Method and machine for constructing a collapsible bulk bin

A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly, capable of being erected to a deployed articulated configuration, the bulk bin being formed from a body blank and a bottom blank, the body blank having major bottom flaps and minor bottom flaps, the bulk bin having a bottom and a plurality of side panels extending from the bottom, said machine comprising:

• a body blank feeding device for providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks;
• an erecting device for partially erecting the body blank;
• a folding device for partially folding a bottom blank;
• a bottom insertion device for inserting the partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank;
• first fingers for attaching the major flaps to the bottom blank;
• a collapsing device for collapsing the partially erected body blank;
• second fingers for attaching each minor flap to a major flap of the body blank after the body blank has been collapsed;
• and
• a strapping device for simultaneously applying a plurality of straps to an exterior surface of the body blank.

A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly, capable of being erected to a deployed articulated configuration, the bulk bin being formed from a body blank and a bottom blank, the body blank having major bottom flaps and minor bottom flaps, the bulk bin having a bottom and a plurality of side panels extending from the bottom, said machine comprising:

• a body blank feeding device for providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks, the body blank feeding station comprising a vacuum device for removing one blank from the stack of body blanks;
• an erecting device for partially erecting the body blank;
• a folding device for partially folding a bottom blank;
• a bottom insertion device for inserting the partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank, said bottom insertion station comprising a glue applicator for applying glue to predetermined locations on the bottom blank and a compression device for attaching the glue locations of the bottom blank to the body blank;
• a first attachment device for attaching the major flaps to the bottom blank;
• a collapsing device for collapsing the partially erected body blank;
• a second attachment device for attaching each minor flap to a major flap of the body blank after the body blank has been collapsed;
• and
• a strapping device for simultaneously applying a plurality of straps to an exterior surface of the body blank.