US2831305A

US2831305A - Packaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2831305A
Application number: US586507A
Authority: US
Inventors: William L Earls; Alwyn B Perry
Original assignee: Schenley Industries Inc
Current assignee: Schenley Industries Inc
Priority date: 1956-05-22
Filing date: 1956-05-22
Publication date: 1958-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 1975-04-22

Description

April 22, 1958 w. L. EARLS ETAL 2,831,305

PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed May 22, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet l I I w O I l l I l l l I F I I INVENTOR W/LL/AM L. Awe/.5

ALWYN B. PERRY ATTOIXEY S' April 22, 1958 w. L.-EARLS ETAL 2,831,305

PACKAGING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 22, 1956 INVENTOR WILLIAM L. EARLS ALWVN B. PERRY April 1958 w. L. EARLS ETAL 2,831,305

PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed May 22, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 22, 1958 w. 1.. EARLS ETAL 2,831,305

- PACKAGING APPARATUS Filed May 22, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 .1=:.1L INVENTORS WILL/AM L. EARLS ALWVN a. PERRY ATTORNEYS United States Patent PACKAGING APPARATUS William L. Earls and Alwyn B. Perry, Frankfort, Ky., as-

srgnors to Schenley Industries, Inn, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application May 22, 1956, Serial No. 586,507

32 Claims. (Cl. 53-682) This invention relates to the packaging of merchandise and more particularly to a semi-automatic apparatus for simultaneously feeding packing cases and articles to be placed therein in side-by-side relationship in order to facilitate manual insertion of the articles into the packing cases.

Briefly stated, the apparatus of this invention is primarily intended to be utilized in connection with a bottling machine of the type commonly employed to fill bottles with distilled spirits or other beverages and, at the same time, to apply a label to such bottles. The packaging apparatus serves to deliver packing cases which are commonly formed of corrugated material, such as'paper or cardboard, and which are provided with a cellular structure for receiving the individul bottles. The cases are also provided with side and end cover flaps which must be moved out of the way during insertion of the bottles in the cases and the apparatus of this invention includes means for engaging the side cover flaps and folding the same to a position along side of the cases, which flaps are held in this position during filling of the cases and also one of the end cover flaps is moved out of the way during this operation.

The bottling machine with which the apparatus of this invention is intended to operate normally delivers filled and labeled bottles in a double row and means is provided to divide the bottles into two single rows and to direct the same onto single row conveyors, one of which is located at each side of the apparatus and parallel to the empty cases traveling therethrough. The bottles are transported in an upright position and in such a manner that the labels which are usually still wet, will not be displaced or damaged and adjustable means is provided for regulating the height of the cases to be filled in such a manner that the tops thereof are located substantially in the same plane as the bottom of the bottles being conveyed parallel thereto on each side of the cases. They bottles are manually removed from the single row conveyors and placed in the cases and this inserting operation is performed while the cases are moving through the apparatus. Two operators are all that is required, one positioned on each side of the cases moving through the apparatus and the speed of movement of the cases is such that these two operators are enabled to completely fill the cases without stopping the forward movement thereof. However, in the event the flow of bottles to the apparatus is interrupted for any reason, movement of the cases may be stopped by actuating of a foot operated switch by either of the operators. However, in the normal operation of the machine, movement of the cases will be at a continuous rate therethrough and since the bottles are fed in timed relation to the movement of the cases, the filling operation is substantially continuous.

The empty cases are supplied to the apparatus by means of an overhead gravity conveyor and the movement of such cases is controlled by a stop means and a case releasing means which operates in timed relation to the conveyor for moving cases through the apparatus in such a 2,831,305 Patented Apr. 22, 1958 manner that cases are only supplied from the gravity conveyor at appropriate intervals in accordance with the movement of cases through the apparatus.

While the apparatus of this invention is primarily intended for facilitating the filling of packing cases with articles, such as bottles, it is to be understood, that such apparatus may also be used for the packaging of other articles, it only being necessary to alter the dimensions of the apparatus in order to accommodate cases of different sizes or shapes and also to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes. The basic principles of the invention will be the same, however, and bottles and cases for receiving the same are only referred to for convenience in describing the structure and operation of the apparatus.

Heretofore, numerous different types of packaging apparatus for facilitating the insertion of articles in packing cases have been proposed and utilized, but many of these prior art machines were relatively large and cumbersome requiring a relatively large floor area and also these machines were relatively complex and costly and subject to frequent interruption in operation due to breakdowns or the necessity for frequent adjustments. Furthermore, these prior machines handled the articles to be packaged in such a manner, that were the same bottles with wet labels thereon, such labels would be displaced or damaged thereby necessitating removal of such damaged merchandise with a consequent loss in production time. Also in many of the prior art machines, the cases to be filled remained stationary during the filling operation and .also i no means was provided for folding and holding the cover flaps out of the way during the filling operation. Also in these prior art machines, no adjustments were provided for accommodating packing cases of diiferent heights and this materially reduced the versatility of such machines, since frequently it is desired to package articles of different sizes and the packing cases utilized to receive such articles, of course, vary in dimensions in accordance with the sizes of the articles to be packaged. This is particularly true in the case of bottled beverages, since such beverages are commonly supplied in bottles having different capacities and consequently, some means for adapting the apparatus to operate with packing cases of different sizes in accordance with the particular bottles being packaged is imperative.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a. packaging apparatus for facilitating the insertion of articles in packing cases, which apparatus serves to feed packing cases and articles in continuous parallel paths and in timed relationship thereby permitting manual filling of the packing cases during travel thereof through the apparatus.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus for facilitating the manual insertion of articles into packing cases in which a portion of the apparatus is disposed above article feeding means and in which the packing cases and articles move in parallel paths at substantially the same rate, thereby permitting the apparatus to occupy a minimum of floor space.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus for facilitating the manual insertion of articles into packing cases and in which all manual handling of the packing cases is eliminated.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus for facilitating themanual insertion of articles into packing cases and in which means is provided to hold the side cover flaps of the cases out of the way and hold the same in such position during filling of the cases and also to provide means for folding one of the end cover flaps out of the way during the filling operation.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus for facilitating the insertion of articles into packing cases and in which such articles are delivered'and handledin suchamanner as to prevent-the displacement or damage to labels or other decorative material applied thereto.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus for facilitating the manual in sertion of articles into packing cases and in which a supply of packing cases is fed by gravity to the apparatus and such cases released periodically for movement to the apparatus and in timed relation to the movement of articles supplied thereto.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus for facilitating the manual insertion of articles into packing cases and in which adjusting means is provided to accommodate packing cases of different heights.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus for facilitating the manual insertion of articles into packing cases, in which such packing cases are moved through the apparatus by a conveyor at a predetermined rate of travel and in which such packing cases are supplied to the conveyor in timed relation to the movement thereof.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus facilitating the manual insertion of articles into packing cases and in which such cases are supplied to the apparatus by means of a gravity conveyor and periodically released from the gravity conveyor in timed relation to the travel of such cases through the apparatus.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus for facilitating manual insertion of articles into packing cases, in which such packing cases are moved continuously through the apparatus by means of a conveyor and in which means is provided to vary the speed of the conveyor in accordance with the number of articles to be placed in each packing case.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus for facilitating the manual placing of articles into packing cases and in which such articles are supplied to the apparatus in a double row, there being means to separate the articles into single rows and deliver the same to single row conveyors on opposite sides of the packing cases during travel thereof through the apparatus.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a packaging apparatus to facilitate the manual insertion of articles into packing cases, which apparatus is designed to reduce the number of operators required for such packaging operations and to materially increase the speed of such packaging operation.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a portion of a packaging apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention and with certain parts omitted in the interest of clarity;

Fig. 2 a side elevational view constituting a continuation of Fig. 1 and showing the remainder of the packaging apparatus of thisinvention;

Fig. 3 a sectional view taken substantially on the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 a fragmentary sectional view to an enlarged scale and taken substantially on the line 44 of Fig. 3 and showing the adjusting means for accommodating packing cases of different heights;

Fig. 5 a top plan view of the portion of the packaging apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 atop plan view forming a continuation of Fig. 5

and showing the remainder of the packaging apparatus as shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 a fragmentary top plan view of the article supply conveyor and the dividing means for directing the articles onto single row conveyors, this view being taken substantially along the line 7-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 a fragmentary side elevational view showing the cover flap engaging and folding means;

Fig. 9 a top plan view of the cover flap engaging and folding means shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 a fragmentary perspective view showing packing cases as delivered to the inclined slideway of the packaging apparatus of this invention and the operation of the cover flap engaging and folding mechanism;

Fig. 11 a fragmentary side elevational view of the case stop means together with the means for releasing the cases from such stop means and the cam actuating means therefor;

Fig. 12 an end elevational view of the stop means and case release means shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 a top plan view of the packing case stop means and release means together with the operating mechanism therefor; and

Fig. 14 a diagrammatic view in perspective showing the various conveyors employed in the packaging apparatus of this invention together with the drive means for such conveyors.

With continued reference to the drawing, there is shown a packaging apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention and which may well include an inclined gravity chute it) connected at its discharge end 11 with an inclined slideway 12 which merges at its lower end 13 into a horizontal slideway 14. Packing cases are supplied to the inclined chute 10 and move therealong under the action of gravity and are delivered at the exit end 11 thereof to the inclined slideway 12 where the packing cases are moved by conveyor means down the inclined slideway and along the horizontal slideway 14 in a manner to be later described. An article feeding conveyor 15 is disposed below the inclined slideway l2 and is intended to feed a double row of articles to an article divider 16 mounted above the conveyor 15, where the articles are divided into two parallel rows and supplied to single row conveyors l7 and 18 disposed on opposite sides of the horizontal slideway 14. The specific structure of the double row article conveyor 15, the article divider 16 and the single row conveyors 17 and r3 will be more fully described below.

The horizontal slideway 14 is provided with upstanding slide plates 19 and 20 and a packing case supporting surface formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending substantially parallel bars 21. As best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the packing case supporting bars are carried by vertical rods 22 which are slidably mounted in a sleeve 23 secured to a portion of the frame 24 of the apparatus. The rod 22 may be provided with a plurality of transverse apertures 25 for selectively receiving a pin 26 which may be inserted through aligned apertures 27 in the sleeve 23 to selectively position the slide bars 21 at different heights. In this manner, the slide bars 21 may be adjusted to accommodate packing cases of different heights in such a manner that the tops of such packing cases will move along the horizontal slideway 14 in substantially the same plane, regardless of the height thereof.

Conveyor chains

28 and 29 are disposed at each side of the horizontal slideway 1-4- and inwardly of side plates 19 and 20 and a plurality of spaced pusher bars 3%) are connected between the

chains

28 and 29 and move with such chains along the inclined slideway 1'2 and the horizontal slideway 14. The

chains

28 and 29 are trained over suitable guide sprockets 31, 32 and 33 mounted on the framework of the apparatus and at one end,

such chains

23 and 29 are trained over sprockets 34 and 35 fixed to an idler shaft 36 rotatably mounted adjacent the entrance end of the inclined slideway 12. The

chains

28 and 29 at the discharge end of the horizontal slideway 14 are trained over sprockets 37 and 38 fixed to a conveyor drive shaft 39 rotatably mounted on the framework of the machine.

As best shown in Fig. 14, the conveyor drive shaft 39 is driven through a chain 40 or other suitable means from is a counter-shaft 41 which in turn is selectively driven by chains or other suitable means 42, 43 and 44 from a main drive shaft 45. Chains 42, :t3 and 44 are trained over sprockets of different sizes and such sprockets may be selectively clutched to either the shaft 45 or the countershaft 41 in order to drive such counter-shaft 41 and conveyor drive shaft at any one of three different selected speeds. The main drive shaft 45 may be driven in any suitable manner from a suitable power source, such as an electric motor. In order to control the operation of the conveyor chains and 2?, there may be provided a clutch 46 on the conveyor drive shaft 39 and such clutch 46 may be remotely controlled by either of the operators from their working positions in order to start or stop movement of packing cases through the apparatus.

As stated above, packing cases flow by gravity down the chute 10 and in order to retain the packing cases in the proper path, there may be provided side rails 47 and 48, Means is also provided which is not shown in the drawing, but may well comprise spring arms or a spring pressed roller for engaging the cases and urging the same toward the side rail 48 for a purpose which will presently appear. With particular reference to Figs. 5, ll, 12 and 13, a case stop means is provided adjacent the discharge end of the chute it and this stop means may well take the form of an angle member having one leg 49 secured to the side rail 48 of the chute 10, by suitable fastening means 50, and having the other leg 51 projecting into the chute 16 in the path of movement of packing cases traveling down such chute. The spring pressed arms or roller mentioned above, serve to urge the packing cases toward the rail 43 and into engagement with the stop member 51 which will engage the forward end of a case and prevent further movement thereof down the chute 10.

Since it is intended that packing cases be delivered periodically from the chute It to the inclined slideway 12 and in timed relation to the movement of the pusher bars 39 along the inclined slideway 12 and horizontal slideway 14, means is provided in the form of a case engaging pusher member 52 located adjacent the case stop means 51 and pusher member 52 is adapted to move transversely of the chute 10 in order to move a packing case out of engagement with the stop member 51 and permit movement of the case from the chute 10 onto the inclined slideway 12 and into engagement with one of the pusher bars for further movement along the inclined slideway 12 and the horizontally slideway 14. The case engaging pusher member 52 is fixed to a slide 53 which in turn is slidably mounted in a bracket 54 for sliding movement transversely of the chute It). The slide 53 and pusher member 52 is normally urged inwardly of the chute 10, by means of a tension spring 55 connected at one end to a stud 56 extending from the bracket 54 and at the opposite end to a stud 57 fixed to a slide 53.

A. rocker arm. 58 is pivotally mounted adjacent the lower end thereof on a pin 59 extending from the bracket 54 and at the opposite end of the rocker arm 58 a pin 60 extends therefrom and serves to pivotally engage a link or connecting rod 62. Connecting rod or link 62 is also connected by a pin 63 to the slide 53. A cylindrical cam 64 is fixed to a cam shaft 65 which in turn is rotatably mounted in a bracket 66' depending from the lower side of the chute 1G and cam 64 is provided with a cam surface 66 on the outer side edge thereof, there being provided a low portion 67 in such cam surface, the purpose of which will be presently described. A roller type cam follower 68 is rotatably mounted on the rocker arm 53 and the cam follower 68 is held in engagement with the cam surface 66 by tension spring 55.

Since it is necessary that the slide 53 and pusher member 52 operate in timed relation to the movement of the pusher bars 3!? with the

conveyor chains

28 and 29, the cam shaft 65 may be driven by a chain 69, or other suitable driving means, from the conveyor idler shaft 36.

This will insure that the cam shaft 65 and cam 64 carried thereby rotates in timed relation to the operation of the conveyor which receives packing cases from the chute 10 and conveys the same down the inclined slideway 12 and along the horizontal slideway 14. Since it is necessary that the cam 64 be accurately adjusted in order to provide proper operation of the slide 53 and pusher member 52, the cam 64 may be secured to a hub 70 mounted on the shaft 65 by screw threaded fastening means or the like 71 extending through arcuate slots 72 in the body of the cam' 64. Consequently, it will be seen that the cam 64 may be rotated in either direction with respect to the shaft 65 and when the proper adjustment is obtained, the fastening means 71 may be tightened into clamping engagement with the body of the cam to fix such cam in position with relation to the shaft 64.

With the

chains

28 and 29 and pusher bars 30' operating to move packing cases down the inclined slideway 12 and along the horizontal slideway 14, it will be seen that due to rotation of conveyor idler shaft 36, the cam shaft 65 and cam 64 carried thereby will also be rotated in timed relation to the operation of the packing case conveyor and as a result thereof, the cam follower 63 will move into the low portion 67 of the cam 64 and permit movement of the slide 53 and case pusher member 52 transversely of the chute 10 under the action of tension spring 55, such movement serving to move a packing case transversely of the chute it) and out of engagement with the case stop member 51. This will result in a packing case being released to move down the chute 1t) and onto the inclined slideway 12 where such packing case will be engaged by an appropriate pusher bar 3t; carried by the

conveyor chains

28 and 29 and thereafter moved down the inclined slideway 12 and along the horizontal slideway 14 by means of such pusher bar. Continued rotation of the cam 64 will move the cam follower 68 out of the low portion 67 of the cam and onto the fiat portion of the cam surface 66 which will result in retraction of the slide 53 and case engaging pusher member 52, thereby permitting movement of a succeeding packing case to engagement with the case stop member 51. This operation will then be repeated to release another case onto the inclined slideway 312 in proper timed relation to the operation of the

conveyor chains

28 and 29 and the case pusher bars 30 carried thereby. Since a backlog of packing cases may be permitted to build up on the chute lit, behind the case stop member 51, it will be seen that continuous operation of the apparatus is permitted and that such packing cases will be periodically delivered to the inclined slideway 12 in accordance with the rate of travel of such packing cases down the slideway 12 and along the horizontal slide- Way 14. Stoppage of the apparatus by the operators for any reason whatsoever, will, of course, stop rotation of the cam shaft 65 and cam 64 carried thereby with the result, that the slide 53 and case engaging pusher mem ber 52 will fail to operate to release a case from the case stop member 51 and consequently, such cases are only delivered to the inclined slideway 12 during operation of the

conveyor chains

23 and 29 and case pusher bars 39 carried thereby.

With particular reference to Figs. 1, 8, 9 and 10, there is provided a means for engaging and manipulating the cover flaps of the cases in order to move the same out of the way to facilitate the manual insertion of articles in the cases. As shown in Fig. 10, the packing cases '73 are provided with side cover flaps 74 and 75 and with end cover flaps 76 and 77. When delivered to the inclined slideway 12, the cover flaps are substantially in the position shown in the upper portion of Fig. 10, and obviously, such flaps must be moved out of the way in order to provide access to the interior of the packing case. For this purpose, there is provided a cover flap manipulating mechanism indicated generally at 78, and such mechanism may be mounted on a bracket 79 secured to the inclined-slideway 12. anddisposed above the packing cases 73 moving down such slideway; Suitable framework 8% is fixed to the bracket 79 and supported at one end of the frame work is a tapered nose member 81 which is disposed substantially midway of the Width of inclined slideway 12 and faces opposite to the direction of movement of packing cases 73 therealong. Secured to the nose member 81 substantially midway thereof and projecting forwardly is an overhanging end cover flap engaging bar 82. inspection of Fig. 10, that the overhanging bar passes between the partially opened side cover flaps 74 and 75 and as the packing case 73 moves downwardly on an inclined slideway 12, the nose member 81 will engage the side cover flaps 7d and 75 to move the same upwardly and outwardly toward open position.

In order to complete the opening movement of the side cover-

flaps

74 and 75 and to fold the same downwardly to positions alongside the packing case 73, there is provided twisted or spirally formed diverging

folding plates

83 and 8 3 on each side of thenose member 81 and as the packing cases 73 move down the inclined slideway 12, the

folding plates

33 and 84 will engage the side cover flaps 74 and 75 respectively, and move the same to the position shown midway of Fig. 10. Since it is desirable that the side cover flaps 74 and 75 be retained in a folded position alongside the packing case 73 during movement along the horizontal slideway 14 to facilitate manual insertion of the articles within the case, there are provided guide bars 85 and 86 on each side of the inclined slideway 12 and the horizontal slideway 14 and as the side cover flaps 74 and 75 move out of engagement with the

folding plates

83 and 84, they are engaged by the guide bars 85 and 85 respectively which serves to hold such side cover flaps 74 and 75 in the position shown at the lower portion of Fig. 10 and during the remainder of travel of the packing case 73 through the apparatus.

As the packing case 73 moves downwardly on the inclined slideway 12 and through the cover flap manipulating mechanism 78, the trailing end cover flap 77 with respect to the direction of movement of the packing case 73 projects upwardly and will first be engaged .by the overhanging bar 32 and thereafter by the nose member 81 which will result in moving the end cover flap 77 to the position shown at the central portion of Fig. 10. The end cover flap 77 is retained in this position during movement through the cover flap manipulating mechanism 78 by means of a fiat bar 87 disposed at substantially the same level as the top of the packing case 73 and due to the engagement of the end cover flap 77 by the bar 37 with some pressure, the end flap 77 will tend to remain substantially in an open position throughout the remainder of the travel of the case 73 through the apparatus.

Since, in order for the cover flap manipulating mechanism 73 to operate eiiiciently, it is necessary for the packing cases 73 to be substantially centered longitudinally with respect to the inclined siideway 12 and the cover flap manipulating mechanism 78, there has been provided mechanism for centering such packing cases during travel down the inclined slideway 112 and this mechanism as clearly shown in Fig. 9, may well take the form of inwardly extending pivotally mounted fingers $3 and 89 which are pivotally secured at 9 and 91 to the side rails 92 and 93 of the inclined slideway 12. The lingers 33 and 89 may be yieldably urged inwardly of the inclined slideway 12 by means of suitable compression springs 9-iand 95 and as the packing cases 73 move downwardly on the inclined slideway 12, they will be engaged by the spring pressed fingers 3S and 89 to accurately center the same and also to hold the cases in firm engagement with the pusher bars 30. As the packing cases 73 leave the spring pressed fingers 88 and 39, they move between guide bars as and 97 which are adjustably secured to the side rails 92 and 93' by suitable fas- It will be noted from an teningemeansfidand 99 and guide .rails 96 and 97 serve to guide themovement of, the packing cases 73 into and,

partially through the cover flap manipualting mechanism 78;

It will be seen'that by the above described portion of the apparatus, that packing cases 73 will be periodically delivered from the chute 10 to the inclined slideway 12 and thereafter carried along such inclined slideway and along the horizontal slideway 14 by operation of the

conveyor chains

23 and 29 and case pusher bars 31 carried thereby and during movement along the horizontal slideway 14, the side cover flaps 74 and 75 are held in open position and the trailing end cover flap 77 is also in open position. Two operators are required for the operation of the apparatus of this invention and one operator is stationed at each side of the horizontal slideway 14. in this position, articles are placed in the packing case 73 during movement thereof along the horizontal slideway 14 and it is not necessary to stop the movement of the cases 73 therealong-except in the event of failure of the article supply mechanism or in the event of some other failure, orbreakdown in the apparatus. The packing case filling operation is, therefore, continuous and the articles to be placed in such packing case are delivered in timed relation to the movement of the packing cases along the horizontal slideway 14 and the apparatus for supplying such articles will now be described,

With particular reference to Figs. 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14, a double, row conveyor mechanism 15 may be provided for delivering articles, such as bottles, from a bottling machine or other source in double row and such double row conveyor may well comprise a suitable endless conveyor 100 which is trained over sprockets 101 mounted ona shaft 102'at the entrance end of the conveyor 100 and trained over sprockets 103 mounted on a shaft 104 at the discharge end of the conveyor 100. It is to be noted, that the discharge end of the conveyor 100 is disposed between single row conveyors 17 and 18 which are disposed at each side of the horizontal slideway 14.

As best shown in Figs. 3 and 14, the conveyor 17 may well comprise an endless chain 105 trained over a sprocket 106 mounted on a shaft 107 adjacent the entrance end of the conveyor and trained over a sprocket 108 mounted on a shaft 109 adjacent the discharge end of the horizontal slideway14. Suitable article supporting member 11%) are carried by the chain 105 and such article supporting members move along slides 111 and 112 carried by the side wall 19 of the horizontal slideway 14 and by an outer wall 113 mounted on the horizontal slideway 14. The outer wall 113 may also be provided on the upper surface thereof with a guide rail 114 which serves to prevent inadvertent tipping of the articles carried by the conveyor.

In a similar manner, the conveyor 18 may comprise an endless chain 115 trained over a sprocket 116 mounted on 'the shaft 107 at the entrance end of the conveyor and at the opposite end trained over a sprocket 117 mounted on a shaft 118 located at the discharge end of the horizontal slideway 14. The chain 115 is provided with article supporting members 119 which slide on a supporting member 12;} carried by the sidewall 20 of the horizontal slideway 14 and on a member 121 carried by an outer wall 122 also secured to the horizontal slideway 14. In order to prevent inadvertent tipping of the articles carried by the conveyor 18, there may be provideda guide rail 123 carried by the outer wall 122 and which operates in a manner similar to the guide rail 114 disposed. adjacent the conveyor 17.

As will be seen from an inspection of Fig. 14, the shaft 169 and sprocket 108 carried thereby is driven by a chain or other suitable means 124 which engages a sprocket 125 on the main drive shaft 45 and in a similar manner, the shaft 118 and sprocket 117 carried thereby are driven by a chain or other suitable means 126 which engages a sprocket-127 also mounted on the main drive shaft 45. As a result, the chains and which constitute the conveyors 17 and 18 are driven in synchronism and in timed relation to the operation of the

conveyor chains

28 and 29 which move the packing cases through the apparatus. Sprockets 128 and 129 may be fixed to the shaft 107 and such sprockets may be connected by chains 130 and 131 with sprockets 132 and 133 respectively fixed to the shaft 104. This will result in driving the double row conveyor 100 in synchronism and at the same rate as the single row conveyors 17 and 13.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the article dividing means 15 is positioned adjacent the discharge end of the double row conveyor 100 and this dividing means may well comprise a V-shaped deflecting member 134 dis posed above the double row conveyor 100 and with the apex 135 of the V-shaped member 134 disposed substantially midway of the width of the double row conveyor 100 and pointing in a direction opposite to the movement of articles along the double row conveyor 100. The diverging arms or

legs

136 and 137 of the V-shaped member 134 extend rearwardly and termi-.

nate above the entrance end of the single row conveyors 1'7 and 18 respectively. Spaced from the leg or arm 136 of the V-shaped member 134 and substantially parallel thereto is a guide member 138, the inner end 139 of which is curved to facilitate entry of articles between the guide members 138 and the arm 136 and the outer end 140 of the guide member 138 terminates above the entrance end of the single row conveyor 17.

In a similar manner, there is provided a guide member 141 spaced from and substantially parallel to the arm or leg 137 of the V-shaped member 134 and the entrance end 142 of the guide member 141 is curved to facilitate entry of articles between such guide member and the leg 137 and the opposite end 143 of the guide member terminates above the entrance end of the single row conveyor 18.

It will thus be seen, that as articles are carried along in a double row by double row conveyor 100, that the apex 135 of the V-shaped member 134 will pass between the row of articles and direct single rows of such articles between the leg 136 and guide member 138 and between the leg 137 and guide member 141 onto the single row conveyors 17 and 18. Thereafter, the single rows of articles will be carried by such single row conveyors 17 and 18 along opposite sides of the horizontal slideway 14 and in timed relation to the movement of packing cases 73 therealong and it is only necessary for the operators to manually lift the articles from single row conveyors 17 and 1S and place the same in the packing cases '73 during-movement thereof along the horizontal slideway 14. The double row conveyor 100 and the single row conveyors 17 and 18 operate continuously to I supply articles to the apparatus and it is to be noted, that such articles are transported in a vertical position and in such a manner that labels or other decorative features are not displaced or damaged. Furthermore, the double row conveyor 100 which constitutes the primary article supply means is disposed beneath the inclined slideway 12 and consequently, does not occupy additional floor space, as would be the case if the articles were supplied from either side of the packaging apparatus.

It will be seen that by the above described invention there has been provided a relatively simple, yet highly efiicient packaging apparatus which will occupy a minimum of floor space and which will permit a continuous packaging operation requiring only two operators and necessitating no interruptions in the operation of such apparatus, except in the event of the failure of the article supply or inadvertent breakdown of the apparatus. Furthermore, all manual handling of the packing cases is eliminated and the tops of the cases are disposed at substantially the same level as the bottoms of the articles 10 to be placed therein thereby facilitating the manual inserting operation and furthermore, the operators may work in a comfortable upright position without undue leaning or reaching and the speed of operation of the various conveyors is such that the operators may completely fill the packing cases without at any time stopping the movement of packing cases through the apparatus.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the invention Without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and therefore the invention is not limited by that which is shown in the drawing and described in the specification, but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1 Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising an inclined chute for feeding empty cases by gravity, case stop means projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being retractable to permit movement of said cases on said chute,

an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor comprising chains disposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways, said chains being trained over sprockets fixed to an idler shaft rotatably mounted adjacent thetdischarge end of said chute and over sprockets fixed to a conveyor drive shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said horizontal slideway, spaced pusher bars secured to said chains for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, a main drive shaft, a counter-shaft, means for selectively driving said counter-shaft at different speeds from said main drive shaft, drive means including a remote controlled clutch connecting said counter-shaft and said conveyor drive shaft, a cam for actuating said case stop means, means for driving said cam shaft from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said pusher bars, cover flap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors from said main drive shaft, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto, dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors, slide bars forming the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway and means to adjust said slide bars vertically whereby the tops of said cases will be at substantially the same level as said single row conveyors.

2. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles, therein, said apparatus comprising an inclined chute for feeding empty cases by gravity, case stop means projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being re- 11 tf'actabl'e" 't'o prmitm'ovemem of said cases on said chute, ahihcli'ned lidevv'ay for receiving cases from said chute, a fh'oriz' s1 slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor comp'iisi'ngchainsdisposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slidevvays, said chains being trained over sprbckets fixed to an idler shaft rotatably mounted adjac'e'r'it the discharge end of said chute and over sprockets firie'd to a conveyor drive shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said horizontal slideway, spaced pusher bars secured to said chains for engaging eachcase released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, a main drive shaft, drive means including a remote controlled clutch connecting said main drive shaft and said conveyor drive shaft, a cam for actuating said case stop means, means for driving said cam from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said pusher bars, cover fiap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rear- Wardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors from said main drive shaft, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said singie row conveyors, means to drive said douhie row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto, dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors, slide bars forming the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideways and means to adjust said slide bars vertically whereby the tops of said cases will be at substantially the same level as said single row conveyors.

3. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising an inclined chute for feeding empty cases by gravity, case stop means projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being retractable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, .a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor comprising chains disposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal siideways, said chains being trained over sprockets fixed to an idier shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said chute and over sprockets tired to a conveyor drive shaft rotatabiy mounted adjacent the discharge end of said horizontal slideway, spaced pusher bars secured to said chains for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideWays, a in t drive shaft, drive means including a remote controilcd clutch connecting said main drive shaft and said conveyor drive shaft, a cam for actuating said case stop means, means for driving said cam from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said pusher bars, cover flap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps do? nt-vardly each side of said cases and for engaging and folding said trailing end cover flap to a position rearwatery of siiid cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal s'lideways for engaging said cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyor from said main drive shaft, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

4. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute forfeeding empty cases, case stop means projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being retractable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endiess conveyor comprising chains disposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways, said chains being trained over sprockets fixed to an idler shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said chute and over sprockets fixed to a conveyor drive shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said horizontal slideway, spaced pusher bars secured to said chains for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, a main drive shaft, drive means including a remote controlled clutch connecting said main drive shaft and said conveyor drive shaft, a cam for actuating said case stop means, means for driving said earn from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said pusher bar's, cover flap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and incuding mechanism for' folding the side cover flaps downwardly and on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horiz'ontal slideways', single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors from said main drive shaft, a double row article conveyor disposedbeneath said inclined slideway with the discharge and disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

5. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being retractable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor comprising chains disposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal SliLlBWElf/S, said chaihs being trained over sprockets fixed to an 13 idler shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said chute and over sprockets fixed to a conveyor drive shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said horizontal slideway, spaced pusher bars secured to said chains for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, a main drive shaft, drive means connecting said main drive shaft and said conveyor drive shaft, a cam for actuating said case stop means, means for driving said cam from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said pusher bars, cover flap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors from said main drive shaft, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

6. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulatng the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor comprising chains disposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways, said chains being trained over sprockets fixed to an idler shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said chute and over sprockets fixed to a conveyor drive shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said horizontal slideway, spaced pusher bars secured to said chains for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, a main drive shaft, drive means connecting said main drive shaft and said conveyor drive shaft, a cam for actuating said case stop means, means for driving said cam from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said pusher bars, cover flap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors from said main drive shaft, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

7. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means be ing operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor comprising chains disposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways, said chains being trained over sprockets fixed to'an idler shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said chute and over sprockets fixed to a conveyor drive shaft rotatably mounted adjacent the discharge end of said horizontal slideway, spaced pusher bars secured to said chains for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, a main drive shaft, drive means connecting said main drive shaft and said conveyor drive shaft, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said pusher bars, cover fiap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors from said main drive shaft, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

8. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merg ing into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor comprising chains disposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways, said chains being trained over sprockets fixed to an idler shaft and over sprockets fixed to a conveyor drive shaft, spaced pusher bars secured to said chains for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, a main drive shaft, drive mens connecting said main drive shaft and said conveyor drive shaft, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said pusher bar, cover flap manipulatingmeans mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving saidsingle row conveyors from said main drive shaft, 21 double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

9. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means beingoperable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor comprising chains disposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways, said chains being trained over sprockets fixed to an idler shaft and fixed to a conveyor drive shaft, case conveying means secured to said chains for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, a main drive shaft, drive means connecting said main drive shaft and said conveyor drive shaft, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said case conveying means, cover flap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slide ways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors from said main drive shaft, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

10. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor comprising chains disposed at opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways, said chains being trained over sprockets fixed to an idler shaft and over sprockets fixed to a conveyor drive shaft, case conveying means secure: to said chains for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, drive means for said conveyor drive shaft, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means from said idler shaft whereby said stop means operates in timed relation to the movement of said case conveying means, over flap manipulating means mounted above sm'd inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors, a double row ar ticle conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

11. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor extending along said inclined and horizontal slideways, case conveying means secured to said conveyor for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, drive means for said conveyor, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means in timed relation to the movement of said case conveying means, cover flap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor from said single row conveyors in timed relation thereto and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

12. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor extending along said inclined and horizontal slideways, case conveying means secured to said conveyor for engaging each case released by said stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, drive means for said conveyor, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means in timed relation to the movement of said case conveying means, cover flap manipulating means mounted above said inclined slideway and including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end of cover fiap 17 to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor in timed relation to said single row conveyors and the dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

13. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor extending along said inclined and horizontal slideways, case conveying means secured to said conveyor for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, drive means for said conveyor, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means in timed relation to the movement of said case conveying means, cover flap manipulating means including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flaps to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, guide bars on opposite sides of said inclined and horizontal slideways for engaging said side cover flaps to hold the same in folded position during travel along the inclined and horia zontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case supporting surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed be 4 tween said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor in timed relation to said single row conveyors and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

14. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor extending along said inclined and horizontal slideways, case conveying means secured to said conveyor for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, drive means for said conveyor, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means in timed relation to the movement of said case conveying means, cover flap manipulating means including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, means to hold said side cover flaps in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides and above the case support- I8 ing surface of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors, a douoie ro-W article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway with the discharge end disposed between said single rowconveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor in timed relation to said single row conveyors and dividing means for engaging the double row'of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

15. Packaging apparatus for feedingpacking cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong,-s-aid stop means being operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute,- a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor extending along said inclined and horizontal slideways, case conveying means secured to said conveyor for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, drive means for said conveyor, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means in timed relation to the movement of said case conveying means, cover flap manipulating means including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, means to hold said side cover flaps in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slide: way with the discharge end disposed between said single row conveyors, means to drive said double row conveyor in timed relation to said single row conveyors and dividing means for engaging the double row of articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

16. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined'slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, ing into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor extending along said inclined and horizontal slideways, case conveying means secured to said conveyor for en gaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, drive means for said conveyor, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means in timed relation to the movement of said case conveying means, cover'fiap manipulating means including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, means to hold said side cover flaps in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides of said horizontal slideway, veyors, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideway, means to drive said double row,

conveyor in timed relation to said single row conveyors and dividing means for engaging the double row of.

articles on said double row conveyor and guiding the same in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

17. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases said inclined slideway merg:

means for driving said single row ,con-

and articles to be placed in said cases in time relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to prevent movement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor extending along said inclined and horizontal slideways, case conveying means secured to said conveyor for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, drive means for said conveyor, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means in timed relation to the movement of said can: conveying means, cover flap manipulating means including mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover fiap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of said travel, means to hold said side cover flaps in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyor on opposite sides of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors, a double row article conveyor disposed beneath said inclined slideways, means to drive said double row conveyor in timed relation to said single row conveyors and means for directing said articles in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

18. Packaging apparatus for feeding packing cases and articles to be placed in said cases in timed relation and for manipulating the cover flaps of said cases to facilitate placing said articles therein, said apparatus comprising a chute for feeding empty cases, case stop means to preventmovement of cases therealong, said stop means being operable to permit movement of said cases on said chute, an inclined slideway for receiving cases from said chute, a horizontal slideway, said inclined slideway merging into said horizontal slideway, an endless conveyor extending along said inclined and horizontal slideways, case conveying means secured to said conveyor for engaging each case released by said case stop means to move said cases along said inclined and horizontal slideways, drive means for said conveyor, actuating means for said case stop means, means for operating said actuating means in timed relation to the movement of said case conveying means, cover flap manipulating mean includ ing mechanism for folding the side cover flaps downwardly on each side of said cases and for engaging and folding the trailing end cover flap to a position rearwardly of said cases with relation to the direction of travel, means to hold said side cover flaps in folded position during travel along the inclined and horizontal slideways, single row article conveyors on opposite sides of said horizontal slideway, means for driving said single row conveyors and means for feeding articles in single rows onto said single row conveyors.

19. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 16 in which said dividing means comprises a V-shaped member disposed above said double row conveyor and substantially midway of the width thereof, said V-shaped member pointing in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of said articles and with the diverginglegs of said V-shaped member terminating over said single row conveyors and guide rails substantially parallel to the legs of said V-shaped member and terminating over saidsingle row conveyors whereby said Vshaped member serves to divide said double row of articles into diverging single rows and in cooperation with said rails to guide the same onto said single row conveyors.

20. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said case stop means comprises a, fixed stop member projecting into the path of movement of'cases on said chute and engageable with the forward end-of'a a o p e e t movem n the eo rom said chute. to said i e i e ay nd c e e as means o period.- cally moving a case transversely of said chute and out of engagement with said stop means to permit movement of said case to said inclined slideway, said release means comprising a slide mounted for movement transversely of said chute, a case engaging pusher element on one end of said slide disposed within said chute adjacent to said stop .member, tension spring means for urging said slide and pusher element transversely of said chute to move a case out of engagement with said stop member, a rotatably mounted cam driven from said endless conveyor in timed relation thereto, a pivotally mounted rocker arm, a link connecting said rocker arm and said slide and a cam follower on said rocker arm engaging said cam whereby upon rotation of said cam said slide and pusher elementwill periodically operate to move a case out of engagement with said stop member in timed relation to the operation of said endless conveyor.

21. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim l8 inwhich said case stop means comprisesa fixed stop member projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute and engageable with a case to prevent movement thereof from said chute to said inclined slideway. and case release means for periodically moving a case out of engagement with. said stop means to permit movement of said case to said inclined slideway, said release means comprising a slide mounted for movement transversely of said chute, a case engaging pusher element on one end of said slide disposed witlu'nsaid chute adjacent said stop member, tension spring means for urging said slide and pusher element transversely of said chute to move a case out of engagement with said stop member, a rotatably mounted cam driven from said endless conveyor in timed relation thereto, a pivotally mounted rocker arm, a link connecting said rocker arm and said slide and a cam follower on said rocker arm engaging said cam whereby upon rotation of. said cam, said slide and pusher element will periodically operate to move a case out of engagement with said stop member intimedirelation to the operation of said endless conveyor.

22. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18' in which said case stop means comprises a fixed stop member projecting into the path of'movement' of cases on said chute and engageable witha case to prevent movement thereof from said chute to said inclined slideway and case release means for periodically moving a case out of engagement with said" stop means .to permit movement of said case to said inclined slideway,:said'releasc means comprising a slide mounted for movement transversely of said chute, a case engaging pusher element on one end of said slide disposed within saidchute adjacent said stop member, resilient means for urging, said slide and pusher element transversely of said chute to move a case out of engagement with said stop member, a rotatably mounted cam driven from said endless conveyor in timed relation thereto, a pivotally mounted rocker arm, a link connecting said rocker arm and said; slideand a cam follower on said rocker arm engaging, said cam whereby upon rotation of said cam saidslide and pusher element will periodically operate to move a case out of engagement with said stop member in timed relation to the operation of said endless conveyor.

23. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said case stop means comprises a fixed stop member projecting into the path'of movement of cases on said chute and engageable with a case to prevent movement thereof from saidchute to saidinclined'slidewayand case release means forperiodically moving; a case;

out of engagement withsaid'stopmeans topermit movement of saidcase to said inclined slideway, said-releasemeans comprising a slide mounted for movement-transversely of said chute, a case engaging pusher element on one end of said slide, means for urging said slide and pusher element transversely of said chute to move- 21 a case out of engagement with said stop member, a rotatably mounted cam driven from said endless conveyor in timed relation thereto, a pivotally mounted rocker arm, a link connecting said rocker arm and said slide and a cam follower on said rocker arm engaging said cam whereby upon rotation of said cam said slide and pusher element will periodically operate to move a case out of engagement with said stop member in timed relation to the operation of said endless conveyor.

24. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said case stop means comprises a fixed stop member projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute and engageable with a case to prevent movement thereof from said chute to said inclined slideway and case release means for periodically moving a case out of engagement with said stop means to permit movement of said caseto said inclined slideway, said release means comprising a slide mounted for movement transversely of said chute, a case engaging pusher element on one end of said slide, resilient means for urging said slide and pusher element transversely of said chute to move a case out of engagement with said stop member, a rotatably mounted cam driven in timed relation to said endless conveyor, a pivotally mounted rocker arm, a link connecting said rocker arm and said slide and a cam follower on said rocker arm engaging said cam whereby upon rotation of said cam said slide and pusher element will periodically operate to move a case out of engagement with said stop member in timed relation to the operation of said endless conveyor.

25. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said case stop means comprises a fixed stop member projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute and engageable with a case to prevent movement thereof from said chute to said inclined slideway and case release means for periodically moving a case out of engagement with said stop means to permit movement of said case to said inclined slideway, said release means comprising a slide mounted for movement transversely of said chute, resilient means for urging said slide transversely of said chute to move a case out of engagement with said stop member, a rotatably mounted cam driven in timed relation to said endless conveyor, a pivotally mounted rocker arm, a link connecting said rocker arm and said slide and a cam follower on said rocker arm engaging said cam whereby upon rotation of said cam said slide will periodically operate to move a case out of engagement with said stop member in timed relation to the operation of said endless conveyor.

26. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said case stop means comprises a fixed stop member projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute and engageable with a case to prevent move ment thereof from said chute to said inclined slideway and case release means for periodically moving a case out of engagement with said stop means to permit movement of said case to said inclined slideway, said release means comprising a slide mounted for movement transversely of said chute, resilient means for urging said slide transversely of said chute to move a case out of engagement with said stop member, a rotatably mounted cam driven in timed relation to said endless conveyor, a pivotally mounted rocker arm connectedto said slide and a cam follower on said rocker arm engaging said cam whereby upon rotation of said cam said slide will periodically operate to move a case out of engagement with said stop member in timed relation to the operation of said endless conveyor.

27. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said case stop means comprises a fixed stop member projecting into the path of movement of cases on said chute and engageable with a case to prevent movement thereof from said chute to said inclined slideway and case release means for periodically moving a case out of en- 22 I gagement with said stop means to permit movement of said case to said inclined slideway, said release means comprising a slide mounted for movement transversely of said chute, resilient means for urging said slide transversely of said chute to move a case out of engagement with said stop member, a rotatably mounted cam driven in timed relation to said endless conveyor and a cam follower connected to said slide and engaging said cam whereby upon rotation of said cam said slide will periodically operate to move a case out of engagement with said stop member in timed relation to the operation of said endless conveyor.

28. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said cover flap manipulating means comprises mechanism mounted above said inclined slideway and including a tapered nose member for engaging and moving the side cover flaps of said case toward open position as said case moves along said inclined slideway, twisted diverging folded elements for engaging the partially opened side cover flaps and folding the same downwardly on each side of the case, an overhanging end cover flap engaging bar mounted on said nose member and extending forwardly thereof for engaging the trailing end cover flap and moving the same to a position rearwardly of said case with respect to the direction of travel and an elongated flap bar for engaging and holding said trailing end cover flap in folded position as said case moved along said inclined slideway.

29; Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said cover flap manipulating means comprises mechanism mounted above said inclined slideway and including a tapered nose member for engaging and moving the side cover flaps of said case toward open position as said case moves along said inclined slideway, twisted diverging folded elements for engaging the partially opened side cover flaps and folding the same downwardly on each side of said case, an overhanging end cover flap engaging bar mounted on said nose member and extending forwardly thereof for engaging the trailing end cover flap and moving the same to a position rearwardly of said case with respect to the direction of travel and means for engaging and holding said trailing end cover flap in folded position as said case moves along said inclined slideway.

30. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said cover flap manipulating means comprises mechanism mounted above said inclined slideway and including a tapered nose member for engaging and moving the side cover flaps of said case toward open position as said case moves along said inclined slideway, twisted diverging folding elements for engaging the partially opened side cover flaps and folding the same downwardly on each side of said case and an overhanging end cover flap engaging bar mounted on said nose member and extending forwardly thereof for engaging the trailing end cover fiap and moving the same to a position rearwardly of said case with respect to the direction of travel.

31. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in which said cover flap manipulating means comprises mechanism mounted above said inclined slideway and in cluding a tapered nose member for engaging and moving the side cover flaps of said case toward open position as said case moves along said inclined slideway, twisted diverging folding elements for engaging the partially opened side cover flaps and folding the same downwardly on each side of said case and an end over flap engaging bar for engaging the trailing end cover flap and moving the same to a position rearwardly of said case with respect to the direction of travel.

32. Packaging apparatus as defined in claim 18 in -which said cover flap manipulating means comprises mechanism mounted above said inclined slideway and ;,including a nose member for engaging and moving the 23 (24 gide cover flaps of said case toward open pgeitiqn ae said rearwardly of said cesp with respect to the direction of ease moves 51mg sid inclined elidiwzfy,"idgdifig elefiafifl tlavel. fe n fl h parfiuy ope-n63 side 9 References Cited in the file of this patent folding Ithe game downwardly 6h ecli side qf 55H case 1 l 1 and en end cover flap engagirig b'ai" foiefig'ging the 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS trailing end cover flap and moving the same f9 21: pib i tior l 2,109,537 Kimball June 12, 1935