IE990851A1 - A method and apparatus for handling cookies - Google Patents
A method and apparatus for handling cookiesInfo
- Publication number
- IE990851A1 IE990851A1 IE19990851A IE990851A IE990851A1 IE 990851 A1 IE990851 A1 IE 990851A1 IE 19990851 A IE19990851 A IE 19990851A IE 990851 A IE990851 A IE 990851A IE 990851 A1 IE990851 A1 IE 990851A1
- Authority
- IE
- Ireland
- Prior art keywords
- cookies
- pack
- group
- cookie
- laid
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G17/00—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
- B65G17/26—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising a series of co-operating units, e.g. interconnected by pivots
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B23/00—Packaging fragile or shock-sensitive articles other than bottles; Unpacking eggs
- B65B23/10—Packaging biscuits
- B65B23/12—Arranging, feeding or orientating the biscuits to be packaged
- B65B23/14—Forming groups of biscuits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
- B65G47/02—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors
- B65G47/04—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles
- B65G47/06—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines
- B65G47/08—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding
- B65G47/082—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding grouping articles in rows
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
- B65G47/74—Feeding, transfer, or discharging devices of particular kinds or types
- B65G47/82—Rotary or reciprocating members for direct action on articles or materials, e.g. pushers, rakes, shovels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
- B65G2201/02—Articles
- B65G2201/0202—Agricultural and processed food products
- B65G2201/0205—Biscuits
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
Abstract
Randomly arranged flat laid cookies (2) are arranged in a single file (4) and delivered along a main conveyor (5). A number of cookies in the single file (4) are grouped together by a grouping chain (30) and laid flat into pockets (10) of a tray (11). Delicate high value cookies are efficiently pakced with minimal manual intervention at economic rates of production.
Description
A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING COOKIES
Introduction
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling cookies and especially to a method and apparatus for delivering cookies into individual pockets in a cookie pack.
Cookies are generally superior quality biscuits which contain, for example, chocolate chips and the like. They are generally lighter and more delicate than more conventional biscuits. Therefore, to avoid damage in the distribution and delivery of the packs to the consumer they are usually packed into packs with individual pockets for receiving one or more cookies. The pockets are reinforced to prevent damage to the cookies in handling and transit.
It is, however, not practical to package cookies into such trays as such packaging is extremely labour intensive and has large reject rates.
This invention is therefore directed towards the handling and packaging of cookies which will overcome at least some of these problems.
Statements of the Invention
According to the invention there is provided a method for handling cookies comprising the steps of: arranging a plurality of cookies into a single file in which the cookies are laid flat;
- 2grouping a number of the flat laid cookies together to form a group of flat laid cookies which are spaced-apart to correspond with pockets in a pack to receive the flat laid cookies; and delivering the group of flat laid cookies into a package, each cookie being delivered into an associated pocket in the pack in which the cookies are laid flat.
In one embodiment of the invention cookies are grouped together to form a group of cookies for pack loading by a grouping means having projections which engage between individual cookies in a file to space the cookies apart a desired distance corresponding to the pockets in a pack. Preferably the grouping means is a grouping chain. The grouping chain preferably has a number of groups of projections corresponding to a pack to be loaded. Ideally, the groups of projections are spaced-apart to deliver the groups of cookies in a controlled manner.
In another aspect a group of cookies are delivered into a pack by a delivery means which is movable from a retracted position to receive a group of cookies to a delivery position in which the group of cookies are delivered into a pack in which the cookies are laid flat. Preferably the delivery means comprises a number of delivery fingers, the operation of which is co-ordinated to deliver the group cookies into individual pockets in a pack.
The invention also provides an apparatus for handling cookies comprising: means for arranging a plurality of cookies into a single file in which the cookies are laid flat;
- 3grouping means for grouping a number of the laid flat cookies together to form a group of cookies which are spaced-apart to correspond with pockets in a pack to receive the cookies; and delivery means for delivering the group of cookies into a pack in which each cookie is delivered into an associated pocket in the pack in which the cookies are laid flat.
In one embodiment of the invention the grouping means has a plurality of projections to engage between individual cookies in a file to space the cookies apart a desired distance corresponding to the pockets in a pack.
In a preferred arrangement the grouping means comprises a chain having a number of projections extending therefrom. Preferably the chain has a number of groups of projections which are spaced-apart along the chain. Ideally, each group of projections corresponds to a desired pack or group of packs.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the projections engage between adjacent cookies on a cookie conveyor.
Preferably the cookie delivery means comprises cookie engaging ejector fingers which are movable from a recessed cookie-receiving position to a cookie delivery position to deliver the groups of cookies into pockets in a pack.
In one embodiment of the invention the means for arranging a plurality of cookies into a single file comprises a lane reducing means to provide a line of cookies in a single file to the cookie grouping means.
Preferably the apparatus includes tray pack delivery means for delivery of a single line of packs to be filled, to the cookie delivery means.
- 4_
Description of the Drawings
The invention shall be more clearly understood from the following description 5 thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a cookie handling and packaging apparatus i
according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of part of the apparatus;
Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a grouping chain part of the apparatus;
Fig. 5 is a transverse cross sectional view of the grouping chain;
Figs. 6 and 7 are cross sectional views illustrating the operation of the 20 apparatus;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a typical tray for receiving cookies; and
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of part of the apparatus on an enlarged scale.
Detailed Description
Referring to the drawings there is illustrated method and apparatus for handling and packaging cookies. The apparatus comprises means 1 for arranging a plurality of randomly arranged cookies 2 on a main conveyor 3 into a single file 4
- 5which is delivered along a feed conveyor 5. The apparatus also includes grouping means 6 for grouping a number of the cookies in the single file 4 together on the conveyors to form a group of cookies which are spaced-apart to correspond with pockets 10 in a tray 11 to receive the cookies. A typical tray 11 of this type is illustrated in Fig. 8. Generally a plurality of such empty trays 11 are denested at a denesting station 12 and led along a pack conveyor 15 which runs the trays 11 in a single file to a delivery station 20 at which the group of cookies are loaded into the pockets 10 of the tray 11. On completion of pack loading the packs are wrapped 17, packaged and palletised.
The randomly orientated flat laid cookies are arranged in single files by a plurality of rollers arranged across the line of cookies. The rollers are arranged in different groups. For example, there may he thirty two rollers arranged in eight groups of four. Each roller or group of rollers has an independent drive which is electronically controllable to vary and adjust the speed of rotation of the rollers to provide decaying speed motion in a wave pattern. This speed variation of the rollers allows a single line of flat laid cookies to be moved forward from the mass of randomly arranged cookies.
The cookies grouping means 6 is illustrated particularly in Figs 2 to 5 and comprises grouping chains 30 attached to belts 34 which are trained around pulley wheels 32. Each grouping chain 30 has a number of radially extending projections 35 to form therebetween pockets 36, each for receiving a single flat laid cookie 2. In this case the projections 35 are grouped together to provide, for example, grouping of flat laid cookies for simultaneous delivery into three «
adjacent packs 11 in a flat laid orientation as illustrated. Two separate groups of projections are shown in for illustration purposes. A gap 40 between the groups allow the chain 30 to be driven substantially continuously, the gap corresponding to the time required to deliver a leading group of cookies into a pack before delivery of a following group into the same or following packs.
- 6A group of flat laid cookies are delivered from the conveyor 5 into the packs 11 by a delivery means 20 comprising a plurality of fingers 50 which are movable from a cookie engaging position illustrated by full lines in Figs 6 and 7 to deliver a cookie
2 into a pocket 10 of a pack 11 in a flat laid orientation. The release position of the fingers 50 is illustrated by interrupted lines and it will be noted that the fingers are moved outwardly and downwardly to quickly clear the delivery station.
Thus, the invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently handling and packing delicate high value cookies with minimal manual intervention at economic rates of production.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail.
Claims (15)
1. A method for handling cookies comprising the steps of: arranging a plurality of cookies into a single file in which the cookies are laid flat; grouping a number of the flat laid cookies together to form a group of flat laid cookies which are spaced-apart to correspond with pockets in a pack to receive the flat laid cookies; and delivering the group of flat laid cookies into a package, each cookie being delivered into an associated pocket in the pack in which the cookies are laid flat.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein cookies are grouped together to form a group of cookies for pack loading by a grouping means having projections which engage between individual cookies in a file to space the cookies apart a desired distance corresponding to the pockets in a pack.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the grouping means is a grouping chain.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the grouping chain has a number of groups of projections corresponding to a pack to be loaded.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the groups of projections are spaced-apart to deliver the groups of cookies in a controlled manner. - 86. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a group of flat laid cookies are delivered into a pack by a delivery means which is movable from a retracted position to receive a group of cookies to a delivery position in which the group of cookies are delivered into a pack in which the cookies are laid flat.
6. 7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the delivery means comprises a number of delivery fingers, the operation of which is co-ordinated to deliver the group of cookies into individual pockets in a pack.
7. 8. A method for handling cookies substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
8. 9. Apparatus for handling cookies comprising: means for arranging a plurality of cookies into a single file in which the cookies are laid flat; grouping means for grouping a number of the flat laid cookies together to form a group of cookies which are spaced-apart to correspond with pockets in a pack to receive the cookies; and delivery means for delivering the group of cookies into a pack in which each cookie is delivered into an associated pocket in the pack in which the cookies are laid flat.
9. 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the grouping means has a plurality of projections to engage between individual cookies in a file to space the cookies apart a desired distance corresponding to the pockets in a pack. - 911. Apparatus as claimed, in claim 10 wherein the grouping means comprises a chain having a number of projections extending therefrom. 5 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the chain has a number of groups of projections which are spaced-apart along the chain.
10. 13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein each group of projections corresponds to a desired pack or group of packs.
11. 14. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the projections engage between adjacent cookies on a cookie conveyor.
12. 15. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14 wherein the cookie delivery 15 means comprises cookie engaging ejector fingers which are movable from a recessed cookie-receiving position to a cookie delivery position to deliver the groups of cookies into pockets in a pack.
13. 16. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 15 wherein the means for 20 arranging a plurality of cookies into a single file comprises a lane reducing means to provide a line of cookies in a single file to the cookie grouping means.
14. 17. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 16 including tray pack delivery 25 means for delivery of a single line of packs to be filled to the cookie delivery means.
15. 18. Apparatus for handling cookies substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. - 1019. Cookies whenever packaged using a method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 and/or an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 18.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE19990851A IE990851A1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-13 | A method and apparatus for handling cookies |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE980868 | 1998-10-19 | ||
| IE19990851A IE990851A1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-13 | A method and apparatus for handling cookies |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| IE990851A1 true IE990851A1 (en) | 2000-06-28 |
Family
ID=11041912
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE19990851A IE990851A1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-13 | A method and apparatus for handling cookies |
| IE19990852A IES990852A2 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-13 | A method and apparatus for handling cookies |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE19990852A IES990852A2 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-10-13 | A method and apparatus for handling cookies |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2342908B (en) |
| IE (2) | IE990851A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB0204899D0 (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2002-04-17 | Nestle Sa | Placement apparatus |
| FR2847242B1 (en) * | 2002-11-15 | 2005-11-11 | Cermex Ouest Conditionnement | MACHINE FOR TRANSFERRING OBJECTS ALIGNED IN SUCCESSIVE RANGES |
| CN102009756B (en) * | 2010-10-27 | 2012-07-25 | 东莞市金富士食品有限公司 | Quantitative racking machine of biscuit |
| US8448776B2 (en) | 2011-03-14 | 2013-05-28 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Apparatus for diverting products and methods of handling products |
| PL2554498T3 (en) * | 2011-08-05 | 2017-07-31 | Barilla G. E R. Fratelli S.P.A. | Method and related apparatus for feeding a packaging machine with groups of thin shaped food products |
| DE102014005959A1 (en) * | 2013-04-30 | 2014-10-30 | Theegarten-Pactec Gmbh & Co. Kg | Method for grouping articles into article poles and grouping device and packaging machine with such articles and control device for product holding devices |
| ES2621256T3 (en) * | 2013-04-30 | 2017-07-03 | Theegarten-Pactec Gmbh & Co. Kg | Procedure for grouping items to form item bars and grouping device, as well as packaging machine with the same |
| CN103448932B (en) * | 2013-09-05 | 2015-10-28 | 刘金勇 | A kind of material automatic tray mounting box machine |
| CN103723490B (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2015-09-09 | 吴江区铜罗新世纪包装厂 | A kind of for carrying the conveying mechanism of the steel wire after putting on and handle |
| CN104477658B (en) * | 2014-11-25 | 2017-04-12 | 佛山市松川机械设备有限公司 | Novel support installing machine |
| CN105564708B (en) * | 2015-12-15 | 2017-11-03 | 温岭市永青气纺机械有限公司 | One hatching egg shortcake mounted box conveyer |
| CN106865180B (en) * | 2017-04-19 | 2019-10-01 | 常德瑞华制造有限公司 | Cigarette collating unit |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH513745A (en) * | 1969-09-01 | 1971-10-15 | Sig Schweiz Industrieges | Method for filling biscuit boxes and device for carrying out the method |
| SE8107427L (en) * | 1981-12-11 | 1983-06-12 | Nordchoklad Ab | SYSTEM (BOS) AUTOMATIC DIRECTION AND IPLOCKING OF TAPE TRANSPORT PRODUCTS |
| DE4330427C2 (en) * | 1993-09-08 | 1996-07-11 | Haensel Otto Gmbh | Method and device for stacking flat goods, in particular for packaging biscuits |
| US5761883A (en) * | 1995-11-28 | 1998-06-09 | Food Machinery Sales, Inc. | Cookie tray loading machine |
-
1999
- 1999-10-13 IE IE19990851A patent/IE990851A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-10-13 IE IE19990852A patent/IES990852A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-10-18 GB GB9924599A patent/GB2342908B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IES990852A2 (en) | 2000-06-28 |
| GB9924599D0 (en) | 1999-12-22 |
| GB2342908A (en) | 2000-04-26 |
| GB2342908B (en) | 2003-02-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MM4A | Patent lapsed |