WO2011119563A2

WO2011119563A2 - Apparatus and methods for handling cases

Info

Publication number: WO2011119563A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/029366
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Matthew Gust; John Thomas; Anthony Moske; Darren Evink
Original assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
Priority date: 2010-03-23
Filing date: 2011-03-22
Publication date: 2011-09-29
Also published as: WO2011119563A8; WO2011119563A3

Abstract

A plow (152) is inserted between first major and minor flaps (14, 17) as a case (12) is slid on parallel slide bars (1 10, 1 12). Thereafter, the case (12) is unfolded by moving a securement device (120) in a linear direction perpendicular to the fold lines between the first major and minor flaps (14, 17) and the first end panel (18), with the case (12) located between parallel locators (130, 132). Pushers (154, 156) push the first and second major flaps (14) and the second minor flap (16) outwardly. The first and second major flaps slide in channels (26) in a queuing guide (22) and a transport guide (48) aligned with the queuing guide (22). The transport guide (48) can be moved forward to receive a funnel (80) in a load position and can be moved rearward to a hand-off position where the transport guide (48) can be pivoted to a horizontal position. The minor flaps (16, 17) are controlled by sliding on an end slide (32) intermediate and parallel to the channels (26) in the queuing guide (22) and by being sandwiched in a deflector (68) and between clamping plates (62) pivotally mounted to the channels (26) in the transport guide (48).

Description

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HANDLING CASES BACKGROUND

Apparatus and methods for handling cases is shown and described.

In packaging operations, it is necessary to transfer cases between locations.

During transfer, the flaps of the opened end of the case are generally desired to be located exteriorly of the case. However, flaps often move relative to the case in unintended manners during the handling of the case, requiring mechanisms to pop out the flaps before handling. Thus, there is a need for apparatus and methods for handling cases which includes control over flaps without requiring mechanisms to reposition flaps which are unintentionally folded. Thus, such apparatus and methods can be operated at faster speeds with less jams, with reduced complexity, with reduced overall size as well as with reduced footprint.

SUMMARY

This need and other problems in the field of case handling is solved by providing improved apparatus and methods for handling cases maintaining control of the open flaps. In a first aspect, improved guides for erected cases maintain control of the open flaps while cases are being moved, transported and transferred. The major flaps are located in first and second channels and extend at a first acute angle outwardly of the fold lines with side panels of the case. In the queuing guide, the free edges of minor flaps engage an end slide located intermediate the first and second channels. In the transport guide, the second minor flap is sandwiched between a deflector and the second end panel, and first and second clamping plates abut opposite sides of the first minor flap. The transport guide can be moved to be aligned with the queuing guide, moved forward to receive a loading funnel, and can be moved backward and pivoted to a handoff position. In a further aspect, improved apparatus and methods are provided for presenting cases for loading.

In an additional aspect, improved apparatus and methods are provided for erecting cases from a folded condition. A folded case is removed from a vertical stack of a magazine and raised and tipped to slide on parallel slide bars of unequal heights. After a plow is inserted intermediate the first minor flap and the first major flap, the case is unfolded and placed between parallel locators. The bottom flaps can be folded by a fold mechanism after the case is unfolded. The major flaps and the second minor flap can be pushed outwardly. The case can be moved into the queuing guide with the major flaps received in channels and while the minor flaps are in control.

Illustrative embodiments will become clearer in light of the following detailed description in connection with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiments may best be described by reference to the accompanying drawings where:

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of an apparatus for handling cases.

Figures 2 and 3 show diagrammatic perspective views of the apparatus of Figure 1 in different operational positions.

Figures 4 through 8 show diagrammatic perspective views of an apparatus for erecting and guiding cases.

All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the illustrative embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood.

Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms "top", "bottom", "first", "second", "forward", "rearward", "reverse", "front", "back", "height", "width", "length", "end", "side", "horizontal", "vertical", and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the illustrative embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Apparatus for handling cases for product utilizing methods is shown in the drawings and generally designated 10. Case 12 in the form shown has an open top with first and second, major flaps 14 foldable relative to side panels 15 and third and fourth, minor flaps 16 and 17 foldable relative to end panels 18, with flaps 14 being longer than flaps 16 and 17 in the form shown. The bottom of case 12 is closed such as by having the bottom flaps fan folded, tucked, or otherwise closed. It should be appreciated that the top of case 12 could be the uppermost or the lowermost portion of case 12 when supported according to the printing on the sides of case 12.

Apparatus 10 as shown includes a drop chute 20 having a queuing guide 22 of generally C-shaped horizontal cross sections. Specifically, guide 22 includes first and second legs each including first vertical slides 24 extending in a spaced, parallel relation. First and second channels 26 extend at an acute angle from slides 24 in the order of 45 degrees. Horizontal interconnection portions 30 extend between channels 26 in a spaced, parallel relation. An end slide 32 extends vertically between interconnection portions 30 and intermediate first and second channels 26, with the horizontal spacing of portions 30 and slide 32 from slides 24 being less than the height of flaps 14 and 16 from case 12.

Cases 12 are received in guide 22 with the angle of major flaps 14 being greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees relative to panels 15 and with the fold line between flaps 14 abutting the interconnection of slides 24 and channels 26 and with flaps 14 received in channels 26. Likewise, minor flaps 16 and 17 are at an angle greater than 0 degrees but less than a 90 degrees angle relative to panels 18, with flaps 16 and 17 extending at an angle outwardly of case 12. The free edges of flaps 16 and 17 slide along and are guided by end slide 32 to keep flaps 16 and 17 from folding relative to panels 18 of case 12 while moving inside guide 22. The fold lines between flaps 14 and panels 15 of case 12 are slideable along and between slides 24. Flaps 14 are slid within and are guided by channels 26, with the spacing of slides 24 from slide 32 preventing flaps 14 from folding relative to case 12.

In the form shown, apparatus 10 further includes a carriage 50 including a transport guide 48 of a form for slideably receiving flaps 14 of cases 12 from guide 22. In the form shown, guide 48 is generally of the same construction and size as guide 22 and includes first and second channels 52. Guide 48 includes first and second flap holders 60 and 60 A. In the preferred form, each flap holder 60 and 60 A includes a clamping plate 62 and 62A mounted to one end of an L-shaped mount 64 and 64A having its opposite end pivotally mounted relative to channel 52. Suitable provisions can be provided for pivoting mounts 64 and 64A such as cylinder 66 and 66A shown in the preferred form. Guide 48 further includes a flap deflector 68 guiding and locking flap 16.

Guide 48 is pivotally mounted to a carrier 70 for pivotal movement between horizontal and vertical conditions about an axis extending perpendicular to the fold lines between flaps 14 and panels 15. Suitable provisions 72 can be provided to pivot guide 48 relative to carrier 70 such as a cylinder as shown. Carrier 70 is moveable in a horizontal direction between a load position, a transfer position, and a hand off position, with the transfer position being intermediate the load position and the hand off position. Suitable provisions 76 can be provided to movably mount carrier 70 in horizontal directions such as a slide mechanism with an endless drive mechanism as shown.

In operation, carrier 70 is initially in the transfer position and guide 48 is in its vertical condition and aligned with guide 22. Case 12 is then slid from guide 22 into guide 48, with flaps 14 being controlled while sliding in guides 22 and 48. During transfer, flap deflector 68 guides flap 16 into position relative to panel 18, with flap 16 being sandwiched between panel 18 and deflector 68 when case 12 has been transferred from guide 22. After case 12 has been transferred, flap holders 60 and 60A are moved to their clamping position on opposite sides of flap 17 to hold flap 17 in its open position. After clamping by flap holders 60 and 60A by abutting clamping plates 62 and 62A on opposite sides of flap 17 with flap 17 located intermediate plates 62 and 62A, carrier 70 is moved to its load position while guide 48 is in its vertical condition. As carrier 70 is being moved into its load position, a stationary load funnel 80 is inserted into case 12. When in the load position, product is pushed through funnel 80 into case 12 in any desired manner. In this regard, guide 48 in the vertical position can be at a slight angle to true vertical to utilize gravitational forces during loading. After product is transferred to case 12, carrier 70 can be moved to the hand-off position and guide 48 can be moved to its horizontal condition where case 12 is handed off to a closing station for closing flaps 14-17 such as by fan folding, tucking, or another manner. After case 12 has been handed off, carrier 70 can be moved to the transfer position and guide 48 pivoted to its vertical condition for receiving the next case 12. Apparatus 10 as shown further includes apparatus 100 for erecting cases in a folded condition. Cases 12 are stored in a vertical stack in a magazine of any desired form or configuration. In the folded condition, flap 17 overlaps one of first and second major flaps 14 while the other of the first and second major flaps 14 overlies flap 16.

Generally, apparatus 100 includes a blank feed mechanism 102 shown as including a plurality of suction cups 104. However, it can be appreciated that suction cups 104 can take other forms including, but not limited to, grippers, pneumatic grippers, or any other manner for temporarily attaching or securing to case 12 in the form of a folded blank. Mechanism 102 is secured to the panel 15 of case 12 to which upper flap 14 is attached. Suitable provisions are provided to move mechanism 102 from an attachment position abutting with case 12, an intermediate position at a small acute angle to horizontal and a hand-off position offset in a direction perpendicular to the fold lines of flaps 14, 16 and 17. This mechanism can be of any type or form desired.

Apparatus 100 further includes first and second slide bars 110 and 112 extending in a parallel relation generally perpendicular to the fold lines of flaps 14, 16 and 17 and spaced slightly less than the width of case 12 in the folded condition and at a slightly higher elevation than the upper case 12 stacked in the magazine. Slide bar 110 extends from closely adjacent to cases 12 stacked in the magazine to a location away from cases 12. Slide bar 1 12 extends over the upper case 12 stacked in the magazine and in the preferred form shown over minor flap 17 and the panel 18 of case 12 to which flap 17 is pivotally connected.

Apparatus 100 as shown further includes a mechanism 120 shown as suction cups 122 for securing to the panel 18 to which flap 17 is pivotally connected. However, it can be appreciated that suction cups 122 can take other forms including, but not limited to, grippers, pneumatic grippers, or any other manner for temporarily securing to panel 18. Suction cups 122 are mounted for movement between a hand-off position to an erected position located vertically below as well as spaced in a direction parallel to the fold lines of panels 14, 16 and 17. In the form shown, suction cups 122 are secured to a telescoping mount 124.

Apparatus 100 as shown further includes first and second securing locators 130 extending in a vertical parallel relation spaced generally equal to the width of panel 18 and perpendicular to the fold lines between panels 15 and 18 and spaced generally equal to panel 16 between the fold lines with panels 15. In the form shown, locators 130 generally include a ski-shaped plate 132 against which panels 15 (to which flaps 14 are pivotally connected) can slide. Suction cups 134 are provided at spaced positions along the vertical length of plates 132. Locators 130 are movable in a vertical direction between an erecting position and a transfer position. It should be appreciated that locators 130 can take various forms and configurations than shown and described for guiding case 12 into position and then securing to case 12 when in the desired position.

Mechanism 140 for closing flaps 14, 16 and 17 at the bottom of case 12 is provided intermediate the magazine and locators 130. In the form shown, mechanism 140 is in the form of a fan fold mechanism, such as of the type shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,352,178, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. However, mechanism 140 can tuck, fold or otherwise close flaps 14, 16 and 17 at the bottom of case 12 in a manner which does not unintentionally open including by taping, gluing or bonding.

Apparatus 100 as shown includes suitable provisions 150 for moving flaps 14, 16 and 17 outwardly of case 12. In the form shown, provisions 150 include an upper flap plow 152 having a width generally corresponding to but smaller than flap 17 and extending at a small acute angle to the horizontal. Plow 152 is mounted for movement with suction cups 122, with the particular manner of mounting for movement being within the skill of the art and not shown. Provisions 150 further include first and second flap pushers 154 for engaging with and pushing flaps 14 outwardly of case 12.

Additionally, provisions 150 include a third flap pusher 156 for engaging with and pushing flap 16 outwardly of case 12. In the most preferable form, flap pushers 154 and 156 include suitable provisions 158 and 160 such as telescopic mounts for pushing flaps 14 and 16 generally extending at an angle of 0 degrees from case 12 to an angle generally at 90 degrees to case 12 and then to a transfer position generally at 45 degrees to case 12. It should be appreciated that the memory of flaps 14 and 16 will tend to result in flaps 14 and 16 moving from the 90 degrees position towards a 0 degrees angle when pressure placed thereon by pushers 154 and 156 is released. However, if flaps 14 and 16 do not return to the desired transfer position, other provisions can be provided to do so. Apparatus 100 as shown further includes suitable provisions 170 for conveying case 12 in a vertical direction relative to provisions 150 and into guide 22 in the form shown. Provisions 170 can be of any desired form or type such as but not limited to gripper wheels as shown.

Now that the basic construction of apparatus 100 has been set forth, a method of operation and some of the advantages thereof can be highlighted. At the beginning of the cycle, suction cups 104 are secured to panel 15. After securement, suction cups 104 are rotated about an axis parallel to the fold lines between panels 14 and 15 such that the edges of flap 17 and panel 18 opposite to flap 14 slip past and extend over bar slide 1 12. Suction cups 104 are also moved in a direction parallel to the fold lines between panels 14 and 15 so that case 12 in a folded condition is raised and tipped to be elevated sufficiently relative to slide bar 110 and moved in a direction perpendicular to the fold lines of flaps 14, 16 and 17 so that case 12 slides upon slide bars 110 and 112 to the hand-off position. It should be appreciated that as case 12 moves into the hand-off position, plow 152 is inserted between flap 17 and flap 14.

After suction cups 104 and plow 152 are in the hand-off position, suction cups 122 are actuated to secure to panel 18. After panel 18 is secured, suction cups 104 are released and move back to their attachment position. After release of suction cups 104, suction cups 122 and panel 18 as well as plow 152 are moved in a linear path

perpendicular to the fold line between panels 15 and 18 downward and at an acute angle to panel 18 to which flap 17 is foldably interconnected such as by mount 124 and in a direction parallel to the fold line of flap 17 with panel 18. This movement of suction cups 122 moves case 12 between securing locators 130, resulting in case 12 being unfolded to an open position. When in the open position, locators 130 are secured to panels 15.

After panels 15 are secured, flaps 14, 16 and 17 at the bottom of case 12 can be closed such as by operation of the fan fold mechanism 140.

After panels 15 are secured such as after the bottom of case 12 has been closed, flap pushers 154 and 156 are moved perpendicular to the fold lines between flaps 14 and 16 and panels 15 and 18 and at an acute angle to panels 15 and 18 to engage with and push flaps 14 and 16 to an angle generally at 90 degrees to case 12. Thereafter, flap pushers 154 are retracted to an angle corresponding to channels 26 of guide 22, and flap pusher 156 is retracted to a distance corresponding to slide 32 of guide 22.

After flap pushers 154 and 156 are in the transfer position, and if not previously done, suction cups 122 are released and are moved to their hand-off position. At that time, locators 130 are moved downwardly sufficiently for case 12 to be gripped and conveyed by provisions 170. It should be appreciated that flaps 14 will slide along pushers 154 into and along channels 26 of guide 22, and flap 16 will slide along pusher 156 and against and along slide 32 of guide 22 to be controlled by guide 22. Likewise, flap 17 will be folded upwardly relative to case 12 until it passes by plow 152. After passing plow 152, flap 17 generally will be free of abutment until it reaches slide 32 of guide 22 which will fold flap 17 to be at an angle outwardly of case 12. It should be appreciated that memory in flap 17 will prevent flap 17 from pivoting inwardly of case 12 when free of abutment, but suitable provisions can be provided if such ever became an issue in normal operation. Once case 12 is located in guide 22, it is in queue for further processing steps, with guide 22 typically having a length for holding a plurality of cases 12 in readiness.

Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. Method comprising:

raising and tipping a folded case from a vertical stack so that a fold line interconnecting a first end panel and a first side panel moves upward past a first slide bar extending parallel to the fold line;

sliding the first side panel on the first guide and a second end panel

interconnected to the first side panel opposite the first end panel on a second slide bar extending parallel to the first slide bar and in a direction parallel to the first fold line, with sliding the first side panel including sliding a first minor flap interconnected to the first end panel on a plow located intermediate the first end panel and the first side panel;

simultaneously moving the first panel and the plow in a direction perpendicular to the first fold line and downward to unfold the first and second end panels to be generally perpendicular to the first side panel; and

pushing a first major flap interconnected to the first side panel outwardly at a first acute angle and a second minor flap interconnected to the second end panel outwardly at a second acute angle.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein simultaneously moving comprises moving the case between first and second, parallel spaced locators extending perpendicular to the fold line, with the first and second end panels extending generally perpendicular between the first and second locators when the case is unfolded.

3. The method of any preceding claim wherein simultaneously moving comprises securing to the first end panel and moving the securement in a direction which is non- parallel to the first end panel, with securing comprising securing the first end panel with a temporary securement device mounted to a mount moving in a linear path.

4. The method of any preceding claim further comprising folding bottom flaps interconnected to the first and second end panels and to the first side panel to be generally perpendicular thereto, with folding the bottom flaps occurring after the first and second ends panels are unfolded.

5. The method of any preceding claim wherein pushing comprises pushing the second minor flap and the first major flap outwardly at a flex angle greater than the acute angle and releasing pressure on the second minor flap and the first major flap to allow return of the second minor flap and the first major flap to the acute angle.

6. The method of any preceding claims wherein raising and tipping comprises securing to a second side panel interconnected to the first and second end panels with a temporary attachment device rotated about an axis parallel to the fold line and moved parallel to the fold line.

7. The method of any preceding claim further comprising: moving the case downwardly after pushing and sliding the first major flap being pushed at the acute angle into a channel of a guide extending at the acute angle outwardly of the first side panel and sliding a free edge of the second minor flap being pushed at the acute angle along an end slide.

8. The method of claim 6 further comprising: pushing a second major flap interconnected to the second side panel at the first acute angle; moving the case downwardly after pushing and sliding the first and second major flaps while being pushed at the first acute angle into first and second channels; and controlling the first and second minor flaps when the first and second major flaps are in the first and second channels.

9. Method comprising:

sliding first and second major flaps in first and second channels with the first and second major flaps extending at a first acute angle outwardly of fold lines with side panels of a case; and

controlling first and second minor flaps extending at a second acute angle outwardly of end panels of the case, with the side panels being foldably connected to the end panels.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9 wherein sliding the first and second flaps comprises sliding the fold lines between the first and second major flaps and the side panels along first and second side slides in a spaced parallel relation.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein controlling the first and second minor flaps comprises sliding free edges of the first and second minor flaps along an end slide located intermediate the first and second channels.

12. The method of claim 1 1 wherein sliding the free edges comprises sliding the free edges along the end slide extending between first and second interconnection portions extending between the first and second channels.

13. The method of any one of claims 8-10 wherein controlling the first minor flap comprises sliding the first minor flap into a flap deflector and sandwiching the first minor flap between the flap deflector and the end panel to which the first minor flap is foldably interconnected.

14. The method of any one of claims 8-10 and 13 wherein controlling the second minor flap comprises abutting first and second clamping plates on opposite sides of the second minor flap with the second minor flap located intermediate the first and second clamping plates.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein abutting the first and second clamping plates comprises pivoting first and second L-shaped mounts about first ends pivotally mounted to the first and second channels, with the first and second clamping plates mounted to second ends of the first and second L-shaped mounts.

16. The method of any one of claims 8-10 and 13-15 further comprising: moving the first and second channels in a load direction to a load position while the first and second minor flaps are controlled to insert a stationary load funnel into the case.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising moving the first and second channels from the load position opposite to the load direction to a hand off position and pivoting the first and second channels about an axis extending perpendicular to the fold lines between the first and second major flaps and the side panels and while the first and second minor flaps are controlled.

18. The method of any one of claims 8-10 and 14-17 wherein sliding the first and second major flaps comprises queuing the case including sliding the first and second major flaps in third and fourth channels with the first and second major flaps extending at the first angle and controlling the first and second minor flaps extending at the second angle; and sliding the first and second major flaps from the third and fourth channels into the first and second channels while aligned with the third and fourth channels.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein controlling the first and second minor flaps comprises sliding free edges of the first and second minor flaps along an end slide located intermediate the third and fourth channels.

20. Apparatus for handling cases including first and second major flaps interconnected by fold lines to first and second side panels and first and second minor flaps interconnected by fold lines to first and second end panels, with the side panels being foldably connected to the end panels, with the apparatus comprising: a magazine holding a vertical stack of folded cases, with the fold lines in the vertical stack extending horizontally; first and second, spaced, parallel slide bars extending parallel to the fold lines between the panels, with the first slide bar being elevated above the second slide bar; a temporary attachment device securing to the second side panel, with the temporary attachment device being rotatable about an axis parallel to the fold lines between the panels and movable in a direction parallel to the fold lines between the panels; a plow spaced in the direction from the magazine, with the plow insertable intermediate the first minor flap and the first major flap; a temporary securement device moveable in a linear path perpendicular to the fold line between the first end panel and the first side panel and at an acute angle to the first end panel; first and second, major flap pushers moveable perpendicular to the fold lines between the first and second major flaps and the first and second side panels and at an acute angle to the first and second side panels; and a third, minor flap pusher moveable perpendicular to the fold line between the second end panel and the second minor flap and at an acute angle to the second end panel.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising first and second, parallel, locators extending perpendicular to the fold lines between the second end panel and the first and second side panels, with the locators being spaced generally equal to the second end panel between the fold lines with the first and second side panels.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 or 21 further comprising a flap folding

mechanism, with the case including third and fourth major flaps interconnected by fold lines to the first and second side panels opposite to the first and second major flaps and including third and fourth minor flaps interconnected by fold lines to the first and second end panels opposite to the first and second minor flaps, with the flap folding mechanism folding the major and minor flaps generally perpendicular to the major and minor flaps inwardly of the case.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 21-23 further comprising case conveying provisions; and a guide comprising first and second channels slideably receiving the first and second major flaps, with the first channel being spaced and parallel to the second channel, with each of the first and second channels extending outwardly away from each other at an angle greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees, with the first and second minor flaps being controlled while the first and second major flaps are received in the first and second channels.

24. Apparatus for handling cases including first and second major flaps interconnected by fold lines to first and second side panels and first and second minor flaps interconnected by fold lines to first and second end panels, with the side panels being foldably connected to the end panels, with the apparatus comprising: a guide comprising first and second channels slideably receiving the first and second major flaps, with the first channel being spaced and parallel to the second channel, with each of the first and second channels extending outwardly away from each other at an angle greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees, with the first and second minor flaps being controlled while the first and second major flaps are received in the first and second channels.

25. The apparatus of claim 23 or 24 wherein the guide further comprises first and second side slides, with the first and second channels extending at the angle from the side slides, with the fold lines between the first and second major flaps sliding along the first and second side slides.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-25 wherein the guide further comprises an end slide located intermediate and parallel to the first and second channels, with free edges of the first and second minor flaps abutting with the end slide.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the guide further comprises first and second interconnection portions extending between the first and second channels, with the end slide extending between the first and second interconnection portions.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-25 further comprising a carrier, with the guide mounted to the carrier; and a stationary load funnel, with the carrier moveable from a transfer position to a load position, with the guide being spaced from the stationary load funnel in the transfer position and receiving the stationary load funnel in the load position.

29. The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a queue device comprising third and fourth channels slideably receiving the first and second major flaps, with the third channel being spaced and parallel to the fourth channel, with each of the third and fourth channels extending outwardly away from each other at the angle, with the first and second minor flaps being controlled while the first and second major flaps are received in the third and fourth channels, with the first, second, third and fourth channels being aligned when the carrier is in the transfer position.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the queue device further comprises an end slide located intermediate and parallel to the third and fourth channels, with free edges of the first and second minor flaps abutting with the end slide.

31. The apparatus of any one of claims 28-30 wherein the guide is pivotally mounted to the carrier about an axis extending perpendicular between the first and second channels, with the guide being pivotal between a vertical position and a horizontal position generally perpendicular to the vertical position.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-25 and 28-31 wherein the guide further comprises a flap deflector located intermediate the first and second channels, with the flap deflector deflecting the first minor flap and sandwiching the first minor flap between the flap deflector and the end panel to which the first minor flap is foldably interconnected.

33. The apparatus of any one of claim 23-25 and 28-32 wherein the guide further comprises first and second clamping plates moveably mounted on the first and second channels, with the first and second clamping plates movable between a clamping position abutting on opposite sides of the second minor flap and a home position spaced from each other.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the guide further includes first and second L-shaped mounts having first ends pivotally mounted to the first and second channels, with the first and second clamping plates mounted to second ends of the first and second L-shaped mounts.