Frito-lay, Inc.

Recot Inc.

John R Plaskett

John L Center

William C Mills, Jr

William C Mills

A method and apparatus is disclosed for closing the bottom end flaps of a reusable rectangular carton whereby the carton is disposed in an expanded position with the bottom end flaps biased outward with respect to the carton sidewalls. A sequence controller is programmed to release the bias and fold each bottom end flap in a predetermined sequence. A closure is effected by disposing at least two end flaps in locking relationship to each other.

Method and apparatus for closing bottom end flaps of a carton

Apparatus for locking a top of a case having an unlocked closing flap and L-slide lock slots for receiving opposite free end corners of the closing flap includes a closing flap securing device which provides a source of suction for detachably securing a top surface of a generally horizontal unlocked closing flap of a stationary case. Movement of the securing device from a generally horizontal position to a generally inclined position while secured to the closing flap first forms a longitudinal fold in the closing flap and positions the opposite free end corners of the closing flap adjacent respective L-slide lock slots. Subsequent movement of the securing device from the generally inclined position to the generally horizontal position then flattens the longitudinal fold and tucks the opposite free end corners of the closing flap into the respective L-slide lock slots to thereby lock the case. Suction from the closing flap securing device is then terminated to detach the securing device from the top surface of the closing flap of the case.

Apparatus for automatically locking L-slide lock cartons

An apparatus for automatically closing L-slide lock cases moving in the direction of their longitudinal axis utilizes conveyor drive of the case and multiple guides that force and manipulate a closing flap by bending the closing flap and forcing free ends of the closing flap into the L-slide lock slots.

Apparatus for automatically closing L-slide lock cases

An apparatus for automatically closing L-slide lock cases travelling with the lateral axis in the direction of travel and stopped intermittently for closing includes selectively positionable support rods for defining a fold line in an open flap, a flap fold member for folding the open flap over the support rods line and moving the top edge of the open flap adjacent the L-slide locks, and a flap tucking member operable on the folded open flap to slide it into the L-slide lock and flatten out the fold. Each of the members may be driven by cylinders in an appropriate sequential manner to accomplish these folding and tucking operations.

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Chattanooga, TN, United States of America

John R Plaskett