TAB SLITTING AND FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS

An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs between edges of outwardly downturned closure flaps of a paperboard carton and for folding the flaps inwardly over the interior of the carton and sealing the same. The apparatus includes a conveyor to support and move the carton and a knife blade is located in the path of travel of one of the connecting tabs and acts to sever the tab. The case is then rotated 90 DEG , and further advancement of the carton moves the second connecting tab into engagement with a second knife to sever that tab. Guide members are positioned above the conveyor and act to fold the end flaps upwardly over the interior of the carton, while other guide members hold the side flaps in a generally horizontal position so that an adhesive can be applied to the side flaps. Following the application of the adhesive, the carton moves through a pair of guide members which act to fold the side flaps downwardly over the interior of the carton. To accommodate cartons of different heights, the flap folding members and the adhesive applying unit are mounted on a vertically movable frame that can be manually elevated or lowered depending upon the height of the carton passing through the apparatus.