Method for reducing an initial height of a package, such as a slotted container, according to its contents, and device for carrying out such a method

A method for reducing an initial height of a package, the package having a bottom bordered by four flanks and an edge bordering two flanks of the four flanks, the package accommodating at least one batch of objects, the method comprising:

• a primary step having the following sequential steps:
• determining a primary volume and three secondary volumes, the primary volume accommodating at least one batch of objects, the at least one batch of objects having a maximum height, the primary volume being bordered by a primary edge and two flanks, each secondary volume of the three secondary volumes being bordered by a secondary edge and another pair of flanks;
• wedging the two flanks bordering the primary volume against a fixed stop;
• moving an arm carrying a feeler inside the package to a final position in which the feeler returns to contact the at least one batch of objects in order to determine a priority height which is in accordance with the maximum height of the at least one batch of objects;
• deforming the two flanks along a respective pair of folding lines with a marking tool, the marking tool being carried by the arm, the pair of folding lines bordering the primary volume being at a marking height, the marking height corresponding to the priority height;
• separating the two flanks with a cutting tool carried by the arm to a cutting height, the cutting height corresponding to the priority height;
• and
• returning the arm to an initial position;
• and
• three secondary phases having the following sequential steps:
• wedging the two flanks bordering the secondary volume against the fixed stop;
• moving the arm by a distance to the final position;
• deforming the two flanks bordering the secondary volume along a pair of secondary folding lines at the marking height by the marking tool;
• separating the two flanks bordering the secondary volume up to the cutting height by the cutting tool;
• and
• returning the arm to the initial position.