METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A MULTI-PIECE PACKAGING CARTON .

The present invention rclafes Io a packaging method for ionuation of eanons constructed to accommodate a plurality of articles such as beverage bonier and to apparatus For carrying our such a mediod.

hi particular, the invention relates to a esrtori formed from a plurality oi blank integers which are each Lo be aligned and secured to one another in a finished package. An example of such a carton is ibund in Lntemador;al Patent Application Kuaibcr PC:T-?JS2ϋθ5/01219S incorporated herein by reference and is farther shown loaded and assembled ^N a package in die. fma! πguie of the aecόrnpunying drawings of die present specification.

f ^' artons comprised of multiple integer^ for exanψie tλvo-parr cartons present rnauy advantages to tbc tiser. For example, such a construction ouen in\pavt? extra strength to the carton whilst providing large areas to be printed vvuli advcrtJshtg graphics ϊf desired. A two- part eo'ϊistruedori may also, for example, present advantages- with respect io the ease of access to the articles eontiυαed in such a carton.

H is an objeet <jf the present invenπon to provide such a method lor loading and formation of a multi-part carton.

international Patera Application ?\?o W()/2006 ^; 03673(λ to LeBras teaches an apparatus lor the eoniineous seϊ--up ana loading <>f ^; ?ach cartons. In the apparatus disclosed therein the bottom part oi the carton is set-;.φ. and bottles are continuously side loaded mio the partially erect bottom part Thereafter the construction of the bottom pan is completed and a parnady rbrmed rop part is formed and secured onto rhc loaded baac to complete the carton eonstructioiu The eonatrαction ntetnod and apparatus therefore nrovme? a e^ntinuons ioadhtg and constϊection s^stein in vvhich cartons arc scquentifdlv loaded and eonstrueted.

The arr.m^emuit i-ui^ln i\\ 1 CH) λO m WO ^" 30 ^ ;u.h ;uita£oous so that ?lv bourns pan; ^p par! ιn4 holies ai e ab sn c^hTϊωin-na motion Mu ^uxihoijj thv l^ulsi:^ a:>d eesis^uenon process, in rb ^ war a bi^h-thxonμhput otO'ijiipicted packages ^ aehιe\ <,d.

Tbo dis nh .nUa^.- ^t tin-- arranr^ei^ns how _* λ ,.r ύut is tκ _v app IMU^ \S bnvαcJ ;α a _^ appHcαu->n U^ i p^i iioui.ir j*ι/c of i..-155-n, ααsobti and uorst^urau^n v->r hoif iθN. i ^^ aiL^n ihe machine 60 Hαi λU okcruau^ c ^.ajs^n >LA or a^ uvμeuicoi c^n be p:occ^sc\1 κ\|ua<. ' CVUMJO ^H C down ume of ϋio nuciiήsc which >3 c^pcs^o c and hkcU to γCMUI ID the -;!osmnρ down vϊ Mic entire l^nthn^ iuie and n>u SUM ύv packa^nix; Lne Addun^uslo iho ovaehnu. l-xke> up α c-n^oVαMe :-:r^ib < ^• *! pruuOv^u^. bne wbich ι..\n bv αifneuH u« DIM Jl I D ^rsanV plan^ w here ,φ κ\ !a issnnee;

Jt is ihei e^-.e r^onircd to pjo\ κ1c J mot lsoU ;mJ aρr^-sϊu> tor ihc a-^enshh- of iw o paα euaoD^ λ ii ^ή b p^>^ ^ _^ e^ a uoi^nkr^Mo ιhou^b-pα- ^f >>f |v;iθk.i;» and ;α ibe λurse unv. ^uer^ fJe\uMh*\ u> she ^JA- oi\\!πos> a.xi utscic? p^La^ed \\ uhoui .! ⁰ ^sUKVaCi eh m^ev\ er period and \\ :tKosu inevunsμ e^Ov^s^ e do mn-ne of t}«. p^veoNinc plain aod I -ϊ <\ uκ h requires u compact pfoee^.ns!.' b:«..

The pi e-e-U -U'pHs. ϊtϊ«.^! oi^c>civ^> a ρ;k,kaejn\i snoϋs-vi a:Hi apparatus \ύuvb -.uie> ihose beneUiN and winch seek u> ox o^c-^uc *n ^i κa°t i^ jmisμ^to the i^ .-.bknn' pa.^inovi I -> ;bc

i v ιk\ϊ iϋd, .i iirsi a-pe^.i ot. sϊv prs.-XDt no v.istiθsi ]:iv>ϊ. ides α de^ ;-.e ;<--! iαa;κpokitine, a _| :n-;ρ vv:\ ^ u^r _: MaDk'\ E[R VIOMOV. e^n!pr-;!S:j a ϊranskr ek.ovnι for pieknsi: up ^ pKna'in ^i _* . .s^vn buuks lU vj en-up and ior sno^. raμ -\αd ^>^up o: ^ aα^n ida^k^ o5= to a povi 'sine, iioe o?\s paekugiiφ niKhnse, a opaeήip eU.snoni for adi'^tiisμ die rei i s- e iaier.il ^p sen^ of tbe \anoe blanks oi\s.^,l ^i\»up and ;> ibldine. ulenn.ns iuo n^ nχ\u^ t\ -\ iXλdvλS, pi nr>ar\ p oκ-i° of eaeh oi die c-i^Oii bla^k^, said u αn\tbr cionivut, fokimv: ele^ien? αn _^ l λ rid spjeαi^ ^den^Di l-^ sne - ⁱ perah^e oboiiUano-nslv sαeh u ^' uji inanioukai^n -n ihe onoia^ naϋeK -in^i i.u-.ral ^\>uinv; ^t

sasd plurality of carters blanks is eftected during transfer such that a group of spaced, fokkxl carton blanks are deliverable to the processing Hoe for processing by the packagiug machine

Preferably wherein the carton bhnks of the group are blanks lor forming eiiker ;.ι top part or buttons past of a two-part composite ;.anon.

Preferably whereirs the pick up arenas comprises a plurality of suction heads, each suction head for picking up a canon blank or the group and preferably each of said suction heads is sbdabby coupled to a common bar, the: common bar forming pan of satd transfer element. Oρtk»ιuύly, the common bar may be coupled to an articulated arm winch facilitates movement of the common bar.

λ second aspect of the present invention provides a method for manipulating a group of eartcaϊ blanks, which mouhod comprises picking υn a plurality of canon blanks in α group ;m< snovυ^g said group of carton blanks on To a processing bne of a packaging machine, adjust uv; the relative laieras spacing of the carton blanks of said group, and fokhcy primary panels of each of the canon blanks, each of which moving, spacing, arκ1 iolding being carried out simxiharseousiy sucu that 5rsaniρulati(>α of said primary panels and lateral spaciug of ?aitl plurality of carton blanks is effected whils? there are being moved, ^acit rhat a group of spaced, folded carton hlaaks are delivered to said processing line.

Preferably, the method farther comprises Ssmuitar>eoiis!y manipulating groups of differing < ^rton πb ^: 'v*' S

Brief Deserroe ^' on. of die Drawings

An exeuinlyry, rsou-hm tmg embodtineut of the present invention will now be described b) way of εxarrmle oniv wi :b j-eierenee to nbe aeeoivi pan vine: drawings at whiih;

Figure IA. Hfasrraies a hrst part of a blank fcr loπuing a crate «ryle carters to be erected bv die method and annarau^ of the first embodiment;

figure 1 B. Illustrates a second pan of a blank for forming the crate styie carton;

iure 1 C illustrates & .Hep in tae process to erect the curve style carton from the blanks of 3κ. 1 A and 1 B:

Figure I D. shows the crate style carton formed from form the blanks of Fms. 1 λ and I B;

Figure ?A. show>. a όchenmtie representation of an apparatus lor eonsirueih K. CiU SOU ii^ures 1 A-I D, broadly showing four areas nl construction;

figure 2B s!ϊow« a sehesrsatic represesuatson of the apparatus of Figure 2 A. ϋiustrated the opposite aide;

Mgii res .> ^■■ > uiuMTatfc tnree progressive steps ^.rnen ^; aκe pi;u.c rα UH" isrst area ot const i in the appuπjuss ^lunvr. in figures 2A ;snd 2B;

figures 6-- is lHuGirate three progressive steps which take place ir; ihe second area oϊ consirueiiori. m the apparatus shown In Figures .:' A and 2S;

figures 9-1 1 U sustrate three progressiv e steps which take pkiee construct ton in the apparatus shown in Figures 2λ and 2B a;κl

Figures 12- 1 5 IHuβtπne t\>ur ρrog;-fcssive 6tepύ which take place eonstructifin in ? ^' he apparatus shown m f ^: 'lguye^ 2A and 2B.

Detailed Description of r.he Preferred Emhodnnens

The invenuon provides a method unα a packaging rnαehine for carrying out the method for constructing and loading a two psrt carton contahimg arπcles such as bottles. An cxwrrplary ;0 embodiment will be described with reference to a carton depicted in figures I A- I D, which is of a kuowQ construction and provided vo aid under\tai^dϊn ^« oi the irwαrnson.

figs. I A slid I B show a first 210 and a second part 220 respectively, oi ^' a iwir-parr blank mr forming a crate style canon 230 mhown .in Figaro I D), made from papernoard or similar fold&bic sheer material. T he two blanks 2 U ⁾ and 220 of Pies. I A & I B arc formed into a tray (T ) and a cover (C) respectively. Together the tray (T) and cover CC) form a crate siyk carton 23(5 which is shown m Fig. 11), The carton 230 is designed to receive snm ^' lar snides, such as bottles (B). but it is envisaged thai in other embodiments, articles oiher than botϋes 2 would be contained m the carters 230 and she apparatus and method of (ho present invention would he used to load such articles 2 into a carton 230, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Turning to Figure I λ, ihe tray blank 210 comprises a first end wail 216 a bottom panel 224 as>d » second end wall 21 is, hinged one to the next in series, along loin lines 244 and 248 respectively. Fhuulta apertures 254 are .struck from ihc first and second end wails 216, 2i >i lespectϊveiy to iaeihtaie carrying of nhe completed and loaded carton 230.

The tray blank 210 further comprises corner flaps 26ό&'266b and 2(>Sa,-258h hinged io the first and second end VV&Q.N 216 and 2 bS respeedvdy. The coπ-ser Haps 266^25όh and 268a/26Sb p? ov.ιde addnionai prelection ts - the bottles contained within ϊhe carton 230 at those corners. The corner lisps 2o6a/200h and 26SaTIGSb are bulged in ssdo flaps 276a/276b and 2?i>a/27Sb aioag fold lmes 286a/286b and 288uT288b respectively, as shown in Fig. i A The side flaps 276aT2?6b and 2?8;.c2?Bb provide a means for securing tlie tray (T) (on-ned from blank 210 to the cover iC) loaned from blank 220 wlien the carton 230 is eonsiructed.

The rray blank 21 0 further comprises bottom end flaps 2 ^" panel 22 ^; h along told lines 204a and 294b. The botrorn end -Haps 2?-la.. 274b nrovide an additional means tor securing the tray :jιnd cover iou^ther.

The tray blank 210 uUo comprises iiiner reinforecrrienS panels 226 foidably eouneeieα so the iirst and second end walls 216. 21 S about fold bsics 240 and 242. I he inner reinforcement panels 226 are shaped such that upon folding the inner reinforcement pan ls 226. I SO" abour the totd lines 240 and 242, a 2 ply reinforced edge of the end walk 2 i 6,. 218, proximate the uppermost edge of the handle apertures 25-; of the set up carton 23Cs, is crested.

T he cover blank 220 AS shown, irs Figure I B. The cover blank 20 IN used to term a cover (C ) lor the irsy (T) formed from fee blank 2 10 of Figure I A. Blank 220 comprises a top pane) 222 which is hinged to first and second sJdo walk 2 12, 2 14 along told buea 234a, 234b. The first and second side walls 21 2, 214 comprise fold lines 232u and 232b which although not essential assisr in the construction process oϊ the carton. 230 as will be described later.

λ series- oi apertures 256 are struck from the top panel 222 arsd are strucrured t(s receive an upper portion of She- articles 2 which are to be contained withm the crate style canon 230. The apertures 256 are designed to receive the necks of the holies 2, and therefore they are circular and comprise radial tabs 261; winch protrude toward the centre of each of the apertures 256 and sens e to hold a bottle securely within each aperture 256,

i he lop panel 22 ^' 5 luriher comprises a series oi weakened lines or nicks 237 which connect eaeii aperture 256 to at leas ^; , one other aperture 256 These frangible connections 23? are provided to assist in providing access to the bottles when a consumer removes the bottles 2 irom the carton 250.

Turning to she ooriseructiori ot the crate style carton 230 fron\ rlre tray blank 2 1 0 and cover blank 220, a series of sequential folding and ghriαg operations are required which are to he performed by the apparatus provided by ihe present invention. The seqαence of operative steps requked to construe! the carton 230 wih new be described, thereafter lhc featines of the apparatus and method for constructing the carton w ill be described.

The first stage is to secure, if provided, the inner rdnfore ing pane is 226 to the inside laces of the end wali panels 216, 2 18. The end wall panels 2 16, 21 JS are then folded about ioki lines 544 and 248, OUϊ oi the plane oi the bottom panel 224 to produce a tray (T).

The tray (T) is then loaded with ^" bottles 2, as shown in Fig, 1C and Lhe hottuu; e ^rid flaps 274s. 274b are folded upwardly of the base pane) 224 of the tray (T). The corner par rsehs 266a/256b and 26Sa/2O8b and side flans 27635276b and 27Sa/2?8b are then folded at: )ouι fold hnes

296af3%b, 298^29Sk 2S6a ^/ 2S6b and 288a/288b imo an erected position as shown m Figure i ( 2

in preparation of the final folding and gluing operations to complex the erection of the ;.rate style carton 230, the cover blank 220 is folded about fold jfocs 234a >snd 234b. The side walls 212, 214 axe. tnlded 9(V' about fold hnes 234a and 234b _; out of the plane of top panel 222.

Cover blank 220 is then brought into registry with the bottles 2 which have been loaded into the tray (T), Top portion? of the first and second side wails 212, 214 are placed in flat face contact with the inner laces of the side tlaps 2?6a/276b and 27$a/27$b respectiv ely, and rnav be secured together by adhesive of other means known irt the art.

The OrM and second stde walls 212, 2 M- are then folded about fold hnes 232a and 232b to bring bottom portions of the first and second s>de walls 212, 2 54 back into she plane of the top panel 222. Glue can then he applied to the bottom flaps 274a/3 ?4b and side flaps 276a/2?6h and 27Sa/2?8b beiore foe bottom portions of the side Walls 212, 2 14 are returned to a position hi hne with the remainder of the side walls 212, 214 and thereby UsterieU to the glued portions of the bottom flaps 2?4a- 2 ^' ?4b and side flaps 276a/276b and 27Ka/2?8b Tins conrpletes the construction of the carton 230.

TIu- crate style carton 230 foπned from the blanks 210 and 220 is shown in figure I D. it can be seen that the bottles 2 are secured vvitlnn the carton 230. once the cover (Cf) made from blank 220 has been secured to the tray (T), ereeted fi oni blank 2 10. Access to the bottles ts gained by separating foe irangibk- connections 23?, this may be achieved simply bv pulling a bottle 2 front the erate styfo carton 30.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made to the carton 230, tor example foe size and shape of the panels and apertures ma}, be adjusted to accommodate articles of dtttermg size or shape and the description m the carton 230 is provided only to facilitate the "0 following description oi an exemplary way of mrpiementing the apparatus and method of the present mveutioα.

Il is envisaged that the carton base ami top nail blanks 10, 40 can vary depending upon (he shape and/or quantity of articles to be packaged and consequently, α machine in accordance with one or more aspects of ihe present invention is adjustable in numerous respects, so that h am process a wide variety of such blanks and is not limited to the .specific example above Indeed, a machine of ihe present inv ention may be used to package cartons containing articled other than bottles, and die top pan may not neoessanky comprise apertures (or aecormπockuirrg botϋc necks. It is there tore envisaged that the method employed by the present invention may a bo be adjustable in order to accommodate a variety of carton arranges ViCDM

Turning to the method and apparatus tor constructing the carton 230, there is provided a packaging line 300 comprising fos.n primary sections, a first blank feeding ^ecUon CA). a product mcroriug and loading section CB), a forrnaihm and transfer section _* O ux)d α second bhmk fcedmg and fornnng section (Dj. 1 hese pruϊtary seehons (A, B, C ^" and Dt are iUustnueά trorø one side in Figure ^A and fxoiYi the opposite side in Figure 28

Referring firstly to the blank reeding section (A)., a series >>; tour hoppers 310 are provided tor housing and supplying blanks 210 for forming the rrav tϊ) of rhe carton 230. ^' 1Vo feeding meebamsrmi 320 are provided and these can be best viewed from the idusuation of Ftaurc 2.B. Each feeding mechanism 320 ts provided to nick-up two tray hlanls 210 from arj adjacent hopper 310 and place them . Nκϊe-by-side, on a mam processing line 322. The two feeding mechanisms 320 operate substantially simultanem.ϊshy sudi that (our blanks 210 are provided, side-by-side, on the processing line 322. The group of four hianks 210 are then oons eyed using eαnventional conveyer means such as an endless belt or iug-ebatns. to the second prirnaxv seetion, the product snetertng aiid loading section < B ).

At the product metering and loading sectior* (B) an incoming array of articles., in this embodiment bottles 2, (h being understood πaai in other embodiments articles -other diaα rnuttes would he processed) aie metered into groups and placed onto the carton base blanks ?e 21 0, In this embodiment a metering device, having four articulated arms 324, selectively ptcks up four groups of botties 2 and moves the selected groups onto the bottom panels 224 of the four carton blanks 210 which are present <>n the processing line. The metering device

arκl each articulated arrn 324 are moveable such between each articulated arm 324 picking up twelve bottles 2 and placing them on the canon base panel 224, the bottles 2 arc clustered uno the desired configuration of 3\4 close packed bottles 2. in this way the array of incoming bottles 2 are picked up, assembled into ύ\& desired oonhguruUon and placed on a carton blank base panel 224.

Optionally, in the product metering and loading section, a told ing too! 326 is provided to fold the inner reinforcing panels 226 of each blank 2 10. I 80 ' into face. αiiitacsirse; relationship with the ikst or second end walls 2! *H. 218. Li an embodiment where this feature is provided a glue gun 328 or other means for adhering the inner reinforcing panels 226 to the ihst or second side walk 215, 21 8 is also provided, cither within the product mctenug and loading section (B) o\\ as in the present embodiment, disposed at the exit of She blank ieeding section ( A), (see figure 2A).

Oiice a configured group of bodies 2 has been placed onto each blank 2 10 the tour loaded blanks 330 are convened along the processing line to the formation and transfer section (Cj. Mere, the loaded blanks 330 are more completely loπncd into loaded base trays 332, by the upward roldirig oi the ibsi and second end waiis 21 6, 2 1 8. Conventional folding and moving took such as star wheels and guides arc provided \o facihtate dte foiding steps. Smiilarly the corner panels 266a ^; 266b and 2ft8a/368h and stde flaps 276a/276h and 27&a/278b are then folded about told lines 2 ⁵ >6a. ^; 296b.. 298a/298b.. 286a/2s6b and 288a/2S8b into an erected position. In some embodiments the side Daps 276a/27όb and 2?Sa/27isb are adhered by means of glee to the bottom Haps 274a/2?-?b. In other embodiments, no adhesion of die side pa.ne!s 212, 241 to fi\fc bottr^m flaps 2?4αλH4b takes place arsd when the top cover is secured to dm base tray O ) the side fiaps 276a/276b and 278a'2 ^"" ?a\ the Side walls being secn.red to each of die bottom fiaps 274a/274b and side fiaps 276a/2?6b Is sefheit-nt to secure the curtors 230 nt Us coustruci.ed rorm

The loaded and assembled trays 332 are tken conveyed along the processing line 322. in a group ol four, to dm final section; the second blank feedtng arid forming section (D). Viewing the second blartk feeding avid forming section (D) from Figure 2!;i it can be seen iha- lour fun her suction heads 33 -1 arc provided each beum slidablv meo eabie alonα a eoranion bar

336. Each of the further suction heads 334 is structured and arranged such fhat it can oiolc-up a cover blank 220 from a hopper 31 1 arsoh as the cover blank 220 is nioved toward the assembled group of lour loaded trays 332, foki the arver blank 230 shout fold lines 234a/234b aueh thai a substantially "Tj-shaped ^" lover portion (Q .is ionned. Faoh furtlu-r suction head 334 is further rnovcable such that if can place die cover ponion (C) on top of a loaded tray 332, as illustrated ai section D of Figure 2B.

To secure the top cover (C) to die loaded tray 332 _S a folding vs heel or other panel manipulating; means is irtdhs-edi to raise a skirt 253 of each of the iirst and second side wails 212, 2 ⁾ 4 of each, canon top cover fC \h sueb as glue (or other adhesive means) can he placed along ti\e hottorr? flaps 274a;2?4b of each loaded asxl es _^ vered trays 340. The skirts 253 are then folded (again by a known star wheel) and secured to the bonosn fiapa 274a/2?4h.. thai adhering the ?op cover (C) to hie ϊoaded lray and rhus completing die consh'υedoe. of the canon 230.

following iroϊu the ovefviexv of die apparatus 30(\ each of die sections wi i! now be taken in uaxs and described in further detail.

Referring to F igures 3-5, the urtieuiated arms 320 csr- be seen. Each Articulated ami 320 s.\ founded or; a base 360 and adjoins a rnoveabJe bar 362. Connected by mechardcal couplings to the moveabie bar 362 are four suedon plates 364. Each suction plate 364 is simuUaneouslv rnoveablc by virtue of each auction plate 364 being connected io dK movcabk bar 362. The suction plate 364 is provided with a plurality of sαodon cups (not shown) which together pϊosidc sufneient auction to retπcve a tray blank 210 bom an associated hopper 31 b. Each suction piaie 364 is brought up to one of tour blanks 210 by movement of die adjoining moveahk-; bar which in arm is convrolled by die artiealaied asms 320. Together four bhvnks

210 i-irc rcuieved bom die hoppers 310 and lowered and rotated tow ard the processing; ltne

332 as can best he seen ni Figure A. As the lour blaaiks 2 10 are lowered and rotated the reladvc spacing between adjacent blanks is adjusted so thai the spacing of the blanks 210 as i0 they are placed onto Um processing hoe 322 matches the pitch of hie processing line. This is achieved by viπae oi ^' the connection of the suction plate 364 being srjovcahle relative to the moveabke bar 362. vUvkh nxwemeni is, in some ei'nbodintents eonh oiled by a eonmoierised

control uni! which antoroaπeally adjusts the spacmg of the carton blanks to snatch the pitch oi the processing line 322.

The pitch of the processing line is determined by a number of factors hot primarily the ^pced of delivery of the incoming bottles. The pitch Ls maintained by the conveyor means, which in the preferred embodiment takes the ionrt of earner 366. l he carriers 366 are attached ;o a movable chain (not shown), which convey the bast blanks 210 at the required ρi?eb. The base blanks are conveyed by the carriers 366 being disposed either side of the base panel 224 ot the base blank 210. l he base 365 of the carrier 366 is sized to he smaller than the overall width of the base nanκl 224 plus the two bottom flaps 3?--! a/374b. Preferably she base 365 of the carrier 366 is only just larger than rhc width of the bass pane; 224 such that upon placing the base blank 210 into the earner 366, the bottom flaps 2 /4a/374b are forced to be (bided upwardly as the blanks 210 are placed onto the carrier? 366, The folded base blank 2H) ss shows hi Figure 6. though the carriers 366 themselves are not illustrated.}.

Once delhered to the processing line, the carton blank group G l is conveyed (by die carrier 366j to the next section. The entire packaging line is moved simultaneously such rhas preceding carrosi groups that have been processed in the subsequent primary sections (B C & D) arc conveyed by the conveying means 522 at the same thru.: as the carton blank group GI ss transferred to the prodocr. metering and loading section ( EJ). Wben the carton group (Ii is completely conveyed to the succeeding section , the product -cneteπng and loading section (B), the conveyer means or processing Hoe 322 rs stopped. The operation performed in the blarsk ieedmg section i _t \) will then be repeated with a subsequent group of four blanks. Meanwhile the first group of four carton base blanks G l is processed by rhe product sneteπng and

The product metering and loading section (B) is illustrated in Figures 6-8 wherein the ^■ γJ coming array oi botHes 2 are assembled into groups, in a preferred arrangement, the io corning array 376 of bottles 2 is ordered by the conveyor means ior the bouies 2 _: which arc conveyed ;n ehanneks inatehing the end dimension of the cartons., in this case m channels of 3 bottles wide.

Hach aruculated suction arm 324 ϋf the metering and tbrrruuion device 370 rs connected by a second moveable bar 372 along which eacb articulated suction arm 324 is sbdablv moveabie. Each articulated section arm 324 comprises 1 2 suction heads 374, each sized and designed to grφ.. for lifting, an upper portion of a bottle. U is envisaged thai in other embodiments the suction heads 374 are adaptable m diameter so thai when the packaging line is oeeυed io process a dstrcreru sized product die suction heads aie adaptable to mcreascdeerease m diameter so that such products may be scconrmodared. Iu other embodiments wherein greater or fewer than twelve bortses are to be packaged _: the number of suction heads matches the number and coniignration of honks to he packaged.

By providing a plurality cA articulated suction arms 324, eacb connected to a common movable bar 372, the transfer >U four groups of configured articles L\ conducted simultaneously thus providing an easy mecharsi^m ror co-ordinating die placing ot the rbur groups onto the processing line 322 from iha ;^rticlfc iπcots>e supply 376. Because the four articulated suction arms 324 ars each iridcpcndentU mos εabie along the ru^veable bar 372, the rcbtive lateral spacing betvyeen adjacent groups is adiustahle.

It is envisaged thai sensing rn^ans will be provided in some erhbodireimts v/hich dereet the poauion of the bottles to be picked up aud detects their axial centre hne. The suction heads 324 wotud additionally be prox ided w-th ntεsus lor adjusting enhcr the position of the suction head or lbr preventing the suction a.rm 324 from a:tenϊpϊ.ing to pick up bottles if one or more bottles are considerably out of alignment or of the incorrect configuration,

Spacmg of the ρieked-up groups of bottles is illustrated between figures 7 and S wherein the closely packed incoming bottles are grouped , spaced arsd placed onu. one o; the four canon base blanks. The selection and arrangement oi a -ix3 group of bottles being liued and placed onto a canon hirse panel 224 is further illustrated na Figures *■ ⁾ - 1 1 .

Fnmaπiy Figures 9 - i t illustrate the processing winch takes place in the iornunion and transfer section (C). As the group of loaded base blanks G2, illustrated in Figure 8. arc transferred to the formation and ?r&n?fer section (O; glue guns 3SO disposed adjacent the processing lme appiy glue.- adhesive to lower portions of the inner taee$ of the side flaps

276a/2?6b. The first and second side wahs 2 l o, 2 18 are raised and the sick flaps 2?6a/276b adhered to the bottom ilapa 2?4a/2?-%, to ionn a group of four loaded and partially contracted cartons 03. in one embodiment the side flaps 276a ^; 276b are secured by pressure plates which move above the processing line, betw een the carriers 366 to apply pressure to the both sides of the loaded tray simultaneously and then descend below UK: processing line so that the progression of the eaters and loaded tans is not interrupted.

Again, ^s ynchronised in time with the forward movement of the groups Ci I and G2 irorα the preceding processing sections, the group of lour pan-assembled and loaded trays G 3 are moved into ihe second blank feeding and roπrvhig section i _v .D>. This .may he achieved sirnpiv by scans of a pushing plate foot shown;., which sbds^ the group G3 pro*? mars the covf;r blank hopptrs 51 1 . in son>e embodiments, the locaϋon oϊ LKe group G3 relative us die hoppers 31 1 does not have to be exact sirsee the common bar 336 can rαove io meet UR: group 03, once the cover blanks 220 have been picked up arid folded.

The suction heads 334 comprise a plurality of removable., moveable vacuus suction cups oath ol which is disposed between an aperture 256 of ihe blank cover panel 220 wlifco the articulated arnss 33b raise the common bar 336 aed hence the iour suction heads 334 towards the stover panels 220, Jouued m the hoppers 3 1 1 . A formation element i ^' not shown), provided

The suction heads 334 are moveable along the co-mrson. bar 33n by means ol ^' s ϊriorur coupled to a control unit, hi other emhoduoerήs she suction bead^ nray be moveable by other rneehamcni means sneli as a pneumuttc piston, a cam track or a moveable belt for example. Preferably location sensors arc provided on ihe Motion heads 334 and/or common bar 336 which can be used to determine the relative spacing between the picked up blanks and a control means coupled io the location sensors wdl determine ihe lateral adiustmern of the oeiauve location of the picked up blanks whic h is needed U S ρr<π ided four correciϊy oriented carton covers (O In the present embodiment however, she relative adjustment of the cover blanks 220 is already calcinated by the pitch of the canon bases and ihe spacing of the

>€ ^• hoppers 31 1. In other embodiments location sensors may be provided to determine the position of the loaded bases of group G3 to ensure correct shgnαtent of the covers (Cs with Lhe loaded travs ⁽ T). ^' The prose.ra invention utilises ihe velocity of the convever and the

known pitch of the groups te; ensure vertical alignment between the centre of the lioppors 31 I ana the centre point of fee group G3 aήer it has been transferred to the (brmahon and transfer section (C).

Tins is illustrated in Figure 13 wherein the group CB is disposed substantially centrally ol ^' nhe hoppers such tha? the relative lateral sliding movement required by each of the auction heads (which is difiereiϊt for each bead., the outer beads moving further than the Buddie two heads) is easily calculated, and is the same each tinte a group of loaded bases are delivered from the formation and fxanster section i€j.

Inward movement of the suction heads 334. each hoi ding a bWs' 22o cart only be commenced afk;r tbldmg of the pάniαry ρa.neis 212, 214 of the cover blank 220. Otherv-se, adjaeertt carton bianbs \-s ould overlap and foldiiig of die blanks would be hampered. To avoid this, in other eiohodinsee-ts the hopper may be oriented at ⁵ H _* " relative to the eontigurafion shown. In Mich arrangemems, the fciάed blanks or loaded earioπ bases ^s .vouid need to be rotated m order to faciluate the αepositirsg of the cover (C) onto the base (T). Therefore Ute present arrangement, as shown ;n π ^' gme3 14 and 15 is preferred.

The primary panels 212, 214 of the cover 220 ma> be folded e^iny c^nventiorud tools, for exai'nple supporting guides (not shown; Loupled to the suction head and aligned with the fbhl hoes 234a/234b of the cover- 220 together with a told ing wheel (not shown), fold the side walls 212. 214 into a stibstamiaUy perpendicular aπ-angemeut with the top wall 222.

The iinal sectton of the packaging line is reached by the assembled group G4 being t +r> _" a\n( sferred away frorrs and substanfiaily pe;pendicuh.u- to the direction of the rrsain packaging hoe 322. This arrangemerss .ts preferable as the packaging line is thereby kept as compact as possible, howe\er in other ernbodanents the packaging line i.s a straeght lirϊe arid eonhnuc^ linearly such that the securing section is upstr^am of the second blank feeding and iornfntg seαton iD).

The skirts 235 of each of the first arsd second side walls 214, 212 of the group G 4 are raised by a static guide (not shown) as the carton group G4 are moved out of the second biank

feeding and forming section (D). Glue or other adhesive is applied to the K>tιom ilaps 2?4a/2?4b by conventional naeaas. to secure the side wails io iiie base and thereby complete the construction of the cartons in the ejotm.

It shook! be understood that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, tor example, die si^e and shape of different components being adjusted to accommodate articles or canons of duierirag size or shape. The castors may he adapted to accommodate more than one article in a dulerentiy configured array, and the method and apparatus of the present invention may be adapted accordingly. For example the group of cartons processed in other embodiment? will container fewer or greater than tour cartons.

It is also envisaged that the sections of she packaging machine herein described arc synchronised such thait the groups are transferred from one section to another at the same lime tiius deiiitirrg an irriernikteni packaging line., nevertheless, in other embodiments the inning of the croups being transferred to successive sections may be such that as the processing is completed in one section, the subsequent section ss not vet fimshed but the velocity of transfer or imnster distance between rhc sections may be such that by the lime the group arrives at the successive seedon, die previous group has started to be trarrsfeα-ed away. Ideally ail groups are conveyed ors a -ongie conveyer which starts sed stops interrnutontly to facilitate the processing and transfer of each group.

h will be obvious to one skilled m the art that various changes may be made without departing horn the scope of ike present in\ entice. For example articles other than bottles may ^¬ be loaded mto the carious and therefore apertures provided m the ton panel may be omitted or si.^ed to accommodate the difierern articles, in other embodiments ;he packaging line may he completely hrsear and in odicr embodiments the packaging bee may be L-shuped, other cotrfigurat.ions are also considered as comrsrised within the scope of the mvondon.

h should be understood thai the anieulated arms 320. 33H way ea;.h be attached to ordy orse base .W) rather than two arms to each base, in an alternative embodiment more than one anieulated arm 320, 335< may he attached Lo die base ?6ϋ :-md--'or each articulated aπn may coordinate the movement of tewer or Greater than tsvo suction heads.

Ts. v/;jj be recognised thai, as used herein eUreeϋnna references sue h as ^w roρ'\. ^" 'hase ⁵¹ , "eod ^": . and ^c' sκk? ^; \ do no<. Hmit their respective oonφonen s to -luch on en itthiϊi but serve inerelv to distinguish these panels one from another. Any re V : v ϊ -!- ¹ S- £-. ^' 1 \ ^■ t \ > 10 U e ϋonπ wcuoii siioulu not necessarily be eorisirued as rcfernng to -x single told hrse only; •; ^• ϊiriged eoruieeUon nvάy be formed froni one ux more o! ths; to rasmi ^' bse hπe or a told line Anv of these opiiπns mav he chosen v :hout deυartώ tK>m ϊhe scooe oi the urαsoju mv^onUf ar