Patent Abstract:
Configurations for a packing container formed from a single, preformed, rigid unit of generally U-shaped cross-section are disclosed. One configuration utilizes three end closures to enclose an object with an elevated end. Another configuration employs three end closures to enclose an object with an elevated mid-section. A third configuration uses two end closures to enclose an object with random elevations. With three end closures, a fourth configuration encloses two or more dissimilar objects in separate compartments. The fourth configuration is especially useful for items that should be prevented from touching or intermingling during shipping. A fifth configuration combines elements of the other four configurations, allowing a user to ship objects with elevated ends, elevated mid-sections, or random elevations in separate compartments. A sixth configuration encloses one or more objects with two end closures that are about equal in length to one another. A device for forming the container is also disclosed.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application is a divisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/644,130 filed on Aug. 20, 2003 for a “Single Piece Packaging Container and Device for Making Same.”  
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed to packaging containers and a device for making the containers. More particularly, the present invention pertains to configurations for a packing container having self-formed end closures, created from a single piece of material. The present invention also pertains to a device for forming the containers.  
         [0003]     Packaging for lengthy items takes many forms. One construction includes a pair of corrugated, laminated paperboard top and bottom U-shaped channels configured for one to fit within the other. Most packages formed in this manner require separate end closures or caps, usually manufactured from cardboard or wood. These caps generally are stapled to adjacent package walls. Not only does this method necessitate close-fit manufacturing, but it is also very cumbersome at installation, and may cause content damage due to incompletely formed or off-positioned staples.  
         [0004]     In another variety of packaging container, one of the top and bottom U-shaped channels has a notch cut into opposing side walls of the “U,” so that the “U” portion may be folded over at a 90 degree angle. In such a configuration, channel ends are closed by the folded base portion and the side walls of the “U,” which are folded over adjacent side walls. To seal such a package, tape or a like strip-type adhesive sealant must be extended over the flaps that then are folded over the adjacent side walls. Even though a seal may be formed, openings may remain at the juncture of the folded-over base portion and the cover portion, seriously weakening the package. This design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,374.  
         [0005]     Another existing packaging container, disclosed in Loeschen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,447, resolves the above-referenced problems by providing a packaging container in which the entirety of the end closure is formed from the packaging material itself. However, the container base unit, which forms end closures for the packaging container, features mitered corners. These mitered corners require complex die-cutting with mirrored tools, and mandatory strapping at specific positions to restrain the miter flaps. The patent to Loeschen, which is commonly assigned herewith, is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0006]     A new, single-piece packaging container cut without miters is disclosed in application Ser. No. 10/264,506, filed Oct. 4, 2002, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. The end closures of this packaging container are formed from the packaging material itself. The container allows for no gaps at its closure locations, because its end closures meet or overlap along the container&#39;s main body portion, providing a high degree of structural strength and package integrity. Manufacturing the container is extremely simple and cost-effective, requiring only two straight saw-cuts on each package end.  
         [0007]     Occasionally, packaging containers must accommodate objects with varied local height elevations, or objects that require segregation during shipping or storage. Normally, shippers rely on foam fillers or container partitions to protect such irregularly shaped or fragile objects. Foam fillers may compress, leak, or shift, and container partitions may shift or break during shipping, rendering shippers&#39; attempts to protect their products worthless. Accordingly, there exists a need for specialized configurations for a single-piece packaging container having self-formed end closures, providing better protection for fragile and/or irregularly shaped objects than undependable foam fillers or container partitions.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Configurations for a packing container formed from a single, preformed, rigid unit of U-shaped cross-section having a main body portion with a bottom wall and opposing side walls, and having self-formed end closures are disclosed. The unit forms a plurality of end closures, at each end of the packaging container. Each end closure is formed from a plurality of closure panels extending from and adjacent to each end of the main body portion. The main body portion and the plurality of end closures are separated from one another by fold lines.  
         [0009]     For purposes of the present disclosure, the package material, although defined as having a U-shaped cross-section is, in fact, formed from a material having a channel-like or squared U-shape having a flat or near-flat bottom wall. The corners may be formed having a radius of curvature (i.e., rounded) or they may be formed having relatively sharp angles. However, again, for purposes of the present disclosure, the container material is referred to as “U-shaped.” 
         [0010]     The main body portion and the plurality of closure panels all have straight-cut corners at their junctions with each other. Some closure panels are configured for folding generally perpendicular to each other and to the main body bottom wall, and others are configured for folding generally parallel to each other and to the main body bottom wall.  
         [0011]     In one embodiment, the packaging container is configured to enclose an object with an elevated end (e.g., a support post with an attached asymmetrical flange). One of the end closure&#39;s closure panels has approximately the same height as the elevated end of the object to be packaged. Another embodiment is configured to enclose an object with an elevated mid-section (e.g., a crankshaft with integrated cam). Additional closure panels are included with this configuration, to accommodate the “bulge” made by the object&#39;s elevated mid-section.  
         [0012]     In another embodiment, the packaging container is configured to enclose an object with random elevations. Two of the end closure&#39;s closure panels have approximately the same height as the highest elevation of the object to be packaged. A fourth embodiment is configured to enclose two or more dissimilar objects that should be prevented from touching or intermingling during shipping in separate compartments. Another embodiment is configured to combine elements of the four above-referenced configurations, allowing a user to ship objects with elevated ends, elevated mid-sections, or random elevations in separate compartments. A sixth embodiment is configured to enclose one or more objects with a set of two closure panels that are about equal in length to one another.  
         [0013]     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a configuration for a single-piece packaging container with straight-cut end closures constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the container being shown with its first, second, and third closure panels laid open, prior to folding and securing;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the configuration of  FIG. 1 , showing the packaging container enclosing an object with an elevated end;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a side view of another configuration for single piece packaging container with straight-cut end closures constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the container being shown with its first, second, and third closure panels laid open, prior to folding and securing;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the configuration of  FIG. 3 , showing the packaging container enclosing an object with an elevated mid-section;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side view of another configuration of a single piece packaging container with straight-cut end closures constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the container being shown with its first and second closure panels laid open, prior to folding and securing;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the configuration of  FIG. 5 , showing the packaging container enclosing an object with random elevations;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the configuration of  FIG. 5  along line  7 - 7 , showing the packaging container enclosing an object with random elevations;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a side view of another configuration of a single piece packaging container with straight-cut end closures constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the container being shown with its first, second, and third closure panels laid open, prior to folding and securing;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the configuration of  FIG. 8 , showing the packaging container enclosing two objects in two separate compartments;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a side view of another configuration of a single piece packaging container with straight-cut end closures constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the container shown enclosing two objects, one with an elevated end, and the other with an elevated mid-section, in two separate compartments;  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is a side view of another configuration of a single piece packaging container with straight-cut end closures constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the container being shown with its first and second closure panels laid open, prior to folding and securing;  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the configuration of  FIG. 11 , showing the packaging container enclosing an object;  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of one device for forming the cuts in the packaging container material;  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of one exemplary container having cuts formed therein;  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 , illustrating a pair of embossings formed in the container material for enhanced container formation;  
         [0030]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the cutter carriage shown with the carriage in the up or loading position;  
         [0031]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the cutter carriage of  FIG. 16  shown with the carriage moving into the down or cutting position;  
         [0032]      FIG. 18  is a partial side view of the cutter shown with a container loaded therein and with the holding pins securing the container within the cutter;  
         [0033]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 20  is a partial side view of the carriage;  
         [0035]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the cutter showing the indexing assembly in the retracted position;  
         [0036]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the cutter similar to  FIG. 21  but showing the indexing assembly in the extended position; and  
         [0037]      FIG. 23  is a front view of the cutter showing the scale windows through a lower portion of the carriage and the scale visible therethrough. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0038]     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosures are to be considered exemplifications of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.  
         [0039]     It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention,” relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.  
         [0040]     Referring now to the figures and in particular  FIG. 1 , there is shown a packaging container  10 , configured to enclose an object with an elevated end (e.g., a support post with an attached asymmetrical flange) in one of the embodiments of the present invention. The packaging container is formed in a U-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the packaging container is formed from laminated paperboard material. The packaging container includes a main body portion  12 , first closure panels  14 ,  16 , second closure panels  18 ,  20 , and a third closure panel  22 . The straight-cut first, second, and third closure panels are formed from an extension of the main body portion  12 . The main body portion has a bottom wall  24  and side walls  26 . The first, second, and third closure panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22 , also have bottom walls  28 ,  30 , and  32 , and side walls  34 ,  36 , and  38 .  
         [0041]     The first closure panels  14 ,  16  are formed adjacent to and at either end of the main body portion  12 . The side walls  34  of the first closure panels  14 ,  16  have first straight-cut corners  40 . The main body side walls  26  also have straight-cut corners  42 , immediately adjacent to the first panels&#39; straight-cut corners  40 . First fold lines or creases  44  can be formed between the main body bottom wall  24  and the firs closure panels&#39; bottom walls  28  at the junctures of the straight-cut corners  42 ,  44  to facilitate folding.  
         [0042]     The second closure panels  18 ,  20  are adjacent to the first closure panels  14 ,  16 . The second closure panels  18 ,  20  are separated from the first panels  14 ,  16  by second fold or crease lines  46  formed between the first closure panels&#39; bottom walls  28  and the second closure panels&#39; bottom walls  30 , parallel to the first fold lines  44 . The side walls  36  of the second closure panels  18 ,  20  include first straight-cut corners  48  at the junctures with the first closure panels  14 ,  16 . The side walls  34  of the first closure panels  14 ,  16  include second straight-cut corners  50  adjacent to the second closure panels  18 ,  20 .  
         [0043]     The third closure panel  22  is adjacent to one of the second closure panels  18 . The third closure panel  22  is separated from the second panel  18  by third fold or crease lines  52  formed between the second closure panel&#39;s bottom walls  30  and the third closure panel&#39;s bottom walls  32 , parallel to the first and second fold lines  44 ,  46 . The side walls  38  of the third closure panel  22  include straight-cut corners  54  at the junctures with the second closure panel  18 . The side walls  36  of the second closure panel  18  include second straight-cut corners  56  adjacent to the third closure panel  22 .  
         [0044]     The height h 26  of the main body side walls  26  is about equal to the heights h 34 , h 36 , and h 38  of the first closure panels side walls  34 , second closure panels side walls  36 , and third closure panels side walls  38 . The length l 14  of one of the first closure panels  14  is approximately equal to the height h 52  of the object  52  (see  FIG. 2 ) with an elevated end enclosed within the package  10 . The length l 16  of the other first closure panels  16  is approximately equal to the heights h 20 , h 34 , h 36 , and h 38  of the main body, first closure panels, second closure panels, and third closure panel side walls  20 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 .  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , assembling the package  10  is straightforward and readily carried out. The package  10  is placed on a surface, with the main body  12 , and the first, second, and third closure panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22 , laid out flat. The article to be packaged  58  is placed in the main body portion  12 . The first panels  14 ,  16  are then folded upwardly, so that the first panels  14 ,  16  are perpendicular to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the first panels  14 ,  16  are folded, their side walls  34  can be inserted between the main body side walls  26 . The second panels  18 ,  20  are then folded over, perpendicular to the first panels  14 ,  16 , so that the bottom walls  30  of the second panels  18 ,  20  lie substantially parallel to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the second panels  18 ,  20  are folded, their side walls  36  can be inserted between the side walls  34  of the first panels  14 ,  16 . Finally, the third panel  22  is folded, generally perpendicular to the first closure panels  14 ,  16 , generally parallel to the main body bottom wall  24 , and overlapping one of the second closure panels  20 . As the third panel  22  is folded, its side walls  38  can be inserted between the side walls  26  of the main body portion  12 .  FIG. 2  shows the package  10  fully assembled and enclosing an object  58  with an elevated end. One of the corners  50  of one of the first closure panels  14  and one of the corners  48  of one of the second closure panels  18  may be trimmed to facilitate package forming.  
         [0046]     Another embodiment of the present invention is displayed in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , which show a packaging container configuration designed to enclose an object with an elevated mid-section  60  (e.g., a crankshaft with an integrated cam). Similar to the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the packaging container  10  includes a main body portion  12 , first closure panels  14 ,  16 , and second closure panels  18 ,  20 , but the present embodiment incorporates two third closure panels  22 ,  23  instead of one. The lengths l 14 , l 16  of the first closure panels  14 ,  16  are approximately equal to the heights h 26 , h 34 , h 36 , and h 38  of the main body, first closure panels, second closure panels, and third closure panel side walls  26 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 .  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , to assemble the package, the main body  12 , and the first, second, and third closure panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 , and  23  are laid out flat on a surface. The article to be packaged  60  is placed in the main body portion  12 . The first panels  14 ,  16  are then folded upwardly, so that the first panels  14 ,  16  are perpendicular to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the first panels  14 ,  16  are folded, their side walls  34  can be inserted between the main body side walls  26 . The second panels  18 ,  20  are then folded over at roughly a 45-degree angle to the first panels  14 ,  16 , so that the bottom walls  30  of the second panels  18 ,  20  lie at substantially at 45-degree angle to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the second panels  18 ,  20  are folded, their side walls  36  can be inserted between the side walls  34  of the first panels  14 ,  16 . Finally, the third panels  22 ,  23  are folded, generally at a 45-degree angle to the second closure panels  14 ,  16 , parallel to the main body bottom wall  24 , and overlapping one another to accommodate the mid-section bulge of the object  60 . As the third panels  22 ,  23  are folded, their side walls  38  can be inserted between the side walls  26  of the main body portion  12 . The second closure panels  18 ,  20  may vary in length l 18 , l 20 , but together should always be equal to the length l 12  of the main body portion  12 .  FIG. 4  shows the package  10  fully assembled and enclosing an object  60  with an elevated mid-section.  
         [0048]     A third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 , which show a packaging container configuration designed to enclose an object with random elevations  62 . Similar to the configurations shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the packaging container  10  includes a main body portion  12 , first closure panels  14 ,  16 , and second closure panels  18 ,  20 , but no third closure panels. The lengths l 14 , l 16  of the first closure panels  14 ,  16  are approximately equal to the highest height of the object  62  with random elevations enclosed within the package  10 .  
         [0049]     Two additional short slits  64 ,  66  are cut into the side walls  26  of the main body portion  12 , creating small support wedges  68 ,  70 . The slits  64 ,  66  are positioned close to the center of the main body portion side walls  26 , and are spaced approximately two inches apart. The height h 64 , h 66  of the slits is approximately half the height h 26  of the main body portion  12  side walls  26 . Both support wedges  68 ,  70  are slightly deformed inward, allowing the second closure panels  18 ,  20  to rest upon them (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) when closed.  
         [0050]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show the packaging container  10  as assembled. The main body  12 , and the first and second closure panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 , and  20  are laid out flat on a surface. The article to be packaged  62  is placed in the main body portion  12 . The first panels  14 ,  16  are then folded upwardly, so that the first panels  14 ,  16  are perpendicular to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the first panels  14 ,  16  are folded, their side walls  34  can be inserted between the main body side walls  26 . The second panels  18 ,  20  are then folded over, perpendicular to the first panels  14 ,  16  so that the bottom walls  30  of the second panels  18 ,  20  lie substantially parallel to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the second panels  18 ,  20  are folded, their side walls  36  can be inserted between the side walls  34  of the first panels  14 ,  16 . The side walls  36  of the second closure panels  18 ,  20  rest on the support wedges  68 ,  70  formed in the main body side walls  26 .  FIG. 6  shows the package  10  fully assembled and enclosing an object  62  with random elevations.  FIG. 7  shows a front cut-away view of the package  10  fully assembled and enclosing an object  62  with random elevations.  
         [0051]     A fourth embodiment of the present invention is demonstrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , which show a packaging container configuration designed to enclose two related but dissimilar objects or groups of objects  72 ,  74 , which should be prevented from touching or intermixing during shipping. Similar to the configurations shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the packaging container  10  includes a main body portion  12 , first closure panels  14 ,  16 , second closure panels  18 ,  20 , and third closure panels  22 ,  23 . The lengths l 14 , l 16  of the first closure panels  14 ,  16  and l 22 , l 23  of the third closure panels  22 ,  23  are approximately equal to the heights h 20 , h 34 , h 36 , and h 38  of the main body, first closure panels, second closure panels, and third closure panel side walls  20 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 .  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , to assemble the package, the main body  12 , and the first, second, and third closure panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 , and  23  are laid out flat on a surface. The articles to be packaged  72 ,  74  are placed on either end of the main body portion  12 . The first panels  14 ,  16  are then folded upwardly, so that the first panels  14 ,  16  are perpendicular to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the first panels  14 ,  16  are folded, their side walls  34  can be inserted between the main body side walls  26 . The second panels  18 ,  20  are then folded over, perpendicular to the first panels  14 ,  16 , so that the bottom walls  30  of the second panels  18 ,  20  lie substantially parallel to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the second panels  18 ,  20  are folded, their side walls  26  can be inserted between the side walls  34  of the first panels  14 ,  16 . Finally the third panels  22 ,  23  are folded, generally perpendicular to the second closure panels  18 ,  20  and the main body bottom wall  24 , and generally parallel to the first closure panels  14 ,  16 . As the third closure panels  22 ,  23  are folded, their side walls  38  can be inserted between the side walls  36  of the second closure panels  18 ,  20 . When folded, the third closure panels  22 ,  23  form a double-thick divider, separating the packaged objects  72 ,  74 . The second closure panels  18 ,  20  may vary in length l 18 , l 20 , but together should always be equal to the length l 12  of the main body portion  12 .  FIG. 9  shows the package  10  fully assembled and enclosing objects  72 ,  74  that should be prohibited from touching or intermixing during shipping.  
         [0053]     The present configuration additionally may be used as a packaging container with a built-in spacer. Frequently, objects are somewhat shorter than the length of available shipping containers. For example, it would be economical to ship an object four feet to five-and-a-half feet in length in a six-foot-long standard box. Usually, such an object would be randomly placed in a too-large box and covered with foam fillers or other, similar protective materials. However, fillers may compress, leak, or shift, leaving shipped objects without protection. Conversely, using the packaging container  10  described in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the short object could be placed against one end of the container  10 , and then custom enclosed into a segregated side, with a double-thick divider separating it from the other, fully-formed, hollow chamber. The present configuration allows shippers to customize packaging containers by creating a segregated, perfectly-sized compartment within a standard-sized box.  
         [0054]     A fifth embodiment of the present invention is demonstrated in  FIG. 10 , which shows a packaging container configuration designed to combine all four of the above described configurations. As described in detail above, the packaging container  10  exhibited in  FIG. 10  can accommodate and object with an elevated end  58 , an object with an elevated mid-section  60 , an object with random elevations  62  (not shown), and objects that must be segregated during shipping  72 ,  74 . To accomplish the composition of  FIG. 10 , the side of the main body portion  12  containing the object with an elevated end requires four closure panels ( 14 ,  18 ,  22 ,  76 ), and the side of the main body portion  12  containing the object with an elevated mid-section requires five closure panels ( 16 ,  20 ,  23 ,  78 ,  80 ). All of the closure panels are folded and inserted according to the above descriptions, resulting in completely object coverage and a double thick divider. If an object with random elevations  62  was packaged as part of a combination container, four closure panels would be required for its end of the container.  
         [0055]     A sixth embodiment is presented in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , which show a packaging container configuration designed to enclose one or more objects  82 . Similar to the configuration shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the packaging container  10  includes a main body portion  12 , first closure panels  14 ,  16 , and second closure panels  18 ,  20 , but no third closure panels. The lengths l 14 , l 16  of the first closure panels  14 ,  16  are approximately equal to the heights h 26 , h 34 , and h 36  of the main body, first closure panels, and second closure panels side walls  26 ,  34 , and  36 . In that this is a “seamless” container, the second closure panel  20  has a length l 20  that is about equal to the length l 12  of the main body portion  12 .  
         [0056]      FIG. 12  shows the packaging container  10  as assembled. The main body  12 , and the first and second closure panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 , and  20  are laid out flat on a surface. The article to be packaged  82  is placed in the main body portion  12 . The first panels  14 ,  16  are then folded upwardly, so that the first panels  14 ,  16  are perpendicular to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the first panels  14 ,  16  are folded, their side walls  34  can be inserted between the main body side walls  26 . The second panels  18 ,  20  are then folded over, perpendicular to the first panels  14 ,  16  so that the bottom walls  30  of the second panels  18 ,  20  lie substantially parallel to the bottom wall  24  of the main body portion  12 . As the second panels  18 ,  20  are folded, their side walls  36  can be inserted between the side walls  34  of the first panels  14 ,  16 . In that the length l 20  is about equal to the length l 12  of the main body portion  12 , the container appears to be “seamless”; that is, the container appears to be without a mid container seam across the top (which is panel  20 ) or the main body portion  12 .  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , there is shown one cutter device  102  for forming or making the side wall cuts in the container  10  material. The cutter  102  includes a frame  104 , a container support  106  and a carriage  108  that moves in a reciprocating manner in the direction of the cut. As illustrated, the container support  106  includes beam  110  on which are mounted stand-offs  112  for receiving the container  10 . The container  10  rests on the stand-offs  112  to define a base surface  114  and side surfaces  116  for supporting the container  10  as it is cut.  
         [0058]     The carriage  108  is configured to move down and up, toward and away from the container  10  as it rests on the support  106 . The carriage  108  is configured to support a pair of rotary cutters  118 , for example, circular saws, one each mounted a carriage side wall  120 . In this manner, as the carriage  108  moves up and down (as indicated by the arrow at  122 ), the cutters  118  move up and down for cutting through the side walls of the container  10 .  
         [0059]     As best seen in  FIGS. 16 and 20 , a cutting anvil  124  is positioned on the support  106  at the location at which the cutters  118  move into the container  10 . The anvil  124  includes channels  126  formed in the side walls to permit movement of the cutters  118  through the container side walls without contacting the anvil  124  side walls. In addition, the anvil  124  can include a raised portion or ridge  128  that extends transversely across the top wall  129  of the anvil  124  between the side wall channels  126 .  
         [0060]     In a present embodiment, the carriage  108  is moved up and down by action of a drive  130 , such as the exemplary pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder  130  is mounted to an upper carriage plate  132  to which the carriage side plates or walls  120  (mounting the cutters  118  to the carriage  108 ) are mounted. In this manner, reciprocating movement of the cylinder  130  moves the carriage  108  which moves the cutters  118  into and out of contact with the container  10 . Other drives will be recognized by those skilled in the art and are within the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0061]     The cutters  118  are fixedly mounted to the carriage  108  to permit readily moving the carriage  108  up and down for cutting the container side walls. To facilitate holding or maintaining the container  10  in place as the carriage  108  moves downward and the cutters  118  move into contact with the container side walls, a pair of holding pins  134  can be mounted to the support  106 . The holding pins  134  move outwardly to hold the container  10  side walls against the carriage side surfaces  116  as the cutters  118  make contact with the container  10 . In a present embodiment, the pins  134  are pneumatically actuated.  
         [0062]     To further provide a “clean” container  10  appearance, the cutting device  102  is configured to emboss the container top or bottom wall  24  at fold or crease lines between the side wall cuts. As seen in  FIGS. 15 and 19 , the upper carriage plate  132  includes a transverse groove  136  formed therein that corresponds to the top wall ridge  128 . In this manner as the carriage  108  moves down to move the cutters  118  into contact with the container  10  side walls, the upper plate  132  “presses” the container top (or bottom) wall  24  between the upper carriage plate  132  and the support top wall  129 , sandwiching the container wall  24  between the ridge  128  and the groove  136 , thus “embossing” a groove into the wall  24 .  
         [0063]     To provide the appropriate spacing between cuts (e.g., to form appropriate sized panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ), the cutter device  102  can include an indexing assembly  138 . The indexing assembly  138  includes a drive  140 , such as the exemplary pneumatic cylinder, to move the container  10  a desired distance once a first cut is made to position the container  10  for a second cut. To effect movement, the cylinder  140  cycles between a retracted position ( FIG. 21 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 22 ). The extension length or distance of the cylinder  140  can be set to correspond to the desired distance between cuts.  
         [0064]     As seen in  FIG. 23 , the carriage  108  can include openings or windows  142  in a side thereof that overlie a scale  144  that is applied to the support beam  110 . In this manner, the distance along the length of the container  10  at which the cut or cuts are formed can be precisely set and controlled.  
         [0065]     All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure.  
         [0066]     In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.  
         [0067]     From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8