Patent Publication Number: US-10315793-B2

Title: Product packaging system with tipping system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE-TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/558,512, filed on Jul. 26, 2012, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a product stacking and packaging system and, more particularly, to tipping system for orienting a product stack after the stack is formed to facilitate product stack handling. 
     2. Discussion of the Related-Art 
     Discrete product stacking and packaging systems, conventionally referred to as, e.g., automatic case packers, bundlers, or automatic stack and package systems, are rather commonplace in various packaging industries including, e.g., paper products and particularly paper roll products such as tissue paper and paper towel. The automatic stack packagers commonly include a feed assembly in which a plurality of discrete products is arranged in a layer and fed into a stacking system or stacker. The stacker frequently includes a movable lift plate whose position is adjusted during receipt of subsequent layers so that the discrete products of each layer are stacked in an aligned manner over and/or under a corresponding product in an adjacent layer. Once stacked, the product stack is discharged from the stacking system and delivered to a carton, bundler, or other product containment/packaging system to facilitate distribution, transport, and/or consumer consumption from the multiple product containment system. Commonly, particularly with respect to roll paper products, the packaging system includes a plastic containment system that wraps or bundles a layered arrangement of paper roll product in a layer of disposable and/or recyclable plastic material that is then secured onto itself to maintain the stacked orientation of the product for further handling, distribution, and/or consumption. 
     Typical product containment/packaging systems are configured to package the product stack as it is received from the stacker. However, certain product stacks may be susceptible to falling over during packaging due to the dimensions of the product stack. In the event of a product stack coming apart during or prior to packaging, a user would need to either restack the product stack manually or remove the product stack from the stacking and packaging system and refeed the product through the stacking and packaging system. Either option results in an unnecessary delay in the operation of the stacking and packaging system. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a product stacking and packaging system with a tipping system that can turn product stacks on their side prior to packaging of the product. It would further be desirable to provide a tipping system that selectively turns product stacks susceptible to falling over during packaging on their side prior to packaging and leaves product stacks not susceptible to falling in an original position for packaging. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a system for aligning and stacking layers of products and packaging the multiple layers that resolves one or more of the drawbacks discussed above. One aspect of the invention discloses a stacking system having a lift plate that is movable vertically through a stack area, a slide plate assembly movable horizontally into and out of the stack area, a stop plate bordering a rear edge of the stack area, and first and second sidewalls bordering side edges of the stack area. Discrete products are introduced into the stack area in coordination with vertical movement of the lift plate and horizontal movement of the slide plate assembly to stack the products in layers on the lift plate. The stacking system includes an adjustment assembly that allows the position of the stop plate and/or the sidewalls to be adjusted relative to the lift plate to adjust the size of and/or shape of the stack area, permitting the stacking system to be quickly and efficiently configured for use with layers of articles that have different depths and/or widths. 
     In another aspect, the stacking system may cooperate with a tipping system or turn system that turns stacked layers relative to the vertical before the stacked products are delivered to a downstream machine such as a case packer or a bundler. 
     Another aspect of the invention discloses a method that includes arranging one or more of a vertically movable lift plate, a horizontally movable slide plate assembly, first and second sidewalls, and a stop plate relative to a frame assembly to define a stack area through which a lift plate and a slide plate assembly move. The method additionally comprises conveying products into the stack area and coordinating movement of the lift plate and the slide plate assembly to stack products in layers on the lift plate, which each layer having a first size and shape. The method further includes horizontally moving at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the stop plate relative to the frame assembly to alter the size and/or shape of the stack area and thus to accommodate stacking of products in layers having a second size and/or shape. 
     Another aspect of the invention that is usable with one of more of the systems, assemblies of methods disclosed above includes a tipping system or turning system that rolls or tips the stacked layers of products before or after the stack is delivered to a downstream machine such as a bundler or a case packer. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters represent like parts throughout. 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a packaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention and having a feed assembly and a stacking system; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the packaging system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the stacking system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a horizontal slide plate assembly of the stacking system shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a stack discharge assembly of the stacking system shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a vertical lift plate assembly of the stacking system shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an adjustable stop plate assembly of the stacking system shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 9-11  are partial side elevation views of the packaging system shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the advancement of product through the packaging system; 
         FIGS. 12-16  are partial front elevation views of the stacking system shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the sequential vertical operation of the stacking system; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial side elevation view of the packaging system shown in  FIG. 1  and shows a product stack being discharged from the stacking system to a tipping assembly that tips or turns the stack 90 degrees; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the tipping assembly shown in  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary roll paper product that can be stacked and packaged with the packaging system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 20-22  are a partial lateral side elevation of the tipping assembly of  FIGS. 17 and 18  and collectively show the sequential operation of the tipping assembly; 
         FIG. 23  is a view similar to MG,  20  and shows the discharge of a turned multiple product package from the packaging system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a top plan view of a sidewall adjustment assembly of the stacking system shown in  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIGS. 25 and 26  are side elevation views of one side of the horizontal slide plate assembly shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A preferred exemplary embodiment of a roll paper product feed, stack, and packaging systems according to the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout. 
       FIGS. 1-3  show a product packaging system  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Packaging system  10  is configured to receive and arrange a number of discrete articles of products into respective layers, stack the respective products in layers, and discharge the stacked products into a downstream machine such as a bundler or a case packer. Packaging system may also tip or turn the stacked layers of products prior to discharging them from the system  10 . Packaging system  10  includes a feed system  12  and a stacking or stack assembly or system  14  that stacks layers of products and that feeds the stacked products to a downstream system such as a bundler or a case packer. A tipper or tipping system  16  may be located between the stack system and the bundler or case packer to properly orient the stack for packaging while retaining its stability. Packaging system can be configured and/or operated to obtain a desired stacked product orientation for subsequent bundling and/or package size and orientation for desired discharge of the product package from system  10 . Toward this end, feed system  12 , stack system  14 , and tipping system  16  are oriented to form layers  18  of discrete products  20 , stack the layers  18  to form a stack or multilayered product  22 , tip the stack  22  over while preserving its integrity, and convey the tipped stack to a downstream device. As disclosed further below, the present invention provides a packaging system that can be quickly and conveniently configured to stack layers products that have different spatial requirements that may depend on one or more of the number of products in a given row or column, the number of product layers, and/or the size of the discrete or individual products. 
     Feed system  12  includes a carriage  24  that supports an elongate carrier or belt  26  configured to arrange and communicate product layers  18  to stacking system  14 . Feed system  12 , stack system  14 , and tipping system  16  are interconnected by a frame assembly  30  that includes various elongate members  32 ,  34 ,  36  that connect and support the various components of feed system  12 , stacking system  14 , and tipping system  16  to facilitate the progression of product  20  through packaging system  10 . It is appreciated that frame assembly  30  can be provided as either a single unitary frame structure and/or a plurality of interconnected elongate frame members and/or that each of feed, stacking, and tipping systems  12 ,  14 ,  16  include frame assemblies constructed to cooperate with one another so as to align the respective areas associated with passing product through packaging system  10 . Frame assembly  30  includes one or more adjustable supports  38  whose position relative to frame assembly  30  can be manipulated so as to maintain a desired alignment and/or support between feed system  12 , stacking system  14 , and tipping system  16  for a desired progression of product  20  through packaging system  10 . 
     Packaging system  10  includes a discharge assembly  40  having an elongate arm  42  that is movable relative to frame assembly  30  to translate multilayered product or stack  22  from stacking system  14  to tipping system  16 . As explained further below, it is further envisioned that discharge assembly  40  translate multilayered product completely through tipping system  16  to further downstream machinery such as a case packer (not shown). 
       FIG. 4  shows stacking system  14 , aside from a stop plate assembly as discussed further below, removed from packaging system  10 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , stacking system  14  includes a first side plate or sidewall  48  and a second side plate sidewall  50  that are positioned on opposite lateral sides of a stack area or stacking area  56 . With respect to the view shown in  FIG. 4 , it should be appreciated that product advances and is ejected from stacking area  56  along the direction indicated by arrows  59  such that sidewalls  48 ,  50  are oriented in a crossing, transverse, or perpendicular orientation relative to the progression of product through packaging system  10 . The rear edge of the stack area  56  is bounded by a horizontally movable stop plate  214 . Products are stacked in the stack area through coordinated horizontal movement of a slide plate assembly  58  and vertical movement of a lift plate assembly. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 7 , lift plate assembly  60  includes a lift plate  62  supported by a pair of rails  64 ,  68  that extend along lateral directions  52 ,  54  relative to the direction associated with the feed and ejection of product from stacking system  14 . A trolley  70  is disposed at each of the opposite longitudinal ends of lift plate assembly  60 . Each trolley  70  cooperates with a vertically oriented elongate bar or guide rail  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84  ( FIG. 7 ) to facilitate the vertical movement of lift plate  60  through the stack area  56 . This vertical movement is indicated by arrow  73 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , each trolley  70  includes a first roller  72  and a second roller  74  that each cooperate with respective elongate guide rails  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84  to facilitate the vertical movement  73  of lift plate  62  while maintaining the horizontal orientation of lift plate  62  relative to frame assembly  30 . Still referring to  FIG. 7 , it should be noted that guide rails  78 ,  80  are positioned laterally inboard relative to the rollers  72 ,  74 , whereas guide rails  82 ,  84  are oriented laterally outboard relative to the adjacent roller  72 ,  74 . This configuration mitigates twisting and/or racking of lift plate assembly  60  relative to frame assembly  30  during vertical translation of the lift plate assembly  60 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 5, 25, and 26 , slide plate assembly  58  is configured to selectively support a layer of articles in the stack area  56  and then deposit that layer on an underlying area that is supported on the lift plate  60 . Slide plate assembly includes a first horizontal plate assembly  86  and a second horizontal plate assembly  88 . Each plate assembly  86 ,  88  includes a respective plate  90 ,  92  that is horizontally movable in lateral directions  52 ,  54  relative to stacking area  56  and sidewalls  48 ,  50  under power of a drive system  116 , described below. As shown in  FIG. 5 , each horizontal plate  90 ,  92  is supported by a trolley plate  94 ,  96  that movably cooperates with a respective rail  98 ,  100 . Each trolley plate  94 ,  96  includes one, and preferably two, roller assemblies  104 ,  106  that movably cooperate with a respective rail  98 . Preferably, rails  98  and roller assemblies  104  are oriented at opposite lateral sides, indicated by arrow  108  ( FIG. 5 ), relative to a direction of travel, indicated by arrow  110 , of each horizontal plate  90 ,  92 . This construction ensures stable horizontal movement of the horizontal plates  90 ,  92  relative to frame assembly  30  throughout the range of movement of the respective plate assemblies  86 ,  88  and attributable to movement of the respective trolley plate or trolley assembly  94 ,  96 . 
     Drive system  116  includes a motor  118  that is coupled to a first gearbox  120  and a second gearbox  122  via a connecting rod  124 . Connecting rod  124  traverses stacking area  56  and is disposed generally beneath lift plate  62 . Each gearbox  120 ,  122  includes to drive shaft  124 ,  126  that is connected to a rotatable drive member  128 ,  130  ( FIGS. 25, 26 ). A flexible drive member  134 , such as chain or belt, is engaged with one of respective rotatable drive members  128 ,  130  and extends along direction  110  to a rotatable support member  136  such that the elongated drive member extends longitudinally beneath the respective horizontal plate assembly  86 . 
     One of roller assemblies  104  of each trolley assembly  94 ,  96  includes a bracket  138  that is secured via a fastener  140  or the like to the flexible drive member  134  associated with the respective trolley assembly  94 ,  96 . Operation of the motor  118  effectuates clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, indicated by arrow  144 , of drive shaft  124  and thereby longitudinal translation of the corresponding trolley plate  94 ,  96  into and out of the stack area  56 . As explained further below with respect to  FIGS. 12-16 , such operation allows the sequential staging of rows and columns products into stacking area  56  and the depositing of the resulting layer on the underlying stack without adversely affecting the orientation of any of the discrete products  20  associated with adjacent layers which may have previously been positioned stacked on the lift plate  62 . It should further be readily appreciated that horizontal plates  90 ,  92  move in generally opposite directions relative to one another during the sequential operation of stacking system  14 , move in a crossing direction relative to stack area  56 , or move in a crossing direction relative to the direction of introduction of product into stack area  56 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 24 , each sidewall  48 ,  50  is attached to frame assembly  30  by an adjustment mechanism  150  so as to permit the width of the stack area to be adjusted. Each adjustment mechanism  150  includes a handle or crank  152  that is connected to a screw  154  associated with an upper adjustment assembly  156  that extends along lateral directions  52 ,  54 . Each adjustment mechanism  150  further includes a transmission system  158  that communicates a driving force from crank  152  to a lower adjustment assembly  160 . As explained further below with respect to  FIG. 24 , rotational operation of screw  154  and another screw  162  associated with the respective adjustment mechanism translates the corresponding sidewall  48 ,  50  in lateral directions  52 ,  54  during operation of the respective crank  152 , thereby manipulating the width associated with stack area  56  and thereby the width associated with a product layer being stacked. 
     As shown in  FIG. 24 , respective sidewalls  48 ,  50  include a support plate  170  that extends in a respective lateral direction  52 ,  54  away from stacking area  56 . Each support plate  170  slidably cooperates with a frame web wall  172  that extends in a crossing direction relative to the longitudinal axis, indicated by line  176 , of the respective screw  154 ,  162 . Frame web wall  172  is positionally fixed with respect to frame  30 , and includes a support  178  that cooperates with an end  180  of the respective screw  154  but does not interfere with rotation of screw  154 ,  162  due to operation of the respective crank  152  or the translation of the respective support plate  170  relative to frame assembly  30 . A support plate web wall  174  also extends in a crossing direction relative to longitudinal axis  176  of the respective screw  154 ,  162  but is secured to the respective support plate  170  so as to be movable therewith relative to the respective frame web wall  172  along the longitudinal length of the respective screw  154 ,  162  during operation of the corresponding screw. 
     As shown in  FIG. 24 , this arrangement permits each sidewall  48 ,  50  to move between a variety of positions along the longitudinal length of the respective screw  154 ,  162 . Hence, each sidewall  48 ,  50  can achieve a first position  190  and a second position  192  to adjust the width the stack area  56  to accommodate a first product layer shape  194  and a second product layer shape  196 . The adjustable sideplates  48  and  50  thus allow use of stacking system with product configurations having a plethora of distinct widths. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 8 , stop plate  222  is part of a stop plate assembly  220  that is movably positionable relative to frame assembly  30  and thereby stack area  56 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , stop plate assembly  220  includes a carriage  224  that is movable along a pair of elongate rails  226 ,  228  that extend in the product travel direction  58  relative to packaging system  10 . This movement permits the depth of the stack area  56  to be adjusted to accommodate stacks of different depths. 
     Carriage  224  includes a number of rollers  230 ,  232  that cooperate with respective rails  226 ,  228  to effectuate the longitudinal translation, indicated by arrow  234 , of stop plate  222  relative to stack area  56 . The carriage  224  is driven by a drive system  236  that is powered by a motor  238 . Alternatively, it is envisioned that one or all of sidewalls  48 ,  50  and stop plate  222  could be adjustably positionable relative to frame assembly  30  either automatically, via use of motors, pneumatic, hydraulic, or linear actuators, or manually adjustable such as via the use of crank wheels or other manual adjustment systems. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 8 , motor  238  is connected to a drive screw  240  that is operationally connected to carriage  224  in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the adjustment of sidewalls  48 ,  50  relative to frame  30 . That is, rotation of drive screw  240  via operation of motor  238  effectuates translation of stop plate  222  in directions  234  relative to frame assembly  30  and stacking area  56  so as to thereby manipulate a depth, indicated by arrow  244 , of stack area  56 . Although infinitely positionable along drive screw  240 , stop plate  222  can attain at least a first position  246  and a second position  248  relative to stacked area  56  and frame assembly  30  to accommodate product shapes and configurations having different respective depths. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 3, and 6 , discharge assembly  40  includes a carriage  200  and a number of rollers  202  that are supported at opposite lateral sides thereof. Rollers  202  cooperate with alternate rails  204 ,  206  that are attached to frame assembly  30 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , discharge assembly  40  includes a drive system  210  that is connected to carriage  200  and configured to selectively extend and retract arm  42  relative to stacking system  14  and tipping system  16 . A push pad or plate  214  is disposed at an end  212  of arm  42  and is shaped to push a stacked but non-bundled product configuration  22  from stacking system  14  and toward tipping system  16 . 
     Operation of the stacking system now will be described with reference to  FIGS. 9-16 . A number of discrete products  20  are advanced into the stack area  56  to form a product layer  250 . The individual products typically will be arranged in a configuration of rows and columns of, for examples, 3 rows of products having three columns in each row. Understandably, other numbers of products per row, per column, or per layer, and other numbers of layers are attainable as may be desired. A layer may be formed, for example, by staging the desired configuration upstream of the stack area, positioning the lift plate  62  in the stack area  56 , and pushing the layer  250  into the stack area  56  via operation of the feed system  12  such that the rear row of articles is positioned against or just in front of the stop plate  222 . Preferably, stop plate  222  and sidewalls  48 ,  50  are positioned so as to contact but not interfere with biased or gravitational translation of product layers relative to stack area  56 . 
     After a first product layer  250  has been disposed on lift plate  62 , lift plate  62  travels in a downward direction, indicated by arrow  252 , such that the upper surface of the first layer is located just beneath the plane of the stack area  56 , whereupon the horizontal plates  90 ,  92  of the slide plate assembly  58  can be introduced into stacking area  56  without contacting first layer  250 . Alternatively, it is envisioned that lift plate  62  may be maintained in very close proximity to horizontal plates  90 ,  92  such that an initial product layer can be introduced to stack area  56 , initially supported by horizontal plates  90 ,  92 , and then, upon retraction of horizontal plates  90 ,  92  from stack area  56 , introduced into supported engagement with lift plate  62 . Such an operation can be conveniently effectuated by the use of various limits and/or operational stops associated with the movement of the respective assemblies as is well understood in the art. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , a second product layer  254  is introduced by feed system  12  to stack area  56  so as to generally overlie first product layer  250  while being supported by horizontal plates  90 ,  92 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , subsequent retraction of horizontal plates  90 ,  92  stacks the second product layer  254  upon first product layer  250  with no intervening structure of packaging system  10 . The lift plate assembly  60  can then be indexed down to position the second product layer beneath the plane of the stack area  56 , and the process can be repeated until a desired number of layers of products are stacked one upon the other and supported on the lift plate  62 . 
     Once the desired number of product layers has been vertically stacked on the lift plate  52 , lift plate assembly  60  is raised stop plate  222  such that a bottom surface  260  of product first layer  250  is generally aligned between a discharge platform  262  and push plate  214  of discharge assembly  40 . Translation of discharge assembly  40  toward stack  22  pushes stack  22  from the elevated lift plate  62  out of stack area  56  and onto discharge platform  262 . After ejection of stack  22  from stack area  56 , lift plate  62  can be shuttled in downward direction  252  for subsequent receipt of layered product and repeated sequential operation of feed system  12  and stacking system  14 . 
     The discharge assembly could discharge the stack  22  directly to a packaging machine such as a bundler or a case packer without further manipulation of the stack. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the stack  22  can be tipped or rotated 90 degrees by the tipping system  16  before or after being either bundled or discharged from packaging system  10 . Preferably, for stacked product configuration where tipping may be an issue during progression of the stacked product from stacking system  14 , tipping system  14  tips the stacked stack  22  prior to bundling or packaging of the product thereby mitigating the incidents of inadvertent tipping of stacked product. 
       FIGS. 17 through 23  show the progression of a multilayer or stacked product  261  into and through tipping system  16 . It is understood that packaging system  10  is usable with a first paper product, such as residential use paper roll tissue product, like that shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , as well as another paper product such as a commercial paper roll product  270 , like that shown in  FIG. 19  and the product layering shown in  FIGS. 17, 18, and 20-23 . It can also be used for many other products, such as facial tissue, napkins, multi-folded and inter-folded towels, etc. it should be readily appreciated that the overall width, depth, and height of stacked product will vary as a function of the dimension of the product as well as the desired number of rows, columns, and layers of the stacked product. Stacked product  261  is delivered from stack area  56  toward tipping system  16  by operation of the discharge assembly  40  with the aid of a stationary vertical side guide plate  294 . As stacked product  261  progresses from stack area  56 , if the product is not to be tipped prior to bundling, the stack interferes with a flexible wrap such as plastic or the like such that the plastic material generally surrounds stacked product  261 . Preferably, for those product shapes and stack configurations that are tipped prior to bundling or being packed in a case, the oriented product stack does not interfere with the flexible wrap until after the tip or turn operation has completed. 
     Located above tipping system  16  is a drive system  280  that is connected to a number of movable arms  282 ,  284 ,  286  that wrap a plastic material about the oriented stacked product  261  as stacked product  261  progresses through the system via further displacement of plate  214  in the discharge direction. 
     Tipping system  16  includes a selectively operable turner that flips or turns the stacked product  261  relative to a vertical plane. The illustrated tipping system comprises a turn plate  290  that is movable relative to discharge platform  262  to effectuate a flip or turn of a stacked product  261  prior to bundling and discharge of the stacked product. In the illustrated embodiment, this movement occurs about a horizontal pivot axis  291  where an upstream end of turn plate  290  is pivotally coupled to a downstream end of discharge platform  262 . As alluded to above, certain product stack configurations, such as 3½ inch wide by 6, 9, or 12-inch diameter industrial away from home roll tissue products, are more readily susceptible to tipping of the stacked product as compared to stacked rolls of tissue product like household towels and bathroom tissue. As such, it is advantageous to manipulate the orientation of the stack to maintain the orientation of the product during the packaging and discharge processes. Preferably, turn plate  290  is configured to provide a 90-degree rotation of the stacked product about a vertical plane with respect to the orientation of the product stack  261  discharged from stacking system  14 . It is appreciated that, should it not be desired to turn stacked product  261 , turn plate  290  may be maintained in an initial position so as to not manipulate the orientation of the package during the product discharge sequence. 
     A product platform  292  is positioned downstream of tipping system  16  and is oriented or otherwise constructed to communicate the stacking for further processing and/or subsequent packaging and/or shipping operations. Preferably, product platform  292  is configured to deliver the bundled product by gravity to a position that does not interfere with the tipping and bundling of subsequent stacked and bundled product. System  16  preferably includes one or more of a heat and/or adhesive dispensing system for securing the plastic associated with the bundled product onto itself prior to discharge of the bundled product from system  16 . 
     Operation of the tipping system  16  is shown in  FIGS. 20-23 . A support surface of the tipping plate  290  extends horizontally prior to product tipping, and arm  42  drives the push pad or plate  214  horizontally to push a stacked but non-bundled product stack  261  onto the tipping plate  290  to the position shown in  FIG. 20 . The arm  42  then is withdrawn, and the tippling plate  42  is pivoted about pivot axis  291  as shown in  FIG. 21  until the tipping plate  290  extends vertically as shown in  FIG. 22 . The product stack  261  tips or turns 90 degrees relative to the vertical during this process so that the reoriented product stack  261  rests on the discharge platform  262  as shown in  FIG. 22 . The tipping plate  290  is then returned to its original, horizontal position, and the arm  42  drives the product stack  261  horizontally across the tipping plate  290  and onto the downstream product platform  292  as seen in  FIG. 23 . 
     Packaging system  10  can stack and bundle a plurality of discrete products and can quickly and conveniently be configured for operation with products having different sizes and/or packaged products having different numbers of discrete product articles. Packaging system  10  includes a stacking system  12  that can tolerate different sized layers of products and can be efficiently configured for processing of such articles. Packaging system  10  can also be configured to rotate or tip a stack product if such a product orientation is desired. Accordingly, packaging system  10  provides improved system efficiency and reduced downtime associated with configuring a packaging system for operation with variable products.