U.S. patent application number 11/788972 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for adjustable carton pocket.
This patent application is currently assigned to Triangle Package Machinery Company. Invention is credited to Vadim A. Lubezny.
Application Number | 20070245689 11/788972 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38618127 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070245689 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lubezny; Vadim A. |
October 25, 2007 |
Adjustable carton pocket
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatus and methods suitable
for adjusting a carton pocket size in a cartoning machine. First
and second side plates are spaced longitudinally apart from one
another a first distance to form a first pocket size adapted to
accommodate a carton of a first configuration. Means are provided
for longitudinally moving the first and second side plates a
distance with respect to one another to vary the first pocket size.
In one embodiment, the means for longitudinally moving comprises a
gear and first and second gear racks that are adapted to mesh with
the gear and be driven in longitudinal directions by rotation of
the gear. The first and second gear racks are coupled to the first
and second side plates, respectively. In operation, rotation of the
gear in a first direction is adapted to move the first and second
side plates a substantially equal distance apart from one another
to form an increased pocket size, while rotation of the gear in a
second direction is adapted to move the first and second side
plates a substantially equal distance towards each other to form a
reduced pocket size.
Inventors: |
Lubezny; Vadim A.; (Buffalo
Grove, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
Triangle Package Machinery
Company
Chicago
IL
60707-2293
|
Family ID: |
38618127 |
Appl. No.: |
11/788972 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60794644 |
Apr 25, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/235 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 59/005 20130101;
B65B 59/003 20190501; B65B 43/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/235 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04 |
Claims
1. An adjustable carton pocket assembly comprising: a transport
member moveable in at least a first direction; a first side plate
coupled to and moveable with the transport member in the first
direction, wherein the first side plate is further moveable
relative to the transport member; and a second side plate coupled
to and moveable with the transport member in the first direction,
wherein the second side plate is further moveable relative to the
transport member and the first side plate, wherein the first and
second side plates are spaced apart so as to accommodate a carton,
wherein the first and second side plates are operably coupled such
that the first and second side plates are simultaneously moveable
in opposite directions toward and away from each other.
2. The adjustable carton pocket of claim 1 further comprising a
first servo motor coupled to the first side plate and a second
servo motor coupled to the second side plate.
3. The adjustable carton pocket of claim 2 wherein the first side
plate is moveable a first distance toward or away from the second
side plate, and the second side plate is simultaneously moveable a
second, different distance toward or away from the first side
plate.
4. The adjustable carton pocket of claim 1 further comprising:
first and second gear racks connected to the first and second
plates, respectively; and a gear positioned between and meshing
with the first and second gear racks, the gear rotatable in
opposite first and second directions, wherein rotation of the gear
in a first direction simultaneously moves the first and second side
plates toward each other, and wherein rotation of the gear in the
second direction simultaneously moves the first and second side
plates away from each other.
5. The adjustable carton pocket of claim 4 further comprising: a
block member having first and second surfaces and a gear recess
adapted to receive the gear; and first and second channels formed
in the block member and adapted to at least partially receive the
first and second gear racks, respectively, wherein the first and
second channels are disposed in proximity to the gear recess to
permit the first and second gear racks to mesh with the gear.
6. The adjustable carton pocket of claim 5 further comprising: a
shaft extension attached to the gear; a bore formed through at
least the second surface of the block member, wherein the shaft
extension extends through the second surface of the block member;
and a pivot link coupled to the shaft extension and adapted to
cause rotation of the shaft extension to rotate the gear.
7. The adjustable carton pocket of claim 6 further comprising a cam
track adapted for vertical movement with respect to the gear,
wherein vertical movement of the cam track is adapted to actuate
the pivot link to cause rotation of the gear.
8. The adjustable carton pocket of claim 7 further comprising a
slide member operably coupled between the pivot link and the cam
track, wherein the slide member is adapted for longitudinal
movement with respect to the cam track.
9. The adjustable carton pocket of claim 5 further comprising first
and second chain recesses formed in the block member and adapted to
receive first and second endless chains.
10. The adjustable carton pocket of claim 4 further comprising at
least one bracket member disposed between the first gear rack and
the first side plate, and at least one bracket member disposed
between the second gear rack and the second side plate.
11. A method for adjusting the size of a carton pocket in a
cartoning machine, the method comprising: providing first and
second side plates spaced longitudinally apart from one another a
first distance to form a first pocket size; and longitudinally
moving the first and second side plates simultaneously with respect
to one another to vary the first pocket size.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: providing a gear and
first and second gear racks that are adapted to mesh with the gear,
wherein the first and second gear racks are coupled to the first
and second side plates, respectively; and rotating the gear in a
first direction to move the first and second side plates a
substantially equal distance apart from one another to form an
increased pocket size.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising rotating the gear in
a second direction to move the first and second side plates a
substantially equal distance towards each other to form a reduced
pocket size.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: providing a block
member having first and second surfaces, a gear recess adapted to
receive the gear, and first and second channels formed in the block
member and adapted to at least partially receive the first and
second gear racks, respectively; disposing a shaft extension
attached to the gear through a bore formed in at least the second
surface of the block member; and rotating the shaft extension to
cause rotation of the gear.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising providing a pivot
link coupled to the shaft extension and causing rotation of the
pivot link to rotate the shaft extension.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: providing a cam
track adapted for vertical movement within the cartoning machine,
the cam track being operably coupled to the pivot link; and
vertical moving the cam track to actuate the pivot link, thereby
causing rotation of the gear.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: providing a slide
member operably coupled between the pivot link and the cam track;
allowing longitudinal movement of the slide member with respect to
the cam track; and causing vertical movement of the slide member
when the cam track is vertically adjusted, wherein vertical
movement of the slide member causes rotation of the pivot link.
18. The method of claim 11 further comprising: providing a first
servo motor coupled to the first side plate; actuating the first
servo motor to cause the first side plate to move a first distance
toward or away from the second side plate; providing a second servo
motor coupled to the second side plate; and actuating the second
servo motor to cause the second side plate to move a second
distance toward or away from the first side plate.
19. Apparatus suitable for adjusting a carton pocket size in a
cartoning machine, the apparatus comprising: a gear; first and
second gear racks that are adapted to mesh with the gear and be
driven in longitudinal directions by rotation of the gear; and
first and second side plates coupled to the first and second gear
racks, respectively, wherein rotation of the gear in a first
direction is adapted to move the first and second side plates a
substantially equal distance apart from one another to form an
increased pocket size, and wherein rotation of the gear in a second
direction is adapted to move the first and second side plates a
substantially equal distance towards each other to form a reduced
pocket size.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising: a block member
having first and second surfaces and a gear recess adapted to
receive the gear; and first and second channels formed in the block
member and adapted to at least partially receive the first and
second gear racks, respectively, wherein the first and second
channels are disposed in proximity to the gear recess to permit the
first and second gear racks to mesh with the gear.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising: a shaft extension
attached to the gear; a bore formed through at least the second
surface of the block member, wherein the shaft extension extends
through the second surface of the block member; and a pivot link
coupled to the shaft extension and adapted to cause rotation of the
shaft extension to rotate the gear.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising a cam track
adapted for vertical movement within the cartoning machine, wherein
vertical movement of the cam track is adapted to actuate the pivot
link to cause rotation of the gear.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a slide member
operably coupled between the pivot link and the cam track, wherein
the slide member is adapted for longitudinal movement with respect
to the cam track.
24. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising first and second
chain recesses formed in the block member and adapted to receive
first and second endless chains.
25. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising at least one
bracket member disposed between the first gear rack and the first
side plate, and at least one bracket member disposed between the
second gear rack and the second side plate.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This invention claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/794,644, entitled "Adjustable
Carton Pocket," filed Apr. 25, 2006, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods
suitable for adjusting a carton pocket size in a cartoning machine.
More specifically, the invention relates to a carton pocket having
first and second side plates spaced longitudinally apart from one
another and adapted to be moved a distance with respect to one
another to vary the pocket size.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] A cartoning machine, also referred to as a "cartoner," may
be used to manufacture, pack and/or seal a carton. Cartoners
generally erect cartons from blanks. The cartons may be filled with
a product, either manually or automatically when passing through a
filling station. The carton then may be sealed, for example, using
hot melt glue, sift-proof hot melt glue, and tuck style techniques
whereby the carton's own flaps are tucked into each other.
[0004] The contents of a carton may be loaded vertically or
horizontally. Vertical cartoners may be employed when the product
being loaded can most easily be handled using gravity. Vertical
cartoners may seal the bottom of the carton prior to loading the
carton with a product, and may be used in conjunction with
volumetric feeders or scale feeders to fill the carton. Both
horizontal and vertical cartoners must operate with precision,
since if a transported carton is not squarely positioned, the
sealing flaps may be misaligned resulting in an unacceptable seal.
Moreover, the contents intended to be disposed in the carton may be
erroneously discharged onto the ground or in the machine
itself.
[0005] It may become desirable to adjust the dimensions of the
carton pocket to accommodate cartons of different configurations.
Conventionally, the pocket size was adjusted manually by loosening
the components, adjusting them with respect to each other, and
re-tightening the parts in the new configuration. Such an exchange
was time consuming and labor intensive, particularly if there were
dozens of carton pockets in a machine.
[0006] Other approaches have attempted to vary multiple carton
pocket sizes simultaneously, for example, using techniques that
move one lug with respect to another stationary lug, whereby the
distance between the lugs defines the pocket size. Such an approach
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,738 to Ivansco, Jr. ("the '738
patent"). The '738 patent discloses an adjustable pocket mechanism
for a vertical cartoner that has a pair of endless chains that pass
around a pair of upper and lower sprockets. A leading lug is fixed
to the first endless chain and moves therewith, while a trailing
lug is fixed to the second endless chain. Means, such as a clutch
mechanism, are provided for adjusting the chains relative to one
another. The clutch mechanism may lock the upper and lower sprocket
together to move the endless chains at the same speed and in the
same relative position. When it is desired to adjust the pocket
size, the clutch is disengaged so that one sprocket moves with
respect to the other, thereby advancing one chain and causing one
lug to move with respect to the other lug. The movement of one lug,
while the other lug remains stationary, adjusts the pocket size
formed between the lugs. Such a technique must rely on precise
timing when rotating one sprocket with respect to another in order
to yield the desired pocket size.
[0007] In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for an
improved cartoner having the ability to adjust the size of multiple
carton pockets in a reliable, cost-effective manner that will yield
the precisely desired pocket dimensions.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention provides apparatus and methods
suitable for adjusting a carton pocket size in a cartoning machine.
First and second side plates are spaced longitudinally apart from
one another a first distance to form a first pocket size adapted to
accommodate a carton of a first configuration. Means are provided
for longitudinally moving the first and second side plates a
distance with respect to one another to vary the first pocket
size.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the means for longitudinally
moving comprises a gear and first and second gear racks that are
adapted to mesh with the gear and be driven in longitudinal
directions by rotation of the gear. The first and second gear racks
are coupled to the first and second side plates, respectively. In
operation, rotation of the gear in a first direction is adapted to
move the first and second side plates a substantially equal
distance apart from one another to form an increased pocket size,
while rotation of the gear in a second direction is adapted to move
the first and second side plates a substantially equal distance
towards each other to form a reduced pocket size.
[0010] In one embodiment, each carton pocket in the cartoning
machine has an associated block member, which has first and second
surfaces and a gear recess provided therein. The gear recess
receives the gear and permits rotation of the gear therein. First
and second channels are formed in the block member and adapted to
at least partially receive the first and second gear racks,
respectively. The first and second channels are disposed in
proximity to the gear recess to permit the first and second gear
racks to mesh with the gear. As the gear is rotated within the gear
recess, the first and second gear racks move longitudinally within
the first and second channels, respectively.
[0011] The apparatus may further comprise a shaft extension
attached to the gear and disposed through a bore formed in at least
the second surface of the block member. A pivot link coupled to the
shaft extension causes rotation of the shaft extension to rotate
the gear. Each pivot link that is associated with a carton pocket
is operably coupled to a cam track. The cam track is adapted for
vertical movement within the cartoning machine.
[0012] In operation, if the cam track is vertically lowered a
predetermined amount, it will rotate the pivot link in a first
direction and therefore cause the gear to rotate in the first
direction to increase the carton pocket size by a predetermined
amount. By contrast, if the cam track is vertically raised a
predetermined amount, it will rotate the pivot link in a second
direction to cause the gear to rotate in the second direction to
increase the carton pocket size by a corresponding predetermined
amount.
[0013] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the
invention, and be encompassed by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating components of a
cartoning machine that has a plurality of adjustable carton
pockets.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating components of an
adjustable carton pocket.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating the
components of the adjustable carton pocket of FIG. 2 in an
assembled state.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view illustrating the
components of the adjustable carton pocket of FIG. 2 in the
assembled state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention relates generally to apparatus and
methods for adjusting the size of a carton pocket in a cartoning
machine. Referring now to FIG. 1, a portion of cartoning machine 10
having a plurality of adjustable carton pockets 25 is shown.
Cartoning machine 10 may be either a vertical or horizontal
cartoner. As will be explained in greater detail below, the size of
carton pockets 25 may be adjusted to accommodate cartons of
different dimensions by moving first and second side plates 71 and
73 towards each other or away from each other. A preferred
mechanism for adjusting the size of each carton pocket 25 is
described in greater detail in FIGS. 2-4 below.
[0020] In accordance with one aspect, each carton pocket 25
comprises a block member 30, as depicted in FIG. 1. First and
second side plates 71 and 73 of each pocket 25 are coupled to an
associated block member 30, as explained in greater detail
below.
[0021] Cartoning machine 10 further comprises a pair of endless
chains 86 and 87, which are shown in FIGS. 2-4 below. Endless
chains 86 and 87 may be driven by one or more rotating sprockets
(not shown). Endless chains 86 and 87 are coupled to each block
member 30 in cartoning machine 10, as explained in FIGS. 2-4 below,
thereby moving each carton pocket 25 throughout the cartoning
machine 10.
[0022] Referring still to FIG. 1, cartoning machine 10 comprises at
least one structural support member 12. Support member 12
preferably is provided in the form of a cross-beam and has side
passages 13 formed therein. Cam track 90 extends around an inner
circumference of cartoning machine 10 and through passages 13 of
support members 12. A plurality of cam track support members 15 are
operably coupled to cam track 90 and support cam track 90. In
operation, the height of cam track 90 may be adjusted to move
vertically within passages 13 of support members 12. As will be
explained in greater detail below, when cam track 90 is vertically
raised or lowered a predetermined amount within cartoning machine
10, the size of each carton pocket 25 will be adjusted a
predetermined amount accordingly.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of components of
adjustable carton pocket 25 is shown. Apparatus 20 generally
comprises block member 30, gear 50 and first and second gear racks
61 and 63, which are attached to first and second side plates 71
and 73, respectively. When assembled, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, first
and second side plates 71 and 73 are spaced apart from one another
a predetermined distance to form carton pocket 25, which is adapted
to receive and transport a carton of a predetermined side.
[0024] Block member 30 comprises front surface 32 and rear surface
33. Gear recess 36 is formed in front surface 32 and is adapted to
receive gear 50. Block member 30 further comprises bore 37, which
is disposed between gear recess 36 and rear surface 33 of block
member 30. Shaft member 52, which is attached to gear 50, is
adapted to be disposed through bore 37, as depicted in FIG. 2. In a
fully assembled state, gear 50 is housed within gear recess 36
while shaft extension 52 extends through bore 37 and through rear
surface 33 of block member 30.
[0025] First and second endless chains 86 and 87 are used in
conjunction with cartoning machine 10. First and second endless
chains 86 and 87 preferably comprise hollow pin chains that are
driven by a sprocket assembly (not shown). As the sprockets are
rotated, chains 86 and 87 are driven to permit movement of carton
pockets 25 within the machine 10. In a preferred embodiment, first
and second endless chains 86 and 87 are coupled to block member 30
when disposed within chain recesses 46 and 47, respectively. Pins
76 and 78 may be employed to secure chains 86 and 87 to block
member 30. In one embodiment, pins 76 and 78 extend through bores
or slots formed in block member 30, then extend through hollow
portions of endless chains 86 and 87 to secure the chains to block
member 30. One or more retaining means 77 may be employed to secure
the pins in place.
[0026] It should be noted that in FIGS. 2-4, pins 76 and 78 extend
through bore 56 and slot 58, respectively. However, multiple slots
may be used and bores may be omitted, or vice versa. Further, pins
76 and 78 may comprise different configurations, as generally
depicted in FIG. 2.
[0027] Block member 30 comprises first and second channels 41 and
43, which preferably are recessed in front surface 32, as shown in
FIG. 2. First channel 41 extends longitudinally above gear recess
36, while second channel 43 extends longitudinally below gear
recess 36. Portions of first and second channels 41 and 43
intersect with gear recess 36, i.e., these machined regions
slightly overlap with one another, as depicted in FIG. 2.
[0028] In an assembled state, first and second gear racks 61 and 63
are adapted to be disposed at least partially within first and
second channels 41 and 43, respectively. First and second gear
racks 61 and 63 preferably comprise substantially longitudinal bars
having one smooth surface and another surface comprising teeth. As
shown in FIG. 2, first gear rack 61 is positioned such that the
smooth surface faces upward, while the surface having teeth faces
downward. By contrast, second gear rack 63 is positioned such that
its smooth surface faces downward, while the surface having teeth
faces upward. Therefore, when first and second gear racks 61 and 63
are disposed at least partially within first and second channels 41
and 43, respectively, the teeth of first and second gear racks 61
and 63 mesh with the teeth of gear 50.
[0029] First and second carton end regions 70a and 70b are attached
to first and second gear racks 61 and 63, respectively. In one
embodiment, first carton end region 70a comprises first side plate
71 and one or more bracket members 72. As shown in FIG. 2, bracket
member 72 is attached between first gear rack 61 and first side
plate 71, e.g., using a screw, adhesive or other means.
Alternatively, bracket member 72 may be integrally formed with
first side plate 71. First side plate 71 preferably extends
substantially orthogonal to bracket member 72, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0030] Similarly, second side plate 73 is attached to second gear
rack 63 via one or more bracket members 74, as shown in FIG. 2.
Second side plate 73 preferably extends substantially orthogonal to
bracket member 74. In this manner, first and second side plates 71
and 73 extend in a direction substantially parallel to each other
to form the end walls of carton pocket 25.
[0031] First and second gear racks 61 and 63 mesh with gear 60 in a
manner similar to a rack and pinion arrangement. Specifically,
rotation of gear 50 in a clockwise direction (as seen from the
front view of FIGS. 2-3) moves first and second gear racks 61 and
63 in an inward direction towards each other, while rotation of
gear 50 in a counterclockwise direction moves first and second gear
racks 61 and 63 in an outward direction away from each other. As
explained in greater detail below, the selective rotation of gear
50 enables adjustment of the size of carton pocket 25.
[0032] Cap member 80 and first and second cap blocks 81 and 82 may
be used to hold gear 50 and gear racks 61 and 63 in place. In a
preferred embodiment, first cap block 81 is attached to block
member 30 on a first side of gear recess 36, while second cap block
82 is attached to block member 30 on the other side of gear recess
36, as depicted in FIG. 2. Cap member 80 then is secured to first
and second cap blocks 81 and 82 using any known technique, such as
a screw, adhesive or other means. In the assembled state, shown in
FIGS. 3-4, first and second gear racks 61 and 63 are coupled
securely to block member 30, but loosely enough to let them slide
longitudinally within first and second channels 41 and 43,
respectively, to adjust the carton pocket size, as explained
below.
[0033] Apparatus 20 further comprises pivot link 92, which
preferably functions in manner similar to a crank arm. Pivot link
92 has a first region to which shaft 94 is attached, and has a
second region having bore 93 formed therein, as shown in FIG. 2.
Bore 93 is adapted to receive shaft member 52, which is attached to
gear 50. Shaft member 52 may be secured within bore 93 of pivot
link 92 using pin 98, which may extend into a corresponding bore
formed in shaft member 52. Alternatively, shaft member 52 may be
rigidly secured to pivot link 92, e.g., by spot welding or
soldering.
[0034] Shaft 94 of pivot link 92 extends in a rearward direction,
i.e., in a direction away from block member 30. Shaft 94 is adapted
to be coupled slide member 96. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, slide
member 96 comprises a substantially rectangular block shape having
a bore disposed therethrough. Shaft 94 is disposed through the bore
of slide member 96 and is securely coupled thereto, e.g., using
retaining means 97. Optionally, spacer element 95 may be disposed
over shaft 94 between pivot link 92 and slide member 96.
[0035] Slide member 96 is operably coupled to cam track 90. In one
embodiment, cam track 90 comprises recess 91, which is adapted to
receive slide member 96, as best seen in FIG. 3. Recess 91
preferably houses slide member 96 and permits longitudinal
advancement of slide member 96 therein. Alternatively, slide member
96 may be coupled to an exterior surface of cam track 90 and
permitted to slide longitudinally about the exterior of cam track
90.
[0036] Cam track 90 extends around the perimeter of cartoning
machine 10, as depicted in FIG. 1. Each carton pocket 25 of
cartoning machine 10 comprises a gear assembly as described with
respect to FIGS. 2-4. Therefore, each carton pocket 25 comprises a
slide member 96 which is coupled to cam track 90. In operation, as
carton pockets 25 are guided along the cartoning machine 10, e.g.,
using a sprocket and endless chain assembly, each slide member 96
is longitudinally guided by cam track 90.
[0037] If it becomes desirable to adjust the dimensions of carton
pockets 25, then an actuation means (not shown) may be actuated to
raise or lower cam track 90. The actuation means may comprise one
or more levers (not shown) that are operably coupled to cam track
support members 15 and configured to incrementally raise or lower
cam track 90 via the support members 15.
[0038] In operation, the size of each carton pocket 25 may be
simultaneously reduced by increasing the height of cam track 90
within machine 10. Specifically, vertical heightening of cam track
90 causes corresponding vertical heightening of each slide member
96, which is secured to cam track 90. As each slide member 96 is
raised, each corresponding pivot link 92 is rotated in a clockwise
direction (as seen from the front view of FIGS. 2-3). Clockwise
rotation of pivot link 92 causes corresponding rotation of gear 50
via shaft member 52. As gear 50 is rotated in a clockwise
direction, first and second gear racks 61 and 63 are driven
longitudinally towards each other. Since first and second gear
racks 61 and 63 are attached to first and second side plates 71 and
73, respectively, first and second side plates 71 and 73 are driven
towards each other, thereby reducing the size of each carton pocket
25. In sum, by increasing the vertical height of cam track 90 a
predetermined amount, first and second side plates 71 and 73 will
be moved towards each other a predetermined amount.
[0039] By contrast, if it is desirable to reduce the size of each
carton pockets 25 in machine 10, then cam track 90 may be
vertically lowered. Specifically, vertical lowering of cam track 90
lowers each slide member 96, thereby causing each corresponding
pivot link 92 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (as seen
from the front view of FIGS. 2-3). Counterclockwise rotation of
each pivot link 92 causes corresponding rotation of gear 50 via
shaft member 52, thereby driving first and second gear racks 61 and
63 in a longitudinal direction away from each other. This causes
first and second side plates 71 and 73 to be driven longitudinally
away from each other, thereby increasing the size of each carton
pocket 25.
[0040] Advantageously, the size of each carton pocket 25 throughout
cartoning machine 10 may be adjusted an identical amount by
increasing or decreasing the height of cam track 90. The cartoning
machine 10 operates with precision since cam track 90 may be raised
or lowered incrementally, thereby causing a known amount of
rotation of gear 50 and simultaneously yielding a desired pocket
size for each carton pocket 25. Measurement indicia may be provided
so that an operator may know the exact position of cam track 90,
and a conversion chart may be provided to translate the exact
vertical position of cam track 90 with the precise dimensions of
each carton pocket 25.
[0041] In an alternative embodiment, gear 50 and gear racks 61 and
63 may be omitted, and the means for longitudinally moving first
and second side plates 71 and 73 with respect to one another may
comprise one or more servo motors (not shown). For example, a first
servo motor may be coupled to first side plate 71, e.g., via
bracket member 72, while a second servo motor may be coupled to
second side plate 73, e.g., via bracket member 74. In this
embodiment, the first servo motor may receive instructions to move
first side plate 71 a first distance toward or away from second
side plate 73. Similarly, the second servo motor may receive
instructions to move second side plate 73 a second distance toward
or away from first side plate 71. The servo motors may operate
independent of one another, such that the first distance moved by
first side plate 71 may be different than the second distance moved
by second side plate 73.
[0042] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is
not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *