System for activating article protection features of a carton

摘要

A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.

主权项

1. A system for engaging article protection features of a carton to stabilize articles within the carton, comprising:
a conveyor moving the carton along a path of travel; and an actuating assembly positioned along the path of travel of the carton, the actuating assembly including: actuating elements movable from a first position to a second position to engage the article protection features, wherein the actuating elements engage the article protection features as the carton moves past the actuating elements, with different ones of the actuating elements engaging different ones of the article protection features at offset intervals, to cause the article protection features to be projected into the carton, wherein the actuating assembly further comprises wheels arranged at spaced intervals along the path of travel of the carton, each of the wheels having a plurality of actuating elements arranged at spaced positions around the wheels, wherein at least one wheel of the wheels comprises a rotating carrier to which its actuating elements are movably attached, and a cam assembly including a cam track, wherein the actuating elements are moved along the cam track with the rotation of the rotating carrier, causing the actuating elements to be oriented so as to be moved into engagement with corresponding article protection features of the carton.