the adhesive coated gusset corners to be folded against adjacent side walls. The erected tray walls are retained on the plunger by the vacuum ports.

Abstract: Apparatus for adhesively bonding a clam-shell type carton formed from a paperboard blank includes a carton forming die for receiving the paperboard blank, a movable frame for transferring the carton blank from a stack into registration over the die and a reciprocating plunger mounted above the die for forcing the carton blank into the die to fold and erect the carton. The movable frame includes a number of vacuum assisted suction cups for lifting the carton blank from the stack and a plurality of spring-loaded adhesive applicators, connected to a pressurized source of adhesive, for applying a spot of adhesive to selected portions of the carton blank when the blank, carried by the movable frame, is pressed into registration over the forming die.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously feeding and controlling wraparound carrier for packaging a plurality of articles or containers is disclosed. The carriers are of the type having at least two draw-down and feed openings, one opening formed on each side thereof. Each carrier is initially partially wrapped about a plurality of containers. The carrier and container assemblies move along a guide track to the entrance of the carton draw-down (tightening) conveyor line of the present invention. The conveyor line comprises a pair of continuously moving timing chains having a plurality of draw-down lugs pivotally attached to and spaced apart along the chain. Each lug includes a tongue portion adapted for insertion through the openings to feed and to draw down the side walls, and also to control the positioning and movement of the containers.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a hinged or clamshell type carton from a paperboard blank includes a carton forming die for receiving the paperboard blank, a movable frame for transferring the carton blank from the stack into registration over the die, and a reciprocating plunger mounted above the die for forming the carton. The blank is formed into a finished carton in one simple harmonic motion. The movable frame includes a number of vacuum assisted suction cups for lifting the carton blank from the stack and at least a pair of gathering rollers which cooperate with a pair of pivoting blades mounted adjacent the die to fold and gather the hinge of the carton blank as the blank is positioned and pressed into contact with the die. A pair of inverted "T" retaining bars, disposed on the die adjacent the carton hinge, prebreak glue tabs on the carton and capture and retain the wall panels of the carton when the blank is pressed into registration with the forming die.

Abstract: A corner lock carton exhibiting improved lock retention includes a base panel, a pair of wall panels, and a locking flap panel joined to one of the wall panels. The other wall panel includes a locking slit formed inwardly thereon to receive the locking flap panel. The slit has a vertical segment, a horizontal segment, and an angled segment connecting the vertical and horizontal segments the ends of the angled segments being disposed at an angle of 40.degree. to the vertical segment. The flap panel includes a lock member having a first edge portion aligned parallel to the vertical segment of the slit when the carton is erected and a second edge portion disposed at an angle of 45.degree. to the first edge portion. When the wall panels are erected, the lock member is disposed through the slit, and the second edge portion of lock member engages the slit at a point adjacent the juncture of the vertical segment and the angled segment to securely interlock the flap panel and slit together.