Patent ID: 6128886
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
The method of simultaneously opening a pair of collapsed, multi-cell crossed-panel partitions and simultaneously inserting the opened partitions into respective shipping mediums in which the partition is to perform its intended function, the method comprising the steps of:providing two sets of collapsed, multi-cell crossed panel partitions, the partitions in each set being in substantially upright positions and the partitions in each set respectively extending along horizontal axes which are co-planar, spaced apart, and parallel one another and the lead partition in each set being in a pull-out station;for each said set, simultaneously developing gripping force on the lead partition and pulling the lead partition out of the pull-out station to a transfer station wherein the partition is in an upright position and extends along a horizontal transfer axis which is normal to said horizontal axes of said sets;simultaneously applying force to the partitions in the respective transfer stations to move the partitions toward one another along said transfer axis to respective opening stations which are positioned side-by-side one another;in each opening station simultaneously applying gripping force to selected panels of the partition in the station and causing said gripping force to be displaced in a horizontal plane whereby to rotate the panels and effect opening of the partition;providing a pair of shipping mediums respectively at insert stations respectively underneath said opening stations; andat each opening station and while maintaining last said gripping force causing downward movement of the gripping force to an insert station and deposit the opened partition on said shipping mediums to serve as inner packing.