GB2454726A

GB2454726A - A device for use in a packaging system

Info

Publication number: GB2454726A
Application number: GB0722567A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Littlewood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-16
Filing date: 2007-11-16
Publication date: 2009-05-20
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-16
Also published as: GB0722567D0; GB2454726B

Abstract

A device for use in a packaging system comprises a rigid member having a rearward hand grip 8, a forward restrainer 1 and a loading arm 2. The forward restrainer prevents packages carried on the device from falling from the loading arm during transfer to a display peg (11, fig 7). A plurality of grooves 3 is provided on at least one face of the loading arms, substantially at right angles to an axis of the loading arm. A detachable sliding plate 4 is provided on the loading arm, which aids the aligning and spacing of the packages. A straight or angled extension 5 is provided rearward of the loading arm, which facilitates the transfer of packages to the display peg. A separator 6 is provided between a forward end of the hand grip and a rear of the extension, which may be reinforced 7. A spring (10, fig 3) may be provided between the separator and the sliding plate. The device may be a single unit, or may be a multi-piece device (fig 10).

Description

1 2454726 IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO LOADING DEVICES.

This invention relates to loading devices.

Many articles are presented for sale as packages suspended from display pegs, that extend from support panels, by support apertures usually adjacent the top of each packet. Such packages are often referred to as peg ready. Many other articles have an aperture in their design which allows them also to be suspended from similar display pegs.

The size of the packets vary greatly according to the type, quantity and weight of the contents, and the packet manufacturing material. Although the majority of packages fit onto a single display peg some are so large and heavy that two or more display pegs, usually spaced horizontally, are required for support and presentation.

Some of the major common factors, however, among the variety of packages and display pegs are the dimensions of the apertures and the display pegs, many of which are twin arm although some single arm ones are still in use.

The peg ready packages are usually placed loosely and randomly in cartons before being transported to the outlets for presentation and sale. At this point an operative has to place the packages on the display pegs by hand in a repetitious manner until the peg is full. Adjacent pegs are then loaded in a similar manner. This process is slow requiring many hours of labour and is therefore expensive.

Objects of the invention, therefore, are to provide an improved peg-ready package

loading system than in prior art by ensuring:-

Al more efficient packing in cartons for transportation for later rapid transfer to display pegs B! that various sizes and weights of peg ready packages can be transferred to display pegs using the same basic devices or a combination thereof Cl more than one variety of peg ready package or product can be transferred to more than one display peg in one operation.

D/ there is a simple and quick installation and disassembly procedure for multi pieced devices when required F/the procedure is universally implementable 0/ the devices are re-usable where possible According to the present invention there is provided a system that improves carton packing of peg ready packages and allows their subsequent transfer to display pegs to be quick and efficient. The basic device comprises a substantially rigid member having a rearward hand grip, a forward restrainer and loading arm between. The size and section of the restrainer and loading arm must be sufficient to support the required quantity of peg-ready packages and be able to fit through their support apertures and between the arms of the display peg. The forward restrainer prevents the packages from falling from the loading arm during transfer to the display peg. On at least one face, or part of one face of the loading arm is a plurality of grooves substantially at right angles to its axis. Along the loading arm is a detachable sliding plate which aids the aligning and spacing of the packages. Rearward of the loading arm is a straight or angled extension which facilitates the transfer of the packages to the variously configured display pegs using the hand grip. Between the forward end of the hand grip and rear of the extension is a separator which may be reinforced depending on the material from which the device is manufactured.

The restrainer and loading arm are passed through the apertures of the packages to be transferred to the display pegs using the rearward hand grip, the sliding plate being moved to the rear of the loading arm until the required number of packages are loaded. The sliding plate is then moved into position to the rear of the packages ensuring they are aligned and spaced as required and prevented from being pushed from the front of the loading arm by the restrainer.

Several devices containing peg ready packages can then be packed as desired in cartons and transported to the display pegs at the specified outlet. The loaded devices are taken from a carton, the restrainer and front end of the loading arm placed between the arms of the display peg with the hand grip pointing upwards. Then in a forward downward arc direction the packages are pushed along the display peg in a forward direction using the sliding plate until they are all transferred to the peg. The loading arm of the device is then lowered in the apertures and withdrawn in a rear upward arc direction ready to be re-used when required.

The device outlined, with the exception of the sliding plate, is manufactured in one piece but in many instances of carton packing it is often advantageous to have devices manufactured in several pieces that are interconnectable allowing increased flexibility of use. The devices are also able to be joined in series and parallel so as to be able to fill display pegs more quickly and efficiently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. I shows a cross section of a basic angle armed device and removable sliding plate Fig. 2 is a cross section of a basic straight-arm device and removable sliding plate Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the basic straight-arm device having a coil spring positioned between the sliding plate and handle separator.

Fig. 4 an aerial view representation of Figs. 1 and 2 Fig 5 shows a detachable sliding plate engaged in a groove on the loading arm of the basic angle armed device Fig. 6 shows suspended peg ready packages on the device prior to transfer to a display peg.

Fig. 7 shows peg ready packages during transfer from the loading device to a display peg Fig. 8 shows peg ready packages on a display peg, in a supporting panel, after being transferred from the device Fig. 9 shows how non-packaged peg ready products can be transferred to display pegs Fig. 10 shows how the basic angle arm device could be manufactured with interchangeable parts Fig. 11 shows the straight-arm device in several component parts Fig. 12 shows a further example of how component parts could be assembled Fig. 13 shows an aerial section view of two basic devices connected in parallel Fig. 14 shows a further sectional view of two basic devices connected in parallel but using only one hand grip for operation Fig. 15 shows a loaded basic angled device in a carton Fig. 16 shows component parts connected in series facilitating the transportation of peg ready packages in cartons.

Fig. 17 is a section through an aperture of the package showing a loading arm and a twin arm display peg Fig. 18 is a section through a similar aperture showing another type of loading arm and a single arm display peg

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the words "comprise" and "contain" and variation of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Fig. I shows a basic form of the device which is substantially a rigid member manufactured from an appropriate material of such size and shape as to be able to pass through the support apertures of a plurality of peg-ready packages, and support them, and between the twin arms of a display peg during transfer thereto. At the forward end is a restraint (1) which prevents the packages falling from the loading arm (2) during carton packing and transportation and during transfer to the display pegs. In this device the restraint and the loading arm are of one piece, the loading arm having a plurality of grooves (3) on at least one face or part of one face depending on the section, and engages a releasable, adjustable sliding plate (4) which aids the alignment and spacing during carton packing and transportation and subsequent transfer of the packages to the display peg. To the rear of the loading arm (2) is an angled portion (5) its presence depending on the configuration of the display pegs.

Rearward of this is a separator (6), reinforcement piece (7) and a hand grip (8). The presence of the separator and reinforcement are dependant on the weight of the packages, the material from which the device is manufactured and its size and shape.

The hand grip (8) is used to manipulate the device during the transfer of the packages to the display pegs.

Fig. 2 is a straight arm (19) basic device used for differing display peg configurations Fig. 3 shows a basic straight arm device having a coiled spring (10) fitted between the sliding plate (4) and forward of the separator (6). The sliding plate (4) in this case has an interference fit along the loading arm (2) which in this case has a smooth face (11) The coil spring (10) is another aid in keeping the peg-ready packages aligned and spaced although other expandable and compressible material could be used instead of the spring.

Fig. 4 is a sectional aerial view of Figs (1) and (2) Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the basic device with the sliding plate (4) engaged in one of the grooves (3) of the loading arm (2). The size and shape of the device can vaiy depending on the dimensions, quantity and weight of the packages to be transferred to the display pegs as can the length of the restrainer (1). The spacing of the grooves (3) on the loading arm (2) is also variable depending on the package depth. It is possible to have more than one sliding plate (4) on a loading arm (2) where it can be used as a divider between different packages destined for different display pegs.

Fig. 6 shows peg ready packages (10) suspended through apertures (9) from the loading arm (2) of the basic device before transfer to a display peg being maintained in position by the sliding plate (4) and the restrainer (1) Fig. 7 shows the transfer of peg ready packages (10) from the device to a twin armed display peg (11) suspended from perforations (14) and (15) in a support panel (13) The loaded device is held above the display peg (11) and by a downward and forward arc movement allows the plurality of aligned apertures (9) in the packages (10) to pass over the twin armed display peg (11), the restrainer (1) and loading arm (2) passing between the arms (11) and over the front of the display peg (12) Since the depths of restrainer (I) and the loading arm (2) of the device are less than the depth of the apertures (9) it is a simple operation to lower the packages (10) onto the display peg (11) in the required position, to lower the loading arm (2) of the device in the direction of the apertures (9) and to withdraw the device rearwards through the apertures (9) and over the end of the display peg (12) in an upwards arc movement.

Fig. 8 shows the peg ready packages (10) with their apertures (9) in their required position on the display peg (11) presented and ready for sale.

Fig. 9 shows how non-packaged products (16) with suspension apertures (27) in their design could be transferred to twin arm display pegs (11) using the same techniques as already described.

Many peg ready packages are very small, contain just a few lightweight items, are very thin and therefore take up very little room on the display peg. Consequently even when the loading arm of the device is fully loaded the total weight is minimal. It could be advantageous therefore, to be able to increase the capacity of the loading arms in order that they could accept sufficient products to fill more display pegs consecutively. The ability of the device to be manufactured in component parts such as (19), (20), (21) and (22) is also advantageous during carton packing and transportation. Figs 10, 11 and 12 show some examples of how component parts can be assembled differently. The connecting arrangement utilises plain inserts (17) and recesses (18) at the ends of the components but to those skilled in the art many other connection methods can be used.

Fig. 13 shows an aerial section view of two basic devices fixed in parallel using connecting pieces (30) and (31) enabling more than one display peg to be loaded with peg ready packages at the same time. The method of connection used utilises plain inserts and recesses as in Figs. 10,11 and 12.

Fig. 14 is a further example of how the basic devices can be connected in parallel but in this case using a single hand grip (32) All the features disclosed in this specification (included any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) andlor all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) or to any novel one, or any novel combination of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The embodiments described are by no means exhaustive of the methods available.

The transfer of peg-ready packages to display pegs can use many combinations and permutations of the principles outlined by those skilled in the art.

Fig. 15 shows how a loaded basic angle arm device can be packed in cartons (23) using the sliding plates (4) to maintain position of the packages (24) ready for transportation and subsequent transfer to the display pegs.

Fig. 16 shows another example of how component parts (19) of the loading arms and sliding plates (4) can be used to aid packing into cartons (23) and maintaining package position during transportation.

Fig. 17 is a section through an aperture (9) of the loading arm (2) of a basic device and a twin armed display peg (11). Many peg ready packages have support apertures of the profile shown. The size and shape of the loading arm (2) allows sufficient distance between the bottom of the loading arm (2) and the bottom of the aperture profile (9) to facilitate the transfer of the packages to the display peg (11) and the withdrawal of the devise afterwards. However some display pegs are of the single arm variety (25) in Fig. 18 and shows an example of a different shape and size loading arm (26) that could be used with peg ready packages having the aperture shown.

Claims

1. A peg ready packaging system comprising a substantially rigid member having a rearward hand grip a forward restrainer and loading arm between, the restrainer and loading arm being able to fit through the peg ready package support apertures and between the arms of the display peg, the forward restrainer preventing the packages from falling from the loading arm during transfer to the display peg, there being a plurality of grooves on at least one face or part of one face of the loading arm, substantially at right angles to its axis, along which runs a detachable sliding plate which aids the aligning and spacing of the packages, the rear of the loading arm having a straight or angled extension which facilitates the transfer of the packages to variously configured display pegs, there being a separator between the forward end of the hand grip and the rear of the extension.

2. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claim I whereby the sections, dimensions and materials from which the system is manufactured are able to be varied, in order to accommodate the different weights, sizes and aperture profiles of the peg ready packages, while maintaining the ability to be carton packable and peg loadable.

3. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claim I and 2 whereby the component parts are manufactured as separate units capable of being interconnected to form the peg ready packaging system.

4. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claim 3 whereby materials used for the component parts are dissimilar yet interconnectable in order to optimise the loading and handling capabilities of the system.

5. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claims 3 and 4 whereby the * ** component parts are interconnected in such a way that successive display pegs can be loaded from the same system.

6. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claims 3 and 4 whereby the * ** component parts are connected in such a way that multiple display pegs are able to be loaded at the same time. * ***

7. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claims 3,4,5 and 6 whereby the * *** removal of the restrainer from the loading arm allows the exposed recess in * *** the forward end to fit over the end of single arm display pegs that exit display * : * boards so facilitating the transfer of peg ready packages from the loading arm.

8. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claim 7 whereby the component parts are interconnected in such a way that successive display pegs can be loaded from the same system.

9. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claim 7 whereby the component parts are connected in such a way that multiple display pegs are able to be loaded at the same time.

10. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in previous claims whereby the sliding plate is not detachable

11. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claim 5,6,8 and 9 whereby the sliding plate acts as a divider between different types of packages loaded on the same arm.

12. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in previous claims whereby material acting as a spring is placed between the sliding plate and the handle separator in order to improve the function of the sliding plate.

13. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claim 12 whereby spring material is placed between the rear of the packages and forward of the handle separator when there is no sliding plate.

14. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in previous claims whereby the sliding plate is eliminated with the package transfer from loading arm to display peg carried out manually.

15. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in previous claims wherein the grooves on the loading arm are eliminated providing the sliding plate still timctions as desired.

16. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in previous claims whereby the peg ready packages are preloaded onto the packaging system and placed in cartons ready for transport to the display boards and pegs.

17. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in claim 16 whereby the peg ready packages can be preloaded on the display pegs from the packaging * *, system and placed in cartons ready for transport to the display boards.

:.::

18. A peg ready packaging system as claimed in previous claims whereby all the packages can be transferred from display pegs to the rear of the * ** loading arms, forward of the sliding plate if used, and new packages * * ** loaded forward of old packages such that when transfer from loading arm * to display peg takes place the older packages are at the front of the display peg in order to be the first sales from the display peg. **** * * ** * * S S * S.