In-line carton slitting, flap folding and flap gluing apparatus

摘要

Apparatus for closing the flaps on a carton in an in-line path includes rotary brushes located on opposite sides of the conveyor path with the bristles extending toward and within the carton conveying path. In one embodiment, the bristles on the brushes sweep the leading carton flap upwardly and rearwardly over the carton top to close the leading flap as the cartons are conveyed past the bristles. The trailing flap brushes engage the trailing carton flap and fold the flap upwardly and forwardly over the carton. The side flaps are folded over the end flaps by folding plows after glue has been applied to the end flaps. The apparatus also includes slitting knives for severing the connections between the edges of downturned carton flaps prior to movement of the cartons to the flap folding station.