Method and machine for constructing a collapsible bulk bin

A method for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly, the bulk bin capable of being erected to a deployed articulated configuration, the bulk bin formed from a body blank and a bottom blank, the body blank having major bottom flaps and minor bottom flaps, the bulk bin having a bottom and a plurality of side panels extending from the bottom, said method comprising:

• providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks;
• partially erecting the body blank;
• partially folding the bottom blank;
• inserting the partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank;
• attaching the major flaps of the body blank to the bottom blank;
• collapsing the partially erected body blank;
• and
• attaching each minor flap to a major flap of the body blank after the blank has been collapsed.

A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly, capable of being erected to a deployed articulated configuration, the bulk bin being formed from a body blank and a bottom blank, the body blank having major bottom flaps and minor bottom flaps, the bulk bin having a bottom and a plurality of side panels extending from the bottom, said machine comprising:

• 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;
• a first attachment device for attaching the major flaps to the bottom blank;
• and
• a second attachment device for attaching each minor flap to a major flap of the body blank, wherein the erecting device collapses the partially erected body blank after the body blank is attached to the bottom blank.