Apparatus and method for forming arrays of articles for packaging
AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Company
InventorsThomas K. Gerwe, Gregory J. Erickson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of forming arrays of articles comprising providing a stacker having a plurality of compartments for receiving the articles, the stacker traveling along a closed loop path; transporting a plurality of the articles along a first path towards the stacker in sequential fashion; introducing a first portion of the articles into the compartments at a first inlet position located adjacent to the interior of the closed loop path; and removing an array of the articles from the stacker at a stripping location located downstream from the inlet position. An apparatus for performing this method is also provided.
Claims25
A method of forming arrays of articles, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a stacker having a plurality of compartments for receiving said articles, said stacker traveling along a closed loop path;
- (b) transporting a plurality of said articles along a first path towards said stacker in sequential fashion;
- (c) introducing said articles into said compartments at a first inlet position located adjacent to the interior of said closed loop path;
- and
- (d) removing an array of said articles from said stacker at a stripping location located downstream from said inlet position.
An apparatus for forming arrays of articles for subsequent packaging, comprising:
- (a) a continuous stacker having a plurality of compartments for receiving said articles, said compartments advanceable along a closed loop path;
- (b) a conveyor system for transporting a plurality of said articles into said compartments at a first inlet position located adjacent to the interior of said closed loop path;
- and
- (c) a stripper for urging an array of articles out of said compartments, said stripper located downstream of said first inlet.
A method of forming arrays of articles, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a stacker having a plurality of compartments for receiving said articles, said stacker traveling along a closed loop path, each of said compartments having a first entrance and at least a portion of said compartments having a second entrance;
- (b) transporting a plurality of said articles along a first path towards said stacker in sequential fashion;
- (c) introducing a first portion of said articles into said compartments through said second entrances at a first inlet position, and introducing a second portion of said articles into said compartments through said first entrances at a second inlet position;
- and
- (d) removing an array of said articles from said stacker at a stripping location located downstream from both of said inlet positions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.