Patent Publication Number: US-6662525-B2

Title: System and method for including inserts with goods during automated packaging

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/632,900, filed on Aug. 7, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of automated packaging and specifically to the delivery of inserts to be automatically included with a product being packaged. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Automated bread packaging devices are widely used to wrap loaf bread in plastic. However, when packaging bread, it can be desirable to include coupons, promotional material, or other printed material directed at the purchaser of the bread. Prior-art systems for inserting this material into the package have generally been deficient. Coupons and the like can be added manually, after the bread has been placed in the wrapper and prior to closure, but this is labor intensive and time consuming. Similar problems characterize systems that place the coupons into the bag before wrapping the bread. Prior-art automated means for inserting a coupon into the bread package have required relatively complicated and expensive machinery and suffer from reliability problems. Further, these prior-art systems often require significant modification or even replacement of otherwise useful automated packaging machines. 
     Accordingly, what has been needed is an automated system for including inserts in packaged bread and other similar commodities. There is also a need for such an automated system that easily integrates with existing automated packaging machines. This invention satisfies these and other needs. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the insert delivery system of an embodiment of the invention in use with an automated bread packaging machine; 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B is a view of the insert delivery system of an embodiment of the invention oriented adjacent the infeed of the automated bread packaging machine; 
     FIG. 3 is a detail top view of the insert delivery system of an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a detail side view of the insert delivery system of an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention comprising two insert delivery trays; 
     FIGS. 6-9 are schematic views of a bread packaging system suitable for use with embodiments of the invention, showing a loaf of bread and an insert being wrapped; 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention configured to automatically package a three-fold insert; 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a three-fold insert of an embodiment of the invention around a packaged item; 
     FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the lower bread scoop of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13; and 
     FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a lower bread scoop, modified according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is an insert delivery system for use with an automated product packager having an infeed to convey a product to be packaged. As is explained in further detail below, it is critical that the movement of the various components of the system be synchronized, such that each component can be positioned in the proper location at the appropriate time. In general, this is accomplished by: (1) placing sensors in critical locations within the components of the system, as well as on other devices that operate in conjunction with the system; (2) providing information gathered from the sensors as input into a programmable logic controller (PLC), or other similar device (e.g., a digital computer system with programmable memory); and (3) using the PLC or other similar device to activate the various components of the system at the appropriate time. 
     In one embodiment, the system comprises an insert delivery tray configured to present an insert to an insert placer, wherein the insert delivery system is configured so that the insert placer delivers the insert onto the infeed upstream of the product. The insert may be coupons, promotional material, or the like. The system is particularly suited to automatic packagers of the type used to wrap bread. In a preferred embodiment, the insert placer has an arm that cycles between an insert pick-up position and an insert drop-off position, with an insert holder that is adjacent the insert delivery tray and secures the insert when the arm is in the insert pick-up position and is adjacent the infeed and releases the insert when the arm is in the insert drop-off position. More preferably, the insert holder comprises a vacuum system. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the system comprises an insert delivery tray that is configured to present an insert to an insert placer. The insert placer, in turn, delivers the insert to a feeder mechanism (alternatively referred to as a “direct insert device”) that is disposed adjacent, and above, a distal portion of an infeed conveyor. The infeed mechanism deposits the insert onto a scoop that has been advanced, or extended, towards a forward position, in order to receive the product (e.g., bread). In a preferred embodiment, the scoop has two sets of air apertures, wherein each set is preferably arranged in a line, and wherein at one selected time the air apertures provide a suction vacuum for securely retaining the insert that is placed on the scoop, and at a second selected time, the air apertures provide blow-off air, which helps separate the insert from the scoop before the scoop slides back to its retracted position. 
     In another embodiment, the system comprises an insert card conveyor that is configured to present an insert to an insert placer, wherein the insert placer delivers the insert to a feeder mechanism which, in turn, deposits the insert onto a fully-retracted scoop before the scoop receives the product, e.g., a loaf of bread. In a preferred embodiment, the scoop has two sets of air apertures, wherein each set is preferably arranged in a line, and wherein at one selected time the air apertures provide a suction vacuum for securely retaining the insert that is placed on the scoop, and at a second selected time the air apertures provide blow-off air, which helps separate the insert from the scoop before the scoop slides back to its retracted position, where it picks up another insert. 
     In yet another embodiment, the system comprises a scoop which has an additional lower compartment for carrying an insert. When in the fully-retracted position, an insert is deposited into the compartment, which is equipped with a means for driving the insert out from the distal end of the compartment once the scoop has been advanced (i.e., extended). Preferably, once the scoop has received a loaf of bread and extended into a wrapper, a plunger is used to push the insert into the wrapper, so that the insert will lie underneath the bread once the latter has been fully placed into the wrapper. 
     Certain embodiments of the invention further comprise a second delivery tray, or insert card conveyor, having a different insert, wherein the delivery trays or insert card conveyors are movable so that the insert placer can access either tray or conveyor depending upon which insert is desired. In other embodiments of the invention, the delivery tray or insert card conveyor is configured to accommodate a three-fold insert that wraps around the bottom and sides of the packaged item. 
     In yet other embodiments, the delivery tray, or insert card conveyor, may be a carousel and magazine assembly. Here, a rotating carousel is equipped with a plurality of vertical magazines, each of which holds a set of inserts. Each magazine is also equipped with sensors, so that, each time an insert in picked up by an insert placer device, a magazine insert advancement mechanism is activated to move the stack of inserts up in the vertical direction, so as to present the next insert to the insert placer device. When the inserts in one magazine are depleted, a sensor activates a servo motor, which in turn rotates the carousel in order to present the next magazine to the insert placer device. In addition, in this embodiment, the suction cups of the insert placer device move in two linear directions between a pick-up and a drop-off position. 
     The invention also includes methods of using an insert delivery system with an automated product packager. Generally, a method according to the invention comprises providing an automated product packager having an infeed and an insert delivery system having a first insert delivery tray configured to present a first insert to an insert placer, wherein the insert delivery system is configured so that the insert placer delivers the insert onto the infeed upstream of the product. The product is advanced along the infeed and an insert holder on the insert placer is operated to select and secure the insert from the delivery tray. The insert placer is then moved so that the holder is adjacent the infeed and the insert is released from the holder. This deposits the insert on the infeed upstream of the advancing product. The automated packager may then wrap the product and the insert. 
     Alternatively, a method for including inserts with goods during automated packaging includes providing an automated product packager (e.g., bread-bag packager) having an infeed and an insert delivery system having a first insert card conveyor configured to present a first insert to an insert placer, wherein the insert delivery system is configured so that the insert placer delivers the insert to a feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism deposits the insert onto a bread scoop just before the scoop is advanced from its retracted position to receive the product (e.g., a loaf of bread) from the infeed conveyor. The loaded bread scoop is then advanced, receives the loaf of bread, deposits the loaf and the insert into a bag, and then retracts for another cycle. The automated packager may then wrap the product and the insert. 
     Alternatively, the feeder mechanism may be provided in a position above the scoop when the scoop is in its extended position, wherein the scoop receives the insert after it has been extended, but before it receives the loaf of bread. 
     Additionally, a method for including inserts with goods during automated packaging may include providing a scoop with an additional compartment underneath the scoop, depositing an insert in the compartment when the scoop is in the retracted position, advancing the scoop to receive the loaf of bread, advancing the distal ends of the scoop and compartment into a wrapper, and depositing first the insert, and then the bread, into the wrapper, before the scoop-and-compartment assembly is retracted. 
     FIG. 1 shows an automated bread packaging station  10  comprising a bread packaging machine  12 , an infeed conveyor  14 , an insert delivery tray  16  and an insert placer  18 , configured to include an insert  20  with individual bread loaves  22  as they are wrapped. Bread packaging machine  12  generally is conventionally known in the art and its function in conjunction with the invention is described below (e.g., with reference to FIGS.  6 - 9 ). Infeed conveyor  14  is also similar to those in conventional use and utilizes a driven flight system to urge the individual loaves  22  along a smooth table, although other conventional means such as conveyor belts may also be used. 
     Insert placer  18  cycles between the two positions shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B to select an insert  20  from delivery tray  16  and then place it just upstream of the advancing loaf  22 . In a preferred embodiment, insert placer  18  comprises rotating drive plate  24  having arm  26 . Stems  28 , each carrying a vacuum cup  30 , are generally perpendicular to arm  26 . The system is configured so that in the position shown in FIG. 2A, the vacuum cups are brought into contact with insert  20  which is accessible through the open end of delivery tray  16 . The system applies a vacuum to cups  30  through hoses  32  and stems  28 , thus securing insert  20  to the cups  30 . Rotation of drive plate  24  swings the arm  26  and stems  28  to the insert drop-off position shown in FIG.  2 B. The vacuum is released so that insert  20  remains on infeed conveyor  14  when insert delivery machine  18  swings back to the insert pick-up position of FIG.  2 A. Insert  20  is carried by the advancing loaf  22  to packaging machine  12 . Preferably, the insert placement motion is triggered by sensing the presence of a loaf  22  at the appropriate location on infeed conveyor  14  (e.g., via a sensor placed at position  14   a , that, for illustrative purposes, may be about ¾ of the way along the conveyor  14  shown in FIG.  2 B). The sensing may be accomplished by optical, mechanical, or any other suitable means. 
     In a preferred embodiment, insert delivery tray  16  is generally U-shaped and about six inches wide and three inches high. In this embodiment, a twelve-inch end portion of tray  16  adjacent insert placer  18  angles downward at about 30 degrees. In other embodiments, the dimensions of tray  16  generally should accommodate the size of insert  20 , and the configuration of tray  16  may be adapted to insert placer  18 , packaging machine  12 , and infeed conveyor  14 . 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 show, partially in section, further details of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the motion between the insert pick-up position and the drop-off position (shown in phantom). Ann  26  is driven by pinion gear  34  and ring gear  36  via servo motor  38 . A counter weight  40  may be positioned opposite arm  26  to decrease the load on the servo. Similarly, FIG. 4 is a side view showing the motion between the drop-off position and the pick-up position (shown in phantom). 
     Other embodiments of the invention may employ different insert holding and delivery mechanisms. For example, the inserts may be presented by the delivery tray in an edgewise manner. In such embodiments, the insert holder generally comprises an articulated gripper as opposed to the vacuum cup arrangement. Also, one of skill in the art will easily recognize that delivery motions other than the rotation described herein may be used. Further, the insert delivery tray may be configured to simply release single inserts, allowing gravity to drop them into position ahead of the advancing loafs. 
     In yet other embodiments, the delivery tray may be replaced by a carousel and magazine assembly. Here, a rotating carousel is equipped with a plurality of (typically, between four and eight) vertical magazines, each of which holds a set of inserts which are placed horizontally in the magazine and stacked in a vertical arrangement. Each magazine is also equipped with sensors, so that, each time an insert in picked up by an insert placer device, a magazine insert advancement mechanism is activated to move the stack of inserts up in the vertical direction (via, e.g., a lead-screw-and-knot assembly, or an air-cylinder-and-brake assembly), so as to present the next insert to the insert placer device. When the inserts in one magazine are depleted, a sensor activates a servo motor, which in turn rotates the carousel in order to present the next magazine to the insert placer device. 
     One or more additional bar code readers can be mounted on the carousel and magazine assembly to determine whether the identity of the insert is proper for the particular type or brand of bread being wrapped. 
     The insert placer device comprises suction cups of the kind discussed above, except that, in this embodiment, the cups do not cycle by rotating between a pick-up and a drop-off position. Rather, the suction cup assembly of the placer device moves in two linear directions. Thus, as an insert is presented atop the stack of inserts in a magazine, suction cups move vertically downwards in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the insert, and secure the insert from above. Then, with the insert secured, the suction cup assembly moves in a direction that is parallel to the plane of the insert, and releases the insert in a drop-off position. 
     Returning to FIGS. 1,  2 A, and  2 B, insert delivery tray  16  preferably presents a stack of individual inserts  20  to delivery machine  18 . The stack of inserts may be moved along tray  16  by any suitable mechanism, such as by a spring loaded system. One embodiment employs a conveyor belt to maximize the capacity of the system. Optionally, the invention comprises a plurality of delivery trays  16  and  42  as shown in FIG. 5, carrying inserts  20  and  44  respectively (insert placer  18  is not shown for clarity). Trays  16  and  42  slide along rail  46  so that either may be presented to delivery machine  18 . In this embodiment, movement of the trays is actuated by hydraulic cylinder  48 , although any other suitable mechanism may be employed. Preferably, tray  16  and tray  42  are spaced about 11 inches on center to accommodate a typical insert size of about 3 inches by 6 inches. These dimensions may be adjusted as desired. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a sensor  50 , such as a bar code reader to scan the UPC label of the wrappers  52 , is provided on the packaging machine  12 . The information from sensor  50  is used, in conjunction with a PLC, or other similar device, to control cylinder  48  to automate the selection of either inserts  20  or  44  depending upon the product being packaged as indicated by the wrappers  52 . This allows the user of the information to tailor the inserts to the expected demographic of the buyer of the particular product, for example. 
     FIGS. 6-9 schematically show how packaging machine  12  wraps the loaves  22  and inserts  20  provided by delivery machine  18  and delivery tray  16 . In FIG. 6, the advancing loaf  22  pushes insert  20  ahead of it. Wrapper  52  is opened, preferably with a jet of air  54 , to receive scoop  56 . Scoop  56  has upper and lower clamshell members  58  and  60 , wherein lower member  60  further comprises a loaf receiving portion  62 . As shown in FIG. 7, scoop  56  has advanced into opened wrapper  52  and members  58  and  60  have opened to grip wrapper  52  and secure it in an opened position. Loaf receiving portion  62  is positioned to catch insert  20  and then loaf  22  as they are delivered by infeed conveyor  14 . A pushing assembly  64  has also advanced to a position adjacent the incoming loaf  22 . FIG. 8 shows scoop  56  being withdrawn after insert  20  and loaf  22  have been deposited on receiving portion  62 . Pushing assembly  64  is kept in its advanced position so that loaf  22  is retained in substantially the same spatial position while withdrawing scoop  56  pulls opened wrapper  52  over the loaf. Since the coefficient of friction of the bread loaf is considerably higher than that of the receiving portion, insert  20  stays with loaf  22  as it is wrapped. Scoop  56  completes its withdrawal and then pushing assembly  64  also withdraws, allowing wrapped loaf  66  to drop onto outfeed conveyor  68  where it will be carried to tying machine  70  for closure. The process is then repeated for the next loaf and insert on the infeed conveyor  14 . 
     As further noted in reference to FIG. 6, embodiments of the present invention can also be configured to include a UPC bar code reader  115 , positioned to read bar codes printed upon bags or wrappers  52  through transparent support surface  117 . The information read by reader  115  can be conveyed via line  116  to the upstream insert placer  18  for proper insert selection. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11 show an alternate embodiment of the invention that is configured to automatically package a three-fold insert. Here, an automated bread packaging station  72  comprising a bread packaging machine  74 , an infeed conveyor  76 , an insert delivery tray  78 , and an insert placer  80 , configured to include a three-fold insert  82  with individual bread loaves  84  as they are wrapped. As described above, bread packaging machines are conventionally known in the art. The infeed conveyor  76  of packaging machine  74  conveys loaves of bread to the packaging machine, such as by a driven flight system to urge the individual loaves  84  along a smooth table. Insert placer  80  cycles between the solid position and the position shown in phantom. A servo  86  at the bottom of insert delivery tray  78  engages the bottommost insert  82  and urges it laterally to the insert pick-up position  88 . In this embodiment, insert placer is driven laterally along rack  90  by pinion  92 . Drive plate  94  has an arm  96  with stems  98 , each ending in a vacuum cup  100 . Selective operation of the vacuum cups allows the insert placer to pick up an insert and then drop it off as described above. As insert placer  80  moves laterally along rack  90 , the drive plate rotates 180 degrees and arm  96  also rotates 180 degrees so that insert  82  is placed in drop-off position  102 , immediately ahead of advancing loaf  84 . 
     As shown in FIG. 12, operation of this embodiment of the invention yields a loaf of bread  84 , wrapped in a suitable package  103 , with insert  82  folded around the loaf. Specifically, the first portion  104  of insert  82  is along one side of loaf  84 , second portion  106  of the insert lies under the loaf, and third portion  108  of the insert is along the other side of the loaf. During packaging, the deposited three-fold insert  82  is driven forward along infeed conveyor  76  by advancing loaf  84 . The bread packaging machine is substantially similar to the type described above. As the insert is pushed into the scoop, the first fold  104  is pushed up into a substantially vertical orientation. The loaf then falls onto second portion  106  and the third portion  108  is folded up allowing the clamshell to pull the wrapper over the loaf and suitably positioned insert. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide the scoop with a flange to help urge the third portion  108  of insert  82  into its vertical orientation. 
     One of skill in the art will recognize that this embodiment of the invention could easily be configured for a two-fold insert as well, so that one portion of the insert is along one side of the loaf and a second portion is underneath the loaf. 
     In the above embodiments, the proper alignment of the bread and insert relies upon certain frictional forces which exist as the bread and insert travel along the conveyor as they approach the bagger. FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the inserts are deposited onto the bread scoop, which subsequently receives the loaf of bread, rather than having the insert deposited onto the infeed conveyor ahead of the bread. 
     More specifically, in this embodiment, the insert delivery system comprises an insert card conveyor  216 , and an insert placer  218 , which are similar, respectively, to the insert delivery tray  16  and insert placer  18  described previously. In a preferred embodiment, as each insert  220  advances along the insert card conveyor  216 , vacuum cups  230  of the insert placer  218  engage and secure the insert  220  and place the insert onto a feeder mechanism  231 . 
     In this embodiment, as in the embodiments described previously, the invention includes an infeed conveyor  214 , which is similar in structure and operation to infeed conveyor  14 , a packaging machine  212 , which is similar to packaging machine  12 , and a scoop assembly (not shown), including lower bread scoop  260 . As shown in FIG. 13, the feeder mechanism  231  is adapted so as to be disposed adjacent, and above, a distal portion  215  of the infeed conveyor  214 , as well as adjacent the lower bread scoop  260 , when the latter is in the advanced, or extended, position. More specifically, the feeder mechanism  231 , which is a timed advancement mechanism, is positioned such that, as the lower bread scoop  260  moves towards the advanced position, such as is shown in phantom in FIG. 13, the feeder mechanism  231  receives an insert  220  from the insert placer  218  and, at the appropriate time, feeds, or deposits, the insert  220  onto the lower bread scoop  260 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the timed deposition of the insert  220  via the feeder mechanism  231 , as well as the loading of the loaf  222  unto the scoop  260 , are accomplished by a series of sensors located throughout the system which provide logistic information as input data into a PLC, which, in turn, sends output signals activating the various components of the system. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the sensors are positioned so as to provide at least three separate pieces of data as input into the PLC. 
     First, the bread loaf conveyor and the scoop assembly run on a single chain cycle. As such, an encoder, interacting with the PLC, ensures that the respective speeds of the bread conveyor, on the one hand, and the scoop, on the other, are synchronized. Second, as has been mentioned before with reference to FIG. 2B, an optical (or similar) sensor is placed at a point that is preferably about ¾ of the way along the infeed conveyor. When a loaf of bread that is on the conveyor and on its way to be loaded unto the scoop passes this point, it covers the sensor, thus signaling to the PLC that the loaf is about to reach the vicinity of the scoop assembly. The PLC then sends a signal to the scoop assembly for the latter to begin advancing towards its extended position. The PLC also uses this information to activate the insert placer and feeder mechanism. Finally, the scoop assembly itself is equipped with one or more position sensors, which help fine-tune the position of the scoop so that it will receive the insert and the loaf at an appropriate time and at the proper position. 
     The feeder mechanism  231  typically comprises two sets of rollers. A first set of rollers, placed towards the back of the mechanism, receive the insert  220  from the insert placer  218 . When an appropriate signal is received from the PLC, a servo motor is activated to rotate these rollers, thus advancing the insert to the front portion of the infeed mechanism  231 . Then, based on information received from the sensor(s) on the scoop assembly, the PLC sends a second signal to a second servo motor, which, in turn, causes the second set of rollers to advance the insert and shoot it out onto the scoop  260 . 
     Based on the above description, the timing of insert deposition by the feeder mechanism  231  on the one hand, and the timing of bread advancement by the feeder conveyor  214 , on the other, are synchronized such that, for every loaf of bread  222  that moves along the conveyor, the feeder mechanism  231  loads the lower bread scoop  260  with an insert  220  prior to the arrival of the loaf. Thus, every time the lower bread scoop is advanced, it receives first an insert from the feeder mechanism  231 , and then a loaf of bread  222 , wherein the loaf rests on top of the insert. 
     More specifically, as a loaf of bread  222  is advanced on the infeed conveyor  214 , a wrapper is  252  is opened as described previously (with respect to wrappers  52 ), and the scoop assembly, including the lower bread scoop  260 , move into position to receive an insert  220  and a loaf  222 . The scoop assembly then continues to advance until its forward portion is inside the wrapper  252 . Once inside, the scoop assembly then reverses direction, thus pulling the wrapper  252  over the loaf  222 , which then exits the scoop assembly. As the scoop assembly begins to move rearwardly, the insert  220  remains positioned under the loaf of bread  222  as the lower bread scoop  260  slides from underneath on its way back to the fully-retracted position (as shown, for example, in FIGS. 6-9, and the solid lines in FIG.  13 ). 
     Once the wrapper  252  has been placed over the loaf  252  and insert  220 , the bag is then tied in a tying machine (not shown; see, e.g., tying machine  70  in FIGS.  6 - 9 ). It is noted that the embodiment just described can also be used in conjunction with the various features that have been described previously with regard to the other embodiments. For example, the present embodiment of the invention can be configured to include multiple insert card conveyors (or a carousel and magazine assembly) to carry a plurality of inserts, as well as a sensor, such as a UPC bar code reader, to help in selecting the proper insert for each wrapper. 
     The lower bread scoop  260  is similar to the lower member  60  of the scoop  56  depicted, e.g., in FIG.  6 . As shown in FIG. 15, in order to keep the insert  220  stationary on the lower bread scoop  260 , a horizontal surface  261 ,  361  of the scoop  260 ,  360  of the instant invention contains two sets of air apertures A and B. In a preferred embodiment, each set of apertures is aligned in a straight line, and the two lines are arranged parallel to each other. However, the apertures in each set, as well as the sets themselves, can be arranged in any configuration in order to accommodate the physical and functional requirements for practicing the invention. 
     An air-jet and vacuum chamber (not shown) is located adjacent the horizontal surface  261 ,  361  of the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360 . The two sets of air apertures A, B are in turn connected to the air-jet and vacuum chamber via respective air lines (not shown) by conventional means. 
     Once the insert  220  has been fed, or advanced, onto the lower bread scoop  260  (i.e., once the lower bread scoop  260  has been loaded), suction is applied through the vacuum chamber and the air apertures A and/or A and B in order to securely retain the insert in place before the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360  receives a loaf of bread  222 . The insert  220  and the loaf  222  are then advanced towards the wrapper  252  as described above. 
     As the scoop assembly begins to move rearwardly, i.e., away from the wrappers  252 , the suction effected by the vacuum through air apertures A is terminated. At the same time, the air line connecting the air-jet chamber to air apertures B and/or A and B is activated (e.g., via an on/off toggle switch) to provide blow-off air through the horizontal surface  261 ,  361  of the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360 . This helps separate the insert  220  from the horizontal surface  261 ,  361 , so that it can remain positioned under the loaf of bread  222  as the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360  slides from underneath on its way back to the fully-retracted position (as shown, for example, in FIGS. 6-9, and  13 ). 
     As has been discussed previously, the timing and placement of the insert and the loaf are critical to the proper operation of the invented system. For example, for all of the embodiments discussed herein in which a feeder mechanism is used, it has been determined that the feeder mechanism and the scoop assembly must be placed perpendicularly to each other. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the feeder mechanism, defining the direction of movement of the insert on the feeder mechanism, should be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the scoop, defining the direction of movement of the scoop. In addition, for each such embodiment, the feeder mechanism should preferably lie within a given range of angles as measured from the horizontal. Thus, for the embodiment of FIG. 13, the front portion of the feeder mechanism  231  should preferably be tilted down at an angle of between 45 degrees and 55 degrees from the horizontal. 
     Depending on various factors including ease of access, machine location and the vantage point of an operator of the system of the instant invention, it may be advantageous to position the insert delivery system in a location away from a distal portion of the infeed conveyor. Thus, FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternate embodiment of the invention, wherein the inserts are deposited onto the bread scoop in a retracted position, which subsequently receives the loaf of bread, rather than having the insert deposited onto the infeed conveyor ahead of the bread, or onto the scoop when the latter has already advanced. 
     More specifically, in this embodiment, the insert delivery system comprises an insert card conveyor  316 , and an insert placer  318 , which are similar, respectively, to the insert car conveyor  216  and insert placer  218  described previously. In a preferred embodiment, as each insert  320  advances along the insert card conveyor  316 , vacuum cups  330  of the insert placer  318  engage and secure the insert  320  and place the insert onto a feeder mechanism  331 . 
     As shown in FIG. 14, the feeder mechanism  331  is adapted so as to be disposed adjacent a lower bread scoop  360  of the scoop assembly described (and shown, in FIG. 6-9, for example) previously. More specifically, the feeder mechanism, which is a timed advancement mechanism, is positioned such that, when the lower bread scoop  360  is in the retracted position (as shown in FIG.  14 ), the feeder mechanism  331  receives an insert  320  from the insert placer  318  and, at the appropriate time, feeds, or advances, the insert  320  into the lower bread scoop  360 . In a preferred embodiment, the timed deposition of the insert  320  via the feeder mechanism  331  is accomplished in substantially the same manner as that described for the embodiment depicted in FIG.  13 . In addition, for the purposes of this embodiment, the front portion of the feeder mechanism  331  should preferably be tilted down at an angle of between 0 degrees (i.e., horizontal and parallel with the ground) and 45 degrees from the horizontal. 
     The lower bread scoop  360  is similar to the lower member  60  of the scoop  56  depicted, e.g., in FIG.  6 . Given that, in this embodiment, the insert  320  is loaded onto the lower bread scoop  360  when the latter is in the retracted position, it must be ensured that the insert  320  remains stationary on the scoop  360  as the scoop extends to receive the loaf of bread  322  on top of the insert  320 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360  of the instant invention has a horizontal surface  261 ,  361  which contains two sets of air apertures A and B. In a preferred embodiment, each set of apertures is aligned in a straight line, and the two lines are arranged parallel to each other. However, the apertures in each set, as well as the sets themselves, can be arranged in any configuration in order to accommodate the physical and functional requirements for practicing the invention. 
     An air-jet and vacuum chamber (not shown) is located adjacent the horizontal surface  261 ,  361  of the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360 . The two sets of air apertures A, B are in turn connected to the air-jet and vacuum chamber via respective air lines (not shown) by conventional means. 
     Once the insert  320  has been fed, or advanced, onto the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360  (i.e., once the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360  has been loaded), suction is applied through the vacuum chamber and first set of air apertures A in order to securely retain the insert in place as the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360  moves forward (as shown, e.g., in FIG.  7 ), to receive a loaf of bread  322 . 
     In this embodiment, as in the embodiments described previously, the invention includes an infeed conveyor  314 , which is similar in structure and operation to infeed conveyor  14 , a packaging machine  312 , which is similar to packaging machine  12 , and a scoop assembly (not shown), including lower bread scoop  360 . As a loaf of bread  322  is advanced on the infeed conveyor  314 , a wrapper  352  is opened as described previously (with respect to wrappers  52 ), and the scoop assembly, including the lower bread scoop  360  that is carrying the insert  320 , moves forward toward the wrappers  352  in order to receive the loaf  322 . The scoop assembly then continues to advance until its forward portion is inside the wrapper  352 . Once inside, the scoop assembly then reverses direction, thus pulling the wrapper  252  over the loaf  322 , which then exits the scoop assembly. 
     As the scoop assembly begins to move rearwardly, i.e., away from the wrappers  352 , the suction effected by the vacuum through air apertures A is terminated. At the same time, the air line connecting the air-jet chamber to the second set of air apertures B is activated (e.g., via an on/off toggle switch) to provide blow-off air through the horizontal surface  261 ,  361  of the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360 . This helps separate the insert  320  from the horizontal surface  261 ,  361 , so that it can remain positioned under the loaf of bread  322  as the lower bread scoop  260 ,  360  slides from underneath on its way back to the fully-retracted position (as shown, for example, in FIGS. 6-9, and  14 ). 
     Once the wrapper  352  has been placed over the loaf  352  and insert  320 , the bag is then tied in the tying machine  370 . It is noted that the embodiment just described can also be used in conjunction with the various features that have been described previously with regard to the other embodiments. For example, the present embodiment of the invention can be configured to include multiple insert card conveyors to carry a plurality of inserts, as well as a sensor, such as a UPC bar code reader, to help in selecting the proper insert for each wrapper. 
     As has been discussed previously, timing and placement are critical to the proper operation of the present invention. Thus, with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-15, for example, it is important that the feeder mechanism be positioned, and its insert-advancement mechanism timed, so as to feed the insert onto the scoop in such a way that the insert lands on top of, and covers, all of the vacuum apertures of the scoop. In fact, if the feeder mechanism is not positioned properly, the insert might bounce away from the scoop as it leaves the feeder mechanism. Moreover, mispositioning and/or mistiming of the feeder mechanism may cause the insert to cover less than all of the apertures, which, in turn, would prevent the vacuum system from functioning properly to retain the insert in place. Similarly, the advancement of the scoop should preferably be timed such that the insert is released into the wrapper so as to lie underneath the loaf, between the middle portion and the distal end (i.e., the end that is not twist wrapped) of the loaf. 
     In another alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 16, a bread scoop  460  comprises a horizontal surface  461 , as well as a distal end  462 . In contrast with the previous embodiment, where an insert  420  would be placed on top of the horizontal surface  461 , in the present embodiment, the scoop  460  is equipped with a lower compartment  465 , which is disposed underneath the lower surface of the horizontal surface  461  and which receives the insert  420  when the bread scoop  460  is in the retracted position. 
     Thus, as was described previously with respect to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, a feeder mechanism (not shown) or similar device may be used to deposit the insert  420  into the lower compartment  465  at the appropriate time, wherein such delivery of the insert into the compartment is timed so as to be coordinated with the movement of loaves of bread on an infeed conveyor (see, e.g., FIG.  14 ). It is noted that, in this embodiment, the feeder mechanism  431  is preferably located vertically lower (i.e., closer to the ground) than in previous embodiments. In addition, for the purposes of this embodiment, the front portion of the feeder mechanism  431  should preferably be tilted down at an angle of between 0 degrees (i.e., horizontal and parallel with the ground) and 15 degrees from the horizontal. 
     Once the scoop  460  has been loaded with the insert  420 , the scoop  460  advances towards a forward position in order to receive a loaf of bread, and then proceeds to enter a wrapper with its distal end  462 , all in the same manner as that described with respect to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15. 
     As shown in FIG. 16, the lower compartment  465  has a distal end  466  which, in a preferred embodiment, may not extend as far forward as the distal end  462  of the bread scoop  460 . Once the distal end  462  of the scoop and the distal end  466  of the lower compartment have fully advanced into the wrapper, a plunger  468 , that is slidably coupled to the lower compartment, is moved forward toward the distal end  466  of the lower compartment  465  in order to expel the insert  420  into the wrapper. The scoop assembly then reverses direction, thus depositing the loaf of bread on top of the insert  420  while pulling the wrapper over the loaf. As the scoop assembly begins to move rearwardly, the insert  420  remains positioned under the loaf of bread as the lower compartment and bread scoop slide from underneath on their way back to the fully-retracted position. As before, once the wrapper has been placed over the loaf and insert  420 , the wrapper is then tied in a tying machine (not shown). 
     The plunger  468  is mechanically connected to the bagger, so that synchronization exists between the two components via the PLC. It has been found that, for proper operation of an embodiment of the invention, the release of the insert  420  into the wrapper should be effected within a time window that begins when, as the scoop  460  advances towards the wrapper, the distal end  462  of the scoop  460  is about 3 inches from its fully-extended position, and ends when, on its way back to the retracted position, the distal end  462  of the scoop  460  is again about 3 inches from its fully-extended position. Deposition of the insert  420  into the wrapper within the specified time period helps ensure that the insert  420  will be properly retained in place as the scoop assembly retracts, as well as stay out of the way of the twist wrapping operation of the bagging system. 
     It is noted that the embodiment just described can also be used in conjunction with the various features that have been described previously with regard to the other embodiments. For example, the present embodiment of the invention can be configured to include multiple insert card conveyors to carry a plurality of inserts, as well as a sensor, such as a UPC bar code reader, to help in selecting the proper insert for each wrapper. 
     It is also noted that, although in the embodiment that has been shown in FIG. 16, the lower compartment  466  is shorter in length than the bread scoop  460 , it is not necessary that this be the case. Moreover, although FIG. 16 shows the use of a plunger  468 , it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that other means for expelling the insert  420  from the lower compartment  465  may also be used. For example, the insert  420  may be expelled by compressed air, or through the use of a pneumatic cylinder or other similar means for urging the insert towards the distal end  466  of the lower compartment  465 . Additionally, a vacuum and blow-off air system, similar to those used in the embodiments discussed previously, and shown in FIG. 15, may be used in conjunction with the present embodiment. 
     The inserts of the invention can comprise a wide variety of items and are not limited to thin, planar objects. Typically, the inserts will be printed material such as coupons, product information sheets, promotional material and the like. However, the insert may also comprise game pieces for contests, sweepstake materials, trading cards, or prizes. The insert may also comprise an envelope having one or more enclosures of the type listed above. Also, the inserts can be product samples such as tea bags, coffee, and dried soup powders contained in suitable pouches. Similarly, in the embodiments of the invention utilizing two- and three-fold inserts, the insert may comprise a perforated or otherwise prefolded card, or may comprise an envelope having a corresponding number of pockets. Oftentimes the size of an insert can be dictated by the Uniform Coupon Council. Currently the preferred size is approximately 3″×6″; other sizes such as 2.5″×8″ are also within the scope of the invention. 
     Although several embodiments have been described herein, one skilled in the art that pertains to the present invention will understand that there are equivalent alternative embodiments. In particular, the embodiments have been described with reference to the delivery of an insert to be automatically packaged with a loaf of bread. However, the invention may also be used with any other similarly-packaged products.