Method and apparatus for providing a package display case

摘要

A method and apparatus for automatically providing a display case for a plurality of packages includes an assembly station at which the packages are initially assembled into an array. The array is then moved to a covering station. At the same time, a shroud is formed which shroud covers a top and two opposed first sides of the array while leaving two opposed second sides of the array uncovered. Forming of the shroud includes initially bending a blank so that a partially-formed shroud is produced having a top panel and two opposed side panels formed in a plane, and finally bending and locating the partially formed shroud relative to the array at the covering station such that a fully covered array is provided with the top panel and side panels covering a majority of the respective top and first sides of the array. Finally, the covered array is placed in a tray at a finishing station to provide the display case.