Patent Application
20190308382
This disclosure relates generally to a machine for forming a blank assembly, and more specifically to a machine and methods for forming a blank assembly including a retaining web coupled to a blank.
E-commerce is growing to represent a substantial part of the global economy. As e-commerce grows, the need for shipping packages containing goods also increases. Containers for shipping goods are typically made in standard or predetermined sizes, and then are purchased and used to ship the goods therein. In many cases, the goods to be shipped are smaller than the container in which they are shipped. To avoid damage to the goods from being jostled within the container, buffer or filler material may be placed in the container (e.g., packing peanuts, bubble wrap, etc.). This buffer material can be expensive, wasteful, and/or harmful to the environment.
Therefore, there is a need for containers that are able to securely retain the products therein, or to conform an interior thereof to the products to be shipped. In addition, there is a need for a machine that can quickly make blank assemblies to be formed into such containers.
In one embodiment, a machine for forming a blank assembly including a first blank and a first retaining web coupled to the first blank and a second blank and a second retaining web coupled to the second blank is provided. The machine comprises a deck, a first web transfer assembly, and a second web transfer assembly. The deck is coupled to a frame, and the first and second blanks are positioned on the deck. The first web transfer assembly extends from a first end to a second end and includes a first pick-up assembly moveable between the first end and the second end and is configured to pick up the first retaining web proximate the first end and deposit the first web proximate the second end in an at least partially overlying relationship with the first blank positioned on the deck. The second first web transfer assembly extends from a third end to a fourth end, includes a second pick-up assembly moveable between the third end and the fourth end, and is configured to pick up the second retaining web proximate the third end and deposit the second web proximate the fourth end in an at least partially overlying relationship with the second blank positioned on the deck. The first web transfer assembly and the second web transfer assembly are operationally offset from one another when transferring the first retaining web and transferring the second retaining web.
In another embodiment, a method for forming a plurality of blank assemblies using a machine is provided. The plurality of blank assemblies include a first blank assembly including a first blank and a first retaining web coupled to the first blank and a second blank assembly including a second blank and a second retaining web coupled to the second blank. The method comprises positioning the first and second blanks on a deck coupled to a frame of the machine, transferring the first retaining web, depositing the first retaining web, transferring the second retaining web, and depositing the second retaining web. The first blank is at a first position on the deck and the second blank is at a second position on the deck. The first retaining web is transferred from proximate a first end of a first web transfer assembly to proximate a second end of the first web transfer assembly using a first pick-up assembly of the machine. The first retaining web is deposited proximate the second end of the first web transfer assembly in an at least partially overlying relationship with the first blank positioned on the deck. The second retaining web is transferred from proximate a third end of a second web transfer assembly to proximate a fourth end of the second web transfer assembly using a second pick-up assembly of the machine, operationally offset from the transferring of the first retaining web. The second retaining web is deposited proximate the fourth end of the second web transfer assembly in an at least partially overlying relationship with the second blank positioned on the deck.
The machine described herein for forming a blank assembly including a retaining web coupled to the blank, overcomes the limitations of known machines for forming blank assemblies. The machine described herein includes a first web transfer assembly and a second web transfer assembly configured to pick and place a cut section of a first and a second retaining web in an at least partially overlying relationship with the respective first and second blanks positioned on a machine deck.
Blank 10 extends from a leading edge 126 to a trailing edge 128 and includes a series of aligned side panels connected together by a plurality of preformed, generally parallel, fold lines defined generally perpendicular to leading edge 126 and trailing edge 128. Specifically, the side panels include a first side panel 24, a first end panel 28 (also referred to as a rear end panel 28), a second side panel 32, a second end panel 36 (also referred to as a front end panel 36), and a glue panel 38 connected in series along a plurality of parallel fold lines 44, 48, 52, and 54. First side panel 24 extends from a first free edge 56 to fold line 44, first end panel 28 extends from first side panel 24 along fold line 44, second side panel 32 extends from first end panel 28 along fold line 48, second end panel 36 extends from second side panel 32 along fold line 52, and glue panel 38 extends from second end panel 36 along fold line 54 to a second free edge 58. Blank 10 has a length L1 between first free edge 56 and second free edge 58.
A first top side panel 60 and a first bottom side panel 62 extend from opposing edges of first side panel 24. More specifically, first top side panel 60 and first bottom side panel 62 extend from first side panel 24 along a pair of opposing preformed, generally parallel, fold lines 64 and 66, respectively. Similarly, a second bottom side panel 68 and a second top side panel 70 extend from opposing edges of second side panel 32. More specifically, second bottom side panel 68 and second top side panel 70 extend from second side panel 32 along a pair of opposing preformed, generally parallel, fold lines 72 and 74, respectively. Fold lines 64, 66, 72, and 74 are generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to fold lines 40, 44, 48, and 52. First side panel 24 has a width 76 taken along a central horizontal axis 78 of blank 10 that is substantially equal to width 80 taken along central horizontal axis 78 of second side panel 32.
As shown in
Of course, blanks having shapes, sizes, and configurations different from blank 10 described and illustrated herein may be used in machine 1000 (shown in
Web 16 extends from a first side free edge 21 to a second side free edge 23. A length L2 of web 16 is defined between first side free edge 21 and second side free edge 23. In the example embodiment, L2 is less than L1 of blank 10 (shown in
In the example embodiment, web 16 includes a co-adhesive material applied to at least one side of top surface 25 and bottom surface 27 of web 16. With the co-adhesive applied to web 16, at least a portion of web 16 is able to securely adhere to another portion of web 16 having the co-adhesive applied thereto, such that those portions will stick together. In some embodiments, top surface 25 is coated in or otherwise includes the co-adhesive material, which is an adhesive that adheres only to surfaces coated in or otherwise including the same or similar co-adhesive material. Thus, in such embodiments, top surface 25 will adhere to itself and only itself (i.e., not to bottom surface 27) when a first portion of top surface 25 is brought into contact with a second portion of top surface 25. In alternative embodiments, bottom surface 27 is coated in or otherwise includes the co-adhesive material. In still further alternative embodiments, both top surface 25 and bottom surface 27 are coated in or otherwise include the co-adhesive material.
As will be described below in more detail with reference to
In some embodiments, web 16 is attached with bottom free edge 19 positioned across bottom side panels 62 and 68 and bottom end panels 96 and 102 and top free edge 17 positioned across side panels 24, 28, 32, and 36, such that web 16 spans across fold lines 66, 100, 72, and 106. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in
In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in
With reference to
In certain embodiments, such as, but not limited to, embodiments where at least one servomechanism is used, control system 1004 may enable an operator to change recipes or protocols by making a selection on a user interface. The recipes are computer instructions for controlling the machine to form different size boxes, different types of boxes, and/or control the output of the formed blank assemblies. The different recipes control the speed, timing, force applied, and/or other motion characteristics of the different forming components of the machine including how the components move relative to one another.
In the example embodiment, feed section 1100 is positioned at an upstream end 1006 of machine 1000 with respect to a blank loading direction indicated by an arrow X. Blank transfer section 1200 is positioned downstream from feed section 1100 and indexing section 1300 is positioned downstream from blank transfer section 1200, both with respect to blank loading direction X. Outfeed section 1400 is positioned downstream from indexing section 1300 with respect to direction X, at a downstream end 1007 of machine 1000. Web transfer section 1700 is located downstream of indexing section 1300, and web separator 1600 is located upstream from web transfer section 1700, with respect to a direction indicated by an arrow Y, which is generally transverse to blank loading direction X. Blank loading direction X and transverse direction Y define a generally horizontal plane, with a vertical direction Z defined perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In alternative embodiments, each of feed section 1100, blank transfer section 1200, indexing section 1300, outfeed section 1400, web separator 1600, and web transfer section 1700 is positioned with respect to others of feed section 1100, blank transfer section 1200, indexing section 1300, outfeed section 1400, web separator 1600, and web transfer section 1700 in any suitable location.
In the example embodiment, a product load section 1500 is positioned with respect to machine 1000 downstream from outfeed section 1400 with respect to transverse direction X. In alternative embodiments, product load section 1500 is positioned with respect to machine 1000 in any suitable location. For example, but not by way of limitation, product load section 1500 is located at one or more locations remote to machine 1000.
In the example embodiment, blank transfer section 1200 includes a blank transfer assembly 1202 coupled to, or otherwise associated with, frame 1002 proximate feed section 1100. Blank transfer assembly 1202 is configured to extract one of blanks 10 from feed section 1100 and position the extracted blank 10 on a deck 1310, as described further herein with respect to
In the example embodiment, first blank transfer assembly 1202 includes a drive shaft 1212 supported and aligned generally parallel to the transverse Y direction by at least one bearing (not shown). Drive shaft 1212 is operably coupled to a suitable actuator 1208 for bi-directional rotation about its shaft axis. For example, actuator 1208 includes at least one of a hydraulic jack, an air cylinder, a mechanical linkage, a servomechanism, and another suitable mechanical or electronic actuator. A pair of arms 1204 extend from opposite ends of drive shaft 1212, and rotate with drive shaft 1212. A pick-up bar 1216 is aligned parallel to drive shaft 1212, and is coupled between arms 1204 for free rotation about its bar axis. A plurality of vacuum suction cups 1220 are fixedly coupled to pick-up bar 1216. Each suction cup 1220 is operably coupled to a respective independent vacuum generator (not shown) for selectively providing suction to selectively attach suction cups 1220 to blank 10 presented in feed section 1100. In alternative embodiments, at least some suction cups 1220 are coupled to a common vacuum generator. Further in the example embodiment, a respective guide rod 1224 is fixedly coupled to each end of pick-up bar 1216. Each guide rod 1224 is slidably coupled through a respective pair of rollers 1222 coupled to a respective pivot block 1225. In turn, each pivot block 1225 is pivotably coupled to frame 1002 for rotation about an axis parallel to drive shaft 1212. In alternative embodiments, first blank transfer assembly 1202 includes any suitable additional or alternative components that enable first blank transfer assembly 1202 to function as described herein.
In operation, first blank transfer assembly 1202 is controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to position suction cups 1220 to facilitate extracting blank 10 from feed section 1100 and placing blank 10 on deck 1310. More specifically, in the example embodiment, actuator 1208 is controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to rotate drive shaft 1212 in a first direction (clockwise in the view of
In the example embodiment, forwarding assembly 1302 includes a pair of feed chains 1304 with lugs 1312 extending therefrom. Lugs 1312 are spaced apart along feed chains 1304, to advance blanks 10 along deck 1310 and to maintain the desired amount of space between adjacent blanks 10. In one embodiment, lug spacing is dependent on a size of blank 10 and, in an alternative embodiment, lugs 1312 are at a predetermined spacing and a size of blank 10 is entered into control system 1004. Lugs 1312 are configured to move blanks 10 and blank assemblies 130 through indexing section 1300 such that lugs 1312 are generally downstream from trailing edge 128 of blanks 10. Specifically, to advance blanks 10 along deck 1310, actuator 1308 coupled to chains 1304 is actuated (e.g., by a control signal from control system 1004) to control chains 1304. Chains 1304 are advanced, and lugs 1312 contact trailing edge 128 of blank 10. In the example embodiment, there are two chains 1304, each with one lug 1312 contacting trailing edge 128 of blank 10 such that two lugs 1312 are contacting trailing edge 128 of blank 10. In other embodiments, there are three or more chains 1304, each with one or more lugs 1312 contacting trailing edge 128 of blank 10 such that three or more lugs 1312 are contacting trailing edge 128 of blank 10.
Forwarding assembly 1302 further includes a plurality of stoppers 1314. Stoppers 1314 are configured to be activated to stop blanks 10 in active assembly zones 2002 and 2006 (shown in
In certain embodiments, roll 18 of web material includes rolled web material coated on both sides with a cohesive material, as well as a backing material (not shown) configured to prevent the cohesive material from adhering to itself between adjacent layers of the rolled web material. In such embodiments, web separator 1600 is suitably operable to remove the backing material prior to depositing each web 16 on first platform 1630 or second platform 1632. In alternative embodiments, roll 18 of web material does not include a backing material. For example, roll 18 of web material includes rolled web material coated on only one side with a cohesive material, such that a potential for the cohesive material to adhere to itself between adjacent layers of the rolled web material is reduced or eliminated. In the example embodiment, the cohesive material is on the back side of web 16, which facilitates keeping web 16 in place on first platform 1630 and second platform 1632 when web 16 is dispensed from web separator 1600 onto first platform 1630 or second platform 1632.
In the example embodiment, a spool receiver 1610 of web separator 1600 is slidably adjustable in a direction generally parallel to the X direction to facilitate overlapping bottom free edge 19 of web 16 with bottom side panels 62 and 68 and bottom end panels 96 and 102 of blank 10, as illustrated in
Web transfer section 1700 includes first web transfer assembly 1710 and second web transfer assembly 1708. Each web transfer assembly 1708, 1710 is configured to pick up a cut sheet of web material, constituting web 16, from a respective platform 1630 and 1632 and deposit web 16 in an at least partially overlying relationship with a blank 10 positioned on deck 1310.
In the example embodiment, first web transfer assembly 1710 extends generally in transverse direction Y from a first end 1702 to an opposite second end 1704. More specifically, first end 1702 is proximate first platform 1630, and second end 1704 is positioned over indexing section 1300, with respect to vertical direction Z, and proximate deck 1310. Second web transfer assembly 1708 extends generally in transverse direction Y from a third end 1703 (i.e., a first end 1703 of second web transfer assembly 1708) to a fourth end 1705 (i.e., a second end 1705 of second web transfer assembly 1708). Second web transfer assembly 1708 is positioned upstream from first web transfer assembly 1710 of machine 1000 (shown in
First web transfer assembly 1710 includes a gantry 1720 operable for bi-directional translation between first end 1702 and second end 1704. Second web transfer assembly 1708 also includes a gantry 1720 operable for bi-directional translation between third end 1703 and fourth end 1705. In the example embodiment, a pick-up assembly 1730 is coupled to gantry 1720 for bi-directional translation with respect to gantry 1720 generally parallel to the vertical Z direction. Pick-up assembly 1730 is operable to (i) pick web 16 from first platform 1630 when gantry 1720 is positioned proximate first end 1702, (ii) transport web 16 from proximate first end 1702 to proximate second end 1704, and (iii) deposit web 16 in the at least partially overlying relationship with blank 10 positioned on deck 1310 when gantry 1720 is positioned proximate second end 1704. Second web transfer assembly 1708 includes the same elements and functions in an equivalent manner.
Belt 1725 is looped in a circuit, in a counterclockwise direction in the view of
In the example embodiment, servomechanisms 1711 and 1712 are matched and geared electronically to facilitate operation at identical rotational speed, acceleration, and deceleration. For purposes of this disclosure, the operation of servomechanisms 1711 and 1712 at substantially identical speeds includes operation of servomechanisms 1711 and 1712 with a slight variance in angular speed, acceleration, and/or deceleration to facilitate slightly curvilinear motion of pick-up assembly 1730 relative to frame 1002 to, for example, facilitate a smooth transition from Y-direction translation to Z-direction translation, and vice versa, of pick-up assembly 1730 relative to frame 1002.
A plurality of vacuum suction cups 1731 are coupled to pick-up assembly 1730. In the example embodiment, each suction cup 1731 is coupled to pick-up assembly 1730 via a respective spring 1732 having a first stiffness and configured for compression in the Z direction. In alternative embodiments, each suction cup 1731 is coupled to pick-up assembly 1730 substantially rigidly with respect to the Z direction. Each suction cup 1731 is operably coupled to a respective independent vacuum generator (not shown) for selectively providing suction to selectively attach suction cups 1731 to web 16 presented on first platform 1630. In alternative embodiments, at least some suction cups 1731 are coupled to a common vacuum generator.
In the example embodiment, a compression member 1750 is coupled to pick-up assembly 1730 via at least one spring 1752. Each compression member spring 1752 is configured for compression in the Z direction. Compression member 1750 is configured to compress at least a portion of coupling region 29 of web 16 against blank 10 positioned on deck 1310 when pick-up assembly 1730 deposits web 16, to facilitate bonding web 16 to blank 10. Specifically, a compression surface 1760 of compression member 1750 is configured to be positioned proximate blank 10 when blank 10 is positioned on deck 1310. In the example embodiment, compression surface 1760 has sufficient depth in the X direction and sufficient width in the Y direction to provide a compression surface against substantially all of coupling region 29 of blank 10 that is adhered to web 16 to form blank assembly 130. In alternative embodiments, compression surface 1760 has sufficient depth in the X direction and sufficient width in the Y direction to provide a compression surface against less than substantially all of coupling region 29 of blank 10 that is adhered to web 16 to form blank assembly 130. Moreover, in some embodiments, each compression member spring 1752 has a second stiffness that is greater than the first stiffness of suction cup springs 1732, to facilitate application of greater force by compression member 1750 on web 16 and blank 10, relative to a force applied by suction cups 1731 on web 16 and blank 10. In alternative embodiments, each compression member spring 1752 and suction cup spring 1732 has any suitable stiffness that enables pick-up assembly 1730 to function as described herein.
In alternative embodiments, pick-up assembly 1730 does not include compression member 1750. For example, adhesive is applied to at least a portion of coupling region 29 of web 16, web 16 is positioned in the at least partially overlying relationship with blank 10, and coupling region 29 of web 16 and blank 10 are securely bonded together without additional compression of coupling region 29 against blank 10.
Also in the example embodiment, pick-up assembly 1730 includes a respective sensor 1740 disposed at opposing (with respect to the Y direction) ends of pick-up assembly 1730 to verify that web 16 is successfully picked up and coupled to suction cups 1731 as gantry 1720 is moved from proximate first end 1702 to proximate second end 1704. For example, each sensor 1740 is a photo eye operable to detect a presence or absence of web 16 directly beneath pick-up assembly 1730. For example, as a speed of transfer of webs 16 by web transfer assemblies 1710, 1708 is increased to facilitate increasing output of blank assemblies 130 by machine 1000, a potential for an occasional premature de-coupling of web 16 from pick-up assembly 1730 may arise. Sensors 1740 facilitate detecting this condition and diverting a resulting blank assembly 130 formed without web 16 from outfeed section 1400 or product loading section 1500 (shown in
In some embodiments, a round trip cycle by web transfer assembly 1710, from picking up web 16 from first platform 1630 proximate first end 1702, to depositing web 16 at deck 1310 proximate second end 1704, and back again to proximate first end 1702, is approximately 1 second or less. In alternative embodiments, the round trip transit time is greater than approximately 1 second but less than 5 seconds. In the current embodiment, first and second web transfer assemblies 1710 and 1708 together can form 40 to 60 blank assemblies per minute.
First assembly zone 2002 is downstream from blank transfer section 1200 with respect to blank loading direction X. Idle indexing zone 2004 is downstream from first assembly zone 2002 with respect to direction X, and second assembly zone 2006 is downstream from idle indexing zone 2004 with respect to direction X. That is, once blanks, like blank 10 (shown in
In the example embodiment, web adhesive applicator 1280 is operable to eject an adhesive material upwardly, generally parallel to the Z direction, as web 16 is translated above web adhesive applicators 1280 along the Y direction by web transfer assemblies 1708 and 1710, such that the adhesive is applied to at least a portion of coupling region 29 of bottom surface 27 of web 16, for webs 16 carried by of each web transfer assembly 1708 and 1710. For example, the timing of operation of web adhesive applicators 1280 is controllable by control system 1004 such that the adhesive is precisely applied as a web 16 is passing over web adhesive applicator 1280, just prior to be deposited onto a blank 10. In alternative embodiments, adhesive is applied to coupling region 29, and/or to a portion of interior surface 12 of blank 10 complementary to coupling region 29, from any suitable direction in any suitable fashion.
Machine 1000 is generally configured to operate as follows, with reference to
Servomechanisms 1711 and 1712 are controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to rotate simultaneously in the clockwise direction (in the view of
Further in operation, servomechanisms 1711 and 1712 are controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to rotate simultaneously in the counterclockwise direction (in the view of
In the example embodiment, as gantry 1720 arrives proximate second end 1704, servomechanisms 1711 and 1712 are controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to position gantry 1720 with respect to the Y direction such that first side free edge 21 of web 16 is offset from first free edge 56 of blank 10 by the second predetermined offset distance d2. In alternative embodiments, machine 1000 includes any suitable additional or alternative structure that facilitates positioning web 16 with respect to blank 10 with respect to the Y direction. Also in the example embodiment, bottom free edge 19 of web 16 is offset from leading edge 126 of blank 10 with respect to the X direction by the first predetermined offset distance d1 due to the pre-adjustment of spool receiver 1610 of web separator 1600, as described above. In the example embodiment, first predetermined offset distance d1 is one-fourth of an inch. In other embodiments, first predetermined offset distance d1 may be any suitable distance. In alternative embodiments, machine 1000 includes any suitable additional or alternative structure that facilitates positioning web 16 with respect to blank 10 with respect to the X direction.
With gantry 1720 proximate second end 1704, first servomechanism 1711 is controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to rotate in the counterclockwise direction and second servomechanism 1712 is controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to rotate simultaneously in the clockwise direction to translate lift arm 1724 opposite the Z direction, such that pick-up assembly 1730 positions web 16 in close proximity to blank 10 positioned on deck 1310. In certain embodiments, pick-up assembly 1730 is moved opposite the Z direction to an extent such that compression member 1750 exerts a force opposite the Z direction on at least a portion of coupling region 29 of web 16 and the adjacent overlying portion of blank 10. Suction cups 1731 are controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to deactivate, releasing web 16 from pick-up assembly 1730.
Further in operation, first servomechanism 1711 is controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to rotate in the clockwise direction and second servomechanism 1712 is controlled, commanded, and/or instructed to rotate simultaneously in the counterclockwise direction (in the view of
In the example embodiment, one or more of actuators 1208 and 1308, web adhesive applicator 1280, web separator 1600, transfer mechanism servomechanisms 1711 and 1712, and suction cups 1220 and 1731 are integrated with machine control system 1004, such that control system 1004 is configured to transmit signals to each to control its operation. Moreover, a plurality of suitable sensors 1024 are disposed on machine 1000 and provide feedback to control system 1004 to enable machine 1000 to function as described herein. For example, plurality of sensors 1024 includes a first set 1026 of sensors to monitor a state of one or more of actuators 1208 and 1308, web adhesive applicator 1280, web separator 1600, transfer mechanism servomechanisms 1711 and 1712, and suction cups 1220 and 1731. For example, the state includes at least a position of a respective actuator. Plurality of sensors 1024 also includes a variety of additional sensors 1030, such as but not limited to sensors 1740, suitable for enabling control system 1004 and machine 1000 to operate as described herein.
In certain embodiments, control system 1004 is configured to facilitate selecting a speed and/or timing of the movement and/or activation of the devices and/or components associated with each of actuators 1208 and 1308, web adhesive applicator 1280, web separator 1600, transfer mechanism servomechanisms 1711 and 1712, and suction cups 1220 and 1731. The devices and/or components may be controlled either independently or as part of one or more linked mechanisms. For example, in embodiments where one or more of actuators 1208, 1308, 1711, and 1712 is a servomechanism, the speed and timing of each such actuator can be controlled independently as commanded by control system 1004.
In certain embodiments, control panel 1008 allows an operator to select a recipe that is appropriate for a particular blank assembly. The operator typically does not have sufficient access rights/capabilities to alter the recipes, although select users can be given privileges to create and/or edit recipes. Each recipe is a set of computer instructions that instruct machine 1000 as to forming the blank assembly. For example, machine 1000 is instructed as to speed and timing of picking a blank from feed section 1100, desired cut length L2 of web 16 by web separator 1600, speed and timing of picking webs from web separator 1600 and transferring via web transfer section 1700, speed and timing of depositing and/or compressing the web on the blank to form the blank assembly, and speed and timing of transferring the formed blank assembly to outfeed section 1400. In embodiments where one or more actuators is a servomechanism, control system 1004 is able to control the movement of each such actuator independently relative to any other component of machine 1000. This enables an operator to maximize the number of blank assemblies that can be formed by machine 1000, easily change the size of blank assemblies being formed on machine 1000, and automatically change the type of blank assemblies being formed on machine 1000 while reducing or eliminating manually adjustments of machine 1000.
The example embodiments described herein provide a blank assembly-forming machine that advantageously facilitates formation of a blank assembly having an article-retaining web coupled to an interior of a blank. More specifically, the example embodiments described herein reduce or eliminate a need for additional packing material, such as packing peanuts, styrofoam popcorn, packing noodles, foam sheets, balled-up paper sheets, or some other cushioning material, to be placed inside the blank assembly when it is eventually formed into a container.
Example embodiments of methods and a machine for forming a blank assembly from a blank and a retaining web are described above in detail. The methods and machine are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the machine may also be used in combination with other blanks, and is not limited to practice with only the blank described herein.
Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
