EP0820403B1 - Vorrichtung zum bodenseitigen einbringen von behältern in korbartige tragbrhälter - Google Patents

Vorrichtung zum bodenseitigen einbringen von behältern in korbartige tragbrhälter Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0820403B1
EP0820403B1 EP96912762A EP96912762A EP0820403B1 EP 0820403 B1 EP0820403 B1 EP 0820403B1 EP 96912762 A EP96912762 A EP 96912762A EP 96912762 A EP96912762 A EP 96912762A EP 0820403 B1 EP0820403 B1 EP 0820403B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
carrier
opposing
carriers
pair
flap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96912762A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0820403A4 (de
EP0820403A1 (de
Inventor
Glenn Robinson
Charles M. Staples
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mead Corp
Original Assignee
Mead Corp
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
Priority claimed from US08/421,113 external-priority patent/US5671587A/en
Application filed by Mead Corp filed Critical Mead Corp
Publication of EP0820403A1 publication Critical patent/EP0820403A1/de
Publication of EP0820403A4 publication Critical patent/EP0820403A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0820403B1 publication Critical patent/EP0820403B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B21/00Packaging or unpacking of bottles
    • B65B21/24Enclosing bottles in wrappers
    • B65B21/242Enclosing bottles in wrappers in collapsed carton sleeves
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B21/00Packaging or unpacking of bottles
    • B65B21/24Enclosing bottles in wrappers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/12Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
    • B65B43/14Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines
    • B65B43/16Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers
    • B65B43/18Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers by suction-operated grippers
    • B65B43/185Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers by suction-operated grippers specially adapted for carton blanks

Definitions

  • the invention relates to bottom-loading basket-style carriers for articles such as beverage bottles.
  • Both US 3 698 151 to Aneson and US 3 940 909 to Ganz disclose those features forming the pre-characterizing portion to claim 1 in that there is shown an apparatus for expanding a collapsed carrier transported by a carrier conveyor, the carrier having opposing transversely extendable panels attached to collapsed side wall panels of the carrier, the apparatus comprising a pair of opposing flap conveyors disposed at respective transverse sides of the carrier conveyor.
  • the present invention provides a method and apparatus for the continuous opening and loading of basket-style bottom-loading carriers.
  • One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for expanding a collapsed carrier transported by a carrier conveyor.
  • the carrier has opposing transversely extendable panels attached to collapsed side wall panels of the carrier.
  • the apparatus comprises a pair of opposing flap conveyors disposed at respective transverse sides of the carrier conveyor.
  • Each one of the opposing flap conveyors has at least one clamping member attached thereto, the at least one clamping member operable between a closed flap-engagement position and an open flap-release position and in that opposing ones of the clamping members move from the open flap-release position to the closed flap engagement position in a first region of a path between the opposing flap conveyors then move outwardly with respect to one another in a second region of the path between the opposing flap conveyors to expand the carrier.
  • the pair of opposing flap conveyors may move in asynchronous motion with the carrier conveyor.
  • the pair of opposing flap conveyors may move in synchronous motion with the carrier conveyor.
  • the at least one clamping member may have a hook member attached thereto disposed for engagement of a topmost region of a side panel of the carrier when the at least one clamping member assumes a closed flap-engagement position.
  • the at least one clamping member may comprise an upper arm and a lower arm pivotally connected and adapted to form clamping jaws.
  • the clamping jaws may be provided with gripping pads.
  • the clamping jaws may be biased in a closed flap engagement position.
  • the means to move between open flap release position and closed flap engagement position may comprise a roller connected to one of the upper or lower arms and a ramp member for grinding the roller to cause one of the upper or lower arms to pivot with respect to the other of the upper or lower arms thereby to separate the clamping jaws.
  • the pair of opposing flap conveyors may further comprise means for transverse translation of the at least one clamping member.
  • the transverse translation means may comprise a cam and a cam follower connected to the at least one clamping member.
  • this aspect of the invention there may further comprise a guide structure for maintaining the transversely extendable panels in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the side walls of the carrier.
  • each one of the opposing lug conveyors may further comprise a pair of opposing lug conveyors disposed proximate a downstream region of the pair of opposing flap conveyors in synchronous parallel motion with the carrier conveyor, each one of the opposing lug conveyors having at least one lug member, for engaging a trailing edge of transversely extending panels of the carrier.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for loading containers into open-bottomed carriers, the carriers having a pair of opposing bottom panels adjoining side walls thereof.
  • the apparatus comprises a container feeder assembly having conveyor mechanism for translating at least one column of a series of groupings of predetermined numbers of containers along a first level; a carrier feeder for retrieving the carriers from a carrier infeed supplier; a carrier timer-transport assembly disposed in operative communication with the carrier feeder for receiving the carriers from the carrier feeder and initiating transport of the carriers in a carrier path in synchronous parallel motion with the at least one column of a series of groupings of predetermined numbers of containers at a second level above the first level such that the carriers are aligned over respective ones of the groupings of predetermined numbers of containers; a gripper assembly; a declination belt assembly having a downwardly-declining pair of opposing elongated endless belt pairs in face-to-face relationship forming a pathway therebetween for receiving transversely extending bottom panels of the carriers and transporting the carriers in
  • a third aspect of the invention provides a method of expanding a collapsed carrier during continuous forward movement transported by a carrier conveyor comprising positioning a pair of bottom wall panels in opposing transversely extended positions with respect to adjacent collapsed side wall panels, clamping the each bottom wall panels by a clamping member and moving the clamped bottom wall panels outwardly to expand the carrier during continuous forward movement.
  • the method and apparatus 10 described herein as the preferred embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for loading carriers such as the bottom-loading basket-style carrier 3 shown in Fig. 1.
  • carriers such as the bottom-loading basket-style carrier 3 shown in Fig. 1.
  • use of the method and apparatus 10 of the subject invention is not limited to the carrier 3 described below, the features of the invention are very clearly described by reference to the invention's handling and loading of the carrier 3 illustrated.
  • a blank 906 for forming the carrier 3 is shown in Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of the collapsed carrier 3 of Fig. 1.
  • the carrier 3 is of the nature described in US patent application serial number 08/326,987. That application is also owned by the owner of the present invention application.
  • the carrier 3 and blank 906 for forming the carrier 3 are described below to facilitate understanding of the invention.
  • the carrier 3 illustrated is generally designed to accommodate two rows of bottles.
  • the examples of carriers 3 discussed herein describe use of the invention with carriers 3 that accommodate two rows of three bottles and two rows of four bottles, that is, a six-pack version and an eight-pack version. However, the invention may also be practiced to accommodate rows of other multiples of bottles. Both sides of the carrier are the same.
  • the features described with respect to the side shown in Fig. 1 are equally applicable to the unseen side.
  • the side wall 920, 930 has a cut-out portion that generally defines a lower side wall band 921, 931 and an upper side wall band 923, 933.
  • Foldably connecting the lower 921, 931 and upper 923, 933 bands to respective end walls 940, 942, 950, 952 are respective corner tabs 922, 932, 924, 934.
  • the comer tabs 922, 932, 924, 934 respectively form bevelled comers at the intersections of the side walls 920, 930 and end walls 940, 942, 950, 952.
  • the cut-way area also defines a center portion 928, 938 left intact in the side wall 920, 930.
  • a center cell is formed on each side of the carrier by cell bands 925, 935, comer tabs 926, 936 foldably connected to the cell bands and a central cell portion 927, 937 integrally formed with the side wall 920, 930.
  • Riser panels 960, 962, 970, 972 extend between the bottom of the carrier 3 and the handle structure formed by panels 980, 982, 990, 992.
  • a handhold flap 984 is also visible from the view shown. Cut lines between center cell portions of side walls 920, 930 and respective handle structure panels 980, 982, 990, 992 terminate in respective curved cut lines 986, 988, 996, 998.
  • Cut lines between the upper bands 923, 933 of respective side walls 920, 930 and corresponding center cell portions terminate in respective curved cut lines 987, 989, 997, 999.
  • the carrier 3 In collapsed condition (as shown in Fig. 3) the carrier 3 has nick members 929, 939 strategically located upon cut lines between the side wall and center cell at the bevelled corner tabs. This feature is not evident in the fully erected carrier but can be seen in the blank 906 of Fig. 2 and collapsed carrier 3 shown in Fig. 3.
  • the blank 906 is essentially symmetric about a perforated fold line dividing the handle panels 980, 982, 990, 992, and halves, of the carrier 3 from one another.
  • One of the two bottom wall panels 910, 912 is widthwise greater than the other and for convenience is designated the greater bottom wall 912.
  • the other bottom wall panel is conveniently designated the lesser bottom wall panel 910.
  • Each side wall 920, 930 has a cut-out, or cut-away, area which helps define a lower side wall band 921, 931 with adjacent comer tabs 922, 932 and a top band 923, 933 with adjacent corner tabs 924, 934.
  • Elements for forming a center cell are central cell bands 925, 935, central cell comer tabs 926, 936 and center cell central portions 927, 937 which are integral with the respective side walls 920, 930.
  • Solid nick members 929, 939 connect top side wall bands 923, 933 and respective center cell comer tabs 926, 936.
  • End walls 940, 942, 950, 952 lie adjacent respective side walls 920, 930 connected thereto by respective side wall corner tabs 922, 932, 924, 934.
  • Riser panels are connected to respective end walls 940, 942, 950, 952 along perforated fold lines.
  • Support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 for attachment to the bottom wall panels 910, 912 are foldably connected to the lower edges of respective riser panels 960, 962, 970, 972.
  • a suitable carrier for loading by the invention may also have the support tabs connected to the lower edges of respective end walls 940, 942, 950, 952 along fold lines without departing from the scope hereof.
  • the center cell bands 925, 935 are connected along perforated fold lines to the lower portions of respective handle panels 980, 982, 990, 992.
  • Handhold apertures 981, 983, 991, 993 are formed in the respective handle panels 980, 982, 990, 992. Cut lines separating center cell bands 925, 935 and accompanying center cell comer tabs 926, 936 from respective handle panels terminate in curved cut lines 986, 988, 996, 998.
  • Cut lines separating the top bands 923, 933 and accompanying comer tabs 924, 934 from respective center cell bands 925, 935 and accompanying center cell comer tabs 926, 936 terminate in curved cut lines 987, 989, 997, 999 in the respective side walls 920, 930.
  • Handhold flaps 984, 994 are connected along perforated fold lines to respective handle panels 980, 990 within the respective handhold apertures 981, 991 thereof. Curved cut lines 986, 987, 988, 989, 996, 997, 998, 999 help direct stress away from strategic termination points of cut lines in the carrier 3.
  • the method and apparatus described herein are particularly suitable for loading carriers having the general characteristics of the type described above.
  • the elements of the carrier 3 enable it to be formed in collapsed condition, shipped, loaded into the apparatus described herein, and then erected and loaded with bottles.
  • the invention is particularly useful for loading so-called contoured PET bottles into the carrier 3 illustrated.
  • the carrier 3 is received by the apparatus of the invention in collapsed condition, as illustrated in Fig. 3, with the bottom wall panels 910, 912 pivoted upwardly into face contacting relationship with the side walls of the carrier 3. In this condition, the carrier 3 is easily loaded into and subsequently erected and loaded by the apparatus of the invention.
  • the apparatus 10 is constructed upon an elongated frame.
  • the direction of movement of bottles 1 and carriers 3 is from left to right.
  • bottles move through the apparatus 10 in two rows along an essentially linear path.
  • carriers in collapsed condition with bottom wall panels folded upwardly flat against the sides of the collapsed carrier
  • the feeder 50 moves individual carriers 3 from the hopper 30 to a timing section 60.
  • a timing-transport section meters out carriers at set intervals and a predetermined rate of speed.
  • the timing-transport section consists of two consecutive assemblies.
  • the first segment of the two is a timing section 60 in which each carrier 3 is removed from suction cups 54 of the feeder 50 and conveyed at a predetermined stagger to the downstream components of the apparatus 10.
  • a path is defined between a pair of vertically oriented belts. More specifically, this segment is referred to as a nip belt assembly 70.
  • the vertical nip belts 72 are a pair of opposing endless belts that pinch, or "nip," the handle area of each carrier (the carrier's topmost portion) and move the carriers in a defined linear path down the apparatus 10.
  • the timing and transport functions are less distinct.
  • the carriers 3 are engaged through the hand-hole openings in their handles and transported thereby. Timing and transport are achieved by reciprocal movement of a hand-hole insert mounted upon cam-engaging rods. The rods in turn are in slidable engagement with an endless chain.
  • the carriers 3 are in the hopper 30, they are in collapsed condition with the bottom wall panels 910, 912 pivoted up and lying flat against the sides of the carrier 3.
  • the bottom wall panels 910, 912 of the carrier 3 fall away from their position flat against the sides of the carrier 3.
  • the bottom wall panels 910, 912 are engaged and pulled outward to open the carrier 3 for loading.
  • bottles are moved along in a path beneath the carriers.
  • a star wheel 105 on either side of the apparatus 10 meters a row of bottles 3 into distinct groups for loading. For example, groups of three or four bottles in each row.
  • An endless chain with lugs is one of the means for transporting bottles after they have been metered by the starwheel 105.
  • Bottle grippers 113 (moving in conveying fashion such as upon an endless chain) immediately follow the star wheels 114 and maintain the spacing and alignment of each bottle grouping. As the bottles 3 move further along the length of the apparatus 10 the bottle grippers 113 assure the spacing between bottles 1 and groups of bottles.
  • each bottom wall panel 910, 912 is received by a pair of downwardly-sloping declination belts 92, 94 & 93, 95.
  • An overhead conveyor mechanism such as an endless overhead chain assembly 100 is aligned over the centrally located handles of the carriers 3 in parallel alignment with the declination belt assembly 90.
  • Block members 102 mounted upon the overhead chain engage the tops of the handle portions of the carriers 3.
  • the declination belt assembly 90 and overhead chain assembly 100 move the carriers 3 forward and downward over the dual-row groups of bottles.
  • the lowering work of the declination belt assembly 90 and overhead chain assembly 100 is completed by the pusher wheel assembly 120.
  • the pusher wheel assembly 120 has block members 122 mounted upon it to push downwardly upon the tops of the handles of the carriers 3, thereby fully lowering the carriers onto respective groups of bottles.
  • a package conveyor 130 such as side lugs 134 mounted upon respective opposing endless chains 132 engage the trailing end panel of the carriers 3/packages 7 and push them further along the apparatus 10.
  • a bottom panel locking section 140 folds carrier support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 and bottom wall panels 910, 912 into position for attachment of the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to the bottom wall panels 910, 912 and for closure of the bottom of the carrier 3.
  • the bottle panels 910, 912 are drawn together for proper alignment and held in that position while closure of the bottom of the carrier 3 is completed by a rotating punch lock mechanism.
  • the loaded, fully closed carrier is then ejected from the apparatus 10.
  • bottles 1 are brought into the apparatus 10 by an infeed conveyor assembly 20.
  • Infeed conveyors typically used in the beverage packaging industry are suitable.
  • the conveyor assembly 20 has partitions 22 that segregate incoming bottles into two rows.
  • Conveyor means such as an endless belt or chain move bottles through the apparatus 10 for loading into carriers 3. Different endless chains or belts and a combination of different endless chains or belts is used to The carriers 3 and bottles 1 are moved part of the way through the apparatus 10 simultaneously in separate paths, with the carriers 3 proceeding in a path disposed above the path of bottles 1. Then, as will be described further below, the two paths become one when the carriers 3 are moved downwardly over groups of bottles 1.
  • a hopper assembly 30 suitable means for making cartons available for loading is provided by a hopper assembly 30.
  • the hopper assembly 30 of the preferred embodiment is essentially a conveyor-driven chute.
  • Carriers 3 are loaded into the "loading" end of the hopper with the bottoms of the carriers 3 oriented downwardly.
  • the hopper chute is angularly aligned with respect to the main portion of the elongated apparatus 10.
  • the layout of the apparatus is generally linear with bottles 1 and carriers 3 being moved along separate linear paths, one over the other, part of the way through the apparatus 10, and then packages formed of the loaded carriers moving along a single path the rest of the way through the apparatus 10.
  • the carrier feeder 50 removes carriers 3 from the hopper 30 and passes them on to elements in a linear carrier path disposed over the bottle path.
  • the carrier feeder 50 is a rotary type assembly having three spaced-apart suction-cup support stations 52. Each cup support station 52 supports suction cups 54 for adherence to and removal of a collapsed carrier 3 from the exit end of the hopper 30.
  • the stations 52 rotate as indicated by the rotational direction arrow 57 about an axis 59.
  • the stations 52 may be made to rotate about the axis 57 slidably by means of a support tie rod 53.
  • each tie rod 53 has one end affixed to a member at the axis 59 and the other end attached to the respective support station 52.
  • Station 52 rotation may be accomplished by means known in the machine arts. For example, through use of an orbital cam mechanism which utilizes drive shafts, cam rods, curvilinear shallow and deep cam tracks, and cam rollers as described in U.S. patents numbers 4,625,575; 5,019,029; 5,102,385 and 5,104,369. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the preferred embodiment contains three cup support stations 52, however, as few as one and more than three may be used. Three stations effectively move the carriers 3 in a horizontal path to the timing section 60 or 260 of the apparatus 10.
  • the actual suction cups 54 are not shown in Fig. 8 in order to more clearly illustrate other features. However, nozzles 55 upon which cups 54 are positioned are shown.
  • the suction cups 54 are spaced apart so as to engage the carrier 3 at strategic peripheral points for handling. Suction, or a vacuum, for operation of the suction cups 52 is provided by typical pneumatic components.
  • the guide 56 relates to a timing feature used to remove carriers 3 from the suction cup support stations 52, and will be explained in greater detail below.
  • timing-transport section moves carriers 3 from the feeder 50 to downstream components of the apparatus 10.
  • the timing-transport section staggers the carriers 3 a predetermined distance apart and begins their travel at a predetermined rate of speed. This timed spacing of carriers 3 causes the carriers 3 to begin synchronized aligned movement with respective groups of bottles 1 as the carriers 3 and bottles 1 move downstream.
  • the timing-transport section achieves timing and transport in two distinct segments, namely, a timing assembly 60 and a transport section for convenience herein referred to as a nip-belt assembly 70.
  • the timing assembly 60 has conveyor-driven carrier support fingers for engaging and moving carriers 3 at predetermined intervals and inserting the carriers into nip belts at the predetermined intervals.
  • the carrier support conveyor 60 is a pair of an upper 61 and a lower 63 endless timing chain. Each timing chain 61, 63 contains respective sets of lugs, or fingers, that engage portions of a collapsed carrier 3 as the carrier is released by the suction cups 54 of the feeder 50.
  • the upper timing chain 61 has a series of upper engagement lugs 62 one of which engages the trailing edge of the handle portion of an engaged carrier 3.
  • an upper engagement lug 62 engages the carrier 3 at the intersection of the handle portion and the wall panels. The comer formed at the intersection provides a stable point of engagement.
  • the lower timing chain 63 has a set of lower engagement lugs 64, 65, 66 that work in tandem with each upper engagement lug 62 of the upper chain 61 to hold the carrier 3 steady and guide it into the nip belt assembly 70. Although several combinations of lower engagement lugs in the set would be effective, in the preferred embodiment illustrated there are three lower engagement lugs 64, 65, 66 in each set.
  • the nip belt assembly 70 receives collapsed carriers 3 from the feeder 50 and timing assembly 60.
  • the nip belt assembly 70 moves carriers 3 along at the predetermined spacing initiated by the timing section 60 as the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carrier 3 are gripped and moved outwardly to open the bottom of the carrier 3 for loading.
  • the nip belt assembly 70 has a pair of endless belts 72 mounted upon respective elongated rods of rollers 74.
  • the belts 72 press together in an elongated vertical plane whose direction of movement 71 with respect to an engaged carrier 3 is downstream of the apparatus.
  • the topmost portion of the handles of the carriers 3 are sandwiched between the belts 72 and translated along the path between the moving belts 72.
  • An upper belt guide 76 directs the top portion of handles of carriers 3 into the pathway between the belts 72.
  • the lower belt guide 78 extends along the length of the belts 72.
  • the opening to the lower belt guide 78 directs the downwardly-extending support tabs 961, 971, 963, 973 of carriers 3 into the guide 78. Referring now also to Fig. 8, as the top portion of the handles of carriers 3 are pinched and translated along by the belts 72, the support tabs 961, 971, 963, 973 travel along through the lower belt assembly guide 78.
  • a panel-gripper assembly 80 panel-grippers open the collapsed carrier 3 in preparation for loading.
  • carrier-panel grippers 82 moving on conveyors in a parallel path beneath the timing section grasp the bottom panels 910, 912 and pull them outward to open the carrier 3.
  • Each carrier gripper 82 is a clamp that grasps a respective bottom panel 910, 912.
  • a carrier 3 is shown in a condition to be grasped by grippers 82.
  • the grippers 82 are mounted upon two sets of conveyors (endless chains) 84, 86.
  • Each set of chains 84, 86 is a pair of opposing endless chains that are respectively positioned on each side of the collapsed carriers 3 moving through the timing section.
  • the grippers 82 on both sets of gripper chains 84, 86 move outwardly of the centerline 901 of the carrier 3 in the direction indicated by the direction arrow denoted 81.
  • each chain 84, 86 rotates in the downstream direction indicated by direction arrow 83.
  • the grippers 82 and chains of the first set of chains 84 open carriers 3 by pulling outwardly upon the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carriers.
  • the first set of chains 84 and grippers 82 opens carriers 3 from the fully collapsed condition of Fig. 5 to an open condition.
  • the chains 84 in the first set of chains 84 move at a greater speed than the relative speed of the carriers 3 as they are moved by the transport mechanisms of either the nip belts 72 or the inserts 262.
  • the movement of the carriers 3 by the timing-transport section of the apparatus is in timed sequence with the movement of the bottles in a parallel path below the carriers.
  • the collapsed carrier 3 is folded in a collapsed condition in a manner resembling the bellows of an accordion wherein the front portion of the collapsed carrier projects outwardly and the rear portion is folded inwardly.
  • the greater relative speed of the first set of chains 84 enables the panels 910, 912 to be pulled forward faster than the carrier 3 itself is moving forward. This movement enables the carrier to become opened in a squared-up condition wherein the bottom panels 910, 912 "catch up" with the center portion of the carrier 3.
  • the panel grippers 82 of the second set of gripper chains 86 engage the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carrier 3 and pull the carrier 3 open further to the maximally-opened condition illustrated in Fig. 7 and 8.
  • the second set of chains 86 of the gripper assembly also passes opened carriers 3 on to the next carrier-handling portion of the apparatus 10, namely, the carrier lowering section 90.
  • Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate the end of carrier 3 opening in which the carrier 3 is fully opened and ready to be passed on to the declination belt assembly 90.
  • Fig. 8 is an elevational illustration of a fully-opened carrier 3 engaged by elements of the nip belt assembly 70 and panel grippers 82.
  • a pair of opposing conveyors in the form of endless chains 88 assist in passing opened carriers 3 from the first set of chains 84 to the second set of chains 86.
  • lugs 89 mounted upon the chains 88 engage the front and rear of open carriers to help them maintain their opened position as the bottom panels 910, 912 are again grasped by the grippers 82 of the second set of chains 86.
  • FIG. 9 A plan layout of the grippers 82, chains 84, 86, 88 and lugs 89 is illustrated in Fig. 9.
  • the grippers 82 travel the closed circuit defined by the gripper chains 84, 86 they are caused to translate outwardly toward the opposing set of grippers and then inwardly away from the opposing set of grippers (and thus outwardly of the centerline 901 of the carriers) through utilization of a cam follower mounted upon each gripper 82 which travels in a camming groove, or track, 292.
  • a panel gripper 82 suitable for use with the panel-gripper assembly described above is described in greater detail.
  • an upper arm 284 and a lower arm 286 form clamping jaws that are pivotally 283 connected to one another and meet at a clamping point where each arm 284, 286 terminates in a respective pad 285, 287.
  • Each gripping pad 285, 287 is made of a substance that has a high coefficient of friction relative to the smooth surface of a carrier.
  • a suitable substance is rubber.
  • the pads 285, 287 may also have a corrugated surface or a surface otherwise containing ribs or other protruding structures to enhance friction.
  • the arms 284, 286 are spring-biased 288 in a closed, clamping position for the gripper 82.
  • the arms 284, 286 are mounted upon a truck 296 which in turn is mounted upon and transported by a gripper chain 84 or 86.
  • the arms 284, 286 are translatable with respect to the truck 296 through the cooperation of V-shaped rollers 294 mounted on the truck and a roller engagement member 298 which has V-shaped edges and which is attached to the lower gripper arm 286.
  • a cam follower 290 is attached to the lower arm 286 and rides within a camming groove (or track) 292 that defines the translational movement of the arms 284, 286.
  • Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are representations of the movement of the gripper 82 as it is transported by its mounting chain 84 or 86.
  • the view is from a vantage point looking at the front end of the gripper 82 toward the rear of the upper arm 284 where the opening roller 300 is attached.
  • the gripper is transported in the direction indicated by the arrow 301 the rear of the upper arm 284 is pushed downward, held down for a period and subsequently allowed to return to its upwardmost position through interaction of the opening roller 300 with the opening ramp member 302.
  • the opening ramp member is a plate, bar or other structure having a cross-sectional configuration defining a leading downwardly-inclined ramp 303 and ending in an upwardly-inclined trailing ramp 305.
  • a flat portion 304 may be inserted between the two ramps 303, 305 to maintain the jaws (arms 284, 286) of the gripper 82 open for a short period.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates the relative position of the opening roller 300 and opening ramp member 302 prior to contact between the roller 300 and leading ramp 303.
  • the roller 300 is engaged by the leading ramp 303 and rotates 306.
  • the upper arm 284 is thus pushed downward 307 opening the jaws of the clamp. If the ramp 302 contains a level portion 304 the jaws of the gripper 82 are held open during engagement of the roller 300 with the level portion. Travel of the roller 300 upon the trailing ramp 305 closes the jaws of the gripper 82.
  • the carrier 3 may contain nick members 929, 939 to promote opening of the collapsed carrier in a particular fashion.
  • the nick members 929, 939 are weak connecting members extending between respective center cell comer tabs 926, 936 and upper side wall bands 923, 933.
  • the nick members 929, 939 cause separation of the upper side wall bands 923, 933 from the center cell bands 925, 935 to be delayed. The delay causes the angles between the center cell bands 925, 935 and respective center cell comer tabs 926, 936 to more sharply form in the erected carrier.
  • Each gripper 82 in the first set of grippers may also have a hook-like member for engaging the top bands 923, 933 on either side of the collapsed carrier as the grippers engage the respective bottom panels 910, 912 to pull the carrier open.
  • a band hook extending from the top of a gripper 80 may be used. The band hook engages a respective top band 923, 933 of the carrier at the positions indicated by arrows as the bottom panels are respectively grasped by the grippers at locations indicated by an "x" as shown.
  • the hooks on opposing pairs of grippers 80 in the first gripper section are offset (as illustrated by their engagement positions) to avoid interference with one another.
  • An additional guide structure may be used in the gripper assembly to help maintain the carriers in their "squared-up" condition and to help maintain the bottom panels in their horizontal position.
  • a suitable guide is an L-shaped elongated member extending forwardly with respect to the apparatus wherein the right angle formed at the intersection of a vertical side wall and a horizontal bottom panel abuts the right-angled corner of the L-shaped guide.
  • a guide is aligned along each side of the carrier and apparatus. Each guide flares slightly outwardly of the center of the apparatus at the second set of grippers to allow for the additional width of the carrier which is created when the grippers pull further outwardly to form the bevelled comers of the carriers as described above.
  • a starwheel 105 meters bottles from the bottle infeed conveyor into groups for loading into the carriers. After metering, timed, spaced transport of the groups of bottles is achieved through use of a conveyor which travels under the bottles and a bottle-gripper conveyor 112 which engages the sides of the bottles.
  • bottles are maintained in the groupings and spacings metered out by the starwheel 105 by means of a pair of bottle-gripper conveyors 112.
  • the bottle-gripper conveyors 112 work in conjunction with the bottom-engaging bottle conveyor to transport bottles.
  • Each bottle-gripper conveyor 112 has bottle grippers 113 mounted upon an endless chain.
  • Each bottle gripper 113 is a block-like member with a series of adjacent C-shaped cavities for receiving bottles 1.
  • the number of C-shaped cavities corresponds to the number of bottles to be contained in each column of the carrier 3. For example, a carrier for six bottles would have three bottles per column and a carrier for eight bottles would have four bottles per row.
  • the invention employs a single chain to circulate the bottle grippers 113 while maintaining the grippers 113 in a constant orientation facing the center of the apparatus 10.
  • carrier lowering is accomplished through the combination of a declination belt assembly 90 and an overhead declination block assembly 100.
  • a declination belt assembly 90 When the erect carrier 3 leaves the nip belt 70 and gripper 80 assemblies it is upright with its bottom panels 910, 912 extended outwardly of a center line 901 of the carrier 3.
  • the erect carrier 3 leaves the nip belt assembly 70 and the grippers 82 mounted upon the second gripper chain 86, it is directed toward the declination assembly where the extended bottom panels 910, 912 are respectively received by left and right opposing pairs of declination belts 92, 94 and 93, 95.
  • the pairs of belts 92, 94 and 93, 95 of the declination belt assembly 90 are spaced apart so that the carriers 3 may pass between them.
  • one pair of upper 92 and lower 94 belts is considered the "right" declination belts while the opposing upper 93 and lower 95 belts are considered the "left" pair.
  • Each of the four belts 92, 93, 94, 95 is an endless belt. The spacing shown between the facing surfaces of each pair of belts is for illustration purposes.
  • each pair of belts 92, 94 and 93, 95 belts are disposed closely enough so that the panels 910, 912 of the carrier 3 are wedged between each pair of moving belts.
  • the carriers 3 are thus translated along the apparatus 10 by the moving belts.
  • belts assembly 90 Although only the general structure of the belts assembly 90 is shown it can be appreciated that means of endless belt movement commonly used by those skilled in the art are employed. For example, the use of a circular roller mechanism 91 disposed at the ends of the belt runs with additional rollers disposed between the ends of the runs to maintain opposing belts in surface-to-surface contact (as is illustrated in Fig. 5 with reference to the rollers 74 in the nip belt assembly 70).
  • the belts' 92, 94 and 93, 96 movements are in synchronization with the movement of the bottle-group conveying mechanism (that is, the bottle-gripper conveyors 112).
  • Each carrier 3 is received by the declination belts such that each carrier 3 overlies a group of bottles 5.
  • an optimum angle of declination of the pairs of belts 92, 94 (and 93, 95 which are parallel to 92, 94 but not visible in Fig. 14) and the horizontal plane of the groups of bottles 5 is shown as an angle denoted "A" of 4 degrees.
  • the angular orientation of the declination belts 92, 94 and 93, 96 causes the carriers 3 to gradually descend upon the groups of bottles 5.
  • Figs. 14 and 15 the bottles 1 are shown in groupings 5 of two by three arrays, a total of six bottles per group.
  • the system of the invention works well with various multiples of bottles to be packaged.
  • the description and illustrations of the preferred embodiment utilize both six- and eight-bottle configurations.
  • the bottle grippers 114 illustrated in the isometric schematic of Fig. 4 is configured for an eight-bottle group while the carriers 3 and bottle groupings in other illustrations depict a six-bottle configuration.
  • the principles of the invention are equally applicable to both six- and eight-bottle configurations as well as other arrayed configurations.
  • each package 7 upon leaving the declination belt assembly of the apparatus 10 each package 7 is engaged and transported by a package lug assembly 130.
  • the package lug assembly 130 primarily consists of a pair of opposing endless chains 132 upon which are mounted lugs 134 that engage each package 7. Closure of the carton 3 of each package 7 is accomplished in the folding and gluing area 140 of the apparatus 10 as the packages are moved along by the package lugs 134.
  • a folder-gluer assembly 140 of the apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carriers 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the gluing operation will be discussed later, however, for clarity of understanding it is now noted that glue is applied to the interior side (that is, the side which faces the inside of the erected carrier 3) of the so-called greater bottom wall panel 912 of the carrier 3.
  • Glue is applied to adhere the riser panel support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to the interior side of the greater bottom wall panel 912.
  • a version of the carrier without support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 folding and adherence of the support tabs would obviously not be necessary for such a carrier.
  • the elements of the folder-gluer assembly 140 are positioned to fold the elements of the carrier 3 in sequence.
  • the folding features of the folder 140 are static elements that engage applicable panels and flaps of carriers 3 as the packages 7 are moved by the package lugs 134 in the direction indicated by the direction arrow 71.
  • the bottom panels flaps 910, 912 are generally more horizontally inclined rather than downwardly vertically oriented.
  • the bottom panels 910, 912 are first folded vertically downward, then under the carrier 3 into face-to-face relationship for later locking.
  • the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 are folded into a horizontal position.
  • the support tab folding elements are contained in what is conveniently referred to as a tab folding block 141.
  • the greater bottom panel flap 912 is the first of the two bottom panel flaps 190, 912 engaged.
  • the greater panel flap 912 is engaged and caused to be folded vertically downward by the inclined edge of the first vertical panel-folding wedge 162.
  • the first vertical panel-folding wedge 162 folds the greater panel 912 to a vertically downward position wherein it is sandwiched between the wedge 162 and the folding block 141.
  • the folding block 141 provides edges and surfaces which separate and fold the support tabs into place and spaces which accommodate the tabs as they are being manipulated. As the carrier 3 begins its travel upon the folding block 141 the bottles 3 in the carrier are supported on their undersides by the support ledges 158.
  • the dead plate 161 following the folding block 141 provides a suitable static surface upon which the package 7, and bottles 3 in the package in particular, may glide during further transport.
  • the second vertical panel folding wedge 164 engages and folds the lesser bottom wall panel 910 downward in the same manner as the first vertical panel-folding wedge 162 folds the greater panel 912 as described above.
  • the greater 912 and lesser 910 bottom panels are sandwiched between respective first 162 and second 164 panel-folding wedges and the dead plate 161.
  • the first horizontal panel-folding wedge 166 and second horizontal panel-folding wedge 168 fold the respective bottom panels 912, 910 into their closing position of flat face relationship with one another.
  • the first horizontal panel-folding wedge 166 is longer and engages and folds the glue-containing greater panel 912 under before the lesser bottom panel is manipulated.
  • the lesser bottom panel 910 thus becomes the outer-most of the two bottom panels.
  • the bottom wall sealing plate 170 follows the dead plate 161 and provides a surface 174 upon which the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 and glue-containing greater bottom panel 912 are caused to be pressed together thereby adhering the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to the greater bottom panel 912.
  • the bevelled lip 172 at the front of the sealing plate 170 helps the package 7 enter the sealing plate 170 without becoming easily snagged.
  • the bevelled lip 172 of the sealing plate 170 is positioned lower than the deadplate 161 and horizontal folding wedges 166, 168 and the plate 170 itself is positioned sufficiently close to the deadplate 161 to permit the bottom the bottom panels 910, 912 to engage the bevelled lip 172 without snagging.
  • the side walls 176 of the sealing plate 170 urge the side walls of the carrier 3 inwardly to a desired position and help keep the transported packages 7 properly aligned during transport.
  • the front portion of each sidewall 176 is inwardly bevelled to also help guide the package onto the sealing plate 170 between the walls 176.
  • Closure of the bottom of the carrier 3 may be achieved by several means. For example, adherence of the bottom panels 910, 912 to one another by an adhesive. Another effective means for closure is the use of a locking mechanism known as a "punch lock" in the packaging field wherein the outermost of the two bottom panels has male locking members that are superimposed over corresponding female apertures and members formed in the inside bottom panel.
  • the fully-closed packages 7 may then exit the apparatus by conventional means.

Landscapes

  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Intermediate Stations On Conveyors (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Stacking Of Articles And Auxiliary Devices (AREA)
  • De-Stacking Of Articles (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Vorrichtung (10) zum Ausdehnen eines zusammengefalteten Trägers (3), der von einer Trägerfördereinrichtung transportiert wird, wobei der Träger gegenüberliegende quer ausdehnbare Wandflächen (910, 912) aufweist, die an zusammengefalteten Seitenwandflächen (920, 930) des Trägers angebracht sind, wobei die Vorrichtung ein Paar gegenüberliegender Klappenfördereinrichtungen (84, 86) umfasst, die an jeweiligen Querseiten der Trägerfördereinrichtung angeordnet sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede der gegenüberliegenden Klappenfördereinrichtungen wenigstens ein daran angebrachtes Klemmglied (82) aufweist, wobei das wenigstens eine Klemmglied (82) zwischen einer geschlossenen Klappen-In-Eingriffnahme-Position und einer offenen Klappenfreigabeposition betrieben werden kann und dadurch, dass die gegenüberliegenden Glieder der Klemmglieder sich von der offenen Klappenfreigabeposition zu der geschlossenen Klappen-In-Eingriffnahme-Position in einem ersten Bereich eines Wegs zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Klappenfördereinrichtungen bewegen, wonach sie sich in Hinsicht aufeinander in einem zweiten Bereich des Wegs zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Klappenfördereinrichtungen nach außen (81) bewegen, um den Träger auszudehnen.
  2. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei sich das Paar gegenüberliegender Klappenfördereinrichtungen (84) in asynchroner Bewegung mit der Trägerfördereinrichtung bewegt.
  3. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei sich das Paar gegenüberliegender Klappenfördereinrichtungen (86) in synchroner Bewegung mit der Trägerfördereinrichtung bewegt.
  4. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei das wenigstens eine Klemmglied (82) ein daran befestigtes Hakenglied aufweist, welches für die In-Eingriffnahme eines obersten Bereichs (923, 933) einer Seitenwandfläche des Trägers angeordnet ist, wenn das wenigstens eine Klemmglied eine geschlossene Klappen-In-Eingriffnahme-Position einnimmt.
  5. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei das wenigstens eine Klemmglied (82) einen oberen Arm (284) und einen unteren Arm (286) umfasst, die schwenkbar miteinander verbunden und angepasst sind, um Klemmbacken auszubilden.
  6. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei die Klemmbacken mit Greifpolstern (285, 287) bereitgestellt sind.
  7. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei die Klemmbacken in einer geschlossenen Klappen-In-Eingriffnahme-Position voreingestellt sind.
  8. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Mittel zur Bewegung zwischen offener Klappenfreigabeposition und geschlossener Klappen-In-Eingriffnahme-Position eine Walze (300) umfassen, welche mit einem der oberen oder unteren Arme verbunden ist, sowie ein Rampenglied (302), um die Walze abzuschleifen, um zu bewirken, dass einer der oberen oder unteren Arme in Hinsicht auf den anderen der beiden Arme schwenkt, um dadurch die Klemmbacken zu trennen.
  9. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Paar gegenüberliegender Klappenfördereinrichtungen ferner Mittel zur Querbewegung des wenigstens einen Klemmglieds umfasst.
  10. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei die Querbewegungsmittel eine Nocke (292) und einen Nockenstößel (290) umfassen, der mit dem wenigstens einen Klemmglied (82) verbunden ist.
  11. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei ferner eine Führungsstruktur umfasst wird, um die quer ausdehnbaren Wandflächen (910, 912) in einer im Wesentlichen horizontalen Position in Hinsicht auf die Seitenwände (920, 930) des Trägers zu halten.
  12. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend ein Paar gegenüberliegender Nasenfördereinrichtungen (88), welches in der Nähe eines stromabwärts gelegenen Bereichs des Paares gegenüberliegender Klappenfördereinrichtungen in synchroner Parallelbewegung mit der Trägerfördereinrichtung angeordnet ist, wobei jede der gegenüberliegenden Nasenfördereinrichtungen wenigstens ein Nasenglied (98) aufweist, um eine nachlaufende Kante von sich quer erstreckenden Wandflächen des Trägers in Eingriff zu nehmen.
  13. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend ein zweites Paar gegenüberliegender Klappenfördereinrichtungen in Folge mit dem ersten Paar gegenüberliegender Klappenfördereinrichtungen, wobei das Paar gegenüberliegender Nasenfördereinrichtungen die Träger zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Paar gegenüberliegender Klappenfördereinrichtungen befördert.
  14. Vorrichtung zum Laden von Behältern in Träger mit offenen Böden, wobei die Träger ein Paar gegenüberliegender Bodenwandflächen aufweisen mit daran angrenzenden Seitenwänden, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Behälterzuliefereinrichtung umfasst, die einen Fördermechanismus aufweist zum Überführen wenigstens einer Kolonne einer Reihe von Gruppen einer vorbestimmten Zahl von Behältern entlang einer ersten Ebene; eine Trägerzufuhreinrichtung (50), um die Träger aus einer Trägervorschubseinrichtung zu empfangen; eine Träger-Zeitgeber-Transportanordnung (60, 260), die in funktionsfähiger Verbindung mit der Trägerzufuhreinrichtung angeordnet ist, um die Träger von dem Trägerzufuhreinrichtung zu empfangen und den Transport der Träger in einem Trägerweg einzuleiten in synchroner Parallelbewegung mit der wenigstens einen Kolonne einer Reihe von Gruppen einer vorbestimmten Zahl von Behältern auf einer zweiten Ebene oberhalb der ersten Ebene, so dass die Träger mit den jeweiligen der Gruppen mit den Gruppen einer vorbestimmten Zahl von Behältern ausgerichtet sind; eine Greiferanordnung (82) gemäß Anspruch 1 bis 12; eine geneigte Gurtanordnung (90), die ein abwärts geneigtes Paar gegenüberliegender länglicher Endlosgurtpaare in flächenberührender Beziehung aufweist, die einen Weg dazwischen ausbilden zum Empfangen sich quer erstreckender Bodenwandflächen der Träger und zum Transportieren der Träger in synchroner, abwärts geneigter gerader Bewegung über die jeweiligen Gruppen der Gruppen einer vorbestimmten Zahl von Behältern; und ein Bodenwandflächen-Verschlussmechanismus (130, 140, 182), um die Bodenwandflächen jedes Trägers aneinander zu befestigen.
  15. Verfahren zum Ausdehnen eines zusammengefalteten Trägers, der von einer Trägerfördereinrichtung transportiert wird, während kontinuierlicher Vorwärtsbewegung, umfassend das Positionieren eines Paares von Bodenwandflächen in gegenüberliegenden quer ausgedehnten Positionen in Hinsicht auf angrenzende zusammengefaltete Seitenwandflächen, das Einklemmen jeder Bodenwandfläche durch ein Klemmglied und das Bewegen der eingeklemmten Bodenwandflächen nach außen, um den Träger während der kontinuierlichen Vorwärtsbewegung auszudehnen.
EP96912762A 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Vorrichtung zum bodenseitigen einbringen von behältern in korbartige tragbrhälter Expired - Lifetime EP0820403B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US421113 1995-04-13
US08/421,113 US5671587A (en) 1995-04-13 1995-04-13 Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier
US45032395A 1995-05-25 1995-05-25
US450323 1995-05-25
PCT/US1996/005176 WO1996032321A1 (en) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0820403A1 EP0820403A1 (de) 1998-01-28
EP0820403A4 EP0820403A4 (de) 1999-06-30
EP0820403B1 true EP0820403B1 (de) 2002-07-17

Family

ID=27025112

Family Applications (6)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96912761A Expired - Lifetime EP0817745B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum bodenseitigen einbringen von behältern in korbartige tragbehälter
EP96912762A Expired - Lifetime EP0820403B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Vorrichtung zum bodenseitigen einbringen von behältern in korbartige tragbrhälter
EP96912786A Expired - Lifetime EP0817747B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Vorrichtung zum zusammenziehen der bodenklappen einer trageverpackung
EP96911779A Expired - Lifetime EP0817748B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Trägerzuführungsvorrichtung und vorrichtung zum laden von behältern in träger mit offenem boden
EP96912750A Expired - Lifetime EP0817746B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum laden von behältern in tragebehälter mit offenem boden
EP96913797A Expired - Lifetime EP0820404B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Vorrichtung zum bodenseitigen einbringen von behältern in korbartige tragbehälter

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96912761A Expired - Lifetime EP0817745B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum bodenseitigen einbringen von behältern in korbartige tragbehälter

Family Applications After (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96912786A Expired - Lifetime EP0817747B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Vorrichtung zum zusammenziehen der bodenklappen einer trageverpackung
EP96911779A Expired - Lifetime EP0817748B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Trägerzuführungsvorrichtung und vorrichtung zum laden von behältern in träger mit offenem boden
EP96912750A Expired - Lifetime EP0817746B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum laden von behältern in tragebehälter mit offenem boden
EP96913797A Expired - Lifetime EP0820404B1 (de) 1995-04-13 1996-04-15 Vorrichtung zum bodenseitigen einbringen von behältern in korbartige tragbehälter

Country Status (25)

Country Link
EP (6) EP0817745B1 (de)
JP (5) JP3923523B2 (de)
KR (5) KR100454353B1 (de)
CN (3) CN1073526C (de)
AR (3) AR001625A1 (de)
AT (6) ATE220628T1 (de)
AU (6) AU5485796A (de)
BR (5) BR9604939A (de)
CA (5) CA2218035C (de)
CZ (1) CZ294073B6 (de)
DE (6) DE69622549T2 (de)
DK (6) DK0817748T3 (de)
ES (6) ES2143192T3 (de)
GR (3) GR3032869T3 (de)
HK (1) HK1008200A1 (de)
HU (1) HUP9900893A3 (de)
IL (3) IL117897A (de)
MX (3) MX9707468A (de)
MY (1) MY123046A (de)
NZ (1) NZ306815A (de)
PL (1) PL179609B1 (de)
PT (6) PT820404E (de)
TR (1) TR199701089T1 (de)
TW (3) TW307730B (de)
WO (6) WO1996032322A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9625294D0 (en) 1996-12-05 1997-01-22 Riverwood Int Corp Overhead boom arrangement
GB9710639D0 (en) * 1997-05-23 1997-07-16 Mead Corp Packaging machine and method of carton set up
GB9719950D0 (en) * 1997-09-19 1997-11-19 Mead Corp Carton loading mechanism
KR100746136B1 (ko) * 2006-08-25 2007-08-03 이익재 용기 멀티 패킹장치
KR101766513B1 (ko) 2010-09-17 2017-08-08 미츠비시 가스 가가쿠 가부시키가이샤 Tn 액정 패널의 전면판
EP3153416B1 (de) 2011-05-06 2022-06-01 Graphic Packaging International, LLC Karton mit artikelschutzfunktion
AU2012325958B2 (en) 2011-10-19 2016-10-27 Graphic Packaging International, Llc System and method for activating article protection features of a carton
DE102012209978A1 (de) 2012-06-14 2013-12-19 Robert Bosch Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Transport von Gegenständen, insbesondere von Packmitteln
DE102012209987A1 (de) * 2012-06-14 2013-12-19 Robert Bosch Gmbh Verpackungsanordnung, insbesondere Kartonverpackungsanordnung
US9840358B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-12-12 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with article protection feature
NZ727904A (en) 2013-04-10 2017-12-22 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Carton with article protection feature
US9701436B2 (en) 2013-04-10 2017-07-11 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with article protection feature
JP6226448B2 (ja) * 2013-04-29 2017-11-08 日本テトラパック株式会社 紙容器用搬送装置
CN105799969B (zh) * 2016-03-22 2018-01-16 广州达意隆包装机械股份有限公司 一种理瓶机构
CN106314858B (zh) * 2016-11-04 2018-06-19 河北金环包装有限公司 自动收瓶机
US20200369420A1 (en) * 2019-05-20 2020-11-26 Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc Folding upper retention wings
CN110510183A (zh) * 2019-09-30 2019-11-29 广东利事丰机器人自动化科技有限公司 一种拆彩箱合盖装置
US11390049B2 (en) 2019-11-07 2022-07-19 H. J. Paul Langen Method and apparatus for erecting cartons
US11752723B2 (en) 2019-11-07 2023-09-12 H. J. Paul Langen Method and apparatus for erecting cartons and for order fulfilment and packing
CN111071609A (zh) * 2019-12-18 2020-04-28 天津市久跃科技有限公司 一种便于周转的货箱及货箱架
EP3943423A1 (de) * 2020-07-24 2022-01-26 WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC System und verfahren zum gruppieren von behältern
CN116513716B (zh) * 2023-06-21 2024-01-30 江苏盛泰电力设备有限公司 一种矿山输送机用的耐磨衬板机构

Family Cites Families (36)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2276129A (en) 1940-02-20 1942-03-10 Wesselman Albert Method and apparatus for packaging
US2603924A (en) 1947-11-28 1952-07-22 Dacam Corp Means for placing bottles in open bottomed cartons
US2998685A (en) * 1958-11-20 1961-09-05 Continental Can Co Method and machine for packaging articles
GB1152321A (en) * 1965-07-12 1969-05-14 Jacob White & Company Ltd Improvements in or relating to Carton Handling
FR1538892A (fr) * 1966-10-24 1968-09-06 Mead Corp Mécanisme rotatif pour le verrouillage de boîtes du type enveloppant
US3521427A (en) 1967-08-30 1970-07-21 Fibreboard Corp Apparatus and method for erecting a carrier
DE1586235A1 (de) * 1967-09-07 1970-08-06 Peters Maschf Werner H K Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Verpacken von Behaeltnissen,z.B. Flaschen
US3540185A (en) * 1968-07-24 1970-11-17 Mead Corp Packaging machine
US3766704A (en) * 1969-08-01 1973-10-23 Continental Can Co Package forming machine
US3627193A (en) 1970-04-22 1971-12-14 Container Corp Carriers formed from sleeves and having gusset folded bottom closure panels
US3698151A (en) 1970-09-08 1972-10-17 Federal Paper Board Co Inc Method and apparatus for packaging bottled products in basket-style carriers
GB1361976A (en) * 1970-10-31 1974-07-30 Metal Box Co Ltd Wrapping of articles
US3701230A (en) * 1971-02-01 1972-10-31 Mead Corp Packaging machine
US3805484A (en) 1971-09-24 1974-04-23 A Rossi High speed automatic casing machine
US3751872A (en) 1971-09-27 1973-08-14 Container Corp Apparatus and method for enclosing of container groups
US3747294A (en) 1971-11-08 1973-07-24 Mead Corp Packaging mechanism
DE2209370C3 (de) 1972-02-28 1979-04-12 Focke & Pfuhl, 3090 Verden Vorrichtung zum Aufschieben von faltbaren Behältern auf Gegenstandsgruppen
USRE27624E (en) 1972-03-29 1973-04-17 Carriers formed from sleeves and having gusset folded bottom closure panels
US3848519A (en) 1973-05-14 1974-11-19 R Ganz Packaging machine
US3940907A (en) * 1974-05-15 1976-03-02 Federal Paper Board Company, Inc. Bottle packaging machine
US3955496A (en) * 1974-09-17 1976-05-11 Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. Linear can printer
US3924385A (en) 1975-04-07 1975-12-09 Container Corp Apparatus for enclosing container groups
US4100715A (en) * 1977-06-13 1978-07-18 Federal Paper Board Co., Inc. Bottle packaging machine
DE3241032A1 (de) * 1982-11-06 1984-05-10 W. Schlafhorst & Co, 4050 Mönchengladbach Spulenhuelsenmagazin
EP0148545A1 (de) * 1984-01-10 1985-07-17 The Mead Corporation Anbringmechanismus und Verfahren zum Anbringen von Hülsen en Artikeln
GB8428644D0 (en) 1984-11-13 1984-12-19 Mead Corp Cam assembly for feeder mechanism
DE3632237A1 (de) * 1986-09-23 1988-04-07 Focke & Co Einrichtung zum transport von bobinen aus verpackungsmaterial in einer verpackungsmaschinenanlage
US4953495A (en) * 1989-02-01 1990-09-04 Blodgett & Blodgett Article coating system
US4919261A (en) 1989-05-23 1990-04-24 Minnesota Automation Inc. Bottom loading basket carrier
US4915218A (en) 1989-05-23 1990-04-10 Minnesota Automation Inc. Basket carrier with two piece blank
US5019029A (en) 1989-11-13 1991-05-28 The Mead Corporation Machine for erecting sleeve type cartons
US5104369A (en) 1989-11-13 1992-04-14 The Mead Corporation Method for erecting sleeve type carton
US5102385A (en) 1991-03-05 1992-04-07 The Mead Corporation Feeder mechanism for sleeve type cartons
US5234103A (en) 1992-08-21 1993-08-10 Riverwood International Corporation Enclosed basket-style carrier
IT1257448B (it) * 1992-09-30 1996-01-25 Apparato per l'alimentazione continua di astucci ad una cosiddetta astucciatrice
US5547074A (en) 1994-10-21 1996-08-20 The Mead Corporation Article carrier

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP3917180B2 (ja) 2007-05-23
CN1073527C (zh) 2001-10-24
DE69606702D1 (de) 2000-03-23
JP3830517B2 (ja) 2006-10-04
GR3033378T3 (en) 2000-09-29
KR100454351B1 (ko) 2004-12-17
AU706228B2 (en) 1999-06-10
BR9605000A (pt) 1999-02-02
CN1186469A (zh) 1998-07-01
DE69606704T2 (de) 2000-06-21
KR19980703754A (ko) 1998-12-05
CA2218065A1 (en) 1996-10-17
EP0820404A1 (de) 1998-01-28
WO1996032327A3 (en) 1997-02-27
EP0817746A1 (de) 1998-01-14
EP0817745A4 (de) 1999-07-07
EP0820403A4 (de) 1999-06-30
DK0817747T3 (da) 2000-06-05
MX9707468A (es) 1997-11-29
DE69606702T2 (de) 2000-06-21
CZ322297A3 (cs) 1998-05-13
GR3032869T3 (en) 2000-07-31
AR001626A1 (es) 1997-11-26
EP0820404A4 (de) 1999-07-07
DE69606629T2 (de) 2000-06-21
CA2218071C (en) 2001-07-31
JP3923522B2 (ja) 2007-06-06
AR001627A1 (es) 1997-11-26
DK0817748T3 (da) 2000-06-05
PT820403E (pt) 2002-11-29
DK0817745T3 (da) 2002-11-18
BR9604963A (pt) 1998-07-14
IL117898A0 (en) 1996-08-04
ATE221016T1 (de) 2002-08-15
KR19980703752A (ko) 1998-12-05
TW315353B (de) 1997-09-11
ATE221488T1 (de) 2002-08-15
DK0820403T3 (da) 2002-09-02
DE69622388T2 (de) 2003-02-20
WO1996032321A1 (en) 1996-10-17
MX9707471A (es) 1997-11-29
IL117899A (en) 2000-02-17
ATE189655T1 (de) 2000-02-15
PL179609B1 (pl) 2000-10-31
ATE189794T1 (de) 2000-03-15
ES2143192T3 (es) 2000-05-01
ATE220628T1 (de) 2002-08-15
CA2218035C (en) 2007-06-26
CN1082005C (zh) 2002-04-03
KR100454354B1 (ko) 2004-12-17
JP3830516B2 (ja) 2006-10-04
KR100493786B1 (ko) 2005-09-15
ES2143195T3 (es) 2000-05-01
TW325450B (en) 1998-01-21
PT817745E (pt) 2002-10-31
ATE189793T1 (de) 2000-03-15
BR9604964A (pt) 1998-07-14
IL117899A0 (en) 1996-08-04
WO1996032322A1 (en) 1996-10-17
MX9707467A (es) 1997-11-29
PT820404E (pt) 2002-11-29
KR19980703751A (ko) 1998-12-05
AR001625A1 (es) 1997-11-26
CA2218035A1 (en) 1996-10-17
CN1073526C (zh) 2001-10-24
WO1996032327A2 (en) 1996-10-17
MX9707469A (es) 1997-11-29
EP0820404B1 (de) 2002-07-24
EP0817745A1 (de) 1998-01-14
NZ306815A (en) 1999-01-28
DE69622549T2 (de) 2003-03-06
BR9604962A (pt) 1998-07-14
IL117897A0 (en) 1996-08-04
AU5546296A (en) 1996-10-30
KR19980703755A (ko) 1998-12-05
BR9604939A (pt) 1998-06-09
CZ294073B6 (cs) 2004-09-15
DK0817746T3 (da) 2000-05-15
IL117897A (en) 2000-02-17
ES2180766T3 (es) 2003-02-16
AU5546196A (en) 1996-10-30
HUP9900893A3 (en) 2000-01-28
CA2218046C (en) 2006-01-24
WO1996032325A1 (en) 1996-10-17
JP3923523B2 (ja) 2007-06-06
HUP9900893A2 (hu) 1999-07-28
JPH11503697A (ja) 1999-03-30
DK0820404T3 (da) 2002-10-28
PT817746E (pt) 2000-05-31
GR3033202T3 (en) 2000-08-31
DE69622699D1 (de) 2002-09-05
ES2180763T3 (es) 2003-02-16
JPH11503693A (ja) 1999-03-30
DE69622549D1 (de) 2002-08-29
AU5664496A (en) 1996-10-30
DE69622388D1 (de) 2002-08-22
KR100454352B1 (ko) 2004-12-17
JPH11503695A (ja) 1999-03-30
TR199701089T1 (xx) 1998-03-21
EP0817745B1 (de) 2002-07-31
CN1186471A (zh) 1998-07-01
EP0817748B1 (de) 2000-02-16
HK1008200A1 (en) 1999-05-07
WO1996032324A1 (en) 1996-10-17
KR100454353B1 (ko) 2004-12-17
AU5485796A (en) 1996-10-30
ES2143196T3 (es) 2000-05-01
CA2218041C (en) 2005-11-22
EP0817747B1 (de) 2000-02-16
KR19980703753A (ko) 1998-12-05
JPH11503694A (ja) 1999-03-30
PL322762A1 (en) 1998-02-16
TW307730B (de) 1997-06-11
DE69606629D1 (de) 2000-03-16
JPH11503696A (ja) 1999-03-30
EP0817746B1 (de) 2000-02-09
MX9707470A (es) 1997-11-29
DE69622699T2 (de) 2003-06-12
CA2218065C (en) 2005-11-29
CN1186470A (zh) 1998-07-01
AU5548196A (en) 1996-10-30
EP0817748A2 (de) 1998-01-14
AU5545096A (en) 1996-10-30
CA2218041A1 (en) 1996-10-17
EP0820403A1 (de) 1998-01-28
PT817748E (pt) 2000-06-30
CA2218071A1 (en) 1996-10-17
PT817747E (pt) 2000-06-30
MY123046A (en) 2006-05-31
ES2180762T3 (es) 2003-02-16
WO1996032320A1 (en) 1996-10-17
DE69606704D1 (de) 2000-03-23
EP0817747A1 (de) 1998-01-14
CA2218046A1 (en) 1996-10-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0820403B1 (de) Vorrichtung zum bodenseitigen einbringen von behältern in korbartige tragbrhälter
US5671587A (en) Method and apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier
AU2003200697B2 (en) Method and Apparatus for Loading Bottom-loading Basket-style Carrier
AU2002323705B2 (en) Apparatus for Loading Bottom-Loading Basket-Style Carrier
AU750279B2 (en) Method and apparatus for loading containers into open- bottomed basket-style carrier
AU2762300A (en) Apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier
AU2007200455A1 (en) Apparatus for loading bottom-loading basket-style carrier
MXPA97007469A (es) Aparato para extraer conjuntamente los paneles de fondo de un portador en una maquina de carga de portadora
MXPA97007471A (es) Aparato para cargar un portador de tipo de canasta de carga de fondo

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19971113

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 19990518

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20000117

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 220628

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 20020815

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: KIRKER & CIE SA

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69622388

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20020822

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 20021002

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref document number: 20020403334

Country of ref document: GR

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2180763

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20030306

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20030310

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20030311

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20030313

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20030314

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20030317

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20030319

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20030324

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20030325

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20030327

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20030328

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20030328

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20030402

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20030404

Year of fee payment: 8

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20030422

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040415

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040415

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040415

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040415

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040416

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040416

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040430

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040430

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041015

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: THE *MEAD CORP.

Effective date: 20040430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041103

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041103

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20040415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041231

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20041101

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20040416