U.S. patent application number 17/432706 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-02 for pet feeding device and method for supplying and opening capsules.
The applicant listed for this patent is SMARTPETCARE AG. Invention is credited to Markus DACHS, Valerian RUCHET, Christian THOMAS.
Application Number | 20220167584 17/432706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006197444 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220167584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DACHS; Markus ; et
al. |
June 2, 2022 |
PET FEEDING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING AND OPENING
CAPSULES
Abstract
A pet feeding device (10) for supplying, opening and disposing
filled containers (12), with a pusher for flattening or compressing
empty containers In a method for supplying, opening and disposing
filled containers, empty containers are flattened or compressed by
a pusher.
Inventors: |
DACHS; Markus; (Horgen,
CH) ; RUCHET; Valerian; (Koniz, CH) ; THOMAS;
Christian; (Boll, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SMARTPETCARE AG |
Wilen bei Wollerau |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006197444 |
Appl. No.: |
17/432706 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
February 20, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2020/054464 |
371 Date: |
August 20, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 5/0225 20130101;
A01K 5/0114 20130101; B65F 1/1405 20130101; A01K 5/0275
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 5/01 20060101
A01K005/01; A01K 5/02 20060101 A01K005/02; B65F 1/14 20060101
B65F001/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 21, 2019 |
CH |
00223/19 |
Claims
1. Pet feeding device (10) for supplying and opening filled
containers (12), with at least one pusher (56) for flattening
and/or compressing and/or stacking in each other the empty
containers.
2. Pet feeding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least a
part of the pusher (56) contacting empty containers is
removable.
3. Pet feeding device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a bag
(16) for accommodating empty containers, the bag preferably having
means for closing the bag (16) before or during removal.
4. Pet feeding device according to claim 3, wherein the bag (16) is
closable by a cover (31).
5. Pet feeding device according to one of claims 3 to 4 wherein the
means for closing the bag is a zip-lock.
6. Pet feeding device according to one of the preceding claims,
further comprising at least one pivoting means (14) for pivoting a
container to be supplied about at least one substantially
horizontal or vertical axis.
7. Pet feeding device according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein at least one compartment accommodating containers (20) can
be shifted.
8. Pet feeding device according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein full and empty containers (12) are storable in one and the
same compartment (20).
9. Pet feeding device in accordance with one of the preceding
claims, wherein the containers are, one by one, releasable from a
compartment and/or allowed to enter a compartment by the force of
gravity and an openable or widenable opening.
10. Pet feeding device in accordance with one of the preceding
claims, further comprising a stamp for indenting and/or bending an
edge (46) of the container (12).
11. Pet feeding device according to one of the preceding claims
further comprising a lever (24) for biasing the lid (22) being
opened in a direction opposite to the opening direction.
12. Method for supplying and opening filled containers, in which
empty containers are flattened and/or compressed and/or stacked in
each other.
13. Method for supplying and opening filled containers in
accordance with claim 12, in which empty containers are
accommodated in a bag (16), the bag (16) having means for closing
the bag before or during removal.
14. Method for supplying and opening filled containers in
accordance with claim 13 wherein the bag for accommodating empty
containers is closed by means of a zip-lock.
15. Method for supplying and opening filled containers in
accordance with one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the container to be
supplied is pivoted about at least one substantially horizontal or
vertical axis.
16. Method in accordance with one of claims 12 to 15, wherein at
least one compartment accommodating containers is shiftable.
17. Method in accordance with one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the
containers are, one by one, released from a compartment and/or
allowed to enter a compartment by the force of gravity and an
openable or widenable opening.
18. Method in accordance with one of claims 12 to 17 wherein an
edge of the container is indented and/or bent before opening.
19. Method in accordance with one of claims 12 to 18 wherein a lid
of a container being opened is biased in a direction opposite to
the opening direction.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a pet feeding device and a method
for supplying, opening and disposing capsules.
BACKGROUND
[0002] For people having pets it is not always convenient or
practicable to serve food to the pet themselves. Especially serving
canned food while being absent is a challenge. Consequently, it
would be desirable to have a pet feeding device, which is fairly
automated and, for example, is able to open capsules containing pet
food and presenting the opened capsule to the pet.
[0003] Such a device is described in WO 2015/198222 A2, but for
example suffers from the problem that cleanliness in the
surroundings of empty capsules, which generally remain in the
device, cannot always be ensured, until the empty capsules are
disposed of.
[0004] This is considered in the apparatus of US 2015/0053138 A1,
which, however, has a relatively complicated system for handling
the containers. Similarly, as mentioned above, the apparatus of WO
2014/013319 A1 cannot reliably ensure cleanliness which also
applies to the subject matter of FR 2 701 353 A1.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Thus, it is an object underlying the invention to provide a
pet feeding device, which is improved particularly with regard to
cleanliness and convenience in the context of collecting and
disposing of empty capsules. Moreover, a corresponding method is to
be provided.
[0006] This object is, firstly, solved by the pet feeding device of
claim 1.
[0007] Accordingly, the pet feeding device or pet feeder according
to the present invention comprises at least one pusher for
flattening and/or compressing and/or stacking in each other, i.e.
nesting empty containers such as capsules. In other words, the
empty containers are deformed and/or compressed and/or nested in
order to reduce their dimension in a height direction which is
typically perpendicular to the bottom and lid of the container,
which is typically flat. This not only reduces the volume of waste
but also allows to reduce the height of the device as a whole which
makes it more convenient for the pets. As an example, tests have
shown, that containers having an original height of 14 mm can be
compressed to a height of about 3 mm. Considering the fact that
numerous containers may by collected, the space saving effect
multiplies. In view of this effect achieved by the invention,
whenever "flattening" is mentioned in the following, compressing,
stacking in each other and nesting are equally meant.
[0008] Preferred embodiments are described in the further claims.
In this context, it is to be emphasized that the features of all
dependent claims, independent from each other as well as from the
features of claim 1, but optionally in any combination with each
other constitute further subject-matter of the present disclosure.
This also applies to any further features described above or
hereinafter. Finally, any device features are also applicable to
the method described herein and vice versa.
[0009] In particular, at least a part of the pusher contacting the
empty containers can be removable, in order to allow convenient
cleaning thereof. In particular, this part can essentially have the
shape of a disc with a footprint substantially corresponding to
that of the empty containers to be flattened and/or a compartment,
in which these are accommodated. The disc-shaped part can be
attached to a rod pushing the disc, and the disc-shaped part can be
removable from the rod in order to allow cleaning thereof. As will
be apparent from the following details, the pusher is preferably
accommodated in a compartment adapted to accommodate empty
containers. Moreover, a bag can be provided in the compartment in
order to receive the empty containers and prevent any leftovers or
similar waste from spoiling the device.
[0010] Accordingly, the device preferably comprises a bag for
accommodating used containers. As this bag can be regularly
disposed it facilitates an easy cleaning of the spillage prone
areas in the compartment storing any used capsules. Used capsules
will in the following also be called empty capsules, although they
may still contain food or food leftovers being prone to contaminate
the device as these are usually unclosed. Generally, any type of
container for accommodating empty capsules can be provided, but a
significantly less stiff and easily deformable bag has the
advantage of adapting to the enclosing compartment or being able to
accommodate more and more empty capsules as they are being used
consecutively.
[0011] Further, means are provided for closing the bag before or
during removal. For example, a mechanism can be provided which
closes the bag automatically. Alternatively, this may be done
manually by the user. Any principle like the following, but not
limited to it, may be used: Twisting, gluing, thermal bonding,
welding, pulling oppositely integrated strings, wrapping adhesive
labels, a zip-lock, which can particularly be closed by pressure,
etc. as regards the latter option, it should be mentioned that this
corresponds to a zip-lock typically provided in bags for
refrigerating or freezing foodstuff. In particular, the bag itself
will typically have the means for closing the bag.
[0012] Although the invention generally refers to containers,
reference will be made to capsules in the following. As will be
detailed below, the invention enables a both space saving and clean
solution with regard to the collection and disposal of empty
capsules. In particular, since any food or other liquids remaining
in the capsule will be subject to the force of gravity, appropriate
measures can be taken below the position, where the capsule is
presented to the pet, to collect any such substances. This
significantly enhances cleanliness of a pet feeder and convenience
for the pet owner.
[0013] Preferably, the device comprises means for conveying the
container from one to another location within the device. Along the
conveying path, on which single or plural containers are
transported, certain actions, such as opening the container,
presenting the opened container to the pet, disposing of the
container and reloading one or more containers can be performed. In
this context, the conveying can initiate further mechanisms and/or
steps, such as opening the container, as described in more detail
below.
[0014] The conveying mechanism may consist of pivoting means for
pivoting a container to be supplied about at least one
substantially horizontal or vertical axis. In particular, this axis
is preferably outside the container to be pivoted. Moreover, the
pivoting means are preferably adapted to pivot a single container.
In other words, the device is adapted to both supply and open
filled containers, such as capsules or cans, and the containers are
pivoted about at least one substantially horizontal axis when being
supplied to a position, where the open container is presented to
the pet.
[0015] It should be mentioned that the pivoting means can have the
shape of a part of a ball, globe or cylinder, with a globe being
preferred for providing a particularly tight sealing with a
compartment for accommodating empty capsules as described
below.
[0016] Correspondingly, further components of the device, such as
at least part of the casing of the device as a whole, a slideable
cover of the feeding position, a gripper for gripping the lid and
the lever for biasing the lid against the opening direction can
have shapes which correspond to a portion of a globe, cylinder but
also a flat surface. Using multiple horizontal axes with the
pivoting means enables an actuation, handling the capsules in a
constant upright position. For example, pivoting means around two
pivoting axes can be implemented by mounting two guide rods in
parallel on these two axes and connect their loose ends by a bridge
being parallel to the connection of the axes.
[0017] Alternatively, plural containers can be pivoted or rotated
about a typically vertical axis in the manner similar to a
revolver. As a further alternative, plural containers can be
conveyed linearly in order to sequentially be located at
appropriate stations, where the above-described steps are
respectively taken.
[0018] In the context of a bag for accommodating empty capsules, it
provides particular advantages with regard to keeping odors inside
the device, keeping insects away from the device and similar
effects, if the capsule compartment or its bag is closed by a cover
while being used with the device. Advantageously, this cover or
cover portion can be integrated with or even integral with, i.e.
constituting a portion of the pivoting means or the capsule opening
means.
[0019] For improved space saving, the compartment can be actuated
and shifted allowing the pivoting means to pass during actuation.
This shifting or displacement can, for example, be effected in a
vertical direction. However, shifting in a horizontal direction or
combinations of both vertical and horizontal directions are also
possible.
[0020] In particular with regard to a space saving and convenient
arrangement, it may provide further advantages, if both full and
empty capsules are storable in one and the same compartment of the
device. In other words, at one end of such a compartment, filled
capsules are consecutively removed and supplied to the feeding
position, and for example at the other end of the compartment, the
empty capsules are consecutively accommodated in the compartment.
As will be detailed below, the above described compartment can be a
secondary package of the capsules, and the above described bag can
be integrated with the mentioned compartment and/or secondary
package. As will also be become more apparent from the explanations
below, accommodating filled and empty capsules in one and the same
compartment will particularly be enabled by pivoting the capsule to
be supplied about approximately 180 degrees and about at least one
substantially horizontal axis, which are distant from the feeding
position.
[0021] Reliable and efficient operation can be achieved, when the
containers are, one by one, releasable from a compartment and/or
allowed to enter a compartment by the force of gravity and a
blocking element that can be moved or opened. For example this can
be at least one blocking element that releases the capsules when
they are moved out of the releasing path and otherwise holding the
capsules back when being moved into the releasing path.
Alternatively, it can be realized by at least one blocking element,
which blocks the opening in a radially inner position and opens or
widens the opening when moved to a radially outer position. The
radially movable element can, for example, be constituted by a
latch. A mechanism having plural radially movable elements can be
called an iris mechanism.
[0022] The opening in the outer radial part of the conveying means
may thus serve as a holding and releasing mechanism for the capsule
during reloading, actuation, opening, feeding and disposal.
[0023] This can, for as example, be facilitated by a plate having a
bore or hole in connection with another plate having a wider hole
or bore that allows the container to pass through with a narrower
bore enclosing the lower or mid part of the container. An
alternative is a gripping mechanism in the pivoting means that
either holds the container in place or is open wide enough to let a
container pass through.
[0024] With regard to reliable opening of capsules, which will
typically have a lid, the pet feeding device preferably further
comprises a stamp for indenting and/or bending an edge, in
particular a radial edge of the capsule. This will typically deform
the capsule as such, which is typically made from a material having
a high metal content, so that it will be plastically deformed,
whereas the lid will preferably be radially shorter than the edge,
so that it will remain in its initial orientation. Alternatively,
it can have a significantly higher plastic content and will be
elastically deformed, i.e. it will substantially return to its
original shape. In particular, the capsule body, i.e. that part of
the capsule which contains the food and is covered by a separate
lid, can have a surrounding flange, which can for example be a few
millimeters wide. The lid will preferably be radially shorter than
the edge and can alternatively have essentially the same dimension
as the outer head of the flange, but is advantageously not sealed
to the flange at least in the outermost few millimeters. If a force
is now applied onto the lid in the area of the flange, the flange
will deform, in particular, it will be angled away from the lid, in
other words, in a usual orientation of the container, downwards,
but the lid will not be deformed or essentially keep its shape, so
that the resulting gap between the lid and the flange can be used
for gripping the lid. Consequently, due to the deformation of the
capsule, it can be reliably grabbed by an appropriate component of
the pet feeding device. This also provides the significant
advantage, that the measures for ensuring a reliable gripping of
the lid are effected in the device itself as compared to a
situation, in which the lid for example has a tab for gripping or
any other, local means necessary for a reliable gripping of the
lid. This generally has the consequence that the capsules have to
be provided in the device with a defined orientation which always
carries the risk of an inappropriate orientation being effected by
the user, thus endangering a reliable gripping. Moreover, there is
no risk that a necessary tab is deformed, for example, during
transport of the capsules, which generally endangers a reliable
gripping thereof. In contrast, by means of the above described,
particularly preferred measure of providing a stamp for indenting
and/or bending the capsule in the device, this can be arranged such
that any component for gripping the lid will, with regard to its
position, be appropriately adjusted to make use of the indentation
or otherwise deformed flange of the capsule, as described
above.
[0025] In this context, the pet feeder advantageously also
comprises a lever for biasing the lid being opened in a direction
opposite to the opening direction. Consequently, the lid is kept
tensioned during the opening movement, so that the formation of
wrinkles or similar deformations can be minimized. This also
minimizes the risk of food sticking to the lid spoiling the
surroundings, and in particular any surrounding components of the
pet feeder.
[0026] Due to the disposal aided by gravity, a certain amount of
space is needed in a vertical direction. This can advantageously be
used in addition to store a significant number of capsules in the
device in order to avoid frequent reloading. Since this will let
the feeding position rise in a vertical direction, the pet feeding
device preferably comprises a step or platform which allows the pet
to get close enough, in a vertical direction, to the feeding
position.
[0027] The pet feeder described herein can also have a camera
and/or RFID reader in order to identify a pet approaching the
device and in order to initiate supplying and opening a filled
capsule at the appropriate time.
[0028] Since it is sometimes desirable to heat the pet food, the
device can finally comprise a heater.
[0029] In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the pet
feeding device, it will be advantageous to seal a bag for
accommodating empty capsules, after they have been supplied and
emptied. In this context, it should also be mentioned, that the lid
is preferably brought back onto or into the empty capsule before
disposing the capsule into the compartment.
[0030] In order to facilitate the gripping of the lid when opening
the capsule, the lid is preferably biased in a direction opposite
to the opening direction during opening, as described above.
[0031] The above-mentioned object underlying the invention is
further achieved by providing a method for supplying and opening a
filled capsule, in which empty containers are flattened. Moreover,
they can preferably be accommodated in a bag, the bag having means
for closing the bag before or during removal. Further, the capsule
can be pivoted about at least one substantially horizontal axis.
This method can be used for actuation of any type of containers
also outside the field of pet feeding. An example may be the
handling of capsules filled with food or granulates to be presented
singularly.
[0032] The same applies to the device for supplying and opening
containers described above and hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be
described with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 schematically shows the general design of a pet
feeding device;
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a central part of the pet feeding device,
having one pivoting axis, with a single container being released
from a compartment;
[0036] FIG. 3 shows the part corresponding to that of FIG. 2 during
pivoting;
[0037] FIG. 4 shows the same at the end of pivoting;
[0038] FIG. 5 shows the same after the empty container has been
deposited in the compartment;
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a secondary package, accommodating
containers;
[0040] FIG. 7 shows the secondary package of FIG. 6 during use;
[0041] FIG. 7a shows a bag filled with empty containers closable by
a zip or bonding area;
[0042] FIG. 7b shows, a bag filled with empty containers closable
with two embedded opposite strings;
[0043] FIG. 7c shows an alternative for closing the bag with a
cover;
[0044] FIG. 8 shows means for releasing a single container;
[0045] FIGS. 9 and 10 show an alternative means for releasing a
container;
[0046] FIG. 11 shows indenting a container lid;
[0047] FIG. 12 shows the part of the container also shown in
[0048] FIG. 11 after indenting;
[0049] FIGS. 13 and 14 show means for opening a container lid and
biasing same in a direction opposite to the opening direction;
[0050] FIG. 15 shows means to bias the lever shown in FIGS. 13 and
14;
[0051] FIG. 16 shows a central part of the pet feeding device,
having two pivoting axes, with a single container being released
from a compartment;
[0052] FIGS. 17 and 18 show the part corresponding to that of FIG.
16 during pivoting;
[0053] FIG. 19 shows the same at the end of pivoting;
[0054] FIG. 20 shows the same after the empty container has been
deposited in the compartment;
[0055] FIG. 21 shows a compartment having an empty container and a
pusher for flattening the container;
[0056] FIG. 22 shows the pusher in action;
[0057] FIG. 23 shows the situation of FIG. 21 with the flattened
container;
[0058] FIG. 24 shows a compartment having empty containers and a
pusher for compressing the containers in itself;
[0059] FIG. 25 shows the pusher in action;
[0060] FIG. 26 shows the situation of FIG. 21 with the containers
being nested.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0061] As can be taken from the schematic drawing of FIG. 1, the
pet feeding device 10 has, in the embodiment shown, a main part 28
having the general appearance of a part of a globe, and a platform
26. Since the containers containing pet food are presented
essentially at the top of the main part 28, as will be detailed
below, the platform 26 serves to allow the pet to reach this top
area.
[0062] Essentially in the center of the main part 28, there is a
compartment 20 containing containers 12, in the embodiment shown in
the form of capsules. A pivoting means 14 is provided for pivoting
about an essentially horizontal axis A and for delivering a single
container from essentially the bottom of the device to the top. In
FIG. 1, the pivoting means 14 is shown in an intermediate state.
Moreover, it can be seen that it essentially comprises two arms 30,
32 and a bottom 34 for transporting a container 12.
[0063] As can be seen in FIG. 2, having one pivoting axis the
containers 12 are essentially provided in an "upside down" state,
and means are provided, as detailed below, for allowing a single
container 12 to be engaged or gripped by the pivoting means.
[0064] As can be taken from FIG. 3, the pivoting means 14 brings
the container 12 to the top of the device, which is shown in FIG.
4. As will be detailed below, the container is opened at this
position so that the content of the container is accessible for the
pet.
[0065] Afterwards, the container is allowed to enter the
compartment 20 so that, due to the consecutive use of the filled
containers, the compartment 20 is consecutively filled with empty
containers, from the top thereof.
[0066] FIG. 6 indicates that the compartment 20 can be formed by a
secondary package shown as a rectangular box in FIG. 6. In the
initial state, the containers are stacked with a bag 16, which
later serves as a waste bag, typically wrapped around the top or
the sides of the secondary package.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, as soon as the first container to be
presented to a pet, i.e. the lowest one in FIG. 6, has been
emptied, the bag 16 is, together with the empty container 12, now
being the uppermost, allowed to enter the secondary package. When
all filled containers have been removed from the secondary package,
the complete number of empty containers is in the bag, the bag
being accommodated in the secondary package, and the bag can then
be removed. A cover 31, that can be part of the device or being
separate, closes the secondary package or its bag. This helps to
contain odor or protect any ingress of insects. This is further
enhanced with a seal 33 between the secondary container or its bag
and the cover.
[0068] FIG. 7a shows the closing of the bag 16, filled with empty
containers, before or during removal. In the embodiment shown,
reference numeral 52 indicates a zipper or bonding area which can
be provided in a top part of the bag 16, in order to close the bag
before or during removal thereof. Consequently, any remaining pet
food and/or odors can advantageously be kept in the bag.
[0069] FIG. 7b shows mechanisms to close the bag before or during
removal, with two embedded, opposite strings.
[0070] FIG. 7c shows an alternative for closing the bag before or
during removal in the form of a cover 18. However, this measure can
also be applied during use of the device as alternative to the
cover 31 in FIG. 7 in order, for example, to keep odors inside
during use of the device.
[0071] FIG. 8 shows a first alternative of a mechanism to allow a
single container 12 to be released from a compartment (from the
bottom according to FIG. 6) or to be allowed to enter the
compartment (from the top of FIG. 7). As can be seen in FIG. 8, the
mechanism essentially has a plate 36 with a hole 38 wide enough to
allow the container 12 to pass therethrough. Adjacent the hole 38,
there is a recess 40 or a smaller hole 40 holding the container 12.
Consequently, when the plate 36 and the container 12 are moved
relative to each other in accordance with arrow B, the container
can be allowed to be released from the compartment while the
remaining stack of containers stays in the compartment.
[0072] FIGS. 9 and 10 show an alternative mechanism for removing a
single container from the compartment. In this case, a so-called
iris mechanism is provided having several, in the embodiment shown
six radially movable members 42, which are displaced radially in
order to provide a wide opening 38 as shown in FIG. 10, whereas the
opening is a smaller opening 40 in the state of FIG. 9.
[0073] FIG. 11 shows a stamp 44 for indenting an edge 46 of a
container 12. In an initial state, both the lid 22 and the edge 46
are in an essentially horizontal state, which is shown for the lid
22 in FIG. 12. This is because the lid 22 is radially shorter, so
that the stamp only acts on the edge 46 of the container 12. Thus,
the edge 46 of the container is plastically deformed and stays in
the inclined state shown in FIG. 12. Corresponding to the width of
the stamp 44 (as seen perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of
FIGS. 11 and 12) a gap 48 is thus formed between the lid 22 and the
edge 46 of the container 12, which can be used to reliably grip and
open the lid as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0074] Alternatively, the lid 22 could be provided radially wider,
so that the stamp 44 acts both on the lid 22 and the edge 46, which
are, in an initial state, essentially horizontal. Since the lid 22
is made of an elastic material, it returns to its initial
orientation even after the stamp 44 is removed, similarly as shown
in FIG. 12.
[0075] As can be seen in FIG. 13, a protrusion 50 enters the gap
48, when the lid is to be opened, and removes the lid from the
container, as can be seen in FIG. 14. This figure also shows a
lever 24 for biasing the lid 22 in a direction (to the left in
FIGS. 13 and 14) opposite to an opening direction (to the right in
FIGS. 13 and 14), in order to minimize formation of wrinkles or
similar deformations.
[0076] FIG. 15 additionally shows the lever 24 being biased in the
described direction by means of a spring 52.
[0077] FIG. 16 shows the actuation principle releasing a container,
similar as FIG. 2, but now with two pivoting axes 54 and a
shiftable compartment. The containers are supplied in a position
with the lid facing upwards.
[0078] FIGS. 17 and 18 show the actuation principle moving the
container 55 anti-clockwise and clockwise upwards, similar as FIG.
3, but now with two pivoting axes and a shiftable compartment. The
actuated container stays in a position with the lid facing
upwards.
[0079] FIG. 19 shows the actuation principle with the pivoting
means and the container in the top position, similar as FIG. 4, but
now with two axes and a shiftable compartment.
[0080] FIG. 20 shows the actuation principle after the container
has been disposed to the compartment similar as FIG. 5 but now with
two pivoting axes and a shiftable compartment. Full and empty
containers are facing the same direction.
[0081] FIG. 21 schematically shows a compartment 20, in which, in
the situation shown, a single empty container 12 is accommodated.
As can particularly be taken from FIG. 22, a pusher 56 comprising a
rod 58 and a disc 60 is provided for flattening the container 12 as
shown in FIG. 23. As schematically shown, the compartment 20 has
essentially the same size in directions perpendicular to the rod 58
as the containers 12 to be accommodated. This also applies to the
disc 60, so that the mentioned flattening of the container can be
reliably achieved.
[0082] FIG. 24 schematically shows a compartment 20, in which, in
the situation shown, two empty containers 12 are accommodated. As
can particularly be taken from FIG. 25, a pusher 56 comprising a
rod 58 and a disc 60 is provided for stacking the containers in
each other as shown in FIG. 26. As schematically shown, the
compartment 20 has essentially the same size in directions
perpendicular to the rod 58 as the containers 12 to be
accommodated. This also applies to the disc 60, so that the
mentioned stacking of the containers can be reliably achieved.
* * * * *