U.S. patent application number 12/943663 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for pouch loading apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to FLAIR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yung Chul So.
Application Number | 20110108499 12/943663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43973362 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110108499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
So; Yung Chul |
May 12, 2011 |
POUCH LOADING APPARATUS
Abstract
A pouch loading arrangement is provided. The pouch loading
arrangement includes a pouch rack and a plurality of pouches
supported by the pouch rack. The pouch rack includes a base, first
and second axially spaced apart leg portions extending vertically
upward from the base. A first support bar extends axially from the
first leg portion toward the second leg portion. The first support
bar has a distal end portion bent vertically upward forming a first
hook. A first hook finger extends vertically upward from the second
leg portion. The plurality of pouches are supported by the first
support bar. The hook and hook finger can support a pouch in an
open position to facilitate loading of the pouch.
Inventors: |
So; Yung Chul; (Calgary,
CA) |
Assignee: |
FLAIR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
CORPORATION
Calgary
CA
|
Family ID: |
43973362 |
Appl. No.: |
12/943663 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61259912 |
Nov 10, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.1 ;
211/49.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 67/1227 20130101;
A47F 9/042 20130101; A47F 13/085 20130101; A47F 5/01 20130101; B65B
2067/1294 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/59.1 ;
211/49.1 |
International
Class: |
B65B 67/12 20060101
B65B067/12 |
Claims
1. A pouch support rack comprising: a base; a first leg portion
extending vertically upward from the base; a second leg portion
extending vertically upward from the base, the second leg portion
axially spaced apart from the first leg; a hook supported by the
first leg portion and extending vertically upward; and a first hook
finger extending vertically upward from the second leg portion.
2. The pouch support rack of claim 1, further comprising a first
support bar extending axially from the first leg portion toward the
second leg portion, the first support bar having a distal end
portion bent vertically upward forming the hook.
3. The pouch support rack of claim 2, wherein the distal end
portion of the first support bar and the first hook finger extend,
at least partially, axially away from one another.
4. The pouch support rack of claim 3, wherein the distal end of the
first hook overlaps a first extension portion of the first support
bar extending between the distal end portion and the first leg
portion.
5. The pouch support rack of claim 4, wherein the first hook forms
an angle of between about 35 and 75 degrees relative to the
extension portion and the first hook finger forms an angle of
between about 120 and 175 degrees relative to the second leg
portion.
6. The pouch support rack of claim 5, wherein the first hook finger
extends axially away from the first hook.
7. The pouch support rack of claim 6, wherein the first and second
leg portions are generally U-shaped wire rods having distal ends
attached to the base.
8. The pouch support rack of claim 6, further comprising a second
support bar identical to and parallel to the first support bar and
further comprising a second hook finger identical to and parallel
to the first hook finger.
9. The pouch support rack of claim 7, wherein the distal ends of
the U-shaped wire rods are threaded and receive attachment
structures threaded therein, the attachment structures extending
through the base to secure the first and second leg portions to the
base.
10. The pouch support rack of claim 8, wherein the first leg
portion has a first height vertically above the base that is
greater than a second height of the second leg portion vertically
above the base, the distal end portion having a third height
vertically above the base that is greater than the first and second
heights.
11. The pouch support rack of claim 10, wherein the extension
portions of the first and second support bars are generally
straight and extend vertically upward from the first leg portion at
an angle of between about 91 and 95 degrees.
12. A pouch loading arrangement comprising: a pouch rack including:
a base; a first leg portion extending vertically upward from the
base; a second leg portion extending vertically upward from the
base, the second leg portion axially spaced apart from the first
leg; a first support bar extending axially from the first leg
portion toward the second leg portion, the first support bar having
a distal end portion bent vertically upward forming a first hook;
and a first hook finger extending vertically upward from the second
leg portion; and a plurality of pouches supported by the first
support bar.
13. The pouch loading arrangement of claim 12, wherein each of the
plurality of pouches includes a pair of sheets forming the pouch,
wherein the first support bar passes axially through both of the
sheets of at least one of the plurality of pouches.
14. The pouch support rack of claim 13, wherein the distal end
portion of the first support bar and the first hook finger extend,
at least partially, axially away from one another.
15. The pouch support rack of claim 14, wherein the distal end of
the first hook overlaps a first extension portion of the first
support bar extending between the distal end portion and the first
leg portion.
16. The pouch support rack of claim 15, wherein the first hook
forms an angle of between about 35 and 75 degrees relative to the
extension portion and the first hook finger forms an angle of
between about 120 and 175 degrees relative to the second leg
portion.
17. The pouch loading arrangement of claim 16, further comprising
an open pouch in an open position, wherein one of the sheets of the
open pouch is engaged by the first hook and the other one of the
sheets is engaged by the first hook finger, the first hook and
first hook finger maintaining the pouch in the open position such
that the pouch can be loaded with product.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/259,912, filed Nov. 10, 2009,
the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to fixtures and more
particularly, to a rack for supporting plastic bags in an open
position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Pouches are frequently used in a grocery store or other
retail environment for holding items to be purchased by consumer.
More particularly, in many grocery stores, a deli or other fresh
food section is provided. In these sections, fresh food such as,
for example, rotisserie or backed chicken is often sold. These food
items may be wrapped or otherwise packaged for sale at the retail
environment. One particular way to wrap these food items is to
insert them into a plastic bag or pouch. Unfortunately, it can be
difficult to hold a plastic pouch or bag open to a large enough
degree to insert large food items such as, for example, a whole
rotisserie chicken or large items such as a half of a watermelon or
other similar food items.
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention relate to fixtures for
supporting pouches or bags during loading of large items.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide for improved
support of a pouch to facilitate loading the pouch with objects.
More preferred embodiments support the pouch in an open position so
that a user's hands are free to manipulate the object rather than
hold the pouch.
[0006] As such, in one embodiment, a pouch loading arrangement is
provided. The pouch loading arrangement includes a pouch rack and a
plurality of pouches supported by the pouch rack. The pouch rack
includes a base, first and second axially spaced apart leg portions
extending vertically upward from the base. A first hook extends
axially upward and is operably supported by the first leg portion.
A first hook finger extends vertically upward from the second leg
portion. The plurality of pouches are supported by the first
support bar. The hook and hook finger can support a pouch in an
open position to facilitate loading of the pouch.
[0007] A first support bar may extend axially from the first leg
portion toward the second leg portion. The first support bar has a
distal end portion bent vertically upward forming the first
hook.
[0008] In one embodiment, wherein the distal end portion of the
first support bar and the first hook finger extend, at least
partially, axially away from one another. More preferably, the
distal end of the first hook overlaps a first extension portion of
the first support bar extending between the distal end portion and
the first leg portion. In on emore particular embodiment, the first
hook forms an angle of between about 35 and 75 degrees relative to
the extension portion and the first hook finger forms an angle of
between about 120 and 175 degrees relative to the second leg
portion. As such, the first hook finger extends axially away from
the first hook.
[0009] In one embodiment, the first and second leg portions are
generally U-shaped wire rods having distal ends attached to the
base. The wire rod has a radius of between about 0.1 inch and 0.25
inch. Preferably, the wire rod is formed from non-corrosive or
stainless materials. The distal ends of the U-shaped wire rods are
threaded and receive attachment structures threaded therein. The
attachment structures extend through the base to secure the first
and second leg portions to the base.
[0010] In one embodiment, the first leg portion has a first height
vertically above the base that is greater than a second height of
the second leg portion vertically above the base. Further, the
distal end portion has a third height vertically above the base
that is greater than the first and second heights. In a more
particular embodiment, the extension portion of one or more support
bars is generally straight and extends vertically upward from the
first leg portion at an angle of between about 91 and 95
degrees.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the support rack further includes
a second support bar identical to and parallel to the first support
bar and further comprising a second hook finger identical to and
parallel to the first hook finger.
[0012] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective illustration of a pouch
loading arrangement including a pouch support rack loaded with
pouches according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top perspective illustration of the pouch
support rack of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view illustration of the pouch support rack
of FIG. 1 (the other side being a mirror image); and
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top perspective illustration of a simplified
version of a pouch for use with the pouch support rack of FIGS.
1-3; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view illustration in partial cross-section
illustrating the pouch loading arrangement of FIG. 1.
[0019] While the invention will be described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a fixture in the form of rack 100
according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
The rack 100 is illustrated including a plurality of pouches 102
that are generally stored thereon for use at a later date. The rack
100 also includes a single pouch 104 that is being held in an open
arrangement. More particularly, pouch 104 is illustrated as being
held open using the rack 100 such that product can be easily
inserted into the pouch 104. This arrangement allows a single user
to insert product into the pouch 104 without needing to hold the
bag or pouch 104 in the open position. Instead, the rack 100 holds
the mouth or open end of the pouch 104 in an open position. This
leaves both of the users hands free to manipulate the object into
the pouch 104. This arrangement of a rack and a plurality of
pouches can be referred to as a pouch loading arrangement.
[0021] With reference to FIG. 2, the rack 100 is illustrated free
of any pouches 102, 104. In other words, the rack 100 is in an
unloaded state.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the rack generally includes a base
108. A pair of upstanding leg portions 110, 112 extend upward from
a top surface 114 of the base 108. The leg portions 110, 112 are
axially spaced apart adjacent opposite ends 116, 118 of the base
108.
[0023] Both leg portions 110, 112 are generally formed, in this
embodiment, from bent wire rod. The wire rod is bent into a
generally upside-down U-shaped structure. The distal ends 120, 122,
124, 126 of the leg portions 110, 112, respectively, are positioned
proximate the base 108. Connecting portions 128, 130 form the
bottom or trough portion of the U-shaped leg portions 110, 112. The
connecting portions 128, 130 are vertically spaced away from the
base 108. The connecting portions 128, 130 laterally connect
vertical legs 132, 134, 136, 138. Preferably, but not in all
embodiments, the leg portions 110, 112 extend vertically upward
from the base 108 in a perpendicular arrangement. In other
arrangements, the leg portions 110, 112 could extend at a non-zero,
non-perpendicular angle relative to base 108.
[0024] A pair of support bars 134, 136 that extend axially outward
from the connecting portion 128 of leg portion 110. Support bars
134, 136 are used for storing or supporting pouches 102 that are
not currently being used (See FIGS. 1 and 5). The support bars 134,
136 extend axially towards leg portion 112. Thus, free ends 138,
140 of the support bars 134, 136, respectively, are axially
interposed between leg portions 110, 112. Therefore, unused
pouches, such as pouches 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, can be
stored on support bars 134, 136.
[0025] The unused pouches 102 can be stored on a straight or
uninterrupted portion of the support bars 134, 136 that is
interposed between connecting portion 128 and distal end portions
138, 140. It should be noted, that in an alternative embodiment,
only a single support bar need be provided. Further, the support
bar could take numerous other forms. For example, rather than
having two separate bars, a single U-shaped bar substantially
similar to support bars 134, 136 could be used. With reference to
support bars 134, 136, the distal end portions 138, 140 could be
connected such that a single bar is provided. However, this would
be used for a different style pouch having a different aperture for
receipt of the single bar.
[0026] Distal end portions 138, 140 of support bars 134, 136 are
bent vertically upward. This bent arrangement provides a pair of
hooks 144, 146 for engaging the pouches. The hooks 144, 146 prevent
the pouches from sliding axially off of the support bars 134, 136.
These hooks 144, 146 have two retaining functions. More
particularly, the hooks 144, 146 prevent unused pouches 102 from
being removed from the rack 100 when the rack 100 is not being
used. Further, the hooks 144, 146 provide a means for holding one
side of a pouch 104 when the rack 100 is being used to hold open a
pouch, as will be discussed more fully below. In other embodiments
hooks 144, 146 could be directly mounted to leg portion 110 and the
rack would be free of the support bars 134, 136. In any event, with
or without the support bars 134, 136, the hooks would be supported
by leg portion 110.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the hooks 144, 146 are bent
at angle .alpha. (see FIG. 3) of between about 35 and 75 degrees
relative to the straight extension portions 148, 150 of support
bars 134, 136. Thus, hooks 144, 146, and particularly the distal,
i.e. free, ends of the hooks 144, 146 vertically overlap a portion
of the straight extension portions 148, 150.
[0028] A hanger 152 extends axially outward from leg portion 110,
and particularly vertical leg 132. The hanger 152 is on an opposed
side of the leg portion 110 as support bars 134, 136. In other
words, the hanger 152 extends axially outward from leg portion 110
and away from the other leg portion 112.
[0029] A pair of hook fingers 156, 158 extend vertically upward
from the connecting portion 130 of leg portion 112. The hook
fingers 156, 158 also extend axially away from leg portion 110 in
the illustrated embodiment at an angle .beta. (see FIG. 3) of
between about 120 and 170 degrees. More preferably, angle .beta. is
between about 155 and 175 degrees. In this arrangement hooks 144,
146 and hook fingers 156, 158 can be viewed as extending axially
away from one another. This arrangement provides opposed stops or
hooks for engaging opposite sides of a pouch 104 that is being
loaded. These hooks 144, 146 and hook fingers 156, 158 are catch
arrangements that hold the pouch 104 in an open position.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 3, leg portion 110 has a height H1 at
the connecting portion 128 that is greater than the height H2 of
leg portion 112 at connecting portion 130. Further, the extension
portions 148, 150 of the support bars 134, 136 extend axially
towards leg portion 112 at an angle .theta. relative to legs 132,
134. Theta is preferably between about 91 and 95 degrees. This
angled arrangement helps keep the unused pouches 102 proximate legs
132, 134 rather than allowing them to slide towards hooks 144, 146.
This keeps the unused pouches out of the way from hooks 144, 146
during use. Thus, the height H3 of the extension portion 148, 150
at the distal end portions 138, 140 is greater than the height H1
at the connecting bar 128.
[0031] Further, leg portion 110 has a width that is greater than
the width of leg portion 112. This width is defined by the outer
periphery of legs 132, 134 and 136, 138, respectively.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, distal ends 120, 122, 124, 126 of
the leg portions 110, 112 are tapped and threaded such that screws
can extend through the base 108 to secure the leg portions 110, 112
to the base 108. Further, in a preferred embodiment, these screws
that hold the leg portions 110, 112 to the base 108 also secure
support pads 166 to the bottom surface 168 of base 108. The support
pads 166 are preferably formed of a non-scratching material. For
example, in some embodiments the support pads 166 are provided with
a low-slip rubber material. This rubber material will prevent the
rack 100 from sliding on a countertop or other flat surface.
Alternatively, pads 166 could be provided by felt or other fabric
materials to prevent the scratching of any surface upon which the
rack 100 is sitting.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 4, a representative pouch 102 is
illustrated. The pouch 102 is typically formed from a thin plastic
film that may be clear or opaque. More particularly, there are a
pair of film sheets 172, 174 that are secured on three sides
176-178. The pouch is open on a fourth side 179. This open side 179
provides an opening or a mouth through which product can be
inserted into an internal cavity defined between the pair of sheets
172, 174.
[0034] The pair of sheets 172, 174 can include seal arrangements
180, 182 that cooperate with one another to seal off the fourth
side 179 when operably engaged with one another. These seal
arrangements 180, 182 are often referred to as zipper seals. While
only a single cooperating seal arrangement, provided by the
combination of seal arrangements 180, 182 is illustrated,
alternative embodiments of a pouch 102 may include more than one
cooperating seal arrangement.
[0035] Each of the sheets 172, 174 includes a mounting structure
184, 186 in an upper portion thereof. The upper portion is
considered to be proximate the fourth side 179 of the pouch 102.
This upper portion is proximate the free edges of the individual
sheets 172, 174.
[0036] The mounting structures 184, 186 are illustrated in the form
of a pair of laterally spaced apart apertures 188-191. Opposed ones
of the apertures are axially aligned with one another. More
particularly, apertures 188 and 190 are axially aligned, while
apertures 189 and 191 are axially aligned such that the apertures
are aligned for receipt of hooks structures of the rack 100. In
alternative embodiments, only a single aperture in each sheet 172,
174 may be provided. Further, the aperture could be substantially
elongated such that for example the entire aperture would have the
same width as defined between apertures 188 and 189 of the current
embodiment. Further, the alternative embodiment of a pouch could
only have one sheet 172, 174 that includes an upper portion through
which an aperture or mounting structure is provided. In such an
embodiment, an upper portion of the other sheet may be trimmed away
such that the height of one sheet is less than the height of the
other sheet so that the mounting structure in that single sheet is
exposed.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 5, the rack 100 is in an operation
side view illustration. The rack 100 includes a plurality of unused
pouches 102 that are supported on the straight extension portions
148, 150 and are laterally spaced away from hook portions 144, 146
thereof. Further, one pouch 104 is mounted on the rack 100 in an
open position. The pouch 104 is supported by both leg portions 110,
112. Further, sheet 174 of the pouch 104 is supported and engaged
by hook portions 144, 146 operably attached to leg portion 110. The
other sheet 172 is held spaced apart from sheet 174 by the hook
fingers 156, 158 attached to the other leg portion 112.
[0038] To hold the pouch 104 in the opened position, the hooks 144,
146 of leg portion 110 are passed through and engage apertures 188,
189 of mounting structure 186 of sheet 174. Similarly, apertures
190, 191 of mounting structure 184 are engaged by hook fingers 156,
158 extending from leg portion 112. The opposed angle arrangement
of hooks 144, 146 and hook fingers 156, 158 helps prevent the
individual sheets 174, 172 from disengaging therefrom.
[0039] Once the pouch 104 is loaded with product, the user can
remove pouch 104 from rack 100 and seal the pouch or otherwise
close the pouch 104. At that time, the packaged product is ready
for sale.
[0040] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0041] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0042] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *