PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD OF PACKAGING ARTICLES BY PLACING A FOLDED U SHAPED BLANK OVER A GROUP OF ARTICLES

摘要

589639 A packaging subsystem and method is disclosed for application of a carton blank (P) to one or more articles. The packaging subsystem comprises a carton hopper for holding carton blanks, a feeder mechanism (136) for removing carton blanks from the hopper and placing them on a first conveyor (134) and folding mechanism for folding the panels of the carton blank (P) about the first conveyor (134) in a substantially inverted U shape. A transfer mechanism (52) picks up and places the folded, inverted U shaped carton blank about one or more articles being transferred on a second conveyor (133). The subsystem is disclosed as part of a larger packaging machine allowing groups of articles to be packaged in two types of blanks (C, P).