Apparatus for selectively packing layers of objects in boxes of different depths

Abstract

Abstract Apparatus for packing layers of objects into a box, wherein a pickup head equipped with multiple vacuum cups picks up a layer of the objects and descends into the box. The box is initially positioned in a packing station in an approximately correct position relative to the path of descent of the pickup head and as the pickup head approaches the top of the box, a chute structure is provided in which four guide panels snap into engagement with the four inner walls, respectively, of the box for four purposes: (1) to position the box precisely correctly relative to the path of descent of the pickup head; (2) to crowd the layer of objects on the pickup head together to conform to the dimensions of the box; (3) to guide the pickup head into the box; and (4) to serve as guards to prevent damage to the descending objects by the rim of the box. According to the present invention, the chute structure is arranged so that its elevated position may be suitably varied to maintain the necessary operative relationship between the chute structure and the box at the packing station to accommodate packing runs for boxes of different depths, whereby to provide relatively greater and lesser sized packs of the objects.

Inventors

• 👤 Jerry W. Cramer
• 👤 Everett G. LaVars

Bibliographic Details