Patent ID: 7287360
Filing Date: 2007-10-30
Classification: B31B

Abstract:
1. A case forming machine comprising a bottom flap folding station wherein bottom flaps are folded each relative to its adjacent wall panel, including a first bottom flap adjacent a leading wall panel and a second bottom flap adjacent a trailing wall panel relative to a direction of travel from said bottom flap folding station to and through a bottom tape applying station, and third and fourth bottom flaps each adjacent a respective one of a pair of opposed side wall panels each in a plane substantially parallel to the direction of travel, said bottom flap folding station being positioned upstream of said bottom tape applying station which has a bottom tape applying head, a pusher mechanism comprising one or more trailing wall panel pushers arranged to contact the trailing wall panel, said one or more trailing wall panel pushers moveable from said bottom flap folding station to and through said bottom tape applying station past said bottom tape applying head such that said one or more trailing wall panel pushers move the case from said bottom flap folding station through said bottom tape applying station so that such movement occurs without application of any forward driving contact to the opposed side wall panels, a drive operatively connected for moving said one or more trailing wall panel pushers and thereby the case through said bottom tape applying station as tape is being supplied.