Patent ID: 6564528
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
An apparatus for bagging a plurality of filled bags into a larger baler bag, the apparatus comprising:a chute for receiving the filled bags and defining a path of travel for the filled bags, the chute having an upper end configured for receiving the filled bags into the chute, and an opposite lower end disposed at a lower elevation than the upper end and configured for releasing the filled bags from the chute; and a plurality of flaps movably coupled to the chute at spaced apart locations along the length of the chute defining a plurality of sequential stops, each of the plurality of flaps moving between (i) a first stop position in which the flaps extend transversely to the chute and into the path of travel of the filled bags to stop the filled bags from continued travel along the chute, and (ii) a second pass position in which the flaps extend out of the path of travel of the filled bags to allow the filled bags to continue traveling along the chute, the plurality of flaps sequentially moving in sequential order from the upper end to the lower end of the chute from the first stop position to the second pass position, such that the filled bags are sequentially lowered from one flap to another; and the plurality of flaps including a first upper flap located closer to the upper end of the chute than remaining flaps and defining a first stop at a first height; and the plurality of flaps being spaced apart distances approximately equal to a size of the filled bags such that an upper surface of an upper filled bag is disposed at approximately a same height as the first stop such that the filled bags entering the chute fall approximately a same distance from the upper end of the chute to the first stop or upper surface of the upper filled bag; and the plurality of flaps each including: a pivot axle extending transverse to the path of travel of the filled bags and defining a pivot axis about which the flap pivots, the pivot axle having opposing ends each of which is pivotally coupled to opposing sides of the chute; a primary flap portion attached to and extending from the pivot axle and pivoting as the pivot axle pivots, the primary flap portion extending into the path of travel of the filled bags in the first stop position; and a secondary flap portion attached to and extending from the pivot axle in a direction opposite to the primary flap portion and pivoting as the pivot axle pivots.