System and method for packaging of nested products.

SYSTEM. AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING PRODUC

CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application is the formalization of the co-pending United States Provisional Patent Application, previously filed Serial No. 61 / 854,154, filed on April 17, 2013 by the inventors named in this Application. This Patent Application claims the benefit of the filing date of this Provisional Patent Application cited in accordance with the statutes and rules governing provisional patent applications, particularly 35 USC § 119 (a) (i) and 37 CFR § 1.78 (a) (4) and (a) (5). The specification and drawings of the Provisional Patent Application mentioned above are specifically incorporated herein by reference as if they were fully exposed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the packaging of various items such as bottles, cans or other products within cardboard boxes, and in particular to the selection and loading of product packaging groups within a cardboard box with the packaging groups of products being controlled as they are loaded inside the cardboard boxes and the ends of the

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common for products, such as bottles, cans, bags, etc., to be selected in pre-defined product groupings and loaded into cardboard boxes to package such products in packages or packages for transport and sale. For example, it is common for soft drinks, beer and other food products or beverages contained in cans or bottles to be packaged in cardboard boxes such as in 6, 12, 20 and / or 24 packages for sale to final consumers. Typically, the bottles or cans will be fed into a packing where they will be grouped into sets or packages of desired products, that is, groups of 6, 12, 20, 24, etc., after which each group of bottles or cans will be will load inside or on a cardboard box. The cardboard boxes may comprise cardboard box covers, although the preform-style cardboard boxes can also be used, with the selected product groupings generally being driven or otherwise moving inwardly from such cardboard box covers through an open end thereof. Then, the ends of the cardboard boxes will fold and glue in place to create a sealed package.

Traditionally, products such as soft drinks and beer have been sold in pay

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bottles or cans, thus providing consumers with limited choices in the number of pre-packaged products available for purchase.

Recently, since consumer tastes and preferences have changed, consumer demand has increased by more variety in available package sizes. In response to consumer demands for more and / or different offers of product sizes, manufacturers are now developing and offering a wider variety of serving sizes of containers, such as 6, 8, or 20 bottles or cans and / or also half liter and 1 liter sizes. As a result, there is a growing need and demand for a much wider variety of package options than traditional 6, 12 and 24 packages.

Although consumers are looking for more options in terms of product package sizes, however, it is still desirable that such product packages remain as compact as possible to fit inside refrigerators or shelves with a minimum amount of space required or occupied. For such packages. In addition, such non-traditional size packages often require new constructions of non-uniformly shaped / sized cardboard boxes that can create a variety of problems in the selection, loading and packaging of products of different size therein. Although attempts have been made to form packages that have clusters of non-traditional products, for example, clusters of 16 bottles, such systems have generally been forced to operate at slower production speeds and have been inflexible in terms of sizes and configurations. of cartons that can be packaged therein, typically limited to use with a specific package size.

According to the above, it can be seen that there is a need for a system and method for packaging products in a variety of different non-traditional product groupings, which addresses the above and other related and unrelated problems in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the present invention generally relates to a packaging system and method of operation of such a packaging system adapted to allow the selection and grouping of groups of packaged products of varying sizes and / or configurations and to load such groups or packages of products in a series of cardboard boxes that move along a path of the cardboard box through the packaging system, after which the cardboard boxes can be closed and

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IMPI instítkto MEXICANO seal. The present system provides operation to accommodate the selection and packaging variety of product groupings of different sizes and / or configurations, including sizes of non-traditional packages and groups or packages of alternate grouped products.

For example, the packaging system of the present invention can be adapted to package bottles, cans or other similar products / items in configurations that vary from

2x3-6 packages, 2x6-12 packages, 3x4-12 packages, 4x5-20 packages, and 4x6-24 conventional packages up to more non-traditional packages such as

2x5-10 packages, 3x5-15 packages, 4x8-32, and larger packages, as well as allowing the selection, grouping and packaging of bundled product groupings or alternate product arrangements, including the formation of

8, 10, 14, 18, 22 and 26 packages and other sizes and / or variable configurations of packages and / or product groupings.

In one embodiment, the packaging system will include a loading area upstream of a product selection and grouping area in which products, for example cans or bottles, will be formed into groups or packages of products of a desired configuration and size . The products can be fed along a first path to the selection area and

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As the loading arm of the primary load installation drives the product package through its reducing conveyor harrow of the selector conveyor, the product package can be coupled by a plate of - τ ......... ....^......... Ο

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mobile compression The compression plate _ - e along an end upstream or downstream of the package reducing harrow and moves towards an opposite plate of the package reducing harrow to apply a driving or compression force against the product package. This force of motion / compression applied by the compression plate against the bundled product package helps reduce and narrow the space between the products in the bundled product package, and at the same time can help stabilize and guide the custom product package which is inserted into the open end of a corresponding cardboard box.

As product packages are forming, cardboard boxes are generally fed by a cardboard box feeder onto a cardboard box conveyor that extends through the packaging system. The cardboard boxes will be placed inside the harrows or between the lugs of the cardboard box conveyor and can also be coupled by an upper lug conveyor to lift the cardboard boxes towards the open end sleeves. The cases of cardboard boxes will then move in synchronized relationship with harrows of the corresponding or associated selector conveyor to receive a package of products grouped therein.

As product packages move

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ΙΜΡΙ towards its respective cardboard boxes from the packing system, a stabilizing or secondary loading arm can move through the opposite open end of the cardboard box towards the coupling with the product package so that the product package is clutch and stably holds between arms

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a substantially U or C-shaped configuration whereby additional grouped products added to the product package by the secondary selector will remain in a stabilized alignment as the bundled product packages are inserted into the cartons. Alternative, additional drive surface configurations such as a substantially cross-shaped, A-shaped, or other drive surface design can also be used.

In addition, the secondary selector selector wedges may be changed to provide variable selector wedge configurations as necessary to select an additional series of one, two, three, four, or more products to feed the cartons as necessary to form the configuration and / or desired size of bundled product packages or other arrangements of the staggered product.

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Opposite loader arms of primary and secondary cargo s, generally move in and out of cardboard boxes along a path in phases or stages of movement, whereby the loading arms initially move towards each other as the bundle of grouped products moves towards a loaded position inside a cardboard box and then moves in a generally synchronized movement through the cardboard box with the grouped product package coupled between them to stably and safely transport the product package to a loaded position within its associated cardboard box. As the product package is loaded or seated inside its cardboard box, the cardboard boxes will move into / into an area or fold / seal area of ​​the packaging system, where the flaps on the end of the boxes cardboard will be inserted and / or folded in a closed position and an adhesive applied to seal the cardboard boxes.

As the cardboard boxes enter the folding / sealing area of ​​the packaging system, the flap portions of the lower end of the cardboard box along the stabilizing side thereof can be coupled by a first folding / folding mechanism. or upstream, which folds the flaps of the lower end of the cardboard boxes to their closed positions. The loading arm of the secondary load installation can keep &lt;

Docking with the product package inside the carton as the bottom end flaps are folded. The lower end flap guides along the upstream side of the cardboard box can be coupled and propelled into its closed position by a series of lower guide rails mounted adjacent to the path of the cardboard boxes. At substantially the same time, a reinforcement between the lower guide end flaps can be coupled and moved to an inserted position, inwardly by a rotating insertion device, while the rear reinforcement and the lower end flap can engage and move similarly to their positions, folded and folded.

As the loaded cardboard boxes continue along their path, the loading arms of the primary and secondary loading facilities retract completely from the cardboard boxes, after which the cardboard boxes can be attached by folding mechanisms and insertion downstream on both sides of the cardboard boxes. The flaps of the upper upper end, and / or lateral on both sides of the cardboard boxes and the flaps of the lower end on the loading side of the cardboard boxes, will thus bend to their closed positions, with the flaps of the lower end of the cardboard boxes also bending over the flaps of the upper end. A glue or adhesive material can also be applied to seal the flaps at the ends of the cardboard boxes in their closed positions. The upper surfaces of the cardboard boxes can also be coupled by a control belt adjacent to their load ends, such a belt can apply a desired compression force to them to help provide additional stability to the products of the adjacent product packages to the loading ends of the cardboard boxes as the loading arm of the loading installation of the loading or primary side moves out of the coupling therewith, until the end flaps along the loading side of the cardboard box can be folded / closed.

The enclosed cardboard boxes can then move through the compression section in which the cardboard boxes are cloned by compression straps to help seal the ends of the cardboard boxes in their closed configuration. The cardboard boxes can also be coupled by knobs or other actuators to activate the series of protective features of the article that can also be provided along the lower panels of the cardboard boxes. For example, if a series of bottles is being packed inside the cardboard boxes,

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IMPI the fins, tongues or other projections inside the cardboard boxes as it is necessary to define the protrusion characteristics of the article separate the bottles or other fragile items sufficient to reduce the amount of direct physical contact between them and help prevent breakage during the handling and transport of cardboard boxes. The cardboard boxes can then be removed from the packing system for collection, storage and / or transport.

In addition, for larger product packages, such as, for example, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and / or 3436 packages, or larger packages, for which it may be desirable to provide protection features of the additional product along a central line thereof, the product packages can be fed to a rotating / dividing station, in which the product package can be rotated, for example by approximately 90 °, and / or also split into multiple lines for collection storage facility. The rotating / dividing station can be mounted at the end of the packing system to receive the cardboard boxes directly, or it can be provided as a separate, autonomous system in which the cardboard box can be fed individually, as necessary or desired.

As the cardboard boxes the rotating station / divider, upper rotating mechanism.

upper can include a series clutch the upper surface of can be coupled by a

The rotating mechanism of rotating arms that each carton. The rotating arms can generally include the lugs or projection portions downwards to engage on side surfaces upstream or downstream of the cardboard boxes, respectively, and will generally be mounted to a support plate having a cam follower attached to the same. The cam followers engage and move along a driving curve of the cam, causing the rotating arms to rotate, which correspondingly causes the rotation of the cardboard boxes by approximately 90 °. Once the cardboard boxes have been rotated, they can be coupled by a series of knobs or other actuators to activate the protective features of the article extending along the center line of the cardboard boxes as necessary. The cardboard boxes can then be rotated again and can be divided into multiple lines or paths for collection and storage.

Various features, objects, advantages and aspects of the present invention can also be established or will become apparent by those skilled in the art in consideration of the following detailed description, when taken together with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of a packaging system for packaging bundled product packages and other configurations of variable product packages according to the principles of the present invention.

Figures 2A-2B are perspective views of the packaging system of Figure 1.

Figures 3A-3B are views in exploded perspectives illustrating the various operating facilities of the packaging system of Figures 1-2B.

Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary embodiments of cardboard boxes that can be used with the packaging system according to the principles of the present invention.

Figures 5A-5E illustrate several exemplary embodiments of configurations of bundled product packages and / or preform cardboard boxes adapted to be received therein, which can be packaged by the packaging system of the present invention.

Figures 6A-6B are perspective illustrations of new product selection and grouping areas of the product packaging system of Figures 1-3B.

Figure 7A is a perspective illustration that schematically illustrates the formation of packaged products to feed into a cardboard box according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7B is a plan view illustrating the formation of an alternative group of packaged products to feed into a cardboard box using the packaging system according to the principles of the present invention.

Figures 8A-8B are perspective illustrations of the upper and lower sides of an embodiment of the packer reducing harrow of the selector conveyor of the present invention according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figures 9A-9C are perspective illustrations of the loading and folding / sealing area of ​​the packaging system of Figures 1-3B.

Figure 10 is a plan view illustrating the areas of selection and grouping, and product loading of the packaging system of Figures 1-3B.

Figures 11A-11G are schematic views illustrating the selection and grouping of several bundles of grouped products of exemplary configuration and their subsequent loading into a cardboard box.

Figures 12A-12E are schematic illustrations showing the insertion and progressive bending of the lower end of the stabilizing side of the cardboard box by the upstream insertion and folding mechanism.

Figures 13A-13D are schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of the folding and insertion mechanisms of the folding / sealing area of ​​the packing system.

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The figure rotary / splitter mode of packing is an exemplary illustration of to be used in perspective of one according to the principles of the season the present invention.

The figure is a bottom view of the rotary / divider station of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a side elevation view, with parts removed, illustrating the rotation of the cardboard boxes and their coupling by a swivel assembly to activate a series of protection features of the article within the cardboard boxes.

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rotating / dividing station of Figure 14.

It will be understood that the figures accompanying this description, which

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They are included for additional understanding of the present description, incorporated in and constituting a part of this specification, illustrating various aspects, characteristics, advantages and benefits of the present description and invention, and together explaining those with the following detailed description, serve the principles of the present invention. In addition, experts in the field will understand that, according to practice, several features of the figures discussed herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that the dimensions of various features and elements shown or illustrated in the figures and / or treated In the following Detailed Description, they can be expanded, be reduced or moved to an exploded position to more clearly illustrate the principles and modalities of the present invention as set forth in the present description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now in greater detail to the figures in which similar numbers indicate similar parts by all the various views, Figures 1-2B schematically illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a packing system 10 and method of operation according to the principles of the present invention for the selection and grouping of a series of products or P articles, arranged in product packages 11 of varying sizes and / or configurations for loading in

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: DL «iK · '* C for packaging. Although the present invention is generally illustrated for use with packaging of bottles or cans, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other items or products of varying shapes can also be packaged by the packaging system and method of operation of the present invention. The present packaging system is also flexible to be able to accommodate the selection, grouping and packaging of a wide variety of product packages of different size and configuration. For example, the packaging system can be adapted to receive, select, group and package bottles, cans or other P products in various configurations or sizes of traditional or non-traditional packages ranging from 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 and 24 groupings or packages at larger package sizes 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 or more, installed in multiple rows of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or more products, respectively, that is, arrangements of 2x3, 2x4, 2x5, 2x6, 3x3, 3x4, 3 x 5, 3x6, 3x7, 4x4, 4x5, 4x6, 4x7, 4x8, 5x8, etc. products, as indicated in figures 5A-5E. Other configurations and package sizes of variable products can also be used.

In addition, the present invention is particularly adapted to allow the selection, grouping, and packaging of package configurations.

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staggered or housed as well as package arrangements for more conventional products.

For example, configurations of staggered or hosted products of alternative size, such as 10 packages, 14 packages (Figure 5A), 18 packages, 22 packages, 26 packages (Figures 5B-5D), 40 packages (Figure 5E), or other stepped or housed packages of larger, smaller or other size, can be packaged using the packing system 10 of the present invention. Such staggered or housed packages may be formed in a substantially rectangular or square distribution (Figure 5E) or with a generally convex configuration (Figures 5A-5C) or concave (Figure 5D). It will be further understood by those skilled in the art of the foregoing, that the package descriptions are simply provided as examples, and are not taken as limiting the packaging system of the present invention only to package such exemplary configurations, instead, a wide variety of different configurations and / or package sizes may be packaged, including configurations and / or larger or smaller package sizes using the packaging system and method of operation thereof according to the principles herein. invention.

Figures 4 and 5A-5C illustrate cardboard boxes

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Exemplary IMPI C and cardboard boxes form such cardboard boxes, for the packaging of various configurations and / or sizes of packages of grouped products 11 (Figures 5A-5E) of sizes and / or configurations packaging and method of operation thereof according to the principles of the present invention. Each of the preform cardboard boxes

B shown in Figures 5A-5C will generally include side panels 14 and 15, a base panel 16, and may also include top panels 17A / 17B that can be folded over and glued to define the top surface of each carton C, as indicated in Figure 4. Alternatively, the cardboard boxes can be formed with unitary or substantially solid top panels or in other configurations as necessary or desired. Also as shown in Figures 5C-5D, the cardboard boxes can also include a series of protective features of the article such as fins, tongues, or other projections formed within the base or bottom panel.

16. For example, as shown in Figure 5C, a first series of protection features 19 'may be placed in a first orientation and location adjacent to side panels 14/15, while a second series of protection features of article 19 may be formed in a second orientation placed along an axis

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ΜΡΙ msTíTu'TO mbaícano. . ... longitudinal or centerline 20 of the second series of protection features of the article can be activated after loading the product package 11 therein to provide desired separation and protection to the bottles or other fragile items of the product package Inside the cardboard box.

Each of the cardboard boxes C (Figures 2A-3B and 4) will also generally include lateral, first and second or load and stabilization ends 21 and 22, respectively, defining openings 23 (Figures 2B and 7A-7B) through which product packages can be received after folding or lifting the cardboard boxes towards an open-ended cardboard box cover. The open ends 23 of the first and second sides of the cardboard boxes 21 and 22 will generally be defined by a series of end flaps 25 (Figures 5A-5C), generally including upper, lower and lateral flaps. In one embodiment, cardboard boxes can be provided with a configuration that substantially matches the configuration of the product package received therein. For example, Figures 5A-5C illustrate product packages with a generally convex or extended configuration or profile, around which their cardboard boxes can be formed. In such an embodiment, the flaps at the ends of the cardboard boxes may include lower end flaps 26 formed at each end of the base panel 16 of each box of

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17A / 17B by fold lines

28A, the flaps (Figure generally separated from the side panels

14/15 along the fold lines 29A.

Lower reinforcements may also be formed along / between the flaps of the lower end 26, as indicated in dashed lines 31 in Figures 5A-5C, while additional upper reinforcements 32 may also be formed between the flaps of the upper end and / or upper side and upper panels 17A / 17B.

Additionally it will be understood from the figures

5A-5C that other variable distributions of end, side, top and base panel flaps, and reinforcements may also be provided as necessary to accommodate variations in sizes and / or configurations of product packages, including bundled product packages as sample, as well as to accommodate the packaging of different types of products forming such product packages.

For example, as indicated in Figure 5C, where bottles are used as products P of the product package

11, the panels

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In addition, cardboard boxes can be formed with substantially square or rectangular configurations, without the need for additional reinforcements, end and / or side flaps, or other features adapted to further approximate the configuration of a product package received therein, which may result in the reduction in the amount of cardboard or other materials used to

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5D-5E, for bundled product packages 11 having a concave or hollow configuration or a similar or generally rectangular arrangement with offset or staggered rows, cardboard boxes in substantially rectangular or square shape can be used.

Open spaces or hollow areas between the ends of the product rows, as indicated in 37 in the figures

5D-5E, may provide additional space at the ends of the cardboard boxes so that handles or handles are formed in the cardboard boxes, and / or provide space for inserts or other features if necessary or desired.

As shown in Figures 1-3B, the packaging system can generally be constructed similarly to and / or incorporate the characteristics of a packaging, such as a style packaging

QUICKFLEX® 2100 as manufactured by Graphic Packaging

International, Inc. The packaging system 10 in this manner can be adapted to operate in a conventional manner or mode to package additional style / configuration product packages, while also providing additional capacity and flexibility to accommodate a wider variety of sizes. and / or package configurations, including packaging configurations of

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ÍN^; hosted product packages or other non-traditional package sizes without additional or substantial reconstruction thereof.

As indicated in the figures, the packing system 10 will generally include a structure 39, defining a first loading side 4 0A and a second stabilizing side 40B of the packing system, and which may include a housing or protections (not shown) and such a structure supports the various operating systems and facilities of the packing system 10. The packaging system will also generally include a loading area 41 in which the cardboard boxes C and products P (Figure 1), respectively, are introduced into the packaging system, a downstream selection and grouping area or area 42 in which products are selected and formed in product packages, after which they are passed to a loading area or area 43 to load in their corresponding or associated cardboard boxes, a folding / sealing area or area 44, and a compression area 46 at the downstream end of the packaging system to complete the packaging of the product packages within their associated cardboard boxes.

The cargo section or area 41 of the packing system 10 will generally include a cargo conveyor 50 for transporting a series of cardboard boxes C, typically arranged in a series stacked and transported along the cargo conveyor 50, as indicated in Figure 1 The cardboard boxes are fed in series stacked along the load conveyor 50 to a cardboard box loader 51, which feeds individual cardboard boxes C on a cardboard box conveyor 52 (Figures 2A, 3A-3B, 6A -6B). An example of such a cardboard box loader and cardboard box loading conveyor 50 is generally shown in US Patent No. 8,246,290, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference as set forth in its entirety. The cardboard box conveyor 52 will generally include a conveyor with harrows or lugs that has a series of push lugs 53 (Figures 2B, 3B and 6B) carried by straps or chains 54 between which each of the cardboard boxes will be received. of the carton box loader 51 and transported along a travel path as indicated by arrow 56. as further indicated in FIGS. 2A-3B, a conveyor system / assembly with lug or upper harrow 57 for lifting the cartons C, such as for example, is shown in US Patent No. 5,809,746, the description of which is incorporated by reference as set forth herein, will be provided along the path 56 of the cardboard boxes for coupling and

362803ra lift the cardboard boxes towards a conf of open ends to load products in them, such

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packing 10 also includes a product loading conveyor 60, which will feed a series of products, such as bottles or cans, along an initial path, indicated by arrow 61 towards the packing system 10. The conveyor of Product load 60 will generally include a substantially flat belt that has an expanded width of one size to accommodate a desired number of products therethrough. The product loading conveyor will feed the products to the selection or grouping station or area 42 where the products can be discretely selected / separated by a series of guides 62, from a primary selector 63. The guides 62 can be moved to the desired positions to across the width of the product load conveyor as necessary to accommodate or separate the products on a desired number of tracks 64 of product lines. For example, in Figures 2A and 6B, six guides 62 are shown in use in the primary selector 63, although it will be understood that a greater or lesser number of guides 62, defining more or less product lines 64, can also be provided. The product lines 64 of the selector

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ΜΡΙ ίΝίΤΠ'υΤΠ ΜΚΧΟΝΟ primary 63 separate discrete products from products, which will be coupled by a series of selector wedges 65 that select and / or capture a desired number of products between them to guide a first or initial series of products on the harps 66 of a product selector conveyor 67 that moves along a travel path substantially parallel to the travel path 56 of the cardboard boxes moving along the cardboard box conveyor.

As indicated in FIGS. 6A-7B, a desired number of products from each of the product lines are engaged and driven by the selector wedges 65 in associated harps 66 of the selector conveyor 67 to form an initial or grouping product package 11A moving substantially parallel to cardboard boxes for loading therein. As further illustrated in FIGS. 7A-8A, each of the harps 66 of the harrow product selection conveyor 67 can generally be constructed as a harrow reducing the package which, in one embodiment, can include a substantially flat base plate 68 in which packages are loaded on an upstream wall 69, which can be fixed in place, and a moving downstream wall 71. The downstream wall 71 can be mounted on rotating members 72 (Figures 8A-8B), both by supports c and pivot pins 73 (Figure 8B), and thus can be mobile to

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ΜΡΙ ΓΠ'ϋΤΟ MEXICANO across the upper surface 74 of its p 68, as indicated by arrows 76 and 76 ', to g rotating members 72, as indicated by arrows 77 and 77' in Figure 8B. A cam roller 78 or similar guide pin can be mounted on a lower surface of at least one of the rotating members 72, and can engage a driving curve of the cam or guide 79 (Figures 6A-6B) extending along the selector conveyor to cause rotation of the rotating members as the cam roller follows along its guide or associated cam track.

As a result, the wall 71 of each harrow will generally be propelled to and away from the product package that is formed within its associated harrow as the selector conveyor moves along its travel path, thereby applying a reducing force Against the package of products. This reducing force generally results in tightening or folding the space between the products within the product package that is formed as the product package clings between the walls upstream and downstream of the harrow, and can also help guide and stabilize the upstream and downstream rows of products in the product package as it is loaded in a cardboard box, as indicated in Figure 7A. The shape and / or position of the cam driving curve 79 can be varied and / or changed further

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Where products

Driving standard boxes or as necessary to control the compression folding provided to the package of such compression is not necessary, such as cardboard and conventional product packages, the cam driving curve can move out of engagement with the rollers of cam and / or removed, or otherwise it can be reconfigured as necessary.

As further indicated in Figure 11G, in one embodiment, a series of funnels or guides 81 can also be provided to help guide the bundled product packages or groups 11 towards their cardboard boxes. Funnels 81 may include upstream and downstream plates 82A-82B that are mounted in separate series on a conveyor 83. The funnels can be moved in time with the product packages 11, and the positions or space between their upstream and downstream plates can be adjusted or varied, depending on the size and / or configuration of the product packages, as necessary to facilitate movement of product packages 11.

As further illustrated in Figures 6A-7B, a secondary selector 85 is generally located adjacent to the downstream end of the selection and grouping area 42 of the packing system 10, in a position to receive any additional remaining product not previously selected and loaded. in

<img file="MX362803B_D0015.tif" />

selector by primary selector 63. In this way, to drive packages of more conventional size, secondary selector 85 does not necessarily have to be used. However, for the formation of more non-traditional package sizes, including bundled product packages 11 as illustrated in Figures 7A-7B, the secondary selector can receive and select and guide additional numbers or series of products 11B towards an adjusted ratio or coupled with the initial product package 11A formed on each harrow by the primary selector.

As illustrated in Figures 6A-6B and 9A-9C, the secondary selector will generally include one or more guides or rails 86 defining at least one track or passage 87 between them, and along which additional products 11B (Figures 9A -9C) are received and guided to a desired fitted coupling with the initial product packages 11A formed within the harrows of the selector conveyor. As further indicated in Figures 7A-7B and 9A-9C, a series of selector wedges 88 can couple the series of additional products that are fed by the secondary selector 85 to select and guide or direct the additional products in their adjusted relationship with the initial product groupings within the harrows, as shown in Figures 11A-11C. The selection wedges 88 (Figure 7A) can

<img file="MX362803B_D0016.tif" />

IMPI mounted on a conveyor chain or co:

continuous, in a desired space to define passages or guide channels 89 between them, and will generally move in regulated relationship with the incoming products that move along at least one track 87 of the secondary selector 85 to select and dose the products that They move along. The products will be received within the channels 89 defined between the selection wedges, which will guide such products in tight coupling with their associated initial product groupings 11A to form bundled product packages 11.

The resulting product packages 11 may be formed with various numbers and distributions of rows and products, installed in a variety of grouped and / or alternate or other configurations. For example, product packages may have a substantially square or rectangular distribution with or without spaces at the ends thereof as shown in Figure 5E; a generally convex distribution having additional products at the ends of one or more rows of central or interior products, as shown in Figures 5A-5C and 7A; a generally concave distribution with additional products distributed in the more outward, front and rear rows, or other rows of products, as shown in Figures 5D and 7B; or other configurations of variable packages.

As further indicated in Figures 6A, 7A-7B and 9A-11F, after each product package 11 has been formed within a harrow 66 of the selector conveyor 67, it will move towards the loading area or area 43 of the system of packing 10 to load in a corresponding cardboard box C. As the product packages 11 move towards the loading area, they can initially be coupled by a loading arm 91 of a first, primary or load assembly 92 mounted along the loading side 40A of the packing system. The primary load installation 92 (Figures 9A-10) can generally include two or more transmission chains, belts or other conveyors that move around an elliptical passage path in the direction of arrow 94 and which will carry a series of loader arms 91 along. The number of loader arms 91 can be varied depending on the size and / or space of the harrows of the selector conveyor, with each arm typically moving in a regulated relationship with an associate of the harrows of the selector conveyor.

Each loading arm 91 can generally include an elongated base or body 96, which can also be formed as a pair of separate rods or arms 97, attached to a carrier 98 that slidably mounts on a series of supports 99, such as rods, rods, etc., which in turn join the transmission chains the primary load facility. A cam pusher 101 (Figure 9C) can be mounted to the carrier of each loading arm 91 and can be coupled and run along a guide channel 102, the position of which can be adjusted by an actuator 103, such as a servomotor or pneumatic actuator or hydraulic, or other similar actuator. This causes the carrier to be driven transversely across the width of the primary load installation to a corresponding product package being transported by the selector conveyor. The position of the channel 102 in this manner can be varied to control the transverse movement of the loader arms 91 in the direction of the arrows 104/104 ', in and out of engagement with the product packages as necessary to load the product packages inside the cardboard boxes, as indicated in figures 7A and 11A-11F.

A second loading or stabilization facility

106 it can also be mounted on the opposite stabilization side 40B of the cardboard box conveyor of the packing system 10 of the primary load installation 92. The secondary load installation may have a construction similar to that of the primary load installation, typically including a conveyor mechanism

107 (Figures 9A-9B) which may include one or more belts, chains, etc., and which carries a series of poles which are loaded with the loading arms 109. A mobile guide channel lll can move laterally through the travel path 112 of the carriers and loader arms to control the transverse movement of the loader arms 109 from the stabilizer side to and away from their associated cardboard boxes that move along the cardboard box conveyor.

An example of a loading system that can be used for loading, primary and / or secondary installations, 92 and 106 of the packing system 10 may include a sloping barrel loader, divided as illustrated and described in the Publication of US Patent No. 2010/0162668 Al, the description of which is incorporated by reference as set forth herein.

As further illustrated in Figures 7A and 11A-11F, in one embodiment, the loading arms 91 and 109 will each typically include a front plate or driving surface, indicated at 115 and 116, respectively. In one embodiment each driving surface 115/116 of each of the loading arms 91/109 can be formed as a substantially unitary plate, as indicated in Figures 7A and 11A-11F, or alternatively in another exemplary embodiment, it can be formed as a pair of plates side by side, each attached to a separate arm and forms its loading arm. Each driving surface can also typically be configured to couple various sizes or configurations of product packages 11, including bundled product packages. By way of example, in one embodiment, to form a generally concave product distribution or package configuration 11 as shown in Figures 7A and 11A-11F, the driving surfaces or plates 115 and 116 may have substantially U-shaped configurations - or C, each with a hollow area 117 defined between a pair of projections or projections extending forward 118. The additional products 11B selected by the secondary selector 85 can be received within this hollow area 117 to support the additional products 11B as they are pushed into their adjusted position against the initial product group 11A as the bundled product package 11 is Load in the carton.

Also as indicated in Figure 7A, the driving surfaces 115 of the loader arms 91 of the primary load installation can generally have a base or lower portion 119 that projects downward and that is adapted to move on or in close proximity with the upper surface 74 of the base plates 68 of the harrows 66 of the selector conveyor as the loading arms

<img file="MX362803B_D0017.tif" />

substantially stabilize a lower or lower portion of the products (eg, bottles as shown in the figures) of the product packages as the product packages are inserted into their corresponding cardboard boxes. On the contrary, the driving surface

116 of the loading arm 109 of the secondary load installation 106 may not require a lower portion or base that extends downward, instead clutching generally an upper or middle portion of the portions, as indicated in Figure 7A. Further, the driving surfaces of the loading arms can be provided as change parts to allow quick and easy change of such driving surfaces or plates as necessary to accommodate packages of products of different configuration or size (as shown in Figure 7B) and / or to conduct package distributions of more conventional products that do not include a series of additional grouped or staggered products as a part of such packages of product.

As schematically illustrated in Figures 11A-11F, as the product packages 11 are driven into and into their corresponding cardboard boxes C (in the direction of arrow 104), by the loading arms 91 of the loading installation primary, the associated or corresponding loader arms 109 of the

<img file="MX362803B_D0018.tif" />

secondary load installation 106 generates ... * _nto and through the passage or open inner cavity of the cardboard boxes, as indicated by arrow 121 in Figures 11A-11C. As a result, as each product package is inserted into its corresponding cardboard box, it will be coupled from opposite sides of the carton to help stabilize and prevent the inclination or misalignment of the products as the product packages They settle inside their cardboard boxes. With the product packages coupled by both loading arms 91/109, the movement of the loading arms 109 can then be reversed to move in an opposite direction, as indicated by arrow 121 'as the loading arms 91 continue their movement towards forward in the direction of arrow 104 to load the product packages in their cartons, with the product packages maintained in a stabilized distribution during loading, as indicated in figures 11D-11E. Then, as indicated in Figure 11F, once each product package has been completely seated inside its cardboard box, the loading arms of the primary and secondary loading facilities can be retracted (as indicated by the arrows 104 'and 121') as the cardboard boxes move to the fold / seal area or zone downstream 44 of the packing system (Figures 1, 2B, 9A-10 and 13A-13B).

In a further alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 7B and 11G, the secondary selector 85 can also be reconfigured as necessary to provide the selection and feeding of different additional product distributions 11B as necessary to form other configurations of variable product packages . For example, as indicated in Figures 7B and 11G, the secondary selector can be configured to feed additional product groups 11B in staggered or separated distributions in alignment with separate rows, selected from the initial product package 11A, such as being fed into the coupling with the rows of products further out or upstream and downstream. In such an embodiment as shown in Figures 7B and 11G, the driving surfaces 115 'and 116' of the loading arms 91 and 109 of the primary and secondary loading installations can be changed and / or configured with a configuration generally in A, E or substantially T-shaped form; for example having a central projection portion 122 which extends towards the product packages and is limited by upstream and downstream side sections 123A and 123B. The driving surfaces 115 'and 116' can be provided as change parts to replace the driving surfaces 115 and 116 of the loader arms 91 and 109, or alternatively loaders by themselves can be replaced as necessary.

According to the above, while the secondary selector 85 is being shown in the embodiments illustrated as generally feeding two additional products in engagement with, for example, central rows of the initial product package, as shown in Figure 7A, or towards the coupling with product rows, front and back, or front and back, as shown in Figure 7B, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that larger or smaller numbers of products can also be fed in coupling or alignment with several selected rows of the initial product package to form substantially rectangular, substantially square, or generally concave and / or generally convex product distributions . For example, as shown in Figure 5E, three additional products, such as three additional cans, can be fed into the coupling with the first or front row of products, the third row of products or centers, and the fifth or last row of products to form a package of products of a desired shape and / or size that can be packaged using a substantially rectangular cardboard box that does not require additional reinforcements and flaps to substantially conform the cardboard box around the shape of the product package, such as figures 5A-5C.

In addition, as further illustrated in Figure 11G, the selector wedges of the secondary selector 85 may be replaced with additional variable configuration selector wedges, as indicated in 88A and 88B. The selection wedges can be provided with angled guide surfaces 90A-90C, which define a guide passage upstream of redirection or angled 8 9A, which can also substantially include flat guide surfaces 90D defining a guide passage downstream 89B. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that other variable configurations of the selector wedges 88A and 88B can also be used, thus defining guide channels 89A and 89B of different and / or additional configuration (including additional guide channels as necessary). The selector wedges 88A and 88B in this way will couple the additional products that are fed through the secondary selector, and will guide the additional products in a product configuration with spaces or convex, alternate or grouped, desired as shown in Figures 5B , 5E, 7B and 11G.

As discussed above, the loader arms 91 (Figures 7B and 11G) of the primary load installation will couple and drive the additional products along

<img file="MX362803B_D0019.tif" />

IMPI of the guide channels 89A and 89B, in coupled selected rows (ie, the upstream and downstream rows), while substantially at the same time, the downstream wall 71 of each packet reducing harrow 66 can move towards its current wall top 79 to fold or reduce package size, with the amount of folding and / or compression of the product package 11 generally being controlled by the movement of the cam rollers 78 (Figures 6A-6B) along the driving curve of the cam or guide 79. Furthermore, also as illustrated in Figures 7B and 11G, a funnel conveyor 83 can be provided between the harps 66 of the product selector conveyor 67 and the cardboard box conveyor, to move a series of funnels or guides 81 in regulated motion. with the product package 11 through the harrows and towards their associated or corresponding cardboard boxes. The funnels can also facilitate the compression and guidance of each of the product packages 11 towards their associated cardboard boxes, as necessary or desired.

As the product packages move through the loading arms 91 of the primary load installation towards their cardboard boxes, the product packages can also be coupled on the opposite side or end by the loading arms 109 of the second loading installation or stabilization 106, the driving surfaces 116, the

<img file="MX362803B_D0020.tif" />

on the side

ΙΜΡΙ which will generally have a configuration coupled to couple the opposite product packages coupled to help keep the product packages in their desired alternate or grouped configuration or distribution as the product packages feed into the openings of their cardboard boxes. As noted above, as the product packages enter their associated cardboard boxes, the loading arms 109 of the second loading or stabilization facility 106 may retract as the loading arms 91 of the primary loading installation 92 continue their movement forward, thus guiding product packages to their cardboard boxes, as discussed above. Afterwards, the cardboard boxes, with their product packages loaded in them, will continue along their path to the folding and sealing area of ​​the packaging.

<td></td><td>The</td><td>selection</td><td colspan="3">and packing</td><td>of packages</td><td>from</td>

<td>products</td><td colspan="2">grouped</td><td colspan="3">that have a</td><td>setting</td><td>or</td>

<td colspan="2">distribution</td><td colspan="2">substantially</td><td>concave</td><td>I</td><td>staggered or</td><td>in</td>

<td>spaces,</td><td>such</td><td>how I know</td><td>illustrates</td><td>in the</td><td colspan="2">Figures 5D, 5E, 7B</td><td>Y</td>

<td colspan="2">11G, allows</td><td>that he</td><td colspan="2">packing</td><td>from</td><td>a variety</td><td>from</td>

<td>products</td><td>from</td><td>different</td><td>size</td><td colspan="2">or number in</td><td>the packages</td><td>from</td>

<td>product,</td><td>it is</td><td>tell,</td><td> 18,</td><td> 20, 28,</td><td> 32</td><td colspan="2">, 40 or others</td>

<td colspan="4">package settings</td><td colspan="2">of size</td><td colspan="2">different such</td>

<td>packages</td><td colspan="3">can be packaged</td><td>further</td><td>Useful</td><td>hoisting boxes</td><td>from</td>

<img file="MX362803B_D0021.tif" />

IMPI more conventional square rectangular cardboard. Such cardboard boxes may not necessarily require additional features such as reinforcements and / or additional fold flaps at the ends and / or sides thereof to more closely configure the cardboard box around a concave product package, oblong or other, similar extended as shown in Figures 7A and 11A-11F. As a result, the use of such substantially rectangular or square packages can provide potential cost savings in the amount of cardboard material required to form the cardboard straws, and can potentially allow increased production / packing rates.

In addition, as noted, the packaging system 10 (Figures 1-3B) and method of operation thereof according to the principles of the present invention also has the flexibility to allow the packaging of product packages and / or cardboard boxes. of more conventional or standard size, for example 12 packages in 2 x 6, 3 x 4 configurations, 24 packages in 4 x 6 configuration, etc. To drive such cardboard boxes and packages of more conventional or standard products, the secondary selector can be decoupled and / or deviated in such a way that the products that are being fed into the product load conveyor are fed only to the primary selector tracks. , and the driving surfaces

<img file="MX362803B_D0022.tif" />

of the primary or stabilization loading installations can be replaced or replaced with substantially flat front driving surfaces to couple the product packages and propel the product packages towards their associated cardboard boxes. In addition, when driving such cartons or packages of products of more conventional or generally standard size, it is not necessary or desired to compress or reduce the size of the product packages, The cam drive curve guiding the cam rollers of the pack reducing harrows 66 of the selector conveyor can be removed or moved or changed to a position or location out of engagement with the cam rollers to prevent compression or reduction in size of Product packages As an additional alternative, the secondary selector can be kept in operation, and can be used to selectively feed additional products together with the primary selector. For example, if the primary selector is feeding four to six rows, such as to form a 12 or 24 package, the secondary selector can be operated together with the primary selector to feed an additional row or row as necessary to form product packages larger size, additional.

As illustrated in Figures 11E-11F, with the product packages seated in their cardboard boxes, the loading arms of each of the insté

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<img file="MX362803B_D0023.tif" />

they can then be retracted or removed from the cardboard boxes and out of engagement with the product packages therein, after which, or together with which, the open ends of the cardboard boxes can be closed and sealed as the Cardboard boxes continue along their path to the conservation / classification area 44. As indicated in the figure

13A, as the cardboard boxes enter the fold / seal area 44, they will typically be coupled by a first upstream fold / fold mechanism 125. The upstream fold / fold mechanism 125 can generally be located adjacent to a downstream end of the secondary load installation 106 to engage the bottom end flaps 26 and lower reinforcements of the cartons C along the second side or stabilization 40B of the packing system to initiate the closure of the cardboard boxes along the stabilization sides thereof, while the loading arm 109 of the secondary load installation 106 can generally remain in contact or stabilization coupling with most of the final products P of the product package 11 loaded therein, as indicated in Figures 12A, 13A and 13B . In this way, closing each cardboard box to seal its product package in the

<img file="MX362803B_D0024.tif" />

ΜΡΙ

INSTÍTKTO MEXICANO itself can be started while the packages keep in their stabilized coupling between the loading arms of the loading, primary and secondary installations.

As noted above, the drive plate 116 of the secondary loading arm 109 can generally be formed or configured to engage intermediate and / or upper portions of a product package to allow the secondary loading arm 109 to remain in its stabilization contact with the products during the folding and closing of the flaps of the lower end of the cardboard boxes along their stabilization or secondary sides, after which the secondary loader arm 109 can retract completely from the cardboard box without interfering with

<td>the</td><td colspan="2">close of</td><td>the</td>

<td colspan="2">paperboard.</td><td>A</td><td>time</td>

<td>from</td><td>the</td><td>box</td><td>from</td>

cardboard stability after flaps of the lower end of the closed box, the lower end flaps can provide the desired or necessary for the product packages contained within their cardboard boxes as the remaining end flaps along both sides of the cardboard boxes close and seal.

Figures 12A-12E schematically illustrate the operation of the upstream fold / fold mechanism.

125 to fold and insert the bottom end flaps and bottom reinforcements of the cardboard boxes along its i 11/1 ΟΙ

I IVI rl β ·! · ** * κ » _Α;

secondary or stabilization side. As figures 12A-13B, the initial fold / fold mechanism 125 will generally include an insertion wheel 126 installed on a drive shaft 127 and including a radial projection or insertion projection 128 located along the circumference thereof. The insertion wheel 126 will generally be rotated, such as under the control of a conductive motor or when connected to the conductive system for the conveyor of cardboard boxes or other operative transport elements of the packing system to rotate towards the coupling with the lower reinforcement 31 'guide of each carton, as indicated in Figures 12A and 12B. The rotation of the insertion wheel causes the lower guide reinforcement to tilt or bend inwards, as indicated in Figures 12B-12E, while at the same time the lower guide end flap 26 'of each carton will be coupled by one or more guide rods 129, as indicated in Figures 12A-13B, to cause movement of the flap of the lower guide end of such a cardboard box to its folded or closed position as shown in Figures 12D and 12E.

At approximately the same time, an upstream insert and fold member 131 can similarly engage the flap of the lower rear end 26 and reinforcement 31 of the carton, as indicated in the

<img file="MX362803B_D0025.tif" />

IΜ ΡI figures 12C-12E. The insertion member is generally mounted on a drive shaft 132, which the insertion and fold member toward the coupling with the side and / or end flaps and bottom reinforcement below or downstream of each carton, and may include a projection or elongate insertion protrusion 133 that helps drive the lower back reinforcement inward, and hooking the upper coupling end 134 that clutches and drives the lower rear end and / or side flaps to its bent configuration shown in Figure 12D. As the insertion wheel 126 and insertion and folding member 131 of the initial fold-up or upstream mechanism 125 rotate out of engagement with the reinforcements and flaps of the ends of the cardboard boxes, the end flaps of the cardboard boxes will then continue along the guide rods 129 that will keep the flaps of the lower end of the cardboard boxes in their folded / closed position as indicated in Figure 12E. Such coupling further helps provide stability to that end of the product package within the carton.

While the guide rods 129 provide stability and support at the end of the product packages along the second side or stabilization 40B of the packing system, the cartons can also be coupled by a control strap

LA l'Kll (BiDll load side 40A thereof, as indicated in

13A, 13C and 13D, to help provide additional packages to the product stability figures inside the main cardboard boxes, of control as the loading arms, first or fully retract from them. The belt

136 it can be a foam belt or similar cushioned belt formed of a non-sticky or non-tarnished material that controls them to prevent damage to custom-made cardboard boxes that can be commensurate with cardboard move along. The belt is driven or moving at a speed the movement of the boxes along its travel path, and can compressive force down against the upper ones of the cardboard boxes.

down can help create a surface between the top product surfaces of the cardboard product package

This compressive force a functional coupling of the cardboard boxes and their contents to help provide additional stability to the product packages adjacent to the loading ends of the cardboard boxes until the loading ends of the cardboard boxes can be closed and sealed.

As the cardboard boxes proceed through the fold / seal area 44, as indicated in Figures 13A-13C, the side flaps along the ends of

<img file="MX362803B_D0026.tif" />

MPI cardboard boxes and end flaps go from the loading sides of cardboard boxes can generally be coupled by a folding mechanism, such as folding wheels 137, mounted on each side of the path of cardboard boxes , as well as by a series of guide rails 138 to keep the side and upper end flaps folded from the cardboard boxes in their folded and closed positions. Next, the cardboard boxes will typically be coupled on each side thereof by a pair of down / fold folding mechanisms 141A and 141B (Figures 13C and 13D). Each of the downstream fold / fold mechanisms 141A and 141B may include a rotating fold wheel 142 installed to a drive shaft 143 and rotated with the movement of the cardboard boxes by means of an actuator such as a servomotor, stepper motor step or other similar actuator 144. A series of folding projections 146 are mounted extensively within brackets 147 along a rear lateral surface of each fold wheel 142. Each of the folding projections will generally be diverted to a retracted position by a spring or similar deflection mechanism 148, with the lower or inner ends 149 of the folding projections 146 generally rotating on or moving around an installed cam surface 151 along the drive shaft 143 to make the folding projections move

<img file="MX362803B_D0027.tif" />

extended and withdrawn.

In their extended positions, the folding projections will engage the upper reinforcements of the cardboard boxes to propel the upper reinforcements into a folded inward position as an additional set of folding wheels 152 clutch and propel the side and upper end flaps towards a closed, folded position and the protrusions of the upper end are engaged by the folding wheels and propel to their folded, closed position. Additionally, the flaps of the lower or lower end of each of the cardboard boxes in the same way can be coupled and propelled into a folded and closed position by the lower folding / folding mechanisms 141 '. Each lower fold / fold mechanism may have a construction similar to the upper fold / fold mechanisms 141A / 141B but will be placed below the path of the cardboard boxes in a position to couple and fold the bottom end panels .

Then, as indicated in Figures 1, 2B and 3A3B, the cardboard boxes, with their end flaps folded in a closed position, can be moved through a series of adhesive or glue applicators 155, which will apply an adhesive material to them, to seal the ends of the cardboard boxes.

The boxes

<img file="MX362803B_D0028.tif" />

their lower end flaps coinciding with their upper end flaps, or alternatively with their upper end flaps coinciding with the lower end flaps thereof as necessary or desired, depending on the configuration of the cartons and additional interests, It is provided with either a handle or strap. The cardboard boxes are then received within the compression section 46 of the packing system 10, passing between the compression straps

156 which generally will apply a reducing force against the ends of the cardboard boxes to complete a series closing and sealing of the cardboard boxes.

In addition, if the cardboard boxes are provided with protection features of article 19 formed entirely therein, as shown in Figure 5C, the cardboard boxes can be coupled by one or more actuators to activate such protection features of the article as the cardboard boxes are fed along the compression section of the packing system between the compression straps 156. Such actuators may include rotating knobs or similar devices or systems such as those described in US Patent Application No.

13 / 655,527, the description of which is incorporated by reference as set forth fully (

After the product packages 11 (including bundled product packages) have been formed, loaded and sealed within their cardboard boxes, in one embodiment, the finished cardboard boxes can be unloaded for storage and / or transportation. In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 14-17, the cardboard boxes C may alternatively be fed to a rotating station / downstream divider 200. For example, with some cardboard constructions, it may not be practical to couple and form any or all of the protective features of article 19 provided therein within the compression section of the packaging system, that is, for larger packages such as shown in Figure 5C, it may be desirable to include a row of protection features of the article formed along the central line or longitudinal axis 20 thereof. Such cardboard boxes according to the above can be fed to the rotary / divider station 200 (Figure 14) where the cardboard boxes can be rotated to allow the activation of such protection features of the article oriented along its longitudinal axis / center line.

As further indicated in FIGS. 14-17, the rotary / divider station 200 may be mounted to the packing system 10 as a station or&gt; "* 'e below it, or alternatively, it may be formed as a separate, autonomous station. As indicated in Figure 14, the rotary / divider station 200 can be positioned in line with the compression straps 156 of the compression section 46 of the packing system 10 to receive the cardboard boxes C loaded / closed directly therefrom. The rotating system / divider will generally include

<td>a structure</td><td>or</td><td>accommodation 201</td><td>what</td><td>has a</td><td>section</td>

<td>swivel 202 and</td><td>a</td><td>divider section</td><td> 203</td><td>defined to</td><td>along</td>

<td>from the same.</td><td>The</td><td colspan="4">swivel section 202 can usually</td>

include a conveyor 206, which may include a pair of separate conveyor belts 207 (Figure 15) or other similar transport mechanism having non-sticky surfaces to facilitate rotation or rotation of the carton boxes therein, as indicated in Figures 16 and 17.

An upper rotary mechanism 208 can be mounted to the structure 201 of the rotary / divider station 200, supported above the conveyor 206. The upper rotary mechanism 208 may include a series of plates 209 installed along a series of guide rods 210 that are driven by chains or conveyor belts 211 around an elliptical path of passage toward the coupling with the cardboard boxes and that move the cardboard boxes through the rotating section 202 as indicated by the arrows

212. The rotating arms 213 generally

<td>the plates</td><td> 209</td><td>Y</td><td>They will take</td><td>for the</td><td colspan="2">so much</td><td>toward</td><td>the</td>

<td>coupling</td><td>with</td><td>the</td><td>surfaces</td><td>superior</td><td> 18</td><td>from</td><td colspan="2">the boxes</td>

<td>cardboard C,</td><td>how</td><td>I know</td><td>indicates in the</td><td>figures 16</td><td>Y</td><td> 17 .</td><td>Each</td><td>one</td>

of the rotating arms can also generally include lugs or downward projection portions 214, which can be separated in an adjustable manner to accommodate cardboard boxes of variable size and which will fit upstream and downstream side walls 15/14 of the cardboard boxes respectively.

The rotating arms 213 can also be connected through a pin or rotating shaft 216 to a link 217 having a pusher or cam roll 218 mounted to a distal end thereof. The cam pusher 218 of each link 217 will generally engage a driving curve of the cam 219 formed around the upper rotating mechanism as the plates 209 rotate along their travel path. Ά as the cam pusher of the rotating arms moves along the cam driving curve, the movement in response of the link 217 causes the rotating arms 213 to rotate, such rotational movement correspondingly is transmitted to the cardboard boxes , using rotation of the cardboard boxes to a desired orientation as indicated in Figures 16 and 17. In one embodiment, the cardboard boxes can be rotated approximately 90 ° to realign the axis

<img file="MX362803B_D0029.tif" />

the same to place or locate the cardboard boxes as necessary for the coupling of the protection features of the article thereof by a rotating perforating mechanism 221, or similar actuator, as discussed above, to activate the protection characteristics of the article extending along the longitudinal axes / center line of the cardboard boxes. Other major or minor rotations may also be provided as necessary or desired.

As indicated further in Figure 17, as the cardboard boxes enter the rotary / divider station 200, the cardboard boxes can be coupled on either side of them by a series of lugs 225 carried by straps or chains of a initial transportation mechanism

226.

The lugs 225 help drive or move the cardboard boxes C along their travel path over and along the belts 207 of the rotating section conveyor 206. As the clamp arms begin to rotate or reorient the boxes of cardboard, the lugs 225 can move away from the coupling therewith. After the cardboard boxes have been rotated by a desired amount, the cardboard boxes can be further coupled by a series of downstream lugs or impellers 227 mounted along belts, chains

<img file="MX362803B_D0030.tif" />

secondary conveyor 228. The downstream lugs 227 of the secondary conveyor 228 will couple and drive the cardboard boxes along the belts 207 of the rotating section conveyor 206 as the piercing mechanism 221 engages the cardboard boxes.

Although Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the drilling mechanism 221 as generally including a rotating wheel 231 having a series of projections, knobs or other projections 232 mounted in separate series around the circumference of the wheel 231, it will be understood that others may also be used. Variable mechanisms to couple the cardboard boxes and activate the protection characteristics of the article in them. Once the row of the central line of protection features of the article of the cardboard boxes has been activated or formed therein, the cardboard boxes can be reoriented or turned back to their initial orientation, or they can be turned towards another orientation as necessary or desired, as shown in figures 16 and 17.

Then, the cardboard boxes will pass to the division section 203 of the rotating / dividing station 200 as the rotating arms of the upper rotating mechanism are turned out of engagement with the cardboard boxes. As Figures 15 and 17 illustrate, division section 203 will generally include a mechan

<img file="MX362803B_D0031.tif" />

235 which may comprise a series of strips or conveyor plates 236 slidably mounted along rails 237, the ends of which are mounted to belts, chains or other similar transport elements, as indicated in 238. As indicated shown in figure 15, the division section 203 can be separated or installed with two or more tracks 239 formed along them. As the cardboard boxes are transported forward through the division section, the cardboard boxes can be divided and directed into multiple lines as necessary or desired. To divide the cardboard boxes on the tracks, the groups of strips that support each of the cardboard boxes can be controlled to move laterally along their support rails 237, resulting in the cardboard boxes that are separated and divided into the two or more tracks 239 provided along the division section. Cardboard boxes can then be collected for storage and / or transportation as understood by those skilled in the art.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the particular methodology, devices, devices, materials, applications, etc., described herein, as these may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used in the

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Present IMPI is used for the purpose of particular modalities only, and it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms one, one, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same invention to which they are directed, and it will be understood that any method and material similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or construction of the invention.

The above description generally illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made to the construction discussed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described herein, and that it is further intended that all the material contained in the Description above or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. In addition, the scope of this description should be constructed to cover various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the modalities described above, which should be considered to be

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present invention

In accordance with the foregoing, various features and hallmarks of the present invention as discussed herein can be exchanged and applied selectively to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present invention.

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