A method is disclosed for forming a covered cardboard container from a single template. The template is configured such that, when side panels are lifted off the top face of the template, a front panel and rear panel are lifted together with the side panels. The container is formed when the two side panels, the front panel and the rear panel are all in a substantially vertical position.

After the container is formed it is filled with product, such as apples, pears, avocados, and the like. The container has two top panels that are folded over the product and adhered to one another to form a lid. Score lines in the top panel allow the container to accommodate products of varying size.

A forming unit for a container from a blank of the container. The unit includes a conveyor and at least one equipment secured to the conveyor. The equipment includes a forming device moving with continuous movement and forming a container from the blank during a predetermined forming path on the conveyor.

A packaging box including a base portion defining a first plane is disclosed. The packaging box includes at least one first side wall portion. The at least one first side wall portion is arranged at an angle to the base portion. The first side wall portion is joined to the base portion via a fold line at a first edge of the base portion. The first side wall portion has an extension portion extending from one side of the side wall portion so as to provide at least part of a second side wall portion arranged at an angle to the base portion and at an angle to the first side wall portion. The second side wall portion includes at least part of the extension portion. A connecting portion of the extension portion connecting the first side wall portion to the second side wall portion is smoothly curved.

A packaging box is disclosed, able to have smoothly curved wall portions. The box includes a perimeter wall defining a void thereby. The perimeter wall includes a first fold line and a second fold line. The first fold line and the second fold line may be parallel. A distance around the perimeter wall from the first fold line to the second fold line measured in a first plane perpendicular to the first and second fold lines in a first rotational sense is the same as a distance around the perimeter wall from the first fold line to the second fold line in the first plane in a second rotational sense opposite to the first rotational sense. When the first fold line is fully unfolded, the perimeter has a continuous surface including the first fold line. A tube, blank, method and machine for forming the box are also disclosed.

A method of loading articles in cartons. The method can comprise moving a carton in a generally flat configuration in a downstream direction with a carton opening carousel, at least partially opening the carton while moving the carton with the carton opening carousel, and transferring the carton from the carton opening carousel to a carton loading carousel in a transfer region. The transferring the carton can comprise moving the carton in an upstream direction. The method further can comprise loading a plurality of articles into the carton while moving the carton in a downstream direction with the carton loading carousel.

A method of loading articles in cartons. The method can comprise moving a carton in a generally flat configuration in a downstream direction with a carton opening carousel, at least partially opening the carton while moving the carton with the carton opening carousel, and transferring the carton from the carton opening carousel to a carton loading carousel in a transfer region. The transferring the carton can comprise moving the carton in an upstream direction. The method further can comprise loading a plurality of articles into the carton while moving the carton in a downstream direction with the carton loading carousel.

A packaging box including a base portion defining a first plane is disclosed. The packaging box includes at least one first side wall portion. The at least one first side wall portion is arranged at an angle to the base portion. The first side wall portion is joined to the base portion via a fold line at a first edge of the base portion. The first side wall portion has an extension portion extending from one side of the side wall portion so as to provide at least part of a second side wall portion arranged at an angle to the base portion and at an angle to the first side wall portion. The second side wall portion includes at least part of the extension portion. A connecting portion of the extension portion connecting the first side wall portion to the second side wall portion is smoothly curved.

A method of loading articles in cartons. The method can comprise moving a carton in a generally flat configuration in a downstream direction with a carton opening carousel, at least partially opening the carton while moving the carton with the carton opening carousel, and transferring the carton from the carton opening carousel to a carton loading carousel in a transfer region. The transferring the carton can comprise moving the carton in an upstream direction. The method further can comprise loading a plurality of articles into the carton while moving the carton in a downstream direction with the carton loading carousel.