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 include end supports that provide increased stacking strength and are easily and quickly assembled into fully assembled containers.

Abstract: A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly is provided. The machine includes a body blank feeding device for providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks, an erecting device for partially erecting the body blank, a folding device for partially folding a bottom blank, a bottom insertion device for inserting the partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank, and first fingers for attaching major flaps of the body blank to the bottom blank. The machine also includes second fingers for attaching minor flaps of the body blank to major flaps of the body blank, wherein the erecting device collapses the partially erected body blank after the first fingers attach the major flaps to the bottom blank.

Abstract: A method of making a customizable gift box includes the step of providing a box blank including a box bottom and a plurality of sidewalls having adjacent lateral edges. Appendages are positioned to overlap and join the adjacent lateral edges of the adjacent sidewalls. Each appendage includes a first relatively narrow edge, a second relatively wider opposing edge, and S-shaped side edges joining the first and second edges. The configuration of the appendages facilitates their removal from a label assembly that includes a face sheet and a back sheet, the face sheet including a removable carrier portion, a removable label, and the removable appendages in the carrier sheet. Once the sidewalls of the box blank are properly anchored using the appendages, the label assembly can be aligned and the label can be adhered to the box blank.

Abstract: A storage box for hanging file folders, which has an outer carton and an inner carton. The inner carton has a pair of removable reinforcing strips, which attach to opposing upper edges of the inner carton. Each hanging file folder is suspended by a pair of hangers that engage the reinforcing strips. The outer carton extends above the level of the file folders and their hangers, in order to engage a removable lid without interference from the hangers, the hanging file folders, or any index tabs that may be attached to the file holders. Optionally, the outer carton may have one or more handles.

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 packing product and apparatus and method for manufacturing same are disclosed. The packing product includes at least one face sheet and at least one crumpled sheet pad attached to the face sheet. A package and method of packaging an article are also disclosed, the package including a container, one or more crumpled sheet pads positioned in the container, one or more face sheets positioned adjacent to the crumpled sheet pads, and an article positioned in the container in at least partial abutting relation to the one or more face sheets. The one or more face sheets may have portions that are folded to envelop the article. Also, the face sheet may include an opening having a pattern corresponding to a shape of the article.

Abstract: A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly is provided. The machine includes a body blank feeding device for providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks, an erecting device for partially erecting the body blank, and a bottom insertion device for inserting a partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank. The machine also includes first fingers for attaching major flaps of the body blank to the bottom blank, second fingers for attaching minor flaps of the body blank to major flaps of the body blank after the body blank has been collapsed, and a strapping device for simultaneously applying a plurality of straps to an exterior surface of the body blank.

Abstract: The present invention provides machines, methods and apparatus for forming containers including Bliss style containers of a type in which one or more V-shaped support pillars are formed on one or both of the sidewalls of the container being formed. The machines, methods and apparatus of the present invention form support pillars on the sidewalls of containers using a novel arrangement of one or more unique discs, guides, rollers and grippers.

Abstract: A method of making reinforced cartons comprises the steps of advancing a length of carton material along a path and progressively laminating at least one ribbon of reinforcing material to the advancing length of carton material. The ribbon of reinforcing material generally has a width less than the width of the length of carton material and is applied with adhesive at a selected location(s) across the width of the length of carton material. The web and its laminated ribbon are cut into sheets of a predetermined size and the sheets are die-cut and scored with fold lines to form carton blanks. The fold lines may transition from non-reinforced to reinforced portions of the blank and a special transition zone is contemplated to accommodate the transition. The carton blanks are subsequently formed into cartons for receiving articles, the laminated reinforcing material providing reinforcement in selected portions of the cartons.

Abstract: A reinforced bulk bin, and methods for making same, wherein a collapsible bulk bin, preferably fabricated from paper, paperboard and/or corrugated paperboard, is provided with a reinforcing plastic sleeve, which is placed on the bin while in its collapsed configuration. When in place, and prior to the bin being deployed, the sleeve is under tension. When the bin is deployed, the sleeve exerts restraining force, distributed over the surfaces of the side walls of the bin. The sleeve may be positioned on the collapsed bin either manually or mechanically.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying reinforcing strapping to bulk boxes. The machine includes a plurality of strapping head assemblies arranged in series, with each adapted to apply a strap in encircling relationship to a box at a predetermined location on the box. As the box advances through successive strapping head assemblies, straps are applied in predetermined spaced relationship on the box, until the desired number of straps have been applied. The number, spacing and tension of the straps may be quickly and easily adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, the strapping head assemblies are arranged in pairs in individual modules. A recovery strapping head assembly is provided just prior to exit from the machine to apply any strapping missed by a preceding strapping head assembly.

Abstract: A box body (11) having a bottom face portion (12), side face portions (13, 14) and corner sealing portions (15) is formed of a packaging material of a soft sheet, and flange portions (16, 17) and flange jointing portions (18) are formed by folding the upper portions of the side face portions (13, 14). After this box body (11) is charged with a content, a cover member (30) is jointed to the flange portions.

Abstract: A tote box is comprised of a box structure having a bottom and upstanding side walls, each of the side walls having upper edges which form a top edge of the box structure. A top rail extends around the top edge of the box structure, the top rail having an open channel formed between a pair of channel walls, with the channel positioned over the top edge. An aperture is formed in at least one of said side walls of the box structure. A handle is positioned to engage the aperture in the side wall to form a handle for the box structure. The handle includes a flange extending along the side wall proximate the top edge, and a portion of the flange is positioned within the open channel of the top rail. A protruding structure extends from the flange and is configured to engage the top rail and secure the handle in the top rail and box structure.

Abstract: A packaging blank capable of forming a display carton having an internally reinforced hanger panel comprises in one embodiment a substantially rectangular front panel, a substantially rectangular back panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, a glue flap, a hanger panel, and a pliable reinforcing sheet that is secured to a portion of the hanger panel, wherein cut-outs in the hanger panel and the reinforcing sheet are correspondingly aligned to provide reinforcement to the hanger panel. Upon construction, the blank provides a display carton having an internally reinforced hanger panel. A method for internally reinforcing the hanger panel of the display carton comprises in one embodiment the steps of providing a blank and a reinforcing sheet, aligning the reinforcing sheet and blank relative to one another, and securing the reinforcing sheet to the blank, all on a single in-line apparatus.

Abstract: A tote box and method of assembling a tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers, four corner strengthener clips and a top rail which is secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. The walls of the box are held together with corner enhancer assemblies without the benefit of any mechanical fasteners such as rivets or the like. The corner strengthener clips are attached to the corner enhancers to create the corner enhancer assemblies. The top rail may be secured onto the box by a hook on at least one of the side walls of the top rail, which engages tabs of the box walls. The top rail may have a vertical lip which facilitates stacking multiple tote boxes.

Abstract: A tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers and a multiple piece top rail secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. The top rail comprises four corner pieces, two side pieces and two end pieces. The side and end pieces are secured onto the box by hooks which engage tabs extending outwardly from the walls of the box. The corner pieces of the top rail have projections adapted to engage holes in the side and end pieces of the top rail.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing tube-shaped packages made of flexible material, characterized in that an annular portion is pushed inward in a U-shaped arrangement at at least one closed end of a tube-shaped package, said annular portion being at least partially heat-sealed to the remaining part of the package at facing portions thereof. An apparatus for carrying out the method. A package obtained with the method and the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for removing rod-shaped objects from a production line includes a turning arrangement adapted for receiving the rod-shaped objects removed from the production line. The turning arrangement has at least one essentially fixed in place and rigid guide means for swiveling the rod-shaped objects. A transporting means receives the swiveled rod-shaped objects from the turning arrangement transports the swiveled rod-shaped objects to a remote location.

Abstract: A tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers and a top rail which is secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. The walls of the box are held together with the corner enhancers without the benefit of any mechanical fasteners such as rivets or the like. A multiple piece top rail is secured onto the box by hooks which engage tabs extending outwardly from the walls of the box. The top rail has a vertical lip which facilitates stacking multiple tote boxes.

Abstract: Composite paperboard containers formed from a first substantially planar sheet of paperboard material having a content contacting surface and a back surface, a first embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the back surface of the first planar sheet and a second embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the first embossed sheet of paperboard material. Additional planar sheets or embossed sheets may be added as desired in order to achieve the desired flexural stiffness and thermal resistance.

Abstract: A bulk bag comprises eight substantially identical side wall portions each containing a stiffening panel. A bottom wall is connected to the bottom edges of the side wall portions and may be provided with a discharge port. Alternatively, a discharge port may be provided in one of the side wall portions. The bulk bag may be provided with a top wall which may be either openable or secured in place. A pallet and/or lift loops may be provided for transporting the bulk bag and the contents thereof.

Abstract: A method for constructing a body containment section of a casket.

Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible box made of corrugated plastic, which has improved hinge line/score line configurations between walls and panels and improved hand holds. A plastic box of this invention preferably has an automatically lockable bottom to facilitate erection of the box, and can be easily collapsed for return shipment and reuse.

Abstract: An octagonal container is formed from corrugated paperboard with overlapping flaps for eliminating gaps in the container bottom wall. Prestretched polypropylene straps are automatically applied to the container when in its flattened condition for providing girth support to the container when in its erected condition. The straps are positioned from the lower portion of the container side walls at ever increasing distances from each other for limiting container bulge when carrying products having varying effects on the container. With such an arrangement of straps, economically and environmentally desirable single and double wall corrugated paperboard can be used where typically triple wall and laminated paperboard containers are used.

Abstract: Composite paperboard containers formed from a first substantially planar sheet of paperboard material having a content contacting surface and a back surface, a first embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the back surface of the first planar sheet and a second embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the first embossed sheet of paperboard material. Additional planar sheets or embossed sheets may be added as desired in order to achieve the desired flexural stiffness and thermal resistance.

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 shipping container of corrugated liner board material comprising an erectable body wrap and a folded pair of bi-wall blanks. Each end wall of the container is a composite comprising an end wall panel of the body blank overlying an end wall of a bi-wall blank and a distal end of a side wall of the other of the pair of folded bi-wall blanks. The body wrap blank has integral corner post flanges flanking opposite sides of its end wall panels and a pair of window flanges flanking opposite sides of its central bottom panel.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a carton, a blank and a process for manufacturing a carton of sheet material. The carton includes a cover formed by inner and outer flaps, and two sinkable corner regions situated respectively on either side of the carton or of the cover, straddling the fold lines corresponding to two walls and two opposing flaps. It includes an elongate handle comprising a lower band made of a sheet material formed at least in part by a detachable part belonging to at least one outer flap and a reinforcing upper band secured to the lower band having ends fixed on each side to opposing lateral walls, underneath the sinkable corner regions with respect to the upper face of the cover. The handle encompasses or extends opposite the sinkable corner regions so that, when the handle is pulled substantially perpendicularly to the upper face of the cover, handle portions situated opposite the sinkable corner regions sink into the regions.

Abstract: A square or rectangular bulk shipping container made of rigid packaging material having supporting side beams positioned vertically about the side wall panels of the container. The side beams are made of a rigid material and act to distribute lateral bulge forces evenly throughout the container to prevent bulging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the fabrication of a drum made of kraft paper according to which a sheet of kraft paper is rolled on a mandril so as to constitute a rotating cylindrical tube. The end of the tube which forms the bottom is rolled with more than one turn and receives a disk which constitutes the bottom of the drum. The disk is then placed on the ridge (8) formed by the rolled edge, and a retaining collar (10) is placed around the tube. The collar is then tightened to clamp the disk (3A) onto the tube.

Abstract: A personal carrying case used for keeping, for example, musical instruments, still and movie cameras, notebook computers or important documents is disclosed. The case has a layer bag consisting of inner and outer layers. The above layer bag is formed by precisely cutting a layer material into the inner and outer layers in order to substantially meet objective configuration and size of the case and by joining the inner and outer layers together on their cutting edges. A shock absorbing frame, which has the same configuration and size as those of the case, is cast with the layer bag inside the layer bag as a single structure. The above shock absorbing frame is formed by installing the layer bag in a mold having a cavity of the same configuration and size as those of the case and by injecting a pressurized foam material into the layer bag.

Abstract: During the transportation of, if appropriate, partly finished hinge-lid boxes (10) on a pack conveyor (11), an inexact positioning of a lid (14) of the hinge-lid box (10) is frequently undesirable. For this purpose, provision is made for restraining holders (30, 31) which enter into the movement path of the hinge-lid boxes (10) and exert a closure force on the lid (14), which is at the front in the transporting direction, of the hinge-lid box (10). The restraining holders (30, 31) are expediently provided in the region of a glue unit for the hinge-lid boxes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the composition, preparation, and use of multi-layer composite films comprising a core layer of low gas permeable material, two intermediate layers sandwiching the core layer, and two outer layers sandwiching the two intermediate layers. The core layer provides the excellent oxygen barrier property, whereas the intermediate and outer layers protect the core layer so the oxygen permeability of the resulting multi-layer composite film becomes independent on relative humidity.

Abstract: The source materials are supplied in continuous strips of cardboard situated initially in separated planes laterally offset from each other. Longitudinal grooves are made along the strips, dividing them into longitudinal bands. The strips are overlapped and glued under pressure to join them together. Once glued they are cut into pieces. The pieces constitute the folded dividers, made up of sections and folded and glued sections which form the union between the sections of each strip. Optionally, narrower sections are glued directly onto the sides of a box, or to sheets glued in their turn to the sides of the box. The upper edges of the divider can be straight or present recesses. The divider formed by strips glued by the sections which make up sections at right angles to the strips is folded and unfolded at the same time as the box into which it is fitted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the composition, preparation, and use of multi-layer composite films comprising a core layer of low gas permeable material, two intermediate layers sandwiching the core layer, and two outer layers sandwiching the two intermediate layers. The core layer provides the excellent oxygen barrier property, whereas the intermediate and outer layers protect the core layer so the oxygen permeability of the resulting multi-layer composite film becomes independent on relative humidity.

Abstract: A stackable tray is constructed of a bottom wall, a pair of end walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall and between the end walls. The end and side walls are preferably divergent in an upward direction. A pair of stacking support walls extend upwardly relative to the bottom wall, and are spaced slightly inwardly from the tray end walls. The stacking support walls are interconnected with the tray side walls. The side walls and stacking support walls are constructed of folded panels, and tabs are formed on the stacking support walls and on inner panels of the side walls, and the tabs of the stacking support walls and side walls function to interconnect the stacking support walls with the side walls upon folding of the stacking support wall panels and the side wall panels.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a cardboard pallet and an apparatus for fabricating continuously and at a high speed a cardboard pallet having cardboard tubular leg members arranged and secured integrally to a cardboard table element is provided. After an adhesive has been applied to both side surfaces of a plurality of attachment portions of the cardboard table element with the attachment portions having a plurality of adhesion finger members formed by die-cut lines defined inside of a phantom folding line, open ends of outer leg elements are brought into contact with one side surface of the attachment portions and inner leg elements located on the other side surface of the attachment portions are pushed into the outer leg elements so that leg members can be secured uprightly to one side surface of the table element.

Abstract: A stabilized flexible container for receiving flowable materials includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall formed from four double layered side walls seamed together along adjacent side edges. The exterior layer of the double layered side walls is greater in length than the interior layer and is folded inwardly upon itself and stitched along the side edges to form a pocket in a space between the interior and exterior layers of the double layered side wall with the side edges of the exterior layer in the pocket region being free from the seam connecting the adjacent side walls. The interior layers of the side walls are seamed together in the pocket region and are seamed along their bottom edges to the perimeter of the bottom wall. Rigid panels are inserted into the space between the interior and exterior layers of the side walls and are secured in the pocket to prevent the rigid panels from slipping out of the side walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching insert panels to carton blanks including a carton blank conveyor for moving carton blanks along a predetermined displacement path; a carton blank folder positioned at a fixed station along the displacement path for folding a leading end panel portion of each passing carton blank for providing an abutment surface for engaging a carton insert panel; an insert panel applicator positioned at a fixed station along the displacement path for applying an insert panel to each passing carton blank; a registration assembly for urging a leading edge portion of each insert panel into abutment with the abutment surface on each folded leading end panel portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously inverting a carton blank and folding end flaps thereon includes a system of endless belts, nip rollers, and inversion guides. A blank passes between a first nip assembly and the belts to be fed upwardly between a pair of guides, and withdrawn downwardly and fed out again inverted second nip assembly cooperating with the belts. Flap folders fold flaps on the blank during the operation.

Abstract: An automatically resealing container is provided, consisting of an interior paperboard box and an external resealing bag of flexible plastic film. The film is associated with closure flaps of the box such that when the flaps are reclosed, the film is pressed together outside the box to provide a nearly airtight seal. The single external film bag provides the dual function of protecting the contents as well as the exterior of the box.

Abstract: A box is disclosed which comprises three blanks. The blank comprises a rectangular base panel, four wall panels which are joined along crease lines to the panel and four end flaps joined along crease lines to the wall panels. The second and third blanks each comprise a wall panel and two end flaps joined to one another along crease lines. The wall panels are configured to provide a centre section and two end sections with steps between them. The wall panels of the blanks are adhered to the outer faces of wall panels of the blank and the flaps are adhered to the outer faces of the end portions of the wall panels. Re-activatable adhesive is used. The adhesive can be heat, solvent or water reactivated.

Abstract: A reclosable box construction suitable for storing, transporting, and dispensing sheet materials, as well as an article and method for making the box construction. The box construction has an outer shell and an insert member. The outer shell member has a generally rectangular central panel of flexible sheet material, a pair of side panels folder into a plane above the central panel, a first and second wing panels positioned over a portion of each of said side panels at opposite longitudinal ends of the central panel, the second wing panel having a removable pull tab element. The insert member comprises top and bottom rectangular panels joined at a fold line and having a tearable perforation line along its entire width. The insert member is positioned within the outer shell such that the side panels are between the top and bottom rectangular panels. The bottom insert panel is positioned between said central panel and the side panels and the top insert panel is between the side panels and the two wing panels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting one or more endcaps into the ends of a cigarette box using a slide to hold and guide the cigarette box through the apparatus along a predetermined path. Along the path, the box is aligned and endcaps are pushed along a guide rail to guide the endcaps into the ends of the cigarette box. A uniform box with a desired cross-sectional shape is produced.

Abstract: A reinforced collapsible bag and method of making it from blanks of a flexible woven material which are cut from an elongate web substantially without wasting any material between adjacent blanks with pairs of reinforced strips extending along the side edges and through the central portion of the sides and top and bottom of the bag, thereby reinforcing the bottom, top, sides and corners of the bag. Each blank has a circumferentially continuous central portion and four isosceles triangular portions at each end of the blank. Adjacent sides of adjacent triangular portions are connected together to provide, when the bag is expanded or filled, generally square ends which are interconnected by generally rectangular side walls. Lifting straps can be attached to the reinforced strips along the side edges of the bag. An access opening is provided in an end of the bag by terminating the connections of its triangular portions short of their apexes.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching insert panels to carton blanks including: a carton blank conveyor for moving carton blanks along a predetermined displacement path; a carton blank folder positioned at a fixed station along the displacement path for folding an end panel portion of each passing carton blank for providing an abutment surface for engaging a carton insert panel; an insert panel applicator positioned at a fixed station along the displacement path for applying an insert panel to each passing carton blank; a registration assembly for urging a predetermined edge portion of each insert panel into abutment with the abutment surface on each folded carton blank.

Abstract: The stiffness of a flexible, substantially parallelepipedal container formed by shaping and welding a film which is made of a synthetic material and which is to enclose a liquid to be packaged, is improved by applying, before shaping, a second layer of a film formed of an identical or a different material, as a top film, to the surface of the film forming the container which does not subsequently come into contact with the liquid to be packaged. The top film includes a plurality of strips corresponding to the vertical surfaces of the final container which are welded to the film forming the container before shaping, along lines corresponding to the edges of the final parallelepipedal container.

Abstract: A blank for constructing a cell unit includes first, second, third, and fourth walls which each have inner and outer planar surfaces and are separated by fold lines. Each of the walls have upper and lower flaps, the upper and lower flaps of the first wall having tabs extending therefrom. The first and fourth walls of the blank are folded along respective fold lines such that the tabs extending from the upper and lower flaps of the first wall are respectively disposed on the upper and lower flaps of the fourth wall. An adhesive is applied to at least the outer planar surface of the first, second, third, and fourth walls. The upper and lower flaps of the first, second, third, and fourth walls are folded to adhesively secure the flaps to the respective outer surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth walls and the tabs are adhesively secured to the fourth wall.

Abstract: A new bag cassette having a main bottom panel formed by a diagonal panel defined by a pair of spaced parallel fold lines and a pair of side panels is used to protect and position a bag and for squaring a carton. The bag spout is held in a reinforcing panel connected to the main bottom panel by a spacing panel and the bag is protected by the envelope formed by folding the two side panels perpendicular to the diagonal panel. To square a box having a cross section substantially corresponding with the periphery of the main panel, the cassette is inserted into the box with a diagonal panel extending diagonally between the pair of opposed corners of the box and with the side panels in folded enveloping position substantially perpendicular to the diagonal panel. As the cassette is moved down into the box it tends to force the box into squared position. Folding out of the side panels into a position parallel to the diagonal panel completes the squaring and positions the cassette in the bottom of the box.

Abstract: An octagonal container is formed from corrugated paperboard with overlapping flaps for eliminating gaps in the container bottom wall. Prestretched polypropylene straps are automatically applied to the container when in its flattened condition for providing girth support to the container when in its erected condition. The straps are positioned from the lower portion of the container side walls at ever increasing distances from each other for limiting container bulge when carrying products having varying effects on the container. With such an arrangement of straps, economically and environmentally desirable single and double wall corrugated paperboard can be used where typically triple wall and laminated paperboard containers are used.