Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a pre-wrapped gift package which appears to have been hand wrapped. The method includes forming a sheet of box construction material with decorative paper affixed thereto into a flattened box tube by joining ends thereof. The box construction material is properly creased and provided with flaps so that a consumer may erect the flattened box tube into an open box so that the end flaps form ends of the box and the decorative paper forms a pair of paper flaps which may be overlapped and secured. A volume sizer is provided in the form of creased box construction material which, when erected, provides an illustration of the volume made available when the pre-wrapped gift box is erected. Box loading devices, particularly useful for shirt box sized packages, are provided in the form of inner sleeves and mechanical devices into which the gift is placed before insertion into the pre-wrapped gift box.

Abstract: A system for processing a carton includes a unit for supplying articles for printing, a unit for printing the contents of articles supplied from the supplying unit so as to be housed within the carton, including the names or quantity of the articles to be housed within the carton, or the printing pattern, a unit for assembling the article to be printed to a carton shape from its developed state, a unit for loading the articles to be housed within the article to be printed assembled in the carton shape by the assembling unit, a transporting unit for interconnecting the unit for supplying the articles for printing, printing unit, assembling unit, and the loading unit; and a production supervising computer controlling the unit for supplying the articles for printing, printing unit, assembling unit, loading unit and the transporting unit.

Abstract: An overhead flight conveyor assembly for use with a continuous motion packaging machine to erect four-sided tapered paperboard cartons is disclosed. The packaging machine has an elongate carton transport conveyor supported on a framework of the packaging machine, and moving along a path of travel. The overhead flight conveyor assembly has a housing supported on the framework of the packaging machine spaced above, and in alignment with the carton transport conveyor. A trailing lug assembly is supported on the housing and extends at least partially along the length thereof, the trailing lug assembly having at least one elongate conveyor chain with a series of spaced trailing lugs affixed thereto and being moved in the direction of the path of travel in timed relationship with the carton transport conveyor.

Abstract: A process for filling a non-self-supporting pack with cylindrical, pellet-like products by introducing into a pack closely surrounding at least one multiple-row layer of the products in such a manner that the products are arranged beside and above one another in linear contact with one another at their cylindrical surfaces and are arranged closely adjacent one another in the pack so that they fit exactly into the pack, are self-supporting, and disperse a pressure applied externally to the pack through the cylindrical surfaces of the products. The pack is brought into a transportation position wherein the products are in an upright position. A pack unit of the products is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and machine for wrapping groups of products, whereby, by means of a U-shaped shuttle with its concavity facing upwards, groups of products are fed successively to the loading station of a wrapping conveyor coplanar with the shuttle and traveling in a direction crosswise to the traveling direction of the shuttle; and a U-shaped folding spindle with its concavity facing the shuttle is brought into contact with the central panel of a blank fed into the loading station by the wrapping conveyor, and receives a group from the shuttle prior to the blank being folded about the spindle to form a tray, and prior to the spindle being withdrawn from the tray.

Abstract: A method of shipping a burial casket in a knocked-down configuration and subsequently assembling the casket at its point of destination comprises the steps of providing a kit of disassembled casket components assemblable into a casket having a shell and a cap, packing the kit of components into shipping container, shipping the packaged casket kit to a destination point, removing the kit from the container and assembling the casket from the kit utilizing at least a portion of the shipping container as an interior component of the casket. A casket comprises a shell and cap assembled from a kit shipped in knocked-down configuration, a body support structure positioned in the shell for supporting a body and a floor for the casket upon which to support the body support structure in the shell. The body support structure is formed from the bottom of an elongated, shallow, generally rectangular shipping carton in which the casket kit is shipped. The floor is formed from the top of the carton.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a pre-wrapped gift package which appears to have been hand wrapped. The method includes forming a sheet of box construction material with decorative paper affixed thereto into a box tube by joining ends thereof. The box construction material is properly creased and provided with flaps so that a consumer may fold the flattened box tube into a box so that the end flaps form ends of the box and the decorative paper forms a pair of paper flaps which may be overlapped and taped. A flattened pull bow is provided to form a gift wrapping kit with the flattened box tube which may be distributed and displayed in a flat package. A flattened, collapsed open box with the same volume as the pre-wrapped gift package is attached to the outside of the assembly in such a manner that a prospective purchaser may erect the open box and use it to determine whether or not the pre-wrapped gift package is the proper size for the gift the purchaser desires to be packaged.

Abstract: A method of using an assembly line and shipping container including the step of first providing the container. The container has an outer shell, a first pad element and a second pad element. The pad elements have an inside surface and an outside surface. Compressible elements are coupled to the outside surfaces of the pad elements. The inside surfaces of the pad elements are oppositely aligned with respect to each other inside the outer shell. The first and second pad elements include a first and a second longitudinal slot respectively, the slots aligned opposite each other. During use, the container is placed on an assembly line having at least one work station. A board component is inserted into the container along the longitudinal slots. The board component is removed from the container at the work station. Work then is performed on the board component. The board component is placed back into the container after performing the work and the board component is shipped inside the container.

Abstract: An integrated and automated case packing device and method is disclosed. The device and method uses multiple stations to: separate a flattened case from a supply of such cases, detect whether the case in an A or B-type case, open the case according to the type of case, place a predetermined number of imbricated articles into a group standing on edge, move that group under the erected case, place the case over the stationary group, close the flaps to the case, and move the case downstream to a case invertor.

Abstract: A paperboard container of generally semi-rigid construction and formed from a unitary blank of paperboard folded in the general shape of a U. The interior surface of the container is coated with a thermoplastic polymer barrier layer, the container having a manually openable, normally closed pour spout at one upper edge portion, and also having a recessed or raised bottom. The container is particularly adapted for packaging granular, dry material such as corn flakes, pretzels, and the like. Due to its construction and the thermoplastic barrier layer, the usual inner pouch which contains dry cereal is omitted, thereby effecting savings in both material and in assembly of the final package. In one embodiment, an opening is provided for carrying the package, the opening located at the top of the container. In another embodiment one side wall of the panel is provided with an extension to serve as a reclosure flap.

Abstract: A continuous motion, end loading packaging machine forms article groups of a predetermined number and configuration using a flight type article selector. The packaging machine is flexible in its ability to package articles of different heights and diameters in various product configurations. The packaging machine includes adjustable guide rails to selectively change product infeed lane widths. The machine also includes phase adjusts the selector flights, and allows for easy selector flight replacement.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for partially setting up a blank (12) is disclosed including first suction cups (122) for removing the first blank (12) from a magazine (96). The first suction cups (122) are pivotally mounted to the ends of pivot arms (110) to move the first blank (12) up and over actuators (102) of the magazine (96) as the first blank (12) is moved forward out of the magazine (96). After the lower edge of the first blank (12) passes over the actuators (102), the lower portion of the blank (12) is supported in an intermediate position upon an abutment bar (106). While still secured to the first suction cups (122), second suction cups (78) are secured to the blank (12). The second suction cups (78) tilt the blank (12) to be parallel to and move with upstanding lugs (36) of a conveyor assembly (34). A forming die (38) pushes the blank (12) into the lugs (36) as the forming die (38), blank (12) and the lugs (36) move at a constant speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging compact disc into respective cases along feed line having one station for opening the cases, a first work station in which an informational leaflet and informational booklet are respectively inserted in a housing portion and a lid portion of the case, a second work station in which a compact disc is engaged with a tray, if present, and a cover are respectively inserted in the housing portion and lid portion, and a final station for closing the case. The lid portion of the case is rotated by means of air blowing nozzles positioned at the opening and closing stations, respectively, to direct an air flow against the lid portion.

Abstract: In a system of packaging of foodstuffs in containers (12), each container (12) has a closure of aluminium/LDPE laminate formed with a central tear panel (322) which either has a pull-tab (402) rivetted thereto or is connected to a pull-tab (321) at an, edge of the closure (1) by a narrow tear strip (323) extending up, over and down the rim of the container (12). The closures (1) are conveyed in horizontal positions pneumatically from a closure-manufacturing machine towards a downwardly inclined, vibrating, tranpsort box (110) and tilted pneumatically into vertical positions as they approached the box (110) for stacking in the box (110).

Abstract: A sleeving machine and a method for automatically inserting a tray of postal mail into a sleeve. The tray is disposed on a transport station and advanced by a transport belt. A pusher on the transport belt engages the tray for advancement through the machine. Collapsed sleeves are dispensed as required from a hopper into a sleeving station. A suction head and a pivoted second side of the sleeving station open the sleeve to receive the tray. The transport belt with the pusher advances the tray into the open sleeve and then advances the sleeve, with the tray therein, out of the sleeving station. Sensors are provided to control and coordinate movement of the second belt and dispensing of the sleeves from the hopper into the sleeving station. Safety features are provided.

Abstract: A device and method for packaging of toothbrushes in cartons where conveyored toothbrushes gravitationally descend in a containment slide to be released individually from a metering mechanism into dual slotted starwheels. Brushes from the starwheels are deposited into configured infeed buckets to be subsequently loaded into a carton by a brush inserter mechanism.

Abstract: An automated cartoner for packaging a product in a carton having score lines is provided. The automated cartoner includes a carton feed for storing a plurality of cartons. A carton slide is provided and is coupled to the carton feed for receiving cartons from the carton feed. A pre-break station is positioned at approximately the midpoint of the carton slide. The pre-break station is provided for flexing the score lines on the carton. A product feed is provided for storing a plurality of products, for example, videotape cassettes. A product slide is provided and is connected at approximately a 90.degree. angle to the carton slide at one end below the pre-break station to form a packaging station. The other end of the product slide is connected to the product feed for receiving product from the product feed. The product slide delivers product to the packaging station. At least one motor is provided for driving the carton slide and the product slide in reciprocating directions with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method and means for opening a collapsed rectilinear carrier sleeve. As the collapsed sleeve is moved through a packaging machine it is partially opened so that the leading panel extends at an angle to the horizontal. A continuous upward force is then delivered to the leading panel to cause the leading panel to pivot up about its upstream fold line until it reaches the vertical. The collapsed sleeve is partially opened by elevating side flaps connected to an upper panel to cause the upper panel to be elevated. One way of accomplishing this is to cause the upper flaps to ride up over a fixed cam surface while lower flaps connected to a lower panel move under the cam to prevent the lower panel from moving in an upward direction.

Abstract: A display container comprises permanent side walls, a first end with at least two side wall flanges depending from the side walls and a second end sealable to form a closed bottom wall. At least a portion of one of the side wall flanges is permanently bonded to another side wall flange to form a closed, bonded top wall to maintain the display container in a permanently sealed condition so that product placed inside the container is inaccessible from either the top or bottom wall. A method of packaging incorporating the display container is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging machine for manufacturing packaging containers for liquid contents, e.g., milk or juice, from tubular packaging container blanks of laminated paper and plastic material. The blanks are fed through the machine by means of a main conveyor along which is disposed various stations for performing operations such as sealing the bottom ends of the blanks to form bottom-sealed packaging containers, filling the bottom-sealed packaging containers, and top-sealing the filled containers. A station can also be provided to transfer blanks from an infeed conveyor located below the main convey to the main conveyor. The stations are jointly controlled but individually driven and replaceable, which makes for a flexible and compact machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically inserting a tray of articles, such as a tray of letters for mailing, into a tubular packaging sleeve includes a conveyor for positioning a tray at an inserting position, and a sleeve carrier to move a sleeve into position for inserting the tray in the sleeve. The carrier includes a vacuum head for gripping a sleeve blank from the top of a sleeve supply, and sleeve forming plates for unfolding the blank into the tubular shape. The sleeve is positioned in axial alignment with the tray and a pusher arm pushes the tray into the sleeve. The invention includes automatic controls for initiating and controlling the sleeving operation without operator intervention. The invention includes a method of inserting a tray of articles in a sleeve using the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved cam mechanism bends carton blanks fed from the magazine of a packaging machine. The carton blanks each have a gripped portion attached to the packaging machine and a bendable portion extending from the gripped portion. The cam mechanism includes a rotatable shaft mounted on the packaging machine and at least one cam member mounted on the shaft. The cam member has a plurality of longitudinally extending side walls and apex portions interconnecting the side walls. Rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis positions the side walls adjacent the gripped portions of the carton blank, and the apex portions radially displace the bendable portions of the carton blanks as the carton blanks are fed from the magazine.

Abstract: A method to package stacked article groups utilizing packaging sleeves having a divider or base member mounted therein. At least one open end of each packaging sleeve is exposed during travel on a conveyor whereby a stream of articles within reach of the moving packaging sleeves are directed below and above the divider members of the open ended sleeves before closure.

Abstract: The invention is a method of packaging items of manufacture as they leave the assembly line. A plurality of pre-manufactured containers is grouped together on a standard shipping and storage rack. The closure of each container is opened, presenting, in effect, a plurality of cavities. As each container is filled, it is closed using a reusable closure means, such as Velcro. When all containers on an individual rack have been filled, the individual rack is removed for subsequent storage and shipment.

Abstract: A sleeving machine and a method for automatically inserting a tray of postal mail into a sleeve. The tray is disposed on a transport station and advanced by a first belt. A second belt having a pusher thereon engages the tray for advancement through the machine. Collapsed sleeves are dispensed as required from a hopper into a sleeving station. Arcuate guides in the sleeving station open the sleeves to receive the tray. The second belt with the pusher advances the tray into the open sleeve and then advances the sleeve, with the tray therein, out of the sleeving station. Sensors are provided to control and coordinate movement of the second belt and dispensing of the sleeves from the hopper into the sleeving station. Safety features are provided.

Abstract: A carton blank includes a laminated blank body having a top and a bottom. A plurality of bottom creases are formed in the bottom of the blank body. The bottom creases define bottom flaps that are adapted to be folded and sealed to form a substantially rectangular bottom surface of a finished gable top carton. The bottom flaps are sealed together along a bottom seal that substantially bisects the bottom surface of the finished carton. A plurality of top creases are formed in the top of the blank body. The top creases define top flaps that are adapted to be folded and sealed into a gable top of the finished gable top carton, with the gable top having an upstanding longitudinal top fin. The top creases are arranged on the blank body to enable the carton blank to be folded and sealed such that the top fin of the finished gable top carton may be either parallel with, or transverse to, the bottom seal of the finished gable top carton.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a pre-wrapped gift package which appears to have been hand wrapped. The method includes forming a sheet of box construction material with decorative paper affixed thereto into a box tube by joining ends thereof. The box construction material is properly creased and provided with flaps so that a consumer may fold the flattened box tube into a box so that the end flaps form ends of the box and the decorative paper forms a pair of paper flaps which may be overlapped and taped. A flattened pull bow is provided to form a gift wrapping kit with the flattened box tube which may be distributed and displayed in a flat package.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and filling a plurality of cartons erected from a plurality of collapsed carton tubes includes an end flap alignment device attached to the conveying and folding mechanism of the apparatus. The end flap alignment device folds one of the bottom end flaps of the collapsed carton tube inwardly and in the same motion folds the top end flap which is also provided on the bottom of the carton tube outwardly so that the bottom end flap and the top end flap are aligned in the same plane. The end flap alignment device comprises a generally U-shaped fork comprising a base attached to a plate and two rods each connected at one end thereof to the base. The plate is attached to a reciprocable slide of the apparatus by a pivot rod. One end of the pivot rod is connected to a cam, which rides in a cam track. As the slide is reciprocated, the plate, including fork, is pivoted about the pivot rod.

Abstract: A side loading machine is capable of very rapid loading of complements of articles into open side cartons. Carton blanks are unfolded at an unfolding station and advanced to a loading station along a carton path. At the loading station, pusher bars are indexed in closed paths located perpendicular to and on both sides of the carton path. The pusher bars are indexed to push the complements from article waiting stations into the carton. New articles are fed to the article waiting stations between consecutive pusher bars. A split platform cooperates with a pusher bar to guide the articles into each article waiting station. Oscillating fingers and paddles positively control the locations of the carton flaps prior and subsequent to loading the complements into the cartons.

Abstract: In a packaging system, carton sleeves are sealingly closed at their bottoms while received upon respective mandrels, the open-topped cartons are removed from the mandrels and filled, and the filled cartons are sealingly closed at their tops. Between the bottoms being sealingly closed and the cartons being filled, selected cartons are turned through a right-angle about their own axes to bring their top closure sealing sub-panels into a correct orientation for top-sealing. For enabling such turning the mandrels are turnable about their own axes by a cam displaceable between operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: A machine for loading articles such as milk cartons in a crate and stacking the crates for transport is described. The crate has folding sides. A supply of crates stacked in folded condition is introduced into the machine. The crates are removed individually from the stack by the machine, the sides are raised, and the crates are arranged vertically on a conveyor in preparation to receive the filled cartons. Cartons are inserted into a crate, which is then banded by a plastic strip, and the crate is placed in a stack with other crates that have been filled with cartons. The stack of filled crates is then unloaded from the machine.

Abstract: Cases and cartons are formed and/or sealed using a specific class of low viscosity reactive urethane hot melt adhesive compositions which provide a fast setting, temperature resistant bond that is not attacked by aromatic oils solvents or petrochemical vapors.

Abstract: A method of constraining a product while packaging and an apparatus to carry out the method. The product is positioned in a constraint cage having constraining fingers or plates on all four sides of the product in a first position. The constraint cage is then moved from the first position to a second position where packaging is performed by lowering a case over the product while the product is continuously constrained by either the cage or the case or both. Thereafter, the case is conveyed with the enclosed product while closing the major and minor flaps of the case.

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: A process and apparatus for opening the sealing flaps of a carton using drive elements for spreading or folding such sealing flaps open as required for packaging cartons having sealed bottoms. The boxes are inverted and lowered from a floating position with the bottom up and the sealing flaps hanging down. The flaps are placed on drive elements which move away from each other and in the flap opening direction. The box is then moved to a packaging area in the inverted position and lowered over the materials to be packaged.

Abstract: A process for transferring and packaging contents into containers is disclosed wherein container blanks of various formats are arranged in vertical stacks in various magazines such that a selected container blank is withdrawn from the bottom of its associated magazine and moved continuously by a conveyor means and is formed into a container and subsequently filled with contents. Continuous packaging of the contents in containers of different dimensions is effected without standstill times attributable to changing the format of the blanks.

Abstract: This relates to a wraparound carrier for the packaging of articles in two rows. Primarily the articles are bottles. The wraparound carrier is provided at each end with a trap gusset and a pair of end panels. The gusset is specifically configurated to fold beneath an arched shaped top of a conventional wraparound container so as to effect the maintaining of the formed configuration of the upper part of the wraparound carrier while holding the associated end panels in a planar relationship. Not only does the relationship between the gusset and end panels at each end of the carrier provide for a complete closing of the carrier such as desired in the packaging of certain beers and other products, but also even after the carrier has been opened and the bottles or like articles removed therefrom, the gusset and the associated end panels cooperate with one another to maintain the shape of the erected carrier so that the opened carrier may have replaced therein the used bottles for return.

Abstract: A field crop harvesting, carton packaging and packed carton handling machine, which includes transport means having a front section, central section and a trailing section; the front and trailing sections include ground engaging means and each include a platform mounted on the ground engaging means; the front platform also includes area means for stacking and supplying non-erected cartons and for erecting the non-erected cartons; the central section includes conveyor support means including a central conveyor means and a left and right conveyor means; the left and right conveyor means each include erected carton receiving and supplying means; the left and right conveyor means also include a series of carton packing stations as well as a conveyor for moving the packed cartons to the central conveyor; the central conveyor includes a rearwardly moving conveyor for transporting the packed cartons rearwardly to the trailing platform; and the trailing platform includes area means for receiving, handling and sealing

Abstract: A container that is filled with a product through an open end and which is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven to hold the product while it is heated. The container is formed of a paperboard blank coated with polyethylene (microwavable) or polyester (microwavable and ovenable), and is folded, filled and thermally sealed on a slightly modified, but generally conventional machine that is otherwise used to assemble and fill prior art end filled containers. The blank includes a first panel having two end walls, front and rear sidewalls, and four gusset corners, and a second panel connected to the rear sidewall along a fold line having two end flaps, and a front flap. A tear-open access flap is defined on the second panel by partially die cut lines. In a first embodiment, the first panel is imprinted with graphics and the second panel with cooking instructions.

Abstract: A rotary packaging machine advances carton sleeves stepwise through a series of stations at which various operations are performed in relation to the sleeves. At certain earlier ones of the stations operations are performed upon the bottoms of the sleeves at a desired common level. At certain later ones of the stations operations are performed upon the tops of the sleeves at a higher desired common level. At one station intermediate the earlier ones and later ones, the sleeves are lowered by an amount dependent upon their heights, so as to bring their tops to that higher desired common level.

Abstract: A method and machine for the manufacture of packing containers of the type where a number of packing container blanks are successively converted to packing containers, open at the top, which are filled with contents, shaped and sealed. The packing container blanks are advanced intermittently during the processing and filling between the different stations, which means especially in packing machines with several conveying elements, that the driving unit of the machine will be unevenly loaded and that the working of the machine will be uneven and jerky. To overcome this it is proposed in accordance with the invention, that the driving of the different conveying elements sould take place asynchronously in accordance with a similar but mutually offset pattern of movement.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for opening folded open side carton blanks. The apparatus includes a first conveyor system for stripping blanks from a supply thereof at a first speed and for propelling the blanks downstream to a second conveyor system operating at a second speed greater than the first speed to accelerate the blanks and propel them to an unfolding station. The carton lower layer flaps are bent angularly downward. A pair of paddles having inclined leading edges rotate in horizontal planes to penetrate the space between the carton upper and lower layers and to lift the upper layer above the lower layer. The paddles also have bottom surfaces for holding the blank lower layer downwardly. The paddle tips travel at a faster speed than the second conveyor, so the tips slide forwardly to contact and push the blank leading panel forwardly to further unfold the flank.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the manual erection and loading of a partially assembled paperboard carton blank. The machine includes a work table on which the carton blank is manipulated selectively to open the blank and close the bottom thereof by utilizing a vacuum system for selectively restraining major flaps forming the bottom wall of the carton. The opened carton blank remains immobilized on the work table for loading through the open upper end thereof. The major and minor flaps at said upper end then can be folded manually to close the loaded carton, after which the vacuum system can be deactivated to permit sliding of the loaded carton into a takeaway apparatus which can be a taping or sealing device or a conveyor for transporting the loaded carton to a remote work station, such as, for sealing. The table top may be pivotal.

Abstract: A foldable carton having a prefitted interior wrapping liner for wrapping articles. The carton has foldable side walls which secure the wrapping liner in a flattened arrangement. The interior liner is neatly folded and secured by the collapsed side walls so that upon erecting the side walls the properly sized wrapping liner is exposed for immediate use in wrapping an article inside the carton.

Abstract: The present method comprises the steps of positioning a bag on a supporting surface, the bag consisting of flexible film material such as plastic laminate. The bag is so constructed that its side walls are sealed along their peripheries, with one end having an unsealed portion. A filling hole is provided in one side wall of the unsealed bag portion. The bag before filling is flat, or in other words it is not inflated with air or other gas. The side walls of the unsealed portion (preferably a corner of the bag) are then separated to form an opening into which means is introduced to effect sealed registration of a filling head with the bag filling hole. A measured amount of liquid is then delivered through the filling opening to fill the bag, and after the bag has been filled the unsealed end portion of the bag is heat sealed to form a completely sealed bag. Before filling, it is desirable to evacuate air from the bag by applying suction.

Abstract: A method for the handling of unstuffed envelopes which facilitates the subsequent handling of the envelopes stuffed as pre-sorted mail. The unstuffed envelopes are packed into a telescopic carton assembly, which includes first and second cartons having movable flap assemblies that are positioned within the interior of the respective cartons and are movable to positions outside of the respective cartons to convert the cartons into two self-contained containers. The telescopic carton assembly is separated by the mail sender into two cartons and the new unstuffed envelopes are removed therefrom. The movable flap assemblies of the two cartons are moved to positions outside of the interiors of the cartons. The envelopes are stuffed with pre-sorted mail and packed into the two cartons. The movable flap assemblies of the cartons are positioned so as to define the tops of self-contained shipping containers housing the stuffed envelopes for mailing and shipment of the pre-sorted mail.

Abstract: A method of forming, filling and hermetically sealing a container in which a thermoplastic lid is hermetically sealed to a paperboard container body while the container body is in an upside down orientation, with the container then being filled through the opposite upper end while the container is still in the upside down orientation, and with the filled container then being closed by means of flaps at the opposite end.

Abstract: For the fabrication of a bag-in-box (BIB) package, there is first provided a semifinished, collapsed BIB package wherein a flattened bag is placed within a collapsed box and secured to at least one of its inside surfaces by means of an adhesive. After erecting the package, the bag is inflated into close internal contact with the box by introducing a gas under pressure through a fitment attached to the bag and projecting outwardly of the box. The opposite ends of the box are closed with sets of foldable end flaps, with the aid of an adhesive. Preferably, the bag is further secured to the inside surfaces of a pair of opposed ones of the four bottom end flaps of the box. The opposed pair of bottom flaps are held folded out during the introduction of the pressurized gas into the bag, in order that the bottom end portion of the inflated bag may make neat contact with the inside surfaces of the box. There is also disclosed herein an apparatus for thus fabricating the BIB package.

Abstract: A multi-piece, tub shaped paperboard container having a circular opening in the top thereof is provided with a multi-piece, reinforced rim coated with a layer of meltable plastic and is assembled by appying heat to overlapping seams in order to melt the plastic coating and thereby seal the seams. Heat is applied evenly around the entire periphery of the rim by a 2-piece, annularly shaped, heated collar which may be selectively shifted into conforming engagement with the container. The even application of heat around the entire periphery of the rim equalizes the surface tension of the plastic coating during melting thereof to avoid deformation of the rim during the heat sealing process.

Abstract: A carton for packaging semi-fluid material is formed from specially constructed integral carton blank and a special process for assembling the same. The blank has a front panel, a bottom panel, a rear panel, a cover panel, and a front cover sealing flap articulated one to the other in the order named, with end-forming flaps and glue-flap extensions extending laterally therefrom adapted to be glued together to form inner and outer walls and side-cover flaps. The bottom outer wall-forming flap is glued to the inner wall-forming flaps by glue strips along the side edges of the latter, where they are joined to the front and rear panels, and the side-cover flap has a tuck-in tab adapted to be tucked in under the bottom outer wall-forming flap between the glue strips. The glue-flap extensions fold over the side-cover flaps and are glued thereto by an extension of the glue strip adjacent the front carton front.