Folding station for boxes of different sizes

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure is in the technical field of a process and machine for reducing the height of boxes of various sizes. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods therefor which accept boxes of a variety of sizes and fold portions of the side and end walls of the boxes to reduce their heights.

[0002] Existing machines are capable of folding boxes from one or several blanks of a rigid, flexible material featuring several flaps. The folded flaps can be secured in the folded position by glue or adhesive tape. It is known that boxes which, after setting up, have five walls: a rectangular base and a girding of four lateral walls. The known boxes of this type are called 'American half-boxes', 'cardboard trays' or 'dome boxes'. These boxes are, once they are filled, closed by a lid. The lids typically have four flaps which are bent down and glued to the sides of the box. The lids can be inserted on the top of the box and united with the box by gluing, stapling or a metal or plastic strap.

[0003] Most packaging boxes have a constant volume once they have been set up and closed. Various void-filling materials are often employed by the users or are integrated into the boxforming or closing machines, to immobilize the various objects the overall volume of which varies from one box to the next. This solution presents numerous disadvantages. For example: these void-filling products are often onerous; except when they are manufactured with the same material as the box itself, they must necessarily be separated from the cardboard box before collection and potential recycling of the corresponding waste; on the other hand these materials are, more often than not, difficult to recycle; this collection and this recycling are thus complex and very onerous operations; their implementation is difficult and requires either complex automated machines or is very labor-intensive; the cost of these operations is therefore high; the volume shipped which is equal to the volume of the manufactured box, is more often than not, very much larger than the useful volume which is equal to the volume of the objects located inside the box; this results in high transportation costs for said boxes.

[0004] Methods exist for reducing the height of the boxes in order to bring them as close as possible to the height of the packaged goods inside. In particular, it is known to cutting off the top part of boxes, above the stack of goods, so as to reduce the height of the box to the useful height. This method has disadvantages: cutting off the box is a delicate operation which implies the application of dangerous cutting tools; the automatic elimination of the cutoff high part of the box is a difficult operation which generates waste which must be collected and evacuated; automation of this process requires the installation of complex machinery.

[0005] It is also known to cut the four vertical ridges of the box, from the top of the box down to a height corresponding substantially to the top level of the packed goods, then making a horizontal score on each of the four lateral walls of the box at the same height, and then bending, toward the inside of the box, around these horizontal scores and with an angle substantially equal to 90°, the upper part of these four vertical walls. This method also permits reducing the height of the box to the useful height. This method also presents disadvantages: cutting the four vertical ridges is a delicate operation which implies the application of dangerous cutting tools; these cutting operations generate dust polluting the content of the box; these cuttings reduce the overall strength of the box, in particular its resistance to vertical compression;

[0006] Another known method is to making a horizontal score on each of the four vertical walls of the box at a height corresponding substantially to the top level of the goods packed inside the box; making, in each corner of the box, an oblique score one end of which is located at the level of the intersection between two of the horizontal scores and the other end is located at the level of the upper ridge of one of the lateral walls so that said oblique score forms an angle substantially equal to 45° with the horizontal plane, and finally bending toward the inside of the box, around these horizontal scores and with an angle substantially equal to 90°, the high part of these four vertical walls, by folding, one on top of the other, the different flaps separated by the oblique scores. This method and the machine for its implementation are notably described in European Patent No. 1 827 983 B1 and U.S. Patent No. 7,587,884 and in EP 2 812 180 B1 and U.S. Patent No. 11,117,692 B1. Aforementioned document EP 2 812 180 B1 discloses a system for folding any box of a plurality of boxes according to the preamble of claim 1.SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In a first embodiment, a system is capable of folding any box of a plurality of boxes. Widths of the plurality of boxes are within a range of box widths from a minimum box width to a maximum box width. The system includes an elevator, a first end pusher, and a second end pusher. The elevator is configured to move a box from the plurality of boxes vertically. The box has two side walls, two end walls, horizontal scores on each of the two side walls and two end walls, and two oblique scores on each of the two side walls above the horizontal scores. The first end pusher having a first bottom surface, a first angled surface, and a first rounded edge between the first bottom surface and the first angled surface. The second end pusher having a second bottom surface, a second angled surface, and a second rounded edge between the second bottom surface and the second angled surface. The first and second end pushers are arranged with the first and second bottom surfaces substantially horizontal and the first and second angled surfaces oriented toward each other. An angle of advancement of the first angled surface from a plane of the first bottom surface in the direction of the second end pusher is less than 90 degrees, and an angle of advancement of the second angled surface from a plane of the second bottom surface in the direction of the first end pusher is less than 90 degrees. A width of each of the first and second end pushers is greater than or equal to the maximum box width of the range of box widths. The elevator is configured to lift the box to a first vertical position at which the box is between the first and second end pushers and the horizontal scores on the box are below the first and second bottom surfaces. When the elevator holds the box is the first vertical position, the first and second end pushers are configured to move toward each other to contact upper portions of the end walls above the horizontal score and across a width of the end walls to fold the upper portions of the end walls inward.

[0009] In a second embodiment, when the elevator of the preceding embodiment holds the box in the first vertical position and the first and second end pushers move toward each other, the first and second angled surfaces of the first and second rounded edges of the first and second end pushers contact the upper portions of the end walls.

[0010] In a third embodiment, the first and second end pushers of any of the preceding embodiments are configured to move toward each other to a point at which the first and second bottom surfaces are located above the upper portions of the end walls.

[0011] In a fourth embodiment, after the first and second bottom surfaces of the preceding embodiment are located above the upper portions of the end walls, the elevator is configured to lift the box from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the upper portions of the end walls are in contact with the first and second bottom surfaces.

[0012] In fifth embodiment, the system of any of the preceding embodiments further includes a first side pusher and a second side pusher. The first side pusher has a first base, a first top, and a first engagement surface. The first base is wider than the first top. An angle of engagement of the first engagement surface is less than 90 degrees. The second side pusher has a second base, a second top, and a second engagement surface. The second base is wider than the second top. An angle of engagement of the second engagement surface is less than 90 degrees.

[0013] In a sixth embodiment, the first and second side pushers of the preceding embodiment are arranged such that, when the elevator holds the box in the first vertical position, the box is located between the first and second side pushers.

[0014] In a seventh embodiment, when the elevator of the preceding embodiment holds the box in the first vertical position, the first and second side pushers are configured to move inward to such that the first and second engagement surfaces contact upper portions of the side walls of the box.

[0015] In an eighth embodiment, the first and second engagement surfaces of the first and second side pushers of the preceding embodiment are arranged to contact the upper portions of the side walls before the first and second end pushers contact the upper portions of the end walls.

[0016] In a ninth embodiment, the first and second side pushers of any of the seventh and eighth embodiments are arranged such that the first and second engagement surfaces contact upper portions of the side walls of the box between the two oblique scores on each of the upper portions of the side walls of the box.

[0017] In a tenth embodiment, wherein the angle of engagement of the first engagement surface of any of the fifth to ninth embodiments is in a range between 30 degrees and 50 degrees from a plane of the first base, and the angle of engagement of the second engagement surface is in a range between 30 degrees and 50 degrees from a plane of the second base.

[0018] In an eleventh embodiment, in the system of any of the preceding embodiment, the angle of advancement of the first angled surface from the plane of the first bottom surface in the direction of the second end pusher is in a range from 80 to 88 degrees, and the angle of advancement of the second angled surface from the plane of the second bottom surface in the direction of the first end pusher is in a range from 80 to 88 degrees.

[0019] In a twelfth embodiment, the system of any of the preceding embodiments further includes a controller configured to cause the elevator to lift the box to the first vertical position and to cause the first and second end pushers to move toward each other to contact the upper portions of the end walls above the horizontal score.

[0020] In a thirteenth embodiment, the system of any of the preceding embodiments further includes one or more actuators communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to move the first and second end pushers. The controller is configured to cause the first and second end pushers to move by sending a signal to the one or more actuators to move the first and second end pushers.

[0021] In a fourteenth embodiment, the system of the preceding embodiments further includes one or more actuators communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to move the elevator. The controller is configured to cause the elevator to lift the box by sending a signal to the one or more actuators to move the elevator.

[0022] In a fifteenth embodiment the system of any of the preceding embodiments further includes a frame configured to be arranged based on a size of the box.

[0023] In a sixteenth embodiment, the frame of the preceding embodiment is configured to be arranged based on the size of the box before the box is lifted to the first vertical position by the elevator.

[0024] In a seventeenth embodiment, the frame of the preceding embodiment includes one or more guides configured to guide the box to a position relative to the first and second end pushers as the box is lifted to the first vertical position by the elevator.

[0025] In an eighteenth embodiment, a method is performed using the system of any of the preceding claims. The method includes receiving a box having a width within the range of box widths. The method further includes lifting the box, by the elevator, to the first vertical position at which the box is between the first and second end pushers and the horizontal scores on the box are below the first and second bottom surfaces. The method further includes moving the end pushers toward each other such that the first and second end pushers contact the upper portions of the end walls above the horizontal score and across a width of the end walls to fold the upper portions of the end walls inward.

[0026] In a nineteenth embodiment, the method of the preceding embodiment further includes, after the first and second bottom surfaces are located above the upper portions of the end walls, lifting the box, by the elevator, from the first vertical position to the second vertical position at which the upper portions of the end walls are in contact with the first and second bottom surfaces.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0027] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figs. 1A to 1D depict side, top, end, and perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of a box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 2A and 2B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of an end pusher configured to push upper portions of end walls to fold the upper portions of the end walls, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 3A to 3E depict front, top, side, front perspective, and back perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of a side pusher configured to push upper portions of side walls to fold the upper portions of the side walls, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 4A and 4B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a first instance of a method of a system folding a large box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 5A and 5B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a second instance of a method of the system folding the large box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 6A and 6B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a third instance of a method of the system folding the large box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 7A and 7B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a fourth instance of a method of the system folding the large box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 8A and 8B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a fifth instance of a method of the system folding the large box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 9A and 9B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a sixth instance of a method of the system folding the large box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 10A and 10B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a first instance of a method of a system folding a small box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 11A and 11B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a second instance of a method of the system folding the small box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 12A and 12B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a third instance of a method of the system folding the small box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 13A and 13B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a fourth instance of a method of the system folding the small box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 14A and 14B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a fifth instance of a method of the system folding the small box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Figs. 15A and 15B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a sixth instance of a method of the system folding the small box, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Fig. 16 depicts a schematic view of the system that includes a controller configured to control elements within the system, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; Fig. 17 depicts an example embodiment of a system that may be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein; and Fig. 18 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a computing device, in accordance with the embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figs. 1A to 1D depict side, top, end, and perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of a box 10. In some embodiments, the box 10 is made of corrugated cardboard, compact cardboard, or any other foldable sheet material. The box 10 has five walls: a base 12, side walls 14a and 14b (collectively, side walls 14), and end walls 16a and 16b (collectively, end walls 16). In some embodiments, the base 12, the side walls 14, and the end walls 16 are formed by folding a single sheet material and securing (e.g., gluing, adhering, etc.) the box 10 in the form shown in Figs. 1A to 1D. In the depicted embodiment, each of the side walls 14 is substantially perpendicular to each of the base 12 and the end walls 16 and, similarly, each of the end walls 16 is substantially perpendicular to each of the base 12 and the side walls 14. When the box 10 is placed on a horizontal surface, the base 12 will be horizontal and the side walls 14 and end walls 16 will be substantially vertical. Throughout this disclosure, when terms like "horizontal" and "vertical" are used with respect to the box 10 and its features, those terms are used as if the box 10 is placed on a horizontal surface with the base 12 on the horizontal surface.

[0029] In the depicted embodiment, the box has a number of scores. As used herein, the term "score" on a box means any deformation that improves the ability of the box to be folded, such as a crease line, a crush line, a perforation line, and the like. In the depicted embodiment, the box has horizontal scores 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d (collectively, horizontal scores 18) that are located on the side walls 14a and 14b and the end walls 16a and 16b, respectively. The horizontal scores 18 are formed in the side walls 14 and the end walls 16 at a height 20 from the base 12. In some embodiments, the height 20 is determined based on a height of one or more objects that are placed in the box 10 or will be placed in the box 10. For example, the one or more objects can be placed in the box 10 and a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor placed above the box 10) can determine the maximum height of the one or more objects in the box 10; the height 20 can be determined based on the sensed maximum height of the one or more objects and the horizontal scores 18 can then be formed in the box 10 while the one or more objects are in the box 10. In another example, it may be known what the maximum height of the one or more objects will be when placed in the box 10; the height 20 can be determined based on the known maximum height of the one or more objects and the horizontal scores 18 can then be formed in the box 10 before the one or more objects are placed in the box 10.

[0030] The box 10 also has oblique scores 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d (collectively, oblique scores 22). The oblique scores 22 are located on the side walls 14 with the oblique scores 22a and 22c located on the side wall 14a and the oblique scores 22b and 22d located on the side wall 14b. The oblique scores 22 are located at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the horizontal scores 18a and 18b. The oblique scores 22 are located at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the edges between the side walls 14 and the end walls 16 (e.g., the oblique score 22a is at located at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the edge between the side wall 14a and the end wall 16a.

[0031] The horizontal scores 18 and the oblique scores 22 enable the box 10 to be folded to reduce the height of the box 10. The side walls 14a and 14b have respective upper portions 24a and 24b (collectively, upper portions 24) that are located above the respective horizontal scores 18a and 18b. The end walls 16a and 16b have respective upper portions 26a and 26b (collectively, upper portions 26) that are located above the respective horizontal scores 18c and 18d. The upper portions 24 and 26 can be folded inward about the horizontal scores 18 until the upper portions 24 and 26 are substantially horizontal to lower the height of the box to approximately the height 20 of the horizontal scores 18. The box 10 can be folded without cutting the edges between the side walls 14 and the end walls 16 or otherwise separating the side walls 14 from the end walls 16. Examples of how boxes similar to the box 10 with the horizontal scores 18 and the oblique scores 22 can be found in European Patent No. 1 827 983 B1 and U.S. Patent No. 7,587,884 and in European Patent No. 2 812 180 B1 and U.S. Patent No. 11,117,692.

[0032] In the depicted embodiment, the box 10 has a height 32, a length 34, and a width 36. The height 32 is the height of the side walls 14 and the end walls 16 before the side walls 14 and the end walls 16 are folded. The length 34 is the length of the base 12 and the length of the side walls 14. The width 36 is the width of the base 12 and the width of the end walls 16. The length 34 of is greater than or equal to the width 36 of the box 10. Thus, the rectangular shape of the base 12 can either be a square having a length equal to a width or a rectangle having a length longer than a width. Such shapes allow for the folding of the upper portions 24 and 26 of the side walls 14 and end walls 16 described above.

[0033] In prior art machines that folded boxes, the machines were set up to accept a box having a particular length and width. The folding of the boxes tends to be an intricate procedure which required manual set up of folding mechanisms. The machines could be adjusted from one size of a box to a different size of a box. However, each adjustment of a machine to accept a different size of box required manual adjustment of the folding mechanism to ensure proper folding of the new size of boxes. Thus, it was difficult to use a single machine to fold different sizes of boxes.

[0034] Disclosed herein are systems which can fold boxes of a variety of sizes. In particular, the machines described herein can accept and fold boxes having a width that is within a range of box widths from a minimum box width to a maximum box width and / or a length that is within a range of box lengths from a minimum box length to a maximum box length. Embodiments of machines described herein have folding mechanisms that are capable of automatically folding any box within the range of box widths and / or range of box lengths without manual adjustment to ensure proper folding. In particular, the pushers described herein can be used to fold the upper portions of end walls and / or side walls of boxes within a particular range of boxes.

[0035] Figs. 2A and 2B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of an end pusher 40 configured to push upper portions of end walls to fold the upper portions of the end walls. The end pusher 40 has a bottom surface 42 and an angled surface 44. In the depicted embodiment, the end pusher 40 has a rounded edge 46 between the bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44. In the depicted embodiment, the end pusher 40 has an optional top surface 48. When included in the end pusher 40, the top surface 48 can aid in coupling the end pusher 40 to a box-folding machine.

[0036] The bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 are at a non-perpendicular angle 50 with respect to each other. In the depicted embodiment, the non-perpendicular angle 50 between bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 is an angle greater than 90 degrees. In some examples, the non-perpendicular angle 50 between bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 can be in a range from 92 degrees to 100 degrees. In one example, the non-perpendicular angle 50 between bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 is about 95 degrees. When the end pusher 40 is advanced in the direction of the angled surface 44 (e.g., when the end pusher 40 is moved to the right from the view shown in Fig. 2B), an angle of advancement 52 of the angled surface 44 from a plane of the bottom surface 42 in the direction of advancement is less than 90 degrees. In some examples, the angle of advancement 52 of the angled surface 44 from the plane of the bottom surface 42 in the direction of advancement can be a range from 80 degrees to 88 degrees. In one example, the angle of advancement 52 of the angled surface 44 from the plane of the bottom surface 42 in the direction of advancement is about 85 degrees.

[0037] When the end pusher 40 is to be used in a system for folding boxes, the system can be configured to fold any of set of boxes. The widths of the boxes in the set of boxes are within a range of box widths from a minimum box width to a maximum box width. In some embodiments, the end pusher 40 is wider than the maximum box width of the range of box widths. In other words, a width 54 of the end pusher 40 is greater than the maximum box width of the range of box widths. Because the end pusher 40 is wider than the maximum box width of the range of box widths, the end pusher 40 can be arranged with respect to any box in the set of boxes such that the end pusher 40 can contact an end wall of the box across a width of the end wall of the box to fold an upper portion of the end wall.

[0038] Figs. 3A to 3E depict front, top, side, front perspective, and back perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of a side pusher 60 configured to push upper portions of side walls to fold the upper portions of the side walls. The side pusher 60 includes an engagement surface 62, a base 64, and a top 66. The engagement surface 62 extends from the base 64 to the top 66. The side pusher 60 also has sides 68 that extend from the base 64 to the top 66 on either side of the engagement surface 62. In the depicted embodiment, the side pusher 60 has chamfered edges 70 between the engagement surface 62 and the top 66 and between the engagement surface 62 and the sides 68.

[0039] When the side pusher 60 is arranged with the base 64 and / or the top 66 substantially horizontal, the engagement surface 62 has an angle of engagement 72 that is less than 90 degrees with respect to a plane of the base 64. For example, the angle of engagement 72 can be within a range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In the depicted embodiment, the base 64 has a width 74 and the top 66 has a width 76 and the width 74 of the base 64 is greater than the width 76 of the top 66. In this way, the base 64 is wider than the top 66. In the depicted embedment, the base 64 and the top 66 are centered (when viewing the side pusher in Fig. 2A), which means that the sides 68 are at an inclined angle 78 with respect to a plane of the base 64. The inclined angle 78 is greater than 90 degrees. For example, the inclined angle can be in a range from 100 degrees to 105 degrees. In some embodiments, when the side pusher 60 is used in a system in conjunction with the end pusher 40, the inclined angle 78 of the sides 68 of the side pusher 60 are greater than or equal to the non-perpendicular angle 50 between the bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 of the end pusher 40.

[0040] When the side pusher 60 is to be used in a system for folding boxes, the system can be configured to fold any of set of boxes. The lengths of the boxes in the set of boxes are within a range of box lengths from a minimum box length to a maximum box length. In some embodiments, the side pusher 60 is narrower than the minimum box length of the range of box lengths. For example, the width 74 of the base 64 is less than the minimum box length of the range of box lengths. In some embodiments, the width 74 of the base 64 is less than or equal to a percentage of the minimum box length of the range of box lengths, where the percentage is one of 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10%. In one particular embodiment, the width 74 of the base 64 is approximately 25% of the minimum box length of the range of box lengths. Because the side pusher 60 is narrower than the minimum box length of the range of box lengths, the side pusher 60 can be arranged with respect to any box in the set of boxes such that the side pusher 60 can contact an upper portion of a side wall of the box between the oblique scores on the upper portion of the side wall.

[0041] As noted above, the end pusher 40 and the side pusher 60 can be used in a system to fold boxes within a set of boxes. Figs. 4A to 15B depict an embodiment of a system 100 for folding boxes and methods of the system 100 folding boxes. In particular, Figs. 4A to 9B depict instances of a methods of the system 100 folding a large box 10a and Figs. 10A to 15B depict instances of a methods of the system 100 folding a small box 10b.

[0042] The system 100 includes a first end pusher 40a and a second end pusher 40b. Each of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b is similar to the end pusher 40. Each of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b has elements that are the same as those discussed above with respect to the end pusher 40; those elements have the same reference numbers, such as bottom surfaces 42, angled surfaces 44, rounded edges 46, and the like. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b are arranged in the system 100 such that the surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b are substantially horizontal and the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b are oriented toward each other. In this orientation, the angle of advancement 52 of the angled surface 44 of the first end pusher 40a from a plane of the bottom surface 42 of the first end pusher 40a in the direction of the second end pusher 40b is less than 90 degrees. The angle of advancement 52 of the angled surface 44 of the second end pusher 40b from a plane of the bottom surface 42 of the second end pusher 40b in the direction of the first end pusher 40a is less than 90 degrees.

[0043] The system 100 includes a first side pusher 60a and a second side pusher 60b. Each of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b is similar to the side pusher 60. Each of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b has elements that are the same as those discussed above with respect to the side pusher 60; those elements have the same reference numbers, such as engagement surfaces 62, base 64, top 66, sides 68, and the like. It is noted that not all of the elements of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b can be numbered in each instance of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b shown in Figs. 4A to 15B due to the size of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b in those figures. However, each of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b in the system 100 includes the elements discussed above with respect to the side pusher 60.

[0044] In the depicted embodiment, the system 100 further includes a frame 180 configured to be coupled to other elements of the system 100. For example, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b are slidably coupled to the frame 180 and are configured to move slide with respect to the to the frame 180 toward and / or away from each other horizontally. Similar, the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are slidably coupled to the frame 180 and are configured to move slide with respect to the to the frame 180 toward and / or away from each other horizontally. The system further includes an elevator 182. The elevator is movably coupled to the frame 180 and is configured to move vertically with respect to the frame 180 to raise and / or lower boxes. The system further includes guides 184 that are movably coupled to the frame 180. The guides are configured to guide a box to a position relative to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b as the box is lifted to vertically by the elevator 182. The guides 184 are movable with respect to the frame 180 in a horizontal direction based on a size of the box to be lifted by the elevator 182. In the depicted embedment, the guides 184 are outwardly angled such that, if a box contacts one of the guides 184 as the box is lifted, the one of the guides 184 will direct the box inward.

[0045] The large box 10a is similar to the box 10 described above. The large box 10a has elements that are the same as those discussed above with respect to the box 10; those elements have the same reference numbers, such as side walls 14, end walls 16, horizonal scores 18, oblique scores 22, and the like. It is noted that not all of the elements of the large box 10a are visible and / or can be numbered in Figs. 4A to 9B due to the size and position of the large box 10a in those figures. However, the large box 10a includes the elements discussed above with respect to the box 10. The large box 10a has a height 32a, a length 34a, and a width 36a. The system 100 can be used to fold any box within a set of boxes. The widths of the set of boxes are within a range of box widths from a minimum box width to a maximum box width and the lengths of the set of boxes are within a range of box lengths from a minimum box length to a maximum box length. In the depicted embodiment, the width 36a of the large box 10a is equal to the maximum box width of the range of box widths for the system 100 and the length 34a of the large box 10a is equal to the maximum box length of the range of box lengths for the system 100.

[0046] Figs. 4A and 4B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a first instance of a method of the system 100 folding the large box 10a. In the first instance, the large box 10a is on the elevator 182 at a vertical location that is below the frame 180. In some embodiments, the large box 10a may have been brought to the location by a conveying device. For example, the large box 10a may have been located on a conveyor belt that moved the large box 10a horizontally until the large box 10a is located over the elevator 182 in the position shown in Figs. 4A and 4B.

[0047] Figs. 5A and 5B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a second instance of a method of the system 100 folding the large box 10a. From the first instance to the second instance, the elevator 182 has moved the large box 10a from to a first vertical position. When the large box 10a is in the first vertical position, the large box 10a is between the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the horizontal scores 18 on the large box 10a are below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. In the depicted embodiment, when the large box 10a is in the first vertical position, the large box 10a is between the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. The first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are positioned with respect to the large box 10a such that the first side pusher 60a is aligned above the horizontal score 18a and between the oblique scores 22a and 22c on the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a and such that the second side pusher 60b is aligned above the horizontal score 18b and between the oblique scores 22b and 22d on the upper portion 24b of the side wall 14b. The large box 10a is also located between the guides 184, which are capable of adjusting the position of the large box 10a on the elevator 182 when the large box 10a is lifted to the first vertical position by the elevator 182.

[0048] Figs. 6A and 6B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a third instance of a method of the system 100 folding the large box 10a. From the second instance to the third instance, the elevator 182 continues to hold the large box 10a at the first vertical position while the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b were moved toward each other. As the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b were moved toward each other, the engagement surface 62 of the first side pusher 60a contacted the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a and the engagement surface 62 of the second side pusher 60b contacted the upper portion 24b of the side wall 14a.

[0049] The force imparted by the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b on the upper portions 24a and 24b of the side walls 14a and 14b cause the upper portions 24a and 24b to fold inward about the horizontal scores 18a and 18b. Because the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a is connected to the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b, the inward folding of the upper portions 24a and 24b of the side walls 14a and 14b causes the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b to start folding inward about the horizontal scores 18c and 18d. In addition, the upper portions 24a and 24b of the side walls 14a and 14b are also folded about the oblique scores 22 to accommodate the respective folding of the upper portions 24a and 24b of the side walls 14a and 14b and the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b.

[0050] Figs. 7A and 7B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a fourth instance of a method of the system 100 folding the large box 10a. From the third instance to the fourth instance, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward toward each other until the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have come into contact with the end walls 16a and 16b of the large box 10a. In the depicted embodiment, the rounded edges 46 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have come into contact with the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b. In other embodiments, the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b may initially contact the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b.

[0051] As noted above, the width 54 of each of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b is equal to or greater than the maximum box width of the set of boxes that can be folded by the system 100. If the large box 10a is positioned with respect to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b such that the end walls 16a and 16b are centered with respect to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will contact the end walls 16a and 16b across a width of the end walls 16a and 16b. When the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact the end walls 16a and 16b across the width of the end walls 16a and 16b, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will not score or otherwise damage the end walls 16a and 16b and the folding of the end walls 16a and 16b by the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will not be askew.

[0052] Figs. 8A and 8B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a fifth instance of a method of the system 100 folding the large box 10a. From the fourth instance to the fifth instance, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward toward each other to further fold the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b downward. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward to a point that the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact each other and the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. In other embodiments, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b can be moved inward until the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact each other and / or the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b.

[0053] As can be seen in Fig. 8B, the angles of the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the angles of the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are arranged to avoid contact between the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. In particular the inclined angles 78 of the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are greater than or equal to the non-perpendicular angle 50 between the bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 of the end pusher 40. In this way, the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b.

[0054] In the fifth instance shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the elevator 182 continues to hold the large box 10a in the first vertical position. In the first vertical position, the horizonal scores 18 of the large box 10a are located below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. Because the horizonal scores 18 of the large box 10a are located below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are not folded into a fully horizontal position after the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward.

[0055] Figs. 9A and 9B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a sixth instance of a method of the system 100 folding the large box 10a. From the fifth instance to the sixth instance, the elevator 182 has lifted the large box 10a from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are in contact with the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. In the depicted embodiment, the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are substantially horizontal when the large box 10a is in the second vertical position and the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are in contact with the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b.

[0056] After the large box 10a has been folded into the position shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the system 100 can release the large box 10a. For example, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the side pushers can be withdrawn and the elevator 182 can be lowered to their original positions shown in Figs. 4A and 4B. In some embodiments, the large box 10a can have an adhesive applied thereto prior to the folding process so that the large box 10a will be held in the folded form shown in Figs. 9A and 9B after the system 100 releases the large box 10a. For example, glue can be applied to areas of the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a that are outside of the oblique scores 22a and 22c and glue can be applied to areas of the upper portion 24b of the side wall 14b that are outside of the oblique scores 22b and 22d. When the large box 10a is folded into the position shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the glue on those portions of the side walls 14a and 14b will adhere to the areas of the upper portions 24a and 24b that are inside of the oblique scores 22 to hold the large box 10a in the folded position.

[0057] The same system 100 can be used to fold boxes that are smaller than the small box 10b. Figs. 10A to 15B depict an embodiment of a method of folding a small box 10b. The small box 10b is similar to the box 10 described above. The small box 10b has elements that are the same as those discussed above with respect to the box 10; those elements have the same reference numbers, such as side walls 14, end walls 16, horizonal scores 18, oblique scores 22, and the like. It is noted that not all of the elements of the small box 10b are visible and / or can be numbered in Figs. 10A to 15B due to the size and position of the small box 10b in those figures. However, the small box 10b includes the elements discussed above with respect to the box 10. The small box 10b has a height 32b, a length 34b, and a width 36b. The system 100 can be used to fold any box within a set of boxes. The widths of the set of boxes are within a range of box widths from a minimum box width to a maximum box width and the lengths of the set of boxes are within a range of box lengths from a minimum box length to a maximum box length. In the depicted embodiment, the width 36b of the small box 10b is equal to the minimum box width of the range of box widths for the system 100 and the length 34b of the small box 10b is equal to the minimum box length of the range of box lengths for the system 100.

[0058] Figs. 10A and 10B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a first instance of a method of the system 100 folding the small box 10b. In the first instance, the small box 10b is on the elevator 182 at a vertical location that is below the frame 180. In some embodiments, the small box 10b may have been brought to the location by a conveying device. For example, the small box 10b may have been located on a conveyor belt that moved the small box 10b horizontally until the small box 10b is located over the elevator 182 in the position shown in Figs. 10A and 10B.

[0059] Figs. 11A and 11B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a second instance of a method of the system 100 folding the small box 10b. From the first instance to the second instance, the elevator 182 has moved the small box 10b from to a first vertical position. When the small box 10b is in the first vertical position, the small box 10b is between the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the horizontal scores 18 on the small box 10b are below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. In the depicted embodiment, when the small box 10b is in the first vertical position, the small box 10b is between the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. The first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are positioned with respect to the small box 10b such that the first side pusher 60a is aligned above the horizontal score 18a and between the oblique scores 22a and 22c on the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a and such that the second side pusher 60b is aligned above the horizontal score 18b and between the oblique scores 22b and 22d on the upper portion 24b of the side wall 14b. The small box 10b is also located between the guides 184, which are capable of adjusting the position of the small box 10b on the elevator 182 when the small box 10b is lifted to the first vertical position by the elevator 182.

[0060] Figs. 12A and 12B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a third instance of a method of the system 100 folding the small box 10b. From the second instance to the third instance, the elevator 182 continues to hold the small box 10b at the first vertical position while the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b were moved toward each other. As the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b were moved toward each other, the engagement surface 62 of the first side pusher 60a contacted the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a and the engagement surface 62 of the second side pusher 60b contacted the upper portion 24b of the side wall 14a.

[0061] The force imparted by the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b on the upper portions 24a and 24b of the side walls 14a and 14b cause the upper portions 24a and 24b to fold inward about the horizontal scores 18a and 18b. Because the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a is connected to the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b, the inward folding of the upper portions 24a and 24b of the side walls 14a and 14b causes the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b to start folding inward about the horizontal scores 18c and 18d. In addition, the upper portions 24a and 24b of the side walls 14a and 14b are also folded about the oblique scores 22 to accommodate the respective folding of the upper portions 24a and 24b of the side walls 14a and 14b and the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b.

[0062] Figs. 13A and 13B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a fourth instance of a method of the system 100 folding the small box 10b. From the third instance to the fourth instance, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward toward each other until the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have come into contact with the end walls 16a and 16b of the small box 10b. In the depicted embodiment, the rounded edges 46 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have come into contact with the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b. In other embodiments, the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b may initially contact the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b.

[0063] As noted above, the width 54 of each of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b is equal to or greater than the maximum box width of the set of boxes that can be folded by the system 100. If the small box 10b is positioned with respect to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b such that the end walls 16a and 16b are centered with respect to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will contact the end walls 16a and 16b across a width of the end walls 16a and 16b. When the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact the end walls 16a and 16b across the width of the end walls 16a and 16b, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will not score or otherwise damage the end walls 16a and 16b and the folding of the end walls 16a and 16b by the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will not be askew.

[0064] Figs. 14A and 14B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a fifth instance of a method of the system 100 folding the small box 10b. From the fourth instance to the fifth instance, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward toward each other to further fold the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b downward. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward to a point that the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact each other and the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. In other embodiments, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b can be moved inward until the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact each other and / or the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b.

[0065] As can be seen in Fig. 14B, the angles of the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the angles of the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are arranged to avoid contact between the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. In particular the inclined angles 78 of the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are greater than or equal to the non-perpendicular angle 50 between the bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 of the end pusher 40. In this way, the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b.

[0066] In the fifth instance shown in Figs. 14A and 14B, the elevator 182 continues to hold the small box 10b in the first vertical position. In the first vertical position, the horizonal scores 18 of the small box 10b are located below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. Because the horizonal scores 18 of the small box 10b are located below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are not folded into a fully horizontal position after the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward.

[0067] Figs. 15A and 15B depict perspective and side views, respectively, of a sixth instance of a method of the system 100 folding the small box 10b. From the fifth instance to the sixth instance, the elevator 182 has lifted the small box 10b from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are in contact with the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. In the depicted embodiment, the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are substantially horizontal when the small box 10b is in the second vertical position and the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are in contact with the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b.

[0068] After the small box 10b has been folded into the position shown in Figs. 15A and 15B, the system 100 can release the small box 10b. For example, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the side pushers can be withdrawn and the elevator 182 can be lowered to their original positions shown in Figs. 10A and 10B. In some embodiments, the small box 10b can have an adhesive applied thereto prior to the folding process so that the small box 10b will be held in the folded form shown in Figs. 15A and 15B after the system 100 releases the small box 10b. For example, glue can be applied to areas of the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a that are outside of the oblique scores 22a and 22c and glue can be applied to areas of the upper portion 24b of the side wall 14b that are outside of the oblique scores 22b and 22d. When the small box 10b is folded into the position shown in Figs. 15A and 15B, the glue on those portions of the side walls 14a and 14b will adhere to the areas of the upper portions 24a and 24b that are inside of the oblique scores 22 to hold the small box 10b in the folded position.

[0069] In some embodiments, the system 100 can include a controller configured to control various elements within the system 100. Fig. 16 depicts a schematic view of the system 100. The system 100 includes a controller 186 configured to control elements within the system 100. In some embodiments, the controller 186 can be any type of computing device. In the depicted embodiment, the controller 186 is communicatively coupled with each of an actuator 41a, an actuator 41b, and actuator 61, and an actuator 183. The actuators 41a, 41b, 61, and 183 can include any type of actuator, such as an electric actuator (e.g., a solenoid), a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or any other type of actuator.

[0070] The actuator 41a is coupled to the first end pusher 40a and configured to move the first end pusher 40a toward and away from the second end pusher 40b. The controller 186 is configured to cause the first end pusher 40a to move by sending a signal to the actuator 41a to move the first end pusher 40a. The actuator 41b is coupled to the second end pusher 40b and configured to move the second end pusher 40b toward and away from the first end pusher 40a. The controller 186 is configured to cause the second end pusher 40b to move by sending a signal to the actuator 41b to move the second end pusher 40b. While the depicted embodiment has two actuators 41a and 41b that separately control positions of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, it will be apparent that the system 100 could include a single actuator that controller positions of both of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b.

[0071] The actuator 61 is coupled to the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. The actuator 61 is configured to move the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b toward and away from each other. The controller 186 is configured to cause the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b to move by sending a signal to the actuator 61 to move the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. While the depicted embodiment has one actuator 61 controls positions of both of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b, it will be apparent that the system 100 could include two separate actuators that separately control positions of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b.

[0072] The actuator 183 is coupled to the elevator 182. The actuator 183 is configured to move the elevator 182 vertically up and down. The controller 186 is configured to cause the elevator 182 to move by sending a signal to the actuator 183 to move the elevator 182.

[0073] In practice, the controller 186 can cause the system 100 to fold boxes, such as by performing the methods of folding the large and small boxes 10a and 10b described above, by sending signals to the actuators 41a, 41b, 61, and 183. The system 100 can include additional actuators which the controller is communicatively coupled to control other elements in the system 100. For example, the system 100 may include one or more actuators that are coupled to the frame 180 to move the guides to appropriate positions based on a size of the box to be folded. Additionally, the system 100 may include sensors that are communicatively coupled to the controller 186 to provide information to the controller 186 for controlling the system. For example, the system 100 may include one or more sensors configured to determine dimensions of a box (e.g., box length and box width) and to provide an indication of the box dimensions to the controller 186. In this way, the controller can fully automate the process of folding boxes by receiving information that enables control of the system 100 and actuators that control the elements of the system 100 to fold of the boxes.

[0074] Fig. 17 depicts an example embodiment of a system 210 that may be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein. In the depicted embodiment, the system 210 includes computing devices 220 1 , 220 2 , 220 3 , and 220 4 (collectively computing devices 220). In the depicted embodiment, the computing device 220 1 is a tablet, the computing device 220 2 is a mobile phone, the computing device 220 3 is a desktop computer, and the computing device 220 4 is a laptop computer. In other embodiments, the computing devices 220 include one or more of a desktop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, a phablet, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a distributed system, a gaming console (e.g., Xbox, Play Station, Wii), a watch, a pair of glasses, a key fob, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an ear piece, a scanner, a television, a dongle, a camera, a wristband, a wearable item, a kiosk, an input terminal, a server, a server network, a blade, a gateway, a switch, a processing device, a processing entity, a set-top box, a relay, a router, a network access point, a base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations, and / or processes described herein, or any combination thereof.

[0075] The computing devices 220 are communicatively coupled to each other via one or more networks 230 and 232. Each of the networks 230 and 232 may include one or more wired or wireless networks (e.g., a 3G network, the Internet, an internal network, a proprietary network, a secured network). The computing devices 220 are capable of communicating with each other and / or any other computing devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. While the particular system 210 in Fig. 17 depicts that the computing devices 220 communicatively coupled via the network 230 include four computing devices, any number of computing devices may be communicatively coupled via the network 230.

[0076] In the depicted embodiment, the computing device 220 3 is communicatively coupled with a peripheral device 240 via the network 232. In the depicted embodiment, the peripheral device 240 is a scanner, such as a barcode scanner, an optical scanner, a computer vision device, and the like. In some embodiments, the network 232 is a wired network (e.g., a direct wired connection between the peripheral device 240 and the computing device 220 3 ), a wireless network (e.g., a Bluetooth connection or a WiFi connection), or a combination of wired and wireless networks (e.g., a Bluetooth connection between the peripheral device 240 and a cradle of the peripheral device 240 and a wired connection between the peripheral device 240 and the computing device 220 3 ). In some embodiments, the peripheral device 240 is itself a computing device (sometimes called a "smart" device). In other embodiments, the peripheral device 240 is not a computing device (sometimes called a "dumb" device).

[0077] Depicted in Fig. 18 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a computing device 300. Any of the computing devices 220 and / or any other computing device described herein may include some or all of the components and features of the computing device 300. In some embodiments, the computing device 300 is one or more of a desktop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, a phablet, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a distributed system, a gaming console (e.g., an Xbox, a Play Station, a Wii), a watch, a pair of glasses, a key fob, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an ear piece, a scanner, a television, a dongle, a camera, a wristband, a wearable item, a kiosk, an input terminal, a server, a server network, a blade, a gateway, a switch, a processing device, a processing entity, a set-top box, a relay, a router, a network access point, a base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations, and / or processes described herein, or any combination thereof. Such functions, operations, and / or processes may include, for example, transmitting, receiving, operating on, processing, displaying, storing, determining, creating / generating, monitoring, evaluating, comparing, and / or similar terms used herein. In one embodiment, these functions, operations, and / or processes can be performed on data, content, information, and / or similar terms used herein.

[0078] In the depicted embodiment, the computing device 300 includes a processing element 305, memory 310, a user interface 315, and a communications interface 320. The processing element 305, memory 310, a user interface 315, and a communications interface 320 are capable of communicating via a communication bus 325 by reading data from and / or writing data to the communication bus 325. The computing device 300 may include other components that are capable of communicating via the communication bus 325. In other embodiments, the computing device does not include the communication bus 325 and the components of the computing device 300 are capable of communicating with each other in some other way.

[0079] The processing element 305 (also referred to as one or more processors, processing circuitry, and / or similar terms used herein) is capable of performing operations on some external data source. For example, the processing element may perform operations on data in the memory 310, data receives via the user interface 315, and / or data received via the communications interface 320. As will be understood, the processing element 305 may be embodied in a number of different ways. In some embodiments, the processing element 305 includes one or more complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), microprocessors, multicore processors, co processing entities, application-specific instruction-set processors (ASIPs), microcontrollers, controllers, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), hardware accelerators, any other circuitry, or any combination thereof. The term circuitry may refer to an entirely hardware embodiment or a combination of hardware and computer program products. In some embodiments, the processing element 305 is configured for a particular use or configured to execute instructions stored in volatile or nonvolatile media or otherwise accessible to the processing element 305. As such, whether configured by hardware or computer program products, or by a combination thereof, the processing element 305 may be capable of performing steps or operations when configured accordingly.

[0080] The memory 310 in the computing device 300 is configured to store data, computerexecutable instructions, and / or any other information. In some embodiments, the memory 310 includes volatile memory (also referred to as volatile storage, volatile media, volatile memory circuitry, and the like), non-volatile memory (also referred to as non-volatile storage, non-volatile media, non-volatile memory circuitry, and the like), or some combination thereof.

[0081] In some embodiments, volatile memory includes one or more of random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), fast page mode dynamic random access memory (FPM DRAM), extended data-out dynamic random access memory (EDO DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), double data rate type two synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR2 SDRAM), double data rate type three synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR3 SDRAM), Rambus dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), Twin Transistor RAM (TTRAM), Thyristor RAM (T-RAM), Zero-capacitor (Z-RAM), Rambus in-line memory module (RIMM), dual in-line memory module (DIMM), single in-line memory module (SIMM), video random access memory (VRAM), cache memory (including various levels), flash memory, any other memory that requires power to store information, or any combination thereof.

[0082] In some embodiments, non-volatile memory includes one or more of hard disks, floppy disks, flexible disks, solid-state storage (SSS) (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD)), solid state cards (SSC), solid state modules (SSM), enterprise flash drives, magnetic tapes, any other non-transitory magnetic media, compact disc read only memory (CD ROM), compact disc-rewritable (CD-RW), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD), any other non-transitory optical media, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., Serial, NAND, NOR, and / or the like), multimedia memory cards (MMC), secure digital (SD) memory cards, Memory Sticks, conductive-bridging random access memory (CBRAM), phase-change random access memory (PRAM), ferroelectric random-access memory (FeRAM), nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM), resistive random-access memory (RRAM), Silicon Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon memory (SONOS), floating junction gate random access memory (FJG RAM), Millipede memory, racetrack memory, any other memory that does not require power to store information, or any combination thereof.

[0083] In some embodiments, memory 310 is capable of storing one or more of databases, database instances, database management systems, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, or any other information. The term database, database instance, database management system, and / or similar terms used herein may refer to a collection of records or data that is stored in a computer-readable storage medium using one or more database models, such as a hierarchical database model, network model, relational model, entity relationship model, object model, document model, semantic model, graph model, or any other model.

[0084] The user interface 315 of the computing device 300 is in communication with one or more input or output devices that are capable of receiving inputs into and / or outputting any outputs from the computing device 300. Embodiments of input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen display, a touch sensitive pad, a motion input device, movement input device, an audio input, a pointing device input, a joystick input, a keypad input, peripheral device 240, foot switch, and the like. Embodiments of output devices include an audio output device, a video output, a display device, a motion output device, a movement output device, a printing device, and the like. In some embodiments, the user interface 315 includes hardware that is configured to communicate with one or more input devices and / or output devices via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0085] The communications interface 320 is capable of communicating with various computing devices and / or networks. In some embodiments, the communications interface 320 is capable of communicating data, content, and / or any other information, that can be transmitted, received, operated on, processed, displayed, stored, and the like. Communication via the communications interface 320 may be executed using a wired data transmission protocol, such as fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), digital subscriber line (DSL), Ethernet, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), frame relay, data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), or any other wired transmission protocol. Similarly, communication via the communications interface 320 may be executed using a wireless data transmission protocol, such as general packet radio service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1xRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), WiFi Direct, 802.16 (WiMAX), ultra wideband (UWB), infrared (IR) protocols, near field communication (NFC) protocols, Wibree, Bluetooth protocols, wireless universal serial bus (USB) protocols, or any other wireless protocol.

[0086] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, one or more components of the computing device 300 may be located remotely from other components of the computing device 300 components, such as in a distributed system. Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combined and additional components performing functions described herein may be included in the computing device 300. Thus, the computing device 300 can be adapted to accommodate a variety of needs and circumstances. The depicted and described architectures and descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not limiting to the various embodiments described herein.

[0087] Embodiments described herein may be implemented in various ways, including as computer program products that comprise articles of manufacture. A computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, program code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, and / or the like (also referred to herein as executable instructions, instructions for execution, computer program products, program code, and / or similar terms used herein interchangeably). Such non-transitory computer-readable storage media include all computer-readable media (including volatile and non-volatile media).

[0088] As should be appreciated, various embodiments of the embodiments described herein may also be implemented as methods, apparatus, systems, computing devices, and the like. As such, embodiments described herein may take the form of an apparatus, system, computing device, and the like executing instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium to perform certain steps or operations. Thus, embodiments described herein may be implemented entirely in hardware, entirely in a computer program product, or in an embodiment that comprises combination of computer program products and hardware performing certain steps or operations.

[0089] Embodiments described herein may be made with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations. Thus, it should be understood that blocks of a block diagram and flowchart illustrations may be implemented in the form of a computer program product, in an entirely hardware embodiment, in a combination of hardware and computer program products, or in apparatus, systems, computing devices, and the like carrying out instructions, operations, or steps. Such instructions, operations, or steps may be stored on a computer readable storage medium for execution buy a processing element in a computing device. For example, retrieval, loading, and execution of code may be performed sequentially such that one instruction is retrieved, loaded, and executed at a time. In some exemplary embodiments, retrieval, loading, and / or execution may be performed in parallel such that multiple instructions are retrieved, loaded, and / or executed together. Thus, such embodiments can produce specifically configured machines performing the steps or operations specified in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations. Accordingly, the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support various combinations of embodiments for performing the specified instructions, operations, or steps.

[0090] For purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "inwardly," "outwardly," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," and the like, should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted" and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Unless stated otherwise, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and the like are used to mean within 5% of a target value.

[0091] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A system (100) for folding any box of a plurality of boxes (10, 10a, 10b), wherein widths of the plurality of boxes (10, 10a, 10b) are within a range of box widths from a minimum box width to a maximum box width, the system (100) comprising: an elevator (182) configured to move a box (10, 10a, 10b) from the plurality of boxes (10, 10a, 10b) vertically, the box (10, 10a, 10b) having two side walls (14a, 14b), two end walls (16a, 16b), horizontal scores (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) on each of the two side walls (14a, 14b) and two end walls (16a, 16b), and two oblique scores (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) on each of the two side walls (14a, 14b) above the horizontal scores (18a, 18b); characterized in that the system further comprises: a first end pusher (40, 40a) having a first bottom surface (42), a first angled surface (44), and a first rounded edge (46) between the first bottom surface (42) and the first angled surface (44); and a second end pusher (40, 40b) having a second bottom surface (42), a second angled surface (44), and a second rounded edge (46) between the second bottom surface (42) and the second angled surface (44); wherein the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) are arranged with the first and second bottom surfaces (42) substantially horizontal and the first and second angled surfaces (44) oriented toward each other, wherein an angle of advancement (52) of the first angled surface (44) from a plane of the first bottom surface (42) in the direction of the second end pusher (40, 40b) is less than 90 degrees, and wherein an angle of advancement (52) of the second angled surface (44) from a plane of the second bottom surface (42) in the direction of the first end pusher (40, 40a) is less than 90 degrees; wherein a width of each of the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) is greater than or equal to the maximum box width of the range of box widths; wherein the elevator (182) is configured to lift the box (10, 10a, 10b) to a first vertical position at which the box (10, 10a, 10b) is between the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) and the horizontal scores (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) on the box (10, 10a, 10b) are below the first and second bottom surfaces (42); and wherein, when the elevator (182) holds the box (10, 10a, 10b) in the first vertical position, the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) are configured to move toward each other to contact upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b) above the horizontal score (18c, 18d) and across a width of the end walls (16a, 16b) to fold the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b) inward.

2. The system (100) of the preceding claim, wherein, when the elevator (182) holds the box (10, 10a, 10b) in the first vertical position and the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) move toward each other, the first and second angled surfaces (44) of the first and second rounded edges (46) of the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) contact the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b).

3. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) are configured to move toward each other to a point at which the first and second bottom surfaces (42) are located above the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b).

4. The system (100) of the preceding claim, wherein, after the first and second bottom surfaces (42) are located above the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b), the elevator (182) is configured to lift the box (10, 10a, 10b) from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b) are in contact with the first and second bottom surfaces (42).

5. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a first side pusher (60, 60a) having a first base (64), a first top (66), and a first engagement surface (62), wherein the first base (64) is wider than the first top (66), and wherein an angle of engagement (72) of the first engagement surface (62) is less than 90 degrees; and a second side pusher (60, 60b) having a second base (64), a second top (66), and a second engagement surface (62), wherein the second base (64) is wider than the second top (66), and wherein an angle of engagement (72) of the second engagement surface (62) is less than 90 degrees.

6. The system (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the first and second side pushers (60, 60a, 60b) are arranged such that, when the elevator (182) holds the box (10, 10a, 10b) in the first vertical position, the box (10, 10a, 10b) is located between the first and second side pushers (60, 60a, 60b).

7. The system (100) of the preceding claim, wherein, when the elevator (182) holds the box (10, 10a, 10b) in the first vertical position, the first and second side pushers (60, 60a, 60b) are configured to move inward to such that the first and second engagement surfaces (62) contact upper portions (24a, 24b) of the side walls (14a, 14b) of the box (10, 10a, 10b).

8. The system (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the first and second engagement surfaces (62) of the first and second side pushers (60, 60a, 60b) are arranged to contact the upper portions (24a, 24b) of the side walls (14a, 14b) before the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) contact the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b).

9. The system (100) of any of claims 7 to 8, wherein the first and second side pushers (60, 60a, 60b) are arranged such that the first and second engagement surfaces (62) contact upper portions (24a, 24b) of the side walls (14a, 14b) of the box (10, 10a, 10b) between the two oblique scores (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) on each of the upper portions (24a, 24b) of the side walls (14a, 14b) of the box (10, 10a, 10b).

10. The system (100) of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the angle of engagement (72) of the first engagement surface (62) is in a range between 30 degrees and 50 degrees from a plane of the first base (64), and wherein the angle of engagement (72) of the second engagement surface (62) is in a range between 30 degrees and 50 degrees from a plane of the second base (64).

11. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the angle of advancement (52) of the first angled surface (44) from the plane of the first bottom surface (42) in the direction of the second end pusher (40, 40b) is in a range from 80 to 88 degrees, and wherein the angle of advancement (52) of the second angled surface (44) from the plane of the second bottom surface (42) in the direction of the first end pusher (40, 40a) is in a range from 80 to 88 degrees.

12. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a controller (186) configured to: cause the elevator (182) to lift the box (10, 10a, 10b) to the first vertical position, and cause the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) to move toward each other to contact the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b) above the horizontal score (18c, 18d).

13. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: one or more actuators (41a, 41b, 61, 183) communicatively coupled to the controller (186) and configured to move the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b), wherein the controller (186) is configured to cause the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) to move by sending a signal to the one or more actuators (41a, 41b) to move the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b).

14. The system (100) of the preceding claim, further comprising: one or more actuators (41a, 41b, 61, 183) communicatively coupled to the controller (186) and configured to move the elevator (182), wherein the controller (186) is configured to cause the elevator (182) to lift the box (10, 10a, 10b) by sending a signal to the one or more actuators (183) to move the elevator (182).

15. The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a frame (180) configured to be arranged based on a size of the box (10, 10a, 10b).

16. The system (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the frame (180) is configured to be arranged based on the size of the box (10, 10a, 10b) before the box (10, 10a, 10b) is lifted to the first vertical position by the elevator (182).

17. The system (100) of the preceding claim, where the frame (180) comprises one or more guides (184) configured to guide the box (10, 10a, 10b) to a position relative to the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) as the box (10, 10a, 10b) is lifted to the first vertical position by the elevator (182).

18. A method performed using the system (100) of any of the preceding claims, the method comprising: receiving a box (10, 10a, 10b) having a width within the range of box widths; lifting the box (10, 10a, 10b), by the elevator (182), to the first vertical position at which the box (10, 10a, 10b) is between the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) and the horizontal scores (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) on the box (10, 10a, 10b) are below the first and second bottom surfaces (42); and moving the end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) toward each other such that the first and second end pushers (40, 40a, 40b) contact the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b) above the horizontal score (18c, 18d) and across a width of the end walls (16a, 16b) to fold the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b) inward.

19. The method of the preceding claim, further comprising: after the first and second bottom surfaces (42) are located above the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b), lifting the box (10, 10a, 10b), by the elevator (182), from the first vertical position to the second vertical position at which the upper portions (26a, 26b) of the end walls (16a, 16b) are in contact with the first and second bottom surfaces (42).