WO2024055025A1 - Système et procédé d'emballage d'articles dans un carton - Google Patents

Système et procédé d'emballage d'articles dans un carton Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024055025A1
WO2024055025A1 PCT/US2023/073814 US2023073814W WO2024055025A1 WO 2024055025 A1 WO2024055025 A1 WO 2024055025A1 US 2023073814 W US2023073814 W US 2023073814W WO 2024055025 A1 WO2024055025 A1 WO 2024055025A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
blank
applicator
gripper
examples
articles
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/073814
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jean-Christophe Bonnain
Frederic LIMOUSIN
Alexis MANNEUX
Original Assignee
Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc filed Critical Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc
Publication of WO2024055025A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024055025A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/12—Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
    • B65B43/14—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines
    • B65B43/16—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers
    • B65B43/18—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers by suction-operated grippers
    • B65B43/185—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers by suction-operated grippers specially adapted for carton blanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B15/00—Attaching articles to cards, sheets, strings, webs, or other carriers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B17/00—Other machines, apparatus, or methods for packaging articles or materials
    • B65B17/02—Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling
    • B65B17/025—Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling the articles being joined by a top carrier element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B21/00—Packaging or unpacking of bottles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
    • B65B65/003—Packaging lines, e.g. general layout

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to article packaging and, more particularly, to systems and methods for packaging articles within a carton formed from a blank.
  • cartons are often used for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store, and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations include the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting articles. For example, it is desirable that the articles remain secure within the carton. Additional considerations include the level of automation available to transfer and apply the carton to the articles and to form the carton around the articles. For example, it is desirable for a blank of sheet material to be fed into a packaging machine and to be automatically transferred to, applied on, and formed about the articles being packaged to form the carton.
  • the disclosed system includes a conveyor.
  • the conveyor is configured to convey groups of articles along a travel path.
  • the system also includes a feeder apparatus.
  • the feeder apparatus is configured to transfer a blank to each one of the groups as the articles move along the travel path.
  • the system further includes an applicator apparatus.
  • the applicator apparatus is configured to apply the blank to each one of the groups as the articles move along the travel path.
  • the feeder apparatus includes a plurality of grippers. The grippers are configured to engage the blank.
  • the feeder apparatus also includes a feeder drive. The feeder drive is configured to rotate the grippers about an axis.
  • the feeder apparatus further includes a guide. The guide is configured to position each one of the grippers along an orbital path during rotation about the axis such that each one of the grippers has at least two radial positions along the orbital path and that orbital motion of each one of the grippers along the orbital path is momentary paused at a first radial position to engage the blank.
  • the applicator apparatus includes a plurality of first applicator tools.
  • the first applicator tools arc configured to press the blanks onto alternating first ones of the groups as the articles move along the travel path.
  • the applicator apparatus also includes a plurality of second applicator tools.
  • the second applicator tools are configured to press the blanks onto alternating second ones of the groups as the articles move along the travel path.
  • the applicator apparatus further includes an applicator drive.
  • the applicator drive is configured to rotate the first applicator tools about a first axis and to rotate the second applicator tools about a second axis.
  • the disclosed feeder apparatus includes a gripper.
  • the gripper is configured to engage and hold a blank.
  • the feeder apparatus also includes a feeder drive.
  • the feeder drive is configured to rotate the gripper about an axis.
  • the feeder apparatus further includes a guide.
  • the guide is configured to position the gripper along an orbital path during rotation about the axis such that the gripper has at least two radial positions along the orbital path. Orbital motion of the gripper along the orbital path is momentary paused at one of the radial positions to engage the blank.
  • the gripper disengages the blank at another one of the radial positions to place the blank on the group.
  • the disclosed applicator apparatus includes a plurality of first applicator tools.
  • the first applicator tools are configured to press blanks onto alternating first ones of groups of articles.
  • the applicator apparatus also includes a plurality of second applicator tools.
  • the second applicator tools are configured to press the blanks onto altemating second ones of the groups.
  • the applicator apparatus further includes an applicator drive.
  • the applicator drive is configured to rotate the first applicator tools about a first axis and to rotate the second applicator tools about a second axis.
  • the disclosed method for packaging includes steps of: (1) conveying groups of articles along a travel path; (2) transferring a blank to each one of the groups as the articles move along the travel path by: retrieving the blank by rotating a gripper about an axis and engaging the blank with the gripper at one of at least two radial positions of the gripper along an orbital path of the gripper in which orbital motion of the gripper along the orbital path is momentarily paused; and placing the blank on each one of the groups by further rotating the gripper about the axis and disengaging the blank from the gripper at another one of the at least two radial positions of the gripper along the orbital path of the gripper; and (3) applying the blank to each one of the groups as the articles move along the travel path by: rotating a first applicator tool about a first axis and pressing the blank onto alternating first ones of the groups; and rotating a second applicator tool about a second axis and pressing the blank onto alternating second ones of the groups.
  • the disclosed method for transferring includes steps of: (1) retrieving a blank by: (2) rotating a gripper about an axis and (3) engaging the blank with the gripper at one of at least two radial positions of the gripper along an orbital path of the gripper in which orbital motion of the gripper along the orbital path is momentarily paused; and (4) placing the blank on each one of the groups by: (5) further rotating the gripper about the axis and (6) disengaging the blank from the gripper at another one of the at least two radial positions of the gripper along the orbital path of the gripper.
  • the disclosed method for applying includes steps of: (1) rotating a first applicator tool about a first axis; (2) pressing the blank onto alternating first ones of groups of articles;(3) rotating a second applicator tool about a second axis; and (4) pressing the blank onto alternating second ones of the groups.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a blank for forming a carton and a group of articles;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the carton formed from the blank and applied the group of articles;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic, block diagram of an example of a system for packaging articles
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic, elevational view of an example of a portion of the system
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic, elevational view of an example of a portion of a feeder apparatus of the system shown in a first rotational position;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic, elevational view of an example of a portion of the feeder apparatus shown in a second rotational position;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a portion of the feeder apparatus shown in the first rotational position
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a portion of the feeder apparatus shown in the second rotational position
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the feeder apparatus.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a portion of the feeder apparatus
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic, elevational view of an example of a portion of the feeder apparatus
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a portion of an applicator apparatus of the system
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a portion of the applicator apparatus
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a portion of the applicator apparatus;
  • Figs. 15-19 are schematic illustrations of examples of the applicator apparatus at various stages of a blank application operation;
  • FIGs. 20-23 are schematic illustrations of examples of the applicator apparatus at various stages of the blank application operation
  • FIG. 24 is flow diagram of an example of a method for packaging articles
  • FIG. 25 is a flow diagram of an example of a method for transferring a blank to a group of articles.
  • Fig. 26 is a flow diagram of an example of a method for applying blanks to groups of articles.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 schematically illustrates an example of a blank 100 (e.g., shown in Fig. 2) that is configured and used to form a carton 102 (e.g., shown in Fig. 2).
  • the blank 100 is configured to be applied to and formed (e.g., folded) about a plurality of articles 104 to form the carton 102, such that at least a portion of each one of the articles 104 is packaged in and/or is retained by the carton 102.
  • the carton 102 is configured to contain and/or cany the articles 104.
  • the carton 102 may also be referred to as an article carrier or a carrier.
  • the blank 100 and, thus, the carton 102 is associated with and corresponds to a grouping of the articles 104, referred to herein as a group 106 of the articles 104 (e.g., as shown in Figs. 1 and 2).
  • the group 106 can include any suitable number of the articles 104 (e.g., two articles, four articles, six articles, etc.).
  • the articles 104 can be arranged is any suitable arrangement or configuration (e.g., two rows to two articles, two rows of three articles, two rows of four articles, two rows of six articles, etc.).
  • the number of the articles 104 and/or the arrangement of the articles 104 in the group 106 may depend on the type of the article 104 (e.g., a can, a bottle, a box, etc.), the size and/or weight of the article 104, the style and/or configuration of the blank 100 and, thus, the style and/or configuration of the carton 102, and the like.
  • the article 104 refers to a primary package for a product.
  • the carton 102 forms a secondary package for packaging the articles 104 (e.g., at least one primary product container or package).
  • the terms “carton,” “carrier,” and like terms refer to a container for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that the examples described herein can be applied to various product containers, which may be, but are not necessarily, tapered and/or cylindrical in shape.
  • Exemplary articles 104 include, but are not limited to, bottles (e.g., metallic, glass, or plastics bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets, other similar product containers, and the like.
  • the blank 100 is configured to form the carton 102 for packaging an arrangement of the articles 104 (e.g., the group 106).
  • the articles 104 can be arranged and packaged in the carton 102 in any suitable package configuration, such as in the form of a two pack, a four pack, a six pack, an eight pack, a twelve pack, etc. In the examples illustrated herein, the arrangement is a 2 x 3 matrix or array (e.g., a six pack).
  • the articles 104 are beverage bottles, such as 355ml (12 oz) plastic beverage bottles, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic beverage bottles.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the blank 100 can be configured to form the carton 102 for packaging other types, numbers, and/or sizes or articles 104 and/or for packaging articles 104 in different arrangements or configurations.
  • the blank 100 includes a plurality of panels 134 connected to one another by a plurality of fold lines 136.
  • Any one of the fold lines 136 and/or hinge lines described herein may include any suitable predefined or preformed line of weakening and/or line of separation known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided, such as a crease, a score, a perforation, relief cut, or the like.
  • the fold lines 136 transform the blank 100 into a plurality of separate but integrals panels and flaps that form the carton 102.
  • the preformed lines of weakening enable ease in folding during assembly of the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes a main panel 108.
  • the main panel 108 of the blank 100 is a bottom panel, a base panel, or an engaging panel and, thereby, forms at least a portion of a main wall of the carton 102, such as a bottom wall, a base wall, or an engaging wall of the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes a first side panel 110.
  • the first side panel 110 is hingedly connected to a first side of the main panel 108, such as by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 112.
  • the first side panel 110 forms at least a portion of a first side wall or a first side closure structure of the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes a second side panel 114.
  • the second side panel 114 is hingedly connected to a second side of the main panel 108, opposite the first side panel 110, such as by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 116.
  • the second side panel 114 forms at least a portion of a second side wall or a second side closure structure of the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes a first end panel 118.
  • the first end panel 118 is hingedly connected to a first end of the main panel 108, such as by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 120.
  • the first end panel 118 forms at least a portion of a first end wall or a first end closure structure of the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes a second end panel 122.
  • the second end panel 122 is hingedly connected to a second end of the main panel 108, opposite the first end panel 118, such as by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 124.
  • the second end panel 122 forms at least a portion of a second end wall or a second end closure structure of the carton 102.
  • the main panel 108 of the blank 100 includes at least one retention structure 126.
  • the retention structure 126 is configured to retain (e.g., receive, contain, and hold) a portion of the article 104.
  • the main panel 108 includes a plurality of retention structures 126, such as six retention structures 126 arranged in 2 x 3 matrix or array.
  • the retention structure 126 (e.g., each one of the retention structures 126) includes a retention aperture 128.
  • the retention aperture 128 is or takes the form of an article receiving opening.
  • the retention aperture 128 forms at least part of an article retention opening of the carton 102 and is configured to receive and engage a portion of the article 104.
  • the retention structure 126 (e.g., each one of the retention structures 126) includes a plurality of retention tabs 130.
  • the retention tabs 130 include or take the form of teeth.
  • at least of the retention tabs 130 oppose one another about the retention aperture 128.
  • a plurality of the retention tabs 130 are arranged in an annular series about the retention aperture 128.
  • the retention tabs 130 form a part of the article retention opening of the carton 102.
  • the retention tabs 130 are provided by (e.g., are formed by) the main panel 108.
  • each one of the retention tabs 130 is hingedly connected to the main panel 108, such as by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.
  • the hinged connection is defined by a plurality of cut lines.
  • the cut lines are arranged as an annular series of cuts about the retention aperture 128.
  • each one of the retention tabs 130 includes an engaging edge and a hinged edge opposite the engaging edge.
  • the engaging edges are defined by a linear portion of a cut line defining the retention aperture 128.
  • each engaging edge defines a part of a polygon.
  • the blank 100 can include any suitable number of retention tabs 130.
  • each one of the retention tabs 130 includes a pair of side edges.
  • the side edges are defined by cuts extending radially outward from respective vertices of the polygon, for example, from a respective vertex between a pair of adjacent linear portions of the cut defining the portion of a polygon.
  • the cuts are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween.
  • the plurality of cut lines may define or approximate a portion of circle.
  • each one of the plurality of cut lines may be linear in shape.
  • each one of the plurality of cut lines may be arcuate or curved.
  • the cut lines may have a radius of curvature that is equal to half the diameter of the retention aperture 128 (e.g., the article retention opening).
  • the cut lines may have a radius of curvature that is greater than half the diameter of the retention aperture 128 (e.g., article retention opening).
  • the retention structures 126 may take a different form, for example but not limited to, a pair of spaced apart opposing cuts that define a displaceable region forming a cover over an article and providing a pair of opposed engaging edges for engaging opposing sides of an article below a flange, chime, or other projection.
  • the main panel 108 forms at least a portion of a handle structure for the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes at least one handle aperture 132 (e.g., shown in Fig. 2).
  • the handle aperture 132 defines or forms at least a portion of a handle opening of the handle structure of the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes a plurality of handle apertures 132.
  • each one of the handle apertures 132 is defined in, cut from, or struck from a region of the main panel 108, such as disposed or arranged centrally between the retention structures 126.
  • the blank 100 includes at least one alignment aperture 138 (e.g., shown in Fig. 1).
  • the alignment aperture 138 is formed through the main panel 108 and/or one of the end panels (e.g., first end panel 118 and/or second end panel 122)
  • the blank 100 includes one or more additional panels, flaps, and/or components that form one or more additional walls and/or components of the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes one or more cover panels that are hingedly connected to another portion (e.g., another one of the panels 134) of the blank 100 by one or more additional fold lines 136.
  • the cover panels form at least a portion of the handle structure of the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes one or more locking structures (e.g., interlocking openings and tabs) configured to cooperate with one another to secure one or more of the panels 134 of the blank 100 together to form the carton 102.
  • one or more of the panels 134 or other components of the blank 100 are, additionally or alternatively, secured together using adhesives.
  • the blank 100 includes one or more additional connecting panels, flaps, anchors, gussets, and the like, which are hingedly connected to another panel 134 by a fold line 136 and which form another portion of the carton 102.
  • the carton 102 is constructed from the blank 100.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an example of the blank 100 applied to the group 106 of the articles 104 and formed about the articles 104 to form the carton 102 (e.g., the articles 104 packaged in the carton 102).
  • each one of a plurality of blanks 100 is transferred from a stock or supply 204 of the blanks 100 (e.g., shown in Fig. 3).
  • the blank 100 is the aligned with and placed on the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • each one of the retention structures 126 of the blank 100 is aligned with a respective one of the articles 104 in the group 106.
  • the blank 100 is then applied to the group 106 of the articles 104 such that a portion (e.g., an upper portion) of each one of the articles 104 passes through a corresponding, or respective, retention aperture 128 in the main panel 108.
  • a portion e.g., an upper portion
  • the retention tabs 130 of the retention structure 126, about each one of the retention apertures 128, are folded out of the plane of the main panel 1 8.
  • each retention tab 130 is folded out of the plane of the main panel 108 (e.g., upwardly) about the article 104 as the article 104 is received in the respective one of the retention structures 126.
  • the retention tab 130 may conform to the article 104 or partially return (e.g., spring back) toward the plane of the main panel 108, relative to the article 104, such that the engaging edges of the retention structure 126 (e.g., the retention tabs 130) engage or fit underneath a shoulder portion of the article 104.
  • the article 104 is a bottle (e.g., a plastic bottle), as shown in Fig. 2
  • the shoulder portion may be provided by the neck, the neck ring, and/or the cap of the bottle.
  • the shoulder portion may be provided by the neck-in and/or rim of the can.
  • the blank 100 is folded about respective fold lines to the bring the panels of the blank 100 into a desired (e.g., non-coplanar) relationship with the main panel 108 and to form wall structures of the carton 102 about the articles 104.
  • forming the carton 102 e.g., folding of the blank 100
  • forming the carton 102 is partially performed concurrently with applying the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • forming the carton 102 (e.g., folding of the blank 100) is performed after applying the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles [56]
  • the present disclosure is directed to a system 200 for packaging the articles 104.
  • the present disclosure is also directed to portions, sub-systems, stages, apparatuses, and/or machines of the system 200.
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of the system 200 for packaging the groups 106 of the articles 104.
  • the system 200 is configured to perform one of more of the following operations: (1) move the articles 104 along a travel path 202 (e.g., a packaging path); (2) arrange and group the articles 104 into the group 106; (3) transfer the blank 100 to the group 106; (4) apply to the blank 100 to the group 106; and (5) form the carton 102 about the group 106.
  • a travel path 202 e.g., a packaging path
  • the system 200 is configured to package the articles 104 within the carton 102 by placing, applying, and forming the blank 100 about the articles 104.
  • the carton 102 is formed from the blank 100.
  • the blank 100 is folded or formed about the articles 104.
  • the articles 104 are packaged within the carton 102.
  • the carton 102 as filled with the group 106 of the articles 104 may also referred to herein as a completed package.
  • the system 200 is a continuous motion packaging system for continuously packaging groups 106 of the articles 104 within respective cartons 102.
  • the system 200 is configured to continuously process multiple blanks 100 to form (e.g., construct or assemble) multiple completed cartons 102 filled with multiple groups 106 of the articles 104.
  • the carton 102 includes, or is formed from, a flat, wrap style blank 100 that is designed to fold or be otherwise wrapped about at least a portion of the articles 104 of the group 106 received through the main panel 108 of the blank 100 (e.g., the base panel of the carton 102).
  • the system 200 includes a plurality of stations, stages, modules, sub-systems, apparatuses, and/or machines. Each one of the stations is configured to perform (e.g., automatically perform or semi-automatically perform) one or more processing or packaging operation.
  • the packaging system 200 includes a first station 206, a second station 208, a third station 210, and a fourth station 212.
  • the packaging system 200 may include other numbers and/or types of station, such as less than four stations or more than four stations.
  • the packaging operation, or operations, described in association with any one of the stations may be associated or combined with a different one of the stations or may be associated with an additional station that is configured to perform that discrete operation.
  • not every operation associated with packaging the articles 104 and/or forming the carton 102 from the blank 100 is necessarily described in detail herein or associated with a particular station of the system 200.
  • certain packaging operations, components, and/or materials, such as those that are well known or common in the industry may not necessarily be described in detail. Accordingly, the illustrative examples of the system 200, any one of the stations, and/or any one of the operations associated with any one of the stations, are not meant to imply structural or operational limitations with respect to the illustrative example.
  • the first station 206 is configured to transport (e.g., continuously transport) a plurality of the articles 104 for packaging.
  • an input stream of the articles 104 is provided in a non-uniform and rapid manner, for example, from a filling, canning, or bottling line (not shown).
  • an input stream of the articles 104 is provided in a metered or controlled manner, for example, from a filling, canning, or bottling line (not shown).
  • the first station 206 receives the stream of the articles 104 along the travel path 202, which are deliver on or via a mass conveyor (not shown).
  • the second station 208 is connected to, such as in series with, the first station 206. In one or more examples, the second station 208 is configured to receive the stream of the articles 104 from the first station 206. In one or more examples, the second station 208 is further configured to arrange or group the articles 104 into the groups 106 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202. In one or more examples, the second station 208 includes one or more transfer devices or bypass mechanisms that transfer the articles 104 between different conveyors of a conveyor system 214 for grouping.
  • the blank 100 associated with the group 106 is retrieved and placed on the group 106.
  • the second station 208 is also configured to retrieve and place the blank 100 on the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the blank 100 associated with the group 106 is applied to the articles 104.
  • the second station 208 is also configured to apply the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the third station 210 is connected to, such as in series with, the second station 208. In one or more examples, the third station 210 is configured to receive the group 106 of the articles 104 and the blank 100, applied to the articles 104, from the second station 208. In one or more examples, the third station 210 is further configured to fold or otherwise form the blank 100 about the group 106 of the articles 104 to form the carton 102 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • At least a portion of the folding or forming operation performed on the blank 100 is performed in or is associated with the second station 208.
  • one or more portions of the blank 100 can be folded during or directly after the blank 100 is applied to the group 106 of the articles 104 to partially form the carton 102.
  • the fourth station 212 is connected to, such as in series with, the third station 210. In one or more examples, the fourth station 212 is configured to receive the completed package (e.g., the fully formed carton 102 and the group 106 of the articles 104 packaged in the carton 102) from the third station 210. In one or more examples, the fourth station 212 is further configured to transport and discharge the completed package.
  • the completed package e.g., the fully formed carton 102 and the group 106 of the articles 104 packaged in the carton 102
  • the fourth station 212 is further configured to transport and discharge the completed package.
  • the packaging system 200 includes the conveyor system 214.
  • the conveyor system 214 is configured to convey (e.g., continuously convey) the articles 104 (and the blank 100 once applied to the articles 104) along the travel path 202 (e.g., a packaging path).
  • the travel path 202 defines a direction of travel (e.g., as indicated by directional arrow 216 shown in Fig. 4) of the articles 104 and the blank 100 during formation of the carton 102.
  • the conveyor system 214 includes at least one conveyor 218, such as a plurality of conveyors 218 associated with certain packaging operations performed by the system 200.
  • the conveyor system 214 includes an input conveyor 220 (e.g., as first conveyor), a grouping conveyor 222 (e.g., a second conveyor), an application conveyor 224 (e.g., a third conveyor), an assembly conveyor 226 (e.g., a fourth conveyor), and a discharge conveyor 228 (e.g., a fifth conveyor).
  • each one of the conveyors forms a portion or section of the conveyor 218 of the system 200.
  • the conveyor 218, such as one or more of the input conveyor 220, the grouping conveyor 222, the application conveyor 224, the assembly conveyor 226, and the discharge conveyor 228, includes any suitable features and/or components common to automated conveyor lines and configured to convey articles along an upper surface thereof, such as rollers, belts, endless chains, side lugs, front lugs, rear lugs, drive mechanisms, and the like.
  • the input conveyor 220 forms a portion of the first station 206.
  • the input conveyor 220 may also be referred to as an article feed conveyor or first conveyor.
  • the input conveyor 220 is configured to transport a series or stream of the articles 104 along an article infeed path (e.g., a portion of the travel path 202), such as in discrete lines or lanes defined by lane guides, as the articles 104 enter the system 200 at an upstream end thereof.
  • the lane guides are configured to maintain the articles 104 in their respective lanes and redirect the line of articles 104 toward an arranging and loading position.
  • the system 200 includes a machine or other mechanism for processing an incoming mass of the articles 104.
  • this machine or mechanism includes or takes the form of a processing apparatus 234 (also shown in Fig. 4).
  • the processing apparatus 234 is configured to receive and funnel the incoming mass of articles 104 into one or more lanes to create an incoming stream of the articles 104, such as that is one or two articles wide. Tn one or more examples, the incoming mass of the articles 104 is conveyed on the input conveyor 220.
  • the processing apparatus 234 machine forms a portion of the first station 206 and/or the second station 208.
  • the grouping conveyor 222 forms a portion of the second station 208.
  • the grouping conveyor 222 may also be referred to as an article grouping conveyor or second conveyor.
  • the grouping conveyor 222 is in communication with the input conveyor 220.
  • the stream of the articles 104 is transferred from the input conveyor 220 to the grouping conveyor 222.
  • the grouping conveyor 222 is configured to arrange a series of the articles 104 (e.g., from the stream of the articles 104) in a suitable package configuration, such as the group 106 of the articles 104 (e.g., in a 2 x 3 matrix or array).
  • the grouping conveyor 222 is configured to separate the series of the articles 104 into the groups 106 of the correct number of the articles 104 per a corresponding instance of the blank 100.
  • the grouping conveyor 222 is configured to transport the series of the articles 104 along one or more article grouping paths, such as in discrete lines or lanes defined by lane guides, as the articles 104 enter the grouping conveyor 222 at an upstream end thereof (e.g., from the input conveyor 220) and move along the grouping conveyor 222.
  • the lane guides are configured to maintain the articles 104 in their respective lanes and redirect the lines of articles 104 for arrangement in the group 106 and for application of the blank 100.
  • the system 200 includes a machine or other mechanism for arranging, grouping, or otherwise processing the incoming stream of the articles 104.
  • this machine or mechanism includes or takes the form of a grouping apparatus 230 (also shown in Fig. 4).
  • the grouping apparatus 230 is configured to receive the stream of articles 104 and to arrange or group portions of the stream of the articles 104 into the groups 106.
  • the incoming stream of the articles 104 is conveyed to the grouping apparatus 230 on the grouping conveyor 222.
  • the grouping apparatus 230 includes any suitable mechanical assembly configured to separate and group individual ones of the articles 104, such as, but not limited to, lugs or blocks that continuously move along a loop by a drive mechanism (e.g., via a chain or belt), a star wheel, and the like.
  • the grouping apparatus 230 forms a portion of the first station 206 and/or the second station 208.
  • the grouping apparatus 230 is configured to maintain, hold, or otherwise guide the articles 104 in the group 106 for placement and application of the blank 100 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the grouping apparatus 230 forms a portion of the first station 206 and/or the second station 208.
  • the system 200 includes a machine or other mechanism for feeding the blank 100 into the processing path as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • this machine or mechanism includes or takes the form of a feeder apparatus 300 (also shown in Fig. 4).
  • the feeder apparatus 300 is configured to retrieve (e.g., pick up) the blank 100, for example, from the supply 204 of the blanks 100 stored in a hopper 232 (also shown in Fig. 4).
  • the feeder apparatus 300 is configured to transfer the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 is configured to place the blank 100 on the group 106 of the articles 104 (e.g., position the blank 100 over the group 106 of the articles 104) as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 may also be referred to as a feeder machine or a blank feeder machine.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 forms a portion of the second station 208.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes, or takes the form of, a rotary vacuum feeder.
  • the rotary vacuum feeder includes a plurality of grippers (e.g., suction cups coupled to a vacuum system). The grippers are connected to a rotating wheel unit driven by a drive shaft. A drive mechanism, such as a servo motor, is used to rotate the drive shaft.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes additional or alternative components and/or operates in different manners.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes, or takes the form of, any one of various other machines or tool heads configured to retrieve the blank 100 and position the blank 100 relative to the group 106 of the articles 104, before application of the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the system 200 includes the hopper 232.
  • a plurality of the blanks 100 e.g., the supply 204 of the blanks 100
  • the hopper 232 forms a portion of the second station 208.
  • the blanks 100 are successively retrieved (e.g., picked and/or removed) from the hopper 232 by the feeder apparatus 300.
  • the system 200 includes a machine or other mechanism for applying the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • this machine or mechanism includes or takes the form of an applicator apparatus 400 (also shown in Fig. 4).
  • the applicator apparatus 400 is configured to apply the blank 100 to the arranged group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 may also be referred to as an applicator machine or a blank applicator machine.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 forms a portion of the second station 208.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 is configured to apply the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104 such that upper ends of the articles 104 extend through blank 100 and are retained by the retention structure 126 of the blank 100.
  • the upper ends of the articles extend through the main panel 108 of the blank 100, pass through the retention aperture 128, and are retained by the retention tabs 130.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 is configured to press the blank 100 downwardly onto the group 106 of the articles 104 to load the group 106 of the articles 104 into the blank 100 (e.g., the main panel 108 and retention structures 126 of the blank 100).
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes, or takes the form of, a rotary tooling assembly.
  • the rotary tooling assembly includes a plurality of blank applicator tools.
  • the blank applicator tools are connected to a rotating wheel unit driven by a drive shaft.
  • a drive mechanism such as a servo motor, is used to rotate the drive shaft.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes additional or alternative components and/or operates in different manners.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes, or takes the form of, any one of various other machines or tool heads configured to apply the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the assembly conveyor 226 forms a portion of the third station 210.
  • the assembly conveyor 226 may also be referred to as a carton assembly conveyor or third conveyor.
  • the assembly conveyor 226 is in communication with the grouping conveyor 222.
  • the group 106 of the articles 104, with the blank 100 applied thereto, is transferred from the grouping conveyor 222 to the assembly conveyor 226.
  • the assembly conveyor 226 is configured to transport the group 106 of the articles 104, with the blank 100 secured to the articles 104, along a carton assembly path, such as in discrete lines or lanes defined by lane guides, as the group 106 of the articles 104 and the blank 100 enter the assembly conveyor 226 at an upstream end thereof (e.g., from the grouping conveyor 222) and move along the assembly conveyor 226.
  • the lane guides are configured to maintain the group 106 of articles 104 and the blank 100 in their respective lanes for folding the blank 100 about the group 106 of the articles 104 to assemble the carton 102.
  • the system 200 includes a machine or other mechanism for folding or otherwise forming the blank 100 about the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • this machine or mechanism includes or takes the form of a folding apparatus 236.
  • the folding apparatus 236 may also be referred to as a folding machine or a blank folding machine.
  • the folding apparatus 236 forms a portion of the third station 210.
  • the folding apparatus 236 is configured to fold portions of the blank 100, such as one or more of the panels 134 of the blank 100, about the group 106 of the articles 104, to partially or fully form the carton 102.
  • the folding apparatus 236 includes any combination of forming tools, guide rails, folding wheels, folding arms, and the like that work in coordination to sequentially fold one or more of the panels 134 relative to another one or more of the panels 134 of the blank 100 to form the carton 102 as the articles 104 and the blank 100 move along the travel path 202.
  • a portion of the folding apparatus 236 may be included in or associated with another machine or mechanism of the system 200. As an example, at least a portion of the folding operation can be performed during or immediately after application of the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104, such as by the applicator apparatus 400.
  • the system 200 includes a machine or mechanism for aligning the blank 100 during placement and/or application of the blank 100 and/or during formation of the carton 102.
  • this machine or mechanism includes or takes the form of an alignment apparatus 238.
  • the alignment apparatus 238 may also be referred to as an alignment machine or a blank alignment machine.
  • the alignment apparatus forms a portion of the second station 208 and/or the third station 210.
  • the alignment apparatus 238 is configured to suitably position the blank 100 for application of the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104 and/or while portions of the blank 100 are folded to form the carton 102. In one or more examples, the alignment apparatus 238 is further configured to maintain the blank 100 in the proper position while other forming operations performed, such as interlocking panels of the blank 100 together or punching portions of the blank 100.
  • the discharge conveyor 228 forms a portion of the fourth station 212.
  • the discharge conveyor 228 may also be referred to as a package discharge conveyor or a fourth conveyor.
  • the discharge conveyor 228 is in communication with the assembly conveyor 226. The completed package is transferred from the assembly conveyor 226 to the discharge conveyor 228.
  • the discharge conveyor 228 is configured to transport the completed package along a discharge path, such as in discrete lines or lanes defined by lane guides, as the completed package enters the discharge conveyor 228 at an upstream end thereof (e.g., from the assembly conveyor 226) and moves along the discharge conveyor 228.
  • the discharge conveyor 228 is configured to transport the completed package away from the system 200, such as for further packaging and/or storage.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a portion of the system 200.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates examples of the grouping apparatus 230, the feeder apparatus 300, and the applicator apparatus 400 as the groups 106 of the articles 104 move along the travel path 202 for application of the blanks 100.
  • an incoming flow of the articles 104 is conveyed by the conveyor 218.
  • the processing apparatus 234 meters the incoming flow of the articles 104.
  • the processing apparatus 234 includes a star wheel. The processing apparatus 234 meters the pitch between the articles 104 and/or regulates the flow of the infeed of the articles 104.
  • the articles 104 are grouped into the groups 106 of the articles 104 by the grouping apparatus 230 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the grouping apparatus 230 includes a series of lugs 242 positioned and movable relative to the conveyor 218. As an example, the lugs 242 engage the group 106 of the articles 104 from both opposing sides.
  • the grouping apparatus 230 is configured to engage the articles 104, arrange the articles 104 in the groups 106, and/or retain the articles 104 in the groups 106 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202 (e.g., directional arrow 216).
  • the grouping apparatus 230 continues to engage the articles 104 as the group 106 moves along the travel path 202 to provide lateral support to the articles 104 and/or to prevent, or at least limit, movement of the articles 104 when blank 100 is placed on and/or applied to the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 continuously feeds the blanks 100, one-by-one, to the groups 106 of the articles 104.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 retrieves the blank 100 from the hopper 232. The feeder apparatus 300 also places the blank 100 on or positions the blank 100 over the group 106 of the articles 104 as the group 106 moves along the travel path 202.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 continuously applies the blank 100 to each one of the groups 106 of the articles 104 as the groups 106 move along the travel path 202. In one or more examples, the applicator apparatus 400 presses the blank 100 on or otherwise clips the blank 100 to the articles 104 of the group 106.
  • the system 200 includes an inspection apparatus 240.
  • the inspection apparatus 240 is configured to visually inspect the blank 100 after the blank 100 is applied to the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the inspection apparatus 240 includes any suitable visual inspection machine or device, such as a camera, a machine vision system, and the like.
  • the present disclosure is also directed to the feeder apparatus 300 for transferring the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the system 200 includes the feeder apparatus 300.
  • Figs 5-8 illustrate examples of a portion of the feeder apparatus 300.
  • Fig. 5 and 7 illustrate the feeder apparatus 300 in a first one of a plurality of rotational positions and
  • Figs. 6 and 8 illustrate the feeder apparatus 300 in a second one of the plurality of rotational positions.
  • Fig. 9 illustrates an example of the feeder apparatus 300.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates a portion of the feeder apparatus 300 shown in Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates a portion of the feeder apparatus 300.
  • certain portions of the feeder apparatus 300 e.g., shown in Fig. 9) are removed for the purpose of clarity of illustration.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes a plurality of grippers 302.
  • the grippers 302 are configured to engage the blank 100.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 also includes a feeder drive 304.
  • the feeder drive 304 is configured to rotate the grippers 302 about an axis 306.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 further includes a guide 308.
  • the guide 308 is configured to position each one of the grippers 302 along an orbital path 310 during rotation about the axis 306. During rotation, each one of the grippers 302 has at least two radial positions 312 along the orbital path 310.
  • Orbital motion of each one of the grippers 302 along the orbital path 310 is momentary paused at a first radial position 314 (e.g., a first one of the radial positions 312).
  • a first radial position 314 e.g., a first one of the radial positions 3112.
  • the gripper 302 engages and retrieves the blank 100.
  • the first radial position 314 may also be referred to as a retrieve or pick-up position of the gripper 302.
  • each one of the grippers 302 follows the orbital path 310 when rotated about the axis 306. In other words, each one of the grippers 302 orbits or revolves around the axis 306. In one or more examples, during rotation, each one of the grippers 302 has a plurality of different radial positions 312 along the orbital path 310.
  • the radial position 312 of the gripper 302 refers to an orbital location of the gripper 302 along the orbital path 310, a radial location of the gripper 302 relative to the axis 306, and/or a radial distance of the gripper 302 (e.g., outwardly) from the axis 306 along the orbital path 310.
  • the radial position 312 of the gripper 302 varies along the orbital path 310.
  • the radial position 312 of gripper 302 progressively increases (e.g., relatively more radially outward) along one or more portions of the orbital path 310 and progressively decreases (e.g., relatively less radially outward) along one or more other portions of the orbital path 310.
  • the gripper 302 oscillates between relatively more radially outward positions and relatively less radially outward positions along the orbital path 310.
  • the orbital path 310 is non-circular. In one or more examples, the orbital path 310 resembles or approximates a heart-shape, for example, having two curved lobes that intersect at each end at a point. In one or more examples, the orbital path 310 is approximately symmetric. In one or more examples, the orbital path 310 is asymmetric. In one or more examples, the orbital path 310 includes a first portion 318 (e.g., a first half) and a second portion 320 (e.g., a second half). In one or more examples, the first portion 318 and the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 are approximately mirror images of one another. In one or more examples, each one of the first portion 318 and the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 has a complex curvature.
  • first portion 318 and the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 has a complex curvature.
  • the first portion 318 of the orbital path 310 moves the gripper 302 toward the first radial position 314 and away from a second radial position 316.
  • the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 moves the gripper away from the first radial position 314 and toward the second radial position 316.
  • the first radial position 314 and the second radial position 316 are diametrically opposed to each other.
  • the first portion 318 of the orbital path 310 ends and the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 begins at the first radial position 314. In one or more examples, the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 ends and the first portion 318 of the orbital path 310 begins at the second radial position 316.
  • the first radial position 314 is at a first intersection or transition between the first portion 318 and the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 in which the gripper 302 changes direction from a radially outward direction (e.g., radially outward motion) to a radially inward direction (e.g., radially inward motion). It is this change in direction along the orbital path 310 between the first portion 318 and the second portion 320 that causes or results in a (e.g., first) momentary pause in orbital motion of the gripper 302 at the first radial position 314.
  • the second radial position 316 is at a second intersection or transition between the first portion 318 and the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 in which the gripper 302 changes direction from a radially inward direction (e.g., radially inward motion) to a radially outward direction (e.g., radially outward motion). It is this change in direction along the orbital path 310 between the second portion 320 and the first portion 318 that causes or results in a (e.g., second) momentary pause in the orbital motion of the gripper 302 at the second radial position 316.
  • a radially inward direction e.g., radially inward motion
  • a radially outward direction e.g., radially outward motion
  • the orbital path 310 includes a first loop 322 at the first intersection or transition between the first portion 318 and the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310.
  • the first loop 322 of the orbital path 310 is configured to smoothly redirect the gripper 302 from radially outward motion to radially inward motion.
  • the orbital path 310 includes a second loop 324 at the second intersection or transition between the first portion 318 and the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310.
  • the second loop 324 of the orbital path 310 is configured to smoothly redirect the gripper 302 from radially inward motion to radially outward motion.
  • the gripper 302 is at the second radial position 316 (e.g. , a radially inward position, such as a most radially inward position).
  • the gripper 302 moves along the first portion 318, such as a second portion of the second loop 324, the gripper 302 moves radially outward along a first section of the first portion 318.
  • the gripper 302 moves further along the first portion 318, the gripper 302 moves radially inward along a second section of the first portion 318.
  • the gripper 302 moves further along the first portion 318, such as along a first portion of the first loop 322, the gripper 302 again moves radially outward to the first radial position 314 (e.g., a radially outward position, such as a most radially outward position).
  • the first radial position 314 e.g., a radially outward position, such as a most radially outward position.
  • the gripper 302 is at the first radial position 314 (e.g., a radially outward position, such as a most radially outward position).
  • the gripper 302 moves along the second portion 320, such as along a second portion of the first loop 322, the gripper 302 moves radially inward along a first section of the second portion 320.
  • the gripper 302 moves further along the second portion 320, the gripper 302 moves radially outward along a second section of the second portion 320.
  • the gripper 302 moves further along the second portion 318, such as along a first portion of the second loop 324, the gripper 302 again moves radially inward to the second radial position 316 (e.g., a radially inward position, such as a most radially inward position).
  • the second radial position 316 e.g., a radially inward position, such as a most radially inward position.
  • each one of the grippers 302 is configured to disengage and release the blank 100 at a third radial position 326 along the orbital path 310 to deposit the blank 100 on the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the third radial position 326 may also be referred to as a release or deposition position of the gripper 302.
  • the third radial position 326 is a radially outward position along the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 in which the gripper 302 and, thus, the blank 100 are positioned over the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the gripper 302 follows the first portion 318 of the orbital path 310 for proper positioning to engage and retrieve the blank 100 at the first radial position 314.
  • the gripper 302 follows the second portion 320 of the orbital path 310 for proper positioning to transfer the blank 100 and deposit the blank 100 onto the group 106 of the articles 104 at the third radial position 326.
  • the shape of the orbital path 310 and/or the curvatures of the different portions of the orbital path 310 are configured to selectively control the radial position 312 of the gripper 302 while the gripper 302 is continuously rotated about the axis 306.
  • the shape of the orbital path 310 and/or the curvatures of the different portions of the orbital path 310 are configured selectively move the gripper 302 between radially inward positions (e.g., in a radially inward direction) and radially outward positions (e.g., in a radially outward direction) while the gripper 302 is continuously rotated about the axis 306.
  • the shape of the orbital path 310 and/or the curvatures of the different portions of the orbital path 310 are configured to momentarily pause orbital motion of the gripper 302 at one or more positions along the orbital path 310 while the gripper 302 is continuously rotated about the axis 306.
  • the shape of the orbital path 310 and/or the curvatures of the first portion 318 and the second portion 320 are not limited to the examples illustrated herein.
  • the orbital path 310 can have other suitable shapes and/or curvatures and/or can includes additional portions having different curvatures.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 and, more particularly, the guide 308 includes any suitable mechanism configured to controllably move the grippers 302 along the orbital path 310 while continuously rotating the grippers 302 about the axis 306.
  • the grippers 302 pick the blank 100, for example, from the supply 204 of the blanks 100 in the hopper 232 (Figs. 3 and 4).
  • the grippers 302 hold or otherwise retain the blank 100 while the blank 100 is being trans fcrrcd to the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • the grippers 302 release the blank 100 when positioned on the group 106 of the articles 104.
  • each one of the grippers 302 includes or takes the form of any suitable mechanism configured to selectively grip, hold, and release the blank 100.
  • the gripper 302 includes or takes the form of a vacuum gripper.
  • the gripper 302 includes a vacuum cup or a suction cup that is coupled to and that is in fluid communication with a vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump.
  • a vacuum source such as a vacuum pump.
  • one or more of the grippers 302 includes or takes the form of another type of gripping mechanism, such as a mechanical grasper or manipulator, an adhesive gripper, an electrostatic gripper, and the like.
  • the grippers 302 are equally angularly spaced away from each other.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes six grippers 302 and each one of the grippers 302 is equally angularly displaced from a directly adjacent one of the grippers 302 by approximately 60 degrees.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes any suitable number of grippers 302, which are equally angularly displaced from one another.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes a plurality of gripper arms 328.
  • the gripper arm 328 supports one or more grippers 302.
  • a plurality of grippers 302 are coupled to the gripper arm 328 and extend along at least a portion of a length of the gripper ami 328.
  • the gripper arm 328 enables use of a plurality of the grippers 302 for retrieving each one of the blanks 100.
  • the feeder drive 304 is configured to rotate the gripper arms 328 about the axis 306.
  • the guide 308 is configured to position each one of the gripper arms 328 along the orbital path 310 during rotation about the axis 306.
  • each one of the gripper arms 328 has at least two radial positions 312 along the orbital path 310.
  • Orbital motion of each one of the gripper arms 328 along the orbital path 310 is momentary paused at the first radial position 314.
  • the grippers 302 engages and retrieves the blank 100.
  • each one of the gripper arms 328 follows the orbital path 310 when rotated about the axis 306. In other words, each one of the gripper arms 328 orbits or revolves around the axis 306. In one or more examples, during rotation, each one of the gripper arms 328 has a plurality of different radial positions 312 along the orbital path 310.
  • the radial position 312 of the gripper arms 328 refers to an orbital location of the gripper arm 328 along the orbital path 310, a radial location of the gripper arm 328 relative to the axis 306, and/or a radial distance of the gripper arm 328 (e.g., outwardly) from the axis 306 along the orbital path 310.
  • the gripper arms 328 are equally angularly spaced away from each other.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes six gripper arms 328 and each one of the gripper arms 328 is equally angularly displaced from a directly adjacent one of the gripper arms 328 by approximately 60 degrees.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes any suitable number of gripper arms 328, which are equally angularly displaced from one another.
  • the feeder drive 304 includes a rotary drive 330 and a gripper hub 332.
  • the rotary drive 330 includes or takes the form of any suitable rotary drive mechanism, such as a servo motor.
  • the gripper hub 332 includes any suitable rotary support frame, such as a wheel, a plate (e.g., a circular plate), and the like.
  • the gripper hub 332 is coupled to the rotary drive 330.
  • the rotary drive 330 rotates the gripper hub 332 about the axis 306.
  • the grippers 302 are coupled to the gripper hub 332 such that the grippers 302 rotate about the axis 306 with the gripper hub 332 and revolve about the axis 306 along the orbital path 310. In one or more examples, the grippers 302 are coupled to the gripper hub 332 via a portion of the guide 308. In these examples, the grippers 302 are movable relative to the gripper hub 332 such that the grippers 302 are capable of following the orbital path 310.
  • the gripper arms 328 are coupled to the gripper hub 332 such that the gripper arms 328 rotate about the axis 306 with the gripper hub 332 and revolve about the axis 306 along the orbital path 310.
  • the gripper arms 328 are coupled to the gripper hub 332 via a portion of the guide 308.
  • the gripper arms 328 are movable relative to the gripper hub 332 such that the gripper arms 328 are capable of following the orbital path 310.
  • the feeder drive 304 includes a drive shaft 334.
  • the drive shaft 334 is coupled to the rotary drive 330.
  • the rotary drive 330 rotates the drive shaft 334 about the axis 306.
  • the gripper hub 332 is coupled to the drive shaft 334.
  • the gripper hub 332 is rotationally fixed relative to the drive shaft 334 such that the gripper hub 332 rotates with the drive shaft 334 and is, thereby, rotationally driven by the rotary drive 330.
  • the feeder drive 304 includes a second gripper hub 336.
  • the second gripper hub 336 is spaced away from the gripper hub 332 and is coupled to the drive shaft 334.
  • the second gripper hub 336 is rotationally fixed relative to the drive shaft 334 such that the second gripper hub 336 rotates with the drive shaft 334 and the gripper hub 332 and is, thereby, rotationally driven by the rotary drive 330.
  • the grippers 302 are also coupled to the second gripper hub 336 such that the grippers 302 rotate about the axis 306 with the second gripper hub 336 and revolve about the axis 306 along the orbital path 310.
  • the grippers 302 are movable relative to the second gripper hub 336 such that the grippers 302 are capable of following the orbital path 310.
  • the gripper arms 328 are coupled to the second gripper hub 336 such that the gripper arms 328 rotate about the axis 306 with the second gripper hub 336 and revolve about the axis 306 along the orbital path 310.
  • the gripper arms 328 are movable relative to the second gripper hub 336 such that the gripper arms 328 are capable of following the orbital path 310.
  • the second gripper hub 336 provides additional support and stability to the gripper arms 328 opposite the gripper hub 332.
  • the grippers 302 or the gripper arms 328 are also coupled to the drive shaft 334.
  • the feeder apparatus 300 includes a plurality of support rods 358.
  • each one of the support rods 358 is coupled to a corresponding one of the grippers 302 or a corresponding one of the gripper arms 328 at a first end.
  • Each one of the support rods 358 is coupled to the drive shaft 334 at a second end, opposite the first end.
  • the support rod 358 is coupled to a coupling 360.
  • the coupling 360 is coupled to the drive shaft 334.
  • the coupling 360 is rotational fixed relative to the drive shaft 334 such that the coupling 360 and, thus, the support rod 358 rotate about the axis 306 with the drive shaft 334.
  • the support rod 358 is linearly movable relative to the coupling 360.
  • the support rod 358 is linearly movable relative to the coupling 360 to accommodate changes in the radial position 312 of the gripper am 328 along the orbital path 310 as the gripper arm 328 rotates about the axis 306.
  • the guide 308 includes a cam 338.
  • the cam 338 is configured to control orbital motion of grippers 302 or the gripper aims 328 along the orbital path 310 during rotation about the axis 306.
  • the cam 338 includes any suitable configuration of mechanical linkages.
  • the guide 308 includes a transmission 340.
  • the transmission 340 is coupled to the cam 338 and to the grippers 302 or the gripper arms 328.
  • the transmission 340 transmits motion to the grippers 302 or the gripper arms 328 as controlled by the cam 338 during rotation about the axis 306.
  • the cam 338 includes or takes the form of a face cam.
  • the cam 338 includes a cam track 342 formed in a cam face 344 and a cam follower 346 that rides along the cam track 342.
  • the cam track 342 is continuous (e.g., is a continuous loop).
  • the cam track 342 includes any suitable shape that is configured to control the orbital motion of the grippers 302 or the gripper arms 328 along the orbital path 310.
  • the cam track 342 is non-circular in shape.
  • the cam track 342 includes one or more undulating curved portions at varying radial distances relative to the axis 306 that defines the orbital motion of the gripper 302 or the gripper arms 328 along the orbital path 31 as the cam follower 346 moves along the cam track 342.
  • the transmission 340 includes any suitable motion transferring mechanism configured to transfer motion defined by the cam 338 into the orbital motion of the grippers 302 along the orbital path 310.
  • the transmission 340 is configured to transfer motion of the cam follower 346 along the cam track 342 into variations in the radial positions of the grippers 302 along the orbital path 310.
  • the transmission 340 includes an input lever 348, a gear box 350, and an output lever 352.
  • the input lever 348 is coupled to the cam follower 346 at a first end.
  • the input lever 348 is located between the cam 338 and the gripper hub 332.
  • the input lever 348 is coupled to the gear box 350 at a second end, opposite the first end.
  • the input lever 348 is rotatable about an axis 354 (Fig. 10) relative to the cam follower 346 as the cam follower 346 moves along the cam track 342.
  • the input lever 348 is rotatable about an axis 356 (Fig. 10) relative to the gear box 350 as the cam follower 346 moves along the cam track 342.
  • the gear box 350 is coupled to and is fixed relative to the gripper hub 332.
  • the gear box 350 is configured to transfer rotational motion about the axis 356 of the input lever 348 to rotational motion about the axis 356 of the output lever 352.
  • the output lever 352 is coupled to the gear box 350 at a first end.
  • the gear box 350 rotates the output lever 352 about the axis 356.
  • the output lever 352 is coupled to the gripper arm 328 at a second end, opposite the first end. [136] Referring to Fig. 11, in one or more examples, during operation of the feeder apparatus 300, the transmission 340, such as the input lever 348, the gear box 350, and the output lever 352, rotates about the axis 306 with the gripper hub 332.
  • the cam follower 346 rotates about the axis 306 with the input lever 348 and rides along the cam track 342.
  • variations in the radial distance of portions of the cam track 342 relative to the axis 306 causes the input lever 348 to rotate or pivot relative to the cam follower 346 about the axis 354 and to rotate or pivot relative to the gear box 350 about the axis 356.
  • the gear box 350 transfers rotational motion of the input lever 348 to rotational motion of the output lever 352.
  • Rotational or pivotal motion of the input lever about the axis 356 causes the output lever 352 to rotate or pivot relative to the gear box 350 about the axis 356.
  • Rotational or pivotal motion of the output lever 352 about the axis 356 causes the gripper 302 or the gripper arm 328 coupled to the output lever 352 to move radially inward or radially outward along the orbital path 310.
  • the gripper 302 or the gripper arm 328 moves through a small loop (e.g., first loop 322 or second loop 324 as shown in Fig. 5) along the orbital path 310 as the output lever 352 completes one full rotation about the axis 356.
  • the trajectory of the gripper 302 or the gripper arm 328 along the orbital path 310 is created by precisely controlling the rotational speed of the output lever 352.
  • the cam follower 346, the first end of the input lever 348, and/or the axis 354 are configured to be located behind, stay located behind, and/or to trail behind the second end of the input lever 348, the gear box 350, and/or the axis 356 in the direction of rotation (e.g., indicated by directional arrow 362).
  • the gear box 350 includes an overdrive gear ratio such that the output angular motion of the output lever 352 is greater than the input angular motion of the input lever 348.
  • the angular range of motion 364 of the input lever 348 is 90 degrees and the corresponding angular range of motion 366 of the output lever 352 is 360 degrees.
  • the output lever 352 rotates or pivots about the axis 356 within its angular range of motion 366, which is some multiple (e.g., 4 times) higher than the angular range of motion 364 of the input lever 348.
  • other overdrive gear ratios may be used.
  • the gear box 350 includes or takes the form of a planetary gearbox. In one or more examples, the gear box 350 includes or takes the form of a spur gear.
  • the disclosed feeder apparatus 300 provides various benefits over traditional rotary vacuum feeders.
  • the present disclosure recognizes that traditional rotary vacuum feeders suffer from guiding loss and non-optimal motion law due to utilization of a double cam follower. These two factors, among others, can prevent traditional feeders from being able to move fast enough to enable a high throughput.
  • Examples of the disclosed feeder apparatus 300 utilizes a single cam follower, which overcomes both of the above-identified disadvantages by eliminating guiding loss and optimizing motion such that the blank- feeding operation and motion is smoother and faster to enable high throughput.
  • the present disclosure is further directed to an applicator apparatus 400 for applying the blanks 100 to the groups 106 of the articles 104.
  • the system 200 includes the applicator apparatus 400.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400.
  • Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a portion of the applicator apparatus 400 shown in Fig. 12.
  • Fig. 14 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400.
  • Figs. 15-23 illustrate examples of a portion of the applicator apparatus 400 at different stages of a blank application operation. In Figs. 13 and 15-23, certain portions of the applicator apparatus 400 (e.g., shown in Figs. 12 and 14) are removed for the purpose of clarity of illustration.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes a plurality of first applicator tools 402.
  • the first applicator tools 402 are configured to press the blank 100 onto alternating first ones of the groups 106 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 also includes a plurality of second applicator tools 404.
  • the second applicator tools 404 are configured to press the blank 100 onto alternating second ones of the groups 106 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 further includes an applicator drive 406.
  • the applicator drive 406 is configured to rotate the first applicator tools 402 about a first axis 408 (shown in Figs.
  • the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 include any suitable structure configured to engage the blank 100 and the group 106 of the articles 104 (e.g., from above) and to press the blank 100 over upper portions of the articles 104 such that the retention structures 126 of the blank 100 (shown in Figs. 1 and 2) engage and retain the articles 104 in the group 106.
  • the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 also include a suitable structure configured to fold one or more of the panels 134 of the blank 100 during application of the blank 100 to the articles 104 to at least partially form the carton 102.
  • each one of the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 includes a main application panel that includes a plurality of application apertures formed through the main application panel.
  • the number, arrangement, and locations of the application apertures correspond to the number and arrangement of the articles 104 in the group 106 (e.g., a 2 x 6 matrix) and/or to the number, arrangement, and locations of the retention structures 126 of the blank 100.
  • the main application panel is positioned over the blank 100 such that the application apertures are aligned with the articles 104 of the group 106 and with the retention structures 126 of the blank 100.
  • the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 are sequentially rotated to press the blanks 100 over the upper portions of the articles 104 of the group 106.
  • each one of the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 includes one or more forming panels that are coupled to the main application panel.
  • the forming panels are positioned over the blank 100 such that the forming panels fold or otherwise form one or more of the panels 134 (Fig. 1) of the blank 100 into an assembled condition.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes a first tool hub 414 and a second tool hub 416.
  • the second tool hub 416 is not shown in Fig. 13 for clarity of illustration.
  • the first applicator tools 402 are coupled to the first tool hub 414.
  • the second applicator tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416.
  • the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416 include any suitable rotary support frame, such as a wheel, a plate (e.g., a circular plate as shown in Figs. 12 and 13 or a star-shaped plate as shown in Fig. 14), and the like.
  • the applicator drive 406 includes a rotary drive 418.
  • the rotary drive 418 includes or takes the form of any suitable rotary drive mechanism, such as a servo motor.
  • the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416 are coupled to the rotary drive 418.
  • the rotary drive 418 rotates the first tool hub 414 about the first axis 408 and rotates the second tool hub 416 about the second axis 410.
  • the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416 share and are rotated by the same rotary drive 418.
  • each one of the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416 has and is rotated by a dedicated rotary drive 418.
  • the applicator drive 406 includes a drive shaft or other power transmission component (not shown).
  • the drive shaft or other power transmission component is coupled to the rotary drive 418.
  • the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416 are coupled to the drive shaft or other power transmission component such that the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416 rotate with drive shaft or are rotated by the power transmission component and, thereby, rotationally driven by the rotary drive 418.
  • the first axis 408, about which the first applicator tools 402 rotate, and the second axis 410, about which the second applicator tools 404 rotate, are coincident with each other (e.g., are coaxial).
  • the second tool hub 416 is not shown for clarity of illustration.
  • the first axis 408 and the second axis 410 are at least approximately perpendicular to the travel path 202 of the articles 104.
  • the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416 are opposite to each other across the conveyor 218 (e.g., as shown in Figs. 12 and 14).
  • the first applicator tools 402 extend from the first tool hub 414, are positioned between the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416, face the second tool hub 416, and are positioned and rotationally move above the conveyor 218.
  • the second applicator tools 404 extend from the second tool hub 416 in a direction opposite the first applicator tools 402, are positioned between the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416, face the first tool hub 414, and are positioned and rotationally move above the conveyor 218.
  • the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 face each other.
  • each one of the first applicator tools 402 apply the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104 at an application location 420 along the travel path 202 of the articles 104, such as at the same location along the conveyor 218.
  • Each one of the second applicator tools 404 apply the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104 at the application location 420 along the travel path 202 of the articles 104, such as at the same location along the conveyor 218.
  • the application location 420 is the same for the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404.
  • the first axis 408, about which the first applicator tools 402 rotate, and the second axis 410, about which the second applicator tools 404 rotate, are parallel to each other.
  • the first axis 408 and the second axis 410 are at least approximately perpendicular to the travel path 202 of the articles 104.
  • the first tool hub 414 and the second tool hub 416 are adjacent to (e.g., side-by-side, next to, or neighboring) each other along the conveyor 218.
  • the first applicator tools 402 extend from the first tool hub 414 and are positioned and rotationally move above the conveyor 218.
  • the second applicator tools 404 extend from the second tool hub 416 in the same direction as the first applicator tools 402 and are positioned and rotationally move above the conveyor 218.
  • each one of the first applicator tools 402 apply the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104 at a first application location 422 along the travel path 202 of the articles 104, such as at the same location along the conveyor 218.
  • Each one of the second applicator tools 404 apply the blank 100 to the group 106 of the articles 104 at a second application location 424 along the travel path 202 of the articles 104, such as at the same location along the conveyor 218.
  • the first applicator tools 402 are equally angularly spaced away from each other.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes three first applicator tools 402 (e.g., as shown in Figs. 12-14). In these examples, each one of the first applicator tools 402 is equally angularly displaced from a directly adjacent one of the first applicator tools 402 by approximately 120 degrees.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes four first applicator tools 402 (e.g., as shown in Figs. 15-23).
  • each one of the first applicator tools 402 is equally angularly displaced from a directly adjacent one of the first applicator tools 402 by approximately 90 degrees.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes any suitable number of first applicator tools 402, which are equally angularly displaced from each other.
  • the second applicator tools 404 are equally angularly spaced away from each other.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes three second applicator tools 404 (e.g., as shown in Figs. 12-14). In these examples, each one of the second applicator tools 404 is equally angularly displaced from a directly adjacent one of the second applicator tools 404 by approximately 120 degrees.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes four second applicator tools 404 (e.g., as shown in Figs.
  • each one of the second applicator tools 404 is equally angularly displaced from a directly adjacent one of the second applicator tools 404 by approximately 90 degrees.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes any suitable number of second applicator tools 404, which are equally angularly displaced from each other.
  • the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 are equally angularly displaced from and/or equally angularly oriented relative to each other such that each one of the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 sequentially and altematingly move through a blank application motion, referred to herein as a stroke 412, as the alternating first ones and second ones of the groups 106 and the corresponding blanks 100 move along the travel path 202 and through the applicator apparatus 400.
  • each one of the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 have or move through the stroke 412 during rotation about a respective one of the first axis 408 and the second axis 410.
  • the stroke 412 refers to the oscillating downward and upward motion of the each one of the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 during application of the blanks 100 to the groups 106 of the articles 104.
  • the stroke 412 includes an upward most position of the application motion and a downward most position of the application motion.
  • the stroke 412 of the first applicator tool 402 is achieved along a portion of the rotation of the first applicator tool 402 about the first axis 408.
  • the stroke 412 of the second applicator tool 404 is achieved along a portion of the rotation of the second applicator tool 404 about the second axis 410.
  • the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 are appropriately angularly oriented relative to each other such that each one of the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 altematingly moves through its respective stroke 412.
  • the first applicator tool 402 reaches a downward most position of the stroke 412 before the second applicator tool begins the stroke 412. In one or more examples, the second applicator tool 404 reaches a downward most position of the stroke 412 before the first applicator tool begins the stroke 412.
  • the rotational speed of the first applicator tools 402 about the first axis 408 and the rotational speed of the second applicator tools 404 about the second axis 410 are suitably synchronized such that the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 performing alternating strokes 412.
  • the stroke 412 is sufficient to press the blank 100 downward a distance sufficient to ensure that the upper ends of the articles 104 are received through the retention apertures 128 of the blank 100 (Figs. 1 and 2) and that the retention tabs 130 of the blank 100 (Fig. 2) are positioned below and/or engaged with the upper ends of the articles 104 in the group 106.
  • the stroke 412 is greater than 10 millimeters. In one or more examples, the stroke 412 is at least 30 millimeters. In one or more examples, the stroke 412 is at least 50 millimeters. In one or more examples, the stroke 412 is at least 70 millimeters.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400 at a first rotational position during a blank application operation.
  • the first application tools 402 are coupled to the first tool hub 414 and rotate about the first axis 408 and the second application tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416 (not shown in Fig. 15) and rotate about the second axis 410, which is coincident with the first axis 408.
  • one of the first applicator tools 402, identified as first applicator tool 402A is at a most upward position of the stroke 412 in which the first applicator tool 402 A engages the blank 100 and an alternating first one of the groups 106A of the articles 104 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400 at a second rotational position during a blank application operation.
  • the first application tools 402 are coupled to the first tool hub 414 and rotate about the first axis 408 and the second application tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416 (not shown in Fig. 16) and rotate about the second axis 410, which is coincident with the first axis 408.
  • the first applicator tool 402A is at a most downward position of the stroke 412 in which the first applicator tool 402A has pressed the blank 1 0 onto or over the articles 104 of the alternating first one of the groups 106A as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400 at a third rotational position during a blank application operation.
  • the first application tools 402 are coupled to the first tool hub 414 and rotate about the first axis 408 and the second application tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416 (not shown in Fig. 17) and rotate about the second axis 410, which is coincident with the first axis 408.
  • one of the second applicator tools 404 is at a most upward position of the stroke 412 in which the second applicator tool 404A engages the blank 100 and an alternating second one of the groups 106B of the articles 104 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the first applicator tool 402A is moving upward through the stroke 412 back to the most upward position as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • Fig. 18 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400 at a fourth rotational position during a blank application operation.
  • the first application tools 402 are coupled to the first tool hub 414 and rotate about the first axis 408 and the second application tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416 (not shown in Fig. 18) and rotate about the second axis 410, which is coincident with the first axis 408.
  • the second applicator tool 404A is at a most downward position of the stroke 412 in which the second applicator tool 404A has pressed the blank 100 onto or over the articles 104 of the alternating second one of the groups 106B as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the first applicator tool 402A is rotationally moving to return to a most upward position of the stroke 412 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 15).
  • Fig. 19 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400 at a fifth rotational position during a blank application operation.
  • the first application tools 402 are coupled to the first tool hub 414 and rotate about the first axis 408 and the second application tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416 (not shown in Fig. 19) and rotate about the second axis 410, which is coincident with the first axis 408.
  • the second applicator tool 404A is moving upward through the stroke 412 back to the most upward position as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the first applicator tool 402A is further rotationally moving to return to a most upward position of the stroke 412 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 15).
  • each one of the first applicator tools 402 press a respective blank 100 onto the alternating first ones of the groups 106A and each one of the second applicator tools 404 press a respective blank 100 onto alternating second ones of the groups 106B as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • Fig. 20 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400 at a first rotational position during a blank application operation.
  • the first application tools 402 arc coupled to the first tool hub 414 and rotate about the first axis 408 and the second application tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416 and rotate about the second axis 410, which is parallel and spaced away from the first axis 408 along the travel path 202.
  • one of the first applicator tools 402, identified as first applicator tool 402 A is at a most upward position of the stroke 412 in which the first applicator tool 402A engages the blank 100 and an alternative first one of the groups 106A of the articles 104 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • Fig. 21 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400 at a second rotational position during a blank application operation.
  • the first application tools 402 are coupled to the first tool hub 414 and rotate about the first axis 408 and the second application tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416 and rotate about the second axis 410, which is parallel to and spaced away from the first axis 408.
  • the first applicator tool 402A is at a most downward position of the stroke 412 in which the first applicator tool 402 A has pressed the blank 100 onto or over the articles 104 of the alternating first one of the groups 106A as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • one of the second applicator tools 404 is at a most upward position of the stroke 412 in which the second applicator tool 404A engages the blank 100 and an alternating second one of the groups 106B of the articles 104 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • Fig. 22 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400 at a third rotational position during a blank application operation.
  • the first application tools 402 are coupled to the first tool hub 414 and rotate about the first axis 408 and the second application tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416 and rotate about the second axis 410, which is parallel to and spaced away from the first axis 408.
  • the second applicator tool 404A is at a most downward position of the stroke 412 in which the second applicator tool 404B has pressed the blank 100 onto or over the articles 104 of the alternating second one of the groups 106B as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the first applicator tool 402A is moving upward through the stroke 412 back to the most upward position as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • Fig. 23 illustrates an example of the applicator apparatus 400 at a fourth rotational position during a blank application operation.
  • the first application tools 402 are coupled to the first tool hub 414 and rotate about the first axis 408 and the second application tools 404 are coupled to the second tool hub 416 and rotate about the second axis 410, which is parallel to and spaced away from the first axis 408.
  • the second applicator tool 404A is moving upward through the stroke 412 back to the most upward position as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the first applicator tool 402A is rotationally moving to return to a most upward position of the stroke 412 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 20).
  • each one of the first applicator tools 402 press a respective blank 100 onto the alternating first ones of the groups 106A and each one of the second applicator tools 404 press a respective blank 100 onto alternating second ones of the groups 106B as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the conveyor 218 moves the groups 106 of the articles 104 along the travel path 202 at a linear speed.
  • the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 rotate at a rotational speed.
  • the rotational speeds of the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 are synchronized with the linear speed of the conveyor 218 such that each one of the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 altematingly move through the stroke 412 of the application motion as the group 106 moves along the travel path 202.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes a first leveling mechanism 426.
  • the first leveling mechanism 426 is configured to maintain the first applicators tools 402 in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the blank 1 0 throughout rotation of the first applicator tools 402.
  • the applicator apparatus 400 includes a second leveling mechanism 428.
  • the second levelling mechanism 428 is configured to maintain the second applicators tools 404 in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the blank 100 throughout rotation of the second applicator tools 404.
  • the first leveling mechanism 426 and the second leveling mechanism 428 include any suitable mechanism configured to maintain a desired angular orientation of the first applicators tools 402 and the second applicators tools 404, respectively, during rotation.
  • the first leveling mechanism 426 and the second leveling mechanism 428 include or take the form of a pully and belt mechanism.
  • the first leveling mechanism 426 and the second leveling mechanism 428 include or take the form of a counterweight mechanism.
  • each one of the first applicator tools 402 and the second applicator tools 404 includes an alignment device 430.
  • the alignment device 430 is configured to engage the blank 100 and align the blank 100 relative to the group 106 of the articles 104 during application of the blank 100.
  • the alignment device 430 includes or takes the form of a post that projects downward from the main application panel of the first applicator tool 402 and the second applicator tool 404.
  • the alignment device 430 is configured to be at least partially inserted through the alignment aperture 138 of the blank 100 (shown in Fig. 1) as the first applicator tool 402 and the second applicator tool 404 move through their respective strokes 412.
  • the present disclosure is additionally directed to a method 1000 for packaging the articles 104 into the groups 106.
  • Fig. 24 illustrates an example of the method 1000.
  • the method 1000 is performed by or implemented using the system 200.
  • the method 1000 includes a step of (block 1002) conveying the groups 106 of the articles 104 along the travel path 202.
  • the step of (block 1002) conveying the groups 106 of the articles 104 along the travel path 202 is performed using the conveyor system 214 (Fig. 3).
  • the method 1000 also includes a step of processing and/or grouping the articles 104 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the step of processing the articles 104 is performed using the processing apparatus 234 (Fig. 3).
  • the step of grouping the articles 104 into the groups 106 is performed using the grouping apparatus 230 (Fig. 3).
  • the method 1000 includes a step of (block 1004) transferring the blank 100 to each one of the groups 106 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the step of (block 1004) transferring the blank 100 to each one of the groups 106 is performed using the feeder apparatus 300 (Figs. 3-11).
  • the method 1000 includes a step of (block 1006) applying the blank 100 to each one of the groups 106 as the articles 104 move along the travel path 202.
  • the step of (block 1006) applying the blank 100 to each one of the groups 106 is performed using the applicator apparatus 400 (Figs. 3, 4 and 12-23).
  • Fig. 25 illustrates an example of the method 2000.
  • the method 2000 is an implementation of the step of (block 1004) transferring the blank 100 to each one of the groups 106 of the method 1000.
  • the method 2000 is performed by or is implemented using the feeder apparatus 300.
  • the method 2000 includes a step of (block 2002) retrieving the blank 100.
  • the step of (block 2002) retrieving the blank 100 is implemented by or includes a step of (block 2004) rotating the gripper 302 or the gripper arm 328 about the axis 306 and a step of (block 2006) engaging the blank 100 with the gripper 302 or the gripper arm 328 at one of at least two radial positions 312 of the gripper 302 or the gripper arm 328 along the orbital path 310 in which the orbital motion of the gripper 302 or the gripper arm 328 along the orbital path 310 is momentarily paused.
  • the method 2000 includes a step of (block 2008) placing the blank 100 on each one of the groups 106.
  • the step of (block 2008) placing the blank 100 is implemented by or includes a step of (block 2010) further rotating the gripper 302 or the gripper arm 328 about the axis 306 and a step of (block 2012) disengaging the blank 100 from the gripper 302 at another one of the at least two radial positions 312 of the gripper 302 along the orbital path 310 of the gripper 302.
  • Fig. 26 illustrates an example of the method 3000.
  • the method 3000 is an implementation of the step of (block 1006) applying the blank 100 to each one of the groups 106 of the method 1000.
  • the method 3000 is performed by or is implemented using the applicator apparatus 400.
  • the method 3000 includes a step of (block 3002) rotating the first applicator tool 402 about the first axis 408 and a step of (block 3004) pressing the blank 100 onto alternating first ones of the groups 106.
  • the method 3000 also includes a step of (block 3006) rotating the second applicator tool 404 about the second axis 410 and a step of (block 3008) pressing the blank 100 onto alternating second ones of the groups 106.
  • the blank 100 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate.
  • suitable substrate includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that any number of (e.g., one or more) blanks 100 may be employed where suitable, for example, to provide and/or form one or other numbers of cartons 102 (e.g., earner structures) described in more detail below.
  • the blank 100 and, thus, the carton 102 are formed from a sheet material, such as a paperboard substrate.
  • the paperboard substrate may be, for example, a solid bleached sulfate (SBS) substrate, an uncoated natural kraft (UNC) substrate, or a coated natural kraft (CNK) substrate.
  • SBS solid bleached sulfate
  • UNC uncoated natural kraft
  • CNK coated natural kraft
  • the paperboard substrate may be formed from virgin fibers, recycled fibers, or combinations thereof.
  • the blank 100 and, thus, the carton 102 are formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of materials or coated with materials to increase its strength.
  • a sheet material such as paperboard
  • An example of such a sheet material is tear resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company.
  • the tear resistant materials are provided by more than one layer to help improve the tear-resistance of the carton 102.
  • the blank 100 includes at least a paperboard substrate.
  • the material of the paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 1 Opt., preferably from about 16pt. to about 28pt. (0.028”/ ⁇ 0.7mm).
  • An example of such a substrate is a 27-point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleached sulfate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® - an unbleached kraft paperboard having a clay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKoteTM) manufactured by WestRock® Company.
  • the paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board.
  • the board may be coated on at least one side, optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for compatibility with the printing method and board composition.
  • one surface of the sheet material has different characteristics to the other surface.
  • the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished carton 102 may be particularly smooth and may have a coating, such as a clay coating or other surface treatment, to provide good printability.
  • the surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, and/or a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.
  • the blank 100 may include a tear resistant layer laminated to the paperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the paperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer.
  • the tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrate and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate.
  • the tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure.
  • Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which may include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g., MYLAR®, which is a bi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, crosslaminated polyolefin, or high-density polyolefin.
  • the orientation and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear resistant characteristic.
  • tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear resistant material such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).
  • the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
  • LLDPE linear low-density polyethylene
  • the adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.
  • any one of a plurality of items may be referred to individually as the item and a plurality of items may be referred to collectively as the items.
  • a feature, element, component, or step preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, components, or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.
  • example means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure.
  • the phrases “an example,” “another example,” “one or more examples,” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.
  • the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example.
  • subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example.
  • hinged connection and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other.
  • curvilinear fold lines When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines.
  • a typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they deflne an elliptical panel therebetween.
  • a hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines.
  • a typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.
  • fold line may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of halfcuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.
  • hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like.
  • the elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality.
  • a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line.
  • the line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.
  • the terms “rotate,” “rotating,” “rotation,” and similar terms refer to movement of a body around an axis and includes a condition in which the axis extends through a center of mass of the body (e.g., rotate), a condition in which the axis extends through the body, but not through the center of mass of the body (e.g., gyrate or pivot), and a condition in which the axis does not extend through the body (e.g., revolve).
  • a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)

Abstract

Un système comprend un appareil d'alimentation (300) pour transférer une ébauche (100) vers chacun des groupes et un appareil applicateur (400) pour appliquer l'ébauche (100) à chacun des groupes lorsque les articles (104) se déplacent le long d'un trajet de déplacement. L'appareil d'alimentation (300) comprend une pluralité de dispositifs de préhension (302) pour venir en prise avec l'ébauche. L'appareil d'alimentation (300) comprend un guide (308) pour positionner chacun des éléments de préhension le long d'un trajet orbital (310) pendant la rotation de telle sorte que chacun des éléments de préhension a au moins deux positions radiales le long du trajet orbital (310) et qu'un mouvement orbital de chacun des éléments de préhension est interrompu momentanément à une première position radiale pour la prise avec l'ébauche. L'appareil applicateur (400) comprend des premiers outils d'applicateur(402) pour presser les ébauches sur des premiers groupes alternés et des seconds outils d'applicateur (404) pour presser les ébauches sur des seconds groupes alternés lorsque les articles se déplacent le long du trajet de déplacement.
PCT/US2023/073814 2022-09-09 2023-09-10 Système et procédé d'emballage d'articles dans un carton WO2024055025A1 (fr)

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US202263375063P 2022-09-09 2022-09-09
US63/375,063 2022-09-09

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3698151A (en) * 1970-09-08 1972-10-17 Federal Paper Board Co Inc Method and apparatus for packaging bottled products in basket-style carriers
US5671587A (en) * 1995-04-13 1997-09-30 The Mead Corporation Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier
US6973760B2 (en) * 2002-02-21 2005-12-13 Ilinois Tool Works, Inc. Machine for packaging containers
US20200369420A1 (en) * 2019-05-20 2020-11-26 Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc Folding upper retention wings

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3698151A (en) * 1970-09-08 1972-10-17 Federal Paper Board Co Inc Method and apparatus for packaging bottled products in basket-style carriers
US5671587A (en) * 1995-04-13 1997-09-30 The Mead Corporation Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier
US6973760B2 (en) * 2002-02-21 2005-12-13 Ilinois Tool Works, Inc. Machine for packaging containers
US20200369420A1 (en) * 2019-05-20 2020-11-26 Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc Folding upper retention wings

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