Carton closure and stacking apparatus and method

Abstract

A method of operating a closable carton utilizes a flap extending from a wall of the carton and a tab received in a slot formed in the flap to secure the flap to close the carton. The method has the step of laterally moving a folding element to each wall having a flap extending therefrom to move the one or more flaps into a position to close the carton. The method has the step of lifting the closed carton above a non-return support and into engagement with another carton to provide a stack of closed cartons supported by the non-return support. The method has the step of the support subsequently releasing the stack of closed cartons to a conveyor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to apparatus and methods for capping and stacking cartons, such as for preparing stacks of cartons for goods for palletized transport. BACKGROUND

[0002] Goods such as fruit are often packaged for transport and distribution. A common package is a carton which can receive the goods and can be stacked.

[0003] Traditionally, the preparation of cartons is by an operator closing a lid panel of the top of the carton and stacking the closed cartons onto other cartons before moving the stacked cartons onto a pallet.

[0004] It would be advantageous if an apparatus could be provided which is capable of preparing a stack of closed cartons, which would provide the public with at least one additional choice.

[0005] It would be advantageous if a method could be provided for preparing a stack of closed cartons, which would provide the public with at least one additional choice. SUMMARY

[0006] Various aspects of the present invention provide a method of operating a closable carton having one or more lid panels extending from respective one or more walls of the carton and having one or more tabs and having respective one or more slots adapted to receive the tabs to secure the lid panels in a closed configuration in which the one or more lid panels provide closure of the carton, the method comprising the steps of:

[0007] laterally moving a folding element over each wall having a lid panel extending therefrom to move the one or more lid panels into the closed configuration to close the carton.

[0008] The step of moving the folding element can comprise moving the folding element, in particular a rolling element comprising a roller having a groove formed in a position aligned with the tabs, over the carton. This can allow the folding element to fold the lid panels to a level below the ends of the respective tabs to push the slots of the lid panels onto the tabs so that the tabs are received in the slots of the respective lid panels.

[0009] The step of moving the folding element can comprise moving the folding element over the carton but between the tabs. This can allow the folding element to fold the lid panels to a level below the ends of the respective tabs to push the slots of the lid panels onto the tabs so that the tabs are received in the slots of the respective lid panels. The folding element can comprise a bar. The bar is adapted to slide over the lid panels.

[0010] The method can comprise securing the carton with one or more clamps.

[0011] The one or more clips can engage an edge of the carton.

[0012] The edge engaged by the one or more clips can be at an end of a wall of the carton, the end being distal from another edge of the wall having a flap extending therefrom.

[0013] The one or more clips can engage a corner of the carton.

[0014] The carton insert tab can be arranged to extend through a slot in the flap to extend beyond the flap.

[0015] The carton can comprise one or more slots formed in an underside of the carton to allow an upper carton to receive a corresponding one or more insert tabs from a lower carton to secure the upper and lower cartons in a stack.

[0016] The carton can comprise one or more slots formed in an underside of the carton to allow an upper carton to receive a corresponding one or more insert tabs from a lower carton to secure the upper and lower cartons in a stack.

[0017] The clip can define one or more apertures through which the pushing element can extend to push the carton upwards to lift the carton.

[0018] The method can comprise the step of pushing the carton upwards over one or more locking bars, and as the one or more pushing elements return downwards, the one or more locking bars support the carton to prevent it from returning downwards.

[0019] The method can comprise returning the pushing element downwards to a position below the one or more clips.

[0020] The step of pushing the carton upwards can comprise pushing the carton under and into contact with another carton supported by the one or more locking bars. This can cause the carton supported by the one or more locking bars to form a stack of cartons with the carton that has been pushed upwards over the locking bars.

[0021] The step of pushing the carton upwards is performed after the step of folding the flap to form a closed stack of cartons above the position at which the previous carton was secured by the one or more clips. This can allow the step of folding the flap to close the carton and the step of stacking the cartons that have been closed to be performed at the same location in the packaging apparatus, as seen in the layout of the packaging apparatus. This can allow the flap closing and carton stacking stations to be provided at a single packaging workstation.

[0022] The method can operate on a carton having one or more flaps, wherein each flap is connected to a wall of the carton via a foldable hinge point.

[0023] Aspects of the invention provide a packaging apparatus comprising:

[0024] clamps operable to secure a first carton;

[0025] one or more lid closure elements operable to move over the secured first carton to fold one or more lids of the first carton to close the first carton, wherein the one or more lids extend from a respective one or more walls of the first carton.

[0026] The lid closure elements can be arranged to urge the respective one or more lids to fold at a foldable hinge point.

[0027] The apparatus can comprise a push element operable to push the first carton upwardly from the one or more clamps.

[0028] The apparatus can have one or more supports above the clamps to support a second carton above the first carton. The supports are arranged to be configurable into a non-return configuration to prevent the carton from returning downwardly. The supports are also arranged to be configurable into a release configuration to release the carton to allow the carton to return downwardly.

[0029] The one or more supports are movable to facilitate allowing the first carton to move beyond the supports to form a stack of the first carton and the second carton.

[0030] The supports can comprise levers that are pivotable to allow the carton to move beyond the levers when pushed, and that are subsequently also pivotable downwardly to support the carton when it returns from a position beyond the levers.

[0031] The movable supports can allow the first carton to be added to a stack of cartons including the second carton when the first carton is pushed upwardly under the second carton and subsequently supported by the movable supports.

[0032] The apparatus can comprise a conveyor to convey the released carton or stack of cartons.

[0033] The movable supports comprise levers attached at pivots to a chassis or wall of the apparatus, the pivots allowing the levers to move upwardly to allow the first carton to move beyond the levers, and to move downwardly to allow the levers to support the first carton once it has moved beyond the levers.

[0034] The lid closure elements are operable to move over an open region of the first carton to fold the lid over the aperture of the carton to close at least a portion of the open region of the first carton.

[0035] The lid can comprise a closure slot operable to receive a closure tab of the carton to secure the lid over the aperture of the carton.

[0036] One or more flap closure elements are operable to move over the open area of the first carton to cause the closure tab slot formed in the flap to receive the closure tab of the carton to secure the flap over the open area of the carton.

[0037] The flap closure element is operable to move laterally to the wall of the carton.

[0038] The flap closure element is operable to move over the wall of the first carton with a gap between the flap closure element and the wall of the carton while being below the upper edge of the closure tab.

[0039] The flap closure element can comprise a roller.

[0040] The roller has one or more grooves formed therein to accommodate the closure tab as the roller moves over the first carton. This can allow the roller to move over the carton while the gap between the roller and the carton is less than the height of the closure tab extending from the wall of the carton to urge the closure tab slot formed in the flap into engagement with the closure tab to secure the flap over the carton opening. The roller can have two or more grooves formed therein.

[0041] The closure element can comprise a closure arm operable to slide over the flap.

[0042] The closable carton can be a paperboard carton.

[0043] The closable carton can be formed from a blank that has been folded into a carton.

[0044] The flap can be provided by a panel of the carton blank, wherein the panel is connected to the wall via a foldable hinge point.

[0045] The flap can have a folded configuration in which the flap is closed over the carton and an unfolded configuration in which the flap is clear of the carton opening.

[0046] The carton can be closed by folding the hinge point of the one or more flaps to place the one or more flaps in the folded configuration.

[0047] The one or more flaps can have one or more slots formed therein adapted to receive a tab extending from the wall of the carton to secure the flap in the folded configuration. This can secure the one or more flaps in the closed position of the carton.

[0048] Aspects of the invention provide an apparatus for performing the steps of closing a flap over a carton and stacking a plurality of cartons.

[0049] Closing the flaps on the cartons can comprise positioning the cartons so as to allow a roller or bar to push the flaps down so that the slots in each flap engage with the tabs on the cartons, thereby holding the flaps in a closed position.

[0050] Stacking the cartons can comprise lifting a carton above the flap closing station and holding the carton in this position so that it interlocks with another carton located above it and is ready to interlock with a subsequent carton from below it.

[0051] Stacking the cartons can comprise conveying a plurality of stacked cartons from a stacking station of the apparatus to a palletising station, whereby the stacked cartons can be moved onto a pallet.

[0052] The apparatus can comprise a printer to print on the cartons, or to print a label and to attach the label to the cartons.

[0053] Aspects of the invention provide a method of providing a closed stack of cartons containing packed goods, the method comprising:

[0054] Closing the flaps on the cartons;

[0055] Engaging the tabs and slots on the cartons with corresponding slots and tabs of other cartons; and

[0056] Attaching a printed label to the cartons. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0057] Additional or further aspects of the invention will become apparent to the reader upon review of the following description of embodiments, which are given by way of example only, and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 A stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, in which cartons lifted upwards by a support form part of a stack of cartons;

[0059] Figure 2 A method according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, in which a carton is lifted above a flap closing station and held in this position so that it interlocks with another carton located above it and is ready to interlock with a subsequent carton from below it; Figure 1 and Figure 2 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0060] Figure 3 A capping apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the flaps of a carton are in an unfolded configuration;

[0061] Figure 4 A capping apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the flaps of a carton are between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration; Figure 4

[0062] A capping apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the flaps of a carton are between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration; Figure 5 Figure 4 and Figure 5 ​The cover device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cover flap of the carton is in a folded configuration;

[0063] Figure 6 The stacking device of the embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein one carton is about to be pushed upward and engage the stack of cartons; Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 The stacking device of the embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein one carton is about to be pushed upward and engage the stack of cartons;

[0064] Figure 7 The stacking device of the embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein one carton is partially pushed upward; Figure 4 to Figure 6 The stacking device of the embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein one carton is partially pushed upward;

[0065] Figure 8 The stacking device of the embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein one carton is partially pushed upward. Figure 4 to Figure 7 The stacking device of the embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein one carton is partially pushed upward.

[0066] Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the application, given by way of example only, with reference to particular embodiments thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1 A carton covering and stacking device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device prepares a stack of cartons or boxes, wherein the cartons or boxes are covered in preparation for palletized transport. The device 1 provides a carton covering and stacking station in a packaging installation.

[0068] In this embodiment, the carton has a cover flap 2 that can be configured in an open configuration, in which the cover flap extends from the respective wall, and a closed configuration, in which the cover flap is held in a position covering an opening in the carton. The cover flap is secured in the closed configuration by a tab 3 formed on the top edge of the side wall of the carton. When the cover flap is in the closed configuration, the tab is received in a slot formed in the cover flap. By this action, the cover flap engages the tab to secure the cover flap in the closed configuration. In this embodiment, the tab extends through and beyond the cover flap.

[0069] In this embodiment, the carton has a slot at its base that interlocks with a tab on another carton when the cartons are stacked vertically to secure the cartons in alignment. In this embodiment, the slot is defined at the base of the side wall of the carton.

[0070] The device is able to receive the cartons individually into a covering station 4. The covering apparatus is able to hold the carton so that the slot on the cover flap wing is aligned with the tab on the top edge of the carton.

[0071] In this embodiment, the capping device has a slotted roller that can roll over the cover plate to press the slot formed in the cover plate flap onto the insert on the top edge of the carton, thereby engaging the insert.

[0072] Figure 1 The capping and stacking station has a carton lifter or pusher 5, which is capable of lifting the capped carton 7 above the capping station and beyond the carton holding wall 6 mounted on the base of the stacking equipment. In this embodiment, as the carton moves upward, the carton holding wall 6 moves away to make way, allowing the carton to pass through. The wall then moves back to the holding position, such that the carton 7 is supported in position 8 above the capping station when the carton lifter 5 moves downward.

[0073] In this embodiment, the subsequent cardboard box 9 is capped at the capping station 4 and then vertically moved by the cardboard box lifter 5. As the subsequent cardboard box 9 is lifted, the insert at the top of the box aligns with the slot at the base of the waiting cardboard box 7. The boxes are locked together, and as the cardboard box 9 is lifted and the underside of the cardboard box 7 is pushed, both boxes move upward until the base of the cardboard box 9 exceeds the cardboard box holding wall 6. At the end of this step, two cardboard boxes are stacked together in the stacking device, with the cardboard box 9 now located in position 8 above the capping station.

[0074] In this embodiment, printer 10 is mounted on the end of the device. As the cartons move to position 8, the printer is able to print and affix a printed label to the end of each carton. This label may be a barcode and may contain unique information for subsequent supply chain use of the packaged cartons.

[0075] Conveyor 11 in Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, conveyor 11 is capable of receiving carton stacks from the capping and stacking device. The stacking device is capable of releasing the carton stacks onto the conveyor. In this embodiment, the number of cartons in each stack is determined by stored data or by the control operation of the machine operator. When the appropriate number of cartons has been stacked and the printed labels have been affixed to the cartons, the carton lifter 5 is capable of holding the carton stack while the carton holding shelf 6 moves away to make way. The carton lifter is then capable of moving downwards with the carton stack, thereby placing the carton stack onto conveyor 11. The carton stack can then be removed from the device and moved onto conveyor 11.

[0076] Figure 2 A method for providing a closed stack of cardboard boxes according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0077] In step S1-1, an open cardboard box containing the packaged goods is supplied to the sealing device.

[0078] In steps S1-2, while the cover is closed, the carton is securely held by a clamp on the sealing device. The cover is closed by folding inward and pressing downward until a slot defined in the cover receives and engages with an insert defined on the top of the carton wall.

[0079] In steps S1-3, the cardboard box is lifted into a holding position above the sealing station. The movable wall shelf moves inward to hold the cardboard box above the sealing station.

[0080] In steps S1-4, the printer prints a label and affixes it to the paper tray. In some embodiments, steps S1-4 may be omitted.

[0081] For subsequent cartons, repeat steps S1-1 to S1-4. As each carton is raised into the holding position, the tab on the top of the carton is pushed into a slot at the base of the carton above it. Each carton pushes the base of the carton above it, thereby pushing all the cartons in the stack upwards together, so that the bottom carton is supported in the holding position provided by the holding bracket.

[0082] In steps S1-5, the last cardboard box in the stack completes steps S1-1 to S1-4. After step S1-4 is completed, the movable wall shelf retracts, and the cardboard box stack is released onto the conveyor.

[0083] In steps S1-6, the cardboard box stack is conveyed out from the sealing station.

[0084] Figure 3 to Figure 6 Another embodiment of the capping and stacking device is shown.

[0085] Figure 3 It shows the formation similar to Figure 1 The box sealing device 101 is part of the sealing and stacking device. Figure 3 The image shows a cardboard box 102 awaiting sealing or closure. The cardboard box has a box opening 103 into which the contents have been received at another packaging station.

[0086] The opening 103 of the cardboard box is defined by the side wall 104 and the end walls 105a and 105b.

[0087] Extending from end walls 105a and 105b are cover plates 106a and 106b. In this embodiment, cover plate 106 is connected to the respective wall via a foldable hinge point (not shown), which allows the cover plate 106 to be folded to cover the carton opening 103, thereby providing closure of the carton 102.

[0088] As shown, carton 102 has closure tab inserts 107a and 107b extending upward from side wall 104. As shown, the inserts extend a distance from the remaining edge of wall 104 that is greater than the thickness of cover panel 106.

[0089] Cover panel 105 of this embodiment has closure slot (not shown) that receives and engages closure tab 107 to hold the cover panel in a closed position over carton opening 103 or in a folded configuration.

[0090] Covering apparatus 101 has closure elements 108a and 108b operable to move over the carton opening. The movement is transverse to end wall 105. In this embodiment, the clearance between the closure elements and the walls of the carton as they move over walls 104 and 105 is approximately the thickness of cover panel 106. As shown, the thickness of the cover panel in this embodiment is less than the height of the closure tab, and the clearance between closure element 108a and wall 104 is less than the distance between the top of tab 107 and the top of wall 104.

[0091] In this embodiment, closure element 108 is a roller 109 mounted on an axle 110 mounted on a movable arm 111. In this embodiment, the carton has two cover panels, and apparatus 101 has corresponding two closure elements 108a and 108b.

[0092] In this embodiment, roller 109 has a tab accommodation slot (not shown) that accommodates tab 107 to allow the roller to pass over the tab. The same mechanism acts to urge the closure slot (not shown) formed in the cover panel into secure engagement with closure tab 107. Figure 3 Cover panel 105 is shown in an unfolded or open configuration.

[0093] Figure 4 Covering apparatus is shown folding cover panel 106 into a folded configuration. Figure 4 Closure tab 107 is shown partially extending through the closure slot (not shown) formed in cover panel 105. Closure arm 111 has been moved laterally to wall 105 and inward toward each other over the carton opening to a position that is partially to the meeting of each other. Closure element 110 has folded the cover panel into a configuration that is partially over carton opening 103. With the engagement of the closure slot (not shown) and closure tab 107, cover panel 105 can be secured in the folded configuration to cover the carton opening.

[0094] Figure 4 Roller 109 of closure element 108 is shown just passing or rolling over wall 105.

[0095] Figure 5The closing arms 111 are shown having moved further towards each other over the opening of the box. The closing rollers 109 have moved beyond the closure tab 107 to push the tab 107 through a closure slot (not shown) in the lid panel 105. As shown in Figure 5 , the closure tab 107 extends through and beyond the lid panel 105.

[0096] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The box is shown being held by the clamp 112. In this embodiment, the clamp has a cross-section that forms a corner that matches the outer lower edge of the carton 102.

[0097] Figure 6 The stacking apparatus 121 of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. As shown, the carton 102 is held in place by the clamp 112. In this embodiment, the clamp 112 is the clamp of the capping apparatus 101 of Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 . In this embodiment, the capping apparatus 101 and the stacking apparatus 121 are located at a common capping and stacking station in the packaging installation.

[0098] Figure 6 A second carton 122 is also shown being supported by a support 123 above the first carton 102. The support 123 is connected to a base (not shown) at a pivotal connection point (not shown) and is pivotally movable. The support is also or can be retracted to release the stack of cartons downwardly.

[0099] In this embodiment, the carton 122 is formed using the same blank pattern as the carton 102. In this embodiment, the cartons 102 and 122 have a slot defined in the wall at the base of each carton to receive the closure tab 107 of the carton below.

[0100] Figure 6 A third carton 124 is shown being stacked on the second carton 122 in a similar manner to the stacking of the second carton on the top of the first carton 102.

[0101] Figure 6 Two lifting or pushing elements 125a and 125b are shown. In Figure 6 , the lifting elements 125 are shown in a retracted configuration below the carton 102. As shown in Figure 6 , the hole-like space defined by the clamp 112 allows the pushing elements to extend beyond the clamp 112 to push the carton 102 upwardly as shown in Figure 6 .

[0102] Figure 7The push element 125 is shown extending beyond the clamp 112 and into a partially extended configuration in which the first carton 102 has been moved into contact with the second carton 122. The closure tab 107 of the first carton 102 has an engagement slot (not shown) at the base of the second carton 122 to secure the second carton 122 from lateral movement relative to the first carton 102.

[0103] As shown in Figure 7 The support 123 is in a pivoted position that allows the first carton 102 to be pushed beyond the support 123. The support 123 is able to pivot upwardly but not downwardly when in the check configuration to allow the carton to move upwardly beyond the support but not to return downwardly. The support is able to remain in the upwardly pivoted position when in the release configuration to allow the carton to move downwardly beyond the support to release the carton.

[0104] Figure 8 The push element 125 is shown in a partially retracted configuration after the carton 102 has been fully pushed beyond the support 123 in a fully extended configuration.

[0105] As shown in Figure 7 The support 123 is in an initial configuration that provides a lever to support the carton 102 and the carton 122 stacked on the carton 102.

[0106] Further and additional embodiments of the invention are illustrated below.

[0107] In various embodiments, the cover panel is formed as a flap of the carton. In one example, the cover panel is formed as a flap of a wall on the blank of the carton.

[0108] In alternative embodiments, the clamp is arranged to define a space that is not necessarily a hole. In one example, the clamp is provided on a post arranged in a space around the lifting element or the push element.

[0109] In another embodiment, the rolling element or folding element moves above the carton but between the tabs. This can allow the folding element to fold the cover panel to a level below the end of the respective tab to push the slot of the cover panel onto the tab so that the tab is received in the slot of the respective cover panel.

[0110] In another embodiment, the folding element can comprise a bar adapted to slide on the cover panel.

[0111] In various embodiments, the folding element is a closure element.

[0112] In various embodiments, one or more cover panels are configured into a closed configuration which provides closure to the carton. In various embodiments, the cover panels are folded into a position which provides closure to the carton.

[0113] In various embodiments, the movable support is formed by a lever which can pivot upward to allow the carton to pass when the carton is pushed upward beyond the lever, and pivot downward to support the carton when the carton returns downward from a position beyond the lever. The lever can lock against downward force applied by the carton, and the reader can think of this as a locking lever. The movable support can provide a check valve function to prevent a carton which has been pushed upward from returning downward.

[0114] In Figure 1 In embodiments, the printer 10 prints a label for each carton, and the label is adhered to an end of the carton. The printer is connected to a central processor which provides the information to be printed onto the label and records details relating to what has been printed.

[0115] In another embodiment, the printer prints directly onto an end of the carton.

[0116] In alternative embodiments, the capping apparatus and the stacking apparatus do not share a clamp.

[0117] In alternative embodiments, the stacking apparatus can have fewer than two push elements. In other embodiments, the stacking apparatus can have more than two push elements.

[0118] The reader can think of the push elements as lift elements in various applications.

[0119] In alternative embodiments, the above-mentioned gap tolerance can be less than the thickness of the cover panels, such that the cover panels are compressed when the closure elements are moved over the cover panels.

[0120] In some embodiments, the tab is formed as a flange on a wall of the carton.

[0121] In alternative embodiments, a single cover panel is folded over an open end of the carton to provide closure to the carton.

[0122] In alternative embodiments, the cover panel has a single slot formed therein to engage a single tab.

[0123] In alternative embodiments, the carton has a single slot formed at its base to receive a single tab of another carton.

[0124] Alternative embodiments can have any number of lift elements or push elements known to the reader, and can in particular have one integrated push element.

[0125] In another embodiment, the printer is replaced by an RFID encoder device that writes data to an RFID tag that is adhered to the carton.

[0126] In another embodiment, the printer is replaced by a reader device that is linked to a central processor. The reader device can be an optical reader, a barcode reader, an RFID reader, or other similar device. The reader is used to scan information that is applied to the carton before the carton is delivered to the capping station.

[0127] In another embodiment, the printer or reader can not be needed.

[0128] In another embodiment, the packaging apparatus has clamps, folding elements, and pushing elements that process two or more boxes at substantially the same time.

[0129] In alternative embodiments, the retaining ledge, movable support, or locking lever is mounted on a wall of the apparatus.

[0130] In various embodiments, the support is configurable between a check valve configuration in which the support allows the carton to move beyond the support in one direction but not to return in the opposite direction, and a release configuration in which the carton can return in the opposite direction to generally downwardly release the carton.

[0131] Various embodiments are implemented using a controller that is operable to control the apparatus to perform the steps and operations of the embodiments described and illustrated above. Various embodiments have a controller that is known to the reader, that is suitable for the given application, and that can include a programmable logic array, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a computer, a computer service, and a software service.

[0132] Various embodiments of the present invention are implemented using software stored on computer readable media to provide the methods or operations of the various embodiments described and illustrated above.

[0133] Various embodiments of the present invention are implemented using a computer that executes executable code that provides the methods or operations of the various embodiments described and illustrated above.

[0134] As used herein, the term “a” is used in the inclusive sense to specify the presence of one or more of the features recited and is not intended to exclude the presence of another or more features.

[0135] As used herein, the term “closure” can be a noun form of a flap, a panel, or other element that is used to close a carton, such as by covering, for example, an opening or a portion of an opening.

[0136] In the foregoing specification and the following claims, the word "comprising" or variations such as "comprise" or "comprises" is used in the inclusive sense, to specify the presence of the stated features or integers. This term does not exclude the presence or addition of other features or integers.

[0137] As used herein, the term "operable to" is used broadly to refer to the ability of a given element to perform a given function, action, operation, movement or role.

[0138] In this document, individual examples of similar components can be described using a and b to refer to the components. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the use of a and b to refer to similar components is merely for convenience and brevity, and does not require that a component be referred to by the same reference numeral throughout its occurrence in this specification.

[0139] It will be appreciated that the present application is not limited to the embodiments described herein and that further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the examples shown in the drawings. In particular, the present application can be in any combination of the features described herein or in alternative embodiments or combinations of features having known equivalents. Modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments of the present application discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of the present application, which is defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a closable carton, the closable carton having one or more cover plates extending from respective one or more walls of the carton, having one or more inserts and having respective one or more slots, each of the respective one or more slots being adapted to receive the inserts to secure the cover plates in a closure configuration, wherein the one or more cover plates provide closure of the carton, the method comprising the step of laterally moving folding elements to each wall having cover plates extending therefrom to move the one or more cover plates into the closure configuration, thereby closing the carton. in, The step of moving the folding element includes rolling the folding element, which contains a roller having a groove formed in a position aligned with an insert on the carton.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of moving the folding element includes moving the folding element above the cardboard box but between the inserts.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further includes the step of securing the cardboard box with one or more clamps, the clamps engaging the edges of the walls forming corners of the cardboard box.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more inserts are arranged to extend through and beyond the corresponding slots in the one or more cover plates in the closed configuration.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cardboard box includes one or more slots formed on the underside of the cardboard box to allow the upper cardboard box to receive the corresponding one or more inserts from the lower cardboard box, thereby securing the upper cardboard box and the lower cardboard box in a stack.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more clamps are arranged around one or more spaces, and the pushing element is able to extend through the one or more spaces to push the carton upward.

7. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of pushing the cardboard box upward past one or more locking levers, wherein the one or more locking levers support the cardboard box to prevent it from returning downward when the one or more pushing elements return downward.

8. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of returning the pushing element downward to a position below one or more clamps.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The step of pushing the cardboard box upwards includes pushing the cardboard box under and into contact with another cardboard box supported by one or more locking bars to provide cardboard box stacking.

10. A packaging apparatus, comprising: The clamp is operable to fix the first cardboard box; One or more cover closure elements are operable to move over a fixed first cardboard box to fold one or more covers of the first cardboard box, thereby closing the first cardboard box, wherein the one or more covers extend from respective one or more walls of the first cardboard box; One or more pushing elements are operable to push the first carton upward from the one or more clamps; One or more support members are located above the clamp to support the second cardboard box above the first cardboard box. The cover closure element includes a roller having a groove formed therein to receive a closure insert as the roller moves above the first cardboard box, thereby allowing the gap between the roller and the cardboard box to be less than the height of the closure insert extending from the wall of the cardboard box while the roller moves above the cardboard box.

11. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The support is configured to be in a check configuration to prevent the cardboard box from returning downwards, and to be configured to be in a release configuration to release the cardboard box, thereby allowing the cardboard box to return downwards.

12. The packaging apparatus of claim 10 or 11, comprising a conveyor operable to transport released cartons or stacks of cartons.

13. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The one or more supports are movable to allow the first cardboard box to move beyond the supports, thereby forming a stack of the first cardboard box and the second cardboard box.

14. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The movable support includes a lever attached to the base at a pivot, the pivot allowing the lever to move upward, thereby allowing the first cardboard box to move beyond the lever, and allowing the lever to move downward, thereby allowing the lever to support the first cardboard box once the first cardboard box has moved beyond the lever.

15. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, When the first cardboard box is pushed upwards under the second cardboard box and subsequently supported by the movable support member, the support member is operable to allow the first cardboard box to be added to a stack of cardboard boxes including the second cardboard box.

16. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The one or more cover closure elements are operable to move over the opening area of ​​the first carton to fold the cover over the hole in the carton, thereby closing at least a portion of the opening of the first carton.

17. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The one or more cover closure elements are operable to move over the opening area of ​​the first carton such that a closure slot formed in the cover receives a closure insert of the carton, thereby securing the cover over the opening area of ​​the carton.

18. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The cover closure element is configured to move above the wall of the carton and leave a gap between it and the wall of the carton, while being located below the upper edge of the closure insert extending from the wall of the carton, so as to push the closure slot formed in the cover of the carton into engagement with the closure insert, thereby securing the cover above the opening area of ​​the carton.

19. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The cover closure element includes a closure arm operable to slide on the cover.

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