Packaging device

Claim 1

Apparatus for packaging relatively large initial volumetric bulks of raglike materials in a retainer carton of relatively smaller volume, comprising: a. means including a fluid actuated ram energizable to intermittently advance a line of cartons along a path of movement through a plurality of operation stations, said ram having a carton advancing extension stroke corresponding to the length of said carton along the axis of said line of movement; b. means at one of said stations operable to compress material placed in a receiving carton at a prior filling station, said carton having open closure flaps at its upper end and said material having a volume greater than the closed carton volume, into a compacted mass of reduced size and of at least no greater volume than that of said carton; c. mechanical toggle means and a fluid cylinder actuator therefor supported for movement by said ram as a unit with each carton as it is moved from the filling station to an operating position at said one station, said toggle means being operative at said one of said stations for first closing a rear closure flap of said carton after the actuation of the material compressing means; d. a shoe on the carton exit side of said one station positioned to engage and close a forward flap of said carton in response to its advancing movement as it leaves said one station; and e. a pair of elongate converging and downwardly inclined arms at said one station respectively positioned on opposite sides of the exit path of movement of said carton from said one station, said arms being operative to engage and close side flaps of said cartons over the previously closed rear and forward flaps prior to said carton reaching an operative position at a following flap-securing station.