Wrap-around carton packing apparatus and method

Abstract

Method and apparatus are provided for effecting sealing of a carton panel such as the top panel to a manufacturer's joint in such a fashion that carton erection from a pre-formed carton blank can proceed in an in-line manner without any changes in the direction of carton transport as it is erected, filled and sealed. Panel sealing is accomplished by folding the manufacturer's joint over a free end of the panel, applying an adhesive to the manufacturer's joint while it is in overlying relation with the panel, lifting the panel over the manufacturer's joint, and urging the panel into engagement with the manufacturer's joint so as to become bonded thereto. Top panel sealing in the foregoing manner proceeds without the necessity of using the carton contents as a mandrel against which the manufacturer's joint is otherwise ordinarily folded, thereby permitting the carton to be erected and sealed along its manufacturer's joint in the absence of product received within the carton.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.