Systems and methods for folding and retaining box flaps
AssigneePacksize LLC
InventorsScotty Robinson, II, Jeremy Brown, Jeff Edwards
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for folding and retaining upper flaps of a box are disclosed. The system includes a conveyor system configured to advance the box at least partially through the system. A flap folding assembly is configured to fold the upper flaps of the box to an open or outwardly folded configuration. The upper flaps are folded outwardly and down towards outer sidewall surfaces of the box in the folded configuration. A bander assembly is configured to apply a band or other restraint to the upper flaps of the box to retain the upper flaps in the folded configuration.
Claims20
A system for folding upper flaps of a box to an outward or open configuration, the system comprising:
- a flap folding assembly configured to fold one or more upper flaps of the box to an outward or open folded configuration, the one or more upper flaps being folded outward and down towards outer sidewall surfaces of the box in the outward or open folded configuration, the flap folding assembly comprising:
- a flap folder having an angled plate that is configured to engage one of the one or more upper flaps of the box as the flap folder is at least partially inserted into an open upper end of the box, engagement of the angled plate with the upper flap of the box being configured to bend or deflect the upper flap of the box in an outward direction;
- and
- a clamp associated with the flap folder, at least a portion of the clamp being configured to move to fold the upper flap of the box to the outward or open folded configuration.
A system for folding upper flaps of a box to an outward or open configuration, the system comprising:
- a flap folding assembly configured to be selectively inserted into an open end of the box to fold the upper flaps of the box to an open or outwardly folded configuration, the upper flaps being folded outwardly and down towards outer sidewall surfaces of the box in the folded configuration, the flap folding assembly comprising:
- first and second opposing flap folders that are configured to move closer together and further apart from one another parallel to a first axis, the first and second opposing flap folder being configured to fold first and second opposing upper flaps of the box;
- and
- third and fourth opposing flap folders configured to move closer together and further apart from one another parallel to a second axis, the third and fourth opposing flap folder being configured to fold third and fourth opposing upper flaps of the box.
A method for folding upper flaps of a box in an open or outwardly folded configuration, the method comprising:
- providing an open box with upwardly extending upper flaps;
- folding the flaps in an outward direction with a plurality of angled plates;
- and
- folding the upper flaps to an open or outwardly folded configuration with a plurality of clamps associated with the plurality of angled plates, the upper flaps being folded outward and down toward outer sidewall surfaces of the box when in the folded configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.