Adjustable Wicket Bagging Machine
A machine and method are provided for accommodating use of different size wicketed bags in the machine through adjustments of various machine systems. The adjustments may be primarily toolless, without requiring disassembly, reconfiguration, and/or reassembly of the machine's subsystems. An intake system may include an adjustable chute with an upper chute segment and a lower chute segment, which may be adjusted independently of each other. An adjustable funnel may define the upper chute segment and provide funnel walls with variable angles of inclination to direct items toward the lower chute segment. An adjustable chute may define the lower chute segment and provide chute walls that are separated with a variable spacing. An adjustable bag opening system may include retainer assemblies and opener assemblies that are adjustably positioned with respect to each other to change their bag-engagement positions to correspond to different sized bags and their respective opening configurations.
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application U.S. App. No. 63/402,664, filed on Aug. 31, 2022 and entitled “Adjustable Wicket Bagging Machine”, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the InventionThe invention generally relates to machines for automatically bagging discrete items including foodstuff such as produce and, more particularly, to a bagging or bagger machine that can accommodate bags of different sizes that are loaded into the machine by suspending the bags on wicket pins. The invention additionally relates to a method of using such a machine.
2. Discussion of the Related ArtWicket baggers or wicket bagger machines can automatically fill bags that are loaded into the machines as bunches or stacks of bags. Those bags are inserted onto and suspended from a pair of spaced apart metal rods, known as wicket pins. During a filling procedure, a bag is opened by having a first wall of the bag held in place by a clamp. An opposite or second wall of the bag is grabbed by fingers of a grabbing mechanism, sometimes assisted with vacuum pressure through suction cups or pads. After grabbing the bag's second wall, the grabbing mechanism moves rearwardly, pulling it away from the first wall to open the bag. After the bag is opened, a filling machine dispenses items into the bag through a chute above the bag. After a bag is filled, the clamps are released, the bag tears away from the wicket pins by gravity, and it falls into an underlying takeoff conveyor; often after having been closed using a closure-clip or closure-label type of closing mechanism.
Efforts have been made to increase the efficiency and versatility of wicket baggers. In order to increase throughput and efficiency, some machines are configured as dual filler machines. Dual filler machines are essentially two adjacent machines joined to each other, side-by-side, typically as mirror images of one another. Attempts to increase versatility include configuring the wicket pins to have variable spacing to receive stacks of bags with different wicket hole spacing(s).
Other improvements allow for using bags of different heights and front-to-back depths. Take-off conveyors have been provided with variable heights to receive bags of different heights. Some machines have front bag clamps with variable longitudinal spacings to change the machine's bag-opening stroke for use with bags having different front-to-back depths or opening dimensions.
Despite these efforts, adapting known wicket baggers to accommodate wicketed bags of different side-to-side widths presents numerous challenges. The chute that delivers the items into the bag has a chute inlet opening shaped to correspond to an opening at an end of a delivery conveyor that moves the items toward the bag. The chute's outlet opening musts be shaped to correspond to the bag's upper opening that receives the items. The chute's body must provide a structural transition from the chute inlet opening to the chute outlet opening to ensure that the items are directed from the conveyor into the bag. Additionally, the bag-engaging mechanisms that hold the bag open must be positioned with respect to each other to provide the desired size and shape of the bag's opening. Accordingly, to convert a typical wicketed bagger machine to use bags of a different side-to-side bag width, typically, at least some of the machine's subsystems must be disassembled, reconfigured, and then reassembled with different, e.g., transverse spacing or other characteristics to be compatible with the subsequent bag's different side-to-side width dimension(s).
Due to these challenges, different wicket bagger machines are still required for different wicketed bag size categories. Height and front-to-back depth or bag-opening stroke can only provide a limited range of practical bag opening size, shape, and volume variation. There are typically three mainly recognized wicketed bag size categories, commonly referred to as small, standard, and extra-large; each category having its own range of bag sizes. Known wicket bagger machines are typically configured to work with only one of these recognized bag size categories. Converting a machine in one of the bag size categories to accommodate bags in a different bag size category typically requires the substantial undertaking of disassembly, reconfiguration, and reassembly; noting that some bagger machines cannot be modified to accept a full range of bag sizes because of underlying dimensional and/or other constraints. The time and labor required for this changeover are undesirable, to say the least.
The need therefore exists to provide a wicketed bagger machine that accommodates a wider spectrum of wicketed bag sizes, including bags in different size categories; and a corresponding method for the use of such a machine.
The need therefore also exists to provide a wicketed bagger machine and corresponding methods to accommodate use of wicketed bags in all of the typical bag size categories, such as bags with capacities that range between 1 pound and 25 pounds and having different side-to-side widths, with the widest bags being greater than twice the side-to-side width as the smallest bags.
The need additionally exists to provide a wicketed bagger machine that is width-adjustable to accommodate different-sized wicketed bags that can be efficiently adjusted for using different sized bags.
The need additionally exists to provide a wicketed bagger machine that reduces the amount of disassembly/reassembly and reconfiguration required for using wicketed bags of different widths, even between different bag width categories.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with a first aspect of the invention, one or more of the identified needs is met by a wicketed bagger machine that can fill a variety of wicketed bags of different sizes, including bags from different size categories.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the wicketed bagger machine may accommodate use of wicketed bags in all the typical bag size categories. Different bags can be implemented in the wicketed bagger machine through simple adjustments, e.g., primarily toolless adjustments. The different sized bags may include bags with capacities that range between 1-pound and 25-pounds, or larger ranges, and bags that have a variety of different side-to-side widths, with the widest bags having greater than twice the side-to-side width as the smallest bags.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or more of the identified needs is met by a wicketed bagger machine that accommodates use of wicketed bags of different heights, front-to-back depths, and side-to-side widths. The machine may include an adjustable chute system that allows for adjustments of chute segments, which may be toolless adjustments. The chute adjustments may be performed during a switch-over event to convert the machine from filling a first type of wicketed bag with a first opening shape to a second type of wicketed bag with a second opening shape.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, adjusting the chute segment(s) reshapes the chute to provide a configuration that can direct items from a machine feed mechanism, such as a conveyor, to a wicketed bag that has an opening shape that is different from that of a previously-used wicketed bag of a different style.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an intake system may include an adjustable chute with an upper chute segment and a lower chute segment, which are independently adjustable. An adjustable funnel may define the upper chute segment and provide funnel walls with variable angles of inclination to direct items toward the lower chute segment. An adjustable chute may define the lower chute segment and provide chute walls that are separated with a variable spacing. An adjustable bag opening system may include retainer assemblies and opener assemblies that are adjustably positioned with respect to each other to change their bag-engagement positions to correspond to different sized bags and their respective opening configurations.
Various other features, embodiments and alternatives of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications could be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
Referring generally to the drawings, a packaging system 5 is shown with an adjustable wicket bagger machine or machine 10, which includes frame 12 that supports the machine's 10 various systems, subsystems, and components. Machine 10 is configured for rapid, typically toolless, adjustability to accommodate use of wicketed bags 14 of different sizes; including those in different size categories and weight capacity ratings for bagging-type packaging of items 16. Machine 10 is shown here configured as a dual filler machine, with first and second or left and right machine segments or fillings stations 10A, 10B. The left and right machine segments 10A, 10B are typically identical or mirror images or each other. Accordingly, various systems, subsystems, and components of the left and right machine segments 10A, 10B may be generally described with respect to machine 10. Descriptions of only one of the left and right machine segments 10A, 10B may be provided as applying equally to corresponding components of the other fill station or machine segment 10A, 10B. It also should be noted that many of the concepts discussed herein, particularly those relating to the ability to adjust the machine to accommodate different bag sizes, apply equally to machines having more or less than two fill stations.
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Although the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the aspects and features of the present invention may be made in addition to those described above without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. The scope of some of these changes is discussed above. The scope of other changes to the described embodiments that fall within the present invention but that are not specifically discussed above will become apparent from the appended claims and other attachments.
Claims
1. An adjustable wicket bagging machine for filling wicketed bags of different sizes with items, defined by a first bag state when filling wicketed bags of a first bag size and a second bag state when filling wicketed bags of a second bag size, the machine comprising:
- a frame;
- a bag storage station supported by the frame and including wicket pins that are configured to support a stack of empty wicketed bags;
- a bag fill station supported by the frame downstream of the bag storage station;
- an adjustable chute arranged upstream of the bag fill station and that surrounds an adjustable chute passage, wherein a size and/or shape of the adjustable chute is adjustable to defines: a first passage shape when the machine is in the first bag state; and a second passage shape when the machine is in the second bag state
2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the adjustable chute comprises:
- a first chute segment; and
- a second chute segment that is arranged downstream of the first chute segment;
- wherein sizes and/or shapes of the first and second chute segments are adjustable independently of each other to define different shapes of the adjustable chute passage.
3. The machine of claim 2, wherein:
- the first chute segment defines an upper chute segment that receives the items from an intake system; and
- the second chute segment defines a lower chute segment that delivers the items from the intake system toward the bag being filled;
- wherein the first and second chute segments are adjustable independently of each other to define different shapes of the adjustable chute passage.
4. The machine of claim 3, wherein the upper chute segment is defined by an adjustable funnel with a funnel outlet that defines a first funnel outlet width when the machine is in the first bag state and a second funnel outlet width when the machine is in the second bag state.
5. The machine of claim 3, wherein:
- the adjustable chute passage includes a funnel passage segment that extends through the adjustable funnel; and wherein the adjustable funnel includes at least one adjustable funnel wall that defines a variable angle with respect to the funnel passage so that varying the angle of the at least one adjustable funnel wall changes a cross-sectional shape of the funnel passage segment of the adjustable chute passage.
6. The machine of claim 5, wherein:
- the adjustable funnel includes a funnel frame;
- the at least one adjustable funnel wall is defined by a pair of adjustable funnel walls that define variable angles with respect to the funnel passage; and
- each adjustable funnel wall of the pair of adjustable funnel walls is pivot connected to the funnel frame so that varying the angle of each of the adjustable funnel walls changes the cross-sectional shape of the funnel passage segment of the adjustable chute passage.
7. The machine of claim 3, wherein the lower chute segment defines a first chute outlet width when the machine is in the first bag state and a second chute outlet width when the machine is in the second bag state.
8. The machine of claim 7, wherein:
- the adjustable chute passage includes a chute passage segment that extends through the lower chute segment; and wherein
- the adjustable chute includes at least one adjustable chute wall that defines a variable transverse position with respect to the chute passage, so that varying the position of the at least one adjustable chute wall changes a cross-sectional shape of the chute passage segment of the adjustable chute passage.
9. The machine of claim 8, wherein:
- the lower chute segment includes a chute frame;
- the at least one adjustable chute wall is defined by a pair of adjustable chute walls that define variable transverse positions with respect to the chute passage; and
- each adjustable chute wall of the pair of adjustable chute walls is slidingly connected to the chute frame so that varying the transverse position of each of the adjustable chute walls changes the cross-sectional shape of the chute passage segment of the adjustable chute passage.
10. The machine of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable bag opening system that is configured to engage a bag at the bag fill station and to open the bag to receive the items, wherein the adjustable bag opening system is configured to:
- open a first bag so as to present a first bag opening shape when the machine is in the first bag state; and
- open a second bag so as to present a second bag opening shape when the machine is in the second bag state.
11. The machine of claim 10, wherein the adjustable bag opening system includes: wherein:
- a first pair of bag-engaging mechanisms arranged toward the bag storage station;
- a second pair of bag-engaging mechanisms arranged away from the bag storage station;
- the first and second pairs of bag engaging mechanisms collectively hold a bag open at the bag fill station;
- when the machine is in the first bag state, the first and second pairs of bag engaging mechanisms hold the first bag open to define a first bag opening width; and
- when the machine is in the second bag state, the first and second pairs of bag-engaging mechanisms hold the second bag open to define a second bag opening width that is greater than the first bag opening width.
12. The machine of claim 11, wherein each of the first and second pairs of bag-engaging mechanisms is toollessly adjustable to change a distance between the respective bag-engaging mechanisms.
13. The machine of claim 12, wherein:
- the first pair of bag-engaging mechanisms is defined by a pair of retainer assemblies that hold a front panel of the bag in a fixed position during a bag-opening procedure; and
- the second pair of bag-engaging mechanisms is defined by a pair of opener assemblies that pull a back panel of the bag away from the front panel of the bag during the bag-opening procedure.
14. The machine of claim 13, wherein:
- each retainer assembly includes: a retainer finger that is configured to engage the front panel of the bag; and a retainer actuator that is configured to selectively move the retainer finger to engage the front panel of the bag; and
- a lateral spacing between the retainer fingers of the pair of retainer assemblies is adjustable so that: a first lateral spacing between the retainer fingers corresponds to the first bag state of the machine; and a second lateral spacing between the retainer fingers corresponds to the second bag state of the machine.
15. An adjustable wicket bagger machine for filling wicketed bags of different sizes with items, defined by a first bag state when filling wicketed bags of a first bag size and a second bag state when filling wicketed bags of a second bag size, the machine comprising:
- a frame;
- a bag fill station supported by the frame;
- an adjustable bag opening system that is located in the bag fill still station and that includes: a pair of bag-engaging mechanisms that hold a bag open at the bag fill station, the pair of bag-engaging mechanisms being positionally adjustable relative to one another to alter a lateral distance therebetween.
16. The adjustable wicket bagger machine of claim 15, wherein the pair of bag-engaging mechanisms defines a first pair of pair of bag-engaging mechanisms; and further comprising a second pair of pair of bag-engaging mechanisms that is arranged to hold the bag open at the bag fill station, the second pair of bag-engaging mechanisms being positionally adjustable relative to one another to alter a lateral distance therebetween, independently of the lateral distance between the first pair of bag-engaging mechanisms.
17. The machine of claim 16, wherein:
- the first pair of pair of bag-engaging mechanisms is defined by a pair of retainer fingers that are configured to engage a front panel of the bag;
- the second pair of pair of bag-engaging mechanisms is defined by a pair of opener lugs that are configured to engage a rear panel of the bag and to pull the back panel of the bag away from the front panel of the bag during a bag-opening procedure.
18. A method for filling wicketed bags of different sizes with an adjustable wicketed bagger machine, the method comprising:
- storing a first set of wicketed bags of a first size on wicket pins on the adjustable wicketed bagger machine;
- adjusting a size and/or a shape of a chute passage to define a first outlet width dimension;
- adjusting a bag opening system to open the bags of the first set of bags, wherein each open bag defines an opening with a first set of L×W (length by width) dimensions;
- operating the adjustable wicketed bagger machine to fill the first set of wicketed bags;
- storing a second set of wicketed bags of a second size on the wicket pins on the adjustable wicketed bagger machine;
- adjusting a size and/or shape of the chute passage to define a second outlet width dimension;
- adjusting the bag opening system to open the bags of the second set of bags, wherein each open bag defines an opening with a second set of L×W dimensions; and
- operating the adjustable wicketed bagger machine to fill the second set of wicketed bags.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the adjusting of the bag opening system includes toollessly adjusting a spacing between a pair of chute walls to correspond to the opening of the second set of wicketed bags.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 30, 2023
Publication Date: Feb 29, 2024
Inventors: Rene T. Ramirez (Parlier, CA), Thomas J. Novak (Antigo, WI)
Application Number: 18/239,895