A flap folding unit is provided, comprising at least one flap folding device having a disc-like member being configured to be arranged in a first position to urge passing front flaps of an associated cardboard case to fold, and in a second position to allow unfolded rear flaps of the associated cardboard case to pass the disc-like member.

A flap folding unit is provided, comprising at least one flap folding device having a disc-like member being configured to be arranged in a first position to urge passing front flaps of an associated cardboard case to fold, and in a second position to allow unfolded rear flaps of the associated cardboard case to pass the disc-like member.

Systems and processes for packing complementary articles of footwear into a container are disclosed. The processes can include utilizing a reusable packing sheet positioned underneath complementary articles of footwear to transfer the complementary articles of footwear into a container. The processes can also include removing the reusable packing sheet from underneath the complementary articles of footwear while the complementary articles of footwear remain positioned in the container. Additional processes can include aligning and sizing complementary articles of footwear for packing in a container.

Systems and processes for packing complementary articles of footwear into a container are disclosed. The processes can include utilizing a reusable packing sheet positioned underneath complementary articles of footwear to transfer the complementary articles of footwear into a container. The processes can also include removing the reusable packing sheet from underneath the complementary articles of footwear while the complementary articles of footwear remain positioned in the container. Additional processes can include aligning and sizing complementary articles of footwear for packing in a container.

High-speed methods to close tubular plastic wrappers may include providing a packaging film on a mandrel in the form of a hollow tube, forming a folded surface by rotating the hollow tube and mandrel while counter-rotating a plate having a plurality of folding blades, to form a plurality of folds that define the folded surface, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tube, each folding blade engaging a portion of the protruding tube portion, applying heat and pressure to the folded surface to form a closed end, inserting the tampon into the tube, and closing the first end of the tube. The film material comprises at least one thermoplastic surface, and the mandrel has a first end extending from a revolving platform and a second end, distal the first end. The mandrel can rotate with respect to the revolving platform on which it is mounted.

High-speed methods to close tubular plastic wrappers may include providing a packaging film on a mandrel in the form of a hollow tube, forming a folded surface by rotating the hollow tube and mandrel while counter-rotating a plate having a plurality of folding blades, to form a plurality of folds that define the folded surface, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tube, each folding blade engaging a portion of the protruding tube portion, applying heat and pressure to the folded surface to form a closed end, inserting the tampon into the tube, and closing the first end of the tube. The film material comprises at least one thermoplastic surface, and the mandrel has a first end extending from a revolving platform and a second end, distal the first end. The mandrel can rotate with respect to the revolving platform on which it is mounted.

An application unit in a packaging machine attaches a material blank to containers in a container group so as to form a multipack. At least one pressing element connect the material blank to the containers while they are conveyed along a transport plane. A drive unit moves the pressing element with a tool plate between out-of-engagement and engagement positions with the containers. The drive unit has mutually parallel and spaced-apart first and second drive disks to be rotated about respective first and second axes of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are horizontal and located at the same height but not coaxial with each other. The pressing element is articulated to the first drive disk by a first joint axis and to the second drive disk by a second joint axis such that the tool plate is oriented horizontal during rotation of the two drive disks.

An application unit in a packaging machine attaches a material blank to containers in a container group so as to form a multipack. At least one pressing element connect the material blank to the containers while they are conveyed along a transport plane. A drive unit moves the pressing element with a tool plate between out-of-engagement and engagement positions with the containers. The drive unit has mutually parallel and spaced-apart first and second drive disks to be rotated about respective first and second axes of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are horizontal and located at the same height but not coaxial with each other. The pressing element is articulated to the first drive disk by a first joint axis and to the second drive disk by a second joint axis such that the tool plate is oriented horizontal during rotation of the two drive disks.

An apparatus for at least partially folding outer packaging includes a conveyor that transports the outer packaging, a first folder, a second folder, and a set of one or more rotating folders that are part of the second folder. The first folders swivel on the conveyor and fold a front side segment of the outer package that adjoins its base segment and connecting segments that are hinged relative to the base segment. The second folders are above the conveyor device and are configured to fold connecting segments that are hinged relative to the base segment of the outer package. The second folders act on the front side segment of the outer package in a direction oriented against an effective direction of the first folding device around a fold line running in the particular connecting segments.

An apparatus for at least partially folding outer packaging includes a conveyor that transports the outer packaging, a first folder, a second folder, and a set of one or more rotating folders that are part of the second folder. The first folders swivel on the conveyor and fold a front side segment of the outer package that adjoins its base segment and connecting segments that are hinged relative to the base segment. The second folders are above the conveyor device and are configured to fold connecting segments that are hinged relative to the base segment of the outer package. The second folders act on the front side segment of the outer package in a direction oriented against an effective direction of the first folding device around a fold line running in the particular connecting segments.