Patent ID: 6195959
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: B65B,B65D,Y10S

Abstract:
An automatic packaging machine comprising means for closing a latching flip-top box, formed from a blank having a first plurality of panels defined by crease lines that enable a bottom section of said blank to be folded into a parallelepiped box with a closed bottom, a top edge of the bottom section including a first panel which is a loosely folded to form a latching tab projecting outwardly from a top edge of a side of said box, said blank having a second plurality of keeper panels also defined by crease lines that enable a top section of said blank to be folded into a flip-top, the top section including at least one of said second panels which is attached to one crease line on a side of said box that is opposite a latching tab, said keeper tab fitting against and capturing said latching tab when said flip-top is closed, and said means for closing said latching flip top box further comprising a mandrel having two parts hinged together, one of said two hinged parts being a flip-top forming member which swings between an essentially unarticulated and aligned position and an articulated right angle position relative to the other hinged part for moving said flip-top over said bottom section in response to said articulation to close the flip top box.