APPARATUS FOR LOADING CONTAINERS WITH OBJECTS
An apparatus is described that is used to load containers with small objects similar to Flash memory SD or micro SD cards. The apparatus can be made in three configurations; a fully manual operated configuration, a manual configuration in combination with one or more automated machines, and finally as a fully automated handling apparatus. In its simplest form, the apparatus consists of a base plate with an attached bar containing a grooved bar member such that the jewel cases are restrained in the grooved bar member in such a way as to allow the jewel cases to be moved in a linear or circular direction and provide means such that the cases can be easily loaded with the objects and then removed from the base plate.
The present invention relates to the packaging of small objects such as electronic memory products into containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMemory products such as SD and micro SD Flash memory cards are normally shipped in plastic containers referred to as “Jewel Cases”. Jewel cases are typically made from one piece of molded plastic which opens up as two parts. The first part is a bottom section that holds the memory, and the second part is a top section which folds over and snaps to the bottom section. The typical loading sequence requires (1) opening the empty case, (2) insertion of memory card in the correct orientation, and then (3) closing of the case. When performed by a single person, the process is slow and tedious.
What is needed is an apparatus that provides a method for efficient loading of small objects into containers, either by manual means or by introduction of one or more automated handling machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn apparatus is described that is used to load containers with small objects similar to Flash memory SD or micro SD cards, but the small objects are not limited to these examples. The apparatus can be made in three configurations: either (1) a fully manual operated configuration, (2) a manual configuration in combination with one or more automated machines, or finally as (3) a fully automated handling apparatus.
In its simplest form, the apparatus consists of a base plate with an attached bar containing a grooved bar member. The jewel cases are restrained in the grooved bar member in such a way as to allow for the jewel cases to be moved in a linear or circular direction and then provide means such that the cases can be easily loaded with the objects, and then removed from the base plate.
The present invention relates to the packaging of small objects such as electronic memory products into containers. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
Referring to
Although different jewel cases 100 are similar in size and appearance, the actual physical dimensions often vary in their exact height, length, and width. In a functioning apparatus, the height, z, and width, x, of the groove in the bar (not shown) must be correctly machined. In particular, the width, x, of the groove is a critical dimension. If the width, x, is too narrow, the jewel case 100 cannot slide down the groove. If the groove is too wide, the jewel case 100 can easily rotate and cause a jam. The other critical dimension is the height, z, of the jewel case body 100. If the groove height, z, is too short, the jewel case 100 will jam.
What is needed is a simple means of adjusting the exact position of the grooved bar 402 in relation to the base plate 201 of the apparatus.
Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for use in loading containers with objects, the bottom of each of the containers having a fixture that holds the object and also having a protruding member along one of its edges the apparatus comprising:
- a base plate:
- a grooved bar member attached to the base plate; the protruding member of the container bottom fits into the grooved bar member, such that when an open container is placed on the base plate inside the grooved bar member the container is constrained to travel in the grooved bar member allowing easy insertion of objects into the container by either manual or automated means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the protruding member of the bottom of the container is a latch mechanism.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container has a top and a bottom held together with a hinge and joined with a latch.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the container is a plastic jewel case.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the object is a Flash memory device.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the grooved bar member allows easy insertion of the container therewithin by having a lead in area where the width of the grooved bar member is significantly wider than the protruding member on the bottom of the container.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the grooved bar member allows easy extraction of the container constrained in the grooved bar member by having an exit area where the width of the grooved bar member is significantly wider than the protruding member on the bottom of the container.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the height of the grooved bar member is variable by allowing the grooved bar member to move in a direction perpendicular to the base plate of the apparatus.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the width of the grooved bar member is variable by allowing the grooved bar member to move in a direction parallel to the base plate of the apparatus.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, where an automated machine is used to insert an open container with a protruding member in the grooved bar member.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, where an automated machine is used to insert the object in a container that is constrained to travel in the grooved bar member.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, where an automated machine is used to close a container that is constrained to travel in the grooved bar member.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, where an automated machine is used to check whether an inserted object has been correctly placed in the container.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 18, 2012
Publication Date: Jul 18, 2013
Applicant: INTERNATIONAL MICROSYSTEMS, INC. (IMI) (Milpitas, CA)
Inventor: Peter A. SCHADE (Fremont, CA)
Application Number: 13/353,082
International Classification: B65B 5/04 (20060101); B65B 57/00 (20060101); B65B 43/54 (20060101); B65B 43/28 (20060101);