Abstract: Several implementations of a fan folding mechanism for folding flaps of a case into a fan fold arrangement are disclosed and described. In one implementation, the fan folding mechanism comprises four shoes, arranged to allow one shoe to contact a flap on each of four sides of the case. A finger, carried by each of the four shoes is configured for movement between a retracted position and an extended position, such that in the retracted position, each finger is in contact with a leading corner of a different flap of the case and the flaps are in an open position and in the extended position, each finger is in contact with the same leading corner of the same flap, and the flap is in the closed position. Four suction cups, each configured for releasable attachment to a trailing corner of a flap, may inhibit contention between flaps.

Abstract: The apparatus for erecting ribbed cardboard for protecting packed products comprises a collecting device provided with gripping means which are mobile between a gripping station of a single blank sheet of ribbed cardboard from a collecting store and a folding station of the sheet. A folding matrix is destined to receive a single sheet of ribbed cardboard supplied by the collecting device. The forming punch is destined to cooperate with the folding matrix in order to fold opposite lateral flaps of the sheet by contact with the folding means. The forming punch is destined to retain the sheet on completion of the folding stage. A transfer device hingedly bearing the forming punch and destined to move the forming punch between the folding station and a release station of the sheet, which sheet is retained in a folded configuration by the forming punch and a packing line of the products.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing containers such as shipping, display and display ready packaging, for example, and resulting containers and associated preassemblies and blanks are provided, which, when utilized, result in preassemblies that are more easily and quickly assembled into fully assembled containers including a plurality of stacking shoulder provided at opposing ends of the containers.

Abstract: A slotter-creaser unit includes an upper creasing head and a lower creasing head. A protruding portion is arranged on a periphery of the lower creasing head in a circumferential direction. A first pressing portion and a second pressing portion having different lengths and different curvature radiuses in a width direction are arranged opposite to each other across the protruding portion and in an alternate manner in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A sound-producing folding insert for a magazine is disclosed. A foldable support structure comprises a primary page and a secondary page. The secondary page is folded upon itself to form a pocket that retains a sound emitting means. The sound emitting means includes an electronic microchip sound generating device that includes a switch means connected at one end to a slidable tongue mechanism that is attached at the other end to the primary page, such that upon opening of the folding insert by separating the primary and secondary pages the slidable tongue mechanism allows the switch means to close, thereby activating the sound emitting means. Conversely, closing the folding insert brings the primary and secondary pages together forces the slidable tongue mechanism to open the switch means, and thereby deactivating the sounds emitting means. The sound emitting means is relatively flat and includes a generally flat speaker mounted to the secondary page.

Abstract: A compression or fold completion device used to uniformly compress a folded edge of a workpiece, such as a box blank, in order to allow the blank to more easily be utilized in subsequent packaging operations. The device includes a pressure roller mounted to a rotatable adjustment member. The rotational axis of the pressure roller is offset from the rotational axis of the adjustment member. The adjustment member is in turn connected to an actuating assembly, which may include an arm secured at one end to the adjustment member and at the other end to an extendible and retractable actuator, in order to enable the actuator to rotate the adjustment member and selectively position the pressure roller in engagement with a folded edge of a workpiece passing beneath the pressure roller.

Abstract: A folding station of a folding box gluing machine for processing a blank having a middle piece and side pieces which are attached to sides of the middle piece and which are deflected upward and inward along folding grooves between the middle piece and the side piece across a folding line toward the lengthwise middle of the blank and then folded up in order to produce a folding boxes, includes a folding strap that deflects the side pieces and folds them upward. The folding strap is guided by a folding shunt, a positioning roller, and one or more deflection and pressure rollers. A distance between the folding strap from the folding line of the blank is adjustable, such that the folding strap acts on an outer region of the side piece.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of preparing a web of flexible material for production of receptacles for packaging. The method comprises the steps of feeding a web of flexible material past a succession of stations in which operations are carried out on the web including defining blanks for receptacles having walls and tabs by creating fold lines in the web, and then laminating a film of heat-sealable plastics materials to a face of the web of the flexible material. The film of heat-sealable plastics provides a heat-sealable surface on the web for bonding tabs of each blank together to form seams between adjacent walls whereby the blanks, when severed from the web, can be erected to form receptacles having openings to receive items to be packaged.

Abstract: A tamper evident and resistant container lid of the present invention includes a lid body configured to cover the opening of a base container having a top rim and a skirt extending from the lid. The skirt has an annular score line and an annular fold line extending therearound. An outer band of the skirt extends between the score line and the fold line, and an inner band folded inwardly to be in opposing relation to the outer band extends upwardly from the fold line to an upper free edge. When the container lid is sufficiently applied to the base container such that the second portion slides downwardly past a top rim of the base container, achieving a proper closure, an attempt to remove the lid will cause a plurality of sections of the inner band to engage the top rim and impede removal of the container lid from the base container.

Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.

Abstract: A slotter-creaser unit includes an upper creasing head and a lower creasing head. A protruding portion is arranged on a periphery of the lower creasing head in a circumferential direction. A first pressing portion and a second pressing portion having different lengths and different curvature radiuses in a width direction are arranged opposite to each other across the protruding portion and in an alternate manner in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A folding box gluing machine contains one upper and lower transport belt disposed on each side of the machine. A lower transport belt is guided in a roller cheek and an upper transport belt is guided in a roller rail. A central roller cheek and a central roller rail, which can be fed in, are further disposed in the center of the machine and in each case guide a central transport belt. A device for inserting side parts of a folding box blank, which side parts overlap and/or engage in one another, is provided. The device is fastened to the central roller rail and is driven by the central upper transport belt through a V-shaped belt. The device for inserting is held on a holding frame in a load bearing frame which can be fed in separately. The central roller rail is additionally fastened to the holding frame.

Abstract: A method of forming a box-like acoustical substrate is provided. Portions of an acoustical substrate having a decorative surface are compressed to form a flange, a first compressed region, a second compressed region, and a third compressed region. First, second, central, and third uncompressed regions are positioned respectively adjacent to the compressed regions. A left first surface and a right first surface of the acoustical substrate may be folded toward the back surface of the substrate until the second compressed region and the third compressed regions are flush with the central uncompressed region. An outer portion of the left surface may then be folded towards the back surface until the flange is flush with the right edge. The acoustical product may be used as an acoustical trap or duct. When the acoustical product is utilized as a duct, an air impermeable sheet may be positioned on the external surface.

Abstract: An automated machine for and the method of fabricating containers made from a cardboard paperboard or corrugated paperboard blank having an inner liquid holding bag secured to the inner surface of the paperboard box. The liquid holding bag includes a spout that extends through a spout opening formed in the paperboard blank. During the fabrication process the spout is utilized to precisionally locate the liquid holding bag so that when the panel of the blank with the spout opening is folded down over the spout, the spout will be properly aligned with the spout opening thus facilitating the automatic assembly of the container. In this automatic assembly process the liquid holding bag is secured to the inner surface of the container at multiple locations such that when the container is opened into its three dimensional use configuration a passage is opened for filling the bag through the spout.

Abstract: A carton with an improved dispensing feature at one end of the carton, which preserves the integrity of the carton, while enabling the display and enhanced access and vending of containers within the carton.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for erecting a carton, and a method of and an apparatus for closing a carton. The carton has 180° fold lines with a compressed area at each end and a slit joining the compressed areas. A carton is erected by moving the blank in a first direction against a stop to form a first set of 90° folds, holding the blank stationary with a suction while pushing the blank in a second direction to form a second set of 90° folds, erecting the carton. A filled carton is closed by advancing it through the central opening of a V-shaped member to increasingly fold the carton top panels. The closed carton is sealed by advancing it through a second V-shaped member and into contact with a pivotally supported sealing device.

Abstract: A sheet of material which is made two dimensional which includes portions that are removed that allows the sheet to be folded to create a three dimensional structure without the need for cutting and darting.

Abstract: A machine and method for producing beverage container holders of consistently high quality at high production rates and at an economical cost is disclosed herein. Beverage container holders (500) can be produced on the machine using the method disclosed herein at a rate of 50,000 beverage container holders per hour. The initial step of introducing the blanks 810) into the machine's conveying mechanism assures that the blanks are properly aligned and have a predetermined spacing there between, which avoids jamming of the machine and the resulting work stoppage (FIG. 2). The process includes steps for pre-breaking or pre-folding the flaps (FIG. 5) which enable the final folding of the flaps to be performed with the necessary reliability and speed. All except the final step of the manufacturing process are performed while the blanks are being conveyed at a constant high rate along the length of the machine.

Abstract: A process for the production of cardboard packaging boxes from cardboard blanks, comprising the following steps: preparing a stack of cardboard blanks; picking up a blank from the stack of blanks and positioning it in a folding station; folding the cardboard blank to obtain a semi-finished box; stably closing the open edges of the box by applying corner elements, the blank being T-shaped, consisting of portions of cardboard respectively corresponding to first and second opposite orthogonal faces of the box to be folded and at least one portion corresponding to at least one base of the box. The invention also relates to a machine for implementing the process and the box obtained in this way.

Abstract: A blank is provided for forming either a packaging structure of a relatively large size or a greater number of smaller sized packaging structures. The blank is provided with predetermined fold lines. Folding the blank along one series of fold lines forms the relatively large packaging structure. Separating the blank along one or more fold lines into plural blanks and folding the plural blanks along another series of fold lines forms multiple smaller packaging structures. A similar technique forms one large or multiple smaller covers for the packaging structures.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus for forming folded containers comprising a film attaching unit, a fold/glue unit, and a common transport system coupling the film attaching unit to the fold/glue unit. The film attaching unit can have a pattern glue applicator for applying a pattern of glue to a blank and a film applicator operatively coupled to the pattern glue applicator to apply a film to the blank. The fold/glue unit is configured to receive the blank directly from the film attaching unit, and the fold/glue unit can have a plurality of fold-members for folding portions of the blank and at least one glue gun for applying glue to portions of the blank. The blank transport system can comprise a synchronized carrier to transport the blank through a portion of the film attaching unit and a plurality of non-synchronized carriers to transport the blank through the film attaching unit and/or the fold/glue unit without removing the blank from the transport system.

Abstract: A self-squaring corrugated container employs alignment markings on and adjacent to the manufacturing joint to allow quick visual inspection of placement and orientation of the manufacturing joint, and employs interlocking contoured peripheral edges on the major bottom flaps to allow consistent, quick, and easy formation of a container which is square, non-skewed to within small, strict tolerances. Both the alignment markings and contoured bottom flaps are die cut into the carton blank to insure uniform container alignment. Additional container features include employment of a hinged, partially detached top flap to accommodate use of the container to packaged bottles. Method steps are provided for forming the self-squaring container using the innovative features.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing a collation in a folding station (100) having a folding roller assembly (106, 108, 110, 112), a first fold plate assembly (102) and a second fold plate assembly (104) downstream of the folding roller assembly and the first fold plate assembly. The second fold plate assembly includes a stop member (126) movable at least between a distal position away from the folding roller assembly and a proximal position in proximity to the folding roller assembly. A portion of the collation is first conveyed into the first fold plate assembly (102) and the collation is then conveyed from the first fold plate assembly, through the folding roller assembly, and into the second fold plate assembly. Once in the second folding plate assembly the collation abuts against the stop member, whereafter the stop member (126) is moved from its distal position to its proximal position so as to cause the collation to convey out of the second fold plate assembly (104).

Abstract: A paperboard container composed of a unitary, continuous blank comprises opposing top and bottom walls, a plurality of side walls bridging the top and bottom walls, and a paperboard pour spout closure. The plurality of side walls includes a first side wall, and a top major flap extends from an upper end of the first side wall and forms a portion of the top wall. A backboard is coupled to the top major flap and includes a plug. The inner surface of the backboard is adhered to the inner surface of the first side wall. A closure layer is formed in the first side wall and is adhered to the plug. The closure layer and the plug form the pour spout closure. The pour spout closure is pivotally coupled to the first side wall for movement between closed and open positions. The plug is detachably linked to a remainder of the backboard. The plug is linked to the backboard when the pour spout closure is initially in the closed position.

Abstract: A paperboard container composed of a unitary, continuous blank comprises opposing top and bottom walls, a plurality of side walls bridging the top and bottom walls, and a paperboard pour spout closure. The plurality of side walls includes a first side wall, and an top minor flap extends from an upper end of the first side wall and forms a portion of the top wall. A backboard is coupled to the top minor flap and includes a plug. The inner surface of the backboard is adhered to the inner surface of the first side wall. A closure layer is formed in the first side wall and is adhered to the plug. The closure layer and the plug form the pour spout closure. The pour spout closure is pivotally coupled to the first side wall for movement between closed and open positions. The plug is detachably linked to a remainder of the backboard. The plug is linked to the backboard when the pour spout closure is initially in the closed position.

Abstract: As a substitute for a plastic so-called "jewel box" holder for a compact disc (CD), a holder entirely of biodegradable cardboard construction material (1) fabricated from a blank (2) delineated into panels (3) folded into a multi-ply configuration having a compartment for the CD (4) die-cut out of the configuration using a so-called "kiss cut" which provides the compartment sized and shaped to have the CD seated therein on a bottom compartment closure provided by one of the panels left intact using the "kiss cut" die-cut, such that the attributes and fabrication options of cardboard construction material are used to maximum advantage.

Abstract: A box is formed of a blank of sheet material wherein a filler is sandwiched between an inner liner and an outer liner. A pair of V-grooves is formed parallel to each edge and another V-groove is formed parallel to the pair of grooves on the side away from the edge. The V-grooves of the pair of V-grooves have center lines spaced apart a distance of substantially two thicknesses of the sheet material. The blank is folded upwards at the single V-groove, and then is folded back at the pair of V-grooves to produce successive 90-degree folds. The outer liner extends continuously over the outer side, top edge, and inner side of the resulting double-thickness wall. A similar technique can produce a box with multiple-thickness walls.

Abstract: A box is formed of a blank of sheet material wherein a filler is sandwiched between an inner liner and an outer liner. A dado groove is formed parallel to each edge and a V-groove is formed parallel to the dado groove on the side away from the edge. The blank is folded up at the V-groove and then is folded back at the dado to produce a 180 degree fold. The outer liner extends continuously over the outside, top edge, and inner side of the resulting double thickness wall.

Abstract: A liquid tight rectangular paperboard container (10) is provided with a separate opening tab (17) secured to the top panel (15) thereof which enables the package to be opened to provide a fully open top. In particular, an elongate plastic window (18c) is formed along the front fold line (15a) connecting the top and front panels (15 and 11) of the package, and has ends (18d, 18e) connected to spaced apart arcuate shaped perforated lines (18a, 18b) extending to the rear corners of the top panel. In the construction of the package, the opening tab (17) is first ultrasonically welded to the outside surface of the package blank, and then the window section (18c) is pressed against and welded to the inside surface of the tab. A slit (40) which is formed in the window enables any air trapped between the window and the tab to escape during the welding operation.

Abstract: A rectangular box for transporting multiple pizza pies, with one or more pairs of short horizontal cuts in each corner, such that they form shelf supports when poked into the box. The shelf supports are configured such that they provide ventilation for the pizzas, and allow the shelves and pizzas to be easily removed from the box. The box, a cardboard version of it, and the method for making it are all disclosed.In addition, a particular type of box, with a fold-over top with flaps on three sides of the box, which fit into the box as the top folds down, and a separator stand in the center of each pizza pie for support of the pie above, are disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging wrap of a paper and shock absorbing material combination in which the lower layers are cut at specified distances from the edges of the wrap to form strips, while the uncut layer provides hinges about which the strips rotate until lying flat upon the uncut layer, where such strips are secured in position. Because the width of each strip is less than one-half the width of the wrap, a hollow gap is formed in which all or a portion of an article may be inserted. The flexibility of the wrap is increased by crimping the wrap along lines substantially perpendicular to the length of the wrap at intervals along the length of the wrap.

Abstract: A packaging wrap of a paper and shock absorbing material combination in which the lower layers are cut at specified distances from the edges of the wrap to form strips, while the uncut layer provides hinges about which the strips rotate until lying flat upon the uncut layer, where such strips are secured in position. Because the width of each strip is less than one-half the width of the wrap, a hollow gap is formed in which all or a portion of an article may be inserted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a necked container are disclosed wherein a sheet material is formed into a generally cylindrical tubular member and the adjacent longitudinally extending edges of the sheet are butt welded. The welded tubular member is progressively necked-in over a dome-shaped surface of a single mandrel provided within the welded tubular member. The free end of the necked end portion of the tubular member is trimmed and curled to form a necked container body.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a folding box tube from a folding box form for dispensing articles, such as a cardboard box construction for dispensing pocket handkerchiefs, napkins, or the like, forming a box of a rectangular shape with a rectangular cross-section consisting essentially of one piece of rigid, but foldable, material adapted to be folded to give five surfaces and end closure pieces, the first and fifth surfaces, said process consisting essentially of preparing said folding box form by die cutting, folding said folding flap inwards along a folding line parallel to the bottom surface of said box when formed, folding the five surfaces to form a folding box tube and fastening the first and fifth surfaces together, wherein said folding flap at its outer extension touches the bottom surface of said folding box tube when folded, forming an overlap adapted to be fastened together to form a front surface of said box, a perforated area in said front surface adapted to be opened to the interior of the f