US3585778A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stacking and packaging unit for use with machine for continuously thermoforming plastic trays or the like
Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corp
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Filing: 1969-10-13
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Granted: 1971-06-22
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Expires: 1989-10-13
Abstract
Abstract A tray stacking and packaging unit for use with apparatus for continuously manufacturing trays or the like and having a tray delivery chute. A trackway successively receives the trays delivered by the chute in edgewise position, and a plunger advances them along the trackway to a bag spreading frame which supports an open-ended bag for receiving the advancing trays. A tray counting device is associated with the trackway for controlling the number of trays delivered to the bag. The trackway and bag spreading frame are adjustable to accommodate trays of varying sizes.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas W Winstead
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:48
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B39/00; B65B39/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
In apparatus for continuously manufacturing trays or the like, including means for successively delivering formed trays from a forming machine; a tray stacking and packaging unit comprising a plurality of transversely adjustable parallel guide rails forming a trackway, having its inlet end adjacent the discharge end of said delivery means for receiving and guiding said trays in edgewise position, a plunger for advancing said trays along said guide rails, and a separate bag-spreading frame having a plurality of substantially parallel transversely adjustable bag-supporting members extending longitudinally from the discharge end of said trackway for receiving and supporting a bag with its open end directed toward the discharge end of said trackway for receiving the advancing trays, whereby the bag may be rapidly filled and removed with the contained articles from the stacking and packaging unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
In apparatus for continuously manufacturing trays or the like, including means for successively delivering formed trays from a forming machine; a tray stacking and packaging unit comprising a plurality of transversely adjustable parallel guide rails forming a trackway, having its inlet end adjacent the discharge end of said delivery means for receiving and guiding said trays in edgewise position, a plunger for advancing said trays along said guide rails, and a separate bag-spreading frame having a plurality of substantially parallel transversely adjustable bag-supporting members extending longitudinally from the discharge end of said trackway for receiving and supporting a bag with its open end directed toward the discharge end of said trackway for receiving the advancing trays, whereby the bag may be rapidly filled and removed with the contained articles from the stacking and packaging unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A tray stacking unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein sAid trackway comprises a central, lower rail assembly and parallel side rails on either side thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said lower rail assembly is vertically adjustable and said side rails are horizontally adjustably to accommodate trays of varying sizes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said supporting members are arranged in two coacting sets of upper and lower members, and sets being horizontally adjustable with respect to each other, and the upper and lower member of each set being vertically adjustable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said members are shaped in cross section to complement the profiles of the trays fed edgewise therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a counting device is associated with said trackway for indicating the number of trays being stacked and packaged.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said delivery means comprises a chute for feeding said trays to said inlet end of said trackway.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-21 | 1974-12-21 | 1975-06-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-21 | 1978-12-21 | 1979-06-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-21 | 1982-12-21 | 1983-06-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |