Packaging machine with direct blank setup

Abstract

A packaging machine and more particularly a machine for setting up a container from a blank (16) of corrugated board is disclosed as including a uniquely arranged magazine (10) for a plurality of container blanks (16) of corrugated board and including a structure to directly set up the shape of the container in a controlled manner for enabling a product to be easily loaded and for subsequent processing by the packaging machine. The unique direct setup arrangement utilizes arcuately moving arms (24) with vacuum cups (26) thereon which attach themselves to a blank (16) in the magazine (10) and move through an arc of less than 90.degree. from a vertically inclined position to a generally horizontal position. The arms (24) and blank (16) are then moved horizontally so that the side edge portions of the major panel (18) of the blank (16), such as the bottom panel, are positioned under horizontal flap guides (74). The major panel (18) of the container is also positioned between upstanding lugs (28, 34) on a horizontal chain conveyor assembly (12) in order to orient the container flaps (20, 22) connected to the major panel (18) in perpendicular relation to the major panel (18). Thus, a partially formed container moves in a horizontal path with the chain conveyor assembly (12) for loading products into the partially formed container and for subsequently processing the container to form a package.