Rotatable flap folder

Abstract

A cylindrical segment having a longitudinal axis has a helical edge which serves as a static flap folding edge for a carton in translatory motion with respect to the cylindrical segment. The cylindrical segment is reciprocally rotatable about an axis such that when the cylindrical segment rotates the helical edge progressively engages and folds a flap of a carton disposed at the helical edge.

1 . A rotatable flap folder comprising: 
 a cylindrical segment structure having a helical edge rotatable about a longitudinal axis.    
     
     
         2 . A method for closing a carton flap comprising: 
 disposing a carton having an extended carton flap adjacent a cylindrical segment structure having a helical edge wherein the extended carton flap is disposed proximate said helical edge;    then rotating said cylindrical segment structure so as to thereby urge the carton flap into face-to-face relationship with an end of the carton.    
     
     
         3 . The invention of    claim 2   , wherein the cylindrical segment structure is rotate about 90 degrees.  
     
     
         4 . The invention of    claim 2   , wherein prior to engagement of the carton by said cylindrical segment structure adhesive is applied to an end wall of the carton to which the carton flap is to be pressed along a line which is coincident with a tangent line along which a cylindrical wall of said cylindrical segment structure contacts the carton.