US3594981A

US3594981A - Packaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3594981A
Application number: US761568A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert W Pitts
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-09-23
Filing date: 1968-09-23
Publication date: 1971-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 1988-07-27
Also published as: GB1279120A

Abstract

Automated packaging apparatus incorporating a vacuum lift shoe adapted to be positioned in a reciprocating manner above a stack of normally closed bags removable one at a time from the stack wherein the vacuum shoe means includes a vacuum chamber which engages the uppermost surface of the stack by vacuum flow stoppage through a plurality of holes in the vacuum shoe wherein the upward reciprocation of the vacuum shoe is initiated by the vacuum flow stoppage to thereby lift the shoe only after the engagement of the shoe to the bag is completed, the bag being opened for filling with a product and, upon removal of the product and bag from the apparatus, the apparatus continues its operation with another reciprocation to open the next bag.

Description

United States Patent 7/1967 Schorer.......1.....1....4...,

[72] Inventor Robert W.Pitts 9710 Barberton. Houston, Tex. 77036 Primary Examiner-Travis S. McGehee Attorney-Donald Gunn 7 p- 6eu 7SJ o d N. m d Wwm AFP Vinyl 224 [[1 ABSTRACT: Automated packaging ap paratus incorporating a vacuum shoe means inm a MF m A P-N H W N Am m D M O m m N S n a h C 5 P7 U M N w w gages the uppermost suroppage through a plurality 969 858 we 6 5. 53 5 .Tm m d m m [F l1] 0 55 [.l.

n the upward reciprocation of the vacuum shoe is initiated by the vacuum flow stoppage to thereby lift the shoe only after the en the bag is completed S T N E MA N; E MT A mT ks D E H N U 16% U gagement of the shoe to the bag being opened for filling with a 2,725,168 11/1955 Lindstaedt et al. 53/386 X product and, upon removal of the product and bag from the 2,814,488 53/386 X apparatus, the apparatus continues its operation with another 2,823,505 reciprocation to open the next bag.

11/1957 Kipers..................

2/1958 Lehmkuhle et a1.

PATENTED M27 1971 SHEET 1 BF 2 FIG. 3

Robert W. Pitts INVIiN'I JR.

ATTORNEY PACKAGING APPARATUS The present invention is directed to an apparatus which engages the upper surface of a folded bag of some suitable material and incorporates means reciprocating upwardly to open the bag after engagement to provide a positive means whereby the bag is opened for receiving the goods to be packaged therein. The apparatus is summarized as including a tray or shelf which can be easily inclined along which a product is moved by suitable means into the open bag which is easily pulled from the stack and transferred by a conveyor or the like to another work station. The apparatus incorporates a vacuum shoe means having a plurality of holes in the surface presented to the stack of bags which is closed when the shoe falls by gravity to contact the uppermost bag. When the holes are closed, the change in vacuum flow within the apparatus 'lifts the vacuum shoe means a distance determined by the amount of opening required for the bag. At this juncture, the bag is opened and is adapted for receiving products therein. After the bag is pulled free of the vacuum shoe means, the acu Shoe means fall y g a ty ack ag n h ta k f bags and engages the uppermost bag there remaining to repeat the cycle. The upward and downward reciprocation is repeated at a rate sufficient to provide very rapid packaging of P duc su a bakery g ods, cl t ing items, and y others.

With the foregoing summary in view, the device of the present invention is more specifically described hereinafter in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the apparatus of the present invention with a portion broken away to show the placement of the bags in relation to the vacuum shoe means;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the vacuum shoe means of the present engagement at the time ofengagement with the uppers ba FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the vacuum shoe means raised to thereby open the bag, the upper wall being iifted with the vacuum shoe means upon closing the vacuum flow therethrough;

' FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4 .1 of FIG. 2 illustrating details where y th Operative width of the vacuum shoe means is-adjusted;

FIG. Sis a view of an alternative vacuum shoe head for opening bags ofdifferent shapes;

FIG. 6 is a view of the structure shown in FIG. in which I the bag is then opened through the use of the alternative vacuum shoe means;

FIG. 7 is a side view ofa set of guides cooperative with the vacuum shoe head;

FIG. 81s a view similar to FIG. 7 in which the vacuum shoe head is raised with respect to. the guide means;

FIG. 9. i s a view similar to FIGS. 7 and 8 showing the bag fully opened with the guides then inserted into the bag to facilitate entry of the product into the bag; and,

FIG. 10, is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 7 illustrating the vertical relationship of the vacuum shoe means in the guide for the present invention.

Attention isv first directed to FIG. I of the drawings which,- lustrates the present invention which is identified by-the numeral'lg0, For ease of description, the present apparatus is described; hereinasthe packaging apparatus or machine. It is shown. in cooperation with a conveyor belt 12 on which a product 13. is transferred. In. FIG. 1, the product I3 is a loaf of bread;.howe ver it will, be appreciated that other objects, such as garments, machined or manufactured products and'the like, may be packaged either singly or in multiples by the present invention with any degree of variation desired. In any event, the product 13 is transferred by the conveyor belt 12 onto the upper surface of the present invention between a set of guide means 14, only one of which is shown in FIG. 1. The guide means extend along the length of the upper surface for receiving the product 13 which is then transferred into the uppermost of a plurality of bags 15. The bags 15 are stacked at the lower end of the packaging apparatus 10. The bags 15 are normally folded and stacked in a predetermined quantity at the point of manufacture. The stack is placed on the apparatus 10 so that the product 13 passes between the guide 14 and into the uppermost bag 15 and then the filled bag is transferred by means of an additional conveyor 16 to another work station which is not concerned with the present invention. It will be appreciated that the foregoing sets the environment or circumstances of application of the present invention whereby the product 13 is automatically placed in the bag and then the filled bag with the product therein is transferred on an additional conveyor to continue the packaging process.

Considering FIG. I in greater detail, the numeral 20 indicates a mounting frame for the present invention. A pair of downwardly projecting ears is indicated by the numeral 21 with one being located immediately behind the other so that only one of the two ears is shown in FIG. 1. Between the ears is positioned a suitable mounting means or fixed member 22 whereby the apparatus is positioned and tilted as desired. Suitable means are well known in the art for securing the packaging apparatus 10 at a slight inclined angle or horizontal, as desired, although the preferred posture of the present apparatus is at an angle of perhaps 15 from the horizontal as illustrated in FIG. 1. The frame 20 supports the basic structure of the present invention. The present invention incorporates a rectangular boxlike cabinet which has the end wall 23, the sidewall 24, and the shorter end wall 25 which is opposite the wall 23. An additional wall 26 is parallel to the wall 24 and is spaced therefrom, the wall 24 being broken away to illustrate additional details of the apparatus handling the stack or plurality of closed bags 15 at the right-hand portion of the apparatus.

The several dimensions of the major portions of the structure are subject to a wide range of variation without any particular limitation. The structure need only be sufficient to provide a working surface for supporting at least the upper or open end of the bag or stack 15 in a position for receiving the product 13 either directly into the bag from a conveyor or other means of transportation, or on sliding contact against the upper surface. The width of the apparatus is likewise subject to a wide range of variation and relates primarily to the width of the product being packaged. In further particular, the apparatus is adapted for packaging multiple units. Thus, the apparatus can be used to package a single loaf of bread of perhaps 5 or 6 inches in width, or may be used to package an entire tray of precooked rolls perhaps eight or nine inches in width. Even greater widths are possible with the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention further incorporates a means indicated in dotted line at 28 for creating a vacuum flow. The means normally includes a squirrel cage blower driven by a suitable motor of conventional construction which draws air through a tubelike member 30. The means 28 is preferably located within the chamber of the structure, although this location is not required. The convenient location shown in FIG. 1 may be varied to any other point, such as immediately above the apparatus, with the flexible tubing 30 providing the vacuum flow. As an example, the tubelike member can be a conventional woven and rubberized fabric tubing such as is found with conventional vacuum cleaners. The tubing member 30 is preferably flexible for movement as will be described. Also, enough slack is provided in the tubing 30 to prevent stretching on movement. The diameter is subject to a wide range of variation depending on air volume moved, but about 2 inches diameter for the vacuum tubing 30 is believed adequate.

Note should be taken of the vacuum pulled by the means 28 generally described above. Suitable results have been obtained with a vacuum of about 40 to 80 inches of water. The rate of flow in the apparatus is subject to variation depending on the size ofthe vacuum shoe means to be described and the repetition rate of the apparatus, but is generally high. More will be noted concerning this hereinafter.

Attention is next directed to an upstanding strut 32 which extends approximately perpendicular to the upper surface of the packaging apparatus 10. The strut 32 supports a hand crank 33 which drives a long threaded gear within the strut 32 to position a cross brace 34 at a required level with respect to the packaging apparatus 10. The cross brace 34 provides a mounting for the reciprocating vacuum shoe means as will be described. Since the extent of the vertical stroke is subject to variation depending on the width of opening required for the bag 15, the crank 33 is operated to place the cross brace 34 at a desired relative elevation. While details of the threaded worm drive and the follower nut locked within the tubular means 32 have not been shown in great detail, it is believed that such apparatus is well known to one skilled in the art, and further description thereof is not needed. Of course, other means of implementing upward and downward movement of the cross brace 34 may be implemented with the present invention. Of significance is the fact that the cross brace 34 is moved upwardly and downwardly to adjust the stroke of the apparatus.

It will be appreciated that the cross brace 34 may be supported at one end only as shown in FIG. 1 for sake of clarity, or duplicate apparatus can be provided at the opposite side. This is of no particular consequence to the present invention. It is helpful to maintain the cross brace parallel to the plane of the upper bag ofthe stack. By this means, the vacuum shoe means to be described contacts evenly and smoothly as will be discussed with regard to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 2 ofthe drawings which illustrates the, cross brace 34 in cooperation with the vacuum shoe means ofthe present invention. An appropriate fitting 40 is connected with the vacuum tubing 30. The fitting is mounted by a connective bracket or other suitable means to the cross brace 34. The fitting 40 extends downwardly in a long tubular portion indicated by the numeral 41. The tubular portion 41 surrounds and receives therein an additional tubular member 42. The tubular portion 42 is slidably received within the portion 41 in a manner to accommodate upward and downward reciprocation. As shown in FIG. 3, the tubing member 42 slides fully within the member 41 in a relatively loose fit. Note should be taken ofthe nature ofthe fit between the two tubular members. Preferably, some tolerance is provided, perhaps in order of 0.003 to 0.009 inch to permit some air flowby between the two tubular members. The air flowby is nominal to prevent directing the entirety of the vacuum flow of the system through the slot between the two tubular members. However, the tubular members should not be so tight that movement of the members generates excessive frictional contact. Consequently, a clearance of 0.006 has been found quite acceptable heretofore.

Preferably, the tubular members are circular although a keyway can be provided to prevent the vacuum shoe means from rotating. Alternatively, an external guide or the like can be used to prevent relative rotation in a random manner ofthe tubing member 42 with respect to the tubing 41.

Attention is next directed to the vacuum shoe means 45 indicuted in FIGS. 2 and 3. The means 45 is a generally rectangular boxlike member having a plurality of holes drilled at 46. The holes are quite numerous and are of nominal diameter although the precise diameter, spacing and quantity all depend on the size of bag and the amount of vacuum engagement desired therewith. Suffice it to say, the holes are located in the lower face and are adapted to be contacted against the uppermost bag 15. In FIG. 2, the arrows indicate the flow of air in response to the vacuum flow from the conduit 30. It will be understood that air is drawn in through the holes or openings 46 and upwardly through the

tubular pipes

41 and 42. The various vacuum holes are stopped when the film is picked up by the airflow to thereby interrupt the vacuum flow. Through the use of the means described hereinafter, the various and sundry holes or openings are sealed against further vacuum flow after the bag is fully engaged as shown in FIG. 3.

Attention is temporarily directed to FIG. 4 which is the sectional view taken through one end of the vacuum shoe means 45. In FIG. 4, it will-be noted that an excess of holes has been formed in the vacuum shoe means 45. By excess, reference is directed to FIG. 2 which shows the vacuum shoe means being substantially wider than the particular bag cooperative with the vacuum shoe. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, the vacuum shoe means may be, say, 15 inches wide. For lifting a bag which is 9 inches wide, 3 inches of the width shown in FIG. 2 is closed off at each end of the vacuum shoe means to thereby provide a total surface of 9 inches for contact against the bags 15. Such means are shown in FIG. 4 wherein a closure plate 47 is placed over the various openings 46. Preferably, a pair of slots or slideways are formed in the opposite walls at 48 for receiving a lip upturned on the closure means 47. The closure means 47 is adjusted in location across the width of the vacuum shoe means 45 as viewed in FIG. 2. Should the need arise to use the above noted exemplary vacuum shoe for a different width, the various closure members are adjusted to either widen or close the operative width of the vacuum shoe means to thereby provide a more versatile apparatus. It is not necessary that the closure means 47 as shown in FIG. 4 be accurately machined and fit witha very small tolerance adjacent to the lower face of the vacuum shoe 45. It is quite helpful, though, to close off the openings immediately above and adjacent to the closure means 47. This is accomplished in any number of ways. Either a planar metal member is used which is snugly fitted against the lower face of the apparatus or else the contacting face of the closure means 47 is coated with a resilient material which further resists and fits against or even into the openings 46.

The total cross-sectional area ofthe holes must be sufficient to let enough air to drop the shoe 45 after the bag 15 is removed. This factor is varied by the airflow, friction, weight of shoe, and many other factors.

Attention is redirected to FIGS. 2 and 3 cooperatively. Once the exposed openings 46 of the vacuum shoe means are contacted and closed against vacuum flow by the uppermost bag of the plurality of bags at 15, upward reciprocation is initiated. When the holes 46 are exposed to atmosphere, substantially all airflow in response to the vacuum movement is through the holes 46. However, when the holes 46 are covered over, the shoe 45 is raised. With the holes 46 covered, the only opening whereby atmosphere pressure creates an airflow into the apparatus is in the loose slot between the

members

41 and 42. The air passes therethrough serves somewhat as a cushion or air bearing to thereby smooth out movement of the tubing 42 on its upward rise. The tube member 42 shown in FIG. 2 is lifted as shown in FIG. 3 to thereby raise the vacuum shoe means, this event being substantially in response to the closure ofthe holes 46.

Note should be taken of the lifting force required for the present apparatus. This is in part related to the cross-sectional area of the tubular member 42 and the differential pressure in the vacuum passage. Should the differential pressure be about 2 pounds per square inch, a cross-sectional area of 3 square inches in the tubular member 42 provides a total lift of 6 pounds in force, which is quite adequate to open the bag 15 while lifting the vacuum shoe means 45. Preferably, the member 42 and the vacuum shoe means 45 are both formed of aluminum of a relatively light gauge since the structures are not substantial load-bearing devices. The structure is made relatively lightweight and the lifting force required is not excessive.

It may be helpful to place a rubber grommet about the periphery at the lower end of the tubing 41 to cushion the shock when the vacuum shoe lifts and slams against the tubular member 41. In the preferred embodiment, it rises rather rapidly with a rather crisp and positive action to snap open the bag 15, typically opening the bag at the pleats, or sidewalls of the bag.

The described embodiment should be considered in operation. It is a repetitive device which opens first one bag and then another automatically. Attention is directed to FIG. 1 of the drawings which illustrates the plurality of bags stacked in the manner in which they are manufactured. The bags may incorporate a flap or lip at the forward end which is placed under a wicket indicated at 50. The wicket 50 holds the bags down in a releasable manner so that the uppermost bag is easily pulled from beneath the wicket 50 after it has been filled. Each bag presents its upper surface to the vacuum shoe means 45 and is engaged thereby as shown in FIG. 2. Once engagement is perfected, the vacuum flow is interrupted and the vacuum shoe means 45 is lifted to its optimum elevation whereby the bag is fully opened. At this juncture, the bag is easily filled. The bag is then removed and the vacuum flow openings 46 are again exposed to atmosphere to thereby terminate the pressure differential within the vacuum flow chamber holding up the shoe 45. The vacuum shoe 45 then falls by gravity back against the stack of bags and engages the next bag. As soon as the engagement is perfected, it moves crisply upwardly in response to the reestablished vacuum within the chamber. The reciprocal movement is repeated cycle after cycle, and each cycle of operation opens a bag and enables it to be filled. It will be understood and appreciated that this is quite rapid in operation and essentially no waiting time is required to open the bags through the use of the present invention.

Attention is redirectedto FIG. 1 for a description of the filling of a particular bag through the use of the conveyors which are shown in the drawings. The food products indicated by the numeral 13 are transferred from the conveyor 12 to the upper surface of the apparatus. The products are moved across the upper surface either by gravity movement, by hand, or through the use of other means not pertinent to the present discussion. The product to be packaged is then moved into the open bag which is maintained in a ready position. It should be noted that when the bag pops open, there is a tendency for the rearward or closed end of the bag to rise above the stack and to be separated from the stack. This, then, enables the operator to easily grab the filled bag by hand and quickly pull it free of the wicket 50 and drop the bag with the product on the conveyor 16 As an assistance, the plate 51 supporting the bag is curved 'to provide a separation between the stack of bags 15 and the filled bag to thereby permit the operator to'get his hand easily beneath the filled bag. Normally, the bags come in stacks of perhaps 200 to 500, depending on the gauge of the bag material and other factors. As the bags are filled and dropped on the conveyor 16, the stack becomes shorter. Thus, to permit the bags to maintain a consistent relationship to the level at which the product moves toward the bag, a spring 52 pivots the stack of bags at the open end toward the nether side of the upper deck plate of the packaging apparatus It is not material that the end of the plate 51 does not rise, but is only pivoted;-it forms a recess, as noted above, for the convenience of the operator. Thus, the first and last bags of the stack are maintained with their open end at the same relative position with respect to the apparatus 10 and the product. Thus, the positioning of the plate 51 in response to the urging of the spring 52 merely aids in positioning the open end of the bag with respect to the moving product and to also permit the vacuum shoe means to catch the uppermost bag at about the same position on each interval of operation.

While the foregoing has been directed to the embodiment shown in FIG. I, an alternative embodiment is presented in FIGS. 5 and 6,'cooperatively. The reference numbers of like components of the structure shown heretofore are increased by 100 in FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5, the tubing member 141 is shown in telescoping and cooperative relationship with the tubing portion 142 which slides therein in the same manner as described above. A stack of bags is indicated by the numeral 115. The bags rest on a particularly shaped tray 151 which should be contrasted with the tray or support 51 described above. The point of contrast is the left and right canted portions on the support tray 151 in FIG. 5. The tray may still be shaped in the form of an S-curve as shown by the side view of FIG. 1. However, the left and right canted supports are added to be cooperative with the specially shaped bags as will be described.

For packaging an especially tall product in a relatively deep bag, it is sometimes necessary to include quite sizeable sidewalls or pleats in the bag as it is formed at the factory. In FIG. 5, the pleats on each side are stacked on the canted surfaces distinguishing the tray 151. Thus, the top and bottom walls of the bag form the central portion of the stack shown in FIG. 5 and the sidewalls or pleats are located at the extreme left and right of the stack.

The vacuum shoe means 145 is modified in the following manner. It incorporates a central portion having a width corresponding with the width of the top and bottom walls of the bag, when opened. Additionally, an attachment 145a is incorporated at the left, which is an abbreviated vacuum shoe means mounted by a hinge 145d shown in FIG. 6. The hinge 145d permits pivotal movement of the vacuum shoe means 1450. The angular opening of the hinge will be limited in the manner described hereinafter.

Additionally, another vacuum shoe means of abbreviated or shortened width is shown at 145b. If the bag is symmetrical left and right, then, of course, the means 145a and l45b are likewise similar to one another and have identical widths.

Each is again comprised of suitable sidewalls providing an essentially rectangular closed chamber and each has vacuum flow holes in the bottom face as shown in the sectional portions of FIG. 5. At any event, it will be understood that each of the three vacuum chambers directs air flow through the holes in its lower face to thereby provide a means of positive engagement, although with the uppermost bag of the stack, and with the particular emphasis being placed on engaging at least a portion of the sidewalls of the bag being opened.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 6 of the drawings which shows the uppermost bag open for receiving relatively tall products therein. The extent of the opening is governed by the use of conductive tubings l45e and 145f. Each tubing communicates with the central vacuum chamber 145 to derive the vacuum flow required for operation. Each tubing is preferably formed of a somewhat resilient material such as neoprene or the like. Of course, sufficient diameter is provided to communicate an adequate vacuum flow to the left and right vacuum shoe means. Each tubing is connected through a suitable opening and fittings well known in the art are used to connect both ends of the tubing members without leakage to the various vacuum chambers. The tubing itself serves as a restraint limiting the amount of pivotal movement along the hinge 145d. This is certainly an adequate means for controlling the amount of opening as shown in FIG. 6. However, should additional means he desired, it is suggested that a cloth or nylon strip be connected between the upper surface of the vacuum shoe means 145 and the adjacent vacuum shoes 145a and 14511 whereby the length of the strip between the several boxes controls the amount of pivotal movement about the hinge 145d. Thus, the strip may be varied from a shorter to greater length to either limit or increase the relative opening of the hinge. This, of course, depends in large part on the sidewall construction of the bag and may be varied over a wide range to thereby provide the results described herein. FIGS. 5 and 6 together show the operation of the modified means described herein.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 7 of the drawings. In FIG. 7, the vacuum shoe means is again indicated by the numeral 45 and is mounted on the tubular member 42. The plate 51 on which the bags 15 are carried -is shown just below a plate 60. The plate 60 is the upper plate' defining the rectangular box or cabinetlike structure of the packaging apparatus 10. Alternatively, the plate 60 is associated with the loading apparatus for the product to be packaged, of whatever nature, and the significant feature ofthe plate 60 is its relationship with regard to the plurality of bags 15. The guide 14 shown heretofore in FIG. I is likewise included in FIG. 7. The guide 14 incorporates a tongue l4a extending therefrom which is better shown in the sectional view of FIG. 10. Parallel guides 14 are shown in FIG. with the tongues 14a extending over the stack of bags and into appropriately shaped cutout slots in the vacuum shoe means 45. The guides 14 are formed of L-shaped stock to thereby permit the flange l4e to be mounted flush against the plate 60. For smoothly easing the goods to be packaged into the open bag as will be described, a built-up area is included on the inner face of the metal tongues [40 and is indicated by the numeral 14b. This is shown on both of the tongues in FIG. 10.

The cutout portions indicated at 450 in FIG. 10 are walled off to avoid drawing air into the chamber. Thus, a U-shaped well is located at 45a at two locations as shown in FIG. 10 cooperative with the guides to prevent mechanical interference of the vacuumshoe with the tongues 14 extending over the bags. It will be appreciated that the reciprocal movement of the shoe means 45 is completed without any interference by the means described above.

Attention is redirected to FIG. 7 which shows the vacuum shoe means 45 at its lowest position picking up the uppermost bag. In FIG. 8, the shoe 45 is shown elevated after the uppermostbag has closed the vacuum flow holes and the continued draw of the vacuum apparatus has lifted the vacuum shoe 45. It will be noted that the guide tongues 14 have engaged the upper wall of the partially opened bag which gives as shown in FIG. 8 and tends to pass around the tongue. When the bag is first engaged, the wells 45a are covered over at the bottom by the bags held in position by the vacuum lift which is a firm hold, yet easily interrupted relationship. As the vacuum shoe 45 moves up, some few holes in the lower face (not shown in this view) are exposed to atmosphere as the upper or lifted wall of the bag rides over the streamlined end ofthe tongues 14. The opening or exposure of perhaps one or two openings of nominal cross-sectional area of the lower face of the vacuum shoe 45 does not cause the shoe to drop the whole bag on maintaining adequate vacuum flow through the apparatus. Thus, it will be understood that the tongue, while above the upper wall of the bag in FIG. 7, rides over the edge of the upper bag wall in FIG. 8 and thereafter, the bag pops back up against the vacuum shoe 45 as shown in FIG. 9. At this juncture, the tongue 14:: is within the bag 15 as shown in FIG. 9 after movement of the vacuum shoe 45 to its uppermost position. The goods are easily inserted between the guides 14 and through the tongues 14a into the bag 15. It will be understood that the sequence shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 is directed to an alternative embodiment adapted for the present invention to enable the packaging of apparatus which fits too snugly and requires side guides fully within the bag. Of course, this is not necessarily required for all products and is an optional feature. It will be understood that the sequence described above is repeated time and time again as the apparatus continues to function automatically.

While numerous other modifications can be adopted by the present invention, it is desired to protect the present invention by the scope ofthe claims appended hereto.

What I claim is:

I. Bag-handling apparatus for cooperation with a stack of closed bags, comprising:

a. vacuum shoe means adapted to be contacted against a bag;

b. tongue means extending over the stack of closed bags;

0. said vacuum shoe means being positioned near the end of the bag to be opened;

d. means for mounting said vacuum shoe means for reciprocating movement in a manner to open a bag;

. means responsive to vacuum engagement with a bag by said vacuum shoe means for reciprocating said vacuum shoe means with the big engaged thereby; and,

. said vacuum shoe means raising onewall of the bag to be opened in the reciprocating movement to ride the one wall of the bag over said tongue means whereupon the opened bag has said tongue means within the open bag.

. The invention of claim 1, including:

. a first conductive member fixed relative to the stack of closed bags;

. a second conductive member slidably mounted relative to said first member;

c. said vacuum shoe means cooperative with said first and second members to provide a vacuum flow path closed on engagement with the bag of the stack; and,

. said second member being drawn away from the engaged bag on continued vacuum flow in cooperation with said first member.

3. The invention of claim 1, including:

a closed member having a chamber therein and a face presented to the bag to be opened, said face having opening means therein which admits air to said closed member and which is adapted to be closed off by a bag engaged by said closed member;

b. said closed means comprising a portion of said vacuum shoe means;

c. vacuum flow apparatus communicating with said closed member for drawing air through said opening means;

d. said means responsive to vacuum engagement with a bag incorporating the chamber of said closed member which is decreased in volume on closure of said opening means I and which increases on airflow through said opening means.

4. Bag-handling apparatus for cooperation with a stack of closed bags comprising:

a. vacuum shoe means adapted to be contacted against a bag;

. a first hollow elongate member connected to said vacuum shoe means;

. a second hollow elongate member open at one end for slidingly receiving said first hollow elongate member for reciprocating movement in said second hollow elongate member;

(I. means for supporting said second elongate member in a position such that said first hollow elongate member reciprocates toward a stack of closed bags to carry said vacuum shoe means in proximity thereof;

e. said second hollow elongate member including means permitting connection to a source of vacuum flow;

said first and second hollow elongate members fitting together with a degree of clearance permitting vacuum leakage therebetween;

. A first surface defining at least partially a guiding means for a product to be packaged in an open bag;

. a support means for supporting the stack of closed bags;

and,

. means for positioning the stack of closed bags on said support means at a location so that the open bag of the stack is cooperative with said first surface for receiving the product to be packaged.

5. Bag-handling apparatus for cooperation with a stack of closed bags comprising:

a. vacuum shoe means adapted to be contacted against a bag;

b. a first hollow elongate member connected to said vacuum shoe means;

c. a second hollow elongate member open at one end for slidingly receiving said first hollow elongate member for reciprocating movement in said second hollow elongate member;

d. means for supporting said second elongate member in a position such that said first hollow elongate member reciprocates toward a stack of closed bags to carry said vacuum shoe means in proximity thereof;

. said second hollow elongate member including means permitting connection to a source of vacuum flow;

f. said first and second hollow elongate members fitting together with a degree of clearance permitting vacuum leakage therebetween;

g a first surface defining at least partially a guiding means for aproduct to-be packaged in an open bag; and,

h. tongue means cooperative with said first surface for guiding the product in the open bag.

6. The invention of claim 5. including means for positioning said tongue means above one wall of the open bag and within the open mouth thereof.

7. Bag-handling apparatus for cooperation with a stackof closed bags comprising:

a. vacuum shoe means adapted to be contacted against a bag;

b. a first hollow elongate member connected to said vacuum shoe means;

. said first and second hollow elongate members fitting together with a degree of clearance permitting vacuum leakage therebetween;

. said vacuum shoe means including a closed body having a first flat face adapted to be presented to the stack of closed bags and a plurality of openings are formed therein; and,

. a second platelike member extending atan angle with

Claims

1. Bag-handling apparatus for cooperation with a stack of closed bags, comprising: a. vacuum shoe means adapted to be contacted against a bag; b. tongue means extending over the stack of closed bags; c. said vacuum shoe means being positioned near the end of the bag to be opened; d. means for mounting said vacuum shoe means for reciprocating movement in a manner to open a bag; e. means responsive to vacuum engagement with a bag by said vacuum shoe means for reciprocating said vacuum shoe means with the big engaged thereby; and, f. said vacuum shoe means raising one wall of the bag to be opened in the reciprocating movement to ride the one wall of the bag over said tongue means whereupon the opened bag has said tongue means within the open bag.

2. The invention of claim 1, including: a. a first conductive member fixed relative to the stack of closed bags; b. a second conductive member slidably mounted relative to said first member; c. said vacuum shoe means cooperative with said first and second members to provide a vacuum flow path closed on engagement with the bag of the stack; and, d. said second member being drawn away from the engaged bag on continued vacuum flow in cooperation with said first member.

3. The invention of claim 1, including: a. a closed member having a chamber therein and a face presented to the bag to be opened, said face having opening means therein which admits air to said closed member and which is adapTed to be closed off by a bag engaged by said closed member; b. said closed means comprising a portion of said vacuum shoe means; c. vacuum flow apparatus communicating with said closed member for drawing air through said opening means; d. said means responsive to vacuum engagement with a bag incorporating the chamber of said closed member which is decreased in volume on closure of said opening means and which increases on airflow through said opening means.

4. Bag-handling apparatus for cooperation with a stack of closed bags comprising: a. vacuum shoe means adapted to be contacted against a bag; b. a first hollow elongate member connected to said vacuum shoe means; c. a second hollow elongate member open at one end for slidingly receiving said first hollow elongate member for reciprocating movement in said second hollow elongate member; d. means for supporting said second elongate member in a position such that said first hollow elongate member reciprocates toward a stack of closed bags to carry said vacuum shoe means in proximity thereof; e. said second hollow elongate member including means permitting connection to a source of vacuum flow; f. said first and second hollow elongate members fitting together with a degree of clearance permitting vacuum leakage therebetween; g. A first surface defining at least partially a guiding means for a product to be packaged in an open bag; h. a support means for supporting the stack of closed bags; and, i. means for positioning the stack of closed bags on said support means at a location so that the open bag of the stack is cooperative with said first surface for receiving the product to be packaged.

5. Bag-handling apparatus for cooperation with a stack of closed bags comprising: a. vacuum shoe means adapted to be contacted against a bag; b. a first hollow elongate member connected to said vacuum shoe means; c. a second hollow elongate member open at one end for slidingly receiving said first hollow elongate member for reciprocating movement in said second hollow elongate member; d. means for supporting said second elongate member in a position such that said first hollow elongate member reciprocates toward a stack of closed bags to carry said vacuum shoe means in proximity thereof; e. said second hollow elongate member including means permitting connection to a source of vacuum flow; f. said first and second hollow elongate members fitting together with a degree of clearance permitting vacuum leakage therebetween; g. a first surface defining at least partially a guiding means for a product to be packaged in an open bag; and, h. tongue means cooperative with said first surface for guiding the product in the open bag.

6. The invention of claim 5, including means for positioning said tongue means above one wall of the open bag and within the open mouth thereof.

7. Bag-handling apparatus for cooperation with a stack of closed bags comprising: a. vacuum shoe means adapted to be contacted against a bag; b. a first hollow elongate member connected to said vacuum shoe means; c. a second hollow elongate member open at one end for slidingly receiving said first hollow elongate member for reciprocating movement in said second hollow elongate member; d. means for supporting said second elongate member in a position such that said first hollow elongate member reciprocates toward a stack of closed bags to carry said vacuum shoe means in proximity thereof; e. said second hollow elongate member including means permitting connection to a source of vacuum flow; f. said first and second hollow elongate members fitting together with a degree of clearance permitting vacuum leakage therebetween; g. said vacuum shoe means including a closed body having a first flat face adapted to be presented to the stack of closed bags and a plurality of openings are formed therein; and, h. a second platelike meMber extending at an angle with respect to said first face, said second platelike member also including a plurality of openings therein and adapted to be contacted against a different portion of the stack of closed bags and being communicated with the vacuum shoe.