Abstract: An apparatus for forming packages of pre-cooked meals. The package comprises a tray enclosed at least partially by a card sleeve having top and bottom faces and two opposing side walls. The forming apparatus includes a series of forming tools mounted for movement at spaced intervals and each forming tool is provided for the reception of a sleeve in a blank flattened form. As the sleeve is introduced into the forming tool the sleeve is moved to the erected condition, the tray is inserted in the erected sleeve and the formed package removed from the forming tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of packages of the type used typically for pre-cooked meals. The package comprises a tray enclosed at least partially by a card sleeve having top and bottom faces and two opposing side walls. The forming apparatus includes a series of forming tools mounted for movement at spaced intervals and each provided for the reception of a sleeve in a blank flattened form. As the sleeve is introduced into the forming tool the sleeve is moved to the erected condition, the tray is inserted in the erected sleeve and the formed package removed from the forming tool.