Carton opening apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for opening folded open side carton blanks. The apparatus includes a first conveyor system for stripping blanks from a supply thereof at a first speed and for propelling the blanks downstream to a second conveyor system operating at a second speed greater than the first speed to accelerate the blanks and propel them to an unfolding station. The carton lower layer flaps are bent angularly downward. A pair of paddles having inclined leading edges rotate in horizontal planes to penetrate the space between the carton upper and lower layers and to lift the upper layer above the lower layer. The paddles also have bottom surfaces for holding the blank lower layer downwardly. The paddle tips travel at a faster speed than the second conveyor, so the tips slide forwardly to contact and push the blank leading panel forwardly to further unfold the flank. Simultaneously with the rotation of the paddles, a pocket conveyor positions a first flight bar to control the blank leading edge while the blank is undergoing the lifting and pushing by the paddles. A second flight bar on the pocket conveyor is positioned and is operated such that it contacts the trailing of the partially opened blank for propelling the blank leading edge against the first flight bar, thereby propelling the blank into a fully opened condition. The first and second flight bars may be on separate conveyors to thereby facilitate apparatus changeover to accommodate different size cartons. The apparatus further includes pusher means for continuously side loading articles into the cartons while imparting longitudinal motion to the articles.