Abstract:
A system that converts sheet material into packaging templates includes a converting assembly that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the sheet material as the sheet material moves through the converting machine in a first direction. The converting assembly may be mounted on a frame such that the converting assembly is elevated above a support surface. One or more longhead converting tools performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a first direction and a crosshead converting tool performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a second direction in order to create packaging templates.
Abstract:
The present invention extends to methods, machines, systems, and computer program products for producing multiple packaging products in a tiled configuration within source production material, enabling production of multiple packaging products in parallel. Embodiments include accessing item data identifying items that are to be packaged, and determining packaging requirements for each item. A pair of box sizes that satisfy the packaging requirements are selected for tiled production. A packaging production machine to be used is also selected. Selection of the box sizes and/or the packaging production machine is based on a collective analysis of packaging requirements, packing system characteristics, and packaging machine characteristics. Based on the collective analysis, it is determined how to allocate box production to the production machine, and the pair of box sizes is matched to the production machine. Box production instructions are generated and sent to the packaging production machine.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed for sealing a manufacturer's joint and/or the ends of a customized box. The system includes at least a first arm spaced apart from a second arm. The arms are arranged so that an end flap of a box blank can be inserted between the arms to align the box blank relative to the arms and secure and maintain at least two side panels of the box blank in an adjacent position to form a manufacturer's joint. Methods for forming and sealing a manufacturer's joint and/or the ends of a customized box are also disclosed. Such methods, are designed to, for example, reliably form, close, and seal the manufacturer's joint and/or the ends of a customized box in a simplified manner.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus, assemblies, and systems relate to producing on-demand packaging. For example, packaging can be automatically produced on-demand and be sized and configured for use with a customized set of items and/or a customized arrangement of items. In one aspect, items are arranged on a resting device and an imaging component obtains image or other data related to such arrangement. Based on the image, dimensions of the arrangement may be determined and a packaging template, such as a box template, may be designed. The designed template may have dimensions suitable to enclose the items when arranged in the manner provided on the resting device. A packaging production machine may produce a box template, on-demand, after the box template has been designed based on the physical arrangement of items on the resting device.
Abstract:
An erecting aid for packaging materials is described and may include a table portion and a panel. A panel may be coupled to one side of the table portion. The table portion and the panel can be configured such that the table portion and panel form an acute angle and the panel acts as a type of back support wall with respect to the table portion. A clamp may cooperate with the table portion to produce a clamping force. The clamping force may occur by biasing at least a portion of the clamp towards a relaxed, closed. The combination of the table, panel and biased clamp provide the forces necessary to stabilize a partially folded corrugated box during the erecting process such that the partially folded corrugated box is stabilized and maintained in a partially assembled state while the operator can use both hands to complete the erecting process.
Abstract:
A gluing device for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate assembly are mounted. The support plate is configured for supporting and aligning a gluable item for gluing and assembly by the gluing apparatus. The gluing apparatus includes a first clamp configured for selectively and securely holding a first portion of the gluable item on the support plate, a glue dispensing nozzle fluidly coupled to a glue supply, and a folding apparatus configured for folding the first portion of the gluable item onto a second portion of the gluable item after glue has been applied. A method for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A box gluing device for attaching a glue tab of a box blank to an opposing panel when the box blank is folded so the glue tab is position at an edge of the box blank. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate are mounted. The gluing apparatus a glue dispensing nozzle for applying glue on one or more surfaces of the box blank. The box blank can be moved through the gluing device to attach the glue tab to the opposing panel. As the box blank moves through the gluing device, a guide rail orients the glue tab in a desired manner while glue is applied to the box blank, and a roller assembly presses the glue tab and the opposing panel together with the glue therebetween. Alternatively, the gluing device can include a clamp arm that holds the box blank in place while glue is applied, and a folding bar that folds the glue tab onto the opposing panel after glue is applied.
Abstract:
Methods, computer-readable media, and systems described herein relate to producing on-demand packaging. For example, packaging can be automatically produced on-demand and be sized and configured for use with a customized set of items. In one aspect, a request for multiple items is received and a packaging customization engine accesses an information store that includes information about each of the requested items. The information may include dimensional information about the three-dimensional size of the items. The packaging customization engine may use the dimensional information to simulate a model arrangement of all of the requested items, and then calculate the dimensions of a box or other package that can provide a precise fit for the items when physically arranged consistent with the model arrangement.
Abstract:
A system that converts fanfold material into packaging templates includes a converting assembly that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the fanfold material as the fanfold material moves through the converting machine in a first direction. The converting assembly may be mounted on a frame such that the converting assembly is elevated above a support surface. An outfeed guide may change the direction of movement of the fanfold material from the first direction to a second, generally vertical direction after the converting assembly has performed the conversion functions on the fanfold material.
Abstract:
Methods, devices, apparatus, and assemblies for converting fanfold material into packaging templates are disclosed. A converting system includes a converting machine that performs various conversion functions on the fanfold material. An infeed guide system directs the fanfold material from one or more stacks into the converting machine without folding, creasing, or otherwise compromising the fanfold material. The infeed guide system includes infeed guides with substantially S-shaped segments. The infeed guide system also includes a frame structure that substantially maintains the curvature of the substantially S-shaped segments within a desired range to prevent damage to or jamming of the fanfold material in the infeed guide system.