Package making – Methods – Filling preformed receptacle
Patent
1995-01-23
1996-09-24
Coan, James F.
Package making
Methods
Filling preformed receptacle
53243, 53255, 53448, 53539, B65B 508, B65B 3532
Patent
active
055579094
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This specification relates, in general terms, to apparatus for the packaging of articles. The invention also relates to a process for the packaging of articles. The invention is particularly suitable for the packing of multi-article packages, that is to say, packages which contain more than one article, and, to an apparatus and a process for the packing of articles in such packages,
In one embodiment the invention relates to the packaging of a plurality of different type of product in a single package. In another embodiment the invention relates to the packaging of the same product type in a package.
Numerous problems exist when attempting to automate the packaging of articles, whether, the articles are all the same or different. One such problem is the ability to achieve a high packaging speed while maintaining high accuracy in product numbers and orientation in the finished package.
This problem is accentuated where the product is fragile or easily damaged by handling.
Where two or more different articles, or groups of articles, are to be packaged in a single pack, other problem occur. One of these is in relation to the accurate positioning of a package within the apparatus, so that it will correctly receive the articles. A further difficulty concerns the orientation of an article when it is packaged. Certain articles need to be packaged with reference to a specific orientation so that the article is received in the desired manner within the package. In particular, some articles have a distinct bottom surface or a specific shape, and, either the package requires that the article sit on the bottom surface, or, that the shape is such that it will only be received correctly with the one specific orientation.
These problems are discussed in our co-pending application PCT/AU91/00196, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
It is an object of this invention to provide apparatus and a process for packaging articles which is suited to automatic operation, and which achieves a high packaging speed with a high rate of accuracy in product numbers and orientation in the finished package.
In accordance with one first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for packaging articles comprising a plate member having a plurality of apertures therein, each aperture having at least two openings and being capable of receiving an article, or group of articles, through a first opening thereof; to releasably retain an article or group of articles positioned therein; thereagainst, whereupon movement of said plate member while in registration with said one or more packages, articles releasably retained within said apertures move therefrom through a second opening therein, into positions in said one or more packages predetermined by the position of said apertures in said plate member.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more of the apertures in a plate member of the invention may receive either a single article or a group of articles. Reference throughout the remainder of the specification to an article entering, leaving or being positioned in an aperture, is to be construed as including reference to a group of articles entering, leaving or being positioned in such an aperture.
In one embodiment of the plate member of the invention the non-return stop means is a movable means.
In another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for packaging articles which includes one or more work station at which a supply of one or more articles to be packaged is provided; invention described above, at the, or each, work station, together with means to transfer an article into one or more apertures of said plate member though a first opening therein, at each work station, so that is releasably retained therein by the non-return stop means; to registration means, together with means to move said plate member and said one or more packages while in registration, so that articles positioned in said apertures move therefrom through a second opening therein to positions in said one
REFERENCES:
patent: 4026091 (1977-05-01), Pearson
patent: 4403462 (1983-09-01), Halbich
patent: 4446671 (1984-05-01), Stalder
patent: 4693057 (1987-09-01), Rittinger et al.
patent: 5271209 (1993-12-01), Boyhan
Coan James F.
Gradual Pty Ltd.
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