FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to packaged food products and, more particularly without limitation, to an improved spool assembly, also called a tape take-up roller, for collecting carrier strips that attach a chain of flexible bags for packaged food in an imbricated manner and providing convenient removal thereof for disposal or recycling purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Food products such as cuts of beef, poultry, and other categories of meat have been traditionally packaged in flexible plastic bags at food production facilities. Such flexible plastic bags are often dispensed at the food production facility in an imbricated manner where individual bags are attached together in a chain configuration using at least one carrier strip. The carrier strip is generally a single sided adhesive tape for adhering to the bags, wherein the tape may be made of materials comprising polypropylene, polyesters, or combinations thereof (hereinafter, “carrier strip” or “tape”). Carrier strips often utilized in the food production industry typically have a width of approximately 6.0 - 7.0 millimeters (“mm”), a thickness of approximately 0.1 - 0.3 mm, and a length ranging between .5 - 15 meters.
While packaging food at the food production facility, the chain of individual bags attached together by the at least one carrier strip are typically transitioned towards a loading station for introducing food into each bag. Before loading food into each bag, however, the carrier strip needs to be removed. While removing carrier strips from the chain of bags is simple enough, current techniques for collecting large amounts of sticky tape is anything but convenient or safe. For example, winding spools currently utilized in the food production industry often include support bearings protruding from each end of the spool. These support bearings are configured to allow the spool to rotate around a longitudinal axis to wind up carrier strips thereon. While useful in collecting carrier strips, however, such configurations prevent the carrier strips from being conveniently removed from, or slid off of, one end of the spool to be disposed or recycled. As a result, carrier strips collected on current winding spools have to be cut off of the spool using knives, scissors, or other cutting tools. Not only are such cutting techniques dangerous to the operator and others adjacent, but these techniques also create small pieces of tape that may be introduced into the finished, bagged food product. Foreign materials in food products are significant safety concerns to end customers, and enhance the liability risk to the food production facility.
Thus what is needed is an improved spool assembly that may be used to reliably collect carrier strips in an efficient manner during the food production process. What is further needed is an improved spool assembly that conveniently allows for an operator to remove collected carrier strips therefrom to be disposed or recycled. What is still further needed is an improved spool assembly for collecting carrier strips that protects the health and safety of workers while being operated and of end customers by preventing foreign material in food products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure solves the aforementioned issues by providing an improved spool assembly, or tape take-up roller, that conveniently and safely allows an operator to collect and remove carrier strips therefrom without requiring the use of cutting tools. In essence, the spool assembly includes a series of cantilevered, elongated prongs having a closed first end secured to a base and an opposite, open second end. An axle may rotatably couple the base to a bearing housing, wherein an arm further secures the bearing housing to a frame designed to facilitate attachment of the spool assembly to existing mechanical equipment of a food processing facility for incorporation into a food processing process. The base and series of prongs may rotate together around a longitudinal axis to facilitate the collection of carrier strips around the series of prongs. For removal of the carrier strips from the spool assembly, the carrier strips may be simply slid off the open second end of the series of prongs for disposal or recycling without requiring the tape to be cut off.
In other instances, the present disclosure solves the aforementioned issues by providing a method of collecting and disposing of carrier strips using an improved spool assembly. In essence, the method may include providing the spool assembly of the present disclosure. The method may further include incorporating the spool assembly into a food processing process by attaching the frame to existing mechanical equipment of a food processing facility. Carrier strips may be provided that are used to attach individual, plastic bags together when packaging food at the food production facility. The carrier strips may be wound around the series of prongs of the spool assembly for collection. After collecting a desired amount of carrier strips, the carrier strips may be removed from the spool assembly by sliding the carrier strips off the open second end of the series of prongs to be disposed or recycled.
PRINCIPAL OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is a principal object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies in the art and provide an improved spool assembly, or tape take-up roller, that may be used to reliably collect carrier strips in an efficient manner during the food production process.
Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved spool assembly that conveniently allows for an operator to remove collected carrier strips therefrom to be disposed or recycled.
Yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved spool assembly for collecting carrier strips that protects the health and safety of workers by not requiring the carrier strips to be cut off from the assembly and of end customers by preventing foreign material in food products.
A further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved spool assembly that may be used with all makes, manners and manufacturers of carrier strips.
A still further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved spool assembly for collecting carrier strips that is inexpensive to manufacture, convenient to repair, comprised of lightweight and durable materials, and that may be easily incorporated into the food production process.
Other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example and without limitation, certain aspects of this disclosure. The present disclosure is not to be limited to or by these objects, features, and advantages. No single aspect need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. The scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
FIGS. 1-7 represent examples of the improved spool assembly, or tape take-up roller, for collecting carrier strips of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the improved spool assembly with carrier strips collected thereon;
FIG. 2 is a right side view of the improved spool assembly of FIG. 1 with carrier strips removed therefrom;
FIG. 3 is a left side view of the improved spool assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the improved spool assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the improved spool assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the improved spool assembly of FIG. 2; and
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the improved spool assembly of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, the present disclosure is directed to an improved spool assembly, or tape take-up roller, for the collection and convenient disposal of carrier strips. While certain aspects of the present disclosure are shown and described herein, it is understood that such aspects are merely exemplary. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these specific aspects and may encompass other aspects or embodiments. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted or inferred as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the disclosed subject matter.
It must be noted that the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, in particular aspects, the terms “about” or “approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5 mm. In other aspects, the terms “about” or “approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 mm. In still further aspects, the terms “about” or “approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 meters. In additional aspects, the terms “about” or “approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 inch. Furthermore the transitional phrase “comprising” that is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” and “characterized by” as used herein is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements, steps or ingredients. Alternatively the transitional phrase “consisting of” as used herein is closed and excludes any element, step or ingredient not specified. The term “generally” as used herein is defined as being mostly but not necessarily wholly that which is specified. The term “larger” as used herein is defined as exceeding most other things of like kind especially in size. The term “smaller” as used herein is defined as having a comparatively little size or slight dimensions.
FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the improved spool assembly 10 with carrier strips 12 collected thereon. The improved spool assembly 10 is designed to collect carrier strips 12 used to attach individual, plastic bags together (not shown) when packaging food at a food production facility. Each carrier strip 12 may comprise a tape formed of materials such as, but not limited to, polypropylene, polyesters, or combinations thereof. One side of the tape may be lined with an adhesive composition for adhering to the bags. Carrier strips utilized with the spool assembly 10 may have a width of approximately 6.0 - 7.0 mm, a thickness of approximately 0.1 - 0.3 mm, and a length of approximately .5 - 15 meters. However, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that larger or smaller sized carrier strips may also be utilized with the spool assembly 10. The spool assembly 10 of the present disclosure may be utilized with all makes, manners and manufacturers of carrier strips 12.
Shown in FIG. 1, the spool assembly 10 may comprise a series of cantilevered, elongated prongs 14 (hereinafter, the “series of prongs 14”) having a closed first end 18 secured to a base 16 and an opposite, open second end 20. The carrier strips 12 may be wound around the series of prongs 14 during collection of tape from the individual, plastic bags (not shown). In some instances, the series of prongs 14 may include two prongs 14 secured to the base 16. In other instances, the series of prongs 14 may include three prongs 14 secured to the base 16. In further instances, the series of prongs 14 may include four prongs 14 secured to the base 16. In still further instances, the series of prongs 14 may include more than four prongs 14 secured to the base 16. The series of prongs 14 may be rigidly secured to the base 16 and arranged equidistant from one another around a longitudinal axis 36. The series of prongs 14 and the base 16 may be integrally formed together during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the series of prongs 14 and the base 16 may be separately formed during the manufacturing process and thereafter joined together using, e.g., welds, adhesives, or a threaded connection where a threaded end of each prong may be screwed into a corresponding threaded opening in the base 16. While FIG. 1 depicts a distal portion of each prong 14 extending through base 16, it is also contemplated by the present disclosure that each prong 14 may terminate at base 16 to provide for an alternative configuration. The series of prongs 14 and the base 16 may be formed of lightweight, durable materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel or aluminum.
Further shown in FIG. 1, each prong 14 may comprise a closed first end 18 and an opposite, open second end 20. The closed first end 18 of each prong 14 may be attached to the base 16 as discussed above. The open second end 20 of each prong 14 is not attached to any object, such as another base, bearing, or support structure. It is important for the second end 20 of each prong 14 to remain open to allow for an operator to conveniently remove collected carrier strips 12 therefrom by sliding the carrier strips 12 in longitudinal direction 22. Thus the collected carrier strips 12 may be slid off the open second ends 20 of prongs 14 to remove the carrier strips 12 from the spool assembly 10. To facilitate the removal of collected carrier strips 12 from the spool assembly 10, each prong 14 may slope inwardly in relation to the base 16 from the closed first end 18 towards the open second end 20. In other words, the closed first ends 18 of each prong 14 may be spaced apart laterally on the base 16 a further distance (e.g., approximately 3-6 inches) as compared to the open second ends 20 that are spaced closer together medially (e.g., approximately 1-3 inches). To further facilitate the removal of collected carrier strips 12 from the spool assembly 10, each prong 14 may gradually taper from the closed first end 18 towards the open second end 20. For example, the closed first end 18 of each prong 14 may be approximately 0.250 inches in diameter and gradually narrow to approximately 0.125 inches in diameter at the open second end 20. Thus, the particular configuration of the series of prongs 14 attached to base 16 provide for an improved spool assembly 10 as compared to winding spools currently utilized in the food production industry. Namely, the spool assembly 10 of the present disclosure allows for the operator to remove collected carrier strips 12 therefrom without cutting the strips off using knives, scissors, or other cutting tools. This approach not only provides enhanced safety to the operator and surrounding employees, but moreover prevents small pieces of tape from being introduced into the finished, bagged food product that may pose substantial health risks to end customers. Once the carrier strips 12 are removed from the series of prongs 14 of the spool assembly 10 in direction 22, the carrier strips 12 may be properly disposed or recycled.
Still further shown in FIG. 1, each prong 14 may comprise a circular tubular shape. However it is contemplated by the present disclosure that other tubular shapes may also be utilized for the prongs 14 such as, but not limited to, oval, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and octagonal tubular shapes. While the prongs 14 are also depicted in FIG. 1 as solid in nature, it is further contemplated by the present disclosure that the prongs 14 may be alternatively hollow in nature. The base 16 depicted in FIG. 1 may comprise a circular shape, however, it is also contemplated by the present disclosure that the base 16 may comprise other shapes such as triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and octagonal. In some instances, the base 16 may be approximately 3-6 inches in diameter and the prongs 14 approximately 6-24 inches in length. In other instances, the base 16 may be approximately 6-9 inches in diameter and the prongs approximately 24-36 inches in length.
FIG. 2 illustrates a right side view of the spool assembly 10 with carrier strips 12 removed. FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view thereof. Shown in FIGS. 2, 3, the spool assembly 10 may comprise a support column 24 designed to reinforce and maintain the series of prongs 14 in their fixed position. The support column 24 may be positioned internally to the series of prongs 14 and comprise a circular tubular shape. However it is contemplated by the present disclosure that other tubular shapes may also be utilized for the support column 24 such as, but not limited to, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and octagonal tubular shapes. While the support column 24 is depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 as solid in nature, it is further contemplated by the present disclosure that the support column 24 may alternatively be hollow in nature.
Further shown in FIGS. 2, 3, the support column 24 may include a first end 26 and an opposite second end 28. In some instances, the first end 26 may be fixedly secured to an interior side of the base 16. In other instances, the first end 26 may be fixedly secured to the base 16 via an intermediary pedestal 30 mounted on an interior side of the base 16. The pedestal 30 and the base 16 may be integrally formed together, or alternatively, formed separate and thereafter fixedly secured via, e.g., welds, adhesives. The first end 26 of the support column 24 may be fixedly secured to the pedestal 30 using, e.g., welds, adhesives, or a threaded connection where a threaded first end 26 of the support column 24 may be screwed into a corresponding threaded opening in the pedestal 30. In other instances, the first end 26 of the support column 24 may be fixedly secured to the interior side of the base 16 without incorporating the intermediary pedestal 30. In such instances, the first end 26 of the support column 24 and the base 16 may be integrally formed together, or alternatively, formed separate and thereafter fixedly secured via, e.g., welds, adhesives, or a threaded connection where a threaded first end 26 of the support column 24 may be screwed into a corresponding threaded opening in the base 16.
Still further shown in FIGS. 2, 3, the second end 28 of the support column 24 may include a bracket 32 fixedly secured to an interior side of each prong 14 of the series using, e.g., welds or adhesives. In some instances, the bracket 32 may be fixedly secured to each prong 14 at a position approximately midpoint between the closed first ends 18 and the open second ends 20. In other instances, the bracket 32 may be fixedly secured to each prong 14 at a position between the midpoint and the open second ends 20. The bracket 32 is designed to reinforce and maintain the series of prongs 14 in a fixed position during operation of the spool assembly 10 while collecting or removing carrier strips 12 therefrom. In some instances, the bracket 32 may include a bearing that assists in the rotation of the series of prongs 14 and base 16 around longitudinal axis 36 to assist the operator in winding carrier strips 12 around the series of prongs 14 for collection. In other instances, the bracket 32 may not include a bearing. The support column 24, pedestal 30, and bracket 32 may be formed of lightweight, durable materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel or aluminum.
FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the spool assembly 10. FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view thereof. Shown in FIGS. 4, 5, the spool assembly 10 may comprise an axle 34 that rotatably couples the base 16 to a bearing housing 38. The bearing housing 38 may include an internal bearing(s) (not shown) that permits the base 16 and series of elongated prongs 14 to rotate together around longitudinal axis 36 via axle 34 to assist the operator in winding carrier strips 12 around the series of prongs 14 for collection. In some instances, the bearing housing 38 may also include an internal ratchet (not shown) that allows continuous rotary motion in only one direction around the longitudinal axis 36 while preventing motion in the opposite direction. In other instances, the bearing housing 38 may not include the ratchet to consequently permit continuous rotary motion in either direction around the longitudinal axis 36. The axle 34 and bearing housing 38 may include lightweight, durable materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel or aluminum.
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the spool assembly 10. FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view thereof. Shown in FIGS. 6, 7, the spool assembly 10 may comprise an arm 40 designed to fixedly secure the bearing housing 38 to frame 42. In some instances, the arm 40 may include angled portions designed to avoid obstructing the rotational movement of the series of prongs 14 and base 16 around the longitudinal axis 36 during operation of the spool assembly 10. In other instances, the arm 40 may be entirely comprised of a single straight portion to facilitate incorporation of the spool assembly 10 in the food processing process (not shown). The arm 40 and frame 42 may be integrally formed together, or alternatively, formed separate and thereafter rigidly attached via, e.g., welds, adhesives, screws, or bolts. The frame 42 is designed to provide support to the spool assembly 10 during operation. The frame 42 is further designed to facilitate attachment of the spool assembly 10 to existing mechanical equipment of the food processing facility for incorporation into the food processing process. The arm 40 and frame 42 may be formed of lightweight, durable materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel or aluminum. While the frame 42 is depicted in FIGS. 6, 7 as hollow in nature, it is further contemplated by the present disclosure that the frame 42 may be alternatively solid in nature.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of collecting and disposing of carrier strips 12 using the improved spool assembly 10 disclosed in FIGS. 1-7. In particular, the method may comprise providing the spool assembly 10. Next, the spool assembly 10 may be incorporated into the food processing process by attaching the frame 42 to existing mechanical equipment of the food processing facility. The method may further comprise providing carrier strips 12 used to attach individual, plastic bags together (not shown) when packaging food at the food production facility. The carrier strips 12 may be wound around the series of prongs 14 of the spool assembly 10 for collection by rotating the base 16 and series of prongs 14 together around longitudinal axis 36. After collecting a desired amount of carrier strips 12 around the series of prongs 14, the carrier strips 12 may be conveniently and safely removed by sliding the carrier strips 12 off the open second ends 20 of prongs 14 in longitudinal direction 22. The method may further comprise properly disposing or recycling the carrier strips 12 that have been removed from the spool assembly 10. Thus, the method of using the spool assembly 10 of the present disclosure allows for the removal of collected carrier strips 12 therefrom without cutting strips off using knives, scissors, or other cutting tools. This method not only provides enhanced safety to the operator and surrounding employees, but moreover prevents small pieces of tape from being introduced into the finished, bagged food product that may pose substantial health risks to end customers.
The improved spool assembly 10 and method of use of the present disclosure are universally applicable to carrier strips of all makes, manners and manufacturers and may be easily incorporated into the existing food production process of food production facilities. Although the disclosure has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred aspects thereof, it is not to be so limited since changes, modifications, and combinations thereof may be made which are within the full intended scope of the disclosure.
Patent Application
20230365376
