Packaging Corporation of America

Charles F Abernathy

Carl J Reiser

Apparatus and method are provided for setting up a basket-type carrier from a collapsed state. The carrier includes pair of foldable end panels connected to opposite ends of a slotted base panel, side panels foldably connected to opposite sides of base panel, and pair of foldably connected panel sections forming a handle. Each end panel has foldably connected upper and lower sections initially in face-to-face relation. Each upper section has side segments foldably connected to ends of the panel sections. A U-shaped insert piece is assembled with the carrier and has upstanding legs extending through the slotted base panel and retaining the handle panel sections in face-to-face relation. The panel sections of the collapsed carrier are in coplanar relation and when the collapsed carrier is at a first station, external force is applied to the panel sections causing same to fold relative to one another into upright face-to-face relation. As the panel sections move to face-to-face relation, the upper and lower sections of each end panel partially unfold. The carrier is moved to a second station wherein the upper and lower sections of each end panel assume an upright coplanar relation. The carrier is moved to a third section wherein adhesive is applied to areas of the side panels. The carrier is moved to a fourth station during which the side panels are folded to upright positions and secured to the end panels. The insert piece is assembled on the carrier slotted base panel at a fifth station.

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Ooltewah, TN, United States of America

Charles F Abernathy