US 6,106,450 A · Apparatus and method for set-up of a non-rectangular container from a knocked-down-flat (KDF) precursor

Abstract

A modification of conventional case packing equipment for forming rectangular containers from knocked-down-flat (KDF) precursors allows formation of non-rectangular containers having one or more oblique wall panels, e.g., an octagonal container. As part of a conveyor line operation, a ram head assembly is advanceable into a rectangular tube erected from a KDF container precusor. The ram head assembly includes a pair of plows which are movable outwardly from a base of the ram head assembly and into engagement with opposing interior sides of the rectangular tube such that oblique corner wall panels are positively formed along score lines provided in the precursor. In addition to forming the oblique wall panels, the plows provide pressing surfaces for facilitating adhesive securement of the container closure flaps while the plow maintains the oblique wall panels in a proper orientation. Once the closure flaps are secured, the container shape is stabilized, the plows are retracted out of engagement with the container walls, and the ram head assembly is retracted from the resultant container.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A method of setting-up a non-rectangular container with an oblique wall panel from a knock-down-fiat (KDF) precursor formed of scored, slotted and folded panels of sheet material, said method comprising:

opening said KDF precursor to form a rectangular tube;
advancing a ram head assembly into said rectangular tube, said head assembly including a base and a plow movable toward and away from said base;
actuating said plow to move away from said base and into engagement with an interior side of said rectangular tube, to thereby form an oblique wall panel of said container angled obliquely with respect to two adjoining container wall panels;
folding over end flaps of said container into contact with each other;
securing said end flaps to each other while said plow is engaged with said interior side;
actuating said plow to retract from said interior side following said securing;
and
retracting the ram head assembly out of the resultant container;
wherein said method is performed as an automated conveyor line operation.

6 more elements

An apparatus for forming a non-rectangular container with an oblique wall panel from a knock-down-flat (KDF) precursor formed of scored, slotted and folded panels of sheet material, said apparatus comprising:

a support device for supporting a rectangular tube erected from a KDF precursor, said support device comprising an automated linear conveyor;
a ram head assembly movably mounted adjacent said support device, said assembly including a base and a plow;
a first actuator for controllably moving said ram head assembly into and out of a said rectangular tube positioned on said support device;
a second actuator for controllably moving said plow away from said base and into engagement with an interior side of said rectangular tube, to thereby form an oblique wall panel of said container angled obliquely with respect to two adjoining container wall panels;
folding means for folding over end flaps of said rectangular tube into contact with each other;
and
securing means for securing said end flaps to each other while said plow is engaged with said interior side;
said second actuator causing said plow to retract from engagement with said interior side following operation of said securing means, said first actuator retracting said ram head assembly out of the resultant container after said retraction of the plow.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and method for set-up of a non-rectangular container from a knocked-down-flat (KDF) precursor

Life of this patent

Apparatus and method for set-up of a non-rectangular container from a knocked-down-flat (KDF) precursor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28