Adjustable mounting system for components of an article bagging and closing system and method

Abstract

An adjustable mounting system is provided for a bag fastening system. The adjustable mounting system includes a conveyor table and a support assembly. The conveyor table has a frame. The support assembly is carried by the frame and is configured to support one or more components of a bag fastening system for adjustable positioning at selected elevational positions relative to the conveyor table. A method is also provided.

Description

RELATED PATENT DATA

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/685,263, which was filed May 26, 2005, and which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention pertains to article bagging systems and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to support frames and tables for machines that prepare a plastic bag to receive a closure device, or clip, about the neck of the bag after the bag has been filled with one or more items, such as a stack of thermoformed articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Previous machines are known for preparing and applying clips onto the neck of a plastic bag. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,163,969 and 3,163,972 disclose methods and apparatus for applying bag closures, or clips, onto the open neck portion of a plastic bag inside of which articles have previously been inserted. In the process of designing thermoforming lines and bagging machines for thermoformed articles, it has been realized that improvements are now needed in the design of support frames, or tables for supporting components of a bag fastening system in a product bagging operation in order to more accurately, quickly, and repeatedly align the components of the bag fastening system with packaged product during a bag closing operation so as to apply clips onto plastic bags that contain articles.

More particularly, present bag closing machines oftentimes do not properly or completely apply a clip onto an open neck portion of a plastic bag, such as a polyethylene bag. As the operating speeds of thermoforming machines and bagging machines have increased, this problem has been exacerbated as the increased speeds frequently lead to an increase in misapplied clips to bags. One aspect that contributes to this problem is generated when the number of articles in a stack that is being bagged is changed. This changes the optimally desired elevational position of a bag closing machine in relation to conveyed bags of articles that are being closed. By changing the number of articles in a stack (or even changing the type of articles), the optimal elevational position of the bagging machines also changes. However, this relative elevational position is built into existing machines and is not easily adjusted.

Accordingly, improvements are needed in the manner in which components of a bag fastening system are elevationally presented in relation to an open neck portion of a plastic bag that is being delivered, presented and prepared for delivery into the components, where a clip is applied onto the open neck portion of the bag to close the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A support assembly is provided on a conveyor table for an article bagging system to support adjustable, elevational positioning of one or more components of a bag fastening system. For example, the support system can be provided on an article bagging and closing system used to package thermoformed articles into plastic bags and apply clips onto the open neck portion of each bag. The support assembly is provided on one side edge of a conveyor table and has a side mounting surface that is articulated between various raised and lowered positions by a kinematic linkage that is manipulated by an operator to place components of the article bagging and closing system into desired elevational positions. The components of an article bagging and closing system are positioned relative to a conveyor at desired elevational heights based upon the height of articles and the size of a bag. Accordingly, as the size of a stack of articles and/or the size of a bag is changed, the elevational positioning of the components for an article bagging and closing system can be adjusted relative to a top surface of a conveyor on the conveyor table.

According to one aspect, an adjustable mounting system is provided for a bag fastening system. The adjustable mounting system includes a conveyor table and a support assembly. The conveyor table has a frame. The support assembly is carried by the frame and is configured to support one or more components of a bag fastening system for adjustable positioning at selected elevational positions relative to the conveyor table.

According to another aspect, a bag fastening system table is provided with a table top, a frame, and a support plate. The table top is configured for supporting bags of articles during a bag closing operation. The frame is configured to support the table top. The support plate is carried by the frame and is configured to support a component of a bag fastening system for selective elevational positioning relative to the frame.

According to yet another aspect, a method is provided for positioning a bag processing machine relative to a conveyor on a bag conveyor table. The method includes: providing a bag conveyor table with a conveyor having a frame, a support member carried by the frame for mounting the bag processing machine and supported by the frame for selective elevational positioning of the bag processing machine relative to the conveyor; and adjusting positioning of the support member relative to the frame to realize a desired elevational position of the bag processing machine relative to the conveyor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a simplified partial perspective view of a bag fastening system with a conveyor table, a bag arranging device, a bag accumulating device, and a bag closing device, and particularly emphasizing features of a bag table with an adjustable support assembly for selective elevational positioning of a component for an article bagging system according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an operator side view of the bag fastening system of claim 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view opposite that depicted in FIG. 2 taken from the side on which the components of the bag fastening system are supported, but which are omitted from such view, and illustrating the side support plate;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged and simplified partial right end view illustrating components of the side support plate and kinematic linkage used on the conveyor table of FIGS. 1-2 and depicting the side support plate near a maximally raised position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged and simplified partial right end view illustrating components of the side support plate and kinematic linkage used on the conveyor table of FIGS. 1-2 and depicting the side support plate articulated to near a maximally lowered position;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view illustrating the side support plate and kinematic linkage which is assembled onto a conveyor table;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial isometric view taken from an operator side, from below and illustrating the side support plate, kinematic linkage and plane members which are assembled onto a conveyor table.

FIG. 8 is a right end view of the conveyor table relative to that depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3 further illustrating the side support plate and kinematic linkage.

FIG. 10 is a partial component view in partial breakaway and illustrating pivot bracket assembly components of the kinematic linkage.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial plane view illustrating the side support plate and frame members that are assembled in combination with the kinematic linkage onto a conveyor table.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view opposite an operator side view at the side support plate and frame members of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a right end view taken relative to the view depicted in FIG. 12 of the side support plate in frame members.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the side support plate and frame members of FIGS. 11-13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

Reference will now be made to a preferred embodiment of Applicant's invention for a height adjustable mounting system for bag fastening devices on a conveyor table. While the invention is described by way of a preferred embodiment, it is understood that the description is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment, but is intended to cover alternatives, equivalents, and modifications which may be broader than the embodiment, but which are included within the scope of the appended claims.

In an effort to prevent obscuring the invention at hand, only details germane to implementing the invention will be described in great detail, with presently understood peripheral details being incorporated by reference, as needed, as being presently understood in the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bag fastening system 10 that incorporates novel features of the present invention as claimed herein. Bag fastening system 10 includes a substantially horizontal conveyor table 12 with a height-adjustable mounting system 22 configured and arranged to support a bag arranging device 14, a bag accumulating device 16, and a bag closing device 18 at selected, desired elevations relative to a top of a conveyor belt 20. It is envisioned that other devices could be carried by system 22. Devices 14, 16, and 18 are mounted side-by-side along one edge of conveyor belt 20 on a side support plate 58 of system 22. Conveyor belt 20 moves stacked articles 21 that are loaded into plastic bags 23 such that an open neck portion of each bag is disposed towards devices 14, 16, and 18. More particularly, bags of articles 21 are conveyed along conveyor belt 20 from an upstream direction adjacent device 14 and toward a downstream direction adjacent device 18. In the process, bag arranging device 14 flattens and aligns the open neck portion of each bag. Bag accumulating device 16 then bunches up the open neck portion to reduce width of the open neck portion as the bunched-up open neck portion is then conveyed into bag closing device 18. The bunched-up open neck portion is then delivered into a closure aperture of a clip (or closure) on bag closing device 18 which is attached to and subsequently severed from a string of clips. The entire operation is performed sequentially as a bag of articles is conveyed in a downstream direction by conveyor belt 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, a table elevator mounting assembly 22 is provided on a side edge of conveyor table 12 for adjusting in unison the elevation of bag arranging device 14, bag accumulating device 16, and bag closing device 18. Optionally, a single (or multiple) component(s) could be elevationally adjusted. Accordingly, the horizontal plane in which an open neck (or mouth) portion of a bag is horizontally flattened via device 14, bunched up via device 16, and closed via device 18 can be adjusted relative to the horizontal plane of conveyor belt 20. Such adjustment may be desirable when the thickness of an article (or stack of articles) that is loaded into a bag is changed. For example, one condition may require the bagging of a stack of 25 thermoformed plates into a polyethylene plastic bag, whereas a second operation may require the bagging of 50 plates. Hence, the optimal elevational position for horizontally flattening, bunching, and closing an open neck portion of a bag can be optimally adjusted by raising or lowering devices 14, 16, and 18 to a desired elevation relative to the plane of conveyor belt 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, an array (or strip) 24 of individual clips (or closures) 26 is stored as a roll 28 on a reel assembly 30 of bag closing device 18. Bag closing device 18 severs individual clips 26 from strip 24 by cutting individual clips 26 from strip 24 after a bunched, open neck portion of a plastic bag is accumulated inside clip 26. Optionally, a bag closing device as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,163,969 and 3,163,972 can be used in place of bag closing device 18 to apply clips to a bag neck by bending and snapping off individual clips.

According to FIG. 1, bag arranging device 14 is provided upstream of bag accumulating device 16 in order to flatten and smooth out an open neck portion of a plastic bag to prepare the bag to be advanced into bag accumulating device 16. In operation, bag arranging device 14 cooperates with a pair of guide bars 38 and 40 of bag accumulating device 16 to guide, flatten, and smooth out the open neck portion of a bag in which articles have been previously deposited. More particularly, two sets of brushes 32, 34 and 33, 35 each cooperate in counter-rotation to draw the open neck portion of the bag into and between the two sets of brushes. The open neck is drawn between the sets of brushes 32, 34 and 33, 35 until a stack of articles within the bag is engaged against guides 38 and 40 such that the articles are driven into the bottom of the bag and the free edge of the bag is further drawn in between the sets of brushes 32, 34 and 33, 35. In this manner, it is ensured that articles within a plastic bag are driven to the bottom of the bag and the open neck portion of the bag becomes free and is straightened out and smoothed over between the respective pairs of counter-rotating brushes.

More particularly, an alternating current (AC) motor 36 is configured to drive cylindrical brushes 32 and 33 in one direction, about a common axis, while driving brushes 34 and 35 in an opposite, counter-rotating direction along a second, common axis. Brushes 32, 34 and 33, 35 are driven so as to provide an entrance nip between the brushes on a side adjacent to guides 38 and 40. Accordingly, an open neck portion of a plastic bag is drawn in between brushes 32 and 34 until contents (such as articles) within the bag engage against guide bars 38 and 40, which forces the contents to the bottom of the bag and draws a resulting free portion of the open neck portion between the brushes where such open neck portion is flattened and generally smoothed out for presentment into bag accumulating device 16. According to one implementation, brushes 32, 34 and 33, 35 are rotated in opposite directions at 450 revolutions per minute (RPM). Other operating speeds are also possible.

As shown in FIG. 1, bag arranging device 14 includes an upper frame 37 that is pivotally supported by a lower frame 39 via a hinge having a pivot axis. Upper frame 37 is held in a desired pivoted position relative to lower frame 39 using a length-adjustable threaded rod support 41 that adjusts and fixes the pivotal positioning of upper frame 37 relative to lower frame 39 by modifying the length of rod support 41 via rotation of a threaded rod within a nut at each end. As a result, the distances between brushes 32, 34 and 33, 35 can be adjusted which can help enhance performance when bag properties and operating speeds are changed. Motor 36 has a drive shaft with a chain sprocket that drives a chain. The chain drives a sprocket in the upper frame in a first direction, and the chain is twisted a half turn to drive a sprocket in the lower frame in a second, opposite direction. An idler sprocket guides the twisted chain and is spring biased to tension the chain.

According to one construction, brushes 32 and 33 are driven by a common shaft having a chain sprocket that is driven by a drive chain. Likewise, brushes 34 and 35 are driven by a similar chain sprocket via the chain, which has a half-turn twist that drives brushes 34 and 35 in counter-rotation relative to brushes 32 and 33 with the help of an idler sprocket. Brushes 32-35 are each formed from groups of flexible synthetic plastic bristles.

According to one implementation, bag fastening system 10 is designed to be used downstream of a bagging machine that receives stacks of articles from a thermoforming line. For example, plates formed from thermoformable plastic foam sheet material are delivered from a thermoforming line in stacks of a pre-selected quantity. The stacks of plates are then conveyed onto a bagging machine where they are delivered into a folded film of material, after which bags are formed from the film about the stacks of plates. The bagged plates are then delivered into a bag fastening system 10 (see FIG. 1) where the open neck portions of the bags are arranged, accumulated, and then closed with a bag closure or clip.

Bag accumulating device 16 is provided downstream of bag arranging device with an upper drive assembly 42 and a lower drive assembly 44 that cooperate to bunch together the open neck-portion of bag 23 prior to applying a clip 26 via bag closing device 18. Upper drive assembly 42 and lower drive assembly 44 each have drive wheels and an o-ring drive band provided downstream of the drive wheel. Both pairs of wheels and bands co-act against an open neck-portion of a bag. The drive wheels move faster than the drive bands. Since the drive wheels have a faster surface speed than the bands, the open neck-portion of the bag is further bunched together as it progresses between the bands where it is then delivered to bag closing device 18.

FIG. 2 is an operator side view of conveyor table 12 to illustrate the configuration and components of adjustable mounting system 22. More particularly, system 22 includes a kinematic linkage 46 that is hand manipulated by a user to change the elevational positioning of devices 14, 16, and 18 relative to a top surface of conveyor belt 20. Kinematic linkage 46 is supported by conveyor table 12 via mounting brackets 70, 72 and 114. Mounting bracket 114 includes a pair of opposed flanges 116 and 118. Mounting bracket 114 is secured with a plurality of threaded fasteners into a side frame member 83 of conveyor table top 82. Mounting brackets 70 and 72 are likewise mounted to an underside frame member 75 (see FIG. 9) that is fixed to an underside member of conveyor table top 82.

Kinematic linkage 46 includes a pivot bracket assembly 47 that is pivotally carried between brackets 70 and 72. Pivot bracket assembly 47 includes a pair of pivot drive brackets 48 and 50 that are welded onto a medial portion of a central pivot tube 56, and a pair of pivot lifter brackets 52 and 54 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that are provided on opposite, distal ends of tube 56. Brackets 52 and 54 are also welded onto pivot tube 56. Brackets 48, 50, 52 and 54 each have an aperture sized to receive tube 56, after which such brackets are welded onto tube 56 to form an integral assembly.

Kinematic linkage 46 also includes a pivoting, bronze nut 62 that is pivotally carried between brackets 48 and 50 and through which is provided a female threaded bore 63. Kinematic linkage 46 also includes a drive rod 60 having a threaded end portion that mates in complementary threaded engagement with the threaded inner bore of nut 62. Rod 60 is driven by a drive wheel 108 and a drive handle 110, extending from wheel 108, to rotate rod 60 within the complementary threaded bore of nut 62. Such rotation of rod 60 causes pivoting of pivot bracket assembly 47, so as to pivot lifter brackets 52 and 54, which correspondingly raises and lowers plate 58 and devices 14, 16 and 18. Hence, the elevational positioning of devices, 14, 16 and 18 can be adjusted relative to a top horizontal surface of conveyor belt 20 in order to optimize operation of devices 14, 16 and 18 based on the height of a stack of articles that are being closed within a bag during a bagging operation. Devices 14, 16 and 18 are removably mounted onto plate 58 using an array of threaded bores provided in plate 58.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 9, bronze pivot nut 62 is pivotally carried between brackets 48 and 50 using a pair of threaded fasteners 64 and 65. As shown in FIG. 9, nut 62 has a cylindrical recess configured to receive a bushing 176 on each end. Bushings 176, in assembly, cooperate with a respective fastener 64 and 65 to form a pivot surface for nut 62 relative to brackets 48 and 50, respectively. An enlarged cap 68 is affixed onto a threaded rod portion 66 of drive rod 60, after assembly into nut 62, in order to prevent inadvertent complete unthreading between rod portion 66 and nut 62. Such cap 68 can be attached using a threaded fastener. Alternatively, cap 68 can be formed from a threaded fastener having an enlarged head which is tapped into an inner end portion of threaded rod portion 66 for securement against the end thereof.

Each end of tube 56 is secured by a respective bracket 70 and 72, as shown in FIG. 2, using a bearing assembly, such as bearing assembly 126 of FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, tube 56 has a machined surface 170 that forms an increased inner diameter bore sized to snugly receive a hub 172 that is secured therein either by complementary threaded engagement therebetween, or by welding. Hub 172 includes a shaft that is received in an inner bearing raceway of a bearing assembly 126. Bearing assembly 126 is carried by bracket 72 that is further supported by conveyor table top 82, as shown in FIG. 2. An opposite end of tube 56 is carried in a similar manner by a bearing assembly via bracket 70 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-8, drive rod 60 is supported for rotation within a bearing support assembly 112 in which a cylindrical ball bearing assembly is carried in pivotal relation relative to flanges 116 and 118. Bracket 114 is removably mounted onto the side of side frame member 83 via three threaded fasteners 119, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 6.

More particularly, a pair of threaded fasteners 120 and 122 pivotally support assembly 112 to enable rotation of rod 60, as well as pivoting of the axis of rod 60, as seen between the views depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. This action results from pivoting about brackets 48 and 50 as threaded portion 60 interacts with threads in nut 62. Threaded hex head bolts 120 and 122 are received through bores in flanges 116 and 118 and into a threaded collar portion of assembly 112 and form a pivot axis. A central inner bore is provided within assembly 112 in which a cylindrical roller bearing assembly 124 is provided and through which rod 60 passes therethrough.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, side support plate 58 is raised and lowered via kinematic linkage 46 in response to a user rotating handle 110 or wheel 108, which are coupled together. Rotation of wheel 108 or handle 110 pivots brackets 48 and 50, which pivots pivot bracket assembly 47. A quick release latch 115 is used to lock and release the position of drive rod 60 to fix the position of plate 58 and to allow adjustable positioning of plate 58, respectively. Lifter brackets 52 and 54 of bracket assembly 47 are pivotally mounted onto respective drive brackets 128 and 130 of side support plate 58 (see FIG. 4). As a result, side support plate 58 (along with any devices attached thereto) is raised and lowered to desired elevational locations. Side support plate 58 is constrained to vertical motion by way of a pair of parallel, vertical slots 104 and 106 provided therein which cooperate with a pair of stationary slider plug assemblies 100 and 102, respectively (see FIG. 3), mounted onto the conveyor frame via mounting blocks 101 and 103. Additionally, side support plate 58 is further constrained for vertical motion by a pair of bronze bushings 96 and 98 that are secured to a bottom flange 59 (see FIGS. 6 and 9) of plate 58 using a plurality of threaded fasteners 99 (see FIG. 3). Bushings 96 and 98 have cylindrical bores sized to smoothly fit a pair of cylindrical guide rods 92 and 94, respectively, which are rigidly affixed onto brackets 70 and 72, respectively. Hence, guide rods 92 and 94 extend in a vertical direction and remain stationary, while bushings 96 and 98 move up and down along with plate 58 in response to a user rotating wheel 108 (or handle 110) to articulate kinematic linkage 46 to raise and lower side plate 58.

As shown in FIG. 9, a selected guide rod 94 is depicted in vertical sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3 while omitting from view the other guide rod 92, which is actually constructed in identical mirror image to that depicted for guide rod 94 of FIG. 9. More particularly, the interaction of bracket 54 with bracket 130 can clearly be seen. Bracket 54 has a longitudinal slot 142 which is sized to slidingly mate between a threaded fastener 140 that is affixed into a complementary threaded bore within bracket 130. Hence, bracket 54 is retained there along via slot 142 for smooth, sliding engagement thereabout. Rotation of bracket 54 imparts vertical movement of bracket 130, while slot 148 accommodates lateral compliance necessary to couple rotary motion of bracket 54 with vertical translation motion of bracket 130, all as a result of articulation of kinematic linkage 46.

As shown in FIG. 9, guide rod 92 has a threaded bore 149 at a top end in which is received a threaded fastener 147. Threaded fastener 147 comprises a hex head fastener on which a washer 151 is retained as fastener 147 is passed through a bore in bracket 72 and then threaded rigidly into bore 149 of guide rod 94. Hence, guide rod 94 is rigidly affixed to and depends from bracket 72. Bracket 72 is further secured onto the conveyor table top underside frame member using a plurality of threaded fasteners. Alternatively, bracket 72 is welded onto frame components of the conveyor table.

FIG. 9 also illustrates the construction of slider pug assembly 102. It is understood that the construction of remaining slider plug assembly 100 (see FIG. 6) is identical to that depicted for assembly 102 in FIG. 9. More particularly, slider plug assembly 102 comprises a threaded fastener, or bolt 148, a lock washer 150, washer 152, and a guide member 153 having an enlarged head portion 154 and a narrowed core portion 156. Fastener 148 passes through guide member 153 and into a mounting block 103 affixed to the conveyor table frame. Mounting block 103 (as well as block 101) has an integrally formed cylindrical boss 83. In one case, mounting block 103 is bolted beneath mounting bracket 72 and threaded fastener 148 is received into a complementary threaded bore within mounting block 103.

Similarly, mounting block 101 is bolted beneath mounting bracket 70. According to one construction, portions 154 and 156 of guide member 153 are made from common mild steel, such as 836 steel. Also according to one construction, mounting block 103 is made from aluminum. Optionally, mounting block 103 is made from bronze or mild steel. Additionally, narrowed core portion 156 has a pair of flat, parallel sides such that portion 156 conforms with the slot geometry in slot 106. Head portion 154 is enlarged and has a cylindrical configuration so as to entrap plate 58 between head 154 and frame member 83 for guided vertical positioning of plate 58 relative to slider plug assembly 102 and side frame member 83 of the conveyor table.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, conveyor table top 82 is affixed atop a set of four legs 84-87. Each leg is constructed from a tube of common mild steel, according to one construction. A pair of leg cross-members 136 and 138 are bolted between legs 84, 85 and 86, 87, respectively, in order to stabilize legs 84-87 and to provide cross-members on which a tray (not shown) can be optionally supported. A caster wheel 88-90 is mounted onto the bottom of each leg 84-87, respectively, to facilitate movement and positioning of conveyor table 12 into desired positions within a product packaging environment.

Also shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, conveyor belt 20 is formed from a urethane-coated fabric material that is stretched between a follower roller 78 and a drive roller 80. Optionally, any material suitable for making a conveyor belt can be used. A drive assembly 76 couples a conveyor AC motor 74 (see FIG. 2) via a chain or belt drive in order to drive roller 80 in rotation so as to rotate belt 20. Additionally, the positioning of bearings 132 and 134 can be seen relative to pivot tube 56 of kinematic linkage 46.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the articulation of kinematic linkage 46 to place side support plate 58 between raised and lowered positions, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, drive rod 63 has been rotated so as to place nut 62 towards a distal end, adjacent flared end cap 68, which causes pivot bracket assembly 47 to rotate such that plate 58 is elevated. In comparison, rod 60 is rotated in an opposite direction to place nut 62 away from cap 68, which rotates pivot bracket assembly 47 in a direction such that plate 58 is lowered. By varying the rotation of rod 60, the ultimate position of plate 58 can be carefully adjusted to a desired elevational position. As bracket assembly 47 pivots, nut 62 also pivots relative to drive brackets 48 and 50. As plate 58 raises and lowers, bushings 96 and 98 slide up and down respective rods 92 and 94. Similarly, plate 58 slides up and down in a vertical orientation while being guided by slider plug assemblies 102 and 104. Lifter brackets 52 and 54 cooperate with respective drive brackets 128 and 130 in raising and lowering plate 58. Tube 56 pivots with relatively reduced friction as a result of being supported by a pair of cylindrical roller bearing assemblies 124 and 126 at each end.

FIG. 8 further illustrates the arrangement of stationary guide rods 92 and 94 which are securely mounted to a side of conveyor table 12. More particularly, rods 92 and 94 are each secured with a threaded bolt to a bottom of brackets 70 and 72, respectively. Additionally, bronze bushings 96, 98 slide up and down guide rods 92 and 94, respectively. Bearing assembly 124 is provided at an opposite end of tube 56. Additionally, slider plugs 100 and 102 are configured to cooperate with slots 104 and 106, respectively, to further facilitate vertical movement of plate 58 up and down to desired locations. Accordingly, individual components of a bag fastening system mounted on plate 58 are elevationally positioned at desired elevational levels relative to a horizontal position of a conveyor belt on a conveyor table. It is understood that slider plugs 100 and 102 are rigidly secured with fasteners to a side of conveyor table 12 via mounting blocks 101 and 103, respectively, and slider plugs 100 and 102 function to secure plate 58 for vertical movement along slots 104 and 106, respectively, while preventing any lateral motion therebetween. Hence, plate 58 is restrained to move up and down by way of such components to enable setting a desired operating height for the accompanying devices.

As shown in FIG. 10, tube 56 is held at opposed ends with a hub, such as hub 172. An inner cylindrical surface 170 is machined within an inner diameter of tube 56 into which hub 172 is inserted either by threading together or by welding therebetween. A hex headed fastener 174 is then tapped into a central shaft of hub 172 in order to entrap an inner raceway of a cylindrical ball bearing 126. At least one threaded fastener 176 is used to retain an outer raceway of bearing 126 within mounting bracket 72.

According to the construction depicted in FIGS. 1-14, the majority of components on the conveyor table and the height-adjustable mounting system are constructed from common mild steel. For example, legs 84-87 are each constructed from a piece of two-inch diameter, one-quarter inch wall thickness mild steel tubing. Likewise, components of the slider plug assemblies 102 and 104, such as portions 154 and 156, are also constructed from common mild steel, such as 836 steel (see FIG. 8). Additionally, side support plate 58 is also constructed from a sheet of one-quarter inch thick common mild steel. According to one construction, side support plate 58 is 29 inches in horizontal length, and is constructed from a sheet of one-quarter inch thick common mild steel. Also according to such one construction, leg cross-members 136 and 138 (see FIG. 3) are constructed from aluminum. Furthermore, the conveyor side frame members, such as side frame member 83 (see FIG. 3) are each constructed from a solid piece of stainless steel. The remaining components can be constructed from aluminum. Alternatively, the components of the conveyor table and the height-adjustable mounting system can be constructed from any suitable engineering material, such as any structural metal including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, or composite materials.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate the construction and sub-assembly configuration of mounting brackets 70, 72 and side support plate 58. Additionally, the placement of mounting blocks 101 and 103 is also seen relative to mounting brackets 70 and 72, respectively. Each mounting block 101 and 103 is affixed beneath respective mounting brackets 70 and 72 using a plurality of threaded fasteners.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. An adjustable mounting system for a bag fastening system, comprising:

a conveyor table having a frame; and

a support assembly carried by the frame and configured to support one or more components of a bag fastening system for adjustable positioning at selected elevational positions relative to the conveyor table.

2. The conveyor table of claim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises a kinematic linkage supported by the frame and a plate coupled to the kinematic linkage and supported by the frame for up and down positioning responsive to articulation of the kinematic linkage.

3. The conveyor table of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of bushings supported by the plate and at least one guide rod configured to guide the bushings and plate for vertical up and down positioning.

4. The conveyor table of claim 2, wherein the kinematic linkage comprises a pivot bracket with a threaded nut supported pivotally by the bracket and a drive rod supported for rotation and having a threaded portion configured to mate in threaded engagement with the threaded nut to pivot the pivot bracket, wherein a portion of the pivot bracket is pivotally affixed to the plate to raise and lower the plate relative to the table.

5. The conveyor table of claim 4, further comprising a wheel affixed to the drive rod to facilitate tactile rotation of the rod.

6. The conveyor table of claim 4, wherein the rod is supported at a position disposed from the threaded portion by the frame with a bushing that is pivotally supported by the frame to enable the rod to articulate in response to pivoting of the angle bracket.

7. The conveyor table of claim 4, wherein the pivot bracket is affixed to the side plate with a slotted connector assembly that enables vertical movement of the side plate in conjunction with pivoting of the pivot bracket.

8. The conveyor table of claim 1, wherein the support assembly is supported for vertical translation between selected positions.

9. The conveyor table of claim 1, wherein the conveyor table includes a conveyor belt.

10. A bag fastening system table, comprising:

a table top for supporting bags of articles during a bag closing operation,

a frame configured to support the table top; and

a support plate carried by the frame for selective elevational positioning relative to the frame and configured to support a component of a bag fastening system.

11. The bag closing machine table of claim 10, further comprising a kinematic linkage configured to raise and lower the support plate relative to the frame.

12. The bag closing machine table of claim 10, further comprising at least one guide member configured to guide and retain the support plate for elevational positioning relative to the frame.

13. The bag closing machine table of claim 12, wherein the guide member comprises at least one vertical slot provided in the plate and at least one slider plug assembly provided on the frame and configured to slide along the slot to guide the plate in vertical up and down translation.

14. The bag closing machine table of claim 12, wherein the guide member comprises at least one vertical guide rod carried by the frame and at least one bushing carried by the support plate and configured to be slidably received along the guide rod to guide the support plate in vertical up and down translation.

15. The bag closing machine table of claim 11, wherein the kinematic linkage comprises a pivot bracket assembly communicating with the support plate and carrying a pivotal bushing nut, and further comprising a rotatable drive rod having a threaded end configured to mate with the nut so as to pivot the pivot bracket assembly responsive to rotation of the drive rod to raise and lower the support plate, respectively.

16. The bag closing machine table of claim 15, further comprising at least one of a drive wheel and a drive handle coupled with the drive rod to enable rotation of the drive rod by a user.

17. A method for positioning a bag processing machine relative to a conveyor on a bag conveyor table, comprising:

providing a bag conveyor table with a conveyor having a frame, a support member carried by the frame for mounting the bag processing machine and supported by the frame for selective elevational positioning of the bag processing machine relative to the conveyor; and

adjusting positioning of the support member relative to the frame to realize a desired elevational position of the bag processing machine relative to the conveyor.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the bag conveyor table further comprises a kinematic linkage.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein adjusting comprises articulating the kinematic linkage to raise and lower the support member.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the support member comprises a side support plate carried for vertical positioning along the conveyor table.