Abstract: A smart mandrel for use with a container forming machine to form a Bliss style container having one or more structural columns in a side or end of the container. In the preferred embodiment, the mandrel has a frame, a female profile mechanism having a female forming tool fixedly supported by the frame, a male profile mechanism having a male forming tool slidably supported by the frame, an engaging mechanism to hold a side blank against the female forming tool and an actuating mechanism that moves the male forming tool into engagement with the female forming tool to form a column in the side blank. A mandrel carriage moves the formed side blank into engagement with a Bliss style body blank to form the desired container. The engaging mechanism comprises one or more suction cups and the actuating mechanism is a linear actuator having a pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A multifunctional container for storing, transporting, displaying and selling a wide range of goods has a bottom wall, a pair of opposing end walls and a pair of opposing side walls that can be formed into a variety of different container configurations. The container of the present invention has integrally formed structural columns for superior stacking strength and resistance to distortion. The columns are formed by providing column fold lines in extension members that are integrally formed with the panels that define the end walls and then pressing the fold lines between a folding arm having a protrusion and a cooperatively configured mandrel. The container can have integral cover flaps, corner panels, dividers and/or partitions. The container utilizes areas of a blank that would normally be discarded as waste. By slitting, scoring and folding these areas, various features can be formed to enhance flexibility and functionality of the container.

Abstract: The feed apparatus for feeding container blanks into a container forming machine comprises a hopper at or near its first end for holding a plurality of blanks, a selecting mechanism for selecting one of the blanks, a moving mechanism to move the blanks toward the elevated second end and then the machine and a transferring mechanism for rotating the blank from its angled direction to a substantially vertical direction for placement at the machine's receiving station. Preferably, the moving mechanism comprises a pair of parallel chains interconnected by a shaft having a gripping mechanism configured to securely grip the blank. A pivot mechanism pivots the shaft and the gripping mechanism, which is selectively opened to grip the blank below the hopper and release the blank at the machine. Laminating, folding and compressing components are provided to add adhesive, fold and then compress sections of the blank before reaching the machine.

Abstract: A smart mandrel for use with a container forming machine to form a Bliss style container having one or more structural columns in a side or end of the container. In the preferred embodiment, the mandrel has a frame, a female profile mechanism having a female forming tool fixedly supported by the frame, a male profile mechanism having a male forming tool slidably supported by the frame, an engaging mechanism to hold a side blank against the female forming tool and an actuating mechanism that moves the male forming tool into engagement with the female forming tool to form a column in the side blank. A mandrel carriage moves the formed side blank into engagement with a Bliss style body blank to form the desired container. The engaging mechanism comprises one or more suction cups and the actuating mechanism is a linear actuator having a pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A container (10) includes a base (12), a pair of opposed endwalls (14) and a pair of opposed sidewalls (16), each sidewall having at least one reinforcing pillar (20) to form at least one pair of opposed reinforcing pillars with bracing means (26) extending between the opposed reinforcing pillars for bracing the sidewalls from bulging outwardly under load.