KR20050006184A - Dunnage Converter System - Google Patents

Abstract

A dunnage conversion machine (10) for converting sheet material into a dunnage product, comprising: a pulling assembly (1300) for advancing the sheet material through the machine; the pulling assembly (1300) including a pair of rotatable transfer members (1320,1330) each having a cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of grippers (1322,1332) extending from the cylindrical surface, the transfer members (1320,1330) being in opposition to one another to define a dunnage transfer region therebetween, and being cooperative when rotating to advance the sheet material through the transfer region.

Description

Rug Conversion System {Dunnage Converter System}

The buffer converting device converts the sheet fabric, ie sheet stock material, into a relatively denser strip of rug product useful for providing cushioning to the package. Typically, the switching device is mounted on a stand such that the rug product made by the device has a height that can be readily used, for example, at the eye level of the operator. Some switching device stands are configured to tilt the switching device with respect to the horizontal plane and others can rotate the switching device in the horizontal plane.

In this prior art conversion device, the sheet fabric is withdrawn from a source such as a roll of sheet fabric or a sheet fabric in the form of a radiation copy and enters the upstream end of the device. Although the sheet fabric typically moves from the source upstream of the device along a constant path, the sheet fabric may be wavy or waved when the switching device is operated at a relatively high speed, such as in the manufacture of blank filled products, or during startup and shutdown of the device. Will receive. Often, these waves can rupture the side edges of the sheet fabric, adversely affecting device stalls or rug product quality.

Other devices have configurations where, for example, access to the parts inside the device for assembly or service (repair) of the parts is hampered by the specific operation of the device or the complex mounting configuration of the parts inside.

In addition, the various packaging systems that have been developed, for example, access to the rug switching device of the system is hindered by the specific configuration of the system.

Thus, improvements to implement disc guidance features on rug conversion devices, stands and stands that facilitate access to and service handling of devices and / or components within the system and in which the overall ergonomics are improved in such devices and / or systems. It is desirable to provide a packaging system.

The present invention relates to a rug conversion device, more specifically a rug conversion device and a fan folded stock material capable of improving the loading capacity of the fabric.

The drawings constituting the present specification are attached as follows.

1 is a front perspective view of a rug switching device and a stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the rug switching device and stand of FIG. 1.

3 is a front perspective view of the stand of FIG.

4 is an exploded front perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1 in an enlarged view of the components constituting the stand;

5 is a perspective view of a fabric source in the form of a radiant sheet fabric stack for use in the rug conversion device and stand of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the rug switching device and stand of FIG. 1 with the rug switching device shown pivoted to a service / loading position, with the cover of the rug conversion device removed so that the components of the device are visible.

7 is a rear perspective view of the rug switching device and the upper part of the stand of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the rug switching device of FIG. 1, showing the internal components of the device and the frame, cover and hood of the device in phantom lines.

FIG. 9 is a right perspective view of the rug switching device of FIG. 1 with its hood open to view internal components of the device. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a left perspective view of the rug switching device of FIG. 1 with its hood open to view internal components of the device. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the traction mechanism of the rug switching device of FIG. 1, with the traction mechanism shown mounted to the frame of the rug switching device. FIG.

12 is a plan view of the traction assembly of the rug switching device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is an end view of the traction assembly and the structural member as seen from an upstream end of the rug switching device of FIG. 11.

14 is an end view of the service assembly of the rug switching device of FIG. 1.

15 is a perspective view of the service assembly of FIG. 14.

16 is a perspective view of a portion of the outlet chute and service assembly of the rug switching device viewed from a downstream end of the rug switching device.

17 is a side view of a packaging system having a rug switching device according to the present invention.

18 is a perspective view of a packaging system having a rug switching device according to the present invention.

19 is a perspective view of another packaging system having a rug switching device according to the present invention.

20 is a front perspective view of the rug conversion apparatus and the stand according to another embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a front perspective view of the stand of FIG. 20.

22-26 are diagrams sequentially illustrating an exemplary technique for inserting a stacked copy-length sheet fabric into the stand of FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the rug switching device and top of the stand of FIGS. 20 and 21, wherein the rug switching device shown is pivoted to the service / loading position, and a cover of the rug switching device is present between the pair of upright guide members of the stand; Is concealed.

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the rug switching device and top of the stand of FIGS. 20 and 21, with the rug switching device shown pivoted into a service / loading position, with the cover of the rug switching device being between a pair of upright guide members of the stand; FIG. Concealed and the hood of the rug switching device is in an open position.

29 is a perspective view of a mounting mechanism that allows the rug switching device to selectively pivot relative to the stand from the operating position to the service / loading position.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the mounting mechanism of FIG. 29 showing the position of the mechanism when the rug switching device is in the operating position. FIG.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the mounting mechanism of FIG. 29 showing the position of the mechanism when the rug switching device is in the service / loading position. FIG.

32 is a perspective view of a baled stack of sheet stock according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the bale stack of FIG. 32 along lines 33-33 of FIG.

34 is a bottom perspective view of the bale stack of FIG. 32.

35 is a bottom perspective view of the stack of sheet fabric forming portions of the wrapping stack of FIG. 32.

36 is a perspective view of the wrapping stack of the sheet fabric according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a side view of the bale stack of FIG. 36 along line 37-37 of FIG. 36.

38 is a perspective view of a stack of sheet fabrics according to another embodiment of the present invention.

39 is a bottom perspective view of a stack of sheet fabrics according to another embodiment of the invention.

40 is a perspective view of a bale stack of sheet fabrics according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is a schematic perspective view of a traction mechanism and a molding according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing that the sheet fabric is pulled around a predetermined entry roller and passed through the molding.

42 is a schematic perspective view of a traction mechanism and a molded part according to another embodiment of the present invention.

43 is a schematic perspective view of a molding part according to another embodiment of the present invention.

44 is a schematic perspective view of a traction mechanism and a molded part according to another embodiment of the present invention.

45 is a schematic perspective view of a traction mechanism and a molding according to another embodiment of the present invention.

46 is a schematic plan view of the shrink member, the upstream traction mechanism, and the downstream traction mechanism through which the sheet fabric passes.

47 is a schematic perspective view of a traction mechanism according to the present invention.

48 is a schematic perspective view of another traction mechanism according to the present invention.

49 is a schematic perspective view of yet another towing mechanism of the present invention.

50 is a schematic plan view of another traction mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 51 is a schematic front view of the traction mechanism of FIG. 50 along line 51-51 of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a schematic perspective view of a traction mechanism, molding and sheet fabric stack in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, showing that the sheet fabric is towed around a certain entry roller and passed through the molding portion.

FIG. 53 is a schematic perspective view showing an expanding device according to the present invention, with the pull mechanism, molding and sheet fabric stack of FIG. 49; FIG.

The present invention provides a packaging system with easy access to the components. According to a general feature of the invention, the stand guides the sheet fabric to the rug switching device. According to another feature of the invention, the infeed paper guide assembly of the rug switching device guides the sheet fabric from the source of fabric through the rug switching device. According to another feature of the invention, the traction assembly motor and the cutting assembly motor are arranged in an L-shaped configuration to support a rug switching device having a compact configuration.

More specifically, according to a feature of the invention, the base; And a pair of rug switching devices including a pair of upright guide members. The upright guide member is mounted on the base and the upper end supports the rug switching device. The guide members form a channel therebetween for guiding a sheet fabric to the rug switching device.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device comprising a switching sub-assembly and an infeed paper guide assembly. The converting subassembly converts the sheet fabric into a rug product. The infeed paper guide assembly is upstream of the diversion sub-assembly. The infeed guide assembly is movable between an open position in which access is provided to a portion of the movement path of the sheet fabric and a closed position in which the infeed guide assembly guides the sheet fabric along the movement path.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device comprising a traction assembly, a cutting assembly and a frame having an L-shaped configuration. The traction assembly pulls the sheet fabric through the rug switching device to convert the sheet fabric into a rug strip and is driven by a traction assembly motor having a traction assembly motor shaft. The cutting assembly cuts the rug strip into a rug product and is driven by a cutting assembly motor having a cutting assembly motor axis. The traction assembly motor is mounted to the frame such that its axis is parallel to one leg of the L-shaped configuration, and the cutting assembly motor is mounted to the frame such that its axis is parallel to the other leg of the L-shaped configuration. Is mounted.

According to another feature of the invention, the rug switching device; And a packaging system including a packaging surface. The rug switching device is disposed above the pavement surface.

According to another feature of the invention, the rug switching device; Fabric supply assembly; And a packaging system including a passageway. The fabric feed assembly feeds the sheet fabric to the rug conversion device. The passageway provides access to the far end feed assembly.

According to another feature of the invention, the raised support member; Rug switching device; And a fabric supply assembly. The rug switching device is mounted to the raised support member to suspend from the raised support member. The fabric feed assembly supplies sheet fabric to the rug conversion device.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching system comprising a rug switching device and a stand. The stand supports the rug conversion device such that the rug conversion device pulls the sheet fabric and converts it into a strip of rug product, and supports a sheet fabric stack under the rug conversion device. The stand has a pair of laterally spaced upright channel members, the upright channel member extending longitudinally and laterally with the left and right inner facing walls spaced in the transverse direction and transversely longitudinally spaced and the inner facing. And a front and rear guide wall extending inwardly from the walls. The width between the left and right sides of the sheet fabric stack is greater than the distance between the inner edge of the guide wall and less than the distance between the inner opposing walls of the stand, and the distance between the front and back sides of the sheet fabric stack is the front and rear guide of the stand. Less than the distance between the walls The sheet fabric stack is supported between the upright channel members, and the upright channel member guides the sheet fabric to the rug switching device when the rug switching device pulls the sheet fabric.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a sheet fabric stack stacking method for loading a rectangular sheet fabric stack on a stand for a rug switching device, the stand having a pair of laterally spaced upright channel members, wherein the stand channel The member has longitudinally extending and transversely spaced left and right inner facing walls and transversely extending and longitudinally spaced front and rear guide walls extending inwardly from the inner facing walls and between left and right sides of the sheet fabric stack. The width of is greater than the distance between the inner edge of the guide wall and less than the distance between the inner opposing wall of the stand, the distance between the front and rear sides of the sheet fabric stack is smaller than the distance between the front and rear guide walls of the stand, The sheet fabric stack stacking method guides the right or left side of the stack. Inserting between the material; Tilting the stack such that first and second diagonally opposite corners of the stack are between inner opposing walls of the stack; Moving the right or left side of the stack towards each right or left inner facing wall of the stand; Tilting the stack such that the left and right sides of the stack are disposed inside each of the left and right walls of the stand; And laterally positioning the stack toward the left or right inner facing wall such that the stack is disposed substantially centrally between the inner facing walls.

According to another feature of the invention, the rug switching device; And a rug conversion system comprising a stand. The rug converting apparatus converts the sheet fabric into a rug product, and has a towing assembly for pulling the sheet fabric and an outlet for discharging the rug product. The rug switching device is adapted for movement between an operating position of the outlet of the rug conversion device toward the front of the system and one or more service / loading positions of the transport end of the traction assembly toward the front of the system for operator access. It is pivotally mounted to the stand.

According to another feature of the invention, the rug switching device; And a rug conversion system comprising a stand. The rug conversion device converts the sheet fabric into a rug product, the rug conversion device having a cutting assembly for cutting the rug strip to a desired length, and a cover covering the cutting assembly. The stand has a pair of upward guide members. The width of the upward guide member is larger than the width of the cover. The rug switching device is adapted for movement between an operating position at which the rug switching device ejects the rug strip in front of the system and at least one service / loading position with a cover of the cutting assembly disposed between the upright guide member. It is pivotally mounted to the stand.

According to another feature of the invention, the rug switching device; And a rug conversion system comprising a stand. The rug conversion device converts the sheet fabric into a rug product. The rug switching device is pivotally mounted to the stand for movement between an operating position in which the rug switching device is in an upright position and one or more service / loading locations in which the rug switching device is at least partially inverted.

According to another feature of the invention, a bale stack of sheet fabric is provided for use in a rug conversion system. The bale stack comprises a radiation sheet sheet fabric stack; And a jacket at least partially surrounding the stack. At least one bale binding member secures the jacket to the sheet fabric stack.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a jacketed stack of sheet fabric for use in a rug conversion device. The jacketed stack comprises a stack of radiant sheet fabrics; And a bottom tab disposed at the bottom of the stack and a jacket moveable from each other so that the tab can be removed from the bottom of the stack.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a sheet stock stack for use in a rug conversion device. The sheet fabric stack may include a stack of radiation type sheet fabrics having an upper portion and a lower portion; An adhesive layer on at least the top or bottom of the stack; And a release liner covering the adhesive layer.

According to another feature of the invention, a method is provided for loading a sheet fabric stack onto a second sheet fabric stack. The method includes providing an adhesive layer on top of a first sheet fabric stack or a bottom of a second sheet fabric stack; And placing the second stack on top of the first stack to cause adhesive to bond the top page of the first stack to the bottom page of the second stack.

According to another feature of the invention, a method of loading a sheet fabric stack into a second sheet fabric stack, comprising: providing an adhesive layer on top of a first sheet fabric stack or a bottom of a second sheet fabric stack and covering the adhesive layer Providing a release liner; Placing the second stack on top of the first stack; And pulling a release liner from between the sheet fabric stacks and adhesive bonding the top page of the first stack to the bottom page of the second stack.

According to another feature of the present invention, there is provided a bale stack of sheet fabric used in a rug switching device. The bale stack comprises a radiation sheet sheet fabric stack; A jacket having at least two flaps forming an L-shaped cross section; A corner of the stack disposed adjacent the corner of the L-shaped jacket; And at least one bale binding member for securing the jacket to the sheet fabric stack.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device for converting sheet fabric into a rug product. The apparatus comprises a forming assembly for shaping the sheet fabric into a continuous rug strip; And a traction assembly disposed below the molding assembly to advance the sheet fabric through the molding assembly, wherein the molding assembly is to shape the sheet fabric into a rug strip and direct the molded strip to the traction assembly. It includes a funnel for passing the sheet fabric.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device for converting a sheet fabric into a rug product. The conversion device comprises a forming assembly for shaping the sheet fabric into a continuous rug strip; And a traction assembly disposed downstream of the molding assembly for advancing the sheet fabric through the molding assembly, wherein the molding assembly passes through the sheet fabric to form a rug strip and the molded strip to the traction assembly. Facing annular roller array.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device for converting a sheet fabric into a rug product. The device has first and second tractions, each having at least two grippers, each of which can move together in opposite directions through a rug transfer area and gripping the sheet fabric therebetween to move through the transfer area. An assembly, wherein at least one of the grippers includes a hole operable to collect the sheet fabric and grip the side as the gripper moves in the conveying area, the first towing assembly being downstream of the forming assembly and the first A second tow assembly is downstream of the first tow assembly and the first tow assembly operates at a different speed than the second tow assembly to longitudinally fold the rug strip passing through the rug transfer area.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device for converting sheet fabric into a rug product. The diversion device includes a traction assembly for advancing the sheet fabric through the device, the traction assembly including at least two opposing grippers, at least one of the grippers moving against the other gripper through the rug transfer area and Cooperate to grip the sheet fabric to advance the sheet fabric through the conveyance zone, the mobile gripper being operative to collect the sheet fabric and grip the side when the gripper moves through the conveyance zone And a moving gripper having said hole has a plurality of protrusions protruding from an inner edge to assist in gripping the sheet fabric.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device for converting a sheet material into a rug product. The diverting device comprises a traction assembly for advancing the sheet material through the device, the traction assembly including a pair of rotatable transfer members each having a concave outer surface and a plurality of projection elements extending from the concave outer surface; The conveying members oppose each other to form a rug conveying region therebetween, and when rotated cooperate to collect sheet material and grip the side to advance through the conveying region.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device for converting sheet fabric into a rug product. The diverting device comprises a traction assembly for advancing the sheet fabric through the device, the traction assembly having a pair of rotatable transfer members each having a cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of projection elements extending from the cylindrical outer surface; The conveying members oppose each other to form a rug conveying region therebetween, and when rotated cooperate to collect sheet material and grip the side to advance through the conveying region.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device for converting a sheet material having at least two layers folded flat along a length and joined along an edge fold to a rug product. The diverting device includes a traction assembly for advancing the flat folded sheet material through the device; And a spreading device operative to separate adjacent layers of the flat folded sheet material from one another to form an unfolded sheet material strip as the flat folded sheet material passes, wherein the towing assembly moves opposite to each other through the transfer area. And at least two grippers that are capable of cooperating to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween and advance through the transfer zone, wherein at least one of the grippers is when the gripper passes through the transfer zone. And a hole operative to collect the unfolded strip of sheet material and grip the side.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a method for converting a sheet material having at least two layers folded flat along a length and joined along an edge fold to a rug product. The switching method includes advancing the sheet material through the device using a traction assembly, wherein the step of advancing the flatly folded sheet material is movable opposite to each other through a transfer area and between the unfolded strip of sheet material therebetween. At least two grippers cooperating to grip and advance through the transfer zone, wherein at least one hole of the grippers collects the unfolded strip of sheet material as the gripper passes through the transfer zone to the side surface; It is operated to hold.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided a rug switching device for converting a sheet material into a rug product. The diverting device comprises a traction assembly for advancing the sheet material through the device; And a software control for controlling the speed of the traction assembly, the traction assembly moving at least opposite to each other through the transport zone and cooperating to grip the rug strip therebetween to advance through the transport zone. Two grippers, wherein at least one of the grippers includes a hole that cooperates to collect the rug strip and grip the side as the gripper moves through the transfer area.

According to another feature of the invention, a method of converting a sheet material into a rug product is provided. The diverting method includes advancing sheet material through the device using a traction assembly, wherein advancing the sheet material to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween to advance through the transfer area. And a plurality of moving grippers opposite each other through cooperating conveying regions, wherein at least one hole of the grippers collects the unfolded strip of sheet material and grips the sides as the gripper passes through the conveying region; The method further includes the step of tilting the speed of the tow assembly upward before the conversion process.

According to another feature of the invention, a method of converting a sheet material into a rug product is provided. The diverting method includes advancing sheet material through the device using a traction assembly, wherein advancing the sheet material to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween to advance through the transfer area. And a plurality of moving grippers opposite each other through cooperating conveying regions, wherein at least one hole of the grippers collects the unfolded strip of sheet material and grips the sides as the gripper passes through the conveying region; The method further includes the step of ramping up the speed of the traction assembly after the conversion process.

According to another feature of the invention, a method of converting a sheet material into a rug product is provided. The diverting method includes advancing sheet material through the device using a traction assembly, wherein advancing the sheet material to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween to advance through the transfer area. And a plurality of moving grippers opposite each other through cooperating conveying regions, wherein at least one hole of the grippers collects the unfolded strip of sheet material and grips the sides as the gripper passes through the conveying region; The method further includes adjusting the speed of the tow assembly to one of a plurality of pre-programmed speeds prior to advancing the sheet material through the device using the tow assembly.

According to another feature of the invention, a method of converting a sheet material into a rug product is provided. The diverting method includes advancing sheet material through the device using a traction assembly, wherein advancing the sheet material to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween to advance through the transfer area. And a plurality of moving grippers opposite each other through the cooperating transfer region, wherein at least one hole of the grippers collects the unfolded strip of sheet material and grips the sides as the gripper passes through the transfer region. In addition, the switching method includes operating the traction assembly at a first speed; And operating the traction assembly at a second speed.

Referring to the drawings in detail, first of all, a rug switching device 10 and a stand 12 according to the invention are shown. The rug conversion device 10 converts one or more layers of sheet-like fabric, such as recyclable and reusable kraft paper, into a rug strip, such as a generally cylindrical, relatively narrow three-dimensional strip or rope. Apparatus 10 has an upstream end 14 through which sheet fabric is supplied to the apparatus 10 and a downstream end 16 through which the apparatus 10 discharges rug products. As used herein, the terms upstream and downstream apply to the path of movement of the sheet fabric, denoted by reference numeral 15 (FIG. 8), from the stand 12 through the outlet of the rug switching device 10 to the rug product strip. Rug products are typically used as environmentally responsible packaging materials for cushioning or void filling during transport. The stand 12 is disposed substantially vertically and includes a pair of upright guide members 22 on which the base 18 and the frame of the device are mounted. The bottom corner of the base 18 is provided with wheels 26 for easy movement of the stand 12 and the device 10.

A fabric source 27 supplies sheet fabric to the upstream end 14 of the device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric source 27 is separated from the apparatus 10 and comprises a stack of radiation-like sheet fabrics such as shown in FIG. 5, which is upright on the base 18 of the stand 12. It is placed between the guide members 22.

The fabric source 27 may be any desired form for supplying the sheet material to the diverting device 10. For example, as a variant, the fabric source 27 may be in the form of a roll of sheet fabric that is mounted to the shaft and properly supported at its ends by the stand 12. Alternatively, the axis of the far roll may be supported in a separate cart and placed adjacent or next to the stand 12. The advantage of the radiation sheet fabric over the sheet fabric roll is that there is little or no inertia to overcome. In addition, when the radiation type fabric is used instead of the roll type fabric, the operation speed can be increased and the edge stress problem is minimized. Although the radiative fabric in the illustrated embodiment consists of a single layer of sheet material, a multiple layer configuration, such as a two or three layer configuration, can optionally be used in the present invention. The number of layers of sheet fabric may vary depending on the nature of the rug switching device used and / or the desired quality of the rug product produced.

Each upstanding guide member 22 includes an inner sidewall 30, an outer sidewall 32 spaced apart from the inner sidewall 30 by a gap G, a front wall 34 and a rear wall 36. The rear wall 36 connects the rear edges of these side walls 30 and 32 over the gap G between the inner and outer side walls 30 and 32. Similarly, the front wall 34 connects the front edges of these side walls 30 and 32 over the gap G between the inner and outer side walls 30 and 32. The front wall 34 extends inward beyond each inner sidewall 30 to form a pair of individual front guide surfaces 44. The transverse support member 48 is connected and extends between the guide members 22 at the top of the guide member 22.

3 and 4, a pair of vertically extended catches 52 are defined by hinges 54 at or near the corners formed by the respective inner sidewalls 30 and rear walls 36 of the upright guide member. Hingedly connected. The inner sidewalls 30 each include a vertical slot or opening 60 sized to receive each catch 52. The catch 52 is pivotable between an open position that enters each slot 60 and a closed position that extends inwardly toward each other so that the rear guide surfaces 64 are disposed opposite from the front guide surface 44 of the front wall 34. .

According to the invention, the width is slightly smaller than the distance between the upright guide channels 22 (and slightly larger than the distance between the innermost edges of the catches 52) and the distance between the front and rear guide surfaces 44, 64. When a stack of radiant sheet fabric (FIG. 5) with a slightly smaller depth is inserted from behind the stand 12 between the guide members 22, the catch 52 bends outward with respect to each other and each vertical slot ( 60) Go inside In this way, the radiation sheet fabric can be pushed toward the front guide surface 44 of the guide member 22. Once the radiation sheet fabric is in contact with the front guide surface 44, the catch 52 retracts to its original deflected position to grip the stack of radiation sheet fabric between the front guide surface 44 and the rear guide surface 64.把持) The front and rear guide surfaces 44, 64 prevent or at least reduce the stack of radiation-bearing sheet fabrics such as to be turned back or forward from the stand, and the inner sidewall 30 of each guide member 22 is made of radiation-bearing fabric This prevents or at least reduces the stack of lateral movement within the stand 12, and the like. This has been found to be particularly useful when the stand moves from wheel to wheel 26 from one position to another.

3, 4 and 6, the rug switching device 910 is mounted to the stand 12 by a pair of hinge plates 80. Each hinge plate 80 includes a hinge pin 82 extending in the horizontal direction, the hinge pin 82 suitably at both ends of the inner and outer sidewalls 30 and 32 of each upright guide member 22. Rotatably supported. The hinge plate 80 includes, at one end, a T-shaped flange 88 on which the rug switching device 10 is suitably mounted, and at both ends, hinge pins 92 extending in the lateral direction, and hinge pins 92 ) Couples the hinge plate 80 to one end of the gas compression spring 96 to allow relative pivotal movement between the hinge plate 80 and the gas compression spring 96. At opposite ends of the gas compression spring 96, a pivot pin 98 extending in the transverse direction is provided, which is pivoted at both ends by the inner and outer sidewalls 30 and 32 of the respective guide members 22, respectively. This is appropriately supported.

The hinge plates 80 and consequently the rug switching device 10 mounted thereto have an operating position of the rug switching device (FIGS. 1,2) and a rug switching device service / loading position (FIG. 6). Can be pivoted between The gas compression spring 96 cushions the rapid movement of the device 10 between the operating position of the rug switching device 10 and the service / loading position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hinge plates 80 have inner and outer walls 30, 32 of the respective vertical guide members 22 when the rug switching device 10 is in its operating position. There is enough space between them. When the rug switching device 10 is moved from its operating position to the service / loading position, and thus the hinge plate 80 pivots on the hinge pin 82, the hinge plates 80 are pivot pin 92. A pulling force is applied to the gas compression spring 96 through (). Once the tensile force exceeds the resistance pivoted by the gas compression spring 96, the hinge plate 80 can be pivoted and the rug switching device 10 can be pivoted to a service / loading position. Can be.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rear wall 36 of the guide members 22 provides slots 106 for receiving the hinge plate 80 when the rug switching device 10 is in a service / loading position. Equipped. The perimeter of the slots 106 is reinforced with respective reinforcing brackets 108 installed between the inner and outer sidewalls 30 and 32 and suitably connected to the inner surfaces of the rear walls 36. Each hinge plate 80 is a relief portion that makes it possible to pivot the hinge plate 80 since the top surface of the T-shaped flange 88 of the hinge plate is horizontal and vertical as shown in FIG. 6. a relief portion or a cut-off 112.

Each hinge plate 80 includes a plurality of elongated adjustment holes 120 arranged circumferentially spaced from each other within a radial distance from the transverse hinge pin 82. The adjustment holes 120 in each of the hinge plates 80 are located corresponding to the positions where the rug switching device 10 can be rotated. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the hinge plates 80 has three adjustment holes 120, one adjustment hole 120 corresponding to the operating position of the rug switching device 10 and the other hole. 120 is located corresponding to the service / loading position of the rug switching device 10, and the remaining adjustment hole 120 is located corresponding to an intermediate position between the operation of the rug switching device 10 and the service / loading position. .

Spring-actuated actuator pins 124 are pivoted in each vertical guide member 22 (only one shown in the figure), which pins are adapted when the adjustment holes 120 and actuator pins 124 are aligned in line. A spring provided biased to the corresponding adjustment hole 120. The actuator pin 124 thus reliably supports the rug switching device 10 in the desired position. In order for the rug switching device 10 to move to another position, the actuator pin 124 is disengaged from the adjustment hole 120 in the corresponding position, and the shunt pad switching device 10 is moved to the other adjustment hole 120. The actuator pin 124 is pivoted until it is fitted, and the actuator pin 124 automatically moves back so that the rug switching device 10 is securely positioned to another (new) position corresponding to the other adjustment hole 120. do.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the rug switching device 10, which may be difficult to access from the other side, pivots into the service / loading position, the internal configurations of the rug switching device 10 are more easily accessible to the operator or user. Can be. In some cases, the rug switching device 10 may be located at several access points for service of the device 10. Further, as will be explained below, the initial loading of a sheet stock into the rug switching device 10 can be made very simply, when the rug switching device is in a service / loading position.

Next, referring to FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, the rug switching device 10 is a frame 150 mounted on the stand 12, mounted on the frame 150 to convert the sheet fabric into the rug product. Multiple conversion sub-assemblies, a hood 14 covering the various conversion sub-assemblies, and an infeed paper simplification of loading and / or overlapping the sheet fabric guide assembly, 158). The rug switching device 10 also includes a cover 162 at the device downstream edge covering the various switching sub-assemblies and ensuring the various control characteristics of the rug switching device 10.

The frame 150 includes a pair of sidewalls 170, ie, upstream and downstream walls 172, 174 extending upstream and transversely to which side edges of the frame are connected. As shown in FIG. 8, the upstream wall 172 is smaller in height than the downstream wall 174. The sidewalls 170 are horizontal to each other and perpendicular to the upstream and downstream walls 172, 174. The frame 150 also includes a transverse inner support wall 180 that extends up and down from the bottom of the upstream wall 172 to the downstream wall 174, the support wall being the downstream wall. And 174 together in a T-shape. A pair of laterally spaced side arms 184 protrude vertically from each of the side walls 170, and a guide panel 190 has a lateral edge connected to each side arm 184. The illustrated guide panel 190 is formed with holes to reduce its weight. Side edges of a constant entry roller 196 are rotatably mounted to the distal edges of the respective side arms 184. The entry roller 196 provides a constant entry path to the switching sub-assembly of the rug switching device 10.

The infeed paper guide assembly 158 includes a pair of side arms 200 and a guide panel 204 whose side edges are connected to the side arms 200. The illustrated guide panel 204 is formed with holes to reduce its own weight. One side edge of each of the side arms 200 pivot pivot connection to each of the side walls 170 for pivotal movement. , 202. The pivot linkage 202 allows the infeed paper guide assembly 158 to pivot from an open position shown in FIG. 7 and a closed position shown in FIG. 8. In the closed position, the infeed paper guide assembly 158 is located between the sidewalls 170 of the frame 150. In the open position, the infeed paper guide assembly 158 is approximately 180 ° from the closed position.

Edges of the transversely extending guide bar 210 are mounted to the respective sidewalls 170 and are coaxial with the axis of the pivot connector 202. As shown in FIG. 8, a gap is provided between the guide bar 210 and the guide panel 204 of the pin fit paper guide assembly 158 through which the sheet fabric passes.

At the side or distal edge of the side arms 200, the opposite edge of the guide roller 214 is rotatably supported on the respective side arms 200. Lateral edges of the guide bar 220 extending laterally in the middle and positioned between the guide bar 210 and the guide roller 214 are fixed to the respective sidewalls 170 of the frame 150. The side arms 200 of the infeed paper guide assembly 158 receive the edges of the guide bar 220 therein when the infeed paper guide assembly 158 is in the closed position (Figure 8). Each concave portion 222 sized to a sufficient extent. FIG. 8 shows the movement path 15 of the far end passing through the rug switching device 10. The sheet fabric from the stock supply 27 passes between the guide roller 202 and the panel 204. The sheet fabric passes between the guide bar 220 and the guide panel 204 and is pulled along the guide roller 214. The sheet fabric is moved from the guide roller 204 toward the entry roller 196 through the guide panel 190 side by side or below. In turn, the constant entry roller 196 guides the sheet fabric down to switch the components of the rug switching device 10.

According to the present invention, the sheet fabric is sufficiently received by the vertical guide members 22 of the stand 12 and the rug switching device 10, and thus the rug switching device 10 during operation Loops and undulations generated by the sheet fabric are at least minimized, if not prevented or prevented. Preferably, the movement path 15 of the sheet fabric is substantially maintained as close as possible to the inside of the device 10 or to the device 10, and thus any paper loops generated outside of the device. Also disappears.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, the infeed paper guide assembly 158 can be pivoted to an open position, thereby allowing entry into the gap between the guide roller 202 and the guide panel 204. . In order to load the sheet fabric into the apparatus 10, sheet fabric is fed from the fabric source 27 through the gap below and initially. The sheet fabric is pulled through the gap to a length sufficient to reach the constant entry roller 196. At this time, the infeed paper guide assembly 158 is rotated backward or pivoted about its pivot connection 202 to its closed position, whereby the sheet fabric is guided by the guide roller 214 to the side arm 184. It rapidly enters a corner formed by 200 and is dragged along the guide roller 214. In addition, in the open position, the infeed paper guide assembly 158 provides a surface that allows the new sheet fabric to connect with the sheet fabric that is almost finished. Once the material has finished following, the infeed paper assembly 158 does not need to be pivoted relative to the pivot connection 202 of the assembly such that the guide roller 214 pushes the sheet fabric on the travel path 15. .

From the constant entry roller 198, the sheet fabric passes through the switching servo-assemblies of the rug switching device 10. The rug switching device 10 includes a forming section 326 and a pulling assembly 328, which is driven by a rotary electric motor, for example a motor 330. Downstream of the traction assembly 3280, a storage assembly 334 and an object downstream of the device 10 are provided for storing a continuous rug strip formed by the shaping section 326 with a pad of a desired length. A valve 336 is provided to prevent entry to the side edges, wherein the molding components, traction assembly 328, storage assembly 334, and valve 336 are frames of the rug switching device 10. Mounted at 150. The operation of the rug switching device 10 can be controlled by a known controller (not shown).

In operation of the rug switching device 10, the far end conveyance assembly 327 supplies sheet material to the forming portion 326. The illustrated shaped portion 326 includes a pair of side guide bars 344 of the first (upstream), a pair of side guide bars 345 of the second (downstream), an upper guide plate. 346 and a constriction member 348. The side guide bars 344 and 345 are mounted to the guide panel 190 of the frame 150, and the upper guide plate 346 is sequentially mounted to the upper ends of the side guide bars 344 and 345. The contracting member 348 is mounted on an upstream side wall 172 of the frame 150.

The upstream side guide bars 344 are relatively farther apart than the downstream side guide bars 345 so that sheet material passes through the two pairs of side guide bars 344 and 345. The lateral edges are folded inwardly or rounded to each other so that the inwardly folded edges extend substantially longitudinally to form an elastically crumpled layer of sheet material, thereby preforming and streamlining the sheet material. To form. The side guide bars 344 and 345 are in contact with the upper guide bar 346 and the guide panel 190 to guide the sheet material to the shrinking member 348 (FIGS. 12 and 13). The shrinking member 348, also called a collecting member, performs the additional function of shaping or shaping the sheet material and directly guiding the strip of molded rug into the interior of the traction assembly 328. The shrinking member 348 may optionally be used as the shaping portion 326 without using the side guide bars 344 and 345. Other types of molding components may be used, such as those commonly disclosed in US Patent Application Nos. 09 / 878,130 and US Pat. Nos. 5,947,886 and 5,891,009, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The traction assembly 328 is located downstream of the forming portion 326 and has a second cooperation with a first transfer assembly 359 comprising a set of first transfer grippers 360 and A second transfer assembly 361 comprises a set of opposing transfer grippers 362. The transfer grippers 360 and 362 are transported along respective circular paths.

The traction assembly 328 performs at least one, and preferably two, functions in the operation of the rug conversion device 10. The first function is that the opposing sets of transfer grippers 360 and 362 intercept the strip of rug on the opposite transfer side and pull the rug strip through the forming section 326 and then the fabric transfer assembly 327. Feeding function to pull the sheet material from the substrate. Another second function that is preferably performed by the traction assembly 328 is that the set of opposing transfer grippers 360, 362 deforms the rug strip on the opposite side to form a linked rug strip so that the rug linked strip It is a connection function to form a. Of course, other mechanisms operate on the rug strip in order to “connect” the rug strip, for example in such a way as to maintain unnecessary filling and / or cushioning properties which prevent it from returning to the original flat form of the sheet material. Can be used to For example, known connecting devices may include devices that allow the sheet material to maintain its three-dimensional shape. The opposing set transfer grippers 360, 362 enable gradual overlapping and rapid feeding of the rug strip over the entire width of the strip to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of cutting off the sheet material.

The towing assembly 328 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 11-13. A pair of transfer assemblies 359 and 361 define between the rug transfer zones 413 (FIGS. 12 and 13) through which the rug strip passes from the forming portion 326. The transfer assemblies 359 and 361 are driven by a traction assembly drive motor 330. The transfer assembly 361 includes a drive gear 422 mounted to the shaft and the transfer assembly 359 includes a drive gear 420 mounted to the shaft, the axes being parallel and laterally relative to one another. Are spaced apart. The drive gear 422 of the transfer assembly 361 acts like the drive gear 420 of the transfer assembly 359 to drive the transfer assembly 359 in the opposite direction of the transfer assembly 361. The working gears 420 and 422 are of the same size, so that the rotational speeds of the transfer assemblies 359 and 361 are the same.

As shown, the opposing sets of grippers 360 and 362 are equally circumferentially spaced apart from the grippers 550-557, with the first set equally spaced apart in the circumferential direction apart from the grippers 540-547. Each of the spaced second sets (FIG. 12). As shown, grippers 540-547 and 550-557 are each secured to the hub, which in turn is mounted to its own shaft 480 and 482 for rotation. The opposing sets of grippers 360 and 362 together form the above-mentioned rug transfer region 413 (Figs. 12 and 13) through which the rug strip is gradually engaged, transversely and released in the transverse direction. The rug transfer region 413 extends from the laterally spaced axis to the downstream region 568 from the laterally spaced axis 566.

The grippers 540-547 and 550-557 of the traction assembly 328 have holes that are somewhat 'V' shaped or open outwardly. The parts (i.e., the arms forming the V-shaped openings) face toward the opposite side of the outer opening, which contacts the arm portions (i.e., the side contacts) connected by the base portion (i.e., the central contact portion). Include. The openings of the opposing grippers 540-547 and 550-557 gradually become narrower as the grippers 540-547 and 550-557 move progressively toward each other, forming a gap therebetween. Narrowing the gap between the grippers 540-547 and 550-557 is such that the gap strips are sufficiently engaged in the transverse direction or are held by the opposing grippers 540-547 and 550-557 to the minimum gap size. Ultimately reach. In other words, the arm portions of the opposing grippers 540-547 and 550-557 move laterally (ie, close) towards each other, and the base portions of the opposing grippers 540-547 and 550-557 are rugs. They move transversely (ie close) towards each other as a whole to capture and grasp the strips.

When the opposing grippers 540-547 and 550-557 engage transversely with the rug strip, the opposing grippers 540-547 and 550-557 continue their movement through the rug transfer area 413. Hold grips on the rug strip for a period of time. While passing through the transfer area 413 the rug strip is corrugated or the opposite side deforms. At the downstream end of the traction assembly 328, more specifically at the downstream end of the rug transfer region 413, opposite sets of grippers 360 and 362 gradually diverge from one another to release the rug strip.

The amount or shape of the grippers 540-547 and 550-557 employed is, for example, the desired circumferential spacing between the grippers, for example, the preferred point at which the rug strip is engaged by the gripper (e.g. For example, a relatively long gripper may engage the rug strip earlier and / or more upstream than a relatively short gripper.) The gripper geometry (eg, the outer openings may be laterally or laterally captured). It may be semi-circular or semi-elliptical in order to achieve this, or depending on the desired form of biting by the gripper (for example, whether it is desirable to have a rug strip connected by the gripper) Can be. In addition, the grippers 540-547 of one transfer assembly 359 may be longitudinally offset by the gap with respect to the grippers 550-557 of the other opposite transfer assembly 361. The towing assembly 328 may also function as a supply assembly and / or a connection assembly. The traction assembly 328 of the illustrated embodiment draws the sheet material to both sides via a forming portion 326 (ie, feeds the sheet material) and at regular intervals as it passes through the traction assembly 328. Gradually crease or twist the rug strips (ie connect them). In addition, other connecting means may be employed as implied above.

In the pulled assembly 328 shown, the opposing grippers are each shown as having holes. It can optionally be provided with opposing grippers, in which only one gripper comprises a hole. The gripper including the hole operates to collect and laterally capture the rug strip as the opposing gripper moves along the hole gripper through the transfer area without the hole. The opposing gripper may have other shapes (for example semi-circular or semi-oval) and / or holes of constant size.

The continuous rug strip moves downstream from the traction assembly 328 to the cutting assembly 334. The cutting assembly 334 is shown in FIGS. 14-16. The cutting assembly 334 cuts by cutting or tearing the rug strip into a cross section of the desired length. The cutting assembly 334 may be in any desired form for cutting the rug strip. The illustrated cutting assembly 334 includes a guillotine blade assembly 574 powered by a rotational motor 576 (FIG. 8) via a motion transmitting assembly 578. FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the braid of the braid assembly 574 is serrated. Full rotation of the crank 580 of the motion transfer assembly 578 causes the guillotine braid assembly 574 to move to a ready-to sever, or open to the cutting position (FIGS. 14, 15). Or to a closed position, whereby the rug strip is cut and then returned to the cut ready position. The fly severing provided by the cutting assembly 334 can quickly and continuously cut the rug strip as shown in the towing assembly 328.

The valve 336 is located downstream from the cutting assembly 334. The valve 336 is shown in FIG. 16. The valve 336 includes a rectangular discharge chute 582, a door 584 and a position sensor (not shown) that are pivotally mounted within and / or inside the chute 582. The door 584 is gravitationally inclined to an elastically inclined or inclined position, in which the door 584 is from an upstream end of the chute 582 (near the cutting assembly 334). It extends to the downstream end of the chute (582). When the door 584 is in a tilted position with its own elastic force, the chute 582 and the inclined door 584 are relatively narrow at the downstream end of the chute 582 to prevent the same from entering the object. Form an opening. The door 584 may be shaken by a rug strip passing through the chute 582. The cutting assembly 334 is operated to cut the rug strip by the position sensor which senses that the rug strip is present in the chute 582. It is correctly recognized that other valves, for example, an inclined conveyor properly connected to the traction assembly motor 330, are used to prevent foreign matter from entering the discharge chute of the device 10.

As pointed out above, the switching device 10 can be operated by a controller. The controller allows for example the traction assembly drive motor 330 to be energized when a foot pedal is pressed by an operator. The device 10 may provide a pad to keep the pedal pressed. When the pedal is released, the controller may stop the operation of the traction assembly driving motor 330 and operate the cutting assembly motor 576 to cut the rug strip. Other control means provide as described in US Pat. Nos. 5,897,478 and 5864,484.

8, the frame 150 provides a compact and L-shaped device for the conversion subassembly. In particular, the traction assembly motor 330 is mounted to the frame 150 such that the shaft is parallel to one leg of the L-shaped device, the cutting assembly motor 576 is the shaft of the other leg of the L-shaped device Is mounted to the frame 150 in parallel with the.

7-10, the switching subassembly is covered by a hood 154 and a cover 162. The hood 154 is connected to the downstream wall 174 of the frame 150 by a hinge 600 extending in the horizontal direction. The hinge 600 may be a hood 154 that is pivoted between the closed position shown in FIG. 8 and the open position shown in FIGS. 7,9 and 10. The hood 154 is hung on an arcuate upper wall 602, a pair of sidewalls 604 hanging on the side edges of the upper wall 602, and an upstream edge of the upper wall 602. Upstream wall 606. As shown in FIG. 8, the sidewalls 604 of the hood 154 have respective angular edges extending from the hinge 600 to the edges defined by the side arms 200, 184. The side wall 604 of the hood 154 is such that the top of the side arm 184 and the side wall 170 is received in the side wall 604 of the hood 154 when the hood 154 is pivoted to the closed position. The side arms 184 are spaced laterally somewhat wider than the sidewalls 170 of the frame 150. In the closed position (FIG. 8), the hood 154 removes components such as the molding 326 and the traction assembly 328 of the rug switching device 10 from debris and foreign objects. Protect. In the open position (FIGS. 7, 9 and 10), these components are easily accessible and easily assembled to the frame 150 or easily repaired.

The cover 162 is mounted to the downstream wall 174 of the frame 150. As shown in FIG. 8, an upper wall 622 is included, which has an arcuate contour with the same radius as the arcuate upper wall 602 of the hood 154. Hanging on the top wall 622 is a pair of side walls 624 and downstream end walls 626. The bottom wall 628 is connected to each of the side walls 624 and the side borders and connected to the downstream end wall 626 and the top border. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the bottom wall 628 is generally parallel to the bottom edge of the sidewall 170 of the frame 150. The cover 162 protects components such as a severing assembly and the valve 336 of the rug switching device 10 from debris and debris. In addition, the cover 162 is lightweight due to its relatively small size and thus can be easily separated to assemble and / or repair components to be received by the cover 162.

In addition, the cover 162 is ergonomically beneficial as shown in Figure 1, the cover 162 is a control panel 640 for controlling the rug switching device 10, the rug switching device An emergency stop button 642 for stopping operation and an on-off switch 644 for turning the rug switching device on and off. A release opening 650 is provided in the cover 162 through which the rug strip passes from the valve 336 of the rug switching device 10. Advantageously the downstream end wall 626 of the cover 162 faces downward at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal line. At this angle, the cover 162 may be the control panel 640, and the emergency stop button 642 and the on-off switch 644 are in close proximity to the rug strip through the outlet 650. It is easily accessed during the release, thus reaching these components.

17-19, three different packaging systems 700, 702, 704 are shown embodying the rug switching device 10. As shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 17, the rug switching device 10 is mounted on a stand 710 which is oriented in a generally vertical manner. The stand 710 includes a base 712 and a vertical frame 714 mounted to the device 10. The device 10 has an upstream end 716 for supplying a sheet stock material 740 to the device 10 and a downstream end 718 for discharging the rug from the device 10. The stand 710 has an “L” shape when the base 712 is positioned below a work surface 730, for example a conveyor or a table as shown in FIG. 17, of the device 10. The downstream end 718 extends above the work surface 730. Lower edges of the base 712 include wheels 732 so that the stand 710 and the device 10 can be easily moved. The vertical frame 714 of the stand 710 includes a pair of vertical guide members between the piles of folded sheet material 740, and the folded sheet fabric 740 is an upstream end of the rug conversion device 10. Guided at 718. As described above, the sheet fabric 740 is provided in the form of a stock roll supported by the stand 710 or by a cart positioned next to or adjacent to the stand 710. Lose.

As shown in FIG. 18, the packaging system 702 includes a pair of packaging systems 760, which include a rug conversion device 762. The rug conversion device 762 is similar to the rug conversion device 10 shown and described above except that it does not include an infeed paper guide assembly 168. The downstream end of each rug conversion device 762 is located on a respective pavement surface 766. The upstream end of each rug conversion device 762 extends upwardly toward each raised loading station 768 that includes each far end feed assembly 770. Each fabric feed assembly 770 is accessible from a raised barrel.

The stock supply assembly 770 may be a sheet stock material, for example, using a sheet feed roll or a stack of fan folded fabric as shown. dunnage conversion machine). The radiation sheet fabric is guided through its side edges by guide posts 780 of the fabric feed assembly 770 spaced on each side. The sheet fabric is conveyed through the transversely extending guide bar 790 whose top is supported by the respective upright guide posts 780. The sheet fabric is transferred from the guide bar 790 to the intermediate guide bar 792. The intermediate guide bar 792 is mounted to each side support member 794 protruding from the end of the intermediate guide bar 792 perpendicular to the upright guide post 780. The sheet fabric moves from the frying intermediate guide bar 792 to a constant inlet roller of the rug switching device 762 and the rug switching device 762 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the rug switching device 10. The transition to the downstream of the subassembly. Several storage locations 796 for the radiant sheet fabric are located at both ends of the gangway 772 from the fabric feed assembly 770.

Preferably, the packaging system 702 of the present invention separates the packaging location 760 from the loading location 768 so that packaging and loading tasks can be performed independently. Moreover, the radiation sheet fabric is loaded away from the packaging location 760.

The packaging system 704 of FIG. 19 includes a rug switching device 800 similar to the rug device 10 except that it does not include an infeed paper guide assembly 158. The rug switching device 800 is connected, for example, to the structural member 802 of the warehouse roof. More specifically, the rug switching device 800 is supported by an inverted U-shaped bracket 804. The base 806 of the U-shaped bracket 804 is fixed to the end of the structural member 802, and the leg 808 of the U-shaped bracket 804 disposed to be spaced apart from the side is connected to the base portion 806. Connected to each side of the rug conversion device 800. A pair of sheet distal guideways 814 and 816 is mounted to the structural member 802 upstream of the rug switching device. Each passageway 814, 816 provides an opening through which the sheet fabric moves before entering the rug conversion device 800. In the lower portion of the structural member 802, a sheet fabric 820, which is in the form of a stack of radiant sheet fabric, is supplied as in the embodiment. The radiant sheet fabric 820 is placed on a stand 822 having a pair of guide posts 826 and guided to a downstream passageway 816. Preferably, the rug conversion device 800 is suspended from any packing location below and out of the upstream fabric supply 820 therefrom.

20 and 21 show a rug switching system 900 having a rug switching device or rug switching head 910 and a stand 912 as still another embodiment of the present invention. Except as described herein, the rug switching device 910 and the stand 912 are essentially the same as the rug switching device 10 and the stand 12 described above. In some drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same components or shapes.

The stand 912 of the rug conversion system 900 includes a pair of upright guide members 922 on which the rug conversion device 910 is mounted. Each upright guide member 922 includes an inner side wall 930, an outer side wall 932, a front wall 934, and a rear wall 936 spaced apart from the inner side wall 930 by a distance G. Include. The front wall 934 and the rear wall 936 are spaced apart (G) between the inner side wall 930 and the outer side wall 932 to form respective front guide surfaces 944 and rear guide surfaces 946. Each inner side wall 930 extends inwardly. Anterior and posterior transverse support members 948 and 950 are connected to the guide members 922 at the top of the guide member 922. Unlike the stand 12, the stand 912 does not include catches 52 extending vertically.

22-26 sequentially illustrate a preferred method of loading a radiation sheet fabric (FIG. 5) between the guide members 922 as viewed from the top of the stack. The width of the stack is slightly smaller than the distance between the inner side walls 930 and slightly greater than the distance between the innermost edges of the front and rear guide walls 944, 946. First, the stack is inserted at an angle between the guide members (Fig. 22). For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the right side of the stack is inserted between the guide members 922. Thereafter, as in FIG. 23, the stack is rotated clockwise until the corresponding corner in the diagonal direction, for example the right front corner and the rear left corner, is located between the guide members 922. . Thereafter, the right side of the stack is moved in the right inner side 930 direction so that the right rear edge of the stack aligns with the right rear guide wall 946 (FIG. 24). The stack is then moved further toward the right inner side wall 930 so that the left front edge of the stack can align with the left front guide wall 946. The stack is then positioned when the sides of the stack are in the inner side walls 930, and the front and rear of the stack are in the front and rear guide walls 944, 946 of the guide member 922 (FIG. 25). Rotate clockwise until The stack is then moved laterally to be approximately at the center between the inner side walls 930 (FIG. 26). As a result, the radiation sheet fabric is placed between the inner side walls 930 and the front and rear guide walls 944, 946. The front and rear guide walls 944 and 946 prevent or at least reduce the likelihood that the stack will jump back and forth out of the stand. On the other hand, the inner side wall 930 of each guide member 922 prevents or at least reduces the possibility that the stack moves sideways within the stand 912. It can be seen that this is particularly useful when the stand moves from one point to another using the wheel 26.

In the illustrated embodiment the stack is inserted between the guide members 922 by first inserting the right side, but other methods of inserting the stack may be used. For example, the left side of the stack can be inserted first and the stack can be rotated counterclockwise. In addition, any stack of radiant sheet fabric may be inserted between the guide member 922 in accordance with the present invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32-39 described below, a stack of sheet fabric is unpacked to be supplied to the diverter 910 and diverted by the diverter 910 once inserted into the stand. It may be in bale form.

20, 21 and 27 to 31, the rug switching device or rug switching device head 910 includes a hinge 978 and a pair of mounting mechanisms 980 (FIGS. 20, 27, 28). Not shown) to the stand 912. The hinges 978 and mounting holes 980 are selectively pivoted from the operating position shown in FIG. 20 to the serving / loading position shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. Do it. The rug switching device 910 is axially rotatable forward of the system 900 to be at least partially suspended in front of the stand 912.

As shown in FIG. 21, the hinge 978 extends across the guide member at the foremost front of the stand 912. More specifically, the hinge (978) is one side is mounted to the front transverse support member 948 of the stand 912 or is formed in the front transverse support member 948, the other side the rug conversion device 910 Is mounted to a flange (not shown) protruding rearward from the bottom surface of the transverse wall 174 of the frame 150.

Each mounting hole 980 has a mounting bracket 984, a gas compression spring 988 and a guide bracket 992. Each mounting bracket 984 has a pair of protruding upright mounting posts 996. The rug conversion device 910 is mounted to the mounting post 996 through a pair of flanges (not shown) protruding inward from the bottom surface of the side wall 170 of the conversion device frame 150. To enable relative axial rotation between the mounting bracket 984 and the gas compression spring 988, the pivot pin 1000 moves the front end of the mounting bracket 984 to the upper end of the gas compression spring 988. Connect with The gas compression spring 988 extends below the mounting bracket 984 and is movable between the inner and outer sidewalls 930, 932 of each upstanding guide member 922. The bottom end of the gas compression spring 988 is rotatably supported on the opposite ends by the inner and outer sidewalls 930 and 932 and mounted to a transversely extending pivot pin 1004.

Pivot pin 1008 protrudes from the side of the mounting bracket 984 and has a rear end of the mounting bracket 984 to allow relative axial rotational movement between the mounting bracket 984 and the guide bracket 992. Connect the upper end of the guide bracket (992). The guide bracket 992, like the gas compression spring 988, extends below the mounting bracket 984 between the inner and outer sidewalls 930, 932 of each upstanding guide member 922. Each guide bracket 992 is arcuate and includes an arcuate slot 1012. The rug switching device 910 is capable of rotating axially relative to the stand 912 with respect to the hinge 978. When the guide brackets 992 slide along both ends of the guide rod 1016 to guide such an axial rotation, both ends of the guide rod 1016 are guided by respective reinforcing brackets 1020. Rotatably supported, the reinforcement brackets 1020 fit between the inner and outer sidewalls 930 and 932 of each upstanding guide member 922 and connect them appropriately.

The rug switching device 910 is axially rotatable over a wide range of angular displacement with respect to the stand 912, the range of which is the distance the guide bracket 992 can move in the guide rod 1016, ie the Both ends of the arcuate slot 1012 in the guide bracket 992 are limited by the distance when they reach the guide rod 1016. The rug switching device to lock the operation of the rug switching device 910 at a preferred angular displacement with respect to the stand 912 or to allow the rug switching device 910 to be axially rotatable relative to the stand 912. A turning knob 1026 or similar mechanism may be suitably connected with the rug switching device 910 and / or one or two mounting holes 980 to unlock the operating restriction of 910. Can be.

In the preferred rug diverting system 900 shown, the rug diverting device 910 is the guiding rod 1016 and the guiding in the operating position (FIG. 20) and two other supply / loading positions (see FIGS. 27 and 28). Selective locks are possible by the brackets 992. Specifically, the guide rod 1016 is rotatably adjustable between an axially rotatable position and an axially rotatable or locking position. The handle 1026 (FIGS. 20 and 21) is shown to be properly accessible from the side of the stand 912 in an embodiment, in appropriate connection with the guide rod 1016 to provide such rotational motion.

Referring to FIG. 29, the slot 1012 of each guide bracket 992 extends between three arcuate indentations 1030, 1032, 1034 and the grooves 1030, 1032, 1034. Narrow track portion 1038, each groove having a radius slightly larger than the radius of the guide rod 1016. The arcuate grooves 1030, 1032, 1034 correspond to three different positions, respectively, in which the rug switching device 910 is selectively locked and unlocked. It is an important advantage that the guide rod 1016 is rotatable when the central axis of the guide rod 1016 is collinear with the central axis of the arcuate grooves 1030, 1032, 1034 of the slot 1012. Both ends of the guide rod 1016 have respective arcuate notches 1044 therein. The axial width of each notch 1044 in the guide rod 1016 is slightly larger than the width of the guide bracket 992 such that the radially inner arch of the guide bracket 992 slides therein.

In a position capable of axial rotation (FIG. 29), the guide rod 1016 rotates so that the notches 1044 of the guide rod 1016 align with the inner arch portions of the guide bracket 992, and the guide The bracket 992 can slide freely back and forth along both ends of the guide rod 1016, thus allowing the rug conversion device 910 to be rotatable relative to the stand 912. In an axially impossible or locked position, the guide rod 1016 rotates such that the notches 1044 of the guide rod 1016 are not aligned with the inner arch portions of the guide bracket 992 and the guide The outer diameter portion of the rod 1016 is located on the movement path of the inner arch portion of the guide bracket 992 to block its movement. In the locked position, the guide rod 1016 prevents axial rotation of the rug switching device 910 relative to the stand 912.

When the guide rod 1016 rotates in the groove 1030 to prevent movement of the guide bracket 992, the rug switching device 910 is in an operating position at the top of the stand 912 (FIG. 20). Is in. FIG. 30 shows the gas compression spring 988 and the guide bracket 992 in each position when the rug conversion device 910 is in the operating position. In the operating position, the gas compression springs 988 are compressed and the load of the rug switching device 910 is located in front of the stand 912 and above the upright guide member 922 of the stand 912. It is conveyed by the guide brackets 992 as well as the hinges 978.

When the guide rod 1016 is rotated in the recess 1032 to block the movement of the guide bracket 992, the rug switching device 910 is in the intermediate inclined actuation / load position. When the guide rod 1016 is rotated in the recess 1034 to block the movement of the guide bracket 992, the rug switching device 910 is in the fully inclined operating / load position (FIG. 27 and 28). 31 shows gas compression springs 988 and guide brackets 992 in their respective positions when the rug switching device 910 is in the fully inclined operating / load position. In that position, the gas compression springs 988 are extended, and the weight of the rug switching device 910 is almost supported only by the guide brackets 992 in tension and the hinges 978 in front of the stand 912. do.

At the same time, the gas compression spring 988 and the guide brackets 992 of the mounting mechanism 980 simplify the pivoting movement of the rug switching device 910 relative to the stand 912. For example, the gas compression spring 988 biases the rug switching device 910 so that when the rug switching device 910 is pivoted relative to the stand 912, Imparts some weightlessness. On the other hand, the guide brackets 992 guide the movement of the mounting bracket 984 and consequently guide the rug switching device 910 along the guide rod 1016, which is the rug switching device 910 on the stand 912. Is pivoted about). The gas compression spring 988 and guide brackets 992 move between the planes of the inner and outer sidewalls 930 and 932 of each upright guide member 922, as shown in FIG. 21. The gas compression spring 988 and guide brackets 992 contract completely between the inner and outer walls 930 and 932 when the rug conversion device 910 is in its operating position.

With reference to FIG. 20, when the rug switching device 910 is in its operating position, the rug switching device 910, and more specifically its switching assembly, which is located substantially in the plane of the lateral arms 184, stands ( It is disposed above the upper plane of the upstanding guide member 922 of 912 and inclined from the upstream side to the downstream side while maintaining approximately 45 ° with respect to the horizontal. Thus, the upstream end of the rug switching device 910 is out of the pavement area around the system 900, and the downstream end of the rug switching device 910, and more specifically its outlet 650, is the system 900. It is conveniently located toward the front or upstream end of the head) to provide easy access to the rug strip discharged from the outlet 650.

With reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, by tilting the rug switching device 910 forward with respect to one of its operating / loading positions, access to the rug switching device 910 for its operation and / or load is simplified. . In this regard, multiple actuation / load positions provide multiple access points. For example, when the rug switching device 910 is in the actuation / loading position as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the rug switching device 910 is at least partially reversed and is near the top plane of the stand 912. It is located below. The angular displacement of the lateral arms 184 is approximately 135 ° from its operating position or 180 ° from horizontal. Thus, when the hood 154 is opened, an operator or user can easily access the internal components of the rug conversion device 910, such as the conversion aids. And, when the rug switching device 910 is in its operating / loading position, the initial supply of the sheet stock material to the rug switching device 910 is made simple, because of the supply of the traction assembly (FIGS. 12 and 13). This is because the end or upstream region 566 is directed forward of the rug switching system 900. Thus, the user or operator makes a near horizontal approach to the traction assembly 328 to feed the sheet stock material from the front of the rug conversion system 900, more specifically from the front of the stand 912 therein. Then, it becomes simple to supply and direct the sheet fabric material around the inflow roller 196 and the guide roller 1064, since the conveyance passages of almost all the sheet fabric materials are from the front of the rug switching device 910. Because it is accessible.

As can be seen below, the rug switching device 910 inclined forward is inclined to a lower position than that obtained by the rug switching device 10 inclined backward described above. This is facilitated by a cover 162 whose width is smaller than the width between the upright guide members 922 of the stand 912, so that the cover 162 is mounted therebetween, and the rug switching device 910 Is inclined until the downstream wall of frame 150 contacts or extends parallel to the upstanding guide member 922.

The detailed structure of the rug switching device 910 is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. The rug switching device 910 is almost identical to the rug switching device 10 described above (see, for example, FIGS. 7-16), only those described herein are different. In some drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts or features.

The rug switching device 910 includes a transversely extending inlet paper guide plate 1060, which is connected at its lateral edges to the side walls 170 of the frame 150 of the rug conversion device 910. The upstream end of the guide plate 1060 has a lip 1062. The guide roller 1064 is disposed at a downstream end of the guide plate 1060, and both ends thereof are rotatably supported by the side walls 170. Unlike the rug switching device 10, the rug switching device 910 does not include a pivotable inlet guide assembly 158 or guide bars 202 and 220.

The passage of the sheet stock material through the rug switching device is shown in part in FIGS. 27 and 28. From the far end supply 27, the sheet far end material travels through the opening in the bottom of the frame 150 and along the guide plate 1060 and the lip 1062. The sheet stock material is then drawn around the guide roller 1064. From the guide roller 1064, the sheet stock material passes along or below the guide panel 190 extending laterally between the lateral arms 184. The sheet stock material is then drawn around the inlet roller 196. In turn the inlet roller 196 guides the sheet stock materials downstream of the switching component of the rug switching device 910 in a similar manner as described with respect to the rug switching device 10.

According to the present invention, the sheet stock material is received almost by the upright guide member 922 of the stand 912 and the rug switching device 910, such that loops or ups and downs exhibited by the sheet stock material during operation of the device 910 undulations are prevented or at least minimized. Advantageously, the conveyance path of the sheet stock material is maintained in or close to the device 910 so that there is little looping of the paper from the outside to the device 910 or the like.

With reference to FIGS. 32-38 and 40, four exemplary fan folded sheet material fabrics of package stacks 1100, 1102, 1104, and 1106 are shown in accordance with the present invention. . The package stacks 1100, 1102, 1104, and 1106 are connected for use with each of the rug switching devices 10 and 910 presented herein or connected to a suitable rug switching device or system. . The package stacks 1100, 1102, 1104, and 1106 are easily stored and / or transported, and as described below, the rug conversion where the rug conversion systems 10 and 910 are mounted. It is loaded into the stands 12 and 912 of the device. In addition, the package stacks 1100, 1102, 1104, and 1106 of sheet fabric material can easily overlap with other stacks of sheet fabric material.

The package stack 1100 includes a stack 1110 of fan-folded sheet material fabric, a jacket 1112 and a pair of laterally spaced bundle binders 1120. The stack 1110 of sheet stock material includes one or more plies of sheet fabric material that are fan folded into a rectangular stack. This series of folds form a series of rectangular pages that overlap in an accordion fashion, in which one is placed on top of the other to form a stack of sheet stock material 1110. The stack 1110 of sheet stock material has a top 1130, a bottom 1132, a front side 1134, a back side 1136, a left side 1138, and a right side 1140. A more detailed description relating to an exemplary stack of sheet fabric materials, and the means for forming them, may include US Pat. Nos. 5,387,173 and 5,882,767, all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, see here. It is recorded as.

Jacket 1112 maintains stack 1110 of sheet fabric material in a compressed state. The jacket 1112 may be made of a suitable flexible material, such as cardboard or plastic. The jacket 1112 includes a front lower flap or tab 1150, a front panel 1152, an upper panel 1154, a rear panel 1156, and a rear lower flap or tab 1158, and four transverse rows. It is divided as fold lines 1160 (FIG. 33). The fold line 1160 facilitates folding of the jacket 1112 into a folded structure as shown in FIGS. 32-34 from a nearly flat pre-fold form.

Jacket 1112 is secured to stack 1110 of sheet stock material by package binder 1120. The bundle binder 1120 may be made of suitable materials, such as nylon or wire. As shown in FIG. 32, the top panel 1154 of the jacket 1112 includes a pair of rectangular openings 1180. The bundle binder 1120 extends longitudinally approximately at its center across the opening 1180. The width of the opening 1180 is somewhat wider than the width of the human hand, so that the bundle binder 1120 across it is conveniently picked up through the opening 1180.

32 and 34, the width of the jacket 1112 is approximately equal to the width of the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material, and the jacket 1112 is the left side of the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material. Or does not cover the right surfaces 1138 and 1140. 32-34, the front and rear lower tabs 1150 and 1158 of the jacket 1112 extend only below the bottom 1132 of the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material. It covers only a portion of it and leaves the lower 1132 transverse middle portion of the stack 1110 of sheet stock material exposed.

Adhesive layer 1190, for example, a glue or double-sided adhesive tape, is provided on the bottom 1132 of the stack 1110 of sheet stock material. The adhesive layer 1190 is shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 34 and 35. An open liner 1192 longer than the adhesive strip 1190 covers the adhesive layer 1190. The adhesive layer 1190 and the tear liner 1192 are disposed diagonally with respect to the rectangular outer periphery of the bottom 1132 of the stack 1110 of sheet stock material. The adhesive layer 1190 is located approximately in the center of the bottom 1132 of the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material. The free ends of the tear liner 1192 extend beyond the perimeter of the lower portion 1132 of the stack 1110 of sheet stock material and form a pair of pull straps 1198. When the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material is secured in the jacket 1112, the pull strap 1118 is between the front side 1134 and the rear side 1136 of the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material. And between each front and rear panels 1152 and 1156 of the jacket 1112.

To charge the package stack 1100 into the stand 912, for example, the bundle binders 1120 are held through the opening 1180 and the package stack 1100 is raised, for example in FIGS. As described above with reference to 26, the package stack 1100 is seated on the base 18 of the stand 912 by being inserted between the upright guide members 922 of the stand 912. Alternatively, the package stack 1100 may be placed on a stack of different sheet fabric materials, for example when it is necessary to join the two stacks together. In addition, any necessary package stacks 1100 may be on top of others, the amount of which is limited to the useful height between the base 18 of the stand 912 and the rug switching device 910.

After the package stack 1100 is loaded on the stand 912, the package bundle 1120 is cut and slipped from the bottom of the jacket 1112 of the package stack 1100. Then, the front panel 1152, rear panel 1156 and / or top panel 1154 of the jacket 1112 are pulled to the top side and / or of sheet fabric material, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 33. Pulled outward from the stack 1110 and away, thereby sliding the front and rear lower tabs 1150 and 1158 of the jacket 1112 away from the bottom of the stack 1110 of sheet stock material. Once the front and rear lower tabs 1150 and 1158 are removed from underneath the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material, the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material stands by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the jacket 1112. Slightly descends toward the base 18 of 912, or if a stack of sheet stock material remains on the stand 912, it falls onto the stack.

Next, the jacket 1112 is removed from the stand 912 to expose the pull straps 1198 of the open liner 1192. In the embodiment shown, the jacket 1112 is wider than the span between the upright guide members 922 of the stand 912. Thus, the jacket 1112 may need to be inclined or otherwise processed to be removed from the stand 912. It will be appreciated that the jacket 1112 may have a width less than the full length between the upright guide members 922 of the stand 912, in which case no tilting or manipulation is required.

If the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material is placed on a stack of other sheet fabric materials, it is required to join the top stack 1110 to the bottom stack, and the respective pull straps 1198 are pulled so that the top stack 1110 And the tear liner 1192 can be removed between the bottom stack and the bottom stack to expose the adhesive layer 1190 on the bottom of the top stack 1110. The weight of the top stack 1110 of sheet fabric material presses together the bottom or trailing pages of the top stack 1110 and the top or leading pages of the bottom stack of sheet fabric material. The adhesive layer 1190 being pressed between them serves to bond such pages to join the trailing page of the top stack 1110 of sheet fabric material to the leading page of the bottom stack of sheet fabric material.

36 and 37 illustrate another embodiment of a package stack of fan folded sheet fabric material 1102 according to the present invention. Except as described herein, the package stack 1102 is nearly identical to the package stack 1100 described above. In some drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts or features.

The package stack 1102 includes a jacket having two jacket members 1204 that are joined together to maintain a stack 1110 of sheet fabric material in a compressed form. As shown in FIG. 36, the width of the jacket members 1204 is narrower than the width of the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material, and the jacket members 1204 are sheet fabrics, such as the package stack 1100 described above. It does not cover the left and right sides 1138 and 1140 of the stack 1110 of material.

Each jacket member 1204 includes an upper panel 1220, an intermediate panel 1222, and a lower flap or tab 1224, separated by two transverse fold lines 1230 and 1232. . As shown in FIG. 37, the middle panels 1222 of the jacket member 1204 cover the front side 1134 and rear side 1136 of the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material. The top panels 1220 extend longitudinally opposite each other to cover the longitudinal spacings of the top 1130 of the stack 1110 of sheet stock material, and are longitudinally spaced by a relatively narrow transverse spacing. Like the front and rear lower tabs 1150 and 1158 of the jacket 1112, the lower tabs 1224 of the jacket members 1204 extend below the bottom 1132 of the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material and Covering only a portion thereof, leaving the transverse middle portion of the bottom 1132 of the stack 1110 of sheet stock material exposed.

Top panel 1220 of each jacket member 1204 includes a generally elliptical opening 1240 and is sized to sufficiently accommodate a human hand. The top panel 1220 also includes a pair of perforations or breakout lines 1244 that are laterally spaced and extend in the longitudinal direction, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 36. The broken lines 1244 facilitate tearing of the top panel 1220 to form a pair of handles 1248 and to handle the package stack 1102 of sheet fabric material, as described below. The jacket members 1204 are secured to the stack 1110 of sheet fabric material by the bundle binder 1120. The bundle binders 1120 are spaced outwardly from the breakage lines 1244.

An adhesive layer 1190 is attached to the bottom of the sheet fabric 1110, and a release liner 1192 covers the adhesive layer 1190 and also forms a pair of straps 1198. When the stack of sheet fabric 1110 is tied within jacket pieces 1204, the pull straps 1118 are the front 1134 and back 1136 of the sheet fabric 1110 stack. And each of the intermediate panels 1222 of the jacket member 1204 are captured.

In order to load the stack 1102 packed into the stand 912, for example, the top panels 1220 are cut along the perforation line 1244 to form vertical handles 1248. The handles 1248 are held by the openings 1240 and, for example, the packaged stack 1102 is lifted up and inserted between the vertical guide members 992 of the stand 912 in the manner described above. A packed stack 1102 is placed on the base 18 of the stand 912.

Alternatively, for example, when it is desirable to glue two stacks together, the packed stack 1102 may be stacked on top of another stack of sheet fabric. Once the packed stack 1102 is loaded into the stand 912, the packing ties 1120 are cut and slipped from under the jacket members 1204 of the packed stack 1102. The top panel 1220 and / or the middle panel 1222 of each jacket member 1204 may be formed of the jacket members 1204 from below the sheet fabric 1110 stack, for example, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 37. Pulled up and / or out of the sheet fabric 1110 stack to slide bottom tab 1224 away. Once the bottom tabs 1224 are removed from directly below the stack of sheet fabric 1110, the sheet fabric 1110 stack is located at the base 18 of the stand 912 or below the stack 1110. The sheet fabric 1110 is dropped slightly by a distance equal to the thickness of the jacket members 1204 to the stack.

Then, the jacket members 1204 are removed from the stand 912 to expose the full straps 1198 of the release liner 1192. In the illustrated embodiment, the jacket members 1204 have a width less than one hand between the vertical guide members 922 of the stand 912. Thus, the jacket members 1204 can be removed from the stand 912 without tilting or manipulating the jacket members 1204. In another embodiment, the jacket members 1204 have a width that is wider than a short distance between the vertical guide members 922 of the stand 912 so that the jacket members 1204 can be tilted to be removed therefrom. There may be a need.

As in the embodiment described above, if it is desired to adhere the top stack 1110 to the bottom stack, one of the pull straps 1198 may have the release liner 1192 between the top stack 1110 and the bottom stack. ) To be removed to expose the adhesive layer 1190. The adhesive layer 1190 compressed therebetween bonds the trailing end pages of the sheet fabric of the upper stack 1110 and the leading end pages of the sheet fabric of the lower stack.

38 illustrates another embodiment of a packaged stack of fan folded sheet fabric 1104 in accordance with the present invention. Although not described herein, the packaged stack 1104 is substantially the same as the packaged stacks 1100 and 1102 described above. In the various drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements or features.

The packaged stack 1104 includes an integral jacket 1260 covering the stack of sheet fabric 1110 in a similar manner to the jacket stack of the packaged stack 1100. In this regard, the jacket 1260 has panels and fold lines similar to the panels and fold lines of the jacket 1112. The jacket 1260 also has vertical cutouts and top panel openings similar to the vertical cutouts and top panel openings of the jacket members 1204. The jacket 1260 additionally includes a cut line 1262 extending to cross between the cut lines 1244. The longitudinal cut lines 1224 and the cross cut lines 1262 allow the top panel 1154 to be cut to form a pair of handles 1248 for handling the packaged stack of sheet fabric 1104.

To load the stack 1104 packaged into the stand 912, for example, the top panel 1154 is cut along the perforations 1244, 1262 to form a pair of vertical handles 1248. . The packed stack 1104 is then loaded into the stand 912 by the handles 1248 in a manner similar to that described above for the packed stack 1102. The wrap ties 1120 are cut and the jacket 1262 is removed in substantially the same manner as the jacket 1112 of the packed stack 1100 is removed. The sheet fabric stack 1110 may be bonded to the lower stack in substantially the same manner as described above for the packaged stacks 1100 and 1102.

Referring now to FIG. 39, the adhesive layer 1190 and release liner 1192 may be a sheet fabric stack 1110 in each of the wrapped stacks 1100, 1102, 1104, 1106 (described below) or any other suitable sheet fabric. It can be attached to. The adhesive layer 1190 is attached to the center of the stack bottom 1132 of the sheet fabric 1110. In contrast to the orientation in the embodiment of FIG. 35 where the adhesive layer 1190 is disposed diagonally about the perimeter of the square of the bottom 1132 of the stack 1110, the adhesion layer 1190 in the embodiment of FIG. 39. Direction of the adhesive layer 1190 is disposed substantially parallel to the front surface 1134 and the rear surface 1136 of the stack (1110).

The release liner 1192 covers the adhesive layer 1190 and has free ends folded about an intermediate covered portion, for example, substantially perpendicular to an intermediate covered portion. As in the embodiment of FIG. 35, the free ends of the release liner 1192 extend out of the circumference of the bottom of the stack of sheet fabric 1110 to form a pair of flexible pull straps 1198. When the stack of sheet fabric 1110 is secured within the jacket, the pull straps 1118 are secured between the front sheet 1134 and the back 1163 of the sheet fabric 1110 stack and corresponding adjacent panels of the jacket. is captured. The stack of sheet fabric 1110 is glued to another stack of sheet fabric in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. 35 mentioned above, one of the pull straps 1198 from between the top stack 1110 and the bottom stack. It may be pulled to remove the release liner 1192 to expose the adhesive layer 1190. The adhesive layer 1190 compressed therebetween bonds the trailing end pages of the sheet fabric of the upper stack 1110 and the leading end pages of the sheet fabric of the lower stack.

FIG. 40 shows another embodiment of a packaged stack of fan folded sheet fabric 1104 in accordance with the present invention. Although not described herein, the packaged stack 1104 is substantially the same as the packaged stacks 1100, 1102, 1104 described above. In the various drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements or features.

The packaged stack 1106 includes a stack of fan folded sheet fabric 1104, a jacket 1270 and a pair of transversely spaced packing ties 1120. The jacket 1270 includes a base flap or tab 1274 and a vertical flap or tab 1276 separated by a fold line 1278 extending laterally. The base flap 1274 and the vertical flap 1276 together form an L-shaped jacket 1270. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base flap 1274 has substantially the same width and length as the top 1130 and bottom 1132 of the stack of sheet fabric 1110, and the vertical flap 1276 The sheet fabric 1110 has a width and a height substantially the same as the front side 1134 and the rear side 1136 of the stack. The base flap 1274 and the vertical flap 1276 need not extend to the full width of the neighboring side of the sheet fabric 1110 stack.

The jacket 1270 holds the stack of sheet fabric 1110 in a compressed form and is secured by the wrap ties 1120. Preferably, the base flap 1274 of the jacket 1270 extends below the bottom of the stack of sheet fabric 1110, and the vertical flap 1276 is adjacent to the front 1134 or back 1136 as shown. It is arranged. Although not shown in the described embodiment. Corner pieces of plastic may be formed at, for example, the corner between the wrapping ties 1120 and the stack of sheet fabric 1110, for example, at the corner of the stack of sheet fabric 1110 not covered by the jacket 1270. Can be inserted. Such corner members protect the sheet fabric 1110 stack from adverse effects, such as by packing ties 1120.

An adhesive layer 1190 (not shown in FIG. 40) adheres to the bottom of the sheet fabric 1110 stack of the sheet fabric 1106 stack wrapped with a release liner 1192 covering the adhesive layer as shown in FIGS. 35-39. do. One of the straps 1198 of the release liner 1192 is captured between the front face 1134 of the stack of sheet fabric 1100 and the vertical flap 1276 of the jacket 1270. The other strap 1198 may be free or omitted.

In order to load the packed stack 1106 into the stand 1106, the packing tie 1120 is grasped, for example, by placing a hand under the packing tie, and the packed stack 1106 is shown in FIGS. 22-26. It is lifted up in the manner described above with reference to and inserted between the guide members 922 of the stand, such that the packaged stack 1106 is mounted on the base 18 of the stand 912. Alternatively, for example, when it is desirable to glue two stacks together, the packed stack 1106 may be loaded onto another sheet fabric stack. Once the packed stack 1106 is loaded into the stand 912, the packing ties 1120 are cut and slipped under the jacket 1270 of the packed stack 1106.

The base flap 1274 and / or the vertical flap 1276 of the jacket 1270 are then placed from the jacket 1270 from below the sheet fabric 1110 stack, for example, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 40. ) Is pulled upwards and / or outwards from the stack of sheet fabric 1100 to slip off and remove the base flap 1274. Once the base flap 1274 is removed from directly below the stack of sheet fabric 1110, the sheet fabric 1110 stack is located below the base 18 or the stack 1110 of the stand 912. The sheet fabric 1110 is dropped slightly by a distance equal to the thickness of the jacket members 1204 to the stack.

Then, the jacket 1270 is removed from the stand 912 to expose the full straps 1198 of the release liner 1192. If it is desirable to adhere the top stack 1110 to the bottom stack, one of the pull straps 1118 is pulled to remove the release liner 1192 from between the top stack 1110 and the bottom stack. The adhesive layer 1190 may be exposed. The adhesive layer 1190 compressed therebetween bonds the trailing end pages of the sheet fabric of the upper stack 1110 and the leading end pages of the sheet fabric of the lower stack.

It will be appreciated that various components and / or features of the packaged sheet fabric 1100, 1102, 1104, 1106 and / or sheet fabric 1110 stack may be combined to form another packaged sheet fabric stack. will be. For example, the jacket 1112 of the packed stack 1100 of FIGS. 32-34 may have a width that is relatively narrower than the width of the sheet fabric stack it covers. Alternatively, the jacket 1112 of the packaged stack 1100 may include two separate jacket members, such as the jacket members shown in FIG. 36. In yet another embodiment, the jacket members 1204 of the packaged stack 1102 of FIGS. 36 and 37 each have openings that form rectangular openings similar to those shown in FIG. 32 instead of elliptical openings 1240. Include them. The perforations 1244 may be spaced inwardly from the rectangular openings. In any of the packaged stacks 1100, 1102, 1104, and 1106, the sheet fabric 1110 stack may have an adhesive layer 1190 and a release liner 1192 in a direction that is diagonal or parallel to the directions described above. . In another embodiment, the adhesive layer 1190 and release liner 1192 are disposed on top of the stack of sheet fabric 1110. Alternatively, the packaged stacks 1100, 1102, 1104, 1106 may not include the adhesive layer 1190 and the release liner 1192, for example, in applications where adhesion is not required or undesirable. Again, the sheet fabric 1110 stack may be partially enclosed by a jacket, for example in applications where the packaged stack may be transported and / or inserted into a stand, and may not have packing ties.

Referring now to FIGS. 41-53, a rug such as the dunnage conversion machine 10, 762, 800, 910 described above for feeding, connecting, pulling, collecting and / or crumpling sheet fabric. Various other embodiments of pulling assemblies and forming sections are shown that are suitable for use in diverting devices. As will be appreciated, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 41-53 may be supported and / or driven in any suitable manner or in a similar manner as described above for the pulling assembly 328 and the shaping portion 326. have. Thus, the support structure and peripheral components are not described in detail. In various features, the same reference numerals refer to the same components or features.

41 shows a traction assembly 1300 and a molded part 1302 according to the present invention. A constant inlet roller 196 is located upstream of the forming portion 1302. Upstream from the constant inlet roller 196 is a sheet fabric, which may be in the form of a stack of fan folded sheet fabric 1308 or a roll stack of sheet fabric, as shown.

The molding portion 1302 includes a pair of side guide bars 345 and a constriction member 1310. The shrinking member 1310, also referred to as a collecting member, includes a taper or funnel portion 1314 and a tube 1316 for causing the shrinking member 1310 to have a funnel shape. It will be appreciated that the tube 1316 may have other shapes, such as an elliptical cross section, but the illustrated tube 1316 is cylindrical in shape. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the taper portion 1314 and the tube 1316 are integrally structured and have a downstream portion of the taper portion 1314 preferably having a smooth radius varying into the tube 1316. Form. The shrinkage member 1310 may be made of any suitable material, for example plastic or metal.

Traction assembly 1300 is disposed downstream of shaping portion 1302 and includes a first set of translating grippers 1322 and a first set of transfer assemblies 1320 and a second set of cooperative and opposing echippers. A second transfer assembly 1330, including 1332. Grippers 1322 and 1332 are moved along their respective circular paths. In the illustrated embodiment, each transfer assembly 1320, 1330 includes four grippers 1322, 1332 evenly spaced apart. The gripper 1322 of the first transfer assembly 1320 and the gripper 1332 of the second transfer assembly 1330 rotate in the same or opposite phase with respect to each other (as shown). As shown, the grippers 1322 and 1332 are each formed with holes opened outward in a generally circular or semi-ellipse shape. However, the grippers 1322 and 1332 can be replaced with the grippers described above. More generally, all grippers described herein can be used interchangeably.

During operation of the rug switching device, the sheet stock is pulled around a constant entry roll 196 to notify between the pair of side guide bars 345. The side guide bar 345 preforms the sheet fabric (shown by the dashed line between the side guide bars 345) in a streamlined manner, and the sheet fabric shrinks the member 1310 in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 13. To guide. In another embodiment, the side guide bar 345 can be omitted from the forming portion 1302, in which case the shrinking member 1310 first guides the sheet fabric from the constant entry roller 196.

Tapered portion 1314 and tube 1316 of shrinking member 1310 further mold or shape the sheet fabric and perform an additional function of directing the shaped rug strip into traction assembly 1300. As the sheet fabric passes through the tapered portion 1314, the frictional force exerted on the sheet fabric from the wall of the tapered portion 1314 delays the movement of a portion of the sheet fabric and makes it easier to advance the other portions so that the sheet fabric is inside Promotes crumpling as

Like the tow assembly 328 described above, the tow assembly 1300 performs at least one, and preferably two, functions in the operation of the rug switching device. The first function is a conveying function, in which a set of opposed conveying grippers 1322, 1332 is gradually engaged in the transverse direction with both transverse sides of the rug strip to pull the rug strip through the forming portion 1302 to roll the sheet fabric. Tow from the source. A second function that is preferably performed by the traction assembly 1300 is the connecting function, in which a set of opposed transfer grippers 1322 and 1332 deform both sides of the rug strip to form a connected rug strip. Of course, other mechanisms can be used to connect the rug strips as described above.

Various features of the traction assembly 1300 and the molded portion 1302 can be modified to achieve different characteristics on the transfer and molding of the rug strip. For example, in other embodiments, the transfer assemblies 1320, 1330 of the traction assembly 1300 may have fewer or more grippers 1322, 1332, the shape of the grippers 1322, 1332 being illustrated. It may be different. Further, the length or diameter of the tube 1316 or the taper length or degree of the taper portion 1314 of the molded portion 1302 can be modified to achieve other properties in the transfer and molding of the rug strip. Such alternatives fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

42 illustrates a molded part 1340 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the molded part 1340 is shown in combination with, for example, the traction assembly 1300 of FIG. 41. Molding portion 1340 is similar to molding portion 1302 described above, except that it includes a funnel portion or a flat taper portion 1344 that has both the preformer and the function of the molding machine.

The molding part 1340 includes a flat taper part 1344 and a tube 1348. Like the tube 1316 described above, the tube 1348 shown is cylindrical in shape and may have other shapes such as elliptical cross sections. The flat tapered portion 1344 comprises a generally triangular top and bottom walls 1350 and 1352 and a generally rectangular pair of sidewalls 1354 and 1356, which have side and top edges at their top and bottom edges. And bottom walls 1350 and 1352 and tapered inwards toward each other from upstream to downstream. The upstream ends of the upper and lower walls 1350, 1352 and the sidewalls 1354, 1356 form a rectangular inlet opening 1360, the downstream ends of which transition to the tube 1348 and are integrally connected thereto. The wide dimension rectangular inlet opening 1360 is aligned with the plane of the sheet stock supplied from a constant entry roller 196 (not shown in FIG. 42). If desired, angled corners between the walls can be curved. In addition, the walls may be curved such that the flat tapered portion 1344 has an elliptical cross section as shown, for example, in FIG.

During operation of the rug switching device, the sheet stock is pulled around a constant entry roller 196 and passes through the rectangular inlet opening 1360 of the molding 1340. The flat teper portion 1344 of the molding portion 1340 preforms the sheet fabric into a streamlined shape and guides it to the tube 1348. The flat taper portion 1344 forms and shapes the sheet fabric with the tube 1348 and directs the shaped rug strip into the traction assembly 1300. When the sheet fabric advertises through the flat tapered portion 1344, the frictional force exerted on the sheet fabric from the walls 1350, 1352, 1354, and 1356 of the flat tapered portion 1344 delays the movement of a portion of the sheet fabric to the other portion. This makes it easier to advance and promotes crumpling of the sheet fabric inwards.

FIG. 44 illustrates a molded part 1380 according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is shown, for example, in combination with the traction assembly 1300 of FIG. 41. In the embodiment of FIG. 44, the forming portion 1380 includes annular arrays of rollers 1390 and 1392, which form holes or openings 1386 through which the sheet fabric passes. In the exemplary embodiment there are four rollers. That is, there is a vertically spaced and substantially parallel upper and lower roller 1390 and laterally spaced and substantially parallel side rollers 1392. Preferably, each of the rollers 1390 and 1392 is generally cylindrical and both ends are rotatably supported by the bracket 1396 in an appropriate manner. The bracket 1396 may be configured to be adjustable such that the spacing between parallel rollers, such as, for example, the upper and lower rollers 1390, can be increased or decreased as desired in a particular transition application.

During operation of the rug switching device, the sheet stock is pulled around a constant entry roller 196 and passes through the hole 1386 of the molding 1380. These rollers 1390, 1392 cooperate to shape, shape and streamline the sheet fabric into a rug strip and guide the molded rug strip into the traction assembly 1300.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rollers 1390 and 1392 are identical in size and shape. The rollers 1390 and 1392 may have different dimensions and / or shapes. Further, in the illustrated embodiment the upper and lower rollers 1390 are spaced the same distance as the laterally spaced side rollers 1392, but the spacing may be larger or smaller, for example, depending on the particular switching application. Further, although only one hole 1386 is shown in the illustrated embodiment, additional holes may be formed by additional roller arrays. This additional hole may be spaced longitudinally (eg, upstream or downstream) from the first hole 1386. In addition, the additional holes may be different in shape and dimensions from the first holes 1386. For example, in one embodiment, the additional hole is smaller and disposed downstream of the first hole 1386 so that the rug strip passing through the first hole 1386 is further molded, shaped, and streamlined while passing through the additional hole. And / or the cross section can be reduced. In addition, the number of rollers forming the hole need not be limited to four as illustrated. For example, the molding unit 1380 may include three or more rollers as necessary. The claims of the present invention include such variations in the shape, dimensions, capacity and spacing of the rollers and / or the holes formed thereby.

45 illustrates a molded part 1400 according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in combination with the pull assembly 1300 of FIG. 41, for example. The forming part 1400 is similar to the above forming part 1380 except that the rollers 1412 and 1414 have concave outer surfaces and the upper and lower rollers 1412 are longitudinally spaced from the side rollers 1414. The concave shape of the rollers 1412, 1414 promotes inward rolling (rotation) as the sheet fabric passes between the rollers 1412, 1414. Although not shown, the brackets 1420 supporting the rollers 1412 and 1414 can be configured to be adjustable in the longitudinal direction so that the spacing between different sets of rollers can be increased or decreased as desired in certain switching applications. . In addition, although the exemplary forming portion 1400 shown has two sets of rollers 1412 and 1414, the claims of the present invention include any number of roller sets. For example, in other embodiments, the forming portion 1400 may include four sets of rollers, and the first and second sets of upper and lower rollers may be transformed into first and second sets of side rollers.

46 shows an embodiment with first and second traction assemblies 1430, 1432 longitudinally spaced from one another. That is, the second tow assembly 1432 is downstream of the first tow assembly 1430. Upstream of the first tow assembly 1430 is shown a shrinking member 1440, which is similar in construction and operation to the above-mentioned shrinking member 348 shown in FIG.

Each traction assembly 1430, 1432 includes a pair of transfer assemblies 1450, 1460, and each transfer assembly 1450, 1460 includes a set of transfer grippers 1452, 1462. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the transfer assemblies 1450 and 1460 and their grippers 1452 and 1462 are constructed and function with the transfer assemblies 1320 and 1330 and grippers 1322 and 1332 of the towing assembly 1300 described above. This is similar.

According to the present invention, the first and second traction assemblies 1430, 1432 can operate at different speeds. In an exemplary embodiment, the transfer assemblies 1450, 1460 of the second tow assembly 1432 rotate at a slower speed than the transfer assemblies 1450 and 1460 of the first tow assembly 1430 to allow the first tow assembly 1430 to rotate. The rug strip formed by) is wrinkled in the longitudinal direction between the first and second traction assemblies 1430, 1432. Such longitudinal wrinkling can increase the stiffness of the rug strip produced by the first traction assembly 1430.

In embodiments of the present invention, the transfer assemblies 1450, 1460 of each of the towing assemblies 1430, 1432 can be driven independently of one another, for example, by respective independent drive mechanisms to achieve different speeds. Alternatively, the transfer assemblies 1450, 1460 of each of the tow assemblies 1430, 1432 can be joined together in a suitable manner by a reducer to achieve different speeds. The transfer assemblies 1450, 1460 and their respective grippers 1452, 1462, for example, pull (i.e. transfer) the sheet fabric through the shrink member 1440 and allow the rug strip to pass through the respective pull assemblies 1430, 1432. When at regular intervals, they may have different properties that gradually impart wrinkles and / or kinks to the rug strip. For example, the grippers 1452, 1462 of the first tow assembly 1430 may have shapes or holes of a different size than the grippers 1452 and 1462 of the second tow assembly 1432, for example, to provide a coupling function. Alternatively, or in addition, the transfer assemblies 1450, 1460 of the traction assembly 1430 are laterally spaced apart from each other by a greater distance than the transfer assemblies 1450, 1462 of the second traction assembly 1432, e.g. Transverse wrinkles can be imparted.

47-49, traction assemblies 1470, 1472, 1474 are shown in accordance with three embodiments of the present invention. Traction assembly 1470 includes a pair of transfer assemblies 1476 each having a set of transfer grippers 1462 (four in the illustrated embodiment). The gripper 1462 is similar to the grippers 1322 and 1332 of the transfer assemblies 1320 and 1330 described above, except that a finger shaped protrusion 1478 protruding from the inner edge thereof is provided.

During operation of the rug switching device, the transfer assembly 1476 collects sheet fabric passing through the rug transfer area 1484 in a manner similar to the transfer assemblies 359, 361; 1320, 1330; 1450, 1460 described above, Gripping. The protrusion 1478 provides a more secure grip on the sheet fabric and thus improves the traction effect of the traction assembly 1470. The protrusion 1478 may also have the function of a sewing or punching finger to perforate the sheet fabric as the sheet fabric advances between the transfer assemblies 1476. The protrusion 1478 may have a sharp edge for penetrating the sheet fabric, and may have a length sufficient to sew the overlap of the sheet fabric together. Such sewing aids in maintaining the shape of the rug strip after the rug strip is released by the transfer assembly 1476.

Traction assembly 1472 (FIG. 48) includes a pair of transfer members 1490 each having a concave outer surface and a plurality of protruding elements 1494. The dimensions, shapes, capacities, and / or configurations of the protruding elements 1494 will depend, for example, on the particular switching application. The transfer member 1490 collects and grips the sides of the sheet fabric passing therebetween in a manner similar to the transfer assemblies 359, 361; 1320, 1330; 1450, 1460; 1470 described above. The protruding element 1494 frictionally engages the sheet fabric to provide more secure grip and thus improves the grading effect of the pull assembly 1472. The protruding element 1494 may also have the function of a sewing or punching finger to perforate the sheet fabric as the sheet fabric advances between the transfer members 1490. The protruding element 1494 may have a sharp end for perforating the sheet fabric and may be of sufficient length to sew the overlap of the sheet fabric. Such sewing aids in maintaining the shape of the rug strip after the rug strip is released by the transfer assembly 1490.

As shown in FIG. 48, a rug transfer region 1496 having a substantially elliptical or circular cross section is formed between the pair of concave transfer members 1490. Thus, when the transfer member 1490 pushes the rug strip through the transfer area 1496, the transfer member 1490 deforms the rug strip into a generally circular or tubular shape.

Traction assembly 1474 (FIG. 49) includes a pair of transfer members 1500 having a cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of protruding elements 1504. The transfer member 1500 collects and grips the sides of the sheet fabric passing therebetween in a manner similar to the transfer assemblies 359, 361; 1320, 1330; 1450, 1460; 1470; 1472 described above. The protruding element 1504 frictionally engages the seat fabric to provide more reliable grip and thus improves the traction effect of the traction assembly 1474. Like the protruding element 1494 of the pull assembly 1472, the protruding element 1504 may also have the function of a sewing or punching finger to perforate the sheet fabric as the sheet fabric advances between the transfer members 1500. The protruding element 1504 may have a sharp end for perforating the sheet fabric and may be of sufficient length to sew the overlap of the sheet fabric. Such sewing aids in maintaining the shape of the rug strip after the rug strip is released by the transfer assembly 1500.

Between the pair of cylindrical transfer members 1500 is a rug transfer area 1506 having a substantially rectangular cross section. Thus, when the transfer member 1500 pushes the rug strip through the transfer area 1506, the transfer member 1500 deforms the rug strip to have a generally flatter or narrower horizontal dimension than the vertical dimension. As with the aforementioned protruding element 1494 of the towing assembly 1472, the dimensions, shapes, capacities, and / or configurations of the protruding element 1504 of the towing assembly 1474 depend, for example, on the particular switching application.

50 and 51 show a traction assembly 1520 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Traction assembly 1520 includes a first transfer assembly 1522 and a second transfer assembly, which is also referred to as a gripper in the form of a channel 1530 positioned opposite the first transfer assembly 1522. The illustrated transfer assembly 1522 has a similar configuration and function as the transfer assemblies 1320, 1330; 1450, 1460. The transport assembly 1522 preferably comprises a plurality of grippers 1534 that are uniformly spaced along the circumference and preferably have a semi-ellipse or semi-circular hole 1536. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer assembly 1522 includes four grippers 1534. The other gripper or channel 1530 has a hole 1540 (ie in cross-sectional form), which hole 1540 is viewed from the side (FIG. 51) like the hole 1536 of the gripper 1534 in the illustrated embodiment. When substantially the same dimensions and form. Channel 1530 preferably has a smooth surface. Between the transfer assembly 1522 and the channel 1530 of the pull assembly 1520 is a rug transfer region 1542 having a substantially ellipse or circular cross section as shown in FIG. 51.

During operation of the rug transfer device, the transfer assembly 1522 and the opposite channel 1530 collect the sheet fabric, grip the sides thereof, and tow through the transfer area 1542 located between the transfer assemblies 1522 and 1530 to seat the sheet. Cooperate to convert the fabric into a rug strip. The transport assembly or channel 1530 may be slotted to receive the outermost portion of the transport assembly 1522 to provide for increased overlap and thus continuity between the transport assembly 1522 and the channel 1530.

The embodiment of the shaping portion 1550 and the traction assembly 1564 shown in FIG. 52 is the shaping portion shown in FIG. 41 except that the shaping portion 1550 does not have a pair of side guide bars 345. Similar to 1302 and tow assembly 1300. Another difference between the embodiments shown in FIGS. 52 and 41 is that the radiation sheet fabric source 1552 of FIG. 52 has a smaller width than the source of sheet fabric 1308 of FIG. 41. Similarly, the constant entry roller 1556 is smaller than the constant entry roller 196 of the embodiment of FIG. 41 because its width corresponds to the forming portion 1550.

Since the dimensions of the sheet fabric source 1552 and the constant entry roller 1556 have been reduced, the embodiment shown in FIG. 52 is a cushioning material having a smaller housing than the shock absorber switching device for the embodiment of FIG. 41. ) Can be installed in the switching device. Reducing the dimensions of the rug switching device has several advantages, such as reduced transportation costs, easier delivery, more efficient service (repair) procedures, and reduced need for storage space.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 52, the sheet fabric source 1552 comprises a single layer of sheet fabric folded, for example, in half, along the length, so that the single layer sheet fabric has a longitudinally extending edge fold, such as at the left edge of FIG. It has two overlapping or flat layers combined. The sheet fabric folded in the longitudinal direction is arranged in a rectangular stack in a rectangular stack, and a series of folds are sequentially stacked in an accordion form to form a continuous rectangular page forming a sheet fabric stack. For further details of exemplary longitudinal radiation sheet fabric stacks and means for molding them, see US Pat. Nos. 5,387,173, 5,882,767, 6,015,374 and 6,168,847, both of which are directed to the assignee of the present invention. And is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

During operation of a rug conversion device comprising a reduced width sheet fabric source 1552 and a constant entry roller 1556, a single layer of two-layer radiant sheet fabric is pulled around the constant entry roller 1556 to form the molded portion 1550. Enter the funnel or taper portion (1558). Molding portion 1550 guides, shapes, and shapes the sheet fabric and directs the formed rug strip into traction assembly 1564.

The embodiment of FIG. 53 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 52, but the embodiment of FIG. 53 shows that the forming portion 1570 passes through the tapered portion 1558 by opening or “unfolding” a two-ply, double-layered, radiant sheet fabric. And a spreading device 1576 operative to form an unfolded strip of radiant sheet material. As a result, the flat layers are separated from each other so that the unfolded material in a three-dimensional form introduces a loft as it enters the taper portion 1558 of the forming portion 1550.

A method of operating the above-described rug switching device 10, 762, 800, 910 according to the present invention has been described. All rug switching devices may include an upward ramping speed (eg during start up), a downward ramping speed (eg during stop) and different speeds of software control at which the device can operate during the rug switching process.

In an embodiment of the invention, the rug switching device (also referred to herein as a rug changer) includes controller software pre-programmed to operate at a specific motor start speed, three dimensional operating speed and a specific stop ramp speed. In another embodiment, the controller software of the rug diverter is programmed by the end user to operate the rug diverter at a desired motor starting speed, desired operating speed, or desired stop ramp speed. The operating speed of the motor is determined by the characteristics of the motor and / or other drive elements of the rug diverter. Since each end user has different packaging requirements, each end user can program his device most appropriately for his conversion application.

Although the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to make equivalent variations and modifications from this specification and the accompanying drawings. In particular, for the various functions performed by the foregoing as a whole (such as components, assemblies, devices and compositions), unless otherwise indicated, the terms (including "means") describing the entirety of the invention Although not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structures for carrying out the functions of the exemplary embodiments, they correspond to all completes that perform (ie, are functionally identical) certain functions of the foregoing. In addition, although certain features of the invention have been described with reference to only one of the various embodiments described above, such features may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, which are desirable and advantageous for all given or specific applications.

Claims (36)

In the stand for the rug switching device, Base; And A pair of upright guide members mounted to the base and having an upper end supporting the rug switching device, And the guide members form a channel therebetween for guiding a sheet fabric to the rug switching device. In the rug switching device, Conversion sub-assemblies for converting sheet fabric into rug products; And An infeed paper guide assembly upstream of the diversion sub-assembly, The infeed guide assembly is movable between an open position in which access is provided to a portion of the movement path of the sheet fabric and a closed position in which the infeed guide assembly guides the sheet fabric along the movement path Device. In the rug switching device, A tow assembly that pulls sheet fabric through the rug switching device to convert the sheet fabric to a rug strip and is driven by a traction assembly motor having a traction assembly motor shaft; A cutting assembly cutting the rug strip into a rug product and driven by a cutting assembly motor having a cutting assembly motor axis; And A frame having an L-shaped configuration, The traction assembly motor is mounted to the frame such that its axis is parallel to one leg of the L-shaped configuration, and the cutting assembly motor is mounted to the frame such that its axis is parallel to the other leg of the L-shaped configuration. Mounting device, characterized in that the mounting. In the packaging system, Rug switching device; And Including the packaging surface, And the rug conversion device is disposed above the pavement surface. In the packaging system, Rug switching device; A fabric supply assembly for supplying the sheet fabric to the rug conversion device; And A passageway providing access to said fabric feed assembly. In the packaging system, Raised support members; A rug switching device mounted to the raised support member to suspend from the raised support member; And A fabric supply assembly for supplying sheet fabric to the rug conversion device. In the packaging system, stand; A rug switching device having upstream and downstream ends and mounted to the stand for pivotal movement; A converting subassembly for converting the sheet fabric into a rug product; And An infeed paper guide assembly upstream of the diversion subassembly, The infeed paper guide assembly is movable between an open position where access to a portion of the movement path of the sheet fabric is provided and a closed position where the infeed paper guidance assembly guides the sheet fabric along the movement path. Packaging system. In the rug switching system, Rug switching device; And A stand supporting the rug switching device to support the rug switching device and converting the sheet fabric into a strip of rug product and supporting a sheet fabric stack under the rug conversion device, The stand has a pair of laterally spaced upright channel members, the upright channel member extending longitudinally and laterally with the left and right inner facing walls spaced in the transverse direction and transversely longitudinally spaced and the inner facing. A front and rear guide wall extending inwardly from the walls, The width between the left and right sides of the sheet fabric stack is greater than the distance between the inner edge of the guide wall and less than the distance between the inner opposing walls of the stand, and the distance between the front and back sides of the sheet fabric stack is the front and rear guide of the stand. Less than the distance between the walls, Said sheet fabric stack is supported between said upright channel members, said upright channel member directing said sheet fabric to said rug switching device when said rug switching device pulls the sheet fabric. A rectangular sheet fabric stack is mounted on a stand for a rug switching device, the stand having a pair of laterally spaced upright channel members, the upright channel member extending longitudinally and horizontally spaced left and right inner facing walls. And a transverse direction and longitudinally spaced and a front and rear guide wall extending inwardly from the inner facing walls, the width between the left and right sides of the sheet fabric stack being greater than the distance between the inner edges of the guide wall and the stand. A method of stacking sheet fabric stacks, wherein the distance between the front and back sides of the sheet fabric stack is less than the distance between the inner opposing walls of the substrate fabric. Inserting a right side or left side of the stack between the guide members; Tilting the stack such that first and second diagonally opposite corners of the stack are between inner opposing walls of the stack; Moving the right or left side of the stack towards each right or left inner facing wall of the stand; Tilting the stack such that the left and right sides of the stack are disposed inside each of the left and right walls of the stand; And Positioning the stack laterally towards the left or right inner facing wall such that the stack is disposed substantially centrally between the inner facing walls. In the rug switching system, Converting the sheet fabric into a rug product, the rug conversion device having a tow assembly for pulling the sheet fabric and an outlet for discharging the rug product; And Includes a stand, The rug switching device is adapted for movement between an operating position of the outlet of the rug conversion device toward the front of the system and one or more service / loading positions of the transport end of the traction assembly toward the front of the system for operator access. A rug conversion system characterized in that it is pivotally mounted to the stand. In the rug switching system, Converting sheet fabric into a rug product, the rug switching device comprising: a rug conversion device having a cutting assembly for cutting the rug strip to a desired length, and a cover covering the cutting assembly; And A stand having a pair of upward guide members, The width of the upward guide member is greater than the width of the cover; The rug switching device is adapted for movement between an operating position at which the rug switching device ejects the rug strip in front of the system and at least one service / loading position with a cover of the cutting assembly disposed between the upright guide member. A rug conversion system characterized in that it is pivotally mounted to the stand. In the rug switching system, A rug switching device for converting sheet fabric into rug products; And Includes a stand, The rug switching device is pivotally mounted to the stand for movement between an operating position in which the rug switching device is in an upright position and one or more service / loading locations in which the rug switching device is at least partially inverted. Rug switching system. In the packing stack of sheet fabric used in the rug conversion system, Radiation sheet fabric stack; A jacket at least partially surrounding the stack; And A wrapping stack of sheet fabrics, characterized in that it comprises at least one wrapping material for securing the jacket to the sheet stack. In the jacketed stack of sheet fabric used in the rug switching device, Stack of radiation sheet fabrics; And And a bottom tab disposed at the bottom of the stack and a jacket movable from each other so that the tab can be removed from the bottom of the stack. In the sheet fabric stack used in the rug switching device, A stack of radiant sheet fabric having a top and a bottom; An adhesive layer on at least the top or bottom of the stack; And And a release liner covering the adhesive layer. A method of loading a sheet fabric stack onto a second sheet fabric stack, Providing an adhesive layer on top of the first sheet fabric stack or on the bottom of the second sheet fabric stack; And Placing the second stack on top of the first stack to cause adhesive to bond the top page of the first stack to the bottom page of the second stack. A method of loading a sheet fabric stack onto a second sheet fabric stack, Providing an adhesive layer on top of the first sheet fabric stack or the bottom of the second sheet fabric stack and providing a release liner covering the adhesive layer; Placing the second stack on top of the first stack; And Pulling a release liner from between the sheet fabric stacks, wherein adhesive bonds the top page of the first stack to the bottom page of the second stack. In the packing stack of the sheet fabric used for the rug switching device, Radiation sheet fabric stack; A jacket having at least two flaps forming an L-shaped cross section; And At least one bale binding member for securing said jacket to said sheet fabric stack, A wrapping sheet of sheet fabric, characterized in that a corner of the stack is disposed adjacent to a corner of the L-shaped jacket. 19. The wrapping stack of claim 18, wherein at least one of the flaps extends substantially through the entire limit of adjacent sides of the stack. In the rug conversion device for converting sheet fabric into a rug product, A molding assembly shaping the sheet fabric into a continuous rug strip; And A traction assembly disposed below the molding assembly to advance the sheet fabric through the molding assembly, And wherein the forming assembly comprises a funnel passing the sheet fabric to shape the sheet fabric into a rug strip and direct the molded strip to the traction assembly. In the rug conversion apparatus for converting sheet fabric into a rug product, A molding assembly shaping the sheet fabric into a continuous rug strip; And A traction assembly disposed downstream of the molding assembly for advancing the sheet fabric through the molding assembly, And wherein the forming assembly comprises an annular roller array passing through the sheet fabric into a rug strip and directing the molded strip to the traction assembly. In the rug conversion apparatus for converting sheet fabric into a rug product, A first and second traction assembly, each having at least two grippers that are movable together in opposite directions through a rug transfer area and gripping the sheet fabric therebetween to move through the transfer area. , At least one of the grippers includes a hole operative to collect the sheet fabric and grip a side when the gripper moves in the transfer area, The first tow assembly is downstream of the forming assembly and the second tow assembly is downstream of the first tow assembly, And the first tow assembly is operated at a different speed than the second tow assembly to longitudinally fold the rug strip passing through the rug transfer area. In the rug conversion device for converting sheet fabric into a rug product, A traction assembly for advancing the sheet fabric through the device, The traction assembly includes at least two opposing grippers, at least one of which grips the sheet fabric to move opposite the other gripper through the rug transfer area and to advance the sheet fabric through the transfer area. And the moving gripper includes a hole operable to collect the sheet fabric and grip the side when the gripper moves through the transfer area, And the moving gripper having the hole has a plurality of protrusions protruding from an inner edge to assist the gripping of the sheet fabric. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the other gripper is a channel and the moving gripper cooperates with the channel to grip the sheet fabric therebetween to advance the sheet fabric through the transfer area. Rug switching device. In the rug switching device for converting the sheet material into a rug product, A traction assembly for advancing the sheet material through the device, The traction assembly includes a pair of rotatable transfer members each having a concave outer surface and a plurality of projection elements extending from the concave outer surface, the conveying members being opposed to each other to form a rug transfer region therebetween, And cooperating to collect sheet material and grip the side to advance through the transfer area. In the rug conversion device for converting sheet fabric into a rug product, A traction assembly for advancing the sheet fabric through the device, The traction assembly has a cylindrical outer surface and a pair of rotatable conveying members each having a plurality of projection elements extending from the cylindrical outer surface, the conveying members being opposed to each other to form a rug conveying region therebetween, And cooperating to collect sheet material and grip the side to advance through the transfer area. A rug switching device for converting a sheet material having at least two layers folded flat along a length and joined along an edge fold into a rug product, A traction assembly for advancing the flat folded sheet material through the device; And A spreading device operative to separate adjacent layers of the flatly folded sheet material from one another when the flatly folded sheet material passes, forming an unfolded sheet material strip, The traction assembly includes at least two grippers that are movable opposite each other through the transfer area and cooperate to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween to advance through the transfer area, at least one of the grippers And a hole operable to collect the unfolded strip of sheet material and grip the side as the gripper passes through the transfer area. A method of converting a sheet material having at least two layers folded flat along a length and joined along an edge fold to a rug product, Advancing the sheet material through the device using a traction assembly; The flatly folded sheet material advancing step includes at least two grippers that are movable opposite each other through the conveying region and cooperate to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween to advance through the conveying region, At least one hole of the gripper is operable to collect the unfolded strip of sheet material and grip the side as the gripper passes through the transfer area. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising separating adjacent layers of flat folded fabric from one another to unfold the radiation sheet material prior to entering the transfer area. In the rug switching device for converting the sheet material into a rug product, A traction assembly for advancing the sheet material through the device; And A software controller for controlling the speed of the towing assembly; The traction assembly includes at least two grippers that move opposite each other through the transfer area and cooperate to grip the rug strip between and advance through the transfer area, at least one of the grippers And a hole cooperating to collect the rug strip and grip the side as it moves through the transfer area. 31. The device of claim 30 wherein the speed control beam is a software control pre-programmed to operate the traction assembly at one of a plurality of speeds. 31. The device of claim 30 wherein the software control unit is a preprogrammable software control unit. In a method of converting sheet material into a rug product, Advancing the sheet material through the device using the traction assembly; The step of advancing the sheet material comprises a plurality of moving grippers opposite each other through a transfer area cooperating to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween and advance through the transfer area, wherein at least one of the grippers The hole of gathers the unfolded sheet material strip and grips the side as the gripper passes through the transfer area, The diverting method further comprising the step of ramping up the speed of the traction assembly prior to the diverting process. In a method of converting sheet material into a rug product, Advancing the sheet material through the device using the traction assembly; The step of advancing the sheet material comprises a plurality of moving grippers opposite each other through a transfer area cooperating to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween and advance through the transfer area, wherein at least one of the grippers The hole of gathers the unfolded sheet material strip and grips the side as the gripper passes through the transfer area, The diverting method further comprising the step of ramping up the speed of the traction assembly after the diverting process. In a method of converting sheet material into a rug product, Advancing the sheet material through the device using the traction assembly; The step of advancing the sheet material comprises a plurality of moving grippers opposite each other through a transfer area cooperating to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween and advance through the transfer area, wherein at least one of the grippers The hole of gathers the unfolded sheet material strip and grips the side as the gripper passes through the transfer area, The converting method further comprises adjusting the speed of the towing assembly to one of a plurality of pre-programmed speeds prior to advancing the sheet material through the device using the towing assembly. In a method of converting sheet material into a rug product, Advancing the sheet material through the device using the traction assembly; The step of advancing the sheet material comprises a plurality of moving grippers opposite each other through a transfer area cooperating to grip the unfolded sheet material strip therebetween and advance through the transfer area, wherein at least one of the grippers The hole of gathers the unfolded sheet material strip and grips the side as the gripper passes through the transfer area, The conversion method, Operating the traction assembly at a first speed; And Operating the tow assembly at a second speed.