Packaging machine and systems
AssigneePacksize LLC
InventorsClinton Engleman, Raul Zarate, Alec Wodowski, Ryan Hermansen, Javier Jimenez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for packaging one or more items includes an order arrangement station where the one or more items can be arranged into a stack with a desired configuration. A dimensioning mechanism determines the outer dimensions of the stack and a converting assembly creates a box template that when erected forms a box that is custom sized to the dimensions of the stack. A crowder assembly holds and maintains the stack in the desired configuration while the box template is at least partially folded around the stack. The box template is secured around the stack in the form of a box.
Claims20
A packaging machine comprising:
- a frame structure;
- a crowder assembly movably mounted on the frame structure and configured to receive and maintain an arrangement of a stack of one or more items during a packaging process, the crowder assembly comprising:
- a first sidewall;
- a second sidewall, the second sidewall being positioned opposite the first sidewall, the second sidewall being selectively movable towards and away from the first sidewall;
- a back wall or back wall assembly positioned or positionable adjacent to the first and second sidewalls;
- a floor associated with the first and second sidewalls;
- and
- a front wall assembly, the front wall assembly comprising a variable width front wall to enable the front wall to be positioned between the first and second sidewalls, the front wall being selectively movable between the first and second sidewalls and towards the back wall or back wall assembly.
A system for packaging one or more items, the system comprising:
- an order arrangement station where the one or more items can be arranged into a stack;
- one or more dimensioning mechanisms configured to determine outer dimensions of the stack;
- a converting assembly configured to create a box template that when erected forms a box that is custom sized to the dimensions of the stack;
- a crowder assembly that is configured to hold and maintain the stack in a desired configuration while the box template is at least partially folded around the stack;
- one or more folding mechanisms configured to fold the box template around the stack;
- and
- one or more fastening apparatuses that are configured to apply one or more fasteners to the box template to secure the box template around the stack in the form of a box.
A method for packaging one or more items, the method comprising:
- arranging the one or more items into a stack with a desired configuration;
- determining the outer dimensions of the stack;
- creating a box template that when erected forms a box that is custom sized to the dimensions of the stack;
- depositing the stack in a crowder assembly configured to hold and maintain the stack in the desired configuration while the box template is at least partially folded around the stack;
- folding the box template around the stack;
- and
- securing the box template around the stack in the form of a box.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.