Top folding and sealing apparatus for forming and sealing the fin of a gabled carton

摘要

An apparatus for forming and sealing a fin at a gabled end of each carton in a plurality of cartons traveling along a predetermined carton path is set forth. In accordance with the apparatus, each carton has a first plurality of opposing top flaps disposed transverse to the predetermined carton path and a second plurality of opposing top flaps disposed longitudinal to the predetermined carton path. The first and second plurality of opposing top flaps are adapted to form a gabled structure of the gable top container. The apparatus includes a first pre-folder for directing the first pair of opposing top flaps of each carton toward each other, thereby also causing the second pair of opposing top flaps to be urged toward each other. A second pre-folder is disposed downstream of the first pre-folder along the predetermined carton path for increasingly directing the second plurality of opposing top flaps of each carton together as each carton travels along the predetermined carton path. A rotating crimping mechanism is disposed downstream of the second pre-folder for bending the second plurality of opposing top flaps to form a narrowed fin structure as each carton proceeds therebetween along the predetermined carton path. A sealing mechanism is disposed downstream of the rotating crimping mechanism for sealing the fin of each carton by introducing energy to the fin. A corresponding method is also disclosed.