US 11,731,386 B2
System and method for processing case and carton blanks
John Kolodziey, Norristown, PA (US); John Wasyliw, Norristown, PA (US); Joseph L Bachman, Jr., Norristown, PA (US); and Joseph L Bachman, III, Norristown, PA (US)
Filed by Wayne Automation Corporation, Norristown, PA (US)
Filed on Nov. 3, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/88,370.
Prior Publication US 2022/0134700 A1, May 5, 2022
Int. Cl. B31B 50/62 (2017.01); B31B 50/26 (2017.01); B31B 100/00 (2017.01)
CPC B31B 50/624 (2017.08) [B31B 50/262 (2017.08); B31B 2100/00 (2017.08)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An automated system for forming pre-glued case blanks, comprising:
(a) positioning an unfolded die-cut blank in a forming device,
(i) wherein the unfolded blank includes
a) a first panel, wherein the first panel includes a middle portion, a top flap hingeably connected to the middle portion and a bottom flap hingeably connected to the middle portion;
b) a second panel, wherein the second panel includes a middle portion, a top flap hingeably connected to the middle portion and a bottom flap hingeably connected to the middle portion;
c) a third panel, wherein the third panel includes a middle portion, a top flap hingeably connected to the middle portion and a bottom flap hingeably connected to the middle portion; and
d) a fourth panel, wherein the fourth panel includes a middle portion having a tab formed on the outer edge thereof, a top flap hingeably connected to the middle portion, and a bottom flap hingeably connected to the middle portion;
(ii) wherein the forming device includes
a) a first mechanically operated arm that directly contacts the first panel;
b) a second mechanically operated arm that directly contacts the fourth panel; and
c) a first support upon which a second support is mounted,
d) wherein the first mechanically operated arm and the second mechanically operated arm are both rotatably mounted on the second support,
e) wherein the first mechanically operated arm and the second mechanically operated arm are each driven in an inward direction by motors or other force-producing devices mounted the second support;
(b) applying adhesive to the tab; and
(c) actuating the forming device such that the first and second arms fold the first and fourth panels 180° inward toward one another, wherein the adhesive on the tab adheres the first and fourth panels to one another; and wherein the first and fourth panels lie flat against the second and third panels thereby forming a flat pre-glued knock-down case blank on the forming device.