Abstract: A device for folding blanks has a bottom conveyor (30) capable of conveying blanks along a conveyance path (10). The bottom conveyor (30) includes several longitudinal side frame members (40a, 40b, 40c) each supporting an endless conveyor belt (38) guided along the conveyance path (10) by top rollers (31, 31a, 31b, 32, 33). At least one member (50) folds a front tab of a blank. The folding member (50) is static. At least one top roller (32) is offset vertically from the other top rollers so that the conveyance path is curved, and the folding member (50) is suspended in the vicinity of the offset roller (32) in a position to intercept a front tab.

Abstract: An automated case erecting apparatus for use in erecting case blanks includes a case blank feeder configured to hold a plurality of upstanding case blanks arranged face-to-face. The case blank feeder includes a path along which the case blanks are directed. A case erecting assembly receives a case blank from the case blank feeder at a case receiving location. The case erecting assembly includes a first arm carrying a first gripper element and a second arm carrying a second gripper element. The first arm and associated first gripper element are arranged and configured such that the first gripper element grips a first flap of the case blank. The second arm and associated second gripper element are arranged and configured such that the second gripper element grips a second flap of the case blank.

Abstract: An apparatus (21) for assembling a collapsible enclosure assembly (1) onto a container (11), the enclosure assembly (1) being of the type comprising a plurality of collapsible walls (2, 3, 4) and which is adapted to be supported, when erected, on the container (11) so that in situ the enclosure assembly (1) encloses a region above the container (11), the apparatus (21) comprising means to move a collapsed enclosure assembly (1) from a storage position (25) to an assembly position (36), means to move the walls (2, 3, 4) of the collapsed enclosure assembly (1) when in the assembly position (36) relatively apart to expand the enclosure assembly (1) so as to be of generally tubular form, and means to mount the expanded enclosure assembly (1) on a corresponding container (11). A method for assembling a collapsible enclosure assembly (1) onto a container (11) is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging machine having a folding apparatus for closing an end of an end loaded carton that includes leading and trailing side end flaps. The packaging machine includes a carton conveyor for transporting a carton in a flow direction along a carton path. The folding apparatus includes a lug assembly that has at least one folding lug that travels along an endless lug path. The folding lug travels in the flow direction and in parallel to the carton path along at least a portion of the lug path such that the folding lug can operate in concert with separation guide and a combination guide to fold the leading and trailing side end flaps in the desired sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a tab over a peelable panel on an end structure comprising a ring/panel. The ring and panel are formed from the same flexible material which has no inherent deadfold characteristic. In one embodiment an upper tab fold tool includes a pivotable plate for holding the folded edge of the tab in position prior to heat sealing to the peelable panel.

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: A random case former accepts an opened-up flat corrugated material representing an unformed box with open bottoms and tops. The random case former automatically adjusts to the dimensions of the box by closing in on the unformed box with flap folders from one or more sides. As the flap folders close in on the box, they first fold the minor-flaps and then the major-flaps on the bottom of the unformed box, thereby forming a box with a closed bottom and an open top into which items can then be placed. The automatic adjustment of the random case former to the box size avoids time-consuming manual adjustment and provides efficiency and speed.

Abstract: Cardboard boxes are formed starting from a stamped sheet which is vertically pushed by a descending core (13) for folding the sectors (6) that are going to form the sides and those that are going to form the front ends (7), including equipment for folding of the extensions and/or flaps (8, 10) which are folded on the front ends and/or sides. The mold is intended to shape boxes having an upper horizontal bridge (9) in the sides (6), bridges presenting flaps (10) which fold over the front ends (7), being fixed to the outer face of them, with these front ends (7) in turn presenting end extensions (8) which are folded in the inner face of the sides (6). The mold includes runners (11) adjustable in height, permitting to fold the end extensions (8) of the front ends (7), also having wedges in ramp (14) and presses (15) with an inclined plane (16), for folding the flaps (10) of the upper bridges (9) of the sides (6), these flaps (10) being folded on the front ends (7).

Abstract: A device for applying a sheet of covering material (4, 40) to boxes (1) having at least one wall (2, 200) with an outside surface (5, 50), an inside surface (6, 60) and a free edge (3, 30) intermediate between the surfaces (5, 6; 50, 60) comprises one or more elements (10, 100) for folding a flap (7, 70) of the sheet (4) around the intermediate edge (3, 30) so that the flap (7, 70) is made to cover the edge (3, 30) and then applying the flap (7, 70) to the inside surface (6, 60) of the wall (2, 200).

Abstract: A device for closing the rear flap in a self-dimensioning machine for closing the upper flaps of parallelepiped boxes of the type including a base with support surface for the boxes, a couple of drive belts that can be motorized placed at the two sides of the support surface and that can be brought close to each other to make a drive engagement with the sides of the boxes and a head above the support surface, that carries devices for closing the front, rear and side flaps of the boxes and can be commanded to descend from a rest position to engage the above-mentioned devices with the upper flaps of the boxes and to close them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for squaring knocked down slotted boxes employs an L-shaped support and forming platform onto which a partially opened box is applied so that the junction of the two legs of the L-shape is received within the box and a leading flap (and its fold line connection to the box) and a trailing flap (and its fold line connection to the box) each contact one of the legs to fold these flaps outward and tend to square the box. The trailing flap is moved from one leg onto the other which normally will be substantially flat and horizontal so that the leading and trailing flaps are folded perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve portion of the box while the side flaps positioned between the leading and trailing flaps remain in the plane of their respective box wall as the carton is moved into an operating station.

Abstract: A packaging system (1) includes a telescoping platform assembly (100) having a guide mount (30) and an extension platform (40). The packaging system (1) incorporating the telescoping platform assembly (100) includes a panel (22) and a flap member (26). The flap member (26) is connected to the panel (22) along a pivot axis (27) and is adapted to move between a first position with respect to the panel (22) and a second position with respect to the panel (22). The guide mount (30) includes a guide mount slot (33) whereas the flap member (26) includes a flap guide slot (28) extending outwardly from the pivot axis (27) through the flap member (26). The extension platform (40) is mounted on the guide mount (30) and the flap member (26) and is adapted to slide between a stowed position and a deployed position along guide mount slot (33) and the flap guide slot (28).

Abstract: A container blank comprises a scored sheet material. The score lines divide the sheet into center, side and corner panels. The corner panels are further scored, so that the blank can be folded into a box or similar container that has no seams.

Abstract: A substantially triangular-shaped over-cap includes a body having a substantially triangular-shaped perimeter with three perimeter corners and three perimeter sides. The over-cap also includes a skirt with a skirt corner extending substantially downwardly from one of the perimeter corners. The skirt corner includes at least one inner extension extending toward an area adjacent the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new machine for forming containers of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,939 without the use of glue or nails. The machine utilizes a mandrel movably mounted on a path for oscillation between retracted and extended positions. As the mandrel cycles forward, it first receives two synthetic sidewalls and then a deformable body panel of the container to be formed. Then a set of moveable upper and lower rockers containing unique pressure mechanisms press tabs on the horizontally oriented portion of the wrap into corresponding locking slots on the ends of the sidewalls. When the mandrel is fully extended, pressure is applied to the tabs on the vertically oriented middle section of the wrap using a pair of hinge-mounted pressure plates fitted with unique biased brackets. The resulting container is removed from the machine, which is then ready to begin another cycle.

Abstract: A method and machine for packing a product by means of a flat blank having a central portion supporting the product and in turn having first lateral wings, and two opposite lateral portions, each having second lateral wings; the method and machine provide for folding the first lateral wings using at least one folding body, which has a first and a second folding edge differently inclined with respect to each other, and is rotated about an axis of rotation so that the first folding edge folds a respective first lateral wing to a given angle of less than 90°, and the second folding edge folds corresponding second lateral wings to an angle of 90°; the folding body is then rotated further about the axis of rotation so that the first folding edge completes the folding of the first lateral wing to 90°.

Abstract: A single-piece side-loading box having triple side-wall construction and a unique latching tab. The box incorporates walls, a floor, a top, a side-opening panel and latching tab in one unitary piece. The one piece box generally includes a bottom panel, front, side and back panels attached to the bottom panel and a lid attached to the back panel. A latching tab with integral handle is incorporated into the front panel. The box is preferably assembled from a cutout made from a single piece of material. The side-walls, side wings and side reinforcements fold into each other to provide a triple-side-wall construction that allows the box to support a great weight.

Abstract: A quickly and easily erected octagonal package for round items such as pizza, cakes and pies includes a top and a bottom. The bottom includes a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls. The side walls are foldably connected to the front and rear walls by bridging panels at corners of the package. The connection provided by the bridging panels allows the bottom and all its walls to be erected quickly and easily.

Abstract: A turntable has an annulus of discrete pockets and is indexible about a vertical axis to position successive pockets at a first station at a level directly above a second station where an intermittently advanced web or strip of coherent blanks is acted upon by cooperating fixed and mobile knives to sever blanks which are thereupon transferred by a pneumatic conveyor along a straight path vertically upwardly into successive pockets of the turntable. The blanks are provided with flaps during transfer from the second station into the respective pockets by moving through a stationary mouthpiece, and the thus deformed blanks can be used as so-called shoulder pieces or understrips in hinged-lid packets for arrays of rod-shaped smokers' products.

Abstract: A tray is assembled by automated equipment from a die cut blank. Tabs on opposing ends of side pieces are enfolded in rolled ends. A serrated edge on a distal edge of each rolled end is placed into a slit and crushed area to interlock the distal edge with the blank and form a tray with interlocked walls. The serrated edge does not penetrate the die cut blank, thus providing a leakproof, interlocked tray. Perforations define various fold lines to facilitate the use of automated equipment to form the tray. Release paper is placed on the central portion of the tray, with cake batter placed on the release paper. The batter can be baked into a cake while still in the tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for formation of a preformed bonded pull tab over a reseal liner is disclosed. The pull tab seal layer of material is bonded together with a reseal liner layer of material for insertion into a closure. The pull tab on the pull tab liner seal is formed prior to combination of the two layers and is folded backwards between the two layers of material. Thus, after combining the two layers, punching out the closure liner and insertion into the closure, the reseal liner is separated from the pull tab seal and the pull tab seal is adhered to the rim of the container. Only one punch press step is required for forming the closure and container seals and insertion of the members into the closure. By forming the pull tab prior to combining the two layers, an assembly of the pull tab and reseal liner is made more efficient and less time consuming.

Abstract: A method for forming a honeycomb protector for protecting the corners, edges or other surfaces of articles during shipping of such articles comprising self-locking honeycomb panels. In one embodiment, the protector includes first and second unitary panels separated by a channel about which the panels are foldable. The first panel includes a lip which fits into a slit in the second panel to connect and lock the first and second panels in position.

Abstract: A kit for making boxes from paper card stock. The kit has a flat plate with a guide rail with a vertical edge projecting above the surface of the plate parallel to one edge of the plate. A scoring groove traverses the plate parallel to the vertical edge of the guide rail. One or more spacing strips, each having a vertical edge, may be placed between the vertical edge of the guide rail and the scoring groove to vary the depth of the box. The overall size or "footprint" of a box made in accordance with the invention is determined by the distance of the scoring groove from the nearest vertical edge and the size of the blank card stock employed. Two identical sized card stocks are used for each box. A slightly wider spacing strip is used to form the top than the spacing strip used to form the bottom of the box. This also makes the depth of the box bottom slightly greater than the box top.

Abstract: A rotary flap tucker comprising a tube sector having a smaller arc length end, a larger arc length end, a longitudinal edge, and an edge which helically advances generally from the small arc length end to the large arc length end. The tube sector has end plates each with an edge contoured to avoid contact with a carton flap as the flap tucker rotates about its center axis which is aligned with the carton travel direction. The leading edge of a flap entering the flap tucker follows the helical edge of the flap tucker as it rotates without contacting the flap for a majority of the rotation. Rotation brings the flap tucker's longitudinal edge in contact with the flap along a majority of the flap's length. Continued rotation plows the majority of the length of the flap simultaneously, thereby preventing the flap from misaligning on the carton when the flap is closed. The outside surface of the rotating flap tucker runs against the closed flap of the advancing carton, preferably along the carton's center line.

Abstract: A paperboard container having a reclosable shaker pour spout for dispensing granular products. The reclosable shaker pour spout is formed on a wall of the container from first and second minor flaps which are folded inwardly within the container, a first-down major flap which is folded inwardly and overlies the the first and second minor flaps, and a second-down major flap which is folded inwardly and overlies the first-down major flap. Both of the first and second minor flaps have at least one semi-aperture formed on their outer edges which are aligned with corresponding semi-apertures on the other minor flap. The semi-apertures on each of the flaps cooperate to form full apertures in response to the first and second minor flaps being folded inwardly within the container. A detachable plug formed on the first-down major flap overlies the apertures in response to the first-down major flap being folded inwardly on top of the first and second minor flaps.

Abstract: A kit for making boxes from paper card stock. The kit has a flat plate with a guide rail with a vertical edge projecting above the surface of the plate parallel to one edge of the plate. A scoring groove traverses the plate parallel to the vertical edge of the guide rail. One or more spacing strips, each having a vertical edge, may be placed between the vertical edge of the guide rail and the scoring groove to vary the depth of the box. The overall size or "footprint" of a box made in accordance with the invention is determined by the distance of the scoring groove from the nearest vertical edge and the size of the blank card stock employed. Two identical sized card stocks are used for each box. A slightly wider spacing strip is used to form the top than the spacing strip used to form the bottom of the box. This also makes the depth of the box bottom slightly greater than the box top.

Abstract: A kit for making boxes from a paper card stock is described. The kit comprises a flat plate having a guide rail with a vertical edge projecting above the surface of the plate parallel to one edge of the plate. A scoring groove traverses the plate parallel to the vertical edge of the guide rail. One or more spacing strips, each having a vertical edge, may be placed between the vertical edge of the guide rail and the scoring groove to vary the depth of the box. The overall size or "footprint" of a box made in accordance with the invention is determined by the distance of the scoring groove from the nearest vertical edge and the size of the blank card stock employed. The card stock preferably comes in two sizes for each size box, one for the bottom and one for the top. The card stock used for the top is slightly larger than the stock used for the bottom so that the same spacers may be used for scoring folding lines for both the top and the bottom and, at the same time, providing a mating fit therebetween.

Abstract: A half-carton container for cigarette packs, formed from a unitary blank, having windows formed in a first wall to display and facilitate the removal of the contained goods and having partitions hingedly attached to the first wall and secured to a second wall to support the half-carton structure and to partition and hold in place the contained goods. The half-carton container can be paired with another half-carton by attachment or by placing in a full-carton container such that they can be tax-stamped as a pair and later easily separated for sale as independent units.

Abstract: A closing method for a multi-sided paperboard carton includes sealing a cover with side edge extensions to corresponding side flanges defined by fold lines on the paperboard carton during continuous feeding of the carton along the feed path. The side flanges of the carton body are bent downward during continuous feed movement with a force sufficient to cause the flanges to fold and remain free and below a plane passing through the fold line when released. The cover is placed on the carton to lie substantially in a plane and with the edge extensions overlying the flanges. A hot air stream is directed into the half-V gap presented between each flange and associated cover side edge extension to activate an adhesive coating and the flanges are pressed against the cover for sealing. The carton is carried through the bending stage in a die having an open bottom cavity and forming blades on its side edges that engage the fold line between the side flanges and the carton side panels from below.

Abstract: A container which can be constructed in one-piece or in two pieces. The container is preferably of corrugated paper-like material and is preferably of the "E-flute" type of corrugated material. The container includes a body member or body portion and a cover member or cover portion. The container includes a latch which automatically operates to latch the container in closed condition when the container is closed. The container has panels and walls which are relatively angular so that the opposing walls are in effective covering relationship when the container is closed. Also, the angular relationship between the panels and the walls permits a plurality of the containers to be nested and stacked in a stack having a minimum height.

Abstract: A container blank particularly suitable for carrying liquids formed from a paperboard web fed in from a roll, the upper and lower edges of which are provided with short cut lines along the score lines forming the side panels. The method for obtaining such as blank consists of a set of rectilinear cut lines spaced apart from each other in correspondence of said upper and lower edges executed at the same time as said short cut lines or during a following stage, the lips defined by short cut lines and by score lines parallel to the edges being folded over and brought into contact with the corresponding panels simultaneously with the carrying out of short cut lines or later after the side seaming of the blank; in this way the container can selectively exhibit different types of top and bottom end closures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carton formed from a unitary paperboard blank and having a collar-like lifting flange at one end thereof for receiving a lifting blade. The carton includes a tubular body having a number of side walls formed by axially-extending fold lines. The blank from which the carton is formed includes two or more transverse extending wall portions extending across two or more side walls of the carton. The wall portions are folded upon one another and upon two or more side walls of the carton so as to continuously overlie two or more side walls of the carton and the axial fold lines joining those side walls. Thus, an unbroken corner of the lifting flange overlies an outside corner of the carton. The invention is particularly useful with lifting blades having an L-shaped cross-section which mate with an outside corner of the carton and overlie two adjacent side walls thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing rectangular lids with a folded tear tab at each corner from a continuous web of foil using a cutting device to cut a generally perpendicular incision opposite each other in each edge of the foil web, a folding tool having two angled folding edges running toward each other in a direction toward the middle of the foil web and intersecting at a point in the cutting plane of the cutting device that folds the areas of foil on both sides of the incision back on themselves to form two tear tabs, and a cut-off device to cut the foil web into discrete lengths in continuation of the cuts in the edges of the web to form the lids.

Abstract: A machine for installing a foil insert in a container lid such that the insert may be subsequently sealed to the mouth of a container after the lid is placed on the container includes a punch for blanking an insert from foil sheet, and a plunger having a head that emerges from the punch and carries the blanked insert forwardly to the lid. As the plunger advances, a folding arm presses against the tab and folds it over onto remaining or disc portion of the insert, and while the arm folds the tab, retaining fingers of a holding element hold the insert against the plunger head on each side of the tab to ensure that the tab folds at the proper location. Only after the tab is folded over does the plunger deposit the insert in a lid that is supported in the path of the plunger on a lid holder.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for making a dry powder box with greater geometrical stability and free of pin holes, gaps and the like through which powder may sift. The process uses a carton blank having a bottom closure wherein a pair of relatively large, opposing dust flaps are first folded into the carton tube, in order to define, maintain and stabilize the cross section of the carton. Then, a pair of relatively smaller, opposing major flaps are folded and glued over the open sides of the large dust flaps. This combination of flaps keeps the large flaps from working out of alignment and helps maintain the cross sectional stability of the box. The top of the carton may be a gable having panels at the ends of the gables which are slightly larger than the cross section, of the gable roof sides. When the gable is formed, the larger ends are pushed down to create a leverage which closes the top opening more securely. The cut lines which form and define the flaps extend across approximately 80.degree.

Abstract: An easy-open pack is formed by (a) pre-cutting a corner of a film panel which, in the finished pack, forms one panel to be sealed against another panel around the periphery of a product article to close the pack, and (b) carrying out the sealing operation while holding the tab formed by said pre-cut corner displaced away from contact with the other film panel, preferably by folding the tab back on itself, more preferably while tack sealing it in said folded configuration.

Abstract: Box cover comprising a top panel, fold over sides and fold over ends, the fold over sides each including a corner assembly tab and a floating corner reinforcement tab at opposite ends thereof, each assembly tab including structure allowing the reinforcement tab adjacent thereto and associated therewith to be nestled thereagainst and to extend generally coplanar with a substantial portion of the assembly tab. The method of assembling the box cover from an integral blank with glue applied to the inside of the fold over ends, utilizing a straight or planar surface mandrel moved into position indirectly engaging a pair of floating reinforcement tabs and a pair of assembly tabs in substantially a single plane and directly engaging a fold over end.