Apparatus and method for high speed forming a hinged carton

Abstract

An apparatus and method for forming a hinged or clamshell type carton from a paperboard blank includes a feed conveyor for transferring the blank to a forming die. A hinge erecting conveyor is provided in the feed conveyor guide path to erect the hinge. A pair of pusher fingers form a shuttle conveyor in the guide path cooperating to transfer the partially erected blank to the die. Side channel guides arranged along the conveyor guide path maintain the partially erected paperboard blank in alignment with the erecting conveyor. Side channel guide extensions converge to maintain contacting engagement with the blank as selected carton panels converge during hinge formation and to support the blank in contacting registration on the face of the die and in the forming head path. A hinge gathering guide with hold down rails positioned above the erecting conveyor accurately locates and positions the carton blank and hinge. A folding assist blade and opposing registration post support the hinge over the die via engagement with the hinge tabs and serve to fold the tabs into the carton interior during the first part of the forming stroke. Erecting projections provided on the channel guide extensions fold the carton corner tabs into the carton interior. A reciprocating forming head descends into engagement with the blank and through the die to completely erect the carton.