Method and apparatus for reconfiguring containers

A method of retrieving a flat blank from a plurality of flat blanks comprising:

• rotating an engagement device of a rotary apparatus along a rotational path to a first retrieval position, said rotary apparatus further comprising a rotatable shaft to which the engagement device is inter-connected;
• at said first retrieval location, retrieving a flat blank from the plurality of flat blanks with the engagement device;
• translating the rotary apparatus including the rotatable shaft and the engagement device with the engaged blank away from the plurality of blanks;
• rotating the rotary apparatus including the rotatable shaft and the engagement device with the engaged blank to a second operational position.

A method of erecting a flattened tubular container blank into a container, the method comprising:

• (a) retrieving a blank from a plurality of flattened tubular container blanks, at an on-loading position, by engaging the blank with an engagement device which is connected to a rotary member which is mounted on a slide frame;
• (b) translating the slide frame to bring the rotary member, the engagement device and the blank a distance away from the plurality of flattened tubular container blanks;
• (c) rotating the rotary member to bring the blank into an operation location and at least partially erecting the blank into a container;
• and
• (d) releasing the container from the engagement device at an off-loading location.