Patent Application
20130292271
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for sealing or tying products. The invention more specifically relates to an apparatus and method for wrapping at least an adhesive strip of tape around at least part of a bundle of products for tying them together.
It is known to gather a bundle of products such as produce, for example flowers, and wrap an elastic band around part of said products, such as around the stems of the flowers, in order to bundle them. It is also known to gather such products into a bundle and then wrap an adhesive tape around part of them, such as around the stem of a bundle of flowers, for bundling them. Such apparatus are for example known from U.S. Pat. No. 2,841,935, NL8902097 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,185.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,841,935 a sealer is shown having a wheel comprising a series of slots defined in the periphery thereof, regularly spaced relative to each other along said periphery. Between each set of two adjacent slots a knife is housed in the wheel, having a cutting edge extending slightly from said periphery. Tape fed over the periphery can be cut by such cutting edge when the wheel is turned during feed through of a bag to be closed and sealed.
In NL8902097 a sealer is shown having a star wheel having six identical slots provided evenly distributed around the periphery of the star wheel. Products can be hand fed though a slot in the housing of this sealer for rotating the wheel and sealing the bag.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,185 a sealer with a star wheel is disclosed, wherein the star wheel has four first slots into which the neck of a bag to be sealed can be fed, and in the middle between two adjacent first slots a second slot is provided for allowing a knife to cut tape fed over the periphery of the wheel.
An aim of the present invention is to provide an alternative to these known apparatus and methods. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for sealing or tying products into bundles. A still further aim is to provide a method and apparatus for tying fresh produce, flowers or the like natural products.
One or more of these and/or other aims can be obtained with an apparatus and/or method according to invention.
An apparatus for sealing or tying products can comprise a housing with at least a first tape dispenser and a star wheel. A slot can be defined by or through the housing, wherein the star wheel extends at least partly in said slot. The star wheel comprises a series of first cells and a series of second cells, the first and second cells being intermittently disposed in the star wheel, each cell being open to a periphery of the star wheel and two opposite sides thereof. An urging device is provided having at least one edge portion for urging at least one product to be tied into one of the cells, especially a first cell.
A method for sealing or tying products can be characterised by adhesive tape which is led over an open side of a cell of a star wheel, an adhesive side of the star wheel facing away from the star wheel. A product or a bundle of products is pushed against the tape and into the cell, adhering at least part of the adhesive tape around at least part of the product or bundle of products, and rotating the star wheel around an axis. The cell with the product or bundle of products is preferably moved along a feeding station for feeding a second tape, preferably non adhesive tape, over the cell and the product or bundle, adhering to the adhesive tape. The star wheel is rotated, tying the tape round the product or the bundle of products, wherein the star wheel is rotated further and the tape is or the two adhered tapes are cut, allowing the bundle to be removed from the cell. The product or bundle of products is pushed into and held in the cell by an urging device and/or a pressing device.
Use of a sealer with a star wheel, an adhesive tape dispenser and a tape dispenser for a second tape, easier tearable than the adhesive tape can be described, for binding products, especially fresh produce, wherein adhesive tape is dispensed form the dispenser and wound around at least part of a bundle of products using the star wheel. There after a second tape is adhered to the adhesive tape, such that ends of the adhesive tape are covered by the second tape and do not adhere to each other. The bundle of products is pushed into and temporarily held in the cell by an urging device and/or a pressing device.
A bundle of products, especially obtained with a method, use or apparatus as described can be provided, which bundle is provided around part thereof with a piece of adhesive tape, binding the bundle together. Preferably a piece of a second tape, easier tearable than the adhesive tape, is provided to both ends of said piece of adhesive tape, extending over an interface where parts of the adhesive tape are interconnected and/or over a part of the bundle extending between said ends of said piece of adhesive tape. The bundle is tied by at least the tape, wherein a container or item is provided between the tape and the bundle of products.
By way of example apparatus, methods, use and products shall be described hereafter, schematically and in relative detail, with reference to the drawing, in which:
In this description the same or similar or corresponding parts can have the same or corresponding reference signs. The embodiments shown and described are exemplary embodiments only and should by no means be understood as limiting the scope of protection sought as defined by the claims. The apparatus and methods according to the invention are described in relation to fresh products such as flowers, produce and the like, uncovered or covered. This should not be considered limiting. A similar apparatus could be used for for example sealing or tying bags, wrappings, bundles of other products, such as but not limited to rods, sticks and other such elements.
In this description a container can be described to be tied by the tape with the product or products. Such container can be for example be, but is not limited to, a sachet, bag, flask, box, bottle or any container suitable for holding content. Alternatively other items could be tied to a product or bundle of products in the same or similar manner. Such items are, for the purpose of this description, also to be understood as encompassed by the description.
In this description apparatus will described which are hand-operated, that is wherein products to be tied or sealed are fed through the apparatus manually. However, mechanical means can be provided to feed the products through the apparatus, or at least assist a user in feeding the products through the apparatus, such as transport bands, chains and other transport means. Star wheel should be understood as at least including any element, rotational around a real or virtual axis, provided with cells along the periphery forming positions for receiving products or parts thereof to be tied or sealed and/or receiving at least part of a knife or other cutting or slicing tool or element.
Relevant following first cell can be understood as meaning a first cell following the said first cell seen in a direction of rotation of the star wheel, which can be used for tying or sealing products.
In
The star wheel 4 comprises a series of first cells 19 and a series of second cells 20. The position of each cell 19, 20 is for the sake of this description defined by a line J extending through the axis 15 and a mid M of a relevant cell 19, 20 at the periphery 21. The first cells 19 and second cells 20 can be intermittently disposed in the star wheel 4. This has to be understood as including but not necessarily limited to an arrangement of the cells 19, 20 around the periphery 21 of the star wheel 4 such that between two adjacent first cells 19 seen around the periphery 21 a second cell 20 is provided. Each cell 19, 20 is open to the periphery 21 of the star wheel 4 and two opposite sides 22, 23 thereof. In the embodiments shown there is the same number of first cells 19 as there are second cells 20. In an embodiment there can be three first cells 19 and three second cells 20. In an embodiment the first cells 19 can be distributed around the periphery 21 evenly, as can the second cells 20. For three first cells 19 this means that an angle a included between two lines J through adjacent first cells 19 will be approximately 120 degrees. Similarly for three second cells 20 the angle β included between two lines J through adjacent second cells 20 will be approximately 120 degrees. For different numbers of first and second cells 19, 20 the angles α, β will be amended accordingly, by the definition 360 degrees divided by the number of first or second cells 19, 20 respectively.
In an embodiment each first cell 19 comprises a leading edge 24 and a trailing edge 25, whereas each of the second cells 20 has a leading edge 26 and a trailing edge 27, seen in a direction of rotation W of the star wheel 4. A direction of rotation W of the star wheel 4 is defined by rotation of the star wheel 4 around the axis 15 such that a cell 19, 20 moves from near the inlet opening 9 to near the outlet opening 20 over the shortest path of travel, along the slot 5. In an embodiment a distance D3 between a trailing edge 25 of a first cell 19 and a leading edge 26 of an adjacent second cell 20, measured along the periphery 21 of the star wheel 4 is smaller than the distance D4 between the trailing edge 27 of said second cell 20 and a leading edge 26 of the same second cell 20 and a following relevant first cell 19. In an embodiment the distance D3 can be less than half the distance between two adjacent relevant first cells 19. In an embodiment the first and second cells 19, 20 can be distributed around the periphery such that the angles α and β will be the same, but an angle γ between lines J through a first cell 19 and an adjacent trailing cell 20, that is the second cell following the first cell 19 in the direction of rotation W of the star wheel 4 is smaller than the angle δ between the lines J through said second cell 20 and the following first cell 19. In an embodiment the angles α, β can be 120 degrees, the angle γ can be between 5 and 60 degrees, more specifically between 10 and 45 degrees, for example approximately 30 degrees. The angle δ can be about (α-δ), which can e.g. be about 90 degrees.
In an embodiment the edges 24, 25, 26, 27 can extend substantially parallel to the line J extending through the relevant cell 19, 20. In an embodiment the second cells 20 can be smaller than the first cells 19. The first cells 19 can have a width B1 measured between the leading and trailing edge 24, 25 perpendicular to the relevant line J through the cell 19 larger than the width B2 of the second cells 20. In an embodiment the first cells 19 can be distributed such that when a one of the first cells 19 is positioned adjacent the outlet opening 10 of the slot 5, a following relevant first cell 19 is positioned adjacent the inlet opening 9 of the slot 5. A second cell 20 can be positioned in between, extending within the housing and/or in the slot. In an embodiment the depth X of each second cell 20 can be such that it is enclosed within the housing 2, except when passing the inlet opening 9 and/or the outlet opening 10.
A knife carrier 28 is provided near the periphery 21, within the housing 2. The knife carrier 28 can be positioned near the periphery 21 of the star wheel 4 and comprises at least one knife 31 that can be moved into and out of at least one of the second cells 20, for cutting tape, as will be discussed later on. Preferably the knife carrier 28 is at least partly operated by rotation of the star wheel 4.
The knife carrier 28 can, as is further elucidated in
As can be seen in
From the first tape dispenser 3 adhesive tape 39 is fed over the periphery 21 of the star wheel 4, at least past a first cell 19 near or adjacent to the inlet opening 9 of the slot 5, an adhesive side 49 of the tape 39 extending outward, away from the star wheel 4. At the side of the slot 5 near the inlet opening 9, between the slot 5 and the arm 43, a guide 50 for the second tape 41 dispensed from the second tape dispenser 40 is provided, for guiding the second tape 41 towards the periphery 21 of the star wheel 4, at a position downstream from the inlet 9. The second tape 41 is preferably non adhesive tape, such as but not limited to paper tape. The second tape preferably is easily tearable, preferably more easily that the adhesive tape 39. The second tape is led from the second tape dispenser 40 over the sides of the guide elements 48A, B facing away from the star wheel 4 and over the side of the pin 47 facing the star wheel 4, and then through the guide 50 towards the periphery 21 of the star wheel 4, over which it is led in a downstream direction, towards the outlet opening 10, adhered to the adhesive tape 39.
As can be seen in for example
When the star wheel 4 is rotated further in the direction W, the operating element 38 of a second cell 20 upstream adjacent the relevant first cell 19 in which the stems S extend is brought into contact with the tip region 37 of the side 36 of an arm 29 of the knife carrier 28 extending substantially into the direction of the slot 5 and inlet opening 9, as is shown in
The position of the knife carrier 28 along the periphery 21 relative to the inlet opening 9 and the relative positions of each first cell 19 and the adjacent upstream second cell 20 defined the length 54 of the tabs 53. Once the tapes 39, 41 have been cut by the knife 31, the star wheel 4 will rotate relative to the tapes, until the stems S are released form the cell 19 and a further bundle of stems S is introduced into the next first cell 19 then adjacent the inlet opening 9. by reducing the distance D between the cell 19 and the position in which the knife 31 cuts the tapes 39, 41 in the adjacent second cell 20 the tab length 54 can be limited, reducing use of tape and preventing excessive tab lengths, which is especially desirable when bundles of products have to be tied or sealed having a relatively large size in cross section.
In the description the embodiments are disclosed having the slot 5 or at least the line L extending substantially vertically. It is however obviously possible to have the slot extend in any desired direction and position, for example substantially horizontally or inclined relative to a horizontal and vertical plane.
In an embodiment the inlet opening 9 and first cell 19 can have corresponding widths. In another embodiment the width of the first cell 19 can differ from the inlet 9, for example smaller. The width B1 can for example be between 20 and 100 mm, for example between 30 and 80 mm. In an example the width B1 can be about 30 mm, about 40 mm or about 50 mm. The star wheel can have a diameter of any size, for example between 100 and 500 mm. In an example the star wheel can have a diameter of between 200 and 300 mm, for example about 240 to 250 mm. These sizes are only given by way of example. The star wheel 4 need not be circular. In an embodiment different star wheels 4 can be provided, interchangeable in the same housing. Different star wheels 4 can have for example but not limited to different positions of the first and second cells, different numbers of such cells, different sizes of first and/or second cells or combinations thereof, suitable for for example different sizes of bundles of products or bags or different products. Star wheels can have cells having for example a padding for protecting products from damage by the forces exerted thereon when being bundled, tied and/or sealed.
In this embodiment an urging device 62 is provided, at least partly upstream of the star wheel 4. A support surface 63 is provided at least on one side of the slot 5, for supporting products to be tied and/or a transport device fed over the support surface 63. Such transport device can for example be a substantially flexible conveyer 100, which can in embodiments have a relatively soft top side for supporting the products or parts thereof. As can be seen in for example
As can be seen, in
Above the slot 5 furthermore a pressing device 76 can be mounted. In the embodiment shown the pressing device 76 comprises two substantially parallel arms 77, extending partly on opposite sides of the star wheel 4, above the fingers 70. The arms 77 are mounted on a common carrier 78, mounted on an axis of rotation 79 and biased in a downward direction P, for example by one or more springs 80 and/or gravity. As can be seen in
Preferably the urging device has a first number N1 of fingers or at least edge portions 73, whereas the star wheel has a second number N2 of first cells 19, wherein the first and second number N1, N2 are related by the formula N1=N*N2 or N2=N*N1, wherein N is an integer. In the embodiment shown N=1, resulting in the same number of cells 19 and fingers 70. N could also be a different number, for example but not limited to 2 or 3. When N=1 the revolutions of the star wheel 4 and the urging device 62 can be synchronised one to one.
In
The knife arrangement 82 can comprise a knife or blade 32, which can be movable in a linear direction K, substantially radial to the star wheel 4, into and out of a cell 20, for cutting the tape 39 or combined tapes 39, 41. The knife 32 can be moved by a pneumatic or hydraulic driver 88, or in another suitable way, such as but not limited to electrically or mechanically, for example coupled to the rotation of the star wheel 4.
In
A product or bundle of products 51, such as flowers, vegetables, rod like elements or the like, which may or may not be enclosed at least partly in a wrap or bag, can be fed into the slot 5 from the inlet 9, over a pair of fingers 70. In
The knife arrangement 82 can be provided with a supporting roll 92, supported on a periphery of the star wheel 4. In an embodiment the knife 32 can be biased by the driver 88 into an extended position, such that the roll 92 is forced against the periphery and that the knife 32 will automatically be forced through the tape or tapes 39, 41 when the cell 20 arrives at the roll 92 which will then be forced into said cell 20, together with the knife 32. The driver 88 can then retract the knife and roll 92 after the cutting. Alternatively the knife 32 can be actively forced into the cell 20 by the driver 88, triggered by for example the control unit. Other means of operation are also possible, whereas a similar knife arrangement 82 could be used in the other embodiments, whereas other knifes and knife carriers, such as but not limited to the rotating knife carriers as described before could also be used in an apparatus according to
By using the urging device 62 and/or the pressing device 76, and preferably both, the products can be brought into and/or held in a compact bundle during tying thereof.
It shall be clear that an urging device 62 and/or a pressing device 76 could also be used in the same or similar manner with embodiments of the apparatus 1 as discussed before.
In
When in this embodiment a product or bundle of products 51, such as the stems 90 are forced into the relevant cell 19, pushing the tape 39 into the cell, the container or item 96 will be enclosed between the tape 39 and the product or bundle of products 51, such that it will be tied to the product or bundle 51 simultaneously. An example of a container or item 96 can be, but is not limited to a bag, sachet, flask, bottle, leaflet, gift or the like. When bundling flowers the item 96 can for example be a sachet containing nutrition or fertiliser. When packaging produce the item can for example be additives to be used with the produce, such as but not limited to herbs, spices or the like.
In the embodiments described and shown in the drawing, there is a first and a second dispenser 3, 40. However, in all embodiments it could be sufficient to have one tape dispenser only, especially the first dispenser for the adhesive tape.
At least one of the knife arrangement or knife carrier, the star wheel and the urging device and/or pressing device, and/or at least one dispenser 3, 40 could be connected to a counter, registering the number of revolutions or cutting actions during a period, which will be indicative for the number of products or bundles of products that have been tied during that period. This information can be read directly from the counter or could be transferred to another location, for example by wireless, sms or the like.
The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments shown and discussed here above. Many amendments and variations are possible within the scope of the invention. The star wheel can be driven differently, for example through a step motor engaging the axis 15 or by the feeding and/or discharging means. The knife carrier can be made differently, for example as an arm extending partly in the outlet opening 10, such that when the products are moved through the outlet opening the knife 31 is forced into a second cell 20, cutting loose the stems S. In stead of the star wheel 8 in the present form, rotatable around an axis 15, a star wheel can be in the form of an endless star belt, formed as a belt having a series of cells in an outwardly facing surface, guided over at least two end wheels, such that a series of cells 19, 20 is fed along the guide surface, allowing a series of bundles to be handled at the same time. Means can be provided to print information on and/or in the tape and/or the foil strip, such as sealing date, expiration date of the product, packing apparatus identification, advertisements or other information. In the embodiments shown the width of the strip of tape 39 is about the same as the width of the tape 41. These widths can be different, for example the second tape 41 can have a greater with in order to provide further information, such as user information, warranties and other communications. The urging means can be designed differently, for example moving substantially linearly. A transport belt of conveyer could be provided on both sides of the star wheel, or on only one side, and could be provided with elements for urging the products into a cell of the star wheel. The pressing device could also be designed differently, for example a flexible element extending alongside one or both of the sides of the star wheel, at an upper side of the cells 19 when opening towards the inlet 9 and/or outlet 10, for holding the products at a lower side 67 of the cell 19. These and other modifications, including all combinations and permutations of aspects and parts of the embodiments shown are supposed to have been disclosed here, both in isolation and in combination.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005625 | Nov 2010 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NL2011/050748 | 11/3/2011 | WO | 00 | 7/19/2013 |
