GB1427067A - Apparatus for use in gripping and transporting containers such as bottles cans and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

1427067 Article grippers FA CARLO SCHABERGER SONDERMASCHINENBAU/ AUTOMATIONSSYSTEME 13 April 1973 17845/73 Heading B8H Apparatus for use in gripping and transporting at one time a plurality of rows of containers such as bottles 6 comprises a plurality of parallel bars 4, Fig. 2, carried by a support frame (1), Fig. 1 (not shown), the bars 4 being movable relative to the frame (1) and relative to each other in a direction transversely of their longitudinal directions such that rows of bottles of different diameters can be lifted, each bar 4 being encircled by an inflatable tube 5 which, when inflated by compressed air, press against the top parts of the bottles 6. The frame (1) is movable vertical and sideways by a lifting device (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, Fig. 4, each bar 4 is formed of resilient material and is divided by a deeply cut longitudinal groove into two bar halves 4<SP>1</SP> between which the inflatable tube 5<SP>1</SP> is located, the tube 5<SP>1</SP> being attached to the members 4<SP>1</SP> by an adheaive coating 12. Inflation of each tube 5<SP>1</SP> causes the associated bar halves 4<SP>1</SP> to engage the bottle necks as shown by means of rib formations 11 formed thereon, the bar halves 4<SP>1</SP> returning to their original positions when the pressure in the tube 5<SP>1</SP> drops. The bar halves 4<SP>1</SP> may alternatively be connected together by hinge connecting members 13, a spring member 8 being operative to press the bar halves 4<SP>1</SP> together. In a third embodiment, Fig. 6 (not shown), each bar (4<SP>11</SP>) is of inverted U-shape and has an inner (15) and outer (5<SP>11</SP>) tube member associated therewith, inflation of the inner tube member (15) causing the outer tube member (5<SP>11</SP>) to engage a row of containers.