Automated packaging methods

摘要

An automated method for forming a packaged good article includes establishing a continuous path of travel for a mandrel. The mandrel defines an open interior between a package side and a loading side. With the mandrel at a first angle, a packaging material is wrapped about the mandrel at a first station along the path of travel to define a partial package. Product is dispensed into the partial package at a second station. With the mandrel at the second angle, the partial package and the mandrel are separated from one another at a third station. The first angle of the mandrel (at the first station) differs from the second angle of the mandrel (at the third station). The partial package is closed to form a packaged good article. In some embodiments, the mandrel is horizontal at the first station and is vertical at the third station.

主权项

1. A method of forming a packaged good article, the method comprising:
establishing a continuous path of travel by an automatically driven conveyor chain for a partial package forming mandrel, the mandrel defining a major axis and an open interior region extending between a package side and a loading side, the package side terminating at a terminal end opposite the loading side, the terminal end being open to the interior region; wrapping a packaging material about the package side at a first station along the path of travel to define a partial package having a closed end extending across the terminal end and an open end disposed over the mandrel, wherein the major axis is arranged at a first angle relative to the path of travel at the first station; dispensing a product into the partial package via the loading side of the mandrel at a second station along the path of travel; pivoting the mandrel relative to the path of travel between the second station and a third station along the path of travel; separating the partial package and the mandrel from one another at the third Station along the path of travel, wherein the major axis is arranged at a second angle relative to the path of travel at the third station; wherein the first angle and the second angle are different; and closing the open end of the partial package to form a packaged good article.