Abstract:
A product stabilizer is employed to prevent tipping or shingling of product in a packaging line. The product stabilizer utilizes a linear actuator, coupled to a plurality of arms, to ensure proper spacing between adjacent products in the packaging line.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/859,409, filed Jul. 29, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The packaging and product handling industry some package geometries can be difficult to process. One area impacted by such package geometries is the pick-up area of loading lines. Packages having a small base relative to the height, or small base relative to a large top, can be somewhat unstable, especially as a number of packages congregate and contact each other at the pick-up area. A particular problem with packages having a small base relative to height or small base relative to a large top is that they tend to tip or “shingle.” Product “shingling” is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , showing the PRIOR ART. Tipping or shingling can prevent the package from being picked-up by a loader. 
         [0004]    Consequently, there remains a need in the art to prevent tipping and shingling and provide stability for the packages. 
         [0005]    The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition, this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in  37  C.F.R. §1.56(a) exists. 
         [0006]    All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0007]    Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In some embodiments, a product stabilizer comprises a plurality of elongate members and each of the elongate members has a length and a frame. At least one of the elongate members comprises a tie rod and a plurality of arms. The tie rod extends along at least a portion of the length of the elongate member. The tie rod is movable with respect to the frame. The arms are pivotally engaged to the frame and coupled to the tie rod. The arms have an extended configuration and a retracted configuration such that the arms move between the retracted and extended configurations upon movement of the tie rod. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the product stabilizer further comprises a linear actuator. The tie rod is attached to the linear actuator. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the tie rod comprises a plurality of fasteners and each of the arms has an elongate hole. The fasteners extend through the elongate holes. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the arms sweep an arc when moving between the retracted configuration and extended configuration. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the arms are located on both sides of at least one of the elongate members. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, a product stabilizer for stabilizing adjacent products in a packaging line comprises a plurality of elongate members, a torque rod, a plurality of paddle members attached to the torque rod, and an actuator mounted to the frame. Each of the elongate members has a length and a frame. The elongate members define a space between adjacent elongate members. The torque rod extends along at least a portion of the length of the frame. The actuator is configured to rotate the torque rod and paddle members from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the paddle members extend into the space between adjacent elongate members. The paddle members are configured to contact and separate adjacent products. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the actuator is a linear actuator. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the product stabilizer further comprises a helical cam connected to the linear actuator. The helical cam is configured to translate the linear motion of the linear actuator into the rotational motion of the torque rod and paddle members. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the linear actuator is connected to a cam member and the cam member comprises a helical slot. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the torque rod has a guide pin and the guide pin extends into the helical slot. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments the product stabilizer further comprises a housing attached to the frame. The cam member is disposed at least partially within the housing. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the paddles define a perimeter and the perimeter of at least one of the paddles has a concave portion and a convex portion. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, a system for stabilizing a conveyed product comprises a plurality of adjacent elongate members configured to receive products therebetween, in single-file, and an actuator having coupled thereto a plurality of product separating members. The product separating members are movable by the actuator between a product contacting configuration and a retracted configuration. In the product contacting configuration, the separating members separate at least a portion of adjacent products, which are arranged in single-file, from one another. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, each of the elongate members comprises a frame. The actuator is attached to at least one of the frames. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the system further comprises an end plate and the actuator is attached to the end plate. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the product separating members comprise fingers. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the product separating members comprise paddle members. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of product in a “shingled” configuration, in accordance with a PRIOR ART packaging line. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a top-down view of a portion of a packaging line of the PRIOR ART. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a top-down view of a product stabilizer and packaging line. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of product stabilizer and product in a stabilized configuration. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  shows a bottom-up view of an embodiment of a product stabilizer. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  shows a partial cutaway view of the product stabilizer of  FIG. 5  in a first configuration. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  shows a partial cutaway view of the product stabilizer of  FIG. 5  in a second configuration. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  shows a partial cutaway view of the product stabilizer of  FIG. 5  in a third configuration. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  shows a partial cutaway view of the product stabilizer of  FIG. 5  in a fourth configuration. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  shows a detailed bottom view of a portion of the product stabilizer of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  shows a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of a product stabilizer. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of a product stabilizer as used in conjunction with a product line. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  shows the product stabilizer of  FIG. 12  with the paddles engaged to the product to provide stabilization. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  shows the product stabilizer of  FIG. 12  in a first configuration. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14A  shows a partial cutaway view of a portion of the product stabilizer, taken from  FIG. 14 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  shows the product stabilizer of  FIG. 12  in a second configuration. 
           [0041]      FIG. 15A  shows a partial cutaway view of a portion of the product stabilizer, taken from  FIG. 15 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  shows the product stabilizer of  FIG. 12  in a third configuration. 
           [0043]      FIG. 16A  shows a partial cutaway view of a portion of the product stabilizer, taken from  FIG. 16 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 17  shows the product stabilizer of  FIG. 12  in a fourth configuration. 
           [0045]      FIG. 17A  shows a partial cutaway view of a portion of the product stabilizer, taken from  FIG. 17 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0046]    While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit it to the particular embodiments illustrated. 
         [0047]    For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated. 
         [0048]    Shown in PRIOR ART  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as the product  2  arrives in feed tracks  12 , it begins to bunch up. The product  2  is stopped via the stop block  14 . Although the product  2  is stopped via the stop block  14 , a low speed conveyor (not shown) continues to operate in order to supply new product to the pick-up area  4 , where the product  2  is picked-up from the product line  5 . Further, the low speed conveyor is in contact with the base of the product  2 , moving the product  2  in the direction of arrow  15 . As a result, where the products  2  have a smaller base than top, they tend to tilt or “shingle,” as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . This shingling, in turn, can make it difficult for a pick-up head (not shown) to pick the product  2  from the pick-up area  4 . 
         [0049]    With regard to  FIG. 3 , a product stabilizer  10  is shown in conjunction with a product line  5 , wherein product  2  travels along the product line  5 . As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the product stabilizer has four feed tracks  12 , however, any desired number of feed tracks  12  is permissible (e.g.,  1 - 30  or more). 
         [0050]    Turning to  FIG. 4 , the product  2  is shown in an upright configuration, where it has been acted upon by the product stabilizer  10 . 
         [0051]    With regard to  FIG. 5 , the product stabilizer  10  is shown from the bottom-up. In some embodiments, the product stabilizer  10  includes an actuator  16  and a plurality of elongate members  18  extending from an end plate  20 . In some embodiments, the elongate members  18  are spaced apart to arrange products  2  between the elongate members  18  in adjacent single-file rows. Extending from some of the elongate members  18  are arms  22 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the arms extend from every-other elongate member  18 . The arms  22  are configured to contact the products  2  to prevent shingling. 
         [0052]    With regard to  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the product stabilizer includes one or more elongate members  18  with arms  22  and one or more elongate members without arms. In  FIG. 6 , one of the elongate members  18  having arms  22  is shown in cutaway. The arms  22  are positioned in a first configuration  24 , wherein the arms  22  are retracted within the housing  26 . 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, the elongate member  18  further comprises a tie rod  28 , which is attached to the actuator  16 . In some embodiments, the arms  22  are coupled to the tie rod  28 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , for example, the arms  22  are coupled to the tie rod  28  via elongate hole  34  and fastener  36 . The fastener  36  can comprise any suitable configuration or type, for example, bolt, screw, pin, needle bearing. 
         [0054]    Returning to  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the arms  22  are pivotally engaged to the frame  30  of the elongate member  18  via pivots  32 . In this way, the actuator  16  can move tie rod  28  in the direction of arrow  38  and extend the arms  22  outwardly from the first (retracted) configuration  24 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7 , in turn, shows the arms  22  in a second configuration  42  wherein the arms  22  are extended as the tie rod  28  continues to move in the direction of arrow  38 . In particular, in some embodiments, as the tie rod  28  moves in the direction of arrow  38 , the arms  22  pivot around pivots  32 . Further, the arms  22  extend into the space  40  between adjacent elongate members  18  in order to maintain proper separation of the products (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) at their bases and prevent shingling. 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  shows the arms  22  in a third configuration  44  wherein the arms  22  are further extended as the tie rod  28  travels in the direction of arrow  38 . 
         [0057]    Turning to  FIG. 9 , the arms  22  are shown in a fourth or extended configuration  46 . In the fourth configuration, the arms  22  are positioned to provide the desired amount of separation between the product bases (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) and prevent shingling. As will be appreciated, the amount of separation can be set by adjusting the throw of the actuator and/or the size of the arms  22  and/or the shape of the arms  22  and/or the orientation of the pivots  32  and fasteners  36 . 
         [0058]    With regard to  FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the arms  22   a  located on the bottom side  48  of the tie rod  28  while arms  22   b  are located on the top side  50  (FIG.  9 ) of the tie rod  28 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the fastener  36  extends through elongate holes  34  in both arms  22   a  and  22   b.  This arrangement of arms  22   a,    22   b  results in a compact design which can be readily maintained. As further shown in  FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the frame  30  has cut-outs  52  to provide adequate clearance for the arms  22  to rotate. 
         [0059]    As the tie rod  28  moves, the arms  22  swing between the retracted configuration  24  ( FIG. 6 ) and the extended configuration  46  ( FIG. 9 ), or vice-versa, and the fastener  36  translates within the elongate hole  34 . This translation of the fastener  36  within the elongate hole  34  results because the fastener  36  moves linearly with the tie rod  28  while the arms  22  arc around their pivots  32 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of the product stabilizer  10  in a partial cutaway view. As shown, the actuator  16  is attached to the frame  30  of the elongate member  18 . Additionally, the arms  22  have a rectangular shape with rounded edges. 
         [0061]    In the embodiment of the product stabilizer  10  shown in  FIG. 12 , the product stabilizer  10  includes a plurality of paddle members  54 . The paddle members  54  are configured to prevent shingling of the products  2  and to “un-shingle” products  2  that have become shingled. In  FIG. 12 , the products  2  are illustrated in a shingled configuration, wherein tops or lids of the products  2  are partially stacked or overlapping. Further, the paddle members  54  are shown in a first or retracted configuration  24 . 
         [0062]    As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , however, the paddle members  54  have been moved to contact the products  2  and separate the products  2  at their bases. 
         [0063]    Turning to  FIG. 14 , the product stabilizer  10  having paddle members  54  is shown in greater detail. As shown, the paddle members  54  are in a first or retracted configuration  24 , wherein, for example, the paddle members  54  are arranged in an upright position. 
         [0064]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in some embodiments, the product stabilizer  10  comprises an elongate member  18  having a frame  30 . The frame  30  has a length  47  and an actuator  16  attached thereto. The actuator  16 , in turn, is attached to a driven member  56 . In some embodiments, the driven member  56  comprises a connecting member  58  and a cam member  60 . In some embodiments, the actuator  16  is a linear actuator that pushes and/or pulls connecting member  58 , translating the connecting member  58  relative to the guide  62 , on which the connecting member rests. The guide  62  further provides lateral support for the connecting member  58  via opposing sides  64 . 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, the product stabilizer  10  further comprises a torque rod  68 , which is supported by one or more support members  70 . Attached to the torque rod  68  are paddle members  54 , which rotate in conjunction with the torque rod  68 . 
         [0066]    The torque rod  68  has a guide pin  70  attached thereto ( FIG. 15A ), which resides in helical slot  66  of cam member  60 . As further illustrated in  FIGS. 15-17  and  15 A- 17 A, the cam member  60  transforms the linear motion of the actuator  16  into rotational motion of the torque rod  68 . 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, the product stabilizer  10  further comprises a housing  72  attached to the frame  30 . At least a portion of the cam member  60  is located within the housing  72 . The housing  72  provides a stable environment within which the cam member  60  can translate. Further, the housing  72  shields the helical slot  66  from dust and debris. 
         [0068]    With regard to  FIGS. 15 and 15A , the paddle members  54  are rotated to a second configuration as the actuator  16  pushes the connecting member  58 . 
         [0069]    In  FIGS. 16 and 16A , the paddle members  54  have rotated to a third configuration, upon further linear movement of the connecting member  58 . 
         [0070]    Finally, in  FIGS. 17 and 17A , the paddle members  54  have rotated to a fourth configuration, wherein the paddle members  54  provide the desired separation between the bases of adjacent products (not shown). 
         [0071]    Although the cam member  60  is shown in  FIGS. 14-17  having helical slot  66  and the torque rod  68  comprises guide pin  70 , it will be appreciated that the relationship can be reversed—the torque rod  68  has a helical slot  66 , while the cam member  60  comprises a guide  70 . Other suitable arrangements are also permissible. For example, the actuator  16  can comprise a rotational actuator, which, in some embodiments, directly or indirectly, actuates the torque rod  68 . 
         [0072]    In some embodiments, the product stabilizer  10  has paddle members  54  extending into the space  40  between adjacent elongate members  18  from only one of the elongate members, as shown for example in  FIG. 17 . In some embodiments, however, the paddle members  54  can extend from both of the adjacent elongate members  18  into the space  40  therebetween. Any other suitable arrangement is also permissible. 
         [0073]    Returning to  FIG. 16 , the paddle members  54  define a perimeter  74 . In some embodiments, the perimeter  74  of at least one of the paddle members  54  has a portion thereof that is concave and a portion thereof that is convex. As will be evident, the shape of the paddle members  54  can be optimized to prevent shingling or un-shingle shingled products. 
         [0074]    In some embodiments, the paddle members  54  can be swapped, for example by removing bolts  76  (or other fastener), and replaced with a different shape paddle member, depending upon the shape of the product. 
         [0075]    In some embodiments, the torque rod  68  is supported along its length by one or more supports  78 . 
         [0076]    The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be combined or modified for combination as desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”. 
         [0077]    Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim  1  should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below. 
         [0078]    This completes the description of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.