Abstract:
An loading apparatus ( 100 ) for use in a packaging machine includes a grouping conveyor ( 300 ) for conveying groups of articles ( 16 ) in a flow direction ( 10 ). The grouping conveyor ( 300 ) includes a plurality of conveyor plates ( 320 ) and grouping lugs ( 310 ) that are slidably attached to one of the plurality of conveyor plates ( 320 ) so as to be individually moveable in a transverse direction ( 90 ) to selectively extend to span the space between the grouping conveyor and a carton conveyor as needed to facilitate loading groups of the articles into cartons and to selectively retract to avoid impeding operation of the packaging machine. The grouping conveyor ( 300 ) also includes a multi-position locking mechanism ( 82 ) that releasably locks the grouping lug ( 310 ) in two transverse positions. A system of proximity sensors ( 530, 540 ) monitors the grouping conveyor ( 300 ) to ensure that the grouping lugs ( 310 ) are properly transversely positioned.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/914,287, filed Apr. 26, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates generally to packaging machines and, more specifically, to apparatuses that include a selectively positionable grouping lug. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Different shapes and sizes of articles, such as cans and bottles, can be used for different purposes including marketing, trade dress, and volume constraints. (However, certain sizes and shapes of articles are not compatible with packaging machines designed for traditional bottles and cans. For example, certain packaging machines have a grouping conveyor and a carton conveyor and groups of articles are loaded from the grouping conveyor into cartons on the carton conveyor. There is commonly a gap between the grouping conveyor and the carton conveyor, and articles that are small relative to the size of the gap can undesirably fall or wobble as they cross the gap, potentially causing damage to the articles and the carton and improperly loading the carton. Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The various embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a loading apparatus with selectively, individually, and alternatively positionable grouping lugs that can be used with a packaging machine to facilitate loading a carton with any of various sized articles, while eliminating the risk of articles being damaged or causing jams or other interruptions in the packaging process. The apparatus can include a grouping conveyor on which articles are grouped between successive pairs of grouping lugs, and a carton conveyor on which cartons are supported between successive pairs of carton lugs. The grouping lugs are automatically and dynamically extendable to at least partially span the space between the grouping conveyor and the carton conveyor as articles are loaded into cartons, and retractable to avoid other elements of the apparatus or packaging machine, such as frame elements of the conveyors, that are positioned between the conveyors. The grouping lugs and carton lugs cannot continuously extend over adjacent edges of the conveyors as they would be damaged as they traveled around the conveyor circuit. 
         [0005]    The width of a gap between a grouping lug and a corresponding carton is controlled by transverse movement of the grouping lug. Thereby, it is possible to significantly reduce the gap such that the grouping lug facilitates loading articles into the carton on the carton conveyor. As the open end of the carton is typically positioned at the edge of the carton conveyor, the gap may be measured between an end of the grouping lug and the adjacent edge of the carton conveyor. Reducing the width of the gap is particularly useful where the gap is initially relatively large with respect to the diameter of articles to be packaged. 
         [0006]    According to a first exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a grouping conveyor for conveying groups of articles in a flow direction. The grouping conveyor includes a plurality of conveyor plates and grouping lugs that are slidably attached to certain of the conveyor plates. The grouping lug can be slidably attached to the one of the plurality of conveyor plates by way of a groove and key arrangement. The grouping lugs are transversely moveable with respect to the flow direction. 
         [0007]    The grouping lug can be releasably fixed with respect to a conveyor plate in multiple operative positions, including an extended position and a retracted position, by way of a multi-position locking mechanism. For example, a first locking element can be positioned on a conveyor plate and second and third locking elements can be positioned on a corresponding grouping lug. The first locking element is releasably engageable with the second locking element in a retracted position and releasably engageable with the third locking element in an extended position. The locking elements that releasably engage one another can include a detent/recess arrangement. The locking mechanism can include additional locking elements that define other operational positions. Also, the locking elements can be positioned on either of the grouping lug and corresponding conveyor plate. For example, the first locking element can be positioned on the grouping lug and the second and third locking elements can be positioned on the corresponding conveyor plate. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, the grouping lug includes a roller or other structure that is adapted for translation along a cam. The cam is disposed so as to impart the transverse movement and transversely position the grouping lug. The cam includes an upstream cam track that can move the grouping lug from a retracted position to an extended position and a downstream cam track that can move the grouping lug from the extended position to the retracted position. In the extended position, the grouping lug closes the gap and facilitates loading articles onto the carton conveyor. 
         [0009]    It is envisaged that the carton lug could include elements similar to those of the grouping lug such that the carton lug is transversely moveable in place of, or in addition to, the grouping lug. 
         [0010]    The apparatus includes a system for verifying that the grouping lugs are properly transversely positioned as the grouping lugs travel in the flow direction. The system includes an extended position proximity sensor that is positioned in between the upstream cam track and the downstream cam track to ensure that the grouping lugs are in extended positions so as to facilitate loading the cartons. The system also includes a retracted position proximity sensor that is positioned downstream of the downstream cam track to ensure that the grouping lugs are retracted so as not to be damaged as they travel underneath the grouping conveyor. 
         [0011]    The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of exemplary embodiments, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of various potential applications of the teachings. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the disclosure may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the disclosure defined by the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a partial plan view of an apparatus that includes a grouping conveyor and a carton conveyor, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a partial side elevation view of the grouping conveyor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a partial end elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4-7  are views of a grouping lug, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a grouping lug of and a conveyor plate of the grouping conveyor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of elements of the grouping conveyor of  FIG. 1  illustrating the operation of the grouping lug of  FIGS. 4-7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. 
         [0019]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of an apparatus. Typically, the apparatus is for use with a packaging machine that facilitates loading a carton with articles. The apparatus includes a grouping conveyor, on which articles are grouped between a pair of grouping lugs, and a carton conveyor, on which cartons are supported between a pair of carton lugs. The various embodiments of the disclosure are useful for example where a gap between the vertical support surface of a grouping lug and the vertical support surface of a carton lug is relatively large with respect to the diameter of articles to be packaged and also where the structure of the minor end flap of a carton is such that support thereof is required to properly load the articles. 
         [0020]    The terms “upstream”, “downstream”, “trailing”, and “leading” are used herein with respect to a flow direction  10  and with respect to conveyor paths  11 ,  12 . The terms can be used to describe the direction of movement of elements or the relative position of elements with respect to one another. Specifically, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” can refer to elements having fixed positions, for example, where a downstream element is positioned at a distance in the flow direction  10  from an upstream element. Downstream movement is movement in the flow direction  10  and upstream movement is movement opposite the flow direction  10 . Further, the terms “leading” and “trailing” can refer to elements that are moving in the flow direction  10 , for example, where the leading element is further along in the flow direction  10  than the trailing element. 
         [0021]    The terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” are used herein to describe movement or alignment with respect to the conveyor paths  11 ,  12 . Specifically, the term longitudinal can be used to describe movement or alignment with a conveyor path  11 ,  12  and the term transverse can be used to describe movement or alignment that is substantially perpendicular or lateral with respect to the conveyor path  11 ,  12 . 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , an exemplary loading apparatus  100  includes a carton conveyor  200  and a grouping conveyor  300  that are adjacent to one another. The carton conveyor  200  and the grouping conveyor  300  move cartons  14  shown in  FIG. 3  and groups of articles  16 , respectively, along parallel paths  11 ,  12  in the flow direction  10 . The carton conveyor  200  includes carton lugs  210  and the grouping conveyor  300  includes grouping lugs  310 . A group of articles  16  is grouped between a pair of grouping lugs  310  and a carton  14  is supported as a tubular structure between a pair of carton lugs  210 . The group of articles  16  and the carton  14  move at substantially the same speed along the parallel longitudinal paths  11 ,  12  and are substantially transversely aligned such that the group of articles  16  can be laterally moved into the carton  14 . 
         [0023]    Referring particularly to  FIG. 2 , the articles  16  are shown as beverage bottles; however, the conveyor could be used to convey any suitable type of article, including various types of cylindrical beverage containers, such as cans or boxes, as well as other conveyable products. The articles  16  are grouped, spaced apart, and/or metered by the grouping lugs  310 , which ensure that a predefined number of articles  16  are conveyed into cartons  14  or other containers. It should be understood that, although the group of articles  16  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a single row, a group of articles  16  is typically a matrix arrangement of rows and columns. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the carton  14  is formed from a foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, plastic, laminates, any combination thereof, or the like. To encourage an understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure, the description of the construction of the carton  14  will be minimal. The foldable sheet material is, typically provided as a unitary blank, which is partially assembled to form a collapsed tubular carton. In this collapsed state, the open-ended carton  14  can be fed into the loading apparatus  100 , where the carton  14  is partially erected as a tubular structure and placed on the carton conveyor  200  between a pair of carton lugs  210 . Once a group of articles  16  is loaded through an open end of the carton  14 , the end flaps are folded and secured together to form an end closure structure. 
         [0025]    In the exemplary embodiment, a horizontal support surface  20  of the carton conveyor  200  is static and the carton lugs  210  move across the horizontal support surface  20 . The carton lugs  210  are attached to carrier chains that are tensioned around sprockets, which are driven by motors. However, in alternative embodiments, the horizontal support surface  20  can be defined by a series of plates  320  that are attached to carrier chains and the carton lugs  210  can be attached to certain of the plates. Each of the carton lugs  210  includes a trailing side wall  234 , which provides a vertical contact surface  31  for the leading side wall of a carton  14 , and a leading side wall  232 , which provides a vertical contact surface  32  for the trailing side wall of a carton  14 . 
         [0026]    Referring now particularly to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  again, a horizontal support surface  22  of the grouping conveyor  300  is defined by a series of plates  320  that are attached to a conveyor chain (not shown). The carrier chains are tensioned around sprockets, which are driven by motors (not shown). Each of the grouping lugs  310  and certain of the plates  320  include elements that cooperate with one another such that the grouping lugs  310  can be slidably attached to the plates  320  and elements that cooperate with one another such the grouping lugs  310  can be releasably secured to the plates  320 , as described in further detail below. Each of the grouping lugs  310  includes a trailing rear wall  334 , which provides a vertical contact surface  33  for a group of articles  16 , and a leading front wall  332 , which provides a vertical contact surface  34  for a group of articles  16 . 
         [0027]    The horizontal support surfaces  20 ,  22  are each defined by a respective longitudinal outside edge  41 ,  44  and a respective longitudinal inside edge  42 ,  43 . A gap  51  is provided between the adjacent inside edges  42 ,  43  of the respective horizontal support surfaces  20 ,  22 . A transition plate  110  at least partially bridges the gap  51  between the horizontal support surfaces  20 ,  22 . 
         [0028]    In the exemplary embodiment, the carton lugs  210  extend transversely across the width of the support surface  20  of the carton conveyor  200  and the grouping lugs  310  extend transversely across the width of the support surface  22  of the grouping conveyor  300  when the grouping lugs  310  are retracted or in a first position. Ends  61 ,  62  of each of the carton lugs  210  are substantially vertically aligned with the longitudinal edges  41 ,  42  of the carton conveyor  200 . Ends  63 ,  64  of each of the grouping lugs  310  are substantially initially vertically aligned with the longitudinal edges  43 ,  44  of the grouping conveyor  300  when the grouping lugs  310  are retracted. A gap  52  is defined between the end  63  of the grouping lug  310  and the adjacent edge of the side wall  70  of the carton  14  along which a minor end flap  71  is hingedly connected. The gap  52  may be alternatively defined between the end  63  of the grouping lug  310  and the adjacent edge  42  of the carton conveyor  200  or otherwise between the adjacent ends  62 ,  63  of the lugs  210 ,  310 . It should be noted that, in certain embodiments, a carton lugs may be omitted from the carton conveyor. 
         [0029]    As used herein, the term “retracted” refers to a first position of the grouping lugs  310  as described in further detail below and the term “extended” refers to a second position of the grouping lugs  310  as described in further detail below. 
         [0030]    In the exemplary embodiment, since the ends  62 ,  63  are aligned with the edges  42 ,  43  when the grouping lugs  310  are retracted, the gap  52  is initially substantially the same as the gap  51 . However, in alternative embodiments, the gaps  51 ,  52  can be different when the grouping lugs  310  are retracted. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , during the loading process, each group of articles  16  is urged across the inside edge  43  of the grouping conveyor  300 , across the transition plate  110 , and toward the open end of a carton  14  on the carton conveyor  200 . However, in certain applications, an article  16  can slide into the gap  52  during the packaging process, which can cause the loading apparatus  100  to jam or fail and to improperly load the carton  14 . 
         [0032]    Such applications include where the gap  52  is relatively large with respect to the diameter of the articles  16  that are to be packaged. Such applications also include where the structure of the minor end flaps  71  of the cartons  14  does not allow the minor end flap  71  to bridge the gap  52  or otherwise prevent an article  16  from moving into the gap  52  during the loading process. For example, in applications where the length of the hinged connection between the minor end flap  71  and the side wall  70  is relatively short, the minor end flaps  71  then provide less structural support. 
         [0033]    It should be noted that the gap  51  may be introduced as structures are disposed between the adjacent grouping conveyor  300  and carton conveyor  200 . For example, the structures can be those that facilitate securing the frame (not shown) of the grouping conveyor  300  and the frame (not shown) of the carton conveyor  200  to a common frame (not shown) of the loading apparatus  100  or packaging machine. It should also be noted that if the grouping lugs  310  and the carton lugs  210  were continuously extended over the longitudinal edges  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  of the grouping conveyor  300  and carton conveyor  200 , respectively, the portions of the lugs  210 ,  310  that extend over the longitudinal edges  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  would be obstructed by the frames that house the conveyors  200 ,  300  as the lugs  210 ,  310  follow the circuit or path of the carrier chains. 
         [0034]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , but also to  FIGS. 4-9 , the grouping lug  310  is described in further detail. The illustrated grouping lug  310  has a generally trapezoidal horizontal cross section, as viewed from the plan view of  FIG. 1 ; however, the grouping lug  310  can have many different cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, a rectangle, a triangle, a semi-circle, combinations thereof and the like that can provide the necessary functionality in grouping products. It should be understood that the size and shape of the grouping lug  310  are design decisions that are at least partially dependent on the packaging application. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-7 , the exemplary grouping lug  310  has a structure defined by walls including a base wall  330 , the front wall  332 , the rear wall  334 , a first end wall  336 , and a second end wall  338 . The base wall  330  has a substantially elongated trapezoidal shape with the portion terminating at the outside end  64  being tapered. The walls  332 ,  334 ,  336 ,  338  extend substantially vertically from the horizontal plane defined by the base wall  330  and a lower edge of each wall  332 ,  334 ,  336 ,  338  corresponds to an edge of the base wall  330 . The front and rear walls  332 ,  334  are substantially parallel to one another, the second end wall  338  is substantially perpendicular to the front and rear walls  332 ,  334 , and the first end wall  336  forms an acute angle with respect to the front wall  332 . 
         [0036]    Tapering the portion of the grouping lug  310  terminating at the outside end  64  facilitates separating articles  16  into groups. However, as mentioned above, the grouping lug  310  can have any suitable size or shape. It should be noted that, in place of tapering, alternative means for gradually decreasing the width of the lug may be used, including a curved or stepped end wall, depending on the application. 
         [0037]    In the exemplary embodiment, a portion of the front wall  332  extends beyond the second end wall  338  to define a support structure  80 . It should be understood that the support structure  80  can be integral or attached to the grouping lug  310  and that the exemplary support structure  80  is selected to minimize the amount of material used while maintaining the function thereof. The support structure  80  portion of the grouping lug  310  can be defined so as to be the portion of the grouping lug  310  that extends across the inside edge  43  of the grouping conveyor  300  to narrow the gap  52 , as described in further detail below. 
         [0038]    The base wall  330  includes a key  340  such that the grouping lug  310  can be slidingly received by the conveyor plate  320 , as described in further detail below. The key  340  is molded or machined so as to be integral to the grouping lug  310 . However, in alternative embodiments, the key  340  can be attached to the base wall  330 . The cross section of the key  340 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  7 , is substantially T-shaped so as to include a neck  342  that extends substantially perpendicularly from the base wall  330  and a flange  344  that is disposed at the distal end of the neck  342 . In the exemplary embodiment, the key  340  is centered with respect to the width of the base wall  330  and aligned with the length of the base wall  330 . The key  340  extends from the first end wall  336  toward the second end wall  338 . 
         [0039]    The grouping lug  310  includes elements a of two position locking mechanism  82  that releasably secures the grouping lug  310  to the conveyor plate  320  at positions along the length of the conveyor plate  320 , as described in further detail below. Generally described, the two position locking mechanism  82  includes an arrangement of locking elements formed in contacting surfaces of the grouping lug  310  and the respective conveyor plate  320 . The locking mechanism  82  may include any number of locking elements where at least two of the locking elements releasably engage one another at any one position. An exemplary arrangement of locking elements is now described. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-7 , the grouping lug  310  includes a pair of cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  that are each defined by a channel  352   a ,  352   b  in the base wall  330 . A detent  354   a ,  354   b  or bump is disposed at the distal end of each of the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b.    
         [0041]    Each of the exemplary channels  352   a ,  352   b  has a substantially U-shaped path, although many variations could be used including, but not limited to, a squared U-shaped path, a V-shaped path, or any other path for defining the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b . The channels  352   a ,  352   b  facilitate displacing the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  from the plane defined by the outside surface of the base wall  330 . The channels  352   a ,  352   b  fully extend through the base wall  330  to completely separate the distal ends of the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  from the base wall  330 . Thereby, the distal ends of the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  can displace inwardly and outwardly with respect to the outside surface of the base wall  330 . It should be noted that the length of the cantilever arm  350   a ,  350   b , and the thickness and elasticity of the material that is used to form each of the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  will at least partially determine the amount that the distal end of each of the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  will displace as a force is applied to a respective one of the detents  354   a ,  354   b.    
         [0042]    In alternative embodiments, the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  can be integral to the flange  344  of the key  340 . In fact, it is contemplated that elements of the locking mechanism can be formed in any portion or wall of the grouping lug  310  and the conveyor plate  320  where surfaces thereof are in contact when the grouping lug  310  and the conveyor plate  320  are slidably attached to one another. 
         [0043]    In the exemplary embodiment, each of the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  is aligned with the key  340 . Further the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  are arranged such that the distal ends thereof are adjacent to one another. It should be understood that the key  340  and the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  can be alternatively arranged and continue to provide the functionality described herein. 
         [0044]    Each of the detents  354   a ,  354   b  is positioned near the distal end of a respective one of the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b  and protrudes or projects outwardly from the outer surface of the base wall  330 . Each detent  354   a ,  354   b  has a substantially hemispherical shape. However, each detent  354   a ,  354   b  can have any shape that maintains the functionality of the locking mechanism  82  including a truncated cone or frustum structure, a cone, a peg, combinations thereof, and the like. In alternative embodiments, detents  354   a ,  354   b  are spring loaded with a spring rather than a cantilever arm. 
         [0045]    The positions of the detents  354   a ,  354   b  represent two alternative positions where the grouping lug  310  is detachably secured to the conveyor plate  320 . Thus, the distance D between the detents  354   a ,  354   b  represents the amount of lateral or transverse displacement of the grouping lug  310  as the grouping lug  310  moves between the two positions, as described in further detail below. 
         [0046]    The grouping lug  310  includes cavities  360 ,  362  that are defined by the walls of the grouping lug  310 . The cavities  360 ,  362  reduce the weight of the grouping lug  310  and the amount of material used to form the grouping lug  310  while maintaining the necessary dimensions and strength of the grouping lug  310 . To provide structural integrity a rib  364  extends between the front and rear walls  332 ,  334  in the cavity  362 . The rib  364  is positioned to provide structural stability without interfering with the movement of the cantilever arms  350   a ,  350   b . Those who are skilled in the art will understand that any number of ribs can be used in any suitable configuration to provide the necessary structural integrity. 
         [0047]    A solid portion  370  of the grouping lug  310  is positioned between the cavities  360 ,  362 . A depression, cutout, or slot  372  in the upper end of the grouping lug  310  defines the upper surface of the solid portion  370 . A roller  374  or other cam following structure is attached to the solid portion  370  so as to be positioned in the slot  372 . The roller  374  cooperates with a cam  500 , which is described in further detail below. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the conveyor plate  320  includes a groove  440  that is dimensioned and positioned to receive the key  340  such that the grouping lug  310  can be slidably attached to the conveyor plate  320 . It should be noted that the groove  440  is transversely aligned such that the grouping lug  310  can slide in a transverse direction  90  when slidingly attached to the conveyor plate  320 . 
         [0049]    It should be understood that the exemplary groove  440  is substantially T-shaped in order to matingly receive the T-shaped key  340 . The key  340  and groove  440  can have any corresponding cross-sectional shape including but not limited to an L-shape, a dovetail, a wedge, or a shape that has a wider portion which is distal to a narrower portion. Generally, the corresponding cross-sectional shapes have a narrower neck or proximal portion and a wider flange or distal portion such that the movement of the grouping lug  310  is limited to that along the length of the groove  440 . 
         [0050]    The conveyor plate  320  further includes an aperture  454  that is disposed in a portion of the conveyor plate  320  that partially defines the horizontal support surface  22  of the grouping conveyor  300 . The aperture  454  is dimensioned and positioned such that the each of the detents  354   a ,  354   b  can be received and engaged therein to releasably secure the grouping lug  310  to the conveyor plate  320 , as described in further detail below. It should be understood that any suitable means for receiving the detents  354   a ,  354   b  can be substituted for the aperture including, but not limited to, a groove, a depression, a slot, a recess, combinations thereof, and the like. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the grouping lug  310  can be slidably attached and releasably secured to the conveyor plate  320  by arranging the grouping lug  310  such that the inside end  63  is adjacent to the open end of the groove  440  and slidingly inserting the leading end  65  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 ) of the key  340  into the open end of the groove  440 . Thereby, the grouping lug  310  is slidably attached to the conveyor plate  320 . 
         [0052]    Thereafter, as the key  340  continues to slide into the groove  440 , the detent  354   a  comes into contact with the end wall  66  of the groove  440 , causing the cantilever arm  350   a  to inwardly displace until the detent  354   a  clears the end wall  66  of the groove  440 . As the key  340  continues to slide into the groove  440 , the detent  354   a  is held in contact with the horizontal support surface  22  of the conveyor plate  320  by the cantilever arm  350   a  until the detent  354   a  comes into registry with the aperture  454 . At that point, the cantilever arm  350   a  returns to its undeflected state and the detent  354   a  is received in the aperture  454 . 
         [0053]    The tendency of the cantilever arm  350   a  to resist displacement or deflection releasably secures the detent  354   a  in the aperture  454 . Thereby, the grouping lug  310  is releasably secured at a first position to the conveyor plate  320 . In the first position, the outside end  64  of the grouping lug  310  is aligned with the longitudinal outside edge  44  of the grouping conveyor  300  and the inside end  63  of the grouping lug  310  (or the distal end of the support structure  80 ) is aligned with the longitudinal inside edge  43  of the grouping conveyor  300 . 
         [0054]    The grouping lug  310  can be moved from the first position to a second position by applying a lateral force to move the key  340  further into the groove  440 . Thereby, the detent  354   a  disengages from the aperture  454  and the grouping lug  310  slides along the length of the conveyor plate  320  until the detent  354   b  comes into contact with the end wall  66  of the groove  440 , causing the cantilever arm  350   b  to inwardly displace until the detent  354   b  clears the end wall  66  of the groove  440 . As the key  340  continues to slide into the groove  440 , the detent  354   b  is held in contact with the horizontal support surface  22  of the conveyor plate  320  by the cantilever arm  350   b  until the detent  354   b  comes into registry with the aperture  454  and the cantilever arm  350   b  returns to its undeflected state such that the detent  354   b  is received in the aperture  454 . 
         [0055]    Thereby, the grouping lug  310  is releasably secured at a second position to the conveyor plate  320 . In the second position, the leading end N 5  of the key  340  is in contact with the end wall N 6  of the groove  440  to facilitate positioning the detent  354   a  in the aperture  454 . In the second position, the outside end  64  of the grouping lug  310  is offset from the longitudinal outside edge  44  of the grouping conveyor  300  and the inside end  63  of the grouping lug  310  (or the distal end of the support structure  80 ) extends over the longitudinal inside edge  43  of the grouping conveyor  300 . 
         [0056]    The grouping lug  310  is removed from the conveyor plate  320  by applying a lateral force on the grouping lug  310  in a direction toward the open end of the groove  440 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , in the exemplary embodiment, the loading apparatus  100  includes a cam  500  that includes an upstream cam track  510  and a downstream cam track  520 . Each of the cam tracks  510 ,  520  is designed to cooperate with the roller  374 . Specifically, the roller  374  contacts the each of the cam tracks  510 ,  520  and follows the path of the cam tracks  510 ,  520  to move the grouping lug  310  between the first and second positions while traveling in the flow direction  10 . 
         [0058]    An extended proximity sensor  530  is positioned between the cam tracks  510 ,  520  and a retracted proximity sensor  540  is positioned downstream of the downstream cam track  520 . The extended proximity sensor  530  verifies that the passing grouping lugs  310  are positioned in an extended position and the retracted proximity sensor  540  verifies that the passing grouping lugs  310  are positioned in a retracted position. The proximity sensors  530 ,  540  are connected to the drive of the loading apparatus  100  or packaging machine, including the drives of the conveyors  200 ,  300 , such that should a grouping lug  310  not be properly positioned, the loading apparatus  100  or packaging machine is shut down to avoid damaging the loading apparatus  100 . 
         [0059]    As used herein, the term “operative area”  600  will be used to describe the length or area of the loading apparatus  100  where the groups of articles  16  are urged, pushed, or guided into the cartons  14 . In the operative area  600 , the grouping lugs  310  are moved to the second position such that the gap  52  is narrowed or closed. Thus, articles  16  are not received in the gap  52  and are properly loaded in the carton  14 . For example, a computer  550  that controls a drive  560  of the grouping conveyor  300  may receive input from the proximity sensors  530 ,  540  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0060]    The upstream cam track  510  is positioned at the upstream end of the operative area  600  to move the grouping lugs  310  from the first position to the second position. The downstream cam track  520  is positioned at the downstream end of the operative area  600  to move the grouping lugs  310  from the second position to the first position. After the grouping lugs  310  are returned to the first position by the downstream cam track  520 , the grouping lugs  310  do not extend over the edge  43  of the grouping conveyor  300  and can move in a circuit to return to the upstream end of the operative area  600  without being obstructed by the frame of the loading apparatus  100 . It should be understood that, in the operative area  600 , the grouping lugs  310  can be moved to the second position without obstructing the frame of the loading apparatus  100 . 
         [0061]    For example, according to an exemplary loading process, as the group of articles  16  and the corresponding carton  14  move into the operative area  600 , the trailing grouping lug  310  is moved in a transverse direction, from the first position to the second position, such that the grouping lug  310  moves toward the carton lug  210  to narrow the gap  52  therebetween. Thus, the vertical contact surface  34  of the grouping lug  310  and the vertical contact surface  32  of the carton lug  210  define an approximately continuous surface that guides and supports the group of articles  16  as the articles  16  are pushed or guided into the carton  14 . The gap  52  can be narrowed, without being completely closed, so long as the width of the gap  52  is sufficiently less than the diameter of each of the articles  16 . 
         [0062]    It should be understood that, to move in a transverse direction, the grouping lug  310  moves with respect to the conveyor plate  320  to which it is slidingly attached such that the key  340  slides within the groove  440 . Further, the mechanisms that releasably secure the grouping lug  310  at positions along the length of the plate  320  provide that the cam  500  does not necessarily extend the length of the operative area  600 . 
         [0063]    The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.