AU755399B2 - Method and apparatus for manipulating and opening a bag - Google Patents

Description

WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING AND OPENING A BAG TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a method of packaging.

BACKGROUND ART The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the packaging of products into bags.

In particular the present invention relates to an automated method/apparatus for presenting bags for packaging therein.

At present there are a number of drawbacks with the method/apparatus used for presenting bags for packaging products.

For ease of reference only, the product will now be referred to as cheese however, this should not be seen as limiting as the present invention may have application to other types of product.

One current method for presenting bags for packaging, involves a person manually having to place the mouth of a bag on a spreading device, which then opens the mouth of the bag to allow for product to be inserted therein.

However, this method suffers from being labour intensive, expensive and potentially septic.

A number of other apparatus have been devised for the automated presenting of bags for packaging. An example of such apparatus is disclosed in New Zealand Patent Specification No. 202791 which relates to a machine for sequentially opening plastic bags prior to filling with solid articles. This machine opens a bag via the use of compressed air. Accordingly, this method or presenting bags for packaging is not PCT/NZ99/00130 Received 05 May 2000 regarded as being aseptic.

A further disadvantage with other methods/apparatus currently available for opening bags is that they require the use of complicated machinery and are therefore expensive to manufacture and are more prone to mechanical failure.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 1. A method of presenting bags for the packaging of products using apparatus which includes at least one hinged flap and at least one gripping device capable of holding the top surface of a bag characterised by the steps of a) placing the mouth end portion of the bag on the hinged flap; and b) pivoting the hinged flap to present the top surface of the bag to the gripping device for gripping, and c) manipulating the bag externally so that the mouth of the bag is at least partially open, and d) inserting a spreading device which includes at least two spreading members into the at least partially open mouth of the bag, and e) moving apart the spreading members to further open the bag, and f) inserting a product into the bag via the now open mouth of the bag.

2. An apparatus for presenting bags for the packaging of products which

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IPEA1AU PCT/NZ99/00130 Received 05 May 2000 includes at least one spreading device which includes at least two spreading members, a hinged flap upon which the mouth end portion of a bag is placed at least one gripping device characterised in that the apparatus is configured so as to manipulate the bag externally to at least partially open the mouth of the bag, gripping device holding the top surface of the bag when this is presented following pivoting of the hinged flap, the mouth being opened sufficiently so that the spreading device can be inserted therein to allow the spreading members to be moved apart to further open the mouth of the bag so that product can be inserted therein.

In some embodiments there is an alignment chute which positions a bag into which the product is to be inserted, which includes the hinged flap.

The apparatus via the concerted actions of the flap(s) and gripping device(s) can then manipulate or bend the bag in the alignment chute, to partially open the mouth of the bag. The spreading device can be inserted, the spreading members moved apart to open the mouth of the bag for the product to be inserted.

Some embodiments may also include a tensioning device which can hold a portion of the bag against the chute. This device can further assist the concerted actions of the flap and gripping devices in manipulating the bag so as to partially open the mouth of the bag.

The bags may come in a variety of different shapes and forms and be made of various aterials without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 It is envisaged that the product may be any substantially solid object.

In general, the object may be a foodstuff, however this should not be seen as limiting.

In preferred embodiments the product may be cheese.

It should be appreciated that a key factor of the present invention is the manipulation of the bag externally to at least partially open the bag. This external manipulation avoids the possibility of contamination which has been a problem with previous methods, for example blowing compressed air into the bags or manual manipulation.

There are a number of ways by which the bags can be manipulated externally and a few of these are discussed later on in the specification. One method is causing the bag to bend so as to at least partially open the mouth.

Another method of manipulating externally is to apply vacuum pressure through plates onto the bags and then ease the plates apart to pull the bags apart. This is described in greater detail in this specification as well.

Another possible means to manipulate externally is to grip the bag externally to force the bag open.

It is envisaged the magazine may have a variety of different configurations.

In general, the magazine may provide a substantially flat substantially horizontal surface upon which a plurality of bags may be placed.

In preferred embodiments, the magazine may also includes a number of walls, or upright members to help retain the bags on the support surface of the magazine.

However, this should not be seen as limiting.

In some preferred embodiments, the magazine may be removable from the chassis of the apparatus to enable bags to be loaded into the magazine. However, this should WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 not be seen as limiting.

In some embodiments the magazine may simply be a carton of bags.

In some further preferred embodiments, the magazine may be located remote from the apparatus for presenting bags. In such embodiments, bag conveyance apparatus may transport bags from the magazine to the apparatus for presenting bags. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conveyance apparatus may have a number of different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The spreading device may have a variety of different configurations.

In general, the spreading device will be configured so as to be capable of moving at least one spreading member either towards or away from the other spreading member.

In some preferred embodiments both spreading members may be capable of moving independently of one another. However, this should not be seen as limiting.

In preferred embodiments, the spreading members may be moved with respect to one another via the operation of hydraulic or pneumatic rams. However, this should not be seen as limiting as other types of movement devices may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The spreading members may come in a variety of different forms.

In one preferred embodiment the spreading members may be in the form of plates.

In another preferred embodiment the spreading members may have a U-shaped crosssectional profile.

In some preferred embodiments the spreading members may have a dimpled outer surface.

WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 The advantage provided by having dimpled spreading members is that this helps prevent moisture forming between the plate and the surface of the bag.

In some further preferred embodiments the apparatus may include at least two spreading devices.

A first spreading device may be configured so as to be capable of at least supporting a bag having a partially open mouth, whilst the mouth of the bag is opened further.

A second spreading device may be configured so as to be capable of further opening the partially open mouth of a bag, so as to allow product to be inserted therein.

It is envisaged the alignment chute may have a variety of different configurations.

In preferred embodiments the alignment chute may consist of a substantially flat surface in transverse cross section.

In some further preferred embodiments the alignment chute may be curved at the lower end thereof when viewed side on.

In preferred embodiments the alignment chute may be dimpled, so as to allow bag to move freely, as well as help prevent moisture forming between the chute and the bag.

The alignment chute may generally be orientated so that it is not substantially horizontal.

In general, the alignment chute may have an angle of between 30 and 70 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

In preferred embodiments the chute may have an angle of substantially 70 degrees with respect to the horizontal which may curve down to an angle of substantially degrees with respect to the horizontal at the terminal lower end thereof.

In some further preferred embodiments of the present invention the alignment chute WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 may include a top section and bottom section which may be spaced apart from one another so that a bag may be introduced therebetween.

In further preferred embodiments the alignment chute may include left hand and right hand portions which can be moved with respect to one another so as to be capable of tapering towards the terminal lower end of the chute. The advantage this configuration of alignment chute provides is that it helps center and align bags of differing sizes for opening thereof.

It is envisaged there may be a variety of different configurations which can be employed to allow the left and right hand portions, to be moved so as to taper towards the terminal lower end of the chute.

The hinged flap(s) may have a variety of different configurations.

In preferred embodiments the hinged flap(s) may be pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis.

In preferred embodiments the hinged flap(s) may be substantially aligned with the chute.

To enable the flap to retain a bag on the alignment chute the flap(s) may include a foot which protrudes from the terminal end(s) thereof.

The flap(s) may be caused to pivot about hinge(s) via means of at least one hydraulic or pneumatic ram. However. this should not be seen as limiting as other types of movement devices may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In embodiments where the alignment chute includes top and bottom sections, flaps on the top section may be caused to pivot about hinge(s) so as to rest substantially adjacent a foot which may protrude from the terminal end of the bottom section of the WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 alignment chute.

The applicant has found that pivoting the flaps on the top section of the alignment chute in this manner, can help prevent bags from sliding over the foot and out of the alignment chute.

It is envisaged that the gripping device(s) may come in a variety of different forms without limiting the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments the gripping device(s) may be in the form of an adhesive surface.

In preferred embodiments the gripping device(s) may be in the form of at least one vacuum cup.

In some further preferred embodiments the gripping device(s) may be in the form of at least one clamp.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may utilise more than one form of gripping device.

To assist in gravity opening the mouth of the bag, a tensioning device may be employed in some embodiments to retain a portion of the bag in the alignment chute.

The tensioning device may have a number of different configurations.

In preferred embodiments the tensioning device may be at least one roller which is attached to the end of at least one pneumatic or hydraulic ram.

However, it should be appreciated that devices other than pneumatic or hydraulic rams may be used to bias the roller without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In preferred embodiments the roller may be made of an at least partially resilient 8 WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 material.

In some preferred embodiments the mouth end of the bag is presented to the gripping device(s) via pivoting of the hinged flap(s) so the top surface of the bag can be held by gripping device(s). This pivoting of the flap causes the bag to bend such that when the flap is pivoted back into alignment with the chute, the bottom surface of the bag falls away from that of the top surface of the bag which is held by the gripping device. Consequently, through the action of gravity on the bottom surface of the bag, the mouth of the bag is now at least partially open.

In some preferred embodiments the flap(s) may also include at least one gripping device such as a vacuum cup thereon.

In some further preferred embodiments the alignment chute may have at least two flaps, a front flap and a rear flap.

The front flap may include a foot which protrudes from the terminal end thereof to retain a bag on the alignment chute. The front flap being substantially aligned with the chute.

The rear flap may include at least one gripping device such as for example only, a vacuum cup.

The front flap may also include a number of apertures of a size which allow for the vacuum cup(s) associated with the rear flap to pass therethrough.

The front flap is caused to pivot via pivoting of the rear flap which may be attached to a hydraulic or pneumatic ram.

In some embodiments where the flap/rear flap are associated with vacuum cups when: a) the flap/rear flap is pivoted to bend the bag so as to present the top surface of WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 the bag to gripping device(s) remote to the flap/rear flap, and then b) the flap/front flap is pivoted to again be in alignment with chute; the vacuum cups on the flap/rear flap hold the bottom surface of the bag so the pivoting that occurs at point b) can cause the mouth of the bag to become at least partially open.

In the above embodiments where the flap itself or rear flap are associated with vacuum cups the applicant has found it is not necessary to have a tensioning device to assist in opening the mouth of the bag.

In some further preferred embodiments wherein the alignment chute includes top and bottom sections, the flaps on the top and bottom sections may be associated with gripping devices, such as vacuum cups in the following manner: a) the flaps on the top section may be attached to vacuum cups which protrude downwardly therefrom; and b) the bottom section flaps may include apertures therein, which allow for vacuum cups to protrude therefrom when the flaps are pivoted with respect to the vacuum cups.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention include clamping plates which help hold the bag to the flaps. For example, the gripping devices on the flaps may cause the bag to partially open. Once the bag is opened sufficiently, the clamping plates may then be activated to hold the bag against the flaps, thus supplementing the grip on the bag by the machine.

These clamping plates may for example, come in from the side of the side of the plates for gussetted bags and over the front of the plates for lie flat bags.

Thus preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 advantages over the prior art.

One advantage of the present invention is that it allows for the aseptic packaging of products into bags.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it allows for automation of what was in some cases a previously manual task.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an uncomplicated method/apparatus for the presenting of bags for packaging. Consequently, it is less prone to mechanical failure than more complicated apparatus.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it can be easily installed into an existing production line to automate the packaging process, or alternately replace more complicated existing machinery.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the integrity of the plastic bag is maintained at all times.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Example One Figures I 7 illustrate the diagrammatic side views of packaging apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the packaging operation, and Figure 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a tensioning device in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 and is a diagrammatic perspective view of a hinged flap in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 Example Two Figures 10-17 Figure 18 Figure 19 illustrate the diagrammatic side views of packaging apparatus in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the packaging operation.

is a diagrammatic plan view of a spreading device.

is a diagrammatic perspective view of hinged flaps associated with the alignment chute, and Example Three Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22 Figure 23 is a diagrammatic side view of packaging apparatus in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagrammatic partial view of the alignment chute shown in Figure 20, and diagrammatic side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 illustrating the packaging operation, and a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the tracks along which the clamps may travel so as to effectively insert the spreader plates into the mouth of the bag.

WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 Example Four Figure 24 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention where the magazine is located remote from the bag presenting apparatus.

diagrammatic views of a preferred form of alignment chute in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention.

Example Five Figure 25 Example Six Figures 25 to 30 illustrate a five step process showing the use of bag clamping plates in one embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Example One With respect to drawings 1 9 there is provided: Figure 1 An apparatus for presenting bags for the packaging of products is generally indicated by arrow 1.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate how the various components of the apparatus 1 can be controlled by the use of switches and sensors (not shown) connected to a suitably programmed CPU (not shown).

The apparatus 1 includes a support chassis 2 which has a portion as indicated by arrow X cut away to show the detail of the present invention.

The apparatus has a magazine 3 for holding a plurality of bags.

WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 Bags are positioned within the magazine 3 so that the mouth end of the bag is facing the end of the magazine 3 indicated by arrow Y.

A bag 4 is removed from the magazine 3 via a pneumatic ram 5 which has a vacuum tube 6 and vacuum cups 7 (of which only one is shown) attached thereto. The ram is extended so that the cups 7 contact the topmost bag 4 in the magazine 3, the vacuum cups 7 hold the bag 4 whilst the ram 5 is moved to its retracted position as indicated by arrow A.

Figures 1 and 2 The ram 5 is attached to a mounting block 8 which is pivotally attached via a pin 9 to an upright member 10 attached to the side of the magazine 3. The mounting block 8 is attached to a pneumatic ram 11 which is extended to rotate the block 8 so that the ram 5 and attached bag 4 are swung to the position shown in Figure 2.

Figures 2 and 3 When ram 11 is fully extended ram 5 extends to its fully extended position in the direction indicated by arrow B to move the bag 4 to the top of an alignment chute At this point the vacuum on the vacuum cups 7 is released which allows the bag 4 to drop down the alignment chute 15 as shown in Figure 3. Ram 5 then retracts to its fully retracted position. Ram 11 then also moves to its fully retracted position ready for the next signal from the control unit to pick up another bag from the magazine 3.

Figure 3 At this stage the bag 4 rests on the chute 15 and is supported by a foot 16 on flap 17 which is hinged at point 18.

Figures 3 and 4 A ram 20 which is attached to flap 17 is then retracted so as to swing the flap 17 WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 towards vacuum cups 21 (of which only one is shown) attached to a traversing ram 22.

Figure 4 Once ram 20 is fully retracted a vacuum is applied to the vacuum cups 21 which can now hold the top surface of the bag 4.

A tensioning ram 25 is then extended so a tensioning device 26 can hold the bag against the chute 15 as ram 20 extends as shown by arrow C to return the flap 17 into alignment with the chute 15. As a consequence of this movement flap 17 no longer supports the bottom surface of the bag 4. Thus, the action of gravity can now cause the bottom surface of the bag, to fall away from the top surface thereof, to at least partially open the mouth of the bag.

At this stage a set of two bag spreader plates 30 and 31 are moved to their fully retracted position as shown in Figure 4 via their associated pneumatic rams 32 and 33. The spreader plates may be close together. (Drawing shows gap between them).

When the rams 32 and 33 have been retracted to the desired position, the traverser ram 22 proceeds to travel to its fully retracted position as shown by arrow D so that cups 21 are positioned over the spreader plates 30, 31.

Figure This retraction of the traverser ram 22 causes the now partially open mouth 100 of the bag 4 to be taken over the plates 30, 31. When the bag 4 is partway over the plates 31 the tensioning device ram 25 retracts and the traverser device ram 22 continues to travel to its fully retracted position.

Figure6 When the traverser ram 22 is fully retracted the lower plate ram 33 extends to its fully WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 extended position. The top spreader plate ram 32 continues to retract as indicated by arrow E which results in the bag opening to the required dimensions.

When the lower plate ram 33 reaches a predetermined position on its travel to the extended position. the vacuum is released from the cups 21 which then enables the traverser ram 22 to return to its fully extended position (as was shown in Figures 1 4).

Figure 7 When the lower plate ram 33 reaches its fully extended position product in the form of cheese 50 can be inserted into the bag via a pneumatic ram (not shown) extending in the direction indicated by arrow F. When the CPU (not shown) receives a signal from a sensing device (not shown) that product has been inserted into the bag, the upper plate ram 32 extends as indicated by arrow G to its fully extended position.

This causes the bag 4 to be released from the spreader plates 30, 31 onto a conveyor (not shown).

The bag 4 and cheese 50 are then conveyed to a sealing station (not shown).

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows the tensioning device 26 in more detail. The tensioning device 26 consists of a shaft 200 which has one end connected to the tensioning ram 25. The tensioning device 26 also has a roller 201 made of a resilient material which contacts against the bag 4. The roller 201 is able to rotate about a bearing 202 which surrounds the shaft 200.

Figure 9 Figure 9 shows in more detail the flap 17. The flap 17 has an integral foot 16 and is also attached to a ram 20. The flap 17 being hinged at point 18.

WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 Example Two Figure An apparatus for presenting bags for the packaging of products is generally indicated by Arrow I.

It should be appreciated that the various components of the apparatus 1 may be controlled by the use of switches and sensors (not shown) connected to a suitably programmed CPU (not shown) which processes incoming signals and sends appropriate outgoing signals.

The apparatus I includes a support chassis 2.

The apparatus has a magazine 3 for holding a plurality of bags.

Bags are positioned within the magazine 3 so that the mouth end of the bag is facing the end of a magazine 3 indicated by Arrow Y.

A bag 4 is removed from the magazine 3 via a pneumatic ram 5 which has a vacuum tube 6 and vacuum cup 7 (of which only one is shown) attached thereto. The ram 5 is extended so that the cups 7 contact the topmost bag 4 in the magazine 3, the vacuum cup 7 holds the bag 4 whilst the ram 5 is moved to its retracted position as indicated by Arrow A.

Figures 10 and 11 The ram 5 is attached to a mounting block 8 which is pivotally attached via a pin 9 to an upright member 10 attached to the side of the magazine 3. The mounting block 8 is attached to a pneumatic ram 11 which is extended to rotate the block 8 so that the ram 5 and attached bag 4 are swung to the position shown in Figure 11.

WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00 130 Figures II and 12 When the ram 11 is fully extended ram 5 extends to its fully extended position in the direction indicated by Arrow B to move the bag 4 to the top of an alignment chute At this point the vacuum on the vacuum cups 7 is released which allows the bag 4 to drop down the alignment chute 15 as shown in Figure 12. Ram 5 then retracts to its fully retracted position. Ram II then also moves to its fully retracted position ready for the next signal from the CPU to pick up another bag from the magazine 3.

Figure 12 At this stage the bag 4 rests on the chute 15 and is supported by a foot 16 on a front flap 17 which is hinged at point 18.

Figures 12 and 13 A ram 20 is attached to a rear flap 21 which has vacuum cups 22 at its terminal end.

The rear flap 21 is also hinged at point 18. The ram 20 is retracted so as to swing the flap 21 into contact with flap 17 which then swings together with flap 21 towards vacuum cups 23 (of which only one is shown) which are attached to horizontal member 24 of the chassis 2. A vacuum is applied to vacuum cups 22 and 23 as soon as the rear flap 21 begins its swing towards cups 23.

The flap 17 has apertures in its surface (shown in Figure 19 below) which allow for the vacuum cups 22 to come into contact with the bag 4 when ram 20 retracts and pivots flap 21.

Figure 13 Once ram 20 is fully retracted the vacuum applied by vacuum cups 22 and 23 can now respectively hold the top and bottom surfaces of the bag 4.

Ram 20 now extends as shown by Arrow C to substantially return the front and rear WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 flaps 17 and 21 to their original positions with flap 17 substantially in alignment with chute 15). As a consequence of this movement, the vacuum cups 22 on rear flap 21 are able to pull the bottom surface of the bag away from the top surface thereof.

which is retained by the vacuum cups 23. Thus, the mouth of the bag is now at least partially open as is shown in Figure 14.

Figure 14 At this stage two rams 30, 31 (of which only 30 is shown) each attached to dog legged arms 32, 33 (of which only 32 is shown) of a first spreading device 75 are retracted in the direction generally indicated by Arrow 34. This causes the arms 32, 33 to swing about pivot 35 in the direction indicated by Arrow 36. This causes two support plates 37, 38 (of which only 37 is shown) located at the terminal end of arms 32, 33 to enter the partially open mouth of the bag. The arms 32, 33 are then rotated about their respective axes via a double-ended pneumatic ram (not shown) which is connected to both arms 32, 33 so that the support plates 37, 38 can be spaced further apart from the one another. Thus, the support plates 37, 38 are effectively moved in an outward direction so that they can hold the bag 4 via sideways tension provided by the ram (not shown). The plates 37, 38 can now effectively take hold of the bag 4 and remove it from the vacuum cups 22, 23. This process may be more readily understood by referring to Figure 18 which is discussed below.

Figure 14 and When vacuum switches (not shown) on the suction lines (not shown) leading to cups 22 and 23 detect the bag is no longer retained by the cups 22, 23 a signal is sent to the CPU (not shown) which processes this signal and sends a signal to extend ram This causes the arms 32. 33 to move about pivot 35 in the direction indicated by Arrow 40. As a consequence of this the mouth of the bag 4 retained by plates 37, 38 now move towards the second spreading device WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 The second spreading device 50 consists of an upper spreading member 51 and a lower spreading member 52 both of which have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile when viewed looking along line W.

Figure The spreading member 5 1 is attached to a pneumatic ram 53. The spreading member 52 is pivotally attached to an upright member 54 at point 55. The spreading member 52 is also attached to a hydraulic ram 56 which can be extended to pivot member 52 so as to reduce the effective size of the front of the spreading device (as shown in Figure 15), when the bag is initially passed thereover via rotation of arms 32, 33.

When ram 30 has reached its fully extended position and the bag is fully over the spreading device 50 the ram 56 retracts to the position shown in Figure 16.

Figure 16 When the lower spreading member 52 returns to its horizontal position the top spreading member 51 is lifted up in the direction shown by Arrow 58 via retraction of ram 53. The ram 53 continues to retract until the mouth of the bag 4 is opened to the required dimensions.

Figure 17 When the top spreading member 51 reaches a predetermined height, this activates the switch which results in a ram (not shown) pushing product in the form of cheese along a channel 101, through the spreading device 50 into the bag 4. When the CPU (not shown) receives a signal from a sensing device (not shown) that the cheese has been inserted into the bag, the ram 53 extends as indicated by Arrow G to its fully extended position. This causes the bag 4 to be released from the spreading device onto a conveyor (not shown).

The bag 4 and cheese 90 are then conveyed to a sealing station (not shown).

WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 Figure 18 Figure 18 shows the first spreading device 75 in more detail. In particular Figure 18 a) shows the position of the arms 32, 33 and plates 37, 38 at the time they are inserted into the partially open mouth of the bag. Figure 18 b) shows the position of the arms 32, 33 after they have been rotated about their respective axes via double-ended ram As can be seen rotation of the arms 32, 33 about their respective axes causes the plates 37, 38 to be effectively moved apart from one another due to the dog-legged portions 82, 83 on the arms 32, 33. Thus, Figure 18 b) illustrates the position of the arms 32, 33 and plates 37, 38 when they are spaced apart so as to hold the bag so it can be moved to the second spreading device 50 referred to in Figures 14 and Figure 19 Figure 19 illustrates in more detail the front flap 17 and rear flap 21 referred to in relation to Figures 12 and 13. The front flap 17 has apertures 1000 which allow for the vacuum cups 22 on the rear flap 21 to pass therethrough so as to contact the bag (not shown). The arrows H and K generally illustrate the region where the front and rear flaps 17 and 21 are hinged to the alignment chute Example Three With respect to Figure 20 there is provided apparatus for presenting bags for the packaging of product being generally indicated by arrow 2000. The apparatus 2000 operates in substantially the same manner as the embodiments described in relation to Example 1 and 2 above. For this reason, the following discussion will generally only cover differences in the operation of this apparatus to those previously described.

The apparatus 2000 has its associated control apparatus located in the compartment

H.

The apparatus 2000 has a magazine compartment 2001 which is attached to a support WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 chassis 2002. A magazine of bags may be located within the magazine compartment 2001.

Bags are removed from the magazine via a bag pickup device generally indicated by arrow 2003 which is configured so as to operate in a substantially similar manner to that described for Figures 1 and 10. The bag pickup device picks up the sealed end of a bag and drops it down an alignment chute 2004 substantially as has been previously described above. The alignment chute 2004 has top and bottom sections 2005, 2006 which are shown in more detail in Figure 21 discussed below. The mouth end of the bag is retained in the alignment chute via a foot 2007 at terminal end of the bottom section 2006 of the alignment chute 2004.

The apparatus 2000 can be moved towards or away from chassis 2002 via means of a wheeled carriage assembly 2008 which travels on a support track 2009 which extends from the chassis 2002.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the ability of the apparatus 2000 to move towards or away from the chassis 2002 as indicated by double-headed arrow 2010 enables cleaning and servicing to be easily undertaken.

In some further embodiments of the present invention (which are not shown) a pneumatic ram may be able to move the apparatus 2000 towards the chassis 2002 via the wheeled carriage assembly 2008 to such an extent that the open end of a bag can have spreader plates 2011, 2012 inserted therein.

How the embodiment shown in Figure 20 operates to open the bag is now discussed below with particular reference to Figures 21 and 22.

With respect to Figure 21 there is provided a perspective view of the alignment chute 2004 shown in Figure The top section 2005 of the alignment chute 2004 has a stationary portion 2030 at its WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00 130 terminal end. The terminal end of the top section 2005 also has hinged wing flaps 2031 which pivot about hinges 2032.

The bottom section 2006 of the alignment chute 2004 has a hinged central flap 2033 which has on either side two hinged wing flaps 2034. The two wing flaps 2034 on the bottom section 2006 have a foot 2007.

The bottom wing flaps 2034 pivot about hinges 2035. The bottom section central flap 2033 also pivots about a hinge 2036 refer Figure 21b).

A side profile of the top and bottom sections 2005, 2006 of the alignment chute 2004 is shown in Figure 21c).

The hinged central flap 2033 and the top and bottom winged flaps 2031, 2034 are pivoted about their hinges via pneumatic rams (not shown). In general, the pneumatic rams controlling the top wings 2031 may act in unison with one another. Similarly, the pneumatic rams controlling the bottom wings 2034 may also act in unison with one another.

The top wing flaps 2031 include vacuum cups 2037 which are orientated in a downward direction so that the top surface of the bag may be gripped by the vacuum cups 2037. The bottom wing flaps 2034 include apertures 2044 which can receive vacuum cups (not shown) when the flaps 2034 are pivoted as is discussed in relation to Figure 22 below.

When a bag has been dropped down the alignment chute 2004 the top section winged flaps 2031 are pivoted to a generally upward vertical orientation.

How the mouth of the bag is opened is now described with reference to Figure 22.

Figure 22a) shows the position of the top section winged flaps 2031 and the lower wings 2034 and hinged central flap 2033 when a bag 3000 is dropped down the WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 alignment chute 2004.

Figure 22b) illustrates how the top section winged flaps 2031 move to a generally upward vertical orientation once a bag has been sensed in the alignment chute 2004.

Figure 22c) shows how the bottom winged flaps 2034 and hinged central flaps 2033 are then pivoted about hinge 2036 so that they are substantially horizontal and substantially proximate the stationary portion 2030 of the top section 2005 of the alignment chute 2004.

Figure 22d) illustrates how the top and bottom winged flaps 2031. 2034 are pivoted about there respective hinges 2032 and 2035 so that they both have generally downward vertical orientations. This pivoting of the bottom winged flaps 2034 brings apertures 2074 into alignment with vacuum cups 2075 which are fixed in the position shown. At this point a vacuum is applied to the vacuum cups 2037, 2075 on the top and bottom wing flaps 2031, 2034.

Once this has occurred Figure 22e) illustrates how the top winged flaps 2031 are again pivoted to a generally upright vertical orientation position which causes the gussets 3001 of the bag 3000 to be stretched open.

Figure 22f) then shows how two gripping devices (of which only one is shown) in the form of clamps 2050 may grasp the edges of the gusset 3001 at the mouth end of the bag 3000. The top end of the gripping devices 2050 are engaged in tracks (shown in Figure 23) along which they can move via conveyance apparatus (not shown).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that once the gripping device 2050 has a hold on the gusset 3001 the vacuum supplied to vacuum cups 2037 on the top and bottom winged flaps may be stopped.

Figure 22g) shows how the clamps 2050 when moved along the tracks can direct the at least partially open mouth of the bag over the spreader plates 201 1 and 2012.

WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 With respect to Figure 23 there is shown a plan view of the tracks upon which the clamps 2050 can move along. As can be seen the tracts diverge away from one another as they approach the spreader plates 2011 and 2012. By this means, the mouth of the bag may be open to a sufficient degree to allow the spreader plates 2011. 2012 to be inserted therein.

Once the spreader plates 2011 and 2012 have been inserted in the bag, the clamps 2050 are released from the bag. The bag may then be opened in substantially the manner as has been described above with reference to Example 1 and 2 and the drawings associated therewith.

Example Four With respect to Figure 24 there is provided apparatus for presenting bags for the packaging of products generally indicated by apparatus 1000. The apparatus 1000 are generally positioned substantially adjacent the ends of the conveyer belts. In the embodiment shown the ends of the conveyor belts are in the form of cheese block forming towers 1001. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate how the various components of the apparatus depicted in Figure 24 can be controlled by the use of switches and sensors (not shown) connected to a suitably programmed CPU (not shown).

Magazines 1003, 1004 and 1005 are located remote from the apparatus 1000. In some embodiments, the magazines 1003, 1004 and 1005 may contain bags of differing types or sizes which correspond to the shape, size or type products that need to be packaged on each of the different conveyor belts.

Bags are removed from the magazines 1003, 1004 and 1005 via a bag pick-up device 1008 which is configured so as to operate in a substantially similar manner to that WO 00/09399 PCT/N Z99/00130 described for Figures I and 10. The bag pick-up device in the form of a pivotable ram and vacuum cup arrangement 1008 differs from those described above in that it is able to travel along a guide 1009 via a pulley system or other conveyance means (neither of which are shown), to access magazines 1003-5.

Once the bag pick-up device 1008 has moved along the guide 1009 via the conveyance means to a magazine, it removes a bag in substantially the same manner as that described with regard to the above examples. The bag pick-up device 1008 releases the bag to a bag presentation chute 1010. The sealed end of the bag is located near the top end of the chute 1010.

The chute 1010 includes two cut away portions 1011 and 1012 which allow for a portion of the sealed end of the bag to have both the top and bottom surfaces thereof accessible. These cut away portions 1011, 1012 thereby enable gripping devices in the form of clamps 1015 and 1016 located on a bag transfer device 1017 to grasp the sealed end of the bag (which is not shown in the alignment chute 1010).

Once the bag transfer device has grasped the bag 1020 it then moves along a guide 1021 towards apparatus 1000. The bag transfer device moves along guide 1021 via a pulley system or other conveyance means (neither of which are shown). When the bag transfer device reaches the appropriate apparatus 1000 the gripping devices 1011, 1012 release their hold on the bag and release it to the bag alignment chutes 1030, 1031 and 1032 of the various apparatus 1000.

The mouth of the bag is then opened substantially in the same manner as has already been described for the above examples relating to the earlier drawings.

Example Five With respect to Figure 25a) there is provided an alignment chute 3000.

The alignment chute consists of right-hand and left-hand drop-down sections 3001 WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 and 3002. The drop down sections 3001 and 3002 are attached to a door 3003. The door is hinged (not shown) to a frame member (not shown) which forms part of the wheeled carriage assembly 2008 referred to above, in relation to Figure When the door 3003 is in its closed position the drop-down sections 3001 and 3002 of the alignment chute 3000 are substantially aligned with a hinged flap arrangement generally indicated by arrow 3004 which are configured so as to operate in a substantially similar manner to the hinged flaps described above with reference to Example 3, Figures 20, 21 and 22.

The hinged flap arrangement 3004 does differ however in that the stationary portion 3030 and the hinged central flap 3033 are attached to support members (not shown) which form part of the carriage assembly 2008 (shown in Figure 20). The hinged central flap 3033 is pivotally attached via hinge (not shown) to its associated support member.

The right-hand and left-hand drop-down section 3001, 3002 have a top section 3005 and a bottom section 3006.

The right-hand and left-hand drop-down sections 3001. 3002 are attached to the door 3003 via hooks 3008 which rest on pegs 3009 which protrude from the inner surface of the door 3001.

As can be seen the pegs 3009 are spatially positioned in rows across the door. By selecting the appropriate pegs in a row, the right-hand and left-hand drop-down sections of the alignment chute can be attached to the door so as to taper towards the terminal lower end of the chute 3000 as is shown in Figure 25b). Accordingly, bags dropped down the chute 3000 are centered via the tapering of the right and left-hand drop-down sections before reaching the hinged flaps 3004 to allow for opening thereof.

WO 00/09399 PCT/NZ99/00130 Example Six Each figure illustrated in this example shows a front elevation and a perspective view of a particular operation.

Figure 26 shows an initial stage in the bag opening process.

A bag 4001 (not clearly shown) is captured and aligned by handling mechanism generally indicated by arrow 4002.

The handling mechanism consists of a top jaw plate 4003, a bottom jaw plate 4004, wherein the jaw plates are pivotally hinged with respect to each other at approximately the dotted line 4005. It should be appreciated that the mechanisms which operate the handling apparatus 4002 are not shown for clarity.

Each jaw plate 4003, 4004 includes vacuum cups 4006 at the front end of the jaw plates. The vacuum cups 4006 can act directly on the open end of the bag 4001.

At the front of the jaw plate 4004 is a foot device 4007.

Bag clamping plates 4008 are hingedly attached along opposite sides of the jaw plates 4003. 4004.

Figure 27 shows the next step in the process wherein the vacuum cups 4006 are advanced to the plates 4003, 4004. When the vacuum cups 4006 are positioned over apertures 4009 in the jaw plates, the vacuum can then be applied to the bag 4001.

This causes the opposing walls of the bag 4001 to be respectively held to the top and bottom of the jaw plates 4003, 4004.

Figure 28 illustrates the effect of the jaw 4004 dropping and pulling the bottom of the bag 4001 with it. This action causes the gussetted bag to open.

Figure 29 illustrates the rotation of the clamping plates 4008 around the pivot points to which they are attached to the jaw plates 4003, 4004 and in between the jaw plates to mechanically hold the bag 4001 against the vacuum ports 4006. At this stage, the vacuum supplied to the cups 4006 may be stopped and. the spreader plates (not shown) can then be inserted into the bag 4001.

Figure 30 illustrates the further mechanical opening of the bag by the opening of the jaw plates 4003, 4004 in combination with the clamping plates 4008, Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

10 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires i otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (18)

1. A method of presenting a bag for the packaging of products using apparatus which includes at least one hinged flap and at least one gripping device capable of holding a top surface of the bag, which method comprises the steps of: a) pivoting the hinged flap to present the top surface of the bag to the gripping device for gripping; b) manipulating the bag externally so that a mouth of the bag is at least partially open; c) inserting a spreading device which includes at least two spreading members into the at least partially open mouth of the bag; 0o0 d) moving apart the spreading members to further open the bag; and e) inserting a product into the bag via the open mouth of the bag.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bag is taken from a magazine which 15 holds a plurality ofbags. ,o o

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the product is cheese.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the bag is made of a plastics material.

A method as claimed in claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

6. An apparatus configured to operate in accordance with the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

7. An apparatus for presenting a bag for the packaging of products which comprises: at least one spreading device which comprises at least two spreading members; a hinged flap; R-A4 at least one gripping device; P:\OPER~ccO4535-99 spa.do-08/IO/02 -31 wherein the apparatus is configured so as to manipulate a bag externally to at least partially open a mouth of the bag, the gripping device holding a top surface of the bag when this is presented following pivoting of the hinged flap, the mouth being opened sufficiently so that the spreading device can be inserted therein to allow the spreading members to be moved apart to further open the mouth of the bag so that product can be inserted therein.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the hinged flap comprises a foot against which the mouth of the bag can rest. i 10

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 which comprises a removable magazine which can hold a plurality of bags.

An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 which comprises an alignment chute for aligning the bag prior to manipulation.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 which comprises a tensioning device which can hold a portion of the bag against the chute.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the spreading device is in the form of a U-shaped plate.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12 wherein the spreading device has a dimpled surface.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13 which comprises at least two spreading devices wherein the first spreading device is configured to support a bag having a partially open mouth whilst the mouth of the bag is opened further, and a second spreading device as configured to open the partially open mouth of the bag to allow product to be inserted therein.

An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the alignment chute P:\OPER\Jcc\4535-99 spc.doc-08/10/02 -32- is angled with respect to the horizontal.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 15 wherein the gripping device is in the form of vacuum cups.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 16 wherein the apparatus comprises clamp plates for clamping the bag.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 substantially as herein described with reference 10 to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. 9 O Dated this 8 th day of October 2002 Sealed Air (NZ) Limited by DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys for the Applicant(s) oo *oo *o