Patent ID: 8348819
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: B31B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A method of transitioning a box cutout from a flat unfolded configuration to a collapsed box configuration, the method comprising: (a) driving, via one or more drive wheels, a box cutout toward a plunging area; (b) detecting, via a first detector, the presence of the box cutout; (c) applying, via one or more glue applicators, glue to the box cutout; (d) facilitating halting, via a backstop, the movement of the box cutout when it is located within the plunging area; (e) detecting, via a second detector, the presence of the box cutout; (f) holding the box cutout in position with one or more clamps; (g) in response to the step of detecting, via the second detector, the presence of the box cutout, folding, via one or more rotational fingers, the box cutout; (h) after the step of folding the box cutout, applying downward force, via a plunger, to a central portion of the box cutout disposed below the plunger so as to effect at least partial collapsing of the box cutout and downward movement of the box cutout; (i) guiding, via one or more guide wheels located below the plunging area, the descent of the box cutout as the box cutout is being plunged by the plunger; (j) engaging, via opposed grab wheels located below the one or more guide wheels, the box cutout that has been plunged downward by the plunger, the opposed grab wheels pressing opposite sides of the box cutout together and propelling the box cutout in a downward direction; and (k) effecting placement, using a collector, of the box cutout in a collection pen.