Packaging Method for Multi-Piece Carton Formation and Apparatus for Carrying Out the Same

Abstract

A method for continuous loading and set-up of cartons, each for holding an array of articles such as bottles (B), each carton comprising a top part (40) which includes one or more top panels (42) and one or more side panels (48, 50), and further comprising a carton base (10) which carton base includes a main base panel (12) and one or more wall panels (14, 16). The method comprises the steps of: a. continuous loading of one or more articles onto the carton base (10), b. offering up the top part (40) in alignment with the carton base (10), c. maintaining secure alignment of the top part (40) with the carton base (10), while d. securing together the or each side panel (48, 50) of the top part to the carton base (10) so as to complete the carton base and so that the array of articles is substantially encased in the set-up, loaded carton.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a packaging method for formation of cartons constructed to accommodate a plurality of articles such as beverage bottles and to apparatus for carrying out such a method. [0002] In particular, the invention relates to a carton formed from a plurality of blank integers which are each to be aligned and secured to one another in a finished package. An example of such a carton is found in UK Patent Application Number GB0408054.5 and is further shown loaded and assembled as a package in the final figure of the accompanying drawings of the present specification. Cartons comprised of multiple integers, for example two-part cartons present many advantages to the user. For example, such a construction often imparts extra strength to the carton whilst providing large areas to be printed with advertising graphics if desired. A two-part construction may also, for example, present advantages with respect to the ease of access to t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,943, to Bienaime, discloses a two-part carton whose general order of assembly is shown at FIG. 5 in that specification. An advantage of the present invention over this prior art carton assembly lies in the fact that the application of the top part co-operates with completion and formation of the carton base. In contradistinction, Bienaime discloses a system wherein the carton base is fully assembled before application of the top part.

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage of this method and mechanism relative to those of the present invention lies in the fact that it is not applicable to a carton having a carton base which is formed during the loading and carton assembly process.

However, this latter method and mechanism are not applicable to a carton comprising a plurality of integers.

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