Packaging machine with side flap gluing and folding capability

Abstract

An inline packaging machine for folding the flaps of a paper board tray blank around a group of articles loaded on the bottom panel of the tray has provision for emergency shut-down whereby any glue applied to the side flaps of the tray will not set before the tray is completely formed. Moveable side flap folding means is provided at the glue station itself for this purpose. The said emergency flap folding means also serves to support the tray end flaps during gluing. The compression section of the machine that normally applies pressure to the glued flaps includes an inlet portion that is re-configured during emergency shut-down for the same purpose, that is to assure that the flaps are completely folded as the glue sets. The glue station and compression section are mounted on beams that are movable toward and away from one another to accommodate trays of various width.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.