Andrew P Devine

US Patent:

49495313, Aug 21, 1990

Filed:

Apr 26, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/186157

Inventors:

Keith A. Langenbeck - Dallas TX
Andrew P. Devine - Oklahoma City OK
Joseph M. Howsden - Oklahoma City OK

International Classification:

B65B 510
B65B 3544

US Classification:

53534

Abstract:

A system for packing containers into trays for transport and/or storage. First and second conveyor tracks are provided for transporting the containers and the trays, respectively, along substantially the same transport axis. The second track is disposed beneath the first track and is inclined upwardly so that the first and second tracks converge at a predetermined location adjacent to the downstream end of the first track. The inclined portion of the second track includes a flexible spring member, which cooperates with a guide member positioned on an undersurface of the first track to position each tray as it moves along the inclined portion of the second track so that the leading end of each tray clears the downstream end of the first track. Positioned downstream of the first and second tracks is a support member for journally supporting at least a portion of each tray as the containers are being packed into that particular tray. The support member is pivotally mounted for being moved downwardly away from the downstream end of the first track by the weight of the packed tray to provide sufficient clearance for the trailing end of the tray to clear the downstream end of the first track when the packing operation is completed.