EP0817745B1 - Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0817745B1
EP0817745B1 EP96912761A EP96912761A EP0817745B1 EP 0817745 B1 EP0817745 B1 EP 0817745B1 EP 96912761 A EP96912761 A EP 96912761A EP 96912761 A EP96912761 A EP 96912761A EP 0817745 B1 EP0817745 B1 EP 0817745B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
carrier
carriers
aperture
insert member
predetermined
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96912761A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0817745A4 (en
EP0817745A1 (en
Inventor
Glenn Robinson
John P. Madigan, Iii
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mead Corp
Original Assignee
Mead Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/421,113 external-priority patent/US5671587A/en
Application filed by Mead Corp filed Critical Mead Corp
Publication of EP0817745A1 publication Critical patent/EP0817745A1/en
Publication of EP0817745A4 publication Critical patent/EP0817745A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0817745B1 publication Critical patent/EP0817745B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B21/00—Packaging or unpacking of bottles
    • B65B21/24—Enclosing bottles in wrappers
    • B65B21/242—Enclosing bottles in wrappers in collapsed carton sleeves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B21/00—Packaging or unpacking of bottles
    • B65B21/24—Enclosing bottles in wrappers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/12—Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
    • B65B43/14—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines
    • B65B43/16—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers
    • B65B43/18—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers by suction-operated grippers
    • B65B43/185—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers by suction-operated grippers specially adapted for carton blanks

Definitions

  • the invention relates to bottom-loading basket-style carriers for articles such as beverage bottles.
  • the present invention provides a method and apparatus for the continuous opening and loading of basket-style bottom-loading carriers.
  • One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for transporting a carrier, the carrier having a hand-hole aperture of predetermined configuration.
  • the apparatus comprises at least one insert member having an anterior projection to impale the carrier through the aperture.
  • At least one insert member is mounted upon a conveyor mechanism for translating the carrier through a pre-determined path.
  • the anterior projection has a cross-section corresponding to the configuration of the aperture of the carrier.
  • the at least one insert member travels in reciprocal transverse motion in relation to the path of translatory motion wherein the at least one insert member impales the carrier at a predetermined point of outward transverse motion of the at least one insert member and after translation of the carrier a predetermined distance the at least one insert member is withdrawn from the aperture.
  • the anterior projection may be tapered.
  • the aperture may be a U-shaped aperture having a U-shaped finger cushion flap which is spaced apart from ends of the U-shaped aperture and wherein the anterior projection is U shaped.
  • the anterior projection may be shaped to provide one or more upper surfaces for engaging an edge of the aperture.
  • the lower surface of the anterior projection may be bevelled.
  • Another optional feature of this aspect of the invention provides a guide member diametrically opposed in relation to the insert member and engaging the carrier along a path of travel so as to maintain insertion of the insert member with the aperture of the carrier.
  • the guide member may comprise an elongate channel member.
  • the conveyor mechanism may further comprise a rod connected to the insert member which rod is mounted within a plurality of rollers and a mechanism for causing transverse translation of the rod and insert member.
  • the mechanism for causing transverse translation of the rod and insert member may be provided by a cam and cam follower.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides a method for transporting a carrier comprising providing the carrier with an aperture of predetermined configuration; supporting and positioning the carrier such that the carrier may be impaled through the aperture; inserting therethrough the hand-hold aperture an insert member having a cross-section corresponding to the predetermined configuration of aperture; translating the insert member and carrier along a predetermined path at a predetermined rate; and withdrawing the insert member from the aperture at a predetermined point of translation.
  • the aperture may be a hand-hole aperture. More preferably, the aperture may be shaped to be a U-shaped hand-hole aperture having a U-shaped finger cushion flap spaced apart from ends of the U-shaped aperture.
  • a third aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for loading containers into open-bottomed carriers.
  • the carriers have a pair of opposing bottom panels adjoining side walls thereof and a hand-hole aperture of predetermined configuration.
  • the apparatus comprises a container feeder assembly having conveyor mechanism for translating at least one column of a series of groupings of predetermined numbers of containers along a first level; a carrier feeder for retrieving the carriers from a carrier infeed supplier; a carrier transport assembly according to the first aspect of the invention or any of its preferred features, which assembly is disposed in operative communication with the carrier feeder for receiving the carriers from the carrier feeder and initiating transport of the carriers in synchronous parallel motion with the at least one column of a series of groupings of predetermined numbers of containers at a second level above the first level such that the carriers are aligned over respective ones of the groupings of predetermined numbers of containers; a gripper assembly for grasping and pulling the bottom panels of the carriers outwardly with respect to a centerline thereof such that the bottom panels are substantially transversely disposed with respect to side
  • the method and apparatus 10 described herein as the preferred embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for loading carriers such as the bottom-loading basket-style carrier 3 shown in Fig. 1.
  • carriers such as the bottom-loading basket-style carrier 3 shown in Fig. 1.
  • use of the method and apparatus 10 of the subject invention is not limited to the carrier 3 described below, the features of the invention are very clearly described by reference to the invention's handling and loading of the carrier 3 illustrated.
  • a blank 906 for forming the carrier 3 is shown in Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of the collapsed carrier 3 of Fig. 1.
  • the carrier 3 is of the nature described in US patent application serial number 08/326,987. That application is also owned by the owner of the present invention application.
  • the carrier 3 and blank 906 for forming the carrier 3 are described below to facilitate understanding of the invention.
  • the carrier 3 illustrated is generally designed to accommodate two rows of bottles.
  • the examples of carriers 3 discussed herein describe use of the invention with carriers 3 that accommodate two rows of three bottles and two rows of four bottles, that is, a six-pack version and an eight-pack version. However, the invention may also be practiced to accommodate rows of other multiples of bottles. Both sides of the carrier are the same.
  • the features described with respect to the side shown in Fig. 1 are equally applicable to the unseen side.
  • the side wall 920, 930 has a cut-out portion that generally defines a lower side wall band 921, 931 and an upper side wall band 923, 933.
  • Foldably connecting the lower 921, 931 and upper 923, 933 bands to respective end walls 940, 942, 950, 952 are respective comer tabs 922, 932, 924, 934.
  • the comer tabs 922, 932, 924, 934 respectively form bevelled comers at the intersections of the side walls 920, 930 and end walls 940, 942, 950, 952.
  • the cut-way area also defines a center portion 928, 938 left intact in the side wall 920, 930.
  • a center cell is formed on each side of the carrier by cell bands 925, 935, comer tabs 926, 936 foldably connected to the cell bands and a central cell portion 927, 937 integrally formed with the side wall 920, 930.
  • Riser panels 960, 962, 970, 972 extend between the bottom of the carrier 3 and the handle structure formed by panels 980, 982, 990, 992.
  • a handhold flap 984 is also visible from the view shown. Cut lines between center cell portions of side walls 920, 930 and respective handle structure panels 980, 982, 990, 992 terminate in respective curved cut lines 986, 988, 996, 998.
  • Cut lines between the upper bands 923, 933 of respective side walls 920, 930 and corresponding center cell portions terminate in respective curved cut lines 987, 989, 997, 999.
  • the carrier 3 In collapsed condition (as shown in Fig. 3) the carrier 3 has nick members 929, 939 strategically located upon cut lines between the side wall and center cell at the bevelled comer tabs. This feature is not evident in the fully erected carrier but can be seen in the blank 906 of Fig. 2 and collapsed carrier 3 shown in Fig. 3.
  • the blank 906 is essentially symmetric about a perforated fold line dividing the handle panels 980, 982, 990, 992, and halves, of the carrier 3 from one another.
  • One of the two bottom wall panels 910, 912 is widthwise greater than the other and for convenience is designated the greater bottom wall 912.
  • the other bottom wall panel is conveniently designated the lesser bottom wall panel 910.
  • Each side wall 920, 930 has a cut-out, or cut-away, area which helps define a lower side wall band 921, 931 with adjacent comer tabs 922, 932 and a top band 923, 933 with adjacent comer tabs 924, 934.
  • Elements for forming a center cell are central cell bands 925, 935, central cell comer tabs 926, 936 and center cell central portions 927, 937 which are integral with the respective side walls 920, 930.
  • Solid nick members 929, 939 connect top side wall bands 923, 933 and respective center cell corner tabs 926, 936.
  • End walls 940, 942, 950, 952 lie adjacent respective side walls 920, 930 connected thereto by respective side wall corner tabs 922, 932, 924, 934.
  • Riser panels are connected to respective end walls 940, 942, 950, 952 along perforated fold lines.
  • Support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 for attachment to the bottom wall panels 910, 912 are foldably connected to the lower edges of respective riser panels 960, 962, 970, 972.
  • a suitable carrier for loading by the invention may also have the support tabs connected to the lower edges of respective end walls 940, 942, 950, 952 along fold lines without departing from the scope hereof.
  • the center cell bands 925, 935 are connected along perforated fold lines to the lower portions of respective handle panels 980, 982, 990, 992.
  • Handhold apertures 981, 983, 991, 993 are formed in the respective handle panels 980, 982, 990, 992. Cut lines separating center cell bands 925, 935 and accompanying center cell corner tabs 926, 936 from respective handle panels terminate in curved cut lines 986, 988, 996, 998.
  • Handhold flaps 984, 994 are connected along perforated fold lines to respective handle panels 980, 990 within the respective handhold apertures 981, 991 thereof. Curved cut lines 986, 987, 988, 989, 996, 997, 998, 999 help direct stress away from strategic termination points of cut lines in the carrier 3.
  • the method and apparatus described herein are particularly suitable for loading carriers having the general characteristics of the type described above.
  • the elements of the carrier 3 enable it to be formed in collapsed condition, shipped, loaded into the apparatus described herein, and then erected and loaded with bottles.
  • the invention is particularly useful for loading so-called contoured PET bottles into the carrier 3 illustrated.
  • the carrier 3 is received by the apparatus of the invention in collapsed condition, as illustrated in Fig. 3, with the bottom wall panels 910, 912 pivoted upwardly into face contacting relationship with the side walls of the carrier 3. In this condition, the carrier 3 is easily loaded into and subsequently erected and loaded by the apparatus of the invention.
  • the apparatus 10 is constructed upon an elongated frame.
  • the direction of movement of bottles 1 and carriers 3 is from left to right.
  • bottles move through the apparatus 10 in two rows along an essentially linear path.
  • carriers in collapsed condition with bottom wall panels folded upwardly flat against the sides of the collapsed carrier
  • the feeder 50 moves individual carriers 3 from the hopper 30 to a timing section 60.
  • a timing-transport section meters out carriers at set intervals and a predetermined rate of speed.
  • the timing-transport section consists of two consecutive assemblies.
  • the first segment of the two is a timing section 60 in which each carrier 3 is removed from suction cups 54 of the feeder 50 and conveyed at a predetermined stagger to the downstream components of the apparatus 10.
  • a path is defined between a pair of vertically oriented belts. More specifically, this segment is referred to as a nip belt assembly 70.
  • the vertical nip belts 72 are a pair of opposing endless belts that pinch, or "nip," the handle area of each carrier (the carrier's topmost portion) and move the carriers in a defined linear path down the apparatus 10.
  • the timing and transport functions are less distinct.
  • the carriers 3 are engaged through the hand-hole openings in their handles and transported thereby. Timing and transport are achieved by reciprocal movement of a hand-hole insert mounted upon cam-engaging rods. The rods in turn are in slidable engagement with an endless chain.
  • the carriers 3 are in the hopper 30, they are in collapsed condition with the bottom wall panels 910, 912 pivoted up and lying flat against the sides of the carrier 3.
  • the bottom wall panels 910, 912 of the carrier 3 fall away from their position flat against the sides of the carrier 3.
  • the bottom wall panels 910, 912 are engaged and pulled outward to open the carrier 3 for loading.
  • bottles are moved along in a path beneath the carriers.
  • a star wheel 105 on either side of the apparatus 10 meters a row of bottles 3 into distinct groups for loading. For example, groups of three or four bottles in each row.
  • An endless chain with lugs is one of the means for transporting bottles after they have been metered by the starwheel 105.
  • Bottle grippers 113 (moving in conveying fashion such as upon an endless chain) immediately follow the star wheels 114 and maintain the spacing and alignment of each bottle grouping. As the bottles 3 move further along the length of the apparatus 10 the bottle grippers 113 assure the spacing between bottles 1 and groups of bottles.
  • each bottom wall panel 910, 912 is received by a pair of downwardly-sloping declination belts 92, 94 & 93, 95.
  • An overhead conveyor mechanism such as an endless overhead chain assembly 100 is aligned over the centrally located handles of the carriers 3 in parallel alignment with the declination belt assembly 90.
  • Block members 102 mounted upon the overhead chain engage the tops of the handle portions of the carriers 3.
  • the declination belt assembly 90 and overhead chain assembly 100 move the carriers 3 forward and downward over the dual-row groups of bottles.
  • the lowering work of the declination belt assembly 90 and overhead chain assembly 100 is completed by the pusher wheel assembly 120.
  • the pusher wheel assembly 120 has block members 122 mounted upon it to push downwardly upon the tops of the handles of the carriers 3, thereby fully lowering the carriers onto respective groups of bottles.
  • a package conveyor 130 such as side lugs 134 mounted upon respective opposing endless chains 132 engage the trailing end panel of the carriers 3/packages 7 and push them further along the apparatus 10.
  • a bottom panel locking section 140 folds carrier support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 and bottom wall panels 910, 912 into position for attachment of the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to the bottom wall panels 910, 912 and for closure of the bottom of the carrier 3.
  • the bottle panels 910, 912 are drawn together for proper alignment and held in that position while closure of the bottom of the carrier 3 is completed by a rotating punch lock mechanism.
  • the loaded, fully closed carrier is then ejected from the apparatus 10.
  • bottles 1 are brought into the apparatus 10 by an infeed conveyor assembly 20.
  • Infeed conveyors typically used in the beverage packaging industry are suitable.
  • the conveyor assembly 20 has partitions 22 that segregate incoming bottles into two rows.
  • Conveyor means such as an endless belt or chain move bottles through the apparatus 10 for loading into carriers 3. Different endless chains or belts and a combination of different endless chains or belts is used.
  • the carriers 3 and bottles 1 are moved part of the way through the apparatus 10 simultaneously in separate paths, with the carriers 3 proceeding in a path disposed above the path of bottles 1. Then, as will be described further below, the two paths become one when the carriers 3 are moved downwardly over groups of bottles 1.
  • a hopper assembly 30 suitable means for making cartons available for loading is provided by a hopper assembly 30.
  • the hopper assembly 30 of the preferred embodiment is essentially a conveyor-driven chute.
  • Carriers 3 are loaded into the "loading" end of the hopper with the bottoms of the carriers 3 oriented downwardly.
  • the hopper chute is angularly aligned with respect to the main portion of the elongated apparatus 10.
  • the layout of the apparatus is generally linear with bottles 1 and carriers 3 being moved along separate linear paths, one over the other, part of the way through the apparatus 10, and then packages formed of the loaded carriers moving along a single path the rest of the way through the apparatus 10.
  • the carrier feeder 50 removes carriers 3 from the hopper 30 and passes them on to elements in a linear carrier path disposed over the bottle path.
  • the carrier feeder 50 is a rotary type assembly having three spaced-apart suction-cup support stations 52. Each cup support station 52 supports suction cups 54 for adherence to and removal of a collapsed carrier 3 from the exit end of the hopper 30.
  • the stations 52 rotate as indicated by the rotational direction arrow 57 about an axis 59.
  • the stations 52 may be made to rotate about the axis 57 slidably by means of a support tie rod 53.
  • each tie rod 53 has one end affixed to a member at the axis 59 and the other end attached to the respective support station 52.
  • Station 52 rotation may be accomplished by means known in the machine arts. For example, through use of an orbital cam mechanism which utilizes drive shafts, cam rods, curvilinear shallow and deep cam tracks, and cam rollers as described in U.S. patents numbers 4,625,575; 5,019,029; 5,102,385 and 5,104,369. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the preferred embodiment contains three cup support stations 52, however, as few as one and more than three may be used. Three stations effectively move the carriers 3 in a horizontal path to the timing section 60 or 260 of the apparatus 10.
  • the actual suction cups 54 are not shown in Fig. 5 in order to more clearly illustrate other features. However, nozzles 55 upon which cups 54 are positioned are shown.
  • the suction cups 54 are spaced apart so as to engage the carrier 3 at strategic peripheral points for handling. Suction, or a vacuum, for operation of the suction cups 52 is provided by typical pneumatic components.
  • the guide 56 relates to a timing feature used to remove carriers 3 from the suction cup support stations 52, and will be explained in greater detail below.
  • Timing-transport section moves carriers 3 from the feeder 50 to downstream components of the apparatus 10.
  • the timing-transport section staggers the carriers 3 a predetermined distance apart and begins their travel at a predetermined rate of speed. This timed spacing of carriers 3 causes the carriers 3 to begin synchronized aligned movement with respective groups of bottles 1 as the carriers 3 and bottles 1 move downstream.
  • the first version of the timing-transport section achieves timing and transport in two distinct segments, namely, a timing assembly 60 and a transport section for convenience herein referred to as a nip-belt assembly 70.
  • the timing assembly 60 has conveyor-driven carrier support fingers for engaging and moving carriers 3 at predetermined intervals and inserting the carriers into nip belts at the predetermined intervals.
  • the carrier support conveyor 60 is a pair of an upper 61 and a lower 63 endless timing chain. Each timing chain 61, 63 contains respective sets of lugs, or fingers, that engage portions of a collapsed carrier 3 as the carrier is released by the suction cups 54 of the feeder 50.
  • the upper timing chain 61 has a series of upper engagement lugs 62 one of which engages the trailing edge of the handle portion of an engaged carrier 3.
  • an upper engagement lug 62 engages the carrier 3 at the intersection of the handle portion and the wall panels. The corner formed at the intersection provides a stable point of engagement.
  • the lower timing chain 63 has a set of lower engagement lugs 64, 65, 66 that work in tandem with each upper engagement lug 62 of the upper chain 61 to hold the carrier 3 steady and guide it into the nip belt assembly 70. Although several combinations of lower engagement lugs in the set would be effective, in the preferred embodiment illustrated there are three lower engagement lugs 64, 65, 66 in each set.
  • the nip belt assembly 70 receives collapsed carriers 3 from the feeder 50 and timing assembly 60.
  • the nip belt assembly 70 moves carriers 3 along at the predetermined spacing initiated by the timing section 60 as the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carrier 3 are gripped and moved outwardly to open the bottom of the carrier 3 for loading.
  • the nip belt assembly 70 has a pair of endless belts 72 mounted upon respective elongated rods of rollers 74.
  • the belts 72 press together in an elongated vertical plane whose direction of movement 71 with respect to an engaged carrier 3 is downstream of the apparatus.
  • the topmost portion of the handles of the carriers 3 are sandwiched between the belts 72 and translated along the path between the moving belts 72.
  • An upper belt guide 76 directs the top portion of handles of carriers 3 into the pathway between the belts 72.
  • the lower belt guide 78 extends along the length of the belts 72.
  • the opening to the lower belt guide 78 directs the downwardly-extending support tabs 961, 971, 963, 973 of carriers 3 into the guide 78.
  • the support tabs 961, 971, 963, 973 travel along through the lower belt assembly guide 78.
  • the alternate embodiment employs several features distinct from the immediately preceding described embodiment of a timing-transport assembly to achieve interval spacing and initiate timed transport of the carriers.
  • the alternate embodiment engages the carriers 3 in the collapsed condition shown in Fig. 3.
  • the alternate embodiment utilizes an assembly of chain-mounted insert members 260 to both define separation between carriers 3 and to transport the carriers in synchronous timing with the down-stream elements of the apparatus.
  • Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 therein are respectively illustrated a handhold-aperture insert 264 and one side (the other side being identical) of handhold aperture 983 of the handle portion of a carrier 3.
  • the handhold aperture 983 is U-shaped with a U-shaped flap 984 foldably extending from its upper portion.
  • the insert 264 has a tapered U-shaped projection that corresponds to the shape of the handhold aperture 983 and flap 984.
  • the spacing between the handhold flap 984 and the sides of the aperture 983 may be slightly elongated to provide a more stable point of engagement.
  • the corresponding portion in the upper comers of the U-shaped projection of the insert 262 have matching dimensions.
  • the front portion 266 of the inner bottom surface of the insert 262 is bevelled to more easily accommodate the handhold flap 984. Referring now again to Fig.
  • the inserts 262 are mounted upon endless chains 276 that travel in the direction indicated by the direction arrows 277.
  • the rods 270 upon which the inserts 262 are mounted are in turn mounted within rollers 269 upon trucks 268 that travel the closed cyclical path of the endless chains 276.
  • the rods 270 with mounted inserts 262 translate outwardly (transversely) of the chains 276 toward stop-guides 56 and 278.
  • a suitable mechanism for causing transverse translation of the rods 270 is the use of a cam follower (shown in Fig. 10) on the rod 270 which interacts in known manner with a camming bar or rail to achieve motion at predetermined points along the rail.
  • V-shaped rollers 269 cooperate with a roller-engagement member having a corresponding V-shaped edge enable the rods 270 to be reciprocally translatable as denoted by the direction arrows 275 shown in Fig. 10.
  • the insert 262 first engages a carrier 3 that has been engaged by the carrier feeder 50 and rotated so that its station 52 faces the insert 262 that translates outwardly first.
  • the stop-guide 56 mounted upon each station 52 of the feeder provides support for the handle portion of the carriers 3 when the insert 262 attempts to seat itself.
  • Fig. 10 is an illustration of the insert 262 engaging the handle of a carrier 3 as the insert 262 is guided and the carrier 3 is urged toward the insert 262 by the stop-guide rail 278.
  • the cooperation and interaction between the insert 262, carrier 3 and stop-guide 56 of the feeder would appear the same.
  • the insert 262 translates downstream into the channel of the stop-guide rail.
  • the elevational view of Fig. 11 which looks into the projection, or nose, 264 at the front of the insert 262.
  • an intermediate stop-guide 280 is located between the support stations 52 and the channel guide-stop 278.
  • the intermediate stop guide 280 consists of two spaced apart bars that form a channel which facilitates nesting between the support stations 52 and the intermediate guide and between the support stations 52 and the channel guide, as illustrated.
  • the intermediate stop-guide 280 combines the functions of the station stop-guide 56 and the channel guide-stop 278 in providing a resistance surface for the handle area of the carrier as the handhole of the carrier is engaged by the handhole-aperture insert 262 as previously described above.
  • Also shown in Fig. 19 is a feature of the invention which is applicable to all of the embodiments of the invention.
  • a tab guide 282 which receives and guides the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 as the carriers are transported downstream.
  • the apparatus may also have panel fold-down guides such as curved bars which are typically used in the cartoning field to engage and fold a panel or flap to a desired position.
  • panel fold-down guides such as curved bars which are typically used in the cartoning field to engage and fold a panel or flap to a desired position.
  • such guides fold the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carrier downward from their essentially upright positions as shown in Fig. 3 to a substantially horizontal position where they may be engaged by the grippers of the panel gripper assembly 80 as described in greater detail below.
  • a panel-gripper assembly 80 panel-grippers open the collapsed carrier 3 in preparation for loading.
  • carrier-panel grippers 82 moving on conveyors in a parallel path beneath the timing section grasp the bottom panels 910, 912 and pull them outward to open the carrier 3.
  • Each carrier gripper 82 is a clamp that grasps a respective bottom panel 910, 912.
  • a carrier 3 is shown in a condition to be grasped by grippers 82.
  • the grippers 82 are mounted upon two sets of conveyors (endless chains) 84, 86.
  • Each set of chains 84, 86 is a pair of opposing endless chains that are respectively positioned on each side of the collapsed carriers 3 moving through the timing section.
  • the grippers 82 on both sets of gripper chains 84, 86 move outwardly of the centerline 901 of the carrier 3 in the direction indicated by the direction arrow denoted 81.
  • each chain 84, 86 rotates in the downstream direction indicated by direction arrow 83.
  • the grippers 82 and chains of the first set of chains 84 open carriers 3 by pulling outwardly upon the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carriers.
  • the first set of chains 84 and grippers 82 opens carriers 3 from the fully collapsed condition of Figs. 6 and 10 to an open condition.
  • the chains 84 in the first set of chains 84 move at a greater speed than the relative speed of the carriers 3 as they are moved by the transport mechanisms of either the nip belts 72 or the inserts 262.
  • the movement of the carriers 3 by the timing-transport section of the apparatus is in timed sequence with the movement of the bottles in a parallel path below the carriers.
  • the collapsed carrier 3 is folded in a collapsed condition in a manner resembling the bellows of an accordion wherein the front portion of the collapsed carrier projects outwardly and the rear portion is folded inwardly.
  • the greater relative speed of the first set of chains 84 enables the panels 910, 912 to be pulled forward faster than the carrier 3 itself is moving forward. This movement enables the carrier to become opened in a squared-up condition wherein the bottom panels 910, 912 "catch up" with the center portion of the carrier 3.
  • the panel grippers 82 of the second set of gripper chains 86 engage the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carrier 3 and pull the carrier 3 open further to the maximally-opened condition illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14.
  • the second set of chains 86 of the gripper assembly also passes opened carriers 3 on to the next carrier-handling portion of the apparatus 10, namely, the carrier lowering section 90.
  • Figs. 16 and 17 illustrate the end of carrier 3 opening in which the carrier 3 is fully opened and ready to be passed on to the declination belt assembly 90.
  • Fig. 14 is an elevational illustration of a fully-opened carrier 3 engaged by elements of the nip belt assembly 70 and panel grippers 82.
  • a pair of opposing conveyors in the form of endless chains 88 assist in passing opened carriers 3 from the first set of chains 84 to the second set of chains 86.
  • lugs 89 mounted upon the chains 88 engage the front and rear of open carriers to help them maintain their opened position as the bottom panels 910, 912 are again grasped by the grippers 82 of the second set of chains 86.
  • a starwheel 105 meters bottles from the bottle infeed conveyor into groups for loading into the carriers. After metering, timed, spaced transport of the groups of bottles is achieved through use of a conveyor which travels under the bottles and a bottle-gripper conveyor 112 which engages the sides of the bottles.
  • bottles are maintained in the groupings and spacings metered out by the starwheel 105 by means of a pair of bottle-gripper conveyors 112.
  • the bottle-gripper conveyors 112 work in conjunction with the bottom-engaging bottle conveyor to transport bottles.
  • Each bottle-gripper conveyor 112 has bottle grippers 113 mounted upon an endless chain.
  • Each bottle gripper 113 is a block-like member with a series of adjacent C-shaped cavities for receiving bottles 1.
  • the number of C-shaped cavities corresponds to the number of bottles to be contained in each column of the carrier 3. For example, a carrier for six bottles would have three bottles per column and a carrier for eight bottles would have four bottles per row.
  • the invention employs a single chain to circulate the bottle grippers 113 while maintaining the grippers 113 in a constant orientation facing the center of the apparatus 10.
  • carrier lowering is accomplished through the combination of a declination belt assembly 90 and an overhead declination block assembly 100.
  • a declination belt assembly 90 When the erect carrier 3 leaves the nip belt 70 and gripper 80 assemblies it is upright with its bottom panels 910, 912 extended outwardly of a center line 901 of the carrier 3.
  • the erect carrier 3 leaves the nip belt assembly 70 and the grippers 82 mounted upon the second gripper chain 86, it is directed toward the declination assembly where the extended bottom panels 910, 912 are respectively received by left and right opposing pairs of declination belts 92, 94 and 93, 95.
  • the pairs of belts 92, 94 and 93, 95 of the declination belt assembly 90 are spaced apart so that the carriers 3 may pass between them.
  • one pair of upper 92 and lower 94 belts is considered the "right" declination belts while the opposing upper 93 and lower 95 belts are considered the "left" pair.
  • Each of the four belts 92, 93, 94, 95 is an endless belt. The spacing shown between the facing surfaces of each pair of belts is for illustration purposes.
  • each pair of belts 92, 94 and 93, 95 belts are disposed closely enough so that the panels 910, 912 of the carrier 3 are wedged between each pair of moving belts.
  • the carriers 3 are thus translated along the apparatus 10 by the moving belts.
  • belts assembly 90 Although only the general structure of the belts assembly 90 is shown it can be appreciated that means of endless belt movement commonly used by those skilled in the art are employed. For example, the use of a circular roller mechanism 91 disposed at the ends of the belt runs with additional rollers disposed between the ends of the runs to maintain opposing belts in surface-to-surface contact (as is illustrated in Fig. 6 with reference to the rollers 74 in the nip belt assembly 70).
  • the belts' 92, 94 and 93, 96 movements are in synchronization with the movement of the bottle-group conveying mechanism (that is, the bottle-gripper conveyors 112).
  • Each carrier 3 is received by the declination belts such that each carrier 3 overlies a group of bottles 5.
  • an optimum angle of declination of the pairs of belts 92, 94 (and 93, 95 which are parallel to 92, 94 but not visible in Fig. 15) and the horizontal plane of the groups of bottles 5 is shown as an angle denoted "A" of 4 degrees.
  • the angular orientation of the declination belts 92, 94 and 93, 96 causes the carriers 3 to gradually descend upon the groups of bottles 5.
  • Figs. 15 and 16 the bottles 1 are shown in groupings 5 of two by three arrays, a total of six bottles per group.
  • the system of the invention works well with various multiples of bottles to be packaged.
  • the description and illustrations of the preferred embodiment utilize both six- and eight-bottle configurations.
  • the bottle grippers 114 illustrated in the isometric schematic of Fig. 4 is configured for an eight-bottle group while the carriers 3 and bottle groupings in other illustrations depict a six-bottle configuration.
  • the principles of the invention are equally applicable to both six- and eight-bottle configurations as well as other arrayed configurations.
  • each package 7 upon leaving the declination belt assembly 100 of the apparatus 10 each package 7 is engaged and transported by a package lug assembly 130.
  • the package lug assembly 130 primarily consists of a pair of opposing endless chains 132 upon which are mounted lugs 134 that engage each package 7. Closure of the carton 3 of each package 7 is accomplished in the folding and gluing area 140 of the apparatus 10 as the packages are moved along by the package lugs 134.
  • a folder-gluer assembly 140 of the apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carriers 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the gluing operation will be discussed later, however, for clarity of understanding it is now noted that glue is applied to the interior side (that is, the side which faces the inside of the erected carrier 3) of the so-called greater bottom wall panel 912 of the carrier 3.
  • Glue is applied to adhere the riser panel support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to the interior side of the greater bottom wall panel 912.
  • a version of the carrier without support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 folding and adherence of the support tabs would obviously not be necessary for such a carrier.
  • the elements of the folder-gluer assembly 140 are positioned to fold the elements of the carrier 3 in sequence.
  • the folding features of the folder 140 are static elements that engage applicable panels and flaps of carriers 3 as the packages 7 are moved by the package lugs 134 in the direction indicated by the direction arrow 71.
  • the bottom panels flaps 910, 912 are generally more horizontally inclined rather than downwardly vertically oriented.
  • the bottom panels 910, 912 are first folded vertically downward, then under the carrier 3 into face-to-face relationship for later locking.
  • the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 are folded into a horizontal position.
  • the support tab folding elements are contained in what is conveniently referred to as a tab folding block 141.
  • the greater bottom panel flap 912 is the first of the two bottom panel flaps 190, 912 engaged.
  • the greater panel flap 912 is engaged and caused to be folded vertically downward by the inclined edge of the first vertical panel-folding wedge 162.
  • the first vertical panel-folding wedge 162 folds the greater panel 912 to a vertically downward position wherein it is sandwiched between the wedge 162 and the folding block 141.
  • the folding block 141 provides edges and surfaces which separate and fold the support tabs into place and spaces which accommodate the tabs as they are being manipulated. As the carrier 3 begins its travel upon the folding block 141 the bottles 3 in the carrier are supported on their undersides by the support ledges 158.
  • the dead plate 161 following the folding block 141 provides a suitable static surface upon which the package 7, and bottles 3 in the package in particular, may glide during further transport.
  • the second vertical panel folding wedge 164 engages and folds the lesser bottom wall panel 910 downward in the same manner as the first vertical panel-folding wedge 162 folds the greater panel 912 as described above.
  • the greater 912 and lesser 910 bottom panels are sandwiched between respective first 162 and second 164 panel-folding wedges and the dead plate 161.
  • the first horizontal panel-folding wedge 166 and second horizontal panel-folding wedge 168 fold the respective bottom panels 912, 910 into their closing position of flat face relationship with one another. As can be more clearly seen in Fig. 35, the first horizontal panel-folding wedge 166 is longer and engages and folds the glue-containing greater panel 912 under before the lesser bottom panel is manipulated. The lesser bottom panel 910 thus becomes the outer-most of the two bottom panels.
  • the bottom wall sealing plate 170 follows the dead plate 161 and provides a surface 174 upon which the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 and glue-containing greater bottom panel 912 are caused to be pressed together thereby adhering the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to the greater bottom panel 912.
  • the bevelled lip 172 at the front of the sealing plate 170 helps the package 7 enter the sealing plate 170 without becoming easily snagged.
  • the bevelled lip 172 of the sealing plate 170 is positioned lower than the deadplate 161 and horizontal folding wedges 166, 168 and the plate 170 itself is positioned sufficiently close to the deadplate 161 to permit the bottom of the bottom panels 910, 912 to engage the bevelled lip 172 without snagging.
  • the side walls 176 of the sealing plate 170 urge the side walls of the carrier 3 inwardly to a desired position and help keep the transported packages 7 properly aligned during transport.
  • the front portion of each sidewall 176 is inwardly bevelled to also help guide the package onto the sealing plate 170 between the walls 176.
  • Closure of the bottom of the carrier 3 may be achieved by several means. For example, adherence of the bottom panels 910, 912 to one another by an adhesive. Another effective means for closure is the use of a locking mechanism known as a "punch lock" in the packaging field wherein the outermost of the two bottom panels has male locking members that are superimposed over corresponding female apertures and members formed in the inside bottom panel.

Landscapes

  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Intermediate Stations On Conveyors (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Stacking Of Articles And Auxiliary Devices (AREA)
  • De-Stacking Of Articles (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
EP96912761A 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier Expired - Lifetime EP0817745B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/421,113 US5671587A (en) 1995-04-13 1995-04-13 Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier
US421113 1995-04-13
US45032395A 1995-05-25 1995-05-25
US450323 1995-05-25
PCT/US1996/005175 WO1996032320A1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0817745A1 EP0817745A1 (en) 1998-01-14
EP0817745A4 EP0817745A4 (en) 1999-07-07
EP0817745B1 true EP0817745B1 (en) 2002-07-31

Family

ID=27025112

Family Applications (6)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96912750A Expired - Lifetime EP0817746B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Method and apparatus for loading containers into open-bottomed basket-style carrier
EP96912786A Expired - Lifetime EP0817747B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Apparatus for drawing together the bottom-panels of a carrier
EP96913797A Expired - Lifetime EP0820404B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier
EP96912761A Expired - Lifetime EP0817745B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier
EP96911779A Expired - Lifetime EP0817748B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Carrier feeder mechanism and apparatus for loading containers into open-bottomed carrier
EP96912762A Expired - Lifetime EP0820403B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier

Family Applications Before (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96912750A Expired - Lifetime EP0817746B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Method and apparatus for loading containers into open-bottomed basket-style carrier
EP96912786A Expired - Lifetime EP0817747B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Apparatus for drawing together the bottom-panels of a carrier
EP96913797A Expired - Lifetime EP0820404B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96911779A Expired - Lifetime EP0817748B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Carrier feeder mechanism and apparatus for loading containers into open-bottomed carrier
EP96912762A Expired - Lifetime EP0820403B1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier

Country Status (25)

Country Link
EP (6) EP0817746B1 (ko)
JP (5) JP3923523B2 (ko)
KR (5) KR100454351B1 (ko)
CN (3) CN1073526C (ko)
AR (3) AR001626A1 (ko)
AT (6) ATE220628T1 (ko)
AU (6) AU5664496A (ko)
BR (5) BR9604939A (ko)
CA (5) CA2218071C (ko)
CZ (1) CZ294073B6 (ko)
DE (6) DE69606704T2 (ko)
DK (6) DK0817746T3 (ko)
ES (6) ES2143196T3 (ko)
GR (3) GR3032869T3 (ko)
HK (1) HK1008200A1 (ko)
HU (1) HUP9900893A3 (ko)
IL (3) IL117897A (ko)
MX (3) MX9707467A (ko)
MY (1) MY123046A (ko)
NZ (1) NZ306815A (ko)
PL (1) PL179609B1 (ko)
PT (6) PT820404E (ko)
TR (1) TR199701089T1 (ko)
TW (3) TW307730B (ko)
WO (6) WO1996032322A1 (ko)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1996032324A1 (en) 1996-10-17
EP0820403B1 (en) 2002-07-17
PL179609B1 (pl) 2000-10-31
HUP9900893A3 (en) 2000-01-28
EP0820404A4 (en) 1999-07-07
AR001626A1 (es) 1997-11-26
ATE221016T1 (de) 2002-08-15
WO1996032320A1 (en) 1996-10-17
DE69622388T2 (de) 2003-02-20
GR3033202T3 (en) 2000-08-31
TW307730B (ko) 1997-06-11
BR9605000A (pt) 1999-02-02
ES2180762T3 (es) 2003-02-16
JPH11503694A (ja) 1999-03-30
DE69606704D1 (de) 2000-03-23
EP0817747A1 (en) 1998-01-14
HUP9900893A2 (hu) 1999-07-28
DE69622699T2 (de) 2003-06-12
TR199701089T1 (xx) 1998-03-21
EP0817747B1 (en) 2000-02-16
DE69606702T2 (de) 2000-06-21
DE69606704T2 (de) 2000-06-21
ES2180766T3 (es) 2003-02-16
GR3032869T3 (en) 2000-07-31
PL322762A1 (en) 1998-02-16
CA2218035A1 (en) 1996-10-17
ATE189794T1 (de) 2000-03-15
DE69622549D1 (de) 2002-08-29
JPH11503696A (ja) 1999-03-30
KR100454353B1 (ko) 2004-12-17
CA2218046A1 (en) 1996-10-17
JP3830517B2 (ja) 2006-10-04
ES2143195T3 (es) 2000-05-01
WO1996032327A3 (en) 1997-02-27
DK0817747T3 (da) 2000-06-05
IL117899A (en) 2000-02-17
KR100454354B1 (ko) 2004-12-17
DE69606629T2 (de) 2000-06-21
EP0820403A4 (en) 1999-06-30
PT817745E (pt) 2002-10-31
WO1996032321A1 (en) 1996-10-17
ES2180763T3 (es) 2003-02-16
JP3830516B2 (ja) 2006-10-04
MX9707471A (es) 1997-11-29
CN1073527C (zh) 2001-10-24
DE69622388D1 (de) 2002-08-22
CN1073526C (zh) 2001-10-24
EP0817746A1 (en) 1998-01-14
DK0817746T3 (da) 2000-05-15
AU5546296A (en) 1996-10-30
AU5546196A (en) 1996-10-30
AR001625A1 (es) 1997-11-26
BR9604962A (pt) 1998-07-14
BR9604964A (pt) 1998-07-14
KR100454352B1 (ko) 2004-12-17
DK0820404T3 (da) 2002-10-28
IL117899A0 (en) 1996-08-04
BR9604963A (pt) 1998-07-14
EP0820404B1 (en) 2002-07-24
EP0817748B1 (en) 2000-02-16
CN1186469A (zh) 1998-07-01
AU5545096A (en) 1996-10-30
CN1082005C (zh) 2002-04-03
ATE189655T1 (de) 2000-02-15
JPH11503693A (ja) 1999-03-30
JPH11503697A (ja) 1999-03-30
PT817747E (pt) 2000-06-30
WO1996032325A1 (en) 1996-10-17
EP0817748A2 (en) 1998-01-14
CA2218071A1 (en) 1996-10-17
WO1996032322A1 (en) 1996-10-17
PT817746E (pt) 2000-05-31
CA2218065C (en) 2005-11-29
PT817748E (pt) 2000-06-30
CA2218046C (en) 2006-01-24
IL117898A0 (en) 1996-08-04
TW315353B (ko) 1997-09-11
CN1186471A (zh) 1998-07-01
MX9707468A (es) 1997-11-29
IL117897A (en) 2000-02-17
IL117897A0 (en) 1996-08-04
ES2143196T3 (es) 2000-05-01
TW325450B (en) 1998-01-21
JP3923522B2 (ja) 2007-06-06
EP0820404A1 (en) 1998-01-28
PT820403E (pt) 2002-11-29
GR3033378T3 (en) 2000-09-29
DK0817745T3 (da) 2002-11-18
CA2218041A1 (en) 1996-10-17
MX9707467A (es) 1997-11-29
DK0817748T3 (da) 2000-06-05
KR19980703753A (ko) 1998-12-05
DK0820403T3 (da) 2002-09-02
KR19980703752A (ko) 1998-12-05
ATE221488T1 (de) 2002-08-15
AU5664496A (en) 1996-10-30
ATE189793T1 (de) 2000-03-15
AU5485796A (en) 1996-10-30
HK1008200A1 (en) 1999-05-07
DE69606702D1 (de) 2000-03-23
DE69622699D1 (de) 2002-09-05
AR001627A1 (es) 1997-11-26
AU5548196A (en) 1996-10-30
BR9604939A (pt) 1998-06-09
EP0817745A4 (en) 1999-07-07
MX9707470A (es) 1997-11-29
CA2218065A1 (en) 1996-10-17
DE69622549T2 (de) 2003-03-06
KR100493786B1 (ko) 2005-09-15
CZ294073B6 (cs) 2004-09-15
NZ306815A (en) 1999-01-28
JP3923523B2 (ja) 2007-06-06
JPH11503695A (ja) 1999-03-30
CZ322297A3 (cs) 1998-05-13
KR19980703755A (ko) 1998-12-05
ATE220628T1 (de) 2002-08-15
JP3917180B2 (ja) 2007-05-23
EP0817746B1 (en) 2000-02-09
WO1996032327A2 (en) 1996-10-17
CN1186470A (zh) 1998-07-01
CA2218071C (en) 2001-07-31
ES2143192T3 (es) 2000-05-01
KR100454351B1 (ko) 2004-12-17
CA2218035C (en) 2007-06-26
AU706228B2 (en) 1999-06-10
DE69606629D1 (de) 2000-03-16
KR19980703751A (ko) 1998-12-05
KR19980703754A (ko) 1998-12-05
MY123046A (en) 2006-05-31
CA2218041C (en) 2005-11-22
EP0817745A1 (en) 1998-01-14
EP0820403A1 (en) 1998-01-28
PT820404E (pt) 2002-11-29
MX9707469A (es) 1997-11-29

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