US3030868A - Carton forming machine - Google Patents

Description

April 24, 1962 Filed Aug. 17, 1959 w. E. FLACK 3,030,868

CARTON FORMING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR WALTER E. FLACK IYM ATTORNEY April 24., 1962 w. E. FLACK 3,030,868

CARTON FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 17, 1959 7 sheets-sheet 2 F'II3 2 ATTO RN EY April 24, 1962 w. E. FLACK CARTON FORMING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 17, 1959 mm: om:

I INVENTOR WALTER E. FLAOK .y/ewwfl ATTORNEY April 24, 1962 w. E. FLACK CARTON FORMING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 17, 1959 INVENTOR WALTER E. FLAOK BY 1694M ATTORNEY April 24, 1962 w. E. FLACK CARTON FORMING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 17, 1959 April 24., 1962 w. E. FLACK 3,030,858

CARTON FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 17, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 F'IIEI' '7 INVENI'OR WALTER E. FLAGK ATTO R N EY A ril 24, 1962 w. E. FLACK 3,030,868

CARTON FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 17, 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR WALTER E. FLACK ATTORNEY United States Patent FMC Corporation, San Jose, Calif., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 17, 1959, Ser. No. 834,132 10 flaims. ((31. 3-5l) This invention pertains to carton forming machines. More particularly the invention relates to a machine for bending, i.e., turning, the projecting flanges, or flaps, of cardboard blanks of the type used in the formation of cartons or carton inserts.

In the packaging industry many cartons or carton inserts of rectangular configuration are used. These cartons or carton inserts are usually made from blanks each of which is in the form of a rectangular central panel with flanges projecting outtwardly from the four sides thereof and connected thereto along hinge lines which may or may not be scored. When such a blank is formed into a carton, the flanges are bent upwardly on the hinge lines to form the side and end walls of the carton, or carton insert.

In the instance of the use of such a structure as a carton, the assembly is usually overwrapped after the material has been placed therein to complete the carton. In the instance of the use of such structure as a carton insert, the flanges are bent to a position normal to the plane of the central panel thus forming a tray that can thereafter be filled and inserted into a carton.

It will be noted that wherever the term carton is used herein, said term includes carton inserts having the same general configuration set forth above.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel high speed machine to bend the flanges of cardboard blanks as one of the steps of forming the blanks into cartons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for bending the flanges of a carton blank which machine is adjustable to accommodate carton blanks of a wide range of sizes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine of the type specified which is adjustable to vary the amount of bend in order to accommodate carton blanks of diflerent thicknesses or resilience.

Various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustrating the machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the machine illustrated in FIG. 1 with the covers removed.

FIG. 3 is a section taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partly broken away perspective of the structure employed in the machine of FIGS. 1-3 for initially bending the carton blank flanges.

FIG. 5 is a plan of the flange bending structure of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a section taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an isometric of one of the flange overbending mechanisms constituting a part of the machine of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric of one of the canton blanks that the machine of the invention is adapted to handle.

FIG. 9 is an isometric of the carton blank of FIG. 8 after it has gone through the machine.

FIG. 10 is an isometric of a modified form of carton blank and the suction head used therewith.

Referring now to the drawings, the carton flange forming machine of the present invention comprises a magazine A within which carton blanks C (FIG. 8) to be processed are deposited. According to the invention reciprocating suction head B (FIG. 2) grips the lowermost carton blank C in the magazine A and draws it downwardly through an initial bending station D, Where peripheral portions of the blank are bent upwardly to form flanges projecting at substantially 90 from the plane of the carton bottom, then through a subsequent bending station E where the flanges are bent further, i.e., inwardly beyond their 90 positions so that when released they will return to and remain in their positions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the canton bottom. The carton C is then disengaged from the suction head B and discharged from the machine on a chute F (FIG. 1). A drive mechanism G (FIG. 2), located in the lower portion of the machine 20, elfects the necessary reciprocatory movement of the suction head B, and a vacuum system H provides the necessary suction.

The machine frame comprises a base 22 and two upstanding side panels 24 and 26 (FIG. 2) fixed thereto. A rectangular casting 28 having a rectangular opening 30 therein rests on and is secured to the upper ends of the side panels 24 and 26. A horizontal shelf 32 and a cross brace 34 are mounted between and fixed to the side panels 24 and 26 at vertically spaced points intermediate the ends thereof.

Two bearings 36 and 38 (FIG. 2) are fixed to the shelf 32 and the brace 34, respectively, centrally thereof and slidably support a slide shaft 40 for vertical reciprocation. The upper portion 42 of the shaft 40 is bored longitudinally and a lateral port 44 provides communication bet-ween the longitudinal bore and the exterior of the shaft. A tubular vacuum manifold 46 is fixed at one of its ends to the under side of the shelf 32 and surrounds the lower portion of the shaft 40 in communication with the port 44 therein. The suction head B is fixed to the upper end of the shaft 40. The suction head B is rectangular and is of substantially the same dimensions as the bottom panel C1 of one of the car-ton blanks C. The head B is hollow and is provided with a plurality of suction cups 50 communicating with the interior thereof, and the chamber within the suction head B communicates with the longitudinal bore in the shaft 40. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the suction head B (FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6) is provided with six suction cups 50. It is contemplated, however, that different suction heads will be used for different size canton blanks, and with carton blanks having cut-out sections. The number of suction cups 50, and the configuration thereof, will be changed accordingly to correspond with the size and configuration of the carton blanks. FIG. 10 illustrates a different size and form of car-ton blank C and the suction head B which would be used therewith.

The vacuum manifold 46 (FIG. 2) is connected by a conduit 60 with the intake side of a vacuum pump 62 (FIGS. 2 and 3) coupled by a flexible drive belt 64 to a pulley 65 on the main machine motor 66. The vacuum pump 62 and the motor 66 are mounted on the base 22 of the machine frame in the usual manner by suitable bolts. A Vacuum regulator 68 is incorporated in the conduit 60 to maintain the proper degree of suction at the suction head B. The exhaust of the pump 62 is connected by a conduit 70 with nozzles 72 (FIGS. 2 and 6) which direct a blast of air at each canton blank C as it is released from the suction head B, in a manner explained hereinbelow, to direct said carton into the discharge chute F.

The drive mechanism G (FIGS. 2 and 3) for reciprocating the shaft 40 and the suction head B attached thereto incorporates a block fixed to the lower end of the shaft 40 and provided with a horizontal slot 82. A drive arm 84 is pivotally mounted at one of its ends on a shaft 86 fixed to a bracket 88 mounted on the frame 3 base 22. The opposite end of the arm 84 is bifurcated to embrace the block 80 and is provided with a suitable roller 92 (FIG. 3) received within the slot 82.

A block 94 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is fixed to the arm 84 intermediate its ends and is provided with a slot 96 formed in one of its sides. A roller 98 mounted on one end of a crank arm 100 is received in the slot 96. The crank arm 100 is fixed to a shaft 102 rotatably supported in suitable bearings on a bracket 104 fixed to the base plate 22. The shaft 102 is connected to a drive sprocket 106 by a one revolution clutch assembly 108. The clutch assembly 108 is actuated by a spring pressed pawl 110 pivotally mounted at 112 and adapted to be released by a solenoid 114.

The sprocket 106 is connected by a drive chain to the output sprocket 122 of a reduction gear unit 124 whose input shaft 125 carries a pulley 126 that is connected by a belt drive 127 to the motor 66.

A cam 130 is fixed to the end of the crank arm 100 and successively actuates a series of three microswitches 132, 134 and 136, respectively, when the shaft 102 turns. The microswitches are adjustably mounted on a plate 138 by a plurality of bolts 140 which extend through an arcuate slot 142 formed therein. The microswitches 132, 134 and 136 control the action of the flange bending mechanism in the overbending station E in a manner described hereinbelow.

The mechanism for initially bending the flanges, or flaps, of the carton blanks is located at the initial bending station D, as best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, it includes four flange bending dies in the form of T-shaped slide members 150, 152, 154 and 156, respectively. The base legs of the T-shaped members -156 are slidably mounted in suitable grooves 160, 162, 164 and 166, respectively, in suitable bosses 170, 172, 174 and 176, re 'spectively, formed on the upper surface of the previously mentioned casting 23. The bottoms of the grooves and 164 are at a lower elevation than the bottoms of the grooves 162 and 166 so that the ends of the crossbars of the T-shaped members 150 and 154 are located beheath the ends of the cross bars of the T-shaped members 152 and 156. The innermost edges of the cross bars of the four T-shaped members 150456 define a rectangular opening which is adjustable by inward or outward sliding ofthe T-sh aped members.

The four T-shaped members are identical in structure, with the exception that the cross bars on the members 150 and 154 are longer than the cross bars on the membe'rs 152 and 156, therefor only the structure of the member 150 will be described in detail.

The T-shaped member 150 comprises a base leg slidably received in the groove 160 and a cross bar 182. A slot 184 is formed in the base leg 180 and a belt 186 (FIG. 5), threaded into the casting 28, projects therethrough. A ring or washer 188 is interposed between the head of the bolt 186 and the upper surface of the member 150 whereby tightening of the stud 186 will lock the member 150 in its adjusted position in the groove 160.

Two similar slots 190 and 192 are formed in the arms of the cross bar 182 for purposes which will presently be explained. The central portion 194 of the inner edge of the cross bar 182 is chamfered as best shown in FIG. 6 to provide a downwardly and inwardly sloping surface.

One end of the cross bar 182a of the T-shaped member 152 rests upon the adjacent end of the cross bar 182 of the T-shaped member 150, and a block 200 (FIGS. 5 and 6) is mounted on the upper surface of the cross bar 182a. The block 200 is provided with a belt 202 which projects through the slot 190 and through a similar slot 192a (FIG. 5) in the cross bar 1820 of the T-shaped member 152. The block 200 is also provided with a guide pin 204 (FIG. 5) projecting rigidly downward therefrom into the slot 192a to retain the block 200 with its sides parallel to the sides of the machine '20. A similar block 212 (FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) is similarly mounted at the point of intersection of the other slot 190a in the cross bar 182a with a slot 1921) in the cross bar of the T-shaped member 154. A similar block 214 is mounted at the point of intersection between the member 154 and the member 156 and a block 216 is mounted at the point of intersection between the member 156 and the member 150.

Four upwardly projecting plates 220, 222, 224 and 226 are fixed to the blocks 200', 212, 214, and 216, respectively. These plates constitute the four corners of the carton blank magazine A. The carton blanks C are so placed within the rectangular space defined by the plates 224L226 that each plate is received within one of the cut out corner portions between adjacent flanges of the carton blanks. It will be noted that the inwardly facing edge portion of each of the plates 220426 slopes inwardly adjacent the lower end thereof, as indicated at 230, 232, 234, and 236, respectively, so that the blanks fit loosely within the upper end of the magazine A for easy insertion of carton blanks, while a fairly tight, sliding fit is maintained with the carton blanks at the lower end of the magazine to effect proper alignment of the carton blanks.

As the several T-shaped members 150, 152, 154 and 156 are moved inwardly or outwardly to define different sizes of opening therebetween the blocks 200, 212, 214 and 216 and hence the plates 220, 222, 224 and 226 will be moved correspondingly to impart the proper size to the magazine A. After the T-shaped members are properly located, the stud 186, and the similar studs associated with the other T-shaped members, are tightened; and the stud 202 associated with the block 200, and the similar studs associated with the other blocks 212, 214 and 216, are tightened to maintain the several members in their proper adjusted positions. A scale 240 is fixed along one edge of the base leg 180 of the T-shaped member 150 and moves relatively to an index mark 242 on the boss 170. Similar scales and indexing marks are associated with each of the other T-shaped members to aid in the proper positioning of said members for the size of the particular carton blanks being processed.

While the limits of adjustment are not to be considered critical the particular machine illustrated is capable of handling boxes of any length from 1 inches to 8 /2 inches, inclusive, and of any width from inch to 5 inches, inclusive.

A spacer block 250 (FIGS. 5 and 6) is fixed to the upper surface of the base leg 180 of the T-shaped member 150. A groove 252 (FIG. 5) is formed in the upper surface of the block 250 and a T-shaped blank support member 254 is slidably received therein. A slot 256 is formed in the base leg portion of the blank support member 254. A bolt 258 extends upwardly through the spacer block 250 with its head 260 (FIG. 6) confined in a groove formed in the lower surface thereof. The bolt 258 projects through the slot 256 in the blank support member 254 and a nut 262 threaded onto the bolt 258 bears against the upper surface of the blank support member 254 to lock it in its adjusted position. As best shown in FIG. 6, the inner edge 264 of the cross bar of the T-shapedblank support member 254 is chamfered, as is the outer end portion 266 of the base leg portion. Thus, for relatively wide cartons the blank support member 254 is oriented so that its cross bar is at the inner end of the member 254, as illustrated in the drawings. For relatively narrow cartons the blank support member 254 would be reversed so that its cross bar will not interfere with the plates 220 and 226 of the magazine A. Similar blank support members 267, 268 and 269, and suitable spacer blocks, are mounted in the same manner on the T-shaped members 152, 154 and 156, respectively. The chamfered inner edges of the blank support members 254, 267, 268 and 269 are contacted by the edges of the flanges C2, C3, C4 and C5, respectively (FIG. 8), on lowermost carton blank C in the magazine A and thus support the supply of carton blanks. The blank support members of the particular machine 21) illustrated are adjustable to accommodate carton blanks which have flanges of any height between 1 4 inch and 1 /2 inches, inclusive.

As the lowermost carton blank C is moved downwardly by the suction head B the edges of the flanges C2, C3, C4 and C5 are stripped from the blank support members 254, 267, 268, and 269. As the carton blank C moves through the opening defined by the T- shaped members 150, 152, 154 and 156, the flanges C2, C3, C4 and C5 are bent upwardly thereby to positions substantially normal to the plane of the bottom panel C1 of the carton. The flanges C2, C3, C4 and C5 are retained in this position by guide rods fixed centrally of the inner edge of each of the T-shaped members 150- 156, respectively, and projecting downwardly therefrom. Two of these guide bars, those associated with the T- shaped members and 154, are shown at 270 and 274, respectively, in FIG. 6, and the guide bar 272 associated with the T-shaped member 152, is shOWn in FIG. 7.

The overbending mechanism at station E (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the machine comprises four identical mechanisms 232, 232, 284 and 286 each adapted to overbend one of the flanges C2, C3, C4 and C5, and each is supported from one of the T-shaped members 150, 152, 154 and 156 hence is automatically positioned therewith for the particular size of carton blanks C being processed. As best shown in FIG. 2, the two overbending mechanisms 282 and 286 associated with the T-shaped members 152 and 156, respectively, are at the same elevation, the overbending mechanism 284 associated with the T-shaped member 154' is at a lower elevation, and the overbending mechanism 230 associated with the T- shaped member 150 is at a still lower elevation.

Since all of the overbending mechanisms 280, 282, 284 and 286 are identical except for their elevation within the machine, only the mechanism 282 associated with the T-shaped member 152 will be described in detail.

The mechanism 282 FIG. 7) comprises two bars or plates 290 and 292 fixed to the opposite ends, respectively, of the cross bar 182a of the T-shaped member 152 and depending therefrom. A square shaft 294 extends between and is rotatably supported by the depending plates 290 and 292. Three fingers 296, 298 and 360 are carried by the shaft 294 for rotation therewith. The central finger 2% is rigidly fixed to the shaft 294 and is provided with a slot 392 adapted to straddle the previously mentioned depending guide rod 272. The two outer fingers 296 and 3% are slidable longitudinally of the shaft 224 and are adapted to be clamped thereto by bolts 3&4 and 306, respectively.

A. plate 314) is pivotally mounted on the shaft 294 adjacent the outer face of the plate 290. An arcuate slot 312 is formed in the lower portion of the plate 310 and a thumbscrew 314 extends therethrough and is threaded into a suitably tapped opening in the plate 290. Thus the plate 319 is angularly adjustable relative to the plate 290, and it can be locked in its adjusted position by tightening the thumbscrew 314. An arcuate scale 316 is fixed to the arcuate lower edge of the plate 310 and an indicating reference mark 318 is provided on a block 32h fixed to the lower edge of the plate 290.

A flange 330 is fixed to the outer face of the plate 316 and projects outwardly therefrom. A solenoid assembly 332 is mounted on the flange 330 by a plurality of bolts 334. The plunger 336 of the solenoid 332 is connected by a pivot pin 338 to one end of a link 340. The other end of the link 3 is connected by a pivot pin 342 to a crank arm 344 fixed to the shaft 294. When the solenoid 332 is energized the shaft 294 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 7 and the fingers 296, 298 and 300 are rotated inwardly to overbend the adjacent flange on a carton blank C aligned therewith so that when the flange is subsequently re- 5 leased it will return to a position substantially normal to the bottom panel C1 of the carton blank C. A torsion spring 346 surrounding the shaft 294 is mounted between the crank arm 344 and the plate 310 and is connected at its ends to the shaft 294 and the plate 311 to return the shaft 294 when the solenoid 332 is de-energized. The amount of overbend applied to carton flanges by the overbending mechanism 282 may be adjusted by rotating the plate 311? relatively to the plate 299 in the manner described above. In this manner, the overbending mechanism 282 is readily adjustable to effect overbending the flanges to the extent that they will, when released, spring back to positions wherein they are substantially perpendicular to the bottom panels of their respective cartons. The amount of overbending required to accomplish this will depend, of course, upon the thick ness and other characteristics of the carton stock that determine the resilience thereof.

The solenoid 332 and the similar solenoid of the overbending mechanism 236 associated with the T-shaped member 156 are both connected to and controlled by the previously mentioned microswitch 132 (FIG. 2) associated with the drive mechanism, this being the first of the three microswitches to be engaged by the cam 13% during each operating cycle of the machine 20. The solenoid of the overbending mechanism 284 is connected to the microswitch 134 which is the second one to be actuated and the soleniod of the overbending mechanism 23!) is connected to the microswitch 136. The microswitches 132, 134 and 136 are so adjusted in the slot 142 that each of the overbending mechanisms 280, 232, 284 and 286 will be actuated just as the carton blank C moves therepast.

A stripper mechanism (FIGS. 2 and 6) is mounted below the overbending station E and comprises a pair of vertically disposed stripper plates 350 (FIG. 2) and 352 (FIGS. 2 and 6). The plates 350 and 352 are slidably mounted for lateral movement on upwardly projecting flanges 354 fixed to the shelf 32 and are adapted to be locked thereto by thumbscrews one of which is shown at 356 in FIG. 6. The upper edges 358 of the stripper plates 350 and 352 are inclined downward toward the discharge chute F. Before the machine 20 is started in operation the plates 350 and 352 are adjusted so that they just clear the edges of the suction head B. As the suction head B passes downwardly therebetween the upper edges 358 of the plates 350 and 352 contact the bottom of the carton blank C and strip it from the suction head. The air blast from the nozzles 72 then blows the carton C into the discharge chute F.

-In the operation of the device the cycle starts with the suction head almost but not quite in its uppermost position. The clutch soleniod 114 is energized, by operation of a suitable switch located anywhere on the machine convenient to the operator, to release the pawl to eifect engagement of the one revolution clutch assembly 108. The suction head B moves upwardly far enough to engage the lowermostcarton blank C in the magazine A. The suction head B dwells momentarily in this position as the crank arm 10% moves over its center position, thus permitting the vacuum to build up so that the carton blank C is firmly gripped by the suction head B. As the suction head B moves downwardly between the T-shaped members 150, 152, 154 and 156 the flanges C2, C3, C4 and C5 of the carton blank C are bent upwardly thereby to positions substantially normal to the bottom panel C1. The flanges C2, C3, C4 and C5 are retained in these positions by guide rods two of which are shown at 270 and 274 in FIG. 6.

As the carton blank C passes the overbending mechanisms 282 and 286 the microswitch 132 is actuated by the'cam on the crank arm 100, and the fingers of these mechanisms are rotated inwardly to overbend the flanges C3 and C5 inwardly. As the carton blank C moves further the flanges C3 and C5 return, by their own resilience, to the substantially normal positions. The microswitches 134 and 136 are subsequently actuated in turn to actuate the overbending mechanisms 234 and 230 to overbend the flanges C4 and C2, respectively, in like manner. As the suction head B passes between the stripper plates 350 and 352 the upper edges thereof abut the lower surface of the carton blank C and strip the carton blank from the suction head. The air blast from the nozzles 72 blows the finished carton C into the discharge chute F. The suction head B returns upwardly and is stopped just short of its uppermost position by the disengagement of the clutch assembly 168. For continuous operation, the solenoid 114 of the clutch assembly 108 is continuously energized.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described herein various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The invention having thus been described, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and flanges projecting outwardly from the sides thereof comprising a frame, a set of opposed flange bending dies in substantially coplanar alignment with each other, said dies each being in the form of a T-shaped member with the base leg thereof slidably received in a groove in said frame, the inner edges of the crossbars of said T-shaped members defining opposite sides of a rectangular opening substantially corresponding to the configuration of the central panel of said carton blank, the opposed T-shaped members being adjustable toward and away from each other to accommodate carton blanks of different sizes, a spacer block mounted on the base leg portion of each of said T-shaped members, a carton support member adjustably mounted on each of said spacer blocks, said carton sup port members being adapted to engage the outer edges of the projecting flanges of the lowermost carton to support the same, and means for moving said carton blank through the opening between said dies so that said flanges contact said dies and are bent thereby to positions substantially normal to said central panel.

2. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and four flanges projecting outwardly from the four sides thereof comprising a frame, two sets of opposed flange bending dies, said dies each being in the form of a T-shaped member with the base leg thereof slidably received in a groove in said frame, the inner edges of the crossbars of said T-shaped members defining a rectangular opening substantially corresponding to the configuration of the central panel of said carton blank, the opposed T-shaped members of each set being adjustable toward and away from each other to define different sized openings and thereby accommodate carton blanks of different sizes, four blocks adjustably mounted on said T-shaped members one at each point of intersection of two of the crossbars of said T-shaped members, an upwardly projecting plate fixed to each of said blocks, said plates defining a magazine for said carton blanks, and means for moving said carton blanks through the opening defined by said dies so that said flanges of each blank will contact said dies and be bent inwardly thereby to positions substantially normal to the associated central panel.

3. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and flanges projecting outwardly from the sides thereof comprising a frame, two sets of opposed flange bending dies, said dies each being in the form of a T-shaped member with the base leg thereof slidably received in a groove in said frame, a slot formed in the base leg of each of said T-shaped members and extending longitudinally thereof, a locking bolt projecting through each of said slots and threaded into said frame, the inner edges of the crossbars of said T-shaped members defining a rectangular opening substantially corresponding to the configuration of the central panel of said carton blank, slots formed in the crossbar of each of said T-shaped members and extending longitudinally thereof, four mounting bolts each of which projects through one of the slots in the crossbar of one of said T-shaped members and through one of the slots in the crossbar of another of said T-shaped members, a mounting block mounted on each of said four bolts, a plate fixed to each of said mounting blocks and projecting upwardly therefrom, said bars defining a carton blank magazine, whereby said plates are automatically positioned to receive carton blanks of different sizes as said T-shaped dies are adjusted to define openings of different sizes between the dies, and means for moving said carton blanks through the opening defined by said dies that the flanges of each blank will contact said dies and be bent inwardly thereby to positions substantially normal to the associated central panel.

4. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and four flanges projecting outwardly from the four sides thereof comprising two sets of opposed flange bending dies defining a rectangular opening substantially corresponding to the configuration of the central panel of said carton blank, the dies of each set being adjustable toward and away from each other to define different sized openings and thereby accommodate carton blanks of different sizes, means projecting upwardly from each point of intersection of two of said dies defining a magazine adapted to receive a stack of carton blanks, a spacer block fixed to the upper surface of each of said dies, a carton support member mounted on each of said spacer blocks, said carton support members being adapted to engage the outer edges of the projecting flanges of the lowermost carton in said magazine to support the same, said carton support members each being adjustable toward and away from the innermost edge of its associated die member to thereby accommodate cartons having different flange heights, and means for moving said carton blanks through the opening defined by said dies so that said flanges will contact said dies and be bent inwardly thereby to positions substantially normal to the respective central panels.

5. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and flanges projecting out- Wardly from opposite sides thereof comprising a frame, four T-shaped flange bending dies mounted on the frame with the base leg of each die slidably received in a groove in the frame, a slot in the base leg of each of said T- shaped dies and extending longitudinally thereof, a locking bol projecting through each of said slots and thread ed into said frame, the inner edges of the crossbars of said T-shaped dies defining a rectanguar opening substantially corresponding to the configuration of the central panel of said carton blank, slots formed in the crossbar of each of said T-shaped dies and extending longitudinally thereof, four mounting bolts each extending through one of the slots in each of the crossbars of two adjacent T-shaped dies, a block mounted on each of said four mounting bolts, a plate fixed to each of said blocks and projecting upwardly therefrom, said plates defining a carton magazine, a spacer block fixed to the upper surface of the base leg portion of each of said T-shaped dies, a carton blank support member fixed to the upper surface of each of said spacer blocks and adapted to contact the outer edge of one of said projecting flanges on the lowermost carton blank in said magazine to support said carton blanks, said carton support members being adjustable relatively to the inner edges of said T-shaped dies to accommodate carton blanks having different flange heights, and means for moving said carton blanks through the opening defined by said dies so that said flanges will contact said dies and be bent inwardly thereby to positions substantially normal to the respective central panel.

6. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and four flanges projecting outwardly from the four sides thereof comprising a frame, two sets of opposed flange bending dies slidably mounted on said frame in positions defining a rectangular opening, a slot formed in each of said dies and extending perpendicularly with respect to the associated side of the opening, a locking bolt projecting through each of said slots and threaded into said frame, a slot formed in each of said dies and extending parallel to the associated side of the opening, four mounting bolts each of which projects through a slot in one of said dies and through a slot in another of said dies, a mounting block mounted on each of said four mounting bolts, a plate fixed to each of said mounting blocks and projecting upwardly therefrom, said plates defining a carton blank magazine, whereby said bars are automatically positioned to receive carton blanks of different sizes as said dies are adjusted to change the size of the opening between the dies, a reciprocating suction head adapted to grip the central panel of the lowermost carton blank in said magazine and advance the same through the opening defined by said dies, means for reciprocating said suction head, and means for applying suction to said head.

7. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and four flanges projecting outwardly from the four sides thereof comprising a frame, two sets of opposed flange bending dies slidably mounted on said frame for movement of the dies of each of said sets toward and away from each other, means for releasably securing the dies in selected positions wherein their inner edges define a rectangular opening substantially corresponding to the configuration of the central panel of said carton blank, a slot formed in each of said dies and extending parallel to the inner edge thereof, four mounting bolts each of which projects through a slot in each of two adjacent dies, a block mounted on each of said four mounting bolts, a plate fixed to each of said blocks and projecting upwardly therefrom, said plates defining a carton magazine, a spacer block fixed to the upper surface of each of said dies, a carton blank support member mounted on each of said spacer blocks and adapted to contact the outer edge of one of said projecting flanges on the lowermost carton blank in said magazine to support said carton blanks, said carton support members being adjustable relatively to the inner edge of the associated die to accommodate carton blanks having different flange heights, a reciprocating suction head adapted to grip the central panel of said lowermost carton blank and advance the same through the opening defined by said dies, means for reciprocating said suction head, and means for applying suction to said head.

8. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and four flanges projecting outwardly from the four sides thereof comprising two sets of opposed flange bending dies defining a rectangular opening substantially corresponding to the configuration of the central panel of said carton blank, the dies of each set being adjustable toward and away from each other to change the size .of said opening and thereby accommodate carton blanks of different sizes, an overbending mechanism mounted on each of said dies, each of said overbending mechanisms comprising a rotatably mounted shaft extending parallel to the inner edge of the associated die, a plurality of overbending fingers fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith, a solenoid, a crank arm fixed to said shaft, a link interconnecting the plunger of said solenoid and said crank arm whereby energizing said solenoid will rotate said shaft to rotate said fingers inwardly, means for adjusting said overbending mechanism to limit the amount of overbend applied to said flanges when said overbending mechanism is actuated, and means for moving a carton blank through the opening defined by said dies and subsequently past said overbending mechanisms.

9. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and four flanges projecting outwardly from the four sides thereof comprising two sets of opposed flange bending dies defining a rectangular opening substantially corresponding to the configuration of the central panel of the carton blank, dies of each set being adjustable toward and away from each other to change the size of said opening and thereby accommodate carton blanks of diflerent sizes, an overbending mechanism mounted on each of said dies, each of said overbending mechanisms comprising a pair of arms fixed to said die member and depending therefrom, a rotatably mounted shaft extending between said arms parallel to the inner edge of the associated die member, a plurality of overbending fingers fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith intermediate said arms, a plate rotatably mounted on said shaft adjacent one of said arms, an :arcuate slot in said plate, a thumbscrew projecting through said slot and threaded into said arm for locking said plate in adjusted position relative to said arm, a solenoid mounted on said plate, a crank arm fixed to said shaft, a link interconnecting the plunger of said solenoid and said crank arm whereby energizing said solenoid will rotate said shaft to rotate said fingers inwardly, and spring means for returning said shaft when said solenoid is deenergized, means for moving a carton blank through the opening defined by said dies and subsequently past said overbending mechanisms, and means for energizing said solenoid in timed relation to the operation of said means for moving said carton blank.

10. A machine for forming a carton from a blank having a rectangular central panel and four flanges projecting outwardly from the four sides thereof comprising two sets of opposed flange bending dies defining a rectangular opening substantially corresponding to the configuration of the central panel of said carton blank, the dies of each set being adjustable toward and away from each other to change the size of said opening and thereby acconmiodate carton blanks of different sizes, an over bending mechanism mounted on each of said dies, each of said overbending mechanisms comprising a pair of arms fixed to said die member and depending therefrom, a rotatably mounted shaft extending between said arms parallel to the inner edge of the associated die member, a plurality of overbending fingers fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith intermediate said arms, a plate rotatably mounted on said shaft adjacent one of said arms, an arcuate slot in said plate, a thumbscrew projecting through said slot and threaded into said arm for locking said plate in adjusted position relative to said arm, a solenoid mounted on said plate, a crank arm fixed to said shaft, a link interconnecting the plunger of said solenoid and said crank arm, whereby energizing said solenoid will rotate said shaft to rotate said fingers inwardly, and spring means for returning said shaft when said solenoid is deenergized, a reciprocating suction head adapted to grip the central panel of a blank and advance the same through the opening defined by said dies and past said overbending mechanism, means for reciprocating said suction head, means for applying suction to said suction head, and means for energizing said solenoid in timed relation to the operation of said suction head.

References Cited in the file of this patent- UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,160,540 Smith et al. Nov. 16, 1915 2,186,772 Straw Jan. 9, 1940 2,620,711 Lindsay Dec. 9, 1952 2,743,651 Wilcox May 1,, 1956

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