MXPA99009618A - A system and method for order packing - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for order packing forms a mixed pallet or a mixed multi-pack. In this system, a first embodiment utilizes a high volume module (22), a low volume module (24), a sorting and packing module (26), a prepackage module (28) and a mixed palletizer module (30) for picking, sorting, packaging and palletizing articles. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a bulk load can be fed via a carrousel (196) to a bank of elevators (198). A transfer device will load different levels of the elevators which can then be moved adjacent a discharge conveyor (232). A lane (234, 236, 238) is provided in this discharge conveyor for each of the elevators in the bank of elevators. The different levels of the elevators are positioned adjacent the lanes and can discharge articles onto the conveyor in order to form groups of the same or different types of articles. Many different types of articles including beverage containers such as cans, bottles or beverage boxes can use this system. A pallet is formed from the same or different sized package and different varieties of articles can be placed within a single package.

Description

"A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING ORDERS" BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system and a method for packaging orders in order to form a mixed platform and a mixed multi-package. In addition, the present invention relates to a system and method for reducing storage requirements and forming a design in a stack of articles. The present system and method are proposed for use with beverage containers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE Various methods and systems for packaging orders are known in the art. These systems, however, do not provide great flexibility and do not easily accommodate different sized packages on a platform. In addition, with the conventional method and systems, it is difficult to manufacture the orders to the customer's taste. An attempt to automate a packaging / distribution network is disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 5,411,151. Even though this system is more flexible than some systems of the prior art, however, it has inconveniences that need to be overcome. For example, this prior art system can not package different sized containers that have different item numbers and pack these different sized containers in a single charge. Shipments current manufacturing systems, such as a bottling plant for beverage containers, the system is operated in order to fill a warehouse. The orders are packaged from the material inside the warehouse and to satisfy the customer's orders, a large inventory is necessary. These beverage containers may include bottles, cans or single-serve beverage boxes (such as juice boxes). This leads to increased storage requirements and increased costs. Also, in current systems for manufacturing beverage containers, for example, the units are stored based on the units to maintain the material in existence. For example, a flavor of drink could be stored in six packages, twelve packages, twenty-four packages, etc. The base unit of each of these units to keep the material in stock would be a can of a syrup and siphon drink, for example, but the need to store packages of different sizes of - Each syrup and siphon refreshment has led to an increase in demand for storage space. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simple and effective system and method for packaging orders. This system would change the production process in such a way that the orders are assembled just before they are shipped in order to reduce storage requirements and costs. In other words, there is a need for a production process that has been driven by orders rather than being driven by the need to maximize the quantity of product stored in the warehouse. Also, there is a need in the art to simplify storage requirements such that items can be stored on the basis of a flavor type, for example, instead of a unit to keep the material in stock. This is in accordance with a need to reduce the current inventory requirements.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a main object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for packaging orders whereby orders can be custom-made for the customer easily.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method and system for packaging orders that reduces inventory requirements and in particular, can store inventory by certain categories such as flavor and not on the basis of a unit to maintain the material in existence. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method of automatic replacement of mixed platforms. A still further object of the present invention is to provide just-in-time order filling whereby secondary packaging decisions can be postponed until the order is filled. Still another object of the present invention is to reduce occurrences outside the material and allowing orders to be filled during production which ensures that orders can be satisfied. A still further object of the present invention is to provide support for sales initiatives in the market. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a use in the filling material in a beverage handling system.

- A further object of the present invention is to provide a more efficient method and system for packaging orders that allows the unit's growth capacity to maintain the material in the future. A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that has great flexibility in its location such as a production or distribution center. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mixed system and method with multi-packet capabilities. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and system that results in cost savings using fewer people and less equipment. Another object of the present invention is to provide flexibility in configuring articles in necessary packages. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for reducing errors to pick up orders and reduce the total time required to produce a mixed platform order. Still another object of the present invention is to reduce the cycle time.

- - These and other objects of the present invention are satisfied by the package ordering system of claim 1 and the method of claim 7. Still again, these and other objects are satisfied by a system for packaging orders of claim 13 and the These and other objects of the present invention are still satisfied by a method of avoiding placing packed articles as indicated in claim 19. In addition, these and other objects of the present invention are satisfied by a method of reducing an amount of each type of different types of units to keep the material in stock in a hold, as set forth in claim 26. A system and method for forming packages of beverage containers having different types of beverage containers in each package fills these and other objects of the present invention, as set forth in the claims is 30 and 34. In addition, these and other objects of the present invention are satisfied by a system and method for packaging orders as set forth in claims 39 and 43.

- Preferred embodiments of the system and method according to the invention are the subject matter of the sub-claims. The scope of the additional applicability of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that will be provided below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are provided by way of illustration only since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent. for those skilled in the art, this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description that is provided below and the accompanying drawings which are provided by way of illustration only and are therefore not limiting of the present invention, and wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a portion showing a high volume module and a low volume module of a system for packaging orders of the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the first embodiment of another portion showing a sorting and packaging module and a pre-packaged module of the order packaging system of the present invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of the first embodiment of a third portion showing a module of a mixed palletizer of the order packing system of the present invention; Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a crane bridge demister with a star wheel mechanism of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a one to four path device of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a wrapper of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a bagger of the present invention; Figure 8 is a flow chart of an existing process flow; - Figure 9 is a flow chart indicating the flow of the process of the present invention; Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a merry-go-round and a group of elevators of the second embodiment of the system of the present invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the merry-go-round, the group of elevators and the transfer device of the second embodiment of the system of the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the group of elevators and the conveyor of the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the envelope of the second embodiment of the system of the present invention; and Figure 15 is a perspective view of a platform with articles loaded to form a selected design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES - - Referring in detail to the drawings and with specific reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a first embodiment of a system 10 for packaging orders of the present invention is shown. A conveyor 12 is shown through the three drawings. In Figure 1, the end 14 of the conveyor XL2 in Figure 1 is connected to the end 16 of the conveyor 12 in Figure 2. The end 18 downstream of the conveyor in Figure 2 then connects to the end 20 of the conveyor 12 in Figure 3. Therefore, a complete system 10 is shown for packaging orders of the first embodiment from Figures 1 to Figures 2 to Figures 3. Arrows adjacent to conveyor 12 indicate the general flow of articles . The system 10 for packaging orders of the first mode can be divided into five modules. The high volume modules 22 and the low volume module 24 are seen in Figure 1. These modules feed the articles to the conveyor 12. The articles move on this conveyor 12 to the sorting module 26 and pack it downstream, as is shown in Figure 2. The sorting and packaging module 26 is adjacent to the packaging module 28. These two modules 26 and 28 feed the articles on the conveyor 12 towards the - - module 30 of the downstream mixed blender shown in Figure 3. The present invention is generally intended for handling beverage beverage containers and in particular bottles, cans or single serving beverage boxes (such as juice boxes). It is also proposed that the present invention be equally usable for other boxed beverages, large-sized beverage containers such as one or two liter bottles and for other food containers. However, it is proposed that the present invention could be used in any of other different types of articles, both packaged and non-packaged. To simplify the explanation, however, the present invention will generally be described in relation to the handling of beverage containers. In the system 10 to collect the period of the first mode, the five modules will now be generally known. The high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24 collect a taste for the product such as a measure of a precompiled order. These modules 22 and 24 are proposed as for handling loose cans, bottles, or boxes for beverages, for example. The high volume module 22 is faster than the low volume module 24, and therefore requires larger accumulation equipment 32 as will be described in greater detail to - - continuation. For example, a bridge crane remover can be used to unload each loose can flavor from the pallets to an accumulator of a single mechanical adjuster 36 as will be described below. A star wheel mechanism 38 will count and release the cans or other items as they are distributed to the conveyor 12 and move to the sorting and packaging module 26 downstream. Adjacent to the high volume module 22 is a low volume module 24. Items that have a lower priority such as drinks that are ordered less frequently can be stored in this low volume module 24. The details of this low volume module 24 will be described in greater detail below. Items such as cans, bottles or boxes for drinking are fed by the star wheel mechanism 102 from each of the units in the low volume module 24. Items such as cans, bottles or boxes for drinking are fed from both the high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24 to the sorting module 26 and packaged by the conveyor 12. In the sorting and packaging module 26 shown in Figure 2, different devices are provided with paths for diverting cans, bottles or beverage boxes to the appropriate wrapper.

- In particular, the first path device 40 will bypass the packages from the conveyor 12 to one of the four downstream conveyors. Therefore, this track device 40 is a path device from one to four. Other arrangements for trail devices are possible as will be described in greater detail below. Downstream from the different path devices in the sorting and packaging module 26 there are several wrappers 42, 44 and 46. The wrapper 42 is indicated by a wrapper of twenty-four bundles, the wrapper 44 is indicated as a bundle of twelve bundles and wrap 46 indicates as a tray packer. Even though certain designations have been provided for the size of the package, it should be appreciated that a package of any size can be produced by the wraps of the present invention. Further, even when only three wraps 42, 44 and 46 are shown, it should be appreciated that any desired number of wraps can be used. For example, a single wrap could be provided if desired or more than three wrappers could be provided. From the wrappers 42, 44 and 46, the articles are fed by the conveyor 12 to the module 30 of the downstream mixed blister shown in Figure 3.

- - In Figure 2, the pre-packaged module 28 is also shown for feeding items on the conveyor 12 to the module 30 of the downstream mixed blender. The prepackaged module 28 will be used to satisfy orders with pre-packaged, returned or imported products, for example. Flavor groups 48, 50, 52 and 54 may contain three rows of platforms each having boxes of six packages, twelve packages or full boxes. As described in greater detail below, these articles can be fed via the conveyor 12 directly to the mixed embossing module 30. Various combinations of items can be handled by the mixed embossing module 30 in order to form a mixed platform as will be described below. Returning to Figure 1, the details of the high volume module 22 will be explained. On the article platforms, this module 22 can be supplied by means of lifting forks 56, for example. Of course, any other appropriate delivery system could be used. For example, a belt conveyor, roller conveyor, supply truck or other type of system could be used to supply the article or loose item platforms. Lifting forks 56 supply the items in the - platforms It is proposed that a platform can be a stack of loose beverage containers. This pallet load can be retained with a shrink wrap that is removed during the placement of the pallet in a crane bridge dismantler 34. In Figure 1, six crane bridge demisters are shown 34. These crane bridge decks have a movable scissor cradle 58 for lifting platforms thereon. After the forklift 56 places a platform on the lifting mechanism 58 of the crane bridge unloader 34, the platform can be raised in such a way that the upper level of the articles is at a desired height. A crane lifter 60 runs in the rails 62 in front of each of the lifting mechanisms 58. This crane bridge lifter 60 can lift the top layer of the articles and place them in a positioning area 67 of the same. layer on conveyor belts 64. Each lifting mechanism 58 has a conveyor belt 64 associated therewith as shown in Figure 1. Of course, any number of lifting mechanisms 58 and conveyor belts 64 can be used. In particular, the dismantler of the bridge crane 60 - - it could move the articles from a first lifting mechanism to a non-adjacent conveyor belt 64 if desired. However, it is proposed, which will normally move the items from the highest level of the stack in the lift mechanism 58 to an adjacent conveyor belt 64. Further, even when a conveyor belt 64 has been discussed, it should be appreciated that any type of transfer medium could be used. For example, a roller conveyor, pusher or other arrangement could be used to advance the articles instead of using the conveyor belt 64. The unloading bridge crane robot is proposed as having a transfer head 61 such as a suction head for lifting a whole level of items such as cans, bottles or beverage boxes from the top level of the article stack in the mechanism elevator 58. Of course, a pusher mechanism or other device could be used to transfer the articles from the lifting mechanism 58 to the accumulator and the simple mechanical adjuster 36. Also, instead of using a vacuum head, the unloading robot of the bridge crane 60 could instead use mechanical fasteners, magnetic pull or any other suitable fastening arrangement.

The conveyor belt 64 of the accumulator and the simple mechanical adjuster 36 feed the articles in the direction indicated by the arrows. Conveyor belts A, B, C, D, E and F are indicated in Figure 1. Instead of using six elevator mechanisms 58 and six conveyor belts 64, any number of devices could be used as mentioned above. In addition, instead of using a single crane bridge lifter 60 which serves all of the lifting mechanisms 58 and conveyor belts 64, deferent numbers of robot bridge crane lifters 60 could be used instead. For example, three The elevators and conveyor belts 64 could be serviced by the crane crane dismantler, so that a pair of robot bridge crane dismantlers would be used in Figure 1. Of course, any appropriate provision could be used as mentioned above. Each of the conveyor belts 64 moves the articles in the direction of the arrows. The motor 65 for each of the belts 64 is provided to drive the belts. Therefore, the straps 64 are movable independently one relative to the other. The control means 194 (which will be discussed below with reference to Figure 9) can be used to control the - We eked out 58 elevators, crane bridge disconnectors 60 and engines 65. Instead of using an energized conveyor 64, these items could instead be moved by a gravity feed. However, in order to ensure that an appropriate number of articles can be fed quickly to the simple refill units 66, the energized conveyor belts 64 work well. A diverter device 68 is provided at the downstream end of each of the conveyor belts 64. This diverter device will move the articles towards the simple filler units 66 adjacent to each of the conveyor belts 64. This transfer is carried out by upstream articles that push the articles downstream to the simple filling units 66. A plurality of paths 70 of the energized conveyor are provided for each of the filling units 66. In the arrangement shown, four energized conveyor paths 70 are shown in each of the filling units 66 with four independent impeller motors 71. Of course, any number of conveyors could be used. These conveyor paths continue the forward movement of the articles. The conveyor path 70 further to the right has a path 72 of - - output associated with it. This is a single outlet for items such as cans, bottles or beverage boxes from the simple refill unit 66 to the star wheel mechanism 38. Adjacent to four paths 70 conveyors of each unit 66 of single fill or shown in Figure 1, there is a return conveyor path 74. This return conveyor path 74 moves in a direction opposite to the conveyor path 70 if it is driven by a motor 75. Also, the width of this return conveyor path 74 is slightly larger than that of the conveyor path 70. An accessible end of the return conveyor path 74 is positioned forward of the conveyor path 70. As upstream items push items downstream to simple refill units 66, these items will move above energized conveyor paths 70. To prevent items from jamming at the outlet and to avoid too much pressure being exerted on the downstream articles, the return conveyor path 74 will move the articles away from the exit of the area 74. This will provide a circulation effect which will ensure that the items can be properly fed to exit path 72 without damaging the items.

- - At the low water end of the exit path 72, the star wheel mechanism 38 is provided. This star wheel mechanism includes a star wheel to count and distribute the desired items. It is proposed that each of the crane bridge disconnectors 34 and associated accumulation equipment 32 can retain the individual beverage containers with different flavor beverages. When an order for certain drinks or other handled article is placed through the control means 194, for example, the appropriate star wheel mechanism 38 can be activated in order to distribute the individual items to the conveyor 12 which will subsequently be sent to the module. 26 classification and packaging. In the crane lifter 34 and accumulation equipment 32 of the high volume module 22, the most popular or most frequently requested beverage containers can be stored and handled. Of course, the system could be adapted in such a way that articles with shorter lifespan could be placed in the high volume module 22 so that they are handled more quickly than the articles found in the low volume module 24. Other priority arrangements could be used between the high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24.

- In the high volume module 22, a platform discharge conveyor 76 is provided. This conveyor 76 is indicated in dashed lines in Figure 1 because it is placed under the crane bridge lifter 60 and the various conveyor belts 64 and because this platform discharge conveyor 76 is optional equipment. After a platform has been completely dismantled, the lifting mechanism 58 can be lowered and the platform is then pushed to the platform unloading conveyor 76. The empty platforms are fed by this conveyor 76 to the stacker 78 of empty pallets at the downstream end of the pallet unloading conveyor 76. As will be appreciated, this pallet unloading conveyor 76 the empty pallet stacker 78 can be omitted if desired. The lifting forks 56 or other suitable equipment could instead be used to remove the empty platforms from the lifting mechanisms 58. When an empty platform is removed, a loaded platform can then be placed on the lifting mechanism 58. Returning now from Figure 1 to Figure 4, a second embodiment of the accumulation equipment 32 will now be described. Similar to the first embodiment, a starwheel mechanism 38 downstream - - the items 80 will be fed to the conveyor 12. The output 84 of the accumulation equipment 32 'receives the items from a conveyor line. In Figure 4, the upstream accumulation equipment (not shown) has fed the articles 80 to the conveyor 12. The star wheel 38 and the accumulation equipment 32 'shown in Figure 4 is not activated. When activated, the star wheel 38 will rotate in a clockwise direction in order to discharge the articles 80 towards the conveyor 12. The articles 80 shown in Figure 4 are beverage cans. As shown, the bottles, boxes or any other appropriate type of article could be handled by the system 10 of the present invention. An energized conveyor 82 is shown below the articles 80 in the accumulator and the simple mechanical adjuster 36"of the second embodiment.This conveyor 82 may extend completely through the entire path of the articles or may only be partially below. For example, the conveyor 82 shown in Figure 4 does not extend below the article tracks further to the right but could do so if desired.A deflection device 68 comprising two rails is provided at the end in downstream of the conveyor 82. This diverting device will ensure that the articles 80 move to the left-hand side of the accumulator and the simple mechanical adjuster 36. The left-hand side downstream of the accumulator and the simple mechanical adjuster 36 In Figure 4 it does not have a conveyor 82 below it., however, it could extend below this area. It is proposed that adjacent to the conveyor 82, a second conveyor 86 be provided for feeding cans to the mechanism 38 of the star wheel. This second conveyor 86 can be energized independently of the conveyor 82. The conveyor 86 has a width sufficient for a single path of articles 80 and can extend to the star wheel mechanism 38. Upstream of the accumulator and the simple mechanical adjuster 36 'there is a bridge crane dismantler consisting of a scissor lift to lift the items up to the level of the accumulator and the single mechanical adjuster 36'. A pusher or other device is used to move the top cover of the articles from the crane bridge dismantler 34 'to the accumulator conveyor 82 and the single mechanical adjuster 36'. Of course, a crane bridge robot or other suitable equipment could be used, if desired, The accumulator equipment 32 'in Figure 4 acts to selectively distribute the articles 80 to the conveyor 12.

The control means 194 to be discussed below will control the modalities of the accumulation equipment 36, 36 '. Returning to Figure 1, the low volume module 24 will now be described. Similar to the high volume module 22, forklift trucks or other delivery devices can be used to supply the article platforms to the area 88. Although there are generally six platforms shown, any number of platforms could be used. Also, even when only one row of platforms is used, it is possible that multiple rows of platforms can be used. In addition, the platforms do not have to be in contact but they can be separated one from the other. The articles in the pallet loads in the area 88 are collected by a crane jumper robot 90. Similarly, to the crane jumper robot 60, this jigger 90 will collect a whole layer of articles from the layer It is provided on a platform in the area 88 and will transfer the layer to a conveyor 92. A support assembly 94 is provided in which the crane jig 90 is moved. This support assembly 94 may include rails along the The crane bridge robot is made to reciprocate as indicated by the arrows shown in Figure 1. This allows the robot bridge crane 90 to travel along the length of the row of platforms in the parking area 88. In the robot bridge crane remover 90, a fastener is provided for picking up the top layer of articles "on a specific platform and transferring these articles to the conveyor 92. Even though the width of the conveyor 92 is shown to be slightly smaller than the width of the conveyor. a pallet load, it is possible that these items are of the same size or the conveyor 92 is slightly larger than the width of the pallet load.Alternatively, the robotic bridge crane remover 90 is reciprocated to the right and to the left as seen in Figure 1. It will allow the movement of the desired articles from the platform in the parking area 88 to the conveyor 92. Because their movements in parallel and perpendicular directions with respect to the conveyor 92, the bridge dismantler crane 90, you can collect all items from the parking area 88. If two rows of items are provided in the parking area 88, then it would simply be "It is necessary that the length of the robot bridge-breaker robot 90 be enough to reach all the - articles. Another arrangement, such as a merry-go-round, a conveyor or other feeding device, could be provided to supply the items to the parking area 88 where they are transferred to the conveyor 92. Also, in addition to a robotic bridge crane remover 90, others are possible. transfer devices. For example, a supplementary conveyor can feed the articles from the parking area 88 directly to the conveyor 92, a thrust arrangement and any other type of feeding devices can be used. Alternatively, a crane with a clamping head could be used instead of the bridge crane dismantler 90. With this upper crane, the parking areas 88 could be provided on each side of the conveyor 92. Access to the parking areas would be provided by the upper crane. It is proposed that a vacuum head be used in the bridge crane robot demister 90 in order to remove the desired number of loose cans, bottles or beverage boxes from the top layer of articles on the platforms in the parking area 88. Any other than a vacuum head fastener, mechanical fastener, or other appropriate transfer device could be used in a similar manner to the robot dismantler of - - bridge crane described above with reference to module 22 of the high volume. Each of the conveyors 92 is fed to a single filling unit 96 downstream. Therefore, a conveyor 92 and a simple filler unit 96 are provided for each of the parking areas 88 in the low volume module 24. While three groups of parking areas 88 are shown, conveyors 92 and single fill units are shown and any number of these groups may be used. Furthermore, the conveyors 92 could be merged into a single filling unit in such a way that the number of these units 96 is smaller than the number of parking areas 88 and conveyors 94. Similarly to the simple filling unit 66 of the module 22 of high volume, each of the single fill units 96 of the low volume oculus 24 has a plurality of conveyor paths 98 for feeding the articles toward an exit path 100. A star wheel mechanism 102 is provided for each of the output paths 100. The articles are fed from the exit path 100 to the conveyor 12. The star wheel mechanism 102 is similar to the star wheel mechanism 38 as used in the high volume module 22.

- - It should be noted that the total width of the conveyor belt 64 in the high volume module 22 is larger than that for the conveyor 92 in the low volume module 24. Also, the width of each of the single fill units 66 in the high volume module 22 is larger than that for the single fill units 96 in the low volume module 24. As mentioned above, the high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24 provide the means for priority of the handled items. In addition, the amount of space that is provided for groups of items may also depend on a priority of the items. For higher priority items in module 22, more space is provided than in low volume module 24. This augmented space helps prevent bottlenecks in the handling of high volume items. Accordingly, in the present system 10, a different amount of space is provided for the item groups depending on a priority of the items. In the low volume module 24, a biasing device 104 is provided to assist in the transfer of the articles from the conveyor 92 to the conveyors 98 of the single filling units 96. This deflection device 104 is similar to the deflection device 68 used in the units 66 of - "simple fillings of the high volume module 22. The simple refill units 96 of the low volume module, however, are not shown with a return conveyor path 74. However, this return conveyor path 74 could be used if desired The most frequently used articles can be stored in the high volume module 22 as mentioned above, while the articles less frequently used can be stored in the low volume module 24. For example, it is possible that up to six flavors can comprise 80 percent of the orders when handling beverage containers, therefore, these six primary flavors can be handled through the high volume module 22 while the less used beverage containers can be handled through the module 24 of low volume Both the high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24 are proposed to handle the individual items. bras, cans, bottles, beverage boxes or other articles handled by the system are distributed individually from the simple filling units in both the high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24. In both the high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24 the articles are at least temporarily stored. When they are stored in a warehouse, - A stored item can be thought of as being a unit to keep the merchandise stored (SKU). With the high and low volume modules 22 and 24, plus the pre-packaged module 28 discussed below, the hold 106 contains a plurality of individual beverage containers as well as units for holding multiple stored materials. The units for holding multiple stored materials are usually retained in the pre-packaged module 28 and include at least one of six packages, twelve packages and twenty-four packages for each of the flavors or types of items stored. As mentioned above, pre-packaged module 28 ships orders with pre-packaged, returned or imported products. In the high volume and low volume modules, on the other hand, individual items are handled instead. Therefore, the units for keeping the article stored in these modules 22, 24 are converted into individual items such as a single beverage container. This arrangement helps to reduce the units to maintain the required storage material. The present invention will apply a theory of postpost and / or "white paint" for production and distribution as will be described in greater detail below. Basically, a single-flavor package will be treated as a base unit that has been stored, with bulk storage. This unit will then be packaged in single units in all other units such as six packs, twelve packs, twenty-four packs, variety packs, etc. Therefore, instead of being required to maintain a certain number of six packages, twelve packages, twenty-four packages, etc. of each individual flavor package, it is necessary only to keep the simple packages of each flavor available instead. This helps reduce the units to maintain the l storage merchandise that is required- for warehouse 106. The l inventory can be reduced and a smaller quantity of the stock goods will occur. Orders can be filled during production that will ensure that customer orders are satisfied as will be described in more detail below. In addition, the present system 10 will provide the unit's growth capacity to maintain the future material. If those of sixteen packages become popular, for example, then the system 10 present for packaging orders can easily accommodate these units to keep the material stored in the future. Great flexibility and l cost reductions can be obtained with the system of the present invention.

- Generally, the entire system 10 is considered as being within a hold 106. The high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24 and the pre-packaged module 28 constitute a storage facility 108 in the hold 106. In addition to the installation 108 of storage, the sorting and packaging module 26 and the module 30 of the mixed bagger may also be included in the hold 106. The hold 106 may also be included, any subsequent storage in the upstream or downstream of the products. Even though the term "cellar" has been used, it should be appreciated that this could be a conventional cellar installation or it can be an installation placed in a bottling plant, for example. In fact, due to the filling of the order just in time of the present invention, conventional cellar facilities can be accepted. It is not necessary to store large quantities of packaged beverages before shipment. As will be described in more detail below, the individual items can be packaged just prior to shipments in such a way that they are loaded directly onto the supply truck. This reduces storage space requirements, reduces the need for inventory on hand and helps the system to be more efficient. Economies of cost and other benefits accumulate from the use of the present system and method. These benefits will be discussed in more detail below. Inside the 106 warehouse, another storage area involves the prepackaged module 28 shown in Figure 2. This pre-packaged module 28 includes other taste groups 48, 50, 52 and 54 as shown in Figure 2. Of course, any number of groups of flavor. Within each of the flavor groups, nine article platforms are placed. In the flavor group 48, three rows 110, 112 and 114. are shown. The first row 110 may be six packages of beverage containers, the second row 112 may be twelve packages of beverage containers and the third row 114 may be of twenty-four packages of beverage containers, for example. Of course, any type of item can be handled and any number of packaged items can be used. As mentioned above, this pre-pack module 28 is proposed for use with pre-packaged items, returned items or imported items. Therefore, this pre-packaged module can be used for specialty items that are not normally chosen by request, for example, even when three rows 110, 112 and 114 are shown for each of the flavor groups 48, 50, 52 and 54 , it should be appreciated - - that any number of rows can be used. In addition, within each row, three platforms are provided that could also be used. Surprisingly, all of the taste groups are on track 116 for bridge crane disbanders 118. This track 116 extends across the platforms further back in flavor groups 48, 50, 52, 54. Access to The entire area of the flavor groups is provided by the movement of the crane bridge disconnectors 118 as indicated by the arrows shown therein. Crane bridge disconnectors 118 may include means 117 such as suction cups, a vacuum head or other fasteners to hold a packaged group of articles. For example, six packages or a group of six packages may be chosen from row 110 and placed on conveyor 120 for the first flavor group 48. Each of the flavor groups 48, 50, 52 and 54 has a conveyor 120 associated therewith. Of course, a single conveyor or any other combination of conveyors can be used. For example, a larger or smaller number of conveyors may be used than the number of flavor groups. The bridge crane dismantlers 118 could then place the appropriate items in them.

It is proposed that the crane crane dismantler 118 shown on the right hand side will remove the flavor groups 52 and 54 items while the left hand crane bridge demolition 118 will remove the articles from flavor groups 48 and 50. Of course, the tracks 116 can be positioned in such a way that both crane bridge disconnectors 118 can reach any of the articles within the system. In addition, even when two crane bridge disconnectors 118 are shown, it is proposed that a single bridge crane dismantler or any appropriate number of dismantlers can be used. In addition, with an increase in the size of the flavor groups, then the number of the crane bridge disconnectors 118 and conveyors 120 can be correspondingly increased if desired. The conveyor 120 is an energized conveyor that feeds the articles to the conveyor 124 downstream. Each of the conveyors 120 has a downstream conveyor 124 associated therewith. A deflection device 122 is provided at the downstream end of each conveyor 120 to force the articles toward the downstream transformer 124. Of course, there can be any appropriate transfer device. As a matter of fact, the bridge crane undocker 118 could pick up the items and place the - directly on conveyor 124 downstream. However, in order to accelerate operations, the conveyor 120 allows the loading of several packages at a time in which they are then fed to the conveyor 124. The conveyors 124 downstream are fed to the conveyor 12. The packages of articles in the sorting and packaging module 26 they will be fused with the pre-packaged items of the module 28 and fed through the conveyor 12 to the module 30 of the mixed demixer downstream. The sorting and packaging module 26 of Figure 2 will now be described in greater detail. From the high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24, the individual articles are fed by the conveyor 12. From the end 16 of the conveyor 12 shown in Figure 2, these articles will move through the first track device 40. This first path device is a servo-device path that can have a cycle of 40 cycles per minute. The selected article can be of twelve accounts. The conveyor 12 moving towards the first track device 40 will be at a speed of 73.15 meters per minute while the downstream conveyor moving away from the first track device 40 can also move to - 73. 15 meters per minute. These specific speeds are provided by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. The first track device 40 basically divides the conveyor 12 into four different paths 126, 128, 130 and 132. While the track device 40 is from one to four paths, it is possible that a device with one to three paths or any other appropriate type of path device. The conveyor path 126 is fed to a second path device 136. The conveyor path 128 is fed to a third path device 138. The two paths 130 and 132 are paths 134 divided. These divided paths 134 are fed to a first deviation device 140. The first deviation device 140 will decelerate the article speed from 73.15 meters per minute to 36.58 meters per minute, for example. Basically, this first diverter device 140 slows down the speed of the articles going towards it. Six high-cone packer 142. The six high-cone packer places a retainer around an upper end of the articles to form a six pack. Typically, these retainers are formed of flexible plastic. The exact speeds whereby this deviation device 140 decelerates items that may vary.

Basically, in the example provided, the deviation device 140 decelerates the speed by half. Of course, this deviation device could be omitted if appropriate. Likewise, any of the other track devices 136 or 138 could have this bypass device. Also, this deflection device could be provided upstream of the first path device 40. Each of the path devices 136 and 138 are one to four paths but of course, any type of appropriate path device can be provided. From the path device 136, there are six divided paths 144. From the third path device 138, there are also four paths 146 divided. The diverting device 140, however, only continues the two paths 134 divided up to a six high-cone packer 142. In Figure 5, one of the paths 40, 136 or 138 is shown. This path device is a device with one to four paths. It can be seen in this Figure 5 that the conveyor 12 feeds the articles 80 to an auger feeder 264. A gate of the diverting device 266 is placed downstream of the auger feeder 264 to force the articles 80 into one of the four paths 268, 270, 272 and 274. The bars 276 or other appropriate dividers separate the paths. Even though I do not know - - As indicated in Figure 5, an energized conveyor can be provided beneath the path device to propel the articles down the tracks 268, 270, 272 and 274. Likewise, this feeding arrangement could be achieved with gravity feed, a bar push or other appropriate disposition. While the cans are shown as items 80 in Figure 5, it will again be noted that any of the approved items can be handled in the present system. Further, even though the path device shown in Figure 5 is a one-to-four path device, it should be appreciated that this device could be used in an inverse manner to form a single path from any number of paths divided upstream. A control means 194, which will be discussed in more detail below, can control the movement of the gate 266 of the diverting device. This gate 266 of the deflection device comprises two side panels that pivot about the upstream end. These panels are generally separated at a fixed distance from each other and will divert the articles towards one of the paths 268, 270, 272 or 274. It is proposed that the paths 268, 270, 272 and 274 are filled in sequence, but it is of course possible any desired filling sequence.

In Figure 5, the spacing between the rows of articles can be varied. The auger feed 264 may vary its speed to separate the input articles. Therefore, three rows aligned in lanes 268, 270, 272 and 274 can be formed with the next group of articles fed being separated from the last items in each lane. Therefore, the grouping of articles can be achieved in the path device. Returning to Figure 2, the second path device 136 is fed into the four divided paths 144 to the wrapper 42. Although this wrapper 42 has been indicated as forming a bundle of twenty-four, it should be appreciated that any wrapper could be wrapped therein. package of appropriate size. Out of the wrapping, a pack of twenty-four 148 is shown. The other four divided paths 146 are fed into the wrapping 44. This wrapping 44 has been indicated as forming a pack of twelve but again any package of appropriate size could be produced. A pack of twelve 150 is shown emerging from the wrapper 44. The two divided paths 134 feed the diverting device 140 as mentioned above. Then, the speed of the articles is reduced going towards the packer of six of high cone 142. Even though it has been indicated that this - packer forms six packets, any desired packet size could be provided to form appropriately sized packets. Out of the six high cone packer there are two packets of six, 152. These six packets 152 continue along two divided paths to a tray packer 46. The conveyor of the tray packer 46 will be fused with the conveyors coming from the wrapper 42 and the wrapper 44. These articles will then merge with the downstream conveyor 124 coming from the pre-packaged module 28. The conveyor 12 will then continue to the module 30 of the mixed bagger as shown in Figure 3. It is proposed that the speed of the items through the section of the cutter could be 18.29 meters per minute. Of course, any appropriate speed could be used. Correspondingly, the sorting and packaging module 26 has been indicated as forming twenty-four packages, twelve packages and tray packages with six packages therein. It should be appreciated that additional conveyor lines and trail devices and deflection devices could be used as necessary in order to form any package of desired size. For example, if a high volume of twelve packages were handled, then a second volume could be used - path device 138 and an envelope 44 with associated carriers. Of course, other appropriate arrangements are possible. This system therefore allows the different size packets to be placed in the downstream portion of the conveyor 12. Also, due to the input power from the pre-packaged module 28, other articles can be fed to the conveyor 12. Therefore, thus, a wide variety of packaged items will arrive at module 30 of the mixed bagger. In Figure 6, one of the wraps 42 is shown. In this arrangement, the divided paths 144 send four rows of items to the packer or wrapper 42. They are then wrapped and distributed from the downstream end of the packer. While a packer for 24 packages 148 is shown, it will be appreciated that packagers will use it to form any article of appropriate size. A presentation device 147 can be provided on the side of the packer to indicate what type and / or size of items are being packaged. High flexibility of the pre-packaged module 28 and the sorting and packaging module 26 are proposed. For example, it is possible that a single type of flavor beverage containers may be fed from the high volume module 22 to the sorting and packaging module 26. Thus, only twelve packages could be formed, for example in the wrapper 44, and then all these articles would be fed downstream in the conveyor 12 and would eventually be stacked in the module 30 of the mixed palletizer. This module 30 of the mixed packer includes the feed section 154, the bagger 156 and the accumulation area 158. The bagger 156 is a type of conventional bagger known in the art. The feeding section 154 will supply the packaged items from the sorting and packaging module 26 and the pre-packaged module 28 to the bagner 156. The bagner 156 will then stack the items on a platform. A platform supply source can be provided. This may include the delivery of platforms by the forklift 56 to the packers 156. Alternatively, the feed conveyor or other appropriate arrangement may be provided as a source of platforms for the bagger. The articles are stacked on the platforms by the bagger and fed to the accumulation area 156. A fork 56 or other suitable equipment can be used to remove the loaded pallets from the pallet 156. Even though only one pallet load 160 is shown in the accumulation area 158 in Figure 3, it is possible that this accumulation area 158 could be sized to receive multiple platform loads. In addition, this accumulation area 158 may include a pair of conveyor belts or other suitable arrangement for moving the platform loads 160 remote from the float 156. In Figure 7, a slightly modified form of the float 156 'is shown. There, the 154 'feed section feeds the packaged items toward the top of the bagger 156'. They are then stacked on platforms and moved to the accumulation area 158 '. It should be noted that the forklift 56 takes a load 160 from the platform directly towards the waiting truck 162. Therefore, it is not necessary to store the loaded platforms in the warehouse. Instead, a just-in-time supply system can be used. When the truck is scheduled to arrive, the present system 10 can be operated in order to form packaged items in the sorting and packaging module 26. This module 26 as well as the pre-packaged module 28 can be used in order to fill the platforms as needed. These platforms will then be supplied to the waiting truck 162 in such a way that storage of the loaded platforms is unnecessary. This will reduce the cost of storage. The space to store the loaded platforms is not necessary. You can also avoid the cost to carry an excess inventory. These costs include interest, the required fork trucks and other handling equipment. Likewise, the damage of the potential product due to a reduction in the handling of the articles can be obtained. Likewise, the number of workers required to handle packaged items can be reduced. It is possible that some loads 160 of the platform are parked before being placed on the truck 162. The present invention also provides a smaller amount of stored items. Orders can be filled during production which ensures that orders are satisfied. The present invention provides more flexibility to configure cans, bottles or boxes for beverage or handled items to the necessary packages. Conventionally, an order can be filled as shown in Figure 8. In particular, items such as beverage containers will move from a lid filling / filling device 164 to a heating device 166 to a packer 168 and then to a bagger 170. The bagged items are then stored in the hold 172. The bagged loads are removed after this hold 172 during loading 174 of the truck are shipped to the customer 166. A disadvantage of this current system is the need to store the products. Likewise, a disadvantage is that when the customer's orders are less than a complete platform, then a manual order pickup must be carried out in step 178. Conventionally, the complete platforms are unpacked in order to leave the appropriate number of items selected in them. Then, the remaining space on the platform can be re-filled with other partial orders for the same customer or a partially empty platform, can be shipped. When these partial or mixed platforms are formed, they then send to the parking area 180 and finally to the truck loading area 174. Therefore, both a hold 172 and a parking area 180 are required. In addition, the pick-up of the manual order is carried out in order to load the platforms formed to the customer's taste sent to the parking area 180. This current system has problems since an increased storage capacity is needed and a large amount of manual labor is required to form the platforms tailored to the customer. In addition, increased time is required because the loaded cargo can not be loaded directly onto the trucks when there are orders manufactured to suit the customer. Likewise, there may be errors when the platform is manually manufactured to the client. Therefore, improvements are needed in this flow of the current process. Turning now to Figure 9, a flow chart showing an arrangement for the system 10 of the present invention is shown. In a similar manner to the conventional arrangement shown in Figure 8, the present invention moves articles such as beverage containers from the capsule filling / purging device 164 to the heater device 166 to the packer 168 to the bagger 170 to a hold 172 and then "to the truck load 174 and finally to the customer 176. This is done when full platforms are shipped to a customer, however, when only a partial platform or a mixed platform is to be sent to the customer, then the items such as beverage containers can be moved from the heater device 166 to the bulk packer 182. This bulk packer 182 can be thought of as the high volume module 22 described above, the low volume module 24 and / or the module 28. prepackaged This bulk material is stored in a hold, for example, as indicated in step 106.

Bulk items such as loose cans are removed from the pallet as indicated by step 184 of multiple flavored dismantling. This step can include actions that are carried out in a high volume module 22 and a low volume module 24. The items are then sent to a packer as indicated in step 186. This packer could be the sorting and packaging module 26 described above. The articles are then finally sent to a step of the bagger 188 which could be a bagger used in a module 30 of the mixed bagger as discussed above. The items of step 188 of the bagger can be loaded directly on the truck in step 174. This direct loading has been discussed above with respect to Figure 7. This direct loading avoids the need for extensive bagging, if any, of the loads mixed In fact, the whole system 10 could be used instead of the step 168 of the packer separated from the step 170 of the bagger and the step 172 of packing. In particular, the system 10 of the present invention could be used to fill mixed embossed orders as well as single-unit embossed orders as discussed above. In this arrangement, items such as beverages could be moved from the heating device 166 to the bulk packer's passage 182 and through the process to the direct truck load 174. The step 172 of embodegar could then be omitted. Considerable savings in cost and space could be obtained. Likewise, due to the automation when choosing an order manufactured to the client's size, errors resulting from manual withdrawal can be avoided. The number of workers can also be reduced and therefore cost savings could be accumulated. Also, it is possible that there is a supply of the order just in time as discussed in the foregoing. The present system 10 will open the production capacity for mixed multipacks and to collect mixed platform orders. It is possible to easily pack the customer's orders and the possibility of custom-made orders is provided. As mentioned above, the hold 106 may be a separate warehouse facility or may actually be in the bottling plant, for example. Therefore, the shipping and handling of items such as bottles, cans or boxes for drinking can be reduced and the potential for damage of these items can also be reduced. Because the items to be filled on the platform from the heating device 166, and due to the use of the sorting and packaging module 26, the capacity to fulfill one of the customer's orders can be increased. There will be few items out of stock because orders can be packaged directly as desired by the customer instead of selecting and sorting between materials of an existing filled platform. In the present system 10, orders can be accepted electronically, thus becoming the driver's production. This can reduce errors. With the system 10 present, the orders can be admitted in the control means 194 from the different clients. The control means 194 will then combine the orders for each truck 164 and the filling of sequence orders according to a production sequence. The production sequence will determine a number of platforms that can be loaded on a truck and determine an order delivery of the platforms. The control means 194 will place for each truck the load of orders that are going to be sent from the system in an inverted order. An order may consist of one or more 160 platform loads for a customer, such as individual storage. This reverse order output will result in the last load to be delivered first from the system 10 in such a way that it will be loaded first into the 164. truck. load will be further away from the door (s) of the truck. The first load to be delivered will be sent to the last one from system 10 in such a way that it will be the last load placed on the truck. When the truck 164 reaches its different destinations, the driver will not have to stir the loads. The order for the first customer will be easily accessible. In addition, the load (s) of the pallet 160 for each customer will already be placed in such a way that the driver of the truck will not have to stir the packages between the platforms. This will speed up delivery by making the delivery of the truck driver more efficient. Also, the potential for damage to the cles resulting from the multiple handling of them would be reduced. The potency for delivery of a wrong order of a wrong pal order is also reduced. Other benefits occur due to this arrangement of the loads placed on the supply truck 164. Although the flow chof Figure 9 shows cles moving from a heating device 166 to a step 182 of the bulk packer, it must be appreciated that the items supplied to step 182 of the bulk packer could actually come from any source. For example, if beverage containers such as cans, bottles, boxes for drinking, etc. are being handled. then they can be supplied from another step in the process. Also, if cles other than beverage containers are being handled, they could be supplied from an appropriate step to the system 10 of the present invention. Returning now from Figure 9 to Figure 10, it is shown. a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the system 10 of the present invention. In this schematic diagram of Figure 10, various devices are indicated from the cap filling / filling device 164, the heating device 166 and the packer 168. Items such as beverage cans, bottles or beverage boxes come out of the filling device 164 and running through the heating device 166. Then they exit this heating device 166 and normally they go to the fil-tec 190 and towards the secondary packaging. This conventional filling line in the embodiment of Figure 10 may include the additional equipment of the fil-tec 192, the bulk packer 182 plus the additional conveyor equipment. As seen in Figure 10, items such as cans, bottles or beverage boxes go up from the filtrate 192 to the top of the bulk packer 194. The bulk packer 182 places the cans, bottles , drink boxes or other items on the platforms loose. The - Bulk pallets are then stored in bulk warehouse 106 for later use. A computer or other control means 194 is indicated in Figure 9 as being connected to the bulk packer 182 and the other equipment. This control means 194 can cause the platforms to be loaded in the bulk packer in a certain way. The items are packaged according to the principles of boxes in the bottom and six packages in the upper p for example, when handling beverage containers. Of course, any appropriate embalming arrangement could be used. The middle . The control unit will also send instructions to the bulk inventory warehouse about which items should be loaded into the multi-flavored dismantler 184. The packer 186. and the packer 30 can also be controlled through this control means 194. Of course, any of the other upstream operations such as the lid filling / filling device 164, the heating device 166, the packer 168, the bagger 170, etc. they could be controlled through the control means 194. An entry is also provided for the control means 194 for loading the information about the arrival and depre of the trucks in the truck load areas 174.

- - In this way, it is possible to send orders in an appropriate sequence. The customer orders can also be admitted in the control means 194. The present system 10 allows a bottler, for example, to fill specific customer periods by producing both mixed and multi-packaged platforms according to the individual orders. As discussed above, many of the devices used in the system 10 may be under the control of the medium 194. The control means 194 may be a warehouse management system and a system controller. A computer can be used as the control means 194. An appropriate data of the road will be necessary and tickets for the admission of the order will be necessary, as mentioned above. This control means 194 can carry out the sequence of the order and the queuing and parking of the envelope feed. Packing, box fusion in sequence and embossing can also be provided. A printer or other appropriate device can be provided to output the identification tags of the platform if desired. The project information for the trucks 162 should also be admitted in the control means 194 in order to plan with respect to the supply of articles packed directly to the truck, as mentioned - - in the foregoing. The control means 194 can also be used for truck assignment. This control means 194 can also be used for replenishment requirements. The control means 194 will control mergers, product quality assurance and can provide diagnosis of a real-time system. The system 10 present, as well as the system of the second mode 10 '(which will be discussed later) will allow the construction of flexible order and improved packaging, embodegado, selection of order, sale of merchandise postponing secondary packaging decisions until it is I have filled the order. The production will be based on the flavor not on the packages, therefore reducing the requirements of placing in the cellar avoiding the multiple handling of the articles and reducing the cost. Returning to system 10, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, it should be appreciated that multiple mixed pack platforms can be formed with the present system. As mentioned above, a pack of twenty-four, a pack of twelve of twelve or a six pack of packs from a packer packer 46 can be fed through the conveyor 12 to the module 30 of the mixed packer. Also, pre-packaged module 28 can feed returned products or - - imported prepackaged directly to module 30 of the mixed packer. The embandejador will then form piles of items on a platform. The same type and size of items can be packaged on a platform or different configurations can be packaged on the platform. The bagner 156 can stack products according to the principles of boxes at the bottom and six packages at the top, for example. Of course, any appropriate stacking criteria may be used as mentioned above. In this way, different types of dimensioned products can be supplied to the platforms. Also, different varieties such as different beverage flavor containers can be supplied to the embandejador. Therefore, with the present invention, it is possible that there are mixed platform orders. Also, with the present invention, it is possible to provide multiple mixed packages. In particular, different flavored beverages can be stored in the various accumulators 32 in the high volume module 22 and in the parking areas 88 of the low volume module 24. As mentioned above, a single stroke of the same type of article can be distributed to the sorting and packaging module 26. However, it is possible to send different groups of articles. For example, in Figure 1, the accumulation equipment 32 on the left hand can distribute cans of TM Coke, for example. The conveyor belt 64 for this accumulation of equipment 32 is marked A. The following accumulation equipment with conveyor B can distribute Sprite. Then, the accumulation equipment associated with conveyor C could distribute.

TM Diet Coke, for example. With the present invention, it is possible that the only filling unit 66 and the star wheel associated with the conveyor A has four cans TM of Coke for example. Then, the next unit of a single flow and the star wheel 38 can distribute TM four cans of Sppte. Finally, the next unit 66 of simple filling and the star wheel 38 associated with the conveyor C could distribute four cans of TM TM Diet Coke These three groups each of Coke TM TM Diet Coke and Sprite can then be fed through the conveyor 12 to the storage and packaging module 26. The first path device 40 could divert these cans to the paths 128 shown in Figure 2. The third path device would then divide the cans into the four divided paths 146. The wrapper 44 could then wrap the twelve cans in order to form a container. 150 pack of twelve. This 150 pack of twelve could have TM TM four cans of Coke, four cans of Sprite and four TM cans of Diet Coke in it. Accordingly, it is possible to produce, therefore, a multiple packet mixed with the present invention. It is important to understand that not only the twelve mixed packages, but the six mixed packages, the twenty-four mixed packages or mixed packages of any size could be formed. In addition, even though TM TM TM has discussed the handling of Sppte, Coke and Diet Coke, it should be appreciated that any number of items can be handled. For example, other beverage cans, beverage boxes, beverage bottles, food cans or other appropriate item could be handled in the present system. Likewise, even though it has been argued that four articles from each group were distributed, it might be possible that three articles from four different groups could be distributed to wrap 44 of twelve packages. Other combinations of articles are proposed in both size and type. Therefore, there is great flexibility with the present system. Accordingly, it is now possible with the system 10 present to provide mixed multiple packets. Even though these mixed multiple packs are shown as being fed to the conveyor 12 and then to the paver 156, it must be understood that the bypass conveyor could be provided in order to - send these mixed multiple packages to a storage facility. With the present invention, however, it is possible to quickly fill specific orders for multiple mixed packages and then place them on a platform for fast shipment to a customer. The aforementioned control means 194 can control-the sequence of the different equipment to produce these mixed multiple packets. Instead of using the different modules 22, 24, 26 and 28, a second arrangement is possible as will now be discussed with respect to Figures 11 to 14. This modified system 10 'takes the bulk containers from bulk packer 182, as shown in Figure 10, for example. These bulk platforms can be individual cans stacked on the platform or any other suitable packaging arrangement. A forklift 56 is shown in Figure 11 to transfer the bulk platform. Of course, a conveyor, an overhead crane - or any other appropriate transfer arrangement could be used. Bulk pallets are supplied to a merry-go-round 196 that is capable of rotating in either a dextro or left-handed direction. This merry-go-round 196 is positioned ahead of a plurality of elevators in the group 198 of elevators. Of course, instead of using a separate rotary merry-go-round, a conveyor that transports - directly the bulk pallets from the bulk paver 182 could move these pallets in bulk ahead of the 198 group of elevators. Likewise, other input arrangements such as moving the groups of items directly from the filtering unit 192 to an area in front of the group 198 of elevators is likewise possible. This step would avoid the need to embank and then unload the items. However, as shown in Figure 11, a rotary merry-go-round 196 is shown. This merry-go-round can be rotated in a dextrogram or left-handed direction. Four bulk cargoes 200, 202, 204 and 206 are shown in carousel 196 in Figure 11. Bulk cargo 200 is being loaded into carousel 196 via conveyor 56. As indicated in Figure 12, this merry-go-round 196 it will eventually have five bulk cargos 200, 202, 204, 206 and 208. It is proposed that each bulk platform will have the same type of article as the same flavor of the beverage container. Different levels of items are stacked on each platform in the bulk cargo. The number of platforms in the merry-go-round 196 corresponds to the number of levels of each elevator in group 198 of elevators. In particular, five levels 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 are provided for each of the elevators 220, 222, 224 and 226 in the group of elevators - 198. Although four elevators are shown each with five levels, it is proposed that any number of elevators and any number of levels per elevator can be used in the present invention. The levels of each elevator are separated by a predetermined fixed distance from each other. The levels of each elevator are simultaneously reciprocated vertically in the up and down movement of the elevator. Each elevator 220, 222, 224 and 226 is movable independently of one another relative to the other. In Figure 12, a transfer device 228 can be seen for each of the elevators 220, 222, 224 and 226. Each of the transfer devices 228 is movable independently from one another and relative to its adjacent individual elevator . Each transfer device 228 also has a holding head for holding a whole layer of loose cans, for example, from a layer on each platform. Of course, bottles, drink boxes and other items could be handled. The head of the clamping device is reciprocated from a position above the carousel 196 to a position above the individual levels of the adjacent riser. As can be seen in Figure 12, four levels of items have been separated from the bulk platforms - 200 and 202. A level of the bulk platform 204 has already been placed on the fifth level 218 of the first elevator 220. The transfer device 228 of the second elevator 222 is removing the next layer of articles from the bulk platform 204 to be placed in the fifth level 218 of the elevator 222. Each of the five levels of the elevator 220, 222, 224 and 226 will be loaded with an article layer from the bulk platform 204. The transfer device 228 for each elevator will move that layer of articles towards the respective elevator. The merry-go-round 196 will also move the bulk platforms 206 and 208 to positions forward of the group 198 of elevators. The transfer devices 228 may also be layers unloaded from articles toward the separate levels 210 and 212 of each individual elevator. This loading sequence can be varied if desired. For example, all levels 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 of the first elevator 220 can be loaded before the levels of the next elevator 222 are loaded. Other loading sequences are possible. Furthermore, instead of retaining the levels of the fixed elevators when articles are transferred from the bulk platforms to the individual layers, it is possible for the transfer device 228 to move horizontally only. In this provision, then it would be necessary that each level of the elevator be movable to a further-low position in such a way that the transfer device 228 can only pick up and slide a layer of articles towards an adjacent level 210, 212, 214, 216 or 218. In this modified arrangement, it is possible to lightly lift the article layer with the transfer device in order to avoid any interference between the adjacent layers. Even when five levels 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 are shown, and four individual elevators 220, 222, 224 and 226, any number of levels and any number of elevators can be used. In addition, even when five different bulk platforms 200, 202, 204, 206 and 208 are shown to supply different items at each level 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218, it is possible for a platform to supply items at different levels thereof. elevator. Great flexibility is provided in the present invention. Before supplying the bulk platforms 202, 204, 206 and 208 to the merry-go-round 196, the control means 194 collects all the orders that are to be processed and then generates a production sequence. Based on this production sequence, the bulk platforms can be loaded on the merry-go-round 196. The merry-go-round 196 will then rotate to place each platform so that it is forward of the transfer device 228 for each of the individual elevators of the group 198 of elevators. As noted above, the transfer device can hold a whole layer of loose items such as cans from each platform. If possible, however, the transfer device 228 can hold less than a whole layer of articles or can hold some form of packaged articles. As mentioned above, the articles will then be transferred to the correct level 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 of each of the individual elevators 220, 222, 224 and 226. It is proposed that this provision of Each level of elevators that are being loaded completely with loose items, such as cans, bottles or beverage box with one flavor per level. The concept of elevators of the system 10 'provides the fast and simple product change going to the packer 230, shown in Figure 14, as will be described below. However, returning first to Figure 13, a group loaded entirely with elevators 198 is shown. A four-way conveyor 234 is shown ahead of the group of elevators. In Figure 13, however, the transfer device 228 is not shown in order to - simplify the drawings. Also, merry-go-round 196 is simply omitted for reasons of clarity. The four-lane conveyor has a first path 234, a second path 236, a third path 238 and a fourth path 240. The first path 234 extends beyond each of the elevators and ends in front of the elevator 226. The second path 236 extends up to the elevator 224. The separation of the elevators can be staggered such that the elevator 226 extends more forwardly than the elevator 224. This indentation in the separation of the elevator can accommodate different distances between the levels of the elevator. elevators and conveyor paths 232. Alternatively, the elevators can be placed in the same plane and an appropriate transfer arrangement can be provided to move the articles from the elevator levels to the conveyor 232. The third path 238 of the conveyor 232 extends beyond the elevator 220 to the elevator 222. Finally, the fourth path 240 extends to the front of the elevator. levator 220. In this way, the first elevator 226 will unload the articles onto the path 234, the elevator 224 will discharge to the path 236 and so on. As seen on the left hand side of Figure 13, four rows of articles are moving along conveyor 232. These four rows of articles have a length corresponding to the length of a row of articles at a level of elevator. Therefore, the elevator 226, for example, will unload everything in the front row of the articles to the path 234. However, a different discharge arrangement could be provided such that any appropriate number of items can be unloaded. For example, a release mechanism could be provided to discharge only some of the cans. The levels 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 of each elevator in Figure 13 are shown as being in the horizontal direction. However, these levels can be tilted towards the conveyor 232 in order to provide a gravity assistant to discharge the articles towards the conveyor 232. Likewise, the levels of each elevator could have an energized conveyor or other auxiliary device for moving the cans to the rear part of the level towards the conveyor 232 of four paths. Each lifter 220, 222, 224 and 226 has five levels 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218, as mentioned above. The elevators 220, 222, 224 and 226 are movable independently one relative to the other. The control means 194 can control the vertical movement and discharge of the elevators in the group 198 of elevators. During operation, the lowest level 218 of the elevator 226 on the right can be raised to the level with the first path 234. Then, the first row of items such as cans, bottles, beverage boxes can be distributed to the first path 234. Simultaneously or soon thereafter, the next elevator 224 can be raised in such a way that the lower level 218 also remains adjacent to the second trail 236. When the articles unloaded to the trail 234 are adjacent to the unloading area for the trail 236, the articles can be released from the level 218 of the elevator 224 in such a way that a group of articles having two rows is formed. This process may continue in such a way that the lower level 218 of the elevators 222 and 220 is also placed adjacent the respective paths 238 and 240. As the two-row package moves past the elevator 222, the articles can be distributed from this elevator to form a three-row package. Then, as the three-row package moves past the last elevator 220, the last row of items can be distributed thereby forming four rows of items on the conveyor 232. Because it is proposed that the specific level through of elevators have the same product, this - The described arrangement will result in a group of all items of the same type that are being formed. By way of example, the cans of Coke can be placed at level 218 in each of the elevators 220, 222, 224 and 226. In this discharge arrangement described above, the four rows of articles optionally placed on the conveyor 232 of four layers will consist of four TM Coke rows. Therefore, a uniform package of items can be provided. On the other hand, it is possible for the elevator 216 to unload a row of items from level 218 while the next elevator 224 unloads a row of items from another level such as 216, for example. The next elevator 222 can then unload the items of level 214 while the last elevator 220 downloads the items from level 212, for example. Then, four different types of articles would be provided in the grouping on the conveyor 232 when each of these different levels 218, 216, 214 and 212 contain different types of articles. In a next distribution cycle, for example, articles of level 210 can be distributed from elevator 222 and items of level 218 can be distributed from elevator 220. These distribution arrangements are only illustrative of the great flexibility that is provided with - the system 10 'present. It should be appreciated that the control means 194 can transmit the discharge of any desired grouping of articles "from the five different layers of the elevators." Further, even when it is shown that a whole row of articles is distributed simultaneously from one level of each elevator, any appropriate number of items could be distributed It is proposed that each elevator 220, 222, 224 and 226 distribute the same number of items per cycle This provides uniform clusters on the downstream conveyor 232. Since each individual elevator 220, 222, 224 and 226 is reciprocated vertically, the different levels 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 will be placed adjacent to the respective paths of the conveyor 232. Therefore, it is possible to distribute many types of groups of articles to the conveyor. that each level 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 of an individual elevator move simultaneously maintaining in this way a separate predetermined among them. Therefore, when the level 218, for example, rises to the level of the path 234, the other levels 210, 212, 214 and 216 of the elevator 226 will rise above the conveyor 232. The items are placed in sequence appropriately - based on each order that is being processed by the control means 194. The conveyor 232 feeds the groups 242 towards the packer 230, as seen in Figure 14. The group of elevators 198 allows a quick and simple change of the product going to the packer 230. The Packager 230 can produce packages of any size. taste at any time. This is the way in which a mixed platform is produced. By varying the flavors or types of articles of each of the four conveyor paths 234, 236, 238 and 240, the packer 230 must produce a mixed multiple package. A series of magazine style retainers 244 feeds the wrappers to the packer 230 so that each order can be packaged correctly. Packaged products 246 can continue to move downstream to the bagger, where they can be stacked and loaded directly onto a truck. Alternatively, it is possible to stack these products and load them into a warehouse or store them in another way. The packer 230 of Figure 14 receives the wrapper of the warehouse style retainers 244. These retainers 244 include upper retainers 248 and lateral retainers 250. In particular, the wrappers for the articles can be dropped towards the conveyor 252 from the top retainers 248 and fed to the packer 230. These top retainers 248 can be activated simultaneously or activated in any sequence. For example, the rear retainer 248 can be activated repeatedly when the input groups 242 of the same articles are fed in sequence to the packer 230. In addition to the upper retainers 248, the side retainers 250 are also provided. These side retainers 250 send the wraps from their side. upper outlet towards the conveyor 252. These wrappers are then fed into the packer 230. The upper retainers 248 and the side retainers 250 allow the packer 230 to be supplied continuously with the wrappers in order to accommodate the input groups 242 to the items in the conveyor 232. The articles of the wrapper exit the packer 230, as indicated, by bundled product groups 246. Even though six warehouses are shown in Figure 14, it should be appreciated that any number of warehouses can be provided. It is proposed that each warehouse will only distribute a single type of wrap, but a warehouse could be placed to exhibit different types of wrappers. It is also possible to use distant wrap retainers. For example, a shelf design could retain thirty, one hundred or any desired number of types of wrappers. One or more of the pickers of the robotic order can be provided to remove one or more wrappings from the shelves. The control means 194 can instruct the pickers of the fobotic order in the sequence of orders arriving at the packer 230. The pickers of the robotic order can then pull on the required number and type of wraps while placing them in the proper sequence. The bundles of envelopes placed in sequence appropriately can then be fed to the packer 230 in anticipation of the entry orders. Instead of using automatic robotic order pickers, the system could of course use pick up the manual order to supply the wrappers. Many other types of arrangements are possible to provide the wrappers in the present systems 10 'and 10. In addition, it should be appreciated that the group of elevators 198 can feed the items to the packer 230 of the same type for a specific group or a group can mingle. In Figure 13, five levels 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 are provided for each of the elevators. Therefore, it is possible that five different groups all having the same type of article could be fed to packer 230. Therefore, at least five wraps must be provided to accommodate these groups. It is possible, as mentioned above, however, to form a mixed multiple pack. Therefore, a group of items 242 that approximate the packer 230 may have different group item types. Therefore, at least one -.244 retentor must be provided to wrap these mixed multiple packets. It is proposed that packager 230 can package six packages, twelve packages, 24 packages or "Any article of a package of appropriate size Therefore, the groups of packaged products 246 fed from the packer 230 can be varied as well. It is proposed that the present system 10 or 10 'can package 50 boxes per minute, for example The present invention provides great flexibility that has hitherto not been possible in the art, the present system 10, 10 'can reduce the cycle time, for example, by 50 percent. For example, it can be treated as the base unit, which can reduce the number of units to keep the material packed, reduce the protiency of the materials out of use and reduce the packing requirements. the automation of the system and the potential savings can be accumulated, it is possible to manufacture orders according to the client's taste and to provide great flexibility in the packaging. A single platform can have packets of different size such as six packets, twelve packets and twenty-four packages placed in it. Also, an individual package can be formed with different types of items such as different flavor beverages. Therefore, a mixed multiple pack can easily be formed in the system 10, 10 'present. Therefore, it is easy to manufacture the orders according to the client's wis Also, if new packages are introduced, it is easy to configure the articles in t new packages. For example, if for some reason a pack of eighteen becomes a market standard, the system could easily accommodate itself to provide t packages. Therefore, there is great flexibility in the present system. Due to the order filling just in time, the secondary packaging decisions can be postponed until the order or order has been filled. Therefore, if there is a certain package wrapper for a station, for example, it can be applied just before the packages are sent. Therefore, a cellar with wrapping items that are no longer in the station can certainly be avoided. It is possible to quickly change the promotions and manufacture the packages to suit the client for a specific market. Therefore, the attraction of packaged items can be greatly increased. There is a large amount of capacity to sustain the market initiatives in the system 10, 10 'present. Also, the use of filler material 164 can be improved with the present system. The packaging and handling of articles can be carried out easily with the filling device operating at maximum capacity. In addition, if new types of items are added such as a new beverage or a product brand, then the present invention provides this capacity for growth. For example, the additional accumulation equipment 32 could be added to the high volume module 22 for a total of seven pieces of equipment 32, for example, this easy addition of the equipment allows the system 10, 10 'to grow and accommodate the change easily. Alternatively, the arrangement of articles in an existing module can easily be altered. For example, if an article has increased sales, it is easy to move the placement of this article from the low volume module 24 to the high volume module 22, for example. Also, an item can be entered through module 28 for packaging if desired. In the system 10 ', - 16 - the articles loaded in the group of elevators 198 are easily varied depending on the platforms loaded on the merry-go-round 196. If necessary, an additional elevator can be added to group 198 of the number of levels per elevator could also be increased. Therefore, great flexibility is provided with the system 10, 10 'present. The embossing system for selecting "the order of the present invention has great flexibility in its location, it can be in a production site in-once of a distribution center if desired., a need to temporarily package items, move them to a distribution center and then reposition them on a platform can be avoided. By reducing the amount of time an item has to be handled, the cost can then be reduced and the potential for damaging the items can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to avoid a large amount of placement in the hold of the articles in the present invention. In particular, the stacked platforms can be loaded directly on the truck 162 as mentioned above. Even though some loaded platforms may be temporarily stored to be supplied in truck 162, the need for a large storage area can be avoided. This also reduces the cost and improves efficiency through the 10, 10 'total system. Sales initiatives can be supported by the system 10, 10 'present as indicated for example in Figure 15. Figure 15 shows a loading 160 of the platform consisting of six individual packages 152. Different brands of six packages can be used. For example, six packages of Coke 254 and six packages of Diet Coque TM 256 can be stacked on the TM 258 platform. The six packages 254 usually have a red color as indicated by what has been scratched in Figure 15. six other packages - 256 are usually white. These six packs 254, 256 can be stacked on-platform 258 in order to form certain designs or patterns in the article stack. In Figure 15, a "C" is formed by the six packages. The control means 194 can control the feeding of articles to the packer in such a way that an appropriate design in the stack can be formed. It should be noted that this design extends completely through the stack as it is on the visible right-hand side of the stack in Figure 15. Therefore, if a client collects certain six packets from the platform, the six remaining packages continue to form the design. In other words, the design is compatible - from the front 260 to the back 262 of the stack. A generally horizontal cross section through the stack will therefore have a compatible color pattern from the front 260 to the back 262 of the stack. The control means 194 may feed the articles to form alpha-numeric indicia or other designs with contrasting colors of the articles. Instead of using six packages as the article, packets of different sizes can be used. In addition to proposing that the platforms in sequence could be used to form words, for example. These platforms would then be delivered by truck 162 to a site and unloaded in order to spell the word. This market concept is easily supported by the present invention. Even though we know how to form words with articles on different platforms, until now it has been necessary to manually stack these platforms in order to form the words. With the system 10, 10 'present, this process can be carried out automatically. It should be noted that although generally the red and white articles, 254, 256 have been indicated in Figure 15, any type of colored article can be used. It is the contrast between the different items that results in the pattern or design. When platform loads 160 are formed in sequence, it is also possible that the pattern or design continues from a platform load to the next platform load. Therefore, elaborate designs can be formed by continuing from one platform to the next platform. The present system 10, 10 'provides packaging of the order from a supply of individual items. This supply of individual items may include those items retained in the high volume module 22 and the low volume module 24 of the system 10 and those items retained in the group of elevators 198 of the second system mode 10 '. A packaging subsystem includes the sorting and packaging module 26 of the first mode 10 and the discharge paths 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 of the conveyor 242 with the packer -230 in the second mode of the system 10 '. A flagger 156 is shown on module 30 of the mixed flagger of system 10. Packages 246 fed through packer 230 in the second mode of system 10 'can be fed to a packer to be stacked as mentioned in what follows. antece This sequence is indicated for example in Figure 9 by the indication of the bagger 30. The conveyor such as 12 and 232 together with the other associated conveyors constitute a conveyor system for transporting the articles from the supply to the packer and for transporting the packages from the packaging subsystem to the embandejador in the present system. The present invention also provides a method for packaging an order comprising the steps of supplying individual items to the conveyor system such as 12 or 32. The articles are then transported to a packaging subsystem and the individual items are packaged in the size containers. The containers of different sizes have a different number of individual items in them.These different sized containers are then transported from the packaging subsystem to a bagger and placed on platforms in the bagger. different size are placed on the same platform The present invention also provides a system for packaging the order comprising a packaging supply such as pre-packing module 28 of the system 10. Even when not shown in Figure 14, a pre-packaged module could also supply item packages s to the stream of articles coming out of packer 230 in system 10 '. The high volume module 222 and the low volume module 24 of the system 10 and the group of elevators 198 of the system 10 'comprise an article supply to supply the individual articles. As it mentioned above, a packaging subsystem is provided for packaging individual items. This packaging subsystem may include the sorting and packaging module 26 of the system 10 or the packer 230 of the system 10 '. The downstream embandejador then embandej para packages of articles of both the package supply and the packaging subsystem. A conveyor system interconnects several components in it. This system therefore provides mixed pre-packaged items as well as items packaged in the system on the same platform. The present invention also provides a method for carrying out this mixing of pre-packaged packages and individual articles in the same system. This method comprises the steps of supplying individual items to the conveyor system. These articles are then transported by the conveyor system to the packaging subsystem such as the packaging classification module 26 of the first packager mode 230 of the second mode. A separate package supply such as pre-packaged module 28 can be used to supply the packages.

. - As mentioned above, the system 10 'may also have a separate pre-packaged module. These freshly packaged items as well as pre-packaged items can then all be bagged by the waste handler. The present invention also provides a system for collecting orders that have a priority arrangement. A supply of individual items can be placed a high volume module 22 and a low volume module 24 based on its use. Therefore, a different amount of space for articles is provided depending on the priority of particles in the group. The means for feeding the articles may include the star wheel mechanism 38 and / or a bridge crane robot dismantler 60, 90 to selectively feed the individual articles from one of the groups. Alternatively, the means for unloading the articles from the level of one of the elevators in the elevator group 198 acts as part of the means for feeding. Then a packer can place these groups on a platform. The present invention also provides a method for prioritizing articles in the order packaging system. This method includes the steps of supplying individual items from a supply - - of items such as the high volume module 22 of the low volume module 24 or the group of elevators 198. Depending on the priority of an item, a different amount of space may be provided in the system. The articles are then fed selectively from one of the groups and then embandejan. Along with this idea of giving priority to the articles, it should be appreciated that the high volume module 22 for example could handle the same type of articles in two adjacent areas associated with the conveyors 64A and 64B, for example. Then, within the high volume module 22, a higher priority item would have more space to be provided for it. In the lifting group 198, two levels of each lifter could be provided with a priority item. Therefore, the present system can easily accommodate the need for an increased amount of an item of a certain priority. The present invention also allows the reduction of downstream storage requirements. For example, a method to avoid storing the embossed articles is provided of course. This method includes the steps of feeding the items to an ambassador such as 156. The items are then bagged and handled directly on a truck 162, as indicated, for example in Figure 7. This will reduce - therefore, a number of loaded platforms are stored between the packing and loading steps in order to minimize the storage space requirements. In addition to minimizing downstream storage requirements, upstream storage requirements can also be minimized. This is carried out by a method of reducing - an amount of each type of different types of units to maintain a multiple material of existence in a hold. With the present invention, a single-flavor package is treated as a base unit as mentioned above. This avoids providing units to maintain the material in existence of six packages, twelve packages, twenty-four packages, variety of packages, etc. Instead, individual items are converted into units to keep the material in storage. These units that keep the material in storage can then be fed from a storage facility to the management system. It will be noted that some package modules are provided in the present system by the prepackaged module 28. However, a majority of the items handled can be individual items such as individual beverage packages. When these individual beverage containers are fed into the handling system, the individual beverage containers are packaged in different size containers in the storage and packaging module 26. This will minimize the number of units to maintain the multiple material required to be retained upstream of the system. Similarly to the system 10, the system 10 'of the second embodiment also reduces the upstream storage requirements by handling the individual items as the units for keeping the multiple material in stock. These items are eventually wrapped in an appropriately sized package. The need to store many packages of different size can therefore be avoided. The present system also provides a system and method for forming beverage packages that have different types of packages therein. In other words, you can form a variety package with the system and method present. A conveyor system such as 12 will feed a plurality of beverages to a packaging subsystem such as sorting and packaging module 26 or packer 230. Different types of beverages may be packaged in the same package. These packages are then downloaded. As shown in Figure 15, the present invention also provides a method for automatically forming a selectable design in a stack 160 of articles. These items are fed to a packer and then stacked. The control means 194 may select the articles fed to the packer to result in articles that are applied to form a certain design. This shape design using at least contrast colors of the items stacked on the pallet. In addition, the present invention provides a system 10 'for order packaging that includes a plurality of elevators 198. Each elevator has a plurality of levels 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218. Although five levels have been shown and discussed, they can any number of levels for each elevator as mentioned above. A conveyor 232 feeds the articles from the elevator group 198. The conveyor has at least one path 234, 236, 238 and 240 for each elevator. Means are provided for unloading the articles from the elevators to the respective paths. The system 10 'also provides a method for packaging orders comprising the steps of providing a plurality of elevators 198. The articles are retained at different levels 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 of each elevator. The articles are then fed to a conveyor 232 having at least one path 234, 236, 238 and 240 for each elevator. The items are unloaded from the elevator to the respective lanes. As mentioned above, the present system and method provides great flexibility to pick up orders. The benefits of the present invention so far have not been able to be obtained in the prior art. It should be noted that the "Coke" ™ brands, "Sprite" ™, "Diet Coke" ™, and registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company. Having described the invention, it will be apparent that it can be varied in many ways. These variations should not be considered as a deviation from the spirit and scope of the invention and all these modifications that will be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS:

1. A system (10, 10 ') for packaging orders that has a supply (22, 24) of individual items, a bagger (156, 156') for packing the containers of different size, and a conveyor system (12), containers of different size being placeable on the same platform by the bagger (156, 156 ') the conveyor system transports at least the articles from the supply (22, 24) to the bagger, the system being characterized by a subsystem of packaging (26) for packaging the individual articles in different sized containers, the different sized containers have a different number of individual articles thereon, the packaging subsystem (26) being between the supply (22, 24) of the individual items and the bagger (156, 156 '), the individual items being transported by the conveyor system from the supply (22, 24) of individual items to the packaging subsystem (26) and the different sized packages being fed by the system conveyor (12) from the J-26 packaging subsystem) to the embanderer.

2. The system for packaging orders according to claim 1, wherein the subsystem - - Packaging (26) comprises a plurality of wraps (42, 44, 46) for wrapping the individual articles in a container, each of the wraps (42, 44, 46) wraps a pack size, the conveyor system (12). ) interconnects the plurality of wrappings.

The system for packaging orders according to claim 2, wherein the conveyor system (12) supplies the articles from the supply (22, 24) and includes a plurality of different conveyors (126, 128, 130, 132, 134 , 144, 146) within the packaging subsystem (26), and wherein the packaging subsystem further comprises at least one device having paths (40, 136, 138), at least one device having paths deflects the articles that come from the supply (22, 24) in the conveyor system (12) to one of the plurality of different conveyors in the packaging subsystem (26).

The system for packaging orders according to claim 3, wherein the conveyor system (12) supplies the articles from the supply (22, 24) to the packaging subsystem (26) along a single conveyor, the single conveyor feeds the items to at least one device that has paths (40), and at least one device that has - paths that include a plurality of devices having paths (40, 136, 138), the different conveyors (126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 144, 146) in the packaging subsystem (26) feeds the articles to and from the plurality of wraps (42, 44, 46) whereby each of the wraps has one side upstream and one side downstream and wherein each of the plurality of wraps (42, 44, 46) has at least one path device on the upstream side thereof.

The system for packaging orders according to claim 1, further comprising at least one high volume module (22) and a low volume module (24) as the delivery of individual items.

6. The system for packaging orders according to claim 1 or 5, further comprising a pre-packaged module (28) for delivering preformed packages, the preformed packages contain a plurality of items, the conveyor system (12) is interconnected both the packaging subsystem (26) as the pre-packaged module (28) of the packer (156, 156 ').

7. A method for packaging orders that includes the steps of: supplying individual items from a supply (22, 24) to a conveyor system (12); transporting the individual articles in the conveyor system (12) to a packaging subsystem (26); transport the containers of different size from the packaging subsystem (26) to a packer (156), 156 '). placing the containers on the pallets in the bagger (156, 156 '), the method is characterized by packaging the individual items in the packaging subsystem (26) in containers of different size, the containers of different size have a different number of articles individual in them, the containers are placed on platforms during the laying step including the different sized containers that are packaged during the packing step while being placed on the same platform by the bagger (156, 156 ').

The method for packaging orders according to claim 7, wherein the step of packaging comprises wrapping the individual articles in a package with a wrap (42, 44, 46), a plurality of wrappers is provided and each of The wraps envelop a pack size.

The method for packaging orders according to claim 8, further comprising the step of diverting the articles from the transport step as the articles are supplied during the supply step which is diverted to different downstream conveyors during the step of diverting by means of at least one path device (40, 136, 138), the step of supplying individual items includes the step of using a single conveyor to feed the articles to at least one device having paths (40, 136, 138).

The method for packaging orders according to claim 9, wherein at least one device having paths (40, 136, 138) includes a plurality of devices having paths, the method further includes the step of feeding the articles to and from the plurality of wraps (42, 44, 46) with different conveyors. (126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 144, 146) whereby each of the wrappings has one side upstream and one side downstream and where Each of the plurality of wraps (42, 44, 46) has at least one device with paths on the side in waters upstream thereof. - -

11. The method for packaging orders according to claim 7 further comprising the step of using at least one high volume module (22) and a low volume module (24) to supply the individual items during the delivery step.

12. The method for packaging orders according to claim 7 or 11, further comprising the step of supplying preformed packages from a pre-packaged module (28), the preformed packages contain a plurality of items, the transport step further comprises transporting both the containers of different size and the packages preformed from the packaging module towards the packer (156, 156 ').