Continuous motion package assembling apparatus

US5095683A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• John T. Roberts · Clover, US
• Claude E. Monsees · Charlotte, US
• Larry J. Mattson · Largo, US
• Ralph S. Goldstein · Tega Cay, US
• Ronald H. Wanless · Lebanon, US
• Ronald O. Simpson · Charlotte, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 18, 1991
• Grant date: Mar 17, 1992
• Expiry date: Mar 18, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S493/926
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and process for the assembly of a bayonet handle package are provided. The apparatus comprises at least one handle gripping and insertion wheel mounted on a horizontal rotatable shaft and further comprises means for driving the shaft. The wheel carries a plurality of evenly-spaced, circumferentially mounted handle clamping and insertion assemblages. The assemblages operate cyclically--that is, depending upon the assemblage position in the 360 degree rotational cycle of the wheel--to grip, bend and release the handles. The process of the invention contemplates first providing an apparatus as described. Second, the wheel begins continuous rotation to effectuate the cyclical operation of the gripping and bending assemblages. A handle is then positioned at a first location near the wheel where it is gripped by one of the rotating assemblages. The further rotation of the wheel operates the rotating assemblage to bend the handle such that the barb heads are inserted into handle insertion apertures formed in an appropriately placed carton blank. Attachment of the handle to the carton blank is thereby accomplished, facilitating package assembly.