Patent ID: 8529421

Claim:
A method for folding the flaps of a case comprising: providing an apparatus for folding the flaps of a case, the apparatus having a machine axis and comprising: a pair of folding conveyors configured for folding the major flaps of the case, wherein the pair of folding conveyors comprises a first folding conveyor and an opposed second folding conveyor, wherein the respective first and second folding conveyors are positioned on opposite sides of the machine axis, and wherein each folding conveyor comprises: a downstream section that extends substantially parallel to the machine axis and along a downstream conveyor plane; an upstream section connected to the downstream section that extends at an acute angle relative to the machine axis and extend upwards at an acute angle relative to the downstream conveyor plane; and a continuous belt configured to travel over the upstream section and the downstream section, wherein the continuous belt has an exposed surface and an inside belt edge substantially normal to the exposed surface, and wherein an elongated portion of the exposed surface is substantially planar as the exposed surface passes over lower portions of the downstream and upstream sections of each folding conveyor; and supplying a case having flaps to the apparatus and into operative engagement with the respective upstream sections of the pair of folding conveyors, wherein supplying a case into operative engagement with the respective upstream sections of the pair of folding conveyors comprises the case contacting the inside edge of the continuous belt.