초록 ▼

Apparatus (10) for packaging products (P) includes a mechanism (84) for accumulating, metering, and creating an array of products (P) in a pack pattern. The array of products (P) in a conveying orientation is transferred to a tray (36), and the tray (36) and the entire pack pattern of products (P) s

Apparatus (10) for packaging products (P) includes a mechanism (84) for accumulating, metering, and creating an array of products (P) in a pack pattern. The array of products (P) in a conveying orientation is transferred to a tray (36), and the tray (36) and the entire pack pattern of products (P) supported thereon are rotated to a second arrangement where the products (P) in the conveying orientation in the tray (36) are perpendicular to the conveying direction. The products (P) are pushed from the trays (36) moving in the conveying direction into cartons (C) moving at the same speed as the trays (36). In the preferred form, the trays (36) are rotatably mounted to carriers (12) moving along a path defined by roller chains (22). A cam follower (48) on a crank arm (46) extending from a spindle (44) rotatably mounting the tray (36) to the carrier (12) travels in a cam track (50) to rotate the tray (36) relative to the carrier (12) between the first and second arrangements.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Apparatus for mechanically handling at least one product including a width and a depth comprising, in combination: at least one carrier moveable in a conveying direction along a horizontal portion of a path from a first position to a second position; and a tray rotatably mounted to the carrier ab

1. Apparatus for mechanically handling at least one product including a width and a depth comprising, in combination: at least one carrier moveable in a conveying direction along a horizontal portion of a path from a first position to a second position; and a tray rotatably mounted to the carrier about an axis which is vertical in the horizontal portion of the path and including a planar center portion which is horizontal in the horizontal portion of the path, with the planar center portion slideably receiving and supporting the product thereon and including an unobstructed front edge and a back edge, with the product being slideable from the planar center portion past the unobstructed front edge, with the tray being rotated about the axis as the carrier moves from the first position to the second position from a first arrangement where the unobstructed front edge is located in front of the back edge in the conveying direction in the first position to a second arrangement where the unobstructed front edge is located to the side of the back edge in a direction generally perpendicular to the conveying direction in the second position, with the at least one product being transferred onto the planar center section while the tray is in the first arrangement and being slid from the planar center section past the unobstructed front edge while the tray is in the second arrangement.