Patent ID: 8348821
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: B31B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A machine configured to transition a box cutout from a flat unfolded configuration to a collapsed box configuration, the machine comprising: (a) one or more drive wheels configured to drive a box cutout towards a plunging area; (b) one or more freely rotating wheels, each freely rotating wheel being disposed directly opposite to one of the one or more first drive wheels; (c) one or more glue applicators configured to apply glue to a box cutout; (d) a first detector configured to detect the presence of a box cutout and trigger application of glue thereto; (e) a backstop configured to halt movement of a box cutout in the plunging area; (f) a plunger located in the plunging area configured to apply force to a central portion of a box cutout disposed below the plunger so as to effect downward movement of such a box cutout; (g) a second detector configured to detect the presence of a box cutout and trigger plunging thereof by the plunger; (h) one or more structures positioned and configured to effect at least partial folding of a box cutout being plunged by the plunger; (i) one or more guide wheels located below the plunging area, the guide wheels being configured to guide a box cutout being plunged by the plunger; (j) opposed grab wheels located below the one or more guide wheels, the grab wheels being configured to engage a box cutout that has been plunged downward by the plunger, facilitate collapse of such box cutout, and propel such box cutout further downward; and (k) a collector configured to collect a box cutout propelled downward by the grab wheels and place such collected box cutout in a collection pen; (l) wherein the backstop and one of the drive wheels are each positioned relative to the plunger based on dimensions of a particular box cutout; and (m) wherein a length of a plunging head of the plunger corresponds to the length of a portion of a score line of the particular box cutout.