Compact case forming machine

A case forming machine for assembling erected cases from blanks of the type having four sides, four top flaps and four bottom flaps, wherein the four top flaps and four bottom flaps comprise a top end and a bottom end of the cases when erected, said machine comprising:

• a generally horizontal stacking apparatus configured for stacking the blanks in a first predetermined vertical orientation so that case faces of the blanks each define a vertical plane and for biasing the blanks in a first direction;
• a generally horizontal case opening and forming apparatus that is generally parallel to said stacking apparatus and configured to receive the blanks having said predetermined orientation and so that the cases are ejected in a second direction;
• a vertical blank mover suctioning one of the case faces during transferring of each of the blanks vertically downward and being generally vertically disposed between said stacking apparatus and said horizontal case opening and forming apparatus;
• and
• said vertical blank mover being configured to transport the blanks vertically downward between said stacking apparatus and said horizontal case opening and forming apparatus while maintaining the case faces of the transported blanks in said first predetermined, vertically planar orientation.