US3182431A

US3182431A - Packaging machine and method

Info

Publication number: US3182431A
Application number: US279482A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ganz Henry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-05-10
Filing date: 1963-05-10
Publication date: 1965-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 1982-05-11

Description

May l1, 1965 H. GANZ PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD 6 Sheets-Sheet l Filed May lO, 1963 VENTOR.

QW fr O May 1li, 1965 H. GANZ 3,182,431

l PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed May l0, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR fyi/vx? Y 6fm/z 'Qv HH.TH P mmimmll ,/l QM .Q wwow Q S V hw -d ab kb May 11, 1965 H. GANZ PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed May 1o, 196s 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTQR W, Tm

. A DP May 1l, 1965 H. GANZ 3,182,431

l PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD F'iled May 10, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR. /f Aff/v@ v @YA/vz L jBY ORNE Y6 May l1, 1965 H. GANZ PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 10, 1953 INVENTOR f//f/w? Y /,w Z

May l1, 1965 H. GANZ 3,182,431

PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed May l0, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 11:1. En. y d T l ATrORNEys' United States Patent l 3,182,431 PACKAGNG MACHINE AND METHD Henry Ganz, 610 Churchill Road, Teamch, NJ. Filed May 10, 1963, Ser. No. 279,4d2 22 Claims. (Cl. SES-32) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in the packaging of containers within wraparound cartons formed of paperboard, heavy paper, plastic or other similar flexible packaging materials, and more particularly relates to a machine particularly adapted for applying the carton to a plurality of containers disposed in two rows and the method of applying such cartons utilizing the machine.

This invention particularly relates to machines of the type disclosed in my prior Patent No. 2,986,857 granted on June 6, 1961, my Patent No. 3,061,985 granted on November 6, 1962, and my pending application Serial No. 227,255, filed October l, 1962, for Machine and Method for Packaging Articles, of which this application may be considered a continuation-in-part application, and pertains to modifications of the machines disclosed in the above patents and application.

yThis invention particularly relates to a machine which has incorporated therein means for forming a keel from a closure panel of the carton and inserting the keel between the rows of containers at ends of the containers during the normal operation of the machine to wrap a carton blank around a plurality of containers and to lock the closure panels together to form a rigid package Another object of this invention is to provide a novel machine for use in automatically applying a wrap-around carton to a plurality of containers and wherein the carton has a pair of closure panels, the machine having means for separately moving the closure panels towards ends of the containers with one of the closure panels being in advance of the other, and as the one closure panel comes into engagement with the ends of the containers, the machine functions to form a keel from the one closure panel and inserts the keel between the rows of containers, after which the machine further functions to lock together the closure panels in the forming of a rigid package.

Another object of this invention is to incorporate in a conventional type of package forming machine which includes means for automatically wrapping a carton around a plurality of containers disposed in two rows, a rail for automatically forming from a closure panel of the carton a keel which, as it is progressively formed during the movement of the containers, is being disposed between the two rows of containers whereby, in effect, the keel is formed between the rows of containers.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in accordance with the foregoing a machine having means for separating containers disposed in rows adjacent first ends of the containers, and then after the keel has been formed and positioned between the first ends of the con- Atainers, bringing the containers back together as the closure panels of the carton are being interlocked,

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machine particularly adapted for automatically applying a carton of the wrap-around type to a plurality of containers disposed in rows, a first mechanism for striking from a closure panel of a carton blank a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs, then applying the carton blank to the rows of containers in the conventional manner but bringing the closure panels towards the ends of the containers with the one closure panel trailing the other, the machine also including a rail for progressively forming a keel from the other of the closure panels in between the ends of the containers of the rows, the machine further having a rail for guiding the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel, after which the closure panels are interlocked.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method in accordance with the foregoing wherein the keel is positioned between the containers simultaneously with the formation thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel method of insuring a tight package formed from a plurality of containers and a wrap-around carton, the method including the steps of striking from a closure panel of the carton blank a plurality of stabilizing tabs, applying the carton blank to the containers in the customary manner and when the closure panels of the carton are being applied to ends of the containers, the other of the closure panels is moved towards the container ends in advance of the one closure panel with the other closure panel being shaped as it engages the container ends to define a keel which is passed between the rows of containers, after which the stabilizing tabs of the one closure panel are passed into the keel and the closure panels are interlocked.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel method of applying a wrap-around carton of the type wherein one closure panel thereof is provided with a keel having notches therein for lockingly receiving chimes of cans, the method including the steps of advancing the cans in two rows, and while wrapping the carton around the cans in the conventional manner, spacing apart the ends of the cans against which the closure panels are to be applied, thereafter bringing one of the closure panels into engagement with the can ends and forming therefrom a keel between the can ends, `and thereafter bringing back together the cans during the interlocking of the closure panels whereby the chirnes of the cans are received within the notches or chime-cuts of the carton to interlock the cans with the keel automatically during the forming of the package.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended yclaims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the upper portion of the machine and shows mounted therein a carton blank for the application to a plurality of cans.

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken generally along the line 2 2 of FG- URE 1 and shows more specifically the details of the structure of the machine and the manner in which the carton blanks are applied to sets of containers.

yFliGUliE 3 is a plan view taken through the lower portion of the machine generally along the line 3 3 of FIG- URE 2 and shows the specific details of the means for forming and inserting the keel of the carton.

FEGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken generally' along the line ll- 4 of FIGURE 3 and shows a set of cans after the initial application of the carton blank thereto with the side panels of carton blank being disposed loosely alongside the sides of the cans prior to the initiation of the folding of the closure panels beneath the ends of the cans.

tFiGUR-E 5 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional View similar to FIGURE 4 and taken along the Iline 5-5 of FGURE y3 and shows the rail for spreading apart the lower ends of the cans and the application of folding blades to effect the folding of the closure panels beneath the can ends in timed sequence.

FEGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary verticalsectional view taken transversely of the machine along the line 6-6 or" FGURE 3 and shows one ofthe closure panels brought into engagement with the undersides of the cans while the arsenal Q3 l other of the closure panels has its movement towards the can ends retarded by rneansof a rail.

LFIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken transversely of the machine along the Vline 7-7 of FIGURE 3 and shows the uppermost one of the closure panels after it has been worked upon by a centrally located rail to define an upstanding keel which is disposed between. the spaced apart lower ends of the cans.

IFIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 8-'8 of lFIGURE 3 and shows the carton blank at the time a keel stabilizing tab carried by the 'lowermost of the closure panels is being urged into the keel.

FIGURE -9 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional'view taken generally along the line 9 9 of FIGURES and shows Vthe keel as it appears after it has received the keel stabilizing tabs and the cans have been brought close together for the locking of the closure panel, the initial step of locking together the closure panels having been performed.

vFIGURE `l() is an enlarged fragmentary transverse verti- 4 cal sectional view similar to FIGURE `9 and shows the then lower portion of the carton after it has been completely applied to the cans.

lFIGURE 1l is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal.

' carton blank, generally referred to by the numeral 15.

The carton blank is particularly adapted to be applied to six cans. The carton blank 1S, as far. as this invention is concerned, is divided into a central panel 16, a pair of` side panels 17 and a pair of closure panels 18 and'v19.

The central panel 16 is separated from the side panels 17 by fold lines 20, and fold lines 21 separate the

closure panels

18 and 19 from the side panels 17. In order to provide for an interlock between cans-and the side panels 17 in the final package vwherein the carton is wrapped aroundthecansyeach of the side panels 17 is provided with a plurality of chime-cuts .22 spaced along and adjacent the fold lines 20. Also, the central panel 16vis provided with centrally located cushion tabs 23 which cooperate with the v chime-cuts 22. The details of the cushion tabs 23 and thecooperation thereof with the chime-cuts 22 `are set forth in my above referred to pending application Serial No. 227,255.

The carton blank is also provided with can spacing tabs 24 which are located generally centrally of the'centralV panel 16.v The can spacing tabs 24 are bendable out of the plane of the central panel 16 and are disposed .be-

' tween chimes of cans in adjacent rows at the ends of the cans against which the central panel 16 bears.

The closure panel 19 is provided with a latching ilap 25 pivotal catches 27. The latching ap'25 has tongues 28 projecting therefrom in alignment with the pivotal catches 27. The closure panel 18 is provided with a plurality of latch openings 29 for the reception of the pivotal n.

catches 27 and the tongues y28 in the manner best described in my prior Patent No. 2,986,857. n

The closure panel 18 is also provided with a pair of .spaced similar interrupted fold lines 30A and l311 which Y portion 32 and adapted to interlockingly receive chimes of cans.

The closure panel19 is provided with a pluralityof keel stabilizing tabs 35 which are hingedly connected to the closure panel 19 along fold lines 36. The tabs 35 cooperate with a keel formed from the keel forming porrt'ion 32. in a manner to be described hereinafter.`

In the illustrated carton blank 15,.the central panel 16 is intended to be .a bottom panel. and the

closure panels

18 and 19 are intended to combine to deiinea top panel of the resultant carton. ing of the completed package, the closure panel ,19 is provided with a plurality of C-shaped cuts 37 which define finger receiving openings. The C-.cuts 37 also dene tabs 38 which are foldable down into the confines of the carton between adjacent cans. In order to provide clearance for the tabs 38,' the closure panel 18 is provided with elongated openings 39 extending `transversely ofthe keel forming portion 32 in alignment'with the tabs 38.'

Althoughthe carton blank -15 is intended to be used in the above describedmanner, it is. to be understood that .it is equally as Well feasible to provide thev linger receiving openings in the central panel 16 with thek result that the

closure panels

18 and 19 Will define the bottom panel of the resultant carton.V Furthermore,V when the central panel 16 is thetop panel, can interlocking and retaining means thereof may be varied and itis feasible thatthe carton for which the machine of this application is intended could be modied for engagement with bottles by providing the central panel 16 with a plurality of bottle neck receiving openings. The cut outs 34 'inthe keel forming portion 32 would, of course, have to be modified slightly for the reception of bottles.'v Accordingly, .While the specific machine of this application, which now will be described, is intended for specic use with the carton blank 15, it is to be undersood that portions of the machine whichV are not parts of this invention Amay be changed in accordance with the cartonconstruction. This invention is primarily directed to the manner in which the keel forming portion 32 is shaped to form a keel positioned between two rows ofrcontainers, and the manner in which the keel stabilizing tabs35Y are inserted into the keel, after which the

closure panels

18 ,and 19 are unlocked and the containers are brought into interlocking engagement with thekeel. Y

The machine Ifor applying the 'blank 15 to a'plunality of cans C is generally referred to by the nurneral 4b. Basically, `the machine 4i) includes a frame,v generally referred to by the numeral 41. The frame 4.1 includes a pairrof spaced parallel longitudinally extending carton blank sup-V port plates 42 which are disposed .adjacent the outer edges of the frame. The plates 42 are disposedin the upper portion of the machine and are spaced apiant a distance to provide' adequate support` for. the-.ends vof the carton blank 15. Angular cro-sis sectionalr carton blank guide members 43 .overlie the support plates 42 and extend longitudinally thereof.-- The relationship of the rblank guide memlbers-43 andthe supportplate 42 is such that a narrow ledge 44 1s provided along the inner surface of each lsupport plate 42 ,forrcceiving end portions of canton blanks 15. This is clearly shown in FIGURE l.

VThe central portions of the .carton blanks `15 are supported .by .a pai-r of longitudinally' extending endless conveyor chains y45 which-are provided at spaced intervals Iwith lugs 46 for engaging behindV carton blanks 15 and effecting the movement thereof from left-to right in FIG UTRE l at regularly Yspaced intervals. IIt is to be understoodv that the conveyor chains 45 together .with the sup- Yport plates 42 provide adequate support-,forthe carton blanks 1S during the movement thereofgt-hrough the upper port-ion ofthe machine 40. The mech-anismof themachine 40.r includes a transverse shaft 47 which extends b'= tween-remote-.portionsofthe frame 41;-and is suitably journalled inbearin'g elements (notshown) carried by the frame 41.Y ;inY .a conventional manner. The shaft 47 overlies the path of. carton blanks 15` supported on the shelves orledg'es 44. The .shaft 47 is provided with a sprocket 48 which is driven byy meansof a dnive chain 49 in any suitable .conventional-manner With the shaft 47 In order to facilitate the carrybeing rotated in timed relation to the movement of the conveyor chains 45.

The shaft 47 carries a plurality of circular plates which include a first circular plate 56 which is aligned with one set of the cushion tabs 23. rThe circular plate 5@ carries three lingers 51 which come into engagement with the cushion tabs 23 aligned therewith and strike the cushion Vtabs upwardly out of the carton blank 15. A similar plate 52 is carried by the shaft 47 in opposed relation to the plate 50 and generally in alignment with the others of the cushion tabs 23. The plate 52 carries a plural-ity of lingers 53 for engagement with the second set of cush- .ion tabs. A third, centrally located circular plate 54 is carried by the shaft d'7 generally .in alignment with the tabs 24. The circular plate 54 carries a plurality of fingers 55 spaced in accordance with the spacing of the tabs 24.

The frame 41 includes a transverse frame assembly 56 which supports suitable rails 57 and 5S in a manner described in my copending application Serial No. 227,255, for the purpose of folding the cushion tabs 23 and the tabs 24. J

The shaft 47 also carries a circular plate 59 which carries a plurality of lingers 6i) aligned with and spaced in accordance with the spacing of the stabilizing tabs 35. A guide rail assembly 61 is generally aligned with the fingers 60 and is supported from the adjacent guide rail 43 by means of suitable straps 62. The guide rail assembly 61 includes an outer rail 63 and an inner rail 64 which receive the stabilizing tabs 35 and hold them in upstanding positions.

Another folding rail 65 is supported from the adjacent guide rail 43 by means of straps 66. The folding rail 65 serves to reversely fold the stabilizing tabs 35 whereby they are retained adjacent the plane of the blank 15, but are free to fold upwardly into vertical positions. The purpose of the folding rail 65 is to effect the over-folding of the stabilizing tabs 35.

A still further folding rail 67 is disposed longitudinally Of the folding rail 65 and is supported from the adjacent guide rail 43 by means of straps 63. The fold rail 67 is positioned for engaging the reversely folded stabilizing tabs 35 and returning them to positions normal to the carton blanks 15.

The frame 4l also carries a transverse shaft 69 which is suitably journalled in bearings (not shown). The shaft 69 is driven from the shaft 47 by means of a drive chain and sprocket arrangement 7G. The shaft 69 carries a pair of clamp wheels 71 which are associated with the rails 57 and which carry fingers 72 for effecting the interlocking of the cushion tabs 23 with adjacent portions of the carton blank 15. This is described in my copending application Serial No. 227,255 and further description here is believed to be unnecessary.

At the time the carton blank I5 approaches the right end of the machine 4t) as viewed in FIGURE 1, the cushion tabs 23 are folded around and interlocked with the adjacent portions of the carton blank in the manner illustrated and described in my application Serial No. 227,255. The spacing tabs 24 are disposed in upright relation, as are the stabilizing tabs 35. The carton blank is now prepared for engagement with a set of six cans in a manner to be described hereinafter.

In the right end of the frame 41 there is a transversely extending shaft 73 which is suitably journalled in bearings (not shown) carried by the frame 41. The shaft 73 is provided with a pair of centrally located sprockets 7d over which the conveyor chains 45 are entrained, and the shaft 73 is driven by the conveyor chains 45. The shaft 73 also carries a plurality of support wheels 75 which have associf ated therewith suitable guides 76 which are supported by a transverse frame member '77, as is best shown in FIG,- URE 2. The guides 76 control the movement of the partially folded carton blanks 15 around the axis of the shaft 73'in the manner clearly shown in FIGURE 2.

A set of six cans is delivered to the machine di) along a suitable support 78. The cans C pass from the support 78 onto a pair of spaced

supports

79 and 80 which are suitably supported from the frame 41 by means of a transversely extending plate 81. The plate 8l is carried by suitable transverse frame members including a transverse frame member 82 illustrated in FIGURE 3. The support 78 is provided with a pair of transversely spaced guides 83 which maintain the cans C in closely spaced transverse relation. The plate Sl has a pair of guides S4 which are generally aligned with the guides S3 and serve to prevent outward movement of the cans C off of the

supports

79 and 86.

The machine 4t? also includes a pair of conveying chains 85 which are disposed adjacent the outer extremities of the frame 4I, and which pass around sprockets 86 carried by a transverse shaft S7 which is mounted in the lower portion of the machine et), as is clearly shown in FIG- URES 2 and 3. The conveying chains 85 are connected together at regularly spaced intervals by means of transverse pusher members SS which are spaced in accordance with the spacing of the lugs d6 and the conveying chains S5 are driven in timed relation to the movement of the conveyor chains 45.

As the cans C approach the machine 4@ along the support 75, they are maintained in transversely spaced relation by means of a vertically disposed divider rail S9. A set of six cans is engaged by one of the members 63 and is transferred from the support 7S onto the supports 79 and Sil. rhe cans C pass in two rows on opposite sides of a division rail 96 which has a base portion 91 disposed between the

supports

79 and 80, as is best shown in FIGURE 4. The division rail $6, as is best shown in FIGURES 3 and 5, is of a tapered construction and increases in width so as to space apart the cans C at the lower ends thereof.

Referring once again to FIGURES 2 and 4, it will be seen that as the partially folded carton blanks I5 pass around the support wheels 75, the central panels I6 of each carton blank l5 is brought into engagement with the upper ends of the cans with the spacing tabs 2d passing between the upper ends of the cans C and being clampingly engaged by the chimes 92 thereof. The set of cans C and the associated carton blank l5 then move in unison from right to left, as viewed in FIGURE 2, along the supports 79 and t?. While the lower ends of the cans C are being moved apart, the side panels f7 and the closure panels IS and E9 are being folded down around.

the cans C by means of folding wings 93 which are carried by arms 94 mounted on a transverse shaft 95 which is suitably supported from the frame il and is driven in timed relation to the movement of the cans C in a manner described in my Patent No. 2,986,857. At the same time, the closure panel i9 is engaged by a pair of offset wheels 96 and 97 to fold the carton blank along the fold line 26 and to fold the tongues 2S slightly out of the piane of the latching flap 25 in the manner best described in my Patent No, 2,986,857.

The machine 46B also includes a pair of folding plates fill and M2 which lie in the same plane as the support plates 79 and 8b and oppose the plates 79 and S6, respectively. The folding plates 10.1; and im are carried by suitable supports w3 which are part of the frame di. As the carton blank 15 continues to move with the cans C, the closure panel IS comes into engagement with the folding plate fdl and the closure panel I9 shortly thereafter comes into engagement with the folding plate to2. As a result, the closure panels f8 and I9 are progressively folded by the folding plates lill and M52 beneath the bottoms of the cans C with the closure panel .118 being folded in advance of the closure panel t9. The specific outlines of the folding plates ffii and 162 to accomplish this folding of the closure panels IS and 19 is clearly shown in FIGURE 3. It is also clearly shown in FGURE 3 that the support plate 79 is of a

folding plates

101 and 102 by means of spacers 105.l

Itis necessarythat the side panels 17 are held closely against the sides of the cans C so that the fold lines 21 will correspond with the lower ends of the cans C.

Reference is now made

toFlGURES

2, 6 and 7 wherein it will be seen that the left endof the division rail 90 is loffset upwardly and has the underside thereof spaced above the plane of the

support plates

79 and 80 and the folding plates` 101 and 102. rl`his provides a clearance for a vertically disposed folding blade v106 Ahaving an upper cam surface 107. The folding blade '106, the shape of which is best shown in FIGURE `2, v

is carried by an angle bracket 108 which, in turn, is

supported by a transverse frame member 109 of the frame 41. It is to be noted that the. upper left-hand portion of the folding blade 106, as is shownin FIG- URE 4, is seated generallyin the recess formed by the upper offsetting of the division'rail 90. It is also to be noted that the upper part of the folding blade 106 'is' offset, as at 110, to provide clearance for the closure panel 19.

The folding blade 106 `also carries a folding member, generally referred to by the numeral 111. The folding member 111 includes an upper portion 112 which is secured to the upper portion of the folding blade 106 by means of screws 113. The upper portion 112 has secured to the underside thereof a depending iade member 114 which is engaged by the closure panel 19 and restricts due to theurging of the folding plate 102. The upper portion 112 has a downwardly `and inwardly sloping right-hand surface 115, as is`clearly shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, toelfect the clearance of the closure panel 19, as

is shown in FIGURE 7. The upper portion 112 also the upwardffolding movement of the closure panel 19 has a left-hand'face 116 which is vertically disposed and which tapers .towards the center of the machine 40 to effect the guiding of the stabilizingrtabs 35 in a manner to be described hereinafter.

Referring once again to FIGURE', it will be seen that the folding plate 101 serves to bring the closure panel 19V against the undersides of the cans C above the cam i surface 107 of the folding blade 106. Then as the cans C and the carton blank 15 move in unison along the.A

machine 40, the rail forming portion 32 of the carton blank is brought into engagement with the cam surface 107 of the folding blade 106 with the result that an upstanding keel 117 is formed from the closure panel 1S between the lower endsk of the two rows of cans C. As the keel 117 is being formed, the cutouts or `notches 34 therein are brought into alignmentk with the chimes 92 at the lower ends of the cans C, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 7.

As the closure panel 19 is moved-towardsengagement with the undersides of the cans C by the engagement thereof with the folding plate 102, the member 111 assures the movement of the stabilizing tabs 35 into the newly formedkeel 117. It is to be noted from FIGURE 8 that the keel shaping folding `blade 106 is decreasing in height so as to maintain the open shape of the keel 117 while permitting the stabilizing tabs 35 to be moved within the conlines thereof. At this time the cans C are supported by the

folding plates

101 and 102.

Referring now-to FIGURE 9, it will be yseen that the cans C have been transferred from the folding plates 101VV and 102 to support plates 118 and the closure panel `19 in face-to-face engagement with the undersidesV of ,the

cans C andthe portion Iof the closure panellS overlapped by the closure panel 19.: At the same time, the

cans Cr have been returned together and are held in tightly engaged relation by means -of suitable guide rails 119 whichare supported by the support plates 118.l The cans C are initially brought to this. relationship yby means of rollers 120` carried by the

folding plates

101 and 102, as shown in FIGURE 3.

As theV closure panelv 19 is brought into Vengagement with the undersides of the cans C, the latching flap 33 is engaged by aY vertical plate 121 and a folding .plate 122 in the :manner disclosed inV my Patent No. 2,986,857, to bring the pivotal catches 27 through the'latch openings 729. In the further operation yof the machine 40, other carton latching mechanism, which .is 'disclosedl in my Patent No. 2,986,857 but not specifically illustrated here, continues folding operations ou the` latching flap 33 and the tongues 36 to completefthelockingtogether of the closure panels 18 and'19 in the manner clearly shownin FIGURElO.

Attention is now directed. to` the` fact that the fingerV openings of the carton are .disposed in the Vclosure panel 19. Accordingly, itwill be readily apparent that the cans C are initiallypackagedin their inverted, positions and kit is necessary that the completed package comprising six vcans and the carton must be inverted; However, it

is also apparent thatwhile it is beneficialV to have theY

keel

11,7 at the top of the resutlant package so that the keel 117 may aid in the supporting of the cans from the theny top panel of the package, it is also feasible for the keel117lto be at the bottom of the package. event, the ,finger openings would be in the .central panel 16 which, -in llieu of being the bottom panel, would then be theftop panel. It is also feasible that the keel 117 may be slightly modied as far asthe notching thereof is concerned so-thatrit may beinterlockedwith bottles. In suchevent, the central panel 16, in lieu of being provided with cushion tabs, would be providedrwith neck receiving openings.

It willibe readily apparent that the machine of this application provides for lthe automatic initial folding lof portions of a carton blank, and then automatically appliesrtheinitially foldedcarton blank to a group of containers to provide a rigid package wherein-ends of the containers are separated by means of a keel, ,and the keel may be stabilized by means of stabilizing tabs, when desired. Y v

Although only a preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically illustrated and described herein, it isto be understood that ,the machine and. method disclosed herein may be modified within the spirit and scope of theV invention, as defined in the appended claims.

I claim: i 1 In a machine for. applying lto containers arranged in rows a wrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has a keel forming portion for positioningbetween,the rows of containers; means for moving the blank and two rows of containersv in unison, means for forcing the centralpanel intor engagement with first container end portions, `means for wrappingV -ing portion inbetween the rows of containers and forming a keel'therefrom between the rows. of containers. 2.V In a machine for vapplying to containers arranged 1n rows a wrap-around cartony blank having la central Y panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, and Vwheref in one of the closure panels has a keel forming portion 9 for positioning between the rows of containers; means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, a longitudinally extending rail for spacing apart the rows of moving containers, means for forcing the central panel into engagement with rst container end portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers, means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite ends of the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of the other and a longitudinally extending rail disposed centrally of the paths of movement of the rows of containers and having an upper surface progressively passing into the space between the paths of movement of the rows of containers for engagement by the keel forming portion to progressively move the keel forming portion in between the rows of containers and forming a keel therefrom between the rows of containers.

3. The machine of claim 2 together with carton closing means including means for tightly urging the rows of containers together and against the keel.

4. The machine of claim 2 wherein said row spacing rail is of a Haring configuration.

-the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs;

means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, means for forcing the central panel into engagement with rst container end portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers, means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite ends of the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of the other, means for forming a keel from the keel forming portion and forcing the keel between the two rows of containers, and means for inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel.

6. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows a wrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has a keel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers and the other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs; means for striking the keel stabilizing tabs from the other closure panel to a position generally normal to the plane thereof, means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, means for forcing the central panel into engagement with first container end portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers, means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite ends ot the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of the other, means for forming a keel from the keel forming portion and forcing the keel between the two rows of containers, and means for inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel.

7. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows a Wrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has a keel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers and the other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs; means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, means for forcing the blank panel into engagement with first container end portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers, means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite ends of the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of the other, means for forming a keel from the keel forming portion and forcing the keel between the two rows of containers and a guide rail for guiding the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel as the other closure panel is moved -into engagement with the container ends.

8. The machine of claim 7 wherein said tab guide rail includes a depending nger for engagement by the other panel and a guide face leading towards the keel for engagement by the keel stabilizing tabs.

9. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows a wrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has a keel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers and the other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs; means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, means for forcing the central panel into engagement with iirst container end portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers, means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite ends of the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of the other, a longitudinally extending rail disposed centrally of the paths of movement of the rows of containers, and having an upper surface progressively passing into the space between the paths of movement of the rows of containers for engagement by the keel forming portion to progressively move the keel forming portion in between the rows of containers and forming a keel therefrom between the rows of containers, and means for inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel.

l0. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows a wrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has a keel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers and the other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs; means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, means for forcing the central panel into engagement with iirst container end portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers, means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite ends of the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of the other, a longitudinallly extending rail disposed centrally of the paths of movement of the rows of containers, and having an upper surface progressively passing into the space between the paths of movement of the rows of containers for engagement by the keel forming portion to progressively move the keel forming portion in between the rows of containers and forming a keel therefrom between the rows of containers, and a guide rail for guiding the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel as the other closure panel is moved into engagement with the container ends.

1l. The machine of claim 10 wherein said tab guide rail is mounted on and supported by said longitudinally extending rail.

l2. In a machine for applying to containers arranged in rows a wrap-around carton blank having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, and wherein one of the closure panels has a keel forming portion for positioning between the rows of containers and the other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs; means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, a longitudinally extending rail for spacing apart the rows of moving containers, means for forcing the central panel into engagement with first container end portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers, means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite ends of the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of the other, a longitudinally extending rail disposed centrally of the paths of movement of the rows of containers, and having an upper surface progressively passing into the space between the paths of movement of the rows of containers for engagement by the keel forming portion to progressively move the keel forming portion in between the rows ofy containers and forming a keel therefrom between the rows of containers, and means for inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel.

arsenal for positioning between therows of containers and they other of the closure panels has a plurality of keel stabilizing tabs; means for striking the keel stabilizing tabs from the other closure panel to a position generally normal to the plane thereof, means for moving the blank and two rows of containers in unison, means for forcing the central panel into rengagement with rst container end portions, means for wrapping the side panels around the containers, means for separately moving the closure panels towards the opposite` ends of the containers with the one closure panel being in advance of the other, a longitudinally extending rail disposed centrally of the paths of movement of the rows of containers, and having an upper surface progressively passing into the space between the paths of movement of the rows of containers.

for engagement bythe keel forming portion to progressively move the keel forming portion in between the rows of containers and forming a keel therefrom between the rows of containers, and means for inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel. Y

l5. A method of forming a package including two rows of containers and a wrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, the method comprising the stepsof applying the central panel to first end portions .of the containers and moving the carton and containers in unison, folding the side panels alongside the containers, separately folding lthe closure panels towards the other ends ofthe containers with one of the closure panels being in advance of the other, shaping a keel from the one closure panel, forcing` the keel between the rows of containers, and then locking together said closure panels.

16. A method of forming a package including two rows of containers and a wrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, the method comprising the steps of applying the central panel to first end portions of the containers and moving the carton and containers in unison, folding theside panels alongside the containers, separatelyfolding the closure panels towards the other ends ofthe containers with one of the closurepanels being in advance of the other, simultaneously shaping a keel from the one closure panel and forcing the keel between the rows of containers, and then locking together said closure panels.

17. A'method of forming a package including two rowsfof containers and a wrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels,

the method comprising the steps of applying the central f panel to iirst end portions of the containers and moving the carton and containers in unison, foldingthe side panels alongside the containers, progressively spacing apart the rows ofV containers adjacent the other ends:

thereof, separately folding therclosure panels towards the vother ends of the containers with one of the `closure panels being in advance of the other, shaping a keel from vthe one closure panel, forcing the keel betweenthe rows of containers, and then bringing the rows of containers together and locking together said closure panels.

18. A method of forming a package including twoV thereof, separately folding the closure panels towards` the other ends of the Containers with one of the closure l2 panels being in advance` ofthe other, simultaneously shaping a keel from the one. closure panel and forcing the keelV between the: rows of containers, and then bringing the rows of containers together and locking together said closure panels.

19. A method of forming a package including two rows of containers Vand a wrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, the method comprising the steps of striking keel stabilizing tabs .from the other closure panel, applying the central panel to first end portions of theeontainers and moving the carton and` containers in unison, folding the side panels alongside the containers, separately folding Vthe closure panels towards the other ends of the containers with one of the closure panels being in advance of the other, shaping a keel from. the one closure panel, forcing the keel between therows yof containers, inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel, and then locking together said closure panels.

20. A method of forming a package including, two rows of containers and a wrap-around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels, the method comprising the steps of striking keel stabilizing .tabs from the other. closure panel, applying the central panel to first yend portions of the containers and moving the carton and containers in unison, folding the side panelsralongside the containers, separatelyfolding the closure panels towardsthe other endsof the containyers withone of the closure panelsjbeingin advance of Vcentral panel, side panels and terminal closure panels,

the method ,comprising the steps of striking kerel stabilizing tabs from'the other closureY panel, applying the `central panelto rst end portions of the containers and moving the carton and containers in unison, folding the side panels alongside the containers, progressively spacing apartthe rows of containers adjacent the other ends thereof, separatelyk folding theclosure panels towards the other ends of the containers with one of the closure panels being in advance of the other, shaping akeel from the one closure panel, forcing the keel between the rows of containers,` inserting the keel stabilizing tabs into the keel, and .then vbringing the rows of containers together and lockingftogether said closure panels.

22. A method of forming a-package including two rows of containers `and a wrap-:around carton having a central panel, side panels and terminal closure panels,V

the method comprising the steps of striking keel stabilizing tabs from the other closurefpanel, applying the central panel to first end portions of the containers and moving the carton yand containers in unison, folding the side panels alongside the containers, progressively spacing apart the rows of containers adjacent the other ends thereof, separately foldingrthefclosure panels ytowards the other ends of the containersjwith one of the closure panels being -in advance of the other, Vsimultaneously shaping a keelv from the one closure panel and forcing ,the keelbetween the rows of containers, inserting -thei keel stabilizing tabs into the keek-and then bringing the rows of containers together and locking together said closure panels.;

References Cited by theEXaminer UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/60 Gentry 53-48 3/61 Andre et n. 53`209

Claims

15. A METHOD OF FORMING A PACKAGE INCLUDING TWO ROWS OF CONTAINERS AND A WRAP-AROUND CARTON HAVING A CENTRAL PANEL, SIDE PANELS AND TERMINAL CLOSURE PANELS, THE METHOD COMPRISING THE STEPS OF APPLYING THE CENTRAL PANEL TO FIRST END PORTIONS OF THE CONTAINERS AND MOVING THE CARTON AND CONTAINERS IN UNISON, FOLDING THE SIDE PANELS ALONGSIDE THE CONTAINERS, SEPARATELY FOLDING THE CLOSURE PANELS TOWARDS THE OTHER ENDS OF THE CONTAINERS WITH ONE OF THE CLOSURE PANELS BEING IN ADVANCE OF THE OTHER, SHAPING A KEEL FROM THE ONE CLOSURE PANEL, FORCING THE KEEL BETWEEN THE ROWS OF CONTAINERS, AND THEN LOCKING TOGETHER SAID CLOSURE PANELS.