Machine for erecting, filling and closing cartons

Abstract

An intermittently cycled packaging machine for erecting, filling, closing and sealing cartons with hot melt adhesive. A reciprocation carton transfer mechanism is cycled in response to filling of a carton at the filling station and is operative to advance cartons in step fashion from a carton erecting station through a lower carton closing zone, the filling station and through an upper carton closing zone with the last flap to be folded at the lead side of the carton, and the adhesive applying nozzles and the lead flap folding apparatus are located in relation to each other and to the stroke of the transfer mechanism such that adhesive is applied to the end flaps on the carton and the lead flap is infolded as the carton is advanced in a continuous forward step. The upper carton closing zone includes movably mounted flap folding arms arranged to infold one side flap and the trail flap on the upper end of the carton while the carton is dwelling at one dwell position. The upper carton closing zone also has a carton reshaping mechanism arranged to press the upper portions of the lead and trail panels toward each other while the adhesive is setting. Carton stabilizers are provided on the elevator to retain the carton in position in the elevator during raising and lowering of the carton. A power operated flap depressor is provided for depressing the lead flap in advance of the filling station.