U.S. patent application number 10/209062 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-05 for modular cassette for a bagging machine.
Invention is credited to Couture, Paul, Stamate, Mihai I..
Application Number | 20040020174 10/209062 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32394619 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040020174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Couture, Paul ; et
al. |
February 5, 2004 |
Modular cassette for a bagging machine
Abstract
A set of modules for a bagging machine that are assemblable to
form a compression chamber for compressing at least one item prior
to the at least one item being inserted into a bag. The compression
chamber includes a first module and a second module that both have
side plates that form the side walls of the compression chamber and
transverse plates that form the transverse walls of the chamber.
The modules are connected to actuators that impart movement to both
the side plates and transverse plates in unison, such that the two
modules move towards and away from each other. The set of modules
can be connected to the bagging machine via quick-connect
fasteners.
Inventors: |
Couture, Paul; (Repentigny,
CA) ; Stamate, Mihai I.; (Laval, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIP S. JOHNSON
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
ONE JOHNSON & JOHNSON PLAZA
NEW BRUNSWICK
NJ
08933-7003
US
|
Family ID: |
32394619 |
Appl. No.: |
10/209062 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/529 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 63/022
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/529 |
International
Class: |
B65B 063/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A module for forming at least a portion of a compression chamber
for a bagging machine, the compression chamber being adapted for
compressing at least one item prior to the at least one item being
inserted into a bag, the compression chamber having a bottom
transverse wall, a top transverse wall and first and second side
walls opposing each other, the bagging machine including an
actuator for displacing one of the first and second side walls of
the compression chamber toward the other of the first and second
side walls thereof to compress the at least one item in the
compression chamber, said module comprising; i) a side plate
forming at least a portion of the first side wall of the chamber:
ii) a transverse plate connected to said side plate and projecting
therefrom to form at least a portion of one of the transverse walls
of the chamber; iii) said module being suitable for connection to
the at least one actuator such that the actuator can impart
movement to said side plate and to said transverse plate in
unison.
2. A module as defined in claim 1, wherein said module is
releasably connectable to the actuator.
3. A module as defined in claim 2, wherein said module is
releasably connectable to the actuator via at least one
quick-connect fastener.
4. A module as defined in claim 1, wherein said side plate of said
module forms the first side wall of the chamber in its
entirety.
5. A module as defined in claim 1, wherein said transverse plate of
said module forms a portion of the top transverse wall of the
chamber.
6. A set of modules assemblable to form at least a portion of a
compression chamber for a bagging machine, the compression chamber
being adapted for compressing at least one item prior to the at
least one item being inserted into a bag, the compression chamber
having a bottom transverse wall, a top transverse wall and first
and second side walls opposing each other, the bagging machine
including an actuator for displacing one of the first and second
side walls of the compression chamber toward the other of the first
and second side walls thereof to compress the at least one item in
the compression chamber, said set of modules comprising; a) a first
module, having: i) a side plate forming at least a portion of the
first side wall of the chamber: ii) a transverse plate connected to
said side plate and projecting therefrom to form at least a portion
of one of the transverse walls of the chamber; iii) said module
being suitable for connection to the at least one actuator such
that the actuator can impart movement to said side plate and to
said transverse plate in unison. b) a second module having: i) a
side plate forming at least a portion of the second side wall of
the chamber; ii) a transverse plate connected to the side plate of
said second module and projecting therefrom to form at least a
portion of one of the transverse walls of the chamber.
7. A set of modules as defined in claim 6, wherein said first
module is releasably connectable to a first actuator.
8. A set of modules as defined in claim 7, wherein said first
module is releasably connectable to the first actuator via at least
one quick-connect fastener.
9. A set of modules as defined in claim 6, wherein said second
module is releasably connectable to the bagging machine.
10. A set of modules as defined in claim 6, wherein said second
module is releasably connectable to a second actuator.
11. A set of modules as defined in claim 10, wherein said second
module is releasably connectable to the second actuator via at
least one quick-connect fastener.
12. A set of modules as defined in claim 6, wherein said side plate
of said first module forms the first side wall of the chamber in
its entirety.
13. A set of modules as defined in claim 12, wherein said side
plate of said second module forms the second side wall of the
chamber in its entirety.
14. A set of modules as defined in claim 6, wherein said transverse
plate of said first module forms a portion of the top transverse
wall of the chamber and said transverse plate of said second module
forms a portion of the top transverse wall of the chamber.
15. A set of modules as defined in claim 6, wherein in a
combination of said transverse plate of said first module and said
transverse plate of said second module form the top transverse wall
of the chamber in its entirety.
16. A set of modules as defined in claim 6, comprising a transverse
module that forms a portion of the top transverse wall and the
bottom transverse wall of the chamber.
17. A set of modules as defined in claim 16, wherein said
transverse module is releasably connectable to the bagging machine
via at least one quick-connect fastener.
18. A set of modules as defined in claim 6, comprising a first
segmented transverse module and a second segmented transverse
module that form a portion of the top transverse wall and the
bottom transverse wall of the chamber.
19. A set of modules as defined in claim 18, wherein said first
segmented transverse module and said second segmented transverse
module are releasably connectable to the bagging machine via at
least one quick-connect fastener.
20. A set of modules as defined in claim 6, wherein said transverse
plate of said first module and said transverse plate of said second
module each have an entrance portion and an exit portion and
wherein said entrance portion bends away from the transverse wall
of the chamber that is opposite the transverse plate of the first
module and the transverse plate of the second module.
21. A set of modules as defined in claim 20, wherein said exit
portion bends towards the transverse wall of the chamber that is
opposite the transverse plate of the first module and the
transverse plate of the second module.
22. A bagging machine, comprising: a) a chamber adapted to hold at
least one item prior to the at least one item being inserted into a
bag, said chamber having: i) an interior surface; ii) an exterior
surface; and iv) a releasable component defining at least a portion
of said chamber; b) said component being movably mounted to said
bagging machine between a first position and a second position via
a quick-connect fastener, said quick-connect fastener being
operative to move between a release position and a lock position,
wherein: i) in said release position, said component is movable
from said first position to said second position in order to expose
at least a portion of said interior surface of said chamber; ii) in
said lock position, said component is prevented from moving to said
second position; c) a loader to drive the at least one item into
said chamber; d) an ejector to push the at least one item from said
chamber into a bag.
23. A bagging machine as defined in claim 22, wherein said at least
one item is a sanitary napkin.
24. A bagging machine as defined in claim 22, wherein said
quick-connect fastener is operable by hand in angular movement in
order to move between said release position and said lock
position.
25. A bagging machine as defined in claim 26, wherein said chamber
includes a bottom transverse wall, a top transverse wall, and first
and second side walls and wherein said component forms one of said
side walls.
26. A bagging machine as defined in claim 25, wherein said
component forms at least a portion of said top transverse wall.
27. A bagging machine as defined in claim 26, comprising an
actuator for imparting movement to said component and wherein said
component is removably mounted to said actuator.
28. A bagging machine, comprising: a) a support structure including
a first locating member; b) a chamber adapted to hold at least one
item prior to the at least one item being inserted into a bag, said
chamber having: i) an interior surface; ii) an exterior surface;
and iii) a releasable component defining at least a portion of said
chamber; (1) said component being movably mounted to said bagging
machine between a first position and a second position, wherein:
(2) in said first position, said releasable component forms at
least a portion of said chamber; (3) in said second position said
releasable component exposes at least a portion of said interior
surface of said chamber; (4) said releasable component having a
second locating member, said first and said second locating members
being engageable in at least one predetermined position that
determines a spatial position of said releasable component in said
bagging machine when said releasable component is in said first
position; (5) when said releasable component is moved from said
first position to said second position said first locating member
and said second locating member are disengaged; (6) when said
releasable component is moved from said second position to said
first position said first locating member and said second locating
member are engaged such as to acquire said predetermined position;
(7) said first and second locating members being such that repeated
movement of said releasable component from said second position to
said first position places said releasable component consistently
at said spatial position.
29. A bagging machine as defined in claim 28, wherein said first
and second locating members are engageable in a single
position.
30. A bagging machine as defined in claim 28, wherein one of said
first and second locating members includes a projection and the
other of said first and second locating members includes a recess,
said projection matingly engaging said recess when said first and
second locating members are engaged.
31. A bagging machine as defined in claim 28, wherein said recess
includes a ledge.
32. A bagging machine as defined in claim 28, wherein said
releasable component is secured in said spatial position via a
quick-connect fastener.
33. A bagging machine as defined in claim 32, wherein said
quick-connect fastener is operable by hand.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to bagging machines,
and more specifically to a cassette for use with a bagging machine
that is capable of compressing at least one item prior to the item
being inserted into a bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In packaging plants, bagging machines are commonly used to
insert items such as products to be packaged into a bag. The
efficiency of such bagging machines is judged primarily based on
the ratio of its operating time to its down time, and based on the
amount of wasted products it produces. Therefore, it is desirable
to have a machine that has very little down time and that is able
to successfully bag most of the products it processes. As such, the
efficiency of the bagging machine depends heavily on the
functioning of the cassette. The cassette is the part of the
bagging machine that includes a chamber for receiving the products
prior to being bagged, and for guiding the products into the bag.
The cassette is one of the parts of the bagging machine that is
likely to produce waste and downtime, since it is the part that has
to transfer the products from the conveyor belt to the bag.
Moreover, the cassette often needs to be changed in order to
accommodate different products or different amounts of products.
Every time the cassette needs to be changed, the bagging machine
must stop operation, which creates inefficiency in the production
line.
[0003] A first type of prior art cassette is made of a rigid frame
that defines a chamber having a base wall, two opposing side-walls
and a top wall comprising a slit along the direction of travel of
the products. These four walls define a tube-like chamber that has
an entrance and an exit. In use, the items to be bagged are
inserted into the chamber through the entrance and are then pushed
through the exit into a bag. The chamber tapers from its entrance
to its exit such that the two opposing side-walls are closer
together at the exit than at the entrance. The purpose of this
taper is to cause the items to compress as they travel through the
exit. However, a deficiency with this type of cassette is that the
compressive force that is applied to the items as they travel
through the exit has the effect of causing the items to spring back
towards the entrance. This often causes a clog in the machinery
thereby causing the machinery to cease operation.
[0004] A further type of prior art cassette, which is shown in FIG.
1, includes a top plate, two opposing side plates and a base plate
that define a chamber. The top plate and the base plate are rigidly
connected to the bagging machine via a plurality of bolts and
screws. The two opposing side plates are connected to the bagging
machine separately from the top plate and base plate, and are
connected to an actuator that is able to move the two opposing side
plates towards and away from each other. The two opposing side
plates are connected to the actuator via a plurality of bolts and
screws. As such, a deficiency with this cassette is that it takes a
machinery operator far too long to un-tighten the screws, set the
components in position and re-tighten all the screws. Therefore,
the process of removing the top plate, the two opposing side
plates, and the base plate, in order to maintain, clean and change
the cassette is very inefficient.
[0005] As can be seen based on the above description of the prior
art, there is a need in the industry for a cassette or the
components of a cassette that alleviate, at least in part, the
deficiencies associated with the existing cassettes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present
invention provides a module for forming at least a portion of a
compression chamber for a bagging machine. The compression chamber
is adapted for compressing at least one item prior to the item or
items being inserted into a bag. The compression chamber has a
bottom transverse wall, a top transverse wall and two side walls
opposing each other. The bagging machine has an actuator for
displacing one of the side walls towards the other side wall in
order to compress the item or items contained in the compression
chamber.
[0007] The module has a side plate for forming at least a portion
of the first side wall of the compression chamber, a transverse
plate connected to the side plate to form at least a portion of one
of the transverse walls of the compression chamber. The module is
suitable for connecting to the actuator such that the actuator can
impart movement to the side plate and to the transverse plate in
unison.
[0008] As further embodied and broadly described herein, the
present invention provides a set of modules that are assemblable to
form at least a portion of a compression chamber for a bagging
machine. The compression chamber is adapted to compress an item or
items prior to the items being inserted into a bag. The compression
chamber has a bottom transverse wall, a top transverse wall and two
side walls opposing each other. The bagging machine includes an
actuator for displacing one of the two side walls of the
compression chamber toward the other side wall in order to compress
the item or items in the compression chamber.
[0009] The set of modules comprises a first module that has a side
plate that forms at least a portion of the first side wall of the
chamber, and a transverse plate connected to the side plate to form
at least a portion of one of the transverse walls of the chamber.
The module is suitable for connection to the actuator such that the
actuator can impart movement to the side plate and to the
transverse plate in unison.
[0010] The set of modules further includes a second module. The
second module has a side plate that forms at least a portion of the
second side wall of the chamber and a transverse plate connected to
the side plate to form at least a portion of one of the transverse
walls of the chamber.
[0011] As further embodied and broadly described herein, the
present invention provides a bagging machine that has a chamber
that is adapted to hold an item or items prior to the items being
inserted into a bag. The chamber has an interior surface, an
exterior surface and a releasable component that defines at least a
portion of the chamber. The releasable component is movably mounted
to the bagging machine between a first position and a second
position via a quick-connect fastener. The quick-connect fastener
is operative to move between a release position and a lock
position, wherein in the release position, the releasable component
is movable from the first position to the second position in order
to expose at least a portion of the interior surface of the
chamber. And in the lock position, the component is prevented from
moving to the second position.
[0012] The bagging machine further includes a loader to drive the
at least item or items into the chamber and an ejector to push the
item or items from the chamber into a bag.
[0013] As still further embodied and broadly described herein, the
present invention provides a bagging machine with a support
structure that includes a first locating member. The bagging
machine further includes a chamber that is adapted to hold at least
one item prior to the item or items being inserted into a bag. The
chamber has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a
releasable component that defines at least a portion of the
chamber. The releasable component is movably mounted to the bagging
machine between a first position and a second position. In the
first position, the releasable component forms at least a portion
of the chamber. In the second position the releasable component
exposes at least a portion of the interior surface of the chamber.
The releasable component has a second locating member. The first
and the second locating members are engageable in at least one
predetermined position that determines a spatial position of the
releasable component in the bagging machine when the releasable
component is in the first position. When the releasable component
is moved from the first position to the second position the first
locating member and the second locating member are disengaged. When
the releasable component is moved from the second position to the
first position the first locating member and the second locating
member are engaged such as to acquire the predetermined position.
The first and second locating members are such that the repeated
movement of the releasable component from the second position to
the first position places the releasable component consistently at
the spatial position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A detailed description of the specific examples of
implementation of the present invention is provided hereinbelow
with reference to the following drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a prior art cassette for use within a bagging
machine for bagging sanitary products;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows an overall representation of the components of
a bagging machine for bagging sanitary products in accordance with
a specific example of implementation of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3a shows a cassette for receiving a single row of items
in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3b shows a cassette for receiving a double row of items
in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a frontal perspective view of a first module of
a compressible chamber in accordance with a specific example of
implementation of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a back perspective view of the first module
shown in FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a transverse module for
use with the compressible chamber shown in FIG. 3a;
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of a first segmented
transverse module for use with the compressible chamber shown in
FIG. 3b;
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a back perspective view of the first segmented
transverse module shown in FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 9 shows a back perspective view of the first module
shown in FIG. 4 positioned above its respective quick-connect
fastener in accordance with a specific example of implementation of
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of the first
segmented transverse module shown in FIG. 8 positioned above its
respective quick-connect fastener in accordance with a specific
example of implementation of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 11 shows a back perspective view of the first segmented
transverse module shown in FIG. 8 positioned above its respective
quick-connect fastener in accordance with a specific example of
implementation of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 12a shows a quick-connect fastener in the release
position in accordance with a specific example of
implementation;
[0028] FIG. 12b shows the quick-connect fastener of FIG. 11a in the
lock position;
[0029] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the quickconnect fastener
of FIG. 11;
[0030] FIG. 14a shows an expanded view of a slot of a locking
mechanism in accordance with a first specific embodiment of the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 14b shows an expanded view of a slot of a locking
mechanism in accordance with a second specific embodiment of the
invention;
[0032] FIG. 14c shows an expanded view of a slot of a locking
mechanism in accordance with a third specific embodiment of the
invention;
[0033] FIG. 15 shows a front perspective view of half of the
compressible chamber shown in FIG. 3b.
[0034] In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood
that the description and drawings are only for purposes of
illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended
to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Shown in FIG. 2 is an overall representation of a bagging
machine 10 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present
invention. It is to be appreciated that bagging machine 10 can be
used to bag any type of item such as a product, or any quantity of
products. For example, the product can be a single item, such as a
pillow, or a plurality of items, such as a load of sanitary
napkins.
[0036] For the specific purposes of this description, the bagging
machine 10 is adapted to be used for bagging sanitary products. It
will be appreciated, however, that bagging machines in accordance
with the present invention are in no way limited to this
function.
[0037] As can be seen in FIG. 2, bagging machine 10 includes a
conveyor belt 12 for transporting a load of sanitary products 28
towards cassette 20. Cassette 20 includes a set of modules that
define a chamber for receiving the products to be bagged. As such,
when the sanitary products 28 are within close proximity to
cassette 20, a loader 14 pushes them into the chamber of cassette
20 through entrance 30. Once the sanitary products 28 are within
the chamber of cassette 20, an ejector 18, which is attached to a
drive belt 16, pushes sanitary products 28 through the exit 32 of
the chamber into a bag 22. A sealer device 24 then seals the open
end of bag 22, and bag 22 moves onto a second conveyor belt 26 such
that it may be carried towards a new destination.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, cassette 20 further includes
quick-connect fasteners 62 for connecting the set of modules that
define the chamber to the bagging machine 10. As such, for the
purposes of this application, the term "cassette" will refer to the
combination of the chamber formed of the set of modules, and the
quick-connect fasteners that fasten the set of modules to bagging
machine 10.
[0039] Shown in FIG. 3a is a cassette 20 for receiving a single row
of sanitary products (not shown), and shown in FIG. 3b is a
cassette 40 for receiving a double row of sanitary products (not
shown). Both cassettes 20 and 40 include a chamber having an
interior surface 21 and an exterior surface 23, formed of a set of
modules. The chambers of both cassettes have a top transverse wall,
a bottom transverse wall, and first and second opposite side walls.
In the specific examples of implementation shown in FIGS. 3a and
3b, the walls of the chambers are formed by a set of modules, which
will be described below.
[0040] Both cassettes 20 and 40 include a first module 42 and a
second module 48. Second module 48 is a mirror image of first
module 42, and as such only first module 42 will be described
herein. It should be appreciated that all the parts of first module
42 described herein are also found in second module 48.
[0041] First module 42 can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the
specific example of implementation shown, first module 42 includes
a side plate 46, a transverse plate 44, and a support bar 50, which
is attached to a connection plate 52. Included within connection
plate 52 is an attachment slot 88. As shown in FIG. 5, side plate
46 is connected to support bar 50 by a plurality of bolts 54, and
transverse plate 44 is connected to side plate 46 using a plurality
of bolts 56. It should be understood, however, that the plates can
be connected using any means known in the art, or alternatively can
be formed integrally. It should be understood that although side
plate 46 is preferably planar, other shapes are within the scope of
the invention.
[0042] Transverse plate 44 projects from side plate 46, such that
when the first module 42 and the second module 48 are mounted to
the bagging machine 10, their respective transverse plates 44
project towards each other.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3a, side plate 46 of first module 42 forms
a first side wall of the chamber of cassette 20. Although in the
specific example of implementation shown, side plate 46 forms all
of the first side wall of the chamber, it should be appreciated
that a side plate 46 that forms only a portion of the first side
wall of the chamber is also within the scope of the invention. The
side plate 46 of the second module 48 forms the second side wall of
the chamber of cassette 20.
[0044] Depending on the orientation of the first and second modules
42, 48 within the cassettes 20, 40, their transverse plates 44 are
able to form at least a portion of one of the top transverse wall
or the bottom transverse wall of the chamber. As can be seen in
FIGS. 3a and 3b, the transverse plate 44 of the first module 42
forms a portion of the top transverse wall of the chamber of
cassettes 20 and 40. In the specific embodiment shown, the
combination of the transverse plate 44 of the first module 42 and
the transverse plate 44 of the second module 48 form the complete
top transverse wall of the chamber. However, it should be
appreciated that it is within the scope of the invention for the
transverse plates 44 of the first and second modules 42, 48 to form
only a portion of the top transverse wall of the chamber, or
alternatively only a portion of the bottom transverse wall of the
chamber.
[0045] The chambers of cassettes 20 and 40 can be of a fixed
volume, such that all the modules that form the chamber are
stationary and do not move, or alternatively, the chambers can be
compressible such that the modules are movable in relation to each
other in order to vary the volume of the chamber. In the case where
the chamber is of a fixed volume, the modules are mounted directly
to bagging machine 10, and in the case where the chamber is
compressible, at least one of the modules is mounted to an actuator
that is operable to impart movement to the module. In a preferred
embodiment, both first module 42 and second module 48 are mounted
to actuators that are able to impart movement, in unison, to both
the side plate 46 and the transverse plate 44, of the first and
second modules 42, 48, respectively. More specifically, the
movement imparted by the actuator, or actuators, causes the first
and second modules 42, 48 to move towards and away from each other,
relatively. As the modules move towards each other, any products
contained within the compressible chamber will be compressed.
[0046] In the specific embodiments shown, the transverse plates 44
of the first and second modules 42, 48 include an entrance end
portion 58 and an exit end portion 60. The entrance end portion 58
and exit end portion 60 can be formed integrally with transverse
plate 44 or alternatively can be separate plates that are connected
to transverse plate 44 through any means known in the art. Entrance
end portion 58 is positioned such that it extends away from the
opposing transverse wall of the chamber, and exit end portion 60 is
positioned such that it extends towards the opposing transverse
wall of the chamber. As such, entrance end portion 58 acts to
funnel the products into the chamber, and exit end portion 60 acts
to further compress the products as they exit the chamber.
[0047] Shown in FIGS. 3a and 6 is a transverse module 64 for use
with cassette 20, which as mentioned above, is adapted to receive a
single row of products. Transverse module 64 includes a flat plate
66 and two attachment plates 68. The two attachment plates 68 each
include two attachment slots 142 and two positioning projections
144. Flat plate 66 is adapted to be positioned within cassette 20
such that it sits opposite the transverse plate 44 of the first and
second modules 42, 48. In the specific example of implementation
shown in FIG. 3a, flat plate 66 forms the bottom transverse wall of
the chamber.
[0048] Shown in FIG. 3b is a first segmented transverse module 70
and a second segmented transverse module 72, for use with cassette
40, which as mentioned above, is adapted to receive a double row of
products. First segmented transverse module 70 is a mirror image of
second segmented transverse module 72 and as such only first
segmented transverse module 70 will be described herein. In the
specific example of implementation shown in FIG. 3b, the
combination of the flat plate portions 74 of the first and second
segmented transverse modules 70 and 72, form the middle transverse
wall of the chamber. Positioned below first and second segmented
transverse modules 70 and 72, is a lower plate 75. In the specific
example of implementation shown, lower plate 75 forms the bottom
transverse wall of the chamber of cassette 40.
[0049] First segmented transverse module 70 can best be seen in
FIGS. 7 and 8. First segmented transverse module 70 includes a flat
plate portion 74 and one attachment plate 68 identical to those
found in transverse module 64. Attachment plate 68 includes two
attachment slots 142 and two positioning projections 144, which
will be described in more detail further on in the specification.
The flat plate portion 74 of the first segmented transverse module
70 and the flat plate portion 74 of the second segmented transverse
module 72 are positioned within cassette 40 to sit opposite
transverse plate 44 of the first and second modules 42, 48.
[0050] At least one of the first and second modules 42, 48 and the
transverse module 64 of cassette 20 is releasably connected to
bagging machine 10 via a quickconnect fastener 62. In the preferred
example of implementation shown in FIG. 3a, all the modules are
releasably connected to bagging machine 10, or to an actuator as
described above, via quick-connect fasteners 62. Similarly, at
least one of the first and second modules 42, 48 and the first and
second segmented transverse modules 70, 72 of cassette 40 is
releasably connected to bagging machine 10 via a quick-connect
fastener 62. In the preferred example of implementation shown in
FIG. 3b, all the modules are releasably connected to bagging
machine 10 or to an actuator, via quick-connect fasteners 62.
[0051] For the purposes of this description, the term
"quick-connect fastener" refers to a fastening device that has a
predetermined number of operative positions. In a specific example
of implementation, the quick-connect fastener has two predetermined
operative positions, namely a lock position and a release position.
Alternatively, more than two predetermined positions can be
provided such as multiple lock positions providing increasing
levels of clamping force. In contrast to a bolt and nut arrangement
that provides a continuous range of positions, a quick-connect
fastener according to the present invention does not provide such a
continuous range, but instead provides a finite predetermined
number of positions.
[0052] As can be seen in FIG. 9 the first module 42 is releasably
connected to bagging machine 10 at its connection plate 52.
Although not shown, second module 48 is also releasably connected
to bagging machine 10 at its connection plate 52. As can be seen in
FIGS. 10 and 11, the first segmented transverse module 70 is
releasably connected to bagging machine 10 at its attachment plate
68. Although not shown, second segmented transverse module 72 is
also connected to bagging machine 10 at its attachment plate 68. It
should be noted that transverse module 64 includes attachment
plates 68 that are identical to the attachment plates 68 of the
first and second segmented transverse modules 70 and 72, and as
such, transverse module 64 is also releasably connected to bagging
machine 10 at its attachment plates 68.
[0053] The quick-connect fasteners 62 enable each releasably
connected module to be movably mounted to bagging machine 10
between a first position and a second position. In the first
position, the releasably connected module is fixedly attached to
bagging machine 10, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, such that it
cannot be moved to the second position. And, in the second
position, the releasably connected module is completely detached
from bagging machine 10, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. It should
be understood that in the second position, the releasably connected
module may not be completely detached from the bagging machine 10,
but instead may simply be in a position different from the first
position wherein the interior surface 21 of the chamber is
exposed.
[0054] When the quick-connect fastener 62 is in the release
position, its respective releasably connected module is movable
between its first position and its second position, and when the
quick-connect fastener 62 is in the lock position, its respective
releasably connected module is securely fastened in the first
position such that it is prevented from moving to the second
position.
[0055] In the specific example of implementation shown in FIG. 9,
the quick-connect fastener 62 includes a base member 78, a shaft
80, a hand-operated actuator 82 and a locking mechanism 84.
[0056] The construction of quick-connect fastener 62, in accordance
with a specific example of implementation will be described below
with reference to FIGS. 12a, 12b and 13. In the specific example of
implementation shown, base member 78 is formed as a plate that
defines a first abutment 86, which is located on the side of the
plate that is farthest away from the hand-operated actuator 82. As
will be described further on, the first abutment 86 is adapted to
contact a first surface of a releasable component that is to be
fastened by the quick-connect fastener 62. Base member 78 further
includes a recessed area 90 in the region of the first abutment 86
in order to help align the component with the base member 78. As
can be seen in FIG. 13, at the base of the recessed area 90 is a
ledge-like protrusion that acts as a stop 92. Stop 92 helps to
position a releasable component in a predetermined position. As
such, stop 92 defines a first locating member that is engageable
with the releasable component in at least one predetermined
position in order to determine a spatial position for the
releasable component in relation to the bagging machine. Although
the first locating member is located within the base member 78 of
the quick connect fastener, it should be understood that the first
locating member can be any part of the bagging machine to which a
releasable component can be attached. Although only one
predetermined position is shown in FIG. 13, more than one
predetermined position, each one defining a different spatial
position for the releasable component, can be included within the
bagging machine without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
[0057] In the specific example of implementation shown, shaft 80 is
of a generally cylindrical shape and has a longitudinal axis. As
shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b, attached to a first end of shaft 80 is
a hand-operated actuator 82 that is shaped as a lever 94 with a
ball-shaped grip 96. It should be understood that hand-operated
actuator 82 may be of any shape, size or configuration that enables
a user to cause shaft 80 and base member 78 to move in relation to
each other. As shown in FIG. 13, shaft 80 is keyed to lever 94 via
a pin 98.
[0058] A second abutment 100 is attached to the end of shaft 80
opposite the end of shaft 80 that is attached to hand-operated
actuator 82. In the specific example of implementation shown,
second abutment 100 is formed integrally with shaft 80, however, it
is within the scope of the invention for second abutment 100 to be
a separate part that is removably attached to shaft 80. As will be
described further on, second abutment 100 is adapted to contact a
second surface of the component that is to be fastened. As such,
the component will be clamped between first abutment 86 and second
abutment 100.
[0059] Positioned around shaft 80 near second abutment 100 is a
resilient element 102 comprising the combination of two bevel
washers 104, and a washer 106. The combination of these washers
104, 106 enables the first abutment 86 and the second abutment 100
to clamp the removable component very tightly. The benefit of
forming the resilient element 102 out of the combination of two
bevel washers 104 and a washer 106 is that this combination of
washers 104, 106 occupies a very small amount of space. If space is
not a concern, other types of resilient elements, such as coil
springs around shaft 80, or blocks of rubber could be used. It
should be understood that resilient elements of any shape and size
can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0060] It will be noticed that the resilient element 102 is
positioned close to the second abutment 100, and is kept in place
by a snap ring 108. The snap ring 108 keeps the resilient element
102 close to second abutment 100 so that when shaft 80 is in the
release position, as shown in FIG. 12a, there is always a space
between first abutment 86 and resilient element 102 that can
receive the component to be fastened. It should, however, be
understood that a quick-connect fastener with a resilient element
positioned near the base member 78 is also within the scope of the
invention, as is a quick-connect fastener with no resilient element
at all. Alternatively, the resilient element may not be on the
quick-connect fastener at all, but may be carried by the component
to be fastened instead.
[0061] In the specific example of implementation shown, locking
mechanism 84 is positioned on the same side of base member 78 as
hand-operated actuator 82, and comprises two mating parts. The
first mating part is a pin 110, and the second mating part is a
shaft-receiving member 112. Shaft-receiving member 112 has a
longitudinal axis and is attached to base member 78 via a plurality
of screws 114. It will be appreciated by a person of skill in the
art that shaft-receiving member 112 can be attached to base member
78 using any other means known in the art, or alternatively can be
formed integrally with base member 78.
[0062] Shaft-receiving member 112 has a peripheral wall 116 with an
exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface
defines a shaft-receiving channel 118 for receiving shaft 80. In
the specific embodiment shown, shaft-receiving member 112 is of a
cylindrical shape, with a large cylindrical portion 120 and a
smaller cylindrical portion 122. Although shaft-receiving member
112 is shown as being of a cylindrical shape, it should be
understood that shaft-receiving member 122 may be of any other
suitable shape.
[0063] Base member 78 also includes a shaft-receiving channel 118
(shown in FIG. 13) such that shaft 80 may extend through both base
member 78 and shaft-receiving member 112, and move freely within
the shaft-receiving channel 118.
[0064] Included in the peripheral wall 116 of shaft-receiving
member 112 is at least one slot 124 for receiving pin 110.
Shaft-receiving member 118 includes two slots 124, positioned
angularly around the smaller cylindrical portion 122, and
positioned opposite each other. Slots 124 can extend all the way
through the peripheral wall 116 of the shaft-receiving member 112
from the interior surface to the exterior surface, as shown in the
Figures, or alternatively, slots 124 may be blind slots that do not
extend all the way through peripheral wall 116.
[0065] As can be seen in FIG. 13, pin 110 fits within a
cross-drilled hole 126 of shaft 80, such that it extends through
shaft 80 on both sides. When quick-connect fastener 62 is fully
assembled, pin 110 fits within the respective opposing slots 124 of
the shaft-receiving member 112 such that it is able to move freely
within slots 124. Pin 110 further acts to prevent shaft 80 from
sliding out of shaft-receiving channel 118, since when pin 110 is
inserted within hole 126 of shaft 80, and slots 124 of the
shaft-receiving member 112, shaft 80 is held within shaft-receiving
channel 118.
[0066] The manner in which shaft 80 and base member 78 move in
relation to each other in order to fasten a component between first
abutment 86 and second abutment 100, will be described with
reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b and 14c.
[0067] In the specific example of implementation shown, base member
78 is a fixed part, and shaft 80 is moveable in relation to base
member 78 in response to movement of hand-operated actuator 82. It
should be understood, however, that this relationship may be
reversed and shaft 80 may be fixed and base member 78 may be
movable.
[0068] As explained above, when quick-connect fastener 62 is
assembled, pin 110 is adapted to move within slots 124 of
shaft-receiving member 118. As such, slots 124 define the range of
motion available to shaft 80.
[0069] FIG. 14a shows a single slot 124 in accordance with a first
embodiment of the invention. Slot 124 has a first end and a second
end. The first and second ends define two stops that indicate two
predetermined operative positions, namely a lock position and a
release position. These two predetermined operative positions
provide the operator with positive feedback as to when pin 110 has
reached the lock position and the release position. The slot
extends from the first end to the second end in both an angular
direction and a direction along the longitudinal axis of the
shaft-receiving member 112. This means that when pin 110 moves
within slot 124, it is forced to move both angularly with relation
to shaft-receiving member 112, as well as in a direction along the
longitudinal axis of shaft 80. Preferably, as shaft 80 is angularly
displaced, the slot 124 forces shaft 80 to move in a direction
along its longitudinal axis.
[0070] FIG. 14b shows a slot 128 in accordance with a second
embodiment of the invention. Slot 128 is similar to slot 124 in
that it has a first end and a second end and extend in both an
angular direction and a direction along the longitudinal axis of
the shaft-receiving member 112 from the first end to the second
end. However, slot 128 further includes an extension 130 that is
positioned transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis
of the shaft 80. As such, as pin 110 moves within extension 130,
shaft 80 is able to be angularly displaced, but is prevented from
being displaced in a direction along its longitudinal axis.
[0071] FIG. 14c shows a slot 132 in accordance with a third
embodiment of the invention. Slot 132 is also similar to slot 124
for the same reasons as slot 128. However, it further includes both
an extension 130 that is positioned transversely to the direction
of the longitudinal axis of the shaft 80, and an extension 134 that
is positioned parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of
the shaft 80. As pin 110 moves within extension 134, shaft 80 is
able to move in a direction along its longitudinal axis, but is
prevented from moving angularly. Furthermore, slot 132 defines
three stops that indicate three predetermined operative positions,
namely a release position and two lock positions. The first lock
position is at the end of extension 130 and the second lock
position is at the end of extension 134. Instead of having multiple
stops, the locking mechanism can include a detente mechanism that
acts to maintain pin 110 within the various multiple lock positions
as the quick-connect fastener is tightened.
[0072] For clarity, FIGS. 14a through 14c show pins 110 within
slots 124, 128 and 132 in both the lock position and the release
position. Pins 110 shown in the release position are illustrated by
solid lines, and pins 110 shown in the lock position are
illustrated by dotted lines. The first and second ends of the slots
124, 128 and 132 help to provide the user with positive feedback as
to when the lock position or the release position has been reached.
More specifically, when the user has displaced the shaft 80 such
that pin 110 is stopped at the first end of the slot, the user will
know that the quick-connect fastener 62 is in the release position.
And, when the user has displaced the shaft 80 such that pin 110 is
stopped at the second end of the slot, the user will know that the
quick-connect fastener 62 is in the lock position. Furthermore,
when pin 110 is in the second end indicating that the quick-connect
fastener is in the lock position, a specific amount of force will
be applied to the fastened component that will be the same whenever
the quick-connect fastener is in the lock position.
[0073] It will be appreciated that extension 130 of slot 128, and
extensions 130 and 134 of slot 132 provide the advantage of helping
to maintain pin 110 within the lock position.
[0074] Referring back to FIG. 12a, the quick-connect fastener is
shown in the release position. When pin 110 (not shown in FIG. 12a)
is positioned in the release position within slots 124, there is a
spacing "X" between first abutment 86 and second abutment 100. As
hand-operated actuator 82 is rotated, pin 110 moves angularly from
the release position towards the lock position, thereby causing
shaft 80 to move along its longitudinal axis in a direction that
causes the second abutment 100 to move towards the first abutment
86. As such, when pin 110 is in the lock position, as shown in FIG.
12b, there is a spacing "Y" between first abutment 86 and second
abutment 100 that is less than spacing "X".
[0075] Referring back to FIG. 9; a quick-connect fastener 62 is
shown with a first module 42 that is about to be clamped to base
member 78. A single quick-connect fastener 62 is sufficient to
fasten first module 42 to bagging machine 10, as shown in FIGS. 3a
and 3b. As mentioned above, first module 42 includes an attachment
slot 88 within connection plate 52. Attachment slot 88 is adapted
to be able to slide over shaft 80 of the quick-connect
fastener.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, two quick-connect fasteners 62
are shown with a first segmented transverse module 70 that is about
to be connected to base members 78. For stability, there is a link
bar 146 positioned between the two quick-connect fasteners 62. As
mentioned above, first segmented transverse module 70 includes two
attachment slots 142 within attachment plates 68. Attachment slots
142 are adapted to slide over the shafts 80 (not shown in FIG. 10
and 11) of the two quick-connect fasteners 62. In addition, there
are two positioning projections 144 that are adapted to correspond
to two grooves 148 within base member 78. The positioning
projections 144 help to position first segmented transverse module
70 into a position to be fastened. It should be understood that
attachment plates 68 of transverse module 64 also include the
attachment slots 142 and positioning projections 144 as described
above.
[0077] The operation of a quick-connect fastener 62 will be
described below using first module 42 as an example of a component.
As mentioned above, first module 42 includes a connection plate 52
with an attachment slot 88 formed therein. Connection plate 52 is
adapted to slide within recessed area 90 of base member 78 such
that attachment slot 88 is positioned over shaft 80 and connection
plate 52 is positioned between first abutment 86 and second
abutment 100.
[0078] In order to secure first module 42 to base member 78 a user
must firstly ensure that pin 110 is in the release position such
that there is a large enough spacing between the first abutment 86
and the second abutment 100 to receive the connection plate 52. If
the spacing between the two abutments is not large enough, the user
must simply move hand-operated actuator 82 such that pin 110 moves
into the release position. Secondly, the user must slide the
connection plate 52 within recessed area 90 such that attachment
slot 88 fits over shaft 80 of quick-connect fastener 62. Recessed
area 90 acts as a guide which can be engaged by connection plate 52
in order to position connection plate 52 between first abutment 86
and second abutment 100. In this position, the base of connection
plate 52 defines a second locating member and engages stop 92,
which as described above defines a first locating member. As such,
when the first locating member and the second locating member
engage each other in a predetermined position, module 42 is
positioned in a certain spatial position in relation to the bagging
machine. The first and second locating members, namely stop 92 and
the base of connection plate 52, cause module 52 to be consistently
placed at the same spatial position each time module 52 is
connected to the bagging machine. Furthermore, stop 92 helps to
prevent connection plate 52 from rotating about the longitudinal
axis of shaft 80 prior to being fastened. Finally, the user moves
hand-operated actuator 82 such that shaft 80 rotates about its
longitudinal axis and pin 110 moves into the lock position.
[0079] As hand-operated actuator 82 is being moved and pin 110
moves angularly into the lock position, shaft 80 moves along its
longitudinal axis in a direction that causes the second abutment
100 to move towards the first abutment 86, thereby clamping
connection plate 52 between the first abutment 86 and the second
abutment 100.
[0080] In the specific example of implementation shown, as second
abutment 100 moves towards first abutment 86, the resilient element
102 comes into contact with connection plate 52 of first module 42,
and begins to compress. The compression of resilient element 102
helps to securely first module 42 to base member 78.
[0081] It should be noticed that the quick-connect fastener 62 of
the present invention provides the advantage that once pin 110 has
been moved into the locked position, quick-connect fastener 62
applies the same amount of force to the connected component
regardless of the strength of the person who fastened it.
[0082] As can be seen in FIGS. 15, 3a and 3b, both cassettes 20 and
40 include two lower side plates 76 which are mounted to the same
base members 78 as the first and second modules 42, 48
respectively. As such, when movement is imparted to the first and
second modules 42, 48 by actuators, the movement is also imparted
to the lower side plates 76. Lower side plates 76 may be
permanently fixed to the base member or alternatively may be
attached to the base member by quick-connect fasteners 62 as
described above.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3a, the operation of cassette 20
will be described. Firstly, sanitary products 28 approach cassette
20 on conveyor belt 12. The flat plate 66 is positioned flush with
the conveyor belt 12 such that the sanitary products 28 can be
pushed into the entrance 30 of the compression chamber by a loader
14. Once inside, the actuator causes first module 42 to move
towards second module 48, or alternatively, the actuators cause
first module 42 and second module 48 to move towards each other,
thereby causing the sanitary products 28 within the compression
chamber to compress. At this stage, ejector 18 travels through the
compression chamber by passing through slot 79 formed between
transverse plates 44, and pushes the compressed products through
exit 32 into a bag 22. Flat plate 66 does not move throughout this
process. The dimensions and range of motion of transverse plates 44
are such that there is no interference with ejector 18 as ejector
18 moves through slot 79.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3b, the operation of cassette 40
will be described. Firstly, an initial load of sanitary products 28
approaches cassette 40 on conveyor belt 12. The flat plate portions
74 of first and second segmented transverse modules 70, 72 are
positioned flush with the conveyor belt 12 such that the initial
load of sanitary products 28 can be pushed into the entrance 30 of
the compressible chamber by a loader 14. Once inside, the cassette
40 moves upwards such that the lower plate 75 is flush with the
conveyor belt 12 and the loader 14 pushes a subsequent load of
sanitary products 28 into the lower entrance 30. At this stage, an
actuator causes first module 42 and its respective lower side plate
76 to move towards second module 48 and the other lower side plate
76, or alternatively, the actuators cause first module 42 and
second module 48 and their respective lower side plates 76
respectively to move towards each other, thereby causing the
products within the compression chamber to compress. At this stage,
a dual ejector (not shown) travels through the compression chamber
by passing through slot 79 formed between transverse plates 44, and
through slot 81 formed between flat plate portions 74, and pushes
the compressed products through exit 32 into a bag 22. Flat plate
portions 74 do not move towards each other throughout this process.
It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the
lower level of the compression chamber may be filled first, and the
upper level of the compression chamber may be filled second. The
dimensions and range of motion of transverse plates 44 and flat
plate portions 74 are such that there is no interference with
ejector 18 as ejector 18 moves through slots 79 and 81.
[0085] As mentioned above, in the preferred example of
implementation of both cassettes 20 and 40, all the modules that
form the compression chamber are releasably connected. As such,
cassette 20, as shown in FIG. 3a, can be converted into cassette 40
as shown in FIG. 3b, simply by removing first and second modules
42, 48 and transverse module 64, and replacing transverse module 64
with first and second segmented transverse modules 70, 72 and
reinserting first and second modules 42, 48. As such, depending on
the set of modules being used, bagging machine 10 can be configured
as cassette 20 in order to process a single row of sanitary
products, or as cassette 40 in order to process a double row of
sanitary products.
[0086] Advantageously, the quick-connect fasteners 62 enable the
set of modules of the cassettes to be changed quickly and easily
thereby reducing the amount of down time experienced by the bagging
machine 10.
[0087] Although various embodiments have been illustrated, this was
for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention.
Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the
art and are within the scope of this invention, which is defined
more particularly by the attached claims.
* * * * *