Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a reinforcing panel assembly for forming a reinforcing corner assembly. The machine includes a hopper station for storing the blank in a substantially flat configuration and a forming station for forming the blank into the container. The forming station includes an initial forming station that rotates a first portion of the reinforcing panel assembly with respect to a second portion of the reinforcing panel assembly, and a secondary forming station having male and female forming members with shapes corresponding to an interior shape and an exterior shape of the reinforcing corner assembly, respectively. The male and the female forming members are configured to form the reinforcing corner assembly by compressing together the first and second portions of the reinforcing panel assembly.

Abstract: A case setup apparatus is generally provided. The apparatus is characterized by a robotic arm and a case engaging apparatus carried by the robotic arm. The case engaging apparatus is characterized by a picker arm assembly for picking a case blank from a source of case blanks, and a rack arm assembly for attaching to a picked case blank. The picker arm assembly is fixedly supported within the case engaging apparatus and the rack arm assembly is pivotably supported, relative to the picker arm assembly, within the case engaging apparatus. A flap folding subassembly is provided and translatably supported within the case engaging apparatus for reversible travel parallel to the picker arm assembly. The subassembly includes flap engaging members, a flap engaging member of the flap engaging members being forwardly extendable to disassociate adjacent flaps of a case blank in advance of folding a flap by the flap engaging members.

Abstract: A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a carton. The system may comprise a magazine for storing a plurality of carton blanks in a generally flat configuration. The system also has a mandrel and a panel rotation apparatus. The mandrel has a first surface oriented at a first orientation and a second surface oriented at a second orientation that may be generally orthogonal to the first orientation. The panel rotation apparatus is operable to engage a second panel of the carton blank and rotate the second panel to proximate to, and generally in the same orientation as, the second surface of the mandrel such that the second panel is oriented in a second orientation generally orthogonal to the first panel.

Abstract: A blank for forming a tray includes a bottom panel, end panels, and side panels. A first divider panel assembly is defined within the bottom panel and an end panel. The first divider panel assembly includes an upper panel defined within the end panel and an inner panel defined within the bottom panel. The upper panel is configured to be at an angle to the bottom panel, and the inner panel is configured to be at an angle to the end panel in an erected configuration. A second divider panel assembly is defined within the bottom panel and a side panel. The second divider panel assembly includes an upper panel defined within the side panel and an inner panel is defined within the bottom panel. The panels of the second divider panel assembly are configured similarly to the panels of the first divider panel assembly in the erected configuration.

Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.

Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.

Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing a partially formed carton is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed to the machine. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide multi-row trays that are formed from paperboard in order to present an environmentally-friendly, effective storage option for items.

Abstract: A machine to fold a cardboard blank into an open tray, the machine including means to displace a blank from a stack of blanks to a table, means to clamp the blank in a fixed position to the table, folding means to fold up sides and ends of the blank into vertically extending walls, consolidation means to urge overlapping flaps of the sides or ends into slots in the base of the blank and, means to eject the open tray from the machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a carton. The system may comprise a magazine for storing a plurality of carton blanks in a generally flat configuration. The system also has a mandrel and a panel rotation apparatus. The mandrel has a first surface oriented at a first orientation and a second surface oriented at a second orientation that may be generally orthogonal to the first orientation. The panel rotation apparatus is operable to engage a second panel of the carton blank and rotate the second panel to proximate to, and generally in the same orientation as, the second surface of the mandrel such that the second panel is oriented in a second orientation generally orthogonal to the first panel.

Abstract: A machine for forming a case from a blank of sheet material includes a body, a mandrel mounted on the body and having an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the case, a member mounted on the body adjacent the mandrel for applying a force to the blank for at least one of folding a portion of the blank around the mandrel, moving the blank, and securing portions of the blank together, and a servomechanism operatively connected to the member for driving and controlling movement of the member to apply the force to the blank.

Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.

Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing partially formed cartons is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant in time without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: A paper board blank is formed into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. After the platen is retracted, a first folding arm folds a top wall portion to a position generally parallel to the bottom panel. A second folding arm then folds end fold portions of outside corner supports into a passage formed between a compression plate and a fixed guide plate, wherein the fixed guide plate provides a guiding surface. The compression plate is then biased against each of the side fold portions for compressing the side fold portions against the side panels to form the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus in a folding box gluing machine has a catch hook mounted such that it can rotate about an axis in order to initiate a leading fold in a product. The apparatus further has a restoring device for the catch hook. The restoring device has at least one elastic element, the axis of the catch hook is connected to the elastic element by a rolling belt.

Abstract: A shuttle packaging machine includes a support structure having a servomotor driven shuttle device mounted thereon. A transfer arm having suction cups clamps, removes and holds a shipping blank on the shuttle device during all of the packaging functions. The major and minor flaps of the shipping container are held open during the loading of the container. Tucking or folding plows and pneumatic cylinders fold and hold the major and minor flaps. The “shuttle action” of the shuttle device during loading and flap folding allows for a compact arrangement as well as minimizing the number of parts required.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for forming and thermosealing one end of a packaging container which is manufactured from thermosealing material. The packaging container is placed in a conveyor which brings it into contact with mechanical forming devices (22) which progressively reform the packaging container end so that a sealing fin (6) oriented in the direction of movement of the packaging container is formed. In a subsequent sealing station (12), thermoplastic material located in the sealing fin (6) is heated to sealing temperature, whereafter wall portions included in the sealing fin are mechanically urged against one another during simultaneous cooling and continued advancement.

Abstract: A method of assembling a paper box, comprising a 1st step of carrying a paper box (10a) with unfolded both side wall members (26) and (27) into a clearance between a fixed stand (101) and a guide member (100) in the condition that the positions of folded parts (22) and (23) aligned with the positions of both outer end parts of the guide member (100) at a folding station (47) where the guide member (100) is disposed with a slight clearance provided above the fixed stand (101) and a clearance at both end parts thereof set equal to a clearance at the folded parts (22) and (23), a 2nd step of driving a folding member (105) so as to fold both side wall members (26) and (27) to the inside with reference to the outer end part of the guide member (100) in contact with the folded parts (22) and (23), and a 3rd step of extracting the paper box (10a) with bent both side wall members (26) and (27) from the folding station (47) by holding the front side of the paper box (10a) in its moving direction.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a pocketed card stock or paper member having a wide peripheral edge. A template (12) is provided having a forming edge with a shape corresponding to the wide peripheral edge of the member. A flexible sheet of card stock or paper (14) is also provided. An urging device (62) is provided for urging the flexible sheet of card stock or paper (14) adjacent to the template (12) such that an extended portion (54) thereof extends beyond the forming edge of the template (12) and a remaining portion thereof does not extend beyond the forming edge of the template (12). A folding device (26) is provided for urging the extended portion (54) around the forming edge and a securing device (24) is provided for securing the extended portion (54) to the remaining portion of the flexible sheet of card stock or paper (14) after the extended portion (54) has been urged around the forming edge to form a wide edge.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for forming cardboard boxes. The principal feature is that the housing is square and consists of a supply tray, box-forming suction cup rocker arm assembly, four-joint tie bar folding assembly, rocker arm tie bar folding assembly, adjustable press plate assembly, side cover-forming plate, press setting assembly, adhesive sprayer and push plate. Cardboard boxes are formed in an automated manner and the bottom thereof is sealed automatically by means of synchronizing the movements of the components pertaining to the machine. Accordingly, the employment of the equipment pertaining to the present invention can bring about a reduction in operation costs and the floor space required.

Abstract: The machine is used to fold and glue paper covering borders onto cardboard or other materials and includes a folding element (9) with a symmetrical row of bristles for folding and gluing the borders passing through in both directions and capable of acting alternately in the two opposite directions; and, on both sides of the mechanism, symmetrical receiving, pressing and advancing elements (1, 3, 5, 7; 21, 25, 27), between which the semi-finished article is fed in a first direction of advance (fA) which is orthogonal to one side of the semi-finished article, and which are capable of operating alternately in two opposite directions (fA, fB) to carry out the folding of the two parallel and opposite borders of the article; a single article may be inserted twice in orientations orthogonal to each other for the folding of the four borders.

Abstract: A box erector for erecting a box from a knock-down configuration into an open rectangular box is disclosed which includeds a frame (10) for an inventory section (20), a transfer section (22), a flap closure section (24), a taping section (26), and an exit section (28). A transfer arm (A) pivots to a pick-up position where a vacuum assembly (B) picks up a top box and pivots the top box to a box-opening position at approximately 79.degree. from the pick-up position. At the box-opening position, the box is rotated 45.degree. from its horizontal pick-up position, and first and second arms (78, 80) of vacuum assembly (B) open the box to a rectangular shape. Thereafter, the transfer arm moves the box to closure section (22). A drive belt (88) and drive pulleys (88a, 88b) rotate vacuum assembly (B) so that the box is vertically oriented when deposited at flap closure section (24).

Abstract: A number of cases are stored horizontally in a stack in a magazine. A bottom upper-inner flap of a flat folded case is folded downward to open the case by a flap-folding member while the case is being lifted from a magazine station to a flap-folding station, and while attracted to and held by a suction cup. The case is opened during this lifting and folding step. Once the bottom upper-inner flap has been folded downward, it comes into the space between the bottom outer flaps. The bottom upper-inner flap, which has been folded downward, pushes the left outer flap during the lifting operation. As the case is lifted higher and higher, both outer side flaps are opened simultaneously. The case is therefore gradually opened, during lifting, thereby forming a hollow cylindrical case. The remianing bottom flaps are closed and then sealed.

Abstract: An aligning device including an upward straightening appliance consisting of a row of levers equipped with rollers, said levers being mounted for pivoting around a horizontal axis relative to a base member, said base member being mounted for pivotable movement around a vertical axis on a longitudinally extending member, each of the base members being connected by a flexible member to a corner piece shiftable relative to the longitudinally extending member to cause pivoting of all of the base members around their vertical axes, a lower straightening appliance consisting of a driven endless belt supported on rollers arranged vertically aligned to the axes of the upper rollers, an arrangement for biasing the upper rollers against a blank carried on said belt and a lengthwise aligning rail adjustably positioned relative to the upper and lower straightening appliances.

Abstract: The automatic machine comprises a magazine, dispensing die-cuts pre-creased longitudinally with fold lines providing divisions between at least four side panels and a securing flap, suckers by which the die-cuts are picked up from the magazine, and a revolver with radial grippers. In addition, use is made of a conveyor by which the die-cut is transferred forcibly from the suckers to the revolver and bent into U-shape at the same time, and the jaws of each gripper incorporate suction passages emerging along the edges parallel to and farthest from the axis of rotation of the revolver, which firmly withstand the action of first and second folders used to press down the securing flap and the end panel; thus, the die-cut is positively handled and conveyed during its entire passage through the machine.

Abstract: A method and machine for forming a case with polygonal section from a blank of sheet material. There is an assembly of panels. The assembly of panels is wound about a mandrel with polygonal section. The tongue is fixed to the free edge of the endmost panel. The flaps situated on the same side of the panels are folded. The flaps thus folded are fixed together.

Abstract: A machine to form an end of a unit of a box from a flat box blank that includes two sides, a bottom, and, at each end, an end flap supporting a cantilevered sealing tab, and two side tabs supported by the two sides. A planar movable table receives the box blank and a planar folding table receives the end flap and the sealing tab. A pair of side guides secures the two sides of the box blank and guide the box blank in its rearward travel. An end flap folding mechanism serves to fold the two side tabs attached to the box sides inward through ninety degrees to a position essentially parallel to the fold line. An adhesive applicator applies an adhesive ribbon in a predetermined pattern to the sealing tab and, sometimes, to the end flap.

Abstract: A forming assembly for automatic machines for forming boxes from semi-finished flat blanks, comprises a plate support with associated suction means for the semi-finished blanks and a forming mould for the erection of the parts of the semi-finished blank intended to constitute the side walls of the box.The forming mould has simplified longitudinal and transverse forming elements which are adjustable in length, width and height, and the plate support has spring feet supported by modular blocks releasably fixed to the sides of the plate. The plate support also has suction members connectible by a system of external tubing to a vacuum source.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for fabricating a box-like article or slipcase. The apparatus feeds a box blank from a hopper containing stacked blanks to a work station. The work station comprises a forming block about which the panels of the box blank are folded and bonded together, and clamping, folding and heating apparatus. The complete box is removed from the forming block and conveyed away which causes the fabricating cycle to process a new blank into a box-like article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for erecting a carton having laminated corner structures. A multi-sectioned corner flap is folded progressively between an outer guide in the form of a longitudinal row of rollers and a spiraling row of conical rollers that accurately pinches a bent corner edge of the corner flap structure against the end panel to which it is joined in the carton blank. Surface-to-surface contact between the glued portions of the corner flap and the end panel is prevented until the folding action has been accurately completed.