US 12,138,885 B2
Methods and systems for preparing blanks for forming carriers for containers
Colin P. Ford, Woodstock, GA (US); David F. Warner, Waynesville, NC (US); and Jason C. Anderson, Marietta, GA (US)
Assigned to Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed by Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed on Sep. 23, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/951,199.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/261,582, filed on Sep. 24, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0101990 A1, Mar. 30, 2023
Int. Cl. B31D 5/04 (2017.01); B65D 71/50 (2006.01)
CPC B31D 5/04 (2013.01) [B65D 71/504 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for processing at least one blank for forming a carrier for containers, comprising:
obtaining at least one blank comprising a central panel having plurality of container openings and at least one container retention tab extending into respective container openings of the plurality of container openings;
inserting the at least one blank into a blank infeed assembly;
moving the at least one blank from the infeed assembly to a blank processing assembly, the blank processing assembly comprising a forming belt, the blank processing assembly further comprising a forming wheel and at least one cutting member protruding from the forming wheel for engaging the at least one blank;
moving the at least one blank between the forming belt and the forming wheel; and
moving the at least one blank to a product engagement portion of the blank processing assembly such that the at least one blank is positioned for engagement with a group of containers.