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11858693 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1illustrates one example of a slider100mounted on a zipper assembly102having interlocking first and second zipper profile members104,106. The profile members104,106include respective first and second flanges108,110and respective first and second interlocking elements112,114. The first interlocking element112includes first and second arms116,118that form a female configuration or female interlocking zipper member. The second interlocking element114includes a third arm124and a fulcrum126forming a male configuration or male interlocking zipper member. The male zipper member is received and meshes with the female zipper member of the first interlocking element112. The slider100includes a top wall140and first and second sidewalls142,144which terminate in respective first and second inwardly oriented lips146,148. A closing end of the slider100includes interior sidewalls120,122that are inclined (as shown inFIG.1) while an opening end of the slider100includes interior sidewalls120,122which are substantially parallel to each other (e.g., more parallel than angled to each other). To open the zipper assembly102, the first and second profiles104,106are separated by the lower part of the interior sidewalls120,122pushing the lower portion of the first and second profiles104,106together. This causes the first profile104to pivot about fulcrum126, which causes the third arm124to pull away from the first and second arms116,118so that the second profile106moves upwardly into a recess125. One or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein include hinged zipper assemblies that prevent or interfere with attempts to open enclosures without using the slider100. For example, children applying an opening force on the enclosure by pulling on the outer panels or surfaces of the enclosures may not be able to separate the zipper members104,106to open the enclosure. Instead, the slider100may need to be used to separate the zipper members104,106and open the enclosure. The zipper assemblies include hinges, such as living hinges and/or simulated hinges, that reduce the moment over which the opening force is applied. This can reduce the force so that the force is inadequate to separate the zipper members from each other and open the enclosure. FIGS.2and3illustrate one example of a hinged zipper assembly202. The zipper assembly202can be used in place of the zipper assembly102shown inFIG.1to provide a re-closeable and/or resealable closure for an enclosure such as a bag, pouch, or other container. The zipper assembly202includes interlocking first and second zipper profile members204,206that are female and male interlocking members, similar to as described above in connection with the female and male interlocking members104,106. The zipper members204,206each has an elongated body in directions extending into and out of the plane ofFIG.2. Each of the female and male zipper members204,206includes a respective facing side250,252and a respective opposite side254,256(opposite to the facing side of each interlocking member). The interlocking members204,206include respective upper edges258,260and respective opposite lower edges262,264. The facing sides250,252of the female and male zipper members204,206can be the outermost surfaces of the zipper members204,206and may face each other when the zipper members204,206are separated from each other. The zipper members204,206have profile protrusions218,224that can represent the arms118,124, described above. These profile protrusions218,224extend from the respective facing sides250,252. The profile protrusion or second arm218of the female zipper member204is located between the upper edge258and the lower edge262of the female zipper member204. The profile protrusion or third arm224of the male zipper member206is located between the upper edge260and the lower edge264of the male zipper member206. As shown and described above, the profile protrusions218,224are shaped to mesh with each other to interlock the first and second zipper members204,206with each other. The zipper members204,206also include flanges208,210that extend from the lower edges262,264. The flanges208,210can represent the flanges108,110shown inFIG.1. The flanges208,210can be affixed (e.g., sealed) to panels of an enclosure that is closed by meshing of the profile protrusions218,224of the zipper members204,206with each other. At least one of the zipper members described in the various examples herein can have a living hinge. While the illustrated embodiments show both zipper members having a living hinge, optionally, only one of the zipper members may have a living hinge. In the example shown inFIGS.2and3, the zipper members204,206include living hinges266,268disposed between the lower edge262,264and the profile protrusion218,224of the zipper member204,206. The living hinge266,268can be a linear slit or slot inwardly extending into the body of the zipper member204,206from the facing side250,252toward, but not all the way to, the opposite side254,256. For example, the living hinge266can be an elongated slit (elongated in directions extending into and out of the plane ofFIG.2) that extends from the facing side250of the female member204more than halfway through (but not entirely through) the distance from the facing side250to the opposite, rear side254. The living hinge268can be an elongated slit (elongated in directions extending into and out of the plane ofFIG.2) that extends from the facing side252of the male member206more than halfway through (but not entirely through) the distance from the facing side252to the opposite, rear side256. The living hinges266,268are linear slits formed between opposing interior surfaces of the zipper members204,206. For example, as shown inFIG.3, the living hinge266in the female zipper member204is formed between opposing interior surfaces270,272that contact each other along the entirety of the hinge266when the hinge266is closed (FIG.2) and that separate from each other when the hinge266is activated or pulled apart (FIG.3). Also as shown inFIG.3, the living hinge268in the male zipper member206is formed between opposing interior surfaces274,276that contact each other along the entirety of the hinge268when the hinge268is closed (FIG.2) and that separate from each other when the hinge268is activated or pulled apart (FIG.3). In operation, the living hinges266,268can prevent the enclosure to which the zipper members204,206are joined from being opened by pulling on the panels or flanges208,210of the zipper members204,206. A child or other person may attempt to open the zipper assembly202by pulling on the panels of the enclosure to which the zipper assembly202is joined. Pulling these panels causes the flanges208,210of the zipper members204,206to be pulled away from each other, as shown inFIG.3. The living hinges266,268prevent the pulling on the panels of the enclosure and on the flanges208,210from separating the zipper members204,206from each other. The living hinges266,268reduce the moment applied to the protrusions218,224by pulling on the flanges208,210. For example, without the hinges266,268, the moment applied to the protrusions218,224would be the product of (a) an opening force applied to pull the panels or flanges208,210apart and (b) the distance from where this force is applied to the protrusions218,224. With the hinges266,268, however, this moment is reduced to the product of (c) the opening force applied to the panels or flanges208,210and (d) the shorter distance from the locations of the hinges266,268to the protrusions218,224. By reducing the distance over which the opening force is applied, the protrusions218,224may not separate (or may only separate with a force that destroys the panels, flanges208,210, and/or zipper members204,206), or may not separate with a force that a child can physically apply. This can make an enclosure that includes the zipper members204,206with child resistance or child deterrence (to opening). FIGS.4through7illustrate another example of a hinged zipper assembly402. The zipper assembly402can be used in place of the zipper assembly102shown inFIG.1to provide a re-closeable and/or resealable enclosure. The zipper assembly402includes the interlocking zipper profile members204,206described above. One difference between the zipper assemblies202,402is the shape of living hinges. The living hinges266,268are linear slits between opposing interior surfaces270/272,274/276. In contrast, the zipper assembly402includes living hinges466,468that are formed from linear slits482,484that extend to open voids478,480within the bodies of the interlocking members404,406. The voids478,480are circular in shape inFIGS.4through7, but optionally can have another shape, such as a shape of an oval or other rounded body or the shape of a polygon.FIG.5illustrates the hinge466when no force is applied to pull the flanges208,210apart,FIG.6illustrates the hinge466when force is applied to pull the flanges208,210apart, andFIG.7illustrates the hinge466when force is applied to press the bottom side262and the top side258of the interlocking member204together. As described above, the hinges466,468can reduce the distance over which the opening force is applied to the zipper members204,206to prevent inadvertent opening of an enclosure, to prevent a child from opening an enclosure, etc. The presence of the voids478,480can reduce stress imparted on portions of the interlocking members404,406located between the hinges and the back sides of the interlocking members. For example, the slit hinges266,268may impart significant force on the thin portions of the bodies of the interlocking members204,206located between the hinges266,268and the sides254,256of the members204,206. This force can tear through these portions of the bodies of the interlocking members204,206and destroy the zipper assembly202. In contrast, the voids478,480in the void hinges466,468can reduce the force applied to the portions of the bodies of the interlocking members404,406between the hinges466,468and the sides254,256of the interlocking members404,406. The voids478,480can spread out this force along or across a greater surface area (e.g., the surface area of the interlocking members406,408within the voids478,480) to prevent tearing through the interlocking members404,406. FIGS.8and9illustrate another example of a hinged zipper assembly802. The zipper assembly802can be used in place of the zipper assembly102shown inFIG.1to provide a re-closeable and/or resealable enclosure. The zipper assembly802includes interlocking zipper profile members804,806having similar shapes, edges, surfaces, etc., as the zipper members204,206described above. One difference between the zipper assemblies202,802is the shape of living hinges. The living hinges266,268are linear slits between opposing interior surfaces270/272,274/276. In contrast, the zipper assembly802includes living hinges866,868that are formed from concave recesses extending inward from the facing sides250,252of the zipper members804,806toward the opposite sides254,256of the zipper members804,806. The concave recesses forming the living hinges866,868have arch shapes, such as shapes of semi-circles, semi-ovals, or portions of other rounded shapes. As described above, the hinges866,868can reduce the distance over which the opening force is applied to the zipper members804,806to prevent inadvertent opening of an enclosure, to prevent a child from opening an enclosure, etc.FIG.8illustrates the zipper members804,806with no opening force applied whileFIG.9illustrates the zipper members804,806with an opening force applied to the panels and/or flanges208,210. Similar to the void hinges466,468, the arch hinges866,868can reduce stress imparted on portions of the interlocking members804,806located between the hinges and the back sides254,256of the interlocking members804,806. The arch hinges866,868can reduce the force applied to the portions of the bodies of the interlocking members804,806between the hinges866,868and the sides254,256of the interlocking members804,806by spreading out this force along or across a greater surface area to prevent tearing through the interlocking members804,806. FIG.10illustrates another example of a hinged zipper assembly1002. The zipper assembly1002can be used in place of the zipper assembly102shown inFIG.1to provide a re-closeable and/or resealable enclosure. The zipper assembly1002includes the interlocking zipper profile members204,206described above. One difference between the zipper assemblies202,1002is the location of the living hinges266,268. In the zipper assembly202, the living hinges266,268are located closer to the bottom edges or sides262,264than the upper edges or sides258,260. In the zipper assembly1002, the living hinge268in the male zipper member206is located closer to the upper edge or side260than the lower edge or side264. For example, the protrusion or arm224of the male zipper member206extends outward and downward to form a recess1086into which the protrusion or arm218of the female zipper member204is received. The hinge268in the male zipper member206can extend into the male zipper member206from inside the recess1086toward (but not entirely to) the back side256of the male zipper member206. As described above, the hinges266,268can reduce the moment generated by the opening force to prevent a child or other inadvertent opening of an enclosure by pulling on the panels or flanges208,210of the zipper assembly1002. Another difference between the zipper assemblies202,1002is the orientation of the living hinges266,268. In the zipper assembly202, the slits forming the living hinges266,268are oriented perpendicular to (or substantially perpendicular, such as between 85 degrees and 95 degrees to) the back sides254,256of the zipper members204,206. But, in the zipper assembly1002, the slits forming the living hinges266,268are oriented toward the upper sides258,260of the zipper members204,206. For example, the slits may be angled upward toward the upper sides258,260such that the slits are not oriented perpendicular to the back sides254,256of the zipper members204,206. Angling the slits upward can further reduce the amount of force transferred to the zipper members204,206due to the opening force applied to the panels and/or flanges208,210. For example, the angled slits can further shorten the moment of force applied to the zipper members204,206by shortening the distance over which the opening force is applied to the zipper members204,206. Optionally, the hinges266,268are both disposed beneath the protrusions218,224(as shown inFIG.2), but with the hinges266,268oriented upward as the hinge266is oriented inFIG.10. FIG.11illustrates another example of a hinged zipper assembly1102. The zipper assembly1102can be used in place of the zipper assembly102shown inFIG.1to provide a re-closeable and/or resealable enclosure. The zipper assembly1102includes the interlocking zipper profile members204,206described above, but without the living hinges266,268. Instead, the zipper assembly1102includes a simulated living hinge that is created by different connection points1188,1190between panels1192,1194of an enclosure and the flanges and the zipper members. For example, neither the zipper member204nor the zipper member206in the assembly1102may include a living hinge formed by a slit, arch, void, or the like. In the zipper assemblies102,202,402,802,1002, the flanges208,210may be sealed (e.g., heat sealed) to the panels1192,1194(not visible inFIGS.1through10) in locations below the lower sides or edges262,264. In the zipper assembly1102, one of the flanges208or210can be coupled with the panel1192or1194below the lower side262or264, while the other of the flanges210or208is not coupled with the other panel1194or1192. Instead, the other panel1194or1192is coupled with the back side256or254closer to the upper side260or258. In the illustrated example, the panel1194is joined to the flange210of the male zipper member206by a heat seal at the connection point1190below the lower side264of the male zipper member206and the panel1192is sealed to the back side254of the female zipper member204by a heat seal at the connection point1188. Alternatively, the panel1194can be sealed to the back side256of the male zipper member206and the panel1192can be sealed to the flange208of the female zipper member204below the bottom side262of the female zipper member204. Coupling the panels1192,1194to the zipper members204,206in different locations that are different distances from the upper sides258,260creates a hinge that reduces the force applied to separate the zipper members204,206when the panels1192,1194are pulled apart by the opening force. For example, pulling the panels1192,1194away from each other can cause the opening force to rotate the zipper assembly1102(e.g., in a counter-clockwise direction inFIG.11) instead of pulling the zipper members204,206apart from each other. The slider100may pass over the seal at the connection point1188during opening and closing of the zipper assembly1102. FIG.12illustrates another example of a hinged zipper assembly1202. The zipper assembly1202can be used in place of the zipper assembly102shown inFIG.1to provide a re-closeable and/or resealable enclosure. The zipper assembly1202includes the interlocking zipper profile members204,206described above, but with at least one of the zipper members204or206having a vertical hinge1268. The vertical hinge1268is formed in the male zipper member206in the illustrated embodiment, but optionally can also be in the female zipper member204or may only be in the female zipper member204. The vertical hinge1268can be a slit or a slot that extends from the lower side264toward, but not entirely to, the upper side260of the male zipper member206between the opposite sides252,256. Optionally, the vertical hinge1268can be a slit or a slot that extends from the lower side262toward, but not entirely to, the upper side258of the female zipper member204between the opposite sides250,254. As shown, the panels1192,1194of the enclosure can be sealed to the flanges208,210below the zipper assembly1202. If the opening force is applied to the panels1192,1194by pulling the panels1192,1194apart, the force can cause the hinge1268to open such that the back side256of the zipper member206moves away from the front side252of the zipper member206. This shortens the moment over which the opening force is applied to the zipper members204,206and can prevent the zipper members204,206from separating. FIG.13illustrates one example of an enclosure1300having the hinged zipper assembly102. The enclosure1300is formed from one or more webs of flexible material (e.g., a polymer). These webs form the one or more of the panels1192,1194that are joined or otherwise closed along opposing edges1396,1398and a bottom edge1301of the enclosure1300. For example, if the enclosure1300is formed from multiple webs of material as the panels1192,1194, then the panels1192,1194may be sealed to each other along the edges1396,1398,1301to enclose or bound an interior chamber or volume. If the enclosure1300is formed from a single web (e.g., a tube of the web material), then the tube of web material can be sealed along one of the edges1396,1398, or1301to enclose or bound the interior chamber or volume (and may include a fin or lap seal running vertically on one of the faces or panels). The panels1192,1194can be different portions of this single web on opposite sides of the interior chamber or volume. The panel1192is shown inFIG.13with the panel1194located behind the panel1192(on the opposite side of the enclosure1300). The zipper assembly102can be disposed along upper edges1303of the panels1192,1194, such as by heat sealing the zipper assembly102to the upper edges1303of the panels1192,1194. The zipper assembly102can include the slider100that is used to open the zipper assembly102to provide access into the enclosure1300and that is used to close the zipper assembly102to prevent access into the enclosure1300. As described herein, the hinged zipper assembly102can prevent the zipper members from being separated to access the interior of the enclosure1300by pulling the panels1192,1194apart from each other. FIG.14illustrates a flowchart of one example of a method1400for creating a hinged zipper assembly and connecting the assembly to an enclosure. The method1400includes forming first and second zipper members at1402. Each of the zipper members can be formed with an elongated body having a facing side, an opposite side, an upper edge, and an opposite lower edge. Each of the first and second zipper members can be formed to have a profile protrusion that extends from the facing sides and are located between the upper and lower edges. The profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members are shaped to mesh with each other to interlock the first and second zipper members with each other. The method1400also can include forming a living hinge in one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member between the lower edge and the profile protrusion of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member at1404. The living hinge can be formed by cutting a slit from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by extruding the elongated body of the first zipper member and/or the second zipper member to include the slit, the slit and a void, or a concave recess. The first and second zipper members can be formed with flanges that extend from the lower edges. At1406, the flanges are affixed to panels of an enclosure that is closed by meshing of the profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members with each other. The method optionally also can include sealing a first panel with the opposite side of the elongated body of the first zipper member between the upper edge and the lower edge of the elongated body of the first zipper member, and sealing a second panel with the flange of the second zipper member below the lower edge of the elongated body of the second zipper member. In one embodiment, a zipper assembly includes first and second zipper members each having an elongated body with a facing side, an opposite side, an upper edge, and an opposite lower edge. The facing sides of the first and second zipper members face each other. The first and second zipper members each has a profile protrusion that extends from the facing sides and are located between the upper and lower edges. The profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members are shaped to mesh with each other to interlock the first and second zipper members with each other. The first and second zipper members each has flanges that extend from the lower edges. The flanges are configured to be affixed to panels of an enclosure that is closed by meshing of the profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members with each other. One or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member includes a living hinge disposed between the lower edge and the profile protrusion of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by a slit extending from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by the slit that extends from the facing side of the elongated body to an open void within the elongated body of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by a concave recess extending from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member. Optionally, the concave recess forming the living hinge has an arch shape. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by a slit extending into the lower edge toward the upper edge of the elongated body of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member. Optionally, the assembly also can include first and second panels of the panels, with the first panel coupled with the opposite side of the elongated body of the first zipper member and the second panel coupled with the flange of the second zipper member. The living hinge can be formed by the first panel being coupled with the opposite side of the elongated body of the first zipper member between the upper edge and the lower edge of the elongated body of the first zipper member and by the second panel coupled with the flange of the second zipper member below the lower edge of the elongated body of the second zipper member. Optionally, the profile protrusion of the first zipper member has a bent shape and the profile protrusion of the second zipper member has a receptacle shaped to receive the bent shape of the profile protrusion of the first zipper member. Optionally, both the first zipper member and the second zipper portion have the living hinge with the living hinge in the first zipper member disposed closer to the upper edge of the first zipper member than the living hinge in the second zipper member. Optionally, the living hinge is disposed in the first zipper member as a linear slit oriented at a transverse angle relative to the facing side and the upper edge of the first zipper member. Optionally, the assembly also can include a slider having opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second sidewalls that each extend from the first end to the second end. The slider can have a space between the first and second sidewalls, where the space has a shape through which the first and second zipper members move. In an absence of an additional manual force to push the first and second sidewalls of the slider toward each other, the first and second sidewalls provide an insufficient force to separate the first and second zipper members from each other and the additional manual force must be provided to the first and second sidewalls to pivot the first zipper member about a fulcrum on the second zipper member to separate the first zipper member from the second zipper member. The second end of the slider having elements for interlocking the profile protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member in response to motion of the slider along the first zipper member and the second zipper member in a closing direction. The slider can be formed of a flexible material that is configured to be manually pressed to urge the first and second sidewalls of the slider together to separate the profile protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member. In one embodiment, a method includes forming first and second zipper members with each of the first and second zipper members formed with an elongated body having a facing side, an opposite side, an upper edge, and an opposite lower edge. Each of the first and second zipper members is formed to have a profile protrusion that extends from the facing sides and are located between the upper and lower edges. The profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members are shaped to mesh with each other to interlock the first and second zipper members with each other. The method also includes forming a living hinge in one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member between the lower edge and the profile protrusion of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member. The first and second zipper members are formed with flanges that extend from the lower edges. The flanges are configured to be affixed to panels of an enclosure that is closed by meshing of the profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members with each other. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by cutting a slit from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by extruding the elongated body of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member to include the slit to extend from the facing side of the elongated body to an open void within the elongated body. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by extruding the elongated body of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member to include a concave recess extending from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body. Optionally, the concave recess forming the living hinge has an arch shape. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by cutting a slit into the lower edge toward the upper edge of the elongated body of the one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member. Optionally, the method also can include sealing a first panel of the panels with the opposite side of the elongated body of the first zipper member between the upper edge and the lower edge of the elongated body of the first zipper member, and sealing a second panel of the panels with the flange of the second zipper member below the lower edge of the elongated body of the second zipper member. Optionally, the profile protrusion of the first zipper member is formed to have a bent shape and the profile protrusion of the second zipper member is formed to have a receptacle shaped to receive the bent shape of the profile protrusion of the first zipper member. In one embodiment, a flexible enclosure includes a first panel of a web material and a first zipper member having a first flange that is coupled with the first panel. The first zipper member has a first elongated body with a first facing side, a first opposite side, a first upper edge, and a first opposite lower edge. The first facing side includes a first profile protrusion. The enclosure also includes second panel of the web material facing the first panel to at least partially define an interior volume, and a second zipper member having a second flange that is coupled with the second panel. The second zipper member has a second elongated body with a second facing side, a second opposite side, a second upper edge, and a second opposite lower edge. The second facing side has a second profile protrusion shaped to mesh with the first profile protrusion of the first facing side of the first zipper member. One or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member includes a living hinge disposed between one or more of (a) the first lower edge or the second lower edge and (b) the first profile protrusion or the second profile protrusion. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by a slit. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by the slit that extends to an open void. Optionally, the living hinge is formed by an arch-shaped concave recess. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description may include instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it may be related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” may be not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges may be identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of the disclosure, and include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. | 32,889 |
11858694 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of the present invention. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. While the embodiments will be described in conjunction with the drawings, it will be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the present invention to any one embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. FIG.1depicts a bottle100with an overcap104according to the disclosed embodiments. Bottle100may be configured to hold fluids, such as water, juice, milk, sports drink, soda, and the like. A user opens bottle100by removing overcap104. Overcap104may twist off from body102of bottle100. Body102actually holds the fluid within bottle100. In some embodiments, body102is composed of PET (polyethene terephthalate) and may be called PETE while overcap104is composed of PP (polypropylene). Other materials may be used for bottle100, including using the same materials for body102and overcap104. Bottle100also includes a base106that allows the bottle to be placed on a surface. Base106may include a resting point, which is the extreme outside edge of the base. In some embodiments, base106may include a kick-up or push-up portion. A kick-up or push-up portion of base106rises into body102. It may somewhat reduce the interior volume of bottle100but provides greater stability and strength. The kick-up or push-up portion also may prevent content sedimentation. As shown inFIG.1, overcap104covers a top portion of bottle102. This top portion is disclosed in greater detail below. Overcap104engages features of bottle100and then extends outwardly then downwardly from the mouth of the bottle. In some embodiments, a user grasps bottle100by overcap104. Overcap104should fit within a palm of a hand of the user. In some embodiments, overcap104also includes different color or shading than body102so that the user can readily identify it. Further, the user will be prompted to place bottle100on base106, and not overcap104. The user sees the different color of overcap104and understands that it is the top of bottle100. One problem with conventional overcaps is that the items tend to disengage with the bottle while being carried. In short, the overcap slips right off the body. Bottle100prevents that with an overcap104that secures to body102via the closure (disclosed in greater detail below). Thus, body102of bottle100may not slip from overcap104to spill its contents or hit something. FIG.2depicts another view of bottle100having overcap104according to the disclosed embodiments.FIG.2shows the features of bottle100in greater detail. Bottle100includes body102that is connected to shoulder202. Shoulder202is the portion of bottle100that includes a change in vertical tangency to the base of neck204. Shoulder202indicates a transition zone between the two other major portions of bottle100. Shoulder202may include indentation202athat allow overcap104to fit over the shoulder and be flush with body102. Indentation202aprevents overcap104from sticking outwards from body102. Neck204includes finish206, collar208, and lip211that shapes mouth210. In some embodiments, finish206may be considered separate from neck204. Neck204has a smaller diameter than body102so as to funnel the fluid within bottle100to mouth210. Neck204tapers inwardly from shoulder202then extends upwards in the vertical direction. Lip211may refer to the topmost portion of neck204that surrounds mouth210. Finish206may refer to the portion of bottle100above collar208. Collar208may be a piece that encircles neck204. Finish206engages closure212. In some embodiments, finish206includes an externally threaded finish. In these embodiments, finish206may be a continuous external thread finish that includes a continuous spiral projecting portion or ridge intended to mesh with the thread of a screw-type closure212. A continuous thread may be one uninterrupted ridge of the material for bottle100that wraps around the outside circumference of neck204for at least one and sometimes two full turns. Alternatively, finish206may be a interrupted or discontinuous thread that includes gaps to create a series of short to moderate length thread ridges that are not connected to each other. Closure212covers mouth210and engages finish206to close bottle100. Closure212is removable. In some embodiments, closure212includes ridges that abut the ridges of finish206. This part of closure212may be known as cover214. Closure212also include tamper-proof band216. Tamper-proof band216is detachable from cover214so that it remains on finish206when the cover is detached from neck204. Tamper-proof band216may indicate to a user whether bottle100has been opened. Tamper-proof band216may rest against collar208. In some embodiments, tamper-proof band216includes teeth that extend inwardly to contact neck204but do not move in relation to finish206. As can be seen inFIG.2, overcap104extends outwardly from neck204and then downward to enclose neck204and shoulder202. In this configuration, overcap104provides a bottle100having a substantial uniform shape and diameter. It also allows a user to grasp bottle100without directly engaging closure212. This prevents closure212from loosening or being opened accidently. Overcap104also provides protection to closure212so that it is not exposed directly to the outside and may be kept dry, clean, and the like. Overcap104is disclosed in greater detail byFIG.3.FIG.3depicts a cross-sectional view of overcap104according to the disclosed embodiments.FIG.4depicts a bottom view of overcap104according to the disclosed embodiments. Overcap104includes a top portion301, an outer skirt302, and an inner skirt304. Overcap104also may include an offset portion between outer skirt302and inner skirt304that includes top portion301such that outer skirt302and inner skirt304are integrally connected as shown inFIG.3. As shown, outer skirt302extends downward along bottle100farther than inner skirt304. Thus, a bottom303of outer skirt302extends further, or lower, than a bottom305of inner skirt304. This feature allows outer skirt302to enclose shoulder202and neck204while inner skirt304engages with finish206. Outer skirt302also extends outwardly from top portion301. Inner skirt304includes an upper portion314and a lower portion316. Upper portion314includes teeth318that ribs or teeth on the outside of cover214. Teeth318interact or engage with cover214to twist closure212on and off finish206. Upper portion314fits over cover214and may secure it so that it remains within inner skirt304when removed from bottle100. This feature allows for easier twist on and off of cover214and also prevents the user from scraping his/her hand when removing closure212. Inner skirt304is substantially perpendicular to top portion301. Lower portion316includes a first engaging lip308and a second engaging lip310. Engaging lips may be disclosed in greater detail below. Engaging lips308and310act as ledges or ridges that project inwardly from inner skirt304. First engaging lip308may be located above second engaging lip310on inner skirt304. First engaging lip308engages closure212by fitting below cover214. Second engaging lip310engages tamper-proof band216by fitting below the hand but above collar208. In other words, first engaging lip308fits between cover214and tamper-proof band216while second engaging lip310fits between the tamper-proof band and collar208. As noted above, tamper-proof band216is not removed from bottle100when cover214is off finish206. Using this configuration, inner skirt304provides increased security for overcap104. Overcap104may not be inadvertently pulled off by the hand of a user. While grasping overcap104, body102may not dislodge and pull apart. Absent the twisting action on overcap104to move cover214using teeth318of upper portion314of inner skirt304, bottle100stays whole and does not separate. This feature prevents accidents and spills that may occur in other overcap configurations. Moreover, overcap104is easier to grasp with the hand than normal bottles with closures. Referring toFIG.4A, ribs402are shown between outer skirt302and inner skirt304. Ribs402may define offset portion312that expands the size to fit easily within the hand of a user. Ribs402also may provide reinforcement to keep outer skirt302from being bent or pressed inwardly towards inner skirt304. In some embodiments, ribs402are straight sections connected between inner skirt304and outer skirt302. FIG.4Bdepicts teeth318of inner skirt304in greater detail. As shown, teeth318project outwardly from inner skirt304. They engage ribs or teeth on cover214. When overcap104is twisted on or off, teeth318move against the ribs or teeth on cover214to move it in a desired direction. First engaging lip308, however, keeps cover214embedded within inner skirt304. FIG.5depicts an exploded view of first engaging lip308and second engaging lip310according to the disclosed embodiments. As shown, first engaging lip308engages cover214while second engaging lip310engages tamper-proof band216. These embodiments are disclosed in greater detail. First engaging lip308actually engages a bottom502of cover214. First engaging lip308projects inwardly toward section503of neck204that is not covered by cover214or tamper-proof band216. First engaging portion308includes a facing portion504that faces towards neck204. Facing portion504may be substantially straight or perpendicular to top portion301of overcap104. A slanted upper portion508of first engaging lip308may extend downwardly from inner skirt304to facing portion504. Slanted upper portion508may abut bottom502of cover214. In some embodiments, slanted upper portion508may extend downwardly at an angle from about 12 degrees to about 18 degrees, or, more preferably, at an angle about 15 degrees. This angle allows first engaging lip308to receive bottom502in a manner to secure inner skirt304to closure212. A greater angle may allow inner skirt304to slip over cover214more easily. Cover214should stay embedded within inner skirt304when overcap104is disengaged from bottle100. First engaging lip308also includes a slanted lower portion506that extends upwardly from inner skirt304to facing portion504. Slanted lower portion506may abut the top of tamper-proof band216. In some embodiments, slanted lower portion506extends upwardly at an angle from about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees, or, preferably, at about 30 degrees. This angle allows a better area of engagement between slanted lower portion506and the top of tamper-proof band216. Second engaging lip310includes a slanted upper portion512and a slanted lower portion510. Although not shown, second engaging lip310may include a facing portion. Second engaging lip310engages the bottom of tamper-proof band216, preferably above collar208. When tamper-proof band216separates from cover214, inner skirt304still may secure itself using second engaging lip310. Second engaging lip310provides extra support to secure overcap104to bottle100. Slanted upper portion512may extend downwardly from inner skirt304to intersect with slanted lower portion510, which extends upwardly. The intersection occurs in a location proximate the bottom of tamper-proof band216. The slanted portions allow second engaging lip310to be placed between tamper-proof band216and collar208. Slanted upper portion512may extend downwardly at an angle from about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees, or, preferably, at an angle of about 30 degrees. Slanted lower portion510may extend upwardly at an angle from about 12 degrees to about 18 degrees, or, preferably, at an angle of about 16 degrees. The angle for slanted upper portion512allows inner skirt304to move over tamper-proof band216. This angle is greater than the angle for slanted upper portion508as tamper-proof band216is not meant to stay embedded in inner skirt304. Thus, the disclosed embodiments provide a structure that allows overcap104to remain fixed or secured to finish206and neck204of bottle100. Overcap104is not pulled off by normal activity or grasping bottle100. Instead, cover214is removed when overcap104is twisted off. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications to the disclosed may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations disclosed above provided that these changes come within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. | 12,888 |
11858695 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG.1illustrates a breathing assistance apparatus100that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. The apparatus100comprises a main body102and a lid104. Together, the main body102and the lid104define a housing106that encloses, or generally encases, a reservoir, tub, tank or other body of liquid (not shown) within a cavity. The illustrated body102comprises at least one outer surface110. In the illustrated configuration, the body102comprises four generally planar outer surfaces110that are connected by rounded corners112. Other configurations are possible. The lid104is connected to the body102with hinge assemblies114. In the illustrated configuration, the lid104is connected to a rear of the main body102using two hinge assemblies. The lid104can be connected to other surfaces. In addition, the lid104can be connected to the main body102using as few as one hinge assembly114or more than two hinge assemblies114. Preferably, the hinge assemblies114are constructed such that, with the lid104in the closed position (e.g., as shown inFIG.1), the hinge assemblies114are generally flush with or recessed into the rear outer surface110. In some configurations, the hinge assemblies114are constructed such that the hinge assemblies do not protrude rearward of the rear outer surface110. In some configurations, some of the hinge features may protrude very slightly from one or more surrounding surface of the rear outer surface or other surrounding portion of the apparatus. In some configurations, the lid104comprises an outer perimeter116and the hinge assemblies114do not protrude significantly outward of the outer perimeter116of the lid104. With reference toFIG.2, the hinge assemblies114comprise at least one post120and at least one support122. Preferably, the at least one post120is mounted such that the post is recessed and located inside of the outer perimeter116of the lid. The illustrated configuration comprises a single post120that is connected to two supports122. In some configurations, the at least one post120is mounted to the lid104while the at least one support122is mounted to the main body102. In some configurations, the at least one post120can be mounted to the main body102while the at least one support122can be mounted to the lid104. The at least one post120can be secured to the lid104using one or more standoffs124. In the illustrated construction, the standoffs124are positioned between the two supports122. The standoffs reduce the deflection of the post120in the region of the supports122. In some configurations, the portion126of the post120extending between the standoffs124can be omitted. In the illustrated configuration, however, the portion126of the post120can be secured by a clip130. The clip130can have a recess that accommodates the post120or any other suitable configuration. A force generated by the clip130on the post120in the illustrated configuration is opposed by forces generated by the supports122, for example. The clip130can contact an opposite side of the post120relative a contact region between the supports122and the post120. In some configurations, the clip130can be configured to deflect away from the post120during assembly of the post120and the clip130. For example, the clip130can be a deflectable finger that extends rearward from the main body102. The supports122can have a recess that defines a rearwardly-opening mouth that receives at least a portion of a circumference of the post120. Accordingly, movement of the post120in the directions shown by the arrow can result in attachment and detachment of the post120relative to the supports122and the clip130. The rearwardly-opening mouth of the supports122also results in a structure that overlies the post120such that vertical movement of the post120relative to the supports122is not possible with the post120fully received within the mouths of the supports122. As such, the lid104is unlikely to separate from the main body102during therapy. With reference toFIG.3, the lid104and the main body102can include structures that guide the post120and the clip130and supports122into connection. In some configurations, the structures facilitate movement of the at least one post120into the mouth of the supports122and into engagement with the clip130when the lid104is brought toward the closed position on the main body102. In the illustrated configuration, two guide structures140are positioned outboard of the two supports122. Other configurations also are possible. With reference toFIG.4, the guide structure140comprises a recess142that receives a cam structure144. The cam structure144is received within the recess142such that, with the lid104moved to the fully closed position on the main body102, the cam structure144does not prevent the lid104from fully closing. The cam structure144tapers toward a point with a sloping surface146such that the thickness of the cam structure144increases from back to front while the guide structure has an opposing surface150. The sloping surface146and the opposing surface150engage each other such that the sloping surface146and the opposing surface150resists movement of the lid104relative to the main body102in the detachment direction (seeFIG.2) when the lid104is in an at least partially closed position. Moreover, as the lid104is rotated toward a closed position (e.g.,FIG.1), the sloping surface146and the opposing surface150act to draw the lid104forward into the attachment position (e.g., the at least one post120connected to the supports122and the clip130). Thus, rotation of the lid104can result in the hinge assemblies114being operatively connected from a detached state. In some configurations, the difference in thicknesses of the sloping surface146and the opposing surface150from initial contact to fully closed is substantially the same as a distance from the outer surface of the post120and the first contact with the supports122such that as the sloping and opposing surfaces146,150are moved into full engagement along their lengths, the post120is pulled into position within the supports122and the clip130. Notably, with the lid104in the open position (e.g.,FIG.3) relative to the main body102, sufficient space exists between the sloping surface146and the opposing surface150such that the lid104can be separated from the main body102with the application of force. Advantageously, such a construction allows separation between the lid104and the main body102by disconnection of the posts120from the supports122and the clips130. Such a separation can protect the apparatus100from damage resulting from forces that result from over-opening of the lid or from possible misuse of the apparatus100. Accordingly, the ability to separate the lid104from the main body102can protect the apparatus100from permanent damage. As discussed above, the lid104can be easily reconnected by placing the posts120alongside the supports122and rotating the lid104toward a closed position, which results in the sloping surface146of the cam structure144and the opposing surface150of the guide structure drawing the components back together. With reference now toFIG.5, a release and handle assembly160of the lid104will be described. As illustrated, the release and handle assembly160comprises at least one button member162that is mounted on the lid104. In some configurations, the button member162is mounted for movement toward and away from the hinge assemblies162. In some configurations, the button member162can be mounted along a side of the lid104that is adjacent to the side of the lid104having the hinge assemblies162. In the illustrated configuration, the button member162is mounted on an opposing side of the lid104relative to the hinge assemblies114and capable of movement toward and away from the hinge assemblies114. The button member162is illustrated inFIG.6. The button member comprises an exterior surface164, which is best shown inFIG.5. The exterior surface164is sufficiently large for contact with a finger or thumb. As also illustrated inFIG.5, the lid104can comprise a component166that is used to raise the lid104. In the illustrated configuration, the component166is a recessed region that has a wall170extending generally parallel with the exterior surface164. Preferably, the recessed region166is sufficiently large as to accommodate at least tips of fingers. In some configurations, the component166is one or more lip, ridge, protrusion, recess or the like. Accordingly, the component166(e.g., having the wall170) and the exterior surface164can allow a simple squeezing action to accomplish both an unlatching of the button member162as well as providing a grasping action to allow movement of the lid104away from the main body102. With reference again toFIG.6, the illustrated button member162comprises two outer posts172. The posts172are sized and configured to engage with biasing members, such as compression springs or the like, for example but without limitation. The posts172are received within corresponding housings174that are formed in the lid104. The housings174can contain the biasing members and the posts172can slide into and out of the housings174against the biasing force of the biasing members. The illustrated button member162also comprises at least one tab176. In the illustrated configuration, the button member162comprises two tabs176. The tabs176are bayonet shaped with a barb180at the end. As shown inFIG.7, the tabs176can engage a structure182formed in the lid104. Thus, the tabs176in cooperation with the structure reduce the likelihood of the button member162coming out of a recess of the lid104while allowing inward depression of the button member162relative to the lid104. The structure182also comprises a passage184that receives a finger186mounted to, or formed on, the button member162. The passage184facilitates generally only linear translation of the button member162relative to the lid104. In other words, the passage184receives the finger186and the finger186is generally limited by the passage184to substantially linear movement. The finger186supports a locking post190. The locking post190can engage with a structure formed on the main body102. In some configurations, the locking post190engages with a structure formed on an inner surface of the main body102such that the depression of the button member162results in separation between the locking post190and the structure with which it normally engages. Releasing of the button member162results in the biasing members moving the locking post190into position for reengagement with the structure with which it normally engages. FIGS.8A-8Dillustrate the lid104in several positions relative to the main body102.FIG.8Aillustrates the lid104in a first opened position.FIGS.8B and8Cillustrate the lid104in progressively further closed positions relative to the first opened position ofFIG.8A.FIG.8Dillustrates the lid104in a closed position. In particular,FIGS.8A-8Dfurther illustrate the interaction between the sloping surface, or cam surface,146of the cam structure144and the opposing surface (also referred to as a guide surface or cam follower surface)150of the lid recess142as the lid104moves from an opened position to a closed position. As described herein, the cam structure144and the recess142can interact to move the lid104from a detached position relative to the main body102to an attached position relative to the main body102when the lid104is moved from an opened position to a closed position. As described herein, the support122includes the recess200comprising the mouth202, which opens in a rearward direction in the illustrated arrangement. Preferably, the recess200is elongate in shape and extends in a generally fore-aft direction. In the illustrated arrangement, the recess200is generally or substantially horizontal or aligned with a bottom support surface of the main body102such that the recess200is generally or substantially horizontal when the apparatus100is rested on a flat surface. The recess200includes upper and lower guide surfaces204that extend forwardly from the mouth202to an end surface206. As described herein, the support122also assists in retaining the lid104on the main body102in response to forces within the housing106(e.g., forces resulting from internal pressure) tending to separate the lid104from the main body102. Thus, the upper portion of the end surface206and/or the upper guide surface204can form a retention surface that contacts the post120to retain the lid104, or at least a portion of the lid104near the support122and/or hinge114(e.g., a rearward portion), on the main body102in response to forces tending to separate the lid104from the main body102. In the illustrated arrangement, the end surface206is curved (e.g., semi-circular) in shape from a side view and connects the upper guide surface204and the lower guide surface204. The illustrated support122is elongate in a lateral or side-to-side direction and, thus, defines a substantially semi-cylindrical shape in three dimensions. However, for convenience, the hinge114, guide structure140and cam structure144may be described herein in the context of the side views ofFIGS.8A-8Din two-dimensional terms. It will be appreciated that the described structures also have a width dimension relative to the apparatus100or a depth dimension relative to the side view ofFIGS.8A-8D. The illustrated end surface206is defined by a curve having a radius208from a center point210(or an axis in three dimensions). The recess200can have a longitudinal axis212that extends along a length of the recess200generally from the mouth202to the end surface206and, in the illustrated configuration, passes through the center point210. The axis212can be aligned with or parallel to one or both of the upper and lower guide surfaces204or can be centrally-located between the guide surfaces204(such as in the event of a tapered recess, for example and without limitation). In the illustrated configuration, the axis212is generally or substantially horizontal (or parallel to a bottom surface of the main body102). However, in other configurations, the axis212could be non-horizontal or angled relative to the bottom surface of the main body102). As described herein, the post120preferably is cylindrical in shape or circular in shape from a side view, as illustrated inFIGS.8A-8D. The post120defines a center point214(or an axis in three dimensions) and a radius216. Preferably, the radius216of the post120is substantially equal to the radius208of the end surface206such that the post120can be snugly positioned against the end surface206and restrained in a vertical direction within recess200with the center points210,214substantially aligned or coaxial with one another. Preferably, the cam surface or sloping surface146of the cam structure144is positioned or oriented relative to the end surface206and/or center point210such that the post120is moved along the axis212of the recess200toward the end surface206as the lid104is moved from the opened toward the closed position. In the illustrated arrangement, a first distance220is defined between a first point or location222on the sloping surface146and the center point210and a second distance224is defined between a second point or location226on the sloping surface146and the center point210. Preferably, the first point222is located on an initial portion of the sloping surface146and the second point226is located on a subsequent portion of the sloping surface146such that the opposing surface150will contact the first point222before the second point226as the lid104is moved from an opened position to a closed position. The first point222can be at or near the location that is first contacted by the opposing surface150during closing of the lid104and the second point226can be at or near the furthest location along the sloping surface146contacted by the opposing surface150when the lid104is in the closed position. The first distance220preferably is smaller than the second distance224, which causes the movement of the post120along the axis212of the recess200as the lid104is moved from an opened position to a closed position and the opposing surface150moves along the sloping surface146in a direction from the first point222towards the second point226. A distance228traveled by the center point214of the post120within the recess200when the lid104is closed preferably is substantially equal to a difference230between the second distance224and the first distance220. The distance228can be less than an overall length of the recess200because the post120can be at least partially located within the recess200prior to being drawn to the end surface206by the guide structure140. In other arrangements, the distance228could be substantially equal to a length of the recess200. Although the distances described immediately above are in relation to the center points210and214, the distances similarly could be measured relative to other points on locations on the recess200(e.g., end surface206) and post120, respectively, if desired, such as in the context of non-circular (or non-cylindrical) recess or post shapes. FIG.8Aillustrates the lid104in a first open position relative to the main body102, which may be a fully opened position, such as when initiating a process of reattachment of the lid104. As illustrated, the opposing surface150is clear of the sloping surface146such that rearward movement (e.g., detachment) of the lid104is permitted. Advantageously, such an arrangement reduces the likelihood of permanent damage resulting from excessive opening forces applied to the lid104.FIG.8Billustrates the lid104in a second open position that is further towards a closed position relative to the first open position ofFIG.8A. InFIG.8B, the opposing surface150remains clear of the sloping surface146. That is, a vertical gap exists between a bottom of the opposing surface150and a top of the sloping surface146. FIG.8Cillustrates the lid104in a third open position that is further towards a closed position relative to the positions ofFIGS.8A and8B. In the position ofFIG.8C, a leading portion or engagement portion232of the opposing surface150is engaged with or contacts an initial portion of the sloping surface146, which may be at or near the first point or location222. In the illustrated arrangement, the post120is spaced away from the end surface206of the recess200.FIG.8Dillustrates the lid104in a position that is further towards a closed position than the positions ofFIGS.8A-8C. The position ofFIG.8Dcan be a fully closed position of the lid104. In the illustrated arrangement, at least the leading portion or engagement portion232of the opposing surface150is engaged with or contacts a subsequent portion of the sloping surface146spaced from the initial portion. The subsequent portion may be at or near the second point or location226. Preferably, the post120is snugly positioned against the end surface206in the position ofFIG.8D. Thus, preferably, a distance between the engagement surface232and the center point214is preferably substantially equal to the second distance224. As described herein, the interaction of the guide structure140and the cam structure144as illustrated inFIGS.8A-8Dmay occur only during a reattachment or engagement procedure for the lid104. In normal opening and closing movement, sliding of the post120(or significant sliding of the post120) within the recess200may not occur. Advantageously, such an arrangement reduces wear by reducing the amount of sliding movement between components during normal use. However, other arrangements are possible in which the sliding movement of the post120occurs more often than only during engagement of the lid104, such as during normal opening and closing of the lid104. Although the illustrated opposing surface150has a similar size and shape as the sloping surface146and extends along a substantial portion of the sloping surface146when the lid104is in the closed position, other arrangements are also possible. For example, the opposing surface150could be a smaller surface, such as a cam follower surface, defining an engagement portion232that contacts only a point or small length of the sloping surface146in any one position. The engagement portion232could be rotatable such that it rolls along the sloping surface146, if desired. Moreover, as disclosed herein, the illustrated arrangements could be reversed such that the cam surface or sloping surface146is carried by the lid104and the opposing surface150(or cam follower with engagement portion232) is carried by the main body102. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. Where, in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention. | 22,111 |
11858696 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION A container may include a body for containing a dispensable substance. The body may include walls that encompass and/or define a lumen within the body for containing a dispensable substance. A container may operate to exclude a dispensable substance from the environment and/or vice versa. In some examples, a container may include a specialize structure to dispense the dispensable substance from the container. For example, some containers may include a nozzle to direct the dispensable substance dispensed from the container. The nozzles of such containers may be leak-prone areas of the container, may jeopardize the separate of the dispensable substance and the environment when not being dispensed, may complicate the design and use of the container, and may create more spills and leaks than a container without a nozzle. For example, in order for a nozzle to direct the dispensable substance, the nozzle may include an opening between the internal lumen of the container and the external environment. An exposed opening between the lumen and the external environment may cause leaking or spills if the dispensable substance encounters the opening, for example, during shipping, storage, or prior to an intended dispensing of the dispensable substance. Further, even if the dispensable substance does not unintendedly escape the opening, contaminants from the environment may enter into the lumen of the container and contaminant the dispensable substances. Such contaminants may include particulate matter, reactants, atmosphere, gases, liquids, solids, etc. that may modify or destroy the dispensable substance or even a receiving container or device that the dispensable substance may be dispensed into. As such, some containers may include a structure to seal the nozzle from the environment. For example, some container may include a cap such as a screw-on cap that is threaded onto the container to cover the nozzle when not being used to dispense the dispensable substance. However, a screw-on cap mechanism may become loose during transport and may allow a leak. Further, the screw-on cap mechanism may seal the nozzle during storage and then be removed prior to dispensing the dispensable substance. However, there may be intervening moments and or processes between removing the cap and beginning to dispense the dispensable substance. For example, the container may be inverted, aligned with a receiving container, and/or inserted some distance into a receiving container. During such processes, the dispensable substance contents of the lumen may be exposed to contaminants and/or leak through the nozzle. This may lead some users to utilize bulky extra equipment such as funnels, which can also be a source for contamination and spills, to further direct the flow of the dispensable substance. Still other containers may be designed with additional volume in the lumen, which is not filled with a dispensable substance, in order to introduce some margin in container movement without causing leakage during the dispensing process. However, such a strategy may utilize more materials in constructing the container than would otherwise be utilized to contain only the dispensable substance, which leads to increased manufacturing costs, higher shipping costs, and/or lower profit margins. In addition, a screw-on cap mechanism may lead a user to determine that, since a cap may be screwed on and/or off repeatedly, the container is reusable for storing and/or dispensing a dispensable substance. Not only could this lead to decreased consumption of the container product but reusing such containers may be a source of contamination for the dispensable substance. Other examples of containers may utilize a valve internal to the nozzle. For example, some containers may include a rubber valve that is designed to open once a pressure within the lumen of the container reaches a threshold amount and exposes the contents of the lumen to the outside environment. For example, a valve may be designed to open and dispense a dispensable substance out through the nozzle in response to the container being squeezed to raise the internal pressure over the threshold amount. However, such valve designs may suffer from being imprecise. For example, the amount of force that a user should use in squeezing the container may not be evident to the user and/or may change with the amount of dispensable substance remaining in the lumen of the container leading to an over or under application of force. An under-application of force may result in slow dispensing or no dispensing. An over-application of force may lead to a high-pressure burst of the dispensable substance which may damage the seal and/or cause a receiving container to receive too much of the dispensable substance in too short a period of time such that it cannot accommodate the flow and will overflow or otherwise cause a spill. Moreover, the internal valve material may wear out over time and/or through exposure to the environment which may contribute to the above describe inconsistency in the force needed to actuate the valve and/or to general leakage during storage or premature leakage during dispensing. As with the screw-on mechanism, the internal valve mechanism may lead a user to determine that, since the valve opens and/or closes repeatedly, the container is reusable for storing and/or dispensing a dispensable substance. Not only could this lead to decreased consumption of the container product but reusing such containers may be a source of contamination for the dispensable substance. The manufacture and/or use of containers with nozzles may yield an increased risk of leaks, spills, contamination, and/or damage to a dispensable substance and/or corresponding device. Utilizing containers without such nozzles in favor of bulky and/or cumbersome funnels not only may not reduce the incidences of such leaks, spills, contamination, and/or damage, but also may interfere with fitting a dispensing container within a confined space and/or mating the dispensing container to a receiving container when dispensing the dispensable substance. Complications with fitting a container in a space and/or getting a proper mating between containers may further contribute to leaks, spills, contamination, and/or damage. In contrast, examples of the present disclosure may include systems and devices for sealing a dispensing nozzle of a dispensable substance container until the container is mated with a receiving container. The systems and devices may operate to keep the dispensable substances sealed within the dispensable substance container until the dispensable substance container mates with a receiving container, at which time fluid communication between the two may be established. Therefore, the systems and devices may maintain a sealed lumen of the receiving container during shipping, transport, storage, etc. preventing leaks and prevent premature leaking of a dispensable substance during initiation of a dispensing process. For example, an example of a system of the present disclosure may include a dispensable substance container to hold a dispensable substance and a mating mechanism attached to the dispensable substance container, the mating mechanism including a dispensing nozzle attached to the dispensable substance container to dispense the dispensable substance out of an opening in the dispensing nozzle and a frangible obstruction fixed over the opening in the dispensing nozzle. The system may additionally include a receiving container to receive the dispensable substance dispensed from the opening in the dispensing nozzle, the receiving container including an inner receiving container wall encompassing a passageway for the dispensable substance dispensed from the opening in the dispensing nozzle, the receiving container wall to break the frangible obstruction when the receiving container and the mating mechanism are joined. FIG.1illustrates a side view of an example of a device100according to the present disclosure. The device100may include a dispensable substance container102. The dispensable substance container102may include a body. The body may include walls encompassing and/or defining a lumen within the confines of the body. The walls of the disposable substance container102may separate contents within the lumen of the dispensable substance container102from the external environment. The dispensable substance container102may contain a dispensable substance within the lumen. The dispensable substance may include a solid, a liquid, and/or a gas. The dispensable substance container102may be filled with the dispensable substance, the dispensable substance may flow through the dispensable substance container102, and the dispensable substance may be dispensed from the dispensable substance container102. In an example, the dispensable substance may include a liquid printing ink, a printing toner powder, and/or three-dimensional printing substance, etc. The dispensable substance container102may be sealed from the external environment. For example, the body of the dispensable substance container102and its contents may be sealed from the external environment at a first end. For example, at a first end of an elongate body of a dispensable substance container102, a sealing material and/or a pushrod assembly may block the dispensable substance within the lumen dispensable substance container102from interacting with the external environment. Such examples may include a syringe-like geometry for the dispensable substance container102. Such a container may operate as a single-acting reciprocating pump. For example, a force load may be applied to a portion of the pushrod assembly protruding from the dispensable substance container102. The pushrod may engage against the dispensable substance and initiate flow of the dispensable substance through and/or from the dispensable substance container102and the pushrod is advanced through the lumen of the dispensable substance container102. However, other examples, of the dispensable substance container102may not include elongate bodies, sealing materials, and/or pushrod assemblies. The examples described herein are applicable to any geometry of dispensable substance container102. Further, in some examples dispensing the dispensable substance from the dispensable substance container102may not utilize a pushrod mechanism, but may occur as a result of squeezing the dispensable substance container102, a gravity feed, etc. The dispensable substance container102may be sealed from the external environment at a second end. For example, the dispensable substance container102may be sealed from the external environment at a second end of an elongate body of the dispensable substance container102that is opposite the first end. The dispensable substance container102may be sealed from the external environment by a sealed dispensing nozzle104. The dispensing nozzle104may be part of a mating mechanism108attached to the dispensable substance container102. The mating mechanism108may be a part or parts that are initially separate from the dispensable substance container102but are fixed to the dispensable substance container102by fastening or press fit mechanisms. In other examples, the mating mechanism108may be a part or parts that are portions of a single molded assembly. The dispensing nozzle104may include a wall shaped to control the direction and/or characteristics of the flow of the dispensable substance from the dispensable substance container102. In some examples, the walls of the dispensing nozzle104may encompass and/or define a lumen that has a smaller volume and/or diameter than the lumen of the dispensable substance container102. In some examples, the walls of the dispensing nozzle104may be tapered to a point. The dispensing nozzle104may include an opening (not visible inFIG.1). The opening may be one of a plurality of openings in the dispensing nozzle104. The opening may be arranged along and through a portion of the sidewalls of the dispensing nozzle104. That is, in some examples, the opening may not be through the tapered tip of the dispensing nozzle104but along a shaft of the dispensing nozzle104between the tip and the hub of the dispensing nozzle where it opens into the lumen of the dispensable substance container102. The lumen of the dispensing nozzle104may be in fluid communication with the lumen of the dispensing substance container102. The opening in the dispensing nozzle may be an opening where a dispensable substance expelled from the lumen of the dispensable substance container102is dispensed. The dispensing nozzle104may have a complementary geometry and dimensions for insertion into a dispensable substance receiving container106. The dispensable substance receiving container106may include a container for receiving and/or storing the dispensable substance that is dispensed from the dispensable substance container102. In some examples, the dispensable substance receiving container106may include a printing substance reservoir or cartridge. For example, the dispensable substance receiving container106may be a portion of a printing device that serves as a reservoir for the dispensable printing substance until a time when the dispensable printing substance is to be utilized for a printing operation of the printing device. The dispensable substance receiving container may include a printing substance supply cartridge that directly supplies the printing substance to a printing head or other printing mechanism without intermediaries or conduits. The mating mechanism108may include a mating wall110extending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the dispensing nozzle104and/or encompassing the dispensing nozzle104. The mating wall110may define a cavity. The dispensing nozzle104may be located within the cavity. The dispensing nozzle104may be located within a center of the cavity. A gap may be present between an inner surface (e.g., surface open to and/or facing into the cavity) of the mating wall110and the dispensing nozzle104. That is, the inner surface of the mating wall110may not make contact with the shaft and/or the tip of the dispensing nozzle104. The mating wall110may have a geometry and dimensions complementary to a receiving mating mechanism (not visible inFIG.1) of the dispensable substance receiving container106. That is, the mating wall110attached to dispensable substance container102and the receiving mating mechanism of the dispensable substance receiving container106may be complementary mating mechanisms which slide together in an interlocking fashion to mate the two together by aligning the dispensing nozzle104with an opening in a dispensing substance receiving container106, as described in further detail below. The mating mechanism108may include an obstruction112over the openings in the dispensing nozzle108. That is, the obstruction112may block openings in the dispensing nozzle108. As such, the obstruction112may seal the openings in the dispensing nozzle108from the external environment. Further, the obstruction112may seal the contents of the lumen of the dispensing nozzle104and, by virtue of fluid communication between the two lumens, the contents of the lumen of the dispensable substance container102from the external environment. The seal may prevent a dispensable substance from leaking, spilling, or being inadvertently dispensed from the dispensing nozzle104of the dispensable substance container102. The obstruction112may be fixed in place obstructing the openings in the dispensing nozzle104. That is, the obstruction112may fixed over the openings of the dispensing nozzle104such that gravity, jostling, and/or a force under a particular force load threshold will not move the obstruction112from is fixed position over the openings. In some examples, the obstruction112may be fixed to the dispensing nozzle104. For example, the obstruction112may be fixed to the dispensing nozzle104by a bond. The bond may include an adhesive, a fastener, a friction fit, a press fit, a bonding with a solvent, a joining, a heat fusion, an ultrasonic weld, molding onto the dispensing nozzle104, otherwise mating, etc. However, the obstruction112may be a frangible obstruction. That is, the frangible obstruction112may be engineered to break free from its attachment, introducing fluid communication between the lumen of the dispensing nozzle104and an external environment by uncovering the openings on the dispensing nozzle104in response to the application of a force load over a force load threshold to the obstruction112. A frangible obstruction112may include an obstruction112where the body of the obstruction112itself is frangible or an obstruction112where an attachment between the body of the obstruction112and, for example, the dispensing nozzle104is frangible. For example, a body of a frangible obstruction112may be made of a material that is relatively thinner, is more brittle, is softer, is more frangible, is more prone to failure under shear stress, has lower shear strength, etc. than the material of the dispensing nozzle104. Alternatively or additionally, the frangible obstruction112may be made of a material that is a substantially same material as the dispensing nozzle but the attachment between the frangible obstruction112and the dispensing nozzle104may be relatively thinner, more brittle, softer, more frangible, etc. than the material of the dispensing nozzle104. The frangible obstruction112may include a sleeve including a body encompassing the dispensing nozzle104. The frangible obstruction112may include a sleeve that partially or fully encompasses the dispensing nozzle104. In examples where the dispensing nozzle104has a cylindrical geometry, the sleeve may have a toroidal geometry such as a rectangular or square torpid that encompasses the cylindrical nozzle104obstructing the openings thereupon. In examples where the dispensing nozzle104has another type of geometry, the sleeve may have another type of geometry that facilitates contact with and/or obstruction of the openings on the dispensing nozzle104. The frangible obstruction112may be broken when it is mated with the receiving mating mechanism of the dispensable substance receiving container106. As described in greater detail below, the interlocking of the mating mechanism108with the receiving mating mechanism of the dispensable substance receiving container106may break the frangible obstruction112, introducing fluid communication between the lumen of the dispensing nozzle104and a lumen defined by a body of the dispensable substance receiving container106. Breaking the frangible obstruction112may include breaking the frangible obstruction112free from its position fixed over the openings of the dispensing nozzle104by breaking an attachment between the frangible obstruction112and the dispensing nozzle104. Breaking the frangible obstruction112may include breaking the frangible obstruction112free from its position fixed over the openings of the dispensing nozzle104by breaking the body of the frangible obstruction to expose the openings of the dispensing nozzle104. In some examples, a force load over a threshold force load may be applied in mating the mating mechanism108with the receiving mating mechanism of the dispensable substance receiving container106. The mating mechanism108and receiving mating mechanism of the dispensable substance receiving container106may translate that force load into a shearing force applied, at least partially, to the frangible obstruction112to break the frangible obstruction. FIG.2illustrates a cross-section side view of an example of a device200according to the present disclosure. The device200may include a dispensable substance container202. The dispensable substance container202may include walls that define a lumen. The lumen may be a hollow cavity where a dispensable substance may be held. The device200may include a mating mechanism208. The mating mechanism208may be attached to and/or a continuous portion of the dispensable substance container202. The mating mechanism208may be located at or near a lower end and/or a bottom portion of the dispensable substance container202when dispensing, such that, the dispensing of the dispensable substance within the dispensable substance container202is aided by gravity and/or hydrostatic pressure. However, the mating mechanism208may be present on any portion of the dispensable substance container202. The device200may include a dispensing nozzle204. The dispensing nozzle204may include a wall to control the direction and/or characteristics of the flow of the dispensable substance from the lumen214dispensable substance container202. In some examples, the walls of the dispensing nozzle104may encompass and/or define a dispensing nozzle lumen216that has a smaller volume and/or diameter than the lumen214of the dispensable substance container202. The dispensing nozzle lumen216and the lumen214of the dispensable substance container202may be in fluid communication with one another. The dispensing nozzle204may include a hub portion where the walls of the dispensing nozzle flare out and open to the lumen214of the dispensable substance container202. The dispensing nozzle204may include an elongate shaft extending from the hub and encompassing the lumen216of the dispensing nozzle204. The shaft may include sidewalls defining the lumen216that eventually join to form a terminus or tip of the dispensing nozzle204. For example, the walls of the shaft may abruptly taper to a pointed tip of the dispensing nozzle204. The lumen216of the dispensing nozzle204may be tapered and/or closed at the tip. The dispensing nozzle204may include openings218-1. . .218-N through the wall of the dispensing nozzle204into the lumen216of the dispensing nozzle204. For example, the dispensing nozzle204may include openings218-1. . .218-N through a sidewall of an elongate shaft of the dispensing nozzle204. The openings218-1. . .218-N may have a geometry and dimension that allows a dispensable substance to flow out of the openings218-1. . .218-N when being dispensed. The device200may include a frangible obstruction212fixed over the openings218-1. . .218-N of the dispensing nozzle204. The frangible obstruction212itself and/or an attachment between the frangible obstruction212and the dispensing nozzle204may be frangible. The frangible obstruction212and/or its attachment may be designed to fail and/or break free under a force load that is less than a force load associated with breaking other non-frangible components of the mating mechanism208. For example, the material forming the attachment points between the frangible obstruction212and the dispensing nozzle204may be relatively thin compared to the thickness of the material of the dispensing nozzle204and/or the other components of the mating mechanism208. Once the frangible obstruction212and/or its attachment points are broken, the openings218-1. . .218-N may be exposed to the environment outside of the dispensing nozzle204. The device200may include a dispensing-side mating wall210. The dispensing-side mating wall210may extend longitudinally along a portion of the length of the dispensing nozzle204and/or may encompass or encircle the dispensing nozzle204. The dispensing-side mating wall210may define a cavity222. The dispensing nozzle204may be located within the cavity222, The dispensing nozzle204may be located within a center of the cavity222. A void may be present between an inner surface224of the dispensing-side mating wall210and the dispensing nozzle204. That is, the inner surface224of the dispensing-side mating wall210may not make contact with the shaft and/or the tip of the dispensing nozzle204. The inner surface224of the dispensing-side mating wall210may be opposite an outer surface226of the dispensing-side mating wall210. The device200may include a receiving mating mechanism220. The receiving mating mechanism220may be a portion of a dispensable substance receiving container (such as dispensable substance receiving container106inFIG.1) and/or a passageway244to the dispensable substance receiving container. The receiving mating mechanism220may include a plurality of walls (e.g., outer receiving container wall228and inner receiving container wall232) encompassing an opening236into the dispensable substance receiving container and/or a passageway244into the dispensable substance receiving container. For example, the receiving mating mechanism220may include an outer receiving container wall228. The outer receiving container wall228may encompass and/or define an outer periphery of an inlet port240of the receiving mating mechanism220. Outer receiving container wall228may define an inlet port240having a geometry and/or dimensions complementary to the dispensing-side mating wall210. For example, the outer receiving container wall228may define an inlet port240having a geometry and/or dimensions to accept insertion of the dispensing-side mating wall210into the inlet port240. The dispensing-side mating wall210may fit snuggly but moveably within the inlet port240. The outer surface226of the dispensing-side mating wall210may engage with and/or slide along the outer receiving container wall228defining the inlet port240as the dispensing-side mating wall210is slid within the inlet port240during mating of the mating mechanism208with the receiving mating mechanism220. The receiving mating mechanism220may include a bottom wall230. The bottom wall230may include a perpendicular extension of the outer receiving container wall228at a bottom of the inlet port240. The bottom wall230may define a stop defining a limit of how far into the inlet port240that the dispensing-side mating wall210may be slid. The receiving mating mechanism220may include an inner receiving container wall232. The inner receiving container wall232may include an outer surface242and an inner surface238. The inner receiving container wall232may encompass and/or define an opening236into the dispensable substance receiving container. The inner receiving container wall232may include a wall that is parallel to the outer receiving container wall228. A cavity234may exist between the outer receiving container wall228and the outer surface242of the inner receiving container wall232. The outer surface242of the inner receiving container wall232, the bottom wall230, and/or the outer receiving container wall228may define a cavity234having dimensions and geometry to snuggly but moveably fit the dispensing-side mating wall210within the cavity234. For example, when mating the mating mechanism208with the receiving mating mechanism220, the inner surface224of the dispensing-side mating wall210may engage with and/or slide along the outer surface242of the inner receiving container wall232while the outer surface226of the dispensing-side mating wall210may engage with and/or slide along the outer receiving container wall228as the dispensing-side mating wall210seats within the cavity234. By engaging the dispensing-side mating wall210with the outer receiving container wall228and the outer surface242of the inner receiving container wall232during mating, an alignment between the mating mechanism208and the receiving mating mechanism220may be established throughout mating. For example, an alignment may be established and/or maintained whereby the dispensing tip204will enter through the opening236into a lumen of the dispensable substance receiving container and/or a passageway244to the dispensable substance receiving container defined by the inner surface238of the inner receiving container wall232. As the dispensing-side mating wall210engages with the outer receiving container wall228and the outer surface242of the inner receiving container wall232during mating, so too will the outer surface242of the inner receiving container wall232engage with the inner surface224of the dispensing-side mating wall210and the inner surface238of the inner receiving container wall232engage with the elongate shaft portion of the dispensing nozzle204. As such, during mating, the inner receiving container wall232may seat within the cavity222. Again, the interlocking of the inner receiving container wall232with the dispensing-side mating wall210and the elongate shaft portion of the dispensing nozzle204may establish and maintain the described alignment. In some examples, the frangible obstruction212may protrude from the walls of the dispensing nozzle204. For example, the frangible obstruction212may be a raised protrusion sticking out from the otherwise smooth elongate shaft portion of the dispensing nozzle204. Meanwhile, the dimensions of the dispensing nozzle204, the dimensions of a portion of the inner receiving container wall232, and/or the alignment established and/or maintained by the dispensing-side mating wall210seating into cavity234while the inner receiving container wall232is seating into cavity222during joining of the mating mechanism208to the receiving mating mechanism220may maintain engagement between the inner receiving container wall232and the smooth elongate shaft portion of the dispensing nozzle204. The opening236may be just wide enough to accommodate the dispensable nozzle204fitting through, but not wide enough to accommodate a protrusion, such as the frangible obstruction212, from the body of the dispensable nozzle204fitting through. The mating mechanism208may be joined to the receiving mating mechanism220by pressing them together, by screwing them together utilizing integrated complementary threads and grooves, and/or by other means of mechanically joining. During joining, the inner receiving container wall232may come into contact with the frangible obstruction212. The frangible obstruction212may, in addition to obstructing the openings218-1. . .218-N of the dispensing nozzle204, obstruct the seating of the inner receiving container wall232the remainder to the way into the cavity222. In some examples, a user may feel an increased resistance to joining the mating mechanism208to the receiving mating mechanism220when the inner receiving container wall232engages the frangible obstruction212since the dispensing nozzle204with the frangible obstruction212fixed to it may not fit through the opening236defined by the inner receiving container wall232. However, the frangible obstruction212may be engineered to be frangible. The mating mechanism208and/or the receiving mating mechanism220may translate a force load applied to, for example, the dispensable substance container202into a shearing force of the inner receiving container wall232against the frangible obstruction212. Once a force load over a threshold force load amount is applied to joining the mating mechanism208to the receiving mating mechanism220the shear force applied to the frangible obstruction212by the inner receiving container wall232may exceed the shear strength of the frangible obstruction212. As such, the frangible obstruction212may be broken. Breaking the frangible obstruction212may include breaking the frangible obstruction free from its position fixed over the openings218-1. . .218-N. The breaking of the frangible obstruction212may occur as the frangible obstruction212is sheared away by a leading edge of the inner receiving container wall232simultaneous with the dispensing nozzle entering the passageway244through the opening236. As such, as the dispensing nozzle204enters the opening236and/or the passageway244to the dispensing substance receiving container, the frangible obstruction212is swept away and fluid communication is introduced between the lumen of the dispensing nozzle204and the passageway244and/or the dispensable substance receiving container. In this manner, the dispensable substance stays sealed inside the dispensing nozzle204and/or the dispensable substance container until the dispensing nozzle is within the passageway244and/or the dispensable substance receiving container, obviating spilling issues, leaking issues, premature dispensing issues, etc. In some examples, the body of the frangible obstruction212may be engineered to fail past a force load threshold amount. In such examples, the force load applied to the frangible obstruction212via the inner receiving container wall232may break the body of the frangible obstruction. In some examples, an attachment-point between the frangible obstruction212and the dispensing nozzle204may be engineered to fail past a force load threshold amount. In such examples, the force load applied to the frangible obstruction212via the inner receiving container wall232may break the attachments between the frangible obstruction212and the dispensing nozzle204that keep the frangible obstruction fixed in place sealing the openings218-1. . .218-N. FIG.3AandFIG.3Billustrate an example of a system350including dispensing nozzles according to the present disclosure.FIGS.3A-3Bmay illustrate a progression through successive stages of operating the system350of dispensing nozzles according to examples of the present disclosure.FIGS.3A-3Billustrate cross-sectional views of examples of devices that may be utilized in the system350. The system350may include a mating mechanism308. The mating mechanism308may be a mating mechanism308attached to and/or integrated with a dispensable substance container. As such, some of the components associated with the mating mechanism308may be labeled or designated as dispensing-side components or receiving-side components. Such terminology may be utilized for the purposes of clarifying the components of mating mechanism308as opposed to the components of the receiving mating mechanism320. However, such terms may be intended to distinguish and not limit the components to a dispensable substance container or a dispensable substance receiving container. That is, other examples are contemplated within the present disclosure where the mating mechanism308, or portions thereof, and/or receiving mating mechanism320, or portions thereof, are on either one or both of a dispensable substance container to dispense the dispensable substance and/or a dispensable substance receiving container to receive the substance dispensed by the dispensable substance container. The mating mechanism308may include a dispensing-side mating wall310. The dispensing-side mating wall310may project out perpendicular to a base portion of the mating mechanism308, the base portion of the mating mechanism308including a wall sealing a portion of a lumen of a dispensable substance container from the external environment. The dispensing-side mating wall310may encompass and/or define a lumen within the dispensing-side mating wall310, the lumen sealed from the lumen of the dispensable substance container at a first end by the base portion of the mating mechanism308and open to the external environment at a second end. The dispensing-side mating wall310may include an outer surface326that faces the external environment. The dispensing-side mating wall310may include an inner surface324that faces into the lumen defined by the dispensing-side mating wall310. A dispensing nozzle304may protrude out, perpendicular to a base portion of the mating mechanism308and parallel to the dispensing-side mating wall310, from the base portion of the mating mechanism308within the lumen formed by the dispensing-side mating wall310. For example, the dispensing nozzle304may protrude from the base portion of the mating mechanism308within the lumen formed by the dispensing-side mating wall310such that the dispensing-side mating wall310may encompass the dispensing nozzle304. The dispensing nozzle304may protrude within lumen formed by the dispensing-side mating wall310from approximately the center of the lumen formed by the dispensing-side mating wall310. Although the dispensing nozzle304may be within the lumen formed by the dispensing-side mating wall310, the dispensing-side mating wall310may be set back from the surface of the sidewalls of the dispensing nozzle304such that a cavity322is present between the inner surface324of the dispensing-side mating wall310and the sidewalls of the dispensing nozzle304. The dispensing nozzle304may be a hollow structure. The dispensing nozzle304may include a lumen316that extends through the base portion of the mating mechanism308maintaining fluid communication between the lumen316of the dispensing nozzle304and the lumen of the dispensable substance container. In some examples, the dispensing nozzle304may include elongate sidewalls encompassing and/or defining the lumen316that taper to a sealed terminus tip at an end of the dispensing nozzle opposite the base portion of the mating mechanism308. The dispensing nozzle304may include openings318-1. . .318-N through the sidewall of the dispensing nozzle304into the lumen316of the dispensing nozzle304. The openings318-1. . .318-N may be utilized, when exposed, to dispense a dispensable substance from the lumen316of the dispensing nozzle304and/or from the lumen of the dispensable substance container. A body of the dispensing nozzle304may be sealed from the external environment and/or the cavity322between the dispensing-side mating wall310and the sidewalls of the dispensing nozzle304other than at the openings318-1. . .318-N. The system350may include a frangible obstruction312. The frangible obstruction312may include a sleeve. For example, the frangible obstruction312may include a tubular fitting encompassing an outer surface of a portion of the sidewall of the dispensing nozzle304. Prior to joining the mating mechanism308to the receiving mating mechanism320the frangible obstruction312may be fixed in place to the dispensing nozzle304over the openings318-1. . .318-N. The frangible obstruction312may, therefore, seal the openings thereby sealing the dispensable substance within the lumen316of the dispensing nozzle304during filling, refilling, packaging, shipping, storing, transportation, handling, preparation for dispensing to a receiving container, the early stages (e.g., initial engagement within the application of particular force load) of the process of joining the mating mechanism308to the receiving mating mechanism320, etc.). For example, inFIG.3Athe frangible obstruction312is still fixed in place over the openings318-1. . .318-N sealing in the contents of the lumen316of the dispensing nozzle304. The system350may include a receiving mating mechanism320. The receiving mating mechanism320may include concentric walls encompassing an opening to a passageway344and/or the passageway344to a lumen of a dispensable substance receiving container. For example, the receiving mating mechanism320way include an outer receiving container wall328. The receiving mating mechanism320way include an inner receiving container wall332. The outer receiving container wall328may encompass the inner receiving container wall332. The inner receiving container wall332may encompass an opening to a passageway344and/or the passageway344to a lumen of a dispensable substance receiving container. The outer receiving container wall328may be separated from the outer surface342of the inner receiving container wall332by a cavity334. The cavity334may have dimensions and geometry to allow the dispensing-side mating wall310to seat within the cavity334. The cavity334may have a depth defined by the bottom wall230. The bottom wall230may act as a stop and/or a rest for the dispensing-side mating wall310as it is seated into the cavity334. The bottom wall230may stop the dispensing-side mating wall310from progressing any further into the receiving mating mechanism320. The outer surface342of the inner receiving container wall332along with the outer receiving container wall328may serve as an aligning guide for the dispensing-side mating wall310as the mating mechanism308is joined with the receiving mating mechanism320. Additionally, the outer surface342of the inner receiving container wall332along with the outer receiving container wall328may serve as an aligning guide for the dispensing nozzle304since it relative position to the dispensing-side mating wall310may be fixed as they both may have fixed positions on the mating mechanism308. The inner receiving container wall332and/or the inner surface338of the inner receiving container wall332may encompass and define the passageway344and the opening thereto. The inner receiving container wall332may have dimensions and a geometry to seat within the cavity322of the mating mechanism308. The opening into the passageway344may have a specific dimension and/or a specific geometry to allow the dispensing nozzle304to enter through the opening and seat within the passageway. However, the specific dimension and/or a specific geometry may be such that is precisely accommodates the dispensing nozzle304, allowing the dispensing nozzle304to enter through the opening while a portion of the inner receiving container wall332closely hugs, contacts, influences, and/or maintains a relatively small setback from the sidewalls of the dispensing nozzle304as it passes through the opening. For example, the dimensional tolerances of the opening defined by the portion of the inner receiving container wall332may be such that the dispensing nozzle304may pass through the opening relatively unabraded or uncontacted, while a protrusion from the sidewall of the dispensing nozzle that juts into the cavity322may encounter and/or engage the portion of the inner receiving container wall332during the joining process. For example, inFIG.3Athe frangible obstruction312fixed over the openings318-1. . .318-N may encounter the portion of the inner receiving container wall332as the mating mechanism308is joined with the receiving mating mechanism320. Meanwhile, the inner receiving container wall332may be engaging with and/or being influenced by the inner surface324of the dispensing-side mating wall310and the sidewall portion of the dispensing nozzle to seat within the cavity322of the mating mechanism308. Simultaneously, the dispensing-side mating wall310may be engaging with and/or being influenced by the outer receiving container wall328and the outer surface342of the inner receiving container wall332to seat within the cavity334of the receiving mating mechanism320. This interlocking between the various walls of the mating mechanism308and the receiving mating mechanism320may establish and maintain the alignment of the components throughout the joining process. As described above, the frangible obstruction312may be engineered and/or manufactured to break under a force load that exceeds a threshold amount which is less than a threshold amount to break other components of the mating mechanism308and the receiving mating mechanism320. The frangible obstruction312may be engineered and/or manufactured to break in a manner that degrades or eliminates the seal of the openings318-1. . .318-N provided by the frangible obstructions312. For example, the body of the frangible obstruction312may be engineered and/or manufactured to break into portions. In another example, the attachments between the frangible obstruction312and the dispensing nozzle304may be designed to break while preserving the structure of the body of the frangible obstruction312. For example, a toroidal structure encompassing the portion of the sidewall of the dispensing nozzle304where the openings are present318-1. . .318-N may have its ultrasonic welds to the dispensing nozzle broken in a manner that preserves the toroidal structure encompassing the dispensing nozzle304, but breaks it free from its fixed position allowing it to be translated along the sidewall of the dispensing nozzle further into the cavity318-N, thereby exposing the openings318-1. . .318-N, such as the example illustrated inFIG.3B. Mating or joining a dispensable substance container to a dispensable substance receiving container may include mating or joining the mating mechanism308to the receiving mating mechanism320as illustrated inFIGS.3A-3B. InFIG.3Athe interlocking alignment between the mating mechanism308to the receiving mating mechanism320has been established and may be maintaining alignment between the constituent components of the mating mechanism308and the receiving mating mechanism320. Joining or mating the mating mechanism308to the receiving mating mechanism320may involve pressing the two together and/or threading one into the other. During the joining and/or mating process the mating mechanism308and the receiving mating mechanism320may achieve the state illustrated inFIG.3Awhere the inner receiving container wall332have encountered and engaged with the frangible obstruction312. Once such a state is reached, an additional force load may be introduced to proceed. For example, a force load that exceeds a threshold amount to break the frangible obstruction312free from the dispensing nozzle304, but that is less than a threshold amount to break other components of the mating mechanism308may be applied by pressing down on and/or twisting the mating mechanism308and the receiving mating mechanism320together with the additional force load. As the force load is applied that exceeds the threshold amount to break the frangible obstruction312free from the dispensing nozzle, the inner receiving container wall332may be utilized to translate that force load into a shearing force. The shearing force may exceed the shear strength of the frangible obstruction312to resist it. In that moment, the frangible obstruction312may be broken free from its attachment to the dispensing nozzle304. The inner receiving container wall332may have a height dimension measurable from the bottom wall330which is less than a height dimension of the outer receiving container wall328measurable from the bottom wall330. This height difference may result in the inner receiving container wall332having an insufficient length to seat fully into the cavity322when the mating mechanism308and the receiving mating mechanism320are joined together, while still allowing the outer receiving container wall328to influence alignment prior to an engagement between the inner receiving container wall332and the frangible obstruction318-1. . .318-N to alleviate leaks, spills, premature dispensing, and/or broken parts associated with a malalignment. Further, because of the height of the inner receiving container wall332, a portion of the depth of cavity322may be preserved during full engagement (e.g., dispensing-side mating wall310seated within cavity334against bottom wall330) between the mating mechanism308and the receiving mating mechanism320, as illustrated inFIG.3B. The reserve capacity of cavity322may be utilized to hold the broken frangible obstruction312and/or its broken attachments up and away from the openings318-1. . .318-N while a dispensable substance is dispensed through the opening into the passageway344. For example, the inner receiving container wall332may shear off the frangible obstruction312at is passes through the opening and may translate and/or sweep the resulting debris and/or broken free structure of the frangible attachment312up into the cavity322in a manner that isolates them from the openings318-1. . .318-N and/or from the passageway344. Frangible debris may represent a source of contamination and/or a source of damage to the dispensable substance receiving container and/or a downstream machine such as a printing device. Therefore, translating and confining such debris away from the dispensable substance being dispensed and the lumens of the containers between which it is being dispensed may preserve the life of the dispensable substance and the life of a machine utilizing the dispensable substance, while preserving a last-moment introduction of fluid communication between the containers. Last-moment introduction of fluid communication between the dispensable substance container and the dispensable substance receiving container may include establishing fluid communication between the lumen of the dispensable substance container and the lumen of the dispensable substance receiving container at or near a moment when a dispensing nozzle of one container is inserted into a passageway or directly into a lumen of a second container. Shearing off the frangible obstruction from the openings of a dispensing nozzle as the dispensing nozzle passes through an opening into a passageway may be an example of a last-moment introduction of fluid communication between the containers. By restricting the fluid communication of the dispensable substance from the dispensable substance container until the dispensable substance container is mated to a dispensable substance receiving container including the dispensing nozzle being within a passageway to the dispensable substance receiving container, leaks, spills, contamination, premature dispensing, etc. may be prevented. Furthermore, a portion of the dispensable substance containers may be fully consumable and/or non-reusable as a result of breaking the frangible obstruction during mating the mating mechanisms of the dispensing and receiving containers. A non-reusable dispensable substance container may not only generate increased demand for a product by making it consumable but may also prevent unintended reuse by a user that may result in contamination of a dispensable substance. Contamination of a dispensable substance such as a printing material that may lead to the introduction of contaminants to a dispensable substance receiving container such as a printing substance reservoir. The contaminants may be introduced from the printing substance reservoir to a device such as a printing device, which may damage the printing device. The devices and/or systems described herein are not intended to be limited to any specific example described herein. The components of specific examples of devices and/or the systems described herein may be interchangeable with components of other specific examples of devices and/or the systems described herein. In the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. For example, the reference numeral102may refer to element “02” inFIG.1and an analogous element may be identified by reference numeral202inFIG.2. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional examples of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the present disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense. Further, as used herein, “a” element and/or feature can refer to one or more of such elements and/or features. | 51,491 |
11858697 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A device1for dispensing a floor treatment composition is shown inFIG.1. The device1can comprise a handle5, a dispensing system10, a dispensing package15, and a mop head20. The dispensing system10can comprise a dispensing package15. In operation, the dispensing system10can dispense floor treatment composition contained in the dispensing package15from the dispensing package15to the floor. In use, the user of the device1can acquire a dispensing package15that contains the floor treatment composition. The user can install the dispensing package15into the device1and then use the device1. The user can use the device1to treat a floor by applying floor treatment composition to the floor and manipulating the device1to travel across the floor. The floor treatment composition can be, by way of nonlimiting example, a floor cleaning composition, a floor disinfecting composition, a floor scenting composition, a floor polishing composition, a floor friction enhancing composition, and the like. The floor treatment composition can comprise surfactant and water. Optionally, the floor treatment composition can further comprise perfume. Optionally the floor treatment composition can comprise components selected from acrylic polymer, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, chlorhexidine diacetate, propylene glycol butyl ether, phenoxyisopropanol, fragrance, alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl polyglucoside, and water. The floor treatment composition can comprise C10-C16 alkyldimethylamine oxide. The floor treatment composition can comprise from about 0.001 wt % to about 15 wt % surfactant, a cationic antimicrobial active, a nitrogen-containing polymer, and water. The surfactant can be selected from the group of nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, and mixtures thereof. The surfactant can be nonionic surfactant. The floor treatment composition can comprise from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.5 wt % surfactant and from about 0.005 wt % to about 1 wt % cationic antimicrobial active. The floor treatment composition can comprise about 95 wt % to about 99.994 wt % water. The floor treatment composition can comprise from about 0.005 wt % to about 1 wt % nitrogen-containing polymer. The floor treatment composition can comprise from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.5 wt % perfume. The mop head20be or have attached thereto a sponge, brush, abrasive material, bundle of strips of textiles, bundle of fibers, and the like. Optionally, a wipe25can be attached to the mop head20. The wipe25can be a disposable or reusable wipe. The mop head20can have a generally rectangular shape having a width from about 200 mm to about 500 mm, optionally about 350 mm, and a length from about 50 mm to about 200 mm, optionally about 100 mm. The wipe25can be a nonwoven wipe. Optionally the wipe25can be a laminate of nonwoven layers. The wipe25can optionally comprise an absorbent core between the surface of the wipe25intended to contact the floor and a backsheet that is attachable to and detachable from the mop head20. The wipe25can be the same as or substantially similar to the wipe25provided as part of SWIFFER WET JET, available from The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The dispensing system10can comprise a liquid conduit30that discharges floor treatment composition from the dispensing package15to the floor. The terminal end or ends of the liquid conduit30can include a nozzle35to form a spray of the floor treatment composition as the floor treatment composition is discharged from the device1. The outlet of the liquid conduit30or optional nozzle35can be designed to discharge the floor treatment composition50a distance from 0.05 m to about 1 m in front of the mop head20. The conduit30can be flexible plastic tubing having an interior diameter from about 1 mm to about 5 mm and formed from a material such as TYGON, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, or the like. The nozzle35can be a conical nozzle. The dispensing system10can comprise a manual or electromechanical pump to pump the floor treatment composition from the dispensing package15. Optionally, the floor treatment composition may be fed by gravity. The handle5can comprise a trigger for the manual pump, valve for a gravity feed, or electric switch3that is part of an electrical circuit connected to an electromechanical pump. The user can choose when to apply floor treatment composition at his or her discretion or as instructed. A dispensing package15is shown inFIG.2. The dispensing package15can comprise a coupling shell40and a container125. The coupling shell40can comprise features for helping the user align and fit the coupling shell40securely to a device, by way of nonlimiting example device1. The coupling shell40can comprise features for helping the user align and fit the dispensing package15securely to the device1. The container125contains the floor treatment composition50. To use the dispensing package15shown inFIG.2, the user positions the dispensing package15so that the coupling shell40is oriented towards the floor and fits the dispensing package15into the dispensing system10. The open end of the container125can have a sealing surface and a membrane seal160can be engaged with sealing surface. The membrane seal160can be recessed relative to the top wall55of the coupling shell40to help protect the membrane seal160from being unintentionally breached. The coupling shell40can be a molded plastic part. The coupling shell40can be an interface between the container125and other components of the dispensing system10. The coupling shell40can comprise a top wall55(FIG.3). The top wall55can be generally oriented towards the floor when floor treatment composition50is being dispensed. The top wall55can have a top wall periphery60. The top wall periphery60can bound the top wall55to define the bounds of the top wall55and the boundary between the top wall55and the shell wall65. The shell wall65can extend from the top wall periphery60. Together, the top wall55and the shell wall65can partially define a shell interior. The top wall55can have a longitudinal axis L, a transverse axis T orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and intersecting the longitudinal axis L at a z-axis Z. The z-axis Z can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T. The top wall55can be substantially planar to provide a broad surface to support the dispensing package15when the dispensing package15is stored or displayed on a shelf in a position in which the coupling shell rests on the shelf. The top wall55can be more extensive along the longitudinal axis L than along the transverse axis T. The coupling shell40can comprise a front aperture70in the top wall55. Optionally, the coupling shell40can comprise a pair of front apertures70in the top wall55. Optionally, the coupling shell40can comprise a pair of front apertures70in the top wall55on one side of the longitudinal axis L. Optionally, each of the pair of front apertures70can be positioned on opposite sides of the transverse axis T. That is, the transverse axis T can be between each of the front apertures70. The coupling shell40can further comprise a pair of rear apertures75in the top wall55. Each of the pair of rear apertures75can be positioned on opposite sides of the transverse axis T with the longitudinal axis L between the front apertures70and the rear apertures75. The transverse axis T can be between each of the rear apertures75. The front apertures70and the rear apertures75arranged as such are spaced apart from one another, one aperture being in each of the four quadrants defined by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T. These spaced apart apertures provide a location for one or more latches to engage with the coupling shell40to engage the dispensing package15within the dispensing system10, and thereby to the device1. Parts of the front apertures70and parts of the rear apertures75can be in line with one another in a direction parallel to the transverse axis T. Such an arrangement can provide for symmetry or substantial symmetry in the force distribution in the top wall55of the coupling shell40when the dispensing package15is engaged within the dispensing system10and the device1is being manipulated across the floor by the user. Having symmetry in force distribution in the top wall55can simplify structural design of the coupling shell40and molding of the coupling shell40since thickness of the coupling shell40can be set to the minimum thickness required to operate under the maximum stress. To provide for a pathway for the floor treatment composition50to be transported from within the container125to outside the container125, the top wall55can be open at the z-axis Z. By way of nonlimiting example, a dispensing opening80can be provided in the top wall55and aligned with the z-axis Z. Providing the dispensing opening80aligned with the z-axis Z can provide for symmetry or substantial symmetry in the force distribution in the top wall55when the dispensing package15is engaged with the device1and the device is being manipulated across the floor by the user. The dispensing opening80can be a dispensing aperture entirely bounded by the top wall55. The front apertures70can each have a front edge85oriented away from the longitudinal axis L. The front edges85can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. Similarly, the rear apertures75can each have an inward edge90oriented towards the longitudinal axis L. The inward edges90can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. Such arrangements can provide for uniform loading of the top wall55during use, which can simplify structural design and molding of the coupling shell40. Each of the front apertures70and the rear apertures75can be equidistant from the z-axis Z. Such an arrangement can provide for symmetry or substantial symmetry in the force distribution in the top wall55when the dispensing package15is engaged with the device1and the device is being manipulated across the floor by the user, which may simplify structural design of the coupling shell40. The dispensing package15can further comprise a first guide aperture95and a second guide aperture100in the top wall55positioned along the longitudinal axis L and positioned on opposite sides of the transverse axis T. Each of the front apertures70and rear apertures75can be nearer to the transverse axis T than the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100are to the transverse axis T. The first guide aperture95and second guide aperture100can extend further away from the z-axis Z than the front apertures70and rear apertures75. Positioning the first guide aperture95and second guide aperture100as such can provide for a more spatially compact location to attach the dispensing package15to the device1via one or more of the front apertures70and rear apertures75. Such an arrangement also places front apertures70and rear apertures75nearer to the neck of the container125to provide a better transfer of force from the latches to the neck of the container125to provide for a leak resistant connection. The first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100can each be larger in area than individual front apertures70and individual rear apertures75. This can be practical in that the guide apertures can provide for a large fraction of the resisting forces that stabilize the dispensing package15within its fit within the dispensing system10compared to the latches of the dispensing system10that can fit to one or more of the front apertures70and rear apertures75. Moreover, the latches of the dispensing system10may be moveable and moveable structures fabricated from plastic may not be as durable as male shaped molded plastic parts that not moveable relative to the material from which they extend. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can be outboard of the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100relative to the longitudinal axis L. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can extend further away from the longitudinal axis L than the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100. This can provide for torque resistance to rotational movement of the longitudinal axis L of the top wall55above and beyond that provided for by the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100. The front apertures70and the rear apertures75can be outboard of the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100. The first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100can have a greater width measured orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L than length measured along the longitudinal axis L. Users of the device1are thought to tend to move the device forward and backward more vigorously than side to side. The forces generated by accelerating and decelerating the dispensing package15in this manner must be transferred to the device1. Guide apertures having a width greater than the length can accommodate a guide fitted into the guide apertures that also has a width greater than the length and can provide for improved shear resistance in the transverse direction. The coupling shell40can be more extensive along the longitudinal axis L than along the transverse axis T. The top wall55can have a rotational symmetry of order two about the z-axis Z. This can help the user appropriately align and engage the dispensing package15within the dispensing system10so that the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100are able to be appropriately engaged with the guides fitted thereto and the front apertures70and rear apertures75are able to be appropriately engaged with the latches. The coupling shell40can comprise a dispensing opening80aligned with the z-axis Z. The dispensing opening80can provide for an opening in the coupling shell40through which the neck of the container125can be engaged with the device1. Providing the dispensing opening80aligned with the z-axis Z is practical in that other portions of the top wall55away from the z-axis Z can be used to engage the coupling shell40with the device1. Moreover, the guide apertures can be distributed around the dispensing opening80to stabilize the location of the dispensing opening80relative to other parts of the dispensing system10. The dispensing opening80can have a scalar open area. The scalar open area of the dispensing opening80is a scalar quantity having units of length squared. The scalar open area of the dispensing opening80is measured as the area of the dispensing opening80measured orthogonal to the z-axis Z. To protect the membrane seal from damage during transport and storage of the dispensing package15, the dispensing opening80in can have a smaller scalar open area than the neck fitment beneath the top wall55. The scalar open area of the neck fitment is a scalar quantity having units of length squared. The scalar open area of the neck fitment, which is bounded by the neck fitment, is measured orthogonal to the z-axis Z. Arranged as such, when the coupling shell40is fitted to the neck of the container125, the membrane seal can be recessed relative to top wall55which can reduce the potential for the membrane seal being unintentionally punctured during transport and storage of the dispensing package15. Individual front apertures70and individual rear apertures75can have a scalar open area from about 4 mm2to about 100 mm2. The scalar open area of the front apertures70and rear apertures75is measured orthogonal to the z-axis Z. The scalar open area of the dispensing opening80can range from about 50 mm2to about 1000 mm2, optionally from about 100 mm2to about 500 mm2. The dispensing opening80can be a circle, oval, or a polygon. The first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100can individually each have a scalar open area from about 4 mm2to about 500 mm2, optionally from about 50 mm2to about 200 mm2. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can be rectangularly shaped with the short edges parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can be square shaped having two edges parallel to the longitudinal axis L and two edges perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The guide apertures can have an individual scalar open area from about 50 mm2to about 300 mm2. The guide apertures can have a combined scalar open area from about 50 mm2to about 300 mm2. The guide apertures combined scalar open area can be from about 50% to about 200% of the combined scalar open area of the front apertures70and rear apertures75. The guide apertures can be bean shaped, kidney shaped, rectangular, square, oval, elongated oval, or other shape. The container125can have a volume from about 0.1 L to about 5 L, optionally from about 1 L to about 3 L. The dispensing package15can have a ratio of the volume of the container125to the combined scalar open area of the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100from about 1 L/mm2to about 1 L/100 mm2. Such an arrangement can assist users with fitting the dispensing package15into the device1. The dispensing package15can have a ratio of volume of the container125to the combined scalar open area of the front apertures70and rear apertures75from about 0.05 L/mm2to about 1 L/500 mm2. Such an arrangement can help provide for a secure connection between the dispensing package15and the device1via the latch or latches. The combined scalar open area of the front apertures70and rear apertures75as measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T can be from about 20% to about 70%, optionally from about 30% to about 50%, optionally about 40%, of the scalar open area of the dispensing opening80as measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and transverse A top view of the coupling shell40is shown inFIG.4. The front edges85and inward edges90of the front apertures70and rear apertures75can be oriented in the same direction. At least part of the front edges85can be beveled relative to the top wall55. Similarly, at least part of the inward edges90of the rear apertures75can be beveled relative to the top wall55. Beveling the front edges85and or inward edges90can allow a latch to be guided into the respective aperture which can set up a proper fitting of the dispensing package15within the dispensing system10. The top wall55can be beveled at least partially around the front apertures and rear apertures75. Beveling the front edges85and or inward edges90can also provide a reaction surface that transfers force applied to the top wall55in the z-axis Z direction into force applied to a latch in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T to move the latch laterally in translation. Each of the front edges85can have substantially the same shape. Each of the inward edges90can have substantially the same shape. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. Such arrangements individually or in combination can provide for substantially uniform loading of top wall55by the latches engaged therewith. The coupling shell40can further comprise a neck fitment110surrounding or partially surrounding the dispensing opening80and projecting from the top wall55into the shell interior115and aligned about or partially about the z-axis Z (FIG.5). The neck fitment110be a snap on or threaded neck fitment110comprising a snap ring or thread121that cooperates with a thread or bead on the neck of the container125to engage the neck fitment110with the neck of the container125. The neck fitment110can be a threaded neck fitment110having threads that complementarily fit with threads on the neck of the container125to engage the neck fitment110with the neck of the container125. Optionally, the neck fitment110can be a bayonet neck fitment110that complementarily fits with the neck of the container125to engage the neck fitment110with the neck of the container125. The shell wall65can extend in a direction along the z-axis Z further than the neck fitment110. This arrangement can provide for space for guides to protrude through the first guide aperture95and second guide aperture100without the shoulder of the container125interfering with the fit of the guides in the guide apertures. Moreover, the shell wall terminal periphery120can be configured to be partially or entirely in contact with the shoulder of the container125to support or partially support the container125at or near the shoulder when the container125is inverted. The neck fitment110can further comprise a land seal165that can be engaged with the membrane seal of the container125. The land seal165can be a portion of the top wall55that is oriented towards the shell interior115that is raised relative to adjacent portions of the top wall oriented towards the shell interior115. The land seal165can be a continuous or discontinuous rib around the z-axis Z that protrudes from the top wall55in a direction oriented towards the shell interior115. The land seal165can pinch the membrane seal between the land seal165and the sealing surface of the container125. The land seal165can help ensure that the membrane seal of the container125does not pull away from the sealing surface of the container125when the membrane seal is pierced. The coupling shell40can be a molded plastic part, the structure of which has a thickness from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. The constituent material of the coupling shell40can be a polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyactide, acrylic, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, nylon, or similar plastic material that can be formed into a coupling shell. The coupling shell40can be paperboard part, molded paperboard part, or cast paperboard part. The dispensing package15can further comprise a container125(FIG.6). The container125can comprise a base130, a body wall135extending from the base130towards the coupling shell40and around the z-axis Z, a shoulder137extending from the body wall135to a neck140that extends around the z-axis Z, a finish150that extends around the z-axis and extends from the neck140to a sealing surface155that extends around the z-axis, and a membrane seal160engaged with the sealing surface155. The neck fitment110can be engaged with the neck140. The base130can be configured so that the base130of the container125can rest on a horizontal surface without further support. The base130can include a push up or a fluted structure to provide for strength, improved stability, or the practical capability to mold the container125. The body wall135surrounds a majority of the storage volume of the container125. The shoulder137marks the transition from the body wall135to the neck140in which the shape of the container125is tapered at the neck140relative to the body wall135. The neck140of the container125can comprise a thread or bead145projecting away from the z-axis Z and extending around or partially around the z-axis Z and the neck fitment110can be engaged with the thread or bead145. The thread or bead145can provide for a reaction surface to which a snap ring or thread121of the of the neck fitment110can be fitted. The thread or bead145on the neck140can resist displacement along the z-axis Z of the neck fitment110relative to the neck140. The neck fitment110can be engaged with the thread or bead145on the neck140. Together, the snap ring or thread121of the neck fitment110and the thread or bead145on the neck140can engage the neck fitment110with the container125. The neck140of the container125can comprise a thread or threads that complementarily fit with a thread or threads on the neck fitment110to engage the neck fitment110with the container125by rotating the neck140and neck fitment110relative to one another. The container125can be a thin-walled plastic vessel or pulp or pulp based vessel or lined pulp vessel. The container125can be a blow molded, injection molded, injection blow molded, or other molded vessel. The container125can have an open end170bounded by the sealing surface155. The open end170can have a scalar open area from about 50 mm2to about 2000 mm2, optionally from about 100 mm2to about 1000 mm2. The constituent material of the container125can be pulp, polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyactide, acrylic, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, nylon, or similar plastic material that can be formed into a container125. The container125can be a paperboard part, molded paperboard part, or cast paperboard part and optionally include an interior bladder or film liner fabricated from a polymeric material or even a biodegradable polymeric material. The membrane seal160can be an elastomeric membrane. The membrane seal160can be silicone or even a single layer of silicone. Optionally, the membrane seal160can be a laminate of silicone and polyethylene terephthalate. The surface of the membrane seal160oriented towards the interior container125can be polyethylene terephthalate so as to provide for chemical compatibility between the membrane seal160and the contents of the container125. The membrane seal160can be an elastomeric membrane. The membrane seal160can have a thickness less than 5 mm, optionally less than 3 mm, optionally less than 2 mm, optionally less than 1 mm. The membrane seal160can have a shape that can cover the sealing surface155of the container125and the open end170of the container125. The membrane seal160can have a circular shape and the sealing surface155of the container can be a circular annulus likewise. The membrane seal160can be joined to the sealing surface155by heat sealing, gluing, welding, or other technique, by way of nonlimiting example. When the coupling shell40is assembled with the container125, the top wall55of the coupling shell40can be spaced apart from the shoulder137of the container125(FIG.7A,7B). Such an arrangement can provide for space in the dispensing package15for accommodating guides that can protrude through the first guide aperture95and second guide aperture100. The guides can provide a cue to the user on how to appropriately orient the dispensing package15in the device1and optionally provide for some mechanical engagement between the guides and the top wall55of the coupling shell40. A dispensing system10is shown in greater detail inFIG.8. The dispensing system10can comprise a housing180partially enclosing a cavity190. The cavity190can be sized and dimensioned to receive the dispensing package15. The cavity190can be aligned with the z-axis Z. The housing180can be open towards the front of the device1so that the dispensing package can be inserted into and removed from the cavity190from the front of the dispensing system10. An opening185can be provided in the rear of the cavity190so that the user can push the dispensing package15out of the front of the cavity190from the rear. The housing180can be between the handle5and the mop head20. The dispensing system10can further comprise a cradle200moveable within the housing180along the z-axis Z from a first position, by way of nonlimiting example as illustrated inFIG.8, to a second position. The cradle200can be sized and dimensioned to hold the dispensing package15in the proper rotational position about the z-axis Z so that the floor treatment composition50within the dispensing package15can be delivered to the mop head20. In the first position without a dispensing package15mounted in the cavity190, the cradle200can present a molded surface to the user that is absent of sharp protrusions or sharp edges, by way of nonlimiting example as shown inFIG.8. The appurtenances for placing the floor treatment composition50that is within the dispensing package15in fluid communication with the mop head20can be shielded from contact by the user by the cradle200. When the cradle200is moved into the second position, the floor treatment composition50within the dispensing package15can be fluid communication with the mop head20. To release the dispensing package15from the dispensing device10, the user can push a button250towards the z-axis Z, which in turns slides a frame having appurtenances that latch onto the dispensing package15in some manner into a position in which the appurtenances are disengaged from the dispensing package15. The cradle200then can move or be moved from the second position back to the first position and the dispensing package15can be removed from the dispensing device10. After inserting the dispensing package15into the cavity190, the user can push the dispensing package15downward. By pushing the dispensing package15downward, the cradle200is forced into the second position. An exploded view of the components positioned within the housing180is shown inFIG.9. A chassis210can be supported in a fixed position along the z-axis Z within the housing180. The chassis210is a framework that supports the various appurtenances for providing fluid communication between the floor treatment composition50within the dispensing package15and the mop head20. The chassis210can further mechanisms for securing the dispensing package15to the device1. The chassis210can support an inlet canula220that is shielded from the user when the cradle200is in the first position and protrudes through the cradle200when the cradle200is in the second position. The inlet canula220can provide the liquid transport pathway for the floor treatment composition50from within the dispensing package15to be delivered to the mop head20. The chassis210can be engaged with the housing180at a fixed position along the z-axis Z. A cradle spring230can be engaged with the cradle200and positioned between the cradle200and the chassis210. The cradle spring230can provide for an upward driving force to disengage the dispensing package15from the inlet canula220when a release mechanism is actuated. When the user inserts the dispensing package15into the cavity190, the cradle spring230can have a first stored energy that is zero or greater. The user can then push the dispensing package15downward to move the cradle200from the first position to the second position. As the cradle200moves downward, energy can be stored in the cradle spring230so that in the second position the cradle spring230has a second stored energy that is greater than the first stored energy. When a cradle release mechanism is actuated, the energy stored in the cradle spring230moves the cradle200up above the inlet canula220and the dispensing package15is disengaged from the inlet canula220. A sliding lock240can be slidingly engaged with the chassis210. The sliding lock240can be reciprocatingly movable relative to the z-axis Z at a fixed position along the z-axis Z through a range of motion. The user can engage the sliding lock240with the dispensing package by inserting the dispensing package15into the cavity190and the pushing the dispensing package15down thereby moving cradle200from the first position to the second position. The sliding lock240can comprise a button250, by which the sliding lock240can be disengaged from the dispensing package15by pushing on the button250. The button250can be oriented in a direction away from the z-axis Z. The button250can be operatively positioned so that the user can manually manipulate the position of the sliding lock240relative to a fixed position along the z-axis Z. The button250can be an intended user contact surface of the sliding lock240. The sliding lock240can comprise an open frame260engaged with or extending from the button250. The open frame260is open in line with the z-axis Z through the intended range of motion of the open frame260. The open frame260provides for space through which the inlet canula220and optional vent canula can protrude so that when the cradle200is in the second position, the inlet canula220and optional vent canula can protrude through cradle200to engage with the dispensing package15. The button250can be integral with the open frame260, i.e. molded as a single continuous part, or can be attached to the open frame260. The button250can provide for an ergonomic surface that a user can press to manually manipulate the position of the open frame260. A plurality of latches270can extend from the open frame260. Each latch270can extend from the open frame260in a direction towards the cradle200to a free end280. One or more of the latches270can catch on a portion of the dispensing package15to hold the dispensing package15in place while the device1is in use. Each of the latches270can have a catch side290oriented towards the button250and a catch surface300oriented towards the open frame260. The catch side290refers to the side of the latch270from which the catch surface300depends. The catch surface300acts to catch on a portion of the dispensing package15to hold the dispensing package15in place when the device1is being used. The catch surface300, when engaged with the dispensing package15, can provide a force or component of force on the dispensing package15that is generally aligned with the z-axis Z in a direction towards the mop head20. The catch surface300pulls on portion of the dispensing package15to maintain the dispensing package15in engagement with the inlet canula220when the cradle200is in the second position. Providing the catch sides290oriented towards the button250is practical in the that pushing motion on the button250can disengage the latches270from the structure on with which they are engaged on the dispensing package15. Pushing to disengage may be advantageous over pulling since users are thought to have better fine muscular control and stability pushing a button250than pulling on a tab or grip to disengage the latches270. As the user pushes the button250, a frame spring310can be loaded and once the cradle200moves towards the first position, the loaded stored energy can displace the open frame260back to its engaged position with the cradle200being above the latches270and the dispensing package15being able to easily be removed from the cavity190. In this manner, the dispensing package15the force required to engage the latches270to the dispensing package15is applied by the frame spring310rather than the user. Spring applied force may be more controllable than user applied force which increase the likelihood that the latches270are appropriately engaged with the dispensing package15. The catch side290of the free end280of each latch270can have a beveled surface285oriented away from the open frame260. The beveled surface285can help facilitate engagement of the dispensing container15with the latches270. As the dispensing container15is pushed down and the cradle200transitions from the first position towards the second position, structure on the dispensing package15can push down on the latches270. A beveled surface285on the free end280of latches270can transfer some of the applied vertical force laterally to slide the open frame260laterally to permit the latches270to grasp structure on the dispensing package such as one or more of the front apertures70and or rear apertures75. The front edges85of the front apertures70and the inward edges90of the rear apertures75may also be cooperatively beveled to transfer vertical force applied to the dispensing package15laterally to assist with translating the open frame260. Such cooperatively beveled surfaces can help reduce the vertical force that the user needs to apply to the dispensing package15to move the open frame260into position so that the dispensing package15can be received and stably engaged by the latches270once the cradle200is in the second position. Moreover, the cooperative beveled surfaces guide proper fit of the dispensing package15with the latches270if these elements are in imperfect alignment. Providing the catch side290of the free end280of each latch270with a beveled surface285oriented away from the open frame260allows downward force on the dispensing package15to move the open frame260so that the latches270can be engaged with the dispensing package15. Energy stored in the frame spring310can provide for movement of the open frame260so that lateral engagement of the latches270and the dispensing package15can occur. The cooperatively beveled surfaces can cam against one another. The open frame260can have an engaged position and a disengaged position. The open frame260can be biased to be in the engaged position. The engaged position is a position in which if the cradle200is in the second position and a dispensing package15is installed so that the latches270extending from the open frame260are engaged with the dispensing package15. The engaged position of the open frame260is the position in which the open frame260can tend to be when the cradle200is in the first position and the user is not pushing on the button250. When the open frame260is in the engaged position, the button250can be further away from the z-axis Z than when the open frame260is in the disengaged position. In the engaged position, the latches270are positioned to catch a portion of the dispensing package15if the cradle200is in the second position and a dispensing package15is installed. To transition the open frame260from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the user can press on the button250to slide the open frame260partially across the z-axis Z, which moves the latches270to be in a position in which the latches270are not in a position to catch a portion of the dispensing package15if the cradle200is in the second position. To bias the open frame260to be in an engaged position, the dispensing system10can further comprise a one-dimensional frame spring310. The frame spring310can be biased to push on the open frame260in a direction away from the z-axis Z so that the open frame260is in the engaged position. To move the open frame260to the disengaged position, the user can push on the button250to displace the open frame260. As the open frame260moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the frame spring310stores energy. Once the user stops pushing on the button250, the frame spring310releases the stored energy to move the open frame260back to the engaged position. The frame spring310can have a compression or extension axis orthogonal to the z-axis Z. Biasing the open frame260to be in the engaged position can be practical for providing stable mechanical engagement between the dispensing package15and the dispensing system10. Moreover, biasing the open frame260as such can require the user to provide some exertion to engage the dispensing package15within the dispensing system10and the user can sense if the engagement has occurred by feeling the change in force applied to the dispensing package15as the dispensing package15is engaged with the latches270. When no dispensing package15is installed and the cradle200is in the first position, the open frame260can be in the engaged position but the latches270are not engaged with the dispensing package15. When the dispensing package15is installed in the cavity190and the cradle200is pushed down into the second position, the latches270can be engaged with the dispensing package15. Pushing the button250can move the open frame260to a disengaged position that releases the dispensing package15from being captured by the latches270and the cradle spring230can push the cradle200up so that the user can easily remove the dispensing package15from the cavity190. The dispensing system10can further comprise a carriage stop265or pair of carriage stops265projecting outwardly from the open frame260in a direction away from, and optionally orthogonal to, the z-axis Z. Each carriage stop265can be engaged with an individual stop catch267engaged with or an integral part of the chassis210. The carriage stop265can limit the range of reciprocal motion of the open frame260as it moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The carriage stops265can be integral with the open frame260, i.e. as a single continuous molded part. In operation, the user can remove the dispensing package15by pushing on the button250. Pushing on the button250can translationally displace the open frame260to a disengaged position which thereby releases the latches270from engagement with the dispensing package15. The user can then remove the dispensing package15from the dispensing system10. When the user releases the button250, the open frame260can translate back to an engaged position. But since there is no dispensing package15in the dispensing system10, the latches270are not engaged with the dispensing package15. The carriage stops265contacting the stop catches267limit the range of motion of the open frame260as the button250translates in direction away from the z-axis Z. The inlet canula220can project in a direction parallel to or in line with the z-axis Z through the open frame260. The dispensing system10can comprise more than one inlet canula220, optionally two, or two or more inlet canulae220. The inlet canula220can comprise an inlet canula entrance330. The inlet canula entrance330is the open end of the inlet canula220through which the floor treatment composition50is transported on its way to the mop head20. The inlet canula entrance330can be sharp so that it can pierce a membrane seal160. The inlet canula220can be a non-coring needle so that the membrane seal160is pierced by puncturing the membrane seal160and the membrane seal160remains in one piece. This is in contrast to a coring needle in which a core from the membrane seal160is separated or partially separated from the membrane seal160as needle is pushed through the membrane seal160. A non-coring needle can be advantageous if the user engages and disengages the same dispensing package15with the dispensing system10multiple times since a membrane seal160pierced by a non-coring needle may be less prone to leakage after the needle is removed compared to when a coring needle is employed. Furthermore, a non-coring needle is unlikely to generate a piece of chaff from the membrane seal160as it pierces the membrane seal160. The inlet canula220can be straight. The inlet canula220can be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and the like. The inlet canula220can have an outside diameter from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, optionally about 1 mm to about 3 mm. The inlet canula220can have in inside diameter from about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm, optionally from about 1 mm to about 3 mm. The inlet canula entrance330can be a straight or beveled edge and can have a tip angle from about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees, optionally from about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees. When the cradle200is in the first position, the inlet canula entrance330can be between the chassis210and the cradle200. This can shield the inlet canula220when the cradle200is in the first position. The first position of the cradle200can occur when no dispensing package15is installed in the dispensing system10or before the dispensing package15is pushed down to engage the dispensing package15with the inlet canula220. The cradle200can comprise a liquid transport aperture340. The liquid transport aperture340can be aligned with the inlet canula220so that the liquid transport aperture340is in registration with the inlet canula220. When the cradle200is in the second position, the inlet canula entrance330can project through the cradle200at the liquid transport aperture340in the cradle200. When a dispensing package15is installed in the dispensing system10, the liquid transport aperture340can be in line with the dispensing opening80of the coupling shell40. That can permit the inlet canula220to protrude through the cradle200at the liquid transport aperture and through the dispensing opening80to pierce through the membrane seal160so the floor treatment composition50can be transported out of the dispensing package15to the floor. The dispensing system10can optionally comprise a vent canula225that projects in a direction parallel to the z-axis Z through the open from260. The cradle200can further comprise a vent aperture342. The vent aperture342can be aligned with the vent canula225. The vent canula225can comprise a vent canula outlet335. When the cradle200is in the first position, the vent canula outlet335can be between the chassis and the cradle200and aligned with a liquid transport aperture340. When the cradle200is in the second position, the vent canula225can protrude through the vent aperture342. The vent canula outlet335is the location at which air flow exits the vent canula225during venting, that is exits into the dispensing package15. The vent canula225can provide for venting from the dispensing package15as floor treatment composition50is dispensed from the within the dispensing package15. As floor treatment composition50flows out of the dispensing package15, air can be vented into the dispensing package15to equalize the pressure within the dispensing package15and the ambient pressure of the environment in which the device1is used. A vent canula225may not be required if pressure equalization is addressed otherwise, for example by providing a vent as part of the dispensing package15or containing the floor treatment composition50in a collapsible bag that collapses as the floor treatment composition50is dispensed therefrom. Optionally the inlet canula220can have a vent integrated therein. The vent canula225can be in fluid communication with a one-way vent valve375open to fluid flow in a direction towards the vent canula outlet335. When a dispensing package15is installed in the dispensing device10, the vent canula outlet335can be within the container125of the dispensing package15. The cradle200can comprise a plurality of engagement apertures350aligned with the latches270so that the engagement apertures350are in registration with the latches270. When the cradle200is in the first position, the cradle200is above the latches270so that the latches270are between the chassis210and the cradle200. When the cradle200is transitioned to the second position, the cradle200is lowered relative to the chassis210and the latches270can protrude through the cradle200. When a dispensing package15is engaged with the dispensing system10and the cradle200is in the second position, the latches270can latch onto a portion of the dispensing package15. The cradle200can further comprise a pair of spaced apart guides395protruding from the exterior facing surface390of the cradle200. The guides395can be further away from the z-axis Z than the engagement apertures350. The guides395can be outboard of the engagement apertures350and z-axis Z can be in line with and between the guides395. The guides395can provide a protruding shape that can fit into or conform with a part of the dispensing package15when the dispensing package15is in the proper fitted position. Optionally, the cradle200can further comprise a pair of spaced apart stems385protruding from the interior facing surface380of the cradle200. These stems385can fit into and or through openings through the chassis210to help guide movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position and stabilize the fit of the cradle200with the chassis210. The dispensing system10can further comprise a pump360in fluid communication with the inlet canula220. The pump360can pump the floor treatment composition50from the dispensing package15to the mop head20. The mop head20can be in fluid communication the pump360. The pump360can be connected to the mop head20via a conduit30. The pump360can be a manual piston pump360that is activated by a trigger that that is pulled or pushed repetitively to generate an upstroke and down stroke of the pump360. The pump360can be an electromechanical pump360that is activated by a switch3mounted on the handle5. The pump360can be, by way of nonlimiting example, a gear pump, an impeller pump, a piston pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, or any other pump that can fit within a small space having a volume less than 1 L. If an electromechanical pump360is employed, a power source can be on-board the device1. The power source can be integrally molded into or attached to the dispensing system10. The power source can be a rechargeable battery, a disposable battery, or a household alternating current connected to the device by a cord with an optional transformer. The pump360can provide a flow rated from about 20 mL/minute to about 400 mL/minute, optionally from about 150 mL/min to about 250 mL/min. The dispensing system10can further comprise a check valve365downstream of the pump360. The check valve365can be downstream of the pump360and upstream of the conduit30. The check valve365can have a direction of permitted flow from the pump360to the conduit30. The check valve365can help to prevent back flow into the pump360and also act to retain floor treatment composition50in the conduit30by way of development of a vacuum within the conduit30downstream of the check valve365, which reduces the possibility of uncontrolled drips emanating from the conduit30when the pump360is not activated or the device is not in use. The dispensing system10can comprise a pair of opposing cradle supports370. The cradle supports370can be oriented towards the z-axis Z and be engaged with cradle interior facing surface380when the cradle200is in the first position. The cradle interior facing surface380is oriented towards the chassis210. The cradle200can have an exterior facing surface390opposite the cradle interior facing surface380. The cradle supports370can support the cradle200from beneath the cradle200when the cradle200is in the first position and resist movement of the cradle200from the first position towards the second position. The cradle200can be in the first position before a dispensing package15is installed in the dispensing system10. Since the cavity190is open in that situation, a user might unintentionally contact the cradle200which might push the cradle200down towards the chassis210. That might unintentionally result in the inlet canula220protruding through the cradle200at the liquid transport aperture340and might result in the inlet canula220and optional vent canula225being contactable by the user. Each of the cradle supports370can extend from an activation arm400that extends outboard of the peripheral edge405of the cradle200and over at least a portion of the exterior facing surface390. The cradle supports370can extend from the activation arm400towards the z-axis Z to support the cradle200from beneath the cradle200. When a dispensing package15is inserted into the cavity190and seated in the cradle200, parts of the dispensing package15can push on the activation arms400to push the arm ends402of the activation arms400away from the z-axis Z. Movement of the arm ends402of the activation arms400away from the z-axis Z can disengage the cradle supports370from the interior facing surface380of the cradle200. In effect, the dispensing package15can spread apart the activation arms400which in turn move the cradle supports370from beneath the cradle200. That frees up the cradle200to be moved from the first position towards and to the second position. Providing an activation arm400outboard of the peripheral edge405of the cradle200and over part of the exterior facing surface390can provide for a mechanism for disengaging the cradle supports370from the cradle200by default when the dispensing package15is seated in the cradle200. The user does not have to manually manipulate a switch or lever or other mechanical or electromechanical device to disengage the cradle supports370. Rather, the cradle supports370are disengaged by the user performing the intended action of installing a dispensing package15in the cradle200. This simplifies operation of the dispensing system10by the user. Moreover, since the activation arms400are on opposite sides of the cradle200, there is a low likelihood that a user will unintentionally disengage both cradle supports370simultaneously and be able to move the cradle200from the first position to the second position. Each cradle supports370can be engaged with a lever arm410that is engaged with the chassis210at a hinge420. Each hinge420can comprise a hinge spring430biased to rotate the lever arm410towards the z-axis Z. Supporting the cradle200in the first position with cradle supports370depending from lever arms410that are hingedly engaged with the chassis210can provide for simple repetitive disengagement and engagement of the cradle supports370from and to the cradle interior facing surface380. Hinge springs430biased to rotate the lever arm410towards the z-axis Z can provide for automatic engagement of the cradle supports370with the cradle interior facing surface380. The hinge spring430can be a coil spring in which one end is engaged with the chassis210and the other end is engaged with the lever arm410at or near the location where the lever arm410is connected to the hinge420. A mechanism for restraining unintentional movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position that comprises a lever arm410extending from a hinge420engaged with the chassis210to an activation arm400, wherein a cradle support370extends from the lever arm410at a position between the hinge420and the activation arm400in a direction towards the z-axis Z and is engaged with the cradle interior facing surface380, wherein the activation arm400extends outboard of the peripheral edge405and over at least a portion of the cradle exterior facing surface390, and wherein the hinge420comprises a hinge spring430biased to rotate the lever arm410towards the z-axis Z, can be simple for the user to operate since the cradle supports370can be disengaged from the cradle200by inserting a dispensing package15into the cavity190and fitting the dispensing package15to the cradle200. A part of the dispensing package15can push the activation arms400in a direction away from the z-axis Z, which in turn move the cradle supports370from beneath the cradle200so that the cradle200is free to be pushed from the first position to the second position. The user does not even need to appreciate that the mechanism is present or how it works since the mechanism can operate automatically when the user inserts the dispensing package15into the cavity190as part of his or her anticipated use of the device1. An assembly of parts of the dispensing system10is shown inFIG.10. InFIG.10, the cradle200is in the first position. In the first position, the inlet canula220is positioned between the cradle200and the chassis210. That can limit the possibility that the user unintentionally touches the inlet canula220. Moreover, when the cradle200is in the first position, the activation arms400reach up and slightly over the exterior facing surface390of the cradle200. Beneath the cradle200, the cradle supports370are engaged with the interior facing surface380of the cradle200, thereby resisting movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position. InFIG.11A, the cradle200is in the first position and the coupling shell40of the dispensing package15is not illustrated for clarity. It can be challenging for the user to unintentionally manipulate the cradle200into the second position without inserting the dispensing package15since the activation arms400would need to be moved outwardly to disengage the cradle supports370from the interior facing surface380of the cradle200. As shown inFIG.11B, when the cradle200is in the second position, the inlet canulae220protrude up through the liquid transport apertures340. The latches270also protrude up through the engagement apertures350. The cradle supports370are outboard of the cradle200to permit movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position. The activation arms400are also illustrated to be moved outwardly away from the z-axis as they would be when the dispensing package15is mounted in the cradle200. As shown inFIG.12, in which the coupling shell40is included in the drawing, when the cradle200is in the second position, the inlet canulae220protrude up through the liquid transport aperture340. The latches270also protrude up through the engagement apertures350. The cradle supports370are outboard of the cradle200to permit movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position. The activation arms400are also illustrated to be moved outwardly away from the z-axis as they would be when the dispensing package15is mounted in the cradle200. FIG.12illustrates the cradle200in the second position along with a coupling shell40that may form part of the dispensing package15. As shown inFIG.12, the latches270protrude up through the engagement apertures350of the cradle200and through the front apertures70and rear apertures75of the coupling shell40. The catch sides290of the latches270are engage with the front apertures70and rear apertures75of the coupling shell40to secure the coupling shell40, and the container125thereby, securely in the cavity190. One or more of the engagement locations of the latches270with the one or more of the front apertures70and rear apertures75can provide for stability of the dispensing package15if the user bumps a stationary object with the mop head20during use. FIG.13A to13Dillustrate a manner in which the coupling shell40can engage with the latches270. InFIG.13A, the dispensing package15is brought by the user into proximity with the cradle200. The frame spring310can be in a low or no stored energy state. The engagement apertures350are registered with the latches270so that the latches270can pass through the engagement apertures350. The front apertures70and the rear apertures75are also registered with latches270. The guides395are registered with the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100. InFIG.13B, the user pushes the dispensing package15downward from the first position towards the second position. The cradle spring230stores energy as the cradle spring230is loaded. The front apertures70and the rear apertures75are brought into contact with the latches270. A beveled surface285of the free end280of the latches270can contact a cooperatively beveled edge of the front aperture70or rear aperture75with which the respective latch270registered therewith. The vertical force applied by the user to the dispensing package15can be transferred to the beveled surface285of the free end280of the latches270. A component of that vertical force can provide a lateral force to move the open frame260laterally. When the latches270are pushed out of the way sufficiently (FIG.13C), the cradle200can be pushed slightly further down the z-axis Z. The open frame260and latches270can move back and the catch surfaces300of the latches270can engage with coupling shell40(FIG.13D). As discussed previously, the user can disengage the dispensing package15by pushing on the button250to move the open frame260and disengage the latches270from the front apertures70and rear apertures75of the coupling shell40. Once disengaged, the cradle spring230can push the cradle200from the second position back to the first position. In the first position, the user can disengage the dispensing package15from the device1. The dispensing package15can be engaged with the dispensing system10by the following steps. The dispensing package15can be manually positioned so that the coupling shell40is in a downward orientation. That is, the dispensing shell40can be oriented towards the cradle200. The front apertures70are aligned with the engagement apertures350and the dispensing opening80liquid transport aperture340. The top wall55is contacted to the cradle200manually. The container125is manually pushed downwardly to move the cradle200from the first position to the second position, whereby the inlet canula220punctures the membrane seal160. The latches270are engaged with the front apertures70. The container125is then released leaving the dispensing package15engaged with the latches270. The method can further comprise the step of contacting the dispensing package15to the activation arms400to disengage the cradle supports370from the interior facing surface380. The method can further comprise the step of pushing on the button250to move the open frame260from an engaged position to a disengaged position to disengage the dispensing package15from the latch or latches270. Nonlimiting examples of coupling shells40that can be employed as part of the dispensing package15are shown inFIGS.14-22. The coupling shell40can comprise at least two support zones440. Each support zone440can comprise a portion of the top wall55and an open area450in the top wall55that is at least partially bounded by a front edge85that is substantially parallel or parallel to the longitudinal axis L. A front edge85or front edges85as such can provide for locations at which the dispensing package15securely engaged with the device1. The open area450can be continuous between the support zones440. A continuous open area450can help to reduce the part weight which can reduce the material and transportation costs incurred by the user and make the dispensing package15easier to handle. The front edge85or front edges85can be chamfered or beveled. As described previously, chamfered or beveled front edges85can help guide latches270into the open areas450of the support zones440and potentially transfer force to the latches270to displace the latches270laterally so that the latches270can pass through the open areas450and subsequently latch onto top wall55. Each of the support zones440can be at least partially bounded by opposing front edges that are substantially parallel or parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Having both opposing front edges85parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L can provide for two orientations about the z-axis Z in which the dispensing package15can be engaged with the device1. The opposing front edges85can both be chamfered or beveled so that in either orientation of the coupling shell40about the z-axis Z latches270can be conveniently fitted to the support zones440. The open area450can be continuous between support zones440, for example as inFIGS.14-20and23. This can reduce the weight of the coupling shell40and require less material to fabricate the coupling shell40. Optionally, the open area450can be continuous with the neck fitment110, which can also reduce the weight of the coupling shell40and reduce the amount of material used to fabricate the coupling shell40. A nonlimiting example of such an arrangement is shown inFIG.23, which is a bottom view of a coupling shell40, in which the neck110is not continuous. The coupling shell40can comprise four support zones440. The four support zones440can be distributed into the four quadrants defined by the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T. Providing four support zones440can provide for greater stability of engagement of the dispensing package15to the device1and provide for redundancy of the engagement. The support zones440can be positioned on opposite sides of the transverse axis T. Such arrangement can help stabilize the dispensing package15from rotational movement about the z-axis Z when the device1is being used. Optionally, the support zones440can be positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L, which can provide for stability of the dispensing package15for side to side movement along the longitudinal axis L of the device1. The support zones440on opposite sides of the transverse axis T can be in alignment or out of alignment with one another relative to an axis parallel to the transverse axis T. The front edges85can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. Optionally, the support zone440can be equidistant from the z-axis A. The support zones440can be equidistant from the transvers axis T. The support zones440can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. These arrangements and combinations of these arrangements can simplify mechanical design of and provide for symmetry of the mechanism for engaging the latches270with the dispensing package15. As shown inFIGS.14-22, the open areas450can extend further away from the longitudinal axis L than the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100, which may be able to increase the torque resistance of the connection between the dispensing package15and the device1. Optionally, the front apertures70and the rear apertures75out of alignment with one another with respect to an axis parallel to the transvers axis T. Similarly, the support zones440can be out of alignment with one another with respect to an axis parallel to the transverse axis T (e.g.FIGS.21and22). A bottom view of a coupling shell40is shown inFIG.23. The neck fitment110can partially surround the dispensing opening80. The neck fitment110can surround more than about 30%, optionally more than 50%, optionally more than 80%, optionally 100%, of the dispensing opening80. The neck fitment110need only have enough structure to securely engage with the neck140of the container125under the anticipated forces that the neck fitment110may have to withstand during manufacture, secondary packing, distribution, display on shelf, transportation to the user's home, and installation and use in the user's home. Combinations An example is below: A. A dispensing package (15) for a floor treatment composition (50), said dispensing package comprising:a coupling shell (40) comprising a top wall (55), wherein said top wall has a top wall periphery (60) and a shell wall (65) extending from said top wall periphery, wherein said top wall and said shell wall partially define a shell interior (115), wherein said top wall has a longitudinal axis (L), a transverse axis (T) orthogonal to said longitudinal axis and intersecting said longitudinal axis at a z-axis (Z), wherein said z-axis is orthogonal to said longitudinal axis and said transverse axis, wherein said coupling shell further comprises:a front aperture (70) in said top wall;a dispensing opening (80) in said top wall and aligned with said z-axis;a neck fitment (110) at least partially surrounding said dispensing opening and projecting from said top wall into said shell interior and aligned with said z-axis; anda container (125) comprising a base (130), and body wall (135) extending from said base towards said coupling shell and extending around said z-axis, a shoulder (137) extending from said body wall to a neck (140) that extends around said z-axis, a finish (150) that extends around said z-axis and extends from said neck to a sealing surface (155) that extends around said z-axis, and a membrane seal (160) engaged with said sealing surface, wherein said neck fitment is engaged with said neck;wherein said top wall is spaced apart from said shoulder.B. The dispensing package according to Paragraph A, wherein said dispensing package comprises a pair of said front apertures.C. The dispensing package according to Paragraph B, wherein said pair of front apertures are on one side of said longitudinal axis.D. The dispensing package according to Paragraph B or C, wherein said front apertures are on opposite sides of said transverse axis.E. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs B to D, wherein said front apertures each have a front edge (85) oriented away from said longitudinal axis, wherein said front edges are equidistant from said longitudinal axis.F. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs B to E, wherein said front apertures each have a front edge (85) oriented away from said longitudinal axis, wherein at least parts of said front edges are chamfered or beveled relative to said top wall.G. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs B to F, wherein said front apertures each have a front edge (85) oriented away from said longitudinal axis, wherein said front edges are equidistant from said longitudinal axis, wherein each front edge has substantially the same shape.H. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs A to G, wherein said shell wall extends in a direction along the z-axis further than said neck fitment.I. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs A to H, wherein said dispensing package further comprises a first guide aperture (95) and a second guide aperture (100) in said top wall positioned along said longitudinal axis and positioned on opposite sides of said transverse axis, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture extend further away from said z-axis than said front apertures.J. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs A to I, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture are each larger in area than individual front apertures.K. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs A to J, wherein said dispensing opening has a smaller scalar open area than said neck fitment.L. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs B to K, wherein said front apertures extend further away from said longitudinal axis than said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture.M. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs A to L, wherein said shell further comprises a pair of rear apertures (75) in said top wall and positioned on opposite sides of said transverse axis, wherein said longitudinal axis is between said front apertures and said rear apertures, wherein parts of said front apertures and parts of said rear apertures are in line with one another in a direction parallel to said transverse axis.N. The dispensing package according to Paragraph M, wherein said rear apertures each have an inward edge (90) oriented towards said longitudinal axis, wherein said inward edges are equidistant from said longitudinal axis.O. The dispensing package according to Paragraph N, wherein at least parts of said inward edges are chamfered or beveled relative to said top wall.P. The dispensing package according to Paragraph N or O, wherein each inward edge has substantially the same shape.Q. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs M to P, wherein said rear apertures are equidistant from said longitudinal axisR. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs M to Q, wherein said front apertures and said rear apertures are equidistant from said longitudinal axis.S. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs M to R, wherein said dispensing package further comprises a first guide aperture (95) and a second guide aperture (100) in said top wall positioned along said longitudinal axis and positioned on opposite sides of said transverse axis, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture extend further away from said z-axis than said rear apertures.T. The dispensing package according to Paragraph S, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture are each larger in area than individual rear aperturesU. The dispensing package according to Paragraph S or T, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture have a greater width measured orthogonal to said longitudinal axis than length measured along said longitudinal axis.V. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs A to U, wherein said neck fitment comprises a land seal (165) engaged with said membrane seal.W. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs A to V, wherein said coupling shell is more extensive along said longitudinal axis than along said transverse axis.X. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs B to W, wherein said front apertures are equidistant from said z-axis.Y. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs M to X, wherein said rear apertures are equidistant from said z-axis.Z. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs A to Y, wherein said membrane seal is recessed relative to said top wall.AA. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs A to Z, wherein said neck further comprises a thread or bead (145) projecting from said neck away from z-axis and extending around or partially around said z-axis and said neck fitment is engaged with said thread or bead.BB. A method of engaging a dispensing package (15) according to any of Paragraphs A to AA comprising steps of:manually positioning said coupling shell in a downward orientation;manually aligning said z-axis of said coupling shell with a predetermined location then manually positioning said coupling shell in a disengaged position;manually pushing downwardly on said container to move said coupling shell in a direction in alignment with said z-axis from said disengaged position into an engaged position;releasing said dispensing package and leaving said dispensing package in said engaged position.CC. The method according to Paragraph BB, where said method further comprises the step of piercing said membrane seal as said coupling shell is moved from said disengaged position to said engaged position. The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. | 74,645 |
11858698 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A device1for dispensing a floor treatment composition is shown inFIG.1. The device1can comprise a handle5, a dispensing system10, a dispensing package15, and a mop head20. The dispensing system10can comprise a dispensing package15. In operation, the dispensing system10can dispense floor treatment composition contained in the dispensing package15from the dispensing package15to the floor. In use, the user of the device1can acquire a dispensing package15that contains the floor treatment composition. The user can install the dispensing package15into the device1and then use the device1. The user can use the device1to treat a floor by applying floor treatment composition to the floor and manipulating the device1to travel across the floor. The floor treatment composition can be, by way of nonlimiting example, a floor cleaning composition, a floor disinfecting composition, a floor scenting composition, a floor polishing composition, a floor friction enhancing composition, and the like. The floor treatment composition can comprise surfactant and water. Optionally, the floor treatment composition can further comprise perfume. Optionally the floor treatment composition can comprise components selected from acrylic polymer, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, chlorhexidine diacetate, propylene glycol butyl ether, phenoxyisopropanol, fragrance, alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl polyglucoside, and water. The floor treatment composition can comprise C10-C16 alkyldimethylamine oxide. The floor treatment composition can comprise from about 0.001 wt % to about 15 wt % surfactant, a cationic antimicrobial active, a nitrogen-containing polymer, and water. The surfactant can be selected from the group of nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, and mixtures thereof. The surfactant can be nonionic surfactant. The floor treatment composition can comprise from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.5 wt % surfactant and from about 0.005 wt % to about 1 wt % cationic antimicrobial active. The floor treatment composition can comprise about 95 wt % to about 99.994 wt % water. The floor treatment composition can comprise from about 0.005 wt % to about 1 wt % nitrogen-containing polymer. The floor treatment composition can comprise from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.5 wt % perfume. The mop head20be or have attached thereto a sponge, brush, abrasive material, bundle of strips of textiles, bundle of fibers, and the like. Optionally, a wipe25can be attached to the mop head20. The wipe25can be a disposable or reusable wipe. The mop head20can have a generally rectangular shape having a width from about 200 mm to about 500 mm, optionally about 350 mm, and a length from about 50 mm to about 200 mm, optionally about 100 mm The wipe25can be a nonwoven wipe. Optionally the wipe25can be a laminate of nonwoven layers. The wipe25can optionally comprise an absorbent core between the surface of the wipe25intended to contact the floor and a backsheet that is attachable to and detachable from the mop head20. The wipe25can be the same as or substantially similar to the wipe25provided as part of SWIFFER WET JET, available from The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The dispensing system10can comprise a liquid conduit30that discharges floor treatment composition from the dispensing package15to the floor. The terminal end or ends of the liquid conduit30can include a nozzle35to form a spray of the floor treatment composition as the floor treatment composition is discharged from the device1. The outlet of the liquid conduit30or optional nozzle35can be designed to discharge the floor treatment composition50a distance from 0.05 m to about 1 m in front of the mop head20. The conduit30can be flexible plastic tubing having an interior diameter from about 1 mm to about 5 mm and formed from a material such as TYGON, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, or the like. The nozzle35can be a conical nozzle. The dispensing system10can comprise a manual or electromechanical pump to pump the floor treatment composition from the dispensing package15. Optionally, the floor treatment composition may be fed by gravity. The handle5can comprise a trigger for the manual pump, valve for a gravity feed, or electric switch3that is part of an electrical circuit connected to an electromechanical pump. The user can choose when to apply floor treatment composition at his or her discretion or as instructed. A dispensing package15is shown inFIG.2. The dispensing package15can comprise a coupling shell40and a container125. The coupling shell40can comprise features for helping the user align and fit the coupling shell40securely to a device, by way of nonlimiting example device1. The coupling shell40can comprise features for helping the user align and fit the dispensing package15securely to the device1. The container125contains the floor treatment composition50. To use the dispensing package15shown inFIG.2, the user positions the dispensing package15so that the coupling shell40is oriented towards the floor and fits the dispensing package15into the dispensing system10. The open end of the container125can have a sealing surface and a membrane seal160can be engaged with sealing surface. The membrane seal160can be recessed relative to the top wall55of the coupling shell40to help protect the membrane seal160from being unintentionally breached. The coupling shell40can be a molded plastic part. The coupling shell40can be an interface between the container125and other components of the dispensing system10. The coupling shell40can comprise a top wall55(FIG.3). The top wall55can be generally oriented towards the floor when floor treatment composition50is being dispensed. The top wall55can have a top wall periphery60. The top wall periphery60can bound the top wall55to define the bounds of the top wall55and the boundary between the top wall55and the shell wall65. The shell wall65can extend from the top wall periphery60. Together, the top wall55and the shell wall65can partially define a shell interior. The top wall55can have a longitudinal axis L, a transverse axis T orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and intersecting the longitudinal axis L at a z-axis Z. The z-axis Z can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T. The top wall55can be substantially planar to provide a broad surface to support the dispensing package15when the dispensing package15is stored or displayed on a shelf in a position in which the coupling shell40rests on the shelf. The top wall55can be more extensive along the longitudinal axis L than along the transverse axis T. The coupling shell40can comprise a front aperture70in the top wall55. Optionally, the coupling shell40can comprise a pair of front apertures70in the top wall55. Optionally, the coupling shell40can comprise a pair of front apertures70in the top wall55on one side of the longitudinal axis L. Optionally, each of the pair of front apertures70can be positioned on opposite sides of the transverse axis T. That is, the transverse axis T can be between each of the front apertures70. The coupling shell40can further comprise a pair of rear apertures75in the top wall55. Each of the pair of rear apertures75can be positioned on opposite sides of the transverse axis T with the longitudinal axis L between the front apertures70and the rear apertures75. The transverse axis T can be between each of the rear apertures75. The front apertures70and the rear apertures75arranged as such are spaced apart from one another, one aperture being in each of the four quadrants defined by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T. These spaced apart apertures provide a location for one or more latches to engage with the coupling shell40to engage the dispensing package15within the dispensing system10, and thereby to the device1. Parts of the front apertures70and parts of the rear apertures75can be in line with one another in a direction parallel to the transverse axis T. Such an arrangement can provide for symmetry or substantial symmetry in the force distribution in the top wall55of the coupling shell40when the dispensing package15is engaged within the dispensing system10and the device1is being manipulated across the floor by the user. Having symmetry in force distribution in the top wall55can simplify structural design of the coupling shell40and molding of the coupling shell40since thickness of the coupling shell40can be set to the minimum thickness required to operate under the maximum stress. To provide for a pathway for the floor treatment composition50to be transported from within the container125to outside the container125, the top wall55can be open at the z-axis Z. By way of nonlimiting example, a dispensing opening80can be provided in the top wall55and aligned with the z-axis Z. Providing the dispensing opening80aligned with the z-axis Z can provide for symmetry or substantial symmetry in the force distribution in the top wall55when the dispensing package15is engaged with the device1and the device is being manipulated across the floor by the user. The dispensing opening80can be a dispensing aperture entirely bounded by the top wall55. The front apertures70can each have a front edge85oriented away from the longitudinal axis L. The front edges85can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. Similarly, the rear apertures75can each have an inward edge90oriented towards the longitudinal axis L. The inward edges90can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. Such arrangements can provide for uniform loading of the top wall55during use, which can simplify structural design and molding of the coupling shell40. Each of the front apertures70and the rear apertures75can be equidistant from the z-axis Z. Such an arrangement can provide for symmetry or substantial symmetry in the force distribution in the top wall55when the dispensing package15is engaged with the device1and the device is being manipulated across the floor by the user, which may simplify structural design of the coupling shell40. The dispensing package15can further comprise a first guide aperture95and a second guide aperture100in the top wall55positioned along the longitudinal axis L and positioned on opposite sides of the transverse axis T. Each of the front apertures70and rear apertures75can be nearer to the transverse axis T than the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100are to the transverse axis T. The first guide aperture95and second guide aperture100can extend further away from the z-axis Z than the front apertures70and rear apertures75. Positioning the first guide aperture95and second guide aperture100as such can provide for a more spatially compact location to attach the dispensing package15to the device1via one or more of the front apertures70and rear apertures75. Such an arrangement also places front apertures70and rear apertures75nearer to the neck of the container125to provide a better transfer of force from the latches to the neck of the container125to provide for a leak resistant connection. The first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100can each be larger in area than individual front apertures70and individual rear apertures75. This can be practical in that the guide apertures can provide for a large fraction of the resisting forces that stabilize the dispensing package15within its fit within the dispensing system10compared to the latches of the dispensing system10that can fit to one or more of the front apertures70and rear apertures75. Moreover, the latches of the dispensing system10may be moveable and moveable structures fabricated from plastic may not be as durable as male shaped molded plastic parts that not moveable relative to the material from which they extend. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can be outboard of the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100relative to the longitudinal axis L. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can extend further away from the longitudinal axis L than the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100. This can provide for torque resistance to rotational movement of the longitudinal axis L of the top wall55above and beyond that provided for by the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100. The front apertures70and the rear apertures75can be outboard of the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100. The first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100can have a greater width measured orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L than length measured along the longitudinal axis L. Users of the device1are thought to tend to move the device forward and backward more vigorously than side to side. The forces generated by accelerating and decelerating the dispensing package15in this manner must be transferred to the device1. Guide apertures having a width greater than the length can accommodate a guide fitted into the guide apertures that also has a width greater than the length and can provide for improved shear resistance in the transverse direction. The coupling shell40can be more extensive along the longitudinal axis L than along the transverse axis T. The top wall55can have a rotational symmetry of order two about the z-axis Z. This can help the user appropriately align and engage the dispensing package15within the dispensing system10so that the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100are able to be appropriately engaged with the guides fitted thereto and the front apertures70and rear apertures75are able to be appropriately engaged with the latches. The coupling shell40can comprise a dispensing opening80aligned with the z-axis Z. The dispensing opening80can provide for an opening in the coupling shell40through which the neck of the container125can be engaged with the device1. Providing the dispensing opening80aligned with the z-axis Z is practical in that other portions of the top wall55away from the z-axis Z can be used to engage the coupling shell40with the device1. Moreover, the guide apertures can be distributed around the dispensing opening80to stabilize the location of the dispensing opening80relative to other parts of the dispensing system10. The dispensing opening80can have a scalar open area. The scalar open area of the dispensing opening80is a scalar quantity having units of length squared. The scalar open area of the dispensing opening80is measured as the area of the dispensing opening80measured orthogonal to the z-axis Z. To protect the membrane seal from damage during transport and storage of the dispensing package15, the dispensing opening80in can have a smaller scalar open area than the neck fitment beneath the top wall55. The scalar open area of the neck fitment is a scalar quantity having units of length squared. The scalar open area of the neck fitment, which is bounded by the neck fitment, is measured orthogonal to the z-axis Z. Arranged as such, when the coupling shell40is fitted to the neck of the container125, the membrane seal can be recessed relative to top wall55which can reduce the potential for the membrane seal being unintentionally punctured during transport and storage of the dispensing package15. Individual front apertures70and individual rear apertures75can have a scalar open area from about 4 mm2to about 100 mm2. The scalar open area of the front apertures70and rear apertures75is measured orthogonal to the z-axis Z. The scalar open area of the dispensing opening80can range from about 50 mm2to about 1000 mm2, optionally from about 100 mm2to about 500 mm2. The dispensing opening80can be a circle, oval, or a polygon. The first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100can individually each have a scalar open area from about 4 mm2to about 500 mm2, optionally from about 50 mm2to about 200 mm2. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can be rectangularly shaped with the short edges parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can be square shaped having two edges parallel to the longitudinal axis L and two edges perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The guide apertures can have an individual scalar open area from about 50 mm2to about 300 mm2. The guide apertures can have a combined scalar open area from about 50 mm2to about 300 mm2. The guide apertures combined scalar open area can be from about 50% to about 200% of the combined scalar open area of the front apertures70and rear apertures75. The guide apertures can be bean shaped, kidney shaped, rectangular, square, oval, elongated oval, or other shape. The container125can have a volume from about 0.1 L to about 5 L, optionally from about 1 L to about 3 L. The dispensing package15can have a ratio of the volume of the container125to the combined scalar open area of the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100from about 1 L/mm2to about 1 L/100 mm2. Such an arrangement can assist users with fitting the dispensing package15into the device1. The dispensing package15can have a ratio of volume of the container125to the combined scalar open area of the front apertures70and rear apertures75from about 0.05 L/mm2to about 1 L/500 mm2. Such an arrangement can help provide for a secure connection between the dispensing package15and the device1via the latch or latches. The combined scalar open area of the front apertures70and rear apertures75as measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T can be from about 20% to about 70%, optionally from about 30% to about 50%, optionally about 40%, of the scalar open area of the dispensing opening80as measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and transverse A top view of the coupling shell40is shown inFIG.4. The front edges85and inward edges90of the front apertures70and rear apertures75can be oriented in the same direction. At least part of the front edges85can be beveled relative to the top wall55. Similarly, at least part of the inward edges90of the rear apertures75can be beveled relative to the top wall55. Beveling the front edges85and or inward edges90can allow a latch to be guided into the respective aperture which can set up a proper fitting of the dispensing package15within the dispensing system10. The top wall55can be beveled at least partially around the front apertures70and rear apertures75. Beveling the front edges85and or inward edges90can also provide a reaction surface that transfers force applied to the top wall55in the z-axis Z direction into force applied to a latch in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T to move the latch laterally in translation. Each of the front edges85can have substantially the same shape. Each of the inward edges90can have substantially the same shape. The front apertures70and rear apertures75can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. Such arrangements individually or in combination can provide for substantially uniform loading of top wall55by the latches engaged therewith. The coupling shell40can further comprise a neck fitment110surrounding or partially surrounding the dispensing opening80and projecting from the top wall55into the shell interior115and aligned about or partially about the z-axis Z (FIG.5). The neck fitment110be a snap on or threaded neck fitment110comprising a snap ring or thread121that cooperates with a thread or bead on the neck of the container125to engage the neck fitment110with the neck of the container125. The neck fitment110can be a threaded neck fitment110having threads that complementarily fit with threads on the neck of the container125to engage the neck fitment110with the neck of the container125. Optionally, the neck fitment110can be a bayonet neck fitment110that complementarily fits with the neck of the container125to engage the neck fitment110with the neck of the container125. The shell wall65can extend in a direction along the z-axis Z further than the neck fitment110. This arrangement can provide for space for guides to protrude through the first guide aperture95and second guide aperture100without the shoulder of the container125interfering with the fit of the guides in the guide apertures. Moreover, the shell wall terminal periphery120can be configured to be partially or entirely in contact with the shoulder of the container125to support or partially support the container125at or near the shoulder when the container125is inverted. The neck fitment110can further comprise a land seal165that can be engaged with the membrane seal of the container125. The land seal165can be a portion of the top wall55that is oriented towards the shell interior115that is raised relative to adjacent portions of the top wall oriented towards the shell interior115. The land seal165can be a continuous or discontinuous rib around the z-axis Z that protrudes from the top wall55in a direction oriented towards the shell interior115. The land seal165can pinch the membrane seal between the land seal165and the sealing surface of the container125. The land seal165can help ensure that the membrane seal of the container125does not pull away from the sealing surface of the container125when the membrane seal is pierced. The coupling shell40can be a molded plastic part, the structure of which has a thickness from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm The constituent material of the coupling shell40can be a polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyactide, acrylic, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, nylon, or similar plastic material that can be formed into a coupling shell. The coupling shell40can be paperboard part, molded paperboard part, or cast paperboard part. The dispensing package15can further comprise a container125(FIG.6). The container125can comprise a base130, a body wall135extending from the base130towards the coupling shell40and around the z-axis Z, a shoulder137extending from the body wall135to a neck140that extends around the z-axis Z, a finish150that extends around the z-axis and extends from the neck140to a sealing surface155that extends around the z-axis, and a membrane seal160engaged with the sealing surface155. The neck fitment110can be engaged with the neck140. The base130can be configured so that the base130of the container125can rest on a horizontal surface without further support. The base130can include a push up or a fluted structure to provide for strength, improved stability, or the practical capability to mold the container125. The body wall135surrounds a majority of the storage volume of the container125. The shoulder137marks the transition from the body wall135to the neck140in which the shape of the container125is tapered at the neck140relative to the body wall135. The neck140of the container125can comprise a thread or bead145projecting away from the z-axis Z and extending around or partially around the z-axis Z and the neck fitment110can be engaged with the thread or bead145. The thread or bead145can provide for a reaction surface to which a snap ring or thread121of the of the neck fitment110can be fitted. The thread or bead145on the neck140can resist displacement along the z-axis Z of the neck fitment110relative to the neck140. The neck fitment110can be engaged with the thread or bead145on the neck140. Together, the snap ring or thread121of the neck fitment110and the thread or bead145on the neck140can engage the neck fitment110with the container125. The neck140of the container125can comprise a thread or threads that complementarily fit with a thread or threads on the neck fitment110to engage the neck fitment110with the container125by rotating the neck140and neck fitment110relative to one another. The container125can be a thin-walled plastic vessel or pulp or pulp based vessel or lined pulp vessel. The container125can be a blow molded, injection molded, injection blow molded, or other molded vessel. The container125can have an open end170bounded by the sealing surface155. The open end170can have a scalar open area from about 50 mm2to about 2000 mm2, optionally from about 100 mm2to about 1000 mm2. The constituent material of the container125can be pulp, polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyactide, acrylic, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, nylon, or similar plastic material that can be formed into a container125. The container125can be a paperboard part, molded paperboard part, or cast paperboard part and optionally include an interior bladder or film liner fabricated from a polymeric material or even a biodegradable polymeric material. The membrane seal160can be an elastomeric membrane. The membrane seal160can be silicone or even a single layer of silicone. Optionally, the membrane seal160can be a laminate of silicone and polyethylene terephthalate. The surface of the membrane seal160oriented towards the interior container125can be polyethylene terephthalate so as to provide for chemical compatibility between the membrane seal160and the contents of the container125. The membrane seal160can be an elastomeric membrane. The membrane seal160can have a thickness less than 5 mm, optionally less than 3 mm, optionally less than 2 mm, optionally less than 1 mm The membrane seal160can have a shape that can cover the sealing surface155of the container125and the open end170of the container125. The membrane seal160can have a circular shape and the sealing surface155of the container can be a circular annulus likewise. The membrane seal160can be joined to the sealing surface155by heat sealing, gluing, welding, or other technique, by way of nonlimiting example. When the coupling shell40is assembled with the container125, the top wall55of the coupling shell40can be spaced apart from the shoulder137of the container125(FIGS.7A,7B). Such an arrangement can provide for space in the dispensing package15for accommodating guides that can protrude through the first guide aperture95and second guide aperture100. The guides can provide a cue to the user on how to appropriately orient the dispensing package15in the device1and optionally provide for some mechanical engagement between the guides and the top wall55of the coupling shell40. A dispensing system10is shown in greater detail inFIG.8. The dispensing system10can comprise a housing180partially enclosing a cavity190. The cavity190can be sized and dimensioned to receive the dispensing package15. The cavity190can be aligned with the z-axis Z. The housing180can be open towards the front of the device1so that the dispensing package15can be inserted into and removed from the cavity190from the front of the dispensing system10. An opening185can be provided in the rear of the cavity190so that the user can push the dispensing package15out of the front of the cavity190from the rear. The housing180can be between the handle5and the mop head20. The dispensing system10can further comprise a cradle200moveable within the housing180along the z-axis Z from a first position, by way of nonlimiting example as illustrated inFIG.8, to a second position. The cradle200can be sized and dimensioned to hold the dispensing package15in the proper rotational position about the z-axis Z so that the floor treatment composition50within the dispensing package15can be delivered to the mop head20. In the first position without a dispensing package15mounted in the cavity190, the cradle200can present a molded surface to the user that is absent of sharp protrusions or sharp edges, by way of nonlimiting example as shown inFIG.8. The appurtenances for placing the floor treatment composition50that is within the dispensing package15in fluid communication with the mop head20can be shielded from contact by the user by the cradle200. When the cradle200is moved into the second position, the floor treatment composition50within the dispensing package15can be fluid communication with the mop head20. To release the dispensing package15from the dispensing device10, the user can push a button250towards the z-axis Z, which in turns slides a frame having appurtenances that latch onto the dispensing package15in some manner into a position in which the appurtenances are disengaged from the dispensing package15. The cradle200then can move or be moved from the second position back to the first position and the dispensing package15can be removed from the dispensing device10. After inserting the dispensing package15into the cavity190, the user can push the dispensing package15downward. By pushing the dispensing package15downward, the cradle200is forced into the second position. An exploded view of the components positioned within the housing180is shown inFIG.9. A chassis210can be supported in a fixed position along the z-axis Z within the housing180. The chassis210is a framework that supports the various appurtenances for providing fluid communication between the floor treatment composition50within the dispensing package15and the mop head20. The chassis210can further mechanisms for securing the dispensing package15to the device1. The chassis210can support an inlet canula220that is shielded from the user when the cradle200is in the first position and protrudes through the cradle200when the cradle200is in the second position. The inlet canula220can provide the liquid transport pathway for the floor treatment composition50from within the dispensing package15to be delivered to the mop head20. The chassis210can be engaged with the housing180at a fixed position along the z-axis Z. A cradle spring230can be engaged with the cradle200and positioned between the cradle200and the chassis210. The cradle spring230can provide for an upward driving force to disengage the dispensing package15from the inlet canula220when a release mechanism is actuated. When the user inserts the dispensing package15into the cavity190, the cradle spring230can have a first stored energy that is zero or greater. The user can then push the dispensing package15downward to move the cradle200from the first position to the second position. As the cradle200moves downward, energy can be stored in the cradle spring230so that in the second position the cradle spring230has a second stored energy that is greater than the first stored energy. When a cradle release mechanism is actuated, the energy stored in the cradle spring230moves the cradle200up above the inlet canula220and the dispensing package15is disengaged from the inlet canula220. A sliding lock240can be slidingly engaged with the chassis210. The sliding lock240can be reciprocatingly movable relative to the z-axis Z at a fixed position along the z-axis Z through a range of motion. The user can engage the sliding lock240with the dispensing package15by inserting the dispensing package15into the cavity190and the pushing the dispensing package15down thereby moving cradle200from the first position to the second position. The sliding lock240can comprise a button250, by which the sliding lock240can be disengaged from the dispensing package15by pushing on the button250. The button250can be oriented in a direction away from the z-axis Z. The button250can be operatively positioned so that the user can manually manipulate the position of the sliding lock240relative to a fixed position along the z-axis Z. The button250can be an intended user contact surface of the sliding lock240. The sliding lock240can comprise an open frame260engaged with or extending from the button250. The open frame260is open in line with the z-axis Z through the intended range of motion of the open frame260. The open frame260provides for space through which the inlet canula220and optional vent canula can protrude so that when the cradle200is in the second position, the inlet canula220and optional vent canula can protrude through cradle200to engage with the dispensing package15. The button250can be integral with the open frame260, i.e. molded as a single continuous part, or can be attached to the open frame260. The button250can provide for an ergonomic surface that a user can press to manually manipulate the position of the open frame260. A plurality of latches270can extend from the open frame260. Each latch270can extend from the open frame260in a direction towards the cradle200to a free end280. One or more of the latches270can catch on a portion of the dispensing package15to hold the dispensing package15in place while the device1is in use. Each of the latches270can have a catch side290oriented towards the button250and a catch surface300oriented towards the open frame260. The catch side290refers to the side of the latch270from which the catch surface300depends. The catch surface300acts to catch on a portion of the dispensing package15to hold the dispensing package15in place when the device1is being used. The catch surface300, when engaged with the dispensing package15, can provide a force or component of force on the dispensing package15that is generally aligned with the z-axis Z in a direction towards the mop head20. The catch surface300pulls on portion of the dispensing package15to maintain the dispensing package15in engagement with the inlet canula220when the cradle200is in the second position. Providing the catch sides290oriented towards the button250is practical in the that pushing motion on the button250can disengage the latches270from the structure on with which they are engaged on the dispensing package15. Pushing to disengage may be advantageous over pulling since users are thought to have better fine muscular control and stability pushing a button250than pulling on a tab or grip to disengage the latches270. As the user pushes the button250, a frame spring310can be loaded and once the cradle200moves towards the first position, the loaded stored energy can displace the open frame260back to its engaged position with the cradle200being above the latches270and the dispensing package15being able to easily be removed from the cavity190. In this manner, the dispensing package15the force required to engage the latches270to the dispensing package15is applied by the frame spring310rather than the user. Spring applied force may be more controllable than user applied force which increase the likelihood that the latches270are appropriately engaged with the dispensing package15. The catch side290of the free end280of each latch270can have a beveled surface285oriented away from the open frame260. The beveled surface285can help facilitate engagement of the dispensing container15with the latches270. As the dispensing container15is pushed down and the cradle200transitions from the first position towards the second position, structure on the dispensing package15can push down on the latches270. A beveled surface285on the free end280of latches270can transfer some of the applied vertical force laterally to slide the open frame260laterally to permit the latches270to grasp structure on the dispensing package15, such as one or more of the front apertures70and or rear apertures75. The front edges85of the front apertures70and the inward edges90of the rear apertures75may also be cooperatively beveled to transfer vertical force applied to the dispensing package15laterally to assist with translating the open frame260. Such cooperatively beveled surfaces can help reduce the vertical force that the user needs to apply to the dispensing package15to move the open frame260into position so that the dispensing package15can be received and stably engaged by the latches270once the cradle200is in the second position. Moreover, the cooperative beveled surfaces guide proper fit of the dispensing package15with the latches270if these elements are in imperfect alignment. Providing the catch side290of the free end280of each latch270with a beveled surface285oriented away from the open frame260allows downward force on the dispensing package15to move the open frame260so that the latches270can be engaged with the dispensing package15. Energy stored in the frame spring310can provide for movement of the open frame260so that lateral engagement of the latches270and the dispensing package15can occur. The cooperatively beveled surfaces can cam against one another. The open frame260can have an engaged position and a disengaged position. The open frame260can be biased to be in the engaged position. The engaged position is a position in which if the cradle200is in the second position and a dispensing package15is installed so that the latches270extending from the open frame260are engaged with the dispensing package15. The engaged position of the open frame260is the position in which the open frame260can tend to be when the cradle200is in the first position and the user is not pushing on the button250. When the open frame260is in the engaged position, the button250can be further away from the z-axis Z than when the open frame260is in the disengaged position. In the engaged position, the latches270are positioned to catch a portion of the dispensing package15if the cradle200is in the second position and a dispensing package15is installed. To transition the open frame260from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the user can press on the button250to slide the open frame260partially across the z-axis Z, which moves the latches270to be in a position in which the latches270are not in a position to catch a portion of the dispensing package15if the cradle200is in the second position. To bias the open frame260to be in an engaged position, the dispensing system10can further comprise a one-dimensional frame spring310. The frame spring310can be biased to push on the open frame260in a direction away from the z-axis Z so that the open frame260is in the engaged position. To move the open frame260to the disengaged position, the user can push on the button250to displace the open frame260. As the open frame260moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the frame spring310stores energy. Once the user stops pushing on the button250, the frame spring310releases the stored energy to move the open frame260back to the engaged position. The frame spring310can have a compression or extension axis orthogonal to the z-axis Z. Biasing the open frame260to be in the engaged position can be practical for providing stable mechanical engagement between the dispensing package15and the dispensing system10. Moreover, biasing the open frame260as such can require the user to provide some exertion to engage the dispensing package15within the dispensing system10and the user can sense if the engagement has occurred by feeling the change in force applied to the dispensing package15as the dispensing package15is engaged with the latches270. When no dispensing package15is installed and the cradle200is in the first position, the open frame260can be in the engaged position but the latches270are not engaged with the dispensing package15. When the dispensing package15is installed in the cavity190and the cradle200is pushed down into the second position, the latches270can be engaged with the dispensing package15. Pushing the button250can move the open frame260to a disengaged position that releases the dispensing package15from being captured by the latches270and the cradle spring230can push the cradle200up so that the user can easily remove the dispensing package15from the cavity190. The dispensing system10can further comprise a carriage stop265or pair of carriage stops265projecting outwardly from the open frame260in a direction away from, and optionally orthogonal to, the z-axis Z. Each carriage stop265can be engaged with an individual stop catch267engaged with or an integral part of the chassis210. The carriage stop265can limit the range of reciprocal motion of the open frame260as it moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The carriage stops265can be integral with the open frame260, i.e. as a single continuous molded part. In operation, the user can remove the dispensing package15by pushing on the button250. Pushing on the button250can translationally displace the open frame260to a disengaged position which thereby releases the latches270from engagement with the dispensing package15. The user can then remove the dispensing package15from the dispensing system10. When the user releases the button250, the open frame260can translate back to an engaged position. But since there is no dispensing package15in the dispensing system10, the latches270are not engaged with the dispensing package15. The carriage stops265contacting the stop catches267limit the range of motion of the open frame260as the button250translates in direction away from the z-axis Z. The inlet canula220can project in a direction parallel to or in line with the z-axis Z through the open frame260. The dispensing system10can comprise more than one inlet canula220, optionally two, or two or more inlet canulae220. The inlet canula220can comprise an inlet canula entrance330. The inlet canula entrance330is the open end of the inlet canula220through which the floor treatment composition50is transported on its way to the mop head20. The inlet canula entrance330can be sharp so that it can pierce a membrane seal160. The inlet canula220can be a non-coring needle so that the membrane seal160is pierced by puncturing the membrane seal160and the membrane seal160remains in one piece. This is in contrast to a coring needle in which a core from the membrane seal160is separated or partially separated from the membrane seal160as needle is pushed through the membrane seal160. A non-coring needle can be advantageous if the user engages and disengages the same dispensing package15with the dispensing system10multiple times since a membrane seal160pierced by a non-coring needle may be less prone to leakage after the needle is removed compared to when a coring needle is employed. Furthermore, a non-coring needle is unlikely to generate a piece of chaff from the membrane seal160as it pierces the membrane seal160. The inlet canula220can be straight. The inlet canula220can be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and the like. The inlet canula220can have an outside diameter from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, optionally about 1 mm to about 3 mm The inlet canula220can have in inside diameter from about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm, optionally from about 1 mm to about 3 mm The inlet canula entrance330can be a straight or beveled edge and can have a tip angle from about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees, optionally from about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees. When the cradle200is in the first position, the inlet canula entrance330can be between the chassis210and the cradle200. This can shield the inlet canula220when the cradle200is in the first position. The first position of the cradle200can occur when no dispensing package15is installed in the dispensing system10or before the dispensing package15is pushed down to engage the dispensing package15with the inlet canula220. The cradle200can comprise a liquid transport aperture340. The liquid transport aperture340can be aligned with the inlet canula220so that the liquid transport aperture340is in registration with the inlet canula220. When the cradle200is in the second position, the inlet canula entrance330can project through the cradle200at the liquid transport aperture340in the cradle200. When a dispensing package15is installed in the dispensing system10, the liquid transport aperture340can be in line with the dispensing opening80of the coupling shell40. That can permit the inlet canula220to protrude through the cradle200at the liquid transport aperture and through the dispensing opening80to pierce through the membrane seal160so the floor treatment composition50can be transported out of the dispensing package15to the floor. The dispensing system10can optionally comprise a vent canula225that projects in a direction parallel to the z-axis Z through the open from260. The cradle200can further comprise a vent aperture342. The vent aperture342can be aligned with the vent canula225. The vent canula225can comprise a vent canula outlet335. When the cradle200is in the first position, the vent canula outlet335can be between the chassis and the cradle200and aligned with a liquid transport aperture340. When the cradle200is in the second position, the vent canula225can protrude through the vent aperture342. The vent canula outlet335is the location at which air flow exits the vent canula225during venting, that is exits into the dispensing package15. The vent canula225can provide for venting from the dispensing package15as floor treatment composition50is dispensed from the within the dispensing package15. As floor treatment composition50flows out of the dispensing package15, air can be vented into the dispensing package15to equalize the pressure within the dispensing package15and the ambient pressure of the environment in which the device1is used. A vent canula225may not be required if pressure equalization is addressed otherwise, for example by providing a vent as part of the dispensing package15or containing the floor treatment composition50in a collapsible bag that collapses as the floor treatment composition50is dispensed therefrom. Optionally the inlet canula220can have a vent integrated therein. The vent canula225can be in fluid communication with a one-way vent valve375open to fluid flow in a direction towards the vent canula outlet335. When a dispensing package15is installed in the dispensing device10, the vent canula outlet335can be within the container125of the dispensing package15. The cradle200can comprise a plurality of engagement apertures350aligned with the latches270so that the engagement apertures350are in registration with the latches270. When the cradle200is in the first position, the cradle200is above the latches270so that the latches270are between the chassis210and the cradle200. When the cradle200is transitioned to the second position, the cradle200is lowered relative to the chassis210and the latches270can protrude through the cradle200. When a dispensing package15is engaged with the dispensing system10and the cradle200is in the second position, the latches270can latch onto a portion of the dispensing package15. The cradle200can further comprise a pair of spaced apart guides395protruding from the exterior facing surface390of the cradle200. The guides395can be further away from the z-axis Z than the engagement apertures350. The guides395can be outboard of the engagement apertures350and z-axis Z can be in line with and between the guides395. The guides395can provide a protruding shape that can fit into or conform with a part of the dispensing package15when the dispensing package15is in the proper fitted position. Optionally, the cradle200can further comprise a pair of spaced apart stems385protruding from the interior facing surface380of the cradle200. These stems385can fit into and or through openings through the chassis210to help guide movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position and stabilize the fit of the cradle200with the chassis210. The dispensing system10can further comprise a pump360in fluid communication with the inlet canula220. The pump360can pump the floor treatment composition50from the dispensing package15to the mop head20. The mop head20can be in fluid communication the pump360. The pump360can be connected to the mop head20via a conduit30. The pump360can be a manual piston pump360that is activated by a trigger that that is pulled or pushed repetitively to generate an upstroke and down stroke of the pump360. The pump360can be an electromechanical pump360that is activated by a switch3mounted on the handle5. The pump360can be, by way of nonlimiting example, a gear pump, an impeller pump, a piston pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, or any other pump that can fit within a small space having a volume less than 1 L. If an electromechanical pump360is employed, a power source can be on-board the device 1. The power source can be integrally molded into or attached to the dispensing system10. The power source can be a rechargeable battery, a disposable battery, or a household alternating current connected to the device by a cord with an optional transformer. The pump360can provide a flow rated from about 20 mL/minute to about 400 mL/minute, optionally from about 150 mL/min to about 250 mL/min. The dispensing system10can further comprise a check valve365downstream of the pump360. The check valve365can be downstream of the pump360and upstream of the conduit30. The check valve365can have a direction of permitted flow from the pump360to the conduit30. The check valve365can help to prevent back flow into the pump360and also act to retain floor treatment composition50in the conduit30by way of development of a vacuum within the conduit30downstream of the check valve365, which reduces the possibility of uncontrolled drips emanating from the conduit30when the pump360is not activated or the device is not in use. The dispensing system10can comprise a pair of opposing cradle supports370. The cradle supports370can be oriented towards the z-axis Z and be engaged with cradle interior facing surface380when the cradle200is in the first position. The cradle interior facing surface380is oriented towards the chassis210. The cradle200can have an exterior facing surface390opposite the cradle interior facing surface380. The cradle supports370can support the cradle200from beneath the cradle200when the cradle200is in the first position and resist movement of the cradle200from the first position towards the second position. The cradle200can be in the first position before a dispensing package15is installed in the dispensing system10. Since the cavity190is open in that situation, a user might unintentionally contact the cradle200which might push the cradle200down towards the chassis210. That might unintentionally result in the inlet canula220protruding through the cradle200at the liquid transport aperture340and might result in the inlet canula220and optional vent canula225being contactable by the user. Each of the cradle supports370can extend from an activation arm400that extends outboard of the peripheral edge405of the cradle200and over at least a portion of the exterior facing surface390. The cradle supports370can extend from the activation arm400towards the z-axis Z to support the cradle200from beneath the cradle200. When a dispensing package15is inserted into the cavity190and seated in the cradle200, parts of the dispensing package15can push on the activation arms400to push the arm ends402of the activation arms400away from the z-axis Z. Movement of the arm ends402of the activation arms400away from the z-axis Z can disengage the cradle supports370from the interior facing surface380of the cradle200. In effect, the dispensing package15can spread apart the activation arms400which in turn move the cradle supports370from beneath the cradle200. That frees up the cradle200to be moved from the first position towards and to the second position. Providing an activation arm400outboard of the peripheral edge405of the cradle200and over part of the exterior facing surface390can provide for a mechanism for disengaging the cradle supports370from the cradle200by default when the dispensing package15is seated in the cradle200. The user does not have to manually manipulate a switch or lever or other mechanical or electromechanical device to disengage the cradle supports370. Rather, the cradle supports370are disengaged by the user performing the intended action of installing a dispensing package15in the cradle200. This simplifies operation of the dispensing system10by the user. Moreover, since the activation arms400are on opposite sides of the cradle200, there is a low likelihood that a user will unintentionally disengage both cradle supports370simultaneously and be able to move the cradle200from the first position to the second position. Each cradle supports370can be engaged with a lever arm410that is engaged with the chassis210at a hinge420. Each hinge420can comprise a hinge spring430biased to rotate the lever arm410towards the z-axis Z. Supporting the cradle200in the first position with cradle supports370depending from lever arms410that are hingedly engaged with the chassis210can provide for simple repetitive disengagement and engagement of the cradle supports370from and to the cradle interior facing surface380. Hinge springs430biased to rotate the lever arm410towards the z-axis Z can provide for automatic engagement of the cradle supports370with the cradle interior facing surface380. The hinge spring430can be a coil spring in which one end is engaged with the chassis210and the other end is engaged with the lever arm410at or near the location where the lever arm410is connected to the hinge420. A mechanism for restraining unintentional movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position that comprises a lever arm410extending from a hinge420engaged with the chassis210to an activation arm400, wherein a cradle support370extends from the lever arm410at a position between the hinge420and the activation arm400in a direction towards the z-axis Z and is engaged with the cradle interior facing surface380, wherein the activation arm400extends outboard of the peripheral edge405and over at least a portion of the cradle exterior facing surface390, and wherein the hinge420comprises a hinge spring430biased to rotate the lever arm410towards the z-axis Z, can be simple for the user to operate since the cradle supports370can be disengaged from the cradle200by inserting a dispensing package15into the cavity190and fitting the dispensing package15to the cradle200. A part of the dispensing package15can push the activation arms400in a direction away from the z-axis Z, which in turn move the cradle supports370from beneath the cradle200so that the cradle200is free to be pushed from the first position to the second position. The user does not even need to appreciate that the mechanism is present or how it works since the mechanism can operate automatically when the user inserts the dispensing package15into the cavity190as part of his or her anticipated use of the device1. An assembly of parts of the dispensing system10is shown inFIG.10. InFIG.10, the cradle200is in the first position. In the first position, the inlet canula220is positioned between the cradle200and the chassis210. That can limit the possibility that the user unintentionally touches the inlet canula220. Moreover, when the cradle200is in the first position, the activation arms400reach up and slightly over the exterior facing surface390of the cradle200. Beneath the cradle200, the cradle supports370are engaged with the interior facing surface380of the cradle200, thereby resisting movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position. InFIG.11A, the cradle200is in the first position and the coupling shell40of the dispensing package15is not illustrated for clarity. It can be challenging for the user to unintentionally manipulate the cradle200into the second position without inserting the dispensing package15since the activation arms400would need to be moved outwardly to disengage the cradle supports370from the interior facing surface380of the cradle200. As shown inFIG.11B, when the cradle200is in the second position, the inlet canulae220protrude up through the liquid transport apertures340. The latches270also protrude up through the engagement apertures350. The cradle supports370are outboard of the cradle200to permit movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position. The activation arms400are also illustrated to be moved outwardly away from the z-axis as they would be when the dispensing package15is mounted in the cradle200. As shown inFIG.12, in which the coupling shell40is included in the drawing, when the cradle200is in the second position, the inlet canulae220protrude up through the liquid transport aperture340. The latches270also protrude up through the engagement apertures350. The cradle supports370are outboard of the cradle200to permit movement of the cradle200from the first position to the second position. The activation arms400are also illustrated to be moved outwardly away from the z-axis as they would be when the dispensing package15is mounted in the cradle200. FIG.12illustrates the cradle200in the second position along with a coupling shell40that may form part of the dispensing package15. As shown inFIG.12, the latches270protrude up through the engagement apertures350of the cradle200and through the front apertures70and rear apertures75of the coupling shell40. The catch sides290of the latches270are engage with the front apertures70and rear apertures75of the coupling shell40to secure the coupling shell40, and the container125thereby, securely in the cavity190. One or more of the engagement locations of the latches270with the one or more of the front apertures70and rear apertures75can provide for stability of the dispensing package15if the user bumps a stationary object with the mop head20during use. FIGS.13A to13Dillustrate a manner in which the coupling shell40can engage with the latches270. InFIG.13A, the dispensing package15is brought by the user into proximity with the cradle200. The frame spring310can be in a low or no stored energy state. The engagement apertures350are registered with the latches270so that the latches270can pass through the engagement apertures350. The front apertures70and the rear apertures75are also registered with latches270. The guides395are registered with the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100. InFIG.13B, the user pushes the dispensing package15downward from the first position towards the second position. The cradle spring230stores energy as the cradle spring230is loaded. The front apertures70and the rear apertures75are brought into contact with the latches270. A beveled surface285of the free end280of the latches270can contact a cooperatively beveled edge of the front aperture70or rear aperture75with which the respective latch270registered therewith. The vertical force applied by the user to the dispensing package15can be transferred to the beveled surface285of the free end280of the latches270. A component of that vertical force can provide a lateral force to move the open frame260laterally. When the latches270are pushed out of the way sufficiently (FIG.13C), the cradle200can be pushed slightly further down the z-axis Z. The open frame260and latches270can move back and the catch surfaces300of the latches270can engage with coupling shell40(FIG.13D). As discussed previously, the user can disengage the dispensing package15by pushing on the button250to move the open frame260and disengage the latches270from the front apertures70and rear apertures75of the coupling shell40. Once disengaged, the cradle spring230can push the cradle200from the second position back to the first position. In the first position, the user can disengage the dispensing package15from the device1. The dispensing package15can be engaged with the dispensing system10by the following steps. The dispensing package15can be manually positioned so that the coupling shell40is in a downward orientation. That is, the dispensing shell40can be oriented towards the cradle200. The front apertures70are aligned with the engagement apertures350and the dispensing opening80liquid transport aperture340. The top wall55is contacted to the cradle200manually. The container125is manually pushed downwardly to move the cradle200from the first position to the second position, whereby the inlet canula220punctures the membrane seal160. The latches270are engaged with the front apertures70. The container125is then released leaving the dispensing package15engaged with the latches270. The method can further comprise the step of contacting the dispensing package15to the activation arms400to disengage the cradle supports370from the interior facing surface380. The method can further comprise the step of pushing on the button250to move the open frame260from an engaged position to a disengaged position to disengage the dispensing package15from the latch or latches270. Nonlimiting examples of coupling shells40that can be employed as part of the dispensing package15are shown inFIGS.14-22. The coupling shell40can comprise at least two support zones440. Each support zone440can comprise a portion of the top wall55and an open area450in the top wall55that is at least partially bounded by a front edge85that is substantially parallel or parallel to the longitudinal axis L. A front edge85or front edges85as such can provide for locations at which the dispensing package15securely engaged with the device1. The open area450can be continuous between the support zones440. A continuous open area450can help to reduce the part weight which can reduce the material and transportation costs incurred by the user and make the dispensing package15easier to handle. The front edge85or front edges85can be chamfered or beveled. As described previously, chamfered or beveled front edges85can help guide latches270into the open areas450of the support zones440and potentially transfer force to the latches270to displace the latches270laterally so that the latches270can pass through the open areas450and subsequently latch onto top wall55. Each of the support zones440can be at least partially bounded by opposing front edges that are substantially parallel or parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Having both opposing front edges85parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L can provide for two orientations about the z-axis Z in which the dispensing package15can be engaged with the device1. The opposing front edges85can both be chamfered or beveled so that in either orientation of the coupling shell40about the z-axis Z latches270can be conveniently fitted to the support zones440. The open area450can be continuous between support zones440, for example as inFIGS.14-20and23. This can reduce the weight of the coupling shell40and require less material to fabricate the coupling shell40. Optionally, the open area450can be continuous with the neck fitment110, which can also reduce the weight of the coupling shell40and reduce the amount of material used to fabricate the coupling shell40. A nonlimiting example of such an arrangement is shown inFIG.23, which is a bottom view of a coupling shell40, in which the neck110is not continuous. The coupling shell40can comprise four support zones440. The four support zones440can be distributed into the four quadrants defined by the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T. Providing four support zones440can provide for greater stability of engagement of the dispensing package15to the device1and provide for redundancy of the engagement. The support zones440can be positioned on opposite sides of the transverse axis T. Such arrangement can help stabilize the dispensing package15from rotational movement about the z-axis Z when the device1is being used. Optionally, the support zones440can be positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L, which can provide for stability of the dispensing package15for side to side movement along the longitudinal axis L of the device1. The support zones440on opposite sides of the transverse axis T can be in alignment or out of alignment with one another relative to an axis parallel to the transverse axis T. The front edges85can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. Optionally, the support zone440can be equidistant from the z-axis A. The support zones440can be equidistant from the transvers axis T. The support zones440can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. These arrangements and combinations of these arrangements can simplify mechanical design of and provide for symmetry of the mechanism for engaging the latches270with the dispensing package15. As shown inFIGS.14-22, the open areas450can extend further away from the longitudinal axis L than the first guide aperture95and the second guide aperture100, which may be able to increase the torque resistance of the connection between the dispensing package15and the device1. Optionally, the front apertures70and the rear apertures75out of alignment with one another with respect to an axis parallel to the transvers axis T. Similarly, the support zones440can be out of alignment with one another with respect to an axis parallel to the transverse axis T (e.g.FIGS.21and22). A bottom view of a coupling shell40is shown inFIG.23. The neck fitment110can partially surround the dispensing opening80. The neck fitment110can surround more than about 30%, optionally more than 50%, optionally more than 80%, optionally 100%, of the dispensing opening80. The neck fitment110need only have enough structure to securely engage with the neck140of the container125under the anticipated forces that the neck fitment110may have to withstand during manufacture, secondary packing, distribution, display on shelf, transportation to the user's home, and installation and use in the user's home. Combinations An example is below:A. A coupling shell (40) comprising: a top wall (55), wherein said top wall has a top wall periphery (60) and a shell wall (65) extending from said top wall periphery, wherein said top wall and said shell wall partially define a shell interior (115), wherein said top wall has a longitudinal axis (L), a transverse axis (T) orthogonal to said longitudinal axis and intersecting said longitudinal axis at a z-axis (Z), wherein said z-axis is orthogonal to said longitudinal axis and said transverse axis, wherein said coupling shell further comprises: a front aperture (70) in said top wall; a dispensing opening (80) in said top wall and aligned with said z-axis; and a neck fitment (110) at least partially surrounding said dispensing opening and projecting from said top wall into said shell interior and aligned with said z-axis.B. The coupling shell according to Paragraph A, wherein said coupling shell comprises a pair of said front apertures.C. The coupling shell according to Paragraph B, wherein said pair of front apertures are on one side of said longitudinal axis.D. The coupling shell according to Paragraph B or C, wherein said front apertures are on opposite sides of said transverse axis.E. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs B to D, wherein said front apertures each have a front edge (85) oriented away from said longitudinal axis, wherein said front edges are equidistant from said longitudinal axis.F. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs B to E, wherein said front apertures each have a front edge (85) oriented away from said longitudinal axis, wherein at least parts of said front edges are chamfered or beveled relative to said top wall.G. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs B to F, wherein said front apertures each have a front edge (85) oriented away from said longitudinal axis, wherein said front edges are equidistant from said longitudinal axis, wherein each said front edge has substantially the same shape.H. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs A to G, wherein said shell wall extends in a direction along the z-axis further than said neck fitment.I. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs A to H, wherein said coupling shell further comprises a first guide aperture (95) and a second guide aperture (100) in said top wall positioned along said longitudinal axis and positioned on opposite sides of said transverse axis, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture extend further away from said z-axis than said front apertures.J. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs A to I, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture are each larger in area than individual front apertures.K. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs A to J, wherein said dispensing opening has a smaller scalar open area than said neck fitment.L. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs B to K, wherein said front apertures extend further away from said longitudinal axis than said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture.M. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs A to L, wherein said shell further comprises a pair of rear apertures (75) in said top wall and positioned on opposite sides of said transverse axis, wherein said longitudinal axis is between said front apertures and said rear apertures, wherein parts of said front apertures and parts of said rear apertures are in line with one another in a direction parallel to said transverse axis.N. The coupling shell according to Paragraph M, wherein said rear apertures each have an inward edge (90) oriented towards said longitudinal axis, wherein said inward edges are equidistant from said longitudinal axis.O. The coupling shell according to Paragraph N, wherein at least parts of said inward edges are chamfered or beveled relative to said top wall.P. The coupling shell according to Paragraph N or O, wherein each inward edge has substantially the same shape.Q. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs M to P, wherein said rear apertures are equidistant from said longitudinal axisR. The dispensing package according to any of Paragraphs M to Q, wherein said front apertures and said rear apertures are equidistant from said longitudinal axis.S. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs M to R, wherein said dispensing package further comprises a first guide aperture (95) and a second guide aperture (100) in said top wall positioned along said longitudinal axis and positioned on opposite sides of said transverse axis, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture extend further away from said z-axis than said rear apertures.T. The coupling shell according to Paragraph S, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture are each larger in area than individual rear aperturesU. The coupling shell according to Paragraph S or T, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture have a greater width measured orthogonal to said longitudinal axis than length measured along said longitudinal axis.V. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs A to U, wherein said coupling shell is more extensive along said longitudinal axis than along said transverse axis.W. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs B to V, wherein said front apertures are equidistant from said z-axis.X. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs M to W, wherein said rear apertures are equidistant from said z-axis.Y. A method of engaging a coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs A to X comprising steps of: manually positioning said coupling shell in a downward orientation; manually aligning said z-axis of said coupling shell with a predetermined location then manually positioning said coupling shell in a disengaged position; manually pushing said coupling shell downwardly to move said coupling shell in a direction in alignment with said z-axis from said disengaged position into an engaged position; releasing said dispensing package and leaving said dispensing package in said engaged position.Z. The method according to Paragraph Y, where said method further comprises the step of piercing said membrane seal as said coupling shell is moved from said disengaged position to said engaged positionAA. A coupling shell (40) comprising: a top wall (55), wherein said top wall has a top wall periphery (60) and a shell wall (65) extending from said top wall periphery, wherein said top wall and said shell wall partially define a shell interior (115), wherein said top wall has a longitudinal axis (L), a transverse axis (T) orthogonal to said longitudinal axis and intersecting said longitudinal axis at a z-axis (Z), wherein said z-axis is orthogonal to said longitudinal axis and said transverse axis, wherein said top wall is more extensive along said longitudinal axis than along said transverse axis, wherein said top wall is open at said z-axis, wherein said coupling shell further comprises: (i) at least two support zones, wherein each support zone comprises a portion of said top wall and an open area (450) in said top wall at least partially bounded by a front edge (85) substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, wherein said open area is continuous between said support zones; and (ii) a neck fitment (110) projecting from said top wall into said shell interior and aligned about said z-axis.BB. The coupling shell according to Paragraph AA, wherein said front edge is chamfered or beveled.CC. The coupling shell according to Paragraph AA or BB, wherein each said support zone is at least partially bounded by opposing front edges substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.DD. The coupling shell according to Paragraph CC, wherein said opposing front edges are chamfered or beveled.EE. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to DD, wherein said open area is continuous with neck fitment.FF. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to EE, wherein said coupling shell comprises four said support zones.GG. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to FF, wherein said support zones are on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis.HH. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to GG, wherein said support zones are on opposite sides of said transverse axis.II. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to HH, wherein said front edges are equidistant from said longitudinal axis.JJ. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to II, wherein said dispensing package further comprises a first guide aperture (95) and a second guide aperture (100) in said top wall positioned along said longitudinal axis and positioned on opposite sides of said transverse axis, wherein said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture extend further away from said z-axis than said support zones.KK. The coupling shell according to Paragraph JJ, wherein said open areas extend further away from said longitudinal axis L than said first guide aperture and said second guide aperture.LL. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to EE and GG to KK, wherein said neck fitment is continuous about said z-axis.MM. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to KK, wherein said neck fitment is discontinuous about said z-axis.NN. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to MM, wherein said support zones are equidistant from said z-axis.OO. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to NN, wherein said support zones are equidistant from said z-axis and equidistant from said transverse axis.PP. The coupling shell according to any of Paragraphs AA to OO, wherein said support zones are equidistant from said z-axis and equidistant from said longitudinal axis.QQ. A method of engaging a dispensing package (15) according to any of Paragraphs AA to PP comprising steps of: manually positioning said coupling shell in a downward orientation; manually aligning said z-axis of said coupling shell with a predetermined location then manually positioning said coupling shell in a disengaged position; manually pushing downwardly on said container to move said coupling shell in a direction in alignment with said z-axis from said disengaged position into an engaged position; releasing said dispensing package and leaving said dispensing package in said engaged position.RR. The method according to Paragraph QQ, where said method further comprises the step of piercing said membrane seal as said coupling shell is moved from said disengaged position to said engaged position. The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. | 77,655 |
11858699 | DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose a specific form as an example of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment so described, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims. For ease of description, many figures illustrating the invention show the embodiment of a dispensing closure in the typical orientation that the dispensing closure would have when installed at the opening of a container in the form of an upright, rigid bottle or an upright, bag-in-box type packaging. Terms such as “inward”, “outward”, “upper”, “lower”, “axial”, “radial”, “lateral”, etc., are used with reference to this orientation. It will be understood, however, that the dispensing closure of this invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in an orientation other than the orientation described and illustrated. The dispensing closure of this invention is especially suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special containers, the details of which, although not fully illustrated or described, would be apparent to those having skill in the art and an understanding of such containers. The particular container illustrated is not intended to limit the present invention. It will also be understood by those of ordinary skill that novel and non-obvious inventive aspects are embodied in the described dispensing closure alone. The dispensing closure described herein is especially suitable for use on a container that contains a liquid or fluent substance that can be dispensed, or otherwise removed, from the container through the opened closure. Such substances may be, for example, a cleaning product, a food product, a pharmaceutical product, or other types of products. Such substances may be for external use or internal use by humans or animals, or for other uses. One exemplary dispensing closure of the present invention (and components thereof) is illustrated inFIGS.1-23, wherein the dispensing closure is designated generally by the reference number40. The illustrated embodiment of the dispensing closure40has the form of an article that is configured to be attached or assembled to a separately manufactured container44, which has the form of a substantially rigid bottle that would typically contain a somewhat viscous fluent substance such as a liquid laundry detergent. It will be understood that the container44may be any other suitable type, such as a collapsible, flexible pouch or bag that is either contained within a box or carton or is free of any box or carton. Alternatively, the container44could be a generally rigid bottle that has somewhat flexible, resilient walls.FIGS.1,2, and7show the first embodiment of the dispensing closure40attached to a container44that is a generally rigid bottle wherein the product within the container44may be removed when the dispensing closure40is maintained in an actuated, open position by the user, whereby gravity draws the fluent substance from the container44and through the opened dispensing closure40. The closure40may instead be used on a larger dispensing system (not illustrated) that may include, or be part of, for example, a medical device, processing machine, reservoir on a machine, etc., wherein the system has an opening to the system interior. The container44, or a portion thereof, may be made from a material suitable for the intended application. For example, the container44may be a bottle molded from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, glass, or other materials. Alternatively, the container44could be a pouch made from a thin, flexible material wherein, such a material could be a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or a polyethylene film and/or an aluminum foil. In applications wherein the dispensing closure40is mounted to a container44such as a bottle, it is contemplated that typically, after the closure manufacturer would make the dispensing closure40(e.g., by molding the closure components from a thermoplastic polymer and elastomer), the closure manufacturer will then assemble the components and ship the dispensing closure40to a container filler facility at another location where the container44is either manufactured or otherwise provided, and where the container44is filled with a product prior to installation of the dispensing closure40. If the container44is a collapsible pouch (not illustrated), then the dispensing closure40may include a suitable fitment portion that can be attached to the pouch as the pouch is being made and filled, or as the pouch is being made but before the pouch is subsequently filled through the open dispensing closure40or through open regions of the pouch walls that are later sealed closed. In the illustrated embodiment of the dispensing closure40inFIGS.1-23, the dispensing closure40is provided as a separately manufactured article, component, or unit with internal screw threads46(FIG.7) for mating with external screw threads48(FIG.7) on the container44, which will be discussed in detail hereinafter. It will be appreciated, however, that in some applications, it may be desirable for the dispensing closure40to be snap fit onto a container or attached to a container in a manner that would not allow a user to easily remove the dispensing closure40, such as being glued, press-fit, welded, locked, etc. Further, it may be desirable for the dispensing closure40(or some part thereof) to be formed as a unitary part, or extension, of the container44wherein such a unitary part or extension also (i.e., simultaneously) defines an end structure of the container44, per se. The container44, per se, does not form a part of the broadest aspects of the present invention. The container44may have any suitable configuration. With reference toFIG.7, the container44includes an outer end portion50that defines the container mouth or opening and the external thread48(or snap-fit bead, not illustrated) for mating with the cooperating internal thread46(or snap-fit bead, not illustrated) of the dispensing closure40. The container outer end portion50has a cross-sectional configuration with which the dispensing closure40is adapted to engage. Extending inwardly from the container outer end portion50is a main body portion52of the container44. The main body portion52of the container44has a cross-sectional configuration that differs from the cross-sectional configuration of the container outer end portion50at the container opening. In other types of containers, the container may instead have a substantially uniform shape along its entire length or height without any portion of reduced size or different cross-section. With reference now toFIGS.3,7, and8, the dispensing closure40includes the following basic components of: (i) a generally rigid, hollow body54for being located, sealed, or otherwise affixed at an opening in the container44(visible inFIG.7); and (ii) a closing element56that is mounted around the body54, at least a portion of the closing element56is flexible and resilient for normally sealing the dispensing closure40closed to prevent the flow of a fluent substance through the interior of the body54. As discussed in greater detail below, the closing element56has a normally closed, non-dispensing position (which may be more simply referred to hereinafter as a “closed position”) for occluding the hollow interior of the body54to prevent flow of a fluent substance therethrough. The closing element56is provided with a toggle tab or lever58that may be engaged or pressed by a user's finger or thumb59(as illustrated inFIGS.10and11) to cause the flexible and resilient portion of the closing element56to pivot or pull away from the body54into an actuated, open position (which may be more simply referred to hereinafter as an “open position”) that permits a flow of the fluent substance from the interior of the container44, through an opening between the closing element56and the body54, and out to the exterior of the container44or environment. The body54of the dispensing closure40is preferably molded as a from a suitable thermoplastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Other materials may be employed instead. The closing element56is preferably molded as a from a suitable elastomeric material such as a polyolefin, which is substantially less rigid than the material used for the body54. Other elastomeric materials may be employed instead, such as polyvinyls or polyurethanes. In the illustrated embodiment of the closure40, the body54and the closing element56are separately molded or otherwise formed and subsequently assembled into the operative configuration illustrated inFIGS.1,2, and4-9. It will be understood that in alternative designs (not illustrated), the body54and the closing element56may be formed unitarily by bi-injection molding or other processes. Further, it will be understood that the body54may be unitarily formed or molded as an extension of the upper end of the container44and need not be a separately formed article of manufacture. Referring now toFIGS.3,13,14, and15, the body54of the dispensing closure40has a generally cylindrical shape with a receiving or inlet end60for receiving the outer end portion50of the container44(as illustrated inFIG.7), and a dispensing or outlet end64that is spaced from the inlet end60along a central axis68(FIG.3). The outlet end64of the body54includes a dispensing spout72(FIG.13), which includes an annular exterior surface74that is tapered for being received within a portion of the closing element56. A front, bottom portion of the dispensing spout72further defines a pour lip76. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.9, the pour lip76has an interior, sloping, arcuate pour surface78that extends laterally and outwardly from a drafted or tapered interior surface80of the dispensing spout72. As viewed inFIG.9, the pour surface78can be characterized as extending outwardly (to the left inFIG.9) from the surface80, and can also be characterized as extending laterally (downward inFIG.9) from the surface80. The pour surface78and the interior surface80define or make up a part of a flow path or pour path (PP inFIG.11) through the dispensing closure40, which will be discussed in detail hereinafter. With reference toFIGS.3,9, and13, moving axially inwardly (i.e., along the axis68), away from the outlet end64toward the inlet end60of the body54, the dispensing spout72joins a deck84, which is generally planar and perpendicular to the closures theoretical longitudinal (i.e., central) axis68(illustrated inFIG.3). The portion of the dispensing spout72that connects to the deck84includes a recessed surface or recess88for receiving an annular bead92(visible inFIG.9) on the closing element56to secure the closing element56around the dispensing spout72(as shown inFIG.9). The recess88includes an abutment or key96(visible inFIG.13) located therein for being received within a notch or gap100(FIG.18) in the closing element annular bead92. The key96and the gap100cooperate together to orient the closing element56rotationally about the axis68relative to the body54when the closing element56is assembled atop the body54with the annular bead92retained within the recess88. It will be understood that, in alternative configurations of the dispensing closure40which are not illustrated, the closing element56may be retained atop the body54by other means, and need not be limited to the mechanical engagement of a bead92within a recess88on the body54. For example, the bead92could be located on the body54, and the recess88could be located on the closing element56. Furthermore, the closing element56could be retained atop the body54by an adhesive, a friction fit around the dispensing spout72, or by an additional clamping component or part. Other conventional or special means could be used. With reference toFIGS.8,13, and14, an interior portion of the deck84functions as a baffle104to control or impede the flow of a fluent substance through the interior of the body54between the inlet end60and the outlet end64. The baffle104includes four arcuate apertures108(visible inFIG.14), which restrict the rate of flow through the body54to prevent excessive flow or jetting of the fluent substance as it flows out from the interior of the container44(FIG.7). It will be noted that the bridge portion of the baffle104, that separates the two apertures108furthest from the pour lip76, has a reduced width compared to the other bridges between the apertures108for the purpose of assisting in the orientation of the components of the closure40during assembly. Referring toFIG.7, an annular sealing wall or plug seal110extends axially inward from the baffle104for sealing against the outer portion50of the container44. As best illustrated inFIGS.3,7,8, and13, the body54includes a depending skirt112extending axially inward, below the deck84. The skirt112is cylindrical and has a larger diameter than the dispensing spout72. The skirt112includes the internal threads46(visible inFIG.8) for mating with the external threads48(visible inFIG.7) at the opening of the container44. The skirt112includes a plurality of axially-extending grooves or slots114therein (visible inFIG.3), which function to assist an installer or user to grip the body54when threading or unthreading the body54relative to the container44. The skirt112terminates at a shoulder116at the inlet end60of the body54. A plurality of turning cavities or lugs117(FIGS.8and15) extend into an interior surface of the shoulder116(FIG.7), generally in the axially outward direction. After the closure body54has been initially molded in a mold, the turning cavities117can be used to rotate the closure body54in the mold to assist in the extraction of the threaded body54from the mold. The shoulder116further includes a pair of anti-rotation tabs118and119(FIGS.8and15) that extend laterally inward from an interior surface of the shoulder116, such tabs118and119mating with features (not illustrated) on the container44to orient the body54of the closure40relative to the container44about the axis68(FIG.8). With reference toFIGS.16,19, and20, the closing element56includes a generally cylindrical, outer wall120that has an inner end124and an outer end128in the form of a flange. The aforementioned annular bead92(visible inFIG.19) extends radially inward from outer wall120proximate to the inner end124for being received within the recess88(FIG.9) to secure the closing element56together with the body54. Furthermore, the aforementioned the gap100(visible inFIG.20) is located on the outer wall120proximate to the inner end124to cooperate together with the key96on the closure body54(FIG.13) to orient the closing element56rotationally about the axis68(FIG.3) when the closing element56is assembled atop the body54. Still referring toFIGS.16,19, and20, extending laterally inwardly from the outer wall120is a cup-like transverse cover130which functions to selectively occlude or expose a flow passage132(FIGS.7,8, and10) through the body54of the closure40, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The transverse cover130is connected to the outer wall120of the closing element56only about 260-270 degrees around the circumference of the outer wall120. A tapered channel132(FIGS.19and20) is defined in the space beneath the connection between the transverse cover130and the outer wall120for receiving the exterior surface74of the outlet end64of the dispensing spout72(as shown inFIGS.7and8). The exterior surface74of the dispensing spout72is sealingly engaged by an outer end bead136(FIGS.19and20) on the transverse cover130and an inwardly sloping interior surface140(FIGS.19and20) on the outer wall120. As can be seen inFIGS.16,18, and19, a cantilevered sealing portion142of the transverse cover130is not directly connected to the outer wall120, and is spaced from the outer wall120by an aperture144(FIG.18). The aperture144is in the shape of a partial annulus and permits a portion of the cylindrical dispensing spout72to enter and to protrude through the closing element56(as shown inFIGS.1and9). The aperture144extends between about 90 and 100 degrees around the circumference of the circular outer wall120, when viewed from above inFIG.17. As best shown inFIG.21, the cantilevered sealing portion142of the transverse cover130includes a pair of projections or beads148and152in a spaced-apart relationship for contacting against the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72(as shown inFIG.9). The axial innermost bead148on the sealing portion142functions as a sealing bead148, which extends fully around the circumference of the transverse cover130. The sealing bead148projects radially (i.e., laterally) outward from the transverse cover130, generally in a plane that is normal to the central axis68(FIG.3). As will be discussed in greater detail below, the sealing bead148sealingly engages the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72(as shown inFIG.9) to prevent, or at least minimize, flow of a fluent substance through the dispensing closure40when the transverse cover130is in its substantially unstressed and normally closed position. The axial outermost bead152on the sealing portion142functions as a wiping bead152. The wiping bead152projects radially (i.e., laterally) outward from the transverse cover130in a configuration that is somewhat parabolic or a similar conic section, which is most apparent inFIG.22. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the wiping bead152initially contacts the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72(as shown inFIG.12), when the transverse cover130moves from the open position (as illustrated inFIGS.10and11) toward and to the closed position (as illustrated inFIGS.8and9), to cut-off or wipe away fluent substance (which may remain after dispensing from the closure40) from the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72proximate to the sloping pour surface78of the pour lip76(FIG.12). In some embodiments of the present invention (not illustrated), the transverse cover130could be provided with multiple sealing beads148and/or multiple wiping beads152for an improved sealing or wiping functionality, depending on the application and the fluent substance to be dispensed. Referring now toFIGS.21and22, the cantilevered sealing portion142of the transverse cover130includes a saddle-shaped recessed surface or fluent substance capture zone156extending between the sealing bead148and the wiping bead152. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the recessed surface156functions to trap residual fluent substance that may remain on the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72subsequent to dispensing, and such trapping of the fluent substance minimizes or prevents unwanted drips and/or messy accumulation of the fluent substance on the dispensing spout72. With reference now toFIGS.19and23, the closing element has an arcuate and recessed ledge160that is located just radially outward of the recess144, and thus is located radially outward of the dispensing spout72when the closing element56is installed or mounted overtop of the body54(as illustrated inFIGS.6,8, and9). The space above the ledge160functions as a drip catcher in the event that any residual fluent substance drips, spills, or otherwise accumulates on the underside of the dispensing spout72after the fluent substance has been dispensed from the pour spout76. Referring next toFIGS.18and19, the interior side of the transverse cover130is provided with seven radially and axially-extending ribs164, which function to stiffen a rear portion of the transverse cover130that is opposite of the cantilevered sealing portion142. Each of the ribs164has generally trapezoidal shape in transverse cross-section, with a narrow end terminating at a fold line, bend line, or pivot line168in the transverse cover130, and a wide end located axially outward of the narrow end. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the pivot line168assists the cantilevered sealing portion142to rotate away from the dispensing spout72when the user of the closure40presses against the toggle tab58to move the cantilevered sealing portion142away from sealing contact with the interior surface80of the body54. With reference next toFIGS.16,17, and19, the aforementioned toggle tab58has a complex structure that extends axially outward from a front and central region of the transverse cover130. The portion of the toggle tab58that connects to the rest of the transverse cover130includes a raised, trapezoidal-shaped, inclined foot172extending laterally toward the cantilevered sealing portion142. The narrow end of the foot172is located near the cantilevered sealing portion142and the wide end of the foot172connects to the protruding engagement portion176of the toggle tab58. The engagement portion176includes a recessed surface180(visible inFIGS.16and19) for receiving a thumb or finger59(such as is illustrated inFIGS.10and11) of the user to actuate or open the closure40. The engagement portion176includes a gate184(for molding the closing element56) located at its axial outward end (visible inFIGS.16and17). As will be discussed in greater detail below, the foot172functions to assist in the rotation of the cantilevered sealing portion142when the engagement portion176of the toggle tab58is pushed by a user to open the dispensing closure40. The closing element56is preferably molded unitarily from an elastomeric material in the unstressed, as-molded position illustrated inFIGS.16-23. It will be understood that when the closing element56is mounted around the body54(as shown inFIGS.1,2, and4-9), some portions of the closing element56will compress or otherwise deform to accommodate the rigid body54. More specifically, the sealing bead148and the wiping bead152each interfere with the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72by about 0.25 mm when the transverse cover130is located in the closed position. Furthermore, the outer end bead136(FIGS.5,8, and19) somewhat interferes with, and seals against, the exterior surface74of the dispensing spout72when the closing element56is mounted around the body54. The cup-like configuration of the transverse cover130, which locates the toggle tab58between (i) the cantilevered sealing portion142on one side, and (ii) the pivot line168and the stiffened rear portion on the other side, facilitates a desirable rotation of the sealing portion142away from the pour lip76. The user must hold and maintain the toggle tab58in the rotated position away from the pour lip76, otherwise the stresses developed in the transverse cover130will force it to return automatically toward the as-molded unstressed condition, bringing the sealing portion142back into sealing contact with the interior of the dispensing spout72. A spigot with a somewhat similar type of toggle tab or projection is disclosed in PCT publication no. WO 2006/086835 A1, which is incorporated herein in its entirety to the extent not in conflict with the discussion herein. The inventors have found that the advantageous configuration of the dispensing closure40may provide a more controlled, cleaner dispensing of a fluent substance than the spigots, taps, or closures of the prior art, especially when the dispensing closure40is used to dispense a fluent substance having a viscosity between about 40 mPa·s (40 centipoise) and about 600 mPa·s (600 centipoise), such as liquid laundry detergent. The dispensing closure40has a desirable, self-cleaning type of cut-off when the toggle tab58is released by the user. Unlike the spigots and taps of the prior art discussed above, which typically dispense straight downward at a location that is out of the view of the user (i.e., visually blocked by the spout and/or the user's actuating hand), a fluent substance that is dispensed through the present invention dispensing closure40is typically visible to a user and flows out toward the user. The inventors have further found that the arcuate pour surface78of the pour lip76of the dispensing closure40provides a cleaner dispensing of a fluent substance than the spigots, taps, and/or closures of the prior art, especially when the dispensing closure40is used to dispense a fluent substance having a viscosity between about 40 mPa·s (40 centipoise) and about 600 mPa·s (600 centipoise), such as liquid laundry detergent. It is believed that the arcuate pour surface78presents a reduced surface area to which the fluent substance may undesirably cling after dispensing from the closure40. It is believed that this results in a reduction of the amount of residual fluent substance clinging to the pour surface78. The reduction of residual fluent substance on the pour surface78of the dispensing spout72reduces drips and increases the likelihood that most, if not all, of fluent substance will be quickly dispensed (i) when the user is holding a dosing cup or other receptacle beneath the pour lip76while actuating the toggle tab58, and (ii) just after the user ceases to actuate the toggle tab58. The inventors have further found that the contact location of the wiping bead152(while wiping against the dispensing spout72) —which is proximate to the merger of the drafted inside surface80and the arcuate pour surface78—assists in the quick cut-off of the fluent substance. The inventors have found that the dispensing closure40may be manufactured and/or assembled at a lower cost and/or more easily than the conventional spigots, taps, or closures of the prior art due to the small number of components requiring little assembly. Furthermore, the configuration of the dispensing closure40can have a robust resistance to inadvertent opening or leakage through the closing element56during the shipping and handling of the dispensing closure40when attached to a container44of a fluent substance in the form of a package, whereby the package may be stored or transported in a number of orientations that may be subjected to a wide range of impulse forces or impact forces, internal hydraulic hammer forces from the fluent substance, vibrations, pressures, temperatures, and changes in orientation. The inventors have found that the dispensing closure40may be more easily actuated than the spigots, taps, or closures of the prior art, especially some of the press-type tap of the prior art, which typically require a significantly greater force from a user to achieve actuation. For example, the inventors have found that the average peak force to fully open one commercially available press-type tap of the prior art is about 25.4 Newtons (5.7 pounds-force), and the average peak force to fully open the dispensing closure40is about 15.1 Newtons (3.4 pounds-force). The arrangement of the present invention toggle tab58relative to the cantilevered sealing portion142of the transverse cover130provides a lever-type mechanical advantage to assist in opening the dispensing closure40and accommodates a comfortable, one-handed operation by the user. Improved ease of use may be particularly desirable for the elderly or users with medical conditions, such as arthritis. The detailed operation and function of the dispensing closure40will next be described with initial reference toFIG.1. Typically, a user, such as a consumer, will encounter the dispensing closure40as shown inFIG.1, with the dispensing closure40installed upon the outer end portion50of a container44of a fluent substance or product (e.g., liquid laundry detergent)—the closure40, the container44, and a fluent substance within the container44together defining a package. The package, as partially illustrated inFIGS.1and2, is oriented in an inoperative, storage position for being placed on a store shelf, wherein the outer end portion50is located at the upper end of the container (opposite of the base or bottom of the container44). The package would subsequently be re-oriented by the user about 90 degrees into an operative, dispensing position (such an orientation being illustrated inFIGS.6-11) with the pour lip76facing downward to direct flow of the fluent substance both axially outward and toward the ground. The container44may be provided with an optional dosing cup or cap (not illustrated) that may be friction fitted around either the body54or the container44, and the dust cover would be removed by the user prior to the operation of the dispensing closure40. After the removal of the dust cover, if provided, the user would encounter the transverse cover130of the closing element56oriented in the closed position relative to the body54, such as is shown inFIGS.1,2, and4-9. In this closed position, the transverse cover130is substantially unstressed, and the cantilevered sealing portion142, including the sealing bead148and the wiping bead152, is sealingly engaged with the inside surface80of the dispensing spout72. This initial orientation of the transverse cover130minimizes the likelihood of inadvertent or premature opening of the closing element56relative to the body54during shipping or handling of the package, or when the package is subjected to higher pressures developed within the package as a result of temperature increases or impacts. With reference toFIG.8, it can be seen that with the transverse cover130of the closing element56oriented in the closed position, the engagement portion176of the toggle tab58projects axially outward beyond the outer end128of the closing element outer wall120. With the closure40oriented such that the pour lip76faces downward, the concave, recessed surface180of the toggle tab58is also oriented downward, facing the pour lip76. In this orientation of the closure40, the recessed ledge160is located beneath, and axially inward, of the pour lip76. With reference now toFIGS.10and11, the user can begin to move the cantilevered sealing portion142of the closing element56out of sealing engagement with the interior surface80(visibleFIG.11) of the dispensing spout72by pressing against the engagement portion176of the toggle tab58with a finger or thumb59. In one preferred method of operation, the user would grip the closure40in the following manner: (i) placing his or her index and middle fingers (not illustrated) behind (i.e., axially inward of and against) the flange-like outer end128of the outer wall120(which is the fixed or stationary portion of the closing element56); and (ii) lifting upwardly against the recessed surface180of the engagement portion176of the toggle tab58with his or her thumb59(which is the movable portion of the closing element56). At a predetermined minimum force (pursuant to the manufacturer's design), the user overcomes the inherent stiffness of the transverse cover130, thus allowing the elastic deformation of portions of the transverse cover130. Specifically, when the inherent stiffness of the transverse cover130is overcome, the engagement portion176of the toggle tab58begins to rotate or pivot upwards, away from the pour lip76, generally along the pivot line168. The trapezoidal-shaped, inclined foot172is generally more rigid than the adjacent lateral portions of the transverse cover130, and thus the foot172functions as lever arm that somewhat rigidly follows the rotation of the engagement portion176of the toggle tab58. Movement of the foot172carries the cantilevered sealing portion142away from its sealing engagement with the dispensing spout72to open up the flow passage132through the body54and define a pour path PP (FIG.11) for the fluent substance stored within the container44(not visible inFIGS.10and11). It can be seen inFIG.8that when the transverse cover130is located in the closed position, the cantilevered sealing portion142has a configuration that is substantially parallel to the axis68, conforming to the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72, and which is generally concave and cup-like when viewed from a position axially outward of the closing element56and looking axially inward toward the body54. In contrast, it can be seen inFIGS.10and11, that when the transverse cover130is located in the open position, the cantilevered sealing portion142has a rippled, wavelike configuration when viewed from a position axially outward of the closing element56and looking axially inward toward the body54. However, when the sealing portion142is opened and is viewed in transverse cross-section through its center inFIG.10(which corresponds to a plane containing the axis68and passing through the middle/center of the pour lip76), the sealing portion142has a somewhat straightened and slightly convex shape when viewed from a position axially outward of the closing element56and looking axially inward toward the body54. In this same transverse cross-section shown inFIG.10, the cantilevered sealing portion142opens between about 10 and 20 degrees relative to a plane that is normal to the axis68. More preferably, the cantilevered sealing portion142opens about 15 degrees relative to a plane that is normal to the axis68. With reference now toFIGS.10and11, the flow of a fluent substance through the opened closure40is restricted by the baffle104extending normal to the axis68. Specifically, the apertures108(visible inFIG.10) restrict the flow through the passage132to prevent or minimize either (i) jetting of the fluent substance past the transverse cover130in the open position, or (ii) hydraulic hammer which could prematurely force open the transverse cover130from the inside prior to being actuated by a user. It will be noted that inFIG.11, the transverse cover130preferably does not touch the baffle108in the open position, does not block any of the apertures108, and does not otherwise disrupt flow through the baffle104. The fluent substance within the container44will generally flow, due to the force of gravity acting on the substance, through the apertures108in the baffle104, along the bottom sloping interior surface80of the dispensing spout72, along the pour surface78of the pour lip76, and out of the closure40to a target receptacle (such as a dosing cap). The recessed surface160that underlies the dispensing spout72may function to collect some amount of fluent substance that may adhere to the underside of the dispensing spout72, and which might flow by surface tension to the recessed surface160and accumulate over time with repeated dispensing. Preferably, the recessed surface160would be a redundant feature, and would see little, if any, apparent collection of the fluent substance over the useful lifetime of the closure40. With reference now toFIG.12only, as the user releases the toggle tab58, the resiliency of the deflected transverse cover130causes it to return to its normal state in the closed position. Between the open position and the closed position, the cantilevered sealing portion142of the transverse cover130makes initial contact with the dispensing spout72. The wiping bead152initially contacts the dispensing spout72either (i) just at the location of transition/merger between the pour surface78of the pour lip76and the sloping interior surface80of the dispensing spout72, or (ii) just axially inward of the location of the transition/merger between the pour surface78of the pour lip76. The force and speed of the wiping bead152when moving to the dispensing spout72functions to cut the flow of the fluent substance through the passage132, and as the wiping bead152continues to travel generally axially inward toward the closed position of the transverse cover130, the wiping bead152pulls residual fluent substance axially inward back toward the interior of the container44. Advantageously, some amount of such residual fluent substance may be trapped or swept into the space between the wiping bead152, the seal bead148, the recessed surface156, and the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72. With reference toFIGS.8,9, and12, the cantilevered sealing portion142continues to move axially inward toward the closed position of the transverse cover130, contacting the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72. Contact with the interior surface80causes the cantilevered sealing portion142to invert—moving from the configuration shown inFIGS.10and11to the concave, cup-like configuration shown inFIGS.8and9. In the closed position, the sealing bead148re-establishes sealing contact fully around the interior surface80of the dispensing spout72and extends generally within a plane that is normal to the central axis68. The wiping bead152also re-engages the interior surface80of the spout72with the transverse cover130in the closed position. Depending on the materials and the thicknesses used, when the transverse cover130moves between the closed position and the open position, and vice versa, the transverse cover130may desirably produce an audible snap or click that indicates to a user of the dispensing closure40that it is open. If desired, the dispensing closure40described above could be modified to provide tamper resistant features. For example, some portion of the closing element56or body54might be frangible and break upon the initial movement of the transverse cover130away from the dispensing spout72into the open position. Alternatively, a secondary seal, tape, or adhesive (not illustrated) may be provided across some portion of the transverse cover130to initially prevent the movement of the transverse cover130from the closed position to the open position. According to another embodiment of the present invention (not illustrated), the transverse cover does not have a cantilevered sealing portion, and instead the transverse cover extends fully across the top end of the outer wall in the form of a continuous cup-like membrane that does not permit flow of a fluent substance directly out of the closure in a direction along the central axis of the body. The transverse cover would otherwise be the same as described above, with a wiping bead spaced axially outward of a sealing bead. In this alternate configuration, the flow of a fluent substance through the dispensing closure would be directed transversely through an aperture in the outer wall of the closing element. Furthermore, in this configuration the dispensing spout of the body would not extend axially through or beyond the transverse cover. FIG.24illustrates a component of a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein only the closing element56A component of the second embodiment of the inventive dispensing closure is illustrated. The closing element56A functions generally in the same manner as the closing element56of the first illustrated embodiment of the dispensing closure40. It will be appreciated that the closing element56A is intended to be used with a body that is similar or identical to the body54of the first illustrated embodiment of the dispensing closure40. The numbered features of the second embodiment of the closing element56A illustrated inFIG.24are designated generally with the suffix letter “A” and are functionally analogous to features of the first embodiment of the closing element56that share the same number (without the suffix letter “A”). The detailed discussion above of such features of the first embodiment of the closing element56applies to the second embodiment of the closing element56A, to the extent that such preceding discussion does not contradict the following discussion. With reference toFIG.24, the second embodiment of the closing element56A differs from the first embodiment of the closing element56in that the second embodiment of the closing element56A has an outer wall120A with a partially annular top end128A that does not have any radially extending flange for being gripped by a user to assist in opening of the closing element56A relative to the body (not illustrated inFIG.24) of the dispensing closure. The absence of a flange on the outer wall120A may prevent or minimize the likelihood of the user inadvertently pulling the closing element56A from its mounted position around the rigid body of the dispensing closure. Furthermore, the outer wall120A includes a plurality of ridges or ribs200A extending partially around the circumference of the outer wall120A at a location that is opposite of the location of the cantilevered sealing portion142A. In view of the absence of a flange extending from the outer wall120A, the ridges200A advantageously provide the user with an area of increased friction for gripping and actuating the closing element56A to dispense a fluent substance through the dispensing closure. It will be appreciated that while various theories and explanations have been set forth herein with respect to how the component configurations and arrangements may affect the operation of the inventive dispensing closures, there is no intention to be bound by such theories and explanations. Further it is intended that all structures falling within the scope of the appended claims are not to be otherwise excluded from the scope of the claims merely because the operation of such dispensing closures may not be accounted for by the explanations and theories presented herein. Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Illustrative embodiments and examples are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. | 41,496 |
11858700 | It is to be noted that, in these figures, the structural and/or functional elements common to the different alternatives can be denoted by the same references. Moreover, in the flat views of pre-cut blanks for the formation of packagings according to the invention:the score lines and the contours of the pre-cut blank are shown in solid lines,the folding lines are shown in dotted lines,the weakening lines are shown in mixed lines,the adhesive lines are shown by a double mixed line. The invention aims to propose a packaging allowing a facilitated and secured reshipping. The particularity of the packaging according to the invention lies in the implementation of a closure strip comprising at least one severable segment joined to the rest of the closure strip and/or to the rest of the packaging by at least one weakening line and at least one permanent segment substantially aligned with the severable segment and remaining integral with the rest of the packaging after separation of the severable segment. According to the invention, such a closure strip can be implemented on different types or shapes of packaging and preferentially the packagings made by the shaping of one or several pre-cut blanks of material, such as solid cardboard or corrugated cardboard or any other suitable material, not necessarily based on paper or cellulose. According to a first embodiment more particularly illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the closure strip1is implemented on an automatic-bottom packaging, of substantially parallelepipedal shape, formed from a single pre-cut blank more particularly illustrated inFIG.1and denoted as a whole by the reference F. The blank F comprises an alignment of rectangular lateral panels1,2,3,4separated from each other by substantially parallel folding lines6,7,8. A first lateral panel1carries, at the opposite of the second lateral panel2, a joining strip9from which it is separated by a folding line10parallel to the folding line6. According to the invention, the folding lines can be made in any suitable way, adapted to the nature of the constituent material of the blank, such as, for example, by grooving, mid-cut, dotted cut or combinations of these techniques without this list is exhaustive or limitative. The first1and third3lateral panels each carry, on a same side of the alignment, a bottom half-panel, respectively11and13, separated from the corresponding lateral panel by a folding line, respectively14and15, substantially perpendicular to the folding lines6,7,8. Each bottom half-panel11,13carries a flap17articulated by a folding line18, intended to be stuck on a bottom flap19carried by each of the second2and fourth4lateral panels. Each bottom flap19is located on the same side of the alignment of the lateral panels1to4as the bottom half-panels11and13. Each bottom flap19is further separated from the corresponding lateral panel2,4by a folding line20, on the one hand, perpendicular to the folding lines6,7,8and, on the other hand, substantially aligned with the folding lines14and15. The second2and fourth4lateral panels each carry, at the opposite of the bottom flap19, a closure flap25separated from the corresponding lateral panel by a folding line26parallel to the folding line20. Finally, the first lateral panel1carries, at the opposite of the bottom half-panel11, a closure panel27separated from the first lateral panel1by a folding line28parallel to the folding line14and perpendicular to the folding lines10and6. In the present case, the closure strip B is carried by the closure panel27at the opposite of the first lateral panel1. According to this exemplary embodiment, the closure strip B comprises three aligned segments31,32and33. The first31and third33segments are said severable in that they are intended to be easily separable from the rest of the packaging, as can be seen in the following. In contrast, the second segment32, located between the first31and third33segments, is said permanent in that it is intended to remain joined to the rest of the packaging within the framework of a normal use of the latter. In order to allow an easy detachment of the severable segments31and33from the rest of the packaging, these latter are separated from the closure panel27and the permanent segment32by a weakening line35that has here substantially a “L” shape. The permanent segment32is for its part separated from the closure panel by a folding line236substantially parallel to the folding line28. It can be noticed that, in the present case, the portion of the weakening lines35located between the severable segments31and33and the closure panel27are substantially aligned with the folding line36. However, such an embodiment is not strictly necessary, so the weakening lines can be offset towards the inside of the closure strip B and the folding line36extended over the whole length of the closure strip B between the latter and the closure panel27. The closure strip B further carries on its internal face, intended to be directed towards the inside of the packaging after the shaping and closure of the latter, a strip of adhesive40that extends parallel to the folding line36over all three segments31to33. The strip of adhesive40is covered with a peelable protection strip P visible inFIG.2. The strip P is divided into at least three individually peelable segments41,42,43each corresponding to one of the three constituent segments31,32,33of the closure strip B. The so-formed blank F is put in volume as follows, to form the packaging as illustrated inFIG.2. The folding lines10,6,7,8are formed in such a way as to allow a sticking of the joining strip9on the internal face of the fourth lateral panel4. Then, the folding lines14,15,20are formed in such a way as to fold the bottom half-panels11,13and the bottom flaps19towards the inside of the packaging, each flap17being stuck on the corresponding bottom flap19. The packaging according to the invention is then in volume in the configuration as illustrated inFIG.2. In this open state of the packaging, the closure panel7is integral with the body C of the packaging of substantially parallelepipedal shape. The packaging is hence ready to receive its content. Once the packaging filled, it is possible to close it by folding the flaps25towards the inside of the packaging to place them in a position substantially parallel to the bottom of the packaging. It can then be proceeded to a first closure of the packaging. First, the peelable segments41and43covering the strip of adhesive at the severable segments31and33are removed. Then, the closure panel27is folded to be applied against the closure flaps25. Finally, the closure strip B is folded in such a way as to be stuck by the severable segments31and33against the external face of the third lateral panel3. The packaging is then perfectly closed and secured, so that it is not possible to access its content without affecting the packaging integrity. To easily open the packaging, a user must break the weakening lines35in such a way as to allow a separation of the severable segments31and33of the permanent segment32and of the closure panel27. Once this break performed, it is possible to access the inside of the packaging. It will be noticed that the breaking of the weakening lines35constitutes an indicator of opening of the packaging, which makes it possible to indicate to the user whether he is the first person or not to open the packaging. Insofar as the user would desire to reuse the packaging to, for example, return its content to the sender, he just has to fill the packaging then, in order to close it, to remove the peelable segment42covering the strip of adhesive of the permanent segment32, and to stick the permanent segment32against the external face of the lateral panel3. The packaging according to the invention is hence again perfectly closed without the user needs to use external sticking means or an external adhesive tape to ensure a secured closure of said packaging. In the embodiment described hereinabove in relation withFIGS.1and2, the closure strip B is joined to the closure panel27. However, such an embodiment is not strictly necessary. Hence,FIG.3illustrates a blank for the making of an automatic-bottom packaging very close to that described above, but that is different from the latter in particular in that the closure strip B is joined to the third lateral panel3at the opposite of the bottom half panel13. The closure strip B is then separated from the lateral panel3by a folding line50parallel to the folding line15and perpendicular to the lines6,7,8. The closure strip B comprises three successive segments51,52,53, the first51and the last53of which are permanent segments, whereas the second segment52is severable. For that purpose, the severable section52is delimited by a substantially “U”-shaped weakening line54, which is remote from the folding line50. As an alternative, the “U” core can coincide with the folding line50. By “core”, it is meant the joining portion of the two legs of the “U”. In accordance with a feature of the invention, the internal face of the closing strip B carries a line of adhesive40that extends over the three segments51,52,53and that is covered by a peelable protection divided into at least three segments, as described hereinabove. It will be noted that, according to the example illustrated, the strip of adhesive also extends over the closure panel27and the closure flaps25by being covered with a peelable protection at the panel27and the flaps25. This situation is due the fact that the strip of adhesive40and its protection strip are continuously applied on the panel of constituent material of the blank F during the manufacturing of said panel and previously to the cutting, providing it with the shape of the blank illustrated inFIG.3. According to the example illustrated inFIG.3, the closure panel27carries, at the opposite of the lateral panel1, a closure flap55separated from the closure panel27by a folding line56parallel to the folding line28. The blank as illustrated inFIG.3is shaped in a manner substantially similar to that previously described in relation withFIGS.1and2, so that it is not necessary to repeat it here. The invention has just been described in relation with an automatic-bottom packaging. However, the invention can be applied to other types of packaging, as for example an American box, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5. The putting in volume as illustrated inFIG.5of such an American box from the blank illustrated inFIG.4is well known from the person skilled in art, so that it is not necessary to further describe the constituent elements of the blank F ofFIG.4, nor its putting in volume. It will however be noticed that, according to this exemplary embodiment, the closure strip B is integrated to the closure panel27without being separated from the later by a folding line. The closure strip B here comprises three segments31,32,33in a configuration very close to that described in relation withFIG.1. The first31and third33segments are severable, whereas the central segment or second segment32is permanent. According to the examples described above in relation withFIGS.1to5, the packaging body and the closure panel are made from a same and single pre-cut blank. However, such an embodiment is not necessary for the making of a packaging according to the invention. Hence,FIGS.6and7show another embodiment according to which the packaging according to the invention is made from two pre-cut blanks more particularly illustrated inFIG.6. In the present case, the first blank F1is intended to form the body C of the packaging, whereas the second blank F2is intended to form a closure mean or lid for the packaging. The first blank F1comprises a rectangular bottom panel60lined on four sides by four lateral panels61,62,63,64that are separated from the bottom panel by folding lines65,66,76,68that form the sides of the bottom panel60. Two opposite lateral panels61and63each carry two opposite lateral flaps70,71separated from the corresponding lateral panel by two folding lines73,74parallel to each other and to the folding lines66and68. The lateral panels61and63each further carry, at the opposite of the bottom panel, a closure strip B, whose making is very close to that described in relation withFIGS.1and2. Thus, each of the two closure strips B comprises three aligned segments31,32,33, the first31and third33segments of which are severable, whereas the second segment32is permanent. The severable segments31,33are separated from the permanent segment32and from the corresponding lateral panel61,63by a weakening line35, whereas each permanent segment32is separated from the corresponding lateral panel by a folding line36parallel to the folding lines65and67. Each closure strip B further comprises a line of adhesive40extending over the three segments30,32,33at the internal face of the closure strip B. The line of adhesive40is covered by a protection strip divided into three segments41,42,43each corresponding to a segment of the closure strip B. As indicated hereinabove, the pre-cut blank F2is intended to form a lid for the packaging body made from the blank F1. For that purpose, the blank F2comprises a closure panel77of rectangular shape and of size substantially similar to that of the bottom panel60. The closure panel77is further lined on two opposite sides by a closing flap78. Each closing flap is then separated from the closing panel77by a folding line79, which defines a side of the closure panel77. The packaging body C is made by the shaping of the pre-cut blank F1as follows. The folding lines65and67are formed so as to place the lateral panels61and63in vertical position, then the folding lines73and74are formed in such a way as to bring the lateral flaps70and71towards the inside of the packaging. Finally, the folding lines66and68are formed so as to stick the lateral panels62and64against the external face of the lateral flaps70and71. The packaging body C is then in volume as illustrated inFIG.7. Once the filling of the packaging body made, the latter is closed by means of the closure panel77placed on the packaging body with the closure flaps78inside the latter. The locking of the packaging is then ensured by sticking the severable segments31and32of the two closure strips B on the upper face of the closure panel77. The opening of the so-closed packaging will be made by breaking of the weakening lines35as already described hereinabove. The second closure of the packaging will be ensured by means of the permanent segments32stuck, after removal of the protection segments42, on the upper face of the closure panel77. FIG.8illustrates an alternative embodiment of the pre-cut blanks F1and F2that differs from the embodiment described hereinabove in that the closure strips are carried by the closure panel77instead of being integrated to the blank F1intended to form the packaging body. Of course, various other modifications can be made to a packaging according to the invention within the framework of the appended claims. | 15,099 |
11858701 | For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the design and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the preferred embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10A are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen inFIG.1depicting a cross section view of the preferred embodiment of the Child Resistant Can Lid10A indicating the lid12with a contoured surface14to secure additional cans for stacking. A locking inner ring16of the lid12engages within the external locking trough18in the circumference of the can locking member20with a relief area22to access the nib section24of the lid12for the removal of the lid12when an upward pressure is applied at the lifting indicator section26. The top surface28of the can locking member20rests on the rim30of the can32and is held in place by the upper surface34of the external locking trough18. A series of restraining teeth36around the lower inner surface can locking member20are bent up when the locking member20is forced over the top rim30of the can32to engage under the lip of the can30. FIG.2depicts a side view of two stacked cans32with the lower can32having the two sections of the lifting indicator section26,26A and26B together in the opening position. The lower can has the lid12rotated so that indicator section26A is moved to the right putting the lid12in the locking position. FIG.3depicts a top view of the can locking member20illustrating the14restraining teeth36and the relief area22for the can locking member20. FIG.4depicts a cross section of the lid12illustrating the location of the nib section24and the locking inner ring16. FIG.5depicts a cross section of the can locking member20illustrating the external locking trough18where the locking inner ring16is securely held in place. The top surface28of the can locking member20rests on the rim30of the can32, the14restraining teeth36are shown on the lower surface with the single relief area22for the nib section24on the left side. FIG.6depicts a side view of a conventional can32incorporating the first alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10B. FIG.7depicts a cross section through the assembled first alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10B with the conventional can32having a locking nib24and the can locking member20with the addition of a securing unit38. FIG.8depicts a cross section through the assembled first alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10B, the can locking member20with external locking trough18and24restraining teeth36along with24wedge teeth40on the securing unit38. FIG.9depicts a cross section through separate first alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can10B with the Lid12having the can locking member20with locking nib24restraining teeth36and24wedge teeth40on the securing unit38. FIG.10depicts a cross section through the assembled second alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10C with a lid12, having the can locking member20with an external locking trough18and a relief area22for the locking nib24. The24restraining teeth36on the can locking member20will have a thinner cross section for a more flexible configuration. FIG.11is a cross section through the assembled second alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10C with a lid12, and the can locking member20with an external locking trough18for the locking nib24and having the different configuration of the restraining teeth36. FIG.12is a cross section of the assembled second alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10C with a lid12, and the can locking member20with the24segments of the restraining teeth36flat, prior to being bent up when inserted over a conventional can32. FIG.13depicts separate cross sections of the second alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10C illustrating the lid12, the can locking member20and the securing unit38. FIG.14depicts a perspective bottom view of the second alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10C, lid12. FIG.15depicts a perspective view of the top conventional can32with an easy open “pop-top” opener42and the securing unit38in place, having numerous teeth40. FIG.16depicts a top view of the third alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10D having a flexible lid12. FIG.17depicts a side view of the third alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10D depicting the lifting protrusion48and the indicia50“PUSH UP” and the tab52to assist in the removal of the lid12. The outer perimeter54has a smooth angled surface56making it difficult to grip by children. FIG.18depicts a bottom view of the bottom surface60of the third alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10D illustrating the tab52location and the inner edge surface62that is relieved64on two areas leaving a ridge66to the lid sealing ledge62maintain the sealing capability when the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10D is placed or replaced on a conventional can32. FIG.19depicts a cross section through the third alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10D further illustrating the tab52location, and the inner edge surface62is relieved areas64on two areas leaving a lid sealing ledge66. The Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid12can be rotated upward for removal by stretching the material in the relieved areas64. FIG.20depicts in10E a perspective view of the fourth alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10E with a flexible lid12and a person's hand using a specialized tool for exerting pressure to bend the lid to readily open the can32. FIG.21depicts a cross section through the fourth alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10E where pressure can be exerted to bend the lid12at the relieved area76to open the conventional can32. FIG.22depicts a cross section through the fourth alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10E further illustrating the location of the apertures72and the relived area76to aide in the flexibility of the lid12. FIG.23depicts a cross section through the fourth alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10E with a plurality of slots78one hundred and eighty degrees apart in the relieved area76of the lid so it will flex upward to release from the conventional can32when pressure is applied. FIG.24depicts in10F a perspective view of the fifth alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can10F with the lid12on a conventional can32. FIG.25depicts a perspective view of the top of a conventional can32with pop-top opener42and the securing unit with the tops of the24wedge teeth40in can locking member20. FIG.26depicts a bottom view of the assembled fifth alternate embodiment of the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10F with the securing unit38illustrating the24restraining teeth36and the24wedge teeth40. FIG.27depicts a bottom view of the fifth alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10F illustrating the location of the wedge teeth40. FIG.28depicts a cross section of the assembled fifth alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10F lid12, the can locking member20and the restraining teeth36. FIG.29depicts a cross section of the assembled fifth alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10F illustrating the location of the indicator section26on the left side. FIG.30depicts a side view of a conventional can32incorporating the Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid12. FIG.31depicts a top view of the sixth alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10G vacuum sealing lid82. FIG.32depicts in10G a perspective view of the underside of the vacuum sealing lid82with the rubber sealant coating84applied to the lid inner surface86, with the vacuum sealing can locking member88having the rubber sealant90applied on the inner surface of the edge92. The inner surface of the vacuum sealing can locking member88has a plurality of restraining teeth36on the lower edge92and a plurality of upper supporting teeth94on the upper edge96. FIG.33depicts a perspective view of the top surface of the vacuum sealing lid82on the conventional can32. FIG.34depicts the sixth alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10G illustrating the underside of the vacuum sealing lid82incorporating the vacuum sealing can locking member88with the plurality of restraining teeth36on the lower edge92and a plurality of upper supporting teeth94on the upper edge96. The indicator section268is shown on the outer surface at the top of the illustration. FIG.35depicts a cross section of the conventional can32with the vacuum sealing lid82incorporating the vacuum sealing can locking member88. FIG.36depicts a cross section of two conventional cans32having a rim30with the bottom can32having the vacuum sealing lid82incorporating the vacuum sealing can locking member88. FIG.37depicts a side view of a conventional can32with the vacuum Sealing lid82. FIG.38depicts a cross section of the sixth alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10G illustrating the vacuum sealing lid82having a rubber seal coating84and the vacuum sealing can locking member88having a rubber seal coating90. The rubber seal coating84presses against the upper surface of the vacuum sealing can locking member88and the rubber seal coating90presses against the side surface and top surface of the can rim30create the vacuum sealing capability when the vacuum sealing lid82is pressed down on the conventional can32and the restraining teeth32grip the lower edge of the can rim30. FIG.39depicts a cross section of the seventh alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Child Proof Can Lid10H incorporating a threaded attachment104between the lid106and the vacuum sealing can locking member108. The vacuum sealing can locking member108puts pressure on the rubber sealing coating90on the side and top of the can rim30when the restraining teeth are locked under the can rim30. When the lid106is tightened down it puts pressure on the rubber sealing coating110on the lid106and the vacuum sealing can locking member108. The lid106has a bulbous area112on the outer edge with a plurality gripping ribs114around the perimeter to aide in tightening down the lid106. A second set of gripping ribs116are on the perimeter of the vacuum sealing can locking member108. A flexible locking tab118is located on one of the gripping ribs114to engage with one of the gripping ribs116that can be bent upward to release the lid106to rotate and open the can32. By pressing120down on the lid106a partial vacuum will be achieved within the can32. FIG.40depicts a partial side view of the seventh alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Child Proof Can Lid10H illustrating the gripping ribs114on the lid106and the gripping ribs116on the vacuum sealing can locking member108with a flexible locking tab118straight down in the locked position. FIG.41depicts a partial side view of the seventh alternate embodiment Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Child Proof Can Lid10H illustrating the gripping ribs114on the lid106and the gripping ribs116on the vacuum sealing can having a locking member108with the flexible locking tab118bent up to release the lid106to rotate and be removed. The Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10A,10B,10C,10D,10E,10F,10G and10H, shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present application. It is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described may be employed for providing a Child Resistant and Senior Friendly Can Lid10A,10B,10C,10D,10F,10G and10H, in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure, and such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this design as broadly defined in the appended claims. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. | 13,420 |
11858702 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly toFIG.1, a fermentation kit5consisting of a lid component10, glass jar12and band14of a mason jar, is shown. In this embodiment, the lid component10is made of an air-impermeable material, in this case, silicone rubber, and is dimensioned and configured to be releasably attachable to the glass jar12by the band14and to seal the wide mouth opening of the glass jar12in an air-tight manner. The lid component10further comprises a one-way valve16adapted to allow gas produced by a fermentation process occurring inside the jar12to escape from the jar12while, at the same time, prevent oxygen-containing air from outside the jar from entering the jar12, when the container lid10is releasably attached to the jar12(as shown inFIG.1). Referring now to the remaining figures (FIGS.2-7), the lid component10is of unitary construction for convenience, and ease of use and manufacture. In this case, the lid component10is made by injection molding. However, it will be appreciated that other molding processes and methods of manufacture may be used. The silicone rubber material of the lid component10is flexible and resilient thereby providing a superior, air tight seal. The valve16comprises a bottom opening18(seeFIGS.3and7), a top wall20(FIGS.1,2,4,5, and6) and an upstanding peripheral side wall22(FIGS.1,2,4, and5) extending from the bottom opening18to the top wall20. The peripheral side wall22defines a space24and the top wall20has at least one opening26in the form of perpendicular slits28,30(see, e.g.,FIG.6) which are biased towards a closed position (shown in all figures) and movable to an open position when pressure inside the space24(and by extension the interior of the glass jar) exceeds atmospheric pressure (pressure outside of the jar) by a threshold amount. As perhaps best seen inFIG.5, the top wall20of the lid component10is tapered from the side wall22. This structure helps fermentation gas to escape while, at the same time, prevents outside air from entering the glass jar. Such air, which contains oxygen, can cause oxidation of the food contents and thereby spoilage. The shore hardness of the silicone rubber and valve resistance have been designed to be consistent with the pressure released from fermenting vegetables or other foodstuffs so as to allow fermentation gases to escape while preventing oxygen containing air from entering the jar from outside the jar. As shown in all figures, the lid component10includes a planar sealing wall extending radially outwardly from said bottom opening18. The sealing wall has a uniform thickness as best seen inFIGS.4and5. Although not clearly depicted, the sealing wall32, upstanding side wall22and top wall20are of uniform thickness. The thickness of the valve top wall20and the material from which it is made affects the usefulness of the valve16in allowing gases to exit the glass jar12while preventing air from entering the jar.12. If the walls are too thin, it would be too easy for outside air to enter the jar. Generally, the wall thicknesses should be at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, and may be as thick as 3-4 mm. In this embodiment, the wall thicknesses are about 2 mm. In order to fit a standard mason jar opening, the sealing wall has a diameter of about 8.5 cm. Changes can be made to the aforementioned embodiment. For example, the dimensions of the lid component can be altered to suit different sizes of mason jars or other articles as may be manufactured from time to time, and can be from 6, 7, 8 or 9 cm in diameter, or up to 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, or 9 cm in diameter, as well as everything in between. The sealing wall32need not be perfectly circular but should be of a size and shape to allow for an air tight seal to be formed over the contents of the glass jar12using the band14. Thus, if the shape and size of the glass jar or other container and sealing band changes, the shape and size of the sealing wall32can change too. The lid component12can be made of materials other than silicone rubber as well as combinations of materials. For example, the sealing wall32could be made of metal and the valve16could be made of plastic or silicone rubber. What is required is that the lid component be air impermeable (other than at the valve) and be made of a material and/or construction to provide an air tight seal when clamped down using the band. The valve must be constructed to allow the egress of fermentation gas while preventing the ingress of outside air. This is ideally achieved by having an opening that allows the one-way flow of gas (as is the case in the above-described embodiment) when pressure inside the jar reaches a threshold level. The present invention achieves this by using a flexible and resilient but also sufficiently rigid material to make the valve16so that the valve is closed until the pressure inside the jar reaches a threshold pressure. The valve must be sufficiently resilient to allow gas to escape at such threshold pressure. Preferably, the material used for the lid component is BPA free, made of inexpensive materials, and easy to clean and sanitize for repeated hygienic use. The valve16can be positioned anywhere in the lid component10and need not be centered as depicted and described herein. For example, the valve16can be positioned off-center (i.e. off to one side) on the lid component10. Furthermore, different thicknesses can be used for different parts of the lid component10, i.e. all walls20,22, and32do not need to be the same thickness. The person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other changes can be made to the embodiment herein described without departing from the scope of the invention claimed below. | 5,743 |
11858703 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following is a detailed description of example embodiments of the invention depicted in the accompanying drawings. The example embodiments are presented in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention and are designed to make such embodiments obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. FIG.1Adepicts an embodiment of a system10for securing and monitoring a food container20to prevent unauthorized access to food contents25therein. The system10comprises a device for securing30for securing the food container20, with food contents therein25. The device for securing30includes a sensor, or sensing device,35for detecting an open state or a closed state of the device for securing, at least one LED38, a power/synchronization button40and a signal transmitting element or device55. The sensor or sensing device35generates a sensor state signal representative of the detected open or detected closed state of the device for securing. The sensor device35may be a pressure sensor. The device for securing is powered by a DC battery37, which may be rechargeable or disposable. The battery or cell37used to power the device for securing30may be any known battery. For that matter, the battery could be charged by conventional DC charging means that deliver charging current through a USB plug. The device for securing may include a USB port39to receive power to charge battery or cell37, which powers all device elements. First, the consumer goes on any food delivery application configured to work with the inventive system, places a food order at a relatively local food venue and pays. Alternatively, the inventive system includes a server implements a food ordering service (and preferably a monitoring system, as explained in detail below), which allows consumers to order/purchase food for delivery. Such server might also receive orders for delivery to consumers directly from a food venue, such as a fast-food restaurant, and would then implement communications to the consumer and/or the driver cell phones, in addition to managing the financial distribution of all income from the consumer's purchase of both the food items and the food delivery service. For that matter, driver communications to the consumer, or food venue, may be by way of the server only. The driver then receives notification that the food order is ready for pickup, for example, by an email, IM, etc., preferably including directions from the driver's GPS location to the delivery address. Preferably, up arriving at the venue for pick-up, the driver is alerted (for example, by an application program running at the venue and in electronic communication with the mobile application operating in the driver's phone60) to the number of inventive clips or containers necessary. The clips and food container include a source of electrical power, such as a rechargeable battery, that are readily charged by the driver's automobile. Upon arriving at the venue, the power/synchronization button40is actuated and with the driver's cell phone60proximate the device for securing30, the phone starts a syncing process to sync with the clip/secure food container. The food content25is loaded into the container20. The container is then closed. The food container20is formed of plastic, glass, cardboard, paper, etc. The food container20includes an opening45through which food is inserted into and withdrawn from the container. The container20may include a cover50, or some other device that allows the container, e.g., a “to go” bag, to be further arranged to cover or otherwise prevent access to the opening45. For example, the container20might be a paper bag, a cardboard or plastic bag, or box-like container, that is folded to form a cover to cover the opening, or merely close the opening, to which the device for securing30is attached to securely close the food content therein. The power/synchronization button may be activated by pressing, and by keeping it pressed for 1 to 3 seconds, to activate. Preferably, an LED light38is turned on to show that the inventive device for securing30is activated. While the LED light38is illuminated, for example, by intermittently flashing green, the driver presses the jaws to open the device for securing30and places it on the bag to secure the opening. Once pressure is removed (the clip, or device for securing) is closed about the bag opening), and the device for securing30has been stationary for some time (e.g., 3 seconds), the green LED changes color, e.g., turns red, and the clip is armed. Once armed, if you the driver (or anyone else for that matter) tries to remove the clip from the bag in which the food items are securely stored, the inventive device for securing30will send a notification to the end user (person who ordered the food for delivery) as well as the current manager on duty at the venue supplying the food. Alternatively, the alarm can be triggered if the driver's phone60is farther away from the food than it should be, meaning the driver has left the food somewhere unattended. The inventive device for securing30also may be adapted with small spikes on the clip contact point(s), which will leave rips in the bag if they are slid off without the clip being opened Once the food container20is closed with the food contents therein, the device for securing30is attached to the food container20, at the cover50, so that the opening, and the food contents in the closed container20, cannot be accessed without being detected as an unauthorized access by the sensing device35. Alternatively, the food container20might comprise any known container such as a jar, where a cover50(optional in the dip-based embodiment ofFIG.1A) would be screwed onto the jar, or the container might embody a Tupperware™ container, or a common plastic “to go” container, where the cover would be a known, conventional snap-on or friction-fit complementary cover, as should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art (“skilled person”). The driver's cell phone60is in electrical communication with the device for securing30, and/or one or more of the sensing device35, signal transmission element55and power/synchronization button40. Preferably, the electrical communication is wireless, via the signal transmission element55, which might be an antenna, a near field communications (NFC) chip or a simple transmitting circuit or digital transmission device, that is driven by the state of the sensing device35, and or a power/synchronization button (see alsoFIGS.1B,1C,1D,1E,1F), to send one or more analog or digital signals. The signals may be simple as long as they can be relied upon by the cell phone60, and the mobile application operational therein, to determine that the sensor35detects a closed-container state or an open-container state, and or that the power/synchronization button has been actuated to indicate that food is placed in the container and the container closed, without limitation. Alternatively, the system10may further include a docking station (not shown) that the cellphone60is docked in, and the device for securing30is docked in, before, at or after food is placed in the container, the container closed and secured such that the sensor detects a closed-container state. Such condition facilitates a bus-like electrical communication path between the cellphone60, the device for securing30and the components therein. The cellphone, and the mobile application operating therein, relies upon various signals, such as the signals from the device for securing, and other signals, or data to determine whether there is an unauthorized access to the contents of the closed food container, or an attempt at unauthorized access. FIG.1Bdepicts an exemplary device for securing30configured as a clip, which preferably is reusable. The inventive clip30includes graspable opposing compressible members31, which are pressed together against a force exerted by a spring device32, mounted therebetween, to open jaws33. The open jaws33, maintained by a squeezing force, are then positioned to grasp the cover, or a part of the container20(for example, folded over portion22, as shown inFIG.1C), which upon being squeezed by the jaws33(upon relaxation of a squeezing force of the members31) grasps and presses to securely close the opening45in the container. The jaws33thereby close securely, according to the force imposed by the spring32. The sensing device35detects when the device for securing30effects a closure on a container opening45, for example, in the clip embodiment, when the jaws33are sufficiently proximate (the sensing device senses the pressure effecting a closure, or a lack or pressure effecting an opening. As should be apparent to the skilled person, the sensing device35may comprise proximity, pressure or sensing elements on one or both opposing jaws33, that detect when the jaws are sufficiently close to define a closed state, or separate to define an open or unsecured state. The sensing device35may alternatively comprise a pressure sensor (FIG.1D) and/or some kind of direct contact or photodetection arrangement. In many cases, the jaws33in the closed state do not contact each other. To address this, the clip30may include slip-rip complementary spikes34that can pass through a paper product. The small spikes34cut deep scratches in a bag if removed and reattached, indicating tampering. to make electrical contact, to signal the cell phone. Charging nodes36operate also to effect detection of the closed state when in electrical contact, as known to the person of ordinary skill in the art. A light emitting diode (LED)38may be included (seeFIG.1E) that is connected to the power/synchronization button40and/or sensing device35, that is activated temporarily, for example, for a fixed time period such as 1-3, or 15 seconds (preferably 1.5 seconds), to communicate to the user that the state of the device for securing30is detected as closed)FIG.1Gprovides physical dimensions for an exemplary device for securing30. The mobile application operating in the cellphone60responds to the signal from sensing device35to determine that the food container with the food contents therein is closed and secured. However, the cell phone preferably relies upon both a signal from sensing device35and a signal from power/synchronization button40to determine that the device for securing30is in a closed-container state to generate a food-container secured signal. In an embodiment, the signal transmission element55within the device for securing30comprises a signal transmitter, a signal receiver, a signal transceiver, a device for Bluetooth signally and/or a near-field communication (NFC) device. Alternatively, the signal transmission element may embody a hard-wired link between the device for securing30and the cell phone60, such as a docking station to which the cell phone is docked and then electrically connected to the device for securing30once it is secured to a container20to secure food content therein. After first determining that the food container is closed, and the device for securing is secured (for example, in reliance upon a signal from power/synchronization button40), the system determines whether an unauthorized access occurred. The cellphone60may make such a determination, but alternatively, the cellphone may merely further communicate the required signals to a monitoring system80, including an application programming interface (API)85, operational in the monitoring system, for example, connected to and managed by a server70at a remote location that may communicate with the device for sensing and/or mobile application operating in the cellphone60. FIG.2depicts a controller60′ that comprises the device for securing30(with sensing device35, power/synchronization button40and signal transmission element55), in communication to an monitoring system80. The monitoring system80may comprise is managed by server70. The electronic device60and/or monitoring system80may operate an application program interface (API)85. The API may receive signals directly (through signal transmission means, not shown), or indirectly through cell tower or antenna68(see for example,FIG.9). In an embodiment depicted inFIG.3, the cellphone60communicates with the device for securing30, and/or the sensing device35, and/or the power/synchronization button40and/or the signal transmission element55therein, directly. In this case, the cellphone60would implement and further communicate with the monitoring system80, via server70to effect inventive operation. Preferably, the cellphone60includes an application program (portion), stored in a memory62. The application program or mobile application determines whether a detected access to the food container is authorized or unauthorized, and communicate (automatically) accordingly. The application program also implements a delivery management service, that manages ordering food, securing the food in a container in reliance upon the device for securing and communicates billing information, and authorized and unauthorized access information to a monitoring service, such as operational through API85in monitoring system80. In a preferred embodiment, the cellphone60receives the signals provided by the device for securing30, i.e., the sensing device35and/or the power/synchronization button40therein, for example, in reliance upon signal transmission element55. In this case, when a delivery is picked up, the driver initiates the secure delivery process by actuating the power/synchronization button, or in an alternative embodiment, closing the food container20so that the sensing device detects an actual closure. The power/synchronization button signal, once activated [please verify], initiates a syncing process in the cellphone that will pair with the device for securing30to the phone. For example, the driver may press the sync button40, and hold it pressed for 1.5 seconds. An LED included on the device for securing30flashes (e.g., green) meaning it is ready to be attached to the food bag/container20. While flashing green, the driver opens the clip and places it on the bag/container20. Once pressure has been removed (no longer applied) and the device for securing30has been stationary for 3 seconds (for example), the LED changes color, for example, turns red indicating that the device for securing is armed. Once armed, if you anyone (such as the driver) tries to remove the device for securing, the device for securing communicates with the mobile application and/or the person who ordered and/or a management system and/or the venue serving the food items (for example, the current manager on duty). Once the device for securing30is opened (after it has first been “armed”), a change of state from closed to open, which is communicated to the mobile application operating in the cell phone. The cell phone then sends out a notification to one or more of a monitoring system, a point of sale system at the food manager, a call or text to the food's intended recipient (purchaser), or some other interested party. This may not be necessary though depending on the sensitivity of the pressure gauge, in the case where the sensor is a pressure sensor-based sensor. Upon arrival to the intended destination, the “delivery is ended.” If the person who orders the food items for delivery accepts the food, the device for securing is disarmed. For that matter, there are two ways for disarming the device for securing or clip of this embodiment. The device for securing or clip may be disarmed manually, or electronically by a signal sent to it from the driver's cell phone when proximate, or the application program portion operational in the server. Whether the device for securing30, the controller60′, the cell phone60(e.g., application program stored or downloaded and operational therein), the API85or monitoring system80determines that the detected access to the food container is authorized or unauthorized based on signal processing. A change from a closed state signal (armed) to an open state signal (unarmed), generated by the sensing device35, may be relied upon to indicate that the device for securing is opened to access a secured food container. But the sensing device35will generate an open state and closed state signal any time the device for securing is physically adjusted to an open state or a closed state, for example, whether the device for securing is a clip as shown inFIG.18, and the jaws are moved to positions that sufficiently effect the respective open and closed states. Preferably, the actuator/sync element signal in included in any processing, to complement the open (unarmed) and closed (armed) state signals from the sensing device35. That is, once a user has arranged the device for securing30on the closed container to secure the food contents therein, and the device once secured becomes armed. Thereafter, if an open state signal is received from the device for securing (e.g., the sensing device35), it is assumed that a formally closed container20has been accessed. In order to determine that an access to a closed and secured food container is authorized, additional signals may be relied upon. To do, the device for securing30, the controller60′, the cell phone60(e.g., application program stored or downloaded and operational therein), the API85operated by the application program portion operational in the monitoring system80may rely upon global positioning system (GPS) data, indicative of the location of the device for securing30or the cell phone60or controller60′, a code input into the cell phone (mobile application operational therein), a telephone call received by the cell phone60, for the person to whom the food has been delivered of by the monitoring system80when it receives a payment acknowledgement from the receiver of the delivered food, the vendor, etc., without limitation. Preferably, the device for securing communicates data identifying itself to the cell phone60, controller60′, or monitoring system80, so that multiple deliveries may be monitored. The identification data may be presented as part of a signal, and processed, for example, by the application program operating in the cell phone (mobile application) or server70. Preferably, at synchronization, other data are generated, or input, and provided to the cell phone and/or application program, identifying an owner of the food container contents associated with a device for securing in a closed state that is attached to a closed food container, billing information associated with the food container contents associated with a device for securing in a closed state that is attached to a closed food container, or both, and wherein the billing information can include cost for delivery thereof, or any other data associated with the delivery, the deliverer, and/or the intended recipient of the food content. This data may be provided by a point of sale system at the place where the food contents are placed and secured in the food container, according to the inventive principles, by the deliverer in the embodiment that relies upon his/her cell phone (in which the application program is operational). Alternatively, the data may be downloaded to the cell phone, i.e., application program operating in a cell phone from a monitoring system that manages deliveries. As such, the monitoring system80also would optionally be in communication with the venue providing the food content for delivery, according to the inventive operation. An alternative food delivery system100constructed according to the invention is depicted inFIG.4A-4D. Food delivery system100includes a food delivery container120and a cell phone160configured to monitor for unauthorized access to food content provided and secured in the food delivery container for delivery, typically to a consumer who has ordered the food content at a relatively local venue, online through available applications. For example, a server such as server80that implements the monitoring system80and API85may also operate a food ordering service, that allows consumers to order/purchase food for delivery. Such server might also receive orders for delivery to consumers directly from a food venue, such as a fast-food restaurant, and would then implement communications to the consumer and/or driver cell phones. For that matter, driver communications to the consumer, or food venue, may be by way of the server only. TheFIG.4Afood delivery container120is rectangular, and defined by a container housing124comprising a front side wall124F, a back side wall124B, a left side wall1241, a right side wall124S2, a bottom side wall124Bot, and a top side wall/cover126defining an internal volume122. TheFIG.4Cfood delivery container120′ is cylindrical, and comprises a container housing124′ (cylindrical side wall124Cyl, cylindrical top wall/cover124C, base cylindrical side wall124Base). Please note that the rectangular and cylindrical embodiments are presented for exemplary purposes only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way. An opening145in the container housing124,124′, through which the internal volume is accessed, is realized when respective covers126,126C are removed. Covers126,126C cover and secure the opening145to prevent access to the internal volume122, and uncovers the respective openings145to allow access to the respective internal volumes. A sensing device135detects whether the cover126is positioned to cover the opening145to prevent access, whether the cover126is not positioned over the opening145(i.e., removed). The sensing device135is preferably positioned within a securing device130. The cell phone160is in communication with the securing device130, and preferably in communication with the sensing device135. If the sensing device135detects that the cover126,126C is not positioned over the opening145, the sensing device provides an open state signal to the cell phone160. Based thereon, the cell phone160determines whether there is unauthorized access to the internal volume122. Likewise, the cell phone60relies upon a closed state signal provided by the sensing device135to determine if the containers120,120′ are secured, i.e., if the covers126,126C, are in place and secured for a secure food delivery. In the embodiments shown inFIGS.4A-4D, the covers126,126C comprise the top of the respective containers120,120′ and are removably positioned to cover the opening145by attachment to a top edge of the4rectangular side walls (124F,124B,124S1,124S2) or cylindrical side wall124Cyl. In this case, the openings145,145′ are approximately the size of the respective covers126,126′. Alternatively, the covers126,126C comprise door-like openings that are only part of the covers', or a part of the side walls, or part of both (not shown) without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. In that case, the covers may be hingedly attached to the top and/or to at least one side wall and is removably positioned to cover the opening145,145′ by a hinge (not shown). Preferably, the covers126,126′, when removably positioned over the respective openings145,145′, form a substantially air-tight fit. Also, the containers120,120′ may include a vertical barrier wall128,128′ within the internal volume122,122′ (seeFIGS.4B,4D). The vertical barrier walls128,128′ divide the respective internal volumes into at least two sub volumes. There may be any number of dividing walls within a particular internal volume design, within any number of sub volumes. Preferably, a sub volume is configured for containing liquid food content. In an embodiment, the securing device130secures the closed covers126,126′ in position over the respective openings145,145′ to prevent unauthorized access to the respective internal volumes122,122′ and releases the secured covers126,126′ from secured positions over the respective openings to allow access to the respective internal volumes. Preferably, the securing device130is a latch. Preferably, the sensing device135is included in the securing device or latch130. Alternatively, the sensing device135is part of the respective food containers120,120′. Preferably, the sensing device135senses or detects whether the cover126,126′ are positioned over the respective openings145,145′ and “set” to secure the covers126,126′ over the respective openings145,145′. Preferably, the sensing device135detects a state in which the cover is positioned over the opening and a state in which the securing device has secured the cover(s) over the opening(s). There are many ways to do so according to the inventive principles. For example, the sensing device135could include a temperature sensor that senses heat from food items once they are placed in the container and the cover attached (in response to a heat build-up). For example, once pizza is positioned in the internal volume and covered, heat from the pizza triggers the sensor, which turns on the syncing feature on. Alternatively, the securing device130may include an power or synchronizing (“sync”) element140, which would generate and provide to the cell phone one or more signals indicating that the container is not only positioned over the opening but also secured in placed for tamper-proof delivery. Once synced, the container will “expect” to be locked within a certain period of time. The system will detect if it is locked by either a signal generated by a button depressed at the place the food is loaded, or when a closing clasp is clipped into a sensor bridge arranged on the container, for example, at the top, or the cover includes a latch that senses its open latch and closed latch state. Locking the clasp or latch (or hitting an “armed” button) arms the GrubGuard™ system. If the clasp or latch is opened before reaching the driver's final destination, the clasp/latch will signal and the system will alert both the end user and the managing staff for the delivery company. The securing device130and/or the sensing device135communicate with the controller, i.e., cell phone160in reliance upon signaling selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth signaling, near field communication (NFC) signaling and a physical electrical communication path formed between the sensing device and a docking station in which the controller is positioned. The cell phone or other electronic communication device160′ preferably operates an application program. The electronic communication device160′, like the cell phone160, includes a processor162, a memory164and a transceiver166. The processor operates an application program, preferably stored in or downloaded to memory164, which during operation determines whether access to the food delivery container is authorized or unauthorized. Preferably, the application program determines whether access to the food delivery container is authorized or unauthorized based on one or more of the following: global positioning system (GPS) data, a code input into the cell phone and a telephone call received by the cell phone. The application program monitors one or more food delivery containers, and manages data from the group consisting of data defining an owner of the one or more food delivery containers; data defining an originator or purchaser of food content secured within the one or more food delivery containers and data comprising billing information for the food contents, including any cost for delivery thereof. The application program generates and transmits the authorized or unauthorized access signals. For example, the authorized or unauthorized access signals may be transmitted from the application program to a monitoring system, operated in a server, that monitors drivers that rely on the secured containers and mobile application, a vendor monitoring system, an independent food ordering and delivery application, an application program with an originator of the food container contents, such as a conventional point of sale system, and to the telephone (i.e., a smartphone or cell phone) of an intended recipient (the ordering consumer) of the food container contents. Using the driver's GPS on their phone, the system allows the consumer, food content vendor and/or monitoring system to track the driver (phone) if the application program cannot do so independently. When the driver arrives at the delivery destination, the mobile application cooperates with the GPS on his phone to disarm the container and/or remove the device for securing within eyesight of the consumer who made the food delivery order. FIG.6Ashows one implementation of the inventive food container120, designed to deliver a particular food such as pizza.FIG.6Bshows an enlarged view of a portion of the pizza food delivery container120, to highlight an internal ledge127, included to separate a portion of the internal volume, so that smaller objects, like a pizza deliver box that is smaller than a conventional sized pizza delivery box, will not slide when inserted in the container120for delivery, i.e., during transport. FIG.7AHighlights use of a near field communication (NFC) device132in securing device130, configured in the embodiment shown as a latch or locking device. The latch or locking device130also includes sensing device135′ (not shown), which comprises a heat sensor that can sense heat from food contents, i.e., a change in temperature. The latch or locking device130also identifies when it is in a latched state, i.e., a state after a thumb lever or button136at a latching end138is depressed and the latch or locking device130is slid through a locking bridge134, which allows the thumb lever or button136to spring back into its normal extended state (FIG.78). In this case, the securing device generates a lock signal. Also, the sensing device135′ generates a signal representative of heated food content, if detected. The signals, or a logical signal indicative of a locked state with secured food content (hot food), is transmitted using NFC device132to the controller or cell phone160. Alternatively, the NFC device132may be a Bluetooth device. The cell phone160, e.g., the application program operating therein, will receive the signal and/or pair with the securing device130, based on the signal or signals transmitted from the sensing service in the latch or lock132. This may be referred to a syncing, or “sync.” For that matter, the pairing can occur before the latch or lock is secured, so that after syncing, the thumb lever or button136at the latching end138is depressed and the latch or locking device130is slid through a locking bridge134, and the thumb lever or button136springs back into its normal extended state (FIG.78), to generate the locking signal. Then, when (and if) the sensing device135′ generates a signal representative of heated food content generate the signal to the cell phone essentially defining a secure state of the container120. If the container, i.e., the securing device130, is opened before reaching the final destination, the system will alert any or more of the intended food recipient or consumer, a monitoring system operating an inventive API, the food vendor and a point of sale system at the vendor location. The invention also provides a method for securing a food container configured with a single point of access or opening to an inner volume of the food container, to prevent unauthorized access to food stored therein. The method includes certain acts or steps, as depicted inFIG.8. Text box180represents the step or act by which, using the single point of access or opening, placing food in the food container inner volume. The food container may be a bag or sack20or a container120. The text box182represents the step or act by which the single point of access with the food therein is closed. For a bag, the single point of access is the opening, which is preferably folded or covered. The container120may be a box with a removable lid or cover, or with a hinged lid or cover. Text box184represents the step or act by which a device for securing, such as identified and described as element35,135above herein, is secured to the closed food container(s) at the point of access. For example, the device for securing30would be clipped to the bag at the folded over or otherwise covered opening and the latch or clasp in the container secures the cover over the opening. Text box186represents the step or act by which the device for securing is monitored to determine if it has been removed from the single point of access. If the devices for securing30,135detect that the clip. clasp or latch are opening, a signal is generated and communicated to the mobile applications and/or monitoring system server. Decision diamond188represents the step or act by which, based on the monitoring, whether unauthorized access to the closed food container has occurred is determined. The decision making is carried out by the processor implementing the mobile application or the server implementing the monitoring system, based on signal data as well as any other data available to a cell phone, as known to those with skill in the art. Text box190represents a step by which the mobile application has determined that there has been unauthorized access and communicates same. In an embodiment, the step of closing (182) includes generating a closed-container signal, for example, by the device for securing, securing device, sensing devices, actuator or syncing device, or other means disclosed above that might be relied upon by a cell phone or other controller, application program, monitoring system, point of sale system, etc., according to the inventive principles. The step of fixing (184) includes generating a secured-container signal. The step of monitoring (186) may include monitoring a sensor in the device for securing that detects whether the device for securing is in an open, non-fixed state or in a closed, fixed state. The step of monitoring (186) may be carried out by the device for securing. The step of determining (188) may be carried out by the device for securing. The step of communicating (190) may be carried out by the device for securing. Preferably, one or more of the steps of monitoring (186), determining (188) and communicating (190) is carried out by a cell phone in which the mobile application is operational in communication with the device for securing. In that case, the device for securing communicates with the cell phone using signaling selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth signaling, near field communication (NFC) signaling and direct signaling between the device for securing and controller positioned in a docking station. Preferably, the cell phone includes an I/O device, memory, processor, transceiver (or other communications means), GPS device, without limitation, as known to the person of ordinary skill in the art. As such a set of computer readable instructions in a form of an application program may be received by the I/O device, memory stored and processed by the processor to implement at least the steps of monitoring and determining and communicating in reliance upon the transceiver or other communications means. In one form, the method implements the step of determining (88) by the application program to determine whether access is authorized or unauthorized in reliance upon certain delivery completion data. That delivery completion data, without limitation, includes global positioning system (GPS), data comprising a code input into the device for securing, or input into the cell phone, or input into a device that sends the code to the cell phone, or a telephone call received by the cell phone. In order to implement the step of communicating after a determination of authorized or unauthorized access has been made, the step of communicating (90) relies upon certain identifying data. The certain identifying data can include without limitation data identifying the device for securing, data identifying an owner of the food contained in and secured by the food container, data comprising billing information associated with the food container contents (where the billing information can include cost for delivery thereof), data identifying the application program, data identifying the cell phone, data identifying the driver, data identifying the food vendor, data identifying a point of sale system or device relied upon by the food vendor. The step of communicating may transmit an unauthorized access signal or generate and transmit a complete-delivery signal to an application programming interface (API). The API is generated and operated by the inventive monitoring system. The API can send a communication in response thereto to the driver, to the end user, to the vendor, or a vendor monitoring system associated with an originator of the food container contents, i.e., the vendor communication system such as a vendor server, telephone or point of sale system, a delivery monitoring system operating to monitor one or more food deliveries in reliance upon the aforementioned identifying data and an telephone (number) of an intended recipient of the food container contents. The reader and the person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that while the above explanation describes the portion of the inventive method comprising the steps of monitoring, determining and communicating as implemented by an application program present on a driver's controller/cell phone, the inventive method alternatively, or additionally, may be present in and operational on any end user controller or cell phone, or at a server operated by a monitoring system, in which case vendors, drivers (deliverers) and food recipients would interact by phone or via the Internet with the application program thereat. In an embodiment that relies upon an application program comprising computer readable instructions operational in the cell phone of a person seeking to order food, so that the food is delivered in a secured food container, the application program operates as follows. First, the user will initiate the application program. In this case, the application program operates as a food delivery application program. The food delivery application program provides access and interaction with outside applications, such as search programs, electronic restaurant guides, and food vendors electronic ordering systems. The application program is enabled to allow the user to then order food for secured delivery, and pay for the food directly. It is at that time that the driver receives a notification to pick up and deliver the food ordered by the user. As such, a driver travels to the vendor chosen. The vendor either has already secured the food for secure delivery in a container (i.e., a bag or box) available independent of the driver at the vender location, or provides and secures the food for delivery in a driver container, according to the above procedure. In any case, signals are generated and received by one or more of a vendor monitoring system, a GrubGuard™ monitoring system (server in the Cloud), the driver controller (cell phone and/or application program) or the intended recipient's controller (cell phone and/or application program. Similarly, authorized access (successful delivery) or unauthorized access is communicated. Applicant herein constructed a prototype device for securing or clip (“inventive clip), and programmed and tested the inventive clip in operation, to verify the application program.FIG.9depicts the details of that implementation and operation. As shown therein, Gclip™ (device for securing)230communicates with the driver cellphone or other electronic device260, the customer cellphone or other electronic device264and/or other outside applications266, such as vendor or point of sale applications, via the Internet250. The Internet also enables communication by any of the Gclip™ (device for securing)230communicates with the driver cellphone or other electronic device260, the customer cellphone or other electronic device264and/or other outside applications266to the API285through the monitoring system (web server)270, as shown, via windows server280. The Windows server289is protected by router254and firewall252. Please note that the monitoring system270operates with SQL database272and secondary database274, where necessary. The monitoring system270also can access wen application276and phone applications278, as now explained. The inventive secure food delivery security system is a system that includes a device for securing as an electronic clip that once attached to a package (e.g. food delivery) can send data to a web based database where customers can view when and how often the clip was opened potentially causing a risk to the quality of their food delivery. The system comprises a web application, a phone application, a SQL database, a physical clip design to both secure food bags and house an embedded electronic component, and software designed to control the embedded device to send data to the web based system once opened. The system also includes an API or Application Programming Interface that allows outside systems (like the clip) or outside vendors (Grub Hub) to add data to the system such as customer orders. The invention also provides a container that is fully closed and secured using a device for securing functionality, as explained in greater detail below. The physical device for securing (e.g., a dip) and/or secured container when opened makes an electrical connection (or breaks an electrical connection) that activates an embedded electronic device that sends data to a website identifying when the dip/secured container was opened (“opened” means transitioning from a secured or armed state, to a unsecured or unarmed state). The embedded electronic device (raspberry pi 3) that, once powered up, connects to the users/driver's phone based internet connection (hotspot) to gain access to the Internet. The embedded electronic device (raspberry pi 3) device then automatically starts custom designed Python software designed to add data to a web based database that can then be accessed by both the prototype website and also the prototype phone application. To verify operation, a website designed in ASP.net using C# as its programming language and hosted by Microsoft's IIS 7 web server that enables the data being sent by the dip to be displayed in a demo environment as to how the drivers, customers, and Grub Guard administrators will interact with the data that is sent and stored in the SQL database. The Microsoft SQL Server Database was designed to house the data for drivers, users, dip data, and customer and order data created and stored by the demonstration system. The invention provides apparatus for securing food delivery items to prevent tampering of the food delivery items by food delivery persons. The apparatus may include a secure food container into which food items for delivery are arranged, a clip for securely closing food items into a conventional “to go” bag, the dip and container adapted to secure the food items, detect tampering and communicate any detected tampering of the activated container, or bag with an activated dip, to the consumer that called in the order and/or the retailer that has supplied the food items for delivery and/or a server in which a food delivery management application program is operational and/or an application programming interface (API). As will be evident to persons skilled in the art, the foregoing detailed description and figures are presented as examples of the invention, and that variations are contemplated that do not depart from the fair scope of the teachings and descriptions set forth in this disclosure. The foregoing is not intended to limit what has been invented, except to the extent that the following claims so limit that. The following is computer program listing appendix submitted in compliance with 37 CFR 1.52(e), including Python code that controls the device for securing/containers. | 44,449 |
11858704 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring first toFIGS.1,2and3, the first embodiment of the container, designated generally as10, has a base12and a lid14, hinged to base12at hinge16. Rims15have ramp portions17. Base12has upwardly extending sidewalls18defining an opening20through which products are inserted into container10before lid14is closed. At the top end of walls18of base12are rims22(referFIG.1), each of which has a ramp portion23. Lid14in this embodiment has a first planar area24which, in this embodiment, comprises virtually the whole of lid14. The second planar area is formed by rim portion26which, as can be seen inFIG.1, is wider than rims22. Ramp portion23is inclined upwardly from rim22to rim26. In the closed position, illustrated inFIG.2, first planar area24has mated with second planar area—rim26—to form a substantially flat area in which edge28of lid14has mated with rim26of base12, chamfer30being formed between them, using ramp portion23. Adhesive label32is shown in place inFIG.2. As can be seen inFIG.1, sidewalls18of base12are tapered towards floor34, corners36being rounded as illustrated. Margin15on lid14can include locking means to lock lid14to base12via rims22. Turning now to the second embodiment illustrated inFIGS.4to9, the container, designated generally as40, has a base42and a separate lid44, with upwardly extending side walls48defining an opening50through which product may be inserted before lid44is closed. Base42has a rim52with a pair of enlarged portions56, comprising in this embodiment second planar areas. Lid44has a first planar area54defined by ribs38and edges55. A single label (not shown) can extend over the whole of first planar area54and both second planar areas56. Alternately, two separate labels may be used, the first covering part of first planar area54and one of the adjacent second planar areas56, while the over covers part of first planar area54and the adjacent second planar area56, leaving free central portion46of lid44. As shown inFIG.6, each of second planar areas56may include an aperture or recess58. A sharp object may be inserted through a label (not shown) covering first planar area54, second planar area56and aperture58, to tear the label through aperture58, to assist in removing lid44from base42. In this embodiment, lid44also includes removal tabs62, to assist in removing lid44from base42. Container40may include vents (not shown) and depression64in floor66of base42, as desired (referFIG.8). Container40may also include one or more recessed portions in lid44. These may be included in central portion46or in another desired location. It is preferred that any such recessed portion is sealed by a label. A third embodiment is shown inFIGS.10and11, where container70has base72hinged to lid74at16. Lid74is cut away at76and base72has flat portions78. As can be seen inFIG.11, when lid74is closed on base72, cut aways76leave flat portions78exposed. When a label60, shown in dotted outline inFIG.11, is placed over first planar area68of lid74and over flat portion78(second planar areas) of base72, lid74is effectively sealed to base72. Flat portions78stand proud of rim22, so that when exposed by cut-outs76of lid74, first planar area68is substantially co-planar with flat portions78. The next embodiment inFIGS.12and13is similar to that inFIGS.10and11and the same numbers have been used to indicate the same or similar parts, with the addition of the letter “a”. Whereas in theFIGS.10and11embodiment the cut-away portions76on lid74were centered in an edge of lid74, in theFIGS.12and13embodiment cut-away portions76aare located in two opposite corners of lid74a. Similarly, flat portions78aare located at corners of base72a. As was the case with the previous embodiment, when lid74ais closed on base72a, flat portions78aare substantially co-planar with first planar area68a. The next embodiment shown inFIGS.14and15shows container80having base82and lid84. Base82has narrow rims22and expanded rim86. Expanded rim86includes further portion88with hang sell hole90, to enable container80to be displayed on a hanger. Expanded rim86is designed so that, when lid84is closed on container82, expanded rim86is substantially co-planar with lid84, which in this embodiment comprises the first planar area. As can be seen inFIG.15, label60can be affixed to cover the right-hand side of lid84and expanded rim86. The embodiment inFIGS.16and17is similar to that shown inFIGS.10and11and12and13. The same labels will be used to designate the same or similar parts, with the addition of the letter “b”. Container70bhas base72band lid74b, hinged at16. Cut-away76bon lid74bis designed to expose flat portion78bon base72bin the closed position (FIG.17). Flat portion78bstands proud of rim22so that first planar area68bis substantially co-planar with flat portion78b. This embodiment includes lock lugs92designed for a friction fit into lock recesses94on base72b. As can be seen fromFIG.17, when label60is affixed, it covers not only first planar area68band flat portion78bbut also lock lugs92. The embodiments inFIGS.18to21illustrate how the first and second planar areas may be disposed at an angle to the lid and to a rim on the base. Referring first toFIGS.18and19, container100has lid104hinged to base102at16. Lid104includes extension106which, in use, is inclined upwardly at an obtuse angle from lid104. Base102has rim22which has extension108, in use inclined at an obtuse angle from rim22. In the closed position, extension106is designed to mate with extension108. Extension106has one or more cut-outs, similar to those already illustrated inFIGS.10to13or16and17, so that a flat label60applied to extension106will bind extension106to extension108, exposed by the cut-out or cut-outs. The embodiment inFIGS.20and21is a variation of that inFIGS.18and19and the same labels will be used, with the addition of the letter “a”. In this embodiment, lid104aends in flat portion106a. Rim22on base102ahas a downwardly extending extension108a. In the closed position, extension106amates with extension108aalong margin98to provide a substantially co-planar surface96on which a label60(not shown) may be placed to seal lid104ato base102a. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments inFIGS.18to21may be adapted to containers with separate lids. In that case, it is preferred that there are two extensions106(or106a) and two extensions108(or108a). Reference is now made to the embodiment inFIGS.22and23. In this embodiment, container110has base112as shown inFIG.22. However, the lid is in two parts,114aand114b. Lid part114ais hinged to base112at16awhile lid part114bis hinged to base112at hinge16b. Each of lid parts114aand114bhas a pair of cut-aways,116aand116b. When lid parts114aand114bare in the closed position as shown inFIG.23, cut-aways116aand116bexpose flat portions118on base112. Lid parts114aand114bmay meet or overlap in known manner, for example as described in Australian patent specification No 2003234951, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Nevertheless, each of lid parts114aand114bprovide a first planar area which is substantially co-planar with flat portion118on base112. In this way, when lid parts114aand114bare in the closed position, label60can be applied on the substantially flat area so provided. Referring now the embodiment inFIGS.24and25, container130has base122hinged to lid124at hinge16. Lid124has diecut holes126. Lid124is generally flat to provide the first planar area. Base122has formed sections128, the top, flat part of which comprise the second planar areas. As can be seen byFIG.25, in the closed position formed sections128mate with diecut holes126to form a substantially flat surface. A label (not shown) may be applied to cover both formed sections128and the intervening part of lid124. Alternately, separate labels may be applied. The embodiment inFIGS.26to27is similar to that inFIGS.24to25; however, in container140inFIGS.26to27, base132is separate from lid134. In addition, there are four diecut holes136and correspondingly four formed sections138. Like the embodiment inFIGS.24and25, when lid134which is of the “outside fitting” type, is placed on base132, sections138protrude into diecut holes136to provide a substantially flat area for label application. It will be appreciated from the various embodiments described above that the container can be produced in a wide number of forms and that, in addition, a single form may be suitable for application of different types of labels. Lids may be hinged or separate. Lids may be substantially flat or they may be shaped, with ridges, ribs, domes as non-limiting examples of shaping. Especially in the case of substantially flat lids, these may be designed to mate with the base so that the second planar area or areas can appear on, for example, opposing sides of the lid, opposing corners of the lid or on one side of the lid, opposite the hinge. In the case of a lid which is a dual lid, with two hinges, the second planar areas may be on two opposing sides (viewing the closed lid in plain view), or on four corners, for example. In the case of a separate lid, once again viewing the container in plain view in the closed position, the second planar areas may be in each of four corners, on two opposing sides, on two diagonal corners, around all four sides or separately on each of four sides. These are a selection only of possible combinations. Others will be apparent to one skilled in the art. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The container can be adapted to any currently known container design, whether having a single lid or a multi-part lid. The embodiments allow for manual or high speed automatic closure and flat, self-adhesive label application providing tamper evidence, while at the same time employing a minimum number of moving parts. The container can offer important tamper evidence capabilities while maintaining minimal obstruction of vision through the container lid. For certain applications, the container will also allow alternate graphic methods to be successfully used, such as pre-printing, branding and nutritional information onto the lid area, thus reducing label requirements to a smaller, basic tamper evident label only. | 10,285 |
11858705 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments of the systems and methods for an improved strap including end holder. In many embodiments a strap is provided that includes a buckle. The buckle has an aperture and a prong that bends one way. Since the buckle is fixed in line with the strap, upon tensioning around an item, the buckle lies in-line with the strap. This is way the prong, since it is bend up in relation to the plane of the aperture of the buckle, may mate with one of the holes in the strap and hold the strap in place. Additionally, the loose end of the strap may be attached to a sliding holder (end holder). This sliding holder includes a protrusion that fits in the holes of the strap and therefore may be slide to an optimal position. The sliding holder is advantageous since it is easy to lock down and release the end of the strap. The sliding holder is generally a ring-like structure that conforms to the shape of the strap. FIG.1shows one embodiment of a strap system100. Strap system100includes a strap portion110. Strap portion110is generally made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) but may be alternatively composed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to rubbers, plastics, nylon, cloth, etc. Strap portion110includes a first end120. The first end120is attached to a buckle130. The first end120is thickened, such that it holds the buckle130in line with the strap portion110. The buckle130includes a prong140and an aperture150. Prong140is bent towards one side of the buckle130. The strap portion110includes a plurality of apertures155. These apertures155mate with the prong140and hold the strap system100around an object. Sliding holder160is oriented on strap portion110. Sliding holder160includes a protrusion165that has a thickened end, such that it can mate with apertures155with an interference fit, causing the apertures155to flex when the protrusion is pushed through. The sliding holder160further includes an end tab170to assist in handling of the second end of the strap portion110and adding an additional stiffness to the second end, which assists with placing it through aperture150. FIG.2shows another view of strap system100. Label area200may additionally include a label logo or identifying information about the strap and may include the strap length and tension limits or other aspects of the strap (printed into the material).FIG.3shows a rear view of strap system100. As shown inFIG.3, sliding holder160does not include a protrusion165on the reverse side. This may additionally help the user in understanding what side to wrap around an object, such that the protrusion165side is up. FIGS.4and5show side views of the strap system100. Here the shape of protrusion165can be seen, having a somewhat narrowed tip and a widened end such that the interference fit in apertures155is achieved.FIGS.6and7show a top and bottom view of the strap system100. Generally, embodiments of the strap system include a strap portion, a buckle, and a sliding holder. Alternative shapes, sizes and lengths are certainly possible. Generally, buckle130is made of aluminum, however alternative materials are possible, including but not limited to, other metals, plastics, wood, polymers, resins, and other materials. In many embodiments, some degrees of rigidness for buckle130is important, such that tension may be applied to the strap system100. In operation, strap portion110is passed through aperture150and bent back such that prong140may be secured in an aperture155. Then, sliding holder is slid along strap portion110such that it may mate with an aperture155near the end of the loose end of the strap portion. While specific embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed herein but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. | 4,357 |
11858706 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS.1-3illustrate various embodiments of strands10,10′,10″ of connected elastic bands20,20′,20″. The elastic bands20,20′,20″ of each strand10,10′,10″ and, thus, the strands10,10′,10″ themselves may be made from an elastic polymer, or a so-called “elastomer.” As an example, a thermoplastic polyurethane may be used to define a strand10,10′,10″ of elastic bands20,20′,20″ that are connected to each other. Among a variety of other suitable materials, natural rubber may also be used to define a strand10,10′,10″ of elastic bands20,20′,20″ that are connected to one another. The embodiments of strands10,10′,10″ that are depicted byFIGS.1-3have elongated cylindrical configurations. Strands10,10′,10″ that have tubular configurations with other (i.e., non-circular) cross-sectional shapes are also within the scope of this disclosure. FIGS.1and1Aillustrate an embodiment of a strand10of elastic bands20a,20b,20c, etc. (each of which may also be referred to as an “elastic band20” for the sake of simplicity), that are connected to one another. Adjacent elastic bands20aand20b,20band20c, etc., of the strand10are connected to one another along a connecting portion30of the strand10. The connecting portion30of the strand10has a linear configuration, is positioned tangentially relative to a body of the strand10, and extends along a length of the strand10, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the strand10. FIGS.2and2Adepict another embodiment of a strand10′. The connecting portions30a′,30b′, etc. (each of which may also be referred to herein as a “connecting portion30′” for the sake of simplicity), between each pair of adjacent elastic bands20a′ and20b′,20b′ and20c′, etc. (each of which may also be referred to herein as an “elastic band20′” for the sake of simplicity), respectively, of the strand10′ are not arranged linearly. Instead, the positions of the connecting portions30′ around the circumference or periphery of the strand10′ vary in sequence between each adjacent pair of elastic bands20′. As an example, the locations of sequentially adjacent (along the length of the strand10′) connecting portions30′ (e.g.,30a′ and30b′,30b′ and30c′, etc.) may alternate from one side of the strand10′ to another (e.g., at a 180° rotation from one pair of elastic bands20′ to the next pair of elastic bands20′), as shown inFIGS.2and2A, imparting the strand10′ with an accordion-like configuration. In another example, the positions of sequentially adjacent connecting portions30′ around the strand10′ may be rotationally offset by about 120° from one connecting portion30′ to the next. In another example, the positions of sequentially adjacent connecting portions30′ around the strand10′ may be rotationally offset by about 90° from one connecting portion30′ to the next. FIGS.3and3Ashow an embodiment of strand10″ with connecting portions30a″,30b″,30c″, etc., that are arranged helically around the strand10″. Thus, the rotational offsets between sequentially adjacent connecting portions30a″ and30b″,30b″ and30c″, etc., are less than 90° (e.g., about 45° or less, about 30° or less, about 20° or less, about 15° or less, about 10° or less, about 5° or less, etc.). Like strands10(FIGS.1and1A) and10′ (FIGS.2and2A), strand10″ includes a series of elastic bands20a″,20b″,20c″, etc., that may be pulled apart from one another. Turning now toFIGS.4and5, the relationship between the elastic bands20,120of a strand10,110is described in further detail. Each ofFIGS.4and5shows a strand10,110of connected elastic bands20,120, with an elastic band20,120at an end of thereof being pulled down, away from a remainder of the strand10,110. Each strand10,110includes a body12,112with an inner surface14,114and an outer surface16,116. The inner surface14,114of the body12,112defines a lumen15,115that extends through a length of the strand10,110. Each elastic band20,120includes a body22,122with an inner surface24,124and an outer surface26,126. The inner surface24,124of the body22,122defines an opening25,125of the elastic band20,120. Each elastic band20,120is connected to a remainder of its strand10,110by way of a connecting portion30,130. Each connecting portion30,130may comprise a material from which the body12,112of the strand10,110and the body22,122of the elastic band20,120are defined (e.g., the same material as the body12,112of the strand10,110and as the body22,122of the elastic band20,120). As illustrated byFIG.4, one or more connecting portions30of a strand10may have a thickness that is the same as the thicknesses of the body12of the strand10and the body22of the elastic band20. As depicted byFIG.5, a strand110may include one or more connecting portions130with a score line132or other features (e.g., perforations, etc.) that render such connecting portions130thinner or otherwise weaker than the bodies22and122of the strands10and110, respectively. FIGS.6and7provide a graphical representation of a manner in which a strand10(FIGS.1and1A) of connected elastic bands20may be defined. A suitable elastomer may be extruded in a manner known in the art to define a tube11with a desired shape and dimensions. The tube11may then be supported (e.g., upon a surface S, as depicted inFIGS.6and7) and cut lines18may be defined substantially, but not completely, therethrough. The cut lines18may be defined at a series of locations along a length of the tube11. As illustrated, a blade200may impact the tube11, optionally smashing it down and defining a cut line18through the tube11. The travel of the blade200may be limited, enabling an edge202of the blade200to stop short of a surface S by which the tube11is supported and, thus, leave the newly defined elastic band20connected to a reminder of the tube11by way of a connecting portion30,130(FIGS.4and5, respectively). More specifically, the travel of the blade200may enable the edge202of the blade200to cut into the material of to define the connecting portion130, imparting the connecting portion130with a weakening feature (e.g., a score line132, perforations, etc.) along which the tube11may be torn or otherwise disrupted to facilitate the separation of one elastic band20from another, adjacent elastic band20or from a remainder of the tube11. The location of the tube11may then be incrementally advanced relative to the blade200or the location of the blade200may be incrementally advanced along the length of the tube11, and the process may be repeated. Alternatively, a series of blades200may simultaneously define a corresponding series of cut lines in a tube11. As an alternative to a strand10(FIGS.1and1A),10′ (FIGS.2and2A),10″ (FIGS.3and3A), etc., that consists essentially of (e.g., with the exception of decorative features (e.g., glitter, colored particles, fluorescent particles, phosphorescent particles, etc.), fragrance, etc.) or consists of an elastomeric material, other embodiments of a strand of connected elastics according to this disclosure may include a series of elastic bands that are completely distinct from one another (e.g., have been completely severed, etc.), but are secured together in a series by one or more separate connecting features. As an example, a series of elastic bands could be secured (e.g., adhered, etc.) to a connecting feature that comprises a strip of polymer (e.g., an adhesive tape, etc.) that resides on a surface (e.g., an outer surface, an inner surface, etc.) of the strand. In embodiments where such a connecting feature resides on an outer surface of the strand, the strand may be defined by providing a tube11(FIGS.6and7), adhering the connecting feature to an outer surface of the tube11, and cutting the tube11with a blade200(FIGS.6and7) or similar apparatus to define cut lines18(FIGS.6and7) completely through the tube11, but not completely through the connecting feature. As another option, a connecting feature comprising an elongated strip of a suitable material (e.g., a cured adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, etc.) may be applied to an assembly of previously separated elastic bands. As yet another option, connecting features may be applied to a series of pre-separated elastic bands as discrete elements (e.g., circular drops, etc.) to one or more adjacent locations of adjacent elastic bands to secure them to each other. Turning now toFIG.8, an embodiment of use of a strand10of connected elastic bands20is depicted. Specifically,FIG.8depicts separation of an elastic band20from a strand10of which the elastic band20is a part. As an example, an individual may hold the strand10with one hand H1(e.g., between his or her thumb and index finger of that hand H1, etc.) and grasp an elastic band20at an end of the strand10with the other hand H2(e.g., between his or her thumb and index finger of the other hand H2, etc.). The individual may then pull the elastic band20away from the remainder of the strand10(e.g., with his or her hand H2) in the direction of arrow A, pull the strand10away from the elastic band20(e.g., with his or her hand H1) in the direction of arrow B, or pull the elastic band20and the remainder of the strand10apart from one another in the directions of arrows B and A, respectively, to separate the elastic band20from the remainder of the strand10. The individual may then use the elastic band20in any suitable manner (e.g., for styling hair, for holding gathered items together, for holding an item in a rolled configuration, etc.). The preceding specification provides a description of some specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. It should not be considered in such a way as to limit the scope of any of the claims that follow. Each claim should be construed in a manner consistent with its plain language, and encompass all equivalents to each of its elements. | 9,757 |
11858707 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a contact lens package kit as well as to a method to recycle used contact lens packages. The present invention further relates to a contact lens package assembly that is a collection of used contact lens packages that are all held by or attached to at least one fastener. The present invention also relates to the fastener itself and its ability to receive and hold the used contact lens packages so that the fastener with attached used contact lens packages are suitable as a recyclable material (for instance, with respect to dimensions required or requested for recycling of material). The present invention enables used contact lens packages to become sorted (i.e. can be processed) for recycling at recycling facilities or MERFs. In other words, the present invention provides the ability, to the user, to recycle the used or opened contact lens packages (e.g., blister packages) or portions thereof and provides the ability to take a plurality of the opened or used contact lens packages (e.g., blister packages) to form a recyclable unit that has dimensions and an assembly that can withstand handling through sorting facilities. Thus, with the present invention, recycling, such as curbside recycling, is possible and feasible and easy to accomplish by the contact lens wearer or purchaser. The present invention provides a contact lens wearer or purchaser a simple way to recycle opened or used contact lens packages (e.g. by curbside recycling) which can encourage use of the present invention. In more detail, with respect to the contact lens package kit, this kit comprises, consists essentially of, consist of, includes or is a plurality of contact lens packages (e.g., new or unused contact lens packages) and at least one fastener. The plurality of contact lens packages can be more than one, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more, twenty or more, thirty or more, sixty or more, or 90 or more. There is no limit to the number of contact lens packages in the kit. Each contact lens package comprises, consists essentially of, consists of, or includes a base member having a cavity and a sealing member coupled to the base member to provide a sealed cavity. An unworn contact lens is provided in the sealed cavity, and optionally in a contact lens packaging solution also within the sealed cavity. With respect to the contact lens package, this package can include or comprise a plastic base member comprising a cavity configured to retain the contact lens and packaging solution and a flange region extending outwardly around the cavity. The sealing member (or sealing lid) can be a removable foil or can be a cover or a lid (e.g., plastic lid or plastic member) that is attached to the planar or flange region to provide a sealed contact lens package. Such contact lens packages, which are commonly referred to as “blister packs”, are well-known in the art (see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,426,993). If the sealing member is plastic as well, then the sealing member can optionally be recycled along with the plastic base member in the present invention. The base member comprises, consists essentially of, consists of or is a thermoplastic material or recyclable plastic or other recyclable material (e.g., plastic, PVC, polypropylene). The base member generally is made of a material that is recyclable, meaning the material can be taken to a recycle facility or trash facility and put in a recycle bin, such as the plastics recycle bin. The base member can be made of conventional material used for contact lens base members. In one preferred embodiment, the base member is formed from a polypropylene resin. The base member has or includes a substantially planar surface (or flange region) surrounding the cavity. The substantially planar surface provides a sealing surface for the sealing member. With the sealing member on the planar surface, a sealed cavity is formed. The term “substantially planar” means a planar surface or a surface surrounding the cavity that is at least 80% in surface area, or at least 90% in surface area, or at least 95% in surface area, or at least99%, or 100% in surface area planar or flat. The sealing member is sealed to the base member to create a seal that can withstand autoclaving conditions used to sterilize the unworn contact lenses. Once the seal is broken by separating the sealing member from the base member, the contents of the contact lens package (e.g. blister package) are no longer sterile. With respect to the fastener, each fastener is configured or shaped or designed to retain a plurality of the base members from each of the contact lens packages after the contact lens is removed from the cavity (e.g., a used and empty base member). In the kit, at least one fastener is provided (e.g., one or two or more fasteners). The fastener(s) can be loosely provided in the kit or can be removably attached to one or more of the contact lens packages or can be removably attached to the box (e.g., an inner surface of the box) that contains the contact lens packages or can be removably attached to informational material or papers that may be included in the contact lens package kit. The plurality of contact lens packages can be arranged in an array and have perforations in the sealing member at a location corresponding to adjacent base members. This permits the easy removal of individual contact lens packages for use. The base members can include an opening that is spaced apart from the cavity. The opening is dimensioned to receive the fastener and thus attach the base member to the fastener. With the opening, the base member slides onto the fastener to create an attachment that prevents the easy removal of the base member from the fastener. The opening on the base member can have any opening geometry. For instance, the opening can have an oval shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangle shape, a square shape, a triangle shape, or other design. The fastener, described in more detail below, has a corresponding shape so that the base member can attach to the fastener through the opening on the base member. This can be considered a through-hole design. The fastener has a length, width, and thickness. The fastener can be made from at least one thermoplastic or plastic or other recyclable material. As an option, the fastener can be made from the same material as the base member (e.g., same thermoplastic material). As an option, the fastener is made from a material that is the same recycling category as the base members (e.g., plastics). As an option, the fastener itself can have a weight that is less than 2 grams (e.g., from 0.2 g to 1.99 g, from 0.2 g to 1.95 g, from 0.2 g to 1.3 g, from 0.4 g to 1.9 g, from 0.4 g to 1.5 g, from 0.4 g to 1.25 g, from 0.3 g to 1 g). As an option, the fastener can have a total weight that is less than 10% of the total weight of the plurality of the base members retained by the fastener. As an option, the fastener can have a weight that is no greater than the total weight of the material needed to occupy the openings of each of the plurality of the base members provided in a kit, when the base members have this design. As an option, the fastener can have a length, such that at least 5 or at least 7 or at least 10 or at least 20 or at least 30 of the empty base members are attachable to the fastener. For instance, from 7 to 90 or from 10 to 90 empty base members can be attached to the fastener. In one preferred embodiment, the fastener is dimensioned (e.g., the fastener has a length suitable) to retain 14 empty base members. In another preferred embodiment, the fastener is dimensioned (e.g., the fastener has a length) suitable to retain 28 empty base members. In one aspect, the kit contains a plurality of fasteners so that a person can discard the base packages attached to the fastener on a regular schedule that, for instance, corresponds to a recycle material pick-up schedule (if one exists). For example, if a person has recycled plastics picked up for recycling once per week, and the person has thirty used or open contact lens packages (e.g. blister packs) in the kit, the kit can include four fasteners so that seven used or open contact lens packages (e.g. blister packs) from the kit can be attached to the fastener and that used fastener can then be placed in a recycled bin for that weekly pick-up, and there are enough fasteners for each weekly pick up for the kit of thirty used or open contact lens packages (e.g. blister packs). Or, two fasteners can be provided in kits of thirty lenses, and each fastener can hold fourteen used or open contact lens packages (e.g. blister packs), and can be discarded weekly or biweekly on the recycling schedule. As an option, the fastener can have a plurality of openings. The openings can be located along a majority of the length of the fastener (e.g., along 55% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or 90% or more of the length). The openings can be equally spaced from each other. The openings can be of the same size or different sizes with respect to the other openings. The shape of the opening(s) can be any geometrical shape, such as a circle, triangle, or rectangle. In addition to or in lieu of one or more or all of the openings, symbols, logos, or words can form the openings on the fastener. For instance, the company name “CooperVision” can be located on the fastener as shown, for instance, inFIG.6. The purpose of these types of openings is to reduce the amount of material used to form the fastener. The fastener can have openings along the length that serve a different purpose. As an option, the fastener can have a plurality of openings, wherein each of the openings is shaped so as to receive at least a portion of the base member thereby attaching the base member to the fastener. The opening is dimensioned to receive at least an edge or side portion of the base member and thus attach the base member to the fastener. With this type of opening on the fastener, the base member can be inserted into an opening of the fastener to create an attachment that prevents the easy removal of the base member from the fastener. As an example, the openings on the fastener can be provided, such as in the shape of slits or slots, where the slits or slots can be equally spaced from each other. The fastener can have one or more columns of slits or slots to house/receive the empty base members. Further, an edge of a base member (for example, a base member having a thumb grip) can be slid or inserted into the slit or slot to retain or attach the empty base member to the fastener. As an option, the thumb grip side of the base member, if present in the design, can have protruding features, and these protruding features can be utilized to hold/lock the base member in place. The slot or slit can have a height that is the same or about the same as the thickness of the surface of the base member (e.g., thickness of the planar surface or thickness of the thumb grip side) (e.g., within 5%, or within 1% of that thickness). To create an attachment that is not easily removed, as an option, the openings or slits or slots in the fastener can be dimensioned so that one or more edges of the base member (e.g., the thumb grip side) forms a pressure fit or interference fit or snug fit with the opening, slit, or slot on the fastener. Regarding the overall shape of the fastener, any shape can be used, and the length, width, and thickness is not critical. For environmental reasons, a preference is to have the fastener as thin as possible so as to conserve on the amount of material used to form the fastener. The fastener can be molded or stamped or3D printed into shape. The material used to form the fastener can be virgin material (e.g., plastic resin pellets), recycled material, or can be the scrap material, such as material obtained during base member molding or manufacturing. Generally, the length is such that the fastener can conveniently fit into the overall contact lens packaging. The length of the fastener can also dictate the number of empty base members that can be attached to the fastener. The dimensions of the fastener also can take into account minimizing the amount of material used to make the fastener. As one example, the fastener can be an elongated flat profiled strip. The fastener can have an elongated profile with a cross-section that has a circular shape, polygonal shape, T-shape, U-shape, or edges with a hollow interior. There are no limits to the shape of the fastener. As an option, the base members are attachable to the fastener such that the plurality of empty base members are oriented on the fastener in either in a singled stacked configuration or an alternating multiple stacked configuration. The empty base members can optionally be rested on top of each other when attached to the fastener. The empty base members can optionally not touch a base member immediately below and/or above that base member. In a design of the fastener, as an option, the fastener has a length, a width, a top end, a bottom end, and side edges, and wherein the side edges (e.g. both side edges) include indentations or notches along a majority of the length (e.g., along 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more of the length). The indentations or notches can be shaped to interlock (e.g., removably interlock or click or hold) with the edges/sides of the opening in each of the base members, when the base members have this design. As an example, the fastener can have a length of from 50 mm to 100 mm (e.g. from 60 mm to 100 mm, from 70 mm to 100 mm, from 80 mm to 100 mm, from 60 mm to 90 mm, from 60 mm to 85 mm, from 70 mm to 85 mm). The width of the fastener can be from 5 mm to 20 mm (e.g. from 5 mm to 15 mm, from 5 mm to 10 mm, from 7 mm to 15 mm, from 8 mm to 12 mm). The thickness of the fastener can be 0.25 mm to 2 mm (e.g., from 0.25 mm to 1.75 mm, from 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm, from 0.25 to 1 mm, from 0.25 to 0.75 mm, from 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm, from 0.3 mm to 2 mm, from 0.4 mm to 2 mm, from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, from 0.7 mm to 2 mm, from 0.8 mm to 2 mm, from 0.9 mm to 2 mm from 1 mm to 2 mm). As a more specific example, the fastener can have an overall length of 81 mm, an overall width of 10 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm (or dimensions within 20%, or within 10%, or within 5% or within 1% of any one, two, or all three of these dimensions). The fastener can have indentations or notches distributed evenly along most of the length of the side edges. Also, the indentations or notches are located along each of the side edges such that the indentation or notches are across from each other (i.e., the indentations or notches on side edge mirror the indentations or notches on the other side edge, so as to form a pair of indentations or notches, for instance as shown inFIG.5andFIG.6). Each pair of indentations or notches can come into contact with a portion of the edge of an opening of a base member such that the base member can rest or remain at that respective indentation or notch. The number of indentations or notches can generally equal the number of base members intended to be attached to the fastener. For instance, a fastener made to hold30base members can have30indentations or notches on each side edge of the fastener.FIG.7shows an example of the base members attached to the fastener and engaging the plurality of indentations or notches. The indentations or notches can have any shape, such as a half circle or half triangle or half rectangle and the like. The depth or cut of the indentation or notch can be any amount. For instance, the indentation or notch can have a maximum depth of 0.05 mm, or 0.07 mm, or 0.1 mm or 0.125 mm, or 0.15 mm, or 0.175 mm, or 0.2 mm, or 0.225 mm or 0.25 mm, or 0.3 mm and the like. The indentation or notch may or may not have a uniform depth. The fastener has a top edge and bottom edge. The shape of the top edge can be the same or different from the shape of the bottom edge. The fastener can have at least one of a top edge or bottom edge that has a larger width than the rest of the fastener. The top edge and/or bottom edge can have a width that is at least 5% (e.g., at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, or at least 30%) larger than the width of the rest of the fastener. The larger width top edge and/or bottom edge provides the ability to retain a base member more securely once the base member is attached to the fastener. This design is more relevant when the through-hole design is used in the base member. The width of the top edge and/or bottom edge can be the same as or within 5% of the diameter of the opening on the base member (e.g., within 4% of the diameter, within 3% of the diameter, within 2% of the diameter, within 1% of the diameter). The width of the top edge and/or bottom edge can be slightly larger than the diameter of the opening on the base member. The width of the fastener located between the top edge and bottom edge can be the same or about the same than the diameter or cross-section of the opening on the base member (for the through-hole design). The width of the top edge and/or bottom edge is such that the opening of the base member can be put through the fastener with a slight force and thus the base member is securely attached to the fastener and cannot be removed easily (e.g. the base member will not slide off due to gravity or due to gripping of the fastener with the base members attached). Thus, preferably, the fastener has at least a bottom end (or bottom edge) that is shaped such that the opening of the base member cannot pass through (e.g., cannot pass through unless the fastener and/or opening of the base member is stretched or distorted to some degree). As an example, the slight force can be characterized as at least an amount of force that a person can move the base member onto the fastener, but that the base member cannot fall off or be removed from the fastener without a greater amount of force than used to apply or attach the base member to the fastener in the first instance. As another example, the design of the fastener can be such that a portion of the base member is slid into an opening (e.g., slit or slot). In this example, the attaching of the base members to the fastener is by way of inserting an edge (e.g., the thumb grip side of the base member through a respective slit or slot (or opening) located on the fastener. The openings on the fastener (e.g. slot) are dimensioned such that an edge or side of the base member (e.g. thumb grip side) is slid or pushed through or pulled through the slot partially until a snug fit or a sort of interference fit is obtained. As an example, a side of the base member, such as the thumb grip side can have an increasing width in the direction toward the cavity of the base member and the opening (e.g., slot) can be dimensioned to have a width (the size of the opening) that is less than the maximum width of the base member (e.g., less than the maximum width present on the thumb grip side). For instance, from 1% to 99% or from 10% to 90% or approximately half of the length of the thumb grip side can be inserted into the opening (e.g., slot) before interference occurs and a snug fit is obtained. The kit of the present invention may also comprise a carton, box, or container or other packaging (herein at times referred to as ‘carton’). The carton can be made from virgin or recycled cardboard, lid stock, compressed paper, and the like. Thus, in this embodiment, a kit of the present invention comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of, a carton, a plurality of sealed contact lens packages (e.g. blister packs) containing sterilized unworn contact lenses, and at least one fastener. In a further embodiment, such a kit comprises a plurality of fasteners (i.e., two or more fasteners). In yet a further embodiment, such a kit comprises thirty contact lens packages (e.g. blister packs), sixty contact lens packages (e.g., blister packs), or ninety contact lens packages (e.g., blister packs). The carton may also be understood to be a box or container or package or enclosure. FIGS.1and2show an example of a contact lens package kit (1) that includes a plurality of contact lens packages as an array (2) and at least one fastener (21). The individual contact lens packages (3) are connected together to form the array (2) and perforation lines (7) are used for easy removal of each individual contact lens package (3). Each contact lens package (3) has a sealing member (5) that forms a seal over the cavity (13) of the base member (11). An unworn contact lens (15) and packaging solution (17) are within the cavity (13). The kit (1) further includes at least one fastener (21) which has openings (23) (optional). For the contact lens package (3), in this example, each contact lens package (3) has an opening (9) on the base member (11) that is spaced apart from the cavity (13) and dimensioned so as to receive the width and thickness of the fastener (21). A substantially planar surface (19) is shown for receiving the sealing member (5) for each respective base member (11). An array of base members is shown separated from the sealing members for ease of viewing.FIG.2is a side view of one of the contact lens packages (3) shown inFIG.1. As an option, the material shown as (6) inFIG.1can be shaped/designed to be the fastener which can be removed and then used as a fastener as described herein. As an option, the side (8) and/or side (10) as shown inFIG.1can have the fastener attached such as in a perforated attachment design that can be torn off or removed and then used as a fastener. FIG.3andFIG.4show a further example of a contact lens package (31) with a thumb grip design (37). The contact lens package (31) has a sealing member (33) that seals the cavity (41) using the sealing surface (39) that is substantially planar. Zone X shows the location where a pressure fit or snug fit will occur when slid or inserted into a slit or slot of a fastener. “L” represents the overall length of the contact lens package (31) and “W” is the width of the thumb grip side. FIG.5andFIG.6provide examples of a fastener (41).FIG.5has a fastener (41) with the optional openings (43) andFIG.6shows a fastener (41) with optional openings (43) and an optional logo/company name (45). These openings and logo/company name (43),(45) reduce the amount of material needed to form the fastener (41). The fastener (41) has notches or indentations (51) along the length of the fastener and present on each side edge (55) of the fastener (41). Each fastener (41) has a rounded top and bottom edge (47) and (49) where the width is larger at these edges than the rest of the fastener as can be seen inFIGS.5and6. FIG.7shows an example of a recyclable thermoplastic (or plastic or other recyclable material) contact lens assembly (61). A plurality of empty contact lens packages (65) is stacked in alternating multiple stacked configuration (67). Each empty contact lens package (65) has a base member (71) having a cavity (73) and the base member (71) has a substantially planar surface surrounding the cavity (75). The contact lens assembly (61) further includes at least one fastener (63) and the plurality of base members (71) are attached to the fastener (63). In this example, the attaching of the base members (71) to the fastener (63) is by way of openings (69) located on each of the base members (71) where the opening (69) is spaced apart from the cavity (73). FIG.8is a further example of a recyclable thermoplastic (or plastic or other recyclable material) contact lens assembly (81). A plurality of empty contact lens packages (83) is optionally stacked in alternating multiple stacked configuration (85). Each empty contact lens package (83) has a base member (87) having a cavity (89) and the base member (87) has a substantially planar surface surrounding the cavity (91). The contact lens assembly (81) further includes at least one fastener (93) and the plurality of base members (87) are attached to the fastener (93). In this example, the attaching of the base members (87) to the fastener (93) is by way of inserting the thumb grip side (95) of the base member (87) through respective slot (or openings) (97) located on the fastener (93). The slot (97) is dimensioned such that the thumb grip side (95) of the base member (87) is slid or pushed through the slot until a snug fit or a sort of interference fit is obtained. In this example, the thumb grip side has an increasing width in the direction towards the cavity (89) of the base member (87) and the slot (97) is dimensioned to a width (opening) that is less than the maximum width of the base member (87) present on the thumb grip side. As shown inFIG.8, approximately half of the length of the thumb grip side (95) is inserted into the slot (97) before interference occurs and a snug fit is obtained. The increasing width along the thumb grip towards the cavity can be seen inFIG.4, indicated by zone X. FIG.10is a further example of a contact lens package (3) (with the sealing member not shown). The contact lens package, as inFIG.1, has a cavity (13), a substantially planar surface (19), and has an opening (9) for receiving a fastener. InFIG.10, a thumb type design (11) is shown. The present invention further includes a recyclable thermoplastic contact lens assembly. The assembly can be considered a recyclable plastic contact lens assembly. In lieu of a thermoplastic material, any recyclable material can be used. The assembly includes a plurality of empty contact lens packages as described herein. Each empty contact lens package comprises a base member having a cavity. The base member is as described herein, and the base member is a thermoplastic material (or other recyclable material) and has a substantially planar surface surrounding the cavity. The assembly further includes at least one fastener, as described herein, and the plurality of base members are attached to the fastener, as described herein (e.g. the base members have openings spaced apart from the cavity and dimensioned to receive the fastener for attaching or the thumb grip side of the base member is used to attach the base member to the fastener that has receiving slots/openings.) The base members attached to the fastener are empty (i.e., the sealing member has been opened or removed and the contact lens removed by the wearer or user.) If the sealing member is of the same recycle category as the base member, as an option, the sealing member can be attached as well to the fastener by one of the same techniques used to attach the base member to the fastener as described herein (e.g., through hole design or inserting an edge). As an option, the recyclable thermoplastic assembly can have at least an overall height of at least 2 inches (e.g., from 2 inches to 6 inches or more) and either or both of a width and depth of at least 2 inches (e.g., from 2 inches to 6 inches or more). These dimensions permit the assembly to be deposited into a recycling bin and be acceptable for recycling in a recycling facility. The present invention further includes a method to recycle used contact lens packages, such as the ones described herein. The method comprises, consist essentially of, consists of, or includes the step of attaching a plurality of empty contact lens packages (as described herein) to a fastener(s) (as described herein). As indicated, each empty contact lens package comprises a base member having a cavity and the base member is a thermoplastic material (or other recyclable material) and has a substantially planar surface surrounding the cavity. The attaching can be achieved a number of ways as described herein (e.g. the base members have openings spaced apart from the cavity and dimensioned to receive the fastener for attaching or the thumb grip side or another side of the base member is used to attach the base member to the fastener that has receiving slots/openings.) The present invention also relates to the fastener itself, as described herein. As indicated, the unworn contact lens is sealed within the cavity of the sealed contact lens package and is packaged in a contact lens packaging solution. Any contact lens can be packaged therein. For example, the contact lens can be a hydrogel contact lens or it can be a silicone hydrogel contact lens. Examples of contact lenses that can be provided in the packages include those having the following United States Adopted Names (USANs): methafilcon A, ocufilcon A, ocufilcon B, ocufilcon C, ocufilcon D, omafilcon A, omafilcon B, comfilcon A, enfilcon A, stenfilcon A, fanfilcon A, etafilcon A, senofilcon A, senofilcon B, senofilcon C, narafilcon A, narafilcon B, balafilcon A, samfilcon A, lotrafilcon A, lotrafilcon B, somofilcon A, riofilcon A, delefilcon A, kalifilcon A, and the like. The contact lens packaging solution is typically a buffered saline solution, such as a phosphate buffered saline solution or a borate buffered saline solution, that may contain one or more additives, such as surfactants, wetting agents, viscosity agents, and the like. The contact lens in the base member can be a soft contact lens, such as a soft silicone hydrogel contact lens. The contact lens may be of any lens wear modality. Lens wear modality refers to the how many days and nights in a row the lens can be worn without removal. In one example, the contact lens is a daily disposable lens. Daily disposable lenses are indicated for single use, up to about 12 or 16 hours of continuous wear and should be discarded after the single use. In another example, the contact lens is a daily wear lens. Daily wear lenses are worn during the waking hours, typically up to about 12 to 16 hours, and are removed before sleep. Daily wear lenses are typically stored in a contact lens case containing a contact lens care solution for cleaning and disinfecting the lens during the hours of non-use. Daily wear lenses are typically discarded after a maximum of 30 days wear. In yet another example, the contact lens is an extended wear lens. Extended wear lenses are typically worn continuously for up to 6, 14 or 30 consecutive days and nights. The packaging solution sealed within the contact lens package may be any conventional contact-lens compatible solution. In one example, the packaging solution comprises, consists, or consists essentially, of an aqueous solution of a buffer, and/or a tonicity agent. In another example, the packaging solution contains additional agents such as one or more additional antimicrobial agents, and/or a comfort agent, and/or a hydrophilic polymer, and/or a surfactant and/or other beneficial agent. In some examples, the packaging solution may comprise polysaccharides (e.g. hyaluronic acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, etc.) or other high molecular weight polymers, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, which are commonly used as comfort polymers or thickening agents in ophthalmic solutions and contact lens packaging solutions. In other examples, the packaging solution may comprise an ophthalmic drug. The packaging solution can have a pH in the range of about 6.8 or 7.0 up to about 7.8 or 8.0. In one example, the packaging solution comprises phosphate buffer or borate buffer. In another example, the packaging solution comprises a tonicity agent selected from sodium chloride or sorbitol in an amount to maintain osmolality in the range of about 200 to 400 mOsm/kg, and typically from about 270 mOsm/kg up to about 310 mOsm/kg. It will be appreciated that conventional manufacturing methods can be used to manufacture the sealed contact lens package. In a method of manufacturing a contact lens package, the method can include the step of placing an unworn contact lens and a contact lens packaging solution in a receptacle, placing a cover on the receptacle, and sealing the cover on the receptacle. Generally, the receptacle is configured to receive a single contact lens and an amount of packaging solution sufficient to completely cover the contact lens, typically about 0.5-1.5 ml. In one example, the receptacle comprises a plastic base member comprising a cavity configured to retain the contact lens and packaging solution and a flange region extending outwardly around the cavity, and the cover comprises a removable foil (or other sealing cover or lid) attached to the flange region to provide the sealed contact lens package. The removable foil (or other sealing cover or lid) may be sealed by any conventional means such as heat sealing or gluing. The method of manufacturing the sealed contact lens package may further comprise sterilizing the unworn contact lens by autoclaving the sealed contact lens package. The sealed package may be sterilized by sterilizing amounts of radiation, including heat or steam, such as by autoclaving, or by gamma radiation, e-beam radiation, ultraviolet radiation, etc. Autoclaving generally involves subjecting the sealed contact lens package to temperatures of at least 121° C. for at least 20 minutes. With the present invention, it becomes possible to recycle used or opened contact lens packages as a collective unit such that the packages that form the collective unit preferably do not break or separate while being processed at a recycling facility (and the collective unit is sufficiently dimensioned so as to be processes as recyclable material). With the present invention, a person has an easy way to recycle used or opened contact lens packages. With the present invention, a person has a simply yet efficient way to recycle used or opened contact lens packages, and by providing a simple way, this can encourage a person to actually recycle this material. References herein to “an example” or “a specific example” or “an aspect” or “an embodiment” or similar phrase, are intended to introduce a feature or features of the invention, or components thereof, or methods thereof (depending on context) that can be combined with any combination of previously-described or subsequently-described examples, aspects, embodiments (i.e. features), unless a particular combination of features is mutually exclusive, or if context indicates otherwise. Further, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents (e.g. at least one or more) unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “contact lens” includes a single lens as well as two or more of the same or different lenses. The present invention includes the following aspects/embodiments/features in any order and/or in any combination:1. The present invention relates a contact lens package kit comprising:a plurality of contact lens packages, wherein each contact lens package comprises a base member having a cavity and a sealing member coupled to the base member to provide a sealed cavity, and an unworn contact lens is provided in a contact lens packaging solution within the sealed cavity; and wherein the base member is a thermoplastic material and includes a substantially planar surface surrounding the cavity, said substantially planar surface providing a sealing surface for the sealing member, andat least one fastener configured to retain a plurality of base members from each of said contact lens packages after said contact lens is removed from the cavity.2. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the plurality of contact lens packages is arranged in an array and have perforations in the sealing member at a location corresponding to adjacent base members.3. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein each of said base members includes an opening spaced apart from the cavity dimensioned to receive said fastener and attach said base member to said fastener.4. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the fastener has a length, and said fastener has a plurality of openings located along at least a portion of said length, wherein each of said openings is shaped so as to receive at least a portion of said base member thereby attaching said base member to said fastener.5. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener is an elongated flat profiled strip.6. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a length, and said fastener has a plurality of openings located along at least a portion of said length.7. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener is made from at least one thermoplastic.8. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener is made from at least one thermoplastic, wherein said thermoplastic is the same type as said thermoplastic material of said base member.9. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a weight of less than 2 grams.10. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a weight of from 0.2 gram to 1.95 grams.11. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a weight of from 0.2 gram to 1.3 grams.12. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a length such that at least 10 of said base members are attachable to said fastener.13. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a total weight that is less than 10% of the weight of the plurality of said base members retained by the fastener.14. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a weight that is no greater than the total weight of the material needed to occupy the opening of each of the plurality of said base members.15. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said base members are attachable to said fastener such that the plurality of base members is oriented on the fastener in either in a single stacked configuration or an alternating multiple stacked configuration.16. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a length, a width, a top end, a bottom end, and side edges, and wherein said side edges include indentations or notches along a majority of said length, wherein said indentations or notches are shaped to interlock with said opening in each of said base members.17. The contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a bottom end that is shaped such that said opening of said base member cannot pass through.18. An embodiment that is a recyclable contact lens assembly comprising a plurality of empty contact lens packages, wherein each empty contact lens package comprises a base member having a cavity and wherein the base member is a thermoplastic material and has a substantially planar surface surrounding the cavity, and at least one fastener, wherein said plurality of base members are attached to said fastener.19. The recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said recyclable contact lens assembly has at least an overall height of at least 2 inches and either or both of a width and depth of at least 2 inches.20. The recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said recyclable contact lens assembly has at least an overall height of at least 4 inches and either or both of a width and depth of at least 2 inches.21. An embodiment that is a method to recycle used contact lens packages, said method comprising attaching a plurality of empty contact lens packages to a fastener, wherein each empty contact lens package comprises a base member having a cavity and wherein the base member is a thermoplastic material and has a substantially planar surface surrounding the cavity.22. An embodiment that is a fastener for attaching a plurality of empty contact lens packages to said fastener, said fastener is a thermoplastic material configured to retain a plurality of base members from each of said empty contact lens packages after said contact lens is removed from the cavity wherein each empty contact lens package comprises a base member having a cavity and wherein the base member is a thermoplastic material and has a substantially planar surface surrounding the cavity.23. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a length, and said fastener has a plurality of openings located along at least a portion of said length, wherein each of said openings is shaped so as to receive at least a portion of said base member thereby attaching said base member to said fastener.24. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener is an elongated flat profiled strip.25. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a length, and said fastener has a plurality of openings located along at least a portion of said length.26. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said thermoplastic material is the same type as said thermoplastic material of said base member.27. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a weight of less than 2 grams.28. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a weight of from 0.2 gram to 1.95 grams.29. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a weight of from 0.2 gram to 1.3 grams.30. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a length such that at least 10 of said base members are attachable to said fastener.31. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a total weight that is less than 10% of the weight of the plurality of said base members retained by the fastener.32. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein each of said base members includes an opening spaced apart from the cavity dimensioned to receive said fastener and attach said base member to said fastener and wherein said fastener has a weight that is no greater than the total weight of the material needed to occupy the opening of each of the plurality of said base members.33. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein each of said base members includes an opening spaced apart from the cavity dimensioned to receive said fastener and attach said base member to said fastener and wherein said fastener has a length, a width, a top end, a bottom end, and side edges, and wherein said side edges include indentations or notches along a majority of said length, wherein said indentations or notches are shaped to interlock with said opening in each of said base members.34. The fastener or recyclable contact lens assembly, or contact lens package kit or method or other embodiment of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein said fastener has a bottom end that is shaped such that said opening of said base member cannot pass through. The present invention can include any combination of these various features or embodiments above and/or below as set forth in sentences and/or paragraphs. Any combination of disclosed features herein is considered part of the present invention and no limitation is intended with respect to combinable features. The disclosure herein refers to certain illustrated examples, it is to be understood that these examples are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. The intent of the foregoing detailed description, although discussing exemplary examples, is to be construed to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents of the examples as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the additional disclosure. The entire contents of all cited references in this disclosure, to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the present disclosure, are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention can include any combination of the various features or embodiments described above and/or in the claims below as set forth in sentences and/or paragraphs. Any combination of disclosed features herein is considered part of the present invention and no limitation is intended with respect to combinable features. Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the present specification and practice of the present invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the present specification and examples be considered as exemplary only with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and equivalents thereof. | 47,266 |
11858708 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS According to investigation by the present inventor, there is still room for improvement in terms of fillability of a filling portion with a filler in a sheet member container of Patent Document 1. The present invention relates to a sheet member container including a structure with excellent fillability of a filling portion with a filler. Below, preferable exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, in all the drawings, the same reference characters are attached to similar constituent components, and detailed explanation thereof will not be repeated. First Exemplary Embodiment First, a first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.1toFIG.12. In the drawings,FIG.1toFIG.7illustrate a sheet member container100in a state where a filler is enclosed. The sheet member container100according to this exemplary embodiment is the sheet member container100including one or a plurality of sheet members including a main-body forming sheet member21including an outer film layer22and an inner film layer23laminated on each other, and includes a containing portion17that stores contents18, and a container main body20including the main-body forming sheet member21and surrounding the containing portion17. The main-body forming sheet member21includes a main-body sealing portion26(FIG.7,FIG.9, and the like) that is an attached portion of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23, and a non-attached region24in which the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23are partially not attached, and includes a filling portion60in which the filler can be enclosed between layers of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23in the non-attached region24. The sheet member container100includes a peripheral edge sealing portion19in which one or a plurality of sheet members are folded along folding lines81,82,83,84,85and86(FIG.10andFIG.12), and in which portions in a peripheral edge portion of at least an innermost layer sheet member (in a case of this exemplary embodiment, an inner-bag forming sheet member41) of the one or plurality of sheet members are attached to each other. The containing portion17is defined by the peripheral edge sealing portion19. The container main body20includes a plurality of surface portions, and the plurality of surface portions include a first surface portion (in the case of this exemplary embodiment, a first main surface portion20a) and a second surface portion (in the case of this exemplary embodiment, a top gusset portion14) that are adjacent to each other. The filling portion60includes an interfacial connecting portion65arranged across the first surface portion and the second surface portion via a boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion. As illustrated inFIG.7,FIG.11andFIG.12, in the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion, an end portion19aof the peripheral edge sealing portion19along the folding line84is away from a boundary position26abetween the interfacial connecting portion65and the main body sealing portion26. According to this exemplary embodiment, in the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the end portion19aof the peripheral edge sealing portion19along the folding line84is away from the boundary position26abetween the interfacial connecting portion65and the main-body sealing portion26. Consequently, the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion has a structure in which film layers that constitute the sheet member container100are peeling off each other also in a region on an outer side of the interfacial connecting portion65(a region from the end portion19aof the peripheral edge sealing portion19to the boundary position26abetween the interfacial connecting portion65and the main-body sealing portion26). Consequently, movement of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23that constitute the interfacial connecting portion65(non-attached region24) is hard to be regulated, and a space between the layers of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23(a space in the non-attached region24) is easily acquired. Therefore, when the filling portion60is filled with the filler in a folded state along the folding line84, the filler can easily flow between the filling portion60of the first surface portion and the filling portion60of the second surface portion. For example, firstly the filling portion60of the first surface portion and then the filling portion60of the second surface portion can be easily filled with the filler through the interfacial connecting portion65. That is, the sheet member container100having the structure excellent in fillability of the filling portion60with the filler can be provided. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the sheet member container100includes a bottom gusset portion13(FIG.2andFIG.4) as a bottom portion, and can stand independently in a state where the bottom gusset portion13is mounted on a horizontal mounting surface. In this exemplary embodiment, the positional relationship (up-down relationship or the like) of each constituent component of the sheet member container100is described in terms of a positional relationship in a state where the sheet member container100is caused to stand independently as illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2, unless otherwise specified. However, the positional relationship in this description does not necessarily match the positional relationship at the time of using or manufacturing the sheet member container100. Furthermore, in connection with the positional relationship of each constituent component of the sheet member container100, the positional relationship illustrated in each of the drawings may be described. A front surface side (side of the viewer of a paper surface inFIG.2) of the sheet member container100is referred to as a forward direction; a back surface side (side away from the viewer of the paper surface inFIG.2) of the sheet member container100is referred to as a rearward direction; the left side (left side inFIG.2) as viewed from the front surface of the sheet member container100is referred to as a leftward direction; and the right side (right side inFIG.2) as viewed from the front surface of the sheet member container100is referred to as a rightward direction. Furthermore, the left-right direction of the sheet member container100may be referred to as a widthwise direction. In the present invention, types of contents18are not specifically limited. The contents18include, for example, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, detergent, bleach, softener, beverage, and food, and include engine oil, chemical agent, and the like. In addition, the contents18may be a liquid (including a form of paste), or may be a solid (for example, in a form of particle (including a form of grain) or in a form of powder). In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the contents18are, for example, a liquid. In a case where the contents18are a liquid, a viscosity of the contents18at, for example, 30° C. preferably falls in a range of equal to or more than 1 mPa·s and equal to or less than 120000 mPa·s (measured by a B-type viscometer; for example, measured using viscometer TV-10 or viscometer TVB-10 made by Toki Sangyo Co., LTD. or the like), and more preferably falls in a range of equal to or more than 1 mPa·s and equal to or less than 60000 mPa·s. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the container main body20is formed into a bag shape including a body portion11, the top gusset portion14arranged on an upper side of the body portion11, and the bottom gusset portion13arranged on a lower side of the body portion11. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the container main body20does not have to include the top gusset portion14, or does not have to include the bottom gusset portion13. The container main body20surrounds the containing portion17(surrounds an inner bag40in the case of this exemplary embodiment). The container main body20constitutes a shell of the sheet member container100. Below, the body portion11, the top gusset portion14and the bottom gusset portion13of the container main body20may be referred to as the body portion11, the top gusset portion14and the bottom gusset portion13of the sheet member container100. The shape of the front surface of the body portion11is not specifically limited. However, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated, for example, inFIG.2, the shape is a vertically long shape having a substantially constant width size, and an upper edge of the body portion11is formed into an upward protruding arc shape. As illustrated inFIG.5, the body portion11includes the first main surface portion20a(front panel) and a second main surface portion20b(rear panel), which are opposed to each other with the containing portion17being arranged therebetween. The first main surface portion20ais located at a front surface side, and the second main surface portion20bis located at a back surface side (also seeFIG.1toFIG.3). The first main surface portion20ais formed, for example, in left-right symmetry, and the second main surface portion20bis also formed, for example, in left-right symmetry. Also, the first main surface portion20aand the second main surface portion20bare formed, for example, in forward-rearward symmetry excluding the interfacial connecting portion65of the filling portion60that will be described later. The first main surface portion20aconvexly bulges forward, and the second main surface portion20bconvexly bulges rearward. The container main body20is formed by folding the main-body forming sheet member21(seeFIG.8andFIG.9) and attaching peripheral edge portions of the main-body forming sheet member21to each other (attaching the portions to each other via the inner-bag forming sheet member41that constitutes the inner bag40in the case of this exemplary embodiment). The planar shape of the top gusset portion14is not specifically limited, but in the case of this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.3, the top gusset portion14is formed into a shape having a front-back width reduced as being from a central portion toward the left in the widthwise direction, and reduced as being from the central portion toward the right in the widthwise direction. The top gusset portion14is formed into, for example, a horizontal tonsil shape. The container main body20includes a gusset-portion peripheral edge sealing piece45arranged along a peripheral edge of the top gusset portion14, and side portion sealing pieces46extending in an up-down direction along left and right edge portions of the body portion11, respectively. The gusset-portion peripheral edge sealing piece45and the side portion sealing pieces46, for example, stand outward from the container main body20. The gusset-portion peripheral edge sealing piece45surrounds the top gusset portion14in a circular shape, for example, excluding a portion where the interfacial connecting portion65described later exists. The gusset-portion peripheral edge sealing piece45includes a first surface-portion-side sealing piece45aarranged along a boundary between a gusset portion (top gusset portion14) and the first main surface portion20a, and a second surface-portion-side sealing piece45barranged along a boundary between the gusset portion and the second main surface portion20b. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the inner bag40is formed (seeFIG.5) by attaching portions in the peripheral edge portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41(seeFIG.9) to each other. That is, the inner bag40having a bag shape is formed by folding the inner-bag forming sheet member41and attaching the peripheral edge portions of the inner-bag forming sheet member41to each other. The inner bag40is covered with the container main body20. The inner bag40includes the containing portion17within the inner bag40. Thus, the sheet member container100includes the inner bag40arranged in an inside of the container main body20, and the inner bag40includes the inner-bag forming sheet member41that is an innermost layer sheet member of one or a plurality of sheet members that constitute the sheet member container100. However, in the present invention, in a case where an inner container defining the containing portion17is arranged in an disposed inside of the container main body20, the inner container is not limited to the inner bag40including the sheet member, and may be formed, for example, through blow molding. The shape of the inner bag40is not specifically limited. However, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, the inner bag40is formed into a shape similar to that of the container main body20. As illustrated inFIG.5, the inner bag40includes a first main surface portion40alocated at the front surface side and a second main surface portion40blocated at the back surface side with the containing portion17being arranged therebetween. The sheet member container100includes, for example, a spout member15arranged to penetrate through the top gusset portion14, and a cap portion70mounted (for example, detachably mounted) to the spout member15. More specifically, for example, as illustrated inFIG.2,FIG.3andFIG.6, the spout member15includes a cylindrical outlet cylinder portion15athrough which the contents18are caused to pass, and a plate shape portion15bhaving a plate shape and arranged at one end (lower end) of the outlet cylinder portion15ain an axial direction to be perpendicular to this axial direction, the portions being provided in an integral manner. The outlet cylinder portion15ahas an outer peripheral surface in which a thread is formed, and the outlet cylinder portion15ahas an external screw shape. The outlet cylinder portion15apenetrates through the top gusset portion14in the up-down direction, and protrudes upward from the top gusset portion14. The plate shape portion15bprotrudes from the lower end of the outlet cylinder portion15atoward a periphery thereof in a flange manner. The planar shape of the plate shape portion15bis not specifically limited, and may be, for example, a substantially square shape (FIG.3). The plate shape portion15bis arranged, for example, on an inner surface or an external surface of a portion arranged along the top gusset portion14of the body portion11in the inner-bag forming sheet member41. As illustrated, for example, inFIG.6, the plate shape portion15bis attached to an inner surface (lower surface) of the inner-bag forming sheet member41in the top gusset portion14, in an attached portion91. Consequently, the plate shape portion15bis attached to the main-body forming sheet member21via the inner-bag forming sheet member41. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the plate shape portion15bmay be attached directly to the inner film layer23of the main-body forming sheet member21. The attached portion91surrounds the periphery of the outlet cylinder portion15ain a circular shape in plane view. The attached portion91is formed, for example, in the same region as in the annular main-body sealing portion26(seeFIG.10) located around an insert hole21a. An opening15cin a tip end of the outlet cylinder portion15ais a discharge port through which the contents18are discharged from the containing portion17. In the plate shape portion15b, an opening15dis formed coaxially with an inner space of the outlet cylinder portion15a. The contents18in the containing portion17are discharged outward through the opening15dand the opening15c. Thus, the discharge port (opening15c) through which the contents18are discharged from the containing portion17is arranged in the second surface portion (top gusset portion14). Further, in the second surface portion (top gusset portion14), the plate shape portion15bincluding the opening (opening15d) that communicates to the discharge port (opening15c) is arranged, and the above one or plurality of sheet members are attached to the plate shape portion15b. The cap portion70includes a mounting portion71that is a cylindrical portion with an internal screw shape removably screwed to the outlet cylinder portion15a, a pump portion72fixed to the mounting portion71, a dip tube77extending downward from the pump portion72, and a head portion73held by the pump portion72to be raised and lowered to the pump portion72. The head portion73includes, for example, a support cylinder portion74protruding upward from the pump portion72, and a nozzle portion75protruding horizontally from an upper end portion of the head portion73, and a discharge port76through which the contents18are discharged is formed at a tip end of the nozzle portion75. A flow path (not shown in the drawings) of the contents18in the cap portion70is arranged to penetrate through the opening15dand the opening15cin the up-down direction. When the head portion73is pushed into the pump portion72(pushed downward), the pump portion72operates to discharge the contents18through the discharge port76. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.1toFIG.6, the filling portion60includes, for example, a first filling portion61formed into a circular shape along a peripheral edge portion of the first main surface portion20a, a second filling portion62formed into a circular shape along a peripheral edge portion of the second main surface portion20b, a third filling portion63(FIG.4) formed into a circular shape along a peripheral edge portion of the bottom gusset portion13, and a fourth filling portion64(FIG.3) formed into a circular shape around the outlet cylinder portion15ain the top gusset portion14. A lower edge of the first filling portion61is connected to a front edge of the third filling portion63, a lower edge of the second filling portion62is connected to a rear edge of the third filling portion63, and a central portion of an upper end portion of the first filling portion61in a widthwise direction is connected to a central portion of a front-end portion of the fourth filling portion64in the widthwise direction. The sheet member container100includes the filling portion60with this structure, and accordingly structural strength is sufficiently acquired substantially over the whole container main body20. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the whole filling portion60is formed in an integrated manner. Alternatively, in the present invention, the sheet member container100may include a plurality of filling portions60that are independent of each other. Here, each of a connecting portion between the first filling portion61and the fourth filling portion64, a connecting portion between the first filling portion61and the third filling portion63and a connecting portion between the second filling portion62and the third filling portion63is the interfacial connecting portion65. Each interfacial connecting portion65is narrowed. That is, the filling portion60is narrowed in the interfacial connecting portion65. Each of connecting portions24a(FIG.9andFIG.10) that are portions forming the interfacial connecting portions65in the non-attached region24is narrowed. Consequently, when the filler is enclosed, a speed of the filler that passes through the interfacial connecting portion65increases, and hence the filler can easily flow between the filling portion60of the first surface portion and the filling portion60of the second surface portion. All regions of the filling portion60in the sheet member container100can be easily filled with a predetermined amount of filler. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the container main body20includes the body portion11and the top portion (top gusset portion14). One main surface portion (the first main surface portion20a) of the body portion11is the first surface portion, and the top portion is the second surface portion. Then, the filling portion60includes the first filling portion61formed along the peripheral edge portion of the main surface portion (first main surface portion20a), and the fourth filling portion64formed around the discharge port in the top portion (top gusset portion14), and the first filling portion61is connected to the fourth filling portion64via the interfacial connecting portion65. Additionally, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, the container main body20includes the body portion11and the bottom portion (bottom gusset portion13). One main surface portion (the first main surface portion20a) of the body portion11is the first surface portion, and the bottom portion (bottom gusset portion13) is the second surface portion. Then, the filling portion60includes the first filling portion61formed along the peripheral edge portion of the main surface portion (first main surface portion20a), and the third filling portion63formed along the peripheral edge portion of the bottom portion (bottom gusset portion13), and the first filling portion61is connected to the third filling portion63via the interfacial connecting portion65. Further, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, the other main surface portion (second main surface portion20b) of the body portion11and the bottom portion (bottom gusset portion13) also have a relationship between the first surface portion and the second surface portion. Each interfacial connecting portion65is arranged in a central portion of the sheet member container100in the widthwise direction. Consequently, when the filler is enclosed, the filler evenly flows through the filling portion60, which improves fillability. As illustrated inFIG.8andFIG.9, the main-body forming sheet member21is formed by laminating and attaching the outer film layer22that constitutes an external surface side of the container main body20and the inner film layer23that constitutes an inner surface side of the container main body20onto each other. That is, as an example, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, the main-body forming sheet member21includes two film layers of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the main-body forming sheet member21may include a film layer other than the outer film layer22or the inner film layer23. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23are formed into the same shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The outer film layer22and the inner film layer23may have shapes different from each other. In a case where the shapes are different, it is preferable that the shape of the outer film layer22is larger than that of the inner film layer23. In the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23, insert holes are formed into which the outlet cylinder portion15aof the spout member15is inserted. In the main-body forming sheet member21, the non-attached region24(FIG.9) in which the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23are partially not attached is formed. For example, a non-attaching treatment is partially applied to a surface of one or both of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23, this surface facing a surface of the other layer. The non-attaching treatment can be easily performed by applying a non-attaching agent (so-called adhesion inhibiting agent) to bring an adhesion inhibiting state. For the adhesion inhibiting agent, any agent can be used, provided that it can inhibit the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23from being attached together. For the adhesion inhibiting agent, it is possible to preferably use, for example, printing ink, medium ink, ink dedicated to adhesion inhibition, or the like for use in offset printing, flexography, and letterpress printing (relief printing). In addition, it is also possible to preferably use thermosetting ink or UV curable ink. The range to which the non-attaching treatment is applied is to be the non-attached region24. When the filler is enclosed in the non-attached region24, the filling portion60is formed. The filling portion60is not necessarily limited to a filling portion formed in the whole non-attached region24, and may be formed in some of a plurality of non-attached regions24. FIG.8illustrates, with hatching that rises to the right for convenience, a region in which the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23are attached to each other to form the main-body sealing portion26. FIG.9andFIG.10illustrate, with hatching that rises to the right for convenience, a region in which the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23are attached to each other to define the non-attached region24in the main-body forming sheet member21, that is, a region in which the main-body sealing portion26is formed. Further,FIG.9illustrates, with a dashed line, a seal boundary line21cthat is a boundary line between the seal region of the peripheral edge portion of the main-body forming sheet member21and another region. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23are attached to each other and the inner film layer23and the inner-bag forming sheet member41are attached to each other, in a region on an outer side of the seal boundary line21cof the main-body forming sheet member21when a bag is formed. As for a method of attaching the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23together, heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, attaching with adhesive or the like may be used as an example. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, each of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23has a layer structure including a plurality of resin layers. Also, the inner-bag forming sheet member41has a layer structure including a plurality of resin layers. The main-body forming sheet member21preferably includes the resin layer of at least one type of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polyamide. A material of the resin layer that constitutes the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23of the main-body forming sheet member21is not specifically limited. For example, the material is more preferably one of a polyethylene material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultralow density polyethylene (ULDPE) or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH); a polypropylene material such as oriented polypropylene (OPP), cast polypropylene (CPP), isotactic PP, syndiotactic PP, atactic PP, random PP or block PP; a polyester material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (amorphous PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or polybutylene naphthalate (PBN); or a polyamide material such as oriented nylon (ONy), cast nylon (CNy), nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11, nylon 12 or MXD6. Of these materials, the above polyethylene material is especially preferable. As one example, the outer film layer22has a four-layer structure formed by laminating four resin layers of a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and a fourth layer in this order. Of these layers, the first layer constitutes an external surface of the container main body20. The first layer includes, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or oriented nylon (ONy). The main function of the first layer is to provide the container main body20with a feeling of gloss and printability, and to provide the container main body20with rigidity. The second layer is, for example, a layer of transparent deposition PET including polyethylene terephthalate obtained through vapor deposition of silica and/or alumina on a surface of this second layer on the first layer side. The main function of the second layer is to provide the container main body20with a gas barrier property. The third layer includes, for example, oriented nylon. The main function of the third layer is to provide the container main body20with a pinhole resistance. The fourth layer includes, for example, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The main function of the fourth layer is to achieve a heat seal property with the inner film layer23. An example of the layer structure of the inner film layer23is a structure including a fifth layer including, for example, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) in addition to a layer structure similar to the outer film layer22including the first layer to the fourth layer. The fifth layer is adjacent to the first layer, and constitutes a surface opposite to the fourth layer in the inner film layer23. The main function of the fifth layer is to achieve a heat seal property with the outer film layer22. The main function of the fourth layer of the inner film layer23is to achieve a heat seal property with the inner-bag forming sheet member41. However, the layer structure of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23is not limited to the above example, and the material of each of the layers that constitute the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23is not limited to the examples described above. As one example, the inner-bag forming sheet member41that constitutes the inner bag40has a three-layer structure formed by laminating a first layer, a second layer and a third layer in this order. Of these layers, the first layer includes, for example, linear low-density polyethylene. The main function of the first layer is to achieve a heat seal property (heat seal property with the inner film layer23) with the main-body forming sheet member21. The second layer is, for example, a layer of transparent deposition oriented nylon including oriented nylon obtained through vapor deposition of silica and/or alumina on a surface of this second layer on the first layer side. The main function of the second layer is to achieve a gas barrier property and a pinhole resistance. The third layer includes, for example, linear low-density polyethylene. The main function of the third layer is to achieve a heat seal property between portions of the inner-bag forming sheet member41. In addition, the layer structure of the inner-bag forming sheet member41is not limited to the structure described here. As illustrated inFIG.9andFIG.10, the inner-bag forming sheet member41is laminated on the main-body forming sheet member21, and as illustrated inFIG.10, a peripheral edge portion of the inner film layer23and the peripheral edge portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41are attached to each other, and a peripheral edge portion of the outer film layer22and the peripheral edge portion of the inner film layer23are attached to each other. Consequently, the main-body forming sheet member21and the inner-bag forming sheet member41constitute a container forming sheet member51. Here, a sealing portion of a peripheral edge portion of the container forming sheet member51is referred to as a peripheral edge sealing portion52. The peripheral edge sealing portion52includes a sealing portion (below, an inner-outer sealing portion43) between the peripheral edge portion of the inner film layer23and the peripheral edge portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41, and a sealing portion (below, a main-body peripheral edge sealing portion28) between the peripheral edge portion of the outer film layer22and the peripheral edge portion of the inner film layer23. FIG.10illustrates a region in which the peripheral edge sealing portion52is formed, with hatching that rises to the left. Also, inFIG.10, hatching that rises to the left and hatching that rises to the right are overlapped in a region where the region in which the peripheral edge sealing portion52is formed overlaps with a region in which the main-body sealing portion26is formed. As for a method of forming the peripheral edge sealing portion52, heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, attaching with adhesive or the like may be used as an example. As illustrated inFIG.10, the main-body forming sheet member21includes, for example: a first sheet portion31that is a portion constituting the first main surface portion20a; a second sheet portion32that is a portion constituting the second main surface portion20b; a bottom-gusset forming sheet portion38that is a portion constituting the bottom gusset portion13; a top-gusset forming sheet portion39that is a portion constituting the top gusset portion14; and a tube-shaped extending portion25. For example, the extending portion25extends outward from the second sheet portion32. The insert hole21ainto which the outlet cylinder portion15aof the spout member15is inserted is formed in the top-gusset forming sheet portion39. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the non-attached region24is formed into a shape corresponding to a shape of the filling portion60of the sheet member container100. In the non-attached region24, a portion24bthat forms the fourth filling portion64is formed into a circular shape that surrounds the insert hole21aas illustrated, for example, inFIG.10. More specifically, for example, an outer edge (external line) of the portion24bhas a shape slightly smaller than an external line of the top-gusset forming sheet portion39, and an inner edge of the portion24bhas a circular shape slightly larger than that of the insert hole21a. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the inner-bag forming sheet member41is formed into the same shape as in a portion of the main-body forming sheet member21excluding the extending portion25. In addition,FIG.9illustrates a seal boundary line41aof the inner-bag forming sheet member41, with a dashed line for convenience. The seal boundary line41ais a boundary line between a region in which the inner-bag forming sheet member41is attached (sealed) to the main-body forming sheet member21and another region in the inner-bag forming sheet member41, and is also a boundary line between a region in which portions of the inner-bag forming sheet member41are attached to each other and the other region in the inner-bag forming sheet member41when the sheet member container100is formed by using the container forming sheet member51. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, a position of the seal boundary line41aand a position of the seal boundary line21ccorrespond to each other (overlap with each other). An insert hole41binto which the outlet cylinder portion15aof the spout member15is inserted is formed in a portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41that overlaps with the top-gusset forming sheet portion39. The plate shape portion15bof the spout member15is attached to, for example, an inner surface of the portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41that overlaps with the top-gusset forming sheet portion39. The outlet cylinder portion15ais caused to pass through the insert hole41bof the inner-bag forming sheet member41and the insert hole21aof the top-gusset forming sheet portion39, and protrudes toward the external surface side of these sheets. Peripheral edge portions of the container forming sheet member51(the portions of the inner-bag forming sheet member41) are attached to each other in a state where the container forming sheet member51is folded as valley fold along the folding line81, the folding line82, and the folding line84illustrated inFIG.10, and is folded as mountain fold along the folding line83and the folding line85. With this operation, the container forming sheet member51is formed into a bag shape with a double structure. Here, the valley fold means a way of folding in which it protrudes toward the side going away from the viewer ofFIG.10, and the mountain fold means a way of folding in which it protrudes toward the viewer ofFIG.10. That is, edge portions of the inner-bag forming sheet member41are attached to each other to form an inner-bag sealing portion42(seeFIG.1). Thus, using the inner-bag forming sheet member41, the inner bag40is formed. In addition, the bag-shaped container main body20that covers the inner bag40is formed. As for a method of attaching the portions of the inner-bag forming sheet member41to each other, heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, attaching with adhesive or the like may be used as an example. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the main-body peripheral edge sealing portion28, the inner-bag sealing portion42and the inner-outer sealing portion43are arranged at positions that correspond to one another (positions that overlap with one another). The main-body peripheral edge sealing portion28, the inner-bag sealing portion42and the inner-outer sealing portion43are generically referred to as the peripheral edge sealing portion19(the peripheral edge sealing portion19includes the main-body peripheral edge sealing portion28, the inner-bag sealing portion42and the inner-outer sealing portion43). Consequently, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, each of the gusset-portion peripheral edge sealing piece45and the side portion sealing pieces46includes the main-body peripheral edge sealing portion28, the inner-bag sealing portion42and the inner-outer sealing portion43. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the gusset-portion peripheral edge sealing piece45and the side portion sealing pieces46may only include the main-body peripheral edge sealing portion28. A portion of the first sheet portion31on a top-gusset forming sheet portion39side of the folding line85is a first overlapping portion31a. The first overlapping portion31ais arranged to overlap with one half portion in the top-gusset forming sheet portion39in a state before the non-attached region24is filled with the filler. A portion of the second sheet portion32that is located away from the bottom-gusset forming sheet portion38via the folding line86is a second overlapping portion32a. The second overlapping portion32ais arranged to overlap with the other half portion in the top-gusset forming sheet portion39in the state before the non-attached region24is filled with the filler. Thus, as illustrated inFIG.12, the container forming sheet member51is formed into a double bag shape, to obtain the sheet member container100. In the sheet member container100, for example, the filler is inputted from an inlet port25a(FIG.10) formed in the extending portion25into the non-attached region24. Afterward, the non-attached region24is sealed at a portion continuously connected to a base end side of the extending portion25. This causes the filler to be enclosed in the non-attached region24(the filling portion60). In addition, a pressure within the filling portion60is not specifically limited. However, it is preferable that this pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure, and for example, can be set to be equal to or more than 10 kPa and equal to or less than 500 kPa (gauge pressure). That is, the filling portion capable of containing the filler is a space located between layers of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23, and capable of keeping sealability when the filler is enclosed substantially at a pressure in a range of equal to or more than 10 kPa and equal to or less than 500 kPa. After formation of the filling portion60in which the filler is enclosed, the extending portion25is cut off, for example. In this manner, the sheet member container100in which the filler is enclosed in the filling portion60is obtained (seeFIG.1toFIG.7). Alternatively, the extending portion25may remain even in a state of the sheet member container100in which the filler is enclosed. After the sheet member container100is manufactured, the containing portion17is filled with the contents18through the outlet cylinder portion15aof the spout member15. Afterward, the cap portion70is mounted to the spout member15. This makes it possible to obtain the sheet member container100in which the contents18are enclosed in the containing portion17. FIG.11is a partially enlarged view ofFIG.10, and illustrates a boundary between the first sheet portion31that forms the first main surface portion20aand the top-gusset forming sheet portion39that forms the top gusset portion14, and a portion in the vicinity of the boundary. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the outer film layer22, the inner film layer23and the inner-bag forming sheet member41have the same shape, and are laminated in a manner such that external lines match with one another. Consequently, as illustrated inFIG.11, in the boundary between the first sheet portion31that forms the first main surface portion20aand the top-gusset forming sheet portion39that forms the top gusset portion14, an outer edge22aof the outer film layer22, an outer edge23aof the inner film layer23and an outer edge41cof the inner-bag forming sheet member41align with one another. Also, in a boundary between the first sheet portion31and the bottom-gusset forming sheet portion38that forms the bottom gusset portion13, the outer edge22aof the outer film layer22, the outer edge23aof the inner film layer23and the outer edge41cof the inner-bag forming sheet member41align with one another. Similarly, in a boundary between the second sheet portion32that forms the second main surface portion20band the bottom-gusset forming sheet portion38, the outer edge22aof the outer film layer22, the outer edge23aof the inner film layer23and the outer edge41cof the inner-bag forming sheet member41also align with one another. Then, also in a state after the container forming sheet member51forms the sheet member container100, the outer edge22aof the outer film layer22, the outer edge23aof the inner film layer23and the outer edge41cof the inner-bag forming sheet member41align with one another in a boundary between the first main surface portion20aand the top gusset portion14, a boundary between the first main surface portion20aand the bottom gusset portion13, and a boundary between the second main surface portion20band the bottom gusset portion13. InFIG.11, a region that forms the peripheral edge sealing portion19after the bag is manufactured is denoted with a reference numeral of the peripheral edge sealing portion19. As illustrated inFIG.11, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, in the boundary between the first main surface portion20aand the top gusset portion14, the main-body forming sheet member21is folded along the folding line84, and the peripheral edge portion of the first main surface portion20aand a peripheral edge portion of the top gusset portion14are attached to each other by the peripheral edge sealing portion19. In the peripheral edge sealing portion19, all film layers that constitute the sheet member container100are attached. That is, in this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.7, six layers in total including the inner-bag forming sheet member41, the inner film layer23and the outer film layer22in the first main surface portion20a, and the inner-bag forming sheet member41, the inner film layer23and the outer film layer22in the top gusset portion14are attached in the peripheral edge sealing portion19. As illustrated inFIG.7andFIG.11, the end portion19aof the peripheral edge sealing portion19along the folding line84is away from the boundary position26abetween the interfacial connecting portion65and the main-body sealing portion26. Consequently, in the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the region on the outer side of the interfacial connecting portion65(the region from the end portion19aof the peripheral edge sealing portion19to the boundary position26abetween the interfacial connecting portion65and the main-body sealing portion26) also has a structure where the film layers that constitute the sheet member container100(in this exemplary embodiment, the portions of the inner-bag forming sheet member41, and the inner-bag forming sheet member41and the inner film layer23) peel off each other. In this exemplary embodiment, the peripheral edge sealing portion19includes six layers of the sheet members attached as described above and therefore has high rigidity. On the other hand, in the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the end portion19aof the peripheral edge sealing portion19is away from the interfacial connecting portion65, and hence the movement of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23that constitute the interfacial connecting portion65(non-attached region24) is hard to be regulated, and the space between the layers of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23(the space in the non-attached region24) is easily acquired. Consequently, when the filling portion is filled with the filler in the folded state along the folding line84, the filler can easily flow between the filling portion60of the first surface portion and the filling portion60of the second surface portion. For example, the filling portion60of the first surface portion and the filling portion60of the second surface portion can be easily filled with the filler through the interfacial connecting portion65. Also, in the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the main-body sealing portion26is adjacent to the peripheral edge sealing portion19. That is, the non-attached region24does not exist between the peripheral edge sealing portion19and the main-body sealing portion26. Consequently, in the state where the filler is enclosed in the filling portion60, it is possible to suppress defects that stress is concentrated on the non-attached region24and that the sheet member tears. Further, in the boundary between the first main surface portion20aand the top gusset portion14, a width size W1of the peripheral edge sealing portion19along the folding line84is equal to or more than a width size W2of the main-body sealing portion26, and preferably, the width size W1is larger than the width size W2. The width size W1is a width of a region in which the first main surface portion20a(the first surface portion) is connected to the top gusset portion14(the second surface portion) along the folding line84of the main-body forming sheet member21in the peripheral edge sealing portion19. The width size W1is equal to or more than the width size W2, so that rigidity of a peripheral edge portion of the container main body20can be sufficiently acquired. Also, since the width size W1is equal to or more than the width size W2, a contour of the boundary between the first main surface portion20aand the top gusset portion14becomes clear. Therefore, a difference in appearance between the first main surface portion and the second main surface portion is hard to be made, and appearance of the sheet member container100can be favorably kept. Also, in the boundary between the first main surface portion20aand the top gusset portion14, a total value of the width size W1of the peripheral edge sealing portion19along the folding line84and the width size W2of the main-body sealing portion26is larger than a half of a width size W3of the interfacial connecting portion65(non-attached region24). In other words, the width size W3is smaller than twice the total value of the width size W1and the width size W2. Consequently, the interfacial connecting portion65can be narrowed, and hence attractiveness of the boundary between the first main surface portion20aand the top gusset portion14can be favorable. Here, the width size W3of the interfacial connecting portion65is a size in a state where the filler is not enclosed. Also, at a position where the interfacial connecting portion65exists as viewed in a thickness direction of the sheet member, none of the film layers that constitute the sheet member container100are attached to each other. That is, in the interfacial connecting portion65, as illustrated inFIG.7, a portion of the outer film layer22, a portion of the inner film layer23, a portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41, another portion of the inner film layer23and another portion of the outer film layer22are laminated in this order, but none of these portions are attached. Consequently, the respective film layers in the non-attached region24can relatively move freely to a certain degree, and hence the space between the layers of the outer film layer22and the inner film layer23(the space in the non-attached region24) can be more reliably acquired in the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion. Next, modifications will be described with reference toFIG.18toFIG.22. Modification 1 In the above first exemplary embodiment, an example where the main-body sealing portion26is adjacent to the peripheral edge sealing portion19in the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion has been described. On the other hand, in a case of Modification 1 illustrated inFIG.18, a non-sealing portion111in which film layers are not attached to each other is interposed between a peripheral edge sealing portion19and a main-body sealing portion26in a boundary between a first surface portion and a second surface portion. In the non-sealing portion111, an outer film layer22and an inner film layer23are not attached, and also the inner film layer23and an inner-bag forming sheet member41are not attached. That is, in the non-sealing portion111, a portion of the outer film layer22, a portion of the inner film layer23, a portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41, another portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41, another portion of the inner film layer23and another portion of the outer film layer22are laminated in this order in a state of being not attached to each other. Modification 2 In the above first exemplary embodiment and Modification 1, an example where the external lines of the outer film layer22, the inner film layer23and the inner-bag forming sheet member41match one another, that is, an example where the outer edge22aof the outer film layer22, the outer edge23aof the inner film layer23and the outer edge41cof the inner-bag forming sheet member41align with one another in the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion has been described. On the other hand, in a case of Modification 2 illustrated inFIG.19, an external line of an inner film layer23is located on an inner side of an external line of an outer film layer22. That is, in a boundary between a first surface portion and a second surface portion, an outer edge23aof the inner film layer23is arranged on an inner side of an outer edge22aof the outer film layer22. In addition, the outer edge22aof the outer film layer22and an outer edge41cof an inner-bag forming sheet member41align with each other. Then, in order from an outer edge of a sheet member container100, a four-layer sealing portion191, a six-layer sealing portion192, the non-sealing portion111and a main-body sealing portion26are arranged in this order. In the four-layer sealing portion191, a portion of the outer film layer22, a portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41, another portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41and another portion of the outer film layer22are laminated in this order and attached to one another. In the six-layer sealing portion192, a portion of the outer film layer22, a portion of the inner film layer23, a portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41, another portion of the inner-bag forming sheet member41, another portion of the inner film layer23and another portion of the outer film layer22are laminated in this order and attached to one another. In the case of this modification, a peripheral edge sealing portion19includes the four-layer sealing portion191and the six-layer sealing portion192. Modification 3 Modification 3 illustrated inFIG.20is different from Modification 2 illustrated inFIG.19in that the sheet member container100does not include the non-sealing portion111, and in other points, this modification is similar to Modification 2. Modification 4 Modification 4 illustrated inFIG.21is different from Modification 3 illustrated inFIG.20in that the non-sealing portion111is provided in place of the six-layer sealing portion192, and in other points, this modification is similar to Modification 3. In a case of this modification, the peripheral edge sealing portion19only includes the four-layer sealing portion191. Modification 5 Modification 5 illustrated inFIG.22is different from Modification 4 illustrated inFIG.21in that the non-sealing portion111is not provided, and in other points, this modification is similar to Modification 4. Second Exemplary Embodiment Next, a second exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.13toFIG.15. A sheet member container100according to this exemplary embodiment is different from the sheet member container100according to the above first exemplary embodiment in terms of points described below. In other points, the container is configured similarly to the sheet member container100according to the above first exemplary embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.13andFIG.14, in a case of this exemplary embodiment, the sheet member container100does not include an inner bag40. Then, a container main body20constitutes a containing portion17. That is, in a peripheral edge sealing portion19, portions of an inner film layer23of a main-body forming sheet member21are attached to each other. Consequently, the container main body20is formed, and the containing portion17is constituted. Also, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, in a boundary between a first surface portion (first main surface portion20a) and a second surface portion (top gusset portion14), an end portion of the peripheral edge sealing portion along a folding line is away from a boundary position between an interfacial connecting portion and a main-body sealing portion as illustrated inFIG.15. Consequently, as illustrated inFIG.14, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, an end portion19aof the peripheral edge sealing portion19is also away from an interfacial connecting portion65, and hence movement of an outer film layer22and the inner film layer23that constitute the interfacial connecting portion65is hard to be regulated. Thus, when a filling portion is filled with a filler in a folded state along the folding line, the filler can easily flow between a filling portion60of the first surface portion and the filling portion60of the second surface portion. For example, a first filling portion61to a fourth filling portion64can be favorably filled with a filler through the interfacial connecting portion65. Third Exemplary Embodiment Next, a third exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.16andFIG.17. A sheet member container100according to this exemplary embodiment is different from the sheet member container100according to the above first exemplary embodiment in terms of points described below. In other points, the sheet member container100according to this exemplary embodiment is configured similarly to the sheet member container100according to the above first exemplary embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.16, in a case of this exemplary embodiment, a container forming sheet member51that constitutes the sheet member container100includes a first sheet portion31that forms a first main surface portion20a, a second sheet portion32that forms a second main surface portion20b, and a top-gusset forming sheet portion39that forms a top gusset portion14, but the member does not include a bottom-gusset forming sheet portion38(seeFIG.10) that forms a bottom gusset portion13. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, a connecting portion24aof a non-attached region24is arranged only in a boundary between the first sheet portion31and the second sheet portion32. Consequently, as illustrated inFIG.17, the sheet member container100according to this exemplary embodiment includes a configuration that does not include the bottom gusset portion13and in which the first main surface portion20aof a body portion11is directly connected to the second main surface portion20b(not shown in the drawings). Then, an interfacial connecting portion65is arranged in a boundary between the first main surface portion20aand the second main surface portion20b, and a first filling portion61in the first main surface portion20ais connected to a second filling portion62in the second main surface portion20bvia the interfacial connecting portion65. That is, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, a container main body20includes the body portion11. One main surface portion (first main surface portion20a) of the body portion11is a first surface portion, and the other main surface portion (second main surface portion20b) of the body portion11is a second surface portion. More specifically, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, a filling portion60includes the first filling portion61formed along a peripheral edge portion of the one main surface portion (first main surface portion20a), and the second filling portion62formed along a peripheral edge portion of the other main surface portion (second main surface portion20b). The first filling portion61is connected to the second filling portion62via the interfacial connecting portion65. Furthermore, a cap portion70is a screw cap that does not include a pump portion72, a support cylinder portion74, a head portion73or a nozzle portion75and that includes an opening/closing lid. The sheet member container100may independently stand with a discharge port in a downward posture (inverted posture), or may be arranged with the body portion11lying on a mounting surface. Also, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, in the boundary between the first surface portion (first main surface portion20a) and the second surface portion (second main surface portion20b), an end portion of a peripheral edge sealing portion along a folding line is away from a boundary position between the interfacial connecting portion65and a main-body sealing portion, and hence movement of an outer film layer22and an inner film layer23that constitute the interfacial connecting portion65is hard to be regulated. Consequently, when a filling portion is filled with a filler in a folded state along the folding line, the first filling portion61to a fourth filling portion64can be favorably filled with the filler through the interfacial connecting portion65. The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Various modes such as changes and modifications are also included as long as the object of the present invention is achieved. Alternatively, various constituent components of the sheet member container100do not have to exist individually and independently. For example, it is allowed that a plurality of constituent components are formed as a member, a constituent component is formed of a plurality of members, a certain constituent component is part of another constituent component, or part of the certain constituent component overlaps with part of the other constituent component. EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 11body portion13bottom gusset portion14top gusset portion15spout member15aoutlet cylinder portion15bplate shape portion15cand15dopening17containing portion18contents19peripheral edge sealing portion191four-layer sealing portion192six-layer sealing portion19aend portion20container main body20afirst main surface portion20bsecond main surface portion21main-body forming sheet member22outer film layer22aouter edge23inner film layer23aouter edge24non-attached region26main-body sealing portion26aboundary position28main-body peripheral edge sealing portion41inner-bag forming sheet member4141couter edge51container forming sheet member60filling portion61first filling portion62second filling portion63third filling portion64fourth filling portion81,82,83,84,85, and86folding line91attached portion100sheet member container111non-sealing portion | 59,908 |
11858709 | With reference toFIGS.1-12, a first example of a closure assembly according to the invention will be described in more detail. FIG.1shows a closure assembly1in assembled stated. As explained, in an embodiment, this pre-assembled closure assembly can be fitted to a container, e.g. a collapsible pouch container. The closure assembly1is composed of two components, namely on the one hand an article10, here embodied as a spout10, and on the other hand a cap40provided with an integrated tamper-evident ring member50. The spout10is made, e.g. injection moulded, of a plastic material and forms a tubular neck14around a product passage15in the spout. The neck has a main axis16, which is discussed herein as being vertical. The neck14forms a mouth17at a top end of the product passage15. It will be appreciated that the term vertical, as well as top, bottom, upper, lower, etc. are merely used to identify relative orientation and location of components and details thereof in the closure assembly. In practical use the spout or other article may be arranged at the top of a container, e.g. pouch container, but also other arrangements, e.g. the neck facing sideways, being inclined, facing downwards, etc. are comprised within the invention. The spout10further comprises a circumferential flange structure20which comprises an annular flange portion21that is integrally formed, e.g. injection molded, to the neck14and extends around the neck14. The flange portion21has a top face21a, a bottom face21b, and a periphery21c, here a circular outer contour periphery. The flange structure20further comprises a peripheral protective rim portion25that is integral to and extends upwards from the flange portion21at the periphery21cthereof, so that the top face21aof the flange portion21and the protective rim portion25define an annular recess30around the neck14. The spout10represents one embodiment of a fitment that is configured to be secured to a container body, e.g. of a collapsible pouch container. The spout10has a lower connector portion12, here embodied as a seal boat, that is adapted to be secured, e.g. by heat-sealing, between opposed film walls of a collapsible pouch container. The neck14extends upwards from the top of the lower connector portion12. In this example, the seal boat portion12is provided with horizontal welding ribs12a,b,cin vertically spaced apart horizontal planes, the ribs13serving to be welded to the film walls of the pouch container as is known in the art. In another embodiment, the lower connector portion12may be embodied with a lower circumferential flange or plate portion that is adapted to be secured or secured onto a panel of a container, e.g. a panel of a carton or a wall of a collapsible pouch. The cap40that is provided with the integrated tamper-evident ring member50is made, e.g. injection moulded, of a plastic material. The cap40with ring member50is adapted to be secured on the neck14of the spout10by means of an axial securing motion along the main axis16. The cap40has a top wall structure41and a downward depending skirt42. As illustrated, the top wall structure41may comprises a W-seal arrangement protruding into the neck14. Herein the W-seal arrangement comprises a downward projecting bulbous and annular top wall section around a central raised top wall section. It will be appreciated that the top wall structure41could have other designs, e.g. like a substantially planar disc, or with a downwardly protruding hollow pin design that fits inside the neck to provide a seal at a position well below the mouth, etc. The skirt42has an interior side42a, an exterior side42b, and a lower edge42cthat is remote from the top wall structure41. The tamper-evident ring member50is integrally formed to the lower edge42cof the skirt of the cap40and is connected to this lower edge via one or more breakable bridges70. The cap40is adapted to seal the product passage15in a closed position of the cap on the neck14. The cap40is adapted to be manually removed from the neck14by a user to open the product passage15. In this example, as preferred in the context of the invention, the cap40is a quarter-turn type opening snap-on type cap, so that rotating the cap over about a quarter turn causes sufficient lift to disengage a snap retention of the cap and, also, breaks the breakable bridges70as will be discussed below. The tamper-evident ring member50comprises an annular ring member flange portion51that has a top face51a, a bottom face51b, an inner face52adirected to the neck14, and an outer face52b. Multiple hook members53are integrally formed to the bottom of the ring member flange portion51. These hook members53are distributed in a circumferential direction of the ring member flange portion51. Each hook member53comprises a resilient leg54having an upper end integral with the ring member flange portion51and protruding downward from the ring member flange portion. Each hook member53further comprises a hook portion55at the lower free end of the leg54. In the depicted embodiment, as practically preferred, the hook portion55is directed outwards. As preferred, the flange portion51extends further outwards than the hook portion55. The annular flange portion21on the neck14of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages18, distributed in circumferential direction about the neck, which passages18each extend between the top face21aand the bottom face21bthrough this annular flange portion21. Each hook member passage18is adapted to receive a respective hook member53when the cap40with the integrated tamper-evident ring member50is axially mounted or secured on the neck14by means of an axial securing motion along the main axis16. Herein the hook portion55of each hook member53engages, e.g. snaps, underneath the bottom face21bof the annular flange portion21on the neck14of the spout1. The periphery of the annular flange portion51of the ring member50, here of non-circular contour, is shaped to fit within the, here equally non-circular contoured, protective rim portion25as the annular flange portion51is inserted in the annular recess30upon axially mounting of the cap40with the integrated tamper-evident ring member50on the neck14. It will be appreciated that the adjoining contours of the annular flange portion51and of the rim portion25may also be of other non-circular designs, e.g. square, hexagonal, oval, etc. The mating non-circular contours may be present in view of an anti-rotation locking effect, so that the ring member50is hindered from rotating about the neck. The same anti-rotation effect may also, or alternatively, be provided for by other measures, e.g. by the hook members and their corresponding passages, and/or by mating reliefs on the adjoining lower face of the flange portion21and upper face of the flange portion21. In an embodiment, the adjoining contours of the annular flange portion51and of the rim portion25may be circular. The peripheral protective rim25is configured to obstruct a lateral access from the outside to the interface between the top face21aof the flange portion21of the spout10and the bottom face51bof the flange portion51of the ring member50. For example one cannot access said interface by biting on the assembly, e.g. when used in combination with a child food or beverage container, or with cutlery, e.g. a knife, etc. in an attempt, e.g. unconscious, to dislodge the ring member50, possibly along with the cap40, from the spout10. The closure assembly1is embodied such that upon first time opening of the closure assembly by removal of the cap40, here a quarter turn of the cap40, by a user the one or more breakable bridges70break and the ring member50is retained in the recess30of the spout10by means of the hook members53. As shown here it is preferred that the protective rim portion25is devoid of openings therein. This strengthens the portion25, and thus the entire circumferential flange structure, and further reduces the possibility for lateral access to the ring member50. The protective rim portion25has a height such that in the secured position of the cap provided with the integrated tamper-evident ring member an outer annular zone of the top face51aof the flange portion51thereof does not protrude above the protective rim portion25. Even more preferred, e.g. as can be seen inFIGS.9-12this outer annular zone of the top face is located lower than the top of the rim portion25. Hereby access to the flange portion51is difficult. As illustrated, e.g. inFIGS.2,3,8,9, and10, the hook members passages18may be located directly adjoining the neck14. Preferably, the passages18are located radially spaced inward from the rim portion25. The legs54of the hook members53each have an inner leg face54afacing the neck14. As preferred, see e.g.FIGS.5,6,9,10, this inner leg face54aadjoins, or is continuous with, the inner face52aof the flange portion51of the ring member50. As shown here, it is preferred for all hook members53to have a leg53with an inner bevel face54bat the lower end thereof, here at a junction of an inner leg face54aand a lower end face54cof the leg54. As shown here, the neck14may be integrally formed with a corresponding bevel faced boss19at a location below the corresponding hook member passage18, such that upon axially mounting the cap40with the integrated tamper-evident ring member50on the neck14by means of an axial securing motion along the main axis16, the bevelled face of the boss19contacts the inner bevel face54bof the leg54and thereby assists in keeping the hook portion55of the hook member53engaged, e.g. snapped, underneath the bottom face21bof the annular flange portion21on the neck14of the spout10. As illustrated, in an embodiment, the outside or outer contour of the protective rim portion25provides at least one pair of opposed parallel side faces. Here two pairs26,27that are orthogonal to one another are provided, here so that the protective rim portion25is four-sided with rounded corner faces. In an embodiment, as shown here, the upper face21aof the flange portion21on the neck14of the spout10is substantially planar, radial and perpendicular to the main axis16. The bottom face51bof the ring member flange portion51here equally is substantially planar, radial and perpendicular to the main axis16. The closure assembly1here, as preferred, comprises a snap-on type cap40providing in use of the closure assembly a snap-on functionality so that said axially securing motion, e.g. by a capping device, causes the cap40to snap onto the neck14. Here, as preferred, the interior side of the skirt42of the cap40and the exterior side of the neck of the article have co-operating snap connector formations. A first snap ridge13is provided on the exterior side of the neck14, between the mouth and the circumferential wall structure, and a second snap ridge43is provided on the interior side of the skirt in order to provide the snap-on functionality. As preferred and as shown the first snap ridge13, axially spaced from the circumferential flange structure, is formed by a series of snap ridge segments that are circumferentially spaced from one another. The inside of the skirt of the cap40here forms a circumferentially continuous snap ridge. For example, the snap-on type cap40can be replaced on the neck14after first time opening, with the snap features13,43then properly retaining the cap on the neck. In order to facilitate the opening of the closure assembly by the user, who is here expected to turn the cap40over a quarter turn for opening of the closure, the closure assembly comprises:at least one first cam portion61defining a cam surface62, which cam surface62is angled with respect to the main axis16, seen when the cap40with ring member50are secured on the neck14, which first cam portion61is integrally formed on the flange portion51of the tamper-evident ring member50, andat least one second cam portion45defining a cam follower surface46adapted to interact with the cam surface62of the first cam portion61, which second cam portion45is integrally formed on the lower edge of the skirt42, wherein—upon first time opening of the closure assembly by rotation of the cap40relative to the spout10about the main axis16—the first and second cam portions61,45interact in order to cause axial lifting of the cap40relative to the neck14, so that the co-operating snap connector formations13,43disengage. In the illustrated embodiment a pair of first cam portions61is integrally formed at the top face51aof the ring member flange portion51, at diametrically opposed locations relative to the opening through which the neck14extends. A pair of second cam portions45is integrally formed at the lower end of the skirt42of the cap, at diametrically opposed locations. Each first cam portion61has an arched first cam surface62with a centre raised above, or higher than, the flange portion51and with a first and second ends62a,bwhere the arched first cam surface62adjoins the top face51aof the flange portion51. A breakable bridge70is present at each end62a,bof the upwardly arched first cam surface62. As preferred, and as can be seen for instance inFIG.12, the bridges70in the pair of breakable bridges70associated with each of the two first cam portion61of the ring member50are not arranged symmetrically such that, once the cap is removed and then placed back on the neck in a position 180° rotated relative to the initial molded position, the remains of each of the bridges70do not line up. They would do so of the arrangement of the bridges70was symmetrical. Due to this arrangement any tampering may be better visible. Of course, embodiments are possible with another arrangement and/or other number of breakable bridges between the lower edge of the skirt of the cap and the ring member50. In the illustrated embodiment, each second cam portion45comprises an outwardly extending tab46that is integrally formed at the lower end of the skirt42and is adapted to cooperate with the first cam surface61. As preferred the cap has two diametrically opposed tabs46. In order to enhance grip on the cap and/or to enhance anti-choke properties of the cap40, the cap has two diametrically opposed, substantially planar wing portions47that extend outwardly from the skirt42in an imaginary vertical plane through the main axis16of the neck14. It can be seen that the single pair of first cam portions61are located on diametrically opposed locations relative to this imaginary vertical plane through the wing portions47of the cap. This is effective in view of injection molding and of strength of the cap and integrated tamper-evident ring member. It can be seen that at least one pair of hook members53and corresponding hook member passages18is located on diametrically opposite locations relative to the neck14and in the imaginary vertical plane through the wing portions47of the cap. It can be seen that at least one hook member, here as preferred two hook members53, and corresponding hook member passages18are located on diametrically opposed locations relative to the imaginary vertical plane through the wing portions47of the cap. With reference toFIGS.13-19a second exemplary embodiment100of the closure assembly according to the invention will be described. Herein components and details thereof corresponding to components and details thereof included in the first exemplary embodiment will be denoted with the same reference numeral provided with an accent. A main difference with the first exemplary embodiment is the shape of the flange portions21′,51. In the depicted embodiment ofFIGS.13-19the upper face21a′ of the flange portion21′ of on the neck14′ of the article10′ is saddle shaped. This upper face has two diametrically opposed downwardly curved upper face zones21a1′. The bottom face51b′ of the ring member flange portion51′ is complementary saddle shaped. As can be seen these flange portions21′,51′ also have their other, bottom or upper, face saddle shaped, so that these flange portions are saddle shaped in form. As can be seen the breakable bridges are arranged between the saddle shaped flange portion51′ and a correspondingly shaped lower edge42c′ of the skirt. The cap40′ here is, as in the first exemplary embodiment, a quarter-turn snap-on cap that is released from the article10′ by the user turning the cap over about a quarter turn. The snap-on cap40′ is retained on the neck by means of cooperating snap formations13′,43′. A lift effect of the cap40′ upon opening is achieved here by the fact that the saddle shape of the upper face of the flange portion51′ cooperates with the corresponding saddle shape of the lower edge42c′ of the skirt42′. Therefore no additional cam and cam follower arrangement is required. The ring member50′ here has four hook members53′ that protrude downwardly from the bottom of the flange portion51′. The flange portion21′ has four respective passages18′. The outer contour of the rim portion25′, in this second example, lacks parallel faces. Therefore, as an option, the article is provided with a pair of parallel faces28in a region of the neck14′ below the flange portion21′, here between the flange portion and the seal boat12′. With reference toFIGS.20-26a third example of a closure assembly according to the invention will be discussed. Herein items corresponding to items discussed with herein in conjunction with the first and/or second exemplary embodiment are provided with the same reference numeral with an addition of double quote marks. TheFIG.20shows closure assembly200comprising an article10″ and comprising a cap40″ provided with an integrated tamper-evident ring member50″. As can be seen for instance inFIG.21the article10″ forms a tubular neck14″ around a product passage, the neck having a main axis and forming a mouth at a top end. The article further comprises a flange structure20″ which is integrally formed to the neck14″ and comprises one or more flange portions, here a circumferential flange portion, having a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery. As preferred, a peripheral protective rim25″ is integral to and extends upwards from the flange portion at the periphery thereof. The cap40″ provided with an integrated tamper-evident ring member50″ is adapted to be secured or is secured on said neck of the article by means of an axial securing motion along the main axis. In these figures, it is illustrated that the cap40″ has an annular top wall41″ having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. A downward depending skirt42″ is integral with the outer perimeter. A hollow pin portion48″ depends from the inner perimeter. The hollow pin portion48″ has a circumferential face extending along a length thereof and a closed pin bottom. The hollow pin portion here is open at a top thereof. The circumferential face of the hollow pin portion48″ and the article10″ have at least one pair of cooperating sealing surfaces such that hollow pin portion48″, in the closed position cap, closes the product passage15″. As preferred, a top seal is established in a top region of the neck14″ between the portion48″ and the interior of the neck14″, e.g. at A inFIG.27. As preferred, a lower seal is established between a lower end region of the pin portion48″, e.g. at B inFIG.27. So, preferably, two seals are created at different heights between the pin portion48″ and the article10″. It is shown that, as preferred, the hollow pin portion48″ extends from the annular top wall downward at least to the level of the tamper-evident ring member, preferably further downward, e.g. to a top horizontal wall of a spout10″ forming the article. The skirt42″ has an interior side, an exterior side, and a lower edge remote from the top wall structure. The cap40″ is adapted to be manually removed from the neck of the article by a user to open the product passage. The illustrated cap40″ is a quarter-turn cap. The tamper-evident ring member50″ is integrally formed to the skirt42″ of the cap and connected to the skirt via one or more breakable bridges70″. The tamper-evident ring member comprises an annular ring member flange portion51″ that has a top face, a bottom face, an inner face, and an outer face. Multiple hook members53″ are integrally formed to the ring member flange portion, the hook members being distributed in a circumferential direction of the ring member flange portion. The flange structure20″ on the neck of the article is provided with multiple hook member passages18″, each hook member passage being adapted to receive therein a hook member when the cap40″ with the integrated tamper-evident ring member50″ is axially mounted on the neck by means of an d axial securing motion along the main axis. Herein a hook portion of each hook member snaps onto, here underneath, the flange structure. The figures also illustrate that the skirt42″ of the cap40″ on the one hand and the flange structure20″ of the article10″ on the other hand have co-operating snap connector formations to provide a snap-on functionality of the cap. Herein the closure assembly200is embodied such that upon first time opening of the closure assembly by removal of the cap40″ by a user the one or more breakable bridges70″ break and the tamper-evident ring member50″ is retained by means of the hook members53″. The removed cap40″ is later replaceable on the neck14″ by the user, with the co-operating snap connector formations on the skirt of the cap on the one hand and on the flange structure of the article on the other hand releasably latching the cap40″ onto the article. In the depicted example, the peripheral protective rim portion25″ of the flange structure on the one hand and the exterior side of the skirt42″ of the cap having co-operating snap connector formations. In more detail in this example, the peripheral protective rim25″ of the flange structure is provided with at least one upwardly protruding latch wall portion26″ having a window27″ or recess therein. The exterior side of the skirt42″ is provided with a latching tab46″ that is snapped into said window27″ or recess in the closed position of the cap40″. The tab46″ becomes unsnapped and released from the window27″ or recess when the user removes the cap40″. As shown, here the outside or outer contour of the protective rim portion25″ provides at least one pair of opposed parallel side faces. As preferred, the two upwardly protruding latch wall portions26″ are erected on parallel parts of the rim portion25″ so that the assembly200has relative large parallel surfaces which may be advantageous in view of handling of the article10″ and/or the assembly200, e.g. in view of guiding and/or gripping the article10″ or the assembly200. As will be recognized, the depicted third exemplary embodiment further has:at least one first cam portion61″ defining a cam surface, which cam surface is angled with respect to the main axis, which first cam portion is integrally formed on one of the lower edge of the skirt and the flange portion51″ of the tamper-evident ring member, andat least one second cam portion44″ defining a cam follower surface adapted to interact with the cam surface of the first cam portion61″ and which second cam portion is integrally formed on the other one of the lower edge of the skirt42″ and the flange portion of the tamper-evident ring member, wherein—upon first time opening of the closure assembly by rotation of the cap40″ relative to the article about the main axis—the first and second cam portions61″,44″ interact in order to cause, practically immediately upon turning the cap, an axial lifting of the cap relative to the neck, so upward, e.g. so that the co-operating snap connector formations disengage due to said lifting and the bridges70″ breaking. Depending on the design of the first cam portion and the second cam portion the cap may be rotatable about the neck for opening the closure in both directions, so clockwise and counter clockwise, or the design may be such that the cap is rotatable in just one direction, e.g. only clockwise. In embodiments the tab46″ on the exterior of the skirt provides both the snap-on functionality for the cap40″ and serves as a part of the second cam portion, said dual functionality tab46″ being adapted to cooperate—once released from the respective window27″ or recess as the user turns the cap40″ for opening—with the first cam surface. It is illustrated that the cap40″ has two diametrically opposed tabs46″ and that the peripheral protective rim25″ is provided with two upwardly protruding latch wall portions26″, each of them having a window27″ or recess therein. Each of said pair of tabs46″ is snapped into a corresponding window27″ or recess in the closed position of the cap. InFIG.29the closure assembly300is generally the same as closure assembly200. The difference is that the cap40′″ now has two diametrically opposed, wing portions47′″ that extend outwardly from the skirt in an imaginary vertical plane through the main axis of the neck. This is done in order to enhance grip on the cap and/or to enhance anti-choke properties of the cap. With reference toFIGS.30-35a fifth example of a closure assembly according to the invention will be discussed. Herein items corresponding to items discussed with herein in conjunction with the first and/or second exemplary embodiment are provided with the same reference numeral increased with400, so reference numeral1inFIG.1is numeral401in theseFIGS.30-35. TheFIG.30shows closure assembly401comprising an article410and comprising a cap440provided with an integrated tamper-evident ring member450. As can be seen for instance inFIG.32the article410forms a tubular neck414around a product passage, the neck having a main axis and forming a mouth at a top end. The article further comprises a flange structure420which is integrally formed to the neck414and comprises one or more flange portions, here a circumferential flange portion, having a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery. As shown the article has the flange structure420as a top flange structure, and further has a lower or second flange structure422below said top or first flange structure420. As preferred, a peripheral protective rim425is integral to and extends upwards from the top flange portion420at the periphery thereof. Between the two vertically spaced flange structures420,422the article410forms two parallel vertical faces423, that define together with the flange structures420,422a guidance and handling functionality for the spout, e.g. when sliding the spout between parallel guide rails. The cap440provided with an integrated tamper-evident ring member450is adapted to be secured or is secured on said neck of the article by means of an axial securing motion along the main axis. In these figures it is illustrated that the cap440has a top wall441with a W-seal arrangement protruding into the neck414, e.g. as shown inFIG.6. Herein the W-seal arrangement comprises a downward projecting bulbous and annular top wall section around a central raised top wall section. A top seal is established in a top region of the neck414between the W-seal arrangement and the interior of the neck414. The skirt442has an interior side, an exterior side, and a lower edge remote from the top wall structure. The cap440is adapted to be manually removed from the neck of the article by a user to open the product passage. The illustrated cap440is a quarter-turn cap. The tamper-evident ring member450is integrally formed to the skirt442of the cap and connected to the skirt via one or more breakable bridges470. The tamper-evident ring member comprises an annular ring member flange portion451that has a top face, a bottom face, an inner face, and an outer face. Multiple hook members453are integrally formed to the ring member flange portion, the hook members being distributed in a circumferential direction of the ring member flange portion. The flange structure420on the neck of the article is provided with multiple hook member passages418, each hook member passage being adapted to receive therein a hook member when the cap440with the integrated tamper-evident ring member450is axially mounted on the neck by means of an d axial securing motion along the main axis. Herein a hook portion of each hook member snaps onto, here underneath, the flange structure. The figures also illustrate that the skirt442on the one hand and the neck414of the article410on the other hand have co-operating snap connector formations to provide a snap-on functionality of the cap. Herein the closure assembly400is embodied such that upon first time opening of the closure assembly by removal of the cap440by a user the one or more breakable bridges470break and the tamper-evident ring member450is retained by means of the hook members453. The removed cap440is later replaceable on the neck414by the user, with the co-operating snap connector formations on the skirt of the cap on the one hand and on the neck of the article on the other hand releasably latching the cap440onto the article. The cap440has two diametrically opposed, wing portions447that extend outwardly from the skirt442in an imaginary vertical plane through the main axis of the neck414. This is done in order to enhance grip on the cap and/or to enhance anti-choke properties of the cap. As will be recognized, the depicted fifth exemplary embodiment further has:at least one first cam portion461defining a cam surface, which cam surface is angled with respect to the main axis, which first cam portion is integrally formed on one of the lower edge of the skirt and the flange portion451of the tamper-evident ring member, andat least one second cam portion444defining a cam follower surface adapted to interact with the cam surface of the first cam portion461and which second cam portion is integrally formed on the other one of the lower edge of the skirt442and the flange portion of the tamper-evident ring member, wherein—upon first time opening of the closure assembly by rotation of the cap440relative to the article about the main axis—the first and second cam portions461,444interact in order to cause, practically immediately upon turning the cap, an axial lifting of the cap relative to the neck, so upward, e.g. so that the co-operating snap connector formations disengage due to said lifting and the bridges470breaking. Depending on the design of the first cam portion and the second cam portion the cap may be rotatable about the neck for opening the closure in both directions, so clockwise and counter clockwise, or the design may be such that the cap is rotatable in just one direction, e.g. only clockwise. InFIG.35the closure assembly401′ is generally the same as closure assembly401. The difference is that the cap440′ does not have a W-seal arrangement, e.g. just sealing on the exterior of the neck414, e.g. in proximity of the top thereof, by contact with a sealing surface on the inside of the skirt442. The wings447are joined by a vertical panel portion447aextending over the top wall441of the cap. | 31,094 |
11858710 | With reference toFIGS.1-17now a first embodiment of a spouted pouch according to the invention will be discussed. The flexible material pouch body1of the spouted pouch is only schematically depicted inFIG.3, as this is understood to be well-known in the art in all sorts of embodiments. Besides the pouch body1, the spouted pouch of the first embodiment comprises a number of main components:a spout10,a valve30, anda closure device40, that comprises a socket50and a cap70. The spout10, best seen inFIG.9, has a spout body with at a lower end thereof an attachment portion11that is attached to the pouch body. For example the spout10is molded of plastic, preferably as a unitary spout body, e.g. of polyethylene PE of polypropylene PP. The depicted spout10is adapted to be secured with the portion11thereof between opposed film walls of a collapsible pouch1. The portion11here is essentially boat-shaped or canoe-shaped in horizontal cross-section but other shapes, e.g. oval, elliptical, circular, diamond, etc., are also possible. The portion11is, preferably, heat sealed between opposed film walls of the pouch. Suitable techniques are known in the art. The spout body has at an upper end thereof a tubular neck12, which neck has an interior surface delimiting at least a section of a product passage13that extends from a lower product passage opening14through the spout body to an upper opening15at a top end of the neck. The neck has an exterior surface20provided with a first screw thread21. The spout body is provided with a rotation preventing boss25,26at a location outward of the neck12and below the first screw thread21. The closure device40is secured on the neck12of the spout10. The closure device40comprises:the socket50configured to the screwed onto the neck12of the spout10,the user openable or user removable cap70supported on the socket50in a manner so as to be openable or removable relative to the socket50. The socket50comprises a molded socket body51, preferably unitary, of plastic material having a bore52extending through the socket body from a lower end of the socket to a discharge opening54at a top end of the socket. The bore52is generally delimited by a tubular portion58of the body. The bore52of the socket is configured to receive at least a portion of the neck12of the spout10therein. The bore52has an interior surface provided with a second or internal screw thread56that is configured to cooperate with the first or external screw thread21upon screwing the socket50onto the neck12of the spout10. For example, the socket body is molded of PE or PP. The socket body51has an exterior surface of which at least an upper section53defines a discharge portion having the discharge opening54. The socket body51is provided at the lower end thereof with a permanent snap lock anti-back off structure60comprising at least one, here two, permanent snap lock anti-back off portion61,62that is configured to flex over the rotation preventing boss25,26upon screwing of the socket50onto the neck12of the spout10and then snap behind said rotation preventing boss25,26. The permanent snap lock anti-back off structure60is configured to remain intact upon a user opening or removing the cap70for the first time and, as preferred, throughout the use period of the spouted pouch, e.g. until the product is emptied from the pouch. The cap70, in a closed position thereof, covers the discharge portion53and in an opened or removed position clears the discharge portion53. The valve30here is a slit valve member that is normally closed to close off the product passage13and that opens upon application of suitable pressure across the slit valve member30, e.g. upon squeezing the pouch and/or providing suction on the discharge portion, e.g. the mouthpiece53. It is illustrated here that the valve30is retained between the top end of the neck12of the spout10and the socket50that is screwed onto the neck of the spout. In alternative embodiments the valve30could be retained in the socket or in the spout, e.g. circumferentially retained in a groove in the socket or in the spout, or, for example, co-molded onto the socket or onto the spout. The closure device40is provided with a tamper-evident structure90that is configured to visually evidence the first time opening or removal of the cap70by the user. Here it is illustrated that the tamper-evident structure90including one or more breakable bridges95that break upon first time opening of the cap70by the user. It is illustrated here that the closure device40is a hinged cap closure device, wherein the cap70is a hinged cap, that is hinged to the socket30, here about a horizontal hinge axis. In the embodiment ofFIGS.1-17the cap70and socket30have been made separately, e.g. by injection molding of plastic material, and then the cap70has been mounted onto the socket30. Herein first hinge formations on the socket cooperate with second hinge formations on the cap. In an alternative embodiment, which will be discussed with reference to a second embodiment shown inFIGS.18-20, the socket and the hinged cap are integrally molded from plastic material with an intermediate hinge, e.g. a living hinge, between the socket and the hinged cap. As can be best seen in, for example,FIGS.7,9,13,14A,14B, and15, the spout10is provided with two rotation preventing bosses25,26at diametrically opposed locations relative to the neck12. The socket50is provided with two permanent snap lock anti-back off portions61,62that are each configured to flex radially outward when passing over the rotation preventing boss25,26when the socket50is screwed onto the neck12. These portions61,62then each snap, here radially inward, behind the respective rotation preventing boss25,26. In an alternative embodiment, a permanent snap lock anti-back off portion could be configured to flex axially upward when passing over the rotation preventing boss and then snap downward behind the rotation preventing boss. In more detail, the socket50is provided with two substantially semi-circular permanent snap lock anti-back off portions61,62, that each integrally adjoin the deck portion57of the socket50at a top end of the portion61,62. These portions61,62extend substantially downward from the deck portion57, as well as concentric and radially outward relative to the lower section58bof a tubular portion58of the socket. These anti-back off portions61,62are each configured to flex radially outward when passing over the rotation preventing boss25,26and then snap radially inward behind the rotation preventing boss with a head end of the anti-back off portion61,62facing the rotation preventing boss25,26when seen in the direction of screwing the socket off the neck12. In more detail, as preferred, each rotation preventing boss25,26has a catch portion27,28having or forming a recess27a,28aat a side of the boss facing the head end of portion61,62and having an catch portion outer wall27b,28bwith an outer face that is arranged along an inner face of the substantially semi-circular permanent snap lock anti-back off portions61,62when the socket is screwed onto the neck. This is done such that—upon an attempt, or any force acting, to unscrew the socket30from the neck12of the spout, the head end of the portions61,62enters the respective recess27a,28aof the catch portion27,28and is then prevented from further motion so as to keep the socket on the neck. The tubular body portion58of the socket body51defines the bore52extending through the socket body51from a lower end of the socket to the discharge opening at a top end of the tubular body portion58. The deck portion57of the socket body51forms a deck surface about the tubular body portion58. Herein an upper section58aof the tubular body portion58extending above the deck surface defines the discharge portion53having the discharge opening. In embodiments, this portion53is embodied as a mouthpiece that the user will take between the lips when drinking a product from the spouted pouch. A lower section58bof the tubular body portion58extends below the deck portion57. The second screw thread56is provided in this lower section58bof the tubular body portion. As shown here, in an embodiment, the hinged cap70is provided with an inward depressable button portion95that is integrally molded with the hinged cap70and is supported in the cap via one or more button hinge portions96of the cap. Here, as preferred, the button portion95is hinged along a horizontal upper hinge portion above the button. A tamper-evident structure90is associated with the inwardly depressable button portion95to evidence the first time opening of the hinged cap70. As shown here, in an embodiment, the inward depressable button portion95has a lower edge97and an integrally molded latch portion98extends downward from the lower edge97with one or more breakable bridges99being present between the button portion95and the latch portion98. The deck portion57is provided with a latch portion receiving structure having an opening59into which the latch portion98is introduced upon first time closing of the cap70, e.g. as part of the manufacturing of an assembly of the socket30and the cap70, and is configured to retain the latch portion98so that upon first time opening of the hinged cap70by a user the one or more breakable bridges99break with the latch portion being retained thereby evidencing said first time opening. The cap70has a central depression80which forms a central sealing portion and the annular sealing surface81thereof. The depression80forms a recess in an exterior top face of the cap. The discharge portion53comprises an internal annular sealing surface53b. These sealing surfaces81,53bare configured to sealingly engage one another in the closed position of the cap70. As can be seen the annular sealing surface of the discharge portion is arranged above, or axially outward of, the slit valve member30. The socket50has an inward bend end portion of which an inner face defines the annular sealing surface53b. The inward bend end portion of the tubular portion58also defines a circumferential groove in which at least a retention portion of slit valve member30is retained. As shown inFIGS.7,8, in an embodiment the central depression80is configured to extend closely along or be in contact with the slit valve member30, at least in a zone thereof wherein said one or more slits of the slit valve member30are present. Hereby opening of the slit valve30due to pressurization of the product in the pouch is blocked as long as the cap70is in place and the product will not be able to pass the slit valve30. This arrangement is equally applicable to hinged cap70as well as a screw cap or the like. As shown a lower edge of the socket body51is provided with one or more, here two, downward projecting abutment portions65,66each having an abutment face67,68. The rotation preventing bosses25,26of the spout are each embodied with an abutment portion29a, bhaving an abutment face, so that upon screwing the socket50onto the neck12each abutment portion65,66of the socket abuts against the corresponding abutment face of the boss and thereby defines the position of the socket50fully screwed onto the neck. As is preferred, the spout10is injection molded as a unitary product in a mould. The product passage in the spout10may, in practical embodiments, have a diameter of between 5 and 15 millimeters, for example of about 8 millimeters. The neck12has an exterior side that is provided with screw thread formations21, here a double screw thread formations as is preferred to provide two 180° angularly offset starting positions for the cap socket50, e.g. for the pre-assembly of socket50and cap70. For example, the spout10is sealed into a pouch body1, the pouch is filled via the passage13and then the valve30, followed by the pre-assembly of socket50and cap70is placed on the neck by one or more automated devices, e.g. including a cap screwing device. The cap70, here in conjunction with the valve30, seals the product passage in closed position of the cap as shown. It is illustrated that, in the closed position thereof, a lower edge of the hinged cap70adjoins the deck portion57, here along the outer perimeter thereof. It is illustrated, that, in the closed position thereof, the hinged cap70covers the upper section58aof the tubular body portion, which section58aextends above the deck surface defines a mouthpiece53. For opening the pouch, the user presses on the button so that the breakable bridges break and the cap70can be tilted for opening of the cap. The figures also show that the spout10has two flanges, namely a topmost flange17aand a lower flange17bjust above the portion11. The topmost flange17ais located at a distance above the flange17a. The flanges17a,17beach protrude outwardly from the neck12and extend circumferentially around the neck. In an embodiment each flange could be embodied with two flange parts, each directed away from the neck in opposite directions. The bosses25,26are raised from the topmost flange17a, are integral therewith at their lower end and are at the inner side also integral directly with the neck12. With reference toFIGS.18-20now a second embodiment of a spouted pouch according to the invention will be discussed. As most components and details of the second embodiment correspond to the components of the first exemplary embodiment discussed with reference toFIGS.1-17, these components and details have been denoted with the same reference numerals and will not be discussed herein. The main difference between the second and first exemplary embodiments, is that in the second embodiment the cap70is hinged to the socket50via a living hinge100. Herein, as preferred, it is envisaged to produce the cap70and socket50including the living hinge100as one unitary plastic part as is generally known in the art. The hinge, e.g. living hinge, is preferably configured to provide a predetermined stable opened position of the hinged cap relative to the socket. For example a snap mechanism or a stable open folded position of the living hinge. This avoids that the cap moves back to its closed position undesirably. With reference toFIGS.21-25now a third embodiment of a spout, valve, and closure device will be discussed. In this exemplary embodiment the spout10is the same one as discussed with reference to the first embodiment. The main differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment are the design of the permanent snap lock anti-back off structure of the socket and the fact that the user removable cap in the third embodiment is a rotational type cap, here a screw cap that is screwed onto the socket. As can be seen inFIGS.23,24the socket150has at least one, here two diametrically arranged, permanent snap lock anti-back off portion161,162which is configured to flex axially upward when passing over the rotation preventing boss25,26and then snap downward behind the rotation preventing boss25,26. This in contrast to the example of the first embodiment wherein the flex motion of the portions61,62is primarily outward at first and then inward towards the neck12. In more detail, in theFIGS.21-24the spout10is provided with two rotation preventing bosses25,26at diametrically opposed locations relative to the neck12. As preferred each boss25,26being arranged on top of an uppermost flange17aof the spout. In more detail, theFIGS.21-24illustrate that the socket150comprises two diametrically opposed flange portions151,152that each extend radially outward from a lower section of the socket, e.g. below external thread155on the socket150. Each flange portion151,152has an end facing in a circumferential direction counter to the screw-on direction of the external screw thread115. From each of said ends of the flange portions151,152a permanent snap lock anti-back off portion161,162protrudes in said direction counter to the external screw thread, e.g. like a resilient finger or tab. Each portion161,162is configured to flex axially upward when passing over the rotation preventing boss25,26during the screwing of the socket150onto the neck12and is configured to then snap downward behind the rotation preventing boss25,26. Once snapped behind the respective boss25,26a permanent snap is obtained. The cap170illustrated here by way of example is of the design as disclosed in WO2014/007612. It will be appreciated that other screw caps can equally be applied on the socket of the third embodiment. Also, instead of a screw cap, another rotational type cap can be applied on the socket. For example a bayonet type cap, with a bayonet engagement between the cap and the socket. Alternatively, for example, a quarter turn type cap that is opened by twisting the cap over about a quarter turn relative to the socket. As shown the socket150is has a tubular portion158with an internal thread156that mates with the external thread21on the neck12of the spout10. The tubular portion158of the socket150is further provided with an external thread155that mates with the internal thread of the screw cap170. The cap170seals the discharge opening provided at the top end of the tubular portion of the socket. The cap is embodied to be manually opened by rotation in anti-clockwise direction. As will be understood, the portions161,162prevent the socket150from rotating along with the cap170upon said opening motion of the cap170. In general terms, the cap170shown here has an inner cap structure formed by a top wall and a downward depending skirt, the skirt having an interior side, an exterior side, and a lower edge remote from the top wall. The interior side of the skirt has the internal screw thread adapted to cooperate with the external screw thread of the socket150. The cap170also has an outer cap gripping structure, with an annular gripping wall generally concentric relative to inner cap structure and with spokes between the annular gripping wall and the inner cap structure. Air passages may be present in said cap between the inner and outer structure and, possibly, within the outer cap structure. As preferred, the cap170and the socket150are provided with cooperating tamper-evident portions forming a tamper-evident structure of the closure device. As an example a tamper-evident structure as disclosed in WO2014/007612 is applied or any other tamper-evident structure wherein the tamper-evident structure includes one or more breakable bridges that break upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time. Herein the permanent snap lock anti-back off structure, here formed by portions161,162is configured to remain intact upon a user opening or removing the cap for the first time. In more detail, for example, the socket150is provided with an integrally molded rotation preventing boss below the external thread on the socket, e.g. two rotation preventing bosses157at diametrically opposed locations relative to the tubular portion158of the socket. The related cap170, e.g. as shown in WO2014/007612, may have a tamper-evident ring that is integrally molded to the skirt of the rotational cap, said tamper-evident ring being composed of at least two ring segments, each ring segment having a base portion and an indicator portion. Herein the base portion is connected via one or more non-frangible connector portions to the skirt, said base portion extending from a trailing end thereof in opening direction over a base portion angle about a main axis, said base portion having an inner face with an inner face radius about the main axis, and wherein the indicator portion is connected at the head end thereof via an integrally molded frangible bridge to an adjacent trailing end of a base portion of another ring segment. The socket has for each ring segment of the tamper-evident ring a rotation preventing boss, said boss being arranged to be engaged by a corresponding head end of an indicator portion of the segment. The cap with tamper-evident ring is embodied such that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the head end of the indicator portion engages the boss which then prevents the head end from further motion in opening direction of the cap, the frangible bridge between said head end and the trailing end of the base portion breaking, and the indicator portion being subjected to permanent deformation. The detailed disclosure of WO2014/007612 being considered incorporated herein by reference. Each rotation prevention boss157may have a catch portion having a recess at a side of the boss facing the head end of the indicator portion and having an catch portion outer wall with an outer face that is arranged along the inner face of the base portion near the trailing end thereof when said cap is in its closed position, wherein the head end of the indicator portion is arranged at a spacing radially inward from the trailing end of the adjacent base portion when said cap is in its closed position, such that—upon rotating the cap150in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time—the head end of the indicator portion enters the recess of the catch portion and is then prevented from further motion in opening direction of the cap, whilst the catch portion outer wall comes in the spacing between the spaced apart head end and trailing end, the frangible bridge between said head end and trailing end breaking and the indicator portion bending, folding, and/or buckling whilst being subjected to permanent deformation upon further rotation of the cap in opening direction. FIGS.21-24illustrate that a valve30may be provided, e.g. a slit valve as shown here. In this example the valve30is sandwiched between the top end of the neck12of the spout10and the socket150that is screwed onto the neck of the spout12. FIG.24illustrates a variant of the socket150. Here a valve130, here a slit valve130, is co-molded onto the tubular portion158of the socket150at the upper end thereof. | 22,066 |
11858711 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND THE DRAWINGS The present invention is directed to a customizable hair and/or beard dyeing package and set of instructions for a single consumer including multiple subpackages that lead a user through multiple steps of an individual's hair and/or beard dyeing process. FIG.1shows a hair dyeing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Hair dyeing kit1includes an outer or master shipping and subpackage-containing package10and several subpackages, specifically subpackages11,12,13, and14. In this embodiment, there are four subpackages for the total of four hair and/or beard dyeing process steps; however, the present invention is not so limited and may include more or less subpackages and/or more or less hair or beard dyeing process steps. Outer package10may be any acceptable packaging capable of securely holding the subpackages therein and preferably capable of being shipped via UPS®, FedEx®, DHL® and/or ordinary US Postal Service mail delivery without damage to the contents. On the other hand, the package10can be assembled, created and picked up at a drug store, a hair salon, a dedicated home grooming store, etc. For example, outer packaging10may be a corrugated fiberboard or cardboard box, sturdy enough for shipping and transport and, yet, lightweight to maintain the cost of shipment low while ensuring the materials are protected prior to use. The package10includes a top, bottom, four side walls, and the top is provided with a closing set of flaps. Two side flaps16fit into side wall slots18made in the double thick sides of the holding compartment22. The front flap20has a fold line24which separates the top 26 from the front flap20. Fold lines28and30describe two ear flaps32and34which fold into slots in the front of the holding compartment, to seal the same, in a conventional manner with the front flap20held against the front side wall. Other packages or master packages can be constructed and made, as desired. Subpackages11-14may be any acceptable packaging capable of holding appropriate hair dyeing process tools and/or components. For example, subpackages11-14may be thinner paperboard or carton boxes. Subpackages11-14preferably include visible writings, text, graphics and/or numerical markings printed thereon to indicate the contents of the step within the subpackage and that steps sequential position in the hair dyeing process, e.g., Box1and/or “Prepare,” Box2and/or “Mix,” Box3and/or “Apply,” Box4and/or “Rinse” or “Clear,” etc. This visual and simple labeling assists the user in correctly adhering to the necessary order of the hair dyeing process steps. Moreover, subpackages11-14(SeeFIG.2) preferably include a slot-tab mechanism on side wall portions of the subpackages such that adjacent subpackages may be reversibly but uniquely connected to one another in the right sequence. An outwardly extending tab40die cut of Box1(subpackage11) will uniquely fit into a die cut slot42of the adjacent and opposed side wall of Box2(subpackage12). The tab and the slot are of the same size in length, height and location along the opposed side walls. And that tab40is aligned and sized uniquely with the die cut slot42of Box2and not with the corresponding die cut slots44and46of Boxes3or4, respectively. Rather, Box1's (subpackage11) tab40fits into Box2's (subpackage12) slot42, Box2's tab48fits into only Box3's (subpackage13) slot44and Box3's (subpackage13) outwardly extending tab50fits uniquely into Box4's (subpackage's13) slot46. Each tab and its opposed corresponding slot in the adjacent subpackage are unique in length, height and location so that each box or subpackage can only be connected to the proper sequentially next box or subpackage. This connection mechanism also assists the user in correctly adhering to the necessary step order by preventing the incorrect subpackage to be removed out of turn. Additionally, subpackages11-14may also include visible writings or markings printed thereon to indicate the amount of time, in minutes usually, required by the hair dyeing process step. For example, the marking may be a clock image indicating 5 minutes required by the step “Apply.” The clock or number of minutes can be in text, number only (same or a different color from the Box #or Direction) or can be an analog clock face with the minute hand showing the number of minutes in comparison to the hour hand pointing towards the “12” o'clock position or the clock can be a digital clock. In the embodiment ofFIG.1, subpackage11is directed to a first, preparation step. Subpackage11may include components for a small sample patch test, a barrier cream for the hair dyeing process, and a pair of sized, protective and disposable gloves. The patch test may be any industry-accepted means of testing for a user's allergic reaction to hair dyeing process materials, including dye and developer. The test can also inform the user of the end dye color so that the user can use or change out the supplied dye. The provided pair of gloves is selected based on requirements of the user, with sizes including small, medium, large, and extra-large. The consumer may indicate the desired size, such as by matching his/her hands to a set of displayed hands on a website, and the manufacturer/supplier will then provide that specific glove size into the subpackage. This, too, makes the system and dyeing method substantially foolproof. In the embodiment ofFIG.1, subpackage12is directed to a second, mixing or dye preparation step. Subpackage12may include a developer and a dye or colorant. Both the provided developer and the dye/colorant are selected based on color desire/requirements of the user. Other factors can impact on the desired developer and dye, of course. One or both of these materials may be provided in a tube. Additionally, a mixing tray and a spatula may be provided in this subpackage and utilized for mixing the materials and then facilitating the application step. In the embodiment ofFIG.1, subpackage13is directed to a third, application step. Subpackage13may include a brush and a tray. Subpackage13may also include, by graphics and/or text, customized timing and/or instructions based on the color and treatment requirements of the user. The customized timing and/or instructions may, for example, relate to the amount of gray reduction desired, partial vs. full coverage, intensity of the color dye sought, and the like. The brush may be any industry-accepted brush for applying hair and/or beard dyeing materials, including a brush having a second end serving as a comb as well. In one embodiment of the invention, the brush is also provided in the size needed and selected by the supplier based on information gleaned from the buyer's interaction with the website, i.e., in response to queries. The application subpackage is likely to bear the details, in text, graphic, clock (digital or analog), etc. for the amount of time that the dye and/or developer should be maintained on the hair of the user. In the embodiment ofFIG.1, subpackage14is directed to a fourth, rinsing or “clear” step. Subpackage14may include a cleansing conditioner and/or shampoo, a cleaning wipe, and a recycle kit. The cleansing conditioner and/or shampoo may be selected based on requirements of the user, such as for thin hair, normal hair, Afro-textured hair, damaged hair, ultra-damaged hair, and the like. The cleaning wipe may be provided in a sachet or tube. A recycle bag or storage kit can be provided, too. While the embodiment ofFIG.1is primarily directed to a hair or beard color kit, the present invention is not so limited. In another embodiment, the present invention may be directed to a bleach and color kit including, e.g., Box1and/or Prepare, Box2and/or Bleach, Box3and/or Color, and Box4Clear and/or Rinse. The bleaching subpackage may include a bleach kit and customized timing and/or instructions based on requirements of the user. The customized timing and/or instructions may relate to darkness of the user's hair. The color subpackage may include the developer and the dye or colorant as well as means of application. Additional components and aspects described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG.1may be included in this embodiment. Here, too, the boxes are sequentially connected in a unique manner such that Box1connects only to Box2(via tab and slot), Box2to Box3, via tab and slot and Box3to Box4, also via another tab and slot. In another embodiment, the present invention may be directed to a beard color kit including e.g., Box1and/or Prepare, Box2and/or Mix, Box3and/or Apply, and Box4and/or Clear or Rinse. A beard color kit of the present invention may provide for multiple applications, such as four repeatable applications. The preparation subpackage may include multiple sets of gloves for the multiple applications, such as four sets of sized for the consumer gloves. The mixing subpackage may include sufficient developer and dye or colorant for the multiple applications. The brush included in the application subpackage may be selected based on requirements of the user, such as for short beards (e.g., small bristle brush), medium-length beards (e.g., medium-length bristle), and long beards (e.g., comb inclusion). The brush may be capable of being washed between usages. The rinsing subpackage may include sufficient cleansing conditioner and/or shampoo for the multiple applications. The cleansing conditioner and/or shampoo may be selected based on requirements of the user, such as energizing, sensitive, dry, and the like. Additional components and aspects described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG.1may be included in this embodiment. The user may provide relevant information prior to receipt of the hair dyeing system in order to customize his or her kit. For example, the user may enter information in an online assessment. The online assessment may be configured with relevant questions, the answers to which to be provided by the user bit conveyed to the manufacturer/supplier of the complete kit. The user may also provide the relevant information to a colorist via telephone call, online messaging, and the like. The user may also make the relevant selections via an online color simulator configured to utilize images of a model user or the user him or herself (uploaded from a camera, a mobile phone camera, or another means). The hair dyeing system of the present invention is preferably configured for home delivery, such as a one-time delivery or repeat delivery (e.g., subscription-based delivery). According to one aspect of the invention, the subpackages are provided with simple closing lids which cover the cavity of the subpackages and maintain its contents during shipping. However, for ease of use and simplification, the closing lids are partially cut on a bias (seeFIG.1) so that they do not entirely extend over the top of the subpackage but, rather, each subpackage is provided with a top partial closure (with text or a number thereon) and the top lid then covers over that but in such a manner so as to reveal the text or number of that subpackage, as shown inFIG.1. The partial cover makes opening and closing of the subpackage far easier than if the entire top of the subpackage covered the open cavity of the subpackage. The embodiments and examples above are illustrative, and many variations can be introduced to them without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or from the scope of the invention. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein may be combined with each other and/or substituted with each other within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention. | 12,185 |
11858712 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure is related to systems used as cushioning or protection for packaging and shipping goods. Illustrative embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the disclosed apparatus. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the disclosed apparatus can be adapted and modified to provide alternative embodiments of the apparatus for other applications, and that other additions and modifications can be made to the disclosed apparatus without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, features of the illustrative embodiments can be combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged to generate other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.1,3-6, a flexible structure, such as a multi-layer film10, for inflatable cushions18is provided. In various embodiments, the air cushion18may be made up of the film10, with the film10being made up of one or more layers of materials which are discussed in more detail below. The film10may form walls17of the air cushion18. Multiple walls17may be utilized to form the air cushion18. For example, the air cushion18may be defined by two or more walls17. One wall17may be an outer first wall5having a first longitudinal edge2and a second longitudinal edge4. A second wall17may be a second outer wall7having a first longitudinal edge6and a second longitudinal edge8. The second outer wall7may be aligned to be overlapping and can be generally coextensive with the first outer wall5, i.e., at least respective first longitudinal edges2,6are aligned with each other and/or second longitudinal edges4,8are aligned with each other. The first and second walls5,7can be formed from the first and second plies27,29. The first and second walls5,7can be formed from a single sheet of material, a flattened tube of film material with one or more edges slit, or two sheets of film material. For example, the first and second walls5,7can include a single sheet of film material that is folded to define the joined second edges4,8(e.g., “c-fold film”). The c-folding film material10can form the first and second plies27,29. The fold forms a connected portion of the film operable to define an inflation region or any other edge or center of the inflatable structure. Alternatively, for example, the first and second walls5,7can include a tube of film material (e.g., a flattened tube) that is slit along the aligned first longitudinal edges2,6and/or the second longitudinal edges4,8. The flattened tube may also be used without slitting an edge but using the edges as connected portions. The flattened tube can form the first and second plies27,29. Also, for example, the first and second walls5,7can include two independent sheets of film material joined, sealed, or otherwise attached together along the aligned second edges4,8. The two independent sheets of film material can be the first and second plies27,29. In accordance with various embodiments, the plies, walls, structures, etc., discussed herein may be sealed together (e.g., to form transverse seals21and/or longitudinal seals23,30,32) to form the described structures with any process such as adhesively bonding, friction, welding, fusion, heat sealing, laser sealing, and ultrasonic welding. In various embodiments, an adhesive suitable to connect separate portions of the materials discussed herein may be utilized. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive, time dependent, evaluative, radiation sensitive, or other forms of adhesives. For example, the adhesive may be cured by exposing the adhesive to an electromagnetic radiation. The adhesive may be sensitive to electromagnetic radiations in specific areas of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. For example, the adhesive may be a ultraviolet light (UV) curable adhesive. The adhesives may be applied to the plies, walls, or other structures discussed herein by painting, printing, rolling, etc. An adhesive that is operable to seal the inflation chambers sufficiently to contain gas under shipping pressures may be suitable. These pressures may be those formed by stacking the flexible structure under multiple layers of the shipped product or other environmental pressures on the flexible structure internal or external that would occur during shipping, storage, or use. As discussed herein any of the seals may be made by just heat sealing, just adhesive sealing, both types of sealing, or any other type of sealing. In accordance with various embodiments, the film plies27,29may be comprised of a single layer of material or various layers of materials manufactured in a variety of different ways. Some of these materials may include any of a variety of polymer resins. Polymer resin can be extruded as a film by either a cast film extrusion process or a blown film extrusion process. In cast extrusion, the polymer is forced through a narrow, linear, slit in a die. In the blown film extrusion process the die and slit are circular. These two methods result in sheet films (cast film) or a tube film, also called a bubble (blown film process). Stretching of a heated resin results in orienting crystals within the polymer—a process called orientation. In the case of cast films, the stretching occurs in the direction that the resin is extruded, which is the machine or longitudinal direction. Orientation helps to improve properties such as modulus and tensile strength. Orientation may also help improve gloss and barrier properties of the extruded films. However, orientation may have an adverse effect on other properties, for example, tear strength. Blown films may also be oriented. In the case of blown films, however, orientation may occur in both the machine (longitudinal) direction and the transverse (non-longitudinal) direction, which can result in a material that is equally resistant to tension in any direction. These materials are referred to bi-directional, although because they are equally strong in all directions, they can be referred to as non-directional. Bi-directional can be not substantially weaker in one direction than it is in the other directions. For example, bi-directional material can be material that is substantially equally strong along two or more axes. In some embodiments, bi-directional can mean material that is substantially equally strong in every direction. The bi-directional material results from blowing because the bubble of film is stretched in the machine direction, as it extends away from the die, and the bubble is stretched outward in a transverse, as the diameter of the bubble is extended beyond that of the die's diameter. Orientation is often controlled by adjusting the bubbles “blow up ratio.” The blow up ratio (BUR) is the ratio of bubble diameter to the die diameter; and indicates the amount of stretching the polymer is undergoing during the shaping of the film. Blow Up Ratio (BUR)=(0.637×Lay-Flat Width)/Die Diameter, where: Lay-Flat is the width of the collapsed film, and Die Diameter is the fixed diameter of the die. One the other hand, typical cast-extrusion films are oriented in a single direction (the machine direction), and another process would need to be conducted to result in a bi-directional material. As a result, the single-directional material can withstand far greater tension along the machine direction than along a transverse direction. Thus, blown films can be bi-directionally oriented. The physical properties of the blown film are controlled by balancing orientation in both the machine and transverse direction. Controlling the shape of the blown bubble aids in balancing film properties by imparting more or less bi-axial molecular orientation in the film. In some cases, the orientation in the transverse direction, non-longitudinal (TD) can be altered to match that of the machine or longitudinal direction (MD, LD) orientation. In accordance with various embodiments, the film10may comprise film plies27,29, which may be bi-directionally oriented film plies27,29. As discussed below, a bi-directionally oriented ply27or29(hereinafter “27,29”) may in some embodiments include a system of perforations extending transversely across the ply27,29i.e. in the non-longitudinal direction. This type of perforation may allow the sheet to be separated into individual pads or sheets with a single continuous inflation process. In various embodiments, the film plies27,29is not perforated the entire way across the transverse direct (e.g. the perforations may not extend across the inflation conduit). However, use of a blown extrusion process in creating this type of film ply may aid in separating the individual portions of films between the perforations because the bi-directionally oriented ply has a lowered tear strength in the transverse direction due to the increased transverse orientation of the blown film ply. The presently disclosed films may include plies27,29having multiple layers. These multilayer plies27,29may be used in protective packaging. In some embodiments, the multilayer plies27,29are used in making air cushions or air pillows. In some cases the multilayer films comprise a gas barrier layer and a seal layer as shown inFIG.2A. The seal and gas layers may be adhered directly to each other (SeeFIG.2A) or an adhesive, tie layer, may be positioned between the gas barrier layer and the seal layer as shown inFIG.2B. In many cases, a multilayer film lacking a tie layer displays enhanced adhesion properties between the gas barrier layer and the seal layer. In embodiments lacking a tie layer, the seal layer is a mixture of polymer compounds, wherein the resulting resin has a superior adhesive property with respect to the gas barrier layer. A multilayer film embodiment may not require a tie or adhesive layer to be positioned between the gas barrier layer and the seal layer (SeeFIG.2A). Rather, the seal layer is configured to adhere directly to the gas barrier layer, because it has characteristics relevant to its adhesion to the barrier layer. In these embodiments, the seal layer's characteristics have been modified to be more compatible with those of the gas barrier layer. The characteristics of the gas barrier layer can be modified, for example, by blending in an adhesion modifier material to provide the seal layer with enhanced adhesion properties for adhering to the material of the barrier layer. In some embodiments, the adhesion modifier is blended in under conditions encountered during a coextrusion process. In some embodiments, the adhesion modifier material can be tie layer material that was previously provided as an independent layer to adhere a seal layer to a barrier layer. Multilayer films lacking a tie layer positioned between a seal layer and a barrier layer may provide for more efficient and economical production of multilayer barrier films. In many embodiments, the disclosed film may be manufactured using less complex methods and machinery. In many embodiments, the disclosed film may be manufactured using two resins and a three-layer-die co-extruder. Thus, the disclosed film and methods allow for production of films with lower costs. In some cases, the use of fewer layers may allow for films of lower thickness. Layers and sublayers in the disclosed films may be arranged symmetrically. For example, in embodiments comprising a barrier layer, there may be an equal number of seal layers on either side of the barrier layer as shown inFIGS.2C and2D. In some embodiments, the symmetry is based on thickness rather than number of layers or sublayer, for example one side of a barrier layer may have more seal sublayers, but the sublayers may comprise the same thickness as the seal sublayers on the opposite side of the barrier layer. A symmetrical arrangement may aid in keeping the film flat, as opposed to bending out of plane or becoming wavy. Other films may be asymmetrical in number or thickness of sublayers. In some embodiments an asymmetric film may comprise a seal layer and a barrier layer, wherein the seal layer comprises one outer surface of the film and the barrier layer comprises the other outer surface (SeeFIG.2A). Sublayers that are coextruded together and that are of the same material typically function as a single layer. In many embodiments, each layer or sublayer is typically provided by a single, feed channel in the extruder. The layers and sublayers produced by each feed channel are coextruded from the extruder die to produce the multilayer film, with any sublayers combining to form layers. Thus an embodiment with three layers may be formed using a die having three or more feed channels, with the additional feed channels containing a same or similar polymer as an adjacent feed channel to produce sublayers of one or more layers. In various embodiments, the die coextruder can have an even number or odd number of feed channels. In various embodiments, the number of channels in a die may be 3 or greater, for example 4, 5, 6, 7, or more. In some cases, the number of channels in a die may be significantly greater than the number of layers in the multilayer film. In embodiments having a barrier layer in the multilayer film, the barrier layer may be made of materials that have elevated impermeability to air or the fluid that is desired to be contained by the film. In some embodiments, the barrier layer may comprise two or more sublayers with the same or similar composition, and in other embodiments, the barrier layer can include different compositions. In accordance with various embodiments, the film plies27,29may be comprised of a single layer or a mono layer as shown inFIG.4E. In one example the monolayer may be formed of polyethylene and may serve as a layer that seals to other layers and also as a barrier to keep the fluid contained within the assembled films. Polymers The disclosed multilayer films include layers made from polymers of differing compositions. In some embodiments, the disclosed layers may be selected from ethylene, amide, or vinyl polymers, copolymers, and combinations thereof. The disclosed polymers can be polar or non-polar. As used herein, a polar molecule refers to a polymer or molecule on the polymer having an electric charge in some environments. A polar molecule or polymer may interact with other polar molecules by, for example hydrogen bonding. Polarity of a molecule often affects other characteristics, such as melting point. In some embodiments, a polar polymer may have groups with oppositely charged atoms. The disclosed ethylene polymers may be substantially non-polar forms of polyethylene. In many cases the ethylene polymer may be a polyolefin made from copolymerization of ethylene and another olefin monomer, for example an alpha-olefin. The ethylene polymer may be selected from low, medium, high density polyethylene, or a combination thereof. In some cases the density of various polyethylenes may vary, but in many cases, the density of low density polyethylene may be for example from about 0.905 or lower to about 0.930 g/cm3, the density of medium density polyethylene may be for example from about 0.930 to about 0.940 g/cm3, and high density polyethylene may be for example about 0.940 to about 0.965 g/cm3 or greater. The ethylene polymer may be selected from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), and low density polyethylene (LDPE). In some embodiments the polar polymer may be a non-polar polyethylene which may be modified to impart a polar characteristic. In other embodiments the polar polymer is an ionomer (e.g. copolymers of ethylene and meth acrylic acid, E/MAA), a high vinyl acetate content EVA copolymer, or other polymer with polar characteristics. In one embodiment the modified polyethylene may be anhydride modified polyethylene. In some embodiments, the maleic anhydride is grafted onto the olefin polymer or copolymer. Modified polyethylene polymers may react rapidly upon coextruding with polyamide and other ethylene containing polymers (e.g., EVOH). In some cases a layer or sublayer comprising the modified polyethylene may form covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds and/or, dipole-dipole interactions with other layers or sublayers, for example sublayers or layers comprising a barrier layer. In many embodiments, modification of a polyethylene polymer may increase the number of atoms on the polyethylene that are available for bonding, for example modification of polyethylene with maleic anhydride adds acetyl groups to the polyethylene, which may then bond with polar groups of the barrier layer, for example hydrogen atoms on a nylon backbone. Modified polyethylene may also form bonds with other groups on the nylon backbone as well as polar groups of other barrier layers, for example alcohol groups on EVOH. In some embodiments, a modified polyethylene may form chain entanglements and/or van der Waals interactions with an unmodified polyethylene. Mixtures of ethylene and other molecules may also be used. For example, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. EVOH has a polar character and can aid in creating a gas barrier. EVOH may be prepared by polymerization of ethylene and vinyl acetate to give the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer followed by hydrolysis. EVOH can be obtained by saponification of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer can be produced by a known polymerization, such as solution polymerization, suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization and the like, and saponification of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer can be also carried out by a known method. Typically, EVA resins are produced via high pressure autoclave and tubular processes. Polyamide is a high molecular weight polymer having amide linkages along the molecular chain structure. Polyamide is a polar polymer. Nylon polyamides, which are synthetic polyamides, have favorable physical properties of high strength, stiffness, abrasion and chemical resistance, and low permeability to gas, for example oxygen. Polymers and co-polymers disclosed herein may include various additives. In some cases additives may be added during the extrusion process. In some embodiments, the additives may be colorant, anti-stats, nanoparticles, nanoparticle clay, anti-fog, filler, talc, starch, CaCO3, slip and/or anti-block. The additives may be incorporated into the resin, or may be incorporated during extrusion. In some embodiments, additives may aid in modifying a barrier layer, for example to decrease oxygen transfer. In some embodiments, additives, for example slip and/or anti-block, may aid in controlling friction and/or adhesion of a film surface. In some cases, slip and/or anti-block may aid in controlling friction and/or adhesion of adjacent film surfaces. Seal Layer The seal layer may be selected to allow the multilayer film to be sealed to another film ply of the same or similar composition. For example, the other ply can be provided by folding the multilayer film over onto itself. The seal layer can be sealed to another similar seal layer by a suitable method, including sonic, heat, or adhesive sealing. The seal layer in one embodiment is made of or made primarily of a polyethylene resin. In some embodiments, the seal layer is selected from LDPE (low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear-low density polyethylene), mLLDPE (metallocene linear-low density polyethylene), HDPE (high density polyethylene), or a combination thereof. The seal layer can be a mixture or blend of modified and unmodified polyethylene. Modified polyethylene can be created by grafting one or more molecules onto the polyethylene to help impart a polar character to the polyethylene. In some embodiments, the molecule is maleic anhydride onto a polyolefin or polyethylene. In some cases the modified polyethylene is modified LDPE or LLDPE. The principal seal layer material typically has poor interlayer adhesion to a barrier layer, that is, the typical seal layer does not adhere well to the barrier layer in an extrusion process. One embodiment, as shown inFIG.2A, of the disclosed film is a multilayer film comprising a seal layer and a barrier layer. In some embodiments, the multilayer film lacks a tie layer positioned between the seal layer and barrier layer. In these embodiments, the seal layer is modified to improve its adhesion to the barrier and enhance interlayer adhesion. In an embodiment, the modified polyethylene adheres significantly better to the barrier layer resin than unmodified polyethylene. In some cases the modified polyethylene may be characterized based upon the level of anhydride as high, medium, or low maleic anhydride content resin. Alternative materials can be used that can be heat sealed to another layer of another ply of film. In multilayer films comprising a barrier layer without a tie layer, the seal layer principal material may be modified to enhance a material property, for example its polar character. In these embodiments, the seal layer may be modified such that it is less non-polar. For example, the polar character of a seal layer may be modified such that it is more similar to that of a barrier layer, than to a non-modified seal layer. In many embodiments, the seal layer resin containing modified polyethylene is significantly more polar than the polarity of a seal layer lacking modified polyethylene, which is non-polar. Thus a blended resin will produce a seal layer of polymer chains that have non-polar character (non-modified polyethylene) and polymer chains that have polar character (modified polyethylene). The degree of polarity of a seal layer from a blended resin may be affected by the level of modification (which may be described as high, medium, or low) and/or the relative concentration of modified polyethylene in the blended resin. In many embodiments, a seal layer includes a polyethylene polymer with polar atoms or groups. The level of modification may reflect the number of polar atoms or groups per polymer and/or the type of polar atom or group. In multilayer films comprising a barrier layer without a tie layer, the seal layer may be a blend of modified and unmodified polyethylene. In many embodiments the modified polyethylene is modified to increase the number of polar atoms or groups on the polyethylene. In many embodiments, each seal layer of the disclosed multilayer film comprises a mixture of anhydride modified polyethylene and unmodified polyethylene. In some cases, the ratio of modified to unmodified polyethylene is about 0.5-3:9.5-7. In one embodiment the ratio is 1:9. In another embodiment the ratio may be 1:4. Alternative embodiments use other suitable ratios. The amount of modified polyethylene in a seal layer may be selected to provide a desired level of adhesiveness to the barrier layer, sealability, and/or durability of the multilayer film. In many cases, adhesiveness of the seal layer is increased by increasing the amount of anhydride modified polyethylene or increasing levels of maleic anhydride in the modified polyethylene. In some cases a blended resin includes anhydride modified LLDPE and unmodified LLDPE. In some cases the level of anhydride in the modified LLDPE may be high, medium, or low. The percentage or amount of modified polyethylene in the blended resin may be adjusted depending upon the level of anhydride content in the modified polyethylene resin and the desired adhesiveness of the seal layer. In most cases, higher content maleic anhydride content will enhance the adhesiveness of the blended resin layer. In some cases where the modified polyethylene is high content maleic anhydride, the ratio of modified polyethylene to unmodified polyethylene may be low. In cases where the modified polyethylene is low content maleic anhydride, the percentage of modified polyethylene may be higher. In many cases, wherein the seal layer comprises a blend of modified and unmodified polyethylene, the melting temperature of the blended resin can be more than about 400° F. In some cases, the blended resin can have a melting temperature of about 425° F., or between about 410-440° F. In some cases the melting temperature of the blended resin may be selected to aid in increasing adhesion between the barrier and seal layers. In some cases, the adhesiveness of the blended resin layer may decrease with lower melt temperatures. In some embodiments the melting temperature of a barrier layer resin, such as one containing nylon and/or EVOH, is typically higher than the melting temperature of a seal layer resin, and in some embodiments it may aid in creating the multilayer film to raise the melt temperature of the seal layer. In many cases, a seal layer with a higher melting temperature may require heating the film to a higher temperature to achieve a seal. Barrier Layer The disclosed film may include one or more barrier layers that create a gas barrier. In some embodiments, the barrier layer is made from a resin that is less permeable to a given gas than other layers of the multilayer film. In some cases the gas may be ambient or pressurized air, or a constituent of air, for example, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc., or a combination thereof. In many embodiments, a gas barrier layer may comprise a polymer selected from ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyamides, other suitable polymer, or a combination thereof. The thickness of the barrier layer may be varied to create an effective barrier to the transmission of a gas through the multilayer film, provide the multilayer film with sufficient strength, provide the multilayer film with sufficient durability, or a combination of these qualities. The use of a polyamide in the barrier layer may help increase the durability of the disclosed multilayer film. The material of the barrier layer, when selected for its impermeability, can be selected based on its oxygen transfer rate (“OTR”). OTR may be measured by testing procedures well known in the art, for example ASTM D3985. In most cases, the OTR is less than about 100 cc/100 in.2/day. In some embodiments the OTR is less than about 30, 20, or 10. Nylon polymers and copolymers (for example Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6.6, etc.) and/or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH of varying ethylene content, for example 38% ethylene or from about 15%-50% ethylene) can be used as a gas barrier, for example, although alternative embodiments can use other suitable barrier layers. In some embodiments, the barrier polymer may be blended with polyethylene, for example nylon or EVOH may be blended with polyethylene and/or a polar polymer (e.g. modified polyethylene, ionomer, or high vinyl acetate content EVA copolymer). In some cases, nylon or EVOH is blended with LLDPE and/or modified LLDPE to form the barrier layer. In many embodiments, wherein polyethylene (modified and/or unmodified) is blended into the barrier layer, the amount of polyethylene in the barrier layer is less than about 25%, and may be less than about 10%. In the various embodiments, the thickness of the barrier layer selected to be sufficient to provide the desired air impermeability, and also toughness, tear resistance, and durability to the film. In various embodiments, the barrier layer can have a plurality of sublayers that are of similar or different materials. For instance, several sublayers of a same material can be coextruded from adjacent channels in the extruder die. In one embodiment having dissimilar materials forming the barrier sublayers, the barrier has sublayers of nylon and EVOH, such as with a nylon sublayer sandwiched between EVOH layers, or an EVOH sublayer sandwiched between nylon layers. As described above, these barrier sublayers may be blended with other polyethylene polymers to create the sublayer. The barrier layer is typically the inner or core layer, and the seal layer is typically the outer layer of the film plies, although an alternative embodiment has a first barrier layer sandwiched between the seal layer and a second barrier layer. In most cases, the multilayer film comprises a barrier layer, or sublayers, that occupy the center channel(s) of a die and may be sandwiched between a similar number of seal layers. For example, a seven layer die extruder may have the barrier layer at layer4and seal layers at layers1-3and5-7. In other cases barrier sublayers may be offset, for example barrier layers may be fed into a seven channel die at channel layer3, while the seal layers are fed into the die at channel layers1,2,4,5,6, and7. In these and some other embodiments the thickness of the seal layers are not symmetrical. That is, one seal layer is thicker than the other. In some cases the seal layers on one side of the barrier layer may comprise fewer or more sublayers than the seal layer on the opposite side. In other embodiments, the film may comprise a single barrier layer and a single seal layer, both of which may comprise sublayers. Tie Layer The multilayer film, as shown inFIG.2B, may comprise a seal layer and a barrier layer, with a tie layer positioned between the seal layer and barrier layer. In these embodiments, the composition of the tie layer is a modified polyethylene having characteristics of both the barrier layer and the seal layer, so that it may more readily adhere to both the barrier layer and the seal layer with sufficient strength. In these cases, the adhesiveness of the tie layer may be controlled, for example by changing the amount of modified polyethylene in the tie layer, for example, by changing the content of maleic anhydride in the modified polyethylene. Modified polyethylene can be created by grafting one or more molecules onto the polyethylene to help impart a polar character to the polyethylene. In some embodiments, the molecule is maleic anhydride onto a polyolefin or polyethylene. In some cases the modified polyethylene is modified LDPE or LLDPE. The principal seal layer material typically has poor interlayer adhesion to a barrier layer, that is, the typical seal layer does not adhere well to the barrier layer in an extrusion process. In most cases, higher content maleic anhydride content will enhance the adhesiveness of the tie layer to the barrier layer. The tie layer may have high, medium, or low content maleic anhydride. Other tie-layers and modifying agents, well known in the art, may be used to create a tie layer. Seal-Barrier Layer Adhesion The multilayer film plies27,29may comprise a seal layer in contact with the barrier layer as shown inFIG.2A. In these embodiments, the composition of the disclosed seal layer is modified so that it may more readily adhere to the barrier layer with sufficient strength, without an adhesive layer positioned between the barrier and seal layer. In these cases, the adhesiveness of the seal layer may be controlled, for example by changing the amount of modified polyethylene in the seal layer, for example, by changing the content of maleic anhydride in the modified polyethylene, and/or by changing the melt temperature of the seal layer. One embodiment of the disclosed film is described in U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/101,104, filed Dec. 9, 2013, titled Multilayer Film With Enhanced Interlayer Adhesion. In many cases, the amount of modified polyethylene and unmodified polyethylene blended to provide the polyethylene resin of the seal layer is selected to provide a very high peel force necessary to separate the seal and barrier layers to prevent delamination or ensure that it rarely occurs. In some embodiments, the interlayer adhesion is sufficiently high that a peel force cannot be accurately measured. In most embodiments, the adhesion bonding between the barrier layer and seal layer may be measured such as by a standard 180° peel strength test, in which a layer is pulled back over itself. In most embodiments, the peel strength of the presently claimed multilayer material is greater than about 200 grams force. In some embodiments the interlayer adhesion is a high-adhesion bonding to render a peel strength of greater than about 400 grams force measured by standard, ASTM, 180° peel strength testing. In some cases the peel strength may be expressed in lb./in. or N/cm, and the peel strength of the presently claimed multilayer material is greater than about 0.5 or 1.0 lb./in, or about 0.9 or 1.75 N/cm, such as measured in a T-peel test (e.g., ASTM D1876). In various cases, the T-peel strength of the claimed multilayer film is above 2 or 2.5 N/cm, and in some cases the peel strength (e.g. T-peel or 180° peel) is higher than the tensile strength of one or both layers so that the layers themselves break before they peel from each other. In such blended resins comprising modified and unmodified polyethylene, the two polyethylenes may entangle and/or bond via van der Waals interactions during extrusion. The modified and unmodified polyethylene can be provided as a mixture of solid pellets particulates, such as regrind, pellets, or other particulates into the extruder. The seal layer can be extruded as a plurality of sublayers having the same or similar composition. Multiple adjacent extrusion die channels can be used to co-extrude the multiple sublayers that bond to form the single seal layer. Such co-extrusion can be performed to result in a seal layer that has similar characteristics and behaves as does a monolayer seal layer that is extruded through a single layer die. Bonding between seal layer and barrier layers may be via covalent or non-covalent bonds depending on the materials used. In some cases, non-covalent bonding may include hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding, electrostatic bonding, van der Waals bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. In some cases, for example where the seal layer comprises anhydride modified polyethylene and is positioned next to a barrier layer of EVOH or polyamide, anhydride groups of the modified anhydride covalently bond to hydroxyl groups of the barrier layer, and hydrogen bonding occurs between the anhydride groups and the amide or hydroxyl groups of the barrier layer. Typical multilayer films have a thickness of about 0.5-2 mil, more typically about 0.75-1.25 mil, and typical films have an overall thickness of about 1 mil. Typically, the thickness of an individual layer is between about 1% and 99% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. Typically, where the film includes a barrier layer, the barrier layer may be between about 1% and 20% of the total thickness of the multilayer film, and typically the seal layers may be between about 99% and 50% of the total thickness of the multilayer film, in many embodiments the seal layer is at least 70%, but may be at least 80%, with each individual seal layer being between about 49.5% and 40%. Typically, the barrier layer thickness is at least about 1% and less than about 20%, while in one embodiment may be between about 3% and 17%; in other cases the barrier thickness may be about 5%, 10%, or 15% of the thickness of the multilayer film. Some embodiments for use in various types of packaging may benefit from a thicker barrier layer, for example where very low oxygen transfer rates are desired. In another embodiment, the barrier layer is greater than 20%, in some cases up to about 25%, 30%, or more of the multilayer film's total thickness, although other suitable thicknesses can be used in alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, the barrier layer can have a thickness of between about 1% and 7% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. In other cases, the barrier layer may be about 5%, 10%, or 15% of the multilayer film's total thickness. In further embodiments, the barrier layer may be between about 30-1%, 25-5%, or 20-10%, of the multilayer film's total thickness. In most cases, the thickness of the barrier layer is sufficient for the barrier layer to function as a gas barrier. In many embodiments, the thickness of a barrier layer comprising nylon may be more than a barrier layer comprising EVOH, for example between about 3-15% and about 1-10% respectively. In one case, for example where the barrier layer is EVOH, the barrier layer may be about 5% of the multilayer film's total thickness. In another case, for example where the barrier layer is nylon, the barrier layer may be about 10% of the multilayer film's total thickness. In another case, where the barrier layer comprises a core EVOH sublayer positioned between two nylon barrier sublayers, the EVOH sublayer may be about 1-7% of the total thickness of the multilayer film and each nylon sublayer may be about 1-7% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. In some embodiments, the seal layers can have a thickness of about 80-99% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. While the thicknesses shown with respect toFIG.2A-Dare not to scale, the schematic stack-up of the layers are shown. The thicknesses may also relate to any of the other embodiments in in any combination disclosed herein or not. In some cases, each seal layer may be about 47.5%, 45%, or 42.5% of the multilayer film's total thickness. Where the seal layer comprises two or more sublayers, each sublayer may have the same thickness, for example where each seal layer is 45% of the total thickness of the multilayer film, and the seal layer comprises three sublayers, each sublayer is 15% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. Extrusion The films of the present invention may be formed by any number of well-known extrusion or coextrusion techniques, although other processes for producing the multilayer film are envisioned. In some cases, the different layers may be extruded at different temperatures to permit melting and extrusion of the material of each layer, with the composition of the seal layer modified to aid in adhering to the material of the barrier layer. In some embodiments, the barrier layer, and often further inner layers, are extruded at temperatures that are higher than the temperature of the seal layer. In some cases, the adhesiveness of the extruded layer may be altered by altering the extrusion temperature. Blown film coextrusion processes are used. Blown film extrusion produces a film that can be oriented in both the machine (longitudinal) and transverse (non-longitudinal) direction. In blown film extrusion, the composition can be extruded in a molten state through an annular die and then blown and cooled to form a tubular, blown film. In some cases, the blown film tube can be slit and unfolded to form a flat film, and in others it is further converted in its tubular configuration. As discussed above and in various embodiments, film plies27,29may be monolayer including only a seal layer which also serves the purposes of a barrier layer. The monolayer may be suitable to contain the air and seal with another film to form the flexible structure for cushioning. The monolayer may be a simple structure as shown inFIG.4Eformed of polyethylene. Film Conversion and Use For protective packaging applications, the disclosed films can be converted by heat sealing two plies of the multilayer film or monolayer film to each other. In many cases, the plies are two sheets of a flattened blown film. In many cases, the plies are heat sealed in a predetermined pattern and then can be inflated with a fluid, such as air. In many cases, the inflated films can be sealed by users, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,870, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/844,658. The converted film can be configured for use in a continuous inflation and sealing device, as disclosed in the '658 application or U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,454,779 and 8,061,110, for instance. Devices can be employed that convert, inflate, and seal the plies in-situ, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,376. Alternatively, the film can be configured for single inflation operations, and can be provided with check valves between the plies of the multilayer film, for example as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0163991. In other embodiments, the film can be used in a device for inflating the film with foam precursors and sealing the film for foam-in-bag protective packaging, such as disclosed U.S. Patent Application Publication No 2013/0047552. As used herein, the film10may be comprised of the plies27,29in any combination of layers, materials, and/or manufacturing processes discussed above. For example, film10may comprise at least one bi-directionally oriented film ply made up of a barrier layer positioned and connected to two sealing layers according to the disclosure above. In another example, film10may comprise a traditional film ply having a single layer with the grain in the longitudinal direction. The film plies may form walls17, which may be formed of any of the materials, compositions or structures discussed above. Referring again toFIG.1, the film plies can include a series of transverse seals21disposed along the longitudinal extent of the film plies27,29. The seals may be defined by portions of the walls17that have been attached to one another through such processes such as heat sealing. The walls17may be sealed together or otherwise connected (e.g. fold in the wall) in predetermined areas to define an inflation region14, (shown as conduit inFIG.1) which may be flexible and normally in a collapsed state, and inflatable tubular portions19. For example, transverse seals21may define the inflatable tubular portions19. Each transverse seal area21may extend from the longitudinal edge2,6towards the opposite longitudinal edges4,8. Each transverse seal area21may include a pair of seals separated by an unsealed portion of the walls. In various examples, the longitudinal seal23may define the inflation conduit14. The opposite side of the inflation conduit14may be defined by a longitudinal seal30applied to longitudinal edges4,8and or a seal applied adjacent thereto. In accordance with various embodiments, the transverse seals21may terminate at the longitudinal seals23. As such the transverse length of each of the tubular portions19may extend from the longitudinal seal23to a longitudinal seal32applied to longitudinal edges2,6and or a seal applied adjacent thereto. Each transverse seal area21may have a first end22proximate the second longitudinal edge2,6and a second end24proximate the longitudinal seal23. The chamber19may be defined within a boundary formed by the longitudinal seal23and pairs (e.g. seals21aand21bshown inFIGS.7A and7B) of adjacent transverse seals21. The width of each tubular portion19may be at least about ½ inches to about 3 inches, or, in another example, about 1 inches to about 2 inches. Each transverse seal area21may be substantially straight and extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal edges2,6. It is appreciated, however, that other arrangements of the transverse seals21are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the transverse seals21may have undulating or zigzag patterns. The transverse seals21as well as the longitudinal seals23,30, and or32, can be formed from any of a variety of techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, adhesion, friction, welding, fusion, heat sealing, laser sealing, and ultrasonic welding. As discussed above, the inflatable cushion18may include an inflation region, such as a closed passageway, which can be a longitudinal inflation conduit14. The longitudinal inflation conduit14, as shown inFIG.1, is disposed between the second end24of the transverse seals21and the longitudinal edge4,8or the longitudinal seal30. The longitudinal inflation conduit14extends longitudinally along the longitudinal length of the cushion18proximate edges4,8. In various embodiments, the inflation region may be open to the outside of the cushion and merely utilize a nozzle operable to inflate a cushion with an open inflation region. Such region may merely have two flaps connected by the longitudinal and transverse seals. The cushion18also includes an inflation opening or aperture16. The inflation opening16is disposed on at least one end of the longitudinal inflation conduit14. The aperture16is defined by the walls17(e.g. outer walls5,7) and is configured and dimensioned for receiving an inflation nozzle20therein. The inflation nozzle may be any nozzle such as, for example, the one discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,424,552. The inflation nozzle20is sized to have a friction fit with the aperture16. In one embodiment, the inflation nozzle20has an interference fit with the aperture16. Located partially within the aperture16and inflation conduit14, and extending partially into each of the tubular portions19, is another set of sheets12. Sheet12may also be sealed along transverse and longitudinal seals21and23, except at valve areas15. As shown inFIG.7B, the seal23amay be a seal that extends through the whole cushion. For example, this may be plies27,29sealed together or plies27,29and any intermediate sheets12may be sealed together. Seal23bis a seal between an intermediate sheet12and the adjacent ply (e.g.27or29). Seal23bdoes not extend between adjacent sheets12. Thus air can flow between adjacent sheets12at the vicinity of seal23b. These valve areas15may define one-way check valves13between the areas15, configured to let air into the tubular portions19from inflation conduit14and seal the air therein. The unsealed areas between sheets12that define the check-valves13may be kept unsealed during the sealing operation that seals inner sheets12to outer sheets17(e.g. by printing on the areas to remain unsealed. Each of the one-way check valves13fluidly connects the inflation conduit14to a respective tubular portion19. In the uninflated state, for example during shipping of the cushions18, the aperture16is closed and flat, and the check valves13are in a closed position. Upon opening of the aperture16by the inflation nozzle20, air can be delivered into the inflation conduit14. The operating pressure at which the air is delivered into the inflation conduit14opens the check valves13to allow air to pass into the tubular portions19to inflate the remaining portions of the cushion18. Once inflation of the cushion18is complete, the pressure of the air within each tubular portion19acts against the check valves13to keep the valves in the closed position, thus preventing air from escaping and the cushion from deflating. In one embodiment, the inflatable cushion18further includes seal segments28. The seal segments divide the inflatable chambers19in transverse chamber portions19a. The seal segments28may be aligned longitudinally and separated by transverse seals21. The seal segments28create bendable lines that allow for a more flexible film ply that can be easily bent or folded. Such flexibility allows for the film ply to wrap around regular and irregularly shaped objects. The chamber portions19aare in fluid communication with adjacent chamber portions19aas well as with the inflation region14. In various embodiments, the inflation region may be a channel14closed to the exterior of the inflatable cushion but open to the chambers. As shown, passages19bextend between chamber portions19aon either side of the seal segments28. In accordance with various embodiments, a series of lines of weaknesses26may be disposed along the longitudinal extent of the film plies27,29. The transverse lines of weakness26facilitate separation of adjacent inflatable chambers19. Adding a perforation across the film plies27,29of the pad enables the sheet to be separated into subsequent pads or sheets while only having to perform the inflation process once. The separated sheet lengths may typically range from several inches (e.g. one row of inflated chambers) to several feet (a plurality of rows of inflated chambers19). The film plies27,29could also be continuous to the extent that materials are available. The film plies27,29may be perforated prior to being formed and sealed into an uninflated cushion18or alternatively an uninflated cushion18may be perforated prior to being inflated. The lines of weakness may extend transversely across the inflatable cushion18. Each transverse line of weakness26may extend from the longitudinal edge2,6towards the longitudinal edge4,8. Each transverse line of weakness26may be located at any point longitudinally along the cushion18. The perforations allowing for sheet separation may be placed randomly or strategically between the transverse seals21that form rows of inflated chambers19. Lines of perforation could also be placed at a repeatable frequency or multiple frequencies across the length of the sheet allowing for different size pads to be utilized for a desired application. In one example, as shown inFIG.3, the transverse lines of weakness26may pass through a chamber19. This location for the lines of weakness may result in pressure loss in that chamber and potentially in other chambers during inflation. As shown inFIG.4, each line of weakness26may be disposed through each transverse seal area21, or in an uninflated region or region between the inflated chambers, between immediately adjacent pairs of transverse seals21. For example, the lines of weakness26may be disposed between each of the adjacent transverse seals21aand21bthat make up each transverse seal area21(seeFIGS.7A and7Bfor detailed views). Alternatively, the transverse seal area may be a solid seal that extends between the edges marked by21aand21bwith the lines of weakness26formed within the solid seal. In this way, each chamber19may be separated by the user from the other chambers19. As shown inFIG.5, the lines of weakness26may be disposed through every couple of transverse seals21, or through the uninflated region or region between every couple of the inflated chambers, between immediately adjacent pairs of transverse seals21. These groups of chambers19separated by transverse seals21may form cushions63. Changing the size of cushions allows for flexibility when protecting items with the inflated films. In this way, the chambers19may be separated into transverse seal area21cushions63. This may be done at regular frequencies, such as every other transverse seal area21, every third transverse seal area21, every fourth transverse seal21, every fifth transverse seal21(as shown inFIG.5), or at any other regular frequency. Additionally or in the alternative, the chamber19may be separated as groups of the chambers at irregular frequencies. For example, as shown inFIG.6, the first line of weakness may occur on each side of a chamber19through the adjacent transverse seals21, the next line of weakness may occur with two chambers19between, the third line of weakness may occur with four chambers19between and so on. In accordance with various embodiments, the transverse lines of weakness26may extend across a portion of the transverse direction of film plies27,29. In one example, the lines of weakness may extend from longitudinal edge2,6to or near the longitudinal seal24. In another example, the lines of weakness26may extend approximately the length of the transverse seal area21. In another example, the lines of weakness26may extend less than the length of the transverse seal area21. In another example, the lines of weakness may extend across the entire transverse direction of film plies27,29except for the region occupied by the inflation conduit14. In another example, the first end22of the transverse seal21may be proximate to one end of the line of weakness26. The second end24of the transverse seal area21may be proximate another end of the line of weakness26. The transverse lines of weakness26may terminate at or proximal to the longitudinal seal24, extending only on the transverse side of the longitudinal seal24on which the inflatable chambers19are located, opposite from the inflation conduit14. In various embodiments the transverse lines of weakness26do not extend across the longitudinal seal24into the inflation conduit14. In this way, the inflation conduit14can maintain a higher pressure for inflating the chambers19during the fill process. In other inflatable cushions in which the lines of perforations do cross into the inflation conduit14, some amount air or other filling fluid can escape from the inflation conduit through the perforations. Having an unperforated inflation conduit helps preserve the pressure, allowing lower pressure of flow inflation systems to be used with the product. When used in continuous inflation and sealing devices, the unperforated inflation region14can help prevent an inflation nozzle20received in the region14from catching on the material or in a perforation and causing the film to tear as it is pulled over the nozzle20. As such, in accordance with various embodiments, the transverse lines of weakness26may not extend across into the inflation conduit14. A strip of material may be defined by a portion of the plies27,29not crossed by the one or more lines of weakness26. The strip of material may connects the portions of the plies27,29that are separated by torn lines of weakness26. The strip of material may be the inflation region14. The strip of material may be larger or smaller in the traverse direction than the inflation region14. For example, the strip of material may be a longitudinal seal proximal edge5or the strip of material may be half the transverse width of the cushion. The lines of weakness26may be more easily torn than the strip of material. When torn at the lines of weakness, the chambers19may form fingers being connected to one another at the strip of material. As shown inFIG.6a different number of chambers may be present between each longitudinally successive line of weakness26. As such, a first finger and a second finger may have different longitudinal widths as there may be different widths between lines of weakness. The lines of weakness may extend all the way to one edge of the first film ply but not all the way to the edge of the the opposite edge of the first film ply. The transverse lines of weakness26as discussed herein may be applied to any of a variety of films. In one example, the film may be configured similar to those discussed above and shown inFIGS.1A,3-7. In such, embodiments the chambers are filled by pressurizing the inflation conduit and forcing air through the one way valves13. By having an inflation conduit14without perforations, the pressure to fill the chambers19through the one way valves13is reduced. In another example, the transverse lines of weakness26as discussed herein may be applied to film plies27,29which may be configured with a continuous inflation region14as illustrated inFIG.1B. With a continuous inflation region14, the uninflated cushion is continually advanced over the nozzle20during inflation with the nozzle directing air laterally into the chambers19through openings125. The chambers19are then sealed from the inflation conduit14proximal to the openings125. In embodiments, wherein the inflation region is closed (e.g. a conduit or channel), the inflation region14is also cut open so the nozzle20can be removed from the inflation conduit14and the film may be continuously fed through the system. By having an inflation conduit13without perforations, the pressure to fill the chambers19is reduced. The nozzle20may also or alternatively advance through the inflation conduit easier as it does not contact irregularities in the surface where the perforations have passed through the inflation region. As the feed of the film plies27,29across the nozzle may occur at high speeds, the interference between the nozzle and the perforations may be reduced or eliminated thereby improving the flow of uninflated cushion onto and down the nozzle. In other examples, the transverse lines of weakness26as discussed herein may be applied to any film with any orientation of inflation conduit and chambers. For example, some films may have a central inflation conduit with chambers extending from either or both sides. Similarly, the perforations may extend between inflation chambers on either side of the inflation conduit without crossing into or otherwise perforating the conduit. In accordance with various embodiments, the transverse lines of weakness26can be formed by perforating film plies27,29to form alternating lands40and slits42as shown inFIGS.7A and5B. The slits may be any shape known by those of ordinary skill in the art. In one example, the slits may be straight lines extending transversely across film plies27,29as shown inFIG.7C. The perforations may also extend longitudinally (e.g. longitudinal slits) while the direction of the line of weakness26may still extend transversely. In this way the perforation may have a component that is not merely transverse (e.g. a longitudinal component). For example, the perforations may have portions that extend in a direction that has a longitudinal and transverse component, e.g. a straight slit may extend at an angle being neither purely transverse or longitudinal (e.g. the direction of an individual slit may not be collinear with either a longitudinal seal or a transverse seal) In various embodiments, the shape of slit applied may include short slits that have a first and second end44a,44bthat are not collinear with the direction that the line of weakness26generally extends. For example, the perforation may have a first end and a second end that are not in a straight line and may point in directions other than transversely across the film plies27,29. The ends may both point in the same direction such as the machine direction. For example, the perforation may be curved with the first and second end pointing in the machine direction. In accordance with various examples, the perforation may have intersecting portions with each portion having a transverse and longitudinal component. This may be a chevron shaped slit42as shown inFIGS.7A and7B. As shown, each slit includes two intersecting portions46a,46bwith ends44a,44b. Each slit42is spaced adjacent to another slit42and separated by a land40of material. The adjacent slits42continue across the film plies27,29in the direction of the lines of weakness26. If used on traditional inflatable cushions, perforations that extend in directions other than transversely would have a tendency to tear out of the transverse seals21and into the inflation chambers because the grain of the material extend in the longitudinal direction making tears in that direction easier. However, when used with a material having bi-directional orientation, as discussed above, the material properties provide the surprising benefit of helping the perforations that extend in directions other than transversely to tear between or within a transverse seal and limit the frequencies of tears that extend into the inflation chambers19. Utilizing the material having bi-directional orientation with the chevron shaped perforations may make it easier to tear in the direction of lines of weakness but reduce tearing in undesirable directions, e.g. into the chamber19. But it may be noted that typical film structures having the grain in any orientation including longitudinally may also be utilized herein. In accordance with various embodiments, the transverse lines of weakness26can also or alternatively include any of a variety of lines of weakness known by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the transverse lines of weakness26include rows of perforations, in which a row of perforations includes alternating lands and slits spaced along the transverse extent of the row. The lands and slits can occur at regular or irregular intervals along the transverse extent of the row. Alternatively, for example, in some embodiments, the transverse lines of weakness26include score lines or the like formed in the film material. The transverse lines of weakness26can be formed from a variety of techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In one example, as shown inFIG.8a roller50having a plurality of knives52spaced across the surface54in the direction of axis Y may compress the film plies27,29between the roller50and a support56. The support56may include a plurality of bristles58for supporting the film plies27,29. The bristles58may extend from a tubular roller56that rolls along with the roller50or the bristles may extend from a flat surface or bristles. In this manner the knives52may perforate film plies27,29at any of the intervals and locations discussed herein or otherwise known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The knives52may have tips that form chevron shapes as discussed in various embodiments herein but may also be other perforation shapes. Other such techniques for forming the perforations may also include, but are not limited to, cutting (e.g., techniques that use a cutting or toothed element, such as a bar, blade, block, wheel, or the like) and/or scoring (e.g., techniques that reduce the strength or thickness of material in the first and second film layers, such as electromagnetic (e.g., laser) scoring and mechanical scoring). The term “about,” as used herein, should generally be understood to refer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. Moreover, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer within the range. While illustrative embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the features for the various embodiments can be used in other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the present invention. | 62,025 |
11858713 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure describes packages, such as primary packages, secondary packages, shipping packages, display packages and/or other packages made from one or more flexible materials, where the packages include an inflation feature. Furthermore, the present disclosure describes an inflation rig assembly associated with inflating such packages. The inflation feature and the inflation rig assembly described herein can be used in combination to more easily and efficiently inflate and expand packages. For example, complementary alignment features on each of the inflation feature and the inflation rig assembly can allow a user to ensure proper positioning and/or effective securement of the package or uninflated package blank on the inflation rig assembly. Such positioning and/or securement can provide for easier and more efficient inflation of the package, resulting in reduced inflation times. As inflation time can be a rate-limiting step in a fulfillment process, inclusion of the inflation feature and the inflation rig assembly can improve such processes and reduce or eliminate issues relating to meeting desired fulfillment times. Methods of inflating a package relating to the use of the inflation feature and the inflation rig assembly are also described herein. As used herein, the term “ambient conditions” refers to a temperature within the range of 15-35 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity within the range of 35-75%. As used herein, the term “closed” refers to a state of a package, wherein any products within the package are prevented from escaping the package (e.g., by one or more materials that form a barrier), but the package is not necessarily hermetically sealed. For example, a closed package can include a vent, which allows a head space in the package to be in fluid communication with air in the environment outside of the package. As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the terms “disposable” and “single use” refer to packages which, after being used for its intended purpose (e.g., shipping a product to an end user), are not configured to be reused for the same purpose, but is configured to be disposed of (i.e. as waste, compost, and/or recyclable material). Part, parts, or all of any of the flexible packages, disclosed herein, can be configured to be disposable and/or recyclable. As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the terms “expanded” or “inflated” refer to the state of one or more flexible materials that are configured to change shape when an expansion material is disposed therebetween. An expanded structure has one or more dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, thickness) that is significantly greater than the combined thickness of its one or more flexible materials, before the structure has one or more expansion materials disposed therein. Examples of expansion materials include liquids (e.g., water), gases (e.g., compressed air), fluent products, foams (that can expand after being added into a structural support volume), co-reactive materials (that produce gas or foam), or phase change materials (that can be added in solid or liquid form, but which turn into a gas; for example, liquid nitrogen or dry ice), or other suitable materials known in the art, or combinations of any of these (e.g., fluent product and liquid nitrogen). Expansion materials can be added at atmospheric pressure, or added under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, or added to provide a material change that will increase pressure to something above atmospheric pressure. For any of the flexible packages disclosed herein, its one or more flexible materials can be expanded at various points in time with respect to its manufacture, sale, and use. For example, one or more portions of the package may be expanded before or after the product to be shipped in the package is inserted into the package, and/or before or after the flexible package is purchased by an end user. As used herein, the terms “eye mark” and “fiducial” are interchangeable and refer to marks or features on materials in manufacturing processes that are used as reference points (e.g., by detection devices). While the term “eye mark” is sometimes used to refer to printed fiducials, the terms eye mark and fiducials, as used herein, can refer to marks or features that are formed in any suitable manner. Suitable manners of forming eye marks or fiducials include, but are not limited to: printing; marking (including but not limited to by visible marks, and by ultra violet markers); forming the eye mark or fiducial using a sealing mechanism (i.e., forming a seal using a process similar to that used to form the seal, but with a more well-defined edge); deforming; forming holes (e.g., pinholes, or the like). Thus, in some cases (e.g., when the eye mark is formed by a sealing mechanism), the eye mark may comprise a discrete melted and deformed feature in (or portion of) a web or piece of material. As used herein, the term “non-expanded” refers to the state of one or more flexible materials that are sealed such that they are configured to not change shape when an expansion material is disposed into the package. A non-expanded structure has one or more dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, thickness) that is substantially the same as the combined thickness of its one or more flexible materials, before the package has one or more expansion materials disposed therein. A non-expanded structure can be sealed apart from adjacent expansion chambers such that expansion material(s) cannot access the non-expansion structure. For example, a non-expansion structure or a non-expansion chamber can be sealed off from the expansion chamber(s) and any expansion ports or valves. As used herein, the term “flexible shipping package” refers to a flexible package configured to have an article reservoir for containing one or more articles for shipment. Examples of flexible materials from which the packages can be made include film, woven web, non-woven web, paper, foil or combinations of these and other flexible materials. As used herein, the term “flexibility factor,” when referring to a flexible container, refers to a material parameter for a thin, easily deformable, sheet-like material, wherein the parameter is measured in Newtons per meter, and the flexibility factor is equal to the product of the value for the Young's modulus of the material (measured in Pascals) and the value for the overall thickness of the material (measured in meters). As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term “flexible material” refers to a thin, easily deformable, sheet-like material, having a flexibility factor within the range of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m. Flexible materials can be configured to have a flexibility factor of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or any integer value for flexibility factor from 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or within any range formed by any of these values, such as 1,000-1,500,000 N/m, 1,500-1,000,000 N/m, 2,500-800,000 N/m, 5,000-700,000 N/m, 10,000-600,000 N/m, 15,000-500,000 N/m, 20,000-400,000 N/m, 25,000-300,000 N/m, 30,000-200,000 N/m, 35,000-100,000 N/m, 40,000-90,000 N/m, or 45,000-85,000 N/m, etc. Throughout the present disclosure the terms “flexible material”, “flexible sheet”, “sheet”, and “sheet-like material” are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Part, parts, or all of a flexible material can be coated or uncoated, treated or untreated, processed or unprocessed, in any manner known in the art. Parts, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a flexible material can made of sustainable, bio-sourced, recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable material. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the flexible materials described herein can be partially or completely translucent, partially or completely transparent, or partially or completely opaque. The flexible materials used to make the packages disclosed herein can be formed in any manner known in the art, and can be joined together using any kind of joining or sealing method known in the art, including, for example, heat sealing (e.g., conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, crimping, bonding, adhering, and the like, and combinations of any of these. As used herein, the term “joined” refers to a configuration wherein elements are either directly connected or indirectly connected. As used herein, when referring to a sheet or sheets of flexible material, the term “thickness” refers to a linear dimension measured perpendicular to the outer major surfaces of the sheet, when the sheet is lying flat. The thickness of a package is measured perpendicular to a surface on which the package is placed such that the sheet would be lying flat if the package were not in an expanded state. To compare the thickness of a package in an unexpanded state, an expanded state and a deflated state, the thickness of each should be measured in the same orientation on the same surface. For any of the configurations, the thickness is considered to be the greatest thickness measurement made across the surface or face of the article in that particular orientation. As used herein, the term “article reservoir” refers to an enclosable three-dimensional space that is configured to receive and contain one or more articles or products. This three-dimensional space may enclose a volume, the “article reservoir volume”. The articles or products may be directly contained by the materials that form the article reservoir. By directly containing the one or more products, the products come into contact with the materials that form the enclosable three-dimensional space, there is no need for an intermediate material or package. Throughout the present disclosure the terms “reservoir” and “article reservoir” are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. The shipping packages described herein can be configured to have any number of reservoirs. Further, one or more of the reservoirs may be enclosed within another reservoir. Any of the reservoirs disclosed herein can have a reservoir volume of any size. The reservoir(s) can have any shape in any orientation. As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term “expansion chamber” refers to a fillable space made from one or more flexible materials, wherein the space is configured to be at least partially filled with one or more expansion materials, which create tension in the one or more flexible materials, and form an expanded volume. As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term “non-expansion chamber” refers to a space made from one or more flexible materials, where the space is not contiguous with any expansion chamber. A non-expansion chamber cannot be filled with an expansion material. For example, a non-expansion chamber is sealed off from expansion chamber(s) provided in the package. As used herein, the term “removable,” with respect to the inflation feature, means that at least a portion of the inflation feature is removable. The entire inflation feature need not be removable. As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term “unexpanded” refers to the state of an expansion chamber, when the chamber does not include an expansion material. Package and Inflation Feature Flexible shipping packages, as described herein, may be used across a variety of industries for a variety of products. For example, flexible packages, as described herein, may be used for shipping across the consumer products industry, including but not limited to the following products: cleaning products, disinfectants, dishwashing compositions, laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, fabric dyes, surface protectants, cosmetics, skin care products, hair treatment products, soaps, body scrubs, exfoliants, astringents, scrubbing lotions, depilatories, antiperspirant compositions, deodorants, shaving products, pre-shaving products, after shaving products, toothpaste, mouthwash, personal care products, baby care products, feminine care products, insect repellants, foods, beverages, electronics, medical devices and goods, pharmaceuticals, supplements, toys, office supplies, household goods, automotive goods, aviation goods, farming goods, clothing, shoes, jewelry, industrial products, and any other items that may be desirable to ship through the mail or other parcel services, etc. The flexible packages disclosed herein can be configured to have an overall shape. In the unexpanded state, the overall shape may correspond to any known two-dimensional shape including polygons (shapes generally comprised of straight-portions connected by angles), curved-shapes (including circles, ovals, and irregular curved-shapes) and combinations thereof. In the expanded state, the overall shape may correspond with any other known three-dimensional shape, including any kind of polyhedron, any kind of prismatoid, and any kind of prism (including right prisms and uniform prisms). The flexible shipping package, and/or its blank (i.e., an uninflated article before it is assembled into a final shipping package), may include any number of sheets. For example, the package may comprise two sheets such as an inner sheet and an outer sheet. The package may include three sheets such as an inner sheet, and outer sheet and a secondary outer sheet. The package may comprise four sheets such as an inner sheet, a secondary inner sheet, and outer sheet and a secondary outer sheet. The package and/or package blank may include more than four sheets. Shipping packages suitable for use with the inflation feature41are disclosed, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024049, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024050, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024051, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024053, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024054, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024055, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024056, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024057, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024058, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0352068, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/989,135, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIG.1depicts a plan view of a blank110of a shipping package, laid open and in an uninflated state. In the example ofFIG.1, an inner sheet12, a secondary inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a secondary outer sheet are disposed on top each other to form a four-layer assembly. As shown, the blank110has not yet been folded upon itself to form an unexpanded package. The blank110may further include an inflation feature41extending therefrom, which can facilitate the inflation of the package. In one example, the package can include the four-layer assembly described above. That is, that package may include the inner sheet12and the outer sheet14, shown in the inflation feature41ofFIG.2, where the inner sheet12may be at least partially joined to the outer sheet14at an outer seam. The package can also include the secondary inner sheet23and the secondary outer sheet16, also shown inFIG.2, which may be at least partially joined to or contiguous with the inner sheet12and the outer sheet14at an outer seam. The package also may include one or more expansion ports50,51to allow a user to direct an expansion material into one or more expansion chambers to expand the package. The inflation feature41, having a top surface and a bottom surface, may be formed from any adjacent sheets of the four-layer assembly and extend from a body43of the shipping package, adjacent the one or more expansion ports50,51in fluid communication with one or more expansion chambers. For example, in the depicted example including four sheets, the inflation feature41may be formed from the outer and secondary outer sheets and/or from the inner and secondary inner sheets. Alternatively, in an example including three sheets, the inflation feature41may be formed from the outer and secondary outer sheets and/or from the inner and outer sheets. Further, in some examples, the package may include a closeable opening and a closure mechanism. In such examples, the closable opening may allow a user to place one or more articles in the package before shipping. The package may be relatively thin, flat and planar in its non-expanded or uninflated state. That is, a thickness of the unexpanded package is relatively small when compared to a length and width of the package in its non-expanded or uninflated state or configuration. The package to be formed from the blank110ofFIG.1, for example, may be constructed from four layers of material that are folded to form a top portion, side portions, and a bottom portion of the package. Alternatively, any or all of the top, bottom and side portions may be formed separately and joined. For example, the top portion of the package may be joined to the bottom portion along at least a portion of a longitudinal side11of the package at one or more outer seams. The terms “top” and “bottom” are not intended to be limiting, but rather merely to help more clearly distinguish parts of the package from each other. As such, unless specifically set forth, the terms should not be considered to limit the orientation of the package in any way. The outer seam can take on any desired shape and size and can be formed by any suitable method or material. For example, the outer seam may be formed by glue, heat (e.g., ultrasound, conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or welding), mechanical crimping, sewing, or by any other known or developed technology for joining sheets of material. The package may be constructed with more than one outer seam, for example, outer seams formed on two sides, three sides or four sides or more as the shape of the package allows. In some examples, the package may include a non-expansion chamber. The non-expansion chamber may provide for relatively flat regions on the package. For example, the non-expansion chamber may provide a label region on the top portion of package. In such examples, the label region can be any suitable size and will generally be at least large enough to display shipping information, such as for example, a 4 inch by 6-inch standard shipping label. The inner sheet12may be joined to the secondary inner sheet23in at least the area of the outer seam. The inner sheet12and the secondary inner23may be joined to form one or more primary expansion chambers. The primary expansion chamber may be in an expanded or inflated configuration where an expansion material has been provided into the primary expansion chamber. The expansion material may increase the spacing between the sheets forming the volume of the primary expansion chamber(s) such that the expanded primary expansion chamber(s) may each have a volume that is greater than the primary expansion chamber(s) volume when not filled with the expansion material. The primary expansion chamber(s) may be inflated to provide structure to the package and to stretch outer sheet and secondary outer sheet such that the label region may be provided on the top portion of package. The primary expansion chamber(s) also may provide structural rigidity, mechanical protection and/or shape to the package when in an expanded configuration. They may also help to restrain any articles placed into the package. The secondary outer sheet16may be joined to the outer sheet14, the inner sheet12, and the secondary inner sheet23(if included), in at least the area of the outer seam. The secondary outer sheet16and outer sheet14may be joined to form at least one secondary expansion chamber. The secondary expansion chamber may be in an expanded configuration where a secondary expansion material has been provided into the secondary expansion chamber. The secondary expansion material may increase the spacing between the sheets forming the volume of the secondary expansion chamber(s) such that the expanded secondary expansion chamber(s) each have a volume that is greater than the secondary expansion chamber(s) volume when not filled with the secondary expansion material. The secondary expansion chamber(s) can provide an outer frame to package and also may provide structural rigidity, mechanical protection, and/or shape to the package, when in an expanded configuration. The package can be designed such that secondary expansion chambers form supports for the package. The sheets, including any or all of the inner sheet12, the secondary inner sheet23(if included), the outer sheet14and/or the secondary outer sheet16can be joined to each other in any number of places creating any number, shape and size of expansion chambers. The primary and/or secondary expansion chamber seams can be of any length, width and shape. The primary and/or secondary expansion chamber seams can be formed by any suitable method or material. For example, the seams may be formed by glue, heat (e.g., ultrasound, conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or welding), mechanical crimping, sewing, or by any other known or developed technology for joining sheets of material. The seams can be continuous or intermittent, can be straight or curved, and can be permanent or temporary. The shape of the seams can be used to form the shape of the expansion chambers alone or in addition to other structural elements. For example, the secondary expansion chambers can be shaped by the secondary expansion chamber seams in combination with additional materials disposed within the secondary chambers or joined thereto. Further, chambers can be shaped by the use of chemical or mechanical modifications to the materials forming the sheets. For example, a portion of the inner sheet, secondary inner sheet, outer sheet and/or secondary outer sheet may be heated, ring-rolled, chemically treated or modified to make it more or less flexible, extensible, non-extensible, stronger, weaker, shorter, or longer than prior to treatment. The expansion chamber(s) can have various shapes and sizes. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the expansion chamber(s) can be straight, curved, angled, segmented, or other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of an expansion chamber can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, square, triangular, star-shaped, or modified versions of these shapes, or other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes. An expansion chamber can have an overall shape that is tubular, or convex, or concave, along part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a length. An expansion chamber can have any suitable cross-sectional area, any suitable overall width, and any suitable overall length. An expansion chamber can be substantially uniform along part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of its length, or can vary, in any way described herein, along part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of its length. For example, a cross-sectional area of an expansion chamber can increase or decrease along part, parts, or all of its length. The package also may include one or more expansion ports50,51that may be provided to allow a user to direct an expansion material into one or more of the primary expansion chambers and the secondary expansion chambers. For example, the expansion ports50,51may be openings between layers of the materials forming the package or may be an opening in any one or more layers that provides fluid communication to one or more of expansion chambers. In one example, a portion of the inner sheet12and the outer sheet14may remain unjoined to allow the user to introduce an expansion material into the primary expansion chamber. Additionally, or alternatively, materials or structures can be placed in desired locations between the sheets to provide the expansion ports50,51. For example, a valve may be located between two of the sheets before or after they are joined to provide the expansion ports50,51through which an expansion material may be introduced into the one or more expansion chambers. Referring again toFIG.1, the blank110includes a first expansion port50and a second expansion port51. Any one or more expansion ports50,51may be in fluid communication with any one or more expansion chambers and multiple expansion ports50,51may be in fluid communication with any one or more expansion chambers. For example, it may be desirable for a single expansion port (e.g.,50or51) to allow for introduction of an expansion material into all of the expansion chambers in the package. It may also be desirable for a single expansion port (e.g.,50or51) to allow for introduction of an expansion material into only some of the expansion chambers in the package, such as for example those on one side of the package or those formed between only the same sheets (e.g., inner sheet12and outer sheet14). Further still, several expansion chambers may have different expansion ports (e.g.,50,51) to allow for individual expansion of the chambers. Individual expansion can be beneficial when different expansion pressures are desired for different expansion chambers and/or if the expansion chambers will be expanded at different times or with different equipment. Thus, in one example, the primary expansion chambers may be expanded by providing a primary expansion material into the primary expansion chamber, such as via a first expansion port50. The secondary expansion chambers may be expanded by providing a secondary expansion material into the secondary expansion chamber, such as via a second expansion port51. It will be appreciated that the secondary expansion material may be the same or a different material, or provided at a same or different volume or pressure, than the primary expansion material used to expand the primary expansion chamber(s). In accordance with the above, if more than one primary expansion chamber is provided, the primary expansion chambers may be independent from each other (e.g., discrete) or in fluid communication with each other, depending on the desired characteristics of the package. Similarly, if more than one secondary expansion chamber is provided, the secondary expansion chambers may be independent from each other (e.g., discrete) or in fluid communication with each other, depending on the desired characteristics of the package. The primary expansion chambers and secondary expansion chambers may also be independent from each other or in fluid communication with each other, depending on the desired characteristics of the package. It may be desirable for the pressure in the chambers to be equal or different from each other. Further, where the package includes more than one primary expansion chamber and/or more than one secondary expansion chamber, it may be desirable that any one of the one or more primary expansion chambers be expanded to a different pressure than any one or more of the remaining primary expansion chambers and/or one or more of the secondary expansion chambers. Adjusting the pressure in different expansion chambers can provide the benefit of strengthening portions of the package (e.g., the expansion chambers that create a frame for the package), but allow for more flexible expansion chambers to be disposed, for example, in contact with the articles in the article reservoir. Examples include but are not limited to configurations where the primary expansion chambers have a higher internal pressure than the secondary expansion chambers, or vice-versa. Some specific, but non-limiting examples include where at least one of the primary expansion chamber(s) have an internal pressure of from about ambient pressure to about 25 psig, from about 1 psig to about 20 psig, about 2 psig to about 15 psig, about 3 psig to about 8 psig, or about 3 psig to about 5 psig, and at least one of the secondary expansion chamber(s) have an internal pressure of from about ambient pressure to about 25 psig, from about 1 psig to about 20 psig, about 2 psig to about 15 psig, about 3 psig to about 10 psig, about 4 psig to about 10 psig or about 5 psig to about 10 psig, or about 7 psig to about 9 psig. In one example, one or more of the primary expansion chamber(s) may have an internal pressure of between about 2 psig to about 8 psig or about 3 psig to about 5 psig and one or more of the secondary expansion chamber(s) may have an internal pressure of between about 5 psig and about 10 psig or about 7 psig to about 9 psig. In another example, one or more of the primary expansion chamber(s) may have an internal pressure of between ambient pressure to about 3 psig, or about 1 psig to about 3 psig, and one or more of the secondary expansion chamber(s) may have an internal pressure of between ambient pressure to about 25 psig, or about 5 psig to about 15 psig, and the chambers may differ in pressure from about 5 psig to about 25 psig. In one example, the one or more of the primary expansion chamber(s) may have an internal pressure of between ambient pressure to about 5 psig, or about 1 psig to about 4 psig, or about 3.5 psig, and one or more of the secondary expansion chamber(s) may have an internal pressure of between ambient pressure to about 15 psig, or about 5 psig to about 10 psig, or about 8 psig to 9 psig, and the chambers may differ in pressure from about 3 psig to about 10 psig. In one example, the one or more of the primary expansion chamber(s) may have an internal pressure of between ambient pressure to about 2 psig, and one or more of the secondary expansion chamber(s) may have an internal pressure of between ambient pressure to about 15 psig, or about 5 psig to about 15 psig, or about 8 psig to 12 psig, and the chambers may differ in pressure from about 3 psig to about 10 psig. The pressure ratio of the average pressure of the one or more primary expansion chamber(s) to the average pressure of the one or more secondary expansion chamber(s) can be any suitable ratio, such as, for example, about 1:15, about 1:10, about 1:8, about 1:5, about 1:3, about 1:2, to about 1:1. In some packages, the pressure of the one or more primary expansion chamber(s) and the pressure of the one or more secondary expansion chamber(s) may be both above ambient pressure. In some packages, the pressure of the one or more secondary expansion chamber(s) may be above ambient pressure and the one or more primary expansion chamber(s) may conform to the article. FIGS.1and2depict the inflation feature41. As described above, the inflation feature may be formed from sheet extensions contiguous with the sheets comprising the package. For example, as shown inFIGS.1and2, the inflation feature may be formed from the four-layer assembly and extend from the body43of the shipping package, adjacent the first expansion ports50and the second expansion port51, which are in fluid communication with one or more expansion chambers. While the inflation feature41is shown inFIG.1to be at a short edge of the blank110, it will be appreciated that an inflation feature may be located at other suitable positions along a perimeter of the blank110. As shown inFIGS.1and2, the inflation feature41may include a first inflation port45and a second inflation port47. The first inflation port45is in fluid communication with the first expansion port50and the second inflation port47is in fluid communication with the second expansion port51. While the inflation feature41ofFIGS.1and2is shown to include two inflation ports in fluid communication with two expansion ports, it will be appreciated that in other examples, an inflation feature may include one, three, or more inflation ports. Further, it will be appreciated that multiple inflation ports can be in fluid communication with a single expansion port, a single inflation port can be in fluid communication with multiple expansion ports, and multiple inflation ports can be in fluid communication with multiple expansion ports. The inflation ports45,47may be in fluid communication with expansion ports50,51at a first end, and at a second end, the inflation ports45,47may define an aperture that is configured to receive a nozzle or other fixture in fluid communication with an expansion material source for inflation or expansion of the expansion chambers. However, it will be appreciated that the inflation feature41can similarly facilitate fluid communication between expansion chambers and a vacuum for extraction of an expansion material. As shown inFIG.2, the first inflation port45may define a first aperture48and the second inflation port47may define a second aperture49. The apertures48,49can be defined by a top surface53. In particular, the first aperture48can be defined by the secondary outer sheet16and the second aperture49can be defined by the inner sheet12. However, it will be appreciated that in other examples, apertures can be defined by any of an inner sheet, a secondary inner sheet, an outer sheet, a secondary outer sheet, or other sheet in any of a variety of suitable configurations. For example, whileFIG.2shows apertures48,49defined by the top surface53, it will be appreciated that apertures, when provided, can be defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, or both. That is, in one example, one aperture can be defined by the top surface and another aperture can be defined by on the bottom surface. As noted when discussing the “top” and “bottom” of the package, the terms “top” and “bottom” are not intended to be limiting, but rather merely to help more clearly distinguish parts of the inflation feature from each other. The inflation ports45,47are configured to receive the expansion material (e.g., compressed air) therethrough. For example, as the expansion ports50,51may be provided to allow a user to direct an expansion material into one or more of the primary expansion chambers and the secondary expansion chambers, the inflation ports45,47may be provided to allow a user to direct an expansion material into the expansion ports50,51to facilitate expansion or inflation of the one or more expansion chambers. For example, the inflation port may allow the user to more readily find and access an entry point for the expansion material into the expansion ports50,51. In particular, such a configuration may reduce fulfillment times by saving a user from having to locate the expansion ports50,51and/or separate sheets to access the same. While the apertures48,49are shown inFIGS.1and2to be circular and substantially identical, it will be appreciated that apertures can be the same or different from each other and provided in any suitable size or shape to effectively receive an expansion material. Further, while the apertures48,49are shown inFIGS.1and2to be holes in alignment with each other, relative to the body43, and having perimeters fully defined by their respective sheets, it will be appreciated that apertures can be provided in any suitable configuration to effectively receive an expansion material and/or correspond to an inflation rig assembly, as described herein. For example, in other examples, apertures can be offset. Further, in other examples, apertures can instead be adjacent to a sheet edge, such that only a portion of a perimeter is defined thereby, or otherwise defined by sheet edges. Apertures may further comprise one or more one-way valves. It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, an inflation feature may be provided with inflation ports free of apertures. In one such example, such inflation ports can be configured to allow for puncturing, for example, at a second end of the inflation port to receive a nozzle or other fixture in fluid communication with an expansion material source for inflation or expansion of the expansion chambers. As shown inFIGS.1and2, a perimeter for the first inflation port45and the second inflation port47may be defined by a first border seal59and a second border seal60, respectively. The first border seal59can join the outer sheet14with the secondary outer sheet16and the second border seal60can join the inner sheet12with the secondary inner sheet23. The border seals59,60may be formed by glue, heat (e.g., ultrasound, conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or welding), mechanical crimping, sewing, or by any other known or developed technology for joining sheets of material. In such examples, the border seals59,60can facilitate the direction of an expansion material into the expansion ports50,51. The border seals59,60may be formed simultaneously with the primary and/or secondary expansion chamber seams or separately therefrom. The inflation feature41can further include one or more joint seals63, as shown inFIGS.1and2, to join one or more of the inner sheet12, the secondary inner sheet23, the outer sheet14, and the secondary outer sheet16. The joint seal63may help to maintain alignment of the sheets of the inflation feature41throughout an inflation process. In some examples, to ensure such alignment, the joint seal63is preferably centrally positioned on the inflation feature41, such that all four sheets are joined. For example, the joint seal63may be positioned between the first inflation port45and the second inflation port47. Like the border seals59,60, the join seals63may be formed by glue, heat (e.g., ultrasound, conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or welding), mechanical crimping, sewing, or by any other known or developed technology for joining sheets of material. While the inflation feature41ofFIGS.1and2is shown to include one plus-sign-shaped joint seal63, centrally positioned thereon, it will be appreciated that one joint seal or multiple joint seals may be provided in any of a variety of suitable shapes and configurations in any of a variety of suitable positions on an inflation feature. The joint seal63may be formed simultaneously with the primary and/or secondary expansion chamber seams or separately therefrom. It will also be appreciated that a joint seal may be formed simultaneously with border seals or separately therefrom. Further, it will be appreciated that a joint seal and border seals may be formed as a single seal. The inflation feature41can further include one or more primary alignment features (e.g.,71) configured to facilitate positioning of the shipping package on an inflation rig assembly75for inflation (e.g., as inFIGS.8and9). In particular, the primary alignment features (e.g.,71) can correspond to complementary alignment features (i.e., secondary alignment features) on the inflation rig assembly75for positioning on the same. In some examples, the primary alignment features (e.g.,71) can facilitate positioning and securement of the inflation feature41to the inflation rig assembly75. For example,FIGS.1and2depict the inflation feature41having two offset holes71, extending through the top surface53and bottom surface73. The offset holes71may be configured for placement over corresponding protrusions (e.g., pins96) on the inflation rig assembly75to ensure securement of the inflation feature41to the inflation rig assembly75as well as proper positioning and orientation of the inflation feature41for inflation or expansion of the expansion chambers. However, it will be appreciated that, in other examples, a configuration of holes or other primary alignment features can be symmetrical, especially where no particular orientation is required for the blank110. In some examples, like the joint seal63, the primary alignment features (e.g.,71) may be centrally positioned on the inflation feature41. For example, each of the offset holes71shown inFIGS.1and2extend through all four sheets of the inflation feature41. Additionally, in some examples, like that shown inFIGS.1and2, the one or more primary alignment features (e.g.,71) may be positioned adjacent to the joint seal63. In other examples, the one or more primary alignment features (e.g.,71) may be formed entirely within the joint seal63. While the primary alignment features of the inflation feature41ofFIGS.1and2are two offset holes71, centrally positioned thereon, it will be appreciated that primary alignment features may be provided in any of a variety of suitable shapes and configurations and in any suitable amounts and sizes and in any of a variety of suitable positions on an inflation feature. For example, other suitable primary alignment features may include one or more of grooves, rails, notches, impressions, depressions, ridges, pins, protrusions, lines, dots, images, heat seals, and icons. In some examples, the primary alignment feature may be a fiducial or “eye mark.” In other examples, the primary alignment feature may be formed as a seam by any means of forming a seam disclosed herein. The primary alignment feature may be formed simultaneously with any of the other seams and/or seals discussed herein (i.e., expansion chamber seams). As further described herein, the one or more primary alignment features (e.g.,71) may be configured for alignment with complementary alignment features (i.e., secondary alignment features) on the inflation rig assembly75by a human operator and/or through automated operations. Typically, after the user introduces the expansion material through the inflation ports45,47and the expansion ports50,51, the inflation ports and/or the expansion ports may be temporarily or permanently closed to prevent the escape of the expansion materials from the expanded chambers. A pressure source may remain in fluid communication with the expanded chambers throughout an operation that closes and/or seals the inflation ports45,47and/or the expansion ports50,51to help maintain the desired pressure in the expansion chambers. Any means can be used to close or seal the inflation ports45,47and/or the expansion ports50,51, including those described herein with respect to making chamber seams, joint seams, border seams, etc., as well as any other method suitable for closing the particular inflation ports45,47and/or expansion ports50,51that are used. The inflation ports45,47and/or the expansion ports50,51may be hermetically sealed closed or not, depending on the desired end use of the package. Further, the inflation ports45,47and/or the expansion ports50,51may include a closure other than a seal, such as, for example, a valve, a cap, a material to hold the inflation ports45,47and/or expansion ports50,51closed, such as an adhesive, or any other closure or closure means. The closure may be single use (e.g., once closed, can't be opened without damaging the package, expansion port50,51or closure) or disposable, or may be reusable, such as a threaded cap or friction-fit plug or other closure that can be reused one or more times. In any configuration, it may be desirable to include one or more vents in fluid communication with the article reservoir to allow the vacuum to be applied and/or to allow fluid to escape the article reservoir during or after the expansion of the primary expansion chamber(s). The vent can be sealed after the package is fully constructed or it can remain partially or fully open to allow for fluid flow into and/or out of the article reservoir. The vent can be configured to be self-sealing or can be sealed by some separate step and/or tool. The vent can, for example, include a valve and can be one-way or two-way. That is, it can allow fluid to flow in both directions (in and out) or just one direction. One or more vents can also be provided to allow fluid flow to or from other portions of the package, as desired. In certain examples, the shipping package can include an evacuation feature. Similar to an inflation feature, the evacuation feature can have a top surface and a bottom surface and may be formed from any adjacent sheets of the four-layer, three-layer, or two-layer assembly and extend from the body43of the shipping package, adjacent with one or more reservoir ports in fluid communication with the reservoir. In such examples, one or more reservoir ports can be provided instead of the one or more vents. The evacuation feature may include one or more evacuation ports which are in fluid communication with the reservoir ports. Suitable configurations for the one or more evacuation ports and the one or more reservoir ports may be in accordance with at least those configurations described above for the inflation ports and expansion ports, respectively, with respect to the inflation feature. For example, the evacuation ports may be in fluid communication with reservoir ports at a first end, and at a second end, the evacuation ports may define an aperture that is configured to receive a nozzle, tube, or other fixture in fluid communication with a vacuum for evacuation of the reservoir. It will be appreciated that aperture configurations and alternatives relating to the evacuation port may be in accordance with at least those configurations described above for the inflation ports of the inflation feature. In some examples, the evacuation ports are configured to receive contents (e.g., air) pulled from the reservoir by the vacuum to facilitate isolation and/or immobilization of the article within the reservoir. Upon evacuation, the internal pressure in the reservoir can range from about −14.7 psig to ambient pressure, from about −14 psig to about 1 psig, from about −13 psig to about −2 psig, from about −12 psig to about −3 psig, from about −11 psig to about −4 psig, from about −10 psig to about −5 psig, and from about −9 psig to about −6 psig. It will be appreciated that the evacuation port configurations provided for the evacuation feature may be in accordance with at least those configurations described above for the inflation ports of the inflation feature, particularly with respect to formation of the same and seals and closures relating to the same. Moreover, as described for the inflation feature, it will be appreciated that the evacuation feature may include one or more primary alignment features configured to facilitate positioning of the shipping package on, for example, a vacuum rig assembly, where the one or more primary alignment feature may correspond to complementary alignment features (i.e., secondary alignment features) on the vacuum rig assembly for positioning on the same. It will further be appreciated that the inflation rig assembly and the vacuum rig assembly may be the same device, connectable to one or both of an expansion material source and a vacuum. The package can include one or more closeable openings through which one or more articles may be placed into the article reservoir. The closeable opening is preferably an unjoined portion of the sheets making up the article reservoir. For example, the inner sheets12at one end of the package may be left unjoined across all or a portion of the width of the package to form the closeable opening. The closeable opening may be located anywhere on the package and may be configured to best meet the needs of the user. For example, if a larger opening is needed, the closeable opening may be disposed along a side edge11. Also, the closeable opening may be provided through one or more of the sheets making up the package. At a minimum, the closeable opening should provide access to the article reservoir prior to being closed. This allows the user to place the one or more articles in the article reservoir before shipping. In an alternative execution, the article(s) may be placed in the reservoir prior to any of the sheets being joined together or after some, but not all of the sheets are joined together. The closeable opening may be any size desired by the user and can include any type of closure mechanism or material, if a closure mechanism/material is used. For example, the closeable opening may include an adhesive, mechanical closure, magnets, clips, folding closure device or any other closure mechanism desired by the user. In one example, the closure mechanism can be joined to the package at the closeable opening or any other part of the package or may be separate therefrom. The closure mechanism may be a single-use mechanism or may be reusable. Examples of closure mechanisms include, but are not limited to hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, tapes, adhesives, magnetic strips, sewing, bands, interference-type fasteners, framed openings, and any other types of closure mechanisms suitable for the particular use of the package. Where a distinct closure mechanism is not used, the closeable opening may be closed by sealing the materials located in the region of the closeable opening. Such sealing can be done using heat, chemicals (e.g., adhesives), friction, static, sound, or other sources to close the closeable opening. It is also possible to provide additional materials in the location of the closeable opening to help provide the desired closure. For example, additional materials with different melting temperatures or strength profiles may be provided. Also, materials like particles, metals, magnets and others may be provided in the area of the closeable opening to allow for sealing of the materials with different equipment and processes. Additionally, or alternatively, the closeable opening may be closed by expanding one or more of the expansion chambers. The closeable opening may be configured to be reusable (i.e., can be open and closed more than one time) or may be a single-use-type opening. Other features may also be included to help make the package more user-friendly. For example, the closeable opening may be a different color from the rest of the package or may include texture, indicia or other features to make it more readily apparent to the user. Also, the closeable opening may have a sheet, coating or other material therein to help the user open the closeable opening when it is time to insert the article(s). The closeable opening may be configured such that it can be closed at the same time and/or with the same equipment as one or more of the inflation ports45,47and/or expansion ports50,51. For example, the package can be configured such that the closeable opening can be heat seal closed at the same time one or more of the inflation ports45,47and/or the expansion ports50,51is heat seal closed. Alternatively, the closeable opening can be configured to be closed at a different time than the inflation ports45,47and/or expansion ports50,51and/or by different means. Thus, the article(s) can be placed in the package and the closeable opening be closed at a time different than the expansion of the expansion chambers. This may allow for better overall results, for example, if the article must be protected from dust, but the package can't be finally expanded for shipment until a time and/or location different from when and where the article is placed in the package. In such situations, the closeable opening can be closed after the article is placed in the article reservoir and need not wait to be closed until the expansion chambers are expanded for shipment. Although the package described in the example above has four sheets, inner sheet12, secondary inner sheet23, outer sheet14, and secondary outer sheet16, joined together to form the package, any number of sheets can be used depending on the desired end structure of the package. Different numbers of sheets could be used to provide additional strength, decoration, protection and/or other characteristics. In one example, a sleeve can be applied over the package to provide one or more of such features. Suitable sleeves can be provided, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024058, which is incorporated herein by reference. The package in its expanded configuration or inflated state has an expanded thickness. The expanded thickness may be significantly larger than the unexpanded thickness. In some examples, the package can be manufactured, shipped, and stored in an unexpanded state and then expanded only when needed. This may allow for significant efficiencies in terms of handling and storing the packages before use. The same may be true of the package at an end of a shipping lifecycle. Whether it is intended to be reused or discarded, the package can be deflated from its expanded state to a deflated state before or after the article is removed from the reservoir. As used herein, the term “deflated” means any pressure from an expansion material that is causing an expansion chamber to expand has been released. A “deflated state” is when the package has been expanded by introduction of an expansion material into one or more expansion chambers, but then the expansion chambers have been opened or otherwise made to be in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere and the expansion chambers are all in a state of equilibrium with respect to pressure of the surrounding atmosphere. Any measurements made of a package in a deflated state should be made without any articles in an article reservoir unless otherwise set forth herein. In some examples, the package may include one or more article retrieval features and/or one or more chamber deflation features. The article retrieval feature may be used to open the package so that the end user can retrieve the article(s) from the article reservoir. The chamber deflation feature may be used to deflate one or more of the primary or secondary expansion chambers. As used here, “chamber deflation feature” is used to describe any feature that is used to deflate an expansion chamber, and can include a chamber deflation feature or a combined article retrieval and chamber deflation feature. Examples of chamber deflation features include, but are not limited to tear strips; tools to puncture one or more layers of the package; openable closures such as, for example, screw on caps, snap on caps, adhesive closures, mechanical closures; and other closure means and mechanisms. Another example includes providing a sticker or other cover material over a hole or vent in one or more of the expansion chambers that can be removed to release the expansion material. Article retrieval features and/or one or more chamber deflation features can be provided as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024050 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/989,135, which are incorporated herein by reference. The package may optionally include one or more transfer holes. Transfer holes may be formed during a singulation process and may be provided for purposes of locating and/or transporting the package blanks. For example, package blanks may be located for product filling, inflation, and/or formation of various seals. Transfer holes may be laser cut. In some examples, package blanks can be held by and/or transferred by rod-shaped projections that are substantially thinner than the diameter of the transfer holes. Transfer holes can be provided as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0352068, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some examples, the inflation feature41may be removable. For example, the package and/or inflation feature41may further include a removal means to allow the inflation feature41to be removed from the package after fulfillment of the package from the inflation feature41. Suitable examples of removal means can include one or more of perforations, lines or weakness, tear-lines, and tear-strips. The package can be made from a variety of materials. Such materials may include, for example and without limitation, films, woven materials, non-woven materials, paper, foil, and/or any other flexible materials. In fact, an advantage of the package of the present invention is that it can be made substantially, almost entirely or entirely from flexible sheets but still provide the rigidity, strength and protection needed to successfully and economically ship consumer products through established parcel and mail delivery systems. For example, the package may comprise or be manufactured only of one or more sheet materials without the need for additional rigid interior or exterior elements, such as wood, metal, solid foam or rigid plastic or a paperboard box, to provide shape and/or structure to the package. Stated differently, the package may consist of, or consist essentially of flexible materials. This can be advantageous for both manufactures and consumers as flexible materials such as sheets of film are often easier to handle, ship and store than more bulky items like paperboard boxes and other structural packaging members. Examples of materials that can be flexible materials include one or more of any of the following: films (e.g., plastic films), elastomers, foamed sheets, foils, fabrics (including wovens and nonwovens), biosourced materials, and papers, in any configuration, as separate material(s), or as layer(s) of a laminate, or as part(s) of a composite material, in a microlayered or nanolayered structure, and in any combination, as described herein or as known in the art. For example, a flexible material may be a laminate of a paper to a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) material. If films are used, the films may include, for example, polyethylene (e.g., high-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene), polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and the like. In one example, the flexible material may be formed from multiple types of polyethylene for improved heat sealability at low temperatures while still having higher tensile strength. The sheets may include and/or be coated with a dissimilar material. Examples of such coatings include, without limitation, polymer coatings, metalized coatings, ceramic coatings, and/or diamond coatings. The sheets may be plastic film having a thickness such that the sheets are compliant and readily deformable by an application of force by a human. The thicknesses of the inner, secondary inner, outer and secondary outer sheets12,23,14and16, respectively, may be approximately equivalent. Alternatively, the thicknesses of the sheets may be different. The materials making up the sheets may be laminates that include multiple laminated layers of different types of materials to provide desired properties such as strength, flexibility, the ability to be joined, and the ability to accept printing and/or labeling. The materials, for example, may have a thickness that is less than about 200 microns (0.0078 inches). One example of a film laminate includes a tri-layer low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/Nylon/LDPE with a total thickness of 0.003 inches. Other types of laminate structures may be suitable for use as well. For example, laminates created from co-extrusion, or coat extrusion, of multiple layers or laminates produced from adherent lamination of different layers. Furthermore, coated paper film materials may be used. Additionally, laminating nonwoven or woven materials to film materials may be used. Other examples of structures which may be used include, but are not limited to: 48 ga polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/ink/adh/3.5 mil ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)-Nylon film; 48 ga PET/Ink/adh/48 ga MET PET/adh/3 mil PE; 48 ga PET/Ink/adh/0.00035 foil/adh/3 mil PE; 48 ga PET/Ink/adh/48 ga SiOx PET/adh/3 mil PE; 3.5 mil EVOH/PE film; 48 ga PET/adh/3.5 mil EVOH film; and 48 ga MET PET/adh/3 mil PE. The sheets may be made from sustainable, bio-sourced, recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable materials. Non-limiting examples of renewable polymers include polymers directly produced from organisms, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (e.g., poly(beta-hydroxyalkanoate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate, NODAX™), and bacterial cellulose; polymers extracted from plants and biomass, such as polysaccharides and derivatives thereof (e.g., gums, cellulose, cellulose esters, chitin, chitosan, starch, chemically modified starch), proteins (e.g., zein, whey, gluten, collagen), lipids, lignins, and natural rubber; and current polymers derived from naturally sourced monomers and derivatives, such as bio-polyethylene, bio-polypropylene, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, NYLON 11, alkyd resins, succinic acid-based polyesters, and bio-polyethylene terephthalate. The sheets making up the package may be provided in a variety of colors and designs. Additionally, materials forming the sheets may be pigmented, colored, transparent, semitransparent, or opaque. Such optical characteristics may be modified through the use of additives or masterbatch during the film making process. Any of the materials comprised in the package may be pre-printed with artwork, color, and or indicia before or after forming the package blank using any printing methods, including but not limited to gravure, flexographic, screen, ink jet, laser jet, digital printing and the like. Additionally, the assembled package may be printed after forming the package blank and/or after forming the package (e.g., by inflating the package blank) using any suitable method, including but not limited to digital, laser jet and ink-jet printing. The printing can be surface printing and/or reverse printing. Any and all surfaces of the package may be printed or left unprinted. Additionally, other decoration techniques may be present on any surface of the sheets such as lenses, holograms, security features, cold foils, hot foils, embossing, metallic inks, transfer printing, varnishes, coatings, and the like. Any one or all of the sheets may include indicia such that a consumer can readily identify the nature of the product, or any given property of the product, held in the article reservoir of the package, along with the brand name of the producer of the product held in the package, the sender of the package, or any third-party such as a sponsor of either the producer of the product or the sender of the package. The indicia may contain decorative elements and/or may provide information or instructions on use of the product and/or package or other information that may be useful, for example, to the user, shipper, recycler or other party interacting with the package. As noted, any indicia, printing, decoration, information or the like may be disposed on any portion of any material or materials that make up a portion of the package. For example, indicia may be disposed on one or more of the inner sheet12, the secondary inner sheet23, the outer sheet14, and the secondary outer sheet16. In some examples, indicia may be visible when viewing, for example, the top of the package. However, secondary outer sheet indicia may be disposed on the secondary outer sheet16, outer sheet indicia may be disposed on the outer sheet14, and inner sheet indicia may be disposed on the inner sheet12. Printing or otherwise providing indicia on different materials, sheets or layers of the package can provide for unique and aesthetically pleasing and/or interesting designs for the package. For example, portions of the package may be translucent or transparent allowing indicia printed on different layers to be seen through the translucent or transparent regions. This can provide a three-dimensional look to the package that is not possible with paper, cardboard or other opaque materials. Further, transparent or translucent “windows” can be provided to allow printing or other indicia to be seen through the window. Printing and other indicia can be registered with other printing, indicia, and portions of the package, such as an article retrieval feature (e.g., tear strip), label areas, and even the product(s) disposed in the package to provide functional or aesthetic features useful or desirable by shippers, manufacturers, customers and others that may interact with the package. Functional inks may be printed on the sheets and functional pigments and dyes can be incorporated into one or more of the materials used to form the package. Functional inks, pigments and dyes include those that provide benefits beyond decoration such as, for example and without limitation, printed sensors, printed electronics, printed RFID, light-sensitive dyes, thermochromic inks and pigments and those that provide texture or other utility such as UV blocking, protection from radiation or other environmental elements, etc. Additionally, or in the alternative, labels, for example and without limitation, flexible labeling, or heat shrink sleeves may be applied to the sheets making up the packages or the packages themselves before or after expansion to provide the desired visual appearance of the packages. Because films can be printed flat and then formed into three dimensional objects, artwork can be designed to conform precisely to the package itself or articles therein. For example, some or all of the printing may be distorted relative to its desired finished appearance, so that the indicia acquire their desired finished appearance upon being formed into three dimensional objects. Such pre-distortion printing may be useful for functional indicia such as logos, diagrams, bar-codes, and other images that require precision in order to perform their intended function. A variety of primary expansion materials and/or secondary expansion materials may be provided into the primary expansion chambers and secondary expansion chambers, respectively. The primary expansion material and/or secondary expansion material may be a gas, a liquid, a solid or a combination thereof. One example of a solid expansion material is a solidifying foam. Such materials can be introduced into the expansion chambers as a fluid that changes to a solid or as a solid. If a foam is used, it may be an expandable foam that increases in volume as the foam solidifies. An example of such foams includes, without limitation, a two-part liquid mixture of isocyanate and a polyol that, when combined under appropriate conditions, solidify to form a solid foam. One advantage of such an expansion material is that it may be retained within the expansion chamber(s) without the need to seal the expansion chamber(s), which can simplify the manufacturing and/or expansion chamber filling process. The expansion material may include a perfume, scent, color or have other consumer noticeable attributes that can provide aesthetic and/or functional benefits while enclosed within the expansion chambers or when released therefrom. For example, a scent can be included in the expansion material such that when one or more of the expansion chambers is deflated, the scent is released into the air. Further, an expansion material can be used that provides UV protection, insulation or another desirable function. The expansion material may be an “expand-on-demand” material that can be expanded at any time by the user. For example, expansion of the expansion chambers may be caused by a phase change of a fluid introduced into the chambers. Examples of the phase change may include injecting a quantity of cooled material, for example and without limitation, liquid nitrogen or dry ice. By sealing the chamber from the external environment and allowing the expansion material to vaporize and/or sublimate (e.g., when reaching an ambient temperature), pressures between the sheets may cause the expansion chambers to expand. Chemically reactive materials, for example and without limitation, a weak acid, such as citric acid, to a weak base, such as sodium bicarbonate, may be introduced into the chambers and can be activated, as desired, by the user. In such configurations, the expansion materials may be introduced through the expansion ports and inflation features. It will be appreciated that, in certain examples, a package may include “expand-on-demand” material for multiple uses or to be activated at different moments. Although the expansion material may provide any amount of expansion desired, it has been found that a pressure from about ambient pressure to about 25 psig, or from about 1 psig to about 20 psig is generally suitable for shipping packages used to ship typical consumer products. Higher or lower pressures may be desired in one or all of the expansion chambers depending on the article(s) being shipped, the method of shipment, the expected environmental conditions, such as the temperature and/or altitude to which the shipping package will be exposed. The packages of the present invention can be configured to have any desired mechanical, chemical, environmental (e.g., temperature, humidity, light, sound, dust, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, etc.), and other performance characteristics desired. For example, the packages may include materials that resist penetration of humidity, water, light, certain chemicals, and/or gases. An advantage of the package of the present invention is that it can be configured to meet or exceed many of the most common parcel shipping requirements, for example, as set for in industry standards like ISTA performance tests, without the need for multiple different packaging materials or being difficult to construct and/or store the packages. The package may be configured to endure the rigors of shipping through regions of changing ambient air pressure, such as transportation over mountains or shipment via air-cargo. Changes in ambient pressure may include increases in atmospheric pressure and decreases in atmospheric as well as changes in ambient pressure, such as in pressurized cargo holds. Transportation over high altitudes and/or shipment via air-cargo typically include a reduction in ambient air pressure. Such reductions in ambient pressure can result in an expansion chamber that is expanded to a pressure below its burst pressure at or near sea-level to burst during shipment. The expansion chambers may be inflated sufficiently below their burst-pressure that they do not burst during shipment at reduced ambient pressure and/or may include vents or valves to allow some or all of the expansion material packages to escape if the expansion chamber is nearing its burst pressure. In terms of mechanical protection, the packages may be designed and configured to have properties that help protect any articles shipped therein from damage due to mechanical forces, such as dropping, stacking, puncture, squeezing, tearing, pinching, etc. As with other attributes, the package can be specifically designed to meet the needs of the user in terms of mechanical protection by choosing appropriate materials for different parts of the package, appropriately designing the shape of the package and/or appropriately expanding the one or more expansion chambers, among other things. One of the most important mechanical damaging forces to protect against during shipping is dropping. Often packages do not provide adequate protection for dropping because they allow the articles being shipped therein to “bottom out” when dropped. Bottoming out occurs when any protective material in the package reaches its limit of protection and thus, the article therein is subjected to the a resistance force of the surface on which it is dropped that is greater than if the package had not reached its limits of protection. The packages of the present invention have been found to be particularly good at resisting bottoming out of articles shipped therein, and thus, can effectively prevent breakage and other damage to the articles. However, it will be appreciated that the expansion materials and/or expansion pressures may be selected to mitigate such damaging forces as “bottoming out” and the like. Further, the package may include one or more thermally insulating material. A thermally insulating material is one that would result in an increase of the R-value as measured between the reservoir and the outside of the package. In one example, one or more of the expansion chambers may include a thermally insulating material. Non-limiting examples of thermally insulating materials include foams and gasses with R-values greater than air, such as, for example, noble gases such as argon. The overall shape of the package may include at least one relatively flat portion or “face”. This portion may be useful for applying shipping labels or instructions. Although not required, having a relatively flat portion may be useful in terms of handling the package through conventional shipping systems. For example, when conveying packages at angles, rounded packages have a tendency to tumble, while packages comprising relatively flat portions, edges, angles, and corners are less likely to have that disadvantage. The overall shape of the package may be roughly polyhedral. The overall shape of the package may be substantially a rectangular prism. Such shapes can also provide for better stacking, fit into conventional shipping equipment and handling. One way to provide a generally parallelepiped shape is to include one or more gussets in the package. Gussets can help reduce the amount of material used in the package and help reduce the overall size of the package is to separate the top and the bottom from each other such that they are spaced apart when the package is expanded for use. They can also help enable products of different sizes to better fit within the package while maintaining its desired shape. Gussets can be formed in any suitable manner. Inflation Rig Assembly FIGS.3-7depict the inflation rig assembly75having a first portion77and a second portion79. The inflation rig assembly75can be provided to facilitate inflation of the package. In particular, the inflation rig assembly75can combine with the inflation feature41described herein to better position and/or secure the blank110for inflation, and thus, to more easily and efficiently inflate and expand the package blanks to form the packages. The first portion77of the inflation rig assembly75may include a frame (e.g.,81) and one or more nozzle assemblies83,85. For example, and as shown inFIG.3, the frame is a bracket81that supports a first nozzle assembly83and a second nozzle assembly85, in a side-by-side configuration. As shown inFIG.3, each of the first nozzle assembly83and the second nozzle assembly85may include a nozzle87, a gasket88, and an expansion material line (e.g.,89,90). The nozzle87may be any known nozzle or other fixture suitable for fluid communication with an expansion material source and delivery of the expansion material (e.g., compressed air) into the inflation ports45,47. As shown inFIG.3, the nozzle may be radially surrounded by a gasket88. The gasket88may be formed from a low durometer material or any of a variety of materials suitable for providing a pressure-tight seal during an expansion or inflation process. A low durometer material may include materials that have a durometer that is lower than that of the base plate91of the inflation rig assembly75so that compressing the gasket88against the base plate91(and/or the inflation feature41) results in forming a seal. The expansion material line (e.g.,89,90) may be any known type of conduit material suitable for fluid communication with an expansion material source, connection with the nozzle87, and delivery of the expansion material (e.g., tubing). In some examples, the expansion material line may include a main expansion material line in fluid communication with the expansion material source, where the main expansion material line may be split into a first expansion material line89of the first nozzle assembly83and a second expansion material line90of the second nozzle assembly85. In such examples, the expansion material line may further include one or more valves to allow for controlled flow of expansion material between the first nozzle assembly83and the second nozzle assembly85. For example, in use, the one or more valves can allow the expansion material to flow through the first nozzle assembly83while obstructing flow through the second nozzle assembly85. Similarly, in use, the one or more valves can allow the expansion material to flow through the second nozzle assembly85while obstructing flow through the first nozzle assembly83. However, it will be appreciated that the one or more valves can allow the expansion material to flow through the first nozzle assembly83and the second nozzle assembly85simultaneously. Similarly, the one or more valves may provide for different flow rates, pressures, and the like. In other examples, each of the first expansion material line89and the second expansion material line90can be in fluid communication with separate expansion material sources. The second portion79of the inflation rig assembly75may include a base plate91, as shown, for example, inFIG.3. The base plate91may include one or more grooves (e.g.,93,94) on a top surface95thereof. For example, as shown inFIG.3, the base plate91includes a first groove93and a second groove94. The number of the one or more nozzle assemblies (e.g.,83,85) provided on the inflation rig assembly75can be the same as the number of the one or more grooves (e.g.,93,94) provided in the base plate91, and the one or more nozzle assemblies (e.g.,83,85) can be in alignment, or substantial alignment, with the one or more grooves (e.g.,93,94). For example, the first groove93and the second groove94can be in alignment with the first nozzle assembly83and the second nozzle assembly85, respectively. The base plate91may further include one or more secondary alignment features (e.g.,96) configured to facilitate positioning the inflation feature41of the shipping package on the inflation rig assembly75for inflation (e.g., as inFIGS.8and9). In particular, the secondary alignment features (e.g.,96) can correspond to complementary primary alignment features (e.g.,71) on the inflation feature41for positioning relative to the same. In some examples, the secondary alignment features (e.g.,96) can facilitate securement of the inflation feature41to the inflation rig assembly75. In particular, in certain examples, the base plate91can include protrusions to receive the offset holes71of the inflation feature41. For example,FIG.3depicts the base plate91having two offset pins96extending upwardly from the top surface95thereof. The offset pins96may be configured to receive or be surrounded by corresponding offset holes71on the inflation feature to ensure securement of the inflation feature41to the inflation rig assembly75as well as proper positioning and orientation of the inflation feature41for inflation or expansion of the expansion chambers. However, it will be appreciated that, in other examples, a configuration of pins or other secondary alignment features can be symmetrical, especially where no particular orientation is required for the package blank110. In some examples, the one or more secondary alignment features (e.g.,96) may be centrally positioned relative to a width of a base plate91. For example, the offset pins96shown inFIG.3are positioned between the first groove93and the second groove94. While the secondary alignment features of the base plate91ofFIG.3are two offset pins96, centrally positioned thereon, it will be appreciated that secondary alignment features may be provided in any of a variety of suitable shapes and configurations in any suitable amounts and sizes and in any of a variety of suitable positions on a base plate of an inflation rig assembly. For example, other suitable secondary alignment features may include one or more of grooves, rails, notches, impressions, depressions, ridges, pins, protrusions, lines, dots, images, heat seals, and icons. The one or more secondary alignment features (e.g.,96) may be configured for alignment with complementary alignment features (i.e., primary alignment features) on the inflation feature41by a human operator and/or through automated operations. The first portion77and the second portion79of the inflation rig assembly75can be movably associated with each other. For example, and as shown inFIGS.3-9, the frame (e.g.,81) can be pivotably connected to the base plate91, such that the first portion77may be movable between a first position, in which the one or more nozzle assemblies (e.g.,83,85) are away from the second portion79(e.g., as inFIGS.3and8), and a second position, in which a the one or more nozzle assemblies (e.g.,83,85) are positioned adjacent to, or in contact with, the second portion79. Specifically, and as shown inFIGS.5and6, in the second position, a tip of each nozzle87of the one or more nozzle assemblies (e.g.,83,85) may be positioned within a corresponding groove of the one or more grooves (e.g.,93,94) of the base plate91. In some examples, and as best shown inFIGS.4and6, the inflation rig assembly75may further include a hinge98to couple the frame81to the base plate91. In such examples, the hinge may further includes a handle99capable of moving the first portion75, relative to the second portion79, between the first position and the second position. Further, in such examples, the handle99may be lockable in either or both of the first position and the second position, such that, for example, the gaskets88may be secured in a pressure-tight seal for the expansion or inflation process. WhileFIGS.4and6depict the first portion75connected to the second portion79by a hinge, it will be appreciated that in other examples, a first portion may be coupled to a second portion by any suitable connection means such that the first portion may be movable between a first position and a second position. It will also be appreciated that in other examples, a first portion may be unconnected to a second portion yet movable between a first position and a second position. For example, in such embodiments, the first portion77may be connected to an arm configured to allow movement of the first portion77between the first position and the second position. In such examples, the arm can be extendible or flexible or include one or more joints to effect such movement. Accordingly, whileFIGS.4and6depict the first portion75connected to the second portion79by a hinge, such that the first portion77may pivot between the first position and the second position, it will be appreciated that in other examples, movement of a first portion, relative to the second portion, between a first position and a second position, can be rotational, translational, or any of a variety of suitable motions. Further, whileFIGS.4and6depict a handle99to allow for manual movement between the first position and the second position, it will be appreciated that in other examples, a first portion may be moved, relative to a second portion, from a first position to a second position by any of a variety of suitable, known methods, including, for example, known manual and automated means. For example, the first portion75may be moved, relative to the second portion79, between the first position and the second position manually by a foot pedal. In other examples, the first portion75may be moved, relative to the second portion79, between the first position and the second position through automated means. In such examples, movement between the first position and the second position may be initiated by positioning of the package blank on the base plate91and/or upon inflation of the shipping package (e.g., once a predetermined inflation pressure is reached). Methods of Manufacturing, Inflating the Package Packages according to the present disclosure may be manufactured according to a variety of methods. For example, the package may be assembled according to the method described below. Two films (secondary inner sheet23, and inner sheet12) may be placed onto one another. A plurality of primary expansion chamber seams may be formed by heat sealing the inner sheet12and secondary inner sheet23in the top of the package. Two additional films (outer sheet14, secondary outer sheet16) may be placed onto one another and a plurality of secondary expansion chamber seams may be formed by heat sealing the outer sheet14, and secondary outer sheet16together. In some examples, the four films may then joined together by heat sealing all four films together in the region of a tear strip. The films, as shown inFIG.1, may be folded and then sealed through all layers at outer seams to form the package. The primary expansion chamber seams may be formed by a heat or other sealing operation to define the primary expansion chamber(s). A plurality of secondary expansion chamber seams may be formed by a heat or other sealing operation to define the secondary expansion chambers. The sheets12,14,23, and/or16may be joined by any suitable means, including using heat, glue or any of the other means and methods described herein and other known and later developed methods for joining flexible materials. A heat seal die may be used to form the seams. If so, the die is heated to the desired temperature and pressed against the films12,14,16, and23to create the seams. The sheets may be positioned relative to the heat seal die a second time to create additional expansion chambers. Alternatively, in examples including three sheets, the package may be formed from the inner sheet, the outer sheet, and the secondary outer sheet according to the methods described in, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0024055, which is incorporated herein by reference. Prior to forming the expansion chamber seams, a one-way film valve may be placed between any pair of abutting sheets. The film valve may span an expansion chamber seam. One-way film valves are conventionally known and are described, for example, at U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2006/0096068. The film valve may include an ink or polymer material on at least a part of the film valve that enables the film valve to be sealed into the seams created by the heat seal die, but without sealing the film valve shut. Before or after the expansion chamber(s) are formed, the ends and/or sides of the sheets may be joined to form the article reservoir and the general shape of the package. In some examples, articles can be packed into the article reservoir prior to inflation or expansion of the package. The article may optionally be scanned (e.g., for inventory of accounting purposes) prior to packing of the same into the article reservoir. In addition to or in place of scanning the article, the shipping package may optionally be scanned as well. In such examples, the closeable opening can be closed and/or sealed subsequent to packing the article but prior to inflation or expansion of the package. According to one method of packing articles in shipping packages, articles may be scanned and/or packed into the article reservoir of a second package while a first package is being inflated. It will be appreciated that methods of packing allowing for simultaneous execution of multiple packing steps can improve fulfillment times. Packages according to the present disclosure may be inflated according to the method described herein. For example, either the blank110described above or an already-folded package, in an uninflated or non-expanded state, can be provided for expansion or inflation. The inflation feature41can be positioned on and/or secured to the inflation rig assembly75in the first position, such that the bottom surface73of the inflation feature41is in contact with a top surface95of the base plate91. Moreover, the inflation feature41can be positioned and/or secured to the inflation rig assembly75by placing the one or more primary alignment features (e.g.,71) in alignment with the secondary alignment features (e.g.,96), such that the one or more inflation ports (e.g.,45,47) are positioned over the one or more grooves (e.g.,93,94). For example, and as shown inFIG.8, the offset holes71of the inflation feature41can be positioned over the two offset pins96to ensure alignment and/or securement of the inflation feature41, as well as proper positioning and orientation of the uninflated blank110or package for inflation. Also as shown inFIG.8, the first inflation port45and the second inflation port47are positioned over the first groove93and the second groove94, respectively. Upon alignment and/or securement of the inflation feature41on the inflation rig assembly75, the first portion77of the inflation rig assembly75may be moved to the second position, such that the tips of the nozzles87penetrate the apertures48,49of the inflation ports45,47. It will be appreciated that in certain examples, where an inflation feature is provided with inflation ports free of apertures, tips of nozzles may puncture the inflation ports, for example, at the second end thereof. Once the nozzles87penetrate the apertures48,49or otherwise enter the inflation ports45,47, the inflation ports45,47are in fluid communication with the expansion material source. Moving the first portion77of the inflation rig assembly75to the second position also places the gaskets88of the nozzle assemblies83,85in contact with one or both of the top surface53of the inflation feature41and the base plate91to form a seal. In some examples, a fulfillment operator and/or automated equipment may activate the expansion material source to allow for flow of the expansion material through the nozzle assemblies83,85. In other examples, the expansion material source may remain active, such that flow of the expansion material through the nozzle assemblies83,85and into the inflation ports45,47may proceed as soon as fluid communication is established between the nozzles87and the inflation ports and thereby the expansion ports (i.e., when the first portion77of the inflation rig assembly75is moved to the second position). Once an expansion material begins to flow through the apertures48,49, for example, and into the inflation ports45,47, the inflation ports45,47, at least partially restricted from above by the seal of the gaskets88, expand into the grooves48,49underneath to allow the flow of expansion material to proceed through to the expansion ports50,51. Expansion or inflation of the shipping package may continue until the package is in an inflated or expanded state. In some examples, expansion or inflation may continue until a predetermined inflation pressure is reached. As described above, in some examples, the expansion material line may include a main expansion material line in fluid communication with the expansion material source, where the main expansion material line may be split into the first expansion material line89and the second expansion material line90, and where the expansion material line may further include one or more valves to allow for controlled flow of expansion material between the first nozzle assembly83and the second nozzle assembly85. Accordingly, in some examples, the one or more primary expansion chambers and the one or more secondary expansion chambers may be inflated in sequence. Some examples of packages may inflate more quickly when the one or more primary expansion chambers are inflated first, while other packages may inflate more quickly when the one or more secondary expansion chambers are inflated first. In other examples, the one or more primary expansion chambers and the one or more secondary expansion chambers may be inflated simultaneously. Compressed air, or another expansion material, may be introduced through the inflation feature41to expand the expansion chamber(s). The expansion material (e.g., air) may be introduced at any suitable pressure as described herein. For example, air may be introduced at a pressure from about 1 psig to about 20 psig to expand the chamber(s) without risk of rupture of the sheets by overpressure. Further, as noted, other expansion materials may be used and the primary expansion chambers and secondary expansion chambers may be expanded with different materials and/or to different pressures. In certain examples, a fulfillment time can refer to a total cycle time from a moment an operator begins to form a package to a moment the package is released from operator's hand to go outbound, to forming a next package. Fulfillment time may include multiple steps such as, for example, inserting a product into the package and sealing the package, among others. In some examples, a fulfillment time for a package of the present disclosure is about 14 seconds or less; in some examples, about 13 seconds or less; and in some examples, about 12 seconds or less. In certain examples, the methods of inflation described herein can reduce fulfillment times by about 40% or more; in some examples, by about 45% or more; in some examples, by about 50% or more; and in some examples, by about 55% or more relative to a fulfillment time for a traditional cardboard box with dunnage. Any one or all of the openings30, expansion port(s)50and/or vent(s)21may include an indicator that helps the fulfillment operator and/or automated equipment find and/or use the feature. For example, the opening30may have a color, texture, additional material, or indicia84to indicate that it is the opening30through which articles are placed into the reservoir28and/or to indicate where the expansion port50,51is located. The materials of the package may be pre-sealed in certain locations to help the fulfillment operator and/or automated equipment find the opening. That is, sealing together the different sheets in the region of the opening other than the two facing inner sheets12can make it easier for the user to find the opening. Likewise, it may be helpful to scallop or otherwise shape or add rigidity to the distal edges of one or more of the materials making up an opening. Having differently shaped or scalloped distal edges can help guide the user to the correct sheets forming any particular opening or port. Closing the opening can be done with the same means and methods used to close any inflation ports45,47and/or expansion port50,51, as described above, and can be done at the same time, before or after any one or more of the inflation ports45,47and/or the expansion ports50,51are closed. Exemplary means to close the inflation ports45,47, expansion ports50,51and/or opening include, but are not limited to, adhesives, mechanical closures, heat bonding, chemical bonding, one-way valves, pressure, static, friction, magnets, clips, folding, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, sewing, strings, drawstrings, bands, interference-type fasteners, combinations thereof and any other types of closure mechanisms. One method to close the opening, inflation ports45,47, and/or expansion ports50,51is to heat seal the inflation ports45,47, expansion ports50,51, and/or the opening at the same time in a single process. However, it may be desirable to separate the expansion process from the process used for closing the opening. Another way to close the opening is to use the expansion of one or more of the expansion chambers to partially or fully close the opening. In such configurations, the article(s) can be placed into the package before or after expansion of the expansion chambers. In some configurations, it may be desirable to expand one or more expansion chambers and not others prior to placing one or more articles into the reservoir. Doing so can present the package as a structured container (as opposed to an unexpanded, flexible package) which may be beneficial to the fulfillment operator and/or automated equipment. A plurality of packages may be formed from larger continuous sheets of material. The packages may be formed simultaneously or in series. The packages may be formed at the location they are used for packing or may be formed or partially formed separately and shipped to the fulfillment location. The packages may be stored, for example, on a roll, on wickets, in cartridges, stacked or otherwise, as desired. The packages may be formed, filled and expanded by humans, automatically by machines such as robots, or both. In addition, it may be desirable to present the packages in a configuration that they can be filled, sealed, and expanded in a single operation, in a continuous operation of several steps or in multiple separate operations. Special fulfillment stations can be used that are configured to open the opening30or allow the package to be held in a way (e.g., handing through a hole in a table) that allows the user to more easily place the articles into the reservoir. The packages may be configured such that as one package is removed from the roll, stack, wicket, cartridge, etc., the next package is presented to the fulfillment operator and/or automated equipment in a configuration that can help simplify placing one or more articles into the reservoir and/or the expansion material into the expansion chambers. Examples of ways to do this include, but are not limited to, folding, creasing, stiffening, treating, or biasing the materials, adding materials and/or inflating a portion of the package prior to or at the time the package is presented to the fulfillment operator and/or automated equipment that will place one or more articles in the reservoir. Alternatively, one package may be frangibly continuous with the package next to it in the wicket, roll, stack, cartridge, etc. such that removing one package from the wicket, roll, stack cartridge etc. will present a portion of the next package in an open or partly opened configuration. In some executions, a portion of the package is inflated at or near the opening and/or expansion ports50,51and the packages are stacked or otherwise arranged for shipping and storage such that the inflated regions are held in a compressed state. Once the package is presented for use (e.g., filling the reservoir or expansion chambers), the inflated portion expands and presents the fulfillment operator and/or automated equipment with an intuitive and/or beneficial configuration for the next step(s) in the use. Other executions may include partially pre-expanding one or more of the expansion chambers to help the user load articles into the article reservoir. After loading of the articles, the partially pre-expanded expansion chambers can be further expanded to provide the desired configuration for the package. In certain situations, it may be desirable to configure the package such that the opening to the reservoir is located on the same side as the inflation feature41or, in certain examples, the evacuation feature. This can make it easier for a human user to insert an article into the package and also direct an expansion material into the inflation feature41. Alternatively, it may be desirable to have the opening of the reservoir located on a different side of the package from the inflation feature41. This could allow for easier identification of the different openings and/or may allow for simultaneous introduction of an article into the reservoir and an expansion material into an inflation feature41. This can also allow for simplification of the sealing process because the retrieval feature can be located away from where the expansion port is sealed. The packages can use any and all materials, structures, and/or features for the packages, as well as any and all methods of making and/or using such packages, disclosed in the following US patents and applications: (1) U.S. Pat. No. 9,815,258 filed May 7, 2012, entitled “Film Based Packages”; (2) U.S. Publication No. 2013/0292395 A1 filed May 7, 2012, entitled “Film Based Packages”; (3) U.S. Publication No. 2013/0292287 A1 filed Jul. 26, 2012, entitled “Film Based Package Having a Decoration Panel”; (4) U.S. Patent application 61/727,961 filed Nov. 19, 2012, entitled “Packages Made from Flexible Material”; (5) U.S. Pat. No. 10,040,581 filed Aug. 6, 2012, entitled “Methods of Making Film Based Packages”; (6) U.S. Publication No. 2013/0292413 A1 filed Mar. 13, 2013, entitled “Flexible Packages with Multiple Product Volumes”; (7) U.S. Pat. No. 9,469,088 filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “Flexible Materials for Flexible Containers” 61/789,135; (8) U.S. Patent Application 62/701,273 filed Jul. 20, 2018 entitled “Adsorbent Matrix as Propellant in Aerosol Package”; (9) U.S. Patent Application 62/783,535 filed Dec. 21, 2018 entitled “Shaped Flexible Shipping Package and Method of Making”; (10) U.S. Patent Application 62/810,987 filed Feb. 27, 2019 entitled “Flexible Shipping Package”; (11) U.S. Patent Application 62/838,955 filed Apr. 26, 2019 entitled “Flexible Shipping Package and Method of Making”; (12) U.S. Patent Application 62/851,224 filed May 22, 2019 entitled “Flexible Package and Method of Manufacture”; (13) U.S. Patent Application 62/851,230 filed May 22, 2019 entitled “Flexible Package and Method of Manufacture”; (14) U.S. Patent Application 62/864,549 filed Jun. 21, 2019 entitled “Flexible Package and Method of Manufacture”; and (15) U.S. Patent Application 62/864,555 filed Jun. 21, 2019 entitled “Flexible Package”; each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”. Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent publication, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any document disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. While certain embodiments, variations and features have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter. | 102,835 |
11858714 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific techniques and embodiments are set forth, such as particular techniques and configurations, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the sealable vacuum luggage bag disclosed herein. While the techniques and embodiments will primarily be described in context with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the techniques and embodiments may also be practiced in other similar apparatuses. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is further noted that elements disclosed with respect to particular embodiments are not restricted to only those embodiments in which they are described. For example, an element described in reference to one embodiment or figure, may be alternatively included in another embodiment or figure regardless of whether or not those elements are shown or described in another embodiment or figure. In other words, elements in the figures may be interchangeable between various embodiments disclosed herein, whether shown or not. Primarily, it is noted that sealable vacuum luggage bag100(“bag100”) is explained with respect to use with luggage, but is not so limited. References to luggage and clothing are used solely for explanatory and exemplary purposes. Bag100may be used in any appropriate context where space, mold or mildew, or moisture for enclosed items may be a relevant consideration. FIG.1illustrates an exemplary implementation of a front side of a bag100. Bag100includes a body105which may be made from fabric which encases a thermoplastic polyurethane film, or any other suitable plastic or plastic derivative known to those of ordinary skill in the art which may be formed into a bag having a bottom, two sides, and a top. One example of a fabric used to encase the thermoplastic polyurethane film may include a micro brushed polyester. Fabric used for the body of bag100may prevent unintentional perforations of the thermoplastic polyurethane film layer of body105, making bag100far more durable than conventional vacuum bags. In addition, the fabric makes bag100more attractive and comfortable to hold both for filling bag100and for expelling air from bag100, as will be discussed below. Seal bar110may include an air-tight seal using any of the techniques for providing an air-tight seal known in the art. For example, a tongue and groove joint may be molded into the plastic which causes the tongue and groove joint to form an air-tight seal until opposing forces are applied to opposing sides of bag100to separate the tongue and groove joint. The tongue and groove joint may be joinable in the same fashion as a zipper bag or zip top bag, for example. Other air-tight seals may be made using zippers, magnets, or other air-tight closures known in the art. The term “air-tight” may be construed as permanently or temporarily preventing air from passing from outside or inside bag100to the inside or outside of bag100. Temporarily air-tight may mean that bag100may be sealed for a short period of time, such as several minutes. Seal bar110may extend across a width of body105and define an opening of bag100. Body105may be enclosed using techniques known in the art, including thermoplastic welding techniques. Seal bar110may further include fabric from body105which is extended at seal bar past a width of body105to provide loops120A and120B which are respectively connected to a corresponding connector element, such as buckle elements115A and115B which form a buckle115. Loops120A and120B may be fashioned from fabric or the thermoplastic layer of body105. Buckle115may be used to connect bag100to other bags, corresponding buckle elements in luggage, or secure an opening of bag100in a circular position. Bag100may further include one or more valves, such as valves125A and125B illustrated inFIG.1which may be attached to body105of bag100by any technique known in the art including a thermoplastic welding technique. Valves125A and125B may be implemented with a diaphragm and or a one-way valve to allow air to pass from inside the bag to outside the bag but prevent air from outside the bag from entering into the bag through the valve. Other types of valves installed in the bag are possible, such as a welded one-way valve, a one way maze welded valve, or a one way valve with a plurality of openings between horizontal and vertically joined series of welds. Two valves are illustrated as valve125A and valve125B, but this is merely for illustrative purposes. Any number of valves may be implemented in body105of bag100. Valves125A or125B may also be placed anywhere on bag100. However,FIG.1illustrates an embodiment where valves125A and125B are disposed at an end of bag100that is opposite the end created by seal bar110to allow for air to be squeezed from a sealed seal bar110towards valves125A and125B. In this manner, bag100may be rolled or compressed to push air through valves125A and125B, as shown inFIG.1. Valves125A and125B allow air to pass through valves125A and125B as a one-way valve. Once the air is evacuated from inside bag100through valves125A and125B, valves125A and125B prevent air from reentering bag100through valves125A and125B. Since seal bar110is sealed in an air-tight fashion, preventing ambient air from entering bag100, and air is evacuated through valves125A and125B, a vacuum condition may be created within bag100. Articles such as clothing, clean or soiled, may therefore be enclosed in bag100and protect other clothing from becoming soiled or being contaminated by soiled clothing. Bag100may further include apertures130A and130B in corner reinforcements135A and135B. Apertures130A and130B may be used to tether a bag100in a particular position inside a luggage case or may be used to attach multiples of bag100together within a luggage case. For example, buckle115and apertures130A and130B may be used in conjunction to organize clothing into bags each having a complete set of clothing for a day of traveling. To clarify, the use of clothing in bag100is purely explanatory and exemplary. Any item may be contained within bag100including pillows, blankets, coats, medications, or any other item that may benefit from being enclosed within a bag100sealed from external ambient air for the convenience or appropriateness of a bag100user. A further benefit is that when a vacuum condition is created within bag100by evacuating air through valves125A and125B, as shown inFIG.1, the items contained within the bag, especially soft items, require less space in a luggage case, a trunk, or a small closet. As shown inFIG.1, a coating or layer140of anti-microbial material may be positioned throughout or in a specific area(s) of an inside portion of bag100. Anti-microbial material may include materials that inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi (anti-fungal), viruses (anti-viral), and parasites (anti-parasitic). Anti-microbial coating140may be implemented with a chemical substance which prevents or substantially reduces the growth of undesirable bacteria/fungi/viruses/mold/mildew but also does not harm the clothing within. Exemplary anti-microbial material may include chemicals such as halogenated aromatic compounds, nanosilver, quaternary ammonium compounds, antiseptics, or any other suitable material known in the art. Anti-microbial layer140may prevent or substantially reduce the growth of microbial material, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, mold, mildew, etc., within bag100. FIG.2illustrates an exemplary implementation of an inside of bag100. As shown inFIG.2, bag100may include a pocket205disposed on an inside surface of bag100, which may be welded to bag100by a thermoplastic weld200which illustrates one exemplary implementation for connecting pocket205to bag100. Pocket205is representative of a plurality of pockets that may be installed within bag100to hold multiple desiccants or odor absorbing packets. This disclosure is not limited to the use of a single pocket within bag100and may implement a plurality of pockets for various different uses. Pocket205may include an opening210, such as a slit. Pocket205may receive a desiccant to remove moisture from bag100and/or an odor absorber. Both the desiccant and odor absorber may be implemented as desiccant or odor absorbing packages which may be disposed in pocket205. Pocket205may include one or more perforations215, or even a plurality of perforations215, which allow a desiccant or odor absorbing package within pocket205to interact with the surrounding environment within bag100and reduce a moisture level or odor level within bag100. As shown inFIG.2, an antimicrobial layer220, which is similar to antimicrobial layer140discussed above with respect toFIG.1, may be applied to an inside surface of a pocket205in a manner similar to that of layer140being applied to an inside surface of bag100. FIG.3illustrates an exemplary implementation of an internal pocket205of bag100. As shown inFIG.3, bag100may include a pocket205disposed on an inside surface of bag100, which may be welded to bag100by a thermoplastic weld200which illustrates one exemplary implementation for connecting pocket205to bag100. Pocket205may include an opening210, such as a slit. Pocket205may receive a desiccant to remove moisture from bag100and/or an odor absorber. Both the desiccant and odor absorber may be implemented as desiccant or odor absorbing packages which may be disposed in pocket205. Pocket205may include one or more perforations215, or even a plurality of perforations215, which allow a desiccant or odor absorbing package within pocket205to interact with the surrounding environment within bag100and reduce a moisture level or odor level within bag100. FIG.4Aillustrates an exemplary embodiment of a horizontal cross-sectional view of a top end of a bag100. As illustrated inFIG.4A, seal bar110is shown for reference at a top end of bag100. A top portion of bag100may be provided by rolling a plastic layer405over to form rolled tops410which may receive a seal joint, such as a tongue and groove joint, discussed above, zip top technology or any other seal technology. The seal joint may also be implemented below rolled tops410which establish a top-most portion of bag100. As shown inFIG.4A, plastic layer405may be welded below rolled tops410to seal an opening around bag100. Plastic layer405may further be welded to fabric415, which may be implemented as a shell around bag100, as described above, using techniques known in the art. While plastic layer405may extend downwards from seal bar110, as shown inFIG.1, for example, a portion of fabric layer415may be added to a point at which plastic layer405ends on an outside of bag100to provide adequate space for fabric415to be welded to plastic layer405. FIG.4Billustrates an exemplary embodiment of a top view of a top end of bag100, shown inFIG.4A. As shown inFIG.4B, bag100may include seal bar110and may be terminated at a top end by rolled top410. Rolled top410may be formed by plastic layer405, shown inFIG.4Awhich extends from a width of bag100to create a loop120A to secure buckle115A to bag100. One side of rolled top410may be extended to create a weld point420where the two sides of rolled top420may be joined together by welding. FIG.5Aillustrates an exemplary alternative embodiment of a horizontal cross-sectional view of a top end of bag100. As illustrated inFIG.5A, seal bar110is shown for reference at a top end of bag100. A top portion of bag100may be provided by rolling a plastic layer505over to form rolled tops510which may receive a seal joint, such as a tongue and groove joint, discussed above, zip technology or any other seal technology. The seal joint may also be implemented below rolled tops510which establish a top-most portion of bag100. As shown inFIG.5A, plastic layer505may be welded below rolled tops510to seal an opening around bag100. At the same time, fabric layer515may also be welded to plastic layer510at a point just below rolled tops510on an outside of bag100, such that fabric layer515encompasses bag100. A second weld point520may be positioned below a stiffener500, which may be disposed between opposing sides of one of rolled tops510on plastic layer505. Stiffener500may be implemented as a plastic, metal, or wooden material which provides increased stiffness on one side of bag100. Stiffener500may be captured between a weld point520positioned below rolled tops510and below stiffener500. Fabric layer515may further be welded to plastic layer505at second weld point520. FIG.5Billustrates an exemplary embodiment of a top view of a top end of the sealable vacuum luggage bag shown inFIG.5A. As shown inFIG.5B, bag100may include seal bar110and may be terminated at a top end by rolled top510. Rolled top510may be formed by plastic layer505, shown inFIG.5Awhich extends from a width of bag100to create a loop120A to secure buckle115A to bag100. One side of rolled top510may be extended to create a weld point525where the two sides of rolled top525may be joined together by welding. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, components described herein may be removed and other components added without departing from the scope or spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein or the appended claims. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. | 14,169 |
11858715 | MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The subject disclosure is directed to collectable vessels for storing absorbers or collectable absorber canisters having predetermined shapes and colors that can be attractive, ornamental and/or meaningful. The absorber canisters are used in containers that store perishable products. The predetermined shapes or outer configurations of the absorber canisters can have a predetermined relationship with the perishable products for identification purposes. The absorber canisters have specific applications in the medical, nutritional, collectable, advertising, and marketing fields. The absorber canisters can be used with electronics, apparel, leather goods, and textiles. The disclosure is directed to a custom visual identification system that utilizes collectable absorber canisters having predetermined shapes that provides consumers with the ability to quickly identify products that are packaged therewith. Such products normally utilize small product codes that are easily confused with other medications and vitamins that resemble one another in close range. The collectable absorber canisters can be used in bottles and packages to identify unique products for pharmaceutical, vitamins, and food products. The outer configurations of each collectable absorber canister can help consumers quickly identify their products to help give consumers excellent visual information on products that might otherwise be difficult to recognize. The disclosed collectable absorber canisters can have various predetermined configurations that correspond to animals, charms, surprises, and other similar objects, as opposed to the conventional shapes (i.e., cylinders, bags, and sheets). The predetermined configurations can include geometric shapes, organic shapes, inorganic (i.e., abstract shapes), or composite shapes that are combination of two or more of these shape classifications. These shapes can include shapes of numbers, letters, symbols, and logos. Geometric shapes have precise edges and mathematically consistent curves. Geometric shapes include conventional Euclidian geometric shapes, such as polyhedra, ellipsoids (i.e., egg-shaped or sphere-shaped objects), cylinders, and cones. Other types of geometric shapes include spheres, tori, cubes, cuboids, pyramids, and prisms. Additionally, geometric shapes can include three dimensional metaphorical shapes, such as three dimensional versions of asteroids, bowtie-shaped objects, cross-shaped objects, donut-shaped objects, heart-shaped objects, hourglass shaped objects, half-moon shaped objects, dog bone-shaped objects, inverted bell-shaped objects, mushroom-shaped objects, pear-shaped objects, star-shaped objects, and tomahawk objects. Organic shapes include free-form shapes that flow in appearance and appear in the natural world. Organic shapes and flowing in appearance. Organic shapes can include shapes of plants, animals, other living things, or man-made objects, or representations of naturally-formed objects. Organic shapes include shapes of humans that are living, dead, fictional, or cartoonish. Organic shapes can include shapes of animals that are vertebrates, invertebrates, anthropomorphic or cartoonish. Organic shapes can include fruits, vegetables, edible plants, and non-edible plants. Organic shapes can include animal parts or plant parts, such as flowers or leaves, including tobacco leaves or marijuana leaves. An exemplary embodiment includes a red, heart shaped absorber canister that can be utilized in heart medication packaging because heart medication can be difficult to identify, especially in an emergency. Other exemplary embodiments include collectable absorber canisters having body part shapes, animals, and other shapes that can identify what the medical/benefits in a medication or vitamin bottle. Similarly, collectable absorber canisters can be shaped like food products to provide consumers with an easy way to identify such products. These exemplary embodiments can be used in advertising or marketing campaigns. In yet another exemplary embodiment, shoe shaped absorber canisters can be used to provide would manufacturers with the ability to identify their products. Such absorber canisters can be used as a means for advertising or for promotional purposes. The absorber canisters can be scented with perfumes or with aromas for aromatherapy after use for long lasting scents. Other useful scents can be added to provide a pleasant scent in a room, prevent insect infestation, prevent the development of mold mildew, and/or for rust prevention. In other embodiments, small amounts of chemical compounds or other specific compositions of matter can be added to absorbers contained with the absorber canisters for identification purposes. The chemical compounds or compositions of matter can function as chemical signatures. In some embodiments, the chemical compounds or compositions of matter can be identified using chemical and DNA marker analysis. Alternatively, the chemical compounds or compositions of matter can include radioactive components or organic compounds that include specific or unique identification characteristics. The absorber can be a desiccant, an oxygen absorber, or other similar absorbing substances that are intended to protect perishable products. Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture, such as silica. Desiccants can be inert, nontoxic, and water-insoluble substances. Other common desiccants include activated charcoal, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, and molecular sieves (typically, zeolites). Oxygen absorbers include iron salts (iron oxide), yeast, palladium catalysts, sugar alcohol/glycols, sulfites and/or boron. Referring now toFIG.1, there is shown a collecting device, generally designated by the numeral100, in accordance with this disclosure. The collecting device100can be a wearable jewelry item that includes a plurality of collectable absorber canisters110-132and an absorber canister cover134extending therefrom, and a jewelry finding136that connects the collectable absorber canisters110-132to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, all of the components of the collecting device100are choke tube compliant. The collecting device100functions as a system for holding the collectable absorber canisters110-132upon removal from packaging that stores perishable products. In its most expansive interpretation, the collecting device100can include key fobs, watch bobs, and items that can be hung on a wall, an interior surface of a collector's case, a car interior, or a similar surface for display. In some of these exemplary applications, the collectable absorber canisters110-132are not connected to the collecting device100and merely rest upon a shelf, a bottom, or other similar surface. The jewelry finding136can include a flexible or malleable member138that can be formed into a loop and a clasping device140that can close the loop. Each of the collectable absorber canisters110-132and the absorber canister cover134includes an integral tubular fastening mechanism142-166for attaching to the jewelry finding136. The collectable absorber canisters110-132can be attached to the jewelry finding136by disengaging the clasping device140to free the member138. Then, the member138can be inserted into one or more of the tubular fastening mechanisms142-166. In some embodiments, the flexible or malleable member138can be replaced by a rigid or semi-rigid member. In other embodiments, the tubular fastening mechanisms142-166can be replaced by any suitable conventional or unconventional fastening mechanisms, including both tubular fastening mechanisms and other fastening mechanisms. Suitable fastening mechanisms include clips, clamps, clasps, magnets, and fastening mechanisms that incorporate s-hooks, pressure fit connections, soldered connections, adhesive connections, screws, snaps, push pins, lobster springs, barrel boxes, toggles, bayonet locks, twists, pop style connections, crimps, ribbons, jump rings, strings, and other similar components. The collectable absorber canisters110-132can have any suitable predetermined outer configurations or shapes, including geometric shapes, organic shapes, inorganic shapes, and composite shapes. In this exemplary embodiment, the collectable absorber canister110has a decorative banana configuration, the collectable absorber canister112has a heart-shaped configuration, the collectable absorber canister114has a fish-shaped configuration, and the collectable absorber canister116has a tennis shoe-shaped configuration. The collectable absorber canisters110and114-116have organic shapes. The collectable absorber canister112has an inorganic or abstract shape. The collectable absorber canister114includes a flat surface168that can display an indicator, such as indicia, text, a symbol, an image, or a combination thereof. In this exemplary embodiment, the indicator includes indicia. Any of the collectable absorber canisters110-132can include similar surfaces. The collectable absorber canister118is shaped like a realistic looking tooth, which is an organic shape. The collectable absorber canister120has the shape of an edible object, namely a piece of candy, which is also an organic shape. The collectable absorber canister122has an organic shape, namely the shape of a human foot. The collectable absorber canisters124-126are shaped like boots, which are also organic shapes. The collectable absorber canisters128-130are shaped like everyday, man-made objects. Specifically, the collectable absorber canister128is shaped like a personal computer. The collectable absorber canister130is shaped like a camera. Personal computers and cameras are organic shapes. The collectable absorber canister132is shaped like a finger, which is an organic shape. The collectable absorber canister132can be inserted into the absorber canister cover134, which is shaped like a glove. Other exemplary shapes are contemplated, including ice cream cones, teapots, and rings. The collecting device100can be any suitable jewelry item capable of holding the collectable absorber canisters110-132. Suitable jewelry items100include necklaces, chains, key rings, and bracelets. The jewelry finding136can be a strap, a ribbon, a band, a clasp, an earwire, a ring blank, a bail, metal loop, a jump ring, a hoop, a pin stem, a tuxedo stud finding, and stringing material. The collecting device100and, more specifically, the jewelry finding136can be made from any suitable metal, plastic, ceramic, or composite material and can be made through any suitable manufacturing process. The collecting device100can be provided in unassembled form as a kit with the collectable absorber canisters110-132and the jewelry finding136being individual components of the kit. In some embodiments, the clasping device140can be integral with or permanently attached to the flexible or malleable member138. In other embodiments, the flexible or malleable member138removeably separates from the clasping device140, so that the flexible or malleable member138and the clasping device140can be components of the kit. In yet other embodiments, the components are fully assembled into a system, apparatus, or device. Alternatively, the collectable absorber canisters110-132and the jewelry finding136can be provided individually, with other components, or in various combinations, thereof. The collectable absorber canisters110-132can be made from any suitable material through any suitable manufacturing method. Suitable materials include flexible, semi-flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid materials. Suitable materials also include ceramics, polymeric materials, and composites, and, in particular, plastics and metals. In this exemplary embodiment, the collectable absorber canisters110-132are formed through a molding process that utilizes tooling that is designed using 3D CAD drawings, 3D molds, or similar techniques. The collectable absorber canisters110-132can be any color, including metallic colors. In some embodiments, one or more of the collectable absorber canisters110-132can include a cobalt chloride colored humidity indicator on an outer surface. The indicator can react to moisture to change from blue to pink when the humidity reaches a predetermined level. In other embodiments, the collectable absorber canisters110-132can include absorbing material that change color when a certain amount of humidity is present. Exemplary absorbing materials include orange or blue silica gel desiccants. The collectable absorber canisters110-132can be emptied of the absorber material in some embodiments through, in some instances, soaking. The collectable absorber canisters110-132can include a dissolvable plug (not shown) to facilitate emptying. Referring toFIGS.2A-2Dwith continuous reference to the foregoing figures, an environment for another embodiment in accordance with this disclosure is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, a collectable absorber canister, generally designated with the numeral200, is shown. The collectable absorber canister200has an individual shape or configuration that can be used for identification and for record keeping purposes. The shape is an inorganic or abstract shape. The collectable absorber canister200has an outer configuration that can have a medical significance, pertains to food, and/or pertains to nourishment. In particular, the exemplary collectable absorber canister200has a heart-shape, like the collectable absorber canister112shown inFIG.1. In other embodiments, the collectable absorber canister200can have the shape of a brain or another organ for an organism. The organ can be a human organ or an animal organ. As shown inFIGS.2A-2B, the collectable absorber canister200can be packaged in a container210with a perishable product212, which can be any type of medicine, food, edible product, or other perishable consumable item. In this exemplary embodiment, the perishable product212includes heart medicine. Other suitable products include any type of medicine for a human being or for an animal. The configuration of the collectable absorber canister200has a predetermined relationship with the perishable product212. The predetermined relationship between the collectable absorber canister200and the perishable product212provides for quick identification of the perishable product212. The container210can include one or more labels214-216. Each label214-216can have one or more indicators218-220thereon or, in some embodiments, the indicators218-220can be directly imprinted to or affixed to the container210. The indicators218-220can include indicia, text, a symbol, an image, or composite thereof thereon and can convey information about the collectable absorber canister200, the container210, and/or the perishable product212. In this exemplary embodiment, indicator218can include an image, and the indicator220can include text. In some embodiments, the indicators218-220can include microchips or other similar devices. The indicators218-220can include RFID technology that can be passive or active to convey information about the collectable absorber canister200, the container210, and/or the perishable product212upon activation or when read by a suitable reader (not shown). In other embodiments, the indicators218-220can be LED lighting chips and/or tracking chips. The information can include medical information, dates, doses, reminder times, expiration dates, filled dates, manufacturing details, manufacturing dates, product details suppliers, component costs, landing, and other similar information. The information can be transmitted via Bluetooth technology, radio waves, UHF waves, and WIFI. The information can be read using computers, computing devices, RFID readers, and/or other similar technology. The indicators218-220can have a predetermined relationship with the outer configuration of the collectable absorber canister200to enhance the ability to identify the perishable product212. The relationship can be based upon the appearance of the outer configuration of the collectable absorber canister200or upon the meaning behind the appearance of the outer configuration of the collectable absorber container200. In some embodiments, the shape of one or both of the indicators218-220will match the outer configuration of the collectable absorber canister200. In other embodiments, the relationship is based upon a mnemonic device. As shown inFIG.2C, the collectable absorber canister200can be removed from the container210and attached to a jewelry finding222for storage thereon. The jewelry finding222can be essentially identical to the jewelry finding136shown inFIG.1. The jewelry finding136can hold multiple copies of the collectable absorber canister200to signify a number of milestones that have passed during a particular treatment or dosage schedule. In this exemplary embodiment, the collectable absorber canister200can correspond to one or more different medications and/or supplements that are attached to the jewelry finding222that can act as a medical record identification when the patient goes to the doctor or to a hospital. The jewelry finding222can be used for maintaining a collection of collectable absorber canisters, like collectable absorber canister200. The collection can be maintained to serve as reminder of medical dosage schedules and/or as part of a medical treatment regime. The use of the collectable absorber canister200and the jewelry finding222can be particularly adapted to encourage and/or to remind children or similar patients to take their medicine. The collectable absorber canister200can inject an element of fun for children who do not enjoy taking their medicine. In some embodiments, the collectable absorber canister200and the jewelry finding222can be incorporated into visual and digital vaccination record programs, such as the program developed by Arun Shanbhag of Manipal University in India as described at https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/grant/vaccination-beads-visual-and-digital-vaccination-record downloaded on May 5, 2019. In other embodiments, the collectable absorber canister200and the jewelry finding222can be incorporated into programs that are similar to the Immunity Charm program as described in http://www.theimmunitycharm.org/downloaded on May 5, 2019. Now referring toFIG.2D, the outer configuration of the collectable absorber canister200shown inFIGS.2B-2Ccan serve as an indicator or mnemonic device to provide access to a website224on a network device226. The website224can display one or more indicators228-230that can convey information about the collectable absorber canister200, the container210, and/or the perishable product212. The indicators228-230can have a relationship with the outer configuration of the collectable absorber canister200shown inFIGS.2B-2Cand/or the indicators218-220shown inFIG.2A. The network device226can be any suitable network device that can access the Internet, such as computing system, a computing device, a PC, a server computer, smartphone, a mobile device, a notebook computer, and an ipad. Referring toFIGS.3A-3Dwith continuous reference to the foregoing figures, another environment for another embodiment is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, a collectable absorber canister, generally designated with the numeral300, is shown. The collectable absorber canister300is particularly adapted for advertising/marketing applications, advertisements, and advertising or marketing campaigns. The collectable absorber canister300can be used as part of a promotional program, a contest, sweepstakes, or a lottery. The collectable absorber canister300has an organic shape. The collectable absorber canister300has an indicator310thereon. In particular, the exemplary collectable absorber canister300has a fish-shape, like the collectable absorber canister114shown inFIG.1. The indicator310includes indicia, but can include text, a symbol, an image, or composite thereof. The indicator310can have advertising significance, relating to a product name, a company name, coupon codes, reward codes, or other similar information. The indicia can be printed on or molded into the collectable absorber canister300. The collectable absorber canister300can be packaged in a container312with a perishable product314, which can be any type of medicine, food, edible product, or other perishable consumable item. The configuration of the collectable absorber canister300has a predetermined relationship with the perishable product314. The indicator310can have predetermined relationship with the perishable product314or no relationship with the perishable product314. The container312can include one or more labels316-318that have indicators320-322. The indicators320-322can have a predetermined relationship with the outer configuration of the collectable absorber canister300and/or the indicator310. The collectable absorber canister300and, optionally, the indicators310and/or the indicators320-322can have a relationship to advertising material324. The advertising material324can convey information about the collectable absorber canister300, the container312, and/or the perishable product314. The advertising material324can display one or more indicators326-328that can have a relationship to the collectable absorber canister300and/or the indicators310and/or the indicators320-322. The advertising material324can be used in the environment shown inFIGS.2A-2Dto convey information about the collectable absorber canister200, the container210, and/or the perishable product212. The advertising material324can be displayed using an object selected from the group consisting of a billboard, a poster, a flyer, a video screen, a virtual billboard, a virtual poster, a virtual kiosk, a virtual bus, a virtual flyer, a virtual television, an online newspaper, an online magazine, and an online blog. The indicators310,320-322, and/or326-328can convey information about the collectable absorber canister300, the container312, and/or the perishable product314. The indicators310,320-322, and/or326-328can have a predetermined relationship with at least one of advertising copy, a coupon, and a Q code. The advertising copy can include one or more product names, company names, association names, websites, phone numbers, physical addresses, social media sites, or other related information. The configuration of the collectable absorber canister300and/or the indicators310,320-322, and/or326-328can include a mnemonic device that provides access to a website330on a network device332. The website330can display one or more indicators334-336that can convey information about the collectable absorber canister300, the container312, and/or the perishable product314. The indicators334-336can have a relationship with the outer configuration of the collectable absorber canister300and/or indicators310,320-322, and/or326-328. The indicators334-336can include information relating to advertising copy, a coupon, and a Q code. The advertising copy can include one or more product names, company names, association names, websites, phone numbers, physical addresses, social media sites, or other related information. The website330can include additional information about the container312, the perishable product314, related products offered by the company that provides the perishable product314, related companies, advertisements, marketing information, promotional information, specifications, price lists, intellectual property information, or other related information. The website330can include links to social media pages on one or more social media platforms (not shown). Referring toFIG.4with continuous reference to the foregoing figures, another environment for another embodiment is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, a collectable absorber canister, generally designated with the numeral400, is shown. The collectable absorber canister400is stored in shoebox410with a tennis shoe412. The collectable absorber canister400can be scented to scent the tennis shoe412. The collectable absorber canister400is has an organic shape. Specifically, the collectable absorber canister400is shaped like a tennis shoe, like the collectable absorber canister116shown inFIG.1. The collectable absorber canister400can be stored on the collecting device100shown inFIG.1. Similarly, the collectable absorber canister400can be used in systems that are similar to the systems shown inFIGS.2A-2D. The collectable absorber canister400can be used in advertising or promotional programs in the same manner as the collectable absorber canister300shown inFIGS.3A-3D. The collectable absorber canister400can be collectable or cherishable. The collectable absorber canister400is more likely to be re-used when it has an attractive or ornamental shape. In some embodiments, the collectable absorber canister400can have distinctive shapes that are associated with particular brands, trademarks, or other similar source identifiers. In such applications, the collectable absorber canister400can serve as protection from the purchase or sale of counterfeit products. The collectable absorber canister400can provide fraud protection in such implementations. Referring now toFIG.5with continuous reference to the foregoing figures, another embodiment of a collecting device, generally designated by the numeral500, is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the collecting device500is a charm bracelet that includes a pair of collectable absorber canisters510-512, a jewelry finding514, and a pair of fastening mechanisms516-518. The collectable absorber canister510has the shape of a high heeled shoe, which is an organic shape. The collectable absorber canister512has the shape of realistically-looking heart, which is an organic shape. The jewelry finding514is a flexible chain. The fastening mechanism516is a hoop. The fastening mechanism518is a chain formed from a plurality of interlocking hoops. The collectable absorber canisters510-512define holes520-522for receiving the fastening mechanisms516-518. Referring now toFIG.6with continuous reference to the foregoing figures, another embodiment of a collecting device, generally designated by the numeral600, is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the collecting device600is a charm bracelet that includes a single collectable absorber canister610, a jewelry finding612, and fastening mechanism614. The collectable absorber canister610has the shape of a heart symbol, which is an inorganic or abstract shape. The jewelry finding612is a flexible chain formed from a plurality of interlocking hoops. The fastening mechanism614is a hoop. The collectable absorber canister610defines a hole616for receiving the fastening mechanism614. Referring now toFIG.7with continuous reference to the foregoing figures, another embodiment of a collecting device, generally designated by the numeral700, is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the collecting device700is a keychain that includes a single collectable absorber canister710, a jewelry finding712, and a key714. The jewelry finding712is a flexible chain formed from a plurality of interlocking hoops that connects the collectable absorber canister710to the key714. The collectable absorber canister710has an inorganic or abstract shape. Referring now toFIG.8with continuous reference to the foregoing figures, another embodiment of a collecting device, generally designated by the numeral800, is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the collecting device800is a charm bracelet that includes a single collectable absorber canister810, a jewelry finding812, and fastening mechanism814. The collectable absorber canister810has the shape of a brain, which is an organic shape. The jewelry finding812is a flexible chain. The fastening mechanism814is a hoop. The collectable absorber canister810defines a hole816for receiving the fastening mechanism814. The collectable absorber canister810includes a microchip818that can be incorporated into the collectable absorber canister810to prevent counterfeiting. In such embodiments, the shape of the collectable absorber canister810and the microchip818can provide information that confirms that the collecting device800is authentic. The microchip818can include information relating to the shape of the collectable absorber canister810, the source of the collectable absorber canister810, the jewelry finding812, or any other information that is unique to the collecting device800, the collectable absorber canister810, or the source of the collecting device800and/or the collectable absorber canister810. The information can be accessed through active or passive means. In some embodiments, the microchip818can include information relating to perishable products, such as the perishable product212shown inFIG.2Bor the perishable product314shown inFIG.3B. In other embodiments, the microchip818can include information relating to other products that are packaged with collectable absorber canister810, such as the tennis shoe412shown inFIG.4. Referring toFIGS.9A-9Bwith continuous reference to the foregoing figures, exemplary collectable absorber canisters, generally designated by the numerals900and902are shown. The collectable absorber canister900includes an animal-shaped body910. The collectable absorber canister902includes a ring-shaped body912. The collectable absorber canisters900-902are suitable for use with the collecting device100shown inFIG.1. Unlike the collectable absorber canisters110-132shown inFIG.1, the collectable absorber canister900can include elongated tapered holes914in the body910to vent the absorber material held therein. Some embodiments of the collectable absorber canister900can have a row of lines on their outer surfaces to ventilate the absorber material. The collectable absorber canister900can be scented. The elongated tapered holes912can form elongated vents. The elongated tapered holes912can have straight sides or angled sides to direct the flow of scents or odors from the absorbers contained therein. The elongated tapered holes912can have any geometric configuration, such as being straight or wavy. As shown inFIG.9B, the collectable absorber canister body912includes a plurality of holes916that form a porous surface. In this exemplary embodiment, the holes916are small circular holes, but it is contemplated that various regular or irregular shaped holes of varying sizes are suitable for this application. Referring now toFIG.10with continuous reference to the foregoing figures, another exemplary embodiment in the form of a gun safe, generally designated by the numeral1000, is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the gun safe1000includes a body1010defining a chamber1020for storing an absorber canister1030. The gun safe1000also includes a door1040and an electronic locking device1050for locking the door1040to enclose the absorber canister1030. The absorber canister1030has a gun-shape configuration. However, the absorber canister1030can have any suitable configuration that is consistent with this disclosure. Referring toFIG.11with continuous reference to the foregoing figures, a method1100for collecting collectable absorber canisters in accordance with the described subject matter is shown. Method1100, or portions thereof, can be performed to collect the collectable absorber canisters110-132,200,300,400,510-512,610,710,810, and/or900-902shown inFIGS.1-9B. At step1101, a collectable absorber canister having a predetermined outer configuration selected from the group consisting of an organic shape, an inorganic shape, and a composite shape is provided. In this exemplary embodiment, the collectable absorber canister can be the collectable absorber canisters110-132,200,300,400,510-512,610,710,810, and/or900-902shown inFIGS.1-9B. At1102, the collectable absorber canister is attached to a fastening mechanism. In this exemplary embodiment, the fastening mechanism can be the fastening mechanisms142-166,516-518,614, and/or814shown inFIGS.1,5,6, and/or8. At1103, the fastening mechanism is connected to a jewelry finding assembly to form a collecting device. In this exemplary embodiment, the flexible member can be the flexible or malleable member138shown inFIG.1and/or the jewelry finding514,612,712and/or812shown inFIGS.5-8. Referring toFIG.12with continuous reference to the foregoing figures, a method1200for collecting collectable absorber canisters in accordance with the described subject matter is shown. Method1200, or portions thereof, can be performed to collect the collectable absorber canisters110-132,200,300,400,510-512,610,710,810, and/or900-902shown inFIGS.1-9B. At step1201, a collectable absorber canister having a predetermined outer configuration selected from the group consisting of an organic shape, an inorganic shape, and a composite shape is provided. In this exemplary embodiment, the collectable absorber canister can be the collectable absorber canisters110-132,200,300,400,510-512,610,710,810and/or900-902shown inFIGS.1-9B. At1202, a flexible member is inserted into a tubular fastening mechanism. In this exemplary embodiment, the flexible member can be the flexible or malleable member138shown inFIG.1and/or the jewelry finding514,612,712and/or812shown inFIGS.5-8. At1203, the flexible member is formed into a hoop. It should be understood, that the hoop can have any suitable tubular, geometric shape. At1204, the collectable absorber canister is connected to the fastening mechanism. In this exemplary embodiment, the fastening mechanism can be the fastening mechanisms142-166,516-518,614, and/or814shown inFIGS.1,5,6, and/or8. The above-disclosure is directed to collectable absorber canisters that can have various predetermined configurations that correspond to animals, charms, surprises, and other similar objects, as opposed to the conventional shapes (i.e., cylinders, bags, and sheets). The predetermined configurations can include geometric shapes, organic shapes, inorganic (i.e., abstract shapes), or composite shapes that are combination of two or more of these shape classifications. These shapes can include shapes of numbers, letters, symbols, and logos. The collectable absorber canisters that can be used in custom visual identification systems that can have medical, food-related, and/or advertising applications. Such canisters can provide consumers with the ability to quickly identify products that are packaged therewith. The disclosed collectable absorber canisters that are used in bottles and packages to identify unique products for pharmaceutical, vitamins, and food products. The canisters can be incorporated in toys or game, especially children's toys or games. It is further contemplated that such canisters can be used in other similar applications and/or activities. In some embodiments, the collectable absorber canisters can be used with painting kits and/or include decorative colors. The disclosed canisters can include environmentally friendly collectable absorber canisters that can be re-used and recycled to minimize landfill material and environmental waste. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are presented as example forms of implementing the claims. | 35,573 |
11858716 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of the invention, a system for storing and dispensing a flowable multi-component composition (hereinafter referred to as the composition) is provided. Said system comprises a coaxial cartridge for storing the multi-component composition, and a support structure into which the cartridge can be inserted for pressing the composition out of said cartridge. The multi-component composition comprises at least a first component and a second component, which are stored separately from one another in the cartridge and are only intended to be mixed with one another when they are dispensed from the cartridge. This can in particular be a sealing or fastening composition such as mortar, adhesive and the like. The cartridge comprises a hollow-cylindrical cartridge inner wall, and a cartridge outer wall which is arranged coaxially (i.e., having the same cylinder axis) around said inner wall and is also cylindrical at least on the inside. The cartridge thus has an inner chamber, which is delimited radially by the cartridge inner wall, for receiving the first component of the multi-component composition, and an outer chamber, which is arranged radially between the cartridge inner wall and the cartridge outer wall, for receiving the second component of the multi-component composition. Even if the following explanation of the invention and the embodiments usually only mention these two chambers for two components, further (partial) chambers for other components of the multi-component composition can always be provided inside the cartridge, which components are dispensed from the cartridge in the same pressing-out process and mixed with the first and second components. On one of its two (in the axial direction) opposite end faces, the cartridge has a cartridge front wall which firmly closes the inner chamber and the outer chamber in the axial direction, and has a dispensing opening for the first component in the region of the inner chamber and a dispensing opening for the second component in the region of the outer chamber. In particular, the cartridge further comprises an inner piston which closes the inner chamber at the rear (i.e., toward the other end face of the cartridge) and can be moved axially in said inner chamber, and an outer piston which likewise closes the outer chamber at the rear and can be moved axially in said outer chamber. The inner piston is designed to press the first component out of the inner chamber and the outer piston is designed to press the second component out of the outer chamber by means of simultaneous axial movement of the two pistons toward the cartridge front wall (this is referred to herein as the pressing-out process). For this pressing-out process, the system comprises a support structure which is designed to receive and hold the cartridge when the composition is pressed out of said cartridge and for this purpose has a side wall which is shaped at least partly like a tube portion and is at least partly closed on its first end face by a support structure front wall designed to support the cartridge front wall. The inner diameter of this side wall is designed to vary or be adjustable in the axial and/or radial direction of the support structure (i.e., can be varied by applying a suitable force in the system or from the outside) in such a way that an annular gap (i.e., play) between the cartridge outer wall and the side wall is created or can be adjusted when the cartridge is inserted into and removed from the support structure, and a tight fit of the side wall against the cartridge outer wall (i.e., without the annular gap mentioned in between) is created or can be adjusted over the duration of a pressing-out process. This support structure can thus allow both easy insertion/removal of the cartridge and also a tight fit against said cartridge in the case of pressing-out in order to avoid the disruptive pumping behavior (i.e., elastic restoring behavior) of the cartridge described at the outset. In the following, a number of different design options will be shown to make the annular gap between the cartridge and the support structure variable in this way: According to a first embodiment, the cartridge outer wall is also designed to be cylindrical on the outside (cf.FIG.1). The side wall of the support structure is designed as a cylindrical tube which is slit in the axial direction and is in particular made of elastically deformable material (e.g., steel). The support structure also has an externally operable closing and opening mechanism for this slit such that when the slit is open, the tube has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the cartridge outer wall by a predetermined annular gap which is twice the width, while when the slit is closed, the tube tightly fits against the cartridge outer wall. Thus, by closing its closing and opening mechanism, the support structure lies completely against the cartridge, pumping of the cartridge when pressure is applied is prevented and the composition can be pressed out. Said predetermined annular gap width can, for example, be just large enough to enable the cartridge to be inserted into and removed from the support structure without any friction. In particular, the closing and opening mechanism for the slit can be designed as a wedge system (cf.FIG.2-4). Said system comprises an axially slit inner wedge consisting of two wedge halves which are attached on the outside to the tube on both sides of its slit and taper in the axial direction of the tube in the shape of a wedge. Furthermore, the wedge system comprises an outer wedge which encloses the inner wedge on the outside, can be shifted axially on said inner wedge and has two opposite wedge-shaped inner flanks which face the inner wedge. The wedge-shaped inner flanks of the outer wedge are designed in such a way that when the outer wedge is axially shifted in one direction, said inner flanks push the two wedge halves of the inner wedge toward one another in the circumferential direction until the slit in the tube closes as a result. Axially shifting the outer wedge in the other direction allows the inner wedge, and with it the slit in the tube, to open again. In particular, the support structure in this embodiment can have an integrated cover which can be adjusted between an open state for inserting and removing the cartridge and a closed state for holding the cartridge in the support structure and for carrying out a pressing-out process. The closing and opening mechanism for the slit can be mechanically coupled to the cover in that when the cover is open, the slit is also open and when the cover is closed, the slit is also closed. According to a second embodiment, the cartridge outer wall is conical on the outside and tapers toward the cartridge front wall at a predetermined cone gradient (cf.FIG.5A-5B). The side wall of the support structure also tapers conically on the inside toward the support structure front wall at the same cone gradient as the cartridge outer wall and has the same inner diameter on the support structure front wall as an outer diameter of the cartridge outer wall on the cartridge front wall. Due to this geometry, while the cartridge is inserted into the support structure and the cartridge is removed therefrom, there is an annular gap between the cartridge outer wall and the side wall that only closes completely when the cartridge front wall hits the support structure front wall. Here too, the support structure for the pressing-out process lies completely against the cartridge so that the composition can be pressed out without any disruptive restoring behavior from the cartridge outer wall. In particular, the support structure in this embodiment can be opened and closed again along an axial dividing line in its side wall to remove the cartridge inserted therein (cf.FIG.6). For this purpose, said support structure can have two side wall segments which can be reversibly separated from one another along this axial dividing line, each extend only over a partial angle segment in the circumferential direction and are rotatably connected to one another, for example by means of an axial hinge or another rotary joint, along an axial connecting line that is circumferentially apart from the dividing line. This can also be used to insert the cartridge into the support structure to make it even easier. According to a third embodiment, the cartridge outer wall is designed to be conical on the outside and widens toward the cartridge front wall at a predetermined cone gradient (cf.FIG.7). The support structure front wall is designed as a reversibly closable cover for opening the support structure to insert the cartridge via the first end face of the support structure and for closing the support structure for the duration of a pressing-out process. The side wall of the support structure is composed of a cylindrical outer tube and an inner tube which is inserted into said outer tube and mounted in an axially shiftable manner therein. The inner tube widens conically on the inside toward the support structure front wall at the same cone gradient as the cartridge outer wall and has the same inner diameter on the support structure front wall as an outer diameter of the cartridge outer wall on the cartridge front wall. The support structure has an axial pressure device (for example in the form of a spring which loads the inner tube with spring force in the axial direction) on its second end face that is designed to press the inner tube against the closed cover. Here too, the support structure for the pressing-out process lies completely against the cartridge so that the composition can be pressed out without any disruptive restoring behavior from the cartridge outer wall. According to a fourth embodiment, the cartridge outer wall is also designed to be cylindrical on the outside. The side wall of the support structure is composed of an outer tube which tapers conically on the inside toward the support structure front wall at a predetermined cone gradient, and an inner tube which is mounted in an axially shiftable (and in particular completely removable) manner in said outer tube, is designed to be cylindrical on the inside and is axially slit multiple times to vary its diameter. (The outer tube geometry mentioned can be achieved, for example for manufacturing or stability reasons, by a suitable conical tubular inner layer which is permanently fixed in a stable cylindrical outer tube, e.g., as inFIG.8.) The inner tube tapers conically on the outside toward the support structure front wall at the same cone gradient as the outer tube and, when said inner tube rests against the support structure front wall, said inner tube has completely closed slits and the same inner diameter as an outer diameter of the cartridge outer wall. The support structure has an axial pressure device (for example in the form of a spring which loads the inner tube with spring force in the axial direction) on its second end face that is designed to press the inner tube against the support structure front wall. Here too, the support structure for the pressing-out process lies completely against the cartridge so that the composition can be pressed out without any disruptive restoring behavior from the cartridge outer wall. In particular, the inner tube in this embodiment can have carrier hooks on the second end face of the support structure that project radially inward and are arranged axially behind the outer piston of the cartridge inserted in the support structure (cf.FIG.8). The carrier hooks project radially behind the outer piston such that the outer piston, when it is pulled back after the pressing-out process to remove the cartridge, takes the inner tube of the support structure with it by means of the carrier hooks and pulls said inner tube out of the outer tube. As a result, the slits of the inner tube open at the same time and an annular gap is formed between the cartridge outer wall and the side wall of the support structure, which facilitates removal. According to a fifth embodiment, the cartridge outer wall is also designed to be cylindrical on the outside. The side wall of the support structure is composed of a cylindrical outer tube, a plurality of outer rings which are each mounted in said outer tube in an axially shiftable manner, each taper in axial cross section in a trapezoidal or triangular shape inwardly (i.e., toward the cylinder axis) and each rest with their broad sides against an inside of the outer tube, as well as a plurality of inner rings which are each arranged alternately with the outer rings in the axial direction, partly project radially between the outer rings and each widen in axial cross section in a trapezoidal or triangular shape inwardly (cf.FIG.9). Each inner ring has a plurality of radial incisions or indentations distributed over its circumference to change its diameter (cf.FIG.10) such that said inner ring can be pressed radially inward by axially pushing together the adjacent outer rings and, as a result, the inner diameter of said inner ring can be reduced until it is equal to the outer diameter of the cartridge outer wall so that said inner ring is pressed against the outer wall of the cartridge inserted in the support structure. For this purpose, the support structure has an axial pressure device (for example in the form of a spring which loads the outer rings with spring force in the axial direction) on its second end face that is designed for axially pushing the outer rings together toward the support structure front wall. In particular, the inner rings on their broad inner sides facing the cartridge can be geometrically complementary to the geometry of the cartridge outer wall and geometrically designed for said interaction with the outer rings in such a way that said inner rings, when they rest against the cartridge outer wall, completely cover said cartridge outer wall and, as a result, support it radially over the entire surface during the pressing-out process. According to a sixth embodiment, the cartridge outer wall is also designed to be cylindrical on the outside. The side wall of the support structure is composed of a cylindrical outer tube and a hydraulic cushion which rests, on the inside, on the outer tube over its entire radial circumference and also at least partly on the support structure front wall and is filled with a flowable medium (cf.FIG.11). The hydraulic cushion is designed and dimensioned in such a way that, when the cartridge is inserted in the support structure, said hydraulic cushion encloses the entire outer wall of said cartridge and at least part of the cartridge front wall. Its inner diameter, in its unloaded state which prevails before and during the insertion of the cartridge into the support structure, is larger than an outer diameter of the cartridge outer wall by a predetermined annular gap which is twice the width. On the other hand, in its loaded state which occurs at the start of a pressing-out process and the associated pressing of the cartridge outer wall against the support structure front wall, the cushion comes to fit tightly against the entire cartridge outer wall due to the immediate escape/displacement of the flowable medium from front wall portions into side wall portions of the cushion. Here too, the support structure for the pressing-out process lies completely against the cartridge so that the composition can be pressed out without any disruptive restoring behavior from the cartridge outer wall. Said predetermined annular gap width can, for example, be large enough to allow the cartridge to be inserted into and removed from the support structure without any friction. In particular, the flowable medium can be largely incompressible at least at pressures which can be reached during a pressing-out process in the system so that when the cartridge outer wall is pressed against the support structure front wall, said medium is displaced from the front wall portions into the side wall portions of the cushion right at the beginning of the pressing-out process, until the annular gap remaining between the cushion and the cartridge outer wall closes. A gel or a liquid, for example, can be suitable as a flowable medium for this purpose. In principle, however, certain gases, which are compressible but can quickly escape into the side wall portions under increasing pressure in the front wall portions of the cushion and, as a result, also cause them to swell radially, can also be suitable for the described functionality. In the present case, the cartridge inner wall and the cartridge outer wall can each have a circular cross section. However, this is not absolutely necessary for the functional principle presented here, and therefore in principle other cross-sectional shapes, such as elliptical or rectangular, can also be produced. At least the cartridge inner wall and/or the cartridge outer wall can be made of plastics material. In particular, the entire cartridge can be made of plastics material, and its individual constituents can be made of the same or different types of plastics material. In principle, however, other materials, such as metal, can also be used. The same can also apply accordingly to the support structure. In a specific embodiment, the cartridge front wall has a connecting piece on its side facing away from the inner and outer chambers, into which connecting piece the dispensing openings of the inner and outer chambers each open and which is designed for connecting a mixer for mixing the various components of the multi-component composition during the pressing-out process. The above aspects of the invention and the embodiments and specific designs thereof are explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The drawings are schematic. Said drawings may be, but do not have to be, understood as true to scale. In the drawings: FIG.1shows a longitudinal section of a system according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG.2shows a perspective view of a slit support structure of the system fromFIG.1having a wedge closure with the slit open; FIG.3shows a half radial cross section of the support structure fromFIG.2having the wedge closure with the slit open; FIG.4shows an axial side view of the support structure fromFIG.2looking at its wedge closure with the slit open and closed; FIGS.5A-5Bshow a longitudinal section of a system according to a second embodiment of the invention having an annular gap between the cartridge and the support structure when inserting the cartridge (5A) and without an annular gap when the cartridge is fully inserted (5B); FIG.6shows a cross section of the system fromFIGS.5A-5Bwith a side wall of the support structure open along an axial dividing line; FIG.7shows a longitudinal section of a system according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIG.8shows a longitudinal section of a system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention: FIG.9shows a longitudinal section of a system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; FIG.10shows a radial cross section of an inner ring of the support structure fromFIG.9; and FIG.11shows a longitudinal section of a system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. FIG.1, in an axial longitudinal section, shows an example of a system1according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which a coaxial cartridge2for pressing out the multi-component composition contained therein is inserted into a support structure3, of which the side wall13is designed as a one-piece slit tube having an axial slit14(which can only be seen in the views fromFIG.2to4) and a wedge closure (wedge system) as a closing and opening mechanism (cf.FIG.2-4) for the slit14. The cartridge2comprises a hollow-cylindrical cartridge inner wall4and a hollow-cylindrical cartridge outer wall5, which is arranged around said cartridge, having a common cylinder axis A, as a result of which an inner chamber6, which is delimited radially by the cartridge inner wall4, and an outer chamber7, which is arranged radially between the cartridge inner wall4and the cartridge outer wall5, are formed. A first component of the multi-component composition to be dispensed is received in the inner chamber6, while a second component of the multi-component composition is received in the outer chamber7(not shown). On the first end face of the cartridge2, which is on the right inFIG.1, the cartridge front wall8closes the inner chamber6and the outer chamber7, with a dispensing opening being formed in each chamber in the cartridge front wall8. The two dispensing openings open into a connecting piece9which is formed in the cartridge front wall8on the side facing away from the inner and outer chambers6,7and is designed for connecting (e.g., by putting on or screwing on) a mixer (not shown) for mixing the first and the second component of the multi-component composition during the pressing-out process. Furthermore, the cartridge2comprises an inner piston10which closes the inner chamber6at the rear and can be moved axially in said inner chamber, and an outer piston11which closes the outer chamber7at the rear and can be moved axially in said outer chamber; by means of the simultaneous axial movement of said pistons (inFIG.1to the right), the multi-component composition can be pressed out of the cartridge2through the dispensing openings of the cartridge front wall8(pressing-out process). The support structure3is closed (with the exception of an opening through which the connecting piece9of the cartridge2projects outward) on its first end face (on the right inFIG.1) by a support structure front wall15which is formed in one piece with the side wall13in this example. The support structure front wall15is used to support the cartridge front wall8during the pressing-out process. As shown inFIG.1, when the slit14is open (shown inFIG.2-4), an inner diameter of the support structure3is larger than an outer diameter of the cartridge2by a predetermined annular gap which is twice the width, so that a cylindrical annular gap12remains between the cartridge outer wall5and the side wall13of the support structure3, which facilitates the insertion of the cartridge5into the support structure3. In order to make the annular gap12variable, the side wall13of the support structure3inFIG.1is designed as a slit cylindrical tube, preferably made of an elastically deformable material (e.g., steel). The axial slit14, which is open in the spring-open state according toFIG.1, cannot be seen in the longitudinal section ofFIG.1and is explained below with reference toFIG.2-4. FIG.2to4show the slit14and its closing and opening mechanism, which is designed as a wedge system purely by way of example, in three different views.FIG.2shows the support structure3fromFIG.1in a perspective view,FIG.3shows the support structure in a half radial cross section, andFIG.4shows the support structure in a side view looking at the slit14and the wedge system. The slit14extends in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The width of the slit14is, for example, approximately 5 mm, sufficient for a tube diameter of approximately 113 mm. The slit width should be selected according to the tube diameter in order to ensure a sufficient annular gap12for inserting/removing the cartridge2as well as a sufficient path for clamping the support structure3and to allow the support structure3to fit tightly against the cartridge2for the pressing-out process. The closing and opening of the slit14can be made possible by clamping the one-piece, slit tube by means of a wedge system composed of a likewise slit inner wedge16which is fastened to the tube and consists of two wedge halves16aand16bextending axially on both sides of the slit14, and of an outer wedge17which can be shifted axially on the inner wedge16, encloses the two wedge halves16aand16band has wedge-shaped inner flanks17aand17b. If the outer wedge17is pushed back in the axial direction, the slit tube opens due to the spring action of its material. The annular gap12(FIG.1) is thus guaranteed. If the enclosing outer wedge17is pushed onto the two underlying wedge halves16aand16bof the inner wedge16, the gap14in the side wall13closes and the annular gap12inFIG.1is eliminated. It is therefore possible for the support structure3to firmly enclose the cartridge2. The open and closed positions described for all the elements involved are indicated inFIG.4by dashed lines. According to a particularly favorable specific embodiment of the system1, the movement of the enclosing outer wedge17is coupled with the closing of a cover (not shown separately) on the pressing-out device (i.e., support structure3), which cover is provided for reversibly opening the support structure for inserting and removing the cartridge2. If this cover is open, an annular gap12has formed between the cartridge2and the support structure3and the cartridge2can be pushed in. If the cover is closed, the enclosing outer wedge17is pulled over the support structure3, and the annular gap12closes as a result. The support structure3thus lies completely against the cartridge2, pumping of the cartridge2when pressure is applied is prevented and the composition can be pressed out. Only the differences with respect to the first embodiment described inFIG.1-4will be discussed in the following description of further examples of the system1of the type presented here with reference toFIG.5A-11. Otherwise, the same can apply to the cartridge2and to the support structure3as described above with reference toFIG.1. FIG.5A-5Beach show a longitudinal section of a system1according to a second embodiment of the invention having an annular gap12between the cartridge2and the support structure3when inserting or removing the cartridge2(FIG.5A) and without an annular gap12when the cartridge2is fully inserted (FIG.5B). Easy-to-handle insertion and removal of the cartridge2with simultaneous elimination of the annular gap12when the cartridge2is inserted can be achieved here by a conical design of the cartridge2on the outside and a conical design of the support structure3on the inside having an exact as possible cone gradient. The cartridge2tapers toward the front (i.e., toward the cartridge front wall8) due to a conical outer wall. The support structure3also has the same geometric configuration, which likewise tapers toward the front (i.e., toward the support structure front wall15). The angles of the cartridge outer wall5and the side wall13of the support structure3are identical. The cartridge inner wall4can remain cylindrical and does not require a conical design. However, in this case, it is not possible to fill the pressing-out device (support structure3) from the front. Instead, the cartridge2can be inserted axially from behind or from the side into a two-part support structure3outlined inFIG.6. Dividing the conical side wall13in two offers the advantage that the cartridge2can be removed again more easily after it has been pressurized (i.e., after the pressing-out process). FIG.6shows a cross section of the system1fromFIG.5A-5Bhaving a side wall13of the support structure3that is open along an axial dividing line18. For this purpose, the side wall13has two side wall segments13aand13bwhich can be reversibly separated from one another along the axial dividing line18and are rotatably connected to one another along an axial connecting line19(for example in the form of a hinge) which is circumferentially apart from the dividing line18. FIG.7shows a longitudinal section of a system1according to a third embodiment of the invention. In order to ensure that the cartridge2is inserted from the front, the cartridge2tapers backward here and not forward, in contrast toFIG.5A-5B. For this purpose, the side wall13of the support structure3has a movable conical element in the form of a conical inner tube20which is inserted into a cylindrical outer tube21. The inner tube20is loaded by means of an axial pressure device30in the form of springs arranged on the second end face of the support structure3and is mounted in the outer tube21in an axially shiftable manner. If contact occurs between the cartridge2and the conical inner tube20, the entire formation is pushed further into the enclosing support structure3until the cartridge front wall8is flush with the side wall13of the support structure3and the support structure front wall15can be closed in the form of a cover. Using this embodiment, the influence of any diameter tolerances in the cartridge2or the support structure3can be reduced or eliminated. The removal of the empty cartridge2can be supported by the pistons10/11of the cartridge2or the pressing-out device by said pistons or pressing-out device pushing the empty cartridge2forward out of the enclosing cone of the inner tube20when the support structure front wall15(cover) is open. FIG.8shows a longitudinal section of a system1according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In order to be able to do without a conical design of the cartridge2, two conical elements are provided in the side wall13of the support structure3here: a conical outer tube22and a conical inner tube23. The conical outer tube22is composed in this example of a cylindrical outer tube22aand a tubular inner layer22bwhich is rigidly connected to said outer tube, tapers conically to the front and is not able to move axially or radially with respect to the cylindrical outer tube22a. The movable conical inner tube23, which encloses the cartridge2, has multiple axial slits (not shown) in order to allow its diameter to change so that it fits tightly against the cartridge2for the pressing-out process. Said inner tube is also mounted in an axially movable manner on the inside of the conical outer tube22and is spring-loaded with an axial pressure device30(similar to that inFIG.7) in order to support the entire surface of the cartridge2when it is inserted. In order to be able to insert and remove the cartridge2, the pistons10/11of the cartridge2or the pressing-out device can pull back the conical inner tube23using its carrier hooks24which grip radially and axially behind the piston11when the pistons10/11travel back and thus form an annular gap12similar toFIG.1. When the pistons10/11travel forward, they release the axial movement of the conical inner tube23again and the springs of the axial pressure device30press the inner tube23into the cone of the outer tube22. The diameter of the inner tube23which has multiple slits becomes narrower, as a result of which said diameter rests against the cartridge2and the annular gap12is eliminated, as shown inFIG.8. FIG.9shows a longitudinal section of a system1according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. It shows another possibility of a conical design of the side wall13of the support structure3in a cylindrical cartridge2by applying many conical inner rings25which can be changed in diameter by suitable cutting in the radial direction (for example by radial incisions33as inFIG.10). An axial force F, which can be applied, for example, by springs of an axial pressure device30, as inFIG.7or8, presses the conical inner rings25with their surfaces26, which are conical on both sides in the axial direction, against adjacent outer rings27, which likewise have surfaces28which are conical on both sides in the axial direction and rest with their broad sides29against a cylindrical outer tube31of the support structure3on which they are mounted in an axially shiftable manner. The axial force F pushes the outer rings27together axially, as a result of which each of the inner rings25, which are between said outer rings, are pushed inward (as illustrated by the radial arrows) due to the interaction of the conical surfaces26and28. At the same time, this requires a reversible diameter reduction of the inner rings25by the elastic closing of their radial incisions33(FIG.10). As a result, the inner rings25rest against the cartridge2with their broad inner sides32and eliminate the annular gap12(FIG.1). When the axial force F is removed, the diameter of the inner rings25increases due to the spring action of the radial incisions33of the inner rings, and an annular gap12is created again between the support structure3and the cartridge outer wall5(cf.FIG.1). Thus, easy-to-handle insertion or removal of the cartridge2is possible. FIG.10shows a radial cross section of an inner ring25of the support structure3fromFIG.9. It shows a uniform distribution of radial incisions33by way of example that allow an elastic change in diameter of the inner ring25. For this purpose, in this example, many radial incisions33are provided alternately on the outside and on the inside in the inner ring25, which incisions only cut the inner ring25up to approximately half of its radial thickness or only slightly more. FIG.11shows a longitudinal section of a system1according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, which illustrates a further design of a support structure3having a variable inner diameter for a cartridge outer wall5of cylindrical design. Here the inner diameter of the side wall13of the support structure varies by means of hydraulic action. For this purpose, the side wall13comprises a cylindrical outer tube31, inside which a hydraulic cushion34is inserted that encloses the cartridge2both in circumference and on the front pressing surface (i.e., on the cartridge front wall8). If pressure is applied from behind to the pistons10/11in the cartridge2, the cartridge2presses on the end-face-side front wall portion35of the hydraulic cushion with a pressing force F1equal to the pressing-out force provided by the pressing-out device. The flowable medium in the cushion34is displaced into the rear side portion section36of the cushion34, i.e., the side wall portion comprising the cartridge outer wall5, as a result of which its thickness increases radially inward and the inner diameter becomes correspondingly smaller so that the cushion34comes to rest against the cartridge2over its entire circumference and exerts a radial pressure indicated by arrows on said cartridge. Thus, the annular gap12that prevails in the unloaded state of the system1(cf.FIG.1) closes so that expansion of the cartridge2when pressure is applied is prevented. | 34,500 |
11858717 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof. As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances. As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect. Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods. Disclosed is an insulated box assembly and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. The insulated box assembly comprises an insulated box, a box top, and a carrying accessory. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed insulated box assembly is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom. FIG.1is a perspective view of an insulated box assembly100in a closed position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The insulated box assembly100can comprise an insulated box110, a carrying accessory170, and a box top190. The insulated box110can comprise a box101and a plurality of insulated panels130a-d(insulated panels130c,dshown inFIG.3). The box101can comprise a rigid board material such as corrugated cardboard; however in other aspects, the box101can comprise other suitable rigid board materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, or any other material. The box101can comprise a first pair of opposing side panels112a,band a second pair of opposing side panels122a,b. The side panels112a,b,122a,bcan each be a rigid panel. The side panel112acan be substantially parallel to the side panel112b, and the side panel122acan be substantially parallel to the side panel122b. Each side panel112a,bcan be substantially perpendicular to both side panels122a,b. The box101can define a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape; however, in other aspects, the box101can define a different cross-sectional shape such as a circular, triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal, shape or any other desired shape. The box101can define a top end102and a bottom end104, and the top end102can be disposed opposite from the bottom end104. The side panels112a,bcan define lips114a,b, respectively, disposed proximate to the top end102of the insulated box110. The side panels122a,bcan define lips124a,b, respectively, disposed proximate to the top end102of the insulated box110. The box101can define a box opening106at the top end102. The box top190can be sized and shaped to fit between the lips114a,band the lips124a,bto cover the box opening106when the insulated box110is in the closed position. The box top190can comprise an insulated panel140which can be substantially identical in construction to the insulated panels130a-d; however in other aspects, the insulated panel140can differ in construction from the insulated panels130a-d. The insulated panels130a-dcan be attached to the side panels112a,b,122a,b. The insulated panels130a,c(130cshown inFIG.3) can be respectively attached to the side panels112a,b, and the insulated panels130b,d(130dshown inFIG.3) can be respectively attached to the side panels122a,b. Each insulated panel130a-dcan define a border158extending around the respective insulated panel130a-d. An area encircled by the border158can define an insulated portion161of the respective insulated panel130. The border158of each insulated panel130a-dcan define a top seam156aand a bottom seam156bextending outwards from the insulated portion161of the respective insulated panel130a-d. The top seam156acan be attached to the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,bof the box101proximate the top end102of the box101. In the present aspect, the top seam156aof each insulated panel130a-dcan attach to the lip114a,b,124a,bof the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,b. The bottom seam156bof each insulated panel130a-dcan be attached to the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,balong the bottom end104of the box101. The seams156a,bcan be attached by an adhesive such as a glue, cement, epoxy, mastic, double-sided tape, cohesive, or any other suitable material, and the seams156a,bcan secure the insulated panels130a-dto the respective adjacent side panels112a,b,122a,b. The carrying accessory170can extend beneath the insulated box110to facilitate hand carrying of the insulated box110. The carrying accessory170can define a U-shape. A middle portion180can extend beneath the insulated box110. A first side portion172acan extend upwards from the middle portion180and can be adjacent to the insulated panel130a. A second side portion172bcan extend upwards from the middle portion180and can be adjacent to the insulated panel130c(shown inFIG.3). In the present aspect, the carrying accessory170can be attached to the insulated box110such as with an adhesive, such as a glue, cement, epoxy, mastic, double-sided tape, cohesive, or any other suitable material. In other aspects, the carrying accessory170can be mechanically attached, such as with a hook-and-loop fastener, stitching, or staples, and the mechanical attachment of the carrying accessory170can be configured to be selectively attached and detached from the insulated box110such as with hook-and-loop fasteners. In other aspects, the carrying accessory170may not be attached to the insulated box110. In some aspects, the side portions172a,bcan extend upwards adjacent to the insulated panels130b,d. In some aspects, the carrying accessory170can have four side portions (not shown), and one side portion can be positioned adjacent to each of the four insulated panels130a-d. The side portions172a,bcan respectively define handles178a,b. In the present aspect, handle178acan be attached to an end174aof the first side portion172aby a base strip176a. Handle178bcan be attached to an end174bof the second side portion172bby a base strip176b. The handles178a,bcan comprise twisted paper rope, and the handles178a,bcan be laminated between two layers of the respective base strip176a,b. In other aspects, the handles178a,bcan be integrally formed with the base strips176a,b, and the handles178a,band the base strips176a,bcan comprise a common material. For example, the base strips176a,band the handles178a,bcan comprise a heavy kraft paper, plastic, posterboard, cardboard, or other suitable material. In other aspects, the handles178a,bcan comprise a fiber such as cotton, hemp, jute, or bamboo fiber. The base strips176a,bcan be attached to the respective ends174a,bwith an adhesive such as a glue, cement, epoxy, mastic, double-sided tape, cohesive, or any other suitable material. The ends174a,band the handles178a,bcan extend upwards above the box opening106. In other aspects, the handles178a,band the ends174a,bmay not extend above the box opening106, and the handles178a,bcan be positioned adjacent to the insulated panels130b,d. In other aspects, the handles178a,bcan have a different shape and can be attached directly to the respective side portions172a,b. In some aspects, the handles178a,bcan be formed integrally with the respective side portions172a,b, for example, by cutting a hand hole through the respective side portion172a,b. FIG.2is a perspective view of the insulated box assembly100ofFIG.1with the box top190in an open position. In the open position, the box top190can be removed from the box opening106, thereby exposing a box cavity206defined within the box101. The first pair of opposing side panels112a,band the second pair of opposing side panels122a,bof the box101can define the box cavity206. A pair of shoulders222a,bcan extend inwards into the box cavity206from each of the side panels122a,b, as represented by the shoulder222b(shoulder222ashown inFIG.3). The shoulders222a,bare configured to support the box top190when the box top190is positioned between the lips114a,b,124a,bin the closed position. In the closed position, the box top190can cover the box opening106and enclose the box cavity206. In the present, aspect, the box top190can comprise the insulated panel140and a top panel240. The top panel240can be a rigid panel. The insulated panel140can be attached to the top panel240and positioned atop the top panel240as shown. In other aspects, the box top190can be flipped, and the insulated panel140can be positioned beneath the top panel240. In other aspects, the box top190can comprise a second insulated panel (not shown), and the box top190can be insulated on both sides for added insulation value. In other aspects, the box top190may not comprise the insulated panel140, and the top panel240can be uninsulated. The top panel240can comprise corrugated cardboard in the present aspect; however, in other aspects the top panel240can be comprise a suitable rigid board material such as wood, plastic, metal, or any other material. FIG.3is a cross-section of the insulated box110ofFIG.1taken along line3-3shown inFIG.2, with the carrying accessory170and the box top190removed. As shown, each shoulder222a,bcan comprise two sub-shoulders322. The shoulder222acan comprise the sub-shoulders322a,b, and the shoulder222bcan comprise the sub-shoulders322c,d. The sub-shoulders322a-dcan be defined by a plurality of first wings312a-dand a plurality of second wings324a-d. The first wings312a,bcan be attached at opposite sides of the side panel112a, and the first wings312c,dcan be attached at opposite sides of the side panel112b. The second wings324a,bcan be attached at opposite sides of the side panel122a, and the second wings324c,dcan be attached at opposite sides of the side panel122b. The second wing324acan be folded inwards at a hinge365aand positioned adjacent to an inner side surface326adefined by the side panel122a, and the first wing312ccan be folded at a hinge370cand positioned adjacent to the second wing324a. The second wing324aand the first wing312ccan be secured in position, such as with an adhesive, to form the sub-shoulder322a. The second wing324bcan be folded inwards at a hinge365band positioned adjacent to the inner side surface326a, and the first wing312acan be folded at a hinge370aand positioned adjacent to the second wing324b. The second wing324band the first wing312acan be secured in position, such as with an adhesive, to form the sub-shoulder322b. For the sub-shoulder322cof shoulder222b, the second wing324ccan be folded inward at a hinge365cand positioned adjacent to an inner side surface326bdefined by the side panel122b. The first wing312dcan then be folded at a hinge370dand positioned adjacent to the second wing324c. The first wing312dand the second wing324ccan be secured in position, such as with an adhesive, to form the sub-shoulder322c. For the sub-shoulder322dof shoulder222b, the second wing324dcan be folded inward at a hinge365dand positioned adjacent to the inner side surface326b. The first wing312bcan then be folded at a hinge370band positioned adjacent to the second wing324d. The first wing312band the second wing324dcan be secured in position, such as with an adhesive, to form the sub-shoulder322d. The formation of the sub-shoulders322a-dcan also secure each side panel112a,bto each side panel122a,b, thereby defining the square or rectangular horizontal cross-section of the box101. The box101can further comprise a bottom panel306. The bottom panel306can be a rigid panel. The bottom panel306can be disposed at the bottom end104of the box101, and the bottom panel306can be attached to each of the side panels112a,b,122a,b. The bottom panel306can further define the box cavity206. The box101is but one example of a box, and the methods discussed below for insulating the box101to form the insulated box110can be applied to a box of another shape, size, or form. In the present aspect, the bottom panel306can define a center subpanel380disposed at a center of the bottom panel306. The center subpanel380can be substantially rectangular in shape. A center fold line382can extend between the center subpanel380and each side panel112a,b, and the center fold line382can substantially bisect the bottom panel306, with the exception of within the center subpanel380. The center fold line382can also bisect each side panel112a,b, as shown and further described with respect toFIG.7. Four corner fold lines384a-dcan extend between the corners of the center subpanel380and the hinges370a-d. The corner fold line384acan extend from the hinge370ato the center subpanel380. The corner fold line384bcan extend from the hinge370bto the center subpanel380. The corner fold line384ccan extend from the hinge370cto the center subpanel380. The corner fold line384dcan extend from the hinge370dto the center subpanel380. A plurality of V-shaped fold lines386a-fcan extend between the hinges370a-dand the center fold line382. The V-shaped fold lines386a-ccan each extend from the hinge370ato center fold line382and then to the hinge370b. The V-shaped fold lines386a-ccan be defined between the corner fold lines384aand384b. The V-shaped fold lines386d-fcan each extend from the hinge370cto center fold line382and then to the hinge370d. The V-shaped fold lines386d-fcan be defined between the corner fold lines384cand384d. The center subpanel380, the center fold line382, the corner fold lines384a-d, and the V-shaped fold lines386a-fcan cooperate to collapse the insulated box110and to provide the bottom panel306with a truncated pyramidal shape when collapsed, as further discussed below with respect toFIG.8. The box101of the insulated box110can be clad with the insulated panels130a-d. The insulated panel130acan be attached to an outer side surface328adefined by the side panel122a. The insulated panel130bcan be attached to an outer side surface314adefined by the side panel112a. The insulated panel130ccan be attached to an outer side surface328bdefined by the side panel122b. The insulated panel130dcan be attached to an outer side surface314bdefined by the side panel112b. In the present aspect, the box101can be externally clad with the insulated panels130a-d, however in other aspects, the box101can be internally clad, both internally and externally clad, or a mixed arrangement of partially internally clad and partially externally clad with insulated panels130. In the present aspect, each insulated panel130a-dcan comprise an insulation batt350, a first sheet352, and a second sheet354. The insulation batt350can be encapsulated in a panel cavity351defined between the first sheet352and the second sheet354. The insulation batt350can be encapsulated by the border158which can extend around a perimeter359of the insulation batt350, thereby sealing the panel cavity351. The panel cavity351containing the insulation batt350can define the insulated portion161of the respective insulated panel130a-d. The border158can be a seam formed by attaching a perimeter portion of the first sheet352which overhangs the perimeter359of the insulation batt350with a perimeter portion of the second sheet354which also overhangs the perimeter359of the insulation batt350. The first sheet352can be attached to the second sheet354with an adhesive such as a glue, cement, epoxy, mastic, cohesive, double-side tape or other suitable adhesive to form the border158. In some aspects, the border158can be formed by mechanically fastening the first sheet352to the second sheet354, such as by stapling, stitching, or any other suitable method of fastening. The border158can further define a first side seam356aand a second side seam356b. In the present aspect, the first side seam356aand the second side seam356bcan be vertically oriented seams. The first side seam356aand the second side seam356bof the border158can be folded inwards and disposed between the insulation batt350of the insulated portion161and the outer side surface328a,bof the respective side panels122a,bor the outer side surfaces314a,bof the respective side panels112a,b. The first side seam356aand the second side seam356bcan be attached to the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,b, thereby further securing the insulated panel130a-dto the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,band enclosing the insulation batt350between the first sheet352and the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,b. By folding the first side seam356aand the second side seam356binwards, the insulation batt350and the insulated portion161can extend completely across or nearly completely across the width of the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,bwithout leaving the first side seam356aand the second side seam356bsticking outwards beyond the side panel112a,b,122a,b. This configuration can provide full insulation or nearly full insulation over the width of the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,b. With the first side seam356aand the second side seam356bfolded inwards, the first sheet352can be attached to the respective adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,bwith an adhesive such as a glue, cement, epoxy, mastic, double-sided tape, cohesive, or other suitable material. A portion of the second sheet354extending between the first side seam356aand the second side seam356bcan also be in facing contact with the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,band can optionally be attached with the adhesive. In other aspects, the insulated panels130a-dmay not comprise the second sheet354, and either the insulation batt350can be in facing contact with the respective adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,b, or the first sheet352can fully encapsulate the insulation batt350. FIG.4is a cross-section of the insulated box assembly100ofFIG.1taken along line4-4shown inFIG.2. In the present view, the carrying accessory170has been removed. The insulated box assembly100can further comprise an insulated cavity panel430which can be disposed within the box cavity206. The insulated cavity panel430can be constructed similar to the insulated panels130a-d,190; however, in the present aspect, the insulated cavity panel430can be a loose panel. The insulated portion161of the insulated cavity panel430can be shaped and sized complimentary to the horizontal cross-section of the box101in order to provide a close fit within the box cavity206. As shown, the insulated cavity panel430can divide the box cavity206into a first sub-compartment406aand a second sub-compartment406b. In the present aspect, the insulated cavity panel430can be horizontally oriented, and the first sub-compartment406acan be an upper sub-compartment while the second sub-compartment406bcan be a lower sub-compartment. In other aspects, the insulated cavity panel430can be vertically oriented to divide the box cavity206into side-by-side compartments. In some aspects, the insulated box110can comprise multiple cavity panels430disposed within the box cavity206to divide the box cavity206into more than two compartments or no cavity panels430so that the box cavity206is a single compartment. Dividing the box cavity206into sub-compartments can be desirable in order to package both hot and cold contents in the same insulated box110or other contents that should be stored at different temperatures. In the present aspect, the bottom panel306can be uninsulated. Optionally, the insulated cavity panel430can be placed atop the bottom panel306to provide insulation for the bottom end104of the insulated box110. In other aspects, the insulated box110can further comprise another insulated panel130(not shown) attached internally or externally to the bottom panel306. In aspects in which the box top190can be uninsulated, the insulated cavity panel430can be positioned adjacent to the box top190to provide insulation for the top end102of the insulated box110. In some aspects, the bottom panel306can be insulated and the insulated cavity panel430can be placed atop the bottom panel306in order to provide additional insulation for example. In some aspects, the insulated box assembly100can comprise multiple insulated cavity panels430positioned within the box cavity206. The bottom seam156band the top seam156aof the border158of each insulated panel130a-dcan extend outwards from the perimeter359of the insulation batt350and the insulated portion161. As previously discussed, the bottom seams156band the top seams156acan be attached to the respective adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,bwith the adhesive in order to secure the insulated panels130a-d, to the box101proximate the top end102and the bottom end104. In such aspects, the second sheet354can be attached to the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,b, and the first sheet352may not contact the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,bat the bottom seam156band the top seam156a; however, the insulation batt350remains enclosed between the first sheet352and the adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,b. Optionally, portions of the second sheet354disposed between the top seams156aand the bottom seam156bcan also be attached to the respective adjacent side panel112a,b,122a,bwith the adhesive. The outward extending top seams156acan leave the lips114a,b,124a,buninsulated; however, because the box top190rests below the box opening106on the shoulders222a,b(should222bshown inFIG.3), the top end102of the insulated box110can remain fully insulated. Similarly, the bottom seams156bcan leave a portion of the side panels112a,b,122a,bproximate the bottom panel306uninsulated. However, in aspects in which the insulated cavity panel430can be positioned atop the bottom panel306, the insulated cavity panel430can fully insulate the bottom end104of the insulated box110. In other aspects, either or both of the bottom seams156band top seams156acan be folded inward towards the insulation batt350and the insulated portion161, and the insulation batt350can fully cover the height of the side panels112a,b,122a,b. The outwardly extended bottom seams156bcan define a bottom taper458extending around the insulated box110proximate the bottom end104. The bottom taper458can cooperate with the lips114a,b,124a,bto securely stack multiple insulated boxes110on top of one another. The lips114a,b,124a,bof a lower insulated box of the stack of insulated boxes can deflect outwards allowing the bottom taper458of an upper insulated box to nest between the lips114a,b,124a,band atop the box top190of the lower insulated box. By nesting between the lips114a,b,124a,b, the lips114a,b,124a,bcan prevent the upper insulated box from sliding sideways off the top end102of the lower insulated box. The insulated boxes110can also be conveyable, such as on a conveyor belt, and the insulated boxes110can be rigid and strong enough to resist collapse on the conveyor belt. FIG.5is a perspective view of a method of manufacturing for an insulated panel510. The method can apply to the manufacture of the insulated panels130a-d,140,430. In a step501, the insulation batt350can be positioned between the first sheet352and the second sheet354. The first sheet352and the second sheet354can be sized and shaped complimentary to each other; however in some aspects, the sheets352,354can differ in size and shape. The insulation batt350and the sheets352,354can each be flat and substantially planar before assembly. In the present aspect, the insulation batt350can be approximately ⅜″ thick; however this thickness is not limiting. The thickness can range from 1/16″ to over 2″ with a preferred range of ¼″ to ½″. The first sheet352can define a first outer edge552, and a portion of the first sheet352proximate the first outer edge552can define a first perimeter portion542. The second sheet354can define a second outer edge554, and a portion of the second sheet354proximate the second outer edge554can define a second perimeter portion544. The sheets352,354can be sized to overhang the insulation batt350on all sides with the first perimeter portion542and the second perimeter portion544extending beyond the perimeter359of the insulation batt350. The first perimeter portion542can encompass a first interior portion536of the first sheet352, and the second perimeter portion544can encompass a second interior portion538of the second sheet354. The interior portions536,538can be sized and shaped complimentary to the insulation batt350. Surfaces of the sheets352,354facing one another can be treated with an adhesive530such as a cohesive. In various aspects, the adhesive can be a glue, epoxy, cement, double-sided tape, or other suitable adhesive. The surfaces can be entirely treated with the adhesive530or selectively treated with the adhesive530. In the aspect shown, the perimeter portions542,544can be selectively treated with the adhesive530. In some aspects, the insulation batt350can also be adhered to the interior portions536,538of the sheets352,354. In a step502, the sheets352,354can be aligned and positioned in facing engagement wherein the first perimeter portion542can be attached to the second perimeter portion544by the adhesive530. The insulation batt350can be aligned between the interior portions536,538. Attaching the perimeter portions542,544can form the border158of the insulated panel510around the perimeter359of the insulation batt350. As depicted in step502, the bottom seam156bhas been formed, the first side seam356aand the second side seam356bare partially formed, and the top seam156ais yet to be formed. The border158can seal the insulation batt350within the panel cavity351defined between the interior portions536,538of the sheets352,354, respectively. Portions of the insulated panel510containing the insulation batt350can define the insulated portion161of the insulated panel510. In some aspects, the insulation batt350can be aligned off-center from the sheets352,354wherein the border158can extend outwards further in some areas than others. In some aspects, the first side seam356a, the second side seam356b, the bottom seam156b, and the top seam156acan define different widths from one another. For example and without limitation, the first side seam356acan extend outwards from the insulation batt350further than the bottom seam156bor vice versa. In a step503, the first perimeter portion542has been fully attached to the second perimeter portion544, thereby forming the completed border158. Each of the first side seam356a, the second side seam356b, the bottom seam156b, and the top seam156aare fully formed. Manufacturing of the insulated panel510is thus completed; however in some aspects, the method can comprise additional steps such as cutting slots into the border158. The border158can fully encapsulate the insulation batt350within the panel cavity351; however in some aspects, the insulation batt350may not be fully encapsulated. In some aspects, the insulation batt350can define a complex shape which can comprise curves, notches, cutouts, or other features which can be reflected by complimentary shapes of the border158and the insulated portion161. In other aspects, the border158may not fully encompass and encapsulate the insulation batt350. In some aspects, some portions of the perimeter359may be exposed at an unfinished side or a cutout of the border158. In some aspects, the insulated panel510may not define the border158on any portion of the perimeter of the insulated panel510, and the entire perimeter can define an unfinished edge. In such aspects, the insulated panel510can comprise pre-laminated paper and each of the sheets352,354can be attached in facing contact with the insulation batt350with, for example and without limitation, an adhesive. In some aspects in which the insulated panel510defines the border158, the insulation batt350can also be attached in facing contact with one or both of the sheets352,354. In some aspects, the pre-laminated paper can be provided in a roll, and the insulated panels510can be cut to size from the roll. In other aspects, the first sheet352and the second sheet354can be halves of a single sheet (not shown) which can be folded substantially in half. In such aspects, the insulation batt350can be encapsulated between the two halves of the single sheet. In other aspects, the second sheet354can be a board (not shown), such as a piece of cardboard, and the insulation batt350can be encapsulated between the first sheet352and the board. FIGS.6A-Cshow perspective views of a method for attaching the insulated panel130ato the side panel122a. InFIG.6A, the insulated panel130ais shown partially attached to the side panel122a. In the present aspect, the insulated panel130aand the adjacent insulated panel130bcan be separate and isolated insulation panels130which are not connected together. By using isolated insulated panels130, manufacturing stress around corners of the insulated box110can be reduced during assembly of the insulated box110, thereby reducing the likelihood of ripping or tearing the insulated panels130during assembly. The insulated panel130acan be positioned adjacent to the side panel122a, and the bottom seam156bcan be attached to a perimeter area656of the outer side surface328a. The perimeter area656can extend around the edges of the side panel122a. Specifically, the bottom seam156bcan be attached to a bottom portion (not shown) of the perimeter area656extending along the bottom end104of the side panel122a. The perimeter area656can also define a first portion658aand a second portion658bextending upwards from the bottom portion towards a top portion658c. The top portion658ccan extend along the lip124aproximate the top end102of the side panel122a. The bottom seam156bof the border158can extend outwards from the insulated portion161of the insulated panel130a, and the second sheet354of the bottom seam156bcan be attached to the outer side surface328a. In other aspects, the bottom seam156bcan be folded inwards towards the insulation batt350(not shown) encapsulated within the insulated portion161. The bottom seam156bcan be attached in facing contact with the side panel122aby an adhesive such as a glue, epoxy, cement, mastic, or any other suitable adhesive. In other aspects, the bottom seam156bcan be mechanically attached to the side panel122asuch as with a hook-and-loop fastener, stitching, or staples, or other suitable fasteners. In the present aspect, the first side seam356aand the second side seam356b(shown inFIG.6B) can be folded inwards towards the insulation batt350(not shown) encapsulated within the insulated portion161. The first side seam356acan be attached to the bottom portion (not shown) at an intersection between the bottom portion and the first portion658aof the perimeter area656. The second side seam356bcan be attached to the bottom portion (not shown) at an intersection between the bottom portion and the second portion658bof the perimeter area656. InFIG.6B, the insulated panel130ais shown with the bottom seam156battached to the side panel122a, and the first side seam356aand the second side seam356bpartially attached to the first portion658aand the second portion658bof the perimeter area656, respectively. The first sheet352of the first side seam356aand the second side seam356bcan be attached in facing contact to the perimeter portion656of the outer side surface328aby an adhesive such as a glue, epoxy, cement, mastic, double-sided tape, cohesive, or other suitable adhesive. In other aspects, the first sheet352of the first side seam356aand the second side seam356bcan be mechanically attached to the perimeter portion656of the outer side surface328a, such as with a hook-and-loop fastener, stitching, or staples, or other suitable fasteners. In the aspect shown, the insulated panel130ais shown as first attached proximate the bottom end104and then subsequently attached upwards along the first side seam356aand the second side seam356btowards the top end102; however, this sequence and direction of attachment are not limiting. The insulated panel130acan first be attached at the first side seam356a, the second side seam356b, or the top seam156aand further attached in a sideways or downwards direction, or in any other suitable sequence. In some aspects, the second sheet354of the insulated portion161can also be attached to the outer side surface328aby an adhesive such as a glue, epoxy, cement, mastic, or any other suitable adhesive. FIG.6Cshows the insulated panel130acompletely attached to the side panel122a. The first side seam356a(shown inFIG.6B) can be completely attached to the first portion658a(shown inFIG.6B) of the perimeter area656(shown inFIG.6B) from the bottom end104to the top end102. The second side seam356b(shown inFIG.6B) can be completely attached to the second portion658b(shown inFIG.6B) of the perimeter area656(shown inFIG.6B) from the bottom end104to the top end102. The top seam156acan be fully attached to the top portion658c(shown inFIG.6B) by an adhesive such as a glue, epoxy, cement, mastic, double-sided tape, cohesive, or any other suitable adhesive. In other aspects, the top seam156acan be mechanically attached to the top portion658c, such as with a hook-and-loop fastener, staples, or stitching, or other suitable fasteners. The method for attaching the insulated panel130ato the side panel122ashown inFIGS.6A-Ccan apply to any of the insulated panels130a-d,140and any of the adjacent panels112a,b,122a,b,240. The method can also be used to attach the insulated panels130a-dto an inner surface, such as inner side surfaces326a,b, within the box cavity206. The method is demonstrated on the assembled box101, and the method is exemplary and not limiting. The various panels112a,b,122a,b,306of the box101can be clad with insulated panels130a-dprior to assembly of the box101. For example, the insulated panels130a-d, can be attached to the respective panels112a,b,122a,bof an unfolded box blank710(shown inFIG.7). It can be desirable to attach the insulated panels130a-dto the unfolded box blank710prior to assembly in order to reduce mechanical handling of the box101. FIG.7is a top view of the box blank710which can be assembled to form the box101of the insulated box110. The box blank710can further define four corner cuts750a-d. In other aspects, the box blank710can define fold lines or scored lines in place of the corner cuts750a-d. A first corner cut750acan extend outwards from the bottom panel306to separate the first wing312afrom the second wing324b. A second corner cut750bcan extend outwards from the bottom panel306to separate the first wing312bfrom the second wing324d. A third corner cut750ccan extend outwards from the bottom panel306to separate the first wing312cfrom the second wing324a. A fourth corner cut750dcan extend outwards from the bottom panel306to separate the first wing312dfrom the second wing324c. In other aspects, the corner cuts750a-dcan be creases instead of cuts, and the adjacent wings312a-d,324a-dcan be hingedly connected by the corner cuts750a-d. The box blank710can define a first length fold line712aand a second length fold line712bextending from the side panel112ato the side panel112b. The first length fold line712acan facilitate folding of the first wing312arelative to the side panel112a, the side panel122arelative to the bottom panel306, and the first wing312crelative to the second side panel112b. The second length fold line712bcan facilitate folding of the first wing312brelative to the side panel112a, the side panel122brelative to the bottom panel306, and the first wing312drelative to the side panel112b. The box blank710can further define a first width fold line722aand a second width fold line722b. The width fold lines722a,bcan be defined substantially perpendicular to the length fold lines712a,b. The first width fold line722acan facilitate folding of the second wing324arelative to the side panel122a, the side panel112brelative to the bottom panel306, and the second wing324crelative to the side panel122b. The second width fold line722bcan facilitate folding of the second wing324brelative to the side panel122a, the side panel112arelative to the bottom panel306, and the second wing324drelative to the side panel122b. The center fold line382can extend across and bisect each side panel112a,b. The center fold line382facilitates each of the side panels112a,bfolding inwards about the center fold line382and towards the bottom panel306to facilitate collapsing the insulated box110as shown inFIG.8. In some aspects, the insulated panels130a-dcan be attached to the side panels112a,b,122a,bto the unfolded box blank710prior to assembly. In other aspects, a single insulated panel130a,bcan be attached to the unfolded box blank710to cover the side panels112a,b,122a,b, and in some aspects, the bottom panel306as well. In some aspects, the entire unfolded box blank710can be covered by a single insulated panel. FIG.8is a perspective view of the insulated box110ofFIG.1in a collapsed configuration. In the present view, the carrying accessory170is removed to better show the details of the bottom panel306. As the insulated box110collapses, the side panels122a,b(side panels122a,bshown inFIG.1) move inwards together and towards one another, and the side panels112a,bfold inwards towards one another (side panels112a,bshown inFIG.1). The V-shaped fold lines386a-f(V-shaped fold lines386e,fshown inFIG.7) cooperate to transition the bottom panel306from a substantially planar shape to the truncated pyramidal shape. In the truncated pyramidal shape, the center subpanel380extends outwards and away from the side panels112a,band the side panels122a,b(shown inFIG.7). Exerting a force upon the center subpanel380, such as by pushing the box101against the ground can cause the insulated box110to self-expand into an expanded configuration (shown inFIG.1) with a substantially rectangular prism shape. The self-expanding action can be desirable to allow for quick and easy reconfiguration of the insulated box110, unlike many boxes which must be folded and taped together. The insulated boxes110can be shipped and stored in the collapsed configuration for space-efficient packing, and a user can simply press upon the center subpanel380, such as by pressing the center subpanel380against the ground, and the insulated box110can reconfigure to the expanded configuration. FIG.9is a top view of the carrying accessory170ofFIG.1. As previously described, the carrying accessory170can be configured to extend beneath the insulated box110(shown inFIG.1) to facilitate hand carrying of the insulated box110. The carrying accessory170can define two pairs of fold lines910a,b. A first pair of fold lines910acan be defined between the first side portion172aand the middle portion180, and a second pair of fold lines910bcan be defined between the second side portion172band the middle portion180. The fold lines of each pair of fold lines910a,bcan be placed closely together, such as an inch apart or less, and can be substantially parallel to one another. The pairs of fold lines910a,bconfigure the carrying accessory170to closely conform to the bottom taper458(shown inFIG.3) of the bottom end104of the insulated box110. The middle portion180of the carrying accessory170can also define a pair of middle fold lines912. The middle fold lines912can configure the carrying accessory170to closely conform to the truncated pyramidal shape of the bottom panel306(shown inFIG.8) when the insulated box110is in the collapsed configuration as shown inFIG.8. In other aspects each or any of the pairs of fold lines910a,band912can be substituted with single fold lines as desired. FIG.10is a perspective view of the insulated box assembly100comprising the insulated box110ofFIG.1and another aspect of a box top190in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. In the present aspect, the box top190can be a tray top1090. The tray top1090can comprise a top panel1092and four side panels, as represented by side panels1094a,b, extending down from the top panel1092. The tray top1090can be configured to fit over the top end102of the box101(shown inFIG.1). The side panels1094can fit over the lips114a,b,124a,b(shown inFIG.1) to enclose the box cavity206(shown inFIG.2). FIG.11is a perspective view of the insulated box assembly100comprising the insulated box110ofFIG.1and another aspect of a box top190in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. In the present aspect, the box top190can be a handle panel1190. The handle top1190can comprise a top panel1192and a pair of side panels1196a,battached at opposite sides of the top panel1192. In the present aspect, the top panel1192can be positioned between the lips114a,b,124a,bof the box101, and the side panels1196a,bcan be positioned adjacent to the side panels124a,b. The side panels1196a,bcan be hingedly attached to the top panel1192. The handle top1190can further comprise a pair of side tabs (not shown) which can be attached to the top panel1192and which can extend downwards into the box cavity206(shown inFIG.2), adjacent to the side panels112a,b. In some aspects, the side tabs of the handle top1190can be glued to either the inside or the outside of the side panels112a,bto secure the handle top1190to the insulated box110. In other aspects, the handle top1190can be secured to the insulated box110by tape, banding, a strap, or other restraint mechanism. A handle loop1188a,bcan be attached to each side panel1196a,b, respectively, by a tape strip1198a,b. In the present aspect, the tape strips1198a,bcan extend completely around the respective side panel1196a,bto secure the handle loop1188a,bto the side panel1196a,b. In the present aspect, the handle loops1188a,bcan be rope loops. The handle loops1188a,bcan allow a user to carry the insulated box assembly100. In the present aspect, the top panel1192can further comprise a pair of folding tabs1194a,b. The folding tabs1194a,bcan cover a pair of hand holes1195a,b, respectively. The folding tabs1194a,bcan be hingedly attached to the top panel1192, and the folding tabs1194a,bcan be pressed inwards towards the box cavity206. With the folding tabs1194a,bpressed inwards, a user can put a finger or fingers through each of the hand holes1195a,bto pick up the insulated box assembly100. In some aspects, the hand holes1195a,bcan be positioned close enough together that a user can insert a thumb through a first of the hand holes1195a,band a finger through the second of the hand holes1195a,bto pick up the insulated box assembly100with one hand. In some aspects, the handle top1190can comprise the handle loops1188a,bbut may not comprise the folding tabs1194a,bor define the hand holes1195a,b. In other aspects, the handle top1190can comprise the folding tabs1194a,band define the hand holes1195a,bbut may not comprise the handle loops1188a,b. FIG.12is a perspective view of the insulated box assembly100comprising the insulated box110ofFIG.1and another aspect of a box top190in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. The box top190can be a zipper top1290. The zipper top1290can comprise a top panel1292and a pair of side panels1294, as represented by the side panel1294b. The side panels1294can be hingedly attached to the top panel1292. In the present aspect, the side panels1294can overlaps the lips124a,bof the side panels122a,bof the insulated box110. The side panels1294can be attached to the side panels122a,bby an adhesive, such as a glue, mastic, epoxy, cement, double-sided tape, or any other suitable material. In the present aspect, a strip of adhesive (not shown) can be covered by a backing strip (not shown), and the backing strip can be removed to adhere the side panels1294to the side panels122a,b. The zipper top1290can further comprise a pair of tabs (not shown) which can be inserted into the box cavity206(shown inFIG.2) and positioned adjacent to the side panels112a,b(side panel112bshown inFIG.1). In other aspects, the tabs can be disposed external to the side panels112a,b, similar to the side panels1294. The tabs can be attached to the side panels112a,bby the adhesive or the adhesive strip, and the tabs can seal the box cavity206. The top panel1292can define a zipper1280which can be defined by a perforations extending around the zipper1280. The zipper1280can extend across the top panel1292and divide the top panel1292into a first top panel portion1296aand a second top panel portion1296b. The zipper1280can be divided into a first zipper portion1284aand a second zipper portion1284bby a center perforation line1282. A user can press inwards on the center perforation line1282to separate the first zipper portion1284afrom the second zipper portion1284b. Each zipper portion1284a,bcan then be ripped out of the top panel1292along the perforations, thereby detaching the first top panel portion1296afrom the second top panel portion1296b. With the top panel portions1296a,bdetached, the top panel1292can be opened to allow access to contents within the box cavity206. In the present aspect, the sheets352,354can comprise paper, such as kraft paper; however, in other embodiments, the sheets can comprise posterboard, cardboard, plastic sheeting, cellulose film, cloth, or any other suitable material. In some aspects, the sheets can comprise a water-proof or water-resistant material, such as water-proof paper. In some aspects, a one of the sheets352,354of the insulated box assembly100can comprised a material different from another of the sheets352,354. In the present aspect, the box101can comprise a paper fiber-based material such as corrugated cardboard or poster board; however, the box101can be comprised of any suitable rigid board material such as wood, plastic, metal, or any other material. The insulation batts350can comprise paper or other paper fiber materials; however, in other aspects, the insulation batts can comprise cotton, foam, rubber, plastics, fiberglass, mineral wool, or any other flexible insulation material. In the present application, the insulation batts can be repulpable. In the present aspect, the insulated box assembly100can be 100% recyclable. In the present aspect, the insulated box assembly100can be single-stream recyclable wherein all materials comprised by the insulated box assembly100can be recycled by a single processing train without requiring separation of any materials or components of the insulated box assembly100. In the present aspect, the insulated box assembly100can be compostable. In the present aspect, the insulated box assembly100can be repulpable. In the present aspect, insulated box assembly100and each of the insulated box110and the insulated panels130a-d,430,140,510can be repulpable in accordance with the requirements of the Aug. 16, 2013, revision of the “Voluntary Standard For Repulping and Recycling Corrugated Fiberboard Treated to Improve Its Performance in the Presence of Water and Water Vapor” provided by the Fibre Box Association of Elk Grove Village, IL which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. In the present aspect, insulated box assembly100and each of the insulated box110and the insulated panels130a-d,430,140,510can be recyclable in accordance with the requirements of the Aug. 16, 2013, revision of the “Voluntary Standard For Repulping and Recycling Corrugated Fiberboard Treated to Improve Its Performance in the Presence of Water and Water Vapor” provided by the Fibre Box Association of Elk Grove Village, IL. Recyclable and repulpable insulation materials are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/375,555, filed Aug. 16, 2016, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/419,894, filed Nov. 9, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/437,365, filed Dec. 21, 2016, which are each incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. The insulated box assembly100can be used in applications in which a user or mail carrier transports perishable or temperature-sensitive goods. For example and without limitation, the insulated box assembly100can be used to transport groceries. The insulated box assembly100can improve upon a common cardboard box by providing insulation to prevent spoilage of the contents. In order to ship temperature-sensitive goods, common cardboard boxes are often packed with insulating materials made of plastics or foams which are not accepted by many recycling facilities or curb-side recycling programs in which a waste management service collects recyclables at a user's home. Consequently, shipping temperature-sensitive goods often produces non-recyclable waste which is deposited in landfills. The insulation materials often decompose very slowly, sometimes over the course of several centuries. In some instances, non-recyclable and non-biodegradable insulating materials can enter the oceans where the insulation materials can remain for years and harm marine life. In some aspects, the insulated box assembly100can reduce waste and pollution by comprising materials which are recyclable or biodegradable. In aspects in which the insulated box assembly100is curb-side or single-stream recyclable, the user may be more likely to recycle the insulated box assembly100due to the ease of curb-side collection. One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. | 55,394 |
11858718 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1illustrates a device10configured to be attached to a pill bottle100. The device10includes a container20that is attached to an underside of a cap110. The cap110is configured to attach to the pill bottle100and enclose an interior space101formed within the pill bottle100and sized to hold pills120. The container20includes two or more segregated compartments21each sized to hold one or more of the pills120. The device10is configured such that the container20is positioned within the interior space101when the cap110is attached to the pill bottle100. The container20is sized relative to the pill bottle100to be spaced away from the bottom102to allow for additional pills120to be contained within the interior space101. The term “pill bottle” is used broadly herein to define a container with an interior space configured to hold pills120. The pill bottle100includes an opening that leads into the interior space101. The pill bottle100can include various shapes and sizes and can be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to glass and plastic. The term “pill” is used herein is broadly defined as an item that is ingested by a person. Pills120can include various shapes and sizes and can include various forms including but not limited to tablets, capsules, and soft-gels. The pills120can include various substances, including but not limited to prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, herbal supplements, and vitamins. FIG.2illustrates an exploded view of a device10configured to be used with a pill bottle100. The device10includes a container20that is attached to an underside113of a cap110. The cap110is configured to be removably attached to the pill bottle100and includes a top112that extends over the open end of the pill bottle110and sidewalls111that extend outward from the perimeter of the top112and engage with the pill bottle100. An adhesive40attaches the container20to the underside113o the cap112. The container20is aligned at the center of the underside113. In one example, the container20and the cap110are co-axially aligned. The container20includes a cylindrical shape with an outer wall22that is spaced away from the sidewall111of the cap110. This spacing provides for engagement features on the cap110and pill bottle100to engage together to secure the cap110to the pill bottle100. FIG.3illustrates the container20removed from the cap110. The container20includes the outer wall22and a lid24. The container20includes a circular sectional shape that corresponds to the circular shape of the cap110. In this example, both the outer wall22and the lid24include circular sectional shapes. In one example, the outer wall22includes a bottom wall25that extends across the bottom edge of the sidewall22and closes the bottom section of the container20. This prevents the pills120from escaping if there were any gaps formed between the outer wall22and the cap110. In another example, the outer wall22is open at the bottom of the container20. The container20is attached to the cap110that closes the bottom side of the container20. The lid24extends across the top of the outer wall22. When the container20is attached to the cap110, the lid24faces away from the cap110. The lid24includes doors26that are movable between open and closed positions. A door26is positioned over each of the compartments21. In the open position, the doors26are pivoted open with one end spaced from the compartments21to allow a pill120to be inserted and/or removed from the respective compartment21. In the closed position, the doors26extend over and prevent the pill120from being inserted and/or removed from the respective compartment21. In one example, each of the compartments21includes the same shape and size. In another example, two or more have different shapes and/or sizes. In one example, the compartments21have a substantially triangular shape with a width that tapers outward towards the outer wall22. The inner radial edge may not taper to a point and thus the shape is not a true triangle. In one example, the container20includes seven compartments21that corresponding to the days of the week. Each of the compartments21has the same shape and size. The lid24also includes a central section27. Each of the doors26is pivotally connected at a hinge28to the central section27. This connection provides for the doors26to move between the open and closed positions and also remain attached to the lid24. In one example, the hinge28is formed by a section of the lid24with a reduced thickness. In another example, the hinge28is formed by a crease in the lid24. In one example, the lid24is formed as a single, unitary piece. In one specific example, the lid24is formed as a single molded piece. In another example, the lid24is formed by two or more separate pieces. In one example, the bottom25of the container20is aligned in a plane that is parallel with a plane of the lid24. In one example, the bottom and the lid24are perpendicular to the outer wall22. FIG.4illustrates an exploded view of the container20with a first section31that includes the outer wall22and a second section32that includes the lid24and interior walls23. The first section31includes the outer wall22that has a sidewall22and a bottom wall25. The first section31forms a cavity with an open end. An extension29extends upward from the bottom wall25within the cavity. In one example, the extension29extends from the center of the bottom wall25. The extension29can include various heights relative to the sidewall22, with one example including the extension29recessed below a top edge of the sidewall22. The second section32includes the interior walls23and the lid24. In one example, the second section32is formed from a single, unitary piece that includes both of the interior walls23and lid24. In another example, the second section32is formed from two or more separate pieces that are connected together. In one example, the doors26are constructed from a transparent material for a person to view into the compartment21. In another example, the doors26are opaque. As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the second section32includes a central post33with a hollow interior. The post33is sized to extend around and receive the extension29when the second section32is inserted into the first section31. In one example, the post33is aligned at a center of the lid24and aligns with the centrally aligned extension29. The interior walls23extend radially outward from the post33. The interior walls23define the separate compartments21that hold the pills120. In one example, the bottom edges of the post33and interior walls23are aligned in a plane and contact against the bottom wall25of the first section31. Further, the radial ends of the interior walls23are sized to abut against the sidewall of the first section31. This abutting positioning segregates the compartments21and prevents the pills120from escaping. As illustrated inFIG.5, the container20is positioned within the sidewall111of the cap110. A gap130is formed between the sidewalls22,111. In one example, the gap130has a constant width around the entirety of the container20. In one example, each of the container20and the cap110are coaxially aligned along an axis that extends through a center point C. The gap130provides for extensions119on the inner sides of the sidewalls111of the cap110to engage with extensions109(seeFIG.2) on the outer side of the pill bottle100. The extensions109,119mate together to secure the cap110to the pill bottle100. In one example, the extensions109,119provide for the cap110to be locked onto the pill bottle100requiring corresponding axial and twisting forces to unlock. This configuration is often referred to as a childproof lock. This locking feature provides for the container20to be secured within the interior space101of the pill bottle100when the cap110is attached. In another example, the extensions109,119include threads that engage together to thread the cap110onto the pill bottle100. In one example, the lid24is aligned with or positioned inward from the edge of the sidewall22of the container20. This positioning prevents the lid24from contacting against the sidewall22or otherwise interfering with the cap110attaching to the pill bottle100.FIG.7illustrates a partial side view of the lid24, and specifically a door26of the lid24positioned relative to the sidewall22of the container20. An outer edge72of the lid24is aligned with or recessed inward from the outer edge of the sidewall22. In one example, the lid24is positioned on the top edge of the sidewall22as illustrated inFIG.7. In another example, the lid24is positioned with the outer edge72abutting against the inner side of the sidewall22. This abutting positioning provides for a friction fit for the doors26of the lid24to remain in the closed position until opened by the person. FIG.8schematically illustrates the container20positioned within the sidewall111of the cap110. The container20and cap110each include circular sectional shapes that are coaxially aligned on a center point C. The container20includes a diameter D1that is smaller than a diameter D2of the cap110. This difference in sizes provides for the gap130that extends between the container20and the side of the cap110. In use, the device10is removed from the pill bottle100. One or more pills120are stored in one of more of the compartments21. The respective doors26of the lid24are than secured over the compartments21. The device10is then secured to the pill bottle100by inserting the container20into the interior space101of the pill bottle100. The cap110is then secured to the bottle100, such as by engaging together the corresponding extensions109,119. The secure attachment between the cap110and the pill bottle100also securely positions the container20within the interior space101of the pill bottle100. The container20is positioned in the interior space101with the top edge facing into the pill bottle100. The size of the interior space101provides for space for additional pills120to be stored. When a person needs to take a pill120, the cap110is removed from the pill bottle100, such as by rotating and/or applying a removal force. The cap110and attached container20are removed from the pill bottle100thus providing access to the container20. The person can then open the appropriate door26and access the one or more pills120stored in the corresponding compartment21. FIG.9illustrates a method of dispensing a pill120from a pill bottle100. The method includes detaching the cap110from the pill bottle100(step300). The method also includes accessing a container20that is attached to an underside of the cap110(step302). The container20includes segregated compartments21each sized to hold one or more of the pills120. The method includes opening a door26that extends over one of the compartments21and removing one of the pills120from the compartment21(step304). The method includes reattaching the cap110to the pill bottle100with the container20extending into an interior space101of the pill bottle100(block306). The container20can be attached to the cap110in a variety of manners. In one example, an adhesive40attaches the container20. Other examples include but are not limited to mechanical fasteners and a threaded connection. In one example, the container20does not include an adhesive40as the container20is directly connected to the cap110. In another example, the container20and cap110are integrally made as a unitary, single-piece construction. In one specific example, the container20and the cap110have a single, molded construction. In one example, the container20is attached to a bottom side of the cap110and is positioned within the interior space101of the pill bottle100when the cap110is attached to the pill bottle100. In another example, the container20is attached to a top side of the cap110. In this example, the container20is positioned outside of the interior space101and is accessible when the cap110is attached to the pill bottle100. Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description. As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. | 13,239 |
11858719 | DESCRIPTION The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the invention may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Consistent with embodiments of the invention, a cable package may be provided. The cable package may comprise a cable and a chamber. The cable may comprise a winding and at least one free end. The chamber may define an internal volume containing the cable. The chamber may comprise a continuous opening. The continuous opening may comprise at least one surface arranged to apply pressure to a portion of the cable located proximate to the continuous opening. FIG.1shows a package100. Package100may comprise a first piece102, a second piece104, and a partition106. As shown inFIG.2, first piece102and second piece104may form a chamber200. Chamber200may define an internal volume. Chamber200may comprise an inner surface202, a bottom surface204, an outer surface206, and a top surface208. Top surface208and inner surface202may form a continuous opening210. Continuous opening210may comprise at least one surface (e.g., top surface208) arranged to apply pressure to a portion of a cable located proximate to continuous opening210. A portion of partition106may pass through continuous opening210and two mating surfaces may comprise the portion of partition106and a portion of top surface208. For example, partition106may be located at least partially within chamber200. In addition, partition106may divide chamber200into a first section and a second section. Partition106may be in the shape of a disk or other shapes. Partition106may be free to move or may be mounted in a fixed position. First piece102, second piece104, and partition106may be manufactured from a polymer, metal, or both. First piece102, second piece104, and partition106may be manufactured via injection molding, rotational molding, vacuum forming, or stamping. As shown inFIG.3, a cable300(either solid or stranded) may be located within chamber200. Cable300may comprise a winding302and a free end304. Winding302may be located within the first section and free end304may pass through the second section and out continuous opening210. WhileFIGS.1-3show package100comprising partition106, embodiments of package100may not comprise partition106. Note that the word cable may be synonymous with the word wire. Free end304may pass between partition106and top surface208. In embodiments where package100does not comprise partition106, continuous opening210may be formed by top surface208and inner surface202. For example, inner surface202may comprise an angled portion306. Top surface208and angled portion306may form continuous opening210. Free end304may pass between top surface208and angled portion306. Continuous opening210, whether formed by inner surface202and top surface208or top surface208and partition106, may maintain a back tension on winding302. Winding302may be wound tightly around inner surface202. In other words, winding302may be wound around inner surface202such that winding302's position or the position of the individual cables making up winding302do not change a significant amount during normal handling of package100. The back tension may keep winding302from unwinding within chamber200when cable300is not being paid off from package100. FIG.4shows stages for winding302being wound within package100. Winding302may begin at a starting point402. Winding302may be wound around inner surface202at an angle θ relative to an axis perpendicular to a central axis404. During installation, second piece104may rotate about central axis404. Cable300may feed from a head406. Head406may oscillate along an axis parallel to central axis404as indicated by arrow408. The oscillation of head406may cause cable300to lay on inner surface202at angle θ. Angle θ may range from approximately 2 degrees to approximately 85 degrees. Angle θ may be a function of cable300's gauge and flexibility. In addition, angle θ may be a function of the curvature of inner surface202. As cable300winds around inner surface202, instead of forming a circle around inner surface202, cable300may form an ellipse around inner surface202. Furthermore, cable300may buildup in both the z and r directions simultaneously to form winding302. In other words, as head406travels in a positive z direction a layer of cable300may be laid in both the z and r axis and as head406travels in a negative z direction another layer of cable300may be laid in both the z and r axis. Furthermore, the characteristics of the specific cable300to be placed in a package100, including the cable's composition and flexibility, will help determine the amount of cable300is placed in a package100the inner diameter of the winding302and the height of the winding302. After winding cable300onto inner surface202, chamber200may be formed around winding302. Free end304may be passed through continuous opening210. Passing free end304through continuous opening210may comprise passing free end304from the first section around partition106to the second section. Cable300may be paid off from package100by passing free end304through continuous opening210. FIG.5shows a package500. Package500may comprise a first piece502and a second piece504. As shown inFIG.6, first piece502and second piece504may form a chamber600. Chamber600may define an internal volume. Chamber600may comprise an inner surface602, a bottom surface604, an outer surface606, and a top surface608. Top surface608and inner surface602may form a continuous opening610. Continuous opening610may comprise at least one surface (e.g., top surface608or inner surface602) arranged to apply pressure to a portion of a cable located proximate to continuous opening610. Top surface608may include a curved portion612that may be adjacent to inner surface602. As shown inFIG.6, top surface608may angled with respect to inner surface602. Curved portion612may include an elongated section. The elongated section of curved portion612may allow for increased pressure on a cable700(seeFIG.7) between curved portion612and inner surface602. The increased pressure may assist in keeping cable700from passing back into chamber600. In addition, the angle of top surface608and the curved portion612may assist in keeping strands of winding702(seeFIG.7) from passing through continuous opening610until a proper tension is placed on free end704(seeFIG.7). First piece502and second piece504may be manufactured from a polymer, metal, or both. First piece502and second piece504may be manufactured via injection molding, rotational forming, vacuum forming, thermoforming, or stamping. As shown inFIG.7, a cable700(either solid or stranded cable) may be located within chamber600. Cable700may comprise a winding702and a free end704. Free end704may pass between inner surface602and top surface608. A section706of inner surface602may protrude above top surface608. Top surface608may rest against or be in close proximity to inner surface602(an exaggerated gap is shown inFIG.7for clarity). Inner surface602may form a tapered surface that may have a larger diameter proximate to bottom surface604and a smaller diameter proximate to decrease proximate top surface608. Continuous opening610may maintain a back pressure on winding702. Winding702may be wound tightly against outer surface606. In other words, winding702may be wound against outer surface606such that winding702's position or the position of the individual cables making up winding702do not change a significant amount during normal handling of package500. The back pressure may keep winding702from unwinding within chamber600when cable700is not being paid off from package500. In other words, the back pressure created by continuous opening610may cause winding702to remain against outer surface606and not collapse onto inner surface602. FIG.8shows a schematic800for calculating a circumference of winding702. Because winding702may be wound at angle θ, the circumference of the wiring comprising winding702along the perimeter of package500may not form a circle (as shown by a top view802), it may form an ellipse (as shown by projection804). Package500may have a diameter D. The ellipse formed by the individual wires within winding702may have a major axis with a length: 2a=Dcosθ(Eqn.I) Where a is half the length of the major axis, D is the diameter of package500, and θ is the angle of the strands of winding702relative to the central axis806of package500. The circumference C of the ellipse may be calculated as: Cellipse−4aE(e) (Eqn. II) Where E(e) is a complex elliptical integral of the second kind and e is the eccentricity of the ellipse e may be given by the formula: e=a2-b2a2=1-(ba)2(Eqn.III) Where b is D/2 (i.e., the radius. Substituting an approximation for the infinite series that results from the complex elliptical integral of the second kind may result in the circumference of a strand of winding702proximate outer surface606that may be approximated as: Cellipse≈π(a+b)(1+3(a-ba+b)210+4-3(a-ba+b)2)(Eqn.IV) The circumference of package500(e.g., outer surface606proximate winding702) may be: Cpackage 500=πD(Eqn. V) Cellipseis greater than Cpackage 500when 2b=D. Therefore, for a rigid container (i.e., package500), the length of each revolution of wire in winding702may be greater than the circumference of the surface constraining each revolution of wire in winding702(i.e., outer surface606). As a result, the wire in winding702may not lay flat on bottom surface604. In other words, the length of each revolution of wire within winding702may cause the wires within winding702to maintain a stable position within package500and not collapse onto each other. The stability of winding702may be maintained even when winding702comprises a wire having a lubricated jacket (i.e., SIMpull® wire). In addition, the stability of winding702may be maintained during normal handling of package500. For example, winding702may maintain its shape and position when package500slides side-to-side, turns in any direction or is dropped. Indeed the winding inside the packages disclosed herein pass the tests discussed above that simulate the conditions in which the packages may be used by an electrician in the field. Winding702may be constrained on three sides. For example, winding702may be constrained by outer surface606, top surface608, and bottom surface604. Due to cable700being laid at angle θ, the three sides may each apply a pressure to winding702. The three sides may act to constrain winding702's movement by applying a pressure that does not exceed the yield point of the packaging material. Winding702also may be constrained due to its lay pattern and geometry. The constraining of winding702's movement may allow package500to be moved, even after portions of cable700have been paid off of winding702, without winding702becoming tangled within package500. Winding702being constrained by bottom surface604, outer surface606, and top surface608may include winding702being in close proximity to bottom surface604, outer surface606, and top surface608. In other words, winding702may be substantially close to bottom surface604, outer surface606, and top surface608such that during movement of package500winding702may retain its shape and position within chamber600. Winding702may comprise a solid or stranded cable or wire. Constraining winding702may provide stability. For instance, if winding702is a stranded wire or other wire with an increased flexibility, having winding702constrained may allow for portions of winding702to be paid off from package500while still allowing winding702to maintain its shape and resist tangling. For example, an electrician may use 50% or 75% of the wire within package500and due to winding702being constrained, the electrician may then be able to move package500without winding702becoming tangled or otherwise unusable. The wire or cable may include a jacket that may comprise lubrication integrated into the jacket. For example, the wire or cable may be SIMPULL® wire manufactured by SOUTHWIRE® Company of Carrollton, Georgia. Alternatively, the wire or cable may include a jacket that does not comprise lubrication integrated into the jacket, and, in such cases, lubrication may be integrated into the package500. A rigid container may be a container that maintains a cylindrical shape as the size of winding702decreases. In other words, a rigid container may be a container that maintains its shape and have a constant cylindrical profile as wire is paid off from the rigid container. The rigid container may also be tear and puncture resistant. FIG.9shows a package900. Package900may comprise a first piece902and a second piece904. First piece902and/or second piece904may form a handle906and a first support908and a second support910. First support908and second support910may allow package900to stand upright in addition to laying flat. As shown inFIG.10, first piece902and second piece904may form a chamber1000. Chamber1000may define an internal volume. Chamber1000may comprise an inner surface1002, a bottom surface1004, an outer surface1006, and a top surface1008. Top surface1008and inner surface1002may form a continuous opening1010. Continuous opening1010may comprise at least one surface (e.g., top surface1008or inner surface1002) arranged to apply pressure to a portion of a cable located proximate to continuous opening1010. Top surface1008may comprise a recessed portion1012. Bottom surface1004may comprise a protrusion1014. As shown inFIG.10, recessed portion1012may be continuous. In addition, recessed portion1012may comprise discrete recessed portions. As shown inFIG.10, protrusion1014may comprise discrete protrusions. In addition, protrusion1014may comprise a continuous protrusion. First piece902and second piece904may be manufactured from a polymer, metal, or both. First piece902and second piece904may be manufactured via injection molding, rotational molding, vacuum forming, or stamping. Wire or cable may be located within chamber1000and pay off from package900as described above with respect toFIGS.7and8. Continuous opening1010may maintain a back pressure on winding702. Winding702may be wound tightly against outer surface1006. In other words, winding702may be wound against outer surface1006such that winding702's position or the position of the individual cables making up winding702do not change a significant amount during normal handling of package900. The back pressure may keep winding702from unwinding within chamber1000when cable700is not being paid off from package900. In other words, the back pressure created by continuous opening1010may cause winding702to remain against outer surface1006and not completely collapse onto inner surface1002. FIG.11shows stackable packages. The stackable packages may comprise a first package1102and a second package1104. First package1102may comprise a first piece1106and a second piece1108. Second package1104may comprise a third piece1110and a fourth piece1112. As described above with respect toFIG.10, second piece1108may comprise a recess1114and third piece1110may comprise a protrusion1116. During use, an electrician or other user may stack first package1102and second package1104. Recess1114and protrusion1116may be used to maintain an alignment between first package1102and second package1104. Wire may feed from a first continuous opening1118and a second continuous opening1120. The wire from first package1102may feed through a center core1122of second package1104. In addition, more than two packages may be stacked. For example, an electrician may need five wires and therefore may stack five packages. Furthermore, whileFIGS.1-11describe windings comprising a single wire, embodiments may comprise windings including multiple wires. For example, winding700may comprise two wires laid in parallel. Furthermore, first piece1106can be stacked or nested on top of other first pieces1106during storage or transportation. Likewise, second piece1108can be stacked or nested on top of other second pieces1008during storage or transportation. FIG.12shows a package1200. Package1200may comprise a first piece1202and a second piece1204. First piece1202and/or second piece1204may form a handle1206and a first support1208and a second support1210. First support1208and second support1210may allow package1200to stand upright in addition to lying flat. First piece1202and second piece1204may form a chamber. The chamber may define an internal volume. The chamber may comprise an inner surface1212, a bottom surface1214, an outer surface1216, and a top surface1218. Top surface1218and inner surface1212may form a continuous opening, such as continuous opening1010shown inFIG.10. The continuous opening may comprise at least one surface (e.g., top surface1218or inner surface1212) arranged to apply pressure to a portion of a cable located proximate to the continuous opening. Top surface1218may comprise a plurality of recessed portions1220. Bottom surface1214may comprise a plurality of protrusions1222. Plurality of recessed portions1220may be discrete in size. Plurality of protrusions1222may comprise discrete protrusions. First piece1202and second piece1204may be manufactured from a polymer, metal, or both. First piece1202and second piece1204may be manufactured via injection molding, rotational molding, vacuum forming, thermoforming, or stamping. Wire or cable may be located within the chamber and pay off from package1200as described above with respect toFIGS.7and8. The continuous opening may maintain a back pressure on winding702. Winding702may be wound tightly against outer surface1216. In other words, winding702may be wound against outer surface1216such that winding702's position or the position of the individual cables making up winding702do not change a significant amount during normal handling of package1200. The back pressure may keep winding702from unwinding within the chamber when cable700is not being paid off from package1200. In other words, the back pressure created by the continuous opening may cause winding702to remain against outer surface1216and not completely collapse onto inner surface1212. First piece1202and second piece1204may be connected with a hinge1224. Hinge1224may allow first piece1202and second piece1204to open so a replacement winding may inserted into package1200. In other words, hinge1224may allow package1200to be reusable by an end user. Alternatively, first piece1202and second piece1204may be connected using twist locks, snaps, pins, rivets, heat bonding, thermal bonding or some similar mechanism or technique. Any of these types of connections also may allow first piece1202and second piece1204to open so a replacement winding may be inserted into package1200. The various packages may be manufactured from various materials and may be of varying thicknesses. For example, the material thickness may range from 30 mils to 60 mils. The material may be, for example, a PVC, polyethylene, or any polymer having a high molecular weight. The combination of material and material thickness may be dependent on the operating environment. For example, in a cold climate, a material with a high molecular weight may be used to help combat brittleness. In a warm climate, a thicker material with a lower molecular weight may be used. In addition the material may be clear or semi-transparent to allow a user to see and/or determine how much wire is remaining in the package. FIGS.13A,13B, and13Cshow a handle1300. Handle1300may comprise a first side1302, a second side1304, and a bottom1306. First side1302, second side1304, and bottom1306may form a U-shape profile. A grip (e.g., handle1206) may rest within the U-shape profile. Handle1300may increase comfort for a user. For instance, bottom1306may increase a bearing surface against the user's hand while carrying package1200. In addition, bottom surface1306may have a plurality of curves1308. Plurality of curves1308may conform to the user's fingers. In addition, padding may be provided on handle1300(e.g., along bottom1306) to increase user comfort. Handle1300may be part of or attached to first piece1202of package1200, second piece1204of package1200, or both. To facilitate attaching handle1300to a package, first side1302may include a first prong1310. Second side1304may include a second prong1312and a third prong1314. The prongs may engage indentions located on the package. In addition, the prongs may include a tacky substance (e.g., an adhesive or grip tape) to facilitate securing handle1300to the package. Handle1300may be manufactured by injection molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, or other manufacturing techniques. Once handle1300is formed, any tacky substance used to facilitate securing handle1300to the package may be applied. In addition, during manufacturing grooves may be formed in first prong1310, second prong1312, and third prong1314. FIG.14shows a package1400. Package1400may comprise a lower section1402, an upper section1404, and a center section1406. Center section1406may pass through upper section1404and may form an opening for a wire1408to pass through. Upper section1404may comprise a plurality of tines1410. Plurality of tines1410may be flexible. A wire1408may pass from lower section1402and between center section1406and upper section1404(i.e., through the opening). As wire1408is paid off from package1400, plurality of tines1410may conform around wire1408. The conformity may apply a pressure to wire1408. The pressure may assist in keeping a winding located within lower section1402from unraveling. In addition, the pressure may help keep wire1408from falling back into lower section1402. Consistent with embodiments of the invention, a method of manufacturing a cable package may be provided. The cable package may comprise a cable and a chamber. The chamber may be formed by connecting a first piece and a second piece. The first piece and second piece may be manufactured via injection molding, rotational molding, vacuum forming, or stamping. A cable may be wound into a winding, and the cable may have a free end. The winding may be wound around a reel at an angle θ relative to an axis perpendicular to a central axis of the reel. During installation, the reel may rotate about a central axis. A cable may feed from a head. The head may oscillate along parallel to the central axis, and the oscillation of the head may cause a cable to lay on the reel at angle θ. Angle θ may range from approximately 2 degrees to approximately 85 degrees. Angle θ may be a function of a cable's gauge and flexibility. In addition, angle θ may be a function of the curvature of the reel. As a cable winds around the reel, instead of forming a circle around the reel, a cable may form one or more ellipses around the reel. Furthermore, as discussed in embodiments above, a cable may buildup in both the z and r directions simultaneously to form a winding. A winding formed on a reel may then be removed from the reel and placed onto the second piece of a package. Alternatively, the winding may be formed directly onto an inner surface of the second piece using the steps discussed above. Once a winding is in place, the first piece and the second piece may be connected together to form a chamber. The first piece and the second piece may be connected with a hinge, twist locks, snaps, pins, rivets, heat bonding, thermal bonding or some similar mechanism or technique. The connection between a first piece and a second piece may be arranged to allow a first piece and a second piece to open so a replacement winding may be inserted into a package. The connection of a first piece and a second piece may be arranged to form a continuous opening between a first piece and a second piece, and a free end of a cable may pass through the continuous opening. A handle may be manufactured as part a first piece of a package, a second piece of a package or both. Alternatively, a handle may be attached to a first piece of a package, a second piece of a package or both. A handle may be manufactured by injection molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, or other manufacturing techniques. While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, other embodiments may exist. While the specification includes examples, the invention's scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples for embodiments of the invention. | 25,190 |
11858720 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS.1A-F are perspective views of a container as described herein according to some example embodiments, whereinFIG.1Ashows a closed container embodiment resting on a support surface,FIG.1Bshows a closed container embodiment held in a hand prior to opening,FIG.1Cshows how a container embodiment can be opened while gripping sides of the container and using finger pressure,FIG.1Dshows another view of how a container embodiment can be opened while gripping ends of the container and using thumb pressure,FIG.1Eshows a closed container embodiment resting on a support surface, andFIG.1Fshows a closed container embodiment resting on a support surface. According to some example embodiments, a pack10for consumer articles, including for example and without limitation smoking articles, comprises an outer box20comprising a front cover30and a back cover40pivotally connected together at bottom ends31,41thereof such that top ends32,42of the front and back covers30,40are movable from a closed position (seeFIGS.1A-B, E-F) to an open position (seeFIGS.1C-D) at which the top ends32,42of the front and back covers30,40move apart to form an access opening50. In some example embodiments, outer box20can be made of paperboard material, including, for example and without limitation, 12 to 14 point paperboard material (in other examples, less than 12 point or greater than 14 point paperboard material may be used), and in some example embodiments may be laminated or coated with a metalized layer and/or polymer layer. According to some example embodiments, an inner sleeve60is configured to hold consumer articles inside the pack10. The inner sleeve60includes a bottom wall61, a front wall62, a back wall63and opposed sidewalls64,65, and a top opening66configured to receive a wrapped bundle70of consumer articles. A front connecting panel67is pivotally connected to the front wall62of the inner sleeve60and one or more inner surfaces of the front cover30(in some example embodiments, front connecting panel67is pivotally connected to the one or more inner surfaces of the front cover30by being pivotally connected to a panel202of an inner sleeve blank200used to form inner sleeve60, and said panel202being attached to the one or more inner surfaces of front cover30, thereby pivotally connecting front connecting panel67to the one or more inner surfaces of the front cover30). A back connecting panel68is pivotally connected to the back wall63of the inner sleeve60and one or more inner surfaces of the back cover40(in some example embodiments, back connecting panel68is pivotally connected to the one or more inner surfaces of the back cover40by being pivotally connected to a panel214of an inner sleeve blank200used to form inner sleeve60, and said panel214being attached to the one or more inner surfaces of back cover40, thereby pivotally connecting back connecting panel68to the one or more inner surfaces of the back cover40). A finger slot80in the outer box20is configured to allow opening of the outer box20by finger pressure against the bottom wall61of the inner sleeve60to move the inner sleeve60from a first position at which the outer box20is closed, to a second position at which at which the top ends32,42of the front and back covers30,40are moved apart to form the access opening50. In some example embodiments, the opening may be done with one hand. In some example embodiments, sleeve60can be made of paperboard material, including, for example and without limitation, 12 to 14 point paperboard material (in other examples, less than 12 point or greater than 14 point paperboard material may be used), and in some example embodiments may be laminated or coated with a metalized layer and/or polymer layer. Different materials, including materials other than paperboard material, may be used for sleeve60. Different materials, including materials other than paperboard material, may be used for outer box20and/or for sleeve60. Examples of materials that may be used for an outer box20and/or for a sleeve60include paperboard, cardboard, plastic and any other suitable materials that may be used to create outer boxes, inner sleeves, and packs disclosed herein. The pack10can include various optional design features according to various example embodiments. For example, the outer box20can include a bottom wall21connected to the front and back covers30,40, the front cover30can include a front wall35and three sidewalls36a,36b,36cforming a rectangular shaped front recess facing the back cover40, the back cover40can include a back wall45and three sidewalls46a,46b,46cforming a rectangular shaped back recess facing the front cover30, and the bottom wall21of the outer box20can extend between a lower end of the front wall35of the front cover30and a lower end of the back wall45of the back cover40. The pack10can have any desired dimensions depending on the length and/or size of the articles to be contained within the pack. For example, in some example embodiments, the bottom wall21of the outer box20can be taller than each of the three sidewalls36a,36b,36cof the front cover30, and can be taller than each of the three sidewalls46a,46b, and46cof the back cover40. The pack can be pocket sized and dimensioned to hold various length smoking articles. For example and without limitation, for 80-85 mm long smoking articles, the pack10, when closed, can have a length of about 90-95 mm, a width of about 55-65 mm, and a depth of about 20-30 mm. Any other dimensions may be used depending on the length and/or size of the articles to be contained within the pack. In some example embodiments, the pack can be pocket sized and/or dimensioned to hold various sized articles. Finger slot80can have any desired configuration. For example, the finger slot80can comprise an opening81in the bottom wall21of the outer box20. In some example embodiments, the finger slot80can optionally include an opening82in a lower portion of the back wall45of the back cover40wherein the opening82extends from the opening81in the bottom wall21of the outer box20(for example, as shown inFIG.2and in assembled form inFIG.1E). Outer box20may also be opened by simply pulling apart front and back covers30and40, and thus in some example embodiments finger slot80may be omitted. The outer box20can have various design features. For example, sidewalls36a,36band36cof the front cover30can be designed to fit inside sidewalls46a,46band46cof the back cover40, either in whole or in part, when the front and back covers30,40are in a closed position (as shown, for example inFIGS.1A,1B,1E and1F). For example, the sidewalls can be designed such that sidewalls36a,36band36cof the front cover30fit entirely inside sidewalls46a,46band46cof the back cover40when the front and back covers30,40are in a closed position. The sidewalls can be also designed such that the sidewalls36a,36band36cof the front cover30only partially fit inside sidewalls46a,46band46cof the back cover40when the front and back covers30,40are in a closed position. For example and without limitation, in various example embodiments the sidewalls can be designed such that about 25% to about 75% of sidewalls36a,36band36cof the front cover30fit inside sidewalls46a,46band46cof the back cover40when the front and back covers30,40are in a closed position. Other designs and dimensions may be used in other example embodiments, such as designs where less than 25% or more than 75% of the sidewalls36a,36band36cof the front cover30fit inside sidewalls46a,46band46cof the back cover40when the front and back covers30,40are in a closed position A pack10can optionally include an audible locking feature in some example embodiments. For example, the pack can include a click lock feature configured to provide a “clicking” sound when the front and back covers30,40are moved into the closed position as will be further described below. In some embodiments, this feature may also assist in holding the front and back covers30,40in a closed position. The pack10can be used to hold consumer items such as smoking articles or any other type of consumer items. For example, in some embodiments, a wrapped bundle70of articles can be located in the inner sleeve60, and wherein the wrapped bundle70has a length greater than a length between the bottom wall61and top opening66of the inner sleeve60, greater than a length between the bottom wall61and the front connecting panel67, and/or greater than a length between the bottom wall61and the back connecting panel68. The inner sleeve60can be mounted for movement in the outer box20such the wrapped bundle70is inside the outer box20when the front and back covers30,40are in a closed position, and a free end71of the wrapped bundle70moves toward, and in some example embodiments extends outward of, the access opening50when the front and back covers30,40are opened. The wrapped bundle70can house a bundle of consumer articles. In some example embodiments, the wrapped bundle70can house a bundle of cigarettes or other smoking articles, tobacco articles, pouches, cigars, or any other type of articles, in some example embodiments the articles being wrapped in a soft wrapping or reclosable pouch made of any suitable material such as, for example and without limitation, paper, a laminate of paper, foil, metal foil, metalized paper, and/or any other suitable material. The outer box20and inner sleeve60can be made of various materials. For example, the outer box20can comprise a folded paperboard outer box blank100and the inner sleeve60can comprise a folded paperboard inner sleeve blank200wherein the inner sleeve blank200includes the front and back connecting panels67,68. Different materials, including materials other than paperboard material, may be used for outer box20and/or for sleeve60. Examples of other materials that may be used for an outer box20and/or for a sleeve60include cardboard, plastic and any other suitable materials that may be used to create outer boxes, inner sleeves, and packs disclosed herein. In some example embodiments, an outer box blank100includes panels separated by transverse and longitudinal fold lines which allow the panels to be folded and form the front and back covers30,40. As shown inFIG.2, in some example embodiments an outer box blank100can include a first panel102corresponding to side wall36b, a second panel104(corresponding to front wall35) separated from the first panel102by a transverse fold line T1, a third panel106(corresponding to the bottom wall21) separated from the second panel104by a second transverse fold line T2, a fourth panel108(corresponding to the back wall45) separated from the third panel106by a third transverse fold line T3, and a fifth panel110(corresponding to the sidewall46b) separated from the fourth panel108by a fourth transverse fold line T4. A sixth panel112(corresponding to the sidewall36a) is separated from a longitudinal end of the second panel104by a longitudinal fold line L1and a seventh panel114(corresponding to sidewall36c) is separated from the opposite longitudinal end of the second panel104by a second longitudinal fold line L2. An eighth panel116(corresponding to the sidewall46a) is separated from a longitudinal end of the fourth panel108by a third longitudinal fold line L3and a ninth panel118(corresponding to sidewall46c) is separated from the opposite longitudinal end of the fourth panel108by a fourth longitudinal fold line L4. In some example embodiments additional panels can be provided which can be folded to increase the thickness of side walls36a,36b,36c,46a,46band/or46c, to increase structural rigidity of an outer box20, and/or to adhere to other panels. For example, a first reinforcement panel102′ (36b′) can be separated from the first panel102(corresponding to sidewall36b) by a fifth transverse fold line T5(in some example embodiments, fifth transverse fold line T5may be interrupted by a cutout C3as shown inFIG.2and will be further described below), and a second reinforcement panel102″ (36b″) can be separated from the first reinforcement panel102′ by a sixth transverse fold line T6. When outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20, the first reinforcement panel102′ can be folded over first panel102, first panel102can be folded about fold line T1, and second reinforcement panel102″ can be folded about fold line T6such that second reinforcement panel102″ and first reinforcement panel102′ form an L-shape, and second reinforcement panel102″ can be adhered to second panel104. Likewise, a third reinforcement panel110′ (46b′) can be separated from the fifth panel110(corresponding to sidewall46b) by a seventh transverse fold line T7, and a fourth reinforcement panel110″ (46b″) can be separated from the third reinforcement panel110′ by an eighth transverse fold line T8(which may include one or more perforations (not shown) in some example embodiments). When outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20, the third reinforcement panel110′ can be folded over fifth panel110, fifth panel110can be folded about fold line T4, and fourth reinforcement panel110″ can be folded about fold line T8such that fourth reinforcement panel110″ and third reinforcement panel110′ form an L-shape, and fourth reinforcement panel110″ can be adhered to fourth panel108. In some example embodiments, the sidewalls36a,36c,46a,46ccan be reinforced in a similar manner as the sidewalls36b,46b. For example, a fifth reinforcement panel112′ (36a′) can be separated from the sixth panel112(corresponding to sidewall36a) by a fifth longitudinal fold line L5, and a sixth reinforcement panel112″ (36a″) can be separated from the fifth reinforcement panel112′ by a sixth longitudinal fold line L6(which may be perforated in some example embodiments). When outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20, the fifth reinforcement panel112′ can be folded over sixth panel112, sixth panel112can be folded about fold line L1, and sixth reinforcement panel112″ can be folded about fold line L6such that sixth reinforcement panel112″ and fifth reinforcement panel112′ form an L-shape, and sixth reinforcement panel112″ can be adhered to second panel104. Likewise, a seventh reinforcement panel114′ (36c′) can be separated from the seventh panel114(corresponding to sidewall36c) by a seventh longitudinal fold line L7, and an eighth reinforcement panel114″ (36c″) can be separated from the seventh reinforcement panel114′ by an eighth longitudinal fold line L8(which may be perforated in some example embodiments). When outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20, the seventh reinforcement panel114′ can be folded over seventh panel114, seventh panel114can be folded about fold line L2, and eighth reinforcement panel114″ can be folded about fold line L8such that eighth reinforcement panel114″ and seventh reinforcement panel114′ form an L-shape, and eighth reinforcement panel114″ can be adhered to second panel104. A ninth reinforcement panel116′ (46a′) can be separated from the eighth panel116(corresponding to sidewall46a) by a ninth longitudinal fold line L9, and a tenth reinforcement panel116″ (46a″) can be separated from the ninth reinforcement panel116′ by a tenth longitudinal fold line L10(which may be perforated in some example embodiments). When outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20, the ninth reinforcement panel116′ can be folded over eighth panel116, eighth panel116can be folded about fold line L3, and tenth reinforcement panel116″ can be folded about fold line L10such that tenth reinforcement panel116″ and ninth reinforcement panel116′ form an L-shape, and tenth reinforcement panel116″ can be adhered to fourth panel108. Likewise, an eleventh reinforcement panel118′ (46c′) can be separated from the ninth panel118(corresponding to sidewall46c) by an eleventh longitudinal fold line L11, and a twelfth reinforcement panel118″ (46c″) can be separated from the eleventh reinforcement panel118′ by a twelfth longitudinal fold line L12(which may be perforated in some example embodiments). When outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20, the eleventh reinforcement panel118′ can be folded over ninth panel118, ninth panel118can be folded about fold line L4, and twelfth reinforcement panel118″ can be folded about fold line L12such that twelfth reinforcement panel118″ and eleventh reinforcement panel118′ form an L-shape, and twelfth reinforcement panel118″ can be adhered to fourth panel108. In some example embodiments, flaps F1, F2, F3, F4, F5and/or F6can be provided on the panels corresponding to the sidewalls and bottom wall of the outer box20for additional reinforcement and/or rigidity. For example, a flap F1may be separated from sidewall36aby a transverse fold line, and can be folded about said fold line and inserted (and adhered in some embodiments) between first panel102and first reinforcement panel102′ when outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20. As a further example, a flap F2may be separated from sidewall36cby a transverse fold line, and can be folded about said fold line and inserted (and adhered in some embodiments) between first panel102and first reinforcement panel102′ when outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20. As a further example, a flap F3may be separated from bottom wall21by a longitudinal fold line, and can be folded about said fold line and inserted (and adhered in some embodiments) between eight panel116and ninth reinforcement panel116′ when outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20. As a further example, a flap F4may be separated from bottom wall21by a longitudinal fold line, and can be folded about said fold line and inserted (and adhered in some embodiments) between ninth panel118and eleventh reinforcement panel118′ when outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20. As a further example, a flap F5may be separated from sidewall46aby a transverse fold line, and can be folded about said fold line and inserted (and adhered in some embodiments) between fifth panel110and third reinforcement panel110′ when outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20. As a further example, a flap F6may be separated from sidewall46cby a transverse fold line, and can be folded about said fold line and inserted (and adhered in some embodiments) between fifth panel110and third reinforcement panel110′ when outer box blank100is folded to form outer box20. In some example embodiments, a finger slot80can comprise a cutout C1, which may be completely located within third panel106(bottom panel21), or can extend from the third panel106and into the fourth panel108(this may, for example, allow for pushing with a finger bottom wall61of the inner sleeve60, while holding back cover40, to move the inner sleeve60from a first position at which the outer box20is closed to a second position at which the front and back covers30,40are moved apart to form the access opening50, as shown for example inFIGS.1C and1D). When the outer box blank100is folded to form the outer box20, the cutout C1forms finger slot80, including in some example embodiments, opening81in the bottom wall21that extends into opening82in the back wall45, as shown, for example inFIG.2(blank100) andFIG.1E(blank100folded to form outer box20, with inner sleeve60inside seen through slot80). In some example embodiments, a click lock feature for outer box20can be provided by additional cutouts in the outer box blank100. For example, third reinforcement panel110′ (46b′) can include a cutout C2extending in a transverse direction to form a slot S configured to engage a projection P (also referred to as a tab P) on the first panel102(sidewall36b). When the outer box blank100is folded to form the outer box20, the slot S is located inside the back cover40, the projection P is part of front cover30. The first reinforcement panel102′ (36b′) can include a cutout C3extending into the first panel102(sidewall36b) to form the projection P, such that projection P extends from first panel102(as shown, for example, in the example embodiment ofFIG.2). The projection P is separated from the first panel102(sidewall36b) by a ninth transverse fold line T9(which may be perforated in some example embodiments), which allows the projection to bend outwardly away from the first panel102(sidewall36b) as front and back covers30,40of outer box20move from an open position to a closed position. When the outer box blank100is folded to form the outer box20, the projection P can engage the slot S and create a “clicking” sound as projection P snaps into the slot S when front and back covers30,40move from an open position to a closed position. In some example embodiments, an inner sleeve blank200includes panels separated by transverse and longitudinal fold lines which allow the panels to be folded to form an inner sleeve60. As shown inFIG.3, an inner sleeve blank200can include a first panel202at one end (corresponding to a first end panel), a second panel204(corresponding to the front connecting panel67) separated from the first panel202by a first transverse fold line T1(which may be perforated in some example embodiments), a third panel206(corresponding to the front wall62) separated from the second panel204by a second transverse fold line T2(which may be perforated in some example embodiments), a fourth panel208(corresponding to the bottom wall61) separated from the third panel206by a third transverse fold line T3, a fifth panel210(corresponding to the back wall63) separated from the fourth panel208by a fourth transverse fold line T4, a sixth panel212(corresponding to the back connecting panel68) separated from the fifth panel210by a fifth transverse fold line T5(which may be perforated in some example embodiments), and a seventh panel214(corresponding to a second end panel) separated from the sixth panel212by a sixth transverse fold line T6(which may be perforated in some example embodiments). In some example embodiments, inner sleeve blank200includes an eighth panel216(corresponding to a sidewall64) separated from one longitudinal side of the third panel206(corresponding to front wall62) by a longitudinal fold line L1, a ninth panel218(corresponding to a sidewall65) separated from the other longitudinal side of the third panel206by a second longitudinal fold line L2, a tenth panel220(corresponding to a second sidewall64) separated from one longitudinal side of the fifth panel210(corresponding to back wall63) by a third longitudinal fold line L3, and an eleventh panel222(corresponding to a second sidewall65) separated from the other longitudinal side of the fifth panel210by a fourth longitudinal fold line L4. In some example embodiments, inner sleeve blank200can include reinforcing panels224,226,228and/or230. For example, a first reinforcing panel224can be separated from one side of the second panel204(corresponding to front connecting panel67) by a fifth longitudinal fold line L5, a second reinforcing panel226can be separated from the other side of the second panel204by a sixth longitudinal fold line L6, a third reinforcing panel228can be separated from one side of the sixth panel212(corresponding to back connecting panel68) by a seventh longitudinal fold line L7, and/or a fourth reinforcing panel230can be separated from the other side of the sixth panel212by an eighth longitudinal fold line L8. When the inner sleeve blank is folded to form the inner sleeve60, the reinforcing panels224,226can be overlapped and adhered to the second panel204, and the reinforcing panels228,230can be overlapped and adhered to the sixth panel212. In some example embodiments, the inner sleeve blank200can include flaps232,234separated from the fourth panel208(bottom wall61) by longitudinal fold lines L9, L10—flap232separated from one side of fourth panel208by longitudinal fold line L9, and flap234separated from an opposite side of the fourth panel208by longitudinal fold line L10. Eighth and tenth panels216,220can be folded and adhered to each other, and ninth and eleventh panels218,222can be folded and adhered to each other, to form a rectangular opening in the inner sleeve60for receipt of a bundle70(see, for example, opening66ofFIG.1C). In some example embodiments, flaps232and234can be trapezoid-shaped, each flap including a rectangular portion and two side triangular portions separated from the rectangular portion by fold lines that may be perforated, as shown for example in the example embodiment ofFIG.3(other shapes may be used for the flaps, including for the side portions, in other embodiments that include flaps, and certain embodiments may not include flaps). In some example embodiments, when the inner sleeve blank200is folded to form inner sleeve60, flap232can be folded such that the rectangular portion of232is adhered to an inner surface of panel216and/or panel220to form part of one of the sidewalls of the inner sleeve60, and the side portions of the flap can be folded (and adhered in some embodiments) to inner surfaces of panel206and panel210(an example of this is shown, for example, inFIG.4). Similarly, when the inner sleeve blank200is folded to form inner sleeve60, flap234can be folded such that the rectangular portion of234is adhered to an inner surface of panel218and/or panel222to form part of the other sidewall of the inner sleeve60, and the side portions of the flap can be folded (and adhered in some embodiments) to inner surfaces of panel206and panel210. As noted in example embodiments of the inner sleeve blank200and outer box blank100, one or more of the fold lines may include one or more perforations. While this is shown in some figures and/or was mentioned in some example embodiments for some of the fold lines, any one of the fold lines can include one or more perforations, which in some cases may facilitate folding. In other example embodiments, the perforations can be omitted from the fold lines. An assembled inner sleeve60can be incorporated in an assembled outer box20in some example embodiments by attaching the first and seventh panels202,214of the inner sleeve blank200to inside surfaces of outer box20, including, for example, attaching panel202to an inside surface of front wall35of front cover30, and attaching panel214to an inside surface of back wall45of back cover40. In some example embodiments, panel202may also or alternatively be attached to sixth reinforcement panel112″, to eight reinforcement panel114″ and/or to second reinforcement panel102″. In some example embodiments, panel214may also or alternatively be attached to tenth reinforcement panel116″, to twelfth reinforcement panel118″ and/or to fourth reinforcement panel110″. With panels202,214attached to inside surfaces of front and back covers30,40, respectively, of the outer box20, the inner sleeve60(and bundle70if a bundle is located in the sleeve60) is confined inside the outer box20when the front and back covers30,40are in a closed position. When the top ends of the front and back covers30,40are moved apart to form an access opening50, the inner sleeve60(and bundle70if a bundle is located in the sleeve60) is moved towards the access opening50(in some example embodiments, a portion of a bundle70can move past the access opening50). Thus, in example embodiments, inner sleeve blank200can include a panel202which can be adhered to one or more inside surfaces of front cover30, and inner sleeve blank200can include a panel214which can be adhered to one or more inside surfaces of back cover40. In some example embodiments of an outer box blank100and an outer box20, a distance between transverse fold lines T2and T3is greater than a distance between longitudinal fold lines L1and L5, is greater than a distance between longitudinal fold lines L2and L7, and/or is greater than a distance between transverse fold lines T1and T5. In some example embodiments, a distance between transverse fold lines T2and T3is greater than a distance between longitudinal fold lines L3and L9, is greater than a distance between longitudinal fold lines L4and L11, and/or is greater than a distance between transverse fold lines T4and T7. In an example embodiment of a pack10, front and back covers30,40of an outer box20can be moved from a closed position to an open position by applying finger pressure through a finger slot80and pressing against a bottom wall61of an inner sleeve60. In some example embodiments, an outer box20can be assembled as follows. A front cover30can be assembled by folding panel102′ over panel102, folding panel102about fold line T1and folding panel102″ about fold line T6such that panel102″ forms an L-shape with panel102′, and adhering panel102″ to panel104; folding panel112′ over panel112, folding panel112about fold line L1and folding panel112″ about fold line L6such that panel112″ forms an L-shape with panel112′, and adhering panel112″ to panel104; and folding panel114′ over panel114, folding panel114about fold line L2and folding panel114″ about fold line L8such that panel114″ forms an L-shape with panel114′, and adhering panel114″ to panel104. A back cover40can be assembled by folding panel110′ over panel110, folding panel110about fold line T4and folding panel110″ about fold line T8such that panel110″ forms an L-shape with panel110′, and adhering panel110″ to panel108; folding panel116′ over panel116, folding panel116about fold line L3and folding panel116″ about fold line L10such that panel116″ forms an L-shape with panel116′, and adhering panel116″ to panel108; and folding panel118′ over panel118, folding panel118about fold line L4and folding panel118″ about fold line L12such that panel118″ forms an L-shape with panel118′, and adhering panel118″ to panel108. Fourth panel108can be folded about transverse fold line T3, flap F3can be folded about the longitudinal fold line that separates it from bottom wall21and inserted between panels116and116′, flap F4can be folded about the longitudinal fold line that separates it from bottom wall21and inserted between panels118and118′, and third panel106becomes a fourth sidewall of back cover40(in addition to sidewalls46a,46b,46c), as well as acts as connecting bottom wall21. The flaps F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6can be folded and adhered to the sidewalls (in an example embodiment, flaps F1, F2can be folded to be inserted between panels102and102′, flap F3can be folded to be inserted between panels116and116′, flap F4can be folded to be inserted between panels118and118′, and flaps F5, F6can be folded to be inserted between panels110and110′) such that the front cover30can rotate about fold line T2and the back cover40forms a rigid tray closed on four sides by the sidewalls46a,46b,46c, and bottom wall21(panel106). In some example embodiments, an inner sleeve60can be assembled as follows. Flap232can be folded about fold line L9, and flap234can be folded about fold line L10, side portions of flap232can be folded about fold lines shown in dotted lines and side portions of flap234can be folded about fold lines shown in dotted lines, the panels216,218,220,222can be folded about fold lines L1, L2, L3, L4, the panels206,210can be folded about fold lines T3, T4, panels216and220can be adhered to each other, panels218and222can be adhered to each other, a rectangular portion of flap232can be adhered to panel216and/or panel220, a rectangular portion of flap234can be adhered to panel218and/or panel222, and/or side portions of flaps232and234can be adhered to panels206and210to form a bottom wall61, front wall62, back wall63, and sidewalls64,65of an inner sleeve60. In some example embodiments, reinforcing straps224,226,228,230can be folded about fold lines L5, L6, L7, L8and adhered to panels204,212. In attaching the inner sleeve60to an outer box20of some example embodiments, panel202can be folded about fold line T1and can be adhered to front wall35of front cover30of the outer box20, and panel214can be folded about fold line T6and can be adhered to back wall45of back cover40of the outer box20, to thereby support the inner sleeve60inside the outer box20such that the inner sleeve60can move upwardly due to connecting panels67,68(panels204,212) when the front cover30and back cover40are separated, and can move downwardly when the front cover30and back cover40are closed. While the example embodiments described above have been exemplified with reference to the packaging of cigarettes, it will be appreciated that containers as described herein may also be advantageously employed to package a variety of other consumer goods such as, for example, other tobacco products, other nicotine products, cosmetics, confectionery products, foodstuffs, etc. | 32,619 |
11858721 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following detailed description is of example embodiments with references to the accompanying drawings. Such description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting with respect to the scope of the possible embodiments. Such embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice them, and it will be understood that other embodiments may be practiced with some variations. As illustrated inFIGS.1-9, an improved container1for storing food items3such as a cupcake can include a base portion5and a top portion21. The base portion5can include a base peripheral edge7located on a base peripheral edge plane9. A plurality of cavities11can be defined within the base portion5. The cavities11can include an interior wall surface13extending up from a cavity base wall15. The cavity base walls15of the various cavities11can define the bottom surface of the base portion5. In one exemplary embodiment, the base portion5can have twelve cavities11in a 3×4 configuration formed in the base portion5. A first portion of the base cavity interior walls13that extend up in a general vertical plane from the base wall15can intersect with the base peripheral edge surface33to form a rim around the edge of the base exterior of the base and form a continuous exterior cavity rim portion31that can generally proximate the exterior of the base portion of the container. This first portion17can primarily be located on the exterior faces of the cavities11. The base portion can further comprise one or more interior support members57formed in base portion5. The interior support members57can extend up from the bottom surface of the base portion5. These interior support members57can be formed by second portion56of interior walls can extend generally upward along a vertical plane to the lid support member plane. In some embodiment, the interior support members57can have a top surface59. The top surface59can extend upward from the base surface past the base peripheral edge plane9. In some embodiments, the interior support members57can form a portion of the interior wall surface13cavity wall. The portion of the interior support members57that form the interior wall surface13can be configured to maintain a food item, within its designated cavity11. The interior support member(s) can extend beyond the base peripheral edge plane9and terminate at a lid support member plane71. The lid support member plane71can located a pre-determined distance above the base peripheral edge plane9. A portion of interior wall surface13that is part of the lid support member57can extend to the lid support member plane71. This helps to maintain the food item3within its prescribed cavity11and prevent and/or inhibit lateral and vertical movement of the food item3, as well as, limit or inhibit the tipping of the food item3within its prescribed cavity11. The interior support member extending above the edge plane9can aid in prevent unwanted movement of a food item within a cavity11of the base portion5and can ensure a food item remains in an upright position within the food item's prescribed cavity11. Optionally, a third portion61of the cavity interior wall13can terminate prior to extending up to the base peripheral edge plane25to form a recessed portion61of the interior wall13. The recessed portion61of the cavity wall can still maintain separation between the plurality of cavities11. Additionally, the recessed portion61can allow a user easier access to add or remove a food item3from the cavity11. In some embodiments an intermediate portion63can be formed in between each of the cavities11. The intermediate portion can be a pre-determined width formed in between cavities to maintain adequate separation of the food items3within the container. The interior support members57can be formed by part of the intermediate portions63between cavities11. Similarly, the intermediate portions63can span between two interior support members57or between an interior support member57and a portion of the cavity rim19or base peripheral edge surface33. In embodiments, the top surface59can further include one or more grooves/channels65configured to accept or retain a first portion69of lid support member67. One or more channels can optionally intersect each other to form a cross or “X” shape, as shown inFIG.1A. The multiple channels65can allow for movement of the first portion69of the lid support member67when a force is applied to the lid surface. The movement can be restricted by the channel(s)65so as to not allow the lid support member(s)67to extend below the interior support member plane71. Similarly, this prevents the bottom surface73of the lid support member(s)67from coming into contact with the food item in the cavity11when a force is applied to the top of the container1or lid portion21. In one exemplary embodiment shown inFIG.1B, a lid portion21can have six lid support members wherein two support members are each coupled together by a bridge portion81form three lid cavities85in the upper surface27of the lid portion21. In one exemplary embodiment, the base portion5can have six interior support members67. In some embodiments, the three cavities85can be considered three elongated support member67wherein a bridge portion81connects the two support members67. It should be understood depending upon the number cavities11, the number of lid cavities85may vary. A base peripheral edge surface33can extend between the cavity rim19and the base peripheral edge7along the base peripheral edge plane9. In some exemplary embodiments, a coupling means37can include a base sealing member39and a lid sealing member41. The base sealing member39can be located on at least a portion of the base peripheral edge7. In some exemplary embodiments, the base sealing member39can be located around the entire perimeter of the base peripheral edge7. Similarly, the lid sealing member41can be located on at least a portion of the lid peripheral edge23. Optionally the lid sealing member41can be located on the entire lid peripheral edge23. In some embodiment, the coupling means37including the base sealing member33and lid sealing member41can approximate the shape of the other. A first portion45of the base sealing member can initially extend upward along an axis from the base peripheral edge9from a lip43located at the base peripheral edge7. A second portion47of the base sealing member39can then extend down from the lip43. The second portion47above, at, or below the base peripheral edge plane9. In one exemplary embodiment, the second portion47can extend below the base peripheral edge plane9, as shown inFIGS.3E and7D. Unlike previous embodiments, the lip of the coupling means can be located at a plane below the interior support member plane71. Similarly, the bottom edge of the base sealing member39and the bottom edge of the lid sealing member41of the coupling means37can be located below the plane of the cavity rim19and/or the base peripheral edge plane9. In one exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG.3B, the bottom edge of the coupling means37can be at a plane123below the peripheral edge plane9. Alternatively, the package can have a similar coupling means to previous embodiments that do not have the reduced height coupling means features. By substantially shifting the majority of the coupling means37to be formed below the plane of the cavity rim19and/or the base peripheral edge plane9, more of the top portions, such as the iced or decorated portions93of the food items3, can be exposed and allow for a consumer to better view the product within the package when in a closed orientation. By reducing/lowering the height of the coupling means relative to the plane of the cavity rim13and or the base peripheral edge plan9, the lid is better able to display and show the contents within the container/package. This can enhance and improve the visibility of the product or food item within the cavity to the consumer and result in improved product and brand equity. A consumer would be able to better evaluate the product within the container visually without the need of opening the package. In some embodiments, the lip43can be located at the same plane as the peripheral edge plane25. By having the coupling means37at or near the peripheral edge plane25, the base sealing member and lid sealing member are able to better maintain a sealing relationship. Also, the reduction of material above the peripheral edge plane result in a sturdier container1and coupling means27resulting in easier manufacturing and limited movement between the sealing members not found in previous containers. In some embodiments the lip43can extend no more than about 0.3″ above the peripheral edge plane25. The reduction of the coupling means height and location above the peripheral edge plane results in a better view angle and showcase of the food items3within the container1. The coupling means can also comprise a groove feature109. The groove feature109can be located at any point of the coupling means and in multiple locations along the coupling means. In some embodiments, the groove feature109can extend around the entire peripheral edge of the coupling means37. The groove feature can be formed by a lid groove111and a base groove113. The lid groove111can be formed on a portion of the first portion of the lid sealing member53and the base groove113can be formed on a portion of the second sealing portion of the base sealing member47, wherein the lid groove111fits within the base113to further provide a sealing relationship between the two sealing members. In some exemplary embodiments, the groove feature109can be located at each of the corners of the container1. The lid portion21can include a lid peripheral edge23located on at the lid peripheral edge plane25. The lid peripheral edge surface35can extend on a planar axis from the lid sidewall29. In some embodiments, an internal peripheral lip edge49can be formed between the lid peripheral edge23and the lid sidewall29. The internal peripheral lip edge49can protrude below the lid peripheral edge plane25and/or extend outwardly over a cavity rim19, wherein the internal peripheral lip edge49can be configured to restrict the movement of a food item3within the cavity11. In other embodiments, the internal peripheral lip edge49can also form a portion of a channel87on the exterior surface of the lid portion. The lid peripheral edge surface35can extend from the upper channel edge51of the channel87and extend on an axis from until terminating at the edge surface35to form the lid peripheral edge21. As shown inFIG.6B, the internal peripheral lip edge49of the formed channel87can overly a portion of the food item3to provide a securing feature to help limit or inhibit the movement of the food items within the base portion cavities11. This channel87can run along the entire peripheral edge and provide a securing feature to all of the food item located on the exterior cavities11on all sides of the container. Extending from the lid peripheral edge21can be the lid sealing member41. A first portion53of the lid sealing member41can extend downward from the lid peripheral edge23. In some embodiments, a second portion55of the lid sealing member41can extend horizontally planar from the first portion53of the lid sealing member41. The lid peripheral edge plane25can be located just on top of the base peripheral edge plane. When the coupling means37is closed, the base sealing member39and the lid sealing member41couple together to maintain a sealing relationship between the lid portion21and the base portion5. The lid sealing member41and base sealing member39can approximate one another around at least a portion of the peripheral edges of the container. In some exemplary embodiments, the coupling means can approximate the entire edge of the container1. The lid portion21can further include one or more lid support members67that extend downward from the top surface of the lid portion21. The lid portion21can have an exterior surface75and an interior surface77. The lid support member(s)67extending down from the top of the lid portion. The lid support member67can have a side wall79and a bottom surface73, wherein the side wall79extends between the top surface27and the bottom surface73. The side walls79can extend down from the top surface along an axis. In some embodiments, the lid support member(s) can approximate the shape of a food item within the cavity. Similarly, the bottom surface73of a portion of the lid support member67can approximate the interior support member top surface. In some embodiments, the lid support member67can span across two interior support members to form a bridge portion81. The bridge portion81can span across two lid support members67. The bridge81can be formed by the side wall79extending down from the lid surface. The lid support member67can have dual functions for both providing additional stability of the lid when containers are stacked, or weight is applied to the top of the lid to prevent the lid from crushing. Similarly, the lid support members can be configured to maintain the food items3within their prescribed cavities11and from tipping within the cavity11. Similarly, the internal support member67can provide internal separation between the food items and control movement of food items3within the container1. In some embodiments, the bottom surface73of the lid support member can extend past the edge of the top surface of the lid portion. In this embodiment, the bottom surface can overly a portion of above the cavity. The portion that overlies the cavity can aid in maintain the food items within their cavities, as well as inhibiting or limiting their movement within the container. In one exemplary embodiment, each cavity can have an individual lid support member73that can extend down and overly a portion of a single cavity. In another exemplary embodiment, a secondary member from the lid support member73can extend down and overly a portion of the cavity to help maintain the food items position within the cavity. In some exemplary embodiments, the bottom surface can have a73an extension portion69extending out from the bottom surface73. The extension portion can be configured to fit within the top surface groove/channel65of the interior support member57. Optionally, in some exemplary embodiment, the portion69and groove/channel65can be configured to removeable couple to each other to further maintain the closure of the lid portion21to the base portion5. A separate retainer piece could also or alternatively be coupled to the portion69or channel67. The retainer piece can be removeable couplable to the container1. The retainer piece could extend past the edge of the top surface59of the interior support members and overlie a portion of one or more cavities11. The retainer piece could extend past the cavity rim19and engage or be proximate to the top of food item within the cavity to inhibit or minimize movement of the food item. The bridge81can have an arched portion83located in between the lid support members. The arched portion83can overly one of the intermediate portions63spanning between two interior support members57of the base portion5. The arched portion83can be configured to add additional rigidity to the lid support member(s)67. This provides additional structural rigidity to prevent crushing of the lid during transportation and storage of the package. Additionally, the arched portion can be raised above the plane of the interior support member plane. The arched portion83can help limit or prevent the bridge portion81from contacting a portion of the food item3when the food item is rested within the cavity11. The lid support members may generally be identical to one another and include similar features, such as the first portion on the bottom surface of the lid support member67to fit within channel/groove65formed on the top surface of the interior support member57. In other embodiments, the lid support members67can be separate from each other and not be connected by a bridge portion81between to support member67. From the upper lid surface27, the lid support members can form a cavity85within the upper lid surface27. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper lid surface27can still be primarily planar with one or more cavities85formed by the lid support member(s)67. The cavity85can have a cavity wall89that extends down to the bottom cavity85. The cavities can have any suitable shape that corresponds to the lid support members67. In some exemplary embodiments, the cavities85can have a shape similar to a figure eight or hour class. Primarily, the shape is dictated by the configuration and number of cavities11for the food items. The lid support member side wall79can approximate the corresponding cavity rim19or intermediate portion63below. Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the cavity wall89can be configured to conform to and proximate the shape of the food item3and icing portion93of the food item. The lid support members67can be configured in a way to maintain a food item3in its designated cavity11by minimizing the head space between the top of the food item at the interior top surface of the lid portion. In some exemplary embodiment, the space between the icing portion and the interior sidewall79of the support member67or bridge portion81can be less between about 0.1″ inches and 1″, about 0.2″ and about 0.8″, or less than about 0.5″, or less than about 0.2″.FIG.7billustrates a cutaway view showing the interior surface77of the lid support member side wall79approximating the shape of the foot item, including the icing portion93of the food item3. In some exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface of the lid support member73can extend and overly a single cavity11to aid in securing or limiting the motion of the food item within the cavity11. Additionally, as shown inFIGS.1B and7B, the lid side wall can have a plurality of partial dome portions95that are configured to approximate the shape of the respective cavity11. The domed portions95can have a bottom portion101and a top portion103with the lid sidewall29spanning between the top portion103and bottom portion. The side wall29between the top103and bottom101portions can be slightly rounded or domed. In some embodiment, the domed portion95can approximate the icing portion93of a cupcake within the interior of the container. Additionally, the space between the icing portion and the interior sidewall27of the domed portion can be less between about 0.1″ inches and 1″, about 0.2″ and about 0.8″, or less than about 0.5″, or less than about 0.2″. In some embodiments, the bottom end101can approximate between about 5% to about 60%, or between about 10% and about 40% of the cavity rim's19shape. In some embodiment, the partial dome portion95can include a swirl feature105. The bottom end101of the dome portion95can also form a part of the internal lid peripheral edge49that can be used to aid in minimizing the movement of a food item within the cavity. The domed portions can form recessed areas97in between each of the dome portions on the lid portion21. A de-nesting lug99can be located within a recessed area97formed by a dome portion. The de-nesting lug99can have a first end117and a second end119. The first end117can be proximate or formed into a portion of the lid side wall29, as shown inFIG.1B. The second end119can extend out from the side wall29a pre-determined distance. In some exemplary embodiments, the second end119will not extend past the domed portion plane/edge125as shown inFIG.8. The domed portion plane/edge125can runs down each of the four sides of the lid portion. FIG.9illustrates two dashed lines to represent the plane125for illustrative purposes, but it should be understood that this plane exists on the other sides of the container1. On the exterior side of the plane125the base peripheral edge surface is generally flat and free from obstructions. On the interior side of the plane125proximate the edge of the dome portions95. In between the individual domed portions95one or more recessed areas97are formed which can provide a location for a de-nesting lug99. As shown inFIG.9, the plane125extends along a horizontal plane parallel on the base peripheral edge surface on all sides of the container1. This helps ensure that de-nesting lugs99do not impede a sealing mechanism from sealing the edge of the container to allow for continuous movement sealing along the edge of the container. In other embodiments, the de-nesting lugs99will not extend all the way to the lid peripheral edge23. The de-nesting lugs can be formed on the lid peripheral edge surface35and a predetermined distance away from the coupling means37. By maintaining the de-nesting lugs99apart from the coupling means, the packaging has addition structural rigidity and the sealing members are better capable of forming a sealing relationship. Currently, traditional packaging methods used to seal containers with de-nesting lugs requires a pressing means to press the top lid of a container to seal the container. This method of closing the container Additionally, by moving the de-nesting lugs99away from the peripheral edge of the lid, packaging and sealing efficiency and reliability of the containers can be greatly improved by allowing for a continuous movement sealing means during the packaging process rather than requiring an indexing motion to depress the lid portion21on the base portion5of the container1. Currently, this indexing motion requires pressure to be applied to the top surface of the lid, which could potentially lead to crushing of contents within the container or not ensure full closure of the container lid to the base resulting in production delays and inefficiencies. In one exemplary embodiment, a packaging method can use a line conveyor and minimizer to ensure a closure at the peripheral edge of the package using continuous movement. The lid peripheral edge surface35can extend away from the cavities and past the domed portion plane/edge125. By keeping the peripheral edge surface35free from de-nesting lugs, the sealing means, such as a minimizer is not obstructed from continually sealing the container down the entire edge of the container. This eliminates current bottlenecks in the packaging process of the cupcake containers and also improves the reliability of the closure of the lid on the base of the container. The location of the de-nesting lugs within the recessed area97allows for a clean lid peripheral edge23and closure surface of the coupling means37to allow for continuous movement sealing down a line or conveyor. In some embodiments, the de-nesting lugs99can be located in all of the recessed areas99. Alternatively, multiple configurations of the de-nesting lugs99can be used to allow for easy separation of the containers when multiple container are stacked together. This improves efficiency in the assembly and packaging by ensuring multiple containers do not remain stacked together or nested during packaging. The relocation of the de-nesting lugs99to spaces121between the cavity domes is unique to the industry, and provides greater value through manufacturing efficiency improvements, improved closure reliability and removes the need for indexing motion (i.e. stop and go) during the packaging of the food items within the container. The new de-nesting lug99location feature is accomplished through reconfiguring the geometry (i.e. inward curves/spaces121between product cavities) created through shaping each cavity lid outer vertical surface when shaping the package to resemble the product itself. By engineering the lid sidewall to contour to the food cavities, a recess/space121is formed to create a location for the de-nesting lugs99away from the perimeter edge of the package/container. Relocating the de-nesting lugs99inside the inward curves121allows continuance movement for the manufacturing line, and more specifically the package closure section of the production line. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of preparing a packaged food container for display comprising the steps of preparing a plurality of food items. The food items can then be loaded into the respective cavities of the container. The container may have a lid with at least one stacking lug107and one de-nesting lug99where the de-nesting lug is located proximate to the recessed area97within the area between the domed portion plane125and the recessed areas97as shown inFIG.8. After the food items3are placed within the food cavities of the container the lid can be placed on top of the base portion of the container which can then be ran through a sealing means, such as a reducer, to seal the lid portion to the base portion of the container. The container1can further include stacking lugs107. In one exemplary embodiment, the stacking lugs107can be on the upper lid surface27. The upper lid surface27can be located proximate to the corners of the upper lid surface27. The stacking lugs107can be configured to fit in the spaces121formed between the cavities11of the base portion5. The container1of the present disclosure can come in any suitable configuration for holding food items. Referring toFIG.1A, one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can have a cavity configuration of 3×4 to allow for the container to have twelve cavities for holding 12 different food items. It should be understood, that the container can be configured to have various numbers of cavities in various layouts, including but not limited to, 1×2, 1×3, 2×2, 2×3, 3×3, 3×4, 4×4, 4×5, 2×6, 5×5, 3×6, 4×6, 5×6, and 6×6. Similarly, in one embodiment, 3 cavities can surround a single interior support member to form a triangular arrangement within the container. The container can be made from any suitable material such as PVC, PET, poly propylene, poly propylene with clarifier, PLA, and other suitable plastics and polymers. Similarly, the polymer can be translucent/transparent, or may have a color or opaque depending upon the desired use of the container. In some embodiments, the lid portion21and the base portion5can be hingedly connected to each other along a peripheral edge of the respective portions. A hinge115can connect the two portions along a hinge axis. In come exemplary embodiments, the hinge can be perforated in nature to allow a user to separate the lid portion21from the base portion5. This is advantageous for situations where the food items3will be displayed and do not required to be constantly covered. The lid portions21can still be coupled to the base portions5after separating the portions from the hinge via the coupling means37. What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting. Modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. INDEX OF ELEMENTS 1—container3—food item(s)5—base portion7—base peripheral edge9—base peripheral edge plane11—cavity13—cavity interior wall surface15—cavity base wall17—a first portion of the cavity interior wall surface19—cavity rim21—lid portion23—lid peripheral edge25—lid peripheral edge plane27—upper lid surface29—lid sidewall31—continuous exterior cavity rim portion33—base peripheral edge surface35—lid peripheral edge surface37—coupling means39—base sealing member41—lid sealing member43—lip45—first portion of base sealing member47—second sealing portion of base sealing member49—internal lid peripheral edge51—upper channel edge53—first portion of lid sealing member55—second portion of lid sealing member56—second portion of the cavity interior wall surface57—interior support members59—top surface of the interior support member61—recessed portion of interior wall surface63—intermediate portions65—top surface groove/channels67—lid support member69—first portion of lid support member on bottom surface71—interior support member plane73—bottom surface of lid support member75—exterior surface77—interior surface79—lid support member side wall81—bridge portion83—arched portion85—lid cavity87—channel89—cavity wall91—intermediate portion plane93—icing portion of the food item95—dome portions97—recessed area99—de-nesting lug101—bottom end of partial dome portions103—top end of partial dome portions105—swirl feature107—stacking lug109—groove feature111—lid groove113—base groove115—hinge117—de-nesting first end119—de-nesting second end121—spaces/curves/recesses123—bottom edge of coupling means plane125—domed portion plane/edge | 28,642 |
11858722 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a plant/floral arrangement wrapping system. The wrapping system can include a combination of protective sheets and decorative sheets. The protective sheets can include one or more sheets of, for example, craft paper, affixed together with a bonding element. The present invention contemplates the use of a material other than craft paper for the protective sheets. Other suitable materials include plastic, cardboard, fabrics, etc. The protective sheet can be unlaminated, laminated, or partially laminated. The decorative sheets can include one or more sheets of, for example, finewrap affixed to the protective sheets with a bonding element. The present invention contemplates the use of a material other than craft paper for the decorative sheet. Other suitable materials include woven or non-woven materials, paper, plastic films, etc. The finewrap can be of unitary appearance, or in the alternative, can include decorative colors and/or designs. Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown inFIGS.1-6, a first embodiment of a plant/floral arrangement wrapping system10of the present invention. The wrapping system10includes a first sheet12, which in an exemplary embodiment is substantially square in shape, having sides14, each with a length X. In other embodiments, first sheet12is substantially rectangular in shape. A first corner C1is removed from the sheet12along a line16, where the opposite ends of line16are a distance X1from corner C1. In this configuration the line16forms a sheet edge substantially perpendicular to a diagonal axis18of the first sheet12. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. As used herein, the removal of first corner C1(or of any of the other corners described below) includes simple folding to give the appearance that first corner C1has been physically separated from the rest of first sheet12. As described above, first sheet12is substantially square in shape in one embodiment and substantially rectangular in shape in another embodiment. It should be noted however, that first sheet12, as well as any of the other sheets described below, can be other shapes as long as a portion of the sheet can be removed to form a side. Non-limiting examples of other possible shapes include triangular, oval, and circular. The wrapping system10of the present invention includes a second sheet20, which in an exemplary embodiment is substantially rectangular in shape, having opposing sides22, each with a length Y, and opposing sides24, each with a width Z. In other embodiments, second sheet20is substantially square in shape. A first corner C2is removed from the sheet20along a line26, where the opposite ends of the line26are a distance Y1along a side22from corner C2, and a distance Z1along a side24from corner C2. In this configuration the line26forms a sheet edge at an angle α to a diagonal axis28of the second sheet20. In an exemplary embodiment, Y-Y1is substantially equal to Z. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. The wrapping system10of the present invention includes a third sheet30, where the third sheet30is a mirror image of the second sheet20. The third sheet30is substantially rectangular in shape, having opposing sides32, each with a length Y, and opposing sides34, each with a width Z. In other embodiments, third sheet30is substantially square in shape. A first corner C2is removed from the sheet30along a line36, where the opposite ends of the line36are a distance Y1along a side32from corner C2, and a distance Z1along a side34from corner C2. In this configuration the line36forms a sheet edge at an angle β to a diagonal axis38of the second sheet30. In an exemplary embodiment, Y-Y1is substantially equal to Z. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. The wrapping system10is formed by combining the first12, second20, and third30sheets. The first sheet12is placed on flat surface, where the sheet edge formed by line16is aligned with a base plane40. The second sheet20is positioned on the first sheet12, where the sheet edge formed by line26is aligned with base plane40. The third sheet30is positioned on the first sheet12, partially overlapping the second sheet20, where the sheet edge formed by line36is aligned with base plane40. The second sheet20and third sheet30are aligned along the base plane40, such that the base42of the wrapping system10has a length L, the second20and second30sheets intersect at point A along the diagonal axis18of the first sheet12. The first12, second20, and third30sheets can be bonded together using a bonding agent, such as glue, double sided tape, and the like. The first sheet12can be made of a craft paper, where the craft paper can be non-laminated, laminated, or partially laminated (for example laminated on one side). The second20and third30sheets can be made of a finewrap paper, where the finewrap paper can be of a unitary color and can also include a design element. As previously noted, materials other than craft paper and finewrap paper can be used. A decorative ribbon or string46such as a raffia can be affixed to first sheet12(and/or second20and third30sheets) to secure the wrapping system10about the flowers. Referring toFIG.6, in use, flowers96are positioned in wrapping system10along the central axis18of the wrapping system10. The opposite edges of the second20and third30sheets are wrapped about the flowers96in an alternating fashion, such that an inner surface of the second sheet20overlaps an outer surface of the third sheet30(or vice versa). Of course, if the user decides to place the flowers96left or right of the central axis18, the order (and extent) of wrapping of the second20and third30sheets can be changed to accommodate the placement of the flowers96. The second20and third sheets30can be secured together using a bonding agent or folding over each other, thus securing the wrapping about the flowers96. Additionally or alternatively, the decorative ribbon/string46can be utilized to secure the wrapping system10about the flowers96. FIGS.7-12show another plant/floral arrangement wrapping system300of the present invention. Like wrapping system10, wrapping system300uses three sheets. The wrapping system300includes a first sheet302, which in an exemplary embodiment is substantially square in shape, having sides304, each with a length X. In other embodiments, first sheet302is substantially rectangular in shape. A first corner C4is removed from the sheet302along a line306, where the opposite ends of the line306are a distance X4along a first side304′ from corner C4, and a distance X5along a second side304″ from corner C4. In this configuration, X5is greater than X4. In other configurations, X5is less than or equal to X4. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. The wrapping system300of the present invention includes a second sheet310, where the second sheet310is a mirror image of the first sheet302. As such, the second sheet310is substantially square in shape, having sides314, each with a length X. In other embodiments, second sheet310is substantially rectangular in shape. A first corner C4is removed from the sheet310along a line316, where the opposite ends of the line316are a distance X4along a first side314′ from corner C4, and a distance X5along a second side314″ from corner C4. In this configuration, X5is greater than X4. In other configurations, X5is less than or equal to X4. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. The wrapping system300of the present invention includes a third sheet320, which in an exemplary embodiment is substantially rectangular in shape, having opposing sides322, each with a length Y, and opposing sides324, each with a width Z. In other embodiments, third sheet320is substantially square in shape. A first corner C5is removed from the sheet320along a line326, where the opposite end of the line326are a distance Y1along a side322from corner C5, and a distance Z1along a side324from corner C5. In this configuration Y1is greater than Z1. In other configurations, X5is less than or equal to X4. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. As best seen inFIGS.10and11, wrapping system300is formed by combining the first302, second310, and third320sheets. The first sheet302is placed on a flat surface, where the sheet edge formed by line306is aligned with a base plane340. The second sheet310is positioned on the first sheet302, where the sheet edge formed by line316is aligned with base plane340. The third sheet320is positioned on the first302and second310sheets, partially overlapping both sheets, where the sheet edge formed by line326is aligned with base plane340and point342of the third sheet302is positioned on top of point344of the first sheet302. The first302, second310, and third320sheets can be bonded together using a bonding agent, such as glue, double sided tape, and the like. The first302and second310sheets can be made of a craft paper, where the craft paper can be non-laminated, laminated, or partially laminated (for example laminated on one side). The third sheet320can be made of a finewrap paper, where the finewrap paper can be of a unitary color and can also include a design element. As previously noted, materials other than craft paper and finewrap paper can be used. A decorative ribbon or string such as a raffia can be affixed to any one of the first302, second310, and third320sheets to secure the wrapping system300about the flowers. Referring toFIG.12, in use, flowers96are positioned in wrapping system300. The opposite edges of the first302and second310sheets are wrapped about the flowers96in an alternating fashion, such that an inner surface of the first sheet302overlaps an outer surface of the second sheet310(or vice versa). FIGS.13-19show another plant/floral arrangement wrapping system50of the present invention. The wrapping system50includes a first sheet52shown inFIG.13, which in an exemplary embodiment is substantially square in shape, having sides54, each with a length X. In other embodiments, first sheet52is substantially rectangular in shape. A first corner C1is removed from the sheet52along a line56, where the opposite ends of the line256are a distance X2along a first side54′ from corner C1, and a distance X3along a second side54″ from corner C1. In this configuration the line56forms a sheet edge at an angle β to a diagonal axis58of the second sheet50. Depending on the desired look, X3can be greater than, less than, or equal to X2. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. The wrapping system50includes a second sheet60, where the second sheet60is a mirror image of the first sheet52. As such, in an exemplary embodiment shown inFIG.14, second sheet60is substantially square in shape, having sides64, each with a length X. In other embodiments, second sheet60can be substantially rectangular. A first corner C1is removed from the sheet60along a line66, where the opposite ends of the line66are a distance X2along a first side62′ from corner C1, and a distance X3along a second side62″ from corner C1. In this configuration the line66forms a sheet edge at an angle β to a diagonal plane68of the second sheet60. Depending on the desired look, X3can be greater than, less than, or equal to X2. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. The wrapping system50includes a third sheet70, which as shown inFIG.15in an exemplary embodiment is substantially rectangular in shape, having opposing sides72, each with a length Y, and opposing sides74, each with a width Z. In other embodiments, third sheet70is substantially square in shape. A first corner C2is removed from the sheet70along a line76, where the opposite end of the line76are a distance Y2along a side72from corner C2, and a distance Z2along a side74from corner C2. In this configuration the line76forms a sheet edge at an angle Ω to a diagonal axis78of the third sheet70. Depending on the desired look, Z2can be greater than, less than, or equal to Y2. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. The wrapping system50includes a fourth sheet80, where the fourth sheet80is a mirror image of the third sheet70. As such, in an exemplary embodiment shown inFIG.16, fourth sheet80is substantially rectangular in shape, having opposing sides82, each with a length Y, and opposing sides84, each with a width Z. In other embodiments, fourth sheet80is substantially square in shape. A first corner C2is removed from the sheet80along a line86, where the opposite end of the line86are a distance Y2along a side82from corner C2, and a distance Z2along a side84from corner C2. In this configuration, the line86forms a sheet edge at an angle Ω to a diagonal axis88of the fourth sheet80. Depending on the desired look, Z2can be greater than, less than, or equal to Y2. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. The wrapping system50is formed by combining the first52, second60, third70, and fourth80sheets. The first sheet52is placed on flat surface, where the sheet edge formed by line56is aligned with a base plane90. As shown inFIG.17, the second sheet60is positioned on the first sheet52, where the sheet edge formed by line66is aligned with the base plane90. The first52and second60sheets are symmetrically positioned about an axis92perpendicular to the base plane90, such that the top edges of the first52and second60sheets intersect at point A on the axis92and the combined length of the bottom edges of the first52and second60sheets on base plane90has a length L. As shown inFIG.18, the fourth sheet80is positioned on the first sheet52, partially overlapping the second sheet60, where the sheet edge formed by line86is aligned with base plane90and the end89of line86is aligned with the end59of line56on the first sheet52. The third sheet70is positioned on the second sheet60, partially overlapping the first52and fourth80sheet, where the sheet edge formed by line76is aligned with base plane90and the end79of line76is aligned with the end69of line66on the second sheet60. In this configuration the base94of the wrapping system50still has the length L. The first52, second60, third70, and fourth80sheets can be bonded together using a bonding agent, such a glue, double sided tape and the like. The first52and second60sheets can be made of a craft paper, where the craft paper can be non-laminated, laminated, or partially laminated. The third70and fourth80sheets can be made of a finewrap paper, where the finewrap paper can be of a unitary color, of can also include a design element. As previously noted, materials other than craft paper and finewrap paper can be used. Referring toFIG.19, in use, flowers96are positioned on the third70and fourth80sheets, along the central axis92of the wrapping system50. The opposite edges of the first52and second60sheets are wrapped about the flower in an alternating fashion, such that an inner surface87of the fourth sheet80overlaps an outer surface67of the second sheet60. Of course, if the user decides to place the flowers96left or right of the central axis92, the order (and extent) of wrapping of the first52and second60sheets can be changed to accommodate the placement of the flowers96. The fourth80and second sheets60can be secured together using a bonding agent, thus securing the wrapping about the flower. Additionally or alternatively, a decorative ribbon/string can be utilized to secure the wrapping system50about the flowers. Referring toFIGS.20-22, the wrapping system50can further include a fifth sheet100. In the embodiment shown inFIG.20, fifth sheet100is substantially rectangular in shape, having opposing side102and102′, each with a length H, and opposing sided104and104′, each with a width W. In other embodiments, fifth sheet100is substantially square in shape. The side104″ is removed from the sheet100along a line106, where an end of the line106is a distance H1alongside102′ from corner C3. In this configuration the line106forms a sheet edge at an angle μ to a base of the rectangular sheet100. The removed sheet material can be recycled, repurposed, or discarded. Starting with the configuration shown inFIG.18and as shown inFIG.21, the fifth sheet100is positioned on the third sheet70, partially overlapping the fourth sheet80, where the sheet edge formed by line106is aligned with base plane90and the end108of line106is aligned with the end69of line66on the second sheet60. The fifth sheet100can be bonded to the wrapping using a bonding agent, such a glue, double sided tape and the like. Referring toFIG.22, in use, flowers96are positioned on the fifth sheet100. The opposite edges of the first52and second60sheets are wrapped about the flower in an alternating fashion, such that an inner surface87of the fourth sheet80overlaps an outer surface67of the second sheet60. Of course, if the user decides to place the flowers96left or right of the central axis92, the order (and extent) of wrapping of the first52and second60sheets can be changed to accommodate the placement of the flowers96. The fourth80and second sheets60can be secured together using a bonding agent, thus securing the wrapping about the flower. Additionally or alternatively, a decorative ribbon/sting can be utilized to secure the wrapping system50about the flowers. Referring toFIGS.23-28, another plant/floral arrangement wrapping system110of the present invention in provided. The wrapping system110includes a protective sheet112and a decorative sheet114. With reference toFIGS.23and24, the protective sheet112is provided in a unique geometry. The geometry includes three sections: first116and second118outer sections, and a center section120. In some embodiments, folding guides, such as for example a crease, separate the three sections, where a first folding guide122is interposed between the first outer section116and the center section120, and a second folding guide124is interposed between the center section120and the second outer section118. In other embodiments, there are no folding guides on protective sheet112. In such embodiments, a template can be used as de facto folding guides. The first outer section116can take the form of a truncated triangle having a first side124forming an outer side edge of the first section116, and a second side126forming a top edge of the first section116. An angle130is interposed between the first and second sides116,126. The first folding guide122forms the third side, where angle132is interposed between the second and third sides126,122. The tip of the triangle is truncated, forming the bottom edge136of the first section116. The folding guide122at least partially intersects the section side126, such that a portion136of the second side126is incorporated into the center section120. The second outer section118includes lower and upper side edges140,142, where an angle144in interposed between the lower and upper side edges140,142. A top edge146extends from the upper side edge142, where an angle148is interposed between the top edge146and the upper side edge142. The second folding guide124forms the inner boundary of the second outer section118, where angle150in interposed between the top edge146and the second folding guide124. A bottom edge152is interposed between the lower side edge140and the second folding guide124. The second folding guide124at least partially intersects the top edge146, such that a portion154of the top edge146is incorporated into the center section120. The center section120is bounded by the first and second folding guides122,124, and include a truncated bottom edge160, interposed between the bottom edge136of the first outer section116, and the bottom edge152of the second outer section118. The bottom edges136,152, and160are shown as being substantially equal in length, but in other embodiments, bottom edges136,152, and160have different lengths. An angle162is interposed between bottom edges136and160, and an angle164is interposed between bottom edges154and160. Additionally, a bottom folding guide is positioned adjacent to and spanning the lengths of the bottom edges136,152, and160. A top portion166of the center section120include a first and second side edges168,170. The first side edge168extends from the portion136of the second side126of the first outer section114, where an angle172is interposed between the second side126of the first outer section116the first side edge168of the top portion166. The second side edge170extends from the portion154of the top edge146of the second outer section118, where an angle174is interposed between top edge146of the second outer section118the second side edge170of the top portion166. A top edge176of the top portion166extends between the first and second side edges168,170. Optionally, a removeable header180can be affixed to the top edge176of the top portion166, where the removable header180can include guide holes182for display purposes. Additionally, the removable header180can be used to affix multiple wrapping system110together, forming a bundle of wrapping systems110. The bundling of the multiple wrapping system110allows for easy of storage and shipping. When a wrapping system110is needed by a user, it can be removed from the bundle by separating the wrapping system110from the header180, for example by tearing away the wrapping system110along a perforated tear line184between the header110and the top portion166. The protective sheet112further includes a number of bonding elements, such as for example an adhesive, double sided tape, affixed thereto. The bonding elements can be used to secure the decorative sheet114to the protective sheet112and secure the protective sheet112in a folding configuration. With reference toFIG.23, an inner surface190of the protective sheet112can include bonding elements192and194, positioned on the center120and second outer sections118. Bonding elements192and194are used to secure the decorative sheet114to the protective sheet112. The inner surface190further includes bonding element196, positioned along the lower side edge140of the second outer section118, and bonding element198, positioned along the bottom edge160of the center section.120. Referring also toFIG.24, the outer surface200of the protective sheet112includes bonding element202, positioned along the side edge124of the first outer section116, and bonding element198, positioned along the bottom edge136of the first outer section116. Bonding element206is positioned along the bottom edge152of the second outer section118. These bonding elements are utilized to secure the protective sheet112in a folding configuration, as will be described in further detail below. Referring toFIG.25, decorative sheet114includes a top edge210having a unique geometry, and a bottom edge212. Side edges214,216extend between the top edge210and the bottom edge212. The bottom edge212is substantially linear, where the first side edge214extends at a non-orthogonal angle218therefrom. In other embodiments, bottom edge212is not linear, but first side edge214still extends at a non-orthogonal angle218from bottom edge212. The top edge210includes a first portion220extending from the first side edge214opposite the bottom edge212, where an angle222is interposed between the first portion220and the first side edge214. A second portion224of the top edge210extends from the first portion220, opposite the first side edge214, where an angle226is interposed between the first and second portions220and224. A third portion228of the top edge210extends from the second portion224, opposite the first portion220, where an angle230is interposed between the second and third portions224and228. A fourth portion232of the top edge210extends from the third portion228, opposite the second portion224, where an angle234is interposed between the third and fourth portions228and232. A fifth portion238of the top edge210extends from the fourth portion232, opposite the third portion232, where an angle238is interposed between the fourth and fifth portions232,236. A fifth portion238of the top edge210extends from the fourth portion232, opposite the third portion232, where an angle238is interposed between the fourth and fifth portions232,236. A sixth portion240of the top edge210extends from the fifth portion236, opposite the fourth portion2332, where an angle242is interposed between the fifth and sixth portions236,240. The second side edge216is disposed between the bottom edge212and the sixth portion240of the top edge210. An angle244interposed between the sixth portion240of the top edge210and the second side edge216, and an angle246interposed between the second side edge216and the bottom edge212. The decorative sheet114further includes one or more bonding element affixed thereto. The bonding elements can be used to secure the decorative sheet114to the protective sheet112. With reference toFIG.25, an inner surface248of the decorative sheet114includes bonding element250, positioned along the bottom edge212of the decorative sheet114. Referring toFIG.26, the decorative sheet114is affixed to the inner surface190of the protective sheet112, using bonding elements192and194on the inner surface190of the protective sheet112, and the bonding element250on the inner surface240of the decorative sheet112. The decorative sheet114is aligned on the protective sheet112, by positioning the interface between the bottom edge212and first side edge214of the decorative sheet114on the interface between the lower and upper side edges140,142of the second section118of the protective sheet112, point A. The bottom edge212of the decorative sheet extends at angle252from a horizontal plane extending across the protective sheet112, such the interface between the second side edge216and the sixth portion240of the top edge210of the decorative sheet114is positioned on the top edge126of the first outer section116of the protective sheet112, point B. Referring toFIGS.27and28, to fold the wrapping system110, the wrapping system110is placed on a flat surface, the inner surface190facing up. The first outer section116of the protective sheet112is folded over, along folding guide122, on the center section120of the protected sheet112. The bottom edge of the center section160is secured to the bottom edge136of the first outer section116using bonding element198. Additionally, in this configuration, bonding elements202and204on the outer surface200of the first outer section116the protective sheet112are exposed. The second outer section118of the protective sheet112is folded over, along the folding guide124, onto the first outer section116of the protective sheet112. The second outer section118is secured to the first outer section116with bonding elements202and204on the outer surface200of the first outer section116the protective sheet112and bonding element196on the inner surface190of the second outer section118of the protective sheet112. The bottom of the wrapping system110is sealed by folding up the bottom edges136,152, and160of the protective sheet112, along the bottom folding guides, and sealing with bonding element206. In this manner, a pocket is formed within the wrapping system110to support plant/floral arrangements. The protective sheet112can be made of a craft paper, where the craft paper can be non-laminated, laminated, or partially laminated. For example, where the inner surface190of the protective sheet112is laminated. The decorative sheet114can be made of a finewrap paper, where the finewrap paper can be of a unitary color and can also include a design element. As previously noted, materials other than craft paper and finewrap paper can be used. All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims. | 28,456 |
11858723 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. In the text that follows, including in the claims and specification, certain elements are designated as “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, and so forth. These are arbitrary designations intended to be consistent only in the section in which they appear, i.e. the specification or the claims or the summary, and are not necessarily consistent between the specification, the claims, and the summary. In that sense they are not intended to limit the elements in any way and a “second” element labeled as such in the claim may or may not refer to a “second” element labeled as such in the specification. Instead, the elements are distinguishable by their disposition, description, connections, and function. Referring toFIGS.1and2, a modular portable storage container system10is shown. The system10is sized and shaped to fit within a vehicle (not specifically shown). The vehicle may be any of a wide variety of vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks, busses, motor homes, semi trucks and/or trailers, trains, aircraft, spacecraft, watercraft, or any other such vehicle without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. More specifically, the system10is sized and shaped to fit within a vehicle cargo compartment (not specifically shown except for cargo floor12). The system10is portable and can be moved or manipulated from place to place by one or more people, or by automated means. The system10includes a modular storage container14composed of at least a first container section16and a second container section18. In the context of the modular portable storage container system10and vehicle cargo compartments into which the system10is designed to fit, the terms “forward”, “rear”, “inner”, “inwardly”, “outer”, “outwardly”, “above”, and “below” are terms used relative to the orientation of a vehicle as shown in the drawings of the present application. Thus, “forward” refers to a direction toward a front of a vehicle, “rearward” refers to a direction toward a rear of a vehicle, “inner” and “inwardly” refers to a direction towards the interior of a vehicle, and “outer” and “outwardly” refers to a direction towards the exterior of a vehicle, “below” refers to a direction towards the bottom of the vehicle, and “above” refers to a direction towards a top of the vehicle. The terms “top”, “overtop”, “bottom”, “side” and “above” are terms used relative to the orientation of storage container14as shown in the drawings of the present application. Thus, while the orientation of the storage container14may change with respect to a given use, these terms are intended to still apply relative to the orientation of the components of the storage container14as shown in the drawings. The storage container14may be used in a variety of different applications without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. For example, the storage container14may be used in a warehouse or factory setting to move items from one area of the warehouse or factory to another. The storage container14may likewise be used in delivery applications in which the storage container14is loaded with items at one location. Subsequently, the storage container14is moved into the vehicle cargo compartment, secured therein, and then transported by the vehicle to another location where the storage container14or the contents thereof are delivered to the new location. In order to move or manipulate the storage container14from place to place, including into and out of vehicle cargo compartments, one or more handles20are built into an exterior surface22of the storage container14. The handles20may be moulded unitarily with the storage container14, or the handles20may be affixed to the storage container14by known means such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. The handles20shown inFIGS.1and2are angled with respect to the horizontal to provide an ergonomic hand-position or grip for a person or people moving the storage container14, however, it should be appreciated that the angles shown are merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. In some examples, the handles20may be completely horizontal, completely vertical or angled anywhere in between. Likewise, the handles20shown are linear, but could also be curved, angular, or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In some examples, in which the storage container14is moved from place to place solely by automated means, the handles20may adapted as a keyway for a robotic or otherwise automated assembly to movably attach to and manipulate or move the storage container14from location to location. Additional handles20, keyways, or other such features may be disposed at locations other than those shown in the figures without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.1through4, the first and second container sections16,18define rectilinear prisms each having an open side24. Put differently, the first and second container sections16,18ofFIGS.1and2are shaped generally like open-sided rectangular boxes. In several aspects, the first and second container sections16,18are substantially identical to one another. In some examples, the first and second container sections16,18define mirror images of one another. The open side24of the first container section16and the open side24′ of the second container section face each other so that when the first and second container sections16,18are placed into contact with one another in a closed position26, the first and second container sections16,18surround, enclose, and define a full volume28of storage space. That is, the first container section16defines a first partial volume30of storage space, and the second container section18defines a second partial volume32of storage space, the first and second partial volumes30,32of storage space combining to define the full volume28of storage space. Each of the first and second container sections16,18may be made of a wide variety of different materials, including metals, alloys, plastics, vinyls, composite materials, and the like. In one particular example, the first and second container sections16,18are made in a vacuum formed injection molding process out of a plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or the like. In another specific example in which the modular storage container system10is used in food or medical applications, the materials of the first and second container sections16,18and many or all of their components are composed of known food safe or medical grade materials. The material of the first and second container sections16,18are at least partially solid, hollow, corrugated or a honeycomb material, or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The first and second container sections16,18of some examples are made of several distinct modular components. In one example, the first container section16is formed of a modular first end portion34, a modular second end portion36, and a modular first wall portion38. The first end portion34defines a rear end40of the first container section16, while the second end portion36defines a front end42of the first container section16, with the modular first wall portion38extending therebetween. That is, the first and second end portions34,36are substantially planar and parallel to one another, while the first wall portion38is orthogonal to each of the first and second end portions34,36. The first end portion34contacts the first wall portion38at a connection surface43where fastening means are employed to secure the first end portion34to the first wall portion38. Likewise, the second end portion36contacts the first wall portion38at a connection surface43where fastening means are employed to secure the second end portion36to the first wall portion38. The fastening means, while not specifically shown, may include mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, press-fit fasteners, clasps, interference fittings, or the like, or by and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. In some examples, the first wall portion38is composed of multiple modular sections or components such as a modular top section44forming an enclosing top46of the first wall portion38, a horizontal bottom or base portion48forming an enclosing bottom50of the first wall portion38, and a vertical wall52. Each of the base portion48, top section44, and vertical wall52are connected by one or more fastening means as described above. More specifically, the top section44, base portion48and vertical wall52contact one another at one or more connection surfaces53, where the fastening means are employed to secure the modular top section44, base portion48, and vertical wall52together. In further examples, the first wall portion38may be a unitary construction or molding having a substantially rectangular “C”-shaped cross section defining the modular top section46, base portion48, and vertical wall52portions. Like the first container section16, the second container section18is formed of a modular third end portion54, a modular fourth end portion56, and a modular second wall portion58. The third end portion54contacts the second wall portion58at a connection surface43where fastening means as described above are employed to secure the third end portion54to the second wall portion58. Likewise, the fourth end portion56contacts the second wall portion58at a connection surface43where fastening means are employed to secure the fourth end portion56to the second wall portion58. The third end portion54defines a rear end40′ of the second container section18, while the fourth end portion56defines a front end42′ of the second container section18, with the modular second wall portion58extending therebetween. The second wall portion58may be composed of a variety of modular components similar to those described above with respect to the first wall portion38, or like the first wall portion38, may be composed of a single unitary moulding or the like. In several aspects, the base portion48of each of the first and second container sections16,18has a concave arcuate shape extending from the first end portion34to the second end portion36of the first wall portion38, and extending from the third end portion54to the fourth end portion56of the second wall portion58. The concave arcuate shape of some examples is interrupted by at least two inset sections59sized and shaped to fit around wheel well intrusions in a vehicle cargo compartment. The two inset sections59allow for the storage container14to be loaded into a vehicle cargo compartment in either direction without fouling against the wheel well intrusions in the vehicle cargo compartment. That is, the front and rear ends42,42′ and40,40′ of the storage container14are reversible such that the storage container14can be loaded into the vehicle cargo compartment in in either a “forward” or “backward” direction. The base portion48further includes a plurality of wheels or casters61. The casters61of some examples are disposed on a bottom surface63of the base portion48and provide the first and second container sections16,18the ability to roll from place to place. The casters61are attached to the base portion48by known means such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, press-fit fasteners, clasps, interference fittings, or the like. In several aspects, the casters61are made of one or more materials including but not limited to: metals, alloys, plastics, vinyls, composite materials, and the like. In some aspects, the fastening means may also be movable devices such as hinges, accordion-folded attachments, or the like. Likewise, some or all of the first and second wall portions38,58and the first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56, and the top sections46and base portions48may be made up of multiple independent sections hinged, accordion-folded, or otherwise movably attached to one another. In an example of a food truck, one or more of the first and second wall portions38,58may be formed of two longitudinally-extending sections, one disposed overtop the other and attached to one another at a horizontal hinge. The longitudinally-extending section disposed towards the top section46is thereby allowed to rotate downwards and towards the base portion48, thus forming an opening through which food or other materials may be passed from the interior of the vehicle cargo compartment to customers outside the vehicle. Similarly, in a camping situation, the multiple independent sections may be expandable via accordion-fold attachments to allow the storage compartment14to be expanded substantially beyond the dimensions of the vehicle cargo compartment when the storage compartment14is outside the vehicle cargo compartment and unlocked. The first and second partial volumes30,32of storage space within the first and second container sections16,18may be organized or sub-divided in a variety of different ways using modular organizational components60. The organizational components60are affixed to the first and second container sections16,18by any of a variety of known fastening means, such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, press-fit fasteners, clasps, interference fittings, or the like. In the example ofFIG.1, the second partial volume32of storage space within the second container section18is divided by one or more shelves62. The shelves62may be attached to the modular third and fourth end portions54,56, and/or the second wall portion58of the second container section18. In some aspects, some of the shelves62extend fully from the third end portion54to the fourth end portion56. In other aspects, some shelves62extend only part of the distance between the third end portion54and the fourth end portion56, thereby providing increased vertical space for stowage of tall items such as buckets64, bar stock, brooms, shovels, or the like. Similar shelves62or other such structures may be affixed within the first partial volume30of storage space in the first container section16. While in the foregoing, shelves62have been described as a means of organization within the first and second partial volumes30,32of storage space, it should be appreciated that shelves62are intended as a non-limiting example. Other organizational structures may be used in one, the other, or both of the first and second partial volumes30,32without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In several examples, additional or different organizational components60used may include shelves62, cabinets, walls, drawers, hooks, bars, cages, clothes racks, or any of a variety of other such organizational components60without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the organizational components60may have particular adaptations for a given purpose. For example, some shelves62may be equipped with a lip, edge, or recesses for spill prevention, liquid retention, or the like. Likewise, the same types of organizational components60may be used in each of the first and second container sections16,18, or the first and second container sections16,18may each have unique organizational components60disposed therein. Turning now more specifically toFIGS.3-6and with continuing reference toFIGS.1-4, the first and second container sections16,18are movable relative to one another between at least the closed position26and an open position66. In the open position66, the first and second container sections16,18are effectively independent of one another, and may be moved entirely separately from one another. In an example, the first and second container sections16,18may be loaded with cargo, for example, buckets64, packages for delivery (not specifically shown), or the like in entirely different locations within a factory or warehouse. The first and second container sections16,18may then be moved to a single location for loading into delivery vehicles, at which time, the first and second container sections16,18are moved into the closed position26and loaded into a vehicle together. In order to secure the first and second container sections16,18together, the storage container14has a locking mechanism68. The locking mechanism68has four primary components: a lock handle70, a lock arm72, a pivot shaft74, and a lock track76. As shown in the drawings, in several aspects, each of the first and second container sections16,18includes distinct portions of the locking mechanism68, however, it should be appreciated that variations in which each of the first and second container sections16,18includes all of the locking mechanism68components are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure. One copy of the locking mechanism68is described in further detail below, however, it should be appreciated that the storage container14may be equipped with a single locking mechanism68or any number of additional locking mechanisms68without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. For example, the locking mechanism68may be located only at the front and rear ends42,42′ and40,40′ of the storage container14, at only one of the front and rear ends42,42′,40,40′ or there may be additional locking mechanisms68disposed throughout the storage container14, such as within a dividing wall (not specifically shown) disposed within the storage container14and parallel to the end portions34,36,54,56of the storage container14. In a particular example, a first locking mechanism68′ is disposed at the front end42,42′ of the storage container14, and a second locking mechanism68″ is disposed at the rear end40,40′ of the storage container14. The pivot shaft74is a horizontally and longitudinally-disposed cylindrical rod, torsion tube, or torque tube that is freely rotatable within a set of bearings78disposed in the first and second end portions34,36of the first container section16. The pivot shaft74defines an axis of rotation for the lock handle70, and lock arm72. In food and/or medical applications, the bearings78are food safe or medical grade sealed bearings78. More specifically, as shown inFIG.7, the pivot shaft74extends fully from a point exterior to the first end portion34, through the first end portion34, through the first partial storage volume30through the second end portion36to a point exterior to the second end portion36. In several aspects, the pivot shaft74extends through a portion of one or more of the shelves62. The external extremities or ends80of the pivot shaft74engage with and are fixed for common rotation with lock handles70. Similarly, the lock arm72is fixed for common rotation with the pivot shaft74. The lock handle70, lock arm72, and pivot shaft74are rotatable between at least an unlocked position82and a locked position84. The lock arm72is located at least partially within a hollow area86formed within each of the first and second end portions34,36. The lock arm72extends radially outwardly from the pivot shaft74to a roller assembly88. The roller assembly88is sized and shaped to fit within and engage with the lock track76. In several aspects, the lock track76is a roll-formed component formed of galvanized steel, aluminum, composite materials, or the like. The lock track76of some examples includes at least three separate sections, at least two of which are disposed in a second hollow area87formed the second container section18, while the third is disposed in the hollow area86of the first container section16. More specifically, the lock track76within the first container section16consists of a curvilinear storage section90. The storage section90is disposed within the first and second end portions34,36. The curvilinear storage section90forms an arc section of a substantially circular section of lock track76that is substantially identical in radius to the distance defined by the length of the lock arm72between the pivot shaft74and the roller assembly88. When the lock arm72is in the unlocked position82, the roller assembly88is disposed within the storage section90of lock track76within the first container section16, and the first and second container sections16,18are freely movable relative to one another. By contrast, when the open side24of the first container section16and the open side24′ of the second container section18are facing one another, and the first and second container sections16,18are correctly spaced apart from one another, the lock arm72can be rotated to engage with the two remaining lock track76sections. The two remaining lock track sections76are disposed in the second container section18, and specifically within the third and fourth end portions54,56. The remaining lock track76sections are a fluted open portion92and a closed end portion94with a continuous track portion93disposed therebetween. The fluted open portion92is a curvilinear section of the lock track76which opens towards the first container section18and is located at a height below the height at which the curvilinear storage section90is disposed within the first container section16. In several aspects, the fluted open portion92has larger and/or wider dimensions at the portion facing and proximate the first container section16and narrows to a smaller and/or narrow set of dimensions at a portion farther within the second container section18and farther away from the first container section16. The fluted open portion92is thus sized and shaped to capture the roller assembly88of the lock arm72as the lock arm72is rotated towards the second container section18from the unlocked position82towards the locked position84. The fluted or widened shape of the fluted open portion92allows for some positioning error of the first and second container sections16,18relative to one another without disrupting the efficacy of the locking mechanism68. In several aspects, farther from the first container section16, and deeper within the second container section18, the fluted open portion92straightens into a less acutely curved section of the lock track76. At its farthest extent within the second container section18, the fluted open portion92meets the continuous track portion93of the lock track76. The continuous track portion93has a substantially consistent cross-sectional size along its entire length all the way from the fluted open portion92to the closed end portion94. The continuous track portion93is a substantially linear section of lock track76which extends at an angle95downwards and away from the first container section16. The closed end portion94is disposed at a downward-most end of the continuous track portion93proximate the base portion48of the second container section18. The precise angle95at which the continuous track portion93extends downwards and away from the first container section16may vary from application to application without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. As the lock arm72is moved from the unlocked position82to the locked position84, the lock arm72traverses the space between the first and second container sections16,18and the roller assembly88is captured by the fluted open portion92. Once captured, the roller assembly88is centered by and rolls within the fluted end portion92downwards, through the continuous track portion93and towards the closed end portion94. As a user continues to actuate the lock handle70from the unlocked position82towards the locked position84while the roller assembly88is in the fluted open portion92, the fluted open portion92directs the roller assembly88into the continuous track portion93, and eventually to the closed end portion94. The downward angle95at which the continuous track portion93extends causes the roller assembly to exert a closing force “F” between the lock track76and the pivot shaft74, thereby drawing the first and second container sections16,18closer together. As the roller assembly88of the lock arm72approaches the terminus of the closed end portion94proximate the base portion48of the second container section18, the first and second container sections16,18are drawn forcibly into contact with one another such that the first and third end portions34,54, and the second and fourth end portions36,56are in contact with one another. Likewise, the base portions48and the top sections46of each of the first and second container sections16,18are drawn into contact with one another in the locked position84. Additional locking features such as padlocks, pins, locking rings, or the like may then retain and secure the lock handle70, and/or the lock arm72, and/or the pivot shaft74and therefore the entire locking mechanism68in the locked position84. When locked, the additional locking features prevent accidental or unwanted movement of the first and second sections16,18relative to one another. In several aspects, because the locking mechanism68is disposed at both the front and rear ends42,42′ and40,40′ of the storage container14, the locking mechanism68rigidly retains the first and second container sections16,18against one another, allowing the storage container14to be moved from place to place without the container sections16,18separating from one another. The modular portable storage container system10further includes a blocking frame100. The blocking frame100is sized and shaped to fit within a vehicle cargo compartment and secures the first and second container sections16,18within the cargo compartment. Accordingly, the precise size and shape of the blocking frame100may therefore vary substantially from application to application, as the size and shape of a particular cargo compartment may vary substantially from vehicle to vehicle. The blocking frame100is immovably secured within the cargo compartment by known means, such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. In some examples, multiple blocking frames100may be used in a single cargo compartment, while in other examples, only a single blocking frame100may be necessary. The blocking frame100can be made of a number of different types of materials, and in a variety of different manufacturing processes without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In several aspects, the blocking frame100consists primarily of a front frame portion102connected to a rear frame portion104by a plurality of longitudinal bars106. The front frame portion102, rear frame portion104and longitudinal bars106of one example are metal extrusions, castings, or the like and are secured to one another by known means such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. In several aspects, the blocking frame100is expandable. The expandable nature of the blocking frame100allows similar or identical blocking frame100components to be manufactured for use in a variety of applications. That is, because the blocking frame100of some examples is expandable, the same blocking frame components may be used in a space-efficient manner within a vehicle cargo compartment having a volume substantially smaller than the volume of a second vehicle cargo compartment. However, the expandable blocking frame100allows the same front and rear frame portions102,104and longitudinal bars106in an expanded position within the second vehicle cargo compartment as well. Likewise, the expandable blocking frame100allows the same blocking frame100assembly with storage containers14of varying sizes for use in different applications. That is, the expandable blocking frame100is expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration having dimensions substantially larger than the first configuration, or any of a variety of configurations therebetween. More specifically, in an expandable example of the blocking frame100, each of the front frame portion102, rear frame portion104, and longitudinal bars106is composed of interlocking frame segments107. In the example shown in the figures, the interlocking frame segments107are telescoping bar portions having a plurality of detents109and locking pins111. The locking pins111may be any of a variety of known pin-like features including, but not limited to: bolts and nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, press-fit fasteners, spring pins, cotter pins, screws, or the like. The locking pins111are sized and shaped to interact with the detents109to secure interlocking frame segments107of the front frame portion102, and/or rear frame portion104and/or longitudinal bars106to other interlocking frame segments107of each of the front, rear, and longitudinal bar102,104,106portions of the blocking frame100. Each of the plurality of detents109is spaced apart from the next of the plurality of detents109by a predetermined distance. In a particular example, the spacing between each of the plurality of detents109is approximately one inch. However, it should be appreciated that in a one inch separation between the detents109is merely intended to be an exemplary arrangement, and variations in distance between the detents109of other examples are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. In still further examples, the interlocking frame segments107may be attached to one another by any of a variety of known movable but lockable mechanisms, including but not limited to the above-described detents109and locking pins111, as well as hinges, press-fit locking features, or the like. The front frame portion102is disposed towards the front of the vehicle cargo compartment and includes one or more blocking members108forming a narrow door frame110. The narrow door frame110is sized to allow a user, such as a vehicle driver or an automated robotic device to pass at least partially through the narrow door frame110to access the storage container14. However, even when the storage container14is in the closed position26, the storage container14is too wide to fit through the narrow door frame110. That is, the blocking members108prevent longitudinal movement of the storage container14, and even the first and second container sections16,18within the vehicle cargo compartment while also allowing a user to pass into a space between the first and second container sections16,18when the first and second container sections16,18are in the open position66. The rear frame portion104is disposed towards the rear of the vehicle cargo compartment and defines a wide door frame112. The wide door frame112is larger, and specifically significantly wider than the narrow door frame110. The wide door frame112is sized to allow passage of the storage container14when the first and second container sections16,18are in the closed position26. In some examples, the rear frame portion104further includes one or more leg portions113. The leg portions113extend laterally inward and towards a centerline of the vehicle cargo compartment. In several aspects, the leg portions113are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to allow passage of the storage container14when the first and second container sections16,18are in the closed position26. The plurality of longitudinal bars106provide end-to-end support for the front and rear frame portions102,104while spacing the front and rear frame portions102,104apart by a distance substantially similar to, but slightly larger than longitudinal dimensions of the storage container14. The blocking frame100also has a lock bar114. The lock bar114is rotatably mounted to the blocking frame100and is rotatable between a locked bar position116and an unlocked bar position118. More specifically, the lock bar114is mounted to the blocking frame100approximately centrally above one or more of the narrow door frame110and the wide door frame112, and extends laterally across a portion of the vehicle cargo compartment. The lock bar114may be manually or automatically operated without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In several aspects, when the lock bar114is in the unlocked bar position118, the lock bar114is stowed up and proximate a ceiling (not specifically shown) of the vehicle cargo compartment. Thus, in the unlocked bar position118, the storage container14in the closed or open positions26,66, may be moved freely within the blocking frame100. However, when the first and second container sections16,18are in the open position66and separated fully from one another such that the first and second container sections16,18are up against the longitudinal bars106of the vehicle cargo compartment, the lock bar114may be freely moved into the locked bar position116. In the locked bar position116, the lock bar114is rotated downwards so that it defines a substantially vertical planar surface extending laterally across a portion of one or more of the narrow door frame110and the wide door frame112. In the locked bar position116, the lock bar114touches and engages with each of the first and second container sections16,18, and immobilizes the first and second container sections16,18, relative to one another and the blocking frame100. Accordingly, in the locked bar position116, the lock bar114retains the first and second container sections16,18in the open position66within the cargo compartment of the vehicle, thereby allowing users access to contents of each of the first and second container sections16,18while preventing lateral movement of the first and second container sections16,18while the vehicle is in motion. Likewise, the front and rear frame portions102,104, and the longitudinal bars106prevent both longitudinal and lateral movement of the first and second container sections16,18when the lock bar114is in the locked bar position116. In several aspects, the front and rear frame portions102,104, and the longitudinal bars106, including the blocking members108, and leg portions113, may have shock absorption material disposed thereon. In some examples, the shock absorption material is composed of rubber, silicone, or other similarly flexible but semi-rigid materials. Likewise, the shock absorption material may be formed into nodes such as stoppers, padding, or the like. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the shock absorption material is sized and shaped differently depending on the size and shape of the blocking frame100, and the storage container14. The shock absorption material holds or wedges the first and second container sections16,18immovably in place within the vehicle cargo compartment when the lock bar114is in the locked position116. Turning now toFIGS.7and8, and with continuing reference toFIGS.1-6, in some examples, the modular portable storage container system10further includes an extendable ramp118. The extendable ramp118may vary in size, precise location, and the like depending on the particular application in which the extendable ramp118is used. In several aspects, the extendable ramp120has a plurality of extendable sections122. The extendable sections122may be foldable relative to one another, or as shown in the figures, the extendable sections122may telescope relative to one another. At least one of the plurality of extendable sections122is rotatably affixed to a vehicle proximate a vehicle tailgate opening (not specifically shown), at one or more pivot points124. Thus, the extendable ramp118can be rotated between at least a stowed position126and an unstowed position128. In the stowed position126, the extendable ramp118is positioned substantially vertically above the pivot points124and the extendable sections122are in an unextended or stowed state such that the extendable ramp118has a stowed length “SL” shorter than a height “H” of the blocking frame100. The pivot points124may be any of a variety of known rotating mechanisms, including hinges or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. However, in one particular example, the pivot points124include a spring-loaded locking pin128and a hinge base130. The hinge base130is affixed to the vehicle on or proximate the cargo floor12. The hinge base130defines the pivot point124itself, as well as a curvilinear ramp portion132. The curvilinear ramp portion132extends from a rearward-facing portion134of the hinge base130to an upward-facing portion136. A receiver138is formed in the upward-facing portion136. The receiver138is sized and shaped to accept and retain the spring-loaded locking pin128therein when the ramp is in the stowed position126. Thus, when the extendable ramp118is in the stowed position126, the spring-loaded locking pin128fits into the receiver138thereby locking the extendable ramp118in place in the stowed position. A user can then pull up on or otherwise retract the spring-loaded locking pin128from the receiver138and rotate the extendable ramp118from the stowed position126to the unstowed position128. Conversely, the spring-loaded locking pin128is biased into contact with the curvilinear ramp portion132, and when the extendable ramp118is rotated from the unstowed position128to the stowed position126, the spring-loaded locking pin128follows the curvilinear ramp portion to the upward-facing portion136where the spring-loaded locking pin128automatically engages with the receiver138. In the unstowed position128, the extendable ramp118can be extended from the stowed length SL to an unstowed length “UL”. The unstowed length UL may vary depending on the particular situation in which the extendable ramp118is being used. For example, at a loading dock, the extendable ramp118may not be fully extended, and may form a substantially horizontal surface from the loading dock lip (not specifically shown) to the cargo floor12of the cargo compartment of the vehicle. In another example, vehicle may be on level ground, and the extendable ramp118may be unstowed to a position below the horizontal such that each of the extendable sections122is maximally extended and where the unstowed length UL substantially greater than the stowed length SL. In the latter example, the concave arcuate shape of the base portion48is sized and shaped to pass over a hump140defining a slope or angle142of the extendable ramp118relative to the floor12of the cargo compartment, such that the base portion48does not contact or get hung up on the extendable ramp118, the floor12, or hump140at which the floor12and extendable ramp118meet. In several aspects, the extendable ramp118is equipped with a variety of latching mechanisms which, when the extendable ramp118is in the unstowed position128, lock the extendable sections122in place relative to one another. The latching mechanisms may be any of a variety of known or novel latching mechanisms including but not limited to: cotter pins, spring pins, clamps, spring clamps, spring loaded hinges, or the like. The modular nature of the portable storage container system10allows for storage containers14of varying sizes, shapes, and the like for use in industrial applications, as well as in personal or private use. The storage containers14and blocking frames100may be sized for use in semi trucks, tractor trailers, delivery vans, mail trucks, station wagons, train cars, or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. For some examples, the storage containers14and blocking frames100may be used in portable power station applications with a generator housed in one of the first and second container sections16,18and electrical or fuel ancillaries housed in the other of the first and second container sections16,18. Likewise, the storage containers14and blocking frames100may be used in camping situations where the storage containers14are pre-loaded with camping gear (i.e. tents, tables, sleeping rolls and bags, portable stove, cookware, and the like) and unstowed from a vehicle at a campsite where the first and second container sections16,18are separated and their contents unstowed for users to access the camping equipment stored therein. In further examples, the first and second container sections16,18may be adapted as refrigeration units for transport of food, medical supplies, mortuary units, or the like. In some examples, multiple storage containers14may be placed into a single blocking frame100having additional lock bars114disposed therein. Likewise the modularity of the first and second end portions34,36and third and fourth end portions54,56and the first and second wall portions38,58means that first and second wall portions38,58having different lengths for differing applications may be used with the same first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56. Likewise, first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56having different widths for differing applications may be used with the first and second wall portions38,58having lengths optimized for a particular application. That is, the modularity of each of the first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56, and the first and second wall portions38,58allows the same fundamental components to be used in a wide variety of different applications. of the present disclosure offers several advantages. Furthermore, the first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56may be equipped as described above with a keyway or coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism (not specifically shown) may be used to couple a storage container14to one or more other storage containers14to form a train of multiple storage containers14. The coupling mechanism may be any of a variety of coupling mechanisms including but not limited to: Janney couplers, screw couplings, knuckle couplings, drawbars, pins and sockets, ball hitches, gooseneck hitches, pintle hitches, receiver hitches, hinged or rigid or flexible arms with coupling components, or the like. Trains of storage containers14can be used in warehouse applications to move quantities of goods from location to location. In further examples, the coupling mechanism may be separate from the keyway and may instead be formed in or mounted to each of the first and second container sections16,18, such that the first and second container sections16,18may be moved separately from one another. In the latter example, the first and second container sections16,18may be loaded with different materials or cargo at completely different locations within a factory or warehouse setting, or the like. The first and second container sections16,18may then be manually or automatically moved from their distinct locations within the factory to a central location where the first and second container sections16,18are joined together in the locked position84for loading into a cargo compartment of a transport vehicle. The first and second container sections16,18, and/or the storage container14itself of some examples are stackable. That is, multiple first container sections16may be stacked atop one another, multiple second container sections18may be stacked atop one another, and/or multiple complete storage containers14may be stacked atop one another. In several aspects, in instances where the first and second container sections16,18, and/or storage container14are stackable, the top sections46are shaped to accept and partially enclose the casters61of the first and second container sections16,18, and/or storage container14above. Similarly, the base portion48may have additional contours molded therein (not specifically shown). The additional contours may be adapted to accept lifting devices, such as fork-lift prongs, or the like. Similarly, the first and second end portions34,36and wall portions38may be formed with recesses, protrusions, or other such features sized and shaped to allow engagement with moving devices such as fork-lifts, or the like. These recesses, protrusions or the like provide a simple way for a the storage containers14and/or separate first and second container sections16,18to be moved from place to place. A modular portable storage container system10of the present disclosure offers several advantages. In particular, the modularity of the storage container system10allows for use in a wide variety of different industrial, warehouse and private applications with relatively low cost of manufacturing and ease of scaling for different uses. Moreover, the modular portable storage container system10improves transit efficiency by providing a means for loading storage containers14, warehousing the storage containers14, moving the storage containers14into delivery and/or work or private vehicles, opening and securing the storage containers14within the cargo compartments of the vehicles with low effort and high portability, thereby increasing work efficiency for system10users. The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. | 45,512 |
11858724 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. In the text that follows, including in the claims and specification, certain elements are designated as “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, and so forth. These are arbitrary designations intended to be consistent only in the section in which they appear, i.e. the specification or the claims or the summary, and are not necessarily consistent between the specification, the claims, and the summary. In that sense they are not intended to limit the elements in any way and a “second” element labeled as such in the claim may or may not refer to a “second” element labeled as such in the specification. Instead, the elements are distinguishable by their disposition, description, connections, and function. Referring toFIGS.1and2, a modular portable storage container system10is shown. The system10is sized and shaped to fit within a vehicle (not specifically shown). The vehicle may be any of a wide variety of vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks, busses, motor homes, semi trucks and/or trailers, trains, aircraft, spacecraft, watercraft, or any other such vehicle without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. More specifically, the system10is sized and shaped to fit within a vehicle cargo compartment (not specifically shown except for cargo floor12). The system10is portable and can be moved or manipulated from place to place by one or more people, or by automated means. The system10includes a modular storage container14composed of at least a first container section16and a second container section18. In the context of the modular portable storage container system10and vehicle cargo compartments into which the system10is designed to fit, the terms “forward”, “rear”, “inner”, “inwardly”, “outer”, “outwardly”, “above”, and “below” are terms used relative to the orientation of a vehicle as shown in the drawings of the present application. Thus, “forward” refers to a direction toward a front of a vehicle, “rearward” refers to a direction toward a rear of a vehicle, “inner” and “inwardly” refers to a direction towards the interior of a vehicle, and “outer” and “outwardly” refers to a direction towards the exterior of a vehicle, “below” refers to a direction towards the bottom of the vehicle, and “above” refers to a direction towards a top of the vehicle. The terms “top”, “overtop”, “bottom”, “side” and “above” are terms used relative to the orientation of storage container14as shown in the drawings of the present application. Thus, while the orientation of the storage container14may change with respect to a given use, these terms are intended to still apply relative to the orientation of the components of the storage container14as shown in the drawings. The storage container14may be used in a variety of different applications without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. For example, the storage container14may be used in a warehouse or factory setting to move items from one area of the warehouse or factory to another. The storage container14may likewise be used in delivery applications in which the storage container14is loaded with items at one location. Subsequently, the storage container14is moved into the vehicle cargo compartment, secured therein, and then transported by the vehicle to another location where the storage container14or the contents thereof are delivered to the new location. In order to move or manipulate the storage container14from place to place, including into and out of vehicle cargo compartments, one or more handles20are built into an exterior surface22of the storage container14. The handles20may be moulded unitarily with the storage container14, or the handles20may be affixed to the storage container14by known means such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. The handles20shown inFIGS.1and2are angled with respect to the horizontal to provide an ergonomic hand-position or grip for a person or people moving the storage container14, however, it should be appreciated that the angles shown are merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. In some examples, the handles20may be completely horizontal, completely vertical or angled anywhere in between. Likewise, the handles20shown are linear, but could also be curved, angular, or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In some examples, in which the storage container14is moved from place to place solely by automated means, the handles20may adapted as a keyway for a robotic or otherwise automated assembly to movably attach to and manipulate or move the storage container14from location to location. Additional handles20, keyways, or other such features may be disposed at locations other than those shown in the figures without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.1through4, the first and second container sections16,18define rectilinear prisms each having an open side24. Put differently, the first and second container sections16,18ofFIGS.1and2are shaped generally like open-sided rectangular boxes. In several aspects, the first and second container sections16,18are substantially identical to one another. In some examples, the first and second container sections16,18define mirror images of one another. The open side24of the first container section16and the open side24′ of the second container section face each other so that when the first and second container sections16,18are placed into contact with one another in a closed position26, the first and second container sections16,18surround, enclose, and define a full volume28of storage space. That is, the first container section16defines a first partial volume30of storage space, and the second container section18defines a second partial volume32of storage space, the first and second partial volumes30,32of storage space combining to define the full volume28of storage space. Each of the first and second container sections16,18may be made of a wide variety of different materials, including metals, alloys, plastics, vinyls, composite materials, and the like. In one particular example, the first and second container sections16,18are made in a vacuum formed injection molding process out of a plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or the like. In another specific example in which the modular storage container system10is used in food or medical applications, the materials of the first and second container sections16,18and many or all of their components are composed of known food safe or medical grade materials. The material of the first and second container sections16,18are at least partially solid, hollow, corrugated or a honeycomb material, or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The first and second container sections16,18of some examples are made of several distinct modular components. In one example, the first container section16is formed of a modular first end portion34, a modular second end portion36, and a modular first wall portion38. The first end portion34defines a rear end40of the first container section16, while the second end portion36defines a front end42of the first container section16, with the modular first wall portion38extending therebetween. That is, the first and second end portions34,36are substantially planar and parallel to one another, while the first wall portion38is orthogonal to each of the first and second end portions34,36. The first end portion34contacts the first wall portion38at a connection surface43where fastening means are employed to secure the first end portion34to the first wall portion38. Likewise, the second end portion36contacts the first wall portion38at a connection surface43where fastening means are employed to secure the second end portion36to the first wall portion38. The fastening means, while not specifically shown, may include mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, press-fit fasteners, clasps, interference fittings, or the like, or by and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. In some examples, the first wall portion38is composed of multiple modular sections or components such as a modular top section44forming an enclosing top46of the first wall portion38, a horizontal bottom or base portion48forming an enclosing bottom50of the first wall portion38, and a vertical wall52. Each of the base portion48, top section44, and vertical wall52are connected by one or more fastening means as described above. More specifically, the top section44, base portion48and vertical wall52contact one another at one or more connection surfaces53, where the fastening means are employed to secure the modular top section44, base portion48, and vertical wall52together. In further examples, the first wall portion38may be a unitary construction or molding having a substantially rectangular “C”-shaped cross section defining the modular top section46, base portion48, and vertical wall52portions. Like the first container section16, the second container section18is formed of a modular third end portion54, a modular fourth end portion56, and a modular second wall portion58. The third end portion54contacts the second wall portion58at a connection surface43where fastening means as described above are employed to secure the third end portion54to the second wall portion58. Likewise, the fourth end portion56contacts the second wall portion58at a connection surface43where fastening means are employed to secure the fourth end portion56to the second wall portion58. The third end portion54defines a rear end40′ of the second container section18, while the fourth end portion56defines a front end42′ of the second container section18, with the modular second wall portion58extending therebetween. The second wall portion58may be composed of a variety of modular components similar to those described above with respect to the first wall portion38, or like the first wall portion38, may be composed of a single unitary moulding or the like. In several aspects, the base portion48of each of the first and second container sections16,18has a concave arcuate shape extending from the first end portion34to the second end portion36of the first wall portion38, and extending from the third end portion54to the fourth end portion56of the second wall portion58. The concave arcuate shape of some examples is interrupted by at least two inset sections59sized and shaped to fit around wheel well intrusions in a vehicle cargo compartment. The two inset sections59allow for the storage container14to be loaded into a vehicle cargo compartment in either direction without fouling against the wheel well intrusions in the vehicle cargo compartment. That is, the front and rear ends42,42′ and40,40′ of the storage container14are reversible such that the storage container14can be loaded into the vehicle cargo compartment in in either a “forward” or “backward” direction. The base portion48further includes a plurality of wheels or casters61. The casters61of some examples are disposed on a bottom surface63of the base portion48and provide the first and second container sections16,18the ability to roll from place to place. The casters61are attached to the base portion48by known means such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, press-fit fasteners, clasps, interference fittings, or the like. In several aspects, the casters61are made of one or more materials including but not limited to: metals, alloys, plastics, vinyls, composite materials, and the like. In some aspects, the fastening means may also be movable devices such as hinges, accordion-folded attachments, or the like. Likewise, some or all of the first and second wall portions38,58and the first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56, and the top sections46and base portions48may be made up of multiple independent sections hinged, accordion-folded, or otherwise movably attached to one another. In an example of a food truck, one or more of the first and second wall portions38,58may be formed of two longitudinally-extending sections, one disposed overtop the other and attached to one another at a horizontal hinge. The longitudinally-extending section disposed towards the top section46is thereby allowed to rotate downwards and towards the base portion48, thus forming an opening through which food or other materials may be passed from the interior of the vehicle cargo compartment to customers outside the vehicle. Similarly, in a camping situation, the multiple independent sections may be expandable via accordion-fold attachments to allow the storage container14to be expanded substantially beyond the dimensions of the vehicle cargo compartment when the storage container14is outside the vehicle cargo compartment and unlocked. The first and second partial volumes30,32of storage space within the first and second container sections16,18may be organized or sub-divided in a variety of different ways using modular organizational components60. The organizational components60are affixed to the first and second container sections16,18by any of a variety of known fastening means, such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, press-fit fasteners, clasps, interference fittings, or the like. In the example ofFIG.1, the second partial volume32of storage space within the second container section18is divided by one or more shelves62. The shelves62may be attached to the modular third and fourth end portions54,56, and/or the second wall portion58of the second container section18. In some aspects, some of the shelves62extend fully from the third end portion54to the fourth end portion56. In other aspects, some shelves62extend only part of the distance between the third end portion54and the fourth end portion56, thereby providing increased vertical space for stowage of tall items such as buckets64, bar stock, brooms, shovels, or the like. Similar shelves62or other such structures may be affixed within the first partial volume30of storage space in the first container section16. While in the foregoing, shelves62have been described as a means of organization within the first and second partial volumes30,32of storage space, it should be appreciated that shelves62are intended as a non-limiting example. Other organizational structures may be used in one, the other, or both of the first and second partial volumes30,32without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In several examples, additional or different organizational components60used may include shelves62, cabinets, walls, drawers, hooks, bars, cages, clothes racks, or any of a variety of other such organizational components60without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the organizational components60may have particular adaptations for a given purpose. For example, some shelves62may be equipped with a lip, edge, or recesses for spill prevention, liquid retention, or the like. Likewise, the same types of organizational components60may be used in each of the first and second container sections16,18, or the first and second container sections16,18may each have unique organizational components60disposed therein. Turning now more specifically toFIGS.3-6and with continuing reference toFIGS.1-4, the first and second container sections16,18are movable relative to one another between at least the closed position26and an open position66. In the open position66, the first and second container sections16,18are effectively independent of one another, and may be moved entirely separately from one another. In an example, the first and second container sections16,18may be loaded with cargo, for example, buckets64, packages for delivery (not specifically shown), or the like in entirely different locations within a factory or warehouse. The first and second container sections16,18may then be moved to a single location for loading into delivery vehicles, at which time, the first and second container sections16,18are moved into the closed position26and loaded into a vehicle together. In order to secure the first and second container sections16,18together, the storage container14has a locking mechanism68. The locking mechanism68has four primary components: a lock handle70, a lock arm72, a pivot shaft74, and a lock track76. As shown in the drawings, in several aspects, each of the first and second container sections16,18includes distinct portions of the locking mechanism68, however, it should be appreciated that variations in which each of the first and second container sections16,18includes all of the locking mechanism68components are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure. One copy of the locking mechanism68is described in further detail below, however, it should be appreciated that the storage container14may be equipped with a single locking mechanism68or any number of additional locking mechanisms68without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. For example, the locking mechanism68may be located only at the front and rear ends42,42′ and40,40′ of the storage container14, at only one of the front and rear ends42,42′,40,40′ or there may be additional locking mechanisms68disposed throughout the storage container14, such as within a dividing wall (not specifically shown) disposed within the storage container14and parallel to the end portions34,36,54,56of the storage container14. In a particular example, a first locking mechanism68′ is disposed at the front end42,42′ of the storage container14, and a second locking mechanism68″ is disposed at the rear end40,40′ of the storage container14. The pivot shaft74is a horizontally and longitudinally-disposed cylindrical rod, torsion tube, or torque tube that is freely rotatable within a set of bearings78disposed in the first and second end portions34,36of the first container section16. The pivot shaft74defines an axis of rotation for the lock handle70, and lock arm72. In food and/or medical applications, the bearings78are food safe or medical grade sealed bearings78. More specifically, as shown inFIG.7, the pivot shaft74extends fully from a point exterior to the first end portion34, through the first end portion34, through the first partial volume30of storage space through the second end portion36to a point exterior to the second end portion36. In several aspects, the pivot shaft74extends through a portion of one or more of the shelves62. The external extremities or ends80of the pivot shaft74engage with and are fixed for common rotation with lock handles70. Similarly, the lock arm72is fixed for common rotation with the pivot shaft74. The lock handle70, lock arm72, and pivot shaft74are rotatable between at least an unlocked position82and a locked position84. The lock arm72is located at least partially within a hollow area86formed within each of the first and second end portions34,36. The lock arm72extends radially outwardly from the pivot shaft74to a roller assembly88. The roller assembly88is sized and shaped to fit within and engage with the lock track76. In several aspects, the lock track76is a roll-formed component formed of galvanized steel, aluminum, composite materials, or the like. The lock track76of some examples includes at least three separate sections, at least two of which are disposed in a second hollow area87formed the second container section18, while the third is disposed in the hollow area86of the first container section16. More specifically, the lock track76within the first container section16consists of a curvilinear storage section90. The storage section90is disposed within the first and second end portions34,36. The curvilinear storage section90forms an arc section of a substantially circular section of lock track76that is substantially identical in radius to the distance defined by the length of the lock arm72between the pivot shaft74and the roller assembly88. When the lock arm72is in the unlocked position82, the roller assembly88is disposed within the storage section90of lock track76within the first container section16, and the first and second container sections16,18are freely movable relative to one another. By contrast, when the open side24of the first container section16and the open side24′ of the second container section18are facing one another, and the first and second container sections16,18are correctly spaced apart from one another, the lock arm72can be rotated to engage with the two remaining lock track76sections. The two remaining lock track sections76are disposed in the second container section18, and specifically within the third and fourth end portions54,56. The remaining lock track76sections are a fluted open portion92and a closed end portion94with a continuous track portion93disposed therebetween. The fluted open portion92is a curvilinear section of the lock track76which opens towards the first container section18and is located at a height below the height at which the curvilinear storage section90is disposed within the first container section16. In several aspects, the fluted open portion92has larger and/or wider dimensions at the portion facing and proximate the first container section16and narrows to a smaller and/or narrow set of dimensions at a portion farther within the second container section18and farther away from the first container section16. The fluted open portion92is thus sized and shaped to capture the roller assembly88of the lock arm72as the lock arm72is rotated towards the second container section18from the unlocked position82towards the locked position84. The fluted or widened shape of the fluted open portion92allows for some positioning error of the first and second container sections16,18relative to one another without disrupting the efficacy of the locking mechanism68. In several aspects, farther from the first container section16, and deeper within the second container section18, the fluted open portion92straightens into a less acutely curved section of the lock track76. At its farthest extent within the second container section18, the fluted open portion92meets the continuous track portion93of the lock track76. The continuous track portion93has a substantially consistent cross-sectional size along its entire length all the way from the fluted open portion92to the closed end portion94. The continuous track portion93is a substantially linear section of lock track76which extends at an angle95downwards and away from the first container section16. The closed end portion94is disposed at a downward-most end of the continuous track portion93proximate the base portion48of the second container section18. The precise angle95at which the continuous track portion93extends downwards and away from the first container section16may vary from application to application without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. As the lock arm72is moved from the unlocked position82to the locked position84, the lock arm72traverses the space between the first and second container sections16,18and the roller assembly88is captured by the fluted open portion92. Once captured, the roller assembly88is centered by and rolls within the fluted end portion92downwards, through the continuous track portion93and towards the closed end portion94. As a user continues to actuate the lock handle70from the unlocked position82towards the locked position84while the roller assembly88is in the fluted open portion92, the fluted open portion92directs the roller assembly88into the continuous track portion93, and eventually to the closed end portion94. The downward angle95at which the continuous track portion93extends causes the roller assembly to exert a closing force “F” between the lock track76and the pivot shaft74, thereby drawing the first and second container sections16,18closer together. As the roller assembly88of the lock arm72approaches the terminus of the closed end portion94proximate the base portion48of the second container section18, the first and second container sections16,18are drawn forcibly into contact with one another such that the first and third end portions34,54, and the second and fourth end portions36,56are in contact with one another. Likewise, the base portions48and the top sections46of each of the first and second container sections16,18are drawn into contact with one another in the locked position84. Additional locking features such as padlocks, pins, locking rings, or the like may then retain and secure the lock handle70, and/or the lock arm72, and/or the pivot shaft74and therefore the entire locking mechanism68in the locked position84. When locked, the additional locking features prevent accidental or unwanted movement of the first and second sections16,18relative to one another. In several aspects, because the locking mechanism68is disposed at both the front and rear ends42,42′ and40,40′ of the storage container14, the locking mechanism68rigidly retains the first and second container sections16,18against one another, allowing the storage container14to be moved from place to place without the container sections16,18separating from one another. The modular portable storage container system10further includes a blocking frame100. The blocking frame100is sized and shaped to fit within a vehicle cargo compartment and secures the first and second container sections16,18within the cargo compartment. Accordingly, the precise size and shape of the blocking frame100may therefore vary substantially from application to application, as the size and shape of a particular cargo compartment may vary substantially from vehicle to vehicle. The blocking frame100is immovably secured within the cargo compartment by known means, such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. In some examples, multiple blocking frames100may be used in a single cargo compartment, while in other examples, only a single blocking frame100may be necessary. The blocking frame100can be made of a number of different types of materials, and in a variety of different manufacturing processes without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In several aspects, the blocking frame100consists primarily of a front frame portion102connected to a rear frame portion104by a plurality of longitudinal bars106. The front frame portion102, rear frame portion104and longitudinal bars106of one example are metal extrusions, castings, or the like and are secured to one another by known means such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. In several aspects, the blocking frame100is expandable. The expandable nature of the blocking frame100allows similar or identical blocking frame100components to be manufactured for use in a variety of applications. That is, because the blocking frame100of some examples is expandable, the same blocking frame components may be used in a space-efficient manner within a vehicle cargo compartment having a volume substantially smaller than the volume of a second vehicle cargo compartment. However, the expandable blocking frame100allows the same front and rear frame portions102,104and longitudinal bars106in an expanded position within the second vehicle cargo compartment as well. Likewise, the expandable blocking frame100allows the same blocking frame100assembly with storage containers14of varying sizes for use in different applications. That is, the expandable blocking frame100is expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration having dimensions substantially larger than the first configuration, or any of a variety of configurations therebetween. More specifically, in an expandable example of the blocking frame100, each of the front frame portion102, rear frame portion104, and longitudinal bars106is composed of interlocking frame segments107. In the example shown in the figures, the interlocking frame segments107are telescoping bar portions having a plurality of detents109and locking pins111. The locking pins111may be any of a variety of known pin-like features including, but not limited to: bolts and nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, press-fit fasteners, spring pins, cotter pins, screws, or the like. The locking pins111are sized and shaped to interact with the detents109to secure interlocking frame segments107of the front frame portion102, and/or rear frame portion104and/or longitudinal bars106to other interlocking frame segments107of each of the front, rear, and longitudinal bar102,104,106portions of the blocking frame100. Each of the plurality of detents109is spaced apart from the next of the plurality of detents109by a predetermined distance. In a particular example, the spacing between each of the plurality of detents109is approximately one inch. However, it should be appreciated that in a one inch separation between the detents109is merely intended to be an exemplary arrangement, and variations in distance between the detents109of other examples are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. In still further examples, the interlocking frame segments107may be attached to one another by any of a variety of known movable but lockable mechanisms, including but not limited to the above-described detents109and locking pins111, as well as hinges, press-fit locking features, or the like. The front frame portion102is disposed towards the front of the vehicle cargo compartment and includes one or more blocking members108forming a narrow door frame110. The narrow door frame110is sized to allow a user, such as a vehicle driver or an automated robotic device to pass at least partially through the narrow door frame110to access the storage container14. However, even when the storage container14is in the closed position26, the storage container14is too wide to fit through the narrow door frame110. That is, the blocking members108prevent longitudinal movement of the storage container14, and even the first and second container sections16,18within the vehicle cargo compartment while also allowing a user to pass into a space between the first and second container sections16,18when the first and second container sections16,18are in the open position66. The rear frame portion104is disposed towards the rear of the vehicle cargo compartment and defines a wide door frame112. The wide door frame112is larger, and specifically significantly wider than the narrow door frame110. The wide door frame112is sized to allow passage of the storage container14when the first and second container sections16,18are in the closed position26. In some examples, the rear frame portion104further includes one or more leg portions113. The leg portions113extend laterally inward and towards a centerline of the vehicle cargo compartment. In several aspects, the leg portions113are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to allow passage of the storage container14when the first and second container sections16,18are in the closed position26. The plurality of longitudinal bars106provide end-to-end support for the front and rear frame portions102,104while spacing the front and rear frame portions102,104apart by a distance substantially similar to, but slightly larger than longitudinal dimensions of the storage container14. The blocking frame100also has a lock bar114. The lock bar114is rotatably mounted to the blocking frame100and is rotatable between a locked bar position116and an unlocked bar position118. More specifically, the lock bar114is mounted to the blocking frame100approximately centrally above one or more of the narrow door frame110and the wide door frame112, and extends laterally across a portion of the vehicle cargo compartment. The lock bar114may be manually or automatically operated without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In several aspects, when the lock bar114is in the unlocked bar position118, the lock bar114is stowed up and proximate a ceiling (not specifically shown) of the vehicle cargo compartment. Thus, in the unlocked bar position118, the storage container14in the closed or open positions26,66, may be moved freely within the blocking frame100. However, when the first and second container sections16,18are in the open position66and separated fully from one another such that the first and second container sections16,18are up against the longitudinal bars106of the vehicle cargo compartment, the lock bar114may be freely moved into the locked bar position116. In the locked bar position116, the lock bar114is rotated downwards so that it defines a substantially vertical planar surface extending laterally across a portion of one or more of the narrow door frame110and the wide door frame112. In the locked bar position116, the lock bar114touches and engages with each of the first and second container sections16,18, and immobilizes the first and second container sections16,18, relative to one another and the blocking frame100. Accordingly, in the locked bar position116, the lock bar114retains the first and second container sections16,18in the open position66within the cargo compartment of the vehicle, thereby allowing users access to contents of each of the first and second container sections16,18while preventing lateral movement of the first and second container sections16,18while the vehicle is in motion. Likewise, the front and rear frame portions102,104, and the longitudinal bars106prevent both longitudinal and lateral movement of the first and second container sections16,18when the lock bar114is in the locked bar position116. In several aspects, the front and rear frame portions102,104, and the longitudinal bars106, including the blocking members108, and leg portions113, may have shock absorption material disposed thereon. In some examples, the shock absorption material is composed of rubber, silicone, or other similarly flexible but semi-rigid materials. Likewise, the shock absorption material may be formed into nodes such as stoppers, padding, or the like. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the shock absorption material is sized and shaped differently depending on the size and shape of the blocking frame100, and the storage container14. The shock absorption material holds or wedges the first and second container sections16,18immovably in place within the vehicle cargo compartment when the lock bar114is in the locked position116. Turning now toFIGS.7and8, and with continuing reference toFIGS.1-6, in some examples, the modular portable storage container system10further includes an extendable ramp120. The extendable ramp120may vary in size, precise location, and the like depending on the particular application in which the extendable ramp120is used. In several aspects, the extendable ramp120has a plurality of extendable sections122. The extendable sections122may be foldable relative to one another, or as shown in the figures, the extendable sections122may telescope relative to one another. At least one of the plurality of extendable sections122is rotatably affixed to a vehicle proximate a vehicle tailgate opening (not specifically shown), at one or more pivot points124. Thus, the extendable ramp120can be rotated between at least a stowed position126and an unstowed position128. In the stowed position126, the extendable ramp120is positioned substantially vertically above the pivot points124and the extendable sections122are in an unextended or stowed state such that the extendable ramp120has a stowed length “SL” shorter than a height “H” of the blocking frame100. The pivot points124may be any of a variety of known rotating mechanisms, including hinges or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. However, in one particular example, the pivot points124include a spring-loaded locking pin129and a hinge base130. The hinge base130is affixed to the vehicle on or proximate the cargo floor12. The hinge base130defines the pivot point124itself, as well as a curvilinear ramp portion132. The curvilinear ramp portion132extends from a rearward-facing portion134of the hinge base130to an upward-facing portion136. A receiver138is formed in the upward-facing portion136. The receiver138is sized and shaped to accept and retain the spring-loaded locking pin129therein when the ramp is in the stowed position126. Thus, when the extendable ramp120is in the stowed position126, the spring-loaded locking pin129fits into the receiver138thereby locking the extendable ramp120in place in the stowed position. A user can then pull up on or otherwise retract the spring-loaded locking pin129from the receiver138and rotate the extendable ramp120from the stowed position126to the unstowed position128. Conversely, the spring-loaded locking pin129is biased into contact with the curvilinear ramp portion132, and when the extendable ramp120is rotated from the unstowed position128to the stowed position126, the spring-loaded locking pin129follows the curvilinear ramp portion to the upward-facing portion136where the spring-loaded locking pin129automatically engages with the receiver138. In the unstowed position128, the extendable ramp120can be extended from the stowed length SL to an unstowed length “UL”. The unstowed length UL may vary depending on the particular situation in which the extendable ramp120is being used. For example, at a loading dock, the extendable ramp120may not be fully extended, and may form a substantially horizontal surface from the loading dock lip (not specifically shown) to the cargo floor12of the cargo compartment of the vehicle. In another example, vehicle may be on level ground, and the extendable ramp120may be unstowed to a position below the horizontal such that each of the extendable sections122is maximally extended and where the unstowed length UL substantially greater than the stowed length SL. In the latter example, the concave arcuate shape of the base portion48is sized and shaped to pass over a hump140defining a slope or angle142of the extendable ramp120relative to the floor12of the cargo compartment, such that the base portion48does not contact or get hung up on the extendable ramp120, the floor12, or hump140at which the floor12and extendable ramp120meet. In several aspects, the extendable ramp120is equipped with a variety of latching mechanisms which, when the extendable ramp120is in the unstowed position128, lock the extendable sections122in place relative to one another. The latching mechanisms may be any of a variety of known or novel latching mechanisms including but not limited to: cotter pins, spring pins, clamps, spring clamps, spring loaded hinges, or the like. The modular nature of the portable storage container system10allows for storage containers14of varying sizes, shapes, and the like for use in industrial applications, as well as in personal or private use. The storage containers14and blocking frames100may be sized for use in semi trucks, tractor trailers, delivery vans, mail trucks, station wagons, train cars, or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. For some examples, the storage containers14and blocking frames100may be used in portable power station applications with a generator housed in one of the first and second container sections16,18and electrical or fuel ancillaries housed in the other of the first and second container sections16,18. Likewise, the storage containers14and blocking frames100may be used in camping situations where the storage containers14are pre-loaded with camping gear (i.e. tents, tables, sleeping rolls and bags, portable stove, cookware, and the like) and unstowed from a vehicle at a campsite where the first and second container sections16,18are separated and their contents unstowed for users to access the camping equipment stored therein. In further examples, the first and second container sections16,18may be adapted as refrigeration units for transport of food, medical supplies, mortuary units, or the like. In some examples, multiple storage containers14may be placed into a single blocking frame100having additional lock bars114disposed therein. Likewise the modularity of the first and second end portions34,36and third and fourth end portions54,56and the first and second wall portions38,58means that first and second wall portions38,58having different lengths for differing applications may be used with the same first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56. Likewise, first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56having different widths for differing applications may be used with the first and second wall portions38,58having lengths optimized for a particular application. That is, the modularity of each of the first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56, and the first and second wall portions38,58allows the same fundamental components to be used in a wide variety of different applications. of the present disclosure offers several advantages. Furthermore, the first, second, third, and fourth end portions34,36,54,56may be equipped as described above with a keyway or coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism (not specifically shown) may be used to couple a storage container14to one or more other storage containers14to form a train of multiple storage containers14. The coupling mechanism may be any of a variety of coupling mechanisms including but not limited to: Janney couplers, screw couplings, knuckle couplings, drawbars, pins and sockets, ball hitches, gooseneck hitches, pintle hitches, receiver hitches, hinged or rigid or flexible arms with coupling components, or the like. Trains of storage containers14can be used in warehouse applications to move quantities of goods from location to location. In further examples, the coupling mechanism may be separate from the keyway and may instead be formed in or mounted to each of the first and second container sections16,18, such that the first and second container sections16,18may be moved separately from one another. In the latter example, the first and second container sections16,18may be loaded with different materials or cargo at completely different locations within a factory or warehouse setting, or the like. The first and second container sections16,18may then be manually or automatically moved from their distinct locations within the factory to a central location where the first and second container sections16,18are joined together in the locked position84for loading into a cargo compartment of a transport vehicle. The first and second container sections16,18, and/or the storage container14itself of some examples are stackable. That is, multiple first container sections16may be stacked atop one another, multiple second container sections18may be stacked atop one another, and/or multiple complete storage containers14may be stacked atop one another. In several aspects, in instances where the first and second container sections16,18, and/or storage container14are stackable, the top sections46are shaped to accept and partially enclose the casters61of the first and second container sections16,18, and/or storage container14above. Similarly, the base portion48may have additional contours molded therein (not specifically shown). The additional contours may be adapted to accept lifting devices, such as fork-lift prongs, or the like. Similarly, the first and second end portions34,36and wall portions38may be formed with recesses, protrusions, or other such features sized and shaped to allow engagement with moving devices such as fork-lifts, or the like. These recesses, protrusions or the like provide a simple way for the storage containers14and/or separate first and second container sections16,18to be moved from place to place. Turning now toFIGS.9A and9B, examples of the modular portable storage container system10of the present disclosure are shown. In the example ofFIG.9A, the modular portable storage container system10includes both first and second container sections16,18as described hereinabove. In several aspects, the first and second container sections16,18shown inFIG.9Aand the first container section16shown inFIG.9Bare composed primarily of metal or metal alloys. It should be appreciated that only part of the second container section18is shown inFIG.9A, and only a first container section16is shown inFIG.9Bfor the sake of simplicity. Specifically, the first and second container sections16,18each include a structural frame200. The structural frame200includes at least a front section202with vertical members204connected to a top member206and a bottom member208. Similarly, the structural frame200includes a rear section210with outer vertical members204′ connected to a top member206and a bottom member208. The front and rear sections202,210are rigidly affixed to one another by one or more longitudinal members212extending from the front section202to the rear section210. The front and rear sections202,210are also rigidly affixed to one another by the base portion48which forms the bottom member208of each of the front and rear sections202,210of each of the first and second container sections16,18. In some examples, and as shown inFIGS.9A and9B, the first and second container sections16,18may include one or more shelves62. The shelves62of some examples may include additional front and rear structural members214,216, as well as longitudinal structural members218,218′. The longitudinal structural members218,218′ extend longitudinally between and are rigidly affixed to each of the front and rear sections202,210of each of the first and second container sections16,18. In several aspects, the structural frame200of the first and second container sections16,18is equipped with enclosing material219. The enclosing material219may be any of a wide variety of different materials including but not limited to: metals, alloys, plastics, vinyls, fabrics, composite materials, and the like. In the example shown inFIGS.9A and9B, the enclosing material219defines a wire mesh material extending between at least each of the vertical members204,204′, top members206,206′, longitudinal members212, front and rear structural members214,216, and longitudinal structural members218,218′, as well as extending towards and engaging with the bottom members208. In further examples, multiple vertical portions204,204′ may be used. That is, multiple vertical portions204,204′ may form a portion of the ends of the structural frame200as shown inFIG.9B. When multiple vertical portions204,204′ are used, one or more of the vertical portions204,204′ may provide both additional rigidity to the structural frame200as well as offering users locations which may be grasped by human hands, mechanical devices, such as robotic arms, or other such manipulation means. In some examples, the first and second container sections16,18may be equipped with one or more skirts221. The skirts221are mounted to the first and second container sections16,18at locations defining the bottom corners of the first and second container sections16,18. The skirts221shown inFIG.9Bdefine an open-sided tetrahedron in which the open side of the prism faces the casters61of the first and second container sections16,18. However, it should be appreciated that the precise shape and construction of the skirts221may vary from application to application and may include triangular prismatic shapes, cylindrical shapes, or any other such shapes that provide protection to the casters61of the first and second container sections16,18. That is, the skirts221act as guards for the casters61, substantially preventing or diminishing the potential for physical interference with the rolling and/or spinning motion of the casters61. The skirts221also provide a means to guide the first and second container sections16,18during loading and/or unloading into a vehicle cargo compartment, and/or within a warehouse, or the like. As shown inFIGS.9A and9B, the base portion48of each of the first and second container sections16,18is equipped with a brake mechanism220. The brake mechanism220consists of a brake pedal222rotatable about a brake pivot shaft224. The brake pedal222is also connected to a brake pad226via an actuator rod228which is slidably disposed within a sleeve230. The brake pivot shaft224extends longitudinally through the base portion48and protrudes through and beyond the confines of the base portion48at the front and rear sections202,210of each of the first and second container sections16,18. The brake mechanism220may be formed of metal, plastic, composite materials, combinations thereof, or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. Additionally, as shown inFIGS.9A and9B, the blocking frame100is immovably secured within the cargo compartment by mounting plates231. The mounting plates231shown may be affixed to the floor12by known means, such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. In some examples, the mounting plates231may extend only to an area immediately surrounding the front and/or rear frame portion102, rear frame portion104, or the like. In other examples, the mounting plates231may extend for substantially an entire width of the blocking frame100thereby interconnecting the sides of the blocking frame100. In some examples, the mounting plates231may include pre-formed apertures or mounting points that are located at positions where preexisting mounting points may be found within the cargo compartment of the motor vehicle. In other examples, the mounting plates231may be affixed to newly-formed mounting points within the cargo compartment, such as newly-drilled holes in the cargo compartment, or the like. In some examples, the mounting plates231are formed with beveled edges to facilitate and decrease user effort in moving the first and second container sections16,18into and out of the cargo compartment and blocking frame100. The beveled edges may stretch for the full width of the mounting plates231and/or for only a portion thereof. In further aspects, the interlocking frame segments107may be affixed to one another by connector plates233. The connector plates233, like the interlocking frame segments107of the front and rear frame portions102,104, and longitudinal bars106may be formed of any of a variety of materials including but not limited to: metals, alloys, plastics, vinyls, composite materials, and the like. In several aspects, the longitudinal bars106of the blocking frame are formed of reinforced plates. More specifically, the longitudinal bars106′ shown inFIG.9Bare made of corrugated material having a substantially flat or planar portion, to which a reinforcing plate is attached. The reinforcing plate is formed of similar material to that from which the substantially flat or planar portion is made. The reinforcing plate is rigidly affixed to or otherwise formed unitarily with the substantially flat or planar portion. The resulting longitudinal bars106′ offer packaging advantages in that the corrugated material has a laterally narrow cross-sectional width by comparison with round, rectangular, or other such shapes of longitudinal bar106material. The corrugated longitudinal bars106′ also offer relatively light weight, rigid structure, and the like, each of which is at least comparable to the structural advantages offered by longitudinal bars106having other cross-sectional shapes. The connector plates233are substantially planar and provide rigid connecting means for the interlocking frame segments107. Because the connector plates233are substantially planar, the blocking frame100may be placed extremely closely to the physical structure of the cargo compartment of the vehicle itself. Accordingly, the blocking frame100utilizing connector plates233does not intrude substantially into the cargo space within the cargo compartment and maximizes the potential size of the first and second container sections16,18which may be held within the blocking frame100. In some examples, the connector plates233define attachment points for vehicle-to-blocking frame100connections. Specifically, as shown inFIG.9Ba vehicle attachment235is disposed on the blocking frame100. The vehicle attachment235is a spacer rigidly affixed to the blocking frame100as well as to an interior surface of the vehicle cargo compartment. That is, the vehicle attachment235may have a variety of different shapes and sizes, depending on the particular vehicle cargo compartment into which the blocking frame100is mounted. The vehicle attachment235should be understood to be easily mountable to the connector plates233of the blocking frame100, or to other portions of the blocking frame100without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In some examples, the vehicle attachment235is formed of a structurally rigid rectangular prismatic box-section or similar bar stock material with mounting points such as threaded apertures or the like cut into or otherwise formed into the vehicle attachment235. In some examples, one or more bushings including rigid, solid, and/or flexible bushings are disposed in some or all of the mounting points of the vehicle attachment235. The bushings assist users in locating the vehicle attachment235to the blocking frame100as well as guiding users in attaching the blocking frame100to the motor vehicle cargo compartment. Through use of the vehicle attachment235, the blocking frame100may be rigidly mounted within any of a variety of vehicle cargo compartments, thereby reinforcing the blocking frame100and locating the blocking frame100at a specific location within the cargo compartment. In some examples the blocking frame100is formed of multiple preassembled modular component sections. The multiple preassembled modular component sections may be interchangeable side-to-side and/or end-to-end. InFIG.9B, for example, the blocking frame100includes a frame connector237, upper frame sections239, and lower frame sections241. Each of the upper frame sections239shown defines a ladder-like construction composed of multiple interlocking frame segments107joined together by known means such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. Similarly, the lower frame sections241define ladder-like constructions composed of interlocking frame segments107joined by means such as those described hereinabove. The upper and lower frame sections239,241and the frame connector237may be provided to a user in a preassembled state, or in component parts, depending on the particular use application. In some examples, the interlocking frame segments107of the upper frame sections239have a smaller cross-sectional size than the cross-sectional size of the interlocking frame segments of the lower frame sections241. Accordingly, the upper frame sections239and lower frame sections241may be assembled with one another via slip-fit attachments, interlocking or interference fit arrangements, or the like. In some examples, one or more portions of the upper frame sections239fit into and are retained within corresponding portions of the lower frame sections241. The upper and lower frame sections239,241may be permanently or temporarily assembled by use of known attachment means such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. Similarly, the frame connector237is formed of material having substantially the same or similar cross-sectional sizing as that of the lower frame sections241. Accordingly, the frame connector237fits over and engages with one or more portions of the upper frame sections239, thereby stabilizing and increasing the rigidity of the blocking frame100. The frame connector237may be permanently or temporarily assembled to the upper frame sections239by use of known attachment means such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. It should further be appreciated that while the upper and lower frame sections239,241have been described as having ladder-like constructions, variations which depart from ladder-like arrangements are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Turning now toFIGS.10A and10B, the brake mechanism220is shown in further detail. The brake pedal222may be made via known means such as injection molding, lost foam molding, welding of multiple component parts, or the like. In several aspects, the brake pedal222has a pedal surface232which is generally oriented upwards, while the brake pad226is generally oriented downwards, i.e. toward the floor12of the cargo compartment of a vehicle, or towards a floor12of a warehouse, or the like. The brake pad226is preferably formed of a non-slip or non-skid material such as a rubber, or other such material having a relatively high coefficient of static friction. Accordingly, when the brake pad226is engaged with the floor12, the brake pad226prevents horizontal movement of the first and second container sections16,18. The brake pedal222is mountable to the brake pivot shaft224in a limited number of orientations. For example, and as shown inFIG.10, the ends234of the brake pivot shaft224are keyed such that rather than being substantially cylindrical in cross-sectional shape, the ends234of the brake pivot shaft224have flattened areas236. The flattened areas236interact with corresponding flattened portions238of a receiving aperture240formed through the brake pedal222. Thus, the brake pedal222may only be mounted on the ends234of the brake pivot shaft224in predefined orientations. Additionally, the flattened areas236and flattened portions238ensure that the brake pedal222cannot rotate independently of the brake pivot shaft224when the brake pedal222is engaged with the brake pivot shaft224. The actuator rod228is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends from the brake pedal222to the brake pad226. More specifically, the actuator rod228is attached to the brake pedal226by a rod pin241which is disposed within a rod pin receiving aperture242formed through a portion of the brake pedal222. The rod pin receiving aperture242defines an elongate hole formed through the brake pedal222at a location offset from the brake pivot shaft224. More accurately, the brake pedal222includes multiple rod pin receiving apertures242disposed on opposite sides of the receiving aperture240for the brake pivot shaft224. The brake pedal222is formed in this manner so that the same brake pedal222may be used in either left or right-handed applications. That is, the brake pedal222may be used in an arrangement as shown where the actuator rod228and brake pad226are disposed laterally to the right of the brake pivot shaft224, or in an arrangement where the actuator rod228and brake pad226are disposed to the left of the brake pivot shaft224. Accordingly, production costs can be saved by utilizing a single brake pedal222part in all applications. Likewise, the identical actuator rod228, sleeve230, and brake pad226may be used in either left or right-handed applications by the mere substitution of a differently constructed mounting plate244. The actuator rod228is slidably disposed within sleeve230, which is sized and shaped to closely fit around and minimize non-axial movement of the actuator rod228. That is, the sleeve230prevents wobble, or other such lateral movement of the actuator rod228as the brake pedal222is actuated. The sleeve230is fixedly attached to the base portion48via one or more mounting plates244. The mounting plates244may be formed of any of a variety of materials including but not limited to: metals, alloys, plastics, vinyls, composite materials, and the like. In the example shown in the figures, the mounting plates244are mounted to the bottom surface63of the base portion48and provide structure to which the casters61may attach to the base portion48. The base portion48may further be provided with one or more indentations or siting structures (not specifically shown) which are shaped to accept automated or manual movement means such as robotic arms, lifts, trolleys or the like. In some examples, the indentations or siting structures are formed integrally in the bottom surface63of the base portion48. In other examples, the indentations or siting structures may further include attachment means, keyways, or the like, to further assist in guiding the automated or manual movement means to predefined positions optimally sited to engage with and allow movement of the first and/or second container sections16,18. Referring once more to the mounting plates244, the mounting plates244define substantially planar plate portions246extending substantially parallel to the floor12, and a curved plate portion248sized and shaped to nest against curved portions of the bottom surface63of the base portion48. The mounting plates244further include vertical planar plate portions250which are affixed to vertical portions of the front and rear ends42,42′ and40,40′ of the container sections16,18. That is, the vertical planar plate portions250abut and firmly brace against the front and rear ends42,42′ and40,40′ of the container sections16,18. The vertical plate portions250are fixedly attached to the substantially planar plate portions246by any known means, such as mechanical fasteners including bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, press-fit fasteners, clasps, interference fittings, or the like. Because the sleeve230restricts non-axial movement of the actuator rod228, in order for the brake pedal222to engage the brake pad226with the floor12without tilting or otherwise moving the actuator rod228in a non-axial direction, the rod pins240slide within the rod pin receiving apertures242formed through the brake pedal222as the brake pedal222is actuated. Additionally, in order to prevent accidental release of the brake mechanism220, a spring-loaded retainer252is provided. The spring loaded retainer252is affixed to one or more of the mounting plates244and defines a rod-shaped element254and a retainer spring256. The rod-shaped element254extends from the mounting plates244and orthogonally through an orifice258formed through a portion of the sleeve230. The actuator rod228further includes a detent260defined as a depression, scooped-out portion, or the like. The detent260defines a portion of the actuator rod228having a reduced cross section relative to the rest of the actuator rod228, and is oriented such that when the brake pad226is in contact with the floor12, the detent260is aligned with the orifice258in the sleeve230. The retainer spring256biases an end257of the rod-shaped element254outwardly away from the mounting plates244and towards the orifice258within the sleeve230. Accordingly, when the brake pad226is in contact with the floor12and the brake pedal222is in a locked position, the end257of the rod-shaped element254is pushed via the retainer spring256through the orifice258and into the detent260in the actuator rod228, thereby locking the brake mechanism220in place in a locked or engaged position such that the brake pad226is retained against the floor12. It should be appreciated that the brake pedal222is intended to be manipulated by a person's foot, or the like, thus the spring-loaded retainer252provides sufficient locking force to prevent accidental actuation of the brake pedal222away from the locked position but may easily be intentionally disengaged by application of sufficient vertical force to a portion of brake pedal222opposite the actuator rod228. While only a single brake mechanism220is shown in each ofFIGS.9,10A, and10B, it should be appreciated that the brake mechanism220may be present at only one end of each of the first and second container sections16,18, or at both ends. That is, it should be appreciated that the brake pivot shaft224extends through each of the first and second container sections16,18and may have an identical set of brake mechanism220components disposed at and actuatable from each end of the first and second container sections16,18. Turning now toFIGS.11A,11B, and110and with continued reference toFIGS.1-10B, a portion of one of the first and/or second container sections16,18and the blocking frame100is shown in further detail. In several aspects, the blocking frame100includes latch mechanism262. The latch mechanism262consists, broadly, of a spring latch264, a latch receiver266, and a retaining hook268. In several aspects, the latch receiver266is affixed to or formed as a part of the structural frame200of each of the first and second container sections16,18. By contrast, the spring latch264is affixed to, formed with, or otherwise attached to the blocking frame100. The spring latch264and latch receiver266are disposed at a height “H1” above the floor12so that the spring latch264extends into and engages with the latch receiver266when the first and/or second container sections16,18are disposed maximally outwards and against the blocking frame100. The spring latch264consists primarily of a latch mount270, a latch tongue272, and a latch handle274which is attached to the latch tongue272by a latch rod275. In several aspects, the latch mount270is a box-like structure attached to or formed directly with a portion of the blocking frame100. The latch mount270defines a cavity through which the latch tongue272can at least partially linearly reciprocate. Additionally, the latch tongue272is biased towards a front of the cargo compartment and away from the latch mount270by a latch spring276. The latch spring276may be any known variety of spring including mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic devices capable of producing a spring-force that biases the latch mount270as described above. The latch handle274is sized and shaped to be manually manipulated by a person or machine. Accordingly, while the latch handle274shown inFIGS.11A and11Bdefines a “T-handle”, it should be appreciated that any other shape of latch handle274may be used without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In a further example, the latch handle274shown inFIG.11Cextends orthogonally from the latch rod275. The latch handle274ofFIG.11Cextends through an aperture or slot277formed in a longitudinal portion of the latch mount270. The latch handle274shown inFIG.11Cextends laterally towards a centerline of the cargo compartment. However, it should be appreciated that the latch handle274may be oriented in other directions, such as protruding through a longitudinally-extending slot277formed in a top surface of the latch mount270a bottom surface of the latch mount270, or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The latch handle274provides a means by which the latch tongue272may be retracted against the latch spring276and at least partially into the latch mount270. The latch receiver266defines structurally rigid portion of the structural frame200of each of the first and second container sections16,18. More specifically, the latch receiver266is a partial box section formed of structural material such as metals, alloys, plastics, vinyls, composite materials, or the like. The partial box section is defined by at least one curved portion278that faces inward relative to the exterior of the structural frame200and a flat portion280. The curved portion278reduces or substantially eliminates any potential for interference with or damage to cargo stored within the first and second container sections16,18. That is, the curved portion278is sized and shaped to protrude as little as possible into the storage volume of each of the first and second container sections16,18. The flat portion280abuts the curved portion278and in some examples is formed by a portion of the vertical portions204,204′ of the structural frame200. Turning specifically toFIG.11C, and with continuing reference toFIGS.1-11B, the blocking frame100is shown in further detail proximate the spring latch264. In some examples, the blocking frame100may be constructed such that one or more of the interlocking frame segments107is connected at an angle “A” to the other interlocking frame segments107. That is, the interlocking frame segment107to which the spring latch264is affixed is mounted at an angle “A” other than precisely perpendicular or precisely parallel to the other interlocking frame segments107of the blocking frame100. In examples in which the spring latch264is affixed to an interlocking frame segment107that is rotated at an angle “A” other than perpendicular or parallel to other interlocking frame segments107of the blocking frame100, the blocking frame100provides rotational clearance for the first and second container sections16,18as the first and second container sections16,18are maneuvered within and locked to the blocking frame100. In several examples, the interlocking frame segment107to which the spring latch264is mounted may be rotated by between about 0° and about 45° in relation to the other interlocking frame segments107; or between about 5° and about 30° relative to the other interlocking frame segments107; or at about 15° relative to the other interlocking frame segments107. In the example shown inFIG.11C, the angle “A” of rotation is about 15° relative to the other interlocking frame segments107. Furthermore, as shown inFIG.11C, one or more portions of the blocking frame100include angled interlocking frame segments107′ which are shaped and sized to accommodate the rotated interlocking frame segments107discussed above. Referring now toFIGS.12A and12B, and with continuing reference toFIGS.1-110, the outer vertical members204′ of the structural frame200have a cross sectional shape adapted to allow the structural frame200to be maneuvered freely into and out of the blocking frame100when the latch mechanism262is disengaged. More specifically, the outer vertical members204′ have a cross sectional shape that is substantially a box section with a beveled corner282. The beveled corner282allows some rotational movement of the outer vertical members204′ within the retaining hook268and/or within or relative to the latch mechanism262. In several aspects, the first and/or second container sections16,18may be moved into the cargo compartment as described below. First, one of the first and/or second container sections16,18is rolled in a longitudinal direction through the narrow door frame110and into the vehicle cargo compartment. The first and/or second container section16,18is then maneuvered to the appropriate side of the cargo compartment within the blocking frame100. That is, the open side24of the first container section16and the open side24′ of the second container section18are intended to face inwards towards a centerline of the cargo compartment when the first and second container sections16,18are in place in the blocking frame100. More specifically, the front end42of the first container section16is rotated slightly and pushed forward towards the front frame portion102where the vertical portion204′ disposed at the outer front portion of the structural frame200is received by the retaining hook268. Like the latch mount270, the retaining hook268is a structurally-rigid component rigidly affixed to, formed with, or otherwise attached to the blocking frame100. The retaining hook268is sized and shaped to fit around and accept the vertical portion204′ such that the vertical portion204′ cannot move laterally inward or outward when the structural frame200and the blocking frame100are parallel to one another. However, the retaining hook268does allow rotation of the vertical portion204′ so that the structural frame200of each of the first and second container sections16,18may be rotated and subsequently moved into and/or out of the cargo compartment. Once the retaining hook268at least partially receives the vertical portion204′ as described above, the first container section16may be rotated towards and eventually up against and parallel to the blocking frame100. As the first container section16is rotated towards the blocking frame100, the vertical portion204′ disposed at the outer rear portion of the structural frame200encounters the latch tongue272. As the first container section16is rotated past the point at which the vertical portion204′ encounters the latch tongue272, the latch tongue272is forced against the latch spring276and away from the vertical portion204′. Once the vertical portion204′ has passed by the latch tongue272and the latch tongue272is no longer in physical contact with the vertical portion204′, the latch spring276pushes the latch tongue272inwards and into the latch receiver266thereby retaining the first container section16in place against the blocking frame100. Accordingly, when the latch tongue272is engaged in the latch receiver266and the retaining hook268is engaged with and retaining the vertical portion204′ at the outer front of the first container section16, the first container section16is immovably secured in place against the blocking frame100. In order to remove the structural frame200of either the first or second container sections16,18from their respective immovably secured positions against the blocking frame100, the latch handle274may be grasped by a user and pulled outwardly, i.e. toward a back of the cargo compartment or a back of the vehicle, thereby overcoming the latch spring276and retracting the latch tongue272from the latch receiver266and into the latch mount270. Once the latch tongue272has been so retracted from the latch receiver266, the structural frame200may be rotated away from the blocking frame100and then withdrawn from the retaining hook268in substantially the reverse of the process to insert the structural frame200in the blocking frame100as described hereinabove. While the above description of the latch mechanism262, retaining hook268and the like has been made with reference to the first container section16, it should be appreciated that the same procedure and structures may be used with the second container section18on the opposite side of the blocking frame100from the first container section16, or with additional blocking frames100, structural frames200and the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. Turning now toFIG.13, and with continuing reference toFIGS.1-12B, an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the blocking frame100and a portion of the structural frame200is shown in further detail. In particular,FIG.13depicts one of the longitudinal bars106of the blocking frame100. The longitudinal bar106of the blocking frame may take a variety of forms, but in the example shown has a substantially rectilinear cross section.FIG.13also depicts one of the longitudinal members212of the structural frame200. In some aspects, the longitudinal member212may be one of the longitudinal structural members218′ which faces away from the centerline of the cargo compartment when the structural frame200is stored fully within the blocking frame100. In several aspects, the longitudinal member212of the structural frame200has a cross sectional shape defining a “C” or “U”-shaped channel sized and shaped to engage with and fit closely around the longitudinal bar106of the blocking frame100. The “C” or “U”-shaped cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal member212provides rigid structure to the structural frame200as well as to the shelves62defined therein while also allowing the structural frame200to nest tightly against the blocking frame100, thereby maximizing storage space within each of the first and second container sections16,18. Turning now toFIG.14, and with continuing reference toFIGS.1-13, a further example of the blocking frame100is shown. The blocking frame100of some examples may be equipped with one or more overhead shelves284. The overhead shelves284may be made of any of a variety of materials including metal, metal alloys, plastic, or the like. In some examples, the overhead shelves284may be vacuum formed, 3D printed, molded, sand-cast, lost-foam molded, welded or otherwise constructed from multiple separate parts, or the like. The overhead shelves284are attached to the blocking frame100any of a wide variety of known means including but not limited to: mechanical fasteners such as bolts, nuts, rivets, screws, interference fittings, and the like, and/or thermal or chemical fastening means such as welding, braising, glues, or the like. The overhead shelves284may be selectively removable or separable from the blocking frame100or integrally formed therewith. A modular portable storage container system10of the present disclosure offers several advantages. In particular, the modularity of the storage container system10allows for use in a wide variety of different industrial, warehouse and private applications with relatively low cost of manufacturing and ease of scaling for different uses. Moreover, the modular portable storage container system10improves transit efficiency by providing a means for loading storage containers14, warehousing the storage containers14, moving the storage containers14into delivery and/or work or private vehicles, opening and securing the storage containers14within the cargo compartments of the vehicles with low effort and high portability, thereby increasing work efficiency for system10users. The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. | 78,697 |
11858725 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS FIGS.1and1Adepict a container100with internal bracing. In this view, two opposing walls102,104, and bottom106are visible. The support structure or internal brace110made up of integrally formed members110.1,110.2, and110.3reinforces the side walls102and104, to assist them in resisting deformation when a bulk material is weighing down on a single side wall during a tipping operation. The brace110forms a triangular shape, having a first apex or corner112which is connected to side wall102via an apertured mounting plate102.1which is welded to the side wall102at the square hollow section top rail thereof, which is illustrated in cross section inFIG.1; a second apex or corner116which is connected to the container floor106via an apertured mounting plate106.1which is welded to the floor106; and a third apex or corner114which is connected to the opposing wall104via an apertured mounting plate104.1which is welded to the side wall104at the square hollows section top rail thereof, which is illustrated in cross section inFIG.1. ISO fittings100.1are provided at the container's four top corners100.2, allowing for the manoeuvring and handling, such as lifting, of the container100by e.g. a crane. The container100is therefore compliant with ISO specifications. FIG.1Ashows a container with see-through sides to illustrate the location and arrangement of the brace110which is provided to support the longitudinal walls102and104. When the container100is rotated to dispense the contents, the load created by the weight of the content bears on the longitudinal walls102or104(depending upon the direction of rotation, and the brace110reinforces the respective longitudinal wall against this load during rotation. The internal brace110can be attached by bolts or pins to the mounting plates102.1,106.1and104.1, or can alternatively be welded thereto or welded directly to the sidewalls102,104and the floor106. Alternatively the brace110can be attached to gusset plates which are themselves attached by pins or bolts to the container100. The brace110can be one piece as illustrated inFIG.1, or can be made up of a multiple of members joined together via methods such as welding or bolting. This is able to be done as the braces members110.1,110.2, and110.3act predominantly in tension, particularly during tippler rotation processes. As depicted inFIG.2, the internal brace can be a triangular plate210bound approximately by the three apexes212,214, and216. Referring toFIG.3, the internal brace310can have a hollowed out section320, to reduce the weight. The rim area322around the hollowed out section320provides for the transmission and bearing of forces. Referring toFIG.4, the top portion of the internal brace410can be recessed, for example it can be scalloped out, so that the brace410has a recessed top425. The recessed top425is partially recessed with respect to the top of the container400. However it can alternatively be wholly recessed with respect to the top of the container (e.g. seeFIG.8). The corners412and414of brace410in this embodiment are located at approximately the same level as the top of the container400. Referring toFIG.5, the internal brace510can comprise three separate members505,515, and525. Side member505connects between one side wall502to the floor506, opposing side member515connects the opposite side wall504to the floor506, and the top member525connects the opposing side members505and515. Each of the individual members505,515, and525can substantially extend between two of the brace's three corners512,514, and516. For instance apertured mounting plates can be provided at each of the three apexes512,514, and516, and each member can have end openings which align with the apertures. Screws, bolts, pins, or rivets can be used to secure them together. The members505,515, and525can alternatively be welded together at each of the three apex locations512,514, and516. In this embodiment the internal brace510forms a triangle, and provides more stability to the container500than a V-shaped brace having only the opposing side members505and515. The top member525helps stabilise the side members505and515by limiting their movement with respect to each other. In the orientation shown inFIG.5, the horizontal movement of the side members505,515is limited. Referring toFIG.6, an internal brace610with three members605,615,625as described above can also be recessed at its upper location. For example the top member625can extend from an intermediate portion630along the side member605to a corresponding intermediate portion635along the opposing side member615. The side members can have mounting plates625.1and625.2at these intermediate portions630and635, and the top member625can be attached between these mounting plates. The lower height of the top member625provides extra clearance between the top of the container600and the top of the internal brace610to assist in providing greater clearance for front end loaders. Alternatively, as shown inFIG.7, the top member725can be welded or bolted directly to the side members705and715at an intermediate height along the side members705and715. The side members705and715therefore each extend from the floor mounting plate716to beyond the top corners712and714, to connect with the sidewalls702and704. There can further be gussets730,735, and740provided between the brace members705,715, and725to provide extra stability and strength. The jointing between the internal brace and the container, or the jointing between individual brace members in embodiments where the internal brace is not one piece, can be permanent or temporary. The temporary jointing can be achieved using removable screws, bolts, or pins. Gussets or attachment plates can be provided at the connection points and mounting plates for the purpose of attaching the internal brace to the side walls or the container floor. These gussets can be joined to the container by temporary or permanent jointing techniques of bolting, welding, and the like. Referring toFIG.8, the horizontal top member825passes horizontally through the top corners812and814, and provides connection between the side walls802and804. Side members805and815of the internal brace810each extend from the container floor mounting plate816to spaced intermediate portions of the top member825. The internal brace810is has a substantially triangular configuration. In a similar embodiment shown inFIG.9, the side members905and915of the internal brace910each connect between the container floor attachment916to one end of the horizontal top member925of the internal brace910. In each of the embodiments described with reference toFIGS.5to9, the internal brace can be formed of a single piece such as a solid plate or a plate with one or more hollowed out sections. The plate or the individual members which form the internal brace can further be made of separate elements which improve the structural rigidity of the internal brace. The internal brace can also be made of individual tensile sections such as cables or chains, which can include a means for adjustment such as a turnbuckle, or the struts of the brace can be large turnbuckles, which will allow for ready and easy replacement if damaged. Each section can be replaced or adjusted as appropriate. In each of the examples depicted inFIGS.10to12, the internal brace includes more than one triangular structure. InFIG.10, the internal brace1010includes a first structure1020and a second structure1030. The first part1020has a side edge1022located against or adjacent sidewall1002. The side edge1022extends between two corners1024and1026of the first structure1020. The first part1020is jointed to mounting plates at the corners1024and1026, and the mounting plates are in turn attached to the sidewall1002. The second part1030has a side edge1032located against or adjacent sidewall1004, and extending between two corners1034and1036of the first structure1030. The second part1030is joined to mounting plates at these corners, and the mounting plates in turn are attached to the sidewall1004. The mounting plates can be welded to the sidewalls1002,1004. The first and second parts1020and1030respectively have a bottom edge1028and1038which are generally close to and/or parallel to the container floor1006. The bottom edges1028and1038can overlap each other, so that their inner ends overlap and are joined to a single floor mounting plate1016. The floor mounting plate1016can be welded to the floor1006. The first and second parts1020and1030each have a hollowed out section to reduce weight. As seen inFIG.11, the first and second parts1120and1130do not overlap. Instead their bottom edges1128and1138extend from the corresponding outer corners1126and1136to inner corners1129and1139. The end points1129and1139are located on either side of the centre line1150through the container floor1106. The first and second parts1120and1130can be solid plates with or without hollowed out sections. Alternatively, instead of being solid or hollowed out plates the parts in the internal brace1010or1110can be individual or welded together members. FIG.12depicts another bracing method. The internal brace1210has two triangular parts1220and1230which are fully welded to the container1200. The side edge1222of triangular part1220is welded to sidewall1202, and the side edge1232of triangular part1230is welded to the opposite sidewall1204. The bottom edges1228and1238of the parts are both welded to the container floor1206. The bottom edges can terminate without overlapping, similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG.11. If desired, the bracing1210, in particular parts1220and1230, can additionally or alternatively, be positioned at locations other than the middle of the container and internal of the container. That is, they can be located externally adjacent the end walls or internally adjacent the end walls. As illustrated inFIGS.14and15, the container can be such that the required side wall mounting plates such as plate102.1and104.1ofFIG.1(or those connecting to corners1036and1026inFIGS.10and11) are located on sidewall reinforcing posts133welded to the sidewalls102and104. These provide extra reinforcement. Further reinforcement can be provided by welding additional posts such as133.1to side walls102and104on either side of the post133, as also illustrate dinFIGS.14and15. The posts133and133.1are preferably rectangular hollow section members (RHS) welded into place. However, other forms of reinforcing members such as profile plates (e.g. triangular plates welded to the outside of the container) or I-beam, C-beam or H-beam could be used. The braces110as described above assist to also reinforce and strengthen the floor of the container, because of the location of a brace connection with the floor in an intermediate region or near there. If desired, under the floor in the region of the mounting plate for the brace, there can be provided a reinforcement, similar to the RHS post ofFIGS.14and15, so as to provide event greater resistance to deflection. In the some of the figures above apertured mounting plates are indicated by the numerals X02.1, X06.1and X04.1where the X represents the figure number. In some figures such as inFIGS.3,5,6and8to12, mounting plates, whether apertured or otherwise, are indicated at one or more apex of the support structure. As illustrated inFIGS.16,17and21are various views of a container1100which has tapered long side walls104and102as well as tapered end walls104.1and102.1. The tapering of these walls is best viewed inFIG.16where a taper of approximately 1 to 5 degrees to the vertical, and most preferably 2 degrees, is visible with respect to the vertical on these four walls. This taper will assist this container, when being rotated through 180 degrees as illustrated inFIG.31, to disgorge all its contents more readily than if such walls were not tapered. These tapers also serve another function as will be described in more detail below. To reinforce the ISO corner fittings100.2of a container, as illustrated inFIGS.13to15, the corners100.2are each reinforced by angled corner gussets100.31. The angled corner gusset formations100.31ofFIG.13is shown in rear view inFIG.24, where there is illustrated the rear face of the gusset formation, being that face which will engage the post or corner of the container. It can be seen that the gusset formation100.31has three sides, being two generally triangular sides comprising a large outboard triangular side100.315and a smaller inboard triangular side100.316, and a joining side100.317which is angled to both the horizontal and vertical planes. This gusset formation can be formed by fabrication and welding of three appropriately shaped sides or by cutting at appropriate angles, a square or rectangular hollow section and bending the sides to the appropriate shape or alternatively they can be formed from a flat sheet metal piece, and bent into the shape required. The outside of the corner construction can have reinforcing in the form of welded flat plates100.32and100.33which are welded onto the outside of the container on the top rail of the side102as illustrated inFIG.13, and also along the top rail of the shorter side of the container. The plate100.33is a generally square plate and is welded to the corner post below the ISO corner fitting100.2, while the plate100.32is a generally rectangular plate which is welded to the top rail of the sides. These ISO corner fitting reinforcements can assist in the fittings bearing the rotational loads which may be applied to them during tippler and discharge operations. While the ISO corner fitting reinforcements described above are welded structures, it is also possible to cast the ISO corner fittings together with these reinforcements so that an integrally formed corner and reinforcement is provided. As is best illustrated inFIGS.16,17and25the upper corners100.2of the container have ISO fittings. Extending from the corner100.2at the end of the container in a downwardly and laterally extending direction (relative to the longitudinal axis of the container) towards the corner post on the opposite end, is a gusset formation100.31. The gusset formation100.31, can be formed by one of several methods and can be like that illustrated in greater detail inFIGS.26and27, orFIGS.22to25and30. In these figures it can be seen that the gusset formation100.31can have a generally triangular shape, with a long sloping edge100.311on an outboard triangular side100.313and a short sloping edge100.312on an inboard side100.314. In the case ofFIGS.16,17,22to25and30, the short sloping edge100.312is on a trapezoid shaped component, whereas in the case ofFIGS.26and27, short sloping edge100.312is on a triangular shaped component. The edge100.312, and the surface of the gusset formation associated therewith, terminates at the upper surface of end beam104.3. Meanwhile, the long edge100.311, and the surfaces of the gusset formation associated with it, terminate along the front face104.31of beam104.3and extends down to the base of the face104.31. The generally triangular shape of the gusset formation100.31is welded where the shape of this gusset formation intersects with the beam104.3and the corner100.2and the post200. As can be seen fromFIG.27, the gusset formation100.31has at its rear side a generally U-shaped configuration, where the leg of the U-shape which corresponds to the triangular side100.313is greater in length than the triangular side100.314. The inwardly extending gusset formations100.31ofFIGS.16to31are located at each of the four upper corners100.2and it will be noted that these extend inwardly along the line of the upper rim of the sides104.1and102.1. The gusset formation100.31could be generally described as having a generally triangular shape with a portion having been truncated therefrom so as to form the shorter edge100.312to accommodate the beam104.3. The gusset formation100.31is preferably formed from sections of shaped or bent steel which have been appropriately cut so as to be able to provide a weld location. As will be noted inFIGS.16,17and32, the lower corners100.21and100.22each have two regular triangular or prism like gusset formation100.40,100.41. The gusset formation100.40extends laterally (relative to the longitudinal axis of the container) along the face of the end and is welded to the lower beam104.32. Whereas the gusset formations100.41extend longitudinally from the lower corners100.21towards the opposite end of the container along the longitudinal side. The gusset formations100.40and100.41are illustrated in a rear perspective view inFIG.28and they have a generally U-shaped configuration from the rear, where the legs of the U are of approximately equal length. Like the gusset formation100.31of other figures, the gusset formations100.40,100.41are formed of two triangular sides and a rectangular joining piece. These can be formed by fabrication or by cutting at appropriate angles, a square or rectangular hollow section or alternatively they can be formed from a flat sheet metal piece, and bent into the shape required. Illustrated inFIGS.22to25and30, is an example of a gusset formation as used on the corners of the container1100ofFIGS.16and17. The gusset formation100.31is formed from a triangular outboard side100.313, which is cut from steel plate having a thickness of approximately 20 mm, and is welded to the inboard side of corner100.2and post200, also to the front surface of beam104.3, and to the cross piece100.111. The inboard side plate100.314is also made from steel plate of approximately 20 mm in thickness and has a generally trapezoid shape and is welded to the top of beam104.3, cross pieces100.111and the sides of corner100.2and post200. As is best viewed inFIGS.22,25and16, it can be seen that the location of beams104.3and104.4is that they do not sit within the dimensions or width of the post200and the corners100.2. This makes the inboard edge or side of the beam104.3provide an upper rim and the front and rear ends of the container1100, which is inset from the posts200and corners100.2. This inset provides the container1100with the ability to be engaged by a tippler apparatus31.330as illustrated inFIG.31, so that when the container1100is inverted, i.e. rotated through 180 degrees, the structure31.333of the tippler which engages the corners100.2to the container1100, as illustrated inFIG.31, will not be contacted by the contents of the container as these contents fall out of the container. Further, as the gussets extend along the end rails laterally of the longitudinal axis, the contents which pour over the longitudinal rails, will not fall onto the corner castings, gussets or fitting, thus ensuring all contents get delivered and not inadvertently caught up or lodged onto the container or the tippler structure. The tippler apparatus is described in more detail herein. The inboard edge or surface of the lower beam104.4is located a further distance from the corner100.2or post200by a greater distance than is the inboard edge or surface of the upper beam104.3. This difference in distance of extension into the confines of the container, provides the 2 degrees of taper on the end walls104.1and102.1, as is evidenced by the tapered structure of the vertical ribs on the front end102.1inFIG.16. Illustrated inFIGS.18to21, are various views of a lid400for use with the container1100ofFIGS.16and17. The lid400includes two centre located lock formations401, into which can be received lift members, such as lifting hooks or the twist lock mechanisms, associated with the lid lifting means on a tippler, as described below. The formations401include a housing401.1in which is rotatably located a plate407which will receive in an obround aperture408the twist lock members of a lid lifter. As is illustrated inFIG.33, three locations on the rotatable plate407have a pin connection409to respective pivoting links409.1which in turn are pivotally connected to locking rods402by pins409.2. The rods402radiate out from the formations401to engage apertured locking plates403on the end and side rims of the container at respective ends of the container as is illustrated inFIGS.16and21. By the action of twist locks locking onto the formations401and engaging apertures408, the lid lifting device will rotate the twist lock in a first direction thereby moving the locking rods402to an unlocked condition, and because the twist locks have engaged formation401, the lid is unlocked and can be lifted off the container. Whereas rotation in a direction to disengage the twist locks from the formations401, will cause the lock rods to move to a locked condition on the container, whereby the lid is locked onto the container and the lid lifting device can move to the next container. As is visible inFIGS.18and21, the lid400includes lateral beams405through which the longitudinally oriented lock rods402pass in the forward and rearward directions. The lateral beams405help support the sheet metal (removed for purpose of illustration inFIG.21) of the lid400. Additional lockdown locks406can also be provided so that after the container is filled, the lid400can be secured by padlocks or the like, to prevent unauthorised access to the container or unlocking of the lid400from the container. Further, such lockdown locks406also provide a manually operated lid securing system if needed. Also as the lockdown locks406are operated from the side of the container which does not require operators to climb on top of the lid. As illustrated inFIGS.16and17the upper corners100.2can have directly below them, on the containers long sides, an L-shaped flat reinforcing plate (similar to plate100.32ofFIG.13) with the L-shaped reinforcing plate100.321helping to brace, by means of a relatively low profile the upper beam to the post and corner of the container. Illustrated inFIGS.34to36is an open container13.12having four ISO fittings at its upper corners allowing the container to be lifted by a crane which will have similarly located twist locks so as to lock onto the container13.10. Covering the opening of the container13.10is a lid13.20which has two lifting systems thereon. The first are two lateral channels13.24into which tynes of a fork lift can be received so as to lift or position the lid13.20, if required. The second system is four spaced aperture formations13.26attached to the lid13.20. The aperture formations are located close to the tyne channels13.24. The aperture formations13.26are generally box shaped like an ISO fitting and have an obround aperture13.27in them as is illustrated inFIG.35. The lid13.20substantially covers the opening of the container13.10, as can be seen at the corners a small opening is apparent and this opening allows for ventilation as well as an observation hole through which handlers can check the contents of the closed container13.10. The side sectional views ofFIGS.37and38, and plan view ofFIGS.39and39Aillustrate in more detail the locking arrangement. The lock arrangement has a rotating striker plate13.36which is attached to or integrally formed with a casting13.30located in the aperture formation13.24. A twist lock13.40, mounted on a lifting means, can enter through the obround aperture13.27. With the casting13.30, which has a longitudinal axis like the twist lock13.40and the obround hole13.27, all longitudinal axes being oriented in the same orientation, that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, then the twist lock13.40can be inserted through the hole13.27and into casting13.30. At this point in time, the striker plate13.36would be in the locked conditions ofFIG.39andFIG.38. By the twist lock13.40being rotated 90 degrees, in a clock wise direction relative toFIG.39, as seen inFIG.39A, the striker plate13.36will rotate through 90 degrees as well as the casting13.30. The twist lock can be rotated through 90 degrees by hydraulic or other means, or could be rotated by semi-automatic twist lock mechanisms which rotate by themselves when forced to engage obround apertures in ISO fittings. InFIGS.38,39and39Ait can be seen that the container has a biased latch13.42, which pivots around pivoting mounting13.44. The end of the striker plate13.36is caught under an overhang of the latch13.42. If desired to be manually released, the operator can simply rotate the lower section of the lever of the latch13.42towards the container13.10, and this will allow the end of the striker plate13.36to be cleared for upward movement past the overhang of latch13.42. The rotation of the twist lock13.40to the direction it is shown in betweenFIGS.39and39A, would mean the striker plate13.36is disengaged from the latch13.42, and at the same time the twist lock13.40will be locked into the aperture formation13.26, allowing retraction of the twist lock13.40thus lifting the lid from the container. Due to the vibrations encountered during transport, the casting13.30can be provided, as illustrated inFIGS.38,39and39A, with biased pin13.32which is mounted for movement with the casting13.30. The biased pin13.32engages a side offset pin13.34, which is able to pass through a hole in a stationary lock member13.37which is attached to the inside of the aperture formation13.26. Thus, with the casting13.30and the striker plate13.36in the locked condition ofFIGS.38and39, and no twist lock13.40located in the casting13.30, the upper portion of pin13.32will protrude into the cavity of the casting13.30. In this condition the side pin13.34is also located in the hole in the stationary lock member13.37, which will prevent accidental rotation of the striker plate13.36during transport or due to vibration. By the insertion of the twist lock13.40into the casting13.30, the pin13.32is moved against its bias, in this case a spring, and the side pin13.34is simultaneously moved out of engagement with the hole in the lock member13.37. At this point the pin13.32, the casting13.30and striker plate13.36are all free to rotate when the twist lock13.40is rotated to its locked condition. Thus by connecting up the twist locks13.40, the lid13.20is also simultaneously unlocked from the container13.10. By biasing the rotation of the casting13.30, and if a member extended from the casting13.30into the tyne or fork lift channel13.24, the action of inserting a fork lift tyne into the channel13.24can be made to unlock the lid from the container. However, a member which works in one direction and a second member which works in another direction might be required to achieve this. Illustrated inFIG.40is an alternative lock mechanism to that ofFIGS.37,38,39, and39A. In the lock mechanism ofFIG.40, an aperture formation13.26is provided on the lid13.20, with an aperture13.27in the top of the formation13.26, and an aperture13.27A in the under surface of the formation13.26. Further on the container rim, is positioned or welded a semi-auto twist lock13.41, so that with the twist lock13.41and obround hole13.27A have their longitudinal axes aligned, the downward motion of the lid13.20, relative to the container13.10, will mean that the lid13.20will be automatically locked to the container13.10because the twist lock13.41will have rotated to the locked condition. Inside the formation13.26is dual sided casting13.31, with the upper twist lock receiver being at approx 90 degrees to the lower twist lock receiver. When the lid is positioned onto the container, the upper casting will be forced to rotate to release the twist lock13.40, due to the force provided by the twist lock13.41rotating the lower portion of the casting13.31. Thus simultaneously as the lid is locked into position, the twist lock13.40is rotated to the release position. And as soon as the twist lock13.40reengages the upper portion of casting13.31, and is rotated to the locked condition the lower portion of casting13.31will rotate twist lock13.41to the unlocked condition allowing the lid13.20to be lifted from the container13.10. Illustrated inFIGS.48to51and53is the container13.10and lid13.20described above with the twist locks13.40being mounted on a lid lifting mechanism which is in turn mounted to or constructed to be a part of a container lifting means13.200. The outer ends of the container lifter13.200has twist locks13.90located in a downwardly extending condition so as to engage the obround holes in ISO fittings13.12on the upper corners of the container13.10, as described above. The twist locks13.40are located on a single lifting platen13.101, which is translated relative to the frame of the container lifter13.200by means of hydraulic cylinders13.102. Before, after or during the engagement of the twist locks13.90to the ISO Fittings13.12, the cylinders13.102can be made to independently move the platen13.101towards or away from the lid13.20and the aperture formations13.26. As illustrated inFIGS.48to51, inFIG.48the container lifter13.200is moved into position with the container13.10, such that the lid lifting platen13.101can be moved independently. As inFIG.49, the container can begin to be lifted, while at the same time the lid lift platen13.101is moved towards the lid13.20, so that twist locks13.40can engage the aperture formations13.26, as is illustrated inFIG.50. As inFIG.51the lid13.20can be lifted by the retracting of the cylinders13.102. FIGS.48to51and53illustrate a rig which can be mounted to a crane, for moving containers and simultaneously lidding or unlidding them while the container is in motion. Illustrated inFIGS.41to43and44to47, is an example of the mounting of the lid lifter13.100to a tippler or container rotating lifter13.300. The difference between the lifter13.300and13.200of the previously described figures is that the lifter13.300is able to invert a container13.10so as to discharge its contents at a desired location. In the lifter13.300ofFIGS.41to47, the lid lifter13.100is similar to that described previously, except that as the container13.10is now to be rotated, the lid lifter13.100needs to lift the lid13.20so that it is clear of the rotation envelope of the container13.10, as illustrated inFIGS.46and52. By the lifting systems13.100,13.200and13.300it will be readily seen that a more time effective method of handling an open container can be achieved wherein the lifting device is controlled so as to lift the container and the lid, or lift the container and lift the lid from said container; or to lift just the lid from the container. It will also be understood that the lifting of the container and the lid, or lifting the container and lifting the lid from the container, can be performed sequentially or in a more time effective manner this can be done simultaneously. Prior to rotating the container as discussed above, the lid is lifted off the container and transported to a location, relative to the container, outside of a rotation envelope of the container. While the above has twist locks13.40and13.90on relatively rigid frames and systems for mounting to complex installations, it will be understood that the twist locks could be cable mounted and made to be part of lifting frames and the like. While the above described embodiment have 4 twist locks13.40and 4 aperture formations13.26, it will be understood that the invention can be exercised with 1, 2, 3 or 4 sets of twist locks and aperture formations. Illustrated inFIGS.54to56is an alternative lid locking and lifting arrangement to the ones described above. The lid locking and lifting arrangement illustrated inFIGS.54to56has an apertured lifting housing401which is attached to an upper surface of a lid400, and has side walls401.1and an upper side408.1in which an aperture408is located in the generally horizontal upper side408.1. Like the previous embodiments illustrated inFIG.18to21,33,37to39, or40the aperture408is accessed by a downward motion of a descending twist lock13.40or similar device, which is mounted on a lid lifting assembly. The downward motion is generally parallel to the lifting direction of the lid and or container which is in the opposite direction. The housing401is attached to the upper surface of the lid400by appropriate means such as welding and is located adjacent a pair of flanges456mounted to the lid400, or to a plate on which the housing401and flanges456can be mounted. The flanges456provide a yoke for an axle or pivot456.1associated with latch458which is pivotally attached to the lid400. The lid400in this embodiment includes a peripheral channel450, which provides two downwardly extending spaced apart flanges to allow the lid400to seal relative to the upper cuneiform cross sectioned rim454which is welded to the upper rail452of the container. The latch458includes a lever portion460which is angled at approximately 30 degrees to the direction of extension of the horizontal portion of latch458and a downwardly extending section462on the end of which is a hook or lock portion464which has an upper edge464.2which will engage the underneath edge or surface of the rail452when in the condition is illustrated inFIG.54the lid400is locked to the container rail452and cannot be removed therefrom. The hook portion464also has a tapered or inclined portion464.1and a rounded end464.2, which if the lock were in the closed condition when a lid400were placed onto a container, the engagement of the end464.3and surface464.1with the upper cuneiform cross sectioned rim454, will cause the latch458to move to the open condition and track around the outer surface of the upper rail452, until the hook portion464clears the under surface466of the rail452, where by gravity will urge the hook portion464to move under the rail452, and thereby lock to prevent upward movement of the lid400relative to the rail452. As the mass of the latch458on the outboard side of the pivot is much greater than the mass of the lever portion460the latch458will remain in a generally locked condition. This mass is further supplemented by the mass of a generally horizontal handle458.1which also allows the locking system ofFIGS.54to56to be manually opened where required. If required additional biasing by means of torsion springs, compression springs, tension springs etc could be utilised with the embodiment ofFIGS.54to56. When a twist lock or lock member13.40mounted on a lifting means is passed downwardly into and through the aperture408by the head13.401being aligned with the direction of the elongated aperture408, the head13.401will pass through the aperture408and the underneath thereof will engage the lever portion460. Continued movement of the head13.401in a downward direction will rotate the portion460in a downward direction, or direction towards the lid400, thus causing the lock portion464of the latch to be rotated out of engagement with the underneath of the rail452, as is illustrated in theFIG.55. When the head13.401is rotated through 90 degrees and thus cannot escape from the housing for401, which maintains while it rotates the lever in its depressed condition (keeping the lock open) retraction of the head13.401in a vertical direction will cause the lid400to move with housing401as the upper faces of the head13.401will engage the underside surfaces of the upper plate408.1. It will be noted that as the head13.401is rotated through 90 degrees the lever portion460is maintained in a depressed condition thereby maintaining the lock portion464in a location which is clear of the bottom of the rail452. It is envisaged that a lid400may have a multiple number of the locking system ofFIGS.54to56with the lid lifting device also having an equal number of such twist lock heads13.401. To replace the lid after the lid has been lifted by the lid lifting device, the lid is lowered back on to the container until the channel450engages the upper edge454of the rail452. Once in position, the twist lock head13.401is rotated so as to align the longitudinal axis of the head13.401with the longitudinal axis of the aperture408and in this condition to then withdraw the head13.401through the aperture408in an upward direction. This causes the latch458to move from the position ofFIGS.55and56back to the condition illustrated inFIG.54whereby the lock portion464is relocated underneath the underneath edge of the rail452. The lever portion460is illustrated in a relatively simple form inFIGS.54to56. It may be additionally useful that it be constructed with a plate on its end which is of closer width to that of the housing401, or made of greater thickness, so that as the lock member13.401is rotated, there will be little or no risk that the member13.401might become disengaged from the lever460. The lid lifting systems described above enable the lid lift member to engage apertured formations401to: 1. simultaneously lock the lid lift member to the apertured formation and to unlock the lid from the container (the embodiments ofFIGS.37to40); 2. sequentially unlock the lid from the container and then lock the lid lift member to the apertured formation (the embodiment ofFIG.54to56); or 3. sequentially lock the lid lift member to the apertured formation then unlock the lid from the container (embodiment ofFIGS.18and33). Where ever it is used, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein. | 38,348 |
11858726 | While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to replaceable components, such as bottoms, for containers. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be suitable for containers used to store refuse or recyclables, particularly in construction and commercial industries. FIGS.1A-1Cdepict an exemplary embodiment of a modular container100with a bottom pan102. Container100generally comprises front wall104, sidewalls106, back wall108, and bottom edge110. The components of container100may be assembled and coupled together using various fixation methods such as nut and bolt, rivet, bolt and threaded aperture, or other suitable fixation hardware, such as through container wall apertures112. Front wall104and back wall108are coupled to opposite ends of sidewalls106so as to define an interior space. Bottom edge110can extend along the bottom perimeter of front wall104, sidewalls106, and back wall108extending outward. In embodiments, front edge114of sidewalls106can be bent parallel to front wall104to provide additional reinforcement and a more secure connection. In embodiments, the components of container100can be formed integrally or otherwise affixed without fasteners, such as by welding. Referring toFIG.1C, in embodiments front wall104and back wall108have about the same width, as indicated by W, but vary in height, as indicated by H. In such an embodiment, variance in height is gradually reduced along the depth, as indicated by D, of container100, such that front edge114of sidewalls106has a height about equal to the height of front wall104and a back edge of sidewalls106has a height about equal to the height of back wall108. With continued reference toFIGS.1A-1C, container100can comprise features to strengthen structural integrity and provide utility. In embodiments, these features can comprise front guards116, corner reinforcements118, lift receivers120, and lid hinges122. Front guards116and corner reinforcements120can provide additional securement of sidewalls106to front wall104. Lift receivers118can be coupled to sidewalls106and are configured to receive prongs of a dump truck or other machinery in order to empty the contents of container100by lifting container100at least partially upside down. Lid hinges122are configured to couple a container lid (not shown). Container100can be a modular, bolt-together embodiment designed to be shipped in parts and built remotely. Such as modular design can dramatically reduce shipping costs. In embodiments, bottom pan102can comprise pan base126, pan sidewalls128, and flange124. Pan sidewalls128extend orthogonally around the perimeter of pan base126such that bottom pan102is capable of holding liquid without leakage. Flange124protrudes outwardly from the end of pan sidewalls128and is configured to be coupled to container100along bottom edge110. In some embodiments, a plurality of flange apertures can be spaced along the length of flange124. The plurality of flange apertures can be positioned to align with corresponding bottom edge apertures (not shown) in bottom edge110such as with bolts or other suitable fasteners. In embodiments, bottom edge110can improve the ease of attachment or replacement of bottom pan102by providing a wider attachment surface with which to align flange124. Differences in the dimensions of sidewalls128of bottom pan102and the interior perimeter of container100can be addressed by the sizing of flange124and bottom edge110. For example, flange124can be manufactured to extend to the width of the largest containers and then be cut to the dimensions of smaller containers if necessary. Additionally, bottom edge110reduces the need to access the interior, refuse-containing portion of the container when coupling bottom pan102to container100. In embodiments, bottom pan102, front wall104, sidewalls106, and back wall108may comprise mild steel construction. In alternative embodiments, bottom pan102, front wall104, sidewalls106, and back wall108can comprise galvanized steel, aluminum, various plastic, or other suitable materials. In yet other embodiments, bottom pan102, front wall104, sidewalls106, and back wall108can comprise varied materials. For example, bottom pan102can comprise galvanized steel, stainless steel, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), aluminum or other suitable materials, while front wall104, sidewalls106, and back wall108can comprise plain rolled steel. For example, pre-coated galvanized sheeting with a minimum of G90 thickness can be cut or punched to create bottom pan102, front wall104, sidewalls106, and back wall108via computer numerically controlled (CNC) fabrication equipment such as, but not limited to the following: sheet metal laser, Turret Punch, Water jet, and/or press brake. Fastening apertures disclosed herein can be created using drill or drill press, plasma cutter, water jet, or any other suitable method known to persons skilled in the art. Suitable manufacturing processes for plastic embodiments of bottom pan can include thermoforming, rotomolding or injection molding. Container100and bottom pan102represent an improvement over conventional solutions to replacing the corroded bottom surfaces of containers that require substantial rearrangement of the container while manually welding a new sheet of metal to the base of the container. This manual process requires the welder to enter the interior of the container for prolonged periods to weld along the inside of the container. Container100and bottom pan102can be coupled with significantly less effort than conventional approaches as bottom edge110and flange124are exterior to container100and easily accessed around the perimeter. Further, container100and bottom pan102can be coupled by fasteners allowing for more flexibility depending on the status of container100and the resources available to workers. Referring now toFIGS.2A-2C, an embodiment of bottom pan adapter system220for attaching bottom pan102to container200is depicted. Container200represents a conventional waste container or dumpster with the original bottom removed. Bottom pan adapter system220includes replacement bottom pan102, lip adapter202, and optionally gasket204. In embodiments, bottom pan102comprises flange124including flange apertures130. Lip adapter202can comprise spacer206, top adapter lip208, and bottom adapter lip210. Spacer206can define an interior and connect top adapter lip208and bottom adapter lip210which both protrude outward therefrom. Top adapter lip208provides a container-abutting face or surface for attachment to the base of container200, such as bottom edge110. In embodiments, top adapter lip208can be welded to the base of container200. In embodiments, spacer206provides clearance for working on top adapter lip208during attachment to container200. The clearance provided can be increased by increasing the height, indicated by X inFIG.2C, of spacer206. Bottom adapter lip210provides a pan-abutting face or surface for attachment to bottom pan102. Bottom adapter lip210can include bottom adapter lip apertures212configured to align with corresponding flange apertures130, allowing bottom adapter lip210to attach to flange124via bolts or other suitable fasteners. Bottom pan102can be connected to, or removed from, bottom adapter lip208entirely from the outside of the container; that is, without accessing the interior, refuse-containing portion of the container. In embodiments, one lip adapter202can be reused to couple the container to multiple replacement bottom pans102over time. When used, gasket204can seal the coupling between flange124and bottom adapter lip210. In some embodiments, gasket204can include gasket apertures214configured to align between flange apertures130and bottom adapter lip apertures212. Gasket204can comprise material such as synthetic or natural elastic material, silicone, aluminum crush gasket, or other suitable gasket material. Gasket204is configured to aid in providing coupled edges that are liquid resistant or liquid tight. In embodiments, one or more of bottom pan102or flange124can include a channel or other suitable structure to receive gasket204. In embodiments, container200can be a container formed from a conventional welded-steel container with a bottom surface of the welded container removed and bottom pan102replacing the bottom surface. The bottom surface of such a container may be removed for various reasons such as having corrosion or other damage. In embodiments, the bottom surface of a single container can be repeatedly replaced by installing new bottom pans such as bottom pan102. Referring now toFIGS.3A-3E, various views of lip adapter202are depicted. Use of lip adapter202enables manufacture of bottom pan102to be a standardized size, or one of several standardized sizes, while still allowing bottom pan102to fit to a wide range of sizes of containers. Using top adapter lip208to span containers of various dimensions allows for conversion of diverse preexisting containers. Furthermore, once a lip adapter has been coupled to a container, bottom pans can be interchanged without requiring a new lip adapter. Bottom pan102can be connected to, or removed from, bottom adapter lip210entirely from the outside of the container; that is, without accessing the interior, refuse-containing portion of the container. Referring toFIGS.2A-2C, it will be appreciated that the interior perimeter of container200is greater than the perimeter of pan sidewalls128. In other embodiments, the inner perimeter of container200may be less than or approximately the same as the perimeter of pan sidewalls128. Thus, the ease of installation of lip adapter202and the reusability afforded by interchanging bottom pans can greater reduce upkeep costs associated with the gradual wear of containers. Once a container has been outfitted with a lip adapter, replacement of the bottom pan does not require any welding, dramatically simplifying the process and tools necessary. This simplification in maintenance means containers can be fixed at remote locations without having to be transported to a specific site. In embodiments, top adapter lip208is generally sized larger (e.g., having a greater perimeter) than bottom adapter lip210such that when coupled to a container, the bolts or other fasteners coupling bottom pan102to bottom adapter lip210are situated inwardly from an outer perimeter of top adapter lip, thereby providing some protection from direct exposure to rain or other environmental conditions. In embodiments using bolts and nuts to fasten bottom pan102to lip adapter202, lip adapter202is configured such that a longitudinal axis of such bolts will be oriented generally orthogonal to a bottom plane of pan102. As is apparent from the exemplary embodiments depicted inFIGS.3A-3E, an outer perimeter of top adapter lip208is generally greater than an outer perimeter of bottom adapter lip210. With the flexibility in sizes of the lips of lip adapter, precise size matching between the container and the replacement bottom pan is not necessary. For example, dumpsters of a given capacity from different manufacturers do not necessarily have identical measurements. Therefore variations in the depth and/or width of dumpsters is not uncommon and lip adapter202has broad applicability. The dimensions of T1and T2on top adapter lip208, as depicted inFIG.3C, may be selected to provide adaptability to a variety of dumpster sizes. In embodiments, T1and T2may be similar, or identical, or different. Example size ranges for each of T1and T2may be from two to twelve inches. In another embodiment, the size ranges for each of T1and T2may be from two to eight inches. In another embodiment, the size ranges for each of T1and T2may be from four to six inches. For example, selecting a size of four inches for each of T1and T2would allow for adaptability to containers of varying sizes up to eight inches in each direction—depth and width. In embodiments, lip adapter208can comprise rolled edge216. Rolled edge216can strengthen top adapter lip208and reduce the risk of injury compared to a straight edge. Lip adapter202can generally be constructed of mild steel. The material of lip adapter202can be selected to accommodate the welding of lip adapter202to container200. In embodiments that do not require welding, lip adapter202can be made of plastic or other nonmetal materials. Bottom pan adapter system220allows for conversion of diverse sizes of preexisting containers with bottom pans of standardized sizes. During installation, workers have greater access to the coupling between the top adapter lip and the container and to the bottom adapter lip and the bottom pan. This access directly contributes to easier, more efficient installation than conventional solutions to replacing bottom surfaces of containers. Referring toFIG.3F, single lip adapter230is depicted according to an embodiment. Single lip adapter230generally comprises top surface232and bottom surface234. In embodiments, bottom surface234comprises studs236. In embodiments, studs236can be integral or welded to bottom surface234. Various bottom pans of the present disclosure can then be attached to adapter230via studs236and corresponding nuts. In embodiments, top surface232can be welded to a base of a container, such as container200. In embodiments, single lip adapter230is substantially similar to top adapter lip208of lip adapter202except for the addition of studs236. A method300for installing a replaceable bottom pan102is depicted in the flowchart ofFIG.4, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. If a conventional container, such as container200, is to be converted to accommodate the lip adapter and replaceable bottom pan, the container should be measured and cut (302). In embodiments, the amount of material cut from the container can vary depending on severity of the corrosion. In one embodiment, the cut is made a few inches from the bottom of the container. In general, six inches can provide a guideline for how much of the bottom of the container should be removed to accommodate the lip adapter and the replaceable bottom pan, but the measurement may be adjusted according to the dimensions of the container being modified and desired characteristics of the newly assembled container. To prepare the container for the welding of top adaptor lip210, paint and debris are removed from inside the weld zone (304). The container is then centered on the top adapter lip and the two are tack welded together at the outer corners (306). The top adapter lip is then welded to the container (308) such as around the outside of the container. Optionally, any excess top adapter lip material, protruding farther out from the container than desired for attachment of the bottom pan, may be removed (310) such as with a cut-off wheel or torch or other suitable means. The bottom pan is then fastened to the container (312), such as via fasteners through aligned apertures in the bottom adapter lip and the bottom pan. A bottom pan gasket may also be installed to improve the seal and reduce the wear on the lip adapter and the bottom pan. As the bottom pan wears out or as otherwise desired, the bottom pan may be removed and a new, cleaned, repaired, or otherwise restored pan may then be installed (314). Referring now toFIGS.5A-5C, bottom pan adapter system400for attaching bottom pan102to container200is depicted. Bottom pan adapter system400includes bottom pan102, tapered adapter402, and optionally gasket204. Tapered adapter402can comprise, adapter connecting wall404, and adapter base406. Adapter connecting wall404can extend outward from the interior perimeter of adapter base406at an angle such that the exterior perimeter of adapter connecting wall404is larger than the exterior perimeter of adapter base406. In embodiments, adapter connecting wall404can protrude orthogonally from adapter base406before proceeding to extend outward, as more clearly depicted inFIG.5C. The exposed end of adapter connecting wall404provides a container-abutting surface for attachment to the structure of container200, such as by welding. In embodiments, adapter connecting wall404provides clearance during attachment to container200. In embodiments, adapter connecting wall404can be cut such that the exterior perimeter of adapter connecting wall404is substantially the same as the exterior perimeter of container200. Adapter base406provides a pan-abutting face or surface for attachment to bottom pan102. Adapter base406can include adapter base apertures408configured to align with corresponding flange apertures130such as with bolts or other suitable fasteners. Bottom pan102can be connected to, or removed from, adapter base406entirely from the outside of the container; that is, without accessing the interior, refuse-containing portion of the container. In embodiments, one tapered adapter402can be used interchangeably with multiple bottom pans. Referring now toFIG.6A-6B, a bolt-on embodiment of bottom pan adapter system500for attaching bottom pan102to container520is depicted. Container520can comprise container wall apertures522along the base of the walls of container520. Bottom pan adapter system500includes bottom pan102, vertical adapter502, and optionally gasket204(not shown). Vertical adapter generally comprises adapter connecting wall504, and adapter base506. Adapter connecting wall504extends orthogonally from the interior perimeter of adapter base406. In embodiments, adapter connecting wall404can include adapter connecting wall apertures508configured to be affixed to container520through container wall apertures522with fasteners. In embodiments, adapter connecting wall404can fastened to the interior of the container or the exterior of the container. Adapter base506provides a pan-abutting face or surface for attachment to bottom pan102. Adapter base506can include adapter base apertures510configured to align with corresponding flange apertures130such as with bolts or other suitable fasteners. Bottom pan102can be connected to, or removed from, adapter base506entirely from the outside of the container; that is, without accessing the interior, refuse-containing portion of the container. In embodiments, one vertical adapter502can be used interchangeably with multiple bottom pans. Various embodiments of pans are depicted inFIGS.7A-7H. Bottom pan102can be replaced or interchanged with the depicted pans so long as the dimensions of the pans being interchanged are substantially similar. These embodiments of pans can be used with an adapter embodiments described herein. FIG.7Adepicts a bottom pan600that can be used interchangeably with bottom pan102. In embodiments, bottom pan600can comprise pan base602, pan sidewalls604, and flange606. Pan sidewalls604protrude orthogonal around the perimeter of pan base602from one side such that bottom pan102is capable of holding liquid without leakage. Flange606is affixed to pan sidewalls128and configured to be coupled to a container or an adapter of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, flange606can comprise a plurality of flange apertures (not shown). The plurality of flange apertures can be arranged around the perimeter of flange606and are configured to align with corresponding apertures of a container or adapter of the present disclosure such as with bolts or other suitable fasteners. As depicted inFIG.7B, a drainable bottom pan608can be structurally substantially similar to bottom pan600and include at least one pan drain610and drain cover612. Pan drain610is a break in the pan sidewall and is configured to selectively allow liquid collected at the bottom of drainable bottom pan608to drain out when drain cover612is removed. In embodiments, pan drain610can simplify cleaning of drainable bottom pan608when attached to a container and reduce the risk of corrosion. In embodiments, pan drain610can be coupled to a filtration pump such that methane produced from the waste material within a coupled container can be removed as fresh air is drawn in. Once the methane has been removed from drainable bottom pan608, the methane can be filtered or otherwise treated. As depicted inFIG.7C, drainable pan614can comprise a base, pan sidewalls616, flange618, pan drain620, drain cap622, and grated pan surface624. Grated pan surface624can be coupled to pan sidewalls616such that grated pan surface624is positioned above the base of drainable pan614but no higher than flange618. Grated surface624can be configured to ensure solid waste materials are elevated above the base of drainable pan614such that pan drain620can allow fluid drainage without being plugged by the solid waste. In embodiments, grated surface624can freely resting on protrusions (not shown) from pan sidewalls616such that grated surface624can be removed if necessary. As depicted inFIGS.7D-7E, drainable bottom pan626can comprise pan base628, pan sidewalls630, flange632, pan drains634, drain caps636, and grated pan surface638, and at least one draining tube640. In this embodiment, draining tube640can include a plurality of draining tube apertures642configured to allow fluid to enter draining tube640. Draining tube640can be coupled to pan drains634within sidewalls630to allow liquid to be drained from drainable bottom pan626. In embodiments, pan drains634can be coupled to a filtration pump such that methane produced from the waste material within a coupled container can be removed as fresh air is drawn in. In embodiments, draining tube640can be integrated into pan base628. Grated pan surface638can be permanently affixed to pan sidewalls630or simply rest on draining tube640. As depicted inFIG.7F, a bottom pan, such as bottom pan102or drainable bottom pan608, can comprise casters644. Casters644can be removably coupled to the base of the bottom pan such that the bottom pan and a coupled container (not shown) can be easily rolled. In embodiments, four casters644are used. In embodiments, casters644can include dampeners or suspension mechanisms to reduce the force placed on the bottom pan when placed on the ground. Such dampening is particularly useful as many containers are lifted and dropped during the emptying process. As depicted inFIG.7G, fork lift bottom pan646can include pan base648, pan sidewalls650, flange652, and at least 2 fork lift channels654. Fork lift channels654are configured to receive fork lift tines during a container200lift operation. Fork lift channels654can be incorporated into base648such that base648remains flat. In embodiments, fork lift channels654can span the distance between two parallel pan sidewalls652such that a fork lift operator can access fork lift channels654from either side of fork lift bottom pan646. Fork lift channels654can strengthen the integrity of fork lift bottom pan646by acting as support beams capable of distributing experienced forces more evenly across fork lift bottom pan646. Referring now toFIG.7H, a reinforced bottom pan656is depicted according to an embodiment. Reinforced bottom pan656generally comprises pan base658, pan sidewalls660, flange662, reinforcement channels664, and optionally rounded corners666. In embodiments, flange662can include flange apertures668configured to couple to an adapter of the present disclosure or a container such as with bolts or other suitable fasteners. Reinforcement channels664can strengthen the integrity of reinforced bottom pan656by acting as support beams capable of distributing experienced forces more evenly across reinforced bottom pan656. Reinforcement channels664can serve as forklift channels and can span the distance between two parallel pan sidewalls660such that a fork lift operator can access reinforced channels664from either side of reinforced bottom pan656. In embodiments, reinforced bottom pan656can include a plurality of reinforcement channels. Reinforced pan656can comprise a variety of materials including steel or plastic or combinations thereof. In particular, the improved durability of reinforced pan656provided by reinforcement channels facilitates the use of plastics that may otherwise be too weak to survive repeated emptying processes. In embodiments, reinforced pan656can comprise a single piece of material. Referring now toFIGS.8A-8D, an embodiment of bottom pan adapter system700for attaching reinforced bottom pan702to container200is depicted. Bottom pan adapter system700includes lip adaptor202, bottom pan702, and optionally gasket204. In embodiments, bottom pan702comprises a single piece of material and includes pan base704with flange706, pan sidewalls708, and reinforcement channels710. In embodiments, pan sidewalls708extend outward from and around the perimeter of pan base704, such that bottom pan702can hold liquid. Flange708extends from the exposed end of pan sidewalls708such that flange708substantially planar with bottom adapter lip210. In embodiments, bottom pan702can be affixed to bottom adapter lip210without fasteners, such as by welding. In embodiments, flange708can include flange apertures (not shown) configured to couple to corresponding bottom adapter lip apertures212, and optionally gasket apertures214, such as with bolts or other suitable fasteners. Flange708can have an exterior perimeter larger than, or substantially equal to the interior perimeter of bottom adapter lip210. In instances where the exterior perimeter of flange708is larger than the exterior perimeter of bottom adapter lip210, any excess of flange708can be cut away such that the exterior perimeters are substantially equal. Reinforced channels710provide increased structural support to bottom pan702by distributing experienced forces more evenly. In embodiments, reinforced channels710can extend along the depth of bottom pan702. In embodiments, reinforced channels710can serve as forklift channels. In embodiments, bottom pan702may be substantially similar to reinforced pan656. Referring now toFIGS.9A-9D, bottom pan adapter system800for attaching bottom pan102to container200is depicted. Bottom pan adapter system800includes container200, bottom pan102, lip adapter202, support brackets802, and optionally gasket204. Support brackets or beams802comprise support arms804having a first end and a second end with connection surfaces806. Support arms804are bent along their length such that bottom pan102can fit between the bends and connection surfaces806are planar with bottom adapter lip210. In embodiments, bottom pan102can have an interference fit or clearance fit with support brackets802. In embodiments, connection surfaces806can be affixed to bottom adapter lip210without fasteners, such as by welding. In other embodiments, connection surfaces806can include flange apertures (not shown) configured to couple to corresponding apertures along bottom adapter lip210(not shown) such as with nuts and bolts or other suitable fasteners. In embodiments, support brackets802are configured to keep bottom pan102from contacting the ground which can be beneficial in certain conditions. For example, in extreme cold weather certain materials such as plastic can become brittle and have a heightened risk of damage if moved during the emptying process of container200. Therefore, structural stability and protection provided by support brackets208facilitate the use of bottom pans made from non-metal materials that are more resilient to corrosion but lack the durability of metals. Brackets802may thus comprise a protective cage around bottom pan102. Further, brackets802may be easier and cheaper to replace than bottom pan (e.g., from wear and tear). Referring now toFIGS.10A-10D, bottom pan adapter system900for attaching bottom pan102to container200is depicted. Bottom pan adapter system900includes bottom pan702, lip adapter202, support brackets902, and optionally gasket204. Support brackets902comprise support arms904having a first end and a second end with connection surfaces906at both ends. Support arms904have a curve bent along their length such that bottom pan702can fit between the bends and connection surfaces906are planar with bottom adapter lip210. In embodiments, three support brackets902are positioned along the depth of bottom pan702such that reinforced channels710remain unblocked. In embodiments, bottom pan702can have an interference fit or clearance fit with support brackets902. In embodiments, connection surfaces906can be affixed to bottom adapter lip210without fasteners, such as by welding. In other embodiments, connection surfaces906can include flange apertures (not shown) configured to couple to corresponding apertures along bottom adapter lip210(not shown) such as with nuts and bolts or other suitable fasteners. The functional benefits of support brackets902are substantially similar to those of support brackets802. Referring now toFIGS.11A-11D, bottom pan adapter system1000for attaching bottom pan102to container200is depicted. Bottom pan adapter system1000includes bottom pan102, lip adapter202, casters1002, corner brackets1004, and optionally gasket204. Casters1002are removably coupled to a base surface1006of corner brackets1004. Corner brackets1004each comprise a sidewall extending orthogonally from two adjacent sides of base surface1006. In embodiments, the sidewalls comprise corner apertures1008along an end opposite base surface1006and are approximately the height of bottom pan102such that the corners of pan102can rest on base surface1006. In embodiments, corner apertures1008are configured to align and couple with flange apertures130, bottom adapter lip apertures (not shown) and optionally gasket apertures214such as with nuts and bolts or other suitable fasteners. Referring now toFIGS.12A-12D, bottom pan adapter system1100for attaching bottom pan102to container200is depicted. Bottom pan adapter system1100includes bottom pan702, lip adapter202, casters1002, corner brackets1004, and optionally gasket204. Casters1002are removably coupled to a base surface1006of corner brackets1004. Corner brackets1004each comprise a sidewall extending orthogonally from two adjacent sides of base surface10006. In embodiments, the sidewalls comprise corner apertures1008along an end opposite base surface1006and are approximately the height of bottom pan702. In embodiments, corner apertures1008are configured to align and couple with flange apertures (not shown), bottom adapter lip apertures (not shown) and optionally gasket apertures214such as with nuts and bolts or other suitable fasteners. In embodiments, casters1002enable bottom pan adapter systems to roll. Ease of movement enables the container to be efficiently stored away from where it is emptied. In embodiments, casters1002and corner brackets1004can distribute upward forces, such as those experienced when the container is dropped, between container200and bottom pan102. This distribution reduces the risk of damage to bottom pan102, particularly when bottom pan102comprises plastic. In embodiments, the bottom pan adapter systems ofFIGS.11A-12Dthat include casters1002and corner brackets1004can be combined with the support brackets802,902ofFIGS.9A-10D. In combination, these features provide robust protection of bottom pan, which can be made of plastic. Bottom pans made of plastic have the significant advantage of being resistant to corrosion, a main cause of container wear-and-tear. Plastic bottoms of containers have traditionally been infeasible due to the relatively weak strength of plastic when compared to metals; however, embodiments of the present disclosure address this issue by providing ample support for plastic bottom pans. Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions. Embodiments described herein may be referred to as a system, assembly, arrangement, or other, and such terms should be considered interchangeable and non-limiting unless otherwise stated. Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim. | 34,846 |
11858727 | Throughout the drawings, sometimes only one or fewer than all of the instances of an element visible in the view are designated by a lead line and reference character, for the sake only of simplicity and to avoid clutter. It will be understood, however, that in such cases, in accordance with the corresponding description, that all other instances are likewise designated and encompassed by the corresponding description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A cylindrical cargo container with a nose cone assembly is disclosed herein. FIG.1shows a cylindrical cargo container100. The container100has a cylindrical, tubular shell102with a rear end104and a front end106. The tubular shell102may form at the front end106a generally circular opening (not shown). The container100also has a nose cone108closing the circular opening of the front end106. As described below and shown in the drawings, many of the components of the container100possess a generally cylindrical symmetry, thus defining a longitudinal axis coincident with an axis of circular symmetry, and having a generally circular transverse cross-section, thereby defining an axial direction extending along the longitudinal axis, and a radial direction extending radially from the longitudinal axis in a plane of the cross-section. The terms “longitudinal”, “axial”, and “radial”, or their analogues, are used hereinafter in these senses. Likewise, the cargo container will typically have a front, or forward, longitudinal end, being that end having or intended to have the nose cone, and a rear, or rearward, longitudinal end, being that end longitudinally opposite the front. Thus, the terms “front”, “forward”, “rear”, and “rearward”, and used hereinafter in these senses. FIG.2shows the nose cone108in isolation from the container100. The nose cone108may be generally hemispherical, as shown, paraboloid, conical, or may have any other shape, be generally round, segmented or smooth, so long as it provides an open end (facing generally into the page) with a generally circular rim110matching the circular opening of the front end106of the tubular shell102of the container100. Specifically, the circular rim110of the nose cone108and the circular opening of the tubular shell102may have a common radius and thus circumference. The nose cone108also has a nose cone annular flange112(shown particularly inFIGS.2and5) extending and tapering radially outwardly from the circular rim110. The nose cone108may be formed of any suitable materials, which may be a material different from the material of the tubular shell102, and in particular may be formed from plastic, which may be fiber-reinforced plastic, which may be fiberglass, which may be high strength fiberglass. The tubular shell102may be formed of any suitable material, which may be metal, which may be steel or aluminum. In particular, the tubular shell102may be formed from a plurality of extruded panels, which may be aluminum panels, which may be hollow-core extruded aluminum panels substantially as disclosed in the PCT Publication. In some embodiments, the nose cone108may be formed of a material that is the same as or similar to the material of the tubular shell102. For example, the nose cone108may alternatively be formed from metal, which may be steel or aluminum. As shown particularly inFIGS.3-5, the nose cone108may be securely and reversibly mounted to the tubular shell102by use of a mounting apparatus120including an annular clamping collar122and annular mounting ring124. As shown particularly inFIGS.6and7, the clamping collar122may have a generally U-shaped cross-section including axially opposing arms126joined at respective radially outward ends by a transversely extending base128, together forming a radially inwardly facing opening130, and defining a generally U-shaped annular groove134with an interior surface132, wherein the annular groove134tapers radially outwardly. As indicated above, the nose cone108has a nose cone annular flange112, which may be sized and shaped to be received in the annular groove134of the clamping collar122. The annular mounting ring124may have a mounting ring annular flange136which extends and tapers radially outwardly. As shown particularly inFIG.7, when the nose cone108and annular mounting ring124are axially aligned, and an axially rearward annular face137of the nose cone annular flange112is moved into contact with an opposing axially forward annular face139of the mounting ring annular flange136, the nose cone annular flange112and the mounting ring annular flange136may together form an annular radially outwardly tapered mounting wedge140sized and shaped to be received in the annular groove134of the clamping collar122. As shown particularly inFIGS.1,3,4and8, the clamping collar122may have a constriction device142operative selectively to constrict the clamping collar122, thereby to decrease a diameter and thus circumference of the annular groove134, or to expand the clamping collar122, thereby to increase a diameter and thus circumference of the annular groove134. For example, as shown particularly inFIG.8, the constricting device142may include blocks158, which may be fixedly or hingedly mounted respectively at each of two opposing ends160of the clamping collar122, and a threaded bolt162passing through holes in the two blocks158and cooperating either with a threaded hole in an opposing one of the blocks158or with a nut disposed at an opposite end of the block158, such that advancement of the bolt162tends to close a distance between the two blocks158and thus the opposing ends160, thereby constricting the clamping collar122. Other devices and arrangements are possible, which are operative reversibly to constrict the clamping collar122. For example, the constructing device142may include a latch clamp or a toggle clamp. Thus, when in a relatively expanded state, the clamping collar122may have an expanded circumference, and accordingly a generally circular opening having an expanded diameter, which, when in axial alignment with the assembled nose cone108and annular mounting ring124, provides a sufficiently wide axially facing opening to permit passage of the clamping collar122axially over the assembled nose cone108and annular mounting ring124and about the formed tapered mounting wedge140, thereby to radially oppose the tapered mounting wedge140and the annular groove134. Then, the constriction device142may be operated to constrict the clamping collar122, causing a decrease in the effective circumference of the annular groove134, whereby it constricts radially inwardly and circumferentially receives the tapered mounting wedge140past the radially inward opening130and into the annular groove134. As the constriction device142is further operated to further constrict the clamping collar122, an exterior surface163of the mounting wedge140come into contact with the opposing interior surface132forming the annular groove134, thereby guiding the mounting wedge140into the annular groove134. As the constriction device142is yet further operated, the exterior surface163of the mounting wedge140presses the opposing interior surface132of the annular groove134, causing clamping force between the nose cone annular flange112and the mounting ring annular flange136, whereby the clamping collar122operates to clamp rigidly the nose cone annular flange112and the mounting ring annular flange136together. In this way, the clamping collar122with constricting device142is operable to clamp reversibly the nose cone108onto the annular mounting ring124in axial alignment. The nose cone108may be formed of a material with sufficient flexibility such that the above-described method of clamping the nose cone108onto the annular mounting ring124may cause the nose cone108to deform, which may include, at or near its opening—that is, proximal its generally circular rim110—deflection of the generally circular rim110radially inwardly. As shown particularly inFIG.7, the annular mounting ring124may therefore have an annular clamping stop144formed radially inwardly from, and projecting axially forwardly from, the mounting ring annular flange136, such that when the annular mounting ring124and nose cone108are assembled as described above to form the tapered mounting wedge140, the annular clamping stop144may be positioned radially behind, that is radially inwardly from, the nose cone annular flange112. Thus, in the event that clamping of the nose cone108onto the annular mounting ring124by the clamping collar122causes deflection of the circular rim110radially inwardly, a radially inward surface145of the nose cone108at or near the circular rim110may contact a radially outward surface147of the annular clamping stop144, thereby preventing or resisting further radially inward deflection of the circular rim110. Moreover, the contact between the radially inward surface145of the nose cone108and the radially outward surface147of the annular clamping stop144may form a seal to prevent or resist passage of contents of the container100outside the container at the joint formed between the nose cone108and the annular mounting ring124. Forming such a seal may be desirable or necessary when the container100is intended to contain cargo which generates leachate which is characterized as an environmental hazard, as may be the case where the cargo is municipal or industrial waste. In order to improve this seal, at least one of the radially inward surface145of the nose cone108, the radially outward surface147of the annular clamping stop144, the axially rearward annular face137of the nose cone annular flange112, the axially forward annular face139of the mounting ring annular flange136, and the interior surface132forming the annular groove134may be lined with, be provided with, be coated by, or have mounted thereto, a sealing means or sealing material to facilitate or improve the seal formed by that surface with the corresponding opposing contacting surface. The annular mounting ring124may be formed of any suitably durable, rigid material, which may be metal, which may be steel or aluminum, and which may be a material different from either or both of the respective materials of the nose cone108and tubular shell102of the container100. Thus, by the structures and methods described above, the nose cone108may be reversibly, but durably and rigidly clamped, to annular mounting ring124by use of the clamping collar122. As shown particularly inFIGS.5-7, the annular mounting ring124may further have an annular coupling slot150sized and shaped slidingly and fittingly to receive a forward annular edge152of the tubular shell102of the container100when the annular mounting ring124is moved in axial alignment with the tubular shell102with the annular coupling slot150opposing the forward annular edge152. The annular mounting ring124thus coupled, or mounted, to the tubular shell102may be reversibly affixed to the tubular shell102so as rigidly to maintain the annular mounting ring124in the mounted and coupled state. For example, the annular mounting ring124may be affixed to the tubular shell102using fasteners (not shown), for example bolts, and the annular mounting ring124may be provided with at least one, which may be a plurality of, through holes (not shown) for the passage of bolts, and the tubular shell102may be provided with corresponding at least one, which may be a plurality, of threaded holes (not shown), to receive threadingly and reversibly at least one, which may be a plurality, of bolts. The through holes and corresponding threaded holes may be distributed circumferentially, or otherwise positioned, about the respective circumferences of the annular mounting ring124and tubular shell102for respective alignment when the annular mounting ring124is in the mounted and coupled state. Other fasteners and variants are possible. Alternatively, the annular mounting ring124thus coupled, or mounted, to the tubular shell102may be permanently affixed to the tubular shell102so as rigidly to maintain the annular mounting ring124in the mounted and coupled state. For example, once the annular mounting ring124is coupled and mounted to the tubular shell102as described above, it may be durably and permanently affixed to the tubular shell102by forming welds along one or both annular circumferential seams153formed inside and outside the tubular shell102where respective inner and outer surfaces of the tubular shell102and corresponding inner and outer structures forming the annular coupling slot150meet. As shown particularly inFIGS.6and7, the annular mounting ring124may further have an annular drainage channel154continuous, or in communication, with the annular coupling slot150, and having a radial width less than a radial width of the annular coupling slot150. As such, the annular mounting ring124may have at the juncture of the annular coupling slot150and the annular drainage channel154at least one, which may be two, which may be radially inner and outer, annular mounting stop156, being a corresponding annular shoulder formed by the respective inner walls defining the annular coupling slot150and the annular drainage channel154where they meet. Thus, the annular mounting stop156may provide a definite and preconfigured depth of insertion of the annular edge152of the tubular shell102in the annular coupling slot150of the annular mounting ring124when the annular mounting ring124is mounted and coupled onto the tubular shell102. Such preconfigured axial alignment of the annular mounting ring124and the tubular shell102may facilitate affixation of the annular mounting ring124to the tubular shell102as described above, for example by facilitating axial alignment of the corresponding through holes and threaded holes, or by optimal positioning of the annular mounting ring124for welding. In addition, the annular drainage channel154may enable escape of fluids from the annular coupling slot150or the tubular shell102when the annular edge of the tubular shell102is received therein. For example, when the tubular shell102is formed of longitudinally extruded panels which form interior longitudinal channels, such as in PCT International Publication No. WO 2018/112622A1 (“the PCT Publication”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, when these channels contain or transport any fluid, such as water or leachate, the annular drainage channel154may enable passage of the fluid out of the interior longitudinal channels of the panels into the annular drainage channel154. The annular mounting ring124may further have at one or more circumferential locations an escape channel161communicating between either a radially inner surface157of the annular mounting ring124or a radially outer surface159of the annular mounting ring124(as shown inFIG.7). In particular, the escape channel may be provided at a vertical lower or bottom edge of the annular mounting ring124when the annular mounting ring124is mounted to the tubular shell102. In such case, the fluid received in the annular drainage channel154may flow by force of gravity through the annular drainage channel154to or near the vertical lower or bottom edge of the annular mounting ring124and out of the escape channels. Where it is acceptable or desirable for the fluid to pass outside of the container100, the escape channels may be provided between a radially outer surface159of the annular mounting ring124and the annular drainage channel154, as shown inFIGS.6and7. Where, however, it is unacceptable or undesirable for the fluid to pass outside of the container100—for example, where the container100is intended to contain cargo which generates leachate which is characterized as an environmental hazard, as may be the case where the cargo is municipal or industrial waste—the escape channels may be provided between a radially inner surface157of the annular mounting ring124and the annular drainage channel154. In such case, the fluid may empty into the interior of the container100. When the tubular shell102is instead formed with a tubular wall lacking any channel, for example is instead solid sheet material, then the annular drainage channel154and the escape channel161may instead, or additionally, function to relieve air pressure generated in the annular coupling slot150when the annular edge of the tubular shell102is inserted therein, thereby facilitating mounting of the annular mounting ring124to the tubular shell102. The mounting ring annular flange136and a axially forward annular face of a rear wall of the annular drainage channel154, or of the annular coupling slot150if the annular drainage channel154is omitted, may together form therebetween an annular notch sized and shaped to receive an axially forward arm126of the clamping collar122when it is installed to clamp the mounting wedge140as described herein. Thus, as described above, the annular mounting ring124rigidly mounted to the tubular shell102of the container100may enable reversible rigid mounting of the nose cone108, so as to form an assembled container100with a nose cone108, which may be of a material different from a material of the tubular shell102. Moreover, a material of the annular mounting ring124may be the same as, or different from, either one of the nose cone108and tubular shell102, and may include metal, which may be steel or aluminum. Such a configuration provides numerous advantages. For example, the nose cone108may be wearable part, and may be easily replaced as needed by use of the mounting apparatus120. Moreover, different nose cones108of different material or construction may be desirable in different applications, such as for use with different types of cargo, and again the disclosed configuration enables rapid and easy replacement of the nose cone108for this purpose. Moreover, the ability easily and quickly to remove and replace the nose cone108enables where appropriate selective unloading of the cargo container100from the front end106thereof as well as the rear end104, either routinely or where in some specific situation unloading from the rear end104proves to be difficult or impossible. In some embodiments, the rear end104has a rear opening for unloading the cargo container100, and may include a tailgate, as is known in the art. In other embodiments, the rear end104may be enclosed by a rear wall, and loading and unloading may be performable entirely via a front opening at the front end, selectively opened and closed by rapid and easy removal and replacement of the nose cone108as described herein. The annular mounting ring124may be used in a sense as an adapter to enable mounting of the nose cone108onto any pre-existing tubular shell102. Thus, the mounting apparatus120including the annular clamping collar122and the annular mounting ring124may be provided as a kit to enable mounting the nose cone108with a nose cone annular flange112onto any tubular shell102. The annular mounting ring124may be so sized and shaped as to provide yet further advantages beyond those described above. For example, and as shown particularly inFIG.3, the nose cone108, the annular mounting ring124, the annular clamping collar102, and the tubular shell102may be respectively so sized and shaped that when the container100is assembled as described above, a radially outward extension of the nose cone annular flange112beyond a radially outward surface of the tubular shell102may be minimized, or even more advantageously such maximum radially outward extension of the nose cone annular flange112may be entirely radially within the radially outward surface of the tubular shell102. Moreover, these components may be relatively and respectively sized and shaped such that a radially outward extension of any part beyond the radially outward surface of the tubular shell102may be minimized. In particular, the annular mounting ring124, the annular clamping collar102, and the tubular shell102may be configured such that when the container100is assembled, respective radially outward surfaces of these components are flush, or nearly flush. In this way, an optimally aerodynamic outer surface of the container100may be provided. As shown particularly, inFIG.7, such an arrangement may be achieved in part by providing a preconfigured relative radial position of the radially outward surface147of the annular clamping stop144, which, when the nose cone108is clamped to the annular mounting ring124, defines a maximum radially inward deflection of the circular rim110and nose cone annular flange112, which, given a preconfigured radial thickness of the nose cone annular flange112, which, together with a preconfigured radial thickness of the mounting ring annular flange136, define a preconfigured radial thickness of the mounting wedge140, which, together with a preconfigured radial depth of the annular groove134of the clamping collar122, define a maximum radial extension of the mounting edge140and clamping collar122together, and thus a radially outward surface164of the clamping collar122, whereby such radially outer surface164of the clamping collar122, a radially outward surface166of the annular mounting ring124, and a radially outward surface168of the tubular shell102, may be preconfigured to be flush (i.e. coincident in a common cylindrical shell), or optimally or nearly so. In other words, the annular clamping stop144of the annular mounting ring124may be radially inwardly offset from an interior, radially inward surface170of the tubular shell102so as to enable the circular rim110and nose cone annular flange112of the nose cone108likewise to be sufficiently radially inwardly offset from an exterior, radially outward surface168of the tubular shell102to provide radial space for the clamping collar122and thus enable the provision of maximally flush radially outer surfaces of the clamping collar122, annular mounting ring124, and tubular shell102. Once again, doing so may optimize an aerodynamic profile of the assembled container100, with the advantages of reduced aerodynamic drag and resulting fuel consumption. The tubular shell102may be of any desired length, and in some embodiments has a length of between 20′ and 100′ (6.096 m and 30.48 m), or between 40′ and 80′ (12.192 m and 24.384 m), or between 50′ and 60′ (15.24 m and 18.288 m), or about 56′ (17.0688 m), or about 53′ (16.1544 m). A tubular wall of the tubular shell may be of any desired thickness, and in some embodiments has a thickness of between 0.5″ and 6″ (1.27 cm and 15.24 cm), or between 1″ and 4″ (2.54 cm and 10.16 cm), or about 1.5″ (3.81 cm). The tubular shell102may be characterized by any desired radius, and in some embodiments has a radius of between 2.5′ and 6′ (0.762 m and 1.8288 m), or between 3.5′ and 5′ (1.0668 m and 1.524 m), or about 51″ (1.2954 m), which may be measured from a longitudinal axis of the tubular shell102to either a radially interior surface of the tubular shell102or to a radially exterior surface of the tubular shell102. Other materials and manufacturing techniques are possible, and the principles disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to any particular materials or manufacturing techniques. For example, the principles disclosed herein may be applicable where nose cone108or tubular shell102are formed of non-metals including plastics, for example thermoplastics, including for example high density polyethylene, or fiberglass. So long as the components are sufficiently rigid and strong in view of the principles disclosed herein, any and all different materials, dimensions, and manufacturing techniques are possible. The cargo container described herein be used for or form a part of a tanker truck, or a semi-trailer, or a trailer, or a railcar, or any other device or vehicle having a container functional to store and carry cargo. For such purpose, the cargo container may be mounted on a wheeled suspension, and may have means for attachment to a truck, locomotive, another cargo car, or any other device or vehicle to tow or propel or move the cargo container, and such means may include a hitch, fifth wheel, or other attachment device or mechanism. The following are examples according to the disclosure herein. Example 1. A cargo container comprising: a tubular shell formed of hollow-core extruded aluminum panels; an annular mounting ring; a hemispherical or paraboloid nose cone formed of fiberglass; and an annular clamping collar, wherein: the tubular shell has a longitudinal axis and a generally circular cross-section defining a radial direction, a forward end, and an axially forward annular edge; the annular mounting ring has an axially rearwardly facing annular coupling slot, an axially rearwardly facing annular drainage channel adjacent the annular coupling slot, a radially outwardly tapering mounting ring annular flange, and an axially forwardly extending annular clamping stop; the nose cone has an axially outwardly tapering nose cone annular flange at or adjacent a generally circular rim defining an axially rearwardly facing opening of the nose cone; the clamping collar has a radially inwardly facing and radially outwardly tapering annular groove, and a constriction device operative selectively to circumferentially constrict the clamping collar; the annular mounting ring is mounted to the tubular shell wherein the forward annular edge of the tubular shell is rigidly held in the annular coupling slot; the nose cone is coupled in axial alignment to the annular mounting ring wherein an axially rearward annular face of the nose cone annular flange contacts an opposing axially forward annular face of the mounting ring annular flange, wherein the nose cone annular flange and mounting ring annular flange together form an annular radially outwardly tapered mounting wedge; and the clamping collar clamps the nose cone to the annular mounting ring, wherein the mounting wedge is rigidly held in the annular groove by constriction of the clamping collar by the constriction device, and a radially inward annular surface of the nose cone circular rim contacts a radially outward annular surface of the annular clamping stop. Example 2. A cargo container comprising: a tubular shell; an annular mounting ring; a nose cone; and an annular clamping collar, wherein: the tubular shell has a longitudinal axis and a generally circular cross-section defining a radial direction, a forward end, and an axially forward annular edge; the annular mounting ring has an axially rearwardly facing annular coupling slot, and a radially outwardly extending mounting ring annular flange; the nose cone has an axially outwardly extending nose cone annular flange at or adjacent a generally circular rim defining an axially rearwardly facing opening of the nose cone; the clamping collar has a radially inwardly facing annular groove, and a constriction device operative selectively to circumferentially constrict the clamping collar; the annular mounting ring is mounted to the tubular shell wherein the forward annular edge of the tubular shell is rigidly held in the annular coupling slot; the nose cone is coupled in axial alignment to the annular mounting ring wherein an axially rearward annular face of the nose cone annular flange contacts an opposing axially forward annular face of the mounting ring annular flange, wherein the nose cone annular flange and mounting ring annular flange together form a mounting wedge; and the clamping collar clamps the nose cone to the annular mounting ring, wherein the mounting wedge is rigidly held in the annular groove by constriction of the clamping collar by the constriction device. Example 3. The cargo container according to Example 2, wherein the nose cone is hemispherical or paraboloid. Example 4. The cargo container according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the annular mounting ring further has an axially rearwardly facing annular drainage channel adjacent the annular coupling slot. Example 5. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 2-4, wherein the annular mounting ring further has an axially forwardly extending annular clamping stop. Example 6. The cargo container according to Example 5, wherein a radially inward annular surface of the nose cone circular rim contacts a radially outward annular surface of the annular clamping stop. Example 7. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 2-6, wherein the annular groove of the clamping collar tapers radially outwardly. Example 8. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 2-7, wherein the annular mounting wedge tapers radially outwardly. Example 9. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 2-7, wherein the annular mounting ring has at least one escape channel communicating between the annular drainage channel and an exterior of the annular mounting ring. Example 10. The cargo container according to Example 9, wherein the at least one escape channel communicates between the annular drainage channel and a radially inner surface of the annular mounting ring. Example 11. The cargo container according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the at least one escape channel communicates between the annular drainage channel and an interior of the tubular shell. Example 12. The cargo container according to Example 9, wherein the at least one escape channel communicates between the annular drainage channel and a radially outer surface of the annular mounting ring. Example 13. The cargo container according to Example 9 or 12, wherein the at least one escape channel communicates between the annular drainage channel and an exterior of the container. Example 14. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 9-13, wherein the at least one escape channel is at or near a vertically lower or bottom edge of the annular mounting ring. Example 15. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 2-14, wherein the tubular shell is formed of hollow-core extruded panels. Example 16. The cargo container according to Example 15, wherein the hollow-core extruded panels are formed of aluminum. Example 17. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 2-16, wherein the nose cone is formed of plastic. Example 18. The cargo container according to Example 17, wherein the nose cone is formed of plastic fiber-reinforced plastic. Example 19. The cargo container according to Example 18, wherein the nose cone is formed of fiberglass. Example 20. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 2-16, wherein the nose cone is formed of metal. Example 21. The cargo container according to Example 20, wherein the nose cone is formed of aluminum. Example 22. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 2-21, wherein the annular mounting ring is bolted to the tubular shell. Example 23. The cargo container according to any one of Examples 2-21, wherein the annular mounting ring is welded to the tubular shell. Example 24. A cargo container comprising a tubular shell, a nose cone, an annular mounting ring mounted to an annular opening of the tubular shell, and an annular clamping collar reversibly clamping the nose cone to the annular mounting ring. Example 25. An annular mounting ring for mounting a nose cone to a tubular shell of a cargo container, the annular mounting ring having a generally circular cross-section defining an axial direction and a perpendicular radial direction in a plane of the cross-section, the annular mounting ring comprising: an axially rearwardly facing annular coupling slot; a radially outwardly extending mounting ring annular flange spaced axially forwardly from the coupling slot. Example 26. The annular mounting ring according to Example 25, wherein the mounting ring annular flange tapers radially outwardly. Example 27. The annular mounting ring according to Example 25 or 26, further comprising: an axially rearwardly facing annular drainage channel in communication with the annular coupling slot. Example 28. The annular mounting ring according to any one of Examples 25-27, further comprising an axially forwardly extending annular clamping stop spaced radially inwardly from the coupling slot. Example 29. An annular clamping collar for mounting a nose cone to a tubular shell of a cargo container, the annular clamping collar having a generally circular cross-section defining an axial direction and a perpendicular radial direction in a plane of the cross-section, the annular clamping collar comprising: a radially inwardly facing annular groove; and a constriction device operative selectively to circumferentially constrict the clamping collar. Example 30. The annular clamping collar according to Example 29, wherein the annular groove is generally U-shaped. Example 31. The annular clamping collar according to Example 29 or 30, wherein the annular groove tapers radially outwardly. Example 32. A kit for mounting a nose cone to a tubular shell of a cargo container, the kit comprising: the annular mounting ring according to any one of Examples 25-28; and the annular clamping collar according to any one of Examples 29-31. Example 33. The kit according to Example 32, further comprising: instructions for mounting the nose cone to the tubular shell using the annular mounting ring and the annular clamping collar. In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required. In particular, it will be appreciated that the various additional features shown in the drawings are generally optional unless specifically identified herein as required. The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art. The scope of the Examples should not be limited by the particular embodiments set forth herein, but should be construed in a manner consistent with the specification as a whole. Having thus described the system and method in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit or scope thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make any variations and modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. | 34,618 |
11858728 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present disclosure are now described with reference to exemplary apparatuses, methods and systems. Referring toFIG.1, an exemplary apparatus for supporting an intermodal shipping container8according to a first embodiment is shown generally at10. The apparatus10comprises a base12having at least one connector40extending from a top surface thereof adapted to engage with and secure the container8to the base12. With reference toFIG.2, the base12comprises a body of material selected to have dimensions and a shape sufficient to span an end of the intermodal shipping container as illustrated inFIG.1. In particular, the base12extends between first and second ends,14and16, respectively defining a length and first and second sides,18and20respectively defining a width. The base may have a thickness between top and bottom surfaces,22and24, respectively selected to have sufficient strength to support the shipping container thereon without undesirable levels of flexing. In practice it has been found that a width between the first and second sides of between 1 and 5 feet (25 and 1524 mm), a length between the first and second ends of at least 8 feet (2400 mm) and a thickness of at least 6 inches (152 mm) has been adequate although it will be appreciated that other dimensions may be useful as well. It will be appreciated that in order to adequately stabilize the container from tipping, that larger dimensions will generally be more suitable, especially for larger shipping containers. The base12may be formed of any suitable material having sufficient strength and providing an adequate weight to stabilize the shipping container. In particular, it has been found that concrete has been particularly useful including rebar reinforced concrete. It will also be appreciated that steel or composite materials may be utilized provided sufficient weight is contained therein or thereon so as to sufficiently stabilize the container. In practice, it has been found that a weight of at least 2000 pounds has been useful. It will be appreciated that where other materials than concrete are utilized, that the above dimensions may be modified to accommodate the different density and strength characteristics of that material. The top surface22includes at least one connector40extending therefrom. The connectors are located at a position to correspond to an opening in a bottom of the container8as are commonly included at the corners thereof. In particular, twist lock style connectors as are commonly utilized for securing such containers may be utilized within includes a rotatable oval body that is received within the oval shaped openings of the container and are thereafter rotated out of alignment with the openings to couple the container to the base. As illustrated inFIG.2, two connectors may be utilized and spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the two openings on an end of the container. Once thus secured, the container will therefore be prevented from rotating independently of the base thereby adding the weight of the base to the overall structure and increasing the stability of the container. As illustrated inFIG.2, the connectors may include a handle42for rotating and engaging the locks within the openings as are commonly known. As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the base member12may include an extended weight platform50extending past one of the connectors40to the side of the base member12. The weight platform50is positioned to extend past the side of the container8located thereon such that a weight60may be added to the top of the base member further increasing the weight thereof and therefore the overall stability of the container. The weight platform50may extend to the side of the container8by a distance of at least 24 inches (610 mm) although it will be appreciated that other distances may also be utilized depending on the weight type and dimensions. The weight60may be of any suitable size and type such as, by way of non-limiting example, concrete blocks, steel bodies or hollow containers adapted to be filled with a fluid. In particular, as illustrated inFIG.2, the weight may comprise a concrete block having a cavity62in the bottom surface thereof as are commonly known. The weight platform50may include a corresponding protrusion extending from the top surface thereof adapted to be received the cavity62of the weight60thereon. The weight60may also include a protrusion on the top surface thereof to permit further stacking of additional weights. In operation, at a desired location, the base may be located at the desired position for the container. As illustrated inFIG.1, the assembly includes a base12at each end of the container although it will be appreciated that a single base may also be utilized. Once located at the desired position, the container8is then lowered onto the bases such that the openings in the bottom thereof are positioned around the connectors40. The connectors may then be locked securing the container to the base. Optionally, one or more weights60may be positioned on the weight platform50either before or after the container is positioned on the bases. It will be appreciated that one or more of the bases12and or weights60may be transported to the desired location inside the container. Optionally, the base may include at least one opening30therethrough for passing the forks of a forklift to be utilized during locating of the base at the desired location. As illustrated inFIG.2, the openings30extend into the bottom24of the base12however they may also form bores into the middle of the base. Alternatively, lifting loops, handles or similar structures may be provided to assist lifting the base members12. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the base member12may be formed at a desired location by pouring concrete into a form with the connectors40embedded therein. Such a poured base member12or other base members may also be formed to support the shipping container with a single base member12. While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and not as limiting the disclosure as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims. | 6,238 |
11858729 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof. As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances. As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect. Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods. Disclosed in the present application is a refuse bag insert for holding open a lawn refuse bag, and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the refuse bag insert can comprise at least one side wall and an end wall and at least one detachable rake. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed refuse bag insert is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom. FIG.1Aillustrates a first aspect of a lawn refuse bag100according to the present disclosure. The lawn refuse bag100is depicted in an upright, assembled, and unfolded orientation, such that it is ready for use. As shown, the lawn refuse bag100can comprise a bag body110and a pair of handle assemblies170a,170bextending from the bag body110. Example aspects of the bag body110can be formed from a single bag blank200(shown inFIG.2); however, in other aspects, the bag body110can be formed from multiple bag blanks. As shown, the bag body110can comprise a first end panel, such as a front sidewall panel112, a second end panel, such as a rear sidewall panel114, a first sidewall panel, such as a right sidewall panel116, and a second sidewall panel, such as a left sidewall panel118. Example aspects of the rear sidewall panel114can define a first rear sidewall subpanel120and a second rear sidewall subpanel122which can be joined together to retain the lawn refuse bag100in the assembled orientation, as shown. In various aspects, a joining seam124can be formed where the first rear sidewall subpanel120can be joined with the second rear sidewall subpanel122. In other aspects, the joining seam124can be formed elsewhere on the side or end panels. For example, in another aspect, the front sidewall panel112may define first and second front sidewall subpanels that can be joined together to retain the lawn refuse bag110in the assembled orientation and to define the joining seam124. In another example aspect, the joining seam124may be formed between any pair of adjacent panels, such as, for example, between the left sidewall panel118and the rear sidewall panel120. According to example aspects, the front sidewall panel112, rear sidewall panel114, right sidewall panel116, and left sidewall panel118can define a sidewall enclosure150of the bag body110in the assembled orientation. An inner sidewall surface152of the sidewall enclosure150can define an interior cavity160, as shown, which can be configured to receive lawn refuse (e.g., grass clippings, dirt, sticks, leaves1310(shown inFIG.13A), etc.), as described in further detail below. Example aspects of the sidewall enclosure150, such as the aspect depicted inFIG.1A, can define a substantially rectangular cross-section. However, other aspects of the bag body110can define any other suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, a square, circle, triangle, pentagon, and the like. As shown, the sidewall enclosure150can define four vertical corners154, relative to the orientation shown, wherein each of the vertical corners154can be defined at an intersection of adjacent sidewall panels112,114,116,118. According to example aspects, the bag body110can define a top end102, relative to the orientation shown, at a first end156of the sidewall enclosure150, and a bottom end104, relative to the orientation shown, at a second end158of the sidewall enclosure150opposite the first end156. Example aspects of the bag body110can further comprise a base panel, such as a bottom panel130, positioned at the bottom end104of the bag body110and oriented about perpendicular to the sidewall panels112,114,116,118. The bottom panel130can extend fully between the sidewall panels112,114,116,118, such that the bottom end104of the bag body110can be closed and access to the interior cavity160can be prohibited at the bottom end104. As such, an inner bottom panel surface132of the bottom panel130can further define the interior cavity160. However, as shown, the top end102of the bag body110can define a top opening106that can allow access to the interior cavity160. In the present aspect, the top end102of the bag body110can be oriented in an open orientation, wherein lawn refuse can be inserted into the interior cavity160through the top opening106of the bag body110. The top end102of the bag body110can also be oriented in a closed orientation, as further shown and described with respect toFIGS.5and6. According to example aspects, in the upright and assembled orientation, as shown, the bottom panel130of the lawn refuse bag100can be configured to rest on a ground surface (e.g., a lawn or yard). Example aspects of the bottom panel130can be substantially flat and can provide suitable dimensions for providing a stable base for the lawn refuse bag100, which can aid in preventing the lawn refuse bag100from tipping over from the desired upright orientation. The lawn refuse bag100can further be sized to allow a substantial amount of lawn refuse to be received within the interior cavity160. Moreover, the top opening106of the bag body110can be dimensioned to allow a substantially sized cluster of lawn refuse to be inserted therethrough into the lawn refuse bag100. Various example aspects of the bag body110can comprise a substantially flexible material, such as paper, as shown. In some aspects, the bag body110can comprise a single layer of paper, while in other aspects, the bag body110can comprise a double layer of paper. In aspects comprising a double layer of paper, the stiffness and strength of the bag body110can be increased. Other aspects of the bag body110can comprise any other suitable number of layers. Furthermore, other aspects of the bag body110can define any other suitable flexible material, such as, for example, flexible plastic, fabric, or any other suitable flexible material or combination thereof. However, still other aspects of the bag body110can define a more rigid material, such as, for example, paperboard, polymer, metal, wood, composite, or any other suitable material or combination thereof. In some aspects, the inner sidewall surface152and/or inner bottom panel surface132can comprise a coating, such as, for example, a water resistant coating. Other aspects of the lawn refuse bag100may not comprise such a coating. According to example aspects, each of the handle assemblies170a,170bcan comprise a handle portion172and a connection portion174. The connection portion174can be coupled to the lawn refuse bag100and the handle portion172can extend away from the lawn refuse bag100, as shown. In the present aspect, each handle assembly170a,170bcan generally define an inverted U-shape, relative to the orientation shown, wherein the connection portion174can define the ends of the U-shape and the handle portion172can define the middle of the U-shape. As shown, a first one of the handle assemblies170acan be coupled with the front sidewall panel112and a second one of the handle assemblies170bcan be coupled with the rear sidewall panel114. Referring to the second handle assembly170b,the connection portion174can be secured to the rear sidewall panel114to attach the handle assembly170bto the lawn refuse bag100, and the handle portion172can extend away from the top end102of the bag body110proximate the top opening106. The connection portion174can be secured to the rear sidewall panel114on the inner sidewall surface152by a fastener, such as, for example, an adhesive, such as tape or glue. In other aspects, any other suitable type of fastener known in the art can be used. The first handle assembly170acan be similarly formed and secured to the front sidewall panel112. In example aspects, such as the aspect depicted inFIG.1A, the handle assemblies170a,170bcan be formed from twisted paper cord. Twisted paper cord can be made from paper that can be tightly twisted, and in some cases can define a crinkle texture, such that the strength and thickness of the paper can be increased. The increased strength and thickness of the handle assemblies170a,170bcan allow the lawn refuse bag100to be carried by the handle assemblies170a,170beven when weighted down by lawn refuse. In other aspects, the handle assemblies170a,170bcan be formed from any other suitable material known in that art having a sufficient strength to allow for carrying the bag in weighted conditions. Furthermore, according to some example aspects, a flexible wire (not shown) or other similar reinforcing structure can extend through each of the handle assemblies170a,170bto supply additional strength and stiffness to the handle assemblies170a,170b. According to example aspects, one or more flaps segments140can extend from the top end102of the bag body110. For example, in the present aspect, each of the sidewall panels112,114,116,118can comprise a corresponding top flap segment140extending from the first end156of the sidewall enclosure150. Each of the top flap segments140can be folded inward about 180° relative to the corresponding sidewall panel112,114,116,118, such that the top flap segments140can lie against the inner sidewall surface152of the sidewall enclosure150. The top flap segments140can be secured to the corresponding sidewall panels112,114,116,118by a fastener, such as, for example, an adhesive, such as tape or glue. In other aspects, any other suitable fastener known in the art can secure the top flap segments140to the inner sidewall surface152. In some aspects, as shown, one or more slits142can be formed in the top flap segments140extending from the front and rear sidewall panels112,114to accommodate folding the top flap segments140around the corresponding handle assemblies170a,170b.For example, in the present aspect, the corresponding top flap segments140can comprise a pair of the slits142which can be configured to receive corresponding portions of the corresponding handle assembly170a,170btherein. In some aspects, the top flap segments140of the front and rear sidewall panels112,114can partially overlay the corresponding handle assembly170a,b, and the connection portions174can be secured between the top flap segment140and the corresponding front or rear sidewall panel112,114. The second handle assembly170bis shown and described in further detail with reference toFIG.1B. Furthermore, in some aspects, a first reinforcement strip (not shown) can be received between the bag body110and a corresponding one of the top flap segments140for granting added structure to the bag body110at the top end102thereof. Example aspects of the first reinforcement strip can be more rigid that the bag body110. For example, in a particular aspect, the first reinforcement strip can be a substantially rectangular piece of paperboard. In the present aspect, the first reinforcement strip can be received between the front sidewall panel112and the corresponding top flap where the connection portion174of the first handle assembly170acan be attached. As such, the first reinforcement strip can also serve to reinforce the first handle assembly170a.According to example aspects, a second reinforcement strip (not shown) may also be providing for granting added structure to the rear sidewall panel114where the second handle assembly170bcan be attached. Moreover, in other aspects, reinforcement strips may also be provided between each of the right and left sidewall panels116,118and the corresponding top flap segments140. In the present aspect, the lawn refuse bag100is in an open orientation wherein the top opening106can be fully open and access to the interior cavity160through the top opening106can be unrestricted. The handle assemblies170a,170bcan be disengaged from one another in the open orientation, as shown. According to example aspects, the lawn refuse bag100can also be oriented in a closed orientation (shown inFIG.5), wherein the handle portions172of the handle assemblies170a,170bcan be engaged with one another (for example, tied together) to close or partially close the top opening106of the lawn refuse bag100. In the closed orientation, the lawn refuse received within the interior cavity160can be prevented from escaping the interior cavity160and additional lawn refuse can be prevented from insertion into the interior cavity160. The closed orientation and the method for tying the handle assemblies170a,170btogether are shown and described in further detail with reference toFIGS.5and6. FIG.1Bis a close-up view of the second handle assembly170battached to the rear sidewall panel114of the lawn refuse bag100. As shown, the corresponding top flap segment140is folded inward to lie against the rear sidewall panel114and can partially overlay the connection portions174.FIG.1Cis top view of the lawn refuse bag100, illustrating the inner sidewall surface152of the sidewall enclosure150and the interior cavity160for receiving the lawn refuse. The inner bottom panel surface132of the bottom panel130, according to one particular example aspect of the lawn refuse bag100, is also illustrated. As shown, the bottom panel130can be folded to form various bottom panel seams126of the bottom panel130in the assembled orientation. According to example aspects, the bottom panel130can be folded at a plurality of bottom panel bend lines250(shown inFIG.2) to form the bottom panel seams126.FIG.1Dillustrates an outer bottom panel surface134of the bottom panel130, opposite the inner bottom panel surface132(shown inFIG.1A), according to one particular example aspect of the lawn refuse bag100. The various bottom panel seams126of the bottom panel130in the assembled orientation are also shown. FIG.2illustrates the bag blank200for forming the lawn refuse bag100(shown inFIG.1A) in an unassembled orientation. Various dimensions for the bag blank200are shown in inches, according to an example aspect of the present disclosure. The dimensions disclosed herein are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting. As shown, the bag blank200can be a single, continuous blank defining a first blank end, such as a left blank end202, relative to the orientation shown, and an opposite second blank end, such as a right blank end204, relative to the orientation shown. Each of the sidewall panels112,114,116,118can be connected to adjacent sidewall panels112,114,116,118by a corner bend line210, and the corner bend lines210can define the vertical corners154(shown inFIG.1A) in the assembled orientation (shown inFIG.1A). For example, the first rear sidewall subpanel120of the rear sidewall panel114can be connected to the left sidewall panel118by a first corner bend line210a,the left sidewall panel118can be connected to the front sidewall panel112by a second corner bend line210b,the front sidewall panel112can be connected to the right sidewall panel116by a third corner bend line210c,and the right sidewall panel116can be connected to the second rear sidewall subpanel122of the rear sidewall panel114by a fourth corner bend line210d. Each of the left sidewall panel118and right sidewall panel116can also comprise a vertical center bend line220a,b, respectively, relative to the orientation shown, extending along a centerline thereof. The center bend lines220a,bcan facilitate folding of the lawn refuse bag100, as described in further detail with reference toFIG.3A. Additionally, the bag blank200can define a horizontal bend line238, relative to the orientation shown, that can extend across the sidewall panels112,114,116,118about perpendicular to the corner bend lines210a,b,c,dand center bend lines220a,b. As shown, the bend line238can be oriented between the first end156of the sidewall enclosure150and the second end158of the sidewall enclosure150. Moreover, each of the left sidewall panel118and right sidewall panel116can define a pair of opposing angled bend lines230a,band232a,b, respectively. For example, referring to the left sidewall panel118, a first one of the angled bend lines230acan extend at about a 45° angle between the corresponding center bend line220athe intersection of the left sidewall panel118with the bottom panel130and the first rear sidewall subpanel120. A second one of the angled bend lines230bcan extend at about a 45° angle between the center bend line220aand the intersection of the left sidewall panel118with the bottom panel130and the front sidewall panel112. As such, the pair of angled bend lines230a,bcan substantially define an inverted V-shape, wherein an apex of the inverted V-shape can intersect the horizontal bend line238, as shown. The angled bend lines232a,bof the right sidewall panel116can be similarly formed. The pairs of angled bend lines230a,band232a,band the bend line238can further aid in folding the lawn refuse bag100, as described in further detail with reference toFIG.3B. In the present aspect, the various bend lines of the bag blank200can be formed by a crease; however, in other aspects, some or all of the bend lines can be formed by a perforation, a series of perforations, or any other suitable arrangement configured to weaken the area of the bend line to facilitate bending along the bend line. As shown, the top flap segments140can be formed as a single strip of material extending fully along the length of the sidewall enclosure150from the left blank end202to the right blank end204. The top flap segments140can be divided from one another by the corresponding corner bend lines210a,b,c,d. Furthermore, the top flap segments140can be connected to the first end156of the sidewall enclosure150by a top flap bend line234. The bottom panel130can also extend along fully along the length of the sidewall enclosure150from the left blank end202to the right blank end204, and can be connected to the second end158of the sidewall enclosure150by a bottom panel bend line236. A first fastening flap, such as a left fastening flap240, relative to the orientation shown, can be formed at the left blank end202and can extend along the first rear sidewall subpanel120, the corresponding top flap segment140, and the bottom panel130. A second fastening flap, such as a right fastening flap242, relative to the orientation shown, can be formed at the right blank end204and can extend along the second rear sidewall subpanel122, the corresponding top flap segment140, and the bottom panel130. A first step in assembling the lawn refuse bag100from the blank can comprise overlapping and securing the left fastening flap240to the right fastening flap242, which can define the joining seam124(shown inFIG.1A) in the assembled orientation. According to example aspects, a second step in assembling the lawn refuse bag100can comprising folding the bottom panel130and securing the bottom panel130in the folded configuration. As shown, multiple bottom panel bend lines250can be provided to facilitate folding the bottom panel130into the orientation substantially perpendicular to the sidewall enclosure150in the assembled orientation (shown inFIG.1A). As shown, the bottom panel130can also comprise one or more base panel attachment regions, such as bottom panel attachment regions252, that can be secured to the lawn refuse bag100(e.g., each other and/or other portions of the bottom panel130) to retain the bottom panel130in the folded configuration of the assembled orientation, and to form the bottom panel seams126(shown inFIGS.1C and1D). The bottom panel attachment regions252can be secured in the folded configuration by a fastener, such as, for example, an adhesive, such as glue or tape. In other aspects, the first and second steps for assembling the lawn refuse bag100can be performed in reverse order. FIG.3Aillustrates the lawn refuse bag100in a partially folded orientation. As shown, the lawn refuse bag100can be folded along the center bend lines220a,bof the left sidewall panel118and right sidewall panel116, respectively. In folding the lawn refuse bag100along the center bend lines220a,b, the front sidewall panel112and rear sidewall panel114can be drawn towards one another, closing or partially closing the top opening106at the top end102of the bag body110.FIG.3Billustrates the lawn refuse bag100in a fully folded orientation. The lawn refuse bag100can be folded along the angled bend lines230a,bof the left sidewall panel118and the angled bend lines232a,bof the right sidewall panel116. The lawn refuse bag100can then be further folded along the bend line238, such that at least a portion of the bottom panel130of the lawn refuse bag100can be folded to lie substantially flat against the rear sidewall panel114, as shown. In other aspects, the at least a portion of the bottom panel130can be folded to lie substantially flat against the front sidewall panel112(shown inFIG.1). FIGS.4A and4Billustrate another example method of folding another aspect of the lawn refuse bag100. As shown inFIG.4A, the lawn refuse bag100can be folded in a similar manner to the folded lawn refuse bag100shown inFIGS.3A and3B. Example aspects of the current lawn refuse bag100can also comprise an additional bend line410extending horizontally, relative to the orientation shown, across the sidewall panels112,114,116,118(rear sidewall panel114shown inFIG.1). The bend line410can be oriented between the bend line238and the first end156of the sidewall enclosure150, and can be substantially perpendicular to the same. The bend line410can also generally define an upper region420and an opposite lower region430of the lawn refuse bag100. As shown inFIG.4B, the lawn refuse bag100can further be folded at the bend line410, such that the lower region430of the lawn refuse bag100can lie substantially flat against the upper region420of the lawn refuse bag100to further reduce the footprint of the folded lawn refuse bag100. FIGS.5illustrates the top end102of the bag body110in a closed orientation. In the closed orientation, the top end102of the bag body110can be fully closed or can be partially closed, as shown. As shown, in the closed orientation, the handle portion172of the first handle assembly170acan be tied together with the handle portion172of the second handle assembly170b.For example, in the present aspect, the handle portions172can be tied together in the fashion of a double knot, such that the handle portions172can be retained in a tied configuration. However, in other aspects, the handle portions172can be tied together in a single knot or in any other suitable fashion that can retain the handle portions172in the tied configuration. When the handle portions172are tied together, the front sidewall panel112and rear sidewall panel114can be drawn together at the top end102of the bag body110, and the top opening106of the bag body110can be closed or partially closed, as shown. As such, in the closed orientation, the lawn refuse received within the interior cavity160can be restricted from escaping the interior cavity160and additional lawn refuse can be prevented from insertion into the interior cavity160.FIG.6is a detail view of the handle assemblies170a,170bin the tied configuration. As such, an example method for using the lawn refuse bag100can comprising providing the lawn refuse bag100comprising the bag body110, the first handle assembly170a,and the second handle assembly170b,wherein the bag body110defines the interior cavity160and the top end102, and the top end102defines the top opening106. The method can further comprise inserting lawn refuse into the interior cavity160through the top opening106and then tying the handle portion172of the first handle assembly170awith the handle portion172of the second handle assembly170bto orient the top end102of the lawn refuse bag100in the closed orientation. To insert the lawn refuse into the lawn refuse bag100, a cluster of the lawn refuse can be shifted (e.g., scooped, shoveled, etc.) from the lawn or yard into the interior cavity160manually or using a tool, such as, for example a rake750(shown inFIG.7). In some aspects, the method can further comprise unfolding the lawn refuse bag100from a folded orientation to an unfolded orientation prior to inserting the lawn refuse therein. The method may also comprise opening the top end102of the lawn refuse bag to orient the top end102in an open orientation prior to inserting the lawn refuse therein. Additional aspects can further comprise assembling the bag blank200to form the lawn refuse bag100. In one aspect, the lawn refuse bag100can be oriented in the upright orientation, as shown inFIG.1A, wherein the bottom panel130of the bag body110is configured to lie on a ground surface (e.g., the yard, lawn, etc.). The lawn refuse can be scooped up off of the ground surface and dumped into the interior cavity160. In another aspect, the lawn refuse bag can be oriented in a sideways orientation (shown inFIG.11), wherein the rear sidewall panel114of the bag body110can be configured to lie on the ground surface. In other aspects, any of the front sidewall panel112, right sidewall panel116, and left sidewall panel118can be configured to lie on the ground surface in the sideways orientation. In the sideways orientation, the lawn refuse can be shoveled directly from the ground surface into the interior cavity160through the top opening106, which can be oriented adjacent to the ground surface. FIG.7illustrates a first aspect of a refuse bag insert700according to the present disclosure. According to example aspects, the refuse bag insert700can be formed as a single, continuous insert blank. In other aspects, the refuse bag insert700can formed from multiple insert blanks. As shown, the refuse bag insert700can comprise a bag stand710and at least one rake750. In the present aspect, the refuse bag insert700can comprise first and second matching rakes750. Example aspects of bag stand710can comprise a first side wall, for example a right wall716, a second side wall, for example a left wall718, and an end wall, for example, a rear wall714, extending between the left wall718and the right wall716. Other example aspects of the bag stand710can comprise more or fewer walls. For example, the bag stand710may further comprise a front wall (not shown). Alternatively, the bag stand710may comprise the rear wall714and only one of the side walls; for example, the rear wall714and the left wall718only, or the rear wall714and the right wall716only. According to example aspects, each of the left wall718and right wall716can be hingedly connected to the rear wall714by a stand bend line712. The stand bend lines712can be formed by, for example, a crease, a perforation, a series of perforations, or the like. In the present aspect, the stand bend lines712can be formed by a series of perforations850(shown inFIG.8B). Example aspects of the bag stand710can generally define a top stand end720and a bottom stand end722opposite the top stand end720. In the present aspect, each of the left wall718and right wall716can extend from the top stand end720to the bottom stand end722, while the rear wall714can extend from the top stand end720to an intermediate point724between the top stand end720and bottom stand end722. In the present aspect, the intermediate point724can be closer to the top stand end720than the bottom stand end722. However, in other aspects, the intermediate point724can be about equidistant between the top and bottom stand ends720,722or can be closer to the bottom stand end722. According to example aspects, the pair of rakes750can extend between the left wall718and right wall716from the intermediate point724to the bottom stand end722. In other aspects, the pair of rakes750may extend beyond the bottom stand end722(as shown inFIG.12) or may not extend as far as the bottom stand end722. According to example aspects, bag stand tear lines756formed by creasing, perforating, or other weakening means can be formed between the bag stand710and the rakes750, such that the rakes750can be detached from the bag stand710for use separately from the bag stand710. A rake tear line758can also be formed between the pair of rakes750, such that the rakes750can be separated from one another for independent use. Furthermore, as shown, a plurality of teeth cut-outs754can be formed between the rakes750at the rake tear line758. In the present aspect, the teeth cut-outs754can be formed as punch-out regions supplied with a weakened periphery (such as by perforations) to allow a user to punch through and remove each of the teeth cut-outs754to form corresponding teeth openings910(shown inFIG.9). In another aspect, the teeth cut-outs754can be removed during the manufacturing process or by a worker in a factory. Additionally, one or more rake cut-outs752can be defined in the refuse bag insert700between the rear wall714and an adjacent one of the rakes750, which can wholly or partially define an outer edge of the rake750. In the present aspect, each of the rake cut-outs752can be formed as an opening, as shown. In other aspects, each of the rake cut-outs752may be formed as a punch-out region, similar to the teeth cut-outs754, such that the rake cut-outs752can be punched through and removed by a user to form the illustrated opening. The rakes750are shown and described in further detail with respect toFIG.9. According to example aspects, as shown, each of the left wall718and right wall716can define a slot, for example, a substantially U-shaped slot730, formed therein proximate to the top stand end720of the bag stand710. Each of the U-shaped slots730can define a retainer tab732extending substantially downward, relative to the orientation shown. According to example aspects, the retainer tabs732can facilitate retaining the bag stand710on the lawn refuse bag100(shown inFIG.1A), as is shown and described in further detail with respect toFIG.10. Each of the left wall718and right wall716can also define a finger opening734formed between the corresponding retainer tab732and the top stand end720of the bag stand710. According to example aspects, the finger openings734can be configured to receive a finger, or fingers, of a user to facilitate inserting and removing the bag stand710from the lawn refuse bag100, as is described in further detail below. Example aspects of the refuse bag insert700can be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as, for example, a corrugated plastic sheet. An example corrugated plastic sheet material860of the refuse bag insert700is illustrated in detail inFIG.8C. In other aspects, the refuse bag insert700can be formed from any other suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, including, but not limited to, paperboard such as linerboard, corrugated paperboard, a polymer, plastic, metal, alloy, wood, composite, or any suitable material or combination thereof. FIG.8Aillustrates the bag stand710with the rakes750(shown inFIG.7) removed. As shown, with the rakes750removed, a gap840can be formed between the rear wall714and the bottom stand end722of the bag stand710. As such, the rear wall714can be suspended between the left wall718and the right wall716. In the present aspect, the rear wall714can define a concave rear top edge842at the top stand end720of the bag stand710, while the right wall716and left wall718can define substantially flat right and left top edges844,846, respectively, at the top stand end720. As such, as shown, the right and left top edges844,846can be oriented at a greater height than the rear top edge842. However, in other aspects, the rear top edge842may not be concave and may be oriented at any suitable height. Moreover, according to example aspects, each of the left wall718and right wall716can define a substantially consistent width W1extending from the top stand end720of the bag stand710towards the bottom stand end722of the bag stand710. However, proximate to the bottom stand end722of the bag stand710, each of the right and left walls716,718can define a tapered section820, such that a width W2of the right and left walls716,718at the bottom stand end722can be smaller than the width Wi at the top stand end720. The tapered sections820of the right and left walls716,718can facilitate sliding the bag stand710into the lawn refuse bag100(shown inFIG.1A), as described in further detail with respect toFIG.10. FIG.8Billustrates a close-up view of the stand bend line712formed between the left wall718and the rear wall714of the bag stand710. As shown, the stand bend line712can be formed by a series of perforations850. The perforations850can be spaced apart, as shown, with connecting segments852formed therebetween, wherein the connecting segments852can connect the left wall718to the rear wall714. The stand bend line712formed between the right wall716(shown inFIG.7) and the rear wall714can be similarly formed.FIG.8Cillustrates a close-up view of the corrugated plastic sheet material860of the refuse bag insert700. As shown, the corrugated plastic sheet material860can comprise a substantially planar first layer862, a substantially planar second layer864extending about parallel to the first layer862, and a corrugated layer866between the first and second layers862,864. FIG.9illustrates the rakes750removed from the bag stand710(shown inFIG.7). For example, the rakes750can be detached from the bag stand710by tearing along the bag stand tear lines756(shown inFIG.7). The rakes750can further be detached from one another by tearing along the rake tear line758(shown inFIG.7) such that each of the rakes750can be independently used. Additionally, the teeth cut-outs754(shown inFIG.7) formed between the rakes750can be punched out to define the teeth openings910. According to example aspects, each of the rakes750can define a first rake end920, a second rake end922opposite the first rake end920, a teeth side926, and a grip side928opposite the teeth side926. As shown, the teeth openings910can define a plurality of teeth912extending from the teeth side926of each rake750. In some aspects, as shown, the teeth912can taper away from the teeth side926, while in other aspects, the teeth912may not taper. According to example aspects, the rakes750can be used to shift (e.g., scoop, shovel, etc.) a cluster of lawn refuse from the lawn or yard into the lawn refuse bag100(shown inFIG.1A). The rakes750can further be used to shift additional clusters of lawn refuse into the lawn refuse bag100until the lawn refuse bag100is full or until all of the lawn refuse is received within the lawn refuse bag100, whichever comes first. According to example aspects, the teeth912of the rakes750can facilitate grabbing lawn refuse from the lawn or yard. In some aspects, the teeth openings910can allow small debris, such as pebbles, to pass therethrough, but can be narrow enough to prohibit larger debris, such as leaves1310(shown inFIG.13A), from passing therethrough. Example aspects of the rakes750can further define hand indentation930formed at the grip side928, as shown. A user can grip the rakes750at the hand indentations930when using the rakes750to gather lawn refuse. In some aspects, the hand indentations930can indicate a preferred gripping location to facilitate the best and easiest use of the rakes750. Furthermore, as shown, in some aspects, each of the first rake ends920and second rake ends922can define an angled portion932tapering towards the corresponding grip side928. In other aspects, the lawn refuse can also, or alternatively, be shifted into the lawn refuse bag100manually or using another tool. FIG.10illustrates the bag stand710assembled with the lawn refuse bag100, which together can define a lawn refuse disposal assembly1010. According to example aspects, the tapered sections820(shown inFIG.8A) of the right and left wall716,718of the bag stand710can allow the bottom stand end722(shown inFIG.7) to be easily inserted and slid down into the interior cavity160of the bag body110. As shown, the bag stand710can be substantially received within the interior cavity160of the lawn refuse bag100. The left wall718of the bag stand710can extend along the left sidewall panel118(shown inFIG.1A) of the lawn refuse bag100, the right wall716of the bag stand710can extend along the right sidewall panel116of the lawn refuse bag100, and the rear wall714can extend partially along the rear sidewall panel114of the of lawn refuse bag100. According to example aspects, the bottom stand end722of the bag stand710can abut the bottom panel130(shown inFIG.1A) of the lawn refuse bag100. The rigid material of the bag stand710can provide added structure to the lawn refuse bag100at the rear, right, and left sidewall panels114,116,118to aid in preventing collapsing and/or tipping of the lawn refuse bag100during use. Furthermore, as shown, a portion of the top end102of the bag body110at the left sidewall panel118(such as the corresponding top flap segment140) can be inserted into the U-shaped slot730of the left wall718, such that the corresponding retainer tab732can be oriented external to the lawn refuse bag100. As such, a portion of the left sidewall panel118and the corresponding top flap segment140can be gripped between the left wall718of the bag stand710and the corresponding retainer tab732to retain the left wall718against the left sidewall panel118. Similarly, a portion of the top end102of the bag body110at the right sidewall panel116can be inserted into the corresponding U-shaped slot730of the right wall716to be retained between the right wall716and the corresponding retainer tab732. Thus, the bag stand710can support and engage the lawn refuse bag100to retain the lawn refuse bag100in the desired upright and open orientation, as shown. Once the bag stand710and lawn refuse bag100are assembled together, a user can fill the lawn refuse bag100with lawn refuse, such as grass clippings, dirt, sticks, and leaves1310, as shown and described in further detail with respect toFIG.13A. In some aspects, the lawn refuse bag100can also or alternatively be filled with other types of refuse, including, trash, biodegradable waste, and the like. When the lawn refuse bag100is appropriately filled with lawn refuse, the user can remove the bag stand710from the lawn refuse bag100and save the bag stand710for later use. For example, as shown, each of the finger openings734of the bag stand710can be oriented above the top end102of the lawn refuse bag100, relative to the orientation shown, when the bag stand710is assembled with the lawn refuse bag100, such that the lawn refuse bag100does not interfere with the finger openings734. To remove the bag stand710from the lawn refuse bag100, a user can engage each of the opposing finger openings734with a different hand and lift the bag stand710out of the lawn refuse bag100. The user can then tie the handle portions172of the handle assemblies170a,170btogether such that the lawn refuse bag100can be retained in the closed orientation, as shown inFIGS.5and6. The user can then can discard the lawn refuse bag100and the lawn refuse together. In other aspects, the user can empty the lawn refuse out of the lawn refuse bag100and into another receptacle (e.g., a trash can), such that the lawn refuse bag100can also be saved for later use. As such, in one aspect, a method for using the lawn refuse disposal assembly1010can comprising providing a lawn refuse bag insert700comprising a bag stand710and at least one rake750, detaching the rake750from the bag stand710, engaging the bag stand710with the lawn refuse bag100, shifting lawn refuse with the rake750into the lawn refuse bag100; disengaging the bag stand710from the lawn refuse bag100; and tying a first one of the handle assemblies170aof the lawn refuse bag100with a second one of the handle assemblies170bof the lawn refuse bag100. According to example aspects, the bag stand710can comprise an end wall, such as the rear wall714, and at least one side wall, such as the right wall716and/or left wall718, and engaging the bag stand710with the lawn refuse bag100can comprise gripping a portion of the lawn refuse bag100between the end wall and the corresponding retainer tab732. FIG.11illustrates the lawn refuse disposal assembly1010comprising the bag stand710and the lawn refuse bag100in a sideways orientation, as opposed to the upright orientation illustrated inFIG.10. As shown, according to example aspects, in the sideways orientation, the rear sidewall panel114of the bag body110can be configured to lie on the ground surface (e.g., the lawn, yard, etc.). In other aspects, any of the front sidewall panel112, right sidewall panel116, and left sidewall panel118can be configured to lie on the ground surface in the sideways orientation. According to example aspects, with the lawn refuse disposal assembly1010in the sideways orientation, the rakes750can be used to shovel lawn refuse directly into the lawn refuse bag100through the top opening106, which can be oriented proximate to the ground surface, as shown and described in further detail with respect toFIG.13B. In the present aspect, the bag stand710can provide added structure to the lawn refuse bag100to prevent the front sidewall panel112from collapsing towards the rear sidewall panel114and to maintain the top opening106in the open orientation. As shown inFIG.12, according to various aspects, the refuse bag insert700can comprise indicia1210printed thereon. In other aspects, the indicia1210can be applied to the refuse bag insert700by other means, such as, for example, a sticker. In the present aspect, the indicia1210can comprise written directions and graphics indicating how to assemble and use the lawn refuse bag100(shown inFIG.1A) and the refuse bag insert700(together, the lawn refuse disposal assembly1010, shown inFIG.10), as well as the rakes750. For example, the indicia1210on the bag stand710can indicate that the lawn refuse bag100can be assembled in the unfolded, open, upright orientation, the rakes750can be detached from the bag stand710, and the bag stand710can be inserted into the lawn refuse bag100. The indicia1210on the bag stand710can also indicate that the lawn refuse disposal assembly1010can be used with the lawn refuse bag100in the upright orientation, as shown inFIG.10, and the rakes750can be used to lift lawn refuse off the lawn and to dump the lawn refuse into the lawn refuse bag100through the top opening106(shown inFIG.1A), as shown inFIG.13A. The indicia1210on the bag stand710can further indicate an alternative method of use, wherein the lawn refuse disposal assembly1010can be used in the sideways orientation (shown and described with respect toFIG.11), wherein the rakes750can be used to shovel lawn refuse from the lawn into the lawn refuse bag100through the top opening106, as shown inFIG.13B. According to example aspects, as shown, the indicia1210on the rakes750can comprise directions for separating the rakes750from one other, along with directions for using the rakes750to scoop, shovel, or otherwise shift lawn refuse into the lawn refuse bag100. Other aspects of the indicia1210can comprise writing only or graphics only, or can comprise any other suitable forms of indicia in any combination.FIG.12also illustrates how the rakes750can extend beyond the bottom stand end722of the refuse bag insert700in some aspects. Referring toFIG.13A, in a first aspect, the lawn refuse disposal assembly1010can be used with the lawn refuse bag100and the refuse bag insert700in the upright orientation, and the rakes750can be used to lift lawn refuse, such as leaves1310, off the lawn and to dump the lawn refuse into the interior cavity160of the lawn refuse bag100from above the lawn refuse disposal assembly1010. Referring toFIG.13B, in another aspect, the lawn refuse disposal assembly1010can be used in the sideways orientation, wherein the rakes750can be used to shovel lawn refuse, such as the leaves1310, from the lawn into the lawn refuse bag100through the top opening106thereof. One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. | 50,833 |
11858730 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated inFIGS.1through5. The feminine hygiene disposal container100(hereinafter invention) is a containment structure. The invention100is configured for use with a feminine hygiene product104. The invention100forms a protected space that contains the feminine hygiene product104after use. The invention100receives the feminine hygiene product104. The invention100secures the feminine hygiene product104in the protection space. The invention100comprises a housing structure101, a control structure102, and one or more bag cartridges103. The housing structure101contains the control structure102and the one or more bag cartridges103. The control structure102controls the operation of the invention100. By controlling the operation of the invention100is meant that the control structure102: a) detects the deposit of a feminine hygiene product104; and, b) secures the feminine hygiene product104in the protection space. The feminine hygiene product104inserts into the individual bag cartridge131such that the deposited feminine hygiene product104aligns over the center of the OFI aperture182. After the deposit of the feminine hygiene product104, the control structure102draws the closed end of the individual bag cartridge131into the hollow interior of the housing structure101. The control structure102then twists the individual bag cartridge131around a vertically oriented axis of rotation such that the lateral face of the individual bag cartridge131closes in on itself. The control structure102continues the twisting process until the lateral face of the individual bag cartridge131forms a fluid impermeable enclosure that forms the segregated protection space that encloses the feminine hygiene product104. Each individual bag cartridge131selected from the one or more bag cartridges103is a trash bag. Each selected individual bag cartridge131forms the segregated protection space that encloses each feminine hygiene product104deposited into the housing structure101. Each selected individual bag cartridge131forms a segregated protection space for each feminine hygiene product104deposited into the housing structure101. The segregated protection space formed by the selected individual bag cartridge131around each deposited feminine hygiene product104forms a fluid impermeable barrier around the deposited feminine hygiene product104. The individual bag cartridge131is a rolled structure. The lateral face of the trash bag structure is rolled in a direction from the open end of the individual bag cartridge131towards the closed end of the individual bag cartridge131. The individual bag cartridge131is rolled to form a disk like structure. The rolled individual bag cartridge131is positioned over the OFI aperture182of the OF insert181mounted in the open face141of the pan structure111. The housing structure101forms the containment structure of the invention100. The housing structure101is a hollow structure. The housing structure101is a rigid structure. The housing structure101forms the containment space used to hold the feminine hygiene products104. The housing structure101contains the control structure102and the one or more bag cartridges103. The housing structure101is formed with the apertures and form factors necessary to allow for the operation of the invention100. The housing structure101comprises a pan structure111and a lid structure112. The pan structure111is a prism structure. The pan structure111is formed as a semi-enclosed prism structure. The pan structure111has a pan shape. The pan structure111is a hollow structure. The pan structure111forms the physical containment space of the housing structure101. The pan structure111further comprises an open face141, a closed face142, and a lateral face structure143. The open face141is a horizontally oriented structure. The open face141is a congruent end of the prism structure of the pan structure111. The open face141is the open face141of the pan shape of the pan structure111. The open face141forms the superior boundary of the pan structure111. The feminine hygiene product104is placed into the hollow interior of the pan structure111through the open face141. The open face141further comprises an OF insert181. The OF insert181is a disk shaped structure. The OF insert181is geometrically similar to the open face141of the pan structure111. The OF insert181inserts into the open face141of the pan structure111with a tight fit. The OF insert181forms a fluid impermeable seal between the lateral face of the disk structure of the open face141and the interior surfaces of the lateral face structure143of the pan structure111. The OF insert181partially encloses the hollow interior of the pan structure111when the lid structure112rotates into the open position The OF insert181further comprises an OFI aperture182. The OFI aperture182is an aperture that is formed through the faces of the disk structure of the OF insert181. The OFI aperture182forms an opening that receives the feminine hygiene product104into the individual bag cartridge131that encloses the OFI aperture182. The feminine hygiene product104is drawn into the hollow interior of the pan structure111that is inferior to the feminine hygiene product104as part of the process of twisting the individual bag cartridge131to form the segregated protection space around the feminine hygiene product104. The closed face142is a horizontally oriented structure. The closed face142is a congruent end of the prism structure of the pan structure111. The closed face142is the closed face142of the pan shape of the pan structure111. The closed face142forms the inferior boundary of the pan structure111. The closed face142is the congruent end of the pan structure111that is distal from the open face141. The lateral face structure143forms the lateral faces of the pan shape of the pan structure111. The lateral face structure143forms the vertically oriented containment boundaries of the pan structure111. The lateral face structure143further comprises an LF door183. The LF door183is a door that forms the semi-enclosed prism structure of the pan structure111. The LF door183provides access into the hollow interior of the pan structure111that is below the OF insert181. The LF door183allows for the removal of the feminine hygiene products104from the pan structure111while each feminine hygiene product104remains contained within the segregated protection space. The lid structure112is a disk shaped structure. The lid structure112is geometrically similar to the open face141of the pan structure111. The lid structure112attaches to the pan structure111such that the lid structure112rotates relative to the pan structure111. The lid structure112rotates between an open position and a closed position. The lid structure112attaches to the pan structure111such that the lid structure112encloses the open face141of the pan structure111when the lid structure112is in the closed position. The lid structure112forms a fluid impermeable seal with the open face141when the lid structure112is in the closed position. The control structure102monitors the position of the lid structure112. The control structure102initiates twisting the individual bag cartridge131to enclose the feminine hygiene product104in its segregated protection space every time the lid structure112rotates into the closed position The lid structure112further comprises an enclosing structure151, a hinge152, and a pedal153. The enclosing structure151is a disk shaped structure. The enclosing structure151is geometrically similar to the open face141of the pan structure111. The enclosing structure151is sized such that the enclosing structure151encloses the open face141when the lid structure112rotates into the closed position. The hinge152is a fastening structure. The hinge152is a rotating structure. The hinge152attaches the enclosing structure151to the open face141of the pan structure111such that the enclosing structure151rotates between the open position and the closed position The pedal153is a foot operated structure. The pedal153forms a mechanical linkage with the enclosing structure151. The pedal153transfers the motive forces generated by a foot into the rotational forces required to rotate the lid structure112relative to the pan structure111. The control structure102is an electromechanical device. The control structure102detects the deposit of a feminine hygiene product104into the invention100. The control structure102secures each deposited feminine hygiene product104into a segregated protection space. By segregated protection space is meant that the protection space that encloses any initially selected feminine hygiene product104deposited into the housing structure101is segregated from the protection space that encloses any subsequent feminine hygiene product104that is deposited into the housing structure101. The control structure102further determines the mass of the feminine hygiene products104that are contained within the housing structure101. The control structure102generates a visible indication that the housing structure101is full when the mass of the feminine hygiene products104exceeds a previously determined mass. The control structure102comprises a logic circuit121, an electric motor122, and a rotating ring123. The logic circuit121, the electric motor122, and the rotating ring123are electrically interconnected. The logic circuit121is an electric circuit. The logic circuit121controls the operation of the control structure102. The electric motor122electrically connects to the logic circuit121. The logic circuit121controls the operation of the electric motor122. The logic circuit121monitors the weight of the feminine hygiene products104contained in the pan structure111of the housing structure101. The logic circuit121generates a visible indication that the pan structure111is full when the mass of the feminine hygiene products104exceeds the previously determined mass. The logic circuit121monitors the position of the lid structure112. The logic circuit121initiates the twisting of the individual bag cartridge131when the detects a change in status of the lid structure112from the open position into the closed position. The logic circuit121further comprises a lid sensor161, a weight sensor162, and an indication LED163. The lid sensor161is an electric structure. The lid sensor161mounts on the open face141of the pan structure111. The lid sensor161electrically connects to the logic circuit121. The logic circuit121monitors the lid sensor161. The logic circuit121uses the lid sensor161to determine when the lid structure112has rotated into the closed position. The weight sensor162is an electric structure. The weight sensor162mounts in the hollow interior of the pan structure111. The weight sensor162electrically connects to the logic circuit121. The logic circuit121monitors the weight sensor162. The logic circuit121uses the weight sensor162to determine when the weight of the feminine hygiene products104contained in the pan structure111exceeds the predetermined weight threshold. The indication LED163is an LED. The indication LED163mounts on the exterior surface of the lateral face structure143of the pan structure111. The indication LED163electrically connects to the logic circuit121. The logic circuit121monitors the indication LED163. The logic circuit121illuminates the indication LED163when the weight of the feminine hygiene products104contained in the pan structure111exceeds the predetermined weight threshold. The electric motor122is an electrical device. The electric motor122converts electric energy into rotational energy. The logic circuit121provides the electric motor122with the electric energy necessary for operation. The electric motor122forms a mechanical linkage with the rotating ring123such that the rotation of the electric motor122rotates the rotating ring123relative to the OFI aperture182of the OF insert181. The electric motor122comprises an EM gear171. The EM gear171is a gear. The EM gear171mounts on the electric motor122such that the rotation of the electric motor122rotates the EM gear171. The rotating ring123is a ring shaped structure. The rotating ring123mounts on the inferior surface of the OF insert181such that the rotating ring123rotates relative to the OFI aperture182. The position of the rotating ring123on the OF insert181is such that the center axis of the characteristic negative space formed through the ring shape of the rotating ring123aligns with the center axis of the OFI aperture182. The inner perimeter of the rotating ring123forms a physical connection with the lateral face of the individual bag cartridge131. The rotating ring123comprises a RR gear structure172. The RR gear structure172is a gear. The teeth of the RR gear structure172mount on the outer perimeter of the disk structure of the rotating ring123. The teeth of the EM gear171mesh with the teeth of the RR gear structure172such that the rotation of the EM gear171rotates the RR gear structure172. The rotation of the RR gear structure172subsequently rotates the rotating ring123. The outer perimeter of the rotating ring123forms a physical connection with the EM gear171of the electric motor122. The rotation of the EM gear171rotates the rotating ring123. The rotation of the rotating ring123rotates the lateral face of the individual bag cartridge131such that the rotating ring123rotates the lateral face of the individual bag cartridge131onto itself to form the fluid impermeable closure that creates the segregated protection space that encloses the feminine hygiene product104. The following definitions were used in this disclosure: Align: As used in this disclosure, align refers to an arrangement of objects that are: 1) arranged in a straight plane or line; 2) arranged to give a directional sense of a plurality of parallel planes or lines; or, 3) a first line or curve is congruent to and overlaid on a second line or curve. Aperture: As used in this disclosure, an aperture is a prism-shaped negative space that is formed completely through a structure or the surface of a hollow structure. Bag: As used in this disclosure, a bag is a container made of a flexible material. The bag has a single opening which allows the bag to receive the items to be contained. Barrier: As used in this disclosure, a barrier is a physical obstacle that forms a boundary between a first space and a second space. The barrier prevents the passage of an object between the first space and the second space. Boundary Structure: As used in this disclosure, a boundary structure is a barrier that separates a first object from a second object such that the second object cannot damage the first object. Cant: As used in this disclosure, a cant is an angular deviation from one or more reference lines (or planes) such as a vertical line (or plane) or a horizontal line (or plane). Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification. Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset. Closed Position: As used in this disclosure, a closed position refers to a movable barrier structure that is in an orientation that prevents passage through a port or an aperture. The closed position is often referred to as an object being “closed.” Always use orientation. Composite Prism: As used in this disclosure, a composite prism refers to a structure that is formed from a plurality of structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure. The plurality of selected structures may or may not be truncated. The plurality of prism structures are joined together such that the center axes of each of the plurality of structures are aligned. The congruent ends of any two structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure need not be geometrically similar. Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can superimpose over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with the second object. Container: As used in this disclosure, a container is a structure that forms a protected space (or protection space) used to store and transport an object. The term containment structure is a synonym for container. Copolymer: As used in this disclosure, a copolymer is a polymer formed from two or more repeating molecules (also referred to as monomers). Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond is used as a comparison between two or more objects wherein one or more properties shared by the two or more objects match, agree, or align within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. Diode: As used in this disclosure, a diode is a two terminal semiconductor device that allows current flow in only one direction. The two terminals are called the anode and the cathode. Electric current is allowed to pass from the anode to the cathode. Disk: As used in this disclosure, a disk is a prism-shaped object that is flat in appearance. The disk is formed from two congruent ends that are attached by a lateral face. The sum of the surface areas of two congruent ends of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk is greater than the surface area of the lateral face of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk. In this disclosure, the congruent ends of the prism-shaped structure that forms the disk are referred to as the faces of the disk. Door: As used in this disclosure, a door is a movable or removable barrier that is attached to the wall of a room or the surface of a container for the purpose of allowing or preventing access through an aperture into the room or container. Elevation: As used in this disclosure, elevation refers to the span of the distance in the superior direction between a specified horizontal surface and a reference horizontal surface. Unless the context of the disclosure suggest otherwise, the specified horizontal surface is the supporting surface the potential embodiment of the disclosure rests on. The infinitive form of elevation is to elevate. Energy: As used in this disclosure, the energy is a term used in physics. Energy refers to the ability of a system to do work. Energy is a conserved property of a system. Energy is a quantifiable and is generally expressed in units of Joules. Electric Motor: In this disclosure, an electric motor is a machine that converts electric energy into rotational mechanical energy. An electric motor typically comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator is a stationary hollow cylindrical structure that forms a magnetic field. The rotor is a magnetically active rotating cylindrical structure that is coaxially mounted in the stator. The magnetic interactions between the rotor and the stator physically causes the rotor to rotate within the stator thereby generating rotational mechanical energy. This disclosure assumes that the power source is an externally provided source of DC electrical power. The use of DC power is not critical and AC power can be used by exchanging the DC electric motor with an AC motor that has a reversible starter winding. Exterior: As used in this disclosure, the exterior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is not contained within the boundary of a structure or a space. Feminine Hygiene Product: As used in this disclosure, a feminine hygiene product therapeutic device that is intended for use with the reproductive organs of a woman. Fitted: As used in this disclosure, the term fitted refers to two geometrically similar structures wherein the smaller geometrically similar structure inserts into the larger geometrically similar structure with a tight fit. Flexible: As used in this disclosure, flexible refers to an object or material that will deform when a force is applied to it but that will not necessarily return to its original shape when the deforming force is removed. Flow: As used in this disclosure, a flow refers to the passage of a fluid past a fixed point. This definition considers bulk solid materials as capable of flow. Fluid: As used in this disclosure, a fluid refers to a state of matter wherein the matter is capable of flow and takes the shape of a container it is placed within. The term fluid commonly refers to a liquid or a gas. Fluid Impermeable: As used in this disclosure, the term fluid impermeable refers to: a) the ability of a structure to not allow a fluid to pass through the structure; or, b) the ability of a material not absorb through the exterior surfaces of the material a fluid that the material is immersed in or exposed to. Force Sensor: As used in this disclosure, the force sensor is a sensor that generates an electrically measurable signal that is a function of the amount of force applied to the force sensor. The force sensor is often referred to as a pressure sensor. The force sensor commonly measures force using the piezoelectric effect generated by the deformation of a material. A pressure sensor is a force sensor calibrated to measure force per unit area. Force: As used in this disclosure, a force refers to a net (or unopposed) measurable interaction that changes the direction of motion of an object, the velocity of motion of an object, the momentum of an object, or the stress within an object. The term work refers to a measure of the amount of energy that is transferred through the application of a force over a distance. The term power refers to a measure of the amount of energy that is transferred over a period of time. Force of Gravity: As used in this disclosure, the force of gravity refers to a vector that indicates the direction of the pull of gravity on an object at or near the surface of the earth. Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object. Friction: As used in this disclosure, friction refers to a force that occurs between two objects that are in relative motion while in contact with each other. The force resists the relative motion of the two objects. More technically, friction refers to an exchange of energy between two objects that are in contact with each other that converts the energy of a directed relative motion between the two objects into randomly directed motions of the molecules that form both objects. Gas: As used in this disclosure, a gas refers to a state (phase) of matter that is fluid and that fills the volume of the structure that contains it. Stated differently, the volume of a gas always equals the volume of its container. Gear: As used in this disclosure, a gear is a toothed wheel, cylinder, or other toothed mechanical element that is used to transmit motion, a change of speed, or a change of direction to second toothed wheel, cylinder, or other toothed mechanical element. Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1. Hinge: As used in this disclosure, a hinge is a device that permits the turning, rotating, or pivoting of a first object relative to a second object. A hinge designed to be fixed into a set position after rotation is called a locking hinge. A spring loaded hinge is a hinge formed as an elastic structure. The elastic structure of the spring loaded hinge is deformed under a rotating force such that the elastic structure returns the spring loaded hinge back to its relaxed shape after the rotating force is removed from the spring loaded hinge. Horizontal: As used in this disclosure, horizontal is a directional term that refers to a direction that is either: 1) parallel to the horizon; 2) perpendicular to the local force of gravity, or, 3) parallel to a supporting surface. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the horizontal direction is always perpendicular to the vertical direction. Inferior: As used in this disclosure, the term inferior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the same direction as the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally. Inner Dimension: As used in this disclosure, the term inner dimension describes the span from a first inside or interior surface of a container to a second inside or interior surface of a container. The term is used in much the same way that a plumber would refer to the inner diameter of a pipe. Inner Perimeter and Outer Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, the inner perimeter and the outer perimeter refer to two geometrically similar structures of a curved object. The inner perimeter refers to the geometrically similar structure with the shorter span of length. The outer perimeter refers to the geometrically similar structure with the greater span of length. Interior: As used in this disclosure, the interior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is contained within the boundary of a structure or a space. LED: As used in this disclosure, an LED is an acronym for a light emitting diode. A light emitting diode is a diode that is also a light source. Lid: As used in this disclosure, a lid is a removable cover that is placed over an opening of a hollow structure to enclose the hollow structure. Liquid: As used in this disclosure, a liquid refers to a state (phase) of matter that is fluid and that maintains, for a given pressure, a fixed volume that is independent of the volume of the container. Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure. Load Cell: As used in this disclosure, a load cell is a transducer that measures an applied force and generates an electrical signal that is a known function of the applied force. A load cell is often used to measure weight. Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth. Logic Circuit: As used in this disclosure, a logic circuit is non-programmable electrical device that receives one or more digital or analog inputs and uses those digital or analog inputs to generate one or more digital or analog outputs. This disclosure assumes that the logic circuit is not a programmable device. Loop: As used in this disclosure, a loop is the length of a first linear structure including, but not limited to, shafts, lines, cords, or webbings, that is: 1) folded over and joined at the ends forming an enclosed space; or, 2) curved to form a closed or nearly closed space within the first linear structure. In both cases, the space formed within the first linear structure is such that a second linear structure such as a line, cord or a hook can be inserted through the space formed within the first linear structure. Within this disclosure, the first linear structure is said to be looped around the second linear structure. Mass: As used in this disclosure, refers to a quantity of matter within a structure. Mass is measured and quantified by the reaction of the structure to a force. Mass can also be roughly quantified as a function of atomic composition and the number of atoms contained within the structure. The term weight refers to the quantification of a mass that is exposed to the force of gravity. Mechanical Linkage: As used in this disclosure, a mechanical linkage is an interconnected arrangement of components that are used to manage the transfer of a movement or a force. A mechanical linkage is often referred to as a linkage. Monomer: As used in this disclosure, a monomer refers to a molecular structure that bonds to itself in a repeating manner to form a polymer. Motor: As used in this disclosure, a motor refers to the method of transferring energy from an external power source into rotational mechanical energy. Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object. One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set to the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction. Open Position: As used in this disclosure, an open position refers to a movable barrier structure that is in an orientation that allows passage through a port or an aperture. The open position is often referred to as an object being “open.” Organic: As used in this disclosure, organic refers to a carbon-based chemical structure. A limited number of carbon-based salts are traditionally considered inorganic chemical structures and are excluded from the study of organic chemistry. Orientation: As used in this disclosure, orientation refers to the positioning of a first object relative to: 1) a second object; or, 2) a fixed position, location, or direction. Outer Dimension: As used in this disclosure, the term outer dimension describes the span from a first exterior or outer surface of a tube or container to a second exterior or outer surface of a tube or container. The term is used in much the same way that a plumber would refer to the outer diameter of a pipe. Pan: As used in this disclosure, a pan is a hollow and prism-shaped containment structure. The pan has a single open face. The open face of the pan is often, but not always, the superior face of the pan. The open face is a surface selected from the group consisting of: a) a congruent end of the prism structure that forms the pan; and, b) a lateral face of the prism structure that forms the pan. A semi-enclosed pan refers to a pan wherein the closed end of prism structure of the pan and/or a portion of the closed lateral faces of the pan are open. Pedal: As used in this disclosure, a pedal is a foot operated lever that is used by the foot to power mechanical devices. Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference. Phase: As used in this disclosure, phase refers to the state of the form of matter. The common states of matter are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Plastic: As used in this disclosure, plastic refers to a manufactured material that is formed from a structure selected from the group consisting of a polymer or a copolymer. Unless stated otherwise, this disclosure assumes that the plastic is formed from organic monomers. Polymer: As used in this disclosure, a polymer refers to a molecular chain that comprises multiple repeating units known as monomers. The repeating unit may be an atom or a molecular structure. Port: As used in this disclosure, a port is an aperture formed in an object that allows fluid to flow through the boundary of the object. Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three-dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder. Protected Space: As used in this disclosure, a protected space is a negative space within which an object is stored. The protected space is enclosed by a barrier structure that: a) prevents damage to the object contained within the protected space; b) maintains an environment suitable within the protected space that is appropriate for the object; or, c) protects the object within the protected space from potential dangers that are outside of the protected space. Protection Space: As used in this disclosure, a protection space is a space formed by a boundary structure. The boundary structure forms a protective barrier that protects objects outside the protection space from potential dangers from the operation of a device or process contained within the protection space. Ring: As used in this disclosure, a ring is term that is used to describe a disk-like structure through which a negative space is formed through the faces of the disk-like structure. Rings are often considered loops. Rotation: As used in this disclosure, rotation refers to the cyclic movement of an object around a fixed point or fixed axis. The verb of rotation is to rotate. Segregated Space: As used in this disclosure, a segregated space refers to a first negative space that does not overlap with a second negative space. By overlap is meant that that the first negative space and a second negative space do not share any common spaces. As a practical matter, when two negative spaces are formed such that a fluid will not flow between the two negative spaces, the two negative spaces can be considered segregated. Semi-Enclosed Prism: As used in this disclosure, a semi-enclosed prism is a prism-shaped structure wherein a portion of the lateral face of the prism-shaped is removed or otherwise replaced with a negative space. Always use negative space. Sensor: As used in this disclosure, a sensor is a device that receives and responds in a predetermined way to a signal or stimulus. As further used in this disclosure, a threshold sensor is a sensor that generates a signal that indicates whether the signal or stimulus is above or below a given threshold for the signal or stimulus. Sheeting: As used in this disclosure, a sheeting is a material, such as a paper, textile, a plastic, or a metal foil, in the form of a thin flexible layer or layers. The sheeting forms a disk structure. The two surfaces of the sheeting with the greatest surface area are called the faces of the sheeting. Such As: As used in this disclosure, the term “such as” is a conjunction that relates a first phrase to a subsequent phrase. The term “such as” is used to introduce representative examples of structures that meet the requirements of the first phrase. As a first example of the use of the term “such as,” the phrase: “the first textile attaches to the second textile using a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener” is taken to mean that a hook and loop fastener is suitable to use as the fastener but is not meant to exclude the use of a zipper or a sewn seam. As a second example of the use of the term “such as,” the phrase: “the chemical substance is a halogen such as chlorine or bromine” is taken to mean that either chlorine or bromine are suitable for use as the halogen but is not meant to exclude the use of fluorine or iodine. Such That: As used in this disclosure, the term “such that” is a conjunction that relates a first phrase to a subsequent phrase. The term “such that” is used to place a further limitation or requirement to the first phrase. As a first example of the use of the term “such that,” the phrase: “the door attaches to the wall such that the door rotates relative to the wall” requires that the attachment of the door allows for this rotation. As a second example of the use of the term “such that,” the phrase: “the chemical substance is selected such that the chemical substance is soluble in water” requires that the selected chemical substance is soluble in water. As a third example of the use of the term “such that,” the phrase: “the lamp circuit is constructed such that the lamp circuit illuminates when the lamp circuit detects darkness” requires that the lamp circuit: a) detect the darkness; and, b) generate the illumination when the darkness is detected. Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally. Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object. Therapeutic: As used in this disclosure, therapeutic is an adjective that refers to a medical, ameliorative, or hygienic substance, process, procedure, or device. Trash Bag: As used in this disclosure, a trash bag is a disposable bag formed from a sheeting that is used to contain trash and other refuse for in a manner suitable for disposal. Trash bags are often used to line a waste container. Tight Fit: As used in this disclosure, a tight fit refers to the insertion of a first object into a second object such that there is not a lot of space between the first object and the second object. By not a lot of space is meant that friction occurs when the first object moves within the second object. Vertical: As used in this disclosure, vertical refers to a direction that is either: 1) perpendicular to the horizontal direction; 2) parallel to the local force of gravity; or, 3) when referring to an individual object the direction from the designated top of the individual object to the designated bottom of the individual object. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the vertical direction is always perpendicular to the horizontal direction. With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and inFIGS.1through5include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention. It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. | 42,464 |
11858731 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Turning to the figures, particularlyFIGS.1and2, a refuse vehicle is illustrated and designated with the reference numeral10. The vehicle includes a cab12, a chassis or frame14, with a primary container or hopper16. A drivetrain including wheels18moves the vehicle10in a conventional manner. As shown, the vehicle10has a front loading arm assembly including a pair of front loading arms20,22. The arms20,22are coupled with the vehicle10and an intermediate container24. The arms20,22have an overall U-shaped configuration. The arms may terminate at a connection end26. In some aspects, the intermediate container24is pivotally coupled at the connection end26. Illustrated inFIG.3, the intermediate container24has substantially two parts: a frame assembly27and a collection bin28attached to the frame assembly27. The frame assembly27holds the collection bin28and allows it to be coupled with the arms20,22, such as at connection end26. The frame assembly27includes a pair of legs30,32. The frame assembly27includes a reinforcement member34positioned adjacent the rear side of collection bin28. Also, adding brackets35or the like can enable an automated grabber arm or the like to be positioned on the rear side of the collection bin28. In some aspects, at least a portion of the automated grabber arm is positioned on a side of the collection bin28. The legs30,32of frame assembly27have a desired configuration. Generally, the legs30,32extend rearward of the collection bin28. Each of the legs30,32includes a retention mechanism (or attachment mechanism)36to couple the legs30,32onto the arms20,22of the front loading arm assembly. In this non-limiting example, the retention mechanism provides a direct attachment between the legs30,32and the arms20,22of the front loading arm assembly. In some aspects, the retention mechanism pivotally couples the legs30and32onto the connection end26of the front loading arms20,22. In some aspects, the retention mechanism36may be a ring that slides onto the pivot shafts38as seen inFIG.2andFIG.4in relation to the connection end26of the arms20,22. Thus the ring acts as a bearing to enable pivoting of the intermediate container24on the pivot shafts38so that the intermediate container24is integrated with the front loading arms20,22. The legs30,32also include a boss40to receive actuating cylinders42which may be integrated with front loading arms20,22. Accordingly, this configuration (without a fork or fork tines) may lower the travel height of the intermediate container by 5 to 6 inches. Additionally, this configuration reduces the overall weight that must be lifted by the front loading arms as a result of employing an intermediate container and may enable the lower travel height during movement of the vehicle from pick up point to pick up point. Additionally, due to the integral connection with the front loading arm assembly, this configuration may eliminate cab vibration as well as operating noise. Further, the reduced weight resulting from an integrated intermediate container decreases the stress on the structural member as well as the strain on the hydraulic components of the refuse vehicle and/or the intermediate container. The cylinders42may be connected between the arm bosses40and the front loading arms20,22. The front loading arms20,22may include brackets44,46on the arms20,22, respectively, illustrated inFIGS.4and5. The brackets44,46project inward towards each other between the front loading arms20,22. Thus, the cylinders42are positioned inside of and spaced between the loading arms20,22. This embodiment enables the rotational movement of the intermediate container24during dumping of the container. The arms20,22and container24are lifted and rotated to dump the container24into the primary container16. Thus, with the cylinders42positioned on the inside of the arms20,22, the vehicle height can be reduced by about 5″ or 6″ lower than a standard vehicle set up. Thus, this reduces the overall height of the vehicle10. Turning toFIG.4, hydraulic and or electrical lines50can be run along the underside of the front loading arms20,22. The lines and wires50pass through a cutout (or aperture)52,54, respectively, in the front loading arms20,22. The cutouts52,54enable any of the lines50to pass into and through the front loading arms20and22to reach the cylinders42. Additionally, some of the lines50may pass through to reach the intermediate container controller. The pass through aperture52,54enables the lines50to be positioned inside of the arm for a more direct routing to the cylinders42. Additionally, the cutouts52,54provide a structural element to connect the front loading arm structure with the fork mounted cylinders42. This can be accomplished by the housings56,58. The housings56,58are positioned on the inside of the arms20,22. The housings56,58provide the brackets44,46to connect the cylinders42with the arms20,22. Thus, the lines50can be routed to the cylinders42at a higher position along the front loading arms20,22. Additionally, the route can be more direct and shorter to the lifting cylinders42. Additionally, the lines50can be passed through at a recommended bend radius and reduce failure of the lines. The improved routing of non-structural components from the body of the truck to the intermediate container results in better component protection from the operating environment; it also visually conceals and so better integrates the components with the vehicle body. Turning toFIG.5, a perspective view of a cover on the front loading arms20,22isolated from the vehicle10is illustrated according to aspects of the disclosure. The cover60is shaped to follow the inside contour of the arms20,22. Thus, by following the contour of the arms20,22, the cover60is shaped into an overall U. Illustrated inFIG.6is a perspective view of the protective arm cover60isolated from the front loading arms20,22and vehicle10according to aspects of the disclosure. The cover60includes a frame with an overall U shape. The frame is defined by sidewalls64,66as well as the web68. The sidewalls64,66include a plurality of cutouts70. The cutouts70enable the cover60to be hand bent to follow the contoured shape of the front loading arms20,22. The cutouts70extend through the sidewalls64,66and into the web68. Also, the web68includes a plurality of slots or cutouts72that enhance the hand forming of the cover to conform to the contour of the front loader arms20,22. Additionally, the cutouts70divide the sidewalls into a plurality of portions74. The portions74may have the same or different configuration. The portions74include at least one aperture76to secure the portion74with the front loading arms20,22. The apertures76are aligned with one another on each sidewall64,66so that a bolt or the like can be passed through the sidewalls64,66and the front loading arm20,22to secure the cover60to the front loading arm20,22. This enables the cover60to be secured with the front loading arms20,22without the need for weldments or permanent securement to the front loading arms20,22. Additionally, a second cover80can be secured to the cover60. The second cover80, illustrated inFIG.5, generally has an overall L-shape to cover the lines50at the pass through cutouts52,54. Thus, this enables the lines50to be covered from one side of the front loading arms to the other along the U-shape of the front loading arms20,22. Thus, the cover60provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance while giving a unitary appearance to the front loading arms20,22. The cover60provides a large degree of flexibility, due to the bolt on design. This enables the cover60to be adjusted and fit onto the front loading arms20,22even if a large amount of deformation occurs during welding of the front loading arms20,22. Turning toFIG.7, a perspective sectional view of the primary container including windscreens is illustrated according to aspects of the disclosure. The primary container16has an opening88. A pair of windscreens90,92are positioned adjacent the opening88opposing one another. The windscreens90,92have an elongated configuration with a horizontal edge94that secures with the primary container16. Each windscreen90,92includes a concave curve at some point along its top edge96with a low point98of the concave curve extending toward the horizontal bottom edge94of the windscreens90,92. The low point98of the curved portion reduces the height of the windscreens90,92. The windscreens90,92, while having a reduced height at low point98of the curved edge, prevent material from blowing out of the inside of the primary container16. Also, a bridge100is positioned between the windscreens90,92rearward of the primary container opening88. The windscreens90,92include horizontally positioned brush guards102. The brush guards102extend from the windscreens90,92angled downward toward the inside of the primary container16. The bridge100includes a horizontally positioned brush guard104which is curved in a convex manner relative to the opening88. A brush guard106is positioned horizontally between the frontward edges of windscreens90,92. The brush guard106(seeFIG.9) extends from the front edge of opening88angled upward away from the inside of primary container16. This configuration of the brush guard102with a downward angle, brush guard104with a curved horizontal, and brush guard106with an upward angle creates a convoluted path for air passing around the opening88to aid against the blowing out of refuse that may be within the primary container16. The brush guards102are horizontally mounted on the windscreens90,92, the brush guard104is horizontally mounted on the bridge100, and the brush guard106is horizontally mounted against the front edge of opening88. Thus, horizontal mounting provides a reduction in the overall height of the unit. Turning toFIG.8, a detail view of brush guard102and spring bracket108as called out inFIG.7is illustrated. The brush guard102is mounted on a spring bracket108. The spring bracket108enables the brush guards to move as the intermediate container24is dumped into the opening88on the primary container16. The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. | 10,862 |
11858732 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a secure desktop item receptacle according to the present invention. Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention. In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps, or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved. As used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factors known to those of skill. Further, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” shall expressly include “exactly.” The term “user” and “worker” refers to an entity, e.g. a human, that utilizes a device according to the present invention in order to bring about a desired effect or outcome. In a particular case, the user is one who places material into the receptacle. For such a user, the terms “user” and “worker” may be used herein interchangeably. The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Funky Desk Ball.” Invention may be used interchangeably with ball receptacle. In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture for providing a secure desktop item receptacle according to the present invention. To better understand the present invention,FIG.1illustrates a first potential embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a secure desktop item receptacle according to the present invention. A secure desktop item receptacle100is shown on a desktop with a set of tools102a-dthat are useful when a graphic artist works with physical renditions of items that require layers of textured material rather working with digital representations of these objects. These tools102a-dpermit the worker to add, cut, and remove layers of textured material from the document or similar object being created. These tools102a-dmay include various pick and cutting tools, including scissors102dfor working with layers of textured material. The secure desktop item receptacle100provides a storage location for the textured items that are waste from the creation of the object. Additional details regarding the secure desktop item receptacle100are described below in reference toFIGS.2-6. FIG.2illustrates a set of directional views of an example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a secure desktop item receptacle according to the present invention. Top, front, side and perspective views of the first embodiment for the secure desktop item receptacle100are shown inFIG.2. The secure desktop item receptacle100includes a hollow container, and in this embodiment a hollow receptacle sphere150, on top of an attaching base140that is coupled to a suction cup attachment device130. The hollow receptacle sphere150defines the inside volume of the hollow container. The attaching base140provides separation between the hollow receptacle sphere150and the desktop. The suction cup attachment device130may be used to secure the desktop item receptacle100to a user's desktop. The secure desktop item receptacle100also includes an opening110along its top surface of the hollow receptacle sphere150providing access to the inside volume of the hollow container. In the embodiment ofFIG.2, the opening is shaped like a four-pointed star. The opening110covers a significant portion of the top surface of the hollow receptacle sphere150that retains waste material from a user. The opening110has a set of curved shaped edges that permits the user to insert the waste material from the textured material being used in the creation of objects. The user may pick up the waste material using one of the tools102a-d(shown inFIG.1) and place it into the secure desktop item receptacle100and use these edges to deposit the material within the receptacle. FIG.3illustrates a set of directional views of a second embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a secure desktop item receptacle according to the present invention. Top, front, side and perspective views of the second embodiment for the secure desktop item receptacle200are shown inFIG.3. The secure desktop item receptacle200includes a hollow container, in this embodiment a hollow receptacle sphere220, on top of an attaching base240that is coupled to a suction cup attachment device230. The hollow receptacle sphere defines the inside volume of the hollow container. The attaching base240provides separation between the hollow receptacle sphere220and the desktop. The suction cup attachment device230may be used to secure the desktop item receptacle200to a user's desktop. The secure desktop item receptacle200also includes an opening250along its top surface that is shaped like a four-pointed star. The opening250covers a significant portion of the top surface of the hollow receptacle sphere220creating a receptacle for retaining waste material from a user. The opening250has a set of curved shaped edges that permits the user to insert the waste material from the textured material being used in the creation of objects. The user may pick up the waste material using one of the tools102a-d(shown inFIG.1) and place it into the secure desktop item receptacle200and use these edges to deposit the material within the receptacle. The opening210is similar to the opening120ofFIG.3except that the opening210provides a wider set of slit openings as the star reaches each of its points. FIG.4illustrates a set of directional views of a third example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a secure desktop item receptacle according to the present invention. Top, front, side and perspective views of the third embodiment for the secure desktop item receptacle400are shown inFIG.4. The secure desktop item receptacle400includes a hollow container, in this embodiment a hollow goblet-shaped enclosure420, on top of an attaching base440that is coupled to a suction cup attachment device430. The hollow goblet-shaped enclosure420defines the inside volume of the hollow container. The attaching base440provides separation between the hollow goblet-shaped enclosure420and the desktop. The suction cup attachment device430may be used to secure the desktop item receptacle400to a user's desktop. The secure desktop receptacle400also includes an opening401along its flat top surface402that is shaped like a four-pointed star. The opening401covers a significant portion of the top surface of the hollow goblet-shaped enclosure420creating a receptacle for retaining waste material from a user. The opening401has a set of curved shaped edges that permits the user to insert the waste material from the textured material being used in the creation of objects. The user may pick up the waste material using one of the tools102a-d(shown inFIG.1) and place it into the secure desktop item receptacle400and use these edges to deposit the material within the receptacle. The hollow goblet-shaped enclosure has the flat top surface402and opening401that is similar to the opening110within the hollow receptacle sphere150inFIG.2except for the shape of the enclosure itself. FIG.5illustrates a set of directional views of a fourth example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a secure desktop item receptacle according to the present invention. Top, front, side and perspective views of the fourth embodiment for the secure desktop item receptacle500are shown inFIG.5. The secure desktop item receptacle500includes a hollow container, in this embodiment a hollow-goblet-shaped enclosure520, on top of a support pedestal540that is coupled to a suction cup attachment device530. The support pedestal540raises the hollow goblet-shaped enclosure up above the tabletop and provides separation between the goblet-shaped enclosure520and the suction cup attachment device530. The hollow goblet-shaped enclosure520defines the inside volume of the hollow container. The suction cup attachment device530may be used to secure the secure desktop item receptacle500to a user's desktop. The secure desktop item receptacle500also includes an opening501along its flat top surface502that is shaped like a four-pointed star. The opening501covers a significant portion of the top surface of the hollow goblet-shaped enclosure520creating a receptacle for retaining waste material from a user. The opening501has a set of curved shaped edges that permits the user to insert the waste material from the textured material being used in creatin of objects. The user may pick up waste material using one of the tools102a-d(shown inFIG.1) and place it into the secure desktop item receptacle500and use these edges to deposit the material within the receptacle. The hollow goblet-shaped enclosure520has the flat top surface502and opening501that is similar to the opening110within the hollow sphere150inFIG.2except for the shape of the enclosure itself. FIG.6illustrates a set of directional views of a fifth example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a secure desktop item receptacle according to the present invention. Top, front, side and perspective views of the fifth embodiment for the secure desktop item receptacle600are shown inFIG.6. The secure desktop item receptacle600includes a hollow container, in this embodiment a hollow octagon-shaped enclosure620, on top of an attaching base640that is coupled to a suction cup attachment device630. The attaching base640provides separation between the hollow octagon-shaped enclosure630and the desktop. The hollow octagon-shaped enclosure620defines the inside volume of the hollow container. The suction cup attachment device630may be used to secure the desktop item receptacle600to a user's desktop. The secure desktop item receptacle600also includes an opening601along its flat top surface602that is shaped like a four pointed star. The opening601covers a significant portion of the top surface of the hollow octagon-shaped enclosure620creating a receptacle for retaining waste material from a user. The opening601has a set of curved shaped edges that permits the user to insert the waste material from the textured material being used in the creation of objects. The user may pick up the waste material using one of the tools102a-d(shown inFIG.1) and place it into the secure desktop item receptacle600and use these edges to deposit the material within the receptacle. The hollow octagon-shaped enclosure620has the flat top surface602and opening601that is similar to the opening110within the hollow receptacle sphere150inFIG.2except for the shape of the enclosure itself and that the opening601provides a wider set of slit openings as the star reaches each of its points. It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated in order to explain embodiments of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from embodiments of the invention encompassed by the following claims. In this specification, the term “each” may be used to refer to one or more specified characteristics of a plurality of previously recited elements or steps. When used with the open-ended term “comprising,” the recitation of the term “each” does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or steps. Thus, it will be understood that an apparatus may have additional, unrecited elements and a method may have additional, unrecited steps, where the additional, unrecited elements or steps do not have the one or more specified characteristics. | 13,708 |
11858733 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The different aspects of the various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the embodiments, which are presented as illustrated examples of the invention as defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below. As used herein, the term “co-axial” in conjunction with inner components within the lid casing refers to a relative position of component and does not infer whether or not the two components are physically connected by the same axle/shaft. For example, when a first gear and a second gear are described as being co-axial, it means both of these two gears rotate on the same rotational axis, but not necessarily physically connected to the same axle/shaft. In other words, their rotational axes align. When a first gear and a second gear are described as being not co-axial, that means their rotational axes do not align. Basic Components In one aspect of the embodiment, this disclosure is related to an apparatus for a novel method of managing waste. The apparatus is contemplated to be a waste pail that can receive and store various types of waste articles. For example, this can be a waste pail specific for soiled diapers or cat litter. Other types of waste articles are also specifically contemplated, especially odorous waste articles. Referring now toFIG.1, the basic structure of the contemplated waste pail1can include a top drum2to fit over a bottom drum3. The top drum2can have a lid casing101that encloses various components all of which will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment shown inFIG.1, there is a turn knob105at the top of the lid casing101. The bottom drum3can be a barrel shaped container with an empty enclosure within which a waste bag/liner can be enclosed. The waste bag/liner will be described in more detail below. There can be an optional scoop8with a scoop holder7which can attach to any part of the bottom drum3. The scoop8can be particularly useful if the waste pail is being used to hold cat litter. The bottom drum3can be of a single-piece construction in one embodiment. In another embodiment, such as the one shown inFIG.1, the bottom drum3can come in two separable pieces. Here, bottom drum3has an upper portion4detachably attached to a lower portion5. Upper portion4may connect to the lower portion5using any known mechanical means. The upper portion4may clip onto the lower portion5, or they may twist/screw onto each other. There can also be fasteners to detachably attached the two pieces together. One embodiment provides a lower portion5having a slightly tapered bottom end such that its bottom end has a smaller dimension such that it is small enough to fit partially or fully within the upper portion4during storage and shipping.FIG.2shows the waste pail1with a smaller profile made possible by turning the lower portion5upside down and then fit the upper portion4over it. In this Figure, the lower portion5is nestled partially within the upper portion4. This novel method advantageously lowers packaging and shipping costs. The two-piece configuration can also be helpful especially when taking a bag of cat litter out of the bottom drum3. A user may twist to easily unlock and remove the upper portion4from the lower portion5. In this way, the bag of cat litter can be pulled out without accidentally tearing the bag. Collar Referring now toFIG.3, the lid casing101can be pivotably attached to the bottom drum2via an outer hinge109. A user can manually lift the lid casing101, revealing what is underneath the lid casing101thereby showing what is on top of the bottom drum2. Under the lid casing101there can be a rotator102which has apertures that function as catchers103. There can be one or more deodorizers108disposed on the rotator102. The deodorizer108can have a perforated door that can open to reveal a compartment to hold charcoal packets, other odor absorbing sachet, deodorizing pouches, or scented packets. The perforated door can be hinged to the rotator102; the perforated door can clip and lock into position. The function and mechanical detail of the rotator102will be described in more detail later. Directly disposed on top of the upper portion4of the bottom drum3is an optional lid insert19. The lid insert19can have a generally funnel-shape; the lid insert19can guide the entry of waste articles down into the waste bag. The lid insert19can be particularly helpful to keep the waste article, e.g., cat litter, from spilling over. The lid insert19can be easily moved out of the way when installing a waste bag into the bottom drum3. InFIG.4, lid insert19is shown to be pivotably attached to the inner collar121via the inner hinge125. In this way, a user can manually lift the lid insert19thereby revealing the inner collar121to which a waste bag (not yet installed in this Figure) can be attached. The lid insert19can be attached to the waste pail1in other ways. For example, it can matingly fit over the inner collar121without the inner hinge125. In this way, a user can completely remove the lid insert19away from the inner collar121. In such an embodiment, there can be mating couplers between the lid insert19and the inner collar121to aid in their coupling. FIGS.5and6illustrate the working relationship of lid insert19, inner collar121, and outer collar122. The lid insert19can be a hollow structure having protuberances151disposed along its top ridge. These protuberances151can couple to the corresponding catchers103of the rotator102. In the embodiment where the lid insert19is coupled to the inner collar121via an inner hinge125, the lid insert19cannot rotate independently of the inner collar121. In other words, when the lid insert19rotates, the inner collar121also rotates. Although the protuberances151are each shown as a stubby protrusion, there can be other types of structure in other shapes and sizes to achieve the same function. Inner collar121fits over the outer collar122in a track and groove mechanism such that the inner collar121can freely rotate relative to a stationary outer collar122. The outer collar122is fastened (e.g., by friction, screw blade, clip, etc.) to the top rim6of the upper portion4of the bottom drum. In another embodiment, the outer collar122can be pivotably coupled to the top rim6of the upper portion4of the bottom drum via the outer hinge109. In this way, a user may pivot open (i.e., tilt back) the inner collar121and outer collar122together, thereby providing easier access to the interior of the bottom drum3. A user may pivot open the lid casing101, inner collar121and outer collar122together at once, because these three parts can all be pivoted on the outer hinge109. To install a new waste bag10, a user may first pivot open the inner collar121and outer collar122. The entire waste bag10can then be dropped into the interior of the bottom drum3. The user can then close down the inner collar121and outer collar122while manually taking the bag frame12of the waste bag10and pass it through the circular opening of the inner collar121and outer collar122. In operation, the outer collar122remains stationary while the inner collar121can rotate along with the lid insert19. As will be described later in association withFIG.19, there can be an embodiment of the waste pail1without the optional lid insert19. Waste Bag/Liner Referring now toFIGS.7and8, a waste bag10can be provided in the bottom drum3. Here, the waste bag10is shown partially inserted into the bottom drum3with its bag frame12yet to be secured to the inner collar121. The bag frame12lines the opening of the waste bag10. In other words, the top rim of the waste bag10can have a retaining feature so that the top rim of the waste bag10can be secured to the inner collar121. The bag frame12can be made of various types of material such as plastic, rubber, and paper. The bag frame12can be flexible or foldable so that if needed, it can be entirely inserted through the inner collar121. Bag frame12can have tabs15each of which with an aperture16. The inner collar121can have protuberances151to insert through the corresponding apertures16of the bag frame12. Again, there can be various sizes and shapes of protuberances151to couple with their corresponding apertures16of corresponding sizes and shapes. In the close-up view shown inFIG.8, the tab15of the bag frame12can have a notch17. When the waste bag10is to be removed from the waste pail1, the user can wrap the tether/strap18around the neck of the waste bag10(whether the neck is twisted) and then loop the tether/strap18over some part (e.g., the middle part) of the folded bag frame12and secure the tether/strap18in the notch17before carrying the waste bag10to the dumpster. This can minimize the escape of odor from the waste bag10during transport. Alternatively, this notch17can also function as a tie strap. For example, when the waste bag10is to be removed from the waste pail1, the user can manually twist the neck of the waste bag and then fit the twisted neck into the notch17thereby keeping it twisted shut. The user may next carry the waste bag away without having to tie a knot. In one embodiment, the inner collar121can use a set of protuberances151of different diameters, which are illustrated inFIG.8. Here, the tabs15of the waste bag10also have corresponding different diameters of apertures16. Referring now toFIG.9, the tabs15of the waste bag10is now secured onto the inner collar121. The user may next pivot the lid insert19downward onto the inner collar121.FIG.10illustrates the embodiment where the lid insert19is pivotably coupled to the inner collar121via inner hinge125. In operation, the waste bag10should be “primed” by manually rotating the entire lid insert19and inner collar121combination in a preset direction and degree of angle. For example, a user can be asked to prime the waste bag clockwise 360 degrees. The direction of priming should be opposite to the driving direction of rotator102so that priming keeps the waste bag10twisted, while driving of the rotator untwists the waste bag10. The relationship between the rotator102and the waste bag10will be further explained in association withFIGS.13A through19. Priming can be performed while the lid insert19is either in an up or down position. Preferably, it would be easier to rotate the inner collar121while the lid insert19is down and in a position directly over the inner collar121.FIGS.11and12illustrate the twisted waste bag10after the waste bag10has been primed by the aforementioned method. Here, the priming direction is counter-clock wise from a top view of the waste pail1. In operation, the waste bag10would remain twisted at rest, until a user is ready to drop a waste article into the waste bag10. The waste bag10can have tethers18already attached to a region near the neck, above the neck, or below the neck of the waste bag10. In other words, these are specialty waste bags10made at the manufacturer with tethers18attached. During installation of the waste bag10into the bottom drum3, a user can attach the free end of each tether18to its corresponding attachment point20to ensure proper closure by twisting of the tethers18. These attachment points20can be located on the inside wall of the bottom drum3. The attachment points20can be of different mechanical structures. For example, it can be a clip, a notch, a hook, etc. For a user to reach the attachment point20by hand, the user may simply reach through the circular opening of the inner collar121. Alternatively, the user may pivot open the lid insert19/inner collar121/outer collar122assembly from the top rim6of the bottom drum3for better access. During priming, the free ends of each tether18remain secured to the attachment points20while the opposite ends of the tether18moves in a circular fashion along with the bag frame12. This motion can cause the two tethers18to crisscross each other thereby sealing off the waste bag10by wrapping around the neck of it. In one embodiment, the neck region is also twisted shut, or partially twisted. FIG.12illustrates a primed waste bag10where the lid insert19is in a down position over the inner collar121. Here, the neck of the waste bag10is closed off or sealed off. In one embodiment, this provides a complete closure of the waste bag10. In another embodiment, this provides a near-complete closure of the waste bag10. The body portion or the bottom portion of the waste bag10may or may not have any secure attachment to the bottom drum3. In other words, the body, or the bottom portion of the waste bag10may simply remain in place without being secured to the bottom drum in any other way. This is notable because in some embodiments, the body of the bag does not need to be secured in place to twist the neck of the waste bag10. In the embodiment shown, the neck or the body portion of the waste bag10itself is not heavily twisted. The tethers18are twisted to create a crisscrossing closure even when the waste bag10itself remain untwisted or only partially twisted. Lid Casing/Manual Actuator As mentioned above, a primed waste bag10remains closed until a user is ready to drop a waste article down into it. This can be accomplished by using certain mechanisms within the lid casing101as will be described below in association withFIGS.13A through19. When a user needs to dispose of a waste article, the user would manually lift the lid casing101open as illustrated inFIG.3. The user would next drop the waste article into the funnel shape provided by the lid insert19. At this point the waste bag10is still in a primed position, with its neck twisted closed by the tethers18. The user would next close the lid casing101with the waste article still visibly held in or below the funnel of the lid insert19. Referring now back toFIG.3, once the lid casing101closes onto the lid insert19, catchers103of the rotator102then matingly couple to their corresponding protuberances151. In the particular embodiment shown inFIG.3, there are four protuberances151coupled to four catchers103. When the lid casing101is closed, the user may manually operate an actuator such as a turn knob105(FIGS.1,2,13A,13C) or a push button4105(FIGS.16,17A,18A) to cause the rotator102to rotate in a driving direction opposite to the priming direction. When the rotator102rotates in a driving direction, the lid insert19, the inner collar121, and the bag frame12all move in the same driving direction, thereby causing the tethers18to untwist. When the tethers18and/or the neck of the bag is not twisted, the waste bag10opens which allows the waste article to drop into the waste bag, while the lid casing101remains closed. This can be important because in a typical trash can, the odor from within the waste bag would undesirably waft towards the user when the user disposes of a waste article into the waste bag. Here, the waste bag10remains closed when a user disposes of a waste article. This would keep odor sealed in during the disposal process. There can be various types of mechanism to operate the rotator102. Referring now to the embodiment ofFIGS.13A-13G. Here, there can be a turn knob105disposed on top of the lid casing101. The turn knob105can rotate relative to the lid casing101. Turn knob105is coupled to a bottom plate116to form an enclosure within which a flat torsion spring115can be housed. The flat torsion spring115has a spiral configuration. Its peripheral free end can be attached to a stationary side post138(seeFIG.13D) which extends through the arcuate opening136of the bottom plate116. The center free end of the flat torsion spring115, on the other hand, can be exposed through a center opening137(seeFIG.13B) of the bottom plate116so that the center free end of the flat torsion spring115can be securely attached to a slit on a center post140. The center post140is an integral part of secondary gear111so it can rotate along with the secondary gear111. Note that the center post140does not necessarily have to be in absolute rotational center of the turn knob105or secondary gear111. The rotational axis152of the secondary gear111is shown inFIG.13F. Being secured to the rotatable center post140at one end and secured to the stationary side post138at the other end, the flat torsion spring115biases the secondary gear in a particular direction. Referring now toFIG.13B, the bottom plate116of the turn knob105can have four raised columns132to be received into four corresponding receiving slots130(seeFIG.13C) on the underside of the turn knob105. Besides the four raised columns132, the arcuate opening136can provide a passage for the stationary side post138(seeFIG.13D) when the bottom plate116rotates relative to the stationary side post138. A retaining wall134can be provided on the surface of the bottom plate116to guide the flat torsion spring115. Under the bottom plate116of the turn knob105is an intermediate gear118having outward-facing teeth119and inward-facing teeth120. The intermediate gear118can have a ring shape which can have a diameter large enough to fit the secondary gear111. The intermediate gear118can have a diameter smaller than the driving gear110(seeFIG.13E). In this particular embodiment, the driving gear110is part of the bottom plate116of the turn knob105. Here, the underside of the bottom plate has inward-facing teeth117to matingly engage with the outward-facing teeth119of the intermediate gear118. The intermediate gear118and the driving gear110are not co-axial. A top view shown inFIG.13Fcan better illustrate the spatial relationship between the gears. InFIG.13F, although the turn knob105and the bottom plate116of the turn knob has been removed, the large top circular opening of the lid casing101can represent the approximate location and diameter of the driving gear110. In this particular embodiment, the driving gear110is co-axial with the secondary gear111. In other words, the rotational axis156of the driving gear110is the same as the rotational axis152of the secondary gear111. The inward-facing teeth of the driving gear110and the entire driving gear110is kept in a centering position by the retaining wall144. The retaining wall144is a structure similar to the retaining wall134ofFIG.13B. Here inFIG.13F, the retaining wall can be an integral part of the floor175which remains stationary. The inward-facing teeth of the driving gear110make mating engagement with the outward-facing teeth of the intermediate gear118. Again, the intermediate gear118is offset from the driving gear110, which is not co-axial with the intermediate gear118. The intermediate gear118is held in position by a retaining wall145which is shown inFIG.13G. InFIG.13G, the intermediate gear118has been removed to reveal the secondary gear111and the retaining wall145. The retaining wall145can be an integral part of the floor175. The floor175remains stationary along with the retaining wall145and the side post138. Regarding the intermediate gear118ofFIG.13E, it can have inward-facing teeth120to make mating engagement with the outward-facing teeth of the secondary gear111. The secondary gear111is not an integral part of the floor175, therefore, it can rotate relative to the floor175. Now referring back toFIG.13G, when the spring-biased secondary gear111is driven to rotate, it co-axially rotates the rotator102(seeFIGS.3-7) which is disposed under the floor175and separably movable relative to the floor175. In one embodiment, the secondary gear111is coupled to the rotator102via an axle (not shown). The spring-biased secondary gear111transfers the biasing force to the turn knob105such that at rest, the turn knob105is at a position to keep the waste bag10in a primed position. When a user manually turns the turn knob105against the biasing force, the rotator102turns in a direction to untwist the waste bag10. As soon as the user releases his or her hand from the turn knob105, the biasing force can return the waste bag10into a twisted configuration. FIGS.14A-14Dillustrate yet another contemplated mechanism with the lid casing2101, which can be pivotably coupled to the upper portion4of bottom drum3via an outer hinge2109. Here, the turn knob2105has a vertical rod2188disposed on its underside. The underside of the turn knob2105also has a center post with a rotational axis2158that is co-axial with the rotational axis of the secondary gear2111. The secondary gear2111can have a hollow center within which the center post of the turn knob2105can fit. Here, the vertical rod2188fits within a linear slot2181of a distal guide2180. The distal guide2180is an integral part of the driving gear2110. The driving gear2111in this embodiment is fan-shaped with an arcuate opening2161which has inward-facing teeth. The driving gear2111rotates about its rotational axis2156and is biased by a torsion spring2115.FIG.14Bshows the torsion spring2115anchored into the floor2175. The floor2175is stationary and does not rotate. When a user turns the turn knob2105, the vertical rod2188moves the distal guide2180thereby swings the fan-shaped driving gear2110in one direction. When the driving gear2110swings in one direction relative to the stationary floor2175, it causes the secondary gear2111to rotate relative to the stationary floor2175. The secondary gear2111is co-axial with and coupled to the rotator102(FIGS.1-6) such that when the secondary gear2111rotates, the rotator102also rotates. FIG.14Cillustrates the fan-shaped driving gear2110with the torsion spring2115removed. InFIG.14D, the driving gear2110is removed to reveal a circular wall2183. The circular wall2183is an integral part of the floor2175which remains stationary. The circular wall2183functions to keep the fan-shaped driving gear2110in a rotational position to rotate along an axis that is co-axial with the circular wall2183. FIGS.15A-15Dillustrate a design similar the design inFIGS.14A-14D. The major difference between the two designs is the location of the distal guide2180. InFIG.15A, the distal guide3180is located on the opposite end of the fan-shaped driving gear3110. Here, disposed on the lid casing3101is a turn knob3105with a vertical rod3188disposed on its underside. The underside of the turn knob3105also has a center post having a rotational axis3158that is co-axial with the rotational axis of the secondary gear3111. The secondary gear3111can have a hollow center within which the center post of the turn knob3105can fit. Here, the vertical rod3188fits within a short linear slot3181of the distal guide3180. The distal guide3180can be an integral part of the driving gear3110. The driving gear3111in this embodiment is fan-shaped with an arcuate opening3161having inward-facing teeth. Being biased by a torsion spring3115, the driving gear3111can rotate about its rotational axis3156.FIG.15Bshows the torsion spring3115anchored into the floor3175. The floor3175is stationary and does not rotate. When a user turns the turn knob3105, the vertical rod3188moves the distal guide3180thereby swings the fan-shaped driving gear3110in one direction. When the driving gear3110swings in one direction relative to the stationary floor3175, it causes the secondary gear3111to rotate relative to the stationary floor3175. The secondary gear3111is co-axial with and coupled to the rotator102(FIGS.1-6) such that when the secondary gear3111rotates, the rotator102also rotates. FIG.16illustrates an embodiment where the manual actuator is a push button4105disposed on top of the lid casing4101.FIG.16is in simplified view where the bottom drum3is not shown. One of ordinary skill would immediately recognize that this embodiment of manual actuator can have the same bottom drum3, inner collar121, outer collar122, and waste bag10. Referring now toFIGS.17A-17Eregarding yet another embodiment of the push button mechanism enclosed within the lid casing4101. InFIG.17A, the manual actuator is a push button4105with its underside shown. The top side of this push button4105is shown inFIG.16. Here inFIG.17A, the underside of the push button4105can have a center rod4196disposed at the center. The center rod4196can be co-axial with the secondary gear4111. The secondary gears4111can remain within the lid casing4101such that when the push button4105is installed onto the lid casing4101, the center rod4196would be directly above the secondary gear4111. At rest, there should be a sufficient clearance between the end tip of the center rod4196and the secondary gear4111so that when a user manually presses the push button4105downward, the clearance would allow the center rod4196to move downward. In some alternative embodiments, this center rod4196is not necessarily present. The center rod4196is non-movable relative to the push button4105. The center rod4196can be an integral part of the push button4105. There can be three anchoring posts4192vertically extending from the bottom of the push button4105. Each of the three anchoring posts4192is non-movable relative to the push button4105. When the push button4105is installed onto the lid casing4101, these three anchoring posts4192are received within three corresponding anchoring sleeves4191. These anchoring sleeve4191are shown inFIG.17Awith a compression spring4190fitted over each.FIGS.17B-17Eprovide a better view of the anchoring sleeve4191where the compression springs4190have been removed. These three compression springs4190can provide a biasing force against a downward movement of the push button4105. These anchoring sleeves4191, being fixed onto the stationary floor4175, do not rotate along with the secondary gear4111. InFIG.17A, the stationary floor4175is partially shown through the three arcuate openings4161of the driving gear4110.FIG.17Eshows the stationary floor4175with the driving gear4110removed. Returning now toFIG.17A, the three anchoring posts4192can be received within the three corresponding anchoring sleeves4191all of which do not rotate. The push button4105also do not rotate during any steps of operating the push button4105. Instead, the downward action of the push button4105causes the driving gear4110to rotate relative to the floor4175and the three anchoring sleeves4191. On the underside of the push button4105there can be three raised ramps each of which has a curved biasing surface4197. These curved biasing surfaces4197abut against three corresponding curved receiving surfaces4198that are part of the driving gear4110. These curved biasing surfaces4197and their corresponding curved receiving surfaces4198can have various angels and each of them can be a slanted surface instead of a curved surface. A better view of the driving gear4110is shown inFIG.17Ewith the driving gear4110removed from the lid casing4101. InFIG.17E, the driving gear4110has a disc structure with three arcuate openings4161. In between the arcuate openings4161there can be three curved receiving surfaces4198. There is also a plurality of inward-facing gear teeth4117disposed along the rim of the driving gear4110. In the center of the driving gear4110there can be a circular opening. Under the driving gear4110there can be a stationary floor4175and three anchoring sleeves4191all of which are fixed to the stationary floor4175. There can also be an intermediate post4193fixed to the stationary floor4197. The purpose of the intermediate post4193will be described later. In the middle of the floor4175there can be a circular opening that exposes the secondary gear4111which can be coupled to the rotator102(seeFIGS.1-4). The secondary gear can rotate together with the rotator102relative to the floor4175which remains stationary during the operation of the waste pail1. There can be a torsion spring4115that has one end (upper left end inFIG.17A) to bias against an anchoring sleeve4191and has another end (lower right end inFIG.17A) to bias against a curved receiving surface4198. In this way, the driving gear4110is biased in a counterclockwise direction. When the curved biasing surfaces4197come down to abut against the curved receiving surfaces4198, the angle of the curved receiving surfaces4198causes the driving gear4110to turn in a clockwise direction against the biasing force of the torsion spring4115. FIG.17Billustrates the driving gear4110with the torsion spring4115and compression springs4190removed. Here, it can be clearly seen that the inward-facing teeth4117of the driving gear4110is in mating engagement with an intermediate gear4118. This intermediate gear4118is rotatably fixed in place by one of the three anchoring sleeves4191. This intermediate gear4118is in turn engaged with a smaller intermediate gear4118that is rotatably fixed in placed by the intermediate post4193(seeFIGS.17D,17E) which was briefly discussed above. This smaller intermediate gear4118can then transfer motion and power to the secondary gear4111. Secondary gear4111can be coupled to the rotator102(seeFIGS.1-4) via an axle/drive shaft with they share. FIG.17Cshows where one of the two intermediate gears4118is removed.FIG.17Dillustrates the various parts with both intermediate gears4118removed. Referring now toFIGS.18A-18Bwhere still another embodiment of gear mechanism is contemplated. Here, the manual actuator is a push button5015such as what is shown inFIG.16. The underside of this push button5015can include a vertically disposed twisted plate5197. Disposed under the push button5015is a fan-shaped driving gear5110having an arcuate opening with inward-facing gear teeth. At the rotational center of the driving gear5110there can be a slot5198through which the twisted plate5197can be positioned. The shape of the slot5198can be substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the twisted plate5197. FIG.18Ahas the twisted plate5197and the driving gear5110in an expanded view. The twisted plate5197is fixed onto the push button5015which does not rotate. The twist plate5197also does not rotate or otherwise move independently of the push button5015. When the push button5015is manually pressed downward against the biasing force of the compression spring5190, the spiral configuration of the twisted plate5197causes the driving gear5110to rotate, thereby directly driving the secondary gear5111. InFIG.18B, most of the components have been removed to show only a floor5175which has a circular wall5183. The circular wall5183can be an integral part of the floor5175and can position the driving gear5110in place. The floor5175is contemplated to be stationary and not rotatable relative to the lid casing5101. The secondary gear5111, on the other hand, can rotate independently of the floor5175. The secondary gear5111is coupled to the rotator102(seeFIG.1-4) via an axle they share such that when the secondary gear5111is driven to rotate, the rotator102also rotates in the same direction. InFIG.19, further contemplated is a design where the lid insert19ofFIGS.3-7,9-12is not present. All other components and functions can remain the same. This design may implement any of the above-mentioned gear mechanism types. It can also use the above-mentioned waste bag in the same fashion. Here, the rotator6102can have four catchers6103that are sufficiently long to directly couple to the protuberances5151on the inner collar5121. One of the protuberances5151can have a distinctive shape or size so that the rotator6102can close down on the inner collar5121only if the inner collar is at a particular position, e.g., only when the user has primed the waste bag by manually rotate the inner collar5121. FIGS.20-23illustrate yet another embodiment of waste pail1using a turn knob7105to actuate a rotator7102disposed on the underside of the lid casing7101. Here, no gears are necessarily present. InFIGS.20-23, only the top drum2and its inner components are illustrated. When fully assembled, this embodiment could have an exterior appearance such as that shown inFIGS.1and2. When the top lid7101is pivoted open, it could have the appearance as that shown inFIGS.3-12. One of ordinary skill in the art would immediately recognize that the top drum2ofFIGS.20-23as well as its inner components can interchange with any of the other components disclosed elsewhere in this application relative to top drum2. Referring now toFIG.20, this embodiment of the top drum2can include a lid casing7101having a generally dome shape. On top of the lid casing7101there can be chamber having a floor7175. This floor7175can be integral with the lid casing7101and cannot move relative to the lid casing7101. There can be a center hole7176through which a bottom end7117of an axle7116can be inserted through. As will be described in more details later, the axle7116couples the turn knob7105to the rotator7102such that when a user manually turns the turn knob7105, the rotator7102also turns. There can be a torsion spring7115disposed on the floor7175of the chamber. As will be described in more details later, this torsion spring7115biases the axle7116which in turn forces the rotator7102in a primed position during rest. Referring now toFIG.21, the axle7116has a rotational axis7152. At this rotational axis7152there can be a center bore to receive the vertical rod7188of the turn knob7105(seeFIG.23). The axle7116can have a half-circular bore7140to receive a half-circular cylinder7189of the turn knob7105(seeFIG.23). The vertical rod7188and half-circular cylinder7189can function to mechanically engage the axle7116so that when a user turns the turn knob7105, the vertical rod7188and the half-circular cylinder7189(both of which can be integral with the turn knob7105) could in turn rotate the axle7116. Cross-sectional shapes other than half-circular are also contemplated. On top of the axle7116there can be a slit7141to receive a center terminal end7194of the torsion spring7115(seeFIG.22). How the torsion spring7115functions will be described in more details later. The axle7116is disposed through the floor7175of the chamber, and the bottom end7117of the axis extends through the center hole7176of the floor7175and through the receiving bore7177of the rotator7102. The bottom end7117can have a corresponding cross-sectional shape to the shape of the receiving bore7177so that when the axle7116rotates, the rotator7102also rotates. This bottom end7117can be fixed to the receiving bore7177via know mechanical fasteners such as a retaining ring. As described in other embodiments above, the rotator7102can also have housings to store deodorizers7108. And similarly, there can be catchers7103disposed on the rotator7102for purposes described above. On the floor7175of the chamber there can be a side post7138fixed to the floor7175. The side post7138engages with the peripheral terminal end7195of the torsion spring to anchor the peripheral terminal end7195in place. Turning now toFIG.22, the torsion spring7115has its peripheral terminal end7195anchored to the side post7138, and its center terminal end7194can move along when the axle7116rotates. In this way, the axle7116is directly biased by the torsion spring7115into one direction. The axle7116can have a ramp configuration that engages with a stopper7199so as to limit the range of its rotational movement. The stopper7199is fixed to the floor7175. FIG.23illustrates the torsion7115being mechanically engaged with the axle7116. FIGS.24-36illustrate yet another embodiment of waste pail1using a pull-string handle8105to actuate a rotator8102(seeFIG.26) disposed on the underside of the lid casing8101. Here, no gears are necessarily present. InFIGS.24-36, only the top drum2and its inner components are illustrated. When fully assembled, this embodiment could have an exterior appearance like that shown inFIGS.1and2, except the turn knob105is replaced with a handle8105. When the top lid8101is pivoted open, it could have the appearance as that shown inFIGS.3-12. One of ordinary skill in the art would immediately recognize that the top drum2ofFIGS.24-36as well as its inner components can interchange with any of the other disclosed components disclosed elsewhere in this application relative to top drum2. Referring now toFIG.24, this embodiment of the top drum2can include a lid casing8101having a generally dome shape. Referring now toFIG.25, on top of the lid casing8101there can be chamber having a floor8175. This floor8175can be integral with the lid casing8101and cannot move relative to the lid casing8101. There can be a center hole8176(seeFIG.26) through which an axle extender8128can be inserted therethrough. InFIG.25, the axle extender8128is shown already inserted into the center hole8176. The axle extender8128can have a receiving bore having a cross-sectional shape that corresponds with the cross-sectional shape of axle8116in order to matingly receive the axle8116therein. The axle8116mechanically engages with the axle extender8128such that when the axle8116turns, the axle extender8128also turns within the center hole8176. In some embodiments, the axle extender8128can be an integral part of the axle8116and does not need to be a separate piece. The module8129houses various moving parts, which will be described in more details below. The module8129can be fastened to the lid casing8101by any known fastening methods and fasteners, such as screws. The module8129does not need to be removed from the lid casing8101during the normal operation of the waste disposal pail1. As will be described in more details later, the axle8116is driven by the pull-string handle8105such that when a user manually pulls the handle8105, the axle8116would rotate which indirectly rotates the rotator8102. Referring now toFIG.26, the axle extender8128has a bottom portion with a corresponding cross-sectional shape to the shape of the receiving bore8177on the rotator8102so that when the axle extender8128rotates, the rotator8102also rotates. This axle extender8128can be fixed to the receiving bore8177via know mechanical fasteners such as a retaining ring. As described in other embodiments above, the rotator8102can also have housings to store deodorizers8108. And similarly, there can be catchers8103disposed on the rotator8102for purposes described above. Referring now toFIG.27, the handle8105rests on the top of the module8129, and the top of the module can have a bowl-shape space8139allowing a user to insert his/her fingers therein to grasp the handle8105. Referring now toFIG.28, the handle8105is attached to the handle end8167of the pull-string8166. In some embodiments, pull-string8166can extend through a bore at the bottom of the bowl-shaped space8139, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Pull-string8166can wrap around a pillar8146and be redirected into a circular track8165. Circular track8165is coupled to the axle8116such that when the circular track8165rotates, the axle8116also rotates. There can be a circular first retaining wall8145that is part of the module housing8155. The circular first retaining wall8145keeps the circular track8165centered within the module housing8155. Referring now toFIG.29, there can magnets8106disposed on the terminal ends of the handle8105so that when a user allows the pull-string8166to retract, the magnets8106can adhere to metal pieces8107disposed on the handle-receiving concave surfaces of the module8129(seeFIG.36). In another embodiment, the metal pieces8107may be placed on the underside of the handle-receiving concave surfaces so that the metal pieces8107are hidden from view. As shown inFIGS.29-32, there can be a pulley bar8159to provide a smooth change-of-direction as the pull-string8166is directed towards the pillar8146(seeFIG.28). Returning toFIG.29, the circular track8165can have a generally disc-shape with a grove on its peripheral edge to receive the pull-string8166. Pull-string8166wraps around the groove and the anchor end8168of the pull-string8166is fixed to a restrictor8160, which is part of the circular track8165. In one embodiment, the majority length of the pull-string8166can be wound around the circular track8165at rest. When the handle8105is pulled away from the module housing8155, the anchor end8168of the pull-string8166acts on the restrictor8160and causes the circular track8165to rotate. In turn, the axle8116also rotates. Referring now toFIGS.33-35, there can be a torsion spring8115disposed within the confines of second retaining wall8147. The second retaining wall8147is a part of the module housing8155and remains stationary during operation. This torsion spring8115has a center terminal end8194that can be received with a slit8117(seeFIG.29) of the axle8116. The peripheral terminal end8195of the torsion spring is anchored at the side post8138, which can be part of the module housing8155. The side post8138remains stationary during operation. In this way, the torsion spring8115biases the axle8116in one direction. When the handle8105is pulled, the axle8116rotates in the opposite direction. FIG.36provides an overview of the various parts discussed above in an exploded view. Additionally, while the operations and/or methods may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations and/or method steps be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiment includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed herein even when not initially claimed in such combinations. Thus, specific embodiments and applications of a waste pail have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the disclosed concepts herein. The disclosed embodiments, therefore, are not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalent within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments. In addition, where the specification and claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring at least one element from the group which includes N, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. | 43,917 |
11858734 | The drawings, described above, are provided for purposes of illustration, and not of limitation, of the aspects and features of various examples of embodiments of the invention described herein. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention in any aspect. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale and the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Further, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing implementation of the one or more embodiments described herein. FIGS.7-21illustrate a trash can with lid assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which comprises a tubular shell10, a base20, a foot pedal30, a lid assembly,40, a link assembly50, a transition arrangement60, and a sealing arrangement70. Referring toFIGS.8-10and18-19, the shell10, which is made of durable material such as metal or plastic, has an upper end11defining a top opening110, a lower end12and a receiving cavity13defined between the upper end11and the lower end12for receiving a trash bag80therein. The base20is mounted to the lower end12of the shell10. The shell10can have any desired shape, including oval, triangular, rectangular, square or circular. The upper end11of the shell10forms an annular lip to provide a circular upper edge111and define the top opening110. Referring toFIGS.12,13and16, the base20is mounted to the lower end12of the shell10. The base20comprises a bottom base21and a curved skirt22mounted on the bottom base21. The lower end12of the shell10is securely mounted on the bottom base21to form an integral body and the skirt22which can be formed in one plastic piece is positioned in the receiving cavity13and mounted on the bottom base21to function as a bottom of the receiving cavity13. According to the preferred embodiment, the bottom base21has a U-shaped cross section defining a bottom chamber211therein. The foot pedal30is pivotally coupled at a side of the base20. The link assembly50. The lid assembly40comprises a retainer rim41and a lid42, wherein the retainer rim has a rim opening410and is pivotally coupled to the shell10such that the retainer rim41is able to be selectively resting on the upper edge111of the shell10while the rim opening410is communicating with the receiving cavity13through the top opening110of the shell10(as shown inFIGS.7-10,13, and16) or pivotally lifting up away from the upper edge111of the shell (as shown inFIGS.18-20). The lid42is pivotally mounted to the shell10and configured to selectively move between an open state and a close state, wherein in the close state, as shown inFIGS.7,9-10and13, the lid42sits on the retainer rim41and covers the rim opening410of the retainer rim42and the top opening110of the shell10. Referring toFIGS.9,16and18-20, the link assembly50is arranged to couple the foot pedal30to lid42in such a manner that the lid42is able to be lifted up pivotally from the retainer rim42to the open state in response to a pressing force applied to the foot pedal30, as shown inFIG.16. In the open state, the lid42is pivotally lifted up to have a first included angle A1of 90 degrees or less from the retainer rim sited on the upper edge111of the shell10, and the lid42falls back to the close state when the pressing force applied to the foot pedal30is released. The transition arrangement60is coupled with the lid42of the lid assembly40that enables the lid42to be selectively transited between a normal state, as shown inFIGS.7-10,13-14and16-17, and a transition state, as shown inFIGS.18-21. In the normal state, the lid42is operatable between the open state and the close state through the foot pedal30. When the lid42is pivotally lifted up to have a second included angle A2larger than 90 degrees, the lid42is in the transition state and would not fall back toward the retainer rim41such that the receiving cavity13is remained opened through the top opening110of the shell10and the rim opening410of the retainer rim41, as shown inFIG.19A, to facilitate the user to dispose trash continuously. Also, during this transition state, the retainer rim41is able to be pivotally lifted up to the second included angle to rest against the lid42, as shown inFIG.19B, for replacing the trach bag80in the receiving cavity13of the shell10and inverting up the opening portion81over the upper edge111of the shell10until the retainer rim41is moved back to site on the upper edge111of the shell10to sandwich the opening portion81of the trash bag80between the upper edge111of the shell10and the retainer rim41. It is appreciated that when the lid42and the retainer rim41are pivotally rotated rearwards to lift up for more than 90 degrees as shown inFIGS.19A and19B, the center of gravity of the lid42or the retainer rim41is beyond a rear side of the shell10so that the rid42and the retainer rim41will remain in the lifted up position unless an external force is applied to rotate frontward to move back the retainer rim41to its normal siting position. As shown inFIG.20, when the lid assembly40is in the transition state, both the retainer rim41and the rid42are uplifted to have the second included angle (larger than 90 degrees from horizontal) A2that the upper edge111, the top opening110and the receiving cavity13of the shell10are exposed to the user for placing the trash bag80(as shown in dotted lines) in the receiving cavity13with the opening portion81of the trash bag80outwardly and downwardly inverted and folded outside the upper edge111of the shell10. Then, the user may manually and pivotally move the retainer rim41downwards back to its normal state to seat on the upper edge111of the shell10to hold the trash bag80in position, as shown inFIGS.10and14. The link assembly50extends from the foot pedal30along the base20and then upwardly along the shell10to the lid42. Referring toFIGS.9-10and13-14, according to the preferred embodiment, the link assembly50comprises a hinge assembly51provided to an upper position of the rear side of the shell10, a pedal bar52and a link rod53. According to the preferred embodiment, referring to the retainer rim41is pivotally coupled with the hinge assembly51and can be made of metal, plastic or a configuration comprising a plastic inner layer and a metal outer layer. The retainer rim41has an annular base411that is adapted to be seated on the upper edge111of the shell10, an outer annular wall412and an inner annular wall413vertically and downwardly extending from the annular base411to define a retaining recess414therebetween and a shoulder415between the outer and inner annular walls412,413and the annular base411. The outer annular wall412is preferred to be made longer than the inner annular wall413and the size and shape of the retaining recess414are arranged to allow the upper edge111of the shell10to be fittingly inserted therein until the shoulder415sited on the upper edge111of the shell, as shown inFIGS.10and14, such that when the retainer rim41is manually and pivotally moves downwards back to its normal state to seat on the upper edge111of the shell10, the opening portion81of the trash bag80is secured in position and covered by the outer wall412of the retainer rim41from outside. A downward pressing force is applied by the weight of the retainer rim41to the upper edge111of the shell10and the opening portion81of the trash bag80that significantly secures the trash bag80to be mounted in the shell10properly. Referring toFIGS.12,13,16and19A-20, the pedal bar52is pivotally secured in the base20through a pivot axle521and extended from a front side to a rear side of the base20. The foot pedal30is provided at a front side of the base20and integrally connected to a front end of the pedal bar52, and a bottom end of the link rod53is pivotally coupled to a rear end of the pedal bar52, as shown inFIGS.16and19A-19B. The link assembly50operates to translate an up and down pivotal motion of the pedal30to an up and down pivotal motion for the lid42. The pedal bar52pivotally coupled to the base20is capable of pivoting movement about the pivot axle521. The bottom end of the link rod53is preferred to be housed inside the base20and the link rod53extends upwardly along the rear side of the shell10to the hinge assembly51. The hinge assembly51is configured for pivotally coupling the retainer rim41and the lid42of the lid assembly40along a pivot axis defined by a pivot axle511which is supported by an axle supporter5111formed in the hinge housing510. The hinge assembly51is illustrated in enlarged views inFIGS.14,17and21. The hinge assembly51comprises a hinge housing510which comprises a hinge base5101mounted to an upper portion of the rear side of the shell10. The hinge assembly51further comprises a pair of first pivot arms416,417integrally and rearwardly extended from a rear side of the retainer rim41and a pair of second pivot arms426,427integrally and rearwardly extended from a rear side of the lid42, as shown inFIGS.8and21, wherein the pair of second pivot arms426,427is positioned between the pair of first pivot arms416,417. Each of the first and second pivot arms416,417,426,427has a through hole configured for the pivot axle511extending therethrough, such that both the retainer rim41and the lid42are able to be operated to pivotally rotate about the pivot axle511at the same time or independently. The hinge housing510is secured to an outer surface of the upper portion of the rear side of the shell10by means of the hinge base5101below the upper end11of the shell10so as to define a retaining gap14between the upper edge111of said shell10and the hinge base5101of said hinge housing510, as illustrated inFIGS.14,19B and21. In other words, the retaining gap14is formed between the hinge assembly51of the link assembly50and the upper edge111of the shell10for a respective portion of the opening portion81of the trash bag80to be folded and retained therein (as shown inFIG.14). The depth of the retaining gap14can be controlled by the mounting position of the hinge base5101to the shell10, the lower the hinge housing510is located, the deeper is the retaining gap14. Referring toFIGS.14,17-18and21, a top portion of the link rod53has a hooked driving stud531provided thereto and extending through the hinge housing510. The transition arrangement60comprises a pivot holder61integrally extended from an inner surface of the lid42via a holder support421protruded from the inner surface of the lid42. The pivot holder61has a L shaped transition slot62defining an upper slot portion621and a lower slot portion622, wherein the driving stud531is movably inserted into the transition slot62such that the driving stud531is normally retained for pivoting motion in the upper slot portion621of the transition slot62, as shown inFIG.17. When the lid42is fully opened, the user may manually push the driving stud531into the lower slot portion622of the transition slot62, which will then secure the lid42in the transition state, as shown inFIG.21, until the driving stud531is disengaged from the lower slot portion622of the transition slot62. Accordingly, when the driving stud531is normally positioned in the upper slot portion621of the transition slot62, the movement of the lid42is limited to be operated by the foot pedal30to lift up to the first included angle A1, wherein as long as the foot pedal30is pressed down as shown inFIG.16, the lid42is driven to the open state as shown inFIGS.16and17, wherein when the pressing force applied to the foot pedal30is removed, since the lid42is having the first included angle A1from retainer rim41, the weight of the lid42will move to lid42to drop down back to its close state, as shown inFIGS.13and14, due to gravity. To slow down the down falling motion of the lid42, the hinge assembly51further comprises a damper514, as shown inFIGS.14and21, housed by the hinge housing510to position below the pivot holder61to slow down the movement of the pivot holder61while the lid42is falling down back to its close state. When the lid42is operated by the stepped down foot pedal30to the open state, the driving stud531is allowed to be adjusted and moved into the lower slot portion622of the transition slot62, as shown inFIGS.18-21, and the lid42is able to be further rotated about the pivot axle511rearwards to have the second included angle A2from the upper end11of the shell10to lock the lid42in its transition state while the foot pedal30is also retained in the stepped down position, as shown inFIGS.19A and19B, wherein the weight of the lid42can retain the lid42in this transition state, as shown inFIG.19A, and the rim opening410of retainer rim41and the top opening110of the shell10are exposed to outside, such that the trash can is remained in open state for the user to dispose trash or waste continuously without repeatedly stepping down the foot pedal30. During such transition state, the user may further lift the retainer rim41up to drive the retainer rim41to upwardly rotate about the pivot axle511until the retainer rim41is positioned at the second included angle A2for replacing the trash bag80, as shown inFIGS.19B and20. After a new trach bag80is replaced, the user may simply move the retainer rim41back from its transition state to its normal state, resting on the upper end11of the shell10to secure the opening portion81of the trash bag80around the upper edge111of the shell10. According to the preferred embodiment, the transition assembly60takes advantage of the gravity to avoid additional component and complicated structure that substantially simplifies the configuration of the trash can, lowers its manufacturing cost and reduces the possibility of mal-function and failure in operation of the lid assembly. Referring toFIGS.8-10, the sealing arrangement70is provided between an engagement the lid42and the retainer rim41while the lid42is sited and seated on the retainer rim41. The sealing arrangement70is constituted by a circular sealing slot71indented in a top ring surface418of the retainer rim41which is extended around the rim opening410and a circular ridge72is protruded on a bottom surface420of the lid42, which is sized and shaped to engage with the sealing slot71so as to provide a zig-zag engagement sealing effect for the lid assembly40, as shown inFIGS.8and10, to prevent odor inside the trash can from leaking. It is appreciated that sealing materials such as rubber or the like can be coated on the surfaces of the sealing slot71and the ridge72so as to enhance the sealing ability. According to the preferred embodiment, referring toFIGS.7,9and10, a predetermined outer size of the retainer rim41and an outer size of the lid42are arranged to be the same so that the lid42can be fittingly sited on the retainer rim41while the bottom surface420of the lid42can be seated on the top ring surface418of the retainer rim41in the close state, as shown inFIG.10. The lid42has a panel configuration without any surrounding flange such that the lid42is arranged to overlappingly site on the retainer rim41while an outer surrounding side422of the lid42is aligned with the outer annular wall412of the retainer rim41to provide a neat appearance and sealing effect for ease of cleaning and allowing the trash can to be located against a wall surface with its side, as shown inFIG.7, while the lid42can still be smoothly lifting up and down to open and close the trash can. It is further appreciated that such overlapping configuration of the lid42on the retainer rim41allows the user to observe from outside whether the lid42has completely closed the top opening110of the shell10that is important to prevent the odor of the trash and waste collected in the trash can from leaking. Especially when the trash can is fully loaded with trash and waste, the downwardly extending flange of the conventional lid may prevent the user to observe whether lid is fully closed. According to the present invention, when the user finds the lid42failing to completely and overlappingly seat on the retainer rim41, it is the time to replace the trash bag80. As shown inFIG.10, in order to enhance the sealing ability of the lid42, according to preferred embodiment, the sealing slot71is configured to be an outer open slot surrounding a convex sealing surface711formed around annular base411. Correspondingly, the ridge72has an inner concave sealing surface721shaped and sized with respect to the convex sealing surface711, such that the concave sealing surface721of said lid42is engaged with the convex sealing surface711of said retainer rim41when the lid42is in the close state. In other words, when the lid42is normally in the close state, the weight of the lid42will apply a pivot downward force F about the pivot axle511to press the concave sealing surface721against the convex sealing surface711due to gravity to ensure a better air-tight effect to conseal the receiving cavity13from outside. Referring toFIGS.22to36, an alternative mode of the trash can with lid assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, which has the same structure of the trash can as shown inFIGS.8to21and the different is the shape of the shell10the lid assembly40. It is intended to illustrate the structure and the operation method of the trash can of the present invention can be applied to all kinds of trash can in different shapes and sizes. It is worth mentioning that the sealing arrangement70as illustrated inFIG.10of the preferred embodiment is also configured in the alternative mode of as shown in theFIGS.22-36. One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims. | 19,345 |
11858735 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1depicts an example system for collecting refuse. Vehicle102is a refuse collection vehicle that operates to collect and transport refuse (e.g., garbage). The refuse collection vehicle102can also be described as a garbage collection vehicle, or garbage truck. The vehicle102is configured to lift containers130that contain refuse, and empty the refuse in the containers into a hopper of the vehicle102, to enable transporting the refuse to a collection site, compacting of the refuse, and/or other refuse handling activities. The body components104of the vehicle102can include various components that are appropriate for the particular type of vehicle102. A vehicle with an automated side loader (ASL), such as the example shown inFIGS.2A-2C, may include body components104involved in the operation of the ASL, such as an arm and/or grabbers, as well as other body components such as a pump, a tailgate, a packer, and so forth. Body components104may also include other types of components that operate to bring garbage into a hopper (or other storage area) of a truck, compress and/or arrange the garbage in the hopper, and/or expel the garbage from the hopper. The vehicle102can include any number of body sensor devices106that sense body component(s)104and generate sensor data110describing the operation(s) and/or the operational state of various body components. The body sensor devices106are also referred to as sensor devices, or sensors. Sensors may be arranged in the body components, or in proximity to the body components, to monitor the operations of the body components. The sensors106emit signals that include the sensor data110describing the body component operations, and the signals may vary appropriately based on the particular body component being monitored. In some implementations, the sensor data110is analyzed, by a computing device on the vehicle and/or by remote computing device(s), to identify the presence of a triggering condition based at least partly on the operational state of one or more body components104, as described in further detail below. Sensors106can include, but are not limited to, an analog sensor, a digital sensor, a CAN bus sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a stereo camera sensor, a three-dimensional (3D) camera, an in-cylinder sensor, or a combination thereof. Sensors106can be provided on the vehicle body to evaluate cycles and/or other parameters of various body components. For example, as described in further detail herein, the sensors106can detect and measure the particular position or operational state of body components, such as the position of a lift arm111or the position of a grabber113of the vehicle102. In some implementations, the sensor data110may be communicated from the sensors to an onboard computing device132in the vehicle102. In some instances, the onboard computing device is an under-dash device (UDU), and may also be referred to as the Gateway. Alternatively, the computing device132may be placed in some other suitable location in or on the vehicle. The sensor data110may be communicated from the sensors to the onboard computing device132over a wired connection (e.g., an internal bus) and/or over a wireless connection. In some implementations, a bus in conformance with International Organization of Standardization (ISO) standard 11898 connects the various sensors with the onboard computing device. In some implementations, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus connects the various sensors with the onboard computing device. For example, a CAN bus in conformance with ISO standard 11898 can connect the various sensors with the onboard computing device. In some implementations, the sensors may be incorporated into the various body components. Alternatively, the sensors106may be separate from the body components. In some implementations, the sensors106digitize the signals that communicate the sensor data before sending the signals to the onboard computing device, if the signals are not already in a digital format. The analysis of the sensor data110is performed at least partly by the onboard computing device132, e.g., by processes that execute on the processor(s)114. For example, the onboard computing device132may execute processes that perform an analysis of the sensor data110to determine the current position of the body components, such as the position of a lift arm and a grabber of the refuse collection vehicle102. In some implementations, an onboard program logic controller or an onboard mobile controller perform analysis of the sensor data110to determine the current position of the body components104. The onboard computing device132can include one or more processors114that provide computing capacity, data storage166of any suitable size and format, and network interface controller(s)118that facilitate communication of the device132with other device(s) over one or more wired or wireless networks. In some implementations, a vehicle includes a body controller that manages and/or monitors various body components of the vehicle. The body controller of a vehicle can be connected to multiple sensors in the body of the vehicle. The body controller can transmit one or more signals over a CAN network or a J1939 network, or other wiring on the vehicle, when the body controller senses a state change from any of the sensors. These signals from the body controller can be received by the onboard computing device132that is monitoring the CAN network or the J1939 network. In some implementations, the onboard computing device is a multi-purpose hardware platform. The device can include a UDU (Gateway) and/or a window unit (WU) (e.g., a device with cameras, speakers, and/or microphones) to record video and/or audio operational activities of the vehicle. The onboard computing device hardware subcomponents can include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: a CPU, a memory or data storage unit, a CAN interface, a CAN chipset, NIC(s) such as an Ethernet port, USB port, serial port, I2c lines(s), and so forth, I/O ports, a wireless chipset, a global positioning system (GPS) chipset, a real-time clock, a micro SD card, an audio-video encoder and decoder chipset, and/or external wiring for CAN and for I/O. The device can also include temperature sensors, battery and ignition voltage sensors, motion sensors, CAN bus sensors, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an altimeter, a GPS chipset with or without dead reckoning, and/or a digital can interface (DCI). The DCI cam hardware subcomponent can include the following: CPU, memory, can interface, can chipset, Ethernet port, USB port, serial port, I2c lines, I/O ports, a wireless chipset, a GPS chipset, a real-time clock, and external wiring for CAN and/or for I/O. In some implementations, the onboard computing device is a smartphone, tablet computer, and/or other portable computing device that includes components for recording video and/or audio data, processing capacity, transceiver(s) for network communications, and/or sensors for collecting environmental data, telematics data, and so forth. In some implementations, one or more cameras112can be mounted on the vehicle102or otherwise present on or in the vehicle102. The camera(s)112each generate image data128that includes one or more images of a scene external to and in proximity to the vehicle102. In some implementations, one or more cameras112are arranged to capture image(s) and/or video of a refuse container130before, after, and/or during the operations of body components104to engage and empty the refuse container130. For example, for a side loading vehicle, the camera(s)112can be arranged to image objects to the side of the vehicle, such as a side that mounts the ASL to lift containers. In some implementations, camera(s)112can capture video of a scene external to, internal to, and in proximity to the vehicle102. In some implementations, the camera(s)112are communicably coupled to a graphical display120to communicate images and/or video captured by the camera(s)112to the graphical display120. In some implementations, the graphical display120is placed within the interior of the vehicle. For example, as depicted inFIGS.2A-2C, the graphical display120can be placed within the cab of vehicle102such that the images and/or video can be viewed by an operator of the vehicle102on a screen122of the graphical display120. In some implementations, the graphical display120is a heads-up display that projects images and/or video onto the windshield of the vehicle102for viewing by an operator of the vehicle102. In some implementations, the images and/or video captured by the camera(s)112can be communicated to the onboard computing device132in the vehicle102. Images and/or video captured by the camera(s)112can be communicated from the camera(s)112to the onboard computing device132over a wired connection (e.g., an internal bus) and/or over a wireless connection. In some implementations, a J1939 bus or a CAN bus connects the camera(s) with the onboard computing device. In some implementations, the camera(s)112are incorporated into the various body components. Alternatively, the camera(s)112may be separate from the body components. FIGS.2A-2Cdepict an example schematic of a refuse collection vehicle. The refuse collection vehicle102includes various body components including, but not limited to: a lift arm111, a grabber113, a back gate or tailgate115, and a hopper117to collect refuse for transportation. As depicted inFIGS.2A-2C, the vehicle102also includes one or more cameras112. In the examples shown inFIGS.2A-2C, a camera112is positioned to visualize the environment proximate a side of the refuse collection vehicle102, including a refuse container130to be engaged by the vehicle102. The side view camera112can be aligned with a centerline of the grabber113to visualize a container130to be engaged by the grabber113. The side view camera112helps provide the vehicle operator150with a clear visual line of sight of a refuse container130located to the side of the vehicle102. For example, images and/or video captured by camera112can be provided to a graphical display120for display on a screen122of the graphical display120. As shown inFIGS.2A-2C, a graphical display120is placed within the cab of vehicle102such that the images and/or video captured by camera112can be viewed on a screen122of the display120by the operator150of the vehicle102. In some implementations, the graphical display120is a heads-up display that projects images and/or video captured by camera112onto the windshield of the vehicle102for viewing by an operator of the vehicle102. In some implementations, the images and/or video captured by the camera112can be communicated to a graphical display120of an onboard computing device (such as onboard computing device132ofFIG.1) in the vehicle102. Images and/or video captured by the camera112can be communicated to the graphical display120, over a wired connection (e.g., an internal bus) and/or over a wireless connection. In some implementations, a J1939 bus or CAN bus connects the camera(s) with the onboard computing device. The ability to visualize the side of the vehicle102via the side view camera112and the screen122may be particularly useful when the refuse container130to be engaged is within close proximity of the vehicle102. In some implementations, the side view camera112is contained within an enclosure. For example, the camera112can be contained within a metal enclosure that also includes a light source. Placing the side view camera112in an enclosure can help protect the camera112from debris. The vehicle102also includes a plurality of body sensors106positioned to determine the state and/or detect the operations of the body components104. In the example shown inFIGS.2A-2C, the vehicle102includes an arm position sensor106athat is arranged to detect the relative position of the lift arm111. For example, data provided by the arm position sensor106acan be used to determine the height of an end of the lift arm111relative to the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned. In some examples, the sensor106afor detecting the relative position of the lift arm111is coupled to a cylinder250that is coupled to the lift arm111. For example, the sensor106acan detect the relative position of the lift arm111based on the amount of travel of a piston252coupled to the lift arm111from the cylinder250. In some implementations, arm position sensor106ais located inside a cylinder250coupled to lift arm111. In some implementations, position sensor106ais located on the outside of a housing containing a cylinder250coupled to lift arm111. In some examples, arm position sensor106aincludes two sensors, with a first sensor being located inside a cylinder used for raising the lift arm111and a second sensor being located inside a cylinder used for extending the lift arm111. Body sensors106can include, but are not limited to, an analog sensor, a digital sensor, a CAN bus sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, a RADAR sensor, a LIDAR sensor, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a stereo camera sensor, a three-dimensional (3D) camera, an in-cylinder sensor, or a combination thereof. The vehicle102also includes one or more grabber sensors106b. The grabber sensor106bcan be arranged to detect the position and state of the grabber113. For example, the grabber sensor106bcan be used to detect the relative position of the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113. In some examples, the grabber sensor106bdetects a distance between the gripper arms116a,116. In some examples, data provided by the grabber sensor106bcan be used to determine an angle of the grabber113relative to the body of the vehicle102. In some examples, data provided by the grabber sensor106bcan be used to determine the speed of movement of the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113. In some implementations, the grabber sensor106bcan be used to determine the pressure being applied to a refuse container by the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113. In some examples, the grabber sensor106bincludes one or more sensors positioned in one or more rotary actuators coupled to the grabber113and is configured to detect angular movement of the grabber113. As shown inFIGS.3A-3C, in some examples, the grabber sensor106bis coupled to a cylinder240that is coupled to the grabber113. For example, the sensor106can detect the relative position of the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113and the pressure being applied by the gripper arms116a,116bbased on the amount of travel of a piston242coupled to the gripper arms116,116bfrom the cylinder240. In some implementations, the grabber sensor106bcan detect the speed of travel of gripper arms116a,116bbased on the rate of extension or retraction of a piston242coupled to the gripper arms116,116bfrom the cylinder240. In some implementations, the grabber sensor(s)106bfor are located inside a cylinder240coupled to the grabber113. In some implementations, the grabber sensor(s)106bare located on the outside of a housing containing a cylinder240coupled to the grabber113. Grabber position sensor(s)106bfor detecting the position of the gripper arms116a,116bcan include, but are not limited to, an analog sensor, a digital sensor, a CAN bus sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, a RADAR sensor, a LIDAR sensor, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a stereo camera sensor, a three-dimensional (3D) camera, an in-cylinder sensor, or a combination thereof. As depicted inFIGS.2A-2C, one or more controls140,142,145are provided to control mechanical components of the vehicle. For example, as will be described in detail herein, controllers140,142can be provided to control movement of the lift arm111and the grabber113. As shown inFIG.2A, a refuse container130can be engaged by the grabber113of the refuse collection vehicle102. The grabber113includes two gripper arms116a,116bthat are configured to encapsulate and apply pressure to a refuse container130to engage the refuse container130. As explained in further detail herein, the relative positioning of the lift arm111and of the grabber113can be adjusted to engage a refuse container130. As shown inFIG.2A, engaging the refuse container130includes extending the lift arm111of the vehicle102outward from the vehicle102until the grabber113is in a position to engage the refuse container130. Once the grabber113is in close proximity to the refuse container130, the distance between the gripper arms116a,116bis reduced to engage and apply pressure to the refuse container130. In some implementations, the one or more gripper arms116a,116bcontinue to move inward until a threshold pressure is applied to the refuse container. As described in further detail herein, the speed of travel of the gripper arms116a,116band the pressure applied to the refuse container130by the gripper arms116a,116bcan be adjusted using one or more controllers140,142. In some implementations, the pressure applied to the refuse container130by the gripper arms116a,116bis automatically adjusted based on feedback from one or more sensors. For example, one or more sensors may be configured to detect the changes in hydraulic pressure of the grabber113, and, in response to the detected hydraulic pressure changes, the pressure applied to the refuse container130by the gripper arms116a,116bis automatically adjusted. As depicted inFIGS.2B and2C, after the refuse container130is engaged by the grabber113, the engaged refuse container130is lifted to a dump position138and the contents of the refuse container130are dumped into the hopper117of the refuse collection vehicle102. The grabber113maintains the pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bto the refuse container130throughout the process of lifting the container130and dumping the contents of the container130to ensure that the container130is not prematurely dropped. In some implementations, the pressure provided by the gripper arms116a,116bis increased while the refuse container130is being rolled into a dump position138. After the contents of the engaged refuse container130are dumped into the hopper117of the refuse collection vehicle102, the lift arm111is lowered to return the refuse container130to the ground (or to another surface on which the refuse container was positioned when initially engaged by the grabber113). Once the refuse container130has been lowered to the ground or other placement surface, the gripper arms116a,116bmove apart from one another to release the refuse container130from the grabber113. As previously discussed, the refuse collection vehicle102uses a grabber113to engage a refuse container130and uses a lift arm111to raise the engaged container130to release its contents into the hopper117of the vehicle102.FIGS.3A-3Cdepict top views of an example grabber113. As depicted inFIG.3A, the grabber113includes two opposing gripper arms116a,116b. In some examples, as depicted inFIGS.3B and3C, the grabber113also includes belts232a,232battached to each the gripper arms116a,116b. The belts232a,232ballow for improved engagement between the grabber113and a refuse container130and allow for engagement of refuse containers130of various sizes. In some examples, belts232include one or more rubber belts.FIG.3Cdepicts a refuse container130engaged by the grabber113. In some examples, an assembly including a cylinder240and a piston242move the gripper arms116a,116bbetween an open position (as depicted inFIG.3A) to a closed or grabbing position (as depicted inFIG.3B). For example, extension of the piston242from the cylinder240will cause the gripper arms116a,116bto move inward toward a closed position and reduce the distance260between the gripper arms116a,116b. Retraction of the piston242into the cylinder240causes the gripper arms116a,116bto move outward towards an open position and increase the distance260between the gripper arms116a,116b. In some examples, grabber sensor106bis coupled to the cylinder240and measures the relative positioning of the gripper arms116a,116bbased on the amount of extension of the piston242from the cylinder240. In some examples, controls (such as controls140,142ofFIG.1) can be provided to control the movement of the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113. For examples, control (such as controls140,142ofFIG.1) can be provided to control the speed with which the gripper arms116a,116bmove between an open position (as depicted inFIG.3A) and a closed or grabbing position (as depicted inFIG.3B). In some implementations, the speed of gripper arm movement can be adjusted using a proportional push button control140. For example, a proportional push button located in the cab of the vehicle can be used to proportionally adjust the speed of movement of the gripper arms116a,116b. The proportional button control140can be configured such that the speed with which the gripper arms116a,116bmove between an open position and a closed position is adjusted proportionally with the amount of button140travel. For example, if the proportional button control140is depressed 50%, the speed of movement of the gripper arms116a,116bwill be set to 50% of a maximum speed. If the proportional button control140is fully depressed, the gripper arms116a,116bwill move between an open position and a closed position at a maximum speed. In some examples, the proportional button control140is communicably coupled to the cylinder240and piston242assembly coupled to the grabber113such that the proportional button control140controls the speed of extension and retraction of the piston242from the cylinder240, which controls the speed of movement of the gripper arms116a,116b. In some examples, the proportional button control140is communicably coupled to the hydraulic system of the grabber113such that the proportional control140controls the hydraulic flow to the grabber113, which controls the speed of gripper arm116a,116bmovement. In some implementations, proportional push button control140is communicably coupled to an onboard computing device (such as onboard computing device132ofFIG.1.) For example, proportional push button control140may communicate with onboard computing device132over a J1939 network or over a CAN network. In some examples, the proportional button control140for controlling gripper arm speed is integrated into a joystick controller145. In some examples, the joystick controller145is used to control movement of the lift arm111of the vehicle. In some examples, the proportional button control140for grabber arm speed is integrated into a dashboard of the cab of the refuse collection vehicle. In some examples, the proportional button control140for gripper arm speed includes two proportional push buttons: a first button to adjust the speed of inward movement of the gripper arms116a,116band a second button to adjust the speed of outward movement of the gripper arms116a,116b. As the gripper arms116a,116bmove inward to the engage and grasp a refuse container, as shown inFIG.2C, the gripper arms116a,116bapply a pressure to the refuse container130. In some examples, controllers (such as controllers140,142ofFIG.2A-2C) are provided to control the pressure applied to the refuse can130by the gripper arms116a,116b. For example, the gripper arms116a,116bmay be configured to apply a baseline pressure to a refuse container130, and a controller142located within the vehicle102can be used to adjust the pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bto the refuse container130. FIG.4depicts an example controller142for adjusting the pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113. As depicted inFIG.4, controller142may be provided as a touchscreen display402displaying a graphical user interface having one or more control elements406,408,410,412. Each of the control elements406,408,410,412can be used to adjust the pressure provided by the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113. As shown inFIG.4, the GUI of the controller142also includes a control element404displaying the current pressure setting for the pressure provided by the gripper arms116a,116b. The GUI of the controller142includes a first control element406for increasing the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bon a refuse container. In some examples, each time an operator selects the first control element406, the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116is increased by a defined incremental amount. For example, if the incremental amount is 10 pounds per square inch (psi), an operator may increase the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bby 30 psi by selecting the first control element406three times. In some examples, the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bcan be increased in increments in a range of 1 psi to 3000 psi using control element406. In some examples, the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bcan be increased in increments of 10 psi using control element406. The GUI of the controller142includes a second control element408for decreasing the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bon a refuse container. In some examples, each time an operator selects the second control element408, the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116is decreased by a defined incremental amount. For example, if the incremental amount is 10 psi, an operator may decrease the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bby 30 psi by selecting the second control element408three times. In some examples, the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bcan be decreased in increments in a range of 1 psi to 3000 psi using control element408. In some examples, the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bcan be decreased in increments of 10 psi using control element408. The controller142also includes control elements410for automatically adjusting the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bbased on a selected refuse container size. Control elements410each correspond to a particular size of refuse container, as defined by volume. For example, as depicted inFIG.4, control element410acorresponds to a 32-gallon refuse container, control element410bcorresponds to a 48-gallon refuse container, control element410ccorresponds to a 64-gallon refuse container, and control element410dcorresponds to a 96-gallon refuse container. Controller142can store a gripper pressure corresponding to each refuse container size associated with each control element410. The stored pressure associated with each refuse container size can be equal to a pressure sufficient of maintain engagement between the grabber113and a fully loaded refuse container of the respective size. In response to an operator's selection of one of control elements410, the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bis automatically adjusted to the stored gripper pressure associated with the selected control element410. For example, if an operator selects control element410c, the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bwill be automatically adjusted to the stored pressure associated with control element410c. As depicted inFIG.4, the GUI of the controller142also includes a reset control element412that allows an operator to reset the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bto a baseline pressure. In some implementations, the baseline pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bis in a range of 0 psi to 3000 psi. In some examples, the baseline pressure applied to the gripper arms116a,116bis 1200 psi. In some implementations, an operator150can adjust or set the baseline pressure using a controller, such as control elements406and408. In response to an operator's selection of the reset control element412, the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bis automatically adjusted to the baseline pressure. Control element404displaying the current setting of the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116bis automatically updated in response to each adjustment of the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116b. For example, if the current gripper arm pressure setting is 1250 psi, and the operator increases the pressure setting by 40 psi using control element406, control element404will be updated to display 1290 psi as the current setting of the pressure to be applied by the gripper arms116a,116b. The controller142can be used to adjust the pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bwithin a predetermined range. For example, controller142can be used to adjust the pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bbetween 0 psi and 3000 psi. In some implementations, controller142can be used to adjust the pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bbetween 1000 psi and 1800 psi In some examples, the one or more of the gripper arms116a,116bcontinue to move inward until the pressure selected by the operator using the controller142is applied to the refuse container130by the gripper arms116a,116b. In some examples, the pressure being applied to the gripper arms116a,116bis detected by a sensor106bcoupled to the cylinder240that is coupled to the grabber113. In some implementations, the sensor106bfor detecting pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bis located in a cylinder240coupled to the grabber113. In some implementations, the sensor106bfor detecting pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bis located on the outside of a housing containing a cylinder240coupled to the grabber113. In some examples, pressure sensors106bare arranged on each gripper arm116a,116bof the grabber113to detect the pressure being applied to a refuse container130by the gripper arms116a,116b. In some implementations, the sensor106bfor detecting pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bis located in the valve section of the grabber113that controls gripper movement. In some examples, the sensor106bfor detecting the pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bis located outside the valve section and within the grabber circuit. For example, the sensor106bfor detecting pressure applied by the gripper arms116a,116bmay be located in a hydraulic hose connected to the grabber113. As depicted inFIG.5, the height of the grabber113can be adjusted relative to the surface550that the vehicle102is positioned on by raising or lowering the lift arm111. For example, as the lift arm111is raised, the grabber113is also raised. The position of the lift arm111can be adjusted by a controller, such as controller142, located within the refuse collection vehicle102. For example, controller142located within the vehicle102can be used to adjust relative position of the lift arm111. FIG.6depicts an example controller642for controlling the relative positioning of the lift arm111. As depicted inFIG.6, the controller642may be provided as a touchscreen display602displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) having one or more control elements606,608,610,612. Each of the control elements606,608,610,612can be used to adjust the relative positioning of the lift arm111, which adjusts the height of the grabber113relative to the surface550the tires of the vehicle102are positioned on. As shown inFIG.6, the GUI of the controller142also includes a control element604displaying the current relative positioning of grabber113. In some examples, the grabber113positioning displayed by control element604is the height of the center of the ends126a,126bof the gripper arms116a,116brelative to the surface550on which the tires of the refuse collection vehicle are positioned. The GUI of the controller142includes a first control element606for raising the lift arm111. In some examples, each time an operator selects the first control element606, the lift arm111is raised to increase the height the grabber113relative to the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned by a defined incremental distance. For example, if the incremental travel distance is 1 inch, an operator may raise the lift arm111and increase the height of the grabber113relative to the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned by three inches by selecting the first control element606three times. In some examples, the height of the grabber113relative to the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned can be increased in increments of 2.5 inches by raising the lift arm111using control element606. In some implementations, the height of the grabber113can be increased to a maximum height of approximately 39 inches above the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned using controller142. The GUI of the controller142includes a second control element608for lowering the lift arm111. In some examples, each time an operator selects the second control element608, the lift arm111is lowered to decrease the height of the grabber113relative to the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned by a defined incremental distance. For example, if the incremental travel distance defined for control element608is 1 inch, an operator may lower the lift arm111and decrease the height of the grabber113relative to the surface on which the vehicle102is sitting by three inches by selecting the second control element608three times. In some examples, the height of the grabber113relative to the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned can be decreased in increments of 2.5 inches by lowering the lift arm111using control element608 The controller142also includes control elements610for automatically adjusting the relative positioning of the lift arm111based on preset grabber113heights. Control elements610each correspond to a height of the grabber113relative to the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned. For example, as depicted inFIG.6, control element610acorresponds to a preset grabber113height of 4 inches above the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned, control element610bcorresponds to a preset grabber113height of 8 inches above the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned, control element610ccorresponds to a preset grabber113height of 4 inches below the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned, and control element610dcorresponds to a preset grabber113height of 8 inches below the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned. Control elements610can be provided for preset heights including, but not limited to, 4 inches above the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, 8 inches above the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, 12 inches above the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, 16 inches above the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, 20 inches above the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, 24 inches above the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, 4 inches below the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, 8 inches below the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, 12 inches below the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, 16 inches below the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned, and 20 inches below the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned. In some implementations, in response to an operator's selection of one of control elements610, the lift arm111is automatically adjusted such that the center of the ends126a,126bof the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113are positioned at the preset height associated with the selected control element610. For example, in response to an operator's selection of a refuse container size using a control element610, the current height of the grabber113relative to the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned is determined based on data from arm sensor106a, and the lift arm111is automatically moved up or down, based on the current grabber113height and the preset height associated with the selected refuse container size, until sensor106adetects that the lift arm111has reached the relative positioning corresponding to a grabber113height equal to the preset height associated with the selected control element610. For example, if an operator selects control element610c, the lift arm111will be automatically repositioned to such that the height of the center of the ends126a,126bof the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113is equal to the preset height associated with control element610c(i.e., 4 inches below the surface550the vehicle is positioned on). In some examples, the controller142may include control elements610for automatically adjusting the relative positioning of the lift arm111based on a selected refuse container size. For example, one or more control elements610may each correspond to a particular size of refuse container130, as defined by volume, such as a 32-gallon refuse container, a 48-gallon refuse container, a 64-gallon refuse container, and/or a 96-gallon refuse container. Controller142can store a relative lift arm111positioning corresponding to each refuse container size associated with each control element610. For example, controller142can store a relative lift arm111positioning for each refuse container size for which the height of the grabber113relative the surface550the vehicle102is sitting on is optimized to engage the respective size of container130based on the height of the respective size of container130. In some implementations, in response to an operator's selection of one of control elements610, the lift arm111is automatically adjusted to the stored relative position associated with the refuse container size of the selected control element610. For example, in response to an operator's selection of a 64-gallon refuse container size using a control element610, the current relative positioning of the lift arm111is determined based on data from arm sensor106a, and the lift arm111is automatically moved up or down, based on the current lift arm111position and the stored relative lift arm111positioning associated with a 64-gallon refuse container size, until sensor106adetects that the lift arm111has reached the stored position. As depicted inFIG.6, the GUI of the controller142also includes a reset control element612that allows an operator to reset the relative position of the lift arm111to a baseline positioning. In some implementations, the baseline positioning includes a lift arm111positioning such that the height of the grabber113is 24 inches above the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned. In some implementations, the baseline positioning of the lift arm111may be adjusted or set by an operator150using a controller (such as controller142). In response to an operator's selection of the reset control element612, the current relative positioning of the lift arm111is determined based on data from arm sensor106a, and the lift arm111is automatically moved up or down, based on the current lift arm111positioning and the baseline positioning, until sensor106adetects that the lift arm111has reached the baseline positioning. For example, if the baseline positioning of the lift arm111positions the grabbers 24 inches above the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned, and the current positioning of the lift arm111, as detected by sensor106, corresponds to a grabber113height of 26 inches above the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned, a selection of the reset control element612will cause the lift arm111to be lowered until the height of the grabber113is 24 inches above the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned, as detected by sensor106a. Control element604displaying the current grabber113height is automatically updated in response to each adjustment of the position of lift arm111. For example, if the current grabber113is 8 inches below the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned, and the operator increases the grabber113height by 5 inches by using control element606to raise the lift arm111, touchscreen element604will be updated to display 3 inches below the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned as the current grabber113height. In some implementations, the controller142can be used to adjust the height of the grabber113within a predetermined range. For example, controller142can be used to adjust the relative positioning of the lift arm111such that the height of the grabber113can be adjusted between 39 inches above the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned to 20 inches below the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned. As described in further detail herein, in some examples, the range of grabber113height adjustment using controller142may be reduced based on the angular positioning of the grabber113. For example, in some implementations, the height of the grabber113can be adjusted between 18 inches above the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned to 30 inches above the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned. In some examples, an assembly including a cylinder250and a piston252is used to raise and lower the lift arm111. For example, retraction of the piston252into the cylinder250will cause the lift arm111to be lowered from its current relative positioning. Extension of the piston252outward from the cylinder250causes the lift arm111to be raised from its current relative positioning. In some examples, the lift arm111continues to be raised or lowered until the amount of height adjustment of the grabber113selected by the operator using the controller142is reached. In some examples, the amount of height adjustment of the grabber113and the current height of the grabber113is detected by a sensor106acoupled to the cylinder250coupled to the lift arm111. In some implementations, the sensor106afor detecting lift arm111positioning and grabber113height is located in a cylinder250coupled to the lift arm111. In some examples, sensor106aincludes two sensors, with a first sensor being located inside a cylinder used for raising the lift arm111and a second sensor being located inside a cylinder used for extending the lift arm111. In some implementations, the sensor for detecting lift arm111positioning and grabber113height is located on the outside of a housing containing a cylinder250coupled to the lift arm111. In some examples, the sensors106aused to detect lift arm111positioning and grabber113height are magnetostrictive sensors. As previously discussed, in some examples, feedback provided by the sensors for detecting lift arm111movement can be used to determine the relative position of the grabber113. Sensor(s)106acan include, but are not limited to, an analog sensor, a digital sensor, a CAN bus sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, a RADAR sensor, a LIDAR sensor, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a stereo camera sensor, a three-dimensional (3D) camera, an in-cylinder sensor, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, a first controller can be used to set the baseline lift arm positioning relative to the surface on which the refuse collection vehicle102is positioned, and a second controller can be used to adjust the height of the lift arm111within a range around the baseline lift arm positioning. For example, in some implementations a touchscreen display controller (such as controller542) is used to set the baseline lift arm positioning (e.g., positioning802depicted inFIGS.8A and8B). Once the baseline lift arm positioning is set, a second controller can be used to adjust the height of the lift arm111within a predetermined range. For example, after setting the baseline positioning, a driver of vehicle can use a pushbutton controls (e.g., pushbutton540aand540bofFIGS.8A-8E) to adjust the height of the lift arm111up or down in set increments within a range outside the baseline positioning. In some implementations, after setting the baseline positioning, a driver of vehicle can use a joystick controller (e.g.,745ofFIGS.8A-8E) to fluidly adjust the height of the lift arm111within a range outside the baseline positioning. For example, the driver of the vehicle can pull back or push forward on the joystick controller745to move the arm height up or down, respectively, within the confines of relative positioning range of 6 inches above the baseline positioning to 6 inches below the baseline positioning. In some implementations, the height of the lift arm111is automatically returned to the baseline positioning802following completion of a dump cycle. For example, based on data received from the body sensors160on the vehicle102, an onboard computing device132can determine that the vehicle has completed a dump cycle and has released the refuse container130to the ground550. In response to detecting that the dump cycle is complete, onboard computing device132can determine the current relative positioning of the lift arm111based on data received from the body sensors106aand106b, and determines the amount of lift arm111travel required to reposition the lift arm111in the baseline positioning. Based on this determination, the lift arm111is automatically moved the amount required to reposition the lift arm111in the baseline positioning. Adjustment of the position of the lift arm111may allow for greater control and stability in engaging a refuse130. For example, as depicted inFIG.8A, when a refuse container130to be engaged by the refuse collection vehicle102is positioned on a surface that is below street grade550, the lift arm111can be lowered from the baseline lift arm positioning802in order to improve engagement of the refuse container130. As depicted inFIG.8B, whenever a refuse container130is positioned on a surface above street grade550, the lift arm111can be raised from the baseline lift arm positioning802in order to improve engagement of the refuse container130. A controller142may also be provided to adjust the maximum speed of the lift arm111movement. In some examples, the controller142is communicably coupled to the cylinder250and piston252assembly such that the controller142controls the speed of extension and retraction of the piston252from the cylinder250, which controls the speed at which the lift arm111is raised and lowered. In some implementations, the controller142is provided as a touchscreen display, such as touchscreen602ofFIG.6, and the maximum speed of the lift arm111may be adjusted using one or more control elements displayed on the touchscreen display. For example, the controller142for adjusting lift arm111speed can be provided as a touchscreen display that includes a first touchscreen element for increasing the maximum speed of lift arm111movement in increments of a set amount and a second touchscreen element for decreasing the maximum speed of lift arm111movement in increments of a set amount. In some examples, each time the user selects a control element of the controller142, the maximum speed of the lift arm111movement is adjusted by the predetermined incremental amount. In some examples, after setting the maximum speed for the lift arm111movement using controller142, an operator can move the lift arm111using a joystick545, and the speed of the lift arm111movement is proportional to movement of the joystick545. For example, if an operator150sets a maximum speed for lift arm111movement using controller142and engages the joystick54550% of full engagement, the lift arm111will be moved at a rate equal to 50% of the maximum speed set with controller142. As depicted inFIG.7, the angle of the grabber113is adjustable. For example, the angle of the grabber113can be adjusted above or below a baseline angular position702. In some implementations, the baseline angular position702of the grabber113is in a range of −45 degrees to 45 degrees relative to the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned. In some implementations, the baseline angular position702of the grabber113is in a range of −15 degrees to 30 degrees relative to the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned. In some implementations, the baseline angular position702for grabber113corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the gripper arms116a,116bof the grabber113being substantially parallel to the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned. In some implementations, the baseline angular position702may be set by an operator150using a controller745. Adjustment of the angle of the grabber113may allow for greater control and stability in engaging a refuse130. For example,FIG.8Cdepicts a refuse container130positioned on a surface that is sloping downward from street grade550. As depicted inFIG.8C, the grabber113can be angled downward from baseline angular position702such that the grabber113is substantially perpendicular to a side of the refuse container130for improved engagement of the refuse container130.FIG.8Ddepicts a refuse container130positioned on a surface sloping upward from street grade550. As depicted inFIG.8D, the grabber113can be angled upward from a baseline angular position702such that the grabber113is substantially perpendicular to the side of refuse container130for improved engagement of the refuse container. A controller745is provided for adjustment of the angle of the grabber113relative to the refuse collection vehicle102. In some examples, the controller745can be used to adjust the angle of the grabber113within a predetermined range. For example, controller745can be used to adjust the angle of the grabber11330 degrees above the baseline angular position702and 30 degrees below the baseline angular position702. As will be discussed in further detail herein, in some implementations, the controller745can be used to adjust the angle of the grabber11330 degrees above the baseline angular position702and 15 degrees below the baseline angular position702when the grabber113is positioned below a threshold height. In some examples, the controller745is communicably coupled to a rotary actuator that is coupled to the grabber113. As depicted inFIGS.8A-8E, the controller745for adjusting the angle of the grabber113can include a first push button540aand a second push button540b. The first push button540ais configured to adjust the angle of the grabber113upwards relative to the surface on which the refuse collection vehicle102is positioned. The second push button540bis configured to adjust the angle of the grabber113downward relative to the surface on which the refuse collection vehicle102is positioned. In some implementations, buttons540a,540bare provided as a spring-loaded, momentary contact button. In some examples, buttons540a,540bare provided as a potted and sealed push button with finger guards. In some examples, each time the operator presses a push button540a,540bof the controller745, the angle of the grabber113is adjusted by a predetermined incremental amount. For example, if the incremental amount is 1 degree of angular movement, an operator can press the first push button540athree times to adjust the angle of the grabber113upwards from its current position by three degrees. Similarly, for example, the operator can press the second push button540bthree times to adjust the angle of the grabber113downwards from its current position by three degrees. In some examples, the angle of the grabber113can be adjusted up or down using the controller745in increments of one degree to five degrees. In some implementations, the angle of the grabber113can be adjusted continuously at a preset speed, rather than is increments of set degrees, by pressing and holding one of push button controls540. For example, a first push button540alocated in the cab of the vehicle can be used to continuously adjust the angle of the grabber113upwards and a second push button540blocated in the cab of the vehicle can be used to continuously adjust the angle of the grabber113downwards. In some examples, if an operator presses and holds button540a, the grabber113is rotated upwards continuously at a preset speed, up to a maximum upwards angle, until the operator releases the button540a. In some examples, if an operator presses and holds button540b, the grabber113is rotated downwards continuously at a preset speed, down to a maximum downwards angle, until the operator releases the button540b. The controller745can also include a third push button540cto reset the angle of the grabber113back to the baseline angular position702. An operator150can press push button540cto automatically reset the angle of the grabber113back to the baseline angular position702. In response to an operator engaging the third push button540c, the current angular position of the grabber113is determined based on data from grabber sensor106b, and the grabber113is automatically tilted upwards or downwards, based on the current angular position of the grabber113and the baseline angular position702, until the grabber sensor106bdetects that the grabber113has reached the baseline angular position702. In some implementations, the relative position of the lift arm111and the angle of the grabber113are coordinated. Interlocks may be provided to limit the range that an operator can adjust the angular position of the grabber113using controller745based on the current relative positioning of the lift arm111. For example, when the lift arm111is lowered below a threshold height, the range that the angle the grabber113can be adjusted below the baseline angular position702using controller745is reduced. In some implementations, once the lift arm111is lowered below a threshold height, the control push button540bis disengaged to prevent an operator from adjusting the angle of the grabber113below the baseline angular position702. Restricting or eliminating the operator's ability to adjust the grabber113angle below the baseline angular position702when the lift arm111is positioned below a threshold height reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle102by preventing the grabber113from hitting the ground. In some implementations, the controller745can be used to adjust the angle of the grabber113freely from about 90 degrees above and to about 90 degrees below the angle of the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned. In some examples, a controller745can be used to adjust the angle of the grabber113up and down between 75 degrees above and about 75 degrees below the angle of the surface on which the vehicle102is positioned. As depicted inFIG.8E, the free rotation feature of the controller745can be used to rotate the grabber to engage a refuse container130that has fallen over or is otherwise outside the reach of the grabber113within the predetermined angle range of the standard controller745settings. In some examples, the operator can engage the free rotation function by pressing and holding one of the push control buttons540a,540bfor a threshold amount of time (e.g., 5 seconds). In some implementations, the free rotation function can be engaged by pressing a particular push control button designated for free rotation control (e.g.,540c). Once the free rotation function is engaged, the operator150can use the first push control button540ato adjust the angle of the grabber113upwards to about 90 degrees above the angle of the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned such that the grabber113is pointing upwards and is substantially perpendicular with the surface550on which the vehicle102is sitting. In free rotation mode, the operator150can use the second push control button540bto adjust the angle of the grabber113downward to about 90 degrees below the angle of the surface550on which the vehicle102is positioned such that the grabber113is pointing downwards and substantially perpendicular with the surface550on which the vehicle102is sitting. In some examples, the push control buttons540a,540bfunction as continuous push control buttons in free rotation mode such that the angle of the grabber113is adjusted continuously as long as one of the buttons520is engaged, as described above. In some implementations, the push control button540a,540bcan be used in free rotation mode to adjust the angular position of the grabber113in defined increments within the free rotation angular range. In some implementations, the controller745for the grabber113is returned to a standard mode from free rotation mode by pressing the first push control button540a. In some examples, the controller745for the grabber113can be returned to a standard mode from free rotation mode by pressing a third push control button560c. Pressing the third push control button560calso resets the angle of the grabber113to the baseline angular position702. Certain features of the refuse collection vehicle may be disabled while the controller745for the grabber113is in free rotation mode. For example, automatic levelling of the grabber113while the vehicle102is performing a dump cycle may be disabled when the grabber113is in free rotation mode. In some implementations, interlocks coordinating the range of angular movement of the grabber113with the height of the lift arm111are disengaged when the grabber113is in free rotation mode. In some implementations, a first controller can be used to set the baseline angular position702for the grabber113, and a second controller can be used to adjust the angle of the grabber113within a range around the baseline angular position702. For example, in some implementations a touchscreen display controller (such as controller542) is used to set the baseline angular position702. Once the baseline angular position702is set, a second controller can be used to adjust the angle of the grabber113within a predetermined range. For example, after setting the baseline positioning, a driver of vehicle can use press and hold pushbutton on a joystick controller (e.g., pushbutton540aon joystick745ofFIGS.8A-8E) and, while maintaining engagement of the pushbutton, move the joystick controller745left or right to change the angle of the grabber upwards or downward relative to the surface550the tires of the vehicle102are positioned on. In some implementations, the joystick controller745can be used to adjust the angle of the grabber113within a predetermined range around the baseline angular position702(e.g., 6 degrees above the baseline angular position702to 3 degrees below the baseline angular position702. In some implementations, the angle of the grabber113is automatically returned to the baseline angular position702following completion of a dump cycle. For example, based on data received from the body sensors160on the vehicle102, an onboard computing device132can determine that the vehicle has completed a dump cycle and has released the refuse container130to the ground550. In response to detecting that the dump cycle is complete, onboard computing device132can determine the current angular positioning of the grabber113based on data received from the grabber sensor106b, and determines the amount angular adjustment of the grabber113required to reposition the grabber113in the baseline angular position702. Based on this determination, the grabber is automatically moved the amount required to reposition the grabber113in the baseline angular position702. In some implementations, the lift arm111and the grabber113of the vehicle102can be automatically positioned to engage a refuse container130detected based on one or more images captured by a camera112on the vehicle102and processed by a computing device (e.g. computing device132). A computing device can receive one or more images from camera112and process the images using machine learning based image processing techniques to detect the presence of a refuse container130in the image. For example, a computing device can receive an image from camera112and determine, based on machine learning image processing techniques, that the vehicle102is positioned within a sufficient distance to engage a refuse container130. In some implementations, a video feed of the refuse container130is provided by the side view camera112and transmitted to a computing device for machine learning based image processing techniques to detect the presence of a refuse container130. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/781,857 filed Feb. 4, 2020 discloses systems and methods for determining the location of a refuse container using image processing techniques. The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/781,857 is incorporated by reference herein. In some examples, a computing device can process the images provided by camera112to determine a location of each side of a detected refuse container130. In some examples, the locations of the sides of the detected refuse container130determined by image processing are provided as GPS coordinates, and based on these coordinates, the width of the refuse container130can be determined. In some examples, the width of the refuse container130is determined by processing the image using machine learning techniques to detect two opposing sides of the refuse container130and determine the distance between the sides. In some examples, a computing device can process the images provided by camera112to determine a location of one or more corners of the detected refuse container130. The detected corners of the detected refuse container130can be provided as GPS coordinates, and based on these coordinates, the height and angular position of the refuse container130relative to the vehicle102can be determined. In some implementations, a distance value from the closest point of the detected container to the grabber beam248is determined based on a global coordinate of the camera location in relation to the location of the grabber beam248. In response to detecting the presence of a refuse container130and determining the position of the container130relative to the vehicle102based on image processing of an image captured by camera112, a signal is sent to a computing device132of the vehicle102to automatically adjust the position of the lift arm111and/or the position of grabber113of the vehicle102. For example, a signal is sent to the computing device132of the vehicle102to automatically adjust the height of the lift arm111and the angular position113to engage a refuse container130at the position determined based on the machine learning image processing of the image of the container130. Upon receiving a signal conveying the position of a refuse container130determined based on processing an image of the container130, an onboard computing device132determines the relative position of lift arm111based on data received from arm sensor106a. Based on the current lift arm111position, the computing device132determines the amount of lift arm111travel required to adjust the lift arm111from the current position to an optimal position for engaging the refuse container130at the position detected based on image processing. The lift arm111is automatically raised or lowered, based on the current lift arm111position and the detected refuse container130position, until the lift arm sensor106adetects that the lift arm111has reached the optimal position for engaging the refuse container130. Upon receiving a signal conveying the position of a refuse container130determined based on processing an image of the container130, an onboard computing device132determines the current angular position of the grabber113based on data received from grabber sensor106b. Based on current angular position of the grabber113, the computing device132determines the amount of rotation of the grabber113required to adjust the angular position of the grabber113from the current angular position to an optimal angle for engaging the refuse container130at the position detected based on image processing. The grabber113is automatically tilted upwards or downwards, based on the current angular position of the grabber113and the detected refuse container130position, until the grabber sensor106bdetects that the angular position of the grabber113is equal to an optimal angle for engaging the refuse container130. The automatic positioning of the lift arm111and/or the grabber113of the refuse collection vehicle102based on processing image(s) of the refuse container130by a computing device can be conducted automatically with minimal or no operator involvement. For example, as described above, the relative positioning the lift arm111and the grabber113can be automatically adjusted without operator input in response to receiving a signal from a computing device conveying the position of the refuse container130as determined by processing an image of the container130received from camera112. In some examples, the position of the lift arm111and the grabber113are automatically adjusted based on receiving data conveying the position of the refuse container130and in response to an operator150of the vehicle manually engaging a switch to initiate a dump cycle (as depicted inFIGS.2A-2C). In some implementations, the switch to initiate the dump cycle is provided as one or more foot pedals positioned on the floorboard of the vehicle102. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/781,857 filed Feb. 4, 2020 discloses foot pedals for initiating and controlling a dump cycle. The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/781,857 is incorporated by reference herein. In some implementations, the refuse collection vehicle102includes one or more container detection sensors180a,180b,180cand the lift arm111and the grabber113are automatically positioned to engage a refuse container130based on data received from the one or more container detection sensors180a,180b,180c. As depicted inFIGS.3A-3C, the vehicle102can include one or more container detection sensors180a,180b,180c. In some implementations, the container detection sensors180a,180b,180care coupled to the grabber beam248of the refuse collection vehicle102. In some examples, the vehicle102includes three refuse container sensors180a,180b,180c. In some implementations, as depicted inFIGS.3A-3C, each of the refuse container sensors180a,180b,180cis coupled to the grabber beam248proximate the grabber113and is positioned at a different angle. For example, a first sensor180acan be positioned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the grabber beam248, a second sensor180bcan be positioned at a 30 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the grabber beam248, and a third sensor180ccan be positioned at a 45 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the grabber beam248. In some implementations, the vehicle102includes two refuse container sensors (e.g., sensors180aand180c). Multiple container detection sensors180a,180b,180ccan be implemented to provide redundancy in refuse container detection. In some implementations, the one or more container detection sensors180a,180b,180care contained within an enclosure. For example, the container detection sensors180a,180b,180ccan be contained within a metal enclosure. Placing the container detection sensors180a,180b,180cin an enclosure can help protect the container detection sensors180a,180b,180cfrom debris. Container detection sensors180a,180b,180cfor detecting the position of a refuse container130proximate the vehicle102can include, but are not limited to, an analog sensor, a digital sensor, a CAN bus sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, a RADAR sensor, a LIDAR sensor, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a stereo camera sensor, a three-dimensional (3D) camera, an in-cylinder sensor, or a combination thereof. In some examples, container detection sensors180a,180b,180cinclude optical sensors. In some implementations, container detection sensors180a,180b,180cinclude two or more analog ultrasonic sensors coupled to the grabber beam248. A computing device (such as onboard computing device132ofFIG.1) can receive data from the container detection sensors180a,180b,180cindicating the presence and position of a refuse container130. In some implementations, the position of lift arm111and/or the position of the grabber113are automatically positioned to updated positions provided by the operator150using one or more controllers (such as controller642and controller142) in response to a computing device receiving data from the container detection sensors180a,180b,180cindicating the presence of a refuse container130. For example, computing device132can receive data from the container detection sensors180a,180b,180cand determine, based on the data received, that the vehicle102is positioned within a distance sufficiently close to a refuse container130to engage the refuse container130. In some examples, in response to a determination by the computing device132that the vehicle102is in proximity to engage a refuse container, the lift arm111and the grabber113are automatically moved to a position selected by the operator150using controller642and controller142. In some implementations, a computing device can determine a distance value from the closest point of the detected container130to the grabber beam248based on the data received from the container detection sensors180a,180b,180c. For example, computing device132can receive data from the container detection sensors180a,180b,180cand determine, based on the data, that the vehicle102is positioned within a sufficient distance to engage a refuse container130. In some examples, the speed of travel of the lift arm111is automatically changed to a default speed for container engagement in response to a determination that the vehicle102is within a threshold distance of the refuse container130based on the data received from container detection sensors180a,180b,180c. In response to the container detection sensors180a,180b,180cdetecting the presence of a refuse container130and the computing device132determining the position of the detected container130relative to the vehicle102based on data received from the container detection sensors180a,180b,180c, a signal is sent to the computing device132of the vehicle102to automatically adjust the relative position the lift arm111and/or the grabber113. For example, a signal is sent to the computing device132of the vehicle102to automatically adjust the height of the lift arm111and/or the angular position of the grabber113based on the data received from the container detection sensors180a,180b,180c. For example, upon receiving a signal conveying the a distance value from the closest point of the detected container130to the grabber beam248as determined based on data captured by the container detection sensors180a,180b,180c, an onboard computing device132determines the current relative positioning of the lift arm111and grabber113based on data received from the body sensors106aand106b, and determines the amount of lift arm111travel and/or angular adjustment of the grabber113required to engage the detected refuse container130. The automatic positioning of the lift arm111and the grabber113of the refuse collection vehicle102based on data captured by the container detection sensors180a,180b,180cand processed by a computing device132can be conducted automatically with minimal or no operator involvement. For example, as described above, the relative positioning the lift arm111and the angular position of the grabber113can be automatically adjusted without operator input in response to receiving a signal from a computing device conveying the position of the refuse container130as determined by data captured by the container detection sensors180a,180b,180c. In some examples, the lift arm111and the grabber113are automatically adjusted based on receiving data conveying the position of the refuse container130and in response to an operator150of the vehicle manually engaging a switch to initiate a dump cycle (as depicted inFIGS.2A-2C). FIG.9depicts an example computing system, according to implementations of the present disclosure. The system900may be used for any of the operations described with respect to the various implementations discussed herein. For example, the system900may be included, at least in part, in one or more of the onboard computing device132, and/or other computing device(s) or system(s) described herein. The system900may include one or more processors910, a memory920, one or more storage devices930, and one or more input/output (I/O) devices950controllable via one or more I/O interfaces940. The various components910,920,930,940, or950may be interconnected via at least one system bus960, which may enable the transfer of data between the various modules and components of the system900. While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some examples be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, various forms of the flows shown above may be used, with steps re-ordered, added, or removed. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claim(s). | 74,445 |
11858736 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION For ease of understanding this application, this application is described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementations. It should be noted that, when a component is expressed as “being fixed to” another component, the component may be directly on the another component, or one or more intermediate components may exist between the component and the another component. When one component is expressed as “being connected to” another component, the component may be directly connected to the another component, or one or more intermediate components may exist between the component and the another component. The terms “vertical”, “horizontal”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, and similar expressions used in this specification are merely used for an illustrative purpose. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are merely used for describing specific implementations, and are not intended to limit this application. A term “and/or” used in this specification includes any or all combinations of one or more related listed items. Embodiment 1 Referring toFIG.1, a transport robot100provided in an embodiment of this application is configured to transport goods101on a warehouse shelving unit (not shown in the figure). The warehouse shelving unit may be single-layer or multi-layer, and any layer of the warehouse shelving unit is configured to hold the goods101. There may be one or more warehouse shelving units. The transport robot100includes a chassis10, a multi-layer rack20, a lifting mechanism (not shown in the figure), and a carrying device30. The chassis10carries the multi-layer rack20, the lifting mechanism, and the carrying device30. The chassis10is movable, and is configured to drive the carried multi-layer rack20, lifting mechanism, and carrying device30to move together. By mounting the movable chassis10, the transport robot100can transport the goods101among a plurality of warehouse shelving units. Any layer of the multi-layer rack20is configured to hold the goods101. Specifically, the multi-layer rack20includes a plurality of partitions22, the plurality of partitions22divide the multi-layer rack20into a plurality layers, and any one of the plurality of partitions22is configured to hold the goods101. The lifting mechanism is configured to drive the carrying device30to be raised and lowered. The lifting mechanism is powered by a motor, and the power is transmitted through a sprocket mechanism. According to actual situations, the sprocket mechanism may alternatively be replaced with a transmission mechanism such as a screw mechanism and a pulley mechanism. In addition, the sprocket mechanism may be omitted and the lifting mechanism is directly driven by the motor. In this case, the motor is a linear motor. The carrying device30is configured to carry the goods101between the multi-layer rack20and the warehouse shelving unit. The carrying device30is driven to be raised and lowered by the lifting mechanism, so that the carrying device30can carry the goods101on any layer of the multi-layer rack20or any layer of the warehouse shelving unit. It can be understood that, the carrying device30is not limited to be applied to the transport robot100. For example, the carrying device30may alternatively be applied to fields such as shuttle buses and sorting platforms. Referring toFIG.2andFIG.3, the carrying device30includes a bracket32, a fork34, and a rotary mechanism36. The bracket32may be formed by welding a molding material and a board material, and is configured to support the fork34and the rotary mechanism36. The fork34is mounted on the bracket32, and the rotary mechanism36is configured to drive the fork34to rotate around a vertical axis relative to the bracket32. As shown inFIG.3, the rotary mechanism36is powered by a motor, and the power is transmitted through a sprocket mechanism. It can be understood that the sprocket mechanism may alternatively be replaced with a pulley mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, a screw mechanism, or the like. In addition, the sprocket mechanism may be omitted and the rotary mechanism36is directly driven by the motor. The fork34is configured to carry the goods101between the multi-layer rack20and the warehouse shelving unit after being aligned with the multi-layer rack20or the warehouse shelving unit. If the fork34is not aligned with the multi-layer rack20, the fork34may be rotated relative to the bracket32, to ensure that the fork34is aligned with the multi-layer rack20. It can be understood that, according to actual situations, the fork34may be fixedly mounted on the bracket32, and correspondingly, the rotary mechanism36may also be omitted. For example, the transport robot100is fixed on the ground, or the transport robot100has a fixed track. In this case, the fork34can always be aligned with the multi-layer rack. Obviously, the fork34does not need to be rotated. In another example, the chassis10has a steering function. Through the steering of the chassis10, the rotary mechanism36is replaced, which can also ensure that the fork34is aligned with the multi-layer rack20. Referring toFIG.2toFIG.5, the fork34includes a tray340, a detection device342, a telescopic arm assembly, and an image detection device352. The tray340is configured to hold the goods101and is a flat plate arranged horizontally. The tray340includes an upper surface3400and a lower surface3402opposite to each other. The upper surface3400is configured to hold the goods101. The detection device342is configured to detect the goods101placed on the tray340, and is mounted on the lower surface3402of the tray340. In some other embodiments, the detection device342may be a radio frequency identification device, which uses, for example, the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Then, the radio frequency identification device may be an RFID module configured to detect radio frequency identification tags, that is, RFID tags on the goods placed on the tray340, so as to detect the goods placed on the tray340. In this embodiment, the detection device342is a weight detection device, where the weight detection device may be a pressure sensor configured to detect weight information of the goods placed on the tray340, and the detection device342is block-like. As shown inFIG.4, a plurality of detection devices342are evenly distributed on a horizontal plane, that is, a plane parallel to the tray340. For example, four detection devices342are distributed in a rectangular shape. By arranging the plurality of detection devices342evenly distributed, inaccurate detection caused by the goods101located offset on the tray340can be avoided. In some other embodiments, as shown inFIG.5, the detection device342is located in a center of the tray340, and in this case, there may be only one detection device342. The telescopic arm assembly is configured to push the goods101placed on the tray340out of the tray340or pull the goods101to the tray340. The telescopic arm assembly includes a telescopic arm344, a fixed push rod346, and a movable push rod348. The telescopic arm344may extend horizontally, and in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the telescopic arm344and parallel to the tray340, the telescopic arm344is located on one side of the tray340. As shown inFIG.6, the telescopic arm344is powered by a motor, and the power is transmitted through a sprocket mechanism. According to actual situations, the sprocket mechanism may be replaced with a transmission mechanism such as a pulley mechanism or a screw mechanism Both the fixed push rod346and the movable push rod348are mounted on the telescopic arm344, and both the fixed push rod346and the movable push rod348are located on the same side of the telescopic arm344as the tray340. When the telescopic arm344extends, the telescopic arm344drives the fixed push rod346and the movable push rod348to extend together. The movable push rod348is located in an extending direction of the fixed push rod346along the telescopic arm344, and the movable push rod348may be received in the telescopic arm344. The movable push rod348may be directly driven by a motor, and according to actual situations, the power can alternatively be transmitted through a transmission mechanism such as a gear set and a link mechanism. Referring toFIG.7toFIG.10, the manner in which the fixed push rod346and the movable push rod348carry the goods101on the tray340is described herein as follows: When the telescopic arm344extends, the fixed push rod346is configured to push the goods101out of the tray340. Specifically, as shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the fixed push rod346extends with the telescopic arm344to push the goods101out of the tray340. After the fixed push rod346pushes out the goods101, the movable push rod348is received in the telescopic arm344and retracted with the telescopic arm344. When the telescopic arm344is retracted, the movable push rod348is configured to pull the goods101to the tray340. Specifically, as shown inFIG.8, the movable push rod348is received in the telescopic arm344and extends with the telescopic arm344, so that the movable push rod348passes over the goods101. As shown inFIG.9andFIG.10, after the movable push rod348passes over the goods101, the movable push rod348extends out of the telescopic arm344and is retracted with the telescopic arm344, so that the movable push rod348pulls the goods101to the tray340. The manner in which the fork34carries the goods101on the multi-layer rack is further described herein as follows: The fork34carries the goods101to the multi-layer rack20. Specifically, the fixed push rod346extends with the telescopic arm344, to push the goods101to the multi-layer rack20, and then the movable push rod348is received in the telescopic arm344and retracted with the telescopic arm344. The fork34carries the goods101out of the multi-layer rack20. Specifically, the movable push rod348is received in the telescopic arm344and extends with the telescopic arm344, so that the movable push rod348passes over the goods101. After the movable push rod348passes over the goods101, the movable push rod348is reset and retracted with the telescopic arm344, so that the movable push rod348pulls the goods101away from the multi-layer rack20. The manner in which the fork34carries the goods101on the warehouse shelving unit is similar to the manner in which the fork34carries the goods101on the multi-layer rack20, and details are not described herein again. The image detection device352is configured to obtain image information of the goods101or the warehouse shelving unit. The image detection device352may be a camera configured to scan an identification code attached to the goods101or the warehouse shelving unit, determine whether the carrying device30is at the same height as one layer of the goods to be carried on the warehouse shelving unit according to the identification code on the warehouse shelving unit, and determine whether the fork34is aligned with the warehouse shelving unit according to the identification code on the goods101. The image detection device352is fixed relative to the tray340, and to be precise, is mounted on the lower surface3402of the tray340. It should be noted that, that the carrying device30is raised and lowered to be at the same height as one layer of the goods101to be carried on the multi-layer rack20, or that the fork34is aligned with the multi-layer rack20are set through an initial program, which is more efficient. Certainly, a manner of scanning a QR code may alternatively be adopted. In addition, it should be noted that, the goods101may be a whole or a plurality of objects. When the goods101are a plurality of objects, the goods101should be placed in a storage box. Correspondingly, QR codes of the goods101are also attached to the outside of the storage box. It can be understood that, the motor may be replaced with a power device such as an air motor or a hydraulic system. Embodiment 2 Referring toFIG.11andFIG.12, Embodiment 2 of this application provides a transport robot200, which is basically the same as the transport robot100of Embodiment 1, except that the structure of a fork34aand the manner of carrying goods101aare different. Referring toFIG.13andFIG.14, the fork34aincludes a tray340a, a detection device342a, a telescopic arm344a, and an image detection device (not shown in the figure). The tray340ais configured to hold the goods101a, and is a flat plate arranged horizontally. The tray340includes an upper surface3400aand a lower surface3402aopposite to each other. The upper surface3400ais configured to hold the goods101a. The detection device342ais configured to detect the goods101aplaced on the tray340a, and is mounted on the upper surface3400aof the tray340a. The detection device342amay be a weight detection device. When the weight detection device is a pressure sensor, the detection device342ais sheet-like and parallel to the tray340a. By laying the detection device342aon the tray340a, inaccurate detection caused by the goods101alocated offset on the tray340acan be avoided. It can be understood that, according to actual situations, the detection device342amay alternatively be located on the lower surface3402aof the tray340a. In addition, the detection device342ain this embodiment is interchangeable with that of Embodiment 1. The lower surface3402aof the tray340ais mounted on the telescopic arm344a. As shown inFIG.14, the telescopic arm344amay extend horizontally, that is, in a direction parallel to the tray340a. When the telescopic arm344aextends, the telescopic arm344adrives the tray340ato extend together. The manner in which the fork34acarries the goods101aon the multi-layer rack20ais described herein. Referring toFIG.17toFIG.21, the fork34acooperates with the lifting mechanism to carry the goods101aon the multi-layer rack20aas follows: First, as shown inFIG.12, a base plate102ais provided, one side of the base plate102ais configured to hold the goods101a, and an opposite side is provided with two supporting points103a. The base plate102amay be placed on a partition22aof the multi-layer rack20athrough the two supporting points103a. In addition, when the base plate102ais placed on the partition22a, a distance between the two supporting points103acan allow the tray340ato extend, and a height of the base plate102asupported by the two supporting points103acan allow the tray340ato be raised and lowered. Furthermore, due to the distance between the two supporting points103a, the base plate102amay be directly placed on the tray340a. During the process of carrying the goods101a, the base plate102ais carried together with the goods101a. The fork34acarries the goods101aand the base plate102ato the multi-layer rack20a. Specifically, as shown inFIG.15, the carrying device30ais raised, so that the two supporting points103aare higher than the partition22aon which the goods101aand the base plate102aare to be placed. As shown inFIG.16, then, the goods101a, the base plate102a, and the tray340aextend with the telescopic arm344a, so that the goods101a, the base plate102a, and the tray340aare located right above the partition22a. As shown inFIG.17, then, the carrying device30ais lowered, to bring the two supporting points103ainto contact with the partition22a. As shown inFIG.18, then, the carrying device30acontinues to be lowered, to separate the tray340afrom the base plate102a. In this case, the goods101aand the base plate102ahave been placed on the partition22a. As shown inFIG.19, then, the tray340ais retracted with the telescopic arm344a. The fork34acarries the goods101aand the base plate102aout of the multi-layer rack20a. Specifically, as shown inFIG.19, the carrying device30ais lowered, so that the tray340ais higher than the partition22aon which the goods101aare placed, but lower than the base plate102a. As shown inFIG.18, then, the tray340aextends with the telescopic arm344a, so that the tray340ais located between the two supporting points103a. As shown inFIG.17, then, the carrying device30ais raised, to bring the tray340ainto contact with the base plate102a. As shown inFIG.16, then, the carrying device30acontinues to be raised, to separate the two supporting points103afrom the partition22a. In this case, the base plate102aand the goods101aare placed on the tray340a. As shown inFIG.15, then, the tray340is retracted with the telescopic arm344a. Furthermore, in some other embodiments, the two supporting points103aare directly fixed on the partition22a, and the goods101aare placed on the partition22athrough the two supporting points. The fork34acarries the goods101aand the base plate102ato the multi-layer rack20a. Specifically, the carrying device30ais raised, so that the goods101aare higher than the two supporting points103aon which the goods101aare to be placed. Then, the goods101aand the tray30aextend with the telescopic arm344a, so that the goods and the tray30aare located right above the two supporting points103a. Then, the carrying device30ais lowered, to bring the goods101ainto contact with the two supporting points103a. Then, the carrying device30acontinues to be lowered, to separate the tray340afrom the goods101a. In this case, the goods101ahave been placed on the two supporting points103a. Then, the tray30ais retracted with the telescopic arm344a. The fork34acarries the goods101aout of the multi-layer rack20a. Specifically, the carrying device30ais lowered, so that the tray340ais higher than the partition22aon which the goods101aare placed, but lower than the goods101a. Then, the tray340aextends with the telescopic arm344a, so that the tray340ais located between the two supporting points103a. Then, the carrying device30ais raised, to bring the tray340ainto contact with the goods101a. Then, the carrying device30acontinues to be raised, to separate the goods101afrom the two supporting points103a. In this case, the goods101aare placed on the tray340a. The image detection device is configured to obtain image information of the goods101aor the warehouse shelving unit. The image detection device may be a camera configured to scan an identification code attached to the goods101aor the warehouse shelving unit, then obtain information about the goods101a, including a type, a shelf life and the like of the goods101aaccording to information provided by the identification code of the goods101a, or determine whether the carrying device30ais at the same height as one layer of the goods101ato be carried on the warehouse shelving unit according to the identification code on the warehouse shelving unit, and determine whether the fork34ais aligned with the warehouse shelving unit according to the identification code on the goods101a. The image detection device is mounted on the lower surface3402aof the tray340a. Embodiment 3 Referring toFIG.20, Embodiment 3 of this application provides a transport robot300, which is basically the same as the transport robot200of Embodiment 2, except that any one of a plurality of partitions22bincludes two supporting points103b, and the rotary mechanism is replaced with a moving mechanism36b. The two supporting points103bare together configured to hold goods, and a distance between the two supporting points103bis configured to allow a tray340bto pass through during lifting. The supporting point103bis presented in the form of a supporting plate. In some other embodiments, the two supporting point103bmay alternatively be a supporting column or a supporting block. The two supporting plates may be independent of each other, or may be connected to form a U-shaped plate, and a notch of the U-shaped plate can allow the tray340bto pass through during lifting. It can be understood that the multi-layer rack20bin this embodiment is interchangeable with that of Embodiment 2. Referring toFIG.21toFIG.23, the carrying device30bincludes a bracket32b, a fork34b, and a moving mechanism36b. The fork34bincludes a base38mounted on the bracket32b, the moving mechanism36bis configured to drive the fork34bto move in a direction parallel to the tray340brelative to the bracket32b, and a moving direction of the fork34bis perpendicular to an extending direction of a telescopic arm344b. The moving mechanism36bis powered by a motor, and the power is transmitted by a pulley mechanism. According to actual situations, the pulley mechanism may alternatively be replaced with a rack and pinion mechanism, a screw mechanism, or the like. Because the fork34bis driven to move relative to the bracket32bin a moving manner, the multi-layer rack20bis located on a moving track of the fork34b. Therefore, the fork34bdoes not need to be aligned with the multi-layer rack20b. When the fork34bis aligned with the warehouse shelving unit, the fork34bmoves in a direction away from the multi-layer rack20buntil the fork34bis aligned with the warehouse shelving unit. The manner in which the fork34bcarries the goods on the multi-layer rack20bis further described herein as follows: The fork34bcooperates with the lifting mechanism to carry the goods to the multi-layer rack20b. Specifically, the carrying device30bis raised, so that the tray340bis higher than the two supporting points103b. Then, the fork34bmoves in a direction close to the multi-layer rack20b, so that the tray340bis located right above the two supporting points103b. Then, the carrying device30bis lowered, to bring the goods into contact with the two supporting points103b. Then, the carrying device30bcontinues to be lowered, to separate the goods from the tray340b. In this case, the goods are placed on the two supporting points103b, the tray340bis located right below the two supporting points103b, and then the fork34bis reset. The fork34bcooperates with the lifting mechanism to carry the goods out of the multi-layer rack20b. Specifically, the carrying device30bis lowered, so that the tray340bis lower than the two supporting points103b. Then, the fork34bmoves in a direction close to the multi-layer rack20b, so that the tray340bis located right below the two supporting points103b. Then, the carrying device30bis raised, to bring the goods into contact with the tray340b. Then, the carrying device30bcontinues to be raised, to separate the goods from the two supporting points103b. In this case, the goods are placed on the tray340b, the tray340bis located right above the two supporting points103b, and the goods are reset with the fork34b. The structure of the warehouse shelving unit is similar to the structure of the multi-layer rack20b. The fork34bcooperates with the lifting mechanism to carry the goods to the warehouse shelving unit. Specifically, the carrying device30bis raised, so that the tray340bis higher than the two supporting points103b. Then, the tray340bextends with the telescopic arm344b, so that the tray340bis located right above the two supporting points103b. Then, the carrying device30bis lowered, to bring the goods into contact with the two supporting points103b. Then, the carrying device30bcontinues to be lowered, to separate the goods from the tray340b. In this case, the goods are placed on the two supporting points103b, the tray340bis located right below the two supporting points103b, and the tray340bis retracted with the telescopic arm344b. The fork34bcooperates with the lifting mechanism to carry the goods out of the warehouse shelving unit. Specifically, the carrying device30bis lowered, so that the tray340bis lower than the two supporting points103b. Then, the tray340bextends with the telescopic arm344b, so that the tray340bis located right below the two supporting points103b. Then, the carrying device30bis raised, to bring the goods into contact with the tray340b. Then, the carrying device30bcontinues to be raised, to separate the goods from the two supporting points103b. In this case, the goods are placed on the tray340b, the tray340bis located right above the two supporting points103b, and the goods and the tray340bare retracted with the telescopic arm344b. An image detection device346bis configured to obtain image information of the goods or the warehouse shelving unit. The image detection device346bmay be a camera configured to scan an identification code attached to the goods or the warehouse shelving unit, then obtain information about the goods, including a type, a shelf life and the like of the goods according to information provided by the identification code of the goods, or determine whether the carrying device30bis at the same height as one layer of the goods to be carried on the warehouse shelving unit according to the identification code on the warehouse shelving unit, and determine whether the fork34bis aligned with the warehouse shelving unit according to the identification code on the goods. The image detection device346bis fixedly mounted, and does not extend with the telescopic arm344b. Compared with the prior art, in the carrying devices30,30a, and30b, and the transport robots100,200, and300having the carrying devices30,30a, and30bprovided in the embodiments of this application, by the detection device is mounted on the tray, and the detection device detects the goods placed on the tray, avoiding the manual detection of the goods, and providing higher efficiency. Finally, it should be noted that the foregoing embodiments are merely used for describing the technical solutions of this application, but are not intended to limit this application. Under the ideas of this application, the technical features in the foregoing embodiments or different embodiments may also be combined, the steps may be performed in any order, and many other changes of different aspects of this application also exist as described above. These changes are not provided in detail for simplicity. Although this application is described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent replacements can be made to some technical features in the technical solutions, and these modifications or replacements will not cause the essence of corresponding technical solutions to depart from the scope of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. | 26,588 |
11858737 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.5shows a load handling device100according to an embodiment of the invention. The load handling device100comprises a vehicle102equipped with a winch or crane mechanism to lift a storage container or bin106, also known as a tote, from above. The crane mechanism includes winch cables and a grabber plate. The grabber plate is configured to grip the top of the container106to lift it from a stack of containers106in a storage system of the type shown inFIGS.1to4. It will be appreciated that the ride height of the load handling device changes when the moving means188is activated. Referring also toFIGS.6and7, the vehicle102comprises an upper part112and a lower part114. The lower part114is fitted with two sets of wheels116,118, which run on rails provided at the top of the frame of the storage system. At least one wheel of each set116,118is driven to enable movement of the vehicle102in X- and Y-directions respectively along the rails. As will be explained below, one set of wheels116can be moved vertically to lift the set of wheels116clear of the respective rails leaving the remaining set of wheels in contact with the rails, thereby allowing the vehicle102to change direction. The wheels116,118are arranged around the periphery of a cavity or recess120, known as a container-receiving recess, in the lower part114. The recess120is sized to accommodate the bin106when it is lifted by the crane mechanism104, as shown inFIG.6(a). When in the recess120, the bin106is lifted clear of the rails beneath, so that the vehicle102can move laterally to a different location. On reaching the target location, for example another stack, an access point in the storage system or a conveyor belt, the bin106can be lowered from the recess120(as shown inFIG.6(b)) and released from the grabber plate110. The upper part112of the vehicle102houses all of the significant bulky components of the load handling device, as shown inFIG.6(c). The upper part112houses the battery and associated electronics, controllers and communications devices, motors for driving the wheels116,118, motors for driving the crane mechanism104, and other sensors and systems. In this way, the footprint of the vehicle102is larger than the size of a bin106only enough to accommodate the wheels116,118either side of the recess120. In other words, the vehicle102occupies a single grid space in the storage system. In this way, the vehicle102therefore takes up the minimum possible amount of space in the X-Y plane. The load handling devices100of the invention can also offer improved stability, as the mechanical components displacing the or each set of wheels with respect to each other are located in the lower part114of the load handling device. In the first embodiment of the invention as shown inFIGS.5to7the first set of wheels116can be raised clear of the rails or lowered onto the rails by means of a wheel positioning mechanism. Each wheel116is mounted on an arm180that is pivotally mounted at its outer end. An inner end of each arm180is connected to the lower end of a respective linkage182. The upper ends of both linkages182are connected to the lower end of a common linkage184. In turn, the upper end of the common linkage184is moved by a motor or solenoid or worm gear or lead screw mechanism or any suitable means for drawing the common linkage upwards. By operating the moving means188to draw the common linkage184upwards, the first set of wheels116can be raised so that the second set of wheels118alone is engaged with the rails, allowing movement of the vehicle102in the Y-direction. By operating the motor188to push the common linkage184downwards, the first set of wheels116move downwards to engage with the rails and to lift the vehicle so that the second set of wheels118is lifted clear of the rails, as shown in The vehicle102can then move in the X-direction. The wheels118of the second set are mounted to fixed T-pieces190disposed at either end of the lower part114of the vehicle102. In the embodiment shown inFIG.7, it will be appreciated that two motors118are required, one to move two of the wheels of the set116of wheels and one to move the remaining two of the wheels of the set116disposed on the opposite side of the load handling device. In this way, one displacement motor acts to lift half a set of wheels only. It will be appreciated that the motors188may operate independently, each one lifting or lowering half a set of wheels at any time. However in order to efficiently change direction the motors188operate independently but at the same time to lift the wheels clear of the tracks. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment of the invention the mechanism for displacing the wheels is disposed in the lower part of the vehicle body. In this way, additional weight is disposed lower down in the vehicle body thereby improving the stability of the load handling device. FIG.8shows a second embodiment of the invention in which the wheels disposed on each side of the load handling device each comprise the mechanism only associated with one set of wheels in the previous embodiment described with reference toFIGS.5to7. In this embodiment it will be appreciated that each side of the load handling device will therefore require a displacement motor and a linkage mechanism as described with reference toFIGS.5to7. It will be appreciated that this provides additional stability to the load handling device as each side comprises the same mechanism and motor means, the weight being evenly distributed. The embodiment ofFIG.8shows a load handling device in which 4 motor means are provided each acting on half a set of wheels116,118. FIG.9shows a third embodiment of the invention in which the two wheels disposed on each side of the load handling device are rotatably attached to moveable side panels that comprise the sides of the load handling device. Two wheels200mounted in a frame structure210of a load handling device according to another embodiment of the invention. As in the previous embodiments, in this embodiment the load handling device comprises a vehicle with an upper part112that houses the major components of the device and a lower part having a recess120for accommodating a bin, with the wheels200being arranged on four sides of the recess. In this case, the frame structure of the load handling device comprises two parallel panels that accommodate the wheels200there between. Drive means is provided to transfer drive to the wheels200from a motor housed in the upper part112of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the drive means provided in the upper part of the load handling device may act on two wheels200on one side of the load handling device at any one time. In this way, a single motor means located above the cavity may act on half a set of wheels116or two motors may be provided each motor acting on half a set of wheels116. Referring additionally toFIG.10, in a fourth embodiment of the invention each wheel200may be provided with displacement means to enable each wheel200to be independently lifted or lowered and engaged or disengaged with the track as required. In this embodiment the wheels200each comprise drive means and displacement means. Again, in using mechanisms and components positioned in the lower part of the load handling device the stability of the device is improved. Referring toFIGS.11to13aand13b, a fifth embodiment of displacement means for the wheels200or sets of wheels116and118is described.FIG.11shows a two wheels disposed on each side of the load handling device, attached to moveable side panels that comprise the sides of the load handling device. As can be seen inFIGS.12,13a, and13b, the panels further comprise a pin and track mechanism, the pins locating in the tracks when the panels are in situ on the sides of the load handling devices. The panels further comprise a motor or solenoid that moves the pin laterally in the track, the shape of the track in the inside of the panels and the movement of the pins in the tacks causing the side panels to be displaced upwardly or downwardly depending on the direction of travel of the pin in the track. This movement in the panel causing the wheels associated with each panel to lift off the track or engage the track accordingly. In this way, the wheels200in this embodiment can be raised and lowered by moving the panels independently at the same time or opposing panels being connected so as to move together, relative to the upper part112of the vehicle. The panels are mounted to a body230of the upper part112of the vehicle by way of rails232. The rails232are fixed to the body230, and pin is slidably mounted to the rails232. Although in some of the Figures only one side of the load handling device is shown, it will be appreciated that an identical structure would be provided on the opposite side of the vehicle. Both structures may be raised and lowered by a common motor, so the four wheels200can be lifted and lowered in unison to control engagement of this first set of wheels200with rails extending in a first direction across the frame. It will be appreciated that two opposing panels may be raised and lowered by a single motor, the other two opposing panels being raised and lowered by a further motor. Furthermore, each of the four panels may be provided with a motor to independently raise and lower each panel. It will be appreciated that in all the embodiments described above, the motors may be replaced by solenoids or worm gears or lead screw mechanisms or belt driving systems or any other suitable means for driving the displacement mechanism. It will be appreciated that many different variations and modifications are possible. For example, both sets of wheels may be powered by a single motor, with a suitable transfer arrangement to direct power to the appropriate set of wheels. Instead of a motor, the mechanism used to lift the wheels may use linear actuators, such as linear motors or hydraulic rams. Other variations and modifications not explicitly described above will also be apparent to the skilled reader. EXEMPLARY FEATURES Exemplary Feature1can include a load-handling device (100) for lifting and moving containers (106) stacked in stacks in a storage system, the system comprising a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in grid pattern above the stacks of containers, the grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid spaces, each stack being located within a footprint of only a single grid space, the load handling device being configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks, the load handling device further comprising a lifting mechanism (104), the lifting mechanism comprising a gripper device (110), the gripper device (110) being configured to grip a container (106) from above, characterised in that the load-handling device (100) comprises: a vehicle (102) comprising a body having an upper portion (112) and a lower portion (114): the upper portion (112) for housing components such as power components, and/or control components, and/or drive components and/or lifting components; the lower portion (114) arranged directly beneath the upper portion (112), the lower portion (114) comprising a cavity (120) for accommodating a container (106) and a wheel assembly, the wheel assembly comprising a first set of wheels (116) for engaging with a first set of rails or tracks to guide movement of the device in a first direction and a second set of wheels (118) for engaging with a second set of rails or tracks to guide movement of the device (100) in a second direction, wherein the second direction is transverse to the first direction; and the lifting mechanism (104) being configured to raise and lower the gripper device (110) relative to the cavity (120), the lifting mechanism (104) being located above the cavity (120), the wheel assembly further comprises a wheel positioning mechanism, the wheel positioning mechanism comprising means for selectively engaging either the first set of wheels with the first set of rails or tracks or the second set of wheels with the second set of rails or tracks thereby enabling the load handling device to selectively move in either the first or second direction across the grid. Exemplary Feature2can include a load handling device (100) according to feature1, wherein the wheel positioning mechanism further comprises a member pivotally mounted at its outer end to each of the wheels, the mechanism further comprising two linkages, the inner end of each arm being connected to a linkage182, the upper ends of both linkages182being connected to the lower end of a common linkage184. Exemplary Feature3can include a load handling device according to feature2in which the wheel positioning mechanism further comprises motor means acting on the common linkage184, the motor acting so as to draw the common linkage184upwardly. Exemplary Feature4can include a load handling device according to feature3in which the motor means comprises a motor, or a solenoid, or a worm gear, or a lead screw mechanism. Exemplary Feature5can include load handling device according to feature1in which the wheel positioning mechanism comprises two motors188, a first motor to move two of the wheels of the set116of wheels and a second motor to move the remaining two of the wheels of the set116disposed on the opposite side of the load handling device such that one motor acts to lift half a set of wheels only. Exemplary Feature6can include a load handling device according to feature5in which the motors188may operate independently, each motor being adapted so as to lift or lower half a set of wheels at any time. Exemplary Feature7can include a load handling device according to feature6in which the motors188each operate independently of the other and further comprise means for lifting the wheels clear of the tracks or rails. Exemplary Feature8can include a load handling device according to feature1, the wheel positioning mechanism comprising movable side panels on each side of the load handling device, the wheels disposed on each side of the load handling device being rotatably attached to the moveable side panels. Exemplary Feature9can include a load handling device according to feature8, wherein the wheels200mounted on each side of the load handling device are mounted in a frame structure210of the load handling device. Exemplary Feature10can include a load handling device (100) according to feature9, wherein the frame structure (210) is arranged around the cavity (120). Exemplary Feature11can include a load handling device (100) according to feature9, wherein the cavity (120) is defined within the frame structure (210). Exemplary Feature12can include a load handling device (100) according to features10or11, wherein the cavity (120) is bounded on four sides by the frame structure (210). Exemplary Feature13can include a load handling device (100) according to any preceding features1to12, wherein the wheel assembly comprises one or more of the wheels driven by a motor integrated with the wheel or located adjacent to the wheel. Exemplary Feature14can include a load handling device (100) according to any preceding features1to13, wherein one or more of the wheels comprises a wheel hub motor (256). Exemplary Feature15can include a load handling device (100) according to any preceding features1to14, wherein one or more of the wheels is driven by one or more motors located above the cavity (120). Exemplary Feature16can include a load handling device (100) according to feature15, further comprising drive transfer means disposed around the cavity (120) for transferring drive from the or each motor to the or each wheel. Exemplary Feature16can include a load handling device (100) according to feature16, wherein the drive transfer means comprises an arrangement of pulleys and drive belts. Exemplary Feature18can include a load handling device (100) according to any preceding features1to17, wherein one or more of the wheels includes a channel that cooperates with a drive belt for driving the wheel. Exemplary Feature19can include a load handling device according to feature1, the wheels disposed on each side of the load handling device are rotatably attached to moveable side panels that comprise the sides of the load handling device, the movable side panels further comprising a pin and track mechanism, the pins locating in the tracks when the panels are in situ on the sides of the load handling devices. Exemplary Feature20can include a load handling device according to feature19, the side panels further comprising a motor or solenoid that moves the pin laterally in the track, the shape of the track in the inside of the panels and the movement of the pins in the tacks causing the side panels to be displaced upwardly or downwardly depending on the direction of travel of the pin in the track such that movement in the panel causes the wheels associated with each panel to lift off the track or rails or engage the track or rails accordingly. Exemplary Feature21can include a load handling device according to feature20in which the side panels are mounted to a body230of an upper part112of the vehicle by way of rails232, the rails232being fixed to the body230, and the pin being slidably mounted to the rails232. Exemplary Feature22can include a storage system comprising at least one of the load handling devices of any preceding features1to21. Exemplary Feature23can include a method of moving at least one load handling device according to any preceding features1to21around the tracks or rails above a storage system, comprising the step of selectively engaging a first set of wheels with a first set of rails or tracks or a second set of wheels with a second set of rails or tracks such that depending on the selection the load handling device moves in a first or second direction. | 17,923 |
11858738 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FIG.5shows a load handling device100according to an embodiment of the invention. The load handling device100comprises a vehicle102equipped with a winch or crane mechanism104to lift a storage container or bin106, also known as a tote, from above. The crane mechanism104includes winch cables108and a grabber plate110. The grabber plate110is configured to grip the top of the container106to lift it from a stack of containers106in a storage system of the type shown inFIGS.1and2. Referring also toFIGS.6A and6B, the vehicle102comprises an upper part112and a lower part114. The lower part114is fitted with two sets of wheels116,118, which run on rails provided at the top of the frame of the storage system. At least one wheel of each set116,118is driven to enable movement of the vehicle102in X- and Y-directions respectively along the rails. As will be explained below, one or both sets of wheels116,118can be moved vertically to lift each set of wheels clear of the respective rails, thereby allowing the vehicle102to move in the desired direction. The wheels116,118are arranged around the periphery of a cavity or recess120, known as a container-receiving recess, in the lower part114. The recess120is sized to accommodate the bin106when it is lifted by the crane mechanism104, as shown inFIG.6A. When in the recess120, the bin106is lifted clear of the rails beneath, so that the vehicle102can move laterally to a different location. On reaching the target location, for example another stack, an access point in the storage system or a conveyor belt, the bin106can be lowered from the recess120(as shown inFIG.6B) and released from the grabber plate110. The upper part112of the vehicle102houses all of the significant bulky components of the load handling device, as shown inFIG.6C. The upper part112houses the battery and associated electronics, controllers and communications devices, motors for driving the wheels116,118, motors for driving the crane mechanism104, and other sensors and systems. In this way, the footprint of the vehicle102is larger than the size of a bin106only enough to accommodate the wheels116,118either side of the recess120. In other words, the vehicle102occupies a single grid space in the storage system. In this way, the vehicle102therefore takes up the minimum possible amount of space in the X-Y plane, and has a footprint approximately half that of the prior art cantilever design shown inFIG.3. For comparison,FIG.7shows load handling devices100according to the invention in use in a storage system of the type shown inFIGS.1and2, alongside prior art cantilever-type load handling devices30of the type shown inFIG.3. It can be seen that the prior art devices30, although less tall, occupy two stack spaces compared to the taller but smaller-footprint devices100of the invention. The load handling devices100of the invention can also offer improved stability, increased load handling capacity and reduced weight compared to the cantilever-type prior art load handling devices30, because in the invention the load of the containers is suspended between the pairs of wheels on each side of the vehicle. In contrast, the prior-art devices30must have a relatively heavy vehicle module to counterbalance the load in the cantilever configuration. FIGS.8to12show one embodiment of the invention. The upper part112of the vehicle102houses three main motors: a Z-drive motor150used to raise and lower the winch cables108, which are wound onto spools109mounted on drive shafts situated at opposite sides of the vehicle102; an X-drive motor152which drives the first set of wheels116, and a Y-drive motor154which drives the second set of wheels118. The upper part112of the vehicle also houses a battery156to power the motors, and controllers, sensors and other components as described above with reference toFIG.6C. Drive is transferred from the X- and Y-drive motors152,154to the respective sets of wheels116,118by means of belt drive mechanisms. The X-drive motor152drives a pulley160connected to a short drive shaft162that extends across the vehicle body. Drive is transferred from the short drive shaft162to each wheel in the first set of wheels116by an X drive belt164. The Y-drive motor154drives a pulley170connected to a long drive shaft172that extends across the vehicle body in a direction perpendicular to the short drive shaft162. Drive is transferred from the long drive shaft172to each wheel in the second set of wheels118by a Y drive belt174. The belt-driven wheels116,118are mounted at the bottom of the lower part114of the vehicle102. The use of drive belts164,174to transfer drive from the motors to the wheels enables the motors152,154to be mounted in the upper part112of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the first set of wheels116can be raised clear of the rails or lowered onto the rails by means of a wheel positioning mechanism, as shown most clearly inFIGS.9,11and12. Each wheel116is mounted on an arm180that is pivotally mounted at its outer end. An inner end of each arm180is connected to the lower end of a respective linkage182. The upper ends of both linkages182are connected to the lower end of a common linkage184. In turn, the upper end of the common linkage184is connected to a lever arm186that is moved by a motor188. By operating the motor188to draw the common linkage184upwards, the first set of wheels116can be raised so that the second set of wheels118alone is engaged with the rails, allowing movement of the vehicle102in the Y-direction. By operating the motor188to push the common linkage184downwards, the first set of wheels116move downwards to engage with the rails and to lift the vehicle so that the second set of wheels118is lifted clear of the rails, as shown inFIGS.9,11and12. The vehicle102can then move in the X-direction. The wheels118of the second set are mounted to fixed T-pieces190disposed at either end of the lower part114of the vehicle102. FIGS.8,9and12show the load handling device100with a bin106lifted into the recess120.FIG.11shows the load handling device100with the bin106beneath the device100and the grabber plate110about to engage with the bin106. The wheels116,118and the associated support pieces, linkages and drive belts164,174are arranged around the edges of the recess120, so that the upper part112of the vehicle102is solidly supported. FIG.13shows a wheel200suitable for use as one of the wheels116,118of the load handling device100. The wheel200has a toothed central channel202that forms a pulley for cooperating with a drive belt164,174. The channel202is bounded by two rubber tyres204, which bear upon the rails in use. The wheel200can be mounted to an arm180by way of an axle (not shown) that extends through an axial hole206in the wheel200. This wheel design is compact and balanced, to minimise wear, and the tyres204serve to keep the drive belt164,174in alignment in use. FIG.14shows two wheels200mounted in a frame structure210of a load handling device according to another embodiment of the invention. As in the previous embodiments, in this embodiment the load handling device comprises a vehicle with an upper part112that houses the major components of the device and a lower part having a recess120for accommodating a bin, with the wheels200being arranged on four sides of the recess (the wheels on only one side are shown inFIG.14). In this case, the frame structure210comprises two parallel panels that accommodate the wheels200therebetween. A drive belt212is provided to transfer drive to the wheels200from a motor housed in the upper part112of the vehicle. Referring additionally toFIGS.15and16, the wheels200in this embodiment can be raised and lowered by moving the frame structure210relative to the upper part112of the vehicle. The frame structure210is mounted to a body230of the upper part112of the vehicle by way of rails232. The rails232are fixed to the body230in a vertical orientation, and the frame structure210is slidably mounted to the rails232. The frame structure210is retained by a pair of linkages240that extend between the panels. The bottom ends of the linkages240are attached to respective shafts242that bridge the gap between the panels. The top ends of the linkages240are rotatably attached to threaded bosses246that are mounted on a threaded horizontal driveshaft244. The bosses246are slidably attached to horizontal rails248. The driveshaft244is driven by a motor250by way of a drive belt (not shown). When the driveshaft244is rotated in a first direction, the top ends of the linkages240move apart to push the frame structure210downwards, thereby to lower the wheels200onto a rail. When the driveshaft244is rotated in a second, opposite direction, the top ends of the linkages240move together to pull the frame structure210upwards, lifting the wheels200. Although only one frame structure210with two wheels200is shown inFIGS.14to16, it will be appreciated that an identical frame structure210would be provided on the opposite side of the vehicle. Both frame structures210are raised and lowered by a common motor, so the four wheels200can be lifted and lowered in unison to control engagement of this first set of wheels200with rails extending in a first direction across the frame. Although not shown inFIGS.14to16, the vehicle includes another set of wheels arranged to engage with rails extending in a second, perpendicular direction across the frame when the first set of wheels is lifted. It will be appreciated that many different variations and modifications are possible. For example, both sets of wheels may be powered by a single motor, with a suitable transfer arrangement to direct power to the appropriate set of wheels. In other embodiments, one or more of the wheels may include an integrated motor or a motor located adjacent the wheel. An example of this is shown inFIG.17. Referring toFIG.17, this shows a load-handling device252according to a further embodiment of the invention. The device252has a cuboid-shaped external housing254to which a plurality of wheels256are mounted near a lower edge258of the housing254. The wheels256are motorised hub wheels, with each wheel256having a motor integrated within a hub260of the wheel256. The motors are used to drive the respective wheels256directly, and hence this embodiment does not require drive belts connected between the wheels and drive motors. In this example the motors are powered by batteries located within side walls262of a lower part264of the housing254, adjacent to a container-receiving space266of the device252. Locating the batteries low down in this way has the advantageous effect of lowering the centre of gravity of the device252, thereby increasing its stability and allowing higher acceleration and deceleration. The device252is otherwise similar to the previous embodiments and contains similar mechanisms for raising and lowering the wheels256, and a similar lifting device for lifting a container into the container-receiving space266. The batteries located in the side walls262are also used to power these components. In any of the previously-described embodiments, the mechanism used to lift containers into the container-receiving space could take any suitable form. For maximum stability and load capacity, it is desirable to provide four lifting cables, with one cable disposed near each of the corners of the device, but a different arrangement, for example with fewer cables, could be used if desired. Conveniently, all of the cables are spooled and unspooled using a single motor, but more than one motor could be used if desired. Instead of a motor, the mechanism used to lift the wheels may use linear actuators, such as linear motors or hydraulic rams. Instead of using battery power, other means of powering the load-handling devices will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, for example using overhead power or by supplying power via the rails on which the devices run. It will be appreciated that features described in relation to one particular embodiment are interchangeable with features described in relation to the other embodiments. For example, the motorised hub wheels described in relation toFIG.17could be used on any of the other embodiments and/or the batteries could be located low down adjacent the container-receiving space in any of the embodiments to improve stability and increase acceleration/deceleration. Other variations and modifications not explicitly described above will also be apparent to the skilled reader. | 12,556 |
11858739 | DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS To make the objective, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application are explicitly and thoroughly described below in combination with the accompanying drawings. Clearly, the embodiments in the following description are only illustrative ones, and not all possible ones of this application. On the basis of these illustrative ones, all other embodiments obtained by those ordinarily skilled in the art without creative labor should also fall within the protection scope of the invention. To solve the problems of low delivery and storage efficiency and large space occupation of existing storage shelves, the embodiments of this application provide a honeycomb system and a material box storage and sorting system, which can improve the delivery and storage efficiency and storage density of shelves and save an occupied space. To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of this application, the honeycomb system disclosed by the embodiments of this application is detailed first. Embodiment 1 Embodiment 1 of this application provides a honeycomb system which is applied to a storage and sorting system. The honeycomb system comprises at least one modular storage unit, wherein a plurality of the modular storage units correspond to a sorting apparatus. The modular storage unit comprises a set of dual-goods-location shelves, at least one lifting machine, at least one shuttle vehicle and at least one power station. The set of the dual-goods-location shelves are parallel to one another to form a roadway where the shuttle vehicle operates therein. The power station is arranged at two ends or in a middle portion of the dual-goods-location shelves and is integrated with a transmission mechanism and a support frame. The transmission mechanism is connected to the shuttle vehicle and the lifting machine to perform goods transfer between the shuttle vehicle and the lifting machine. Referring toFIG.1which shows a structural diagram of the honeycomb system, the honeycomb system comprises two modular storage units by way of example. In actual use, more modular storage units can be flexibly configured to increase the cache space. The two modular storage units correspond to a sorting apparatus which may comprise a plurality of sorting stations. For example, the modular storage unit comprises a set of dual-goods-location shelves101, two lifting machines102, a shuttle vehicle103and two power stations104. An input terminal and an output terminal of the modular storage unit are connected to a conveyor line105and a transfer machine106. Furthermore, the honeycomb system further comprises a code scanner107used to scan bar code information on side faces of material boxes to realize entry of information about the material boxes. The dual-goods-location shelf is an intensive multi-layer shuttle vehicle shelf. Referring toFIG.2which shows a plan view of the dual-goods-location shelves of the honeycomb system and illustrates one shelf layer of the dual-goods-location shelves, the dual-goods-location shelf comprises a plurality of material box support rods201, a rail beam202and a rear beam203, wherein every two material box support rods201define a goods compartment used for supporting order boxes204. The rail beam202supports the shuttle vehicle to travel thereon, and the shuttle vehicle operates in a roadway formed by a set of order box storage and picking shelves which are parallel to one another. The rail beam202and the rear beam203are respectively arranged at two ends of the material box support rods201. The plurality of material box support rods are arranged in parallel to form one shelf layer together with the rail beam and the rear beam. The dual-goods-location shelf is an intensive multi-layer shuttle vehicle shelf, and each shelf layer has a plurality of goods locations. The dual-goods-location shelf comprises at least one column sheet, a plurality of material box support rods, a rail beam and a rear beam. The shuttle vehicle travels on the rail beam. The rail beam and the rear beam are respectively arranged at two ends of the material box support rods. The plurality of material box support rods are arranged in parallel to form one shelf layer together with the rail beam and the rear beam. The intensive multi-layer shuttle vehicle shelf comprises a plurality of shelf layers. The support parts of the multi-layer shuttle vehicle shelf are not limited to the material box support rods and can also be formed in other ways, such as support plates (steel plates or aluminum alloy plates), support nets, and densely-distributed support rods that can adapt to material boxes with different sizes or directly support goods. In this embodiment, the dual-goods-location shelves are shelves with double goods-locations. The shuttle vehicle is a bidirectional-stretching and single-goods-location shuttle vehicle, and the dual-goods-location shelves are matched with the bidirectional-stretching and single-goods-location shuttle vehicle. The dual-goods-location shelves have a higher storage density in unit space than single-goods-location shelves, and the bidirectional-stretching and single-goods-location shuttle vehicle occupies a narrower space than a dual-goods-location shuttle vehicle, so that the storage density is improved. Particularly, the bidirectional-stretching and single-goods-location shuttle vehicle comprises a single-goods-location storage platform and a fork, wherein the fork is a bidirectional-stretching fork. In one implementation, a bidirectional-stretching and dual-goods-location shuttle vehicle comprising a dual-goods-location storage platform and a fork may be adopted, wherein the fork is also a bidirectional-stretching fork. An order box storage and picking shelf comprises a plurality of shelf layers, so that the vertical space can be fully used for storing material boxes, and the storage capacity of the storage system is improved. The two lifting machines102shown inFIG.1include a storage lifting machine and a delivery lifting machine. The storage lifting machine and the delivery lifting machine are respectively arranged at two ends of the order box storage and picking shelf (namely the upper end and the lower end inFIG.1). The lifting machines are connected to a batch-of-orders sorting module through the conveyor line105and the transfer machine106. Particularly, the power stations are arranged at two ends of the dual-goods-location shelves. Referring toFIG.3which shows a structural diagram of the power station of the honeycomb system, the power station is integrated with a transmission mechanism301and a support frame302. The transmission mechanism is connected to the shuttle vehicle and the lifting machines to perform goods transfer between the shuttle vehicle and the lifting machines, and then goods are transferred to the conveyor line by the lifting machines. The power station has at least two turnover box locations, and the lifting machine has at least two turnover box locations. Referring toFIG.4which shows a diagram of goods locations of the lifting machines and the power stations, the storage platform of each lifting machine has two rows and one column of turnover box locations, and each power station has two rows and two columns of turnover box locations. Referring toFIG.5which shows another diagram of goods locations of the lifting machines and the power stations, the storage platform of each lifting machine has two rows and one column or one row and one column of turnover box locations, each the power station has one row and three columns, or one row and two columns, or one row and one column of turnover box locations. Referring toFIG.6which shows another diagram of goods locations of the lifting machines and the power stations, the storage platform of each lifting machine has two rows and two columns of turnover box locations, and each power station has two rows and two columns of turnover box locations. In an actual application, the layout of the goods locations of the lifting machines and the power stations can be determined according to the density of goods to be delivered and stored, the quantity of goods to be cached, and the space occupied by the goods. The transmission mechanism comprises at least two power sections which respectively correspond to a storage region and a cache region. As shown inFIG.4, the power station has a storage region303and a cache region304. The power station has a greater capacity to temporarily store goods through the configuration of the cache region304. When goods are to be delivered, the shuttle vehicle places the goods in the storage region, then the goods are transferred to the cache region by the transmission mechanism, and at this moment, the storage region can receive goods from the shuttle vehicle again without waiting until the lifting machine transfers the goods on the power station away, so that the goods sorting efficiency of the shuttle vehicle is improved. Similarly, when goods are to be stored, the storage region can temporarily store the goods, so that the lifting efficiency of the lifting machine is improved. The transmission mechanism may consist of a plurality of transmission rollers such as electric rollers. Considering that goods need to be transferred by the shuttle vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rollers in the storage region, the frictional force between the transmission rollers and order boxes has to be decreased in the storage region to make sure that the fork of the shuttle vehicle can take or place the order boxes conveniently. The frictional force between the transmission rollers and the order boxes has to be increased in the cache region to make sure that the order boxes can be better transferred. Therefore, the transmission rollers in the storage region are smooth transmission rollers, and the transmission rollers in the cache region are coarse transmission rollers. Moreover, the transmission mechanism may consist of a plurality of belts which are respectively arranged in the storage region and the cache region. The power station further comprises a transition board which is configured to avoid the negative influence of a gap between the power station and the shuttle vehicle on the transfer process of the order boxes between the power station and the shuttle vehicle. The transition board is arranged between the storage region and the rail beam of the shuttle vehicle, so that order boxes can be transferred more smoothly, and the delivery and storage efficiency is guaranteed. The honeycomb system further comprises a layer-change lifting machine which is arranged at any end of the dual-goods-location shelves. Referring toFIG.7andFIG.8which show installation diagrams of the later-change lifting machine, the layer-change lifting machine111is arranged at an end, provided with the power stations and the lifting machines, of the shelves inFIG.7, and the layer-change lifting machine is arranged at the other end of the shelves inFIG.8. The shuttle vehicle can be transferred to any layer of the shelves through the layer-change lifting machine, so that it is not needed to configure one shuttle vehicle on each layer of the shelves. For example, five shuttle vehicles or at least one shuttle vehicle is configured in each roadway of ten layers of shelves, so that the cost of the whole system is effectively reduced. As shown inFIG.9which is an installation diagram of the layer-change lifting machine, the power stations and the lifting machines are arranged on a side faces of the shelves, and the layer-change lifting machine is arranged at one end of the shelves. The honeycomb system further comprises a maintenance device which corresponds to at least one modular storage unit and is used for maintaining the modular storage unit. The maintenance device comprises a multi-layer maintenance platform and a maintenance lifting machine. Referring toFIG.1which shows the maintenance lifting machine110, the multi-layer maintenance platform comprises a first footboard108arranged in the roadway and a second footboard109arranged at one end of the dual-goods-location shelves, and the maintenance lifting machine110is connected to the second footboard109. Furthermore, the maintenance device further comprises a maintenance staircase. The honeycomb system in this embodiment of the application comprises at least one modular storage unit which includes a set of dual-goods-location shelves, at least one lifting machine, at least one shutter vehicle and at least one power station. Through the cooperation of the shuttle vehicle, the lifting machine and the power station, the delivery and storage efficiency and storage density of the shelves are improved, an occupied space is saved, and accordingly, the sorting efficiency of the storage shelves is improved. Embodiment 2 Embodiment 2 of this application provides a honeycomb system which is applied to a sorting and sorting system. The honeycomb system comprises at least one modular storage unit. A plurality of the modular storage units correspond to a sorting apparatus. The modular storage unit comprises a set of dual-goods-location shelves, at least one layer-change lifting machine and at least one shuttle vehicle. The set of dual-goods-location shelves are parallel to one another to form a roadway where the shuttle vehicle operates. The layer-change lifting machine is arranged at any end of the dual-goods-location shelves and is used for lifting the shuttle vehicle to perform goods transfer between the shuttle vehicle and a conveyor line connected to the honeycomb system. Referring toFIG.10which shows a structural diagram of the layer-change lifting machine, compared with Embodiment 1, the layer-change lifting machine is configured, so that the lifting machines and the power stations which are used for lifting material boxes do not need to be configured anymore. When goods are to be delivered, the shuttle vehicle carrying with material boxes enters the layer-change lifting machine from a rail on the shelves, then the layer-change lifting machine descends to the conveyor line, and the shuttle vehicle places the material boxes on the conveyor line. When goods are to be stored, the shuttle vehicle is lifted by the layer-change lifting machine to the corresponding layer of the storage shelves, and then enters the rail on the shelves to place the material boxes at preset positions. According to the honeycomb system in this embodiment of the application, goods delivery and storage are realized through the layer-change lifting machine and the shuttle vehicle, and the power stations and the lifting machines used for lifting material boxes are not configured, so that the structure is simple, and the cost is low. The delivery and storage efficiency and storage density of the shelves are high, an occupied space is saved, and accordingly, the sorting efficiency of the storage shelves is improved. Embodiment 3 Embodiment 3 of this application provides a material box storage and sorting system which comprises the honeycomb system provided by Embodiment 1. Referring toFIG.11which shows a structural diagram of the material box storage and sorting system, the material box storage and sorting system at least comprises a honeycomb system100, a batch-of-orders sorting module200, an order box goods collection cache module300, an order box allocation module400and a warehouse management module500. Particularly, the honeycomb system100is used to store material boxes. The material boxes are used to store goods. It should be noted that the honeycomb system meets the operating requirements of a shuttle vehicle, a power station, a lifting machine and a maintenance device. The batch-of-orders sorting module200is used to perform parallel sorting of a batch of orders, so as to pick up goods into order boxes from the material boxes. The batch of orders consists of a plurality of orders. Parallel sorting is performed on the orders in the batch of orders, that is, goods information included in the multiple orders is processed to determine the quantity of to-be-picked goods or the sorting sequence. For example, the total quantity of to-be-picked goods of the same type is worked out so that all the goods of this type in the batch of orders can be picked out in the delivery process. Or, to-be-picked goods in this batch of orders are sorted to perform parallel sorting of multiple orders, and in comparison with a traditional serial order sorting method, the sorting speed and efficiency of the batch-of-orders sorting module are improved. The order box goods collection cache module300is used to cache and transfer the order boxes. Compared with a conveyor-line cache method, the order box goods collection cache module of the material box storage and sorting system has a higher storage capacity and can cache much more goods, so that more batch-of-orders sorting modules can be configured to make sure that more sorting stations work in parallel, thus improving the sorting efficiency of the batch of orders. Furthermore, the order box goods collection cache module300may be used to randomly receive and cache order boxes corresponding of multiple batches of orders and to output order boxes corresponding to the same batch of orders in a centralized manner as required. Therefore, under the condition where order boxes corresponding to difference batches of orders enter the order box goods collection cache module, order boxes corresponding to the same batch of orders can be output in a centralized manner and are then supplied to the subsequent order box allocation module400. Compared with a traditional method, the order box sorting procedure of an allocation conveyor line is omitted (order boxes of the same batch are output, so that sorting does not need to be performed anymore), so that the order box supply efficiency of an allocation platform is improved, and accordingly, the user order completion efficiency is improved. The order box allocation module400is used to receive the order boxes cached and transferred by the order box goods collection cache module and to allocate the order boxes according to information about the user orders, so as to complete goods sorting for the batch of orders. The warehouse management module500is used to receive and process the batch of orders sent from an order system, to deploy the material box storage module to deliver or store the material boxes, to deploy the batch-of-orders sorting module to perform sorting, to deploy the order box goods collection cache module to cache and transfer the order boxes, and to deploy the order box allocation module to allocate the order boxes. Understandably, the warehouse management module500may has a function of monitoring and managing the material box storage and sorting system. For example, the warehouse management module500can process the information about the batch of orders, deploy equipment to work, monitor the working condition of the equipment, manage the material boxes and goods information, and manage goods location allocation. The material box storage and sorting system in this embodiment of the application adopts a batch-of-orders parallel sorting method to perform parallel sorting of the same batch of order on multiple sorting stations, thus greatly improving the sorting efficiency. Compared with a traditional conveyor-line cache method, the order box goods collection cache module has a higher storage capacity and can cache much more goods, so that more batch-of-orders sorting modules can be configured to guarantee that more sorting stations work in parallel, thus improving the sorting efficiency of the batch of orders. Moreover, unless otherwise explicitly stated and defined, the terms “install”, “connect”, and “connection” in the description of the embodiments of the application should be generally understood. For instance, “connection” may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection or integral connection, or mechanical connector or electrical connection, or direct connection or indirect connection with an inter-medium, or internal communication of two elements. Those ordinarily skilled in the art should appreciate the specific meanings of these terms in this application as the case may be. It should be noted that the terms such as “central”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “inner” and “outer” in the description of this application are used to indicate positional or relational relations on the basis of the drawings for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the description of this application, do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to mush have specific directions or must be configured or operated in specific directions, and thus should not be interpreted as limitations of this application. In addition, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” are only used for the purpose of description, and do not indicate or imply any relative importance. Those skilled in the art can thoroughly understand the specific working process of the systems, devices and units mentioned above by referring to the corresponding process in the embodiments of the method, and for the purpose of a convenient and brief description, relevant details will no longer be given. It should be noted that the systems, devices and methods disclosed in the several embodiments of this application can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are only illustrative ones. For instance, the units are partitioned merely according to logic functions, and when actually implemented, the units can also be partitioned in other ways. For example, multiple units or assemblies can be combined or integrated in another system, or certain characteristics can be neglected or not executed. Moreover, coupling or direct coupling or communication illustrated or discussed above may refer to indirect coupling or communication between devices or units via communication interfaces, or electrical or mechanical coupling or communication, or coupling or communication in other ways. The units which are independently stated may be or may not be physically separated, and components which are shown as units may be or may not be physical units, that is, these components may be located at the same position or may be distributed in multiple network units. The part or all of these units can be selected as actually needed to fulfill the purpose of the embodiments. In addition, all functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated in one processing unit or separated physically, or two or more units may be integrated in one unit. Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments of this application are only specific ones used to explain the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit the technical solutions. The protection scope of this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Although this application has been expounded with reference to the aforesaid embodiments, those ordinarily skilled in the art would appreciate that any skilled in the art can make modifications or achievable alterations to the technical solutions recoded in the aforesaid embodiments or make equivalent substitutions to part of the technical characteristics within the technical scope disclosed by this application. All these modifications, alterations or substitutions obtained without making the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application should also fall within the protection scope of this application. Thus, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The honeycomb system provided by the embodiments of this application can improve the delivery and storage efficiency and storage density of shelves, save an occupied space and improve the sorting efficiency of the storage shelves. | 24,202 |
11858740 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) FIG.1generally schematically illustrates a storage and retrieval system100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Although the embodiments disclosed will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed can be embodied in many alternate forms. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment the storage and retrieval system100may operate in a retail distribution center or warehouse to, for example, fulfill orders received from retail stores for case units (where case units as used herein means items not stored in trays, on totes or on pallets, e.g. uncontained). It is noted that the case units may include cases of items (e.g. case of soup cans, boxes of cereal, etc.) or individual items that are adapted to be taken off of or placed on a pallet. In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, shipping cases or case units (e.g. cartons, barrels, boxes, crates, jugs, or any other suitable device for holding case units) may have variable sizes and may be used to hold items in shipping and may be configured so they are capable of being palletized for shipping. It is noted that when, for example, bundles or pallets of case units arrive at the storage and retrieval system the content of each pallet may be uniform (e.g. each pallet holds a predetermined number of the same item—one pallet holds soup and another pallet holds cereal) and as pallets leave the storage and retrieval system the pallets may contain any suitable number and combination of different items (e.g. each pallet may hold different types of items—a pallet holds a combination of soup and cereal). In alternate embodiments the storage and retrieval system described herein may be applied to any environment in which case units are stored and retrieved. The storage and retrieval system100may be configured for installation in, for example, existing warehouse structures or adapted to new warehouse structures. In one exemplary embodiment, the storage and retrieval system may include in-feed and out-feed transfer stations170,160, multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B, a storage structure130, and a number of autonomous vehicular transport robots110(referred to herein as “bots”). In alternate embodiments the storage and retrieval system may also include robot or bot transfer stations (as described in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/757,220 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,096,375), entitled “STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM,” previously incorporated by reference herein) that may provide an indirect interface between the bots and the multilevel vertical conveyor150A,150B. The in-feed transfer stations170and out-feed transfer stations160may operate together with their respective multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B for bi-directionally transferring case units to and from one or more levels of the storage structure130. It is noted that while the multilevel vertical conveyors are described herein as being dedicated inbound conveyors150A and outbound conveyors150B, in alternate embodiments each of the conveyors150A,150B may be used for both inbound and outbound transfer of case units/items from the storage and retrieval system. The multilevel vertical conveyors may be substantially similar to those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/757,354, entitled “LIFT INTERFACE FOR STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/757,220, entitled “STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM”, previously incorporated by reference herein. For example, the multilevel vertical conveyors may have any suitable number of support shelves for transporting the case units to a predetermined level of the storage and retrieval system. The support shelves may have slatted supports configured to allow fingers of the bots110or in-feed/out-feed transfer stations170,160to pass between the slats for transferring case units to and from the conveyor. As may be realized, the storage and retrieval system100may include multiple in-feed and out-feed multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B that are accessible by, for example, bots110on each level of the storage and retrieval system100so that one or more case unit(s), uncontained or without containment (e.g. case unit(s) are not sealed in trays), can be transferred from a multilevel vertical conveyor150A,150B to each storage space on a respective level and from each storage space to any one of the multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B on a respective level. The bots110may be configured to transfer the uncontained case units between the storage spaces and the multilevel vertical conveyors with one pick (e.g. substantially directly between the storage spaces and the multilevel vertical conveyors). By way of further example, the designated bot110picks the uncontained case unit(s) from a shelf of a multilevel vertical conveyor, transports the uncontained case unit(s) to a predetermined storage area of the storage structure130and places the uncontained case unit(s) in the predetermined storage area (and vice versa). The bots110may be configured to place case units, such as the above described retail merchandise, into picking stock in the one or more levels of the storage structure130and then selectively retrieve ordered items for shipping the ordered items to, for example, a store or other suitable location. In one exemplary embodiment, the bots110may interface directly with the multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B through, for example, extension of a transfer arm or effector of the bot (which may have fingers for interfacing with slatted support shelves of the multi-level vertical conveyors) relative to a frame of the bot. The bots may be substantially similar to those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/757,312 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,425,173), entitled “AUTONOMOUS TRANSPORTS FOR STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS,” previously incorporated by reference herein. The storage structure130may include multiple levels of storage rack modules where each level includes an array of storage spaces (arrayed on the multiple levels and in multiple rows on each level), picking aisles130A formed between the rows of storage spaces, and transfer decks130B. In alternate embodiments, each level may also include respective bot transfer stations for providing an indirect interface between the bots and the multilevel vertical conveyors. In this exemplary embodiment, the picking aisles130A and transfer decks130B may be arranged for allowing the bots110to traverse respective levels of the storage structure130for placing case units into picking stock and to retrieve the ordered case units. As may be realized, the storage and retrieval system may be configured to allow random accessibility to the storage spaces. For example, all storage spaces in the storage structure130may be treated substantially equally when determining which storage spaces are to be used when picking and placing case units from/to the storage structure130such that any storage space of sufficient size can be used to store items. The storage structure130of the exemplary embodiments may also be arranged such that there is no vertical or horizontal array partitioning of the storage structure. For example, each multilevel vertical conveyor150A,150B is common to all storage spaces (e.g. the array of storage spaces) in the storage structure130such that any bot110can access each storage space and any multilevel vertical conveyor150A,150B can receive case units from any storage space on any level so that the multiple levels in the array of storage spaces substantially act as a single level (e.g. no vertical partitioning). The multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B can also receive case units from any storage space on any level of the storage structure130(e.g. no horizontal partitioning). The storage structure130may also include charging stations130C for replenishing, for example, a battery pack of the bots110. In one exemplary embodiment, the charging stations130C may be located at, for example, transfer areas295(FIGS.2-4) of the transfer deck130B so that the bots110can substantially simultaneously transfer items, for example, to and from a multilevel vertical conveyor150A,150B while being charged. The bots110and other suitable features of the storage and retrieval system100may be controlled by, for example, one or more central system control computers (e.g. control server)120through, for example, any suitable network180. The network180may be a wired network, a wireless network or a combination of a wireless and wired network using any suitable type and/or number of communication protocols. It is noted that, in one exemplary embodiment, the system control server120may be configured to manage and coordinate the overall operation of the storage and retrieval system100and interface with, for example, a warehouse management system, which in turn manages the warehouse facility as a whole. The control server120may be substantially similar to that described in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/757,337, entitled “CONTROL SYSTEM FOR STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS,” previously incorporated by reference herein. As an exemplary operation of an order fulfillment process of the storage and retrieval system100, case units for replenishing the picking stock are input at, for example, depalletizing workstations210(FIG.2) so that items bundled together on pallets (or other suitable container-like transport supports) are separated and individually carried on, for example, conveyors240(FIG.2) or other suitable transfer mechanisms (e.g. manned or automated carts, etc.) to the in-feed transfer stations170. The in-feed transfer stations170assemble the case units into pickfaces (e.g. which include one or more case units) and load the pickfaces onto respective multilevel vertical conveyors150A, which carry the pickfaces to a predetermined level of the storage structure130. Bots110interface with the multilevel vertical conveyor150A at, for example, the transfer areas295for removing the pickfaces from the multilevel vertical conveyor150A. The bots transfer the pickfaces from the multilevel vertical conveyor150A to a predetermined storage module of the storage structure130. As may be realized, pickfaces/items of the same type may be stored in different locations within the storage structure so that at least one of that type of pickface/item may be retrieved when other ones of that type of pickface/item are inaccessible. The storage and retrieval system may also be configured to provide multiple access paths or routes to each storage location (e.g. pickface) so that bots may reach each storage location using, for example, a secondary path if a primary path to the storage location is obstructed. It is noted that the control server120and one or more sensors on the bots110may allow for the assignment and reservation of a pickface for putting away an inbound item such as during replenishment of the storage and retrieval system100. In one exemplary embodiment, when a storage slot/place becomes available in the storage structure130, the control server120may assign a fictitious item (e.g. an empty case) to the empty storage slot. If there are adjacent empty slots in the storage structure the empty cases of the adjacent storage slots may be combined to fill the empty space on the storage shelf. The size of the slots may be variable such as when dynamically allocating shelf space. For example, referring also toFIGS.7A-7C, instead of placing case units5011and5012in predetermined storage areas on the storage shelf5001, the storage slots may be dynamically allocated such that the cases5011,5012are replaced by three cases having the size of case unit5010. For example,FIG.7Aillustrates a storage bay5000divided into storage slots S1-S4as is done in conventional storage systems. The size of the storage slots S1-S4may be a fixed size dependent on a size of the largest item (e.g. item5011) to be stored on the shelf600of the storage bay5000. As can be seen inFIG.7A, when case units5010,5012,5013of varying dimensions, which are smaller than case unit5011, are placed in a respective storage slot S1, S2, S4a significant portion of the storage bay capacity, as indicated by the shaded boxes, remains unused. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment,FIG.7Billustrates a storage bay5001having dimensions substantially similar to storage bay5000. InFIG.7Bthe case units5010-5016are placed on the shelf600using dynamic allocation such that the empty storage slots are substantially continuously resized as uncontained case units are placed on the storage shelves (e.g. the storage slots do not have a predetermined size and/or location on the storage shelves). As can be seen inFIG.7B, dynamically allocating the storage space allows placement of case units5014-5016on shelf600in addition to case units5010-5013(which are the same case units placed in storage bay5000described above) such that the unused storage space, as indicated by the hatched boxed, is less than the unused storage space using the fixed sizes slots ofFIG.7A.FIG.7Cillustrates a side by side comparison of the unused storage space for the fixed slots and dynamic allocation storage described above. It is noted that the unused storage space of bay5001using dynamic allocation may be decreased even further by decreasing the amount of space between the case units5010-5016which may allow for placement of additional case units on the shelf600. As case units are placed within the storage structure the open storage spaces may be analyzed, by for example the control server120, after each case unit's placement and dynamically reallocated according to a changed size of the open storage space so that additional case units having a size corresponding to (or less than) a size of the reallocated storage space may be placed in the reallocated storage space. In alternate embodiments, the storage slots may also be allocated so that case units that are frequently picked together are located next to each other. When a predetermined storage space is reserved for a pickface/case unit that is being delivered, at least a portion of the empty case sitting in the location where the case unit is to be placed is replaced by a fictitious case unit having the features (e.g. size, etc.) of the case unit being delivered to prevent other inbound case units from being assigned to the predetermined pickface. If the case unit is smaller than the empty case that it is replacing, the empty case may be resized or replaced with a smaller empty case to fill the unused portion of the storage shelf. Another case unit may then be placed within the storage slot corresponding to the resized smaller empty case and so on. When an order for individual case units is made the bots110retrieve the corresponding pickface from a designated storage module of the storage structure130and transfer the ordered case units to a predetermined transfer area295located on a level of the storage structure130from which the ordered case units were picked. The bot interfaces with multilevel vertical conveyor150B (e.g. in a manner substantially similar to the transfer of items between the bots110and shelves600as described herein) at the transfer area295for transferring the pickface to the multilevel vertical conveyor150B. The multilevel vertical conveyor150B transports the pickface to the out-feed transfer stations160where the individual case unit(s) of the pickface are transported to palletizing workstations220(FIG.2) by conveyors230(FIG.2) where the individual case units are placed on outbound pallets (or other suitable container-like transport supports) for shipping to a customer. The out-feed transfer stations160and the palletizing workstations220may be referred to collectively as an order assembly station. Other examples, of material handling systems in which items are transferred to an outbound container can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/928,289 filed on Aug. 28, 2004, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/002,309 filed on Dec. 14, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. As may be realized, the storage and retrieval system described herein allows for ordering mixed case units of any suitable quantity without having to pick and transport, for example, entire trays, totes or pallets of items to and from the storage structure130. Referring now toFIGS.2-4, exemplary configurations of the storage and retrieval system100are shown. As can be seen inFIG.2, the storage and retrieval system200is configured as a single-ended picking structure in which only one side of the system200has a transfer section or deck130B. The single-ended picking structure may be used in, for example, a building or other structure having loading docks disposed only on one side of the building. As can be seen inFIG.2, the transfer deck130B and picking aisles130A allow bots110to traverse an entirety of a level of the storage structure130on which that bot110is located for transporting items between any suitable storage locations/picking aisles130A and any suitable multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B. In this exemplary embodiment, the storage and retrieval system200includes a first and second storage section230A,230B located side by side so that the picking aisles of each section are substantially parallel with each other and facing the same direction (e.g. towards transfer deck130B). FIG.3illustrates a storage and retrieval system300having a double sided picking structure for use in, for example, buildings or other structures having loading docks on two sides of the building. InFIG.3the storage and retrieval system300includes two storage sections340A,340B that are arranged so that the picking aisles130A in each of the storage sections340A,340B are parallel with each other but facing opposing directions such that substantially continuous picking aisles are formed between the opposing transfer decks330A,330B. As may be realized, an express travel lane335may be located between the opposing transfer decks330A,330B for allowing bots110to transit between the transfer decks330A,330B at greater speeds than those allowed within the picking aisles130A. As may also be realized the bots110on each level of the picking structure ofFIG.3may traverse the entirety of its respective level such that the bot110may serve to transport items throughout the two storage sections340A,340B and to and from respective input and output workstations. FIG.4illustrates a storage and retrieval system400substantially similar to storage and retrieval system300. However, the storage and retrieval system400illustrates maintenance access gateways410A,410B,410C for allowing, as an example, humans and/or service equipment to enter the storage and retrieval system for performing maintenance and/or repairs to the storage and retrieval system400. The storage and retrieval systems may also be configured with suitable features for disabling one or more bots110, conveyors or any other suitable features of the storage and retrieval systems in one or more areas of the storage and retrieval system100when maintenance is being performed within the storage and retrieval system100. In one example, the control server120may be configured to disable/enable features of the storage and retrieval system. The storage and retrieval system, such as those described above with respect toFIGS.2-4may be configured to allow substantially unimpeded access to substantially all areas of the storage and retrieval system in the event of, for example, a stoppage in the system so that the system continues operation with substantially no or minimized loss in throughput. A stoppage in the system may include, but is not limited to, a disabled bot110within a picking aisle or on a transfer deck, a disabled multilevel vertical conveyor150A,150B and/or a disabled in-feed or out-feed transfer station160,170. As may be realized, the storage and retrieval system200,300,400may be configured to allow substantially redundant access to each of the storage locations within the picking aisles. For example, a loss of an input multilevel vertical conveyor150A may result in substantially no loss of storage space or throughput as there are multiple input multilevel vertical conveyors150A that can transport case units to each level/storage space within the storage structure130. As another example, the loss of a bot out of a picking aisle may result in substantially no loss of storage space or throughput as there are multiple bots110on each level capable of transferring case units between any one of the storage spaces and any one of the multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B. In still another example, the loss of a bot110within a picking aisle may result in substantially no loss of storage space or throughput as only a portion of a picking aisle is blocked and the storage and retrieval system may be configured to provide multiple paths of travel to each of the storage spaces or types of case units within the storage spaces. In yet another example, a loss of an output multilevel vertical conveyor150B may result in substantially no loss of storage space or throughput as there are multiple output multilevel vertical conveyors150B that can transport case units from each level/storage space within the storage structure130. In the exemplary embodiments, transport of the case units (e.g. via the multilevel vertical conveyors and bots) is substantially independent of storage capacity and case unit distribution and vice versa (e.g. the storage capacity and case unit distribution is substantially independent of transport of the case units) such that there is substantially no single point of failure in either storage capacity or throughput of case units through the storage and retrieval system. The control server120may be configured to communicate with the bots110, multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B, in-feed or out-feed transfer stations160,170and other suitable features/components of the storage and retrieval system in any suitable manner. The bots110, multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B and transfer stations160,170may each have respective controllers that communicate with the control server120for conveying and/or receiving, for example, a respective operational status, location (in the case of the bots110) or any other suitable information. The control server may record the information sent by the bots110, multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B and transfer stations160,170for use in, for example, planning order fulfillment or replenishment tasks. As may be realized, any suitable controller of the storage and retrieval system such as for example, control server120, may be configured to create any suitable number of alternative pathways for retrieving one or more case units from their respective storage locations when a pathway provided access to those case units is restricted or otherwise blocked. For example, the control server120may include suitable programming, memory and other structure for analyzing the information sent by the bots110, multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B and transfer stations160,170for planning a bot's110primary or preferred route to a predetermined item within the storage structure. The preferred route may be the fastest and/or most direct route that the bot110can take to retrieve the case units/pickfaces. In alternate embodiments the preferred route may be any suitable route. The control server120may also be configured to analyze the information send by the bots110, multilevel vertical conveyor150A,150B and transfer stations160,170for determining if there are any obstructions along the preferred route. If there are obstructions along the preferred route the control server120may determine one or more secondary or alternate routes for retrieving the case units so that the obstruction is avoided and the case units can be retrieved without any substantial delay in, for example, fulfilling an order. It should be realized that the bot route planning may also occur on the bot110itself by, for example, any suitable control system, such as a control system onboard the bot110. As an example, the bot control system may be configured to communicate with the control server120for accessing the information from other bots110, the multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B and the transfer stations160,170for determining the preferred and/or alternate routes for accessing an item in a manner substantially similar to that described above. It is noted that the bot control system may include any suitable programming, memory and/or other structure to effect the determination of the preferred and/or alternate routes. Referring toFIG.4, as a non-limiting example, in an order fulfillment process the bot110A, which is traversing transfer deck330A, may be instructed to retrieve a case unit499from picking aisle131. However, there may be a disabled bot110B blocking aisle131such that the bot110A cannot take a preferred (e.g. the most direct and/or fastest) path to the case unit499. In this example, the control server may instruct the bot110A to traverse an alternate route such as through any unreserved picking aisle (e.g. an aisle without a bot in it or an aisle that is otherwise unobstructed) so that the bot110A can travel along, for example, transfer deck330B. The bot110A can enter the end of the picking131opposite the blockage from transfer deck330B so as to avoid the disabled bot110B for accessing the case unit499. In another exemplary embodiment, as can be seen inFIG.3, the storage and retrieval system may include one or more bypass aisles132that run substantially transverse to the picking aisles to allow the bots110to move between picking aisles130A in lieu of traversing the transfer decks330A,330B. The bypass aisles132may be substantially similar to travel lanes of the transfer decks330A,330B, as described herein, and may allow bidirectional or unidirectional travel of the bots through the bypass aisle. The bypass aisle may provide one or more lanes of bot travel where each lane has a floor and suitable guides for guiding the bot along the bypass aisle in a manner similar to that described herein with respect to the transfer decks330A,330B. In alternate embodiments, the bypass aisles may have any suitable configuration for allowing the bots110to traverse between the picking aisles130A. It is noted that whole the bypass aisle132is shown with respect to a storage and retrieval system having transfer decks330A,330B disposed on opposite ends of the storage structure, in other exemplary embodiments, storage and retrieval system having only one transfer deck, such as shown inFIG.2, may also include one or more bypass aisles132. As may also be realized, if one of the in-feed or out-feed transfer stations160,170become disabled order fulfillment or replenishment tasks may be directed, by for example, control server120, to other ones of the in-feed and out-feed transfer stations160,170without substantial disruption of the storage and retrieval system. The storage and retrieval systems shown inFIGS.2-4have exemplary configurations only and in alternate embodiments the storage and retrieval systems may have any suitable configuration and components for storing and retrieving items as described herein. For example, in alternate embodiments the storage and retrieval system may have any suitable number of storage sections, any suitable number of transfer decks and corresponding input and output workstations. As an example, a storage and retrieval system in accordance with the exemplary embodiments may include transfer decks and corresponding input and output stations located on three or four sides of the storage sections for serving, for example, loading docks disposed on various sides of a building. Referring also toFIGS.5,6A and6B, the storage structure130will be described in greater detail. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the storage structure130includes, for example, any suitable number of vertical supports612and any suitable number of horizontal supports610,611,613. It is noted that the terms vertical and horizontal are used for exemplary purposes only and that the supports of the storage structure130may have any suitable spatial orientation. In this exemplary embodiment, the vertical supports612and horizontal supports610,611,613may form an array of storage modules501,502,503having storage bays510,511. The horizontal supports610,611,613may be configured to support the storage shelves600(described below) as well as the floors130F for the aisle spaces130A, which may include tracks for the bots110. The horizontal supports610,611,613may be configured to minimize the number of splices between horizontal supports610,611,613and thus, the number of splices that, for example, tires of the bots110will encounter. For exemplary purposes only, the aisle floor130F may be a solid floor constructed of plymetal panels having, for example, a wood core sandwiched between sheets of sheet metal. In alternate embodiments the floors130F may have any suitable layered, laminated, solid or other construction and be constructed of any suitable material(s), including, but not limited to plastics, metals, woods and composites. In yet other alternate embodiments the aisle floors130F may be constructed of a honeycomb structure or other suitable lightweight yet substantially rigid structure. The aisle floors130F may be coated or treated with wear resistant materials or include replaceable sheets or panels that may be replaced when worn. Tracks1300(FIG.8) for the bots110may be incorporated into or otherwise affixed to the aisle floors130F for guiding the bots110in substantially straight lines or paths of travel while the bots110are traveling within the storage structure130. Suitable examples of tracks1300are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/757,312 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,425,173), entitled “AUTONOMOUS TRANSPORTS FOR STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS,” previously incorporated by reference. The floors130F may be attached to, for example, one or more of the vertical and horizontal supports (or any other suitable support structure) in any suitable manner such as with any suitable fasteners including, but not limited to bolts and welds. In one exemplary embodiment, as can be seen in, for example,FIG.8, the tracks or rails1300may be integrally formed with or otherwise fixed to, for example, one or more of the horizontal and vertical supports398,399of the storage rack structure130in any suitable manner such that the bot straddles adjacent tracks1300for traversing a picking aisle. The tracks1300may allow for high-speed travel of the bot110without complex steering and navigation control subsystems. The tracks may have any suitable configuration for guiding the bot110. As can be seen inFIG.8fixing the rails1300to the supports398,399allows the picking aisles to be substantially floor-less such that bot wheel supports1300S of the guide rails1300extend away from the storage areas a predetermined distance to allow a sufficient surface area for the wheels of the bot110to ride along the rails1300. In alternate embodiments the picking aisles may have any suitable floor that extends between adjacent storage areas on either side of the picking aisle. In one exemplary embodiment, the rails1300may include a friction member1300F for providing traction to the drive wheels of the bot110. The friction member1300F may be any suitable member such as for example, a coating, an adhesive backed strip, or any other suitable member that substantially creates a friction surface for interacting with the wheels of the bot110. The absence of floors on each picking level may allow maintenance personnel to walk down the picking aisles where the height between each storage level would otherwise substantially prevent the maintenance personnel from traversing the picking aisles. Referring back toFIGS.5,6A and6B, each of the storage bays510,511may hold the picking stock on storage shelves600that are separated by aisle spaces130A. It is noted that in one exemplary embodiment the vertical supports612and/or horizontal supports610,611,613may be configured to allow for adjusting the height or elevation of the storage shelves and/or aisle floors130F relative to, for example, each other and a floor of the facility in which the storage and retrieval system is located. In alternate embodiments the storage shelves and floors may be fixed in elevation. As can be seen inFIG.5, storage module501is configured as an end module having, for example, about half the width of the other storage modules502,503. As an example, the end module501may have a wall located on one side and the aisle space130A located on the opposite side. The depth D1of end module501may be such that access to the storage shelves600on module501is achieved by the aisle space130A located on but one side of the storage module501, whereas the storage shelves600of modules502,503may be accessed by storage aisles130A located on both sides of the modules502,503allowing for, as an example, the storage modules502,503having a depth substantially twice that of the depth D1of storage module501. The storage shelves600may include one or more support legs620L1,620L2extending from, for example, the horizontal supports610,611,613. The support legs620L1,620L2may have any suitable configuration and may be part of, for example, a substantially U-shaped channel620such that the legs are connected to each other through channel portion620B. The channel portion620B may provide an attachment point between the channel620and one or more horizontal supports610,611,613. In alternate embodiments, each support leg620L1,620L2may be configured to individually mount to the horizontal supports610,611,613. In this exemplary embodiment, each support leg620L1,620L2includes a bent portion620H1,620H2having a suitable surface area configured to support case units stored on the shelves600. The bent portions620H1,620H2may be configured to substantially prevent deformation of the case units stored on the shelves. In alternate embodiments the leg portions620H1,620H2may have a suitable thickness or have any other suitable shape and/or configuration for supporting case units stored on the shelves. As can be seen inFIGS.6A and6B, the support legs620L1,620L2or channels620may form a slatted or corrugated shelf structure where spaces620S between, for example, the support legs620L1,620L2allow for arms or fingers of the bots110to reach into the shelving for transferring case units to and from the shelves. It is noted that the support legs620L1,620L2of the shelves600may be configured for storing case units, where adjacent items are spaced any suitable distance from each other. For example, a pitch or spacing between the support legs620L1,620L2in the direction of arrow698may be such that the case units are placed on the shelves600with a distance of about one pitch between the case units to, for example, minimize contact between case units as the case units are placed and removed from the shelves by the bots110. For exemplary purposes only, case units located adjacent one another may be spaced apart in, for example, direction698a distance of about 2.54 cm. It is also noted that transfer of items to and from the multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B (whether the transfer is made directly or indirectly by the bot110) may occur in a substantially similar manner to that described above with respect to the storage shelves600. In alternate embodiments, the spacing between the case units on the shelves may be any suitable spacing. It is also noted that transfer of case units to and from the multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B (whether the transfer is made directly or indirectly by the bot110) may occur in a substantially similar manner to that described above with respect to storage shelves600. Referring again toFIGS.2-4, at the end of each aisle in the storage structure130there may be a transition bay290(FIG.2) that allows the bots110to transition onto the transfer decks130B. As described above, the transfer decks130may be located at one or more ends of the aisles130A. In one example, the transition bay290may be configured to allow the bots110to transition from travel along a rail(s) within the aisles130A to travel that is free from being constrained by rails within the transfer decks130B and to merge with bot traffic on the transfer decks130B. The transfer decks130B may include a stacked or vertical array of, for example, substantially looped decks, where each level of the storage structure130includes one or more respective transfer decks130. In alternate embodiments the transfer decks may have any suitable shape and configuration. The transfer decks130B may be unidirectional decks (i.e. the bots110travel in a single predetermined direction around the transfer deck130B) configured to connect all of the picking aisles130A on a respective level to corresponding input and output multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B on the respective level. In alternate embodiments, the transfer decks may be bidirectional for allowing the bots to travel in substantially opposite direction around the transfer decks. To allow the bots110to access the multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B without obstructing the travel lanes of the transfer decks130B, each transfer deck130B may be configured with spurs or transfer areas295which may extend from the transfer decks130B. In one exemplary embodiment the transfer areas295may include tracks substantially similar to tracks1300(FIG.4) for guiding the bots110to the multilevel vertical conveyors150A,150B or in alternate embodiments bot transfer stations. In alternate embodiments, the bots may travel and be guided within the transfer areas295in a manner substantially similar to that described herein with respect to the transfer decks. The travel lanes of the transfer decks130B may be wider than the travel lanes within the aisles of the storage structure130. For exemplary purposes only, travel lanes of the transfer decks130B may be configured to allow the bots110to make different types of turns (as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/757,312 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,425,173), entitled “AUTONOMOUS TRANSPORTS FOR STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS,” previously incorporated by reference) when, for example, transitioning onto or off of the transfer decks130B. The different types of turns may correspond to a desired orientation of the bot110within the storage aisles130A or a lane of the transfer deck130B on which the bot110is travelling. The floor330F of the transfer decks may have any suitable construction configured to support the bots110as they traverse their respective transfer deck(s)130B. For exemplary purposes only, the transfer deck floors330F may be substantially similar to the aisle floors130F described above. In alternate embodiments the transfer deck floors330F may have any suitable configuration and/or construction. The transfer deck floors330F may be supported by a lattice of frames and columns that may be connected to, for example, one or more of the vertical supports612and horizontal supports610,611,613in any suitable manner. For example, in one exemplary embodiment the transfer decks may include cantilevered arms that may be driven or otherwise inserted into corresponding slots, recesses or other openings in one or more of the vertical supports612and horizontal supports610,611,613. In alternate embodiments the transfer deck floors330F may be supported by a structure substantially similar to that described above with respect toFIGS.5,6A and6B. As may be realized, the pitch of the transfer deck floors330F may be substantially similar to the pitch of the respective aisle floors130F. In one exemplary embodiment, the storage structure130may include personnel floors280(which may include the maintenance access gateways410A-410C) associated with each level of the storage structure. The personnel floors may be located, for example, within or adjacent to the aisles of the storage structure and/or the transfer decks130B. In alternate embodiments, the personnel floors280may be suitably located to provided reach in access to one side of the transfer decks130B from within the storage structure where the other opposite side of the transfer decks130B is accessed through work platforms/scaffolding adjacent the workstations210,220and/or multilevel vertical conveyors. In one exemplary embodiment, the personnel floors280may run the full length of each aisle130A or transfer deck130B. In alternate embodiments the personnel floors280may have any suitable length. The personnel floors280may be vertically spaced from each other at predetermined intervals where the space between the personnel floors280provides a personnel work zone for resolving problems with, as non-limiting examples, the bots110, items stored in the storage structure130and the storage structure130itself. The personnel floors280may be configured to provide walking surfaces for, as an example, maintenance technicians or other personnel where the walking zones are distinct from travel lanes of the bots110. Access to the personnel floors may be provided through the maintenance access gateways410A-410C or any other suitable access point. Movable barriers or other suitable structures may be provided along the aisles130A and transfer decks130B to further separate unintentional interaction between, for example the bots110and personnel. In one exemplary embodiment, in normal operation the movable barriers may be in a stowed or retracted position to allow, for example, the bot110to pass and access the storage shelves600. The movable barriers may be placed in an extended position when personnel are located in a predetermined zone or location of the storage structure130to block bot110access to the aisle(s) or portions of the transfer decks where personnel are located. In one exemplary operation of storage structure maintenance for a predetermined zone of the storage structure130, all active bots110may be removed from the predetermined zone. Bots110that require maintenance may be disabled and de-energized within the predetermined zone. The movable barriers may be extended to prevent active bots110from entering the predetermined zone and any locks preventing access to the personnel floors may be unlocked or removed. The extension and retraction of the movable barriers, disabling of the bots110and removal of bots110from the predetermined zone may be controlled in any suitable manner such as by, for example, any suitable control system such as a central controller server120and mechanical and/or electromechanical interlocks. It is noted that in alternate embodiments, the storage and retrieval system may include any suitable personnel access not limited to that described above. The structure, such as structure130, of the storage and retrieval systems described herein may be configured to sustain predetermined loads placed on the structure by normal service and events such as, for exemplary purposes only, earthquakes as defined by local and federal codes. As an example, these loads may include the dead weight of the structure, inventory stored in and transferred throughout the structure, the bots110, seismic loads, thermal expansion and sufficient stiffness for bot control and positioning. The structure of the storage and retrieval systems100may also be configured for ease of assembly, maintenance access, modularity and efficient and economical material use. Non-limiting examples, of the codes to which the structure may be configured to comply include ASCE7, AISC Manual of Steel Construction, AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges, RMI (Rack Manufacturers Institute) and Materials Handling Industry of America. The structural components (e.g. vertical/horizontal supports, floors, etc.) of the storage and retrieval systems described herein may also include wear and/or corrosion resistant coatings including surface treatments such as, for example, paints and galvanization. In one example, the coating may include a base coating and a contrasting top coating such that any wearing of the top coating will be readily visible. In alternate embodiments the coatings and surface treatments may have any suitable configurations and colors so that wear is easily identifiable. The storage structure130may be configured to be rapidly assembled and installed in the field in a “bottom up construction” (e.g. each level is constructed sequentially such that lower levels in the sequence are substantially completed before the upper levels in the sequence). For example, the vertical supports612and/or horizontal supports610,611,613(and/or any other components of the storage structure130) may be predrilled, punched or otherwise preformed with assembly holes. Base plates for supporting each of the vertical supports612and for securing the vertical supports612to a floor may be preinstalled on the respective vertical supports612. Templates may be provided for locating anchor bolts in the floor for securing the base plates. The vertical supports612may be configured with brackets for receiving and at least partially securing the horizontal supports610,611,613. Preformed holes in the horizontal supports may also be used to, for example, bolt or otherwise fasten the horizontal supports to the vertical supports. The shelves600may be field assembled from prefinished components and affixed to, for example, the horizontal supports610,611,613in any suitable manner. Separate braces such as ties may be also provided for securing the horizontal supports610,611,613. The transfer decks130B may be installed in a manner substantially similar to that described above. The floors and decking of the storage structure130may be affixed to the horizontal supports in any suitable manner, such as for example through fasteners. The floors and decking may be preformed with installation holes to allow for securing the floors and decking to the horizontal supports. The tracking1300(FIG.4) for the bots110may be preinstalled on or within the aisle flooring or installed in the field using for example, preformed holes or other installation guides such as templates. It is noted that in alternate embodiments, the storage structure130may be constructed and assembled in any suitable manner. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein may be used individually or in any suitable combination thereof. It should also be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the embodiments. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the embodiments. Accordingly, the present embodiments are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims. | 47,209 |
11858741 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The Figures (FIGS.) and the following description relate to preferred embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of what is claimed. Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. System Environment FIG.1illustrates one embodiment of an environment for operating an autonomous mobile robot using a central communication system. Environment100includes operator device110, network120, central communication system130, and autonomous mobile robot140. Environment100is typically described herein as a warehouse environment for convenience and illustrative purposes, however, environment100may be any environment, such as a manufacturing environment. Environment100need not be limited to a defined space (e.g., an interior of a warehouse), and may include any areas that are within the purview of instructions of an autonomous mobile robot (e.g., parking lots, loading docks, and so on that are outside of a warehouse space). While operator device110and central communication system130are depicted as being within environment100, this is merely for convenience; these devices may be located outside of environment100(e.g., at a home, office, data center, cloud environment, etc.). Operator device110may be any client device that interfaces one or more human operators with one or more autonomous mobile robots of environment100and/or central communication system130. Exemplary client devices include smartphones, tablets, personal computers, kiosks, and so on. While only one operator device110is depicted, this is merely for convenience, and a human operator may use any number of operator devices to interface with autonomous mobile robots140and/or central communication system130. Operator device110may have a dedicated application installed thereon (e.g., downloaded from central communication system130) for interfacing with autonomous mobile robot140and/or central communication system130. Alternatively, or additionally, operator device110may access such an application by way of a browser. References to operator device110in the singular are done for convenience only, and equally apply to a plurality of operator devices. Network120may be any network suitable for connecting operator device110with central communication system130and/or autonomous mobile robot140. Exemplary networks may include a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, an ad hoc network, and so on. In some embodiments, network120may be a closed network that is not connected to the Internet (e.g., to heighten security and prevent external parties from interacting with central communication system130and/or autonomous mobile robot140). Such embodiments may be particularly advantageous where client device110is within the boundaries of environment100. Central communication system130acts as a central controller for a fleet of one or more robots including autonomous mobile robot140. Central communication system130receives information from the fleet and/or operator device110and uses that information to make decisions about activity to be performed by the fleet. Central communication system130may be installed on one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices. Central communication system130may be located within environment100or may be located outside of environment100(e.g., in a cloud implementation). Further details about the operation of central communication system130are described below with reference toFIG.2. Autonomous mobile robot140may be any robot configured to act autonomously with respect to a command. For example, in the warehouse environment, autonomous mobile robot140may be commanded to move an object from a source area to a destination area, and may be configured to make decisions autonomously as to how to optimally perform this function (e.g., which side to lift the object from, which route to take, and so on). Autonomous mobile robot140may be any robot suitable for performing a commanded function. Exemplary autonomous mobile robots include vehicles (e.g., forklift, mobile storage container, etc.) and planted devices that are affixed to a surface (e.g., mechanical arms). Further details about the functionality of autonomous mobile robot140are described in further detail below with respect toFIG.3. References to autonomous mobile robot140in the singular are made for convenience and are non-limiting; these references equally apply to scenarios including multiple autonomous mobile robots. Exemplary Central Communication System Configuration FIG.2illustrates one embodiment of exemplary modules and data stores used by the central communication system. As depicted inFIG.2, central communication system130includes source area module231, destination area module232, robot selection module233, and robot instruction module234, as well as environment map240. The modules and databases depicted inFIG.2are merely exemplary; fewer or more modules and/or databases may be used by central communication system130to achieve the functionality disclosed herein. Source area module231identifies a source area. The term source area, as used herein, may refer to either a single point in a facility, several points in a facility, or a region surrounded by a boundary (sometimes referred to herein as a source boundary) within which a robot is to manipulate objects (e.g., pick up objects for transfer to another area). In an embodiment, source area module231receives input from operator device110that defines the point(s) and/or region that form the source area. For example, source area module231may cause operator device110to display a user interface including a map of the facility, within which the user of operator device110may provide input showing point(s) and/or drawing a region whose boundaries define the source area. In an embodiment, source area module231may receive input from one or more robots (e.g., image and/or depth sensor information showing objects known to need to be moved (e.g., within a predefined load dock)), and may automatically determine a source area to include a region within a boundary that surrounds the detected objects. In either embodiment, the source area may change dynamically as objects are manipulated (e.g., source area module232may shrink the size of the source area by moving boundaries inward as objects are transported out of the source area, and/or may increase the size of the source area by moving boundaries outward as new objects are detected). Destination area module232identifies a destination area. The term destination area, as used herein, may refer to either a single point in a facility, several points in a facility, or a region surrounded by a boundary (sometimes referred to herein as a destination boundary) within which a robot is to manipulate objects (e.g., drop an object off to rest). For example, where the objects are pallets in a warehouse setting, the destination area may include several pallet stands at different points in the facility, any of which may be used to drop off a pallet. Destination area module232may identify the destination area in any manner described above with respect to a source area, and may also identify the destination area using additional means. Destination area module232may determine the destination area based on information about the source area and/or the objects to be transported. Objects in the source area may have certain associated rules that add constraints to the destination area. For example, there may be a requirement that the objects be placed in a space having a predefined property (e.g., a pallet must be placed on a pallet stand, and thus the destination area must have a pallet stand for each pallet to be moved). As another example, there may be a requirement that the objects be placed at least a threshold distance away from the destination area boundary, and thus, destination area module232may require a human draw the boundary at least at this distance and/or may populate the destination boundary automatically according to this rule (and thus, the boundary must be drawn at least that distance away). Yet further, destination area module232may require that the volume of the destination area is at least large enough to accommodate all of the objects to be transported that are initially within the source area. Source area module231and destination area module232may, in addition to, or alternative to, using rules to determine their respective boundaries, may use machine learning models to determine their respective boundaries. The models may be trained to take information as input, such as some or all of the above-mentioned constraints, sensory data, map data, object detection data, and so on, and to output boundaries based thereon. The models may be trained using prior mission data, where operators have defined or refined missions based on various parameters and constraints. Robot selection module233selects one or more robots that are to transport objects from the source area to the destination area. In an embodiment, robot selection module233performs this selection based on one or more of a capability of the robots and a location of the robots within the facility. The term capability, as used herein, refers to a robot's ability to perform a task related to manipulation of an object. For example, if an object must be lifted, the robot must have the capability to lift objects, to lift an object having at least the weight of the given object to be lifted, and so on. Other capabilities may include an ability to push an object, an ability to drive an object (e.g., a mechanical arm may have an ability to lift an object, but may be unable to drive an object because it is affixed to, e.g., the ground), and so on. Further capabilities may include lifting and then transporting objects, hooking and then towing objects, tunneling and then transporting objects, using robots in combination with one another (e.g., an arm or other manipulates an object (e.g., lifts), places on another robot, and the robot then drives to the destination with the object). These examples are merely exemplary and non-exhaustive. Robot selection module233may determine required capabilities to manipulate the object(s) at issue, and may select one or more robots that satisfy those capabilities. In terms of location, robot selection module233may select one or more robots based on their location to the source area and/or the destination area. For example, robot selection module233may determine one or more robots that are closest to the source area, and may select those robot(s) to manipulate the object(s) in the source area. Robot selection module233may select the robot(s) based on additional factors, such as an amount of objects to be manipulated, capacity of the robot (e.g., how many objects can the robot carry at once; sensors the robot is equipped with; etc.), speed of the robot, and so on. In an embodiment, robot selection module233may select robots based on a state of one or more robot's battery (e.g., a closer robot may be passed up for a further robot because the closer robot has insufficient battery to complete the task). In an embodiment, robot selection module233may select robots based on their internal health status (e.g., where a robot is reporting an internal temperature close to overheating, that robot may be passed up even if it otherwise optimal, to allow that robot to cool down). Other internal health status parameters may include battery or fuel levels, maintenance status, and so on. Yet further factors may include future orders, a scheduling strategy that incorporates a longer horizon window (e.g., a robot that is optimal to be used now may, if used now, result in inefficiencies (e.g., depleted battery level or sub-optimal location), given a future task for that robot), a scheduling strategy that incorporates external processes, a scheduling strategy that results from information exchanged between higher level systems (e.g., WMS, ERP, EMS, etc.), and so on. In addition to the rules-based approach described in the foregoing, robot selection module233may select a robot using machine learning model trained to take various parameters as input, and to output one or more robots best suited to the task. The inputs may include available robots, their capabilities, their locations, their state of health, their availability, mission parameters, scheduling parameters, map information, and/or any other mentioned attributes of robots and/or missions. The outputs may include an identification of one or more robots to be used (or suitable to be used) to execute a mission. Robot selection module233may automatically select one or more of the identified robots for executing a mission, or may prompt a user of operator device110to select from the identified one or more robots (e.g., by showing the recommended robots in a user interface map, such as that described below with reference toFIGS.6-8). Robot instruction module234transmits instructions to the selected one or more robots to manipulate the object(s) in the source area (e.g., to ultimately transport the object(s) to the destination area). In an embodiment, robot instruction module234includes detailed step-by-step instructions on how to transport the objects. In another embodiment, robot instruction module234transmits a general instruction to transmit one or more objects from the source area to the destination area, leaving the manner in which the objects will be manipulated and ultimately transmitted up to the robot to determine autonomously. Environment map database240includes one or more maps representative of the facility. The maps may be two-dimensional, three dimensional, or a combination of both. Central communication facility130may receive a map from operator device110, or may generate one based on input received from one or more robots140(e.g., by stitching together images and/or depth information received from the robots as they traverse the facility, and optionally stitching in semantic, instance, and/or other sensor-derived information into corresponding portions of the map). Regardless of how maps are generated, environment map database240may be updated by central communication facility130based on information received from operator device110and/or from the robots140. Information may include images, depth information, auxiliary information, semantic information, instance information, and any other information described herein. The maps may include information about objects within the facility, obstacles within the facility, and auxiliary information describing activity in the facility. Auxiliary information may include traffic information (e.g., a rate at which humans and/or robots access a given path or area within the facility), information about the robots within the facility (e.g., capability, location, etc.), time-of-day information (e.g., traffic as it is expected during different segments of the day), and so on. In an embodiment, the maps may include semantic and/or instance information. The semantic information may identify classes of objects within the maps. For example, the map may show, that for a given object, the object is of a given class, such as “pallet”, “obstacle,” “human,” “robot,” “pallet stand,” and so on. The instance information may indicate the boundaries of each object. For example, a semantic map alone may not be usable by a robot to distinguish the boundary between two adjacent pallets that are abutting one another, as every pixel observed by the robot and representative of the pallets would be classified in an identical manner. However, with instance information, the robot is able to identify and distinguish different pallets from one another. The instance information may, in addition to indicating boundaries, indicate identifiers of individual objects (e.g., through a taxonomy scheme, the system may assign identifiers to different objects, such as P1, P2, P3 for successively identified pallets). Semantic information may be populated into the map where a semantic segmentation algorithm executed either by a robot, or by central communication facility130(in processing raw image data transmitted from the robot to the central communication facility) recognizes an object in space (e.g., using instance information to delineate object boundaries as necessary). Semantic information may additionally, or alternatively, be imported into the map where a human operator of operator device110indicates, using a user interface, that an object is positioned at a particular location on the map. Central communication facility130may continuously update the maps as such information is received (e.g., to show a change in traffic patterns on a given path). Central communication facility130may also update maps responsive to input received from operator device110(e.g., manually inputting an indication of a change in traffic pattern, an area where humans and/or robots are prohibited, an indication of a new obstacle, and so on). Maps may be viewable to an operator by way of a user interface displayed on operator device110. Information within the maps may be visible to the operator. For example, segment and instance information for any given object, robot, or obstacle represented in the map may be visible. Moreover, representations of auxiliary information may be overlaid into the map. For example, a type of auxiliary information may be selected by a user (e.g., by selecting a selectable option corresponding to the type from within the user interface). The user interface may output a heat map representation of the auxiliary information. As an example, the heat map may represent human traffic (e.g., frequency or density of human beings in a given location). The user interface may enable a user to select a time, or a length of time, at which to view the heat map. This may be useful, for example, to determine human activity throughout different parts of a facility at different times and on different days. This information may be usable by robots as well to make autonomous routing decisions to, e.g., avoid areas where human traffic is frequent. Exemplary Autonomous Mobile Robot Configuration FIG.3illustrates one embodiment of exemplary modules and data stores used by the autonomous mobile robot. As depicted inFIG.3, autonomous mobile robot140includes object identification module331, pose determination module332, object state determination module333, robot instruction module334, navigation module335, instance identification module336, mode determination module337, traversal protocol module338, machine-learned model database340, and training data database341. The modules and databases depicted inFIG.3are merely exemplary; fewer or more modules and/or databases may be used to achieve the functionality described herein. Object identification module331ingests information received from sensors of robot140, and outputs information that identifies an object in proximity to the robot. The sensors may include one or more cameras, one or more depth sensors, one or more scan sensors (e.g., RFID), a location sensor (e.g., showing location of the robot within the facility and/or GPS coordinates), and so on. Object identification module331may utilize information from a map of the facility (e.g., as retrieved from document map database240) in addition to information from robot sensors in identifying the object. For example, object identification module331may utilize location information, semantic information, instance information, and so on to identify the object. In an embodiment, object identification module331queries a database with information derived from the sensors (e.g., dimension information, coloration, information derived from an RFID scan or a QR code, etc.), and receives in response to the query an identification of a matching object (if any object is found to be matching). In an embodiment, object identification module331inputs the information derived from the sensors into a machine-learned model (e.g., stored in machine-learned model database240), and receives as output a probability that the information matches one or more candidate objects. Object identification module331determines, based on the probability exceeding a threshold for a given candidate object, that the candidate object is a detected object from the sensor information. An identifier of an object may specifically identify the object (e.g., where the object is a cinderblock, an identifier of which cinderblock it is, such as Cinderblock A14 where there are other cinderblocks A1-100, B1-100, etc.), and/or may identify one or more characteristics of the object (e.g., by type, such as pallet; by dimensions, such as 2×2 meters, by weight (e.g., as derived from auxiliary information of a map of maps database240); and so on). Pose determination module332determines a pose of a given object. The term pose, as used here, may refer to an orientation of an object and/or a location (including x, y, and z coordinates). The orientation may be absolute, or relative to another object to be manipulated and/or obstacle (e.g., a wall, a delivery truck, etc.). The pose may refer to an orientation of the object as a whole and/or sub-objects within the object (e.g., the orientation of a payload on top of a pallet, which may be offset from the pallet base itself). A pose of an object may affect the route a robot takes when approaching the object to manipulate the object. Pose determination module332captures a red-green-blue (RGB) image of an object to be transported from a source to a destination (e.g., using a camera sensor of the robot when approaching the object). The use case of an RGB image is merely exemplary and used throughout for convenience. The image, wherever RGB is used herein, may instead be any other type of image, such as a grayscale image. Pose determination module332may also capture depth information representative of the object from a depth sensor of the autonomous robot (e.g., to determine dimensions of the object). Pose determination module332may use any other information described above with respect to object identification in order to determine pose. In an embodiment, pose determination module332may generate a bounding box within the RGB image surrounding the object. While described below with reference to pose determination module332, the bounding box may alternatively be generated by object identification module331and/or a single module that performs the activity of both of these modules. The bounding box may be a two-dimensional bounding box and/or a three-dimensional bounding box. A two-dimensional (2D) bounding box may be defined with, e.g., 2 or 3 features (e.g., corners or other keypoints) of an object. A three-dimensional (3D) bounding box includes at least 4 features to be extracted to generate the bounding box. In an embodiment, to generate a 3D bounding box, a 2D bounding box may first be extracted by applying a machine-learned model to the image. Pose determination module332may then search the image to identify additional features (e.g., further keypoints of a 3D box such as corners). The three-dimensional bounding box may include the 2D bounding box as connected to the one or more additional features. In an embodiment, a machine learned model may take the image as input, and may output a 3D bounding box without the aforementioned interstitial steps. The 3D bounding box may incorporate information about the object pose (e.g., where the machine learned model takes pose information as input). The bounding box may be generated using heuristics (e.g., by using computer vision to identify the boundaries of the object relative to other items within the RGB image), or may be generated using machine learning (e.g., by inputting the RGB image, optionally including the depth information, into a machine-learned model, and receiving as output a bounding box). The machine learning model may be a deep learning model, trained to pair images and depth information with bounding boxes. Pose determination module332applies a machine-learned model (e.g., as obtained from machine-learned model database340) to the RGB image and/or the bounding box. Optionally, depth information may be included as input to the machine-learned model. The machine-learned model is configured to identify features of the object based on one or more of the identified object type, the RGB image, and the depth information. The term feature as used herein may refer to a predefined portion of significance of an object, such as a keypoint of the object. Features may include, for example, corners, curves, or other expected features of candidate objects. As an example, a pallet may be expected to have 8 keypoints, the 8 keypoints corresponding to corners of the pallet. The machine learning model may additionally identify a type of the object, or may take the type of the object in as input based on output from object identification module331, which may result in a more robust determination of features. The machine-learned model may be trained using training data from training data database341. Training data database may include labeled images, the labels of each image indicating at least one of one or more visible features and an object type. Based on an angle at which an image of an object is captured, some features may be obscured and/or occluded by other objects. For example, if an image of a pallet is captured at an angle that perfectly faces one side of the pallet, the pallet will appear to be a two-dimensional rectangle, and only four keypoints will be visible. If the pallet is captured at a rotated angle, however, then depending on the angle, six or seven corners (e.g., keypoints) may be visible. The training data may include examples of objects and their visible features from many different angles, to ensure that objects of new images can be identified regardless of how many keypoints are visible based on the angle of orientation used when images are captured. The labels may provide macro and/or micro categorizations of objects (e.g., pallet; large pallet; 2×3 meter pallet, etc.). In an embodiment, prior to applying the machine-learned model to the RGB image, pose determination module332reduces the degrees of freedom of the object from six to four degrees of freedom by constraining the object to a horizontal position. This improves processing efficiency and accuracy of the machine learning model, in that a much smaller set of training data is needed to accurately fit the RGB image to the training data. In an embodiment, the machine-learned model may be configured to output a respective confidence score for each respective identified feature. The confidence score may be derived from a probability curve reflecting how well the input data fits to the training data. Pose determination module332may compare comparing each respective confidence score to a threshold. Responsive to determining that a respective confidence score does not meet or exceed the threshold, pose determination module332may output a determination that its respective feature is not visible. In an embodiment, responsive to determining that no respective feature is visible, pose determination module332may determine that the three-dimensional pose is indeterminable. Alternatively, pose determination module332may require a threshold number of features to be visible, and may determine that the three-dimensional pose is indeterminable where greater than zero, but less than the threshold, number of features are determined to not be visible based on the confidence scores. Pose determination module332may, responsive to determining that the three-dimensional pose is indeterminable, transmit an alert that is caused to be received by operator device110(e.g., by way of direct transmission, or by way of transmitting information to central communication system13, which in turn transmits the alert to operator device110. Having received an identification of features of the object, pose determination module332may determine which of the identified features of the object are visible to the autonomous robot, and may determine therefrom a three-dimensional pose of the object. For example, pose determination module332may query a database indicating the type of the object and the identified features, and may receive an indication of a pose that corresponds to the type and identified features (e.g., rotated 3 degrees from center). As another example, pose determination module332may input the features, optionally including dimension information (e.g., distances between each feature, depth of each feature, etc.) into a machine learning model, and may receive an indication of the pose as an output of the machine learning model. Object state determination module333determines whether the three-dimensional pose corresponds to a valid state. States may be valid, or invalid. Valid states are states of an object where the object is considered manipulatable (e.g., the object is oriented in a position that can be approached; the object does not have any unsafe features, such as loose additional objects on top of it, and so on). Invalid states are states of an object where the object is not considered manipulatable (e.g., because manipulation of the object by the robot would be unsafe). Robot instruction module334determines whether to output instructions to the robot to manipulate the object. In an embodiment, in response to determining that the three-dimensional pose corresponds to the valid state, robot instruction module334outputs instructions to the robot to manipulate the object. Where the object is not in a valid state, robot instruction module334may instruct the robot to analyze another object for manipulation and/or may cause an alert to be output to operator device110(e.g., by communicating the invalid state to central communication system130, which may alert operator device110). In an embodiment, object state determination module333may, periodically, or at some aperiodic time interval or responsive to some condition, again evaluate whether the three-dimensional pose corresponds to valid state. For example, multiple objects may be near one another, some in a valid state, and others in an invalid state. As valid state objects are manipulated, previously inaccessible sides of invalid state objects may be exposed. A potential condition for re-evaluating whether the three-dimensional pose corresponds to valid state may include object state determination module333determining that an object has been moved or a previously inaccessible side of an invalid object has been exposed. Object state determination module333may determine that manipulation with the previously unexposed side is possible, and may convert the state of the object to a valid state. In an embodiment, when the object is in a valid state, robot instruction module334may determine a side of the object that is optimal for manipulation. The term optimal for manipulation may refer to, relative to each approachable side of an object, a side that can be approached for manipulation. More than one side may be determined to be optimal, should two sides be approachable. In order to determine which of multiple sides is to be approached, robot instruction module334may determine whether a side has a highest likelihood of success, offers an efficiency gain, is safer relative to human beings in the vicinity, and may compute improvements based on any other parameter or any combination of parameters. For example, the object may be blocked on one or more sides from manipulation, because other objects are abutting the object on those sides. As another example, approaching the object from a given side may result in a more efficient path to be taken from the source area to the destination area than approaching from a different side. Robot instruction module334may instruct the robot to manipulate the object from the determined side. In an embodiment, robot instruction module334may revise its assessment on which side is optimal for manipulation based on an interaction with the object. For example, robot instruction module334may initially approach an object from the north, but, when lifting the object, may detect based on feedback from a weight sensor that the weight of the object is primarily distributed to the south. Robot instruction module334may disengage the object, and re-approach it from the south in such a scenario for manipulation. Robot instruction module334, after having selected an object and having approached the object and manipulated it for transfer to the destination area, may instruct the robot to transport the selected object through the facility from the source area to a destination area. The route may be selected and updated by the robot using navigation module335, based on information derived from environment240and environment information determined by way of capturing and processing images along the route (e.g., encountering unexpected obstacles such as objects, human beings, etc.). Robot navigation module335may also consider information in a map (e.g., high human traffic areas) when determining the route. After reaching the destination area, robot instruction module334may instruct the robot to unload the selected object at a location within the destination area in any manner described above based on information from central communication system130, or based solely on an analysis of autonomous mobile robot140. In an embodiment, autonomous mobile robot140may determine where to unload the object based on a first number of objects of the plurality of objects already unloaded within the destination area and based on a second number of objects of the plurality of objects yet to be unloaded within the destination area. For example, autonomous mobile robot140may unload initial objects far enough into the destination area to ensure that there is room for all subsequent objects to be unloaded. Autonomous mobile robot140may determine that a number of objects to be unloaded within the destination is uncertain. This may occur due to occlusion, such as where some objects are visible, but other objects behind those objects are not visible. In such a scenario, autonomous mobile robot140may generate an inference of how many objects are to be unloaded. To generate the inference, autonomous mobile robot140may use a depth sensor, and based on the dimensions of visible objects, infer a count of how many more objects are behind the visible objects based on how deep the space is. In some embodiments, rather than depth sensor data, other data may be used to generate the inference (e.g., dimensions of a source area, assuming the source area is filled to a particular capacity, such as 75% or 100%). Autonomous mobile robot140may unload objects within the destination area in a manner that ensures that the inferred number of objects can be unloaded into the destination area. For example, autonomous mobile robot140may stack the objects, unload the objects from back-to-front, generate aisles, and so on in a manner that preserves space for the additional objects. Autonomous mobile robot140may update its inference as objects are unloaded. For example, where images taken after some occluding objects are transported from the source area to the destination area show large empty spaces where it was presumed another object was hidden, autonomous mobile robot140may subtract a number of objects that fit within those large empty spaces. Instance identification module336determines instances when autonomous mobile robot140is approaching objects for manipulation. For example, autonomous mobile robot140may identify using sensors that it is approaching one or more objects of a certain class (e.g., by comparing the sensor information to a semantic map). Autonomous mobile robot140may access instance information (e.g., by querying environment map240), and may therewith differentiate two or more abutting objects sharing a same class (e.g., two or more pallets). Autonomous mobile robot140may utilize this information when determining how to manipulate an object (e.g., by using boundary information to determine where to approach an object, such as by finding the center of a side of the object to approach). Instances may additionally, or alternatively, be determined based on empty space or other edges existing between objects, such that each separate instance is readily identify separate from each other instance. Mode determination module337determines a mode of operation of the autonomous mobile robot140. The term mode of operation (or “mode” alone as shorthand) as used herein may refer to a collection of parameters and/or constraints that restrict the operation of a robot to a subset of activities. In some modes (e.g., a normal operation mode), restrictions may be omitted, such that every functionality is available to a robot. As an example, in one mode of operation, a robot may be constrained to ensure that the robot keeps a berth of at least a minimum distance between itself and any obstacle, but may be allowed to travel at high speeds. In another mode of operation, the robot may be constrained by a smaller minimum distance between itself and obstacles, but given the lower margin for error because the robot is closer to obstacles, the robot may be required to travel below a threshold speed that is lower than it would be if the minimum distance were higher. Modes may be defined based on types of obstacles encountered as well; that is, parameters such as minimum distance may vary based on whether a robot versus a human versus a fixed inanimate obstacle is detected. These constraints and parameters are merely exemplary; modes may be programmed to define parameters and constraints in any manner. As autonomous mobile robot140executes a mission, mode determination module337processes obstacles encountered by autonomous robot140, and determines therefrom whether conditions corresponding to a mode change are encountered. In an embodiment, mode determination module337determines that a mission cannot be continued if a current mode is not changed to a different mode. For example, where a current mode requires a distance of three meters be maintained from a nearest obstacle, and where autonomous mobile robot140must pass through a narrow corridor where this minimum distance cannot be maintained to complete the mission, mode determination module337determines that the route cannot be continued. Responsively, mode determination module337determines whether there is a different mode that can be used that allows for passage through the narrow corridor (e.g., a mode where the minimum distance requirement is sufficiently reduced to a lower berth that accommodates the corridor width, and, e.g., to maintain safety, a maximum speed may also be reduced). Where such a mode is available, mode determination module337adopts this alternative mode and switches operation of autonomous mobile robot140to this alternative mode. Autonomous mobile robot140thereafter continues the route. In an embodiment, mode determination module337may use a default mode (e.g., a mode having a high distance requirement and allowing for a high maximum speed) wherever possible. Following from the example above, mode determination module337may, in such an embodiment, determine when the narrow corridor is cleared, such that reverting to the default mode with the higher distance requirement is again feasible. Responsive to determining that the narrow corridor is cleared, mode determination module337may revert operation of autonomous mobile robot140back to the default mode. Mode determination module337may determine modes in scenarios other than those where another obstacle or robot is approached. For example, mode determination module337may use sensors to determine whether any pre-determined entity (e.g., object, human being, obstacle, etc.) is within a large threshold distance. Mode determination module337may, responsive to determining that no such entity is within the threshold, determine that an even higher maximum speed may be used by the robot, given that the robot is not in danger of colliding with any prescribed entity. In an embodiment, the mode of the robot may require the robot to illuminate a light that draws a boundary around the robot. The light may represent a minimum separation that the robot must maintain between itself and a human being. In some embodiments, due to constraints associated with a mode a robot may pause or stop operation. For example, if a robot cannot clear an obstacle because it is unable to stay at least a required threshold distance away, then the robot may cease operation (e.g., stop moving). Responsive to ceasing operation, the robot may cause an alert to be transmitted (e.g., to one or more of operator device110and central communication system130). The alert may include a reason why the robot is stopped (e.g., cannot clear obstacle). The alert may also include a next step that the robot will take (e.g., will reverse course and try a different aisle if not given alternate instructions manually within a threshold period of time, such as five minutes). Central communication system130may automatically provide instructions to the robot based on information in the map (e.g., abort mission, where another robot can more efficiently take an alternate route; e.g., take alternate route, etc.). Operator device110may similarly issue an instruction to the robot (e.g., through manual interaction with the user interface) to modify its course. Traversal protocol module338determines a traversal protocol to use as a robot progresses across a route. The term traversal protocol, as used herein, may refer to a protocol that dictates how a robot determines the route it should follow. Exemplary traversal protocols may include an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) protocol, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) protocol, and any other protocol. An AMR protocol allows a robot to determine its route from source to destination (or from hop to hop between the source and the destination) autonomously, making dynamic adjustments as conditions are encountered. For example, a robot may take input from a map, as well as sensory input such as obstacles the robot encounters, when traversing. The robot may alter the route to navigate around obstacles as needed. An AGV protocol uses markers, where a robot traverses from source to destination along predefined routes selected based on the markers, where each marker, as it is encountered, dictates a next direction for the robot to take. The markers may be any tool that provides sensory input to the robot, such as QR codes, bar codes, RFID sensors, and so on which the robot is equipped to detect using corresponding sensors installed on the robot. The markers need not be physical markers, and instead may be logical markers (e.g., markers indicated in a map, where when a physical point in a facility is reached by the robot, the robot determines that it has reached a next marker). In an embodiment, a user of operator device110may define a path for the AGV through a map shown in the user interface. Central communication system130may update environment map240to indicate the logical markers indicated by the operator, and a next direction for the robot to take (or other activity to perform, such as stop, unload, speed up, etc.) when that logical marker is reached. The logical markers may be communicated to the robot(s), which, when encountering the position of a marker, take the indicated action. In order to localize itself with respect to the map, a robot may use sensors such as LIDAR, cameras, and the like to determine its position. As a robot traverses along a route (e.g., using an AGV protocol), the robot captures sensory input (e.g., obstacles, markers indicating that a route should be changed, location information indicating that a certain part of the facility has been reached). Traversal protocol module338takes in information about the sensory input, and determines whether a condition is met that dictates that the protocol should be changed (e.g., from an AGV protocol to an AMR protocol, or vice versa). An exemplary condition includes detecting, during use of an AGV protocol, a marker indicating that a transition is to be performed to AMR navigation. Another exemplary condition includes detecting, during use of either protocol, that the robot has encountered a location associated with a transition to another protocol (e.g., based on image, input, other sensory input, location input relative to a map, and so on). Responsive to detecting such a condition, traversal protocol module338switches routing of the robot from its current protocol in use to another protocol (e.g., from AMR to AGV, or vice versa). FIG.4illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary map of a facility showing areas within the facility. As depicted, environment400includes source area410and destination area420. The space between source area410and destination area420includes aisles surrounded of obstacles that cannot be traversed. Autonomous mobile robot140may determine which route to traverse (e.g., using navigation module335) based on information in the map, including information about the location of the obstacles, traffic patterns in each aisle, heat map information corresponding to any form of data, such as human traffic, time of day, robot traffic, and the like. Autonomous mobile robot140may determine which route to traverse using additional sensory information, such as camera sensors that depict unexpected obstacles in a given aisle, efficiency information (e.g., a shortest route), and so on. Exemplary Autonomous Mobile Robot Operation In an exemplary use case, objects, such as pallets, may arrive at a facility. A source area may be selected in any manner described above (e.g., using source area module231), the boundaries of which encompass the objects. An operator (e.g., operating operator device110) may define a mission, where the objects are to be transported from the source area to a destination area. The destination area may be selected in any manner described above (e.g., using destination area module232. For example, the operator may draw, on a graphical representation of the facility displayed on client device110, the boundaries of the destination area, or may select a number of pallet stands to which pallets are to be dropped off. In an embodiment, more than one source area and/or more than one destination area may be defined. After defining the mission, central communication system130may select and instruct one or more autonomous mobile robots140to execute the mission. To this end, autonomous mobile robot140may approach the objects and capture one or more RGB images of the objects. The RGB images may be used to determine pose of the objects, and to determine other attributes of the objects (e.g., a count of the objects, a type of the objects, a volume of the objects, and so on). After evaluating the objects, autonomous mobile robot140may determine an order in which to manipulate the objects based on their pose, based on objects that obstruct the robot's ability to approach other objects, and any other factor described herein. Autonomous mobile robot140may then approach and manipulate objects in any manner described herein that enables the objects to be transported to the destination area. Autonomous mobile robot140may determine a route from the source area to the destination area in any manner described above (e.g., without input from central communication system130). Movement speed may be adjusted based on information associated with the object (e.g., weight, fragility, etc.). Autonomous mobile robot140, when approaching the destination area, may determine how to unload the object based on mission information, such as ensuring that objects are unloaded in a manner that allows the destination area to still accommodate all remaining objects. For example, autonomous mobile robot140may fill a destination area from back-to-front. Autonomous mobile robot140may input mission information and destination area information into a machine learning model, and receive as output a plan for unloading objects in the destination area. Autonomous mobile robot140may use a default plan for unloading objects in the destination area. In an embodiment, autonomous mobile robot140may determine that the destination area is not suitable to accommodate the mission, and may alter the destination area (e.g., by causing obstacles to be moved), add space to the defined destination area, or alert the operator to do the same. Autonomous mobile robot140may cause the mission parameters to be updated as the mission continues. For example, autonomous mobile robot140may have initially mis-counted an amount of objects to be transported as part of the mission due to some objects occluding other objects, where the occluded objects are revealed as non-occluded objects are manipulated. This example would cause autonomous mobile robot140to adjust the count of objects, which may in turn cause other mission parameters to be adjusted (e.g., destination area size, order of transporting objects, etc.). Computing Machine Architecture FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating components of an example machine able to read instructions from a machine-readable medium and execute them in a processor (or controller). Specifically,FIG.5shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system500within which program code (e.g., software) for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed. The program code may be comprised of instructions524executable by one or more processors502. In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server machine or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions524(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute instructions524to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. The example computer system500includes a processor502(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), or any combination of these), a main memory504, and a static memory506, which are configured to communicate with each other via a bus508. The computer system500may further include visual display interface510. The visual interface may include a software driver that enables displaying user interfaces on a screen (or display). The visual interface may display user interfaces directly (e.g., on the screen) or indirectly on a surface, window, or the like (e.g., via a visual projection unit). For ease of discussion the visual interface may be described as a screen. The visual interface510may include or may interface with a touch enabled screen. The computer system500may also include alphanumeric input device512(e.g., a keyboard or touch screen keyboard), a cursor control device514(e.g., a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, or other pointing instrument), a storage unit516, a signal generation device518(e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device520, which also are configured to communicate via the bus508. The storage unit516includes a machine-readable medium522on which is stored instructions524(e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions524(e.g., software) may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory504or within the processor502(e.g., within a processor's cache memory) during execution thereof by the computer system500, the main memory504and the processor502also constituting machine-readable media. The instructions524(e.g., software) may be transmitted or received over a network526via the network interface device520. While machine-readable medium522is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to store instructions (e.g., instructions524). The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing instructions (e.g., instructions524) for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies disclosed herein. The term “machine-readable medium” includes, but not be limited to, data repositories in the form of solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media. Exemplary User Interface Features FIG.6illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary user interface enabling selection and manipulation of entities within the facility. User interface600depicts a map of the facility. User interface600may be generated for display to an operator by way of operator device110. User interface600may be generated by central communication system130, an application installed on operator device110, or a combination thereof. The map within user interface600may be updated as feedback is received from one or more robots by central communication system130in any manner described herein. The map may be any form of map described herein (e.g., semantic map, instance map, etc.). The map may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and where the map is three-dimensional, two-dimensional slices may be viewed based on information from the three-dimensional map. Icons in user interface600connotate entities that are placed within the facility at a location corresponding to the position of the icon within the map. Icon610corresponds to a pallet stand, icon620corresponds to a designated location for a robot to park, icon630corresponds to a robot, and so on. Icons may correspond to any form of entity, such as a human being, an obstacle, a path, a source area, a destination area, any number of robots, etc. The icons depicted in user interface600are merely illustrative and are non-limiting. FIG.7illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary user interface showing selections of entities within the facility. User interface700shows robot icon710, source icon720, and destination icon730, each of which are selected by a user. User interface700may be derived from user interface600, where selected icons are visually distinguished relative to non-selected icons (e.g., through coloration, highlighting, and so on). Icon selections may be made in any manner (e.g., a mouse click while hovering a cursor over an icon; a tap over an icon using a touch screen, and so on). In an embodiment, a user may configure a mission by interacting with user interface700. In the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG.7, the user may select a robot corresponding to robot icon710for performing the mission. While a selection of a single robot is shown, the user may select more than one robot to perform the mission (e.g., by selection of multiple icons, or where a single icon represents multiple robots). The user may select source icon720. Source icon720may be a single object or may include multiple objects. Where it includes multiple objects, the multiple objects may be individually selected by the user, or may be selected as part of a source area defined by the user, where the user draws the source area onto the map as described above. Destination icon730corresponds to a destination area that may be defined in any manner described with respect to source icon720. The user may define areas without regard to whether they are source areas or destination areas. Central communication system130receives user selections and processes them accordingly. Semantic information of any kind may be shown within the user interface for display within the map. When viewing the map, an operator may add semantic information by interacting with the user interface to indicate that an object is at a particular location within space. In order to establish a mission where a robot is to transport one or more objects from a source to a destination, the user may perform a drag-and-drop motion from source icon720to destination icon730. Such drag-and-drop motion is detected (e.g., by the application and/or central communication system130), and responsively, the mission is defined to have the selected robot transport the object from the source to the destination. The selected robot thereafter carries out the mission consistent with the manners described above. By way of the selections and gestures made with respect to user interface700, an improved user interface for defining missions is created, in that users need not navigate cumbersome lists of parameters that may be inefficient to navigate and difficult to understand. Rather, the on-map selections and drag-and-drop mechanism enables the user to seamlessly define the mission. Drag-and-drop is merely exemplary; other interactions and gestures may be used to define a mission. For example, rather than dragging-and-dropping the source icon to the destination icon, the user may select each of the source and destination and select a button that indicates to the system that the source and destination are associated. The user may use user interface600to define any mission parameter. For example, the user need not select a particular robot, and may merely select a source and destination, where central communication system130may select robots to perform the mission consistent with manners described herein. The user may select multiple sources and/or destinations from and to which objects are to be transported. In an embodiment, responsive to detecting selection of a source, the system may identify one or more candidate destination areas that would be more efficient to use (e.g., based on proximity to the source, based on traffic frequency of robots along possible paths to be used to transport the objects, based on obstacles indicated on the map, based on free space in the destination areas relative to the obstacles to be transported, based on a frequency with which candidate destination area is used, and so on, where a combination of these factors may be considered), and may visually distinguish those candidate destination areas from other possible destination areas in order to recommend those candidate destination areas to the user. The identification may be performed using heuristics, or by inputting these factors into a machine learning model, and deriving the identification from the output of the machine learning model. The system may receive a selection of one or more points on the map through which a robot must pass when performing the mission, which may cause central communication system130to command the robot to pass through that point when performing the mission (and may cause a recommended destination area to be altered). The constraint that the robot must pass through the one or more points may be a hard constraint, or a soft constraint. Where this constraint is a soft constraint, the robot may determine whether following the constraint is possible (e.g., due to an obstacle or other scenario where the robot cannot pass through the one or more points based on its operating mode). Where following the soft constraint is not possible, the robot may navigate around the obstacle or other blocking feature, and then continue its mission, rather than waiting for the obstacle to move so that the robot passes through the indicated point. In an embodiment, the system may recommend points through which a robot is to pass, including one or more alternative routes. Dragging and dropping, or other selections that cause the same effect, are described with respect to source, destination, and robots for ease of convenience. However, missions may be defined using drag-and-drop operations (or similar selections) of any semantic objects (e.g., further defined by instance information) as represented on a user interface map. For example, individual objects that are to be manipulated by a robot may be selected, persons may be selected, obstacles may be selected, markers may be selected, and so on, for a robot to interact with in any specified manner by way of a drag-and-drop operation. FIG.8illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary user interface showing an adjustment of a manner of placement of selected objects at a destination area. User interface800is derived from user interface600and/or700and operates in similar manners to that described above. As depicted in user interface800, objects810are to be transported to destination area820, as part of a mission defined by a user in a manner consistent with usage of user interface700. User interface800demonstrates control by the user of the particular manner in which the objects are dropped off within destination area820. As shown, the user may select a desired orientation of one or more objects after they are unloaded from a robot. As depicted, the user may drag a corner of the destination area (or alternatively, one or more individual objects) and may rotate the objects or area to a desired angle. Any other manipulation may be performed as well (e.g., adjust angle of rotation, exact placement site within destination area820, and so on. The system updates the mission based on these inputs, such that the robot unloads objects in the manner instructed by the user by use of user interface800. FIGS.9A-9Dillustrate exemplary embodiments of different modes of operations of robots. As depicted inFIG.9A, a robot is shown on the left (the box with an arrow in it), surrounded by an area representing the minimum distance the robot must maintain from an obstacle, the minimum distance being based on its present operating mode (e.g., default mode). Also shown inFIG.9Ais a route (the drawn line), and an obstacle. The robot cannot complete its route while in the default mode because the obstacle would be at least partially within the minimum distance if the robot were to try to pass the obstacle along the route. As depicted inFIG.9B, the robot determines that the route cannot be completed in a current operating mode (e.g., using mode determination module337), and the robot switches its operating mode to a different operating mode (e.g., having a smaller minimum distance, and optionally having a lower maximum speed). The robot is able to pass the obstacle and continue along the route by switching to this operating mode. FIG.9Cdepicts two robots that are each traversing their respective routes, and also depicts their respective safety zones (that is, minimum boundaries they must maintain from obstacles). Because of the nearness of the two routes, the robots both cannot continue their routes, as they would each enter the other's safety zone when passing one another. As shown inFIG.9D, each robot's respective mode determination module337determines this condition, and respectively identifies a mode to switch to that reduces the minimum boundary size (e.g., and also reduces maximum speed) such that the robots may pass one another while complying with the constraints of their mode. This enables the two robots to each continue their paths without intervention by a human. FIG.10illustrates an exemplary switch between traversal protocols by a robot traversing the facility.FIG.10indicates a route taken by a robot across a facility. The robot begins in AMR area1020, where an AMR protocol is used to navigate the route taken by the robot from source to destination. When the robot enters AGV area1010, traversal protocol module338determines a condition has been met that dictates that the robot should switch from using an AMR protocol to using an AGV protocol. The robot switches to the AGV protocol and follows a route (as drawn, a grid route) indicated by markers (e.g., physical or virtual markers) that each, as they are encountered, indicate to the robot which direction to travel, until a final marker is reached that indicates to the robot that the robot has reached its destination. While only two areas are depicted inFIG.10, this is merely exemplary; any number of transitions between protocols may be taken when traversing a route depending on encountered conditions. FIGS.11A and11Bdepict an example of instance detection and segmentation of a person. As depicted inFIG.11A, a robot captures an image and applies bounding boxes around persons. Persons who abut one another are distinguished using instance information. Different instances of persons are determined in the manners described in the foregoing. As depicted inFIG.11A, different instances of persons are depicted using different shading and borders. Thus, the boundary of the left-most depicted person is distinguished from the boundary of the next left-most depicted person, and these persons can be distinguished from one another notwithstanding their images abutting one another. FIGS.12A and12Bdepict an example of instance detection and segmentation of various pallets. As depicted inFIG.12A, a robot captures an image and applies bounding boxes around pallets. This is merely exemplary, and where pallets are described with reference toFIGS.12A and12B, any object may be substituted. Pallets that abut one another are distinguished using instance information. Different instances of pallets are determined in the manners described in the foregoing. As depicted inFIG.12B, different instances of pallets are depicted using different shading and borders. Thus, the boundaries of adjacent and stacked pallets are distinguished from one another notwithstanding their images abutting one another. FIG.13depicts multiple views of an exemplary three-dimensional map. As shown inFIG.13, a three-dimensional facility of a map is viewable by a user through a user interface. The user may manipulate the map to view the map from a two-dimensional orientation (e.g., top-down, as shown in the bottom-left). The user may zoom into different portions of the map to view semantic and instance information about objects and obstacles in the facility more closely. The three-dimensional map may be used to define missions and input semantic information in any manner described in the foregoing. FIG.14depicts an illustrative flowchart of a process for causing a robot to execute a mission, in accordance with one embodiment. Process1400begins with a central communication system (e.g., central communication system130) identifying1402a source area within a facility (e.g., source area410) comprising a plurality of objects, the source area defined by a source boundary. The source area may be identified using source area module231. The central communication system determines1404a destination area (e.g., destination area420) within the facility to which the plurality of objects are to be transported and unloaded, the destination area defined by a destination boundary. The destination area may be determined using destination area module232. The source boundary and destination boundary may be defined based on user input into a map displayed to a human operator. In an embodiment, the destination area is selected from a plurality of candidate destination areas, where a candidate area is selected based on its boundary being large enough to accommodate a volume of the plurality of objects. In an embodiment, the destination area includes a plurality of points (e.g., distinct pallet stands on which pallets can be unloaded). The central communication system receives sensory input from one or more of the selected robots of the destination area, that includes one or more of one or more images. The central communication system identifies, based on the one or more images, a plurality of candidate drop-off points for the selected object, and determines, from the candidate drop-off points, an optimal drop-off point for the selected object. For example, the candidate drop-off points may be pallets that are unoccupied, and optionally, that satisfy other parameters (e.g., are nearest to the robot, do not have objects between the pallets and the robot, etc.). The central communication system may determine whether using the closest point to drop off the selected object would block one or more other ones of the plurality of candidate drop-off points, and may assign the closest point as the optimal drop-off point responsive to determining that using the closest point to drop off the selected object would not block one or more other ones of the plurality of drop-off points. The central communication system selects1406one or more robots (e.g., robot140) of a fleet of robots within the facility based on one or more of a capability of the robots and a location of the robots within the facility. The selection may be performed using robot selection module233. The central communication provides1408an instruction to each selected robot to transport the plurality of objects from the source area to the destination area (e.g., using robot instruction module234). Each robot is configured to autonomously select an object of the plurality of objects based on a position and location of the object within the source area, transport the selected object through the facility from the source area to a destination area along a route selected by the robot, and unload the selected object at a location within the destination area. Optionally, the location within the destination area is selected based on a first number of objects of the plurality of objects already unloaded within the destination area and based on a second number of objects of the plurality of objects yet to be unloaded within the destination area. In an embodiment, the one or more robots unload objects at least a threshold distance from the destination boundary. After transporting the selected object to the destination, a robot may capture an image of the source area. The robot or the central communication system may use the image to identify an object that was previously occluded by the selected object, and adjust the second number of objects based on identifying the previously occluded object. FIG.15depicts an illustrative flowchart of a process for a robot to determine a three-dimensional pose of an object, in accordance with one embodiment. Process1500begins with an autonomous robot (e.g., autonomous mobile robot140) capturing1502an image of an object to be transported from a source to a destination. The image may be a red-green-blue (RGB) image or a grayscale image, or any other image (e.g., infrared, ultraviolet, x-ray, or any combination thereof). The autonomous robot generates1504a bounding box within the image surrounding the object. The autonomous robot applies1506a machine-learned model (e.g., selected from machine learning model database340) to the image with the bounding box, the machine-learned model configured to identify an object type of the object, and to identify features of the object based on the identified object type and the image. The machine learned model may be trained using labeled images (e.g., located in training data database341), the labels of each image indicating at least one of one or more visible features and an object type. In an embodiment, the autonomous robot may capture depth information representative of the object from a depth sensor of the autonomous robot, where the depth information is input into the machine-learned model to identify the features of the object. In an embodiment, prior to applying the machine-learned model to the image, the autonomous robot reduces the degrees of freedom of the object from six to four degrees of freedom by constraining the object to a horizontal position (e.g., obscuring all corners of a rectangular pallet other than four corners that would be visible in a two-dimensional plane where one side of the pallet is viewed head-on). The autonomous robot determines1508which of the identified features of the object are visible to the autonomous robot. The machine-learned model may output a respective confidence score for each respective identified feature. In such an embodiment, the autonomous robot may determine which of the identified features of the object are visible to the autonomous robot by comparing each respective confidence score to a threshold, and responsive to determining that a respective confidence score does not meet or exceed the threshold, determining that its respective feature is not visible. Where the autonomous robot determines that no respective feature is visible, the autonomous robot may determine that the three-dimensional pose is indeterminable. Optionally, where the three-dimensional pose is indeterminable, the autonomous robot may alert a human operator. The autonomous robot determines1510a three-dimensional pose of the object (e.g., using pose determination module332) based on the features determined to be visible to the autonomous robot. In an embodiment, the autonomous robot determines (e.g., using object state determination module333) whether the three-dimensional pose corresponds to a valid state, and, in response to determining that the three-dimensional pose corresponds to the valid state, the autonomous robot manipulates the object. The autonomous robot may determine a side of the object that is optimal for manipulation, and may manipulate the object from the determined side (e.g., using robot instruction module334). In an embodiment, the autonomous robot may lift, by the autonomous mobile robot, the object, from a side of the object that is selected based on the determined three-dimensional pose, and may transport the object to the destination (e.g., from source area410to destination area420). FIG.16depicts an illustrative flowchart of a process for using an improved user interface to establish a mission, in accordance with one embodiment. Process1600begins with an application (e.g., of operator device110) or a central communication system (e.g., central communication system130) generating for display1602to a remote operator a user interface comprising a map (e.g., retrieved from environment map database240), the map comprising visual representations of a source area (e.g., source area410), a plurality of candidate robots (e.g., including autonomous mobile robot140), and a plurality of candidate destination areas (e.g., including destination area420). The application or central communication system receives1604, via the user interface, a selection of a visual representation of a candidate robot of the plurality of candidate robots (e.g., robot icon710). In an embodiment, the visual representation of the candidate robot corresponds to a plurality of robots, and mission comprises selecting one or more robots of the plurality of robots to execute the mission based on the drag-and-drop gesture. In such an embodiment, responsive to receiving the visual selection of the candidate robot, the application or central communications system may identify a subset of the plurality of candidate destination areas based on a proximity of each of the subset of candidate destination areas, and may visually distinguish visually distinguish the subset from other candidate destination areas. The visual distinguishing may be to recommend one or more advantageous candidate destination areas. The visual distinguishing may be based on any of, or a combination of, a traffic frequency (e.g., robot or human traffic, or a combination thereof) along a path between the candidate robot and each candidate destination area, a number of obstacles between the candidate robot and each candidate destination area, an amount of free space within each candidate destination area, and/or a frequency with which each candidate destination area is used. The application or central communications system detects1606a drag-and-drop gesture within the user interface of the visual representation of the candidate robot being dragged-and-dropped to a visual representation of a candidate destination area of the plurality of candidate destination areas (e.g., robot icon710is dragged to destination icon730). Responsive to detecting the drag-and-drop gesture, the application or central communications system generates1608a mission, where the mission causes the candidate robot to autonomously transport an object from the source area to the candidate destination area. In an embodiment, the application or central communications system generates for display, within the map, a visual representation of an object in the source area (e.g., one or more of objects810). The application or central communications system may receive a drag gesture from the remote operator with reference to a feature of the object, and may rotate the visual representation of the object based on the drag gesture (e.g., as depicted in destination area820). The application or central communication system may determine a target orientation of the object based on the rotated visual representation of the object, where generating the mission includes an instruction to unload the object in the candidate destination area based on the target orientation In an embodiment, the application or central communication system may receive a selection on the user map of a point through which the candidate robot must pass. In such a scenario, the mission includes an instruction to the candidate robot to pass through the point when transporting the object from the source area to the destination area. In an embodiment, the map includes both semantic information and instance information. When executing a mission, the robot may approach the object and may observe that the object abuts another object sharing a same class as the object. The robot may distinguish the object from the another object based on the instance information, and may select a point from which to manipulate the object based on a boundary of the object indicated in the instance information. The semantic information and/or instance information may be populated into the map based on an image captured by the robot being used to cause a given object at a given location to be recognized. For example, the image may be compared to a database of images, where a matching image may be found, and where the matching image is associated with a location of the facility. That location may be imputed to the robot on the basis of the matching. Alternatively or additionally, the semantic information and/or instance information may be populated into the map based on input into the user interface from the remote operator with respect to a position on the map. The mission may be generated at least in part based on the semantic information and/or the instance information. The map may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. FIG.17depicts an illustrative flowchart of a process for toggling a mode of operation when encountering an obstacle, in accordance with one embodiment. Process1700begins with an autonomous mobile robot (e.g., autonomous mobile robot140) traversing1702along a route (e.g., the route depicted inFIG.9A) based on parameters corresponding to a first mode, the parameters including a first minimum distance to be maintained between the autonomous mobile robot and an obstacle. In an embodiment, the parameters also include a first maximum speed. The autonomous mobile robot determines1704that the route cannot be continued without a distance between the autonomous mobile robot and a detected obstacle becoming less than the first minimum distance (e.g., as depicted inFIG.9A). Responsive to determining that the route cannot be continued, the autonomous mobile robot determines1706(e.g., using mode determination module337) whether the route can be continued without the distance between the autonomous mobile robot and the detected obstacle becoming less than a second minimum distance less than the first minimum distance, the second minimum distance corresponding to a second mode. Responsive to determining1708that the route can be continued without the distance between the autonomous mobile robot and the detected obstacle becoming less than the second minimum distance, the autonomous mobile robot is configured to operate in second mode and continuing traversal of the route (e.g., as depicted inFIG.9B). The second mode may be associated with its own parameters, such as a lower maximum speed than a maximum speed associated with the first mode. The speed used in the second mode may be variable based on a type of obstacle encountered (e.g., a lower speed if the obstacle is a human being or something precarious that might move or is moving; a higher speed if the obstacle is static). In an embodiment, the second mode is a candidate mode of a plurality of candidate modes, and wherein the plurality of candidate modes is consulted to determine whether any candidate mode is associated with a minimum distance that is less than or equal to the distance between the autonomous mobile robot and the detected obstacle. For example, different robots may have different accessible modes with different parameters. Each accessible mode to the robot may be consulted (e.g., by querying a database indexing the parameters of each mode), where its minimum distance may be compared to the distance between the robot and the obstacle. The plurality of modes may be consulted responsive to the robot encountering the obstacle. The autonomous mobile robot may determine while continuing traversal of the route using the second mode, that the robot is no longer within the first minimum distance of the detected obstacle. For example, the robot may have cleared the obstacle. Responsive to determining that the autonomous mobile robot is no longer within the first minimum distance of the obstacle, the autonomous mobile robot may be reconfigured to again operate in the first mode. FIG.18depicts an illustrative flowchart of a process for toggling a traversal protocol of a robot based on a triggering condition, in accordance with one embodiment. Process1800begins with a robot (e.g., autonomous mobile robot140) traversing1802, using a first traversal protocol, autonomously along a first route that is defined by markers that are detectable by the robot, where the robot is configured to move only based on a presence and type of each marker when the robot is configured to operate based on the first traversal protocol. In an embodiment, while operating based on the first traversal protocol, the robot determines, when encountering each marker, a direction in which the marker is associated, and travels in that direction until reaching another marker. The robot detects1804, while traversing along the route, a triggering condition corresponding to a change in operation by the robot from the first traversal protocol to a second traversal protocol (e.g., using traversal protocol module338). In an embodiment, the robot detects the triggering condition by detecting a final marker that was defined by a user as a last marker for non-autonomous routing, and determining that the triggering condition has been detected responsive to detecting the final marker. The user may have defined the final marker as the last marker for non-autonomous routing by making a selection of the final marker on a map interface. The triggering condition may be a detection of an absence of obstacles or people (e.g., rather than a marker signaling that the second traversal protocol may be used). The triggering condition may be that a boundary has been crossed (e.g., the boundary being a physical boundary, or a logical boundary drawn into a map of the facility). For example, the boundary may be detected using a camera sensor of the robot and/or based on a comparison of a current location of the robot to a boundary indicated in a map. Responsive to detecting the triggering condition, the robot configures1806itself, or receives an instruction from a central communication system (e.g., central communication system130), to operate in the second traversal protocol, where the robot, when configured to operate based on the second traversal protocol, determines a second route autonomously without regard to a presence of any of the markers. Additional Configuration Considerations Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein. Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may constitute either software modules (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium or in a transmission signal) or hardware modules. A hardware module is tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client or server computer system) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform certain operations as described herein. In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module may comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. It will be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations. Accordingly, the term “hardware module” should be understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or to perform certain operations described herein. As used herein, “hardware-implemented module” refers to a hardware module. Considering embodiments in which hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated at any one instance in time. For example, where the hardware modules comprise a general-purpose processor configured using software, the general-purpose processor may be configured as respective different hardware modules at different times. Software may accordingly configure a processor, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module at one instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at a different instance of time. Hardware modules can provide information to, and receive information from, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the described hardware modules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multiple of such hardware modules exist contemporaneously, communications may be achieved through signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses) that connect the hardware modules. In embodiments in which multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times, communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval of information in memory structures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. For example, one hardware module may perform an operation and store the output of that operation in a memory device to which it is communicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a later time, access the memory device to retrieve and process the stored output. Hardware modules may also initiate communications with input or output devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information). The various operations of example methods described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modules referred to herein may, in some example embodiments, comprise processor-implemented modules. Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partially processor-implemented. For example, at least some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or processors or processor-implemented hardware modules. The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the processor or processors may be located in a single location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment or as a server farm), while in other embodiments the processors may be distributed across a number of locations. The one or more processors may also operate to support performance of the relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples of machines including processors), these operations being accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., application program interfaces (APIs).) The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed across a number of geographic locations. Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for a system and a process for operating autonomous mobile robots in a facility through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims. | 93,362 |
11858742 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1is a schematic illustration of an automated storage and retrieval system100in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Although the aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the aspects of the disclosed embodiment can be embodied in many forms. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. In accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the automated storage and retrieval system100may operate in a retail distribution center or warehouse to, for example, fulfill orders received from retail stores for case units such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/326,674 filed on Dec. 15, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The automated storage and retrieval system100may include in-feed and out-feed transfer stations170,160(which may include palletizers160P and/or depalletizers170P), input and output vertical lift modules150A,150B (generally referred to as lift modules150—it is noted that while input and output lift modules are shown, a single lift module may be used to both input and remove items from the storage structure), a storage structure130, and a number of autonomous rovers110. It is noted that the depalletizers170P may be configured to remove items from pallets so that the in-feed transfer station170can transport the items to the lift modules150for input into the storage structure130. The palletizers160P may be configured to place items removed from the storage structure130on pallets for shipping. The storage structure130may include multiple levels130L of storage rack modules. Each storage level130L includes storage spaces130S and storage or picking aisles130A which, e.g., provide access to the storage spaces130S and transfer decks130B over which the rovers110travel on a respective storage level130L for transferring case units between any of the storage spaces130S of the storage structure130and any shelf of the lift modules150. Each storage level130L may also include charging stations130C for charging an on-board power supply of the rovers110on that storage level130L. The rovers110may be any suitable independently operable autonomous vehicles capable of carrying and transferring case units throughout the storage and retrieval system100. In one aspect the rovers110may be automated, independent (e.g. free riding) rovers. Suitable examples of rovers can be found in, for exemplary purposes only, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/326,674 filed on Dec. 15, 2011; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/757,312 filed on Apr. 9, 2010; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/326,423 filed on Dec. 15, 2011; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/326,447 filed on Dec. 15, 2011; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/326,505 Dec. 15, 2011; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/327,040 filed on Dec. 15, 2011; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/326,952 filed on Dec. 15, 2011; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/326,993 filed on Dec. 15, 2011, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. The rovers110may be configured to place case units, such as the above described retail merchandise, into picking stock in the one or more levels of the storage structure130and then selectively retrieve ordered case units for shipping the ordered case units to, for example, a store or other suitable location. The rovers110, lift modules150and other suitable features of the storage and retrieval system100may be controlled by, for example, one or more central system control computers (e.g. control server)120through, for example, any suitable network180. The network180may be a wired network, a wireless network or a combination of a wireless and wired networks using any suitable type and/or number of communication protocols. In one aspect, the control server120may include a collection of substantially concurrently running programs (e.g. system management software) for substantially automatic control of the automated storage and retrieval system100. The collection of substantially concurrently running programs may be configured to manage the storage and retrieval system100including, for exemplary purposes only, controlling, scheduling, and monitoring the activities of all active system components, managing inventory (e.g. which case units are input and removed and where the case units are stored) and pickfaces (e.g. one or more case units that are movable as a unit), and interfacing with the warehouse management system2500. One or more of the lift module150, transfer deck130B, picking aisles130A, storage spaces130S, transfer stations160,170and rovers110may form one or more of a first independently operable section and a second independently operable section. The first independently operable section may have a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions and the second independently operable section, which is in communication with the first independently operable section, may have a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. The first and second independently operable sections may be configured to provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. In one aspect one or more of the lift modules150may form the first independently operable section such that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions comprises a vertical transaction rate. One or more of the storage levels (which may include at least the rovers110, picking aisles130A, transfer deck130B and storage spaces130S on a respective storage level) may form the second independently operable section such that the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions comprises a horizontal or level transaction rate. The vertical transaction rate may be a pickface (e.g. payload) transfer rate to a predetermined vertical storage level of the automated storage and retrieval system and the horizontal transaction rate may be one or more of a pickface transfer rate of a predetermined storage level130L and/or a pickface transaction rate of a palletizer or depalletizer. In one aspect the horizontal transaction rate may be addressed through optimized planning and control software of controller120that may assign tasks and routes to rovers110in an efficient manner or in any other suitable manner. The horizontal transaction rate may also be increased by increasing the average speed of the rovers110in any suitable manner. The vertical transaction rate may depend on, for example, the number of seconds between successive shelves150S passing an output of a lift module150on output of pickfaces or an input of the lift module150on input of pickfaces. The vertical transaction rate may be addressed by increasing the number of pickface holding or load positions200(FIG.2) on each lift module150shelf150S and/or increasing the number of lift modules150as will be described in greater below. It is noted, as will also be seen below, increasing the vertical transaction rate may reduce the number of lift modules150, reduce an area of the transfer deck130B and/or allow bi-directional operation of lift modules150in which a single lift module150handles both input and output of pickfaces. In other aspects throughput (e.g. the horizontal and/or vertical transaction rates) can be increased by reducing the transfer deck lanes and/or avenues or repositioning the lift modules150to facilitate an optimized rover110traversal time as will be described below. Referring now toFIGS.2and3, a portion of a vertical lift section150is shown. The vertical lift module150may include one or more shelves150S that substantially continuously revolve around a track210formed by one or more track members210M. In other aspects the vertical lift module150may have any suitable configuration for transporting pickfaces200P (e.g. one or more case units that are moved as a unit) to and from the different storage levels130L. Each shelf150S may have a longitudinal axis LON and a lateral axis LAT. In this aspect, the longitudinal axis LON of the shelf spans substantially between the track members210M so that the lateral sides of the shelves are adjacent each other with respect to a first side150N and a second side150U of the vertical lift module150(it is noted, as will be described below, that the two sides may be used for pickface input/output, pickface output/output or pickface input/input). In other aspects the longitudinal sides of the shelves may be adjacent each other with respect to the first side150N and second side150U of the vertical lift module150. The shelves150S may be configured to hold one or more pickfaces200P where the one or more pickfaces200P have any suitable spatial arrangement on the shelves150S as will be described in greater detail below. For example, each of the shelves150S shown inFIG.2have two side by side loading positions200but in other aspects the shelves have any suitable number of loading positions200disposed in any suitable spatial relationship. Pickfaces may be transferred to and from the shelves150S in any suitable manner. In one aspect the rovers110may transfer pickfaces to and from the shelves150S as the shelves substantially continuously travel around the tracks210M. In other aspects, as can be seen inFIG.3one or more input/output conveyors301,302(generally referred to as a “conveyor” or “conveyors”) may also transfer pickfaces to and from the shelves150S. The conveyors301,302transport the pickfaces between the vertical lift module150and one or more of the transfer stations160,170. As may be realized the conveyors301,302may be disposed on any suitable side150N,150U (which, e.g., may depend on whether pickfaces are being loaded to or unloaded from) of the vertical lift module150. Referring now toFIG.4several examples of shelf configurations are shown in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Here the shelves150S1-150S3are shown adjacent transfer deck130B. The transfer deck130B includes avenues130BA and aisles130BS that provide access to the shelves150S1-150S3. In these examples the shelves are arranged substantially parallel with the avenues130BA of the transfer deck. Shelf150S1may be substantially similar to that described above with respect toFIGS.2and3. Shelf150S2includes two end loading positions200E1,200E2and an intermediate or center loading position200C. Here the shelf150S has a length L1such that only two rovers110(which are located side by side or end to end) can access end loading positions200E1,200E2or a single rover110can access the center loading position200C. Here, to utilize the three loading positions200E1,200E2,200C the two end loading positions200E1,200E2may be accessed from one storage level130L and the center loading position200C may be accessed from another different storage level130L. Planning and control software of, for example, the controller120may assign rover tasks so that some storage levels130L may have rovers accessing the end loading positions200E1,200E2and other storage levels130L may have rovers accessing the center loading position200C. It is noted that the assignment of which storage levels130L access the end or center loading positions may not be fixed and may be scheduled dynamically (e.g. in one instance predetermined storage level may access the end loading positions and in another instance the same predetermined level may access the center loading position). Shelf150S3also includes three loading positions, e.g. end loading positions200E1,200E2and center loading position200C. However, the shelf150S3has a length L2such that three rovers110can be positioned side by side or end to end without interfering with each other for substantially simultaneous access to all three loading positions200E1,200E2,200C from the same storage level130L. As may be realized, the payload positions200on each shelf150S may be variably configurable so that the payload positions200can be located in any suitable predetermined location on the shelf150S. In one aspect, the controller120may assign rover tasks so that any loading position200,200E1,200E2,200C on any one of the shelves150S1,150S2,150S3may be dynamically accessed at any suitable predetermined storage level. In other aspects, access to a predetermined loading position may be fixed to a predetermined storage level130L. Referring toFIG.5, in one aspect, a top view of a shelf150S having a loading configuration substantially similar to shelf150S2is shown. As can be seen, two rovers110on storage level130B1access the end loading positions200E1,200E2without interfering with each other. Correspondingly conveyors301,302are positioned on a different vertical level relative to storage level130B1for loading pickfaces to and/or unloading pickfaces from the end loading positions200E1,200E2of shelf150S.FIG.5also illustrates one rover110located on a different storage level130B2accessing center loading position200C. As may be realized, the center loading position200C may have a corresponding conveyor501(substantially similar to conveyors301,302) which may be located at a different vertical level than conveyors301,302to load pickfaces to and/or unload pickfaces from the center loading position200C of the shelf150S. It is noted that the vertical height of the conveyors301,302,501and the other conveyors described herein for loading pickfaces to and/or unloading pickfaces from the shelves150S may be flexible such that one or more of the conveyors may be located at different vertical heights from other conveyors accessing the same or a different shelf150S. FIG.6, in one aspect, illustrates a shelf150S having four loading positions, e.g., two end loading positions200E1,200E2and two center loading positions200C1,200C2. Here, rovers arranged side by side or end to end may be able to access pairs of the loading positions (e.g. every other loading position) without interfering with each other. For example, on one storage level130B1rovers110may access loading positions200E1,200C2without interfering with each other. On a different storage level130B2rovers110may access loading positions200C1and200E2without interfering with each other. As may be realized, each pair of loading positions200E1,200C2and200C1,200E2may have corresponding conveyors disposed at different vertical heights. For example, conveyors302,501may be located at, for example a first vertical height for transferring pickfaces to and from loading positions200E1,200C2. Conveyors301,601may be located at, for example, a second vertical height that is different from the first vertical height for transferring pickfaces to and from the loading positions200C1,200E2. In other aspects each of the conveyors301,302,501,604may be located at different vertical heights. In accordance with another aspect,FIGS.7A and7Billustrate a shelf150S4having an expanded width W and any suitable length L for holding, for example, two rows of pickfaces (e.g. one row on each side S1, S2of the shelf) where rovers110access the pickfaces from both sides S1, S2of the shelf150S4. Conveyors301,302,701,702may be positioned relative to the shelves150S4for transferring pickfaces to and from the loading positions in a manner substantially similar to that described above. In one aspect as shown with respect to shelf150S4N all loading positions200N of the shelf may be used for loading pickfaces to the lift module150. In another aspect as shown with respect to shelf150S4U all loading positions200U of the shelf may be used for unloading pickfaces from the lift module150. In still other aspects, as will be described below, some of the loading positions200of the shelf150S4may be used for loading pickfaces to the lift module150and some of the loading positions may be used for unloading pickfaces from the lift module150. As may be realized, the shelf150S4may also be configured to hold pickfaces such that each side S1, S2of the shelf150S4may have loading positions arranged in a manner substantially similar to those described above with respect toFIG.4. As may also be realized, whether the loading positions are used for loading or unloading may be determined by a direction of travel of the shelf relative to a transfer station (either of the storage levels130L or conveyors) from which the loading positions are accessed. Referring now toFIGS.7C-7F, to allow rover access to both sides S1, S2of the shelf150S4one or more lift modules150may be positioned relative to, for example, the transfer deck130D so that one or more of the aisles130BS and/or avenues130BA run along a respective side S1, S2of the shelf150S4. For example, as can be seen inFIGS.7C and7Dthe lift module150is arranged so that access to each side S1, S2of the shelf150S4is provided by an avenue130BA of the transfer deck130B such that the lift module150is substantially surrounded by aisles130BS and avenues130BA. As may be realized, an area of the transfer deck130B may be reduced by removing, for example, avenues130BA from the transfer deck. As an example, the transfer deck area is reduced fromFIG.7C to7Dby removing one or more avenues130BA on a side of the lift module150opposite the picking aisles130A. In other aspects, avenues130BA between the lift module150and the picking aisles130A may be removed to reduce the area of the transfer deck130B. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, as can be seen inFIGS.7E and7F, one or more of the lift modules150may be positioned relative to the transfer deck130B so that access to the loading positions on the sides S1, S2of the shelves150S4is provided by the aisles130BS of the transfer deck130B. As may be realized, where access to the loading positions is provided by the aisles130BS an area of the transfer deck may be reduced by eliminating a number of aisles130BS between the shelves150S4(as shown inFIGS.8A and8B) and/or by eliminating avenues130BA on either side of the lift modules150. It is also noted that the line of shelves150S4shown inFIGS.7E and7Falternate between having loading stations200N and loading stations200U (e.g. an input lift module is placed next to an output lift module) so that the distance travelled by a rover between transferring a pickface to a loading position200N and then transferring a pickface from a loading position200U may be a shorter distance than when access to the sides S1, S2is provided by the avenues130BA. In other aspects the shelves, as shown inFIGS.7C and7Dmay be arranged so that the sides S1of each line of shelves accessed by a common avenue130BA may alternate between loading positions200N and loading positions200U (e.g. an input lift module is placed next to an output lift module) so that a distance travelled by the rovers110between loading and unloading pickfaces to a shelf is substantially the same as the distance travelled when the sides are accessed by the aisles130BS. It is noted that in other aspects an area of the transfer deck130B aisles130BS may be removed between adjacent lift module150(FIG.7G), the lift modules150may be placed directly adjacent the picking aisles130A (FIG.7H), the transfer deck may be configured as an open deck substantially lacking aisles130BS and avenues130BA (FIG.7I), and/or the transfer deck or picking aisles of the storage structure may form piers, e.g. with the aisles130BS, where the aisles130BS extend from an avenue130BA of the transfer deck as will be described below. In still other aspects the area of the transfer deck may be reduced in any suitable manner. As noted above, shelf150S4may also be used for both pickface loading and pickface unloading operations. For example, side S1of shelf150S4may be used for loading pickfaces onto the shelf while side S2of the same or common shelf150S4may be used for unloading pickfaces from the shelf as shown inFIGS.9A-9C,10and11. This allows for both input and output of pickfaces to and from the storage structure130using a common or the same lift module150. For example, side S1of shelf150S4may have loading positions200N for loading pickfaces to the shelf150S4while side S2may have loading positions200U for unloading pickfaces from the shelf150S4. As can be seen inFIGS.9A and9B, transfer deck130B access to the loading positions200N,200U may be from an outside position OP of the lift module while access to loading positions by conveyors301,302,901,902may be from an inside position IP (e.g. an area between the vertical stacks of shelves). In other aspects transfer deck130B access to the loading positions200N,200U may be from an inside position IP of the lift module while access to loading positions by conveyors301,302,901,902may be from an outside position OP (e.g. an area between the vertical stacks of shelves). It is noted that while each side S1, S2of a shelf150S4is shown as having two loading positions in other aspects there may be any suitable number of loading positions having any suitable arrangement such as those described above with respect toFIG.4.FIG.9Bmay be referred to, for explanation purposes, as illustrating a common shelf150S4having both loading positions200N,200U for both loading and unloading pickfaces. The pickfaces200NP having a hatched pattern represent pickfaces on a loading position200N (e.g. loading on the lift module from storage) while the shaded pickfaces200UP represent pickfaces on a loading position200U (e.g. unloading from the lift module to storage). The pickfaces200NP from input conveyor901(which may be included in input transfer station170—FIG.1) are loaded on the shelves150S4in any suitable manner from, for example, an inside position IP of the lift module150so that the pickfaces200NP are disposed towards the inside of the lift module150when loaded on the lift module150. When the shelves150S4travel over the top of the lift module150to an opposite side, the pickfaces become disposed on an outside of the lift module150and are accessible by rovers110disposed at each storage level130L for offloading the pickfaces from the lift module150. At the same time pickfaces200UP are loaded by rovers110onto the shelves150S4from an outside of the lift platform150S4. When the pickfaces200UP travel over the top of the lift module150S4the pickfaces200UP become disposed on an inside of the lift module150travelling downwards to the conveyor902(which may be included in the output transfer station160—FIG.1) for offloading the pickfaces from the lift module150to the conveyor902. In contrast to input only or output only lift modules the bi-directional lift module shown inFIGS.9A-9Ballows for simultaneous use of the shelves150S4travelling both up and down. As can be seen inFIGS.10and11, access to both sides S1, S2of the shelves150S4may be provided in a manner substantially similar to that above such that the aisles130BS or avenues130BA of the transfer deck130B substantially surround the lift module150so that one or more of the aisles130BS or avenues130BA provide access to the shelves150S4, e.g. depending on the orientation of the shelves150S4relative to the transfer deck (as noted above). It is also noted that in one aspect the storage structure130may be arranged such that picking aisles130A and storage spaces130S are disposed only on one side of the lift modules150(FIG.10) while in other aspects picking aisles130A and storage spaces130S may be disposed on two or more sides of the lift modules150(FIG.11). While multi-position lift modules have been described above, in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment the lift modules150may include shelves having only a single loading position200. For example, referring toFIG.12Aa storage structure130is shown having a transfer deck130B with, e.g., twenty-four single lift modules150each having a single load position200. Compared to a storage structure having a similar transfer deck but with two input lift modules and two output lift modules with, for example, two load positions on each shelf, the number of load positions200and vertical transactions that can occur with the configuration shown inFIG.12Amay be higher. The controller120may adjust the rover tasks accordingly so that the horizontal transfer rate of each storage level130L substantially matches the vertical transfer rate of the lift modules150. In other aspects the controller may adjust the transfer rate of the transfer stations160,170to substantially match the vertical transfer rate of the lift modules. As may be realized, the storage structure130and lift module150configuration shown inFIG.12Ais merely exemplary and in other aspects the storage structure and lift modules may have any suitable configuration with any suitable number of lift modules (which may have one or more loading positions on each shelf). In one aspect, as shown inFIG.12A, one or more aisles130BS of the transfer deck may extend from the transfer deck130B to form a respective pier130P (e.g. an extension of the transfer deck). Each pier may include avenues130BA that provide access to the loading position200of each shelf150S for lift modules150located on one or more lateral sides130PS1,130PS2of a respective pier130P. As may be realized, the pier130P may have any suitable length to accommodate any suitable number of lift modules150. As can be seen inFIG.13, the load position for each lift module150disposed along an avenue130BA of a pier130P may be positioned along one or more sides130BAS1,130BAS2of the avenue130BA.FIG.12Bis a schematic view of a portion of the storage structure130shown inFIG.12A. As can be seen inFIG.12Bthe load positions200for each lift module150are disposed on a common side130BAS2of each avenue130BA of the pier130P. In another aspect, as shown inFIG.13, the load positions200are on opposite sides130BAS1,130BAS2of the avenue130BA. In another aspect, as shown inFIGS.14and15the aisle130BS of the pier130P may provide access to a loading position200of a lift module such that the loading position is disposed at an end of the pier130P. As can be seen inFIG.14immediately adjacent aisles130BS may form piers130P,130P1so that the load positions are arranged in a side by side configuration. In other aspects there may be one or more aisles130BS between piers (seeFIGS.12A and15). As can be seen inFIG.15four piers are formed by the aisles130BS1-130BS4where piers130P1and130P2are immediately adjacent one another and piers130P and130P1as well as piers130P2and130P3have an aisle separating the piers. As can be seen inFIG.15the load positions200are disposed as an end of each pier in a manner substantially similar to that described with respect toFIG.14. As can also be seen inFIG.15, any suitable number of loading positions200may be disposed along one or more sides130BSS1,130BSS2of each pier130P-130P3. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed embodiment,FIGS.16and17are examples of pier arrangement where loading stations200are disposed on both the sides130PS1,130PS2and the ends of the piers. The piers may be single piers as shown inFIG.16(see also pier13PS) or ganged piers130PT (FIG.17). The ganged piers130PT may include two or more piers connected to each other through, for example, one or more avenues130BA of the piers. FIGS.18and19illustrate single loading position200lift modules150arranged in a manner substantially similar to that described above with respect toFIGS.4,7C-7I,8A,8B,9C, and11such that access to each loading station200is provided by an avenue130BA along the transfer deck130B. The area of the transfer deck130B providing access to the loading positions may be referred to as a vestibule.FIG.18illustrates two vestibules V1, V2each having two rows of lift modules each having one or more load position200where avenue130BA1provides access to one row of lift modules and avenue130BA2provides access to another row of lift modules. As may be realized the vestibules V1, V2may include more or less than two rows of lift modules. It is also noted that each vestibule V1, V2may include one or more side by side lift modules150. For exemplary purposes only, each avenue130BA1,130BA2of vestibule V1provides access to one lift module150while each avenue130BA1,130BA2of vestibule V2provides access to two side by side lift modules150. Similarly,FIG.19illustrates a transfer deck configuration having four vestibules V1-V4where vestibule V1provides access to a single load position200, vestibule V2provides access to two load positions200, vestibule V3provides access to three load positions200and vestibule V4provides access to four load positions200. As may be realized, the load positions in each vestibule may be provided by a single lift module (e.g. having multiple loading positions) or multiple lift modules (e.g. having single loading positions). In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment an automated storage and retrieval system includes a first independently operable section having a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions; and a second independently operable section in communication with the first independently operable section and having a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions; where the first and second independently operable sections are configured to provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions comprises a vertical transaction rate and the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions comprises a horizontal transaction rate. In another aspect the vertical transaction rate comprises a payload transfer rate to a predetermined vertical storage level of the automated storage and retrieval system and the horizontal transaction rate comprises one or more of a payload transfer rate of the predetermined vertical storage level and a payload transaction rate of a palletizer or depalletizer. In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment the automated storage and retrieval system further includes at least one vertical lift module; a transfer deck section in communication with the at least one vertical lift module; at least one storage section in communication with the transfer deck; and at least one independently operable rover configured to traverse the transfer deck section and interface with the at least one storage section and the at least one vertical lift module; wherein one of the at least one vertical lift module, the transfer deck section, the at least one storage section, and the at least one independently operable rover form one or more of the first or second independently operable sections. In another aspect the automated storage and retrieval system further includes at least one charging section configured to interface with the at least one independently operable rover, wherein the at least one charging station forms one or more of the first or second independently operable sections. In still another aspect the automated storage and retrieval system further includes at least one palletizing section and at least one depalletizing section, wherein one or more of the at least one palletizing section and the at least one depalletizing section forms one or more of the first or second independently operable sections. In yet another aspect the at least one vertical lift module comprises two side by side vertical lifts and the transfer deck includes a rover travel aisle shared by the two side by side vertical lifts. In yet another aspect the at least one vertical lift module comprises two side by side vertical lifts and the transfer deck includes an open deck configured for unrestrained travel of rovers along the open deck for allowing rover access to the two side by side vertical lifts. In another aspect the transfer deck includes a rover travel pier extending between and shared by adjacent payload shelves of the at least one vertical lift module. In still another aspect the transfer deck includes one or more of rover travel aisles and avenues for providing access to a payload shelf of the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor section. In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment one of the first or second independently operable sections includes a vertical lift having payload shelves where each payload shelf includes variably configurable payload holding locations. In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment one of the first or second independently operable sections includes a vertical lift configured for both inputting and removing payload items to and from the automated storage and retrieval system. In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment the automated storage and retrieval system further includes vertically stacked storage levels, where one of the first or second independently operable sections includes a vertical lift having payload shelves, the vertical lift being positioned within the automated storage and retrieval system so that each payload shelf is accessible at each storage level from opposite sides of a respective shelf. In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment the automated storage and retrieval system further includes at least one vertical lift module; at least one storage section in communication with the at least one vertical lift module; and at least one independently operable rover configured to traverse the transfer deck section and interface with the at least one storage section and the at least one vertical lift module; wherein one of the at least one vertical lift module, the at least one storage section, and the at least one independently operable rover form one or more of the first or second independently operable sections. In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment a method of transporting payloads in an automated storage and retrieval system includes providing a first independently operable section having a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions; and providing a second independently operable section in communication with the first independently operable section and having a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions; where the first and second independently operable sections provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions comprises a vertical transaction rate and the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions comprises a horizontal transaction rate. In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment the vertical transaction rate comprises a payload transfer rate to a predetermined vertical storage level of the automated storage and retrieval system and the horizontal transaction rate comprises one or more of a payload transfer rate of the predetermined vertical storage level and a payload transaction rate of a palletizer or depalletizer. It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the aspects of the disclosed embodiment are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used, such a combination remaining within the scope of the aspects of the invention. | 36,469 |
11858743 | As an introduction, it should be stated that the same parts are labeled with the same reference symbols or the same component designations in the different embodiments described, wherein the disclosures contained in the description as a whole can be applied analogously to the same parts having the same reference symbols or the same component designations. Also, the position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, lateral, etc., for example, refers to the figure being directly described and shown, and this position information must be transferred analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position. InFIG.1, a picking system is shown, having a warehouse1, one or more automatically operated picking stations2, a source container distribution system3, and a target container distribution system4. The purpose of the warehouse1shown by way of example is primarily the provision of a plurality of source containers5, in which (inventory) items—not shown—are contained. The source containers can each contain a single item type. For example, a first source container contains the (inventory) item “A,” a second source container contains the (inventory) item “B,” etc. On the other hand, the source containers5can be subdivided by partitions into multiple compartments and hold different item types, wherein an (inventory) item “A” can be held in the first compartment, and an (inventory) item “B” can be held in the second compartment. The number of items in the warehouse1can be increased due to segmented source containers5. As a matter of principle, it is also possible that the target containers are subdivided by partitions into multiple compartments and hold different orders, wherein a first order with one or more items can be held in the first compartment, and a second order with one or more items can be held in the second compartment. However, the target containers can also be designed without partitions and hold different orders. The sorting buffer described below can be reduced in size due to segmentation of the target containers, and the number of sorting positions and buffer positions can be reduced as a result. Returned items may also be held in these source containers5, wherein the returned items are placed in the source containers5in a single-product manner or in the compartments in a single-product manner. The invention should not be understood to be restricted to containers. It is rather the case that other loading aids, such as trays, cartons, and the like, can also be used. The warehouse1preferably is an automatically operated warehouse. The warehouse1comprises parallel storage racks6and an aisle7provided between the storage racks6in accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown. Each storage rack6forms a plurality of storage locations8in stacked tiers side by side, at which storage locations the source containers5are stored. In the example shown, two storage racks6are shown. However, more than two storage racks6may also be provided within the scope of the invention, wherein one aisle7is formed respectively between adjacent storage racks6. The purpose of the source container distribution system3is transport of source containers5between the warehouse1and the picking station(s)2. The source container distribution system3preferably is an automatically operated source container distribution system. Retrieval of source containers5from the warehouse1can take place automatically, and transport of the source containers5from the warehouse1to the picking station2can take place automatically. The source container distribution system3comprises, for example, one or more storage and retrieval devices9and a source container conveyor system between the warehouse1and the picking station2in order to transport source containers5from the warehouse1to the relevant picking stations2and in order to transport source containers5from the picking stations2to the warehouse1. The source container conveyor system can have, for example, a first conveyor device10for delivery of source containers5to the warehouse1and a second conveyor device11for removal of source containers5from the warehouse1and a third conveyor device12for delivery of source containers5to the picking station2and a fourth conveyor device13for removal of source containers5from the picking station2and, lastly, a fifth conveyor device14for transport of source containers5between the conveyor devices10,11,12,13. The fifth conveyor device14comprises infeed and/or discharge devices15in order to transport the source containers5between the conveyor devices10to14. The fifth conveyor device14is, for example, a closed conveyor loop. The infeed and/or discharge device15is composed of a belt transfer unit, for example. On the other hand, the infeed and/or discharge device15can also be composed of a slide (not shown) that can be operated by means of an actuator. The source container distribution system3can additionally comprise a transfer device16for the transport of source containers5between the storage and retrieval device9and the source container conveyor system. If single-level shuttles are used as the storage and retrieval device9in the warehouse1, then guideways17are arranged in pairs in stacked (horizontal) travel levels. The guideways17preferably are attached to the adjacent storage racks6. The single-level shuttles (shuttles), which can be controlled independently of one another by a control unit, are capable of travel along the aisle7, and can be moved in the stacked travel levels in front of the storage locations8. The storage and retrieval device9comprises a load platform and a transport device18(load handling device). The transport device18can manipulate the source containers5between the load platform and the storage location8, namely can store source containers5in the storage racks6located on both sides of the storage and retrieval device9and retrieve source containers5from the storage racks6located on both sides of the storage and retrieval device9. It is possible to provide that at least one storage and retrieval device9is assigned to each tier. Consequently, a storage and retrieval device9serves a tier through the transport device18. The storage and retrieval of source containers5by means of the storage and retrieval devices9, the transfer device16, and the conveying devices10,11is described in detail in WO 2013/090970 A2. The transfer device16comprises a first buffer device19a, a first lifting device20a, a second buffer device19b, and a second lifting device20b. The buffer device19acomprises, for each travel level, staging devices for temporary buffering of one or more source containers5that are to be stored, and the buffer device19bcomprises, for each travel level, staging devices for temporary buffering of one or more source containers5that are to be retrieved. Other variant embodiments are also possible, as described in WO 2013/090970 A2. The lifting devices20a,20bare installed in fixed locations and each comprise a transfer apparatus that can be raised and lowered by a lifting drive. Preferably, the transfer apparatuses are each supported on a vertical mast, and each comprise a drivable conveyor device. The source container distribution system3can comprise an optional bypass buffer21with a conveyor unit22. The conveyor unit22is composed of a belt transfer unit, for example. The bypass buffer21is connected to a buffer track section23. The buffer track section23is provided upstream of the retrieval position. Preferably, the buffer track section23connects to the retrieval position, and extends along the third conveyor device12. The conveyor unit22is controlled by a control unit26in order to discharge at least one source container5that is ahead in the (conveying) sequence from the buffer track section23to the bypass buffer21, and in order to move at least one source container5that is behind in the sequence past the source container5in the bypass buffer21, and after that to feed the at least one source container5from the bypass buffer21into the buffer track section23(see double-headed arrow). The control unit26is equipped to evaluate the sequence of the source containers5that are required for processing of different order lines for at least one order and are transported on the buffer track section23, and to determine a modified sequence in which the source containers are to be transported to the retrieval position. The source container distribution system3can also comprise an optional turning station24with which the source containers5that are discharged from the fifth conveyor device14are rotated from a transverse orientation to a longitudinal orientation. The source container distribution system3can also comprise an optional sixth conveyor device with a conveyor unit25. The conveyor unit25is composed of a belt transfer unit, for example. The sixth conveyor device is connected to the buffer track section23. The conveyor unit25is controlled by the control unit26on the basis of a control signal (to be described in detail below) in order to convey a first source container5from the retrieval position to the buffer track section23after the retrieval of an item. However, the control signal can also be triggered when the source container5is to be removed from the retrieval position33even though no item or no additional items have been placed in the target container27, as will be described later. The control unit26is equipped to process the control signal after the last retrieval of an item from the source container5or the last placement of an item into the target container27. The target container distribution system4serves to transport completed target containers27between the picking station(s)2and a shipping area, as indicated with the arrow28, or to transport partially picked target containers27between a first picking station2and a second picking station2. The target container distribution system4also serves to deliver empty target containers27or partially picked target containers27to the picking station(s)2. The target container distribution system4preferably is an automatically operated target container distribution system. The transport of said target containers27can take place automatically. The target container distribution system4comprises a target container conveyor system. The target container conveyor system can comprise, for example, a first conveyor device29for delivery of empty target containers27and/or partially picked target containers27to the relevant picking station(s)2and a second conveyor device30for removal of partially picked target containers27or completed target containers27from the relevant picking station(s)2. The first conveyor device29for delivery of empty target containers27and/or partially picked target containers27connects to a delivery device with the loading position for a target container27. The second conveyor device30for removal of partially picked target containers27or completed target containers27connects either to the delivery device with the loading position for a target container27or to the sorting buffer36. If the second conveyor device30connects to the sorting buffer36, then the target containers27in the sorting buffer36are transported via the second conveyor device40to the second conveyor device40of the target container conveyor system, and are discharged there from the sorting buffer36to the target container conveyor system via the conveyor unit31. Optionally, the target container conveyor system can, by means of its first conveyor device29for delivery of empty target containers27and/or partially picked target containers27to the relevant picking station(s)2, connect to the sorting buffer36(as shown in dashed lines inFIG.1by way of example) so that empty target containers27and/or partially picked target containers27are transported initially to the sorting buffer36and subsequently, in sorted order if applicable, to the relevant picking station(s)2. The first conveyor device29can connect either to the first conveyor device37—to be described in detail later—of the sorting buffer or to the second conveyor device40—to be described in detail later—of the sorting buffer. In contrast to the depiction inFIG.1, the first conveyor device29can also connect to the fifth conveyor device14in order to deliver empty target containers27and/or partially picked target containers27. The empty target containers27and/or partially picked target containers27are transferred to a buffer position39-5, and after that are transported to the loading position35, or transferred to a sorting position42-1. A partially picked target container27can also be transported from a buffer position39-5and to a sorting position42-1if the source container assigned to the partially picked target container27has not yet been transported into the buffer track section23. It is also possible, however, that the target container conveyor system comprises a first conveyor device29with separate delivery of empty target containers27and partially picked target containers27, wherein one of the first conveyor devices29for delivery of empty target containers27connects to the delivery device of the picking station2and the other first conveyor device29for delivery of partially picked target containers27connects to the sorting buffer. The conveyor device13for removal of source containers5from the retrieval position and the conveyor device30for removal of loaded target containers27from the loading position are connected to one another by a third conveyor device with a conveyor unit31. The conveyor unit31is composed of a belt transfer unit, for example. The conveyor unit31is controlled by the control unit26to discharge the loaded target containers27from the target container conveyor system to the source container conveyor system. According to the embodiment shown, a single conveyor device13for removal of loaded target containers27from the loading position and for removal of source containers5from the retrieval position is used for space-saving reasons. It would also be possible, however, to use two separate conveyor devices13,30. The picking station(s)2is/a are connected to the source container conveyor system of the source container distribution system and to the target container conveyor system of the target container distribution system. The picking station2comprises a delivery device32for provision of a source container5at a single retrieval position33(retrieval position), and a delivery device34for provision of a target container27at a single loading position35(loading position), and a sorting buffer36. The sorting buffer36is an automatically operated sorting buffer. The transport of the target containers27in the sorting buffer36(in particular between the buffer positions and sorting positions39,42) and the sorting of the target containers27by the sorting buffer36is accomplished automatically. In particular, the transport of the target containers27from the sorting buffer36to the loading position35and the return transport of the target containers27from the loading position35into the sorting buffer36are also accomplished automatically, and therefore the provision of the target containers27at the loading position35is accomplished automatically. In like manner, the transport of the source containers5to the retrieval position33and the transport of the source containers5from the retrieval position33can be accomplished automatically, and therefore the provision of the source containers5at the retrieval position33is accomplished automatically. The sorting buffer36comprises buffer positions39arranged one behind the other in a delivery direction (arrow from left to right) on a first conveyor device37, and sorting positions42arranged one behind the other in a return direction (arrow from right to left) on a second conveyor device40, and third conveyor devices43connecting the buffer positions39to the sorting positions42. According to a preferred embodiment, the first conveyor device37and the second conveyor device are arranged to be parallel, while the third conveyor devices43are arranged to be perpendicular to the first conveyor device37/second conveyor device40. The delivery direction of the requested target containers27on the first conveyor device37and the return direction of the returned target containers27on the second conveyor device40are opposite directions. The delivery device34for the target containers27is implemented on a fourth conveyor device48. The first conveyor device37and the second conveyor device are connected to one another by the fourth conveyor device48in order to convey the target containers27onward from the sorting buffer36to the loading position35, and to convey them away from the loading position35to the sorting buffer36, for processing of different order lines for at least one order. The first conveyor device37and second conveyor device40have respective conveyor units44,45. The target containers27are transported to the loading position35for processing of orders on the first conveyor device37by means of the conveyor unit44in the delivery direction, and in sorted order. The conveyor unit44forms a horizontal conveying plane. On the other hand, target containers27that, after a processing of orders, still require items for orders can be transported in the return direction from the loading position35to the sorting positions42on the second conveyor device40by means of the conveyor unit45. The conveyor unit45forms a horizontal conveying plane. The conveyor units44,45each have conveyor rollers rotatably mounted on a frame, for example, and each form a roller conveyor. At least one conveyor unit44for transport of the target containers27in the delivery direction is assigned to the buffer positions39, and at least one conveyor unit45for transport of the target containers27in the return direction is assigned to the sorting positions42. The conveyor unit44is driven, and is coupled to a first drive motor. The conveyor unit45is driven, and is coupled to a second drive motor. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, each buffer position39comprises a conveyor unit44with multiple conveyor rollers, of which at least one conveyor roller is driven and is coupled to a drive motor. Moreover, each sorting position42comprises a conveyor unit45with multiple conveyor rollers, of which at least one conveyor roller is driven and is coupled to a drive motor. The drive motors are connected to the control unit26, and the conveyor units44,45can be controlled separately by the control unit26. The third conveyor devices43connect the mutually opposing buffer positions39and sorting positions42in order to deliver the target containers27from the sorting positions42to the buffer positions39in a manner that is time-controlled by the control unit26such that the target containers27are already in a sorted sequence leaving the sorting buffer36, and are delivered to the loading position35one after the other in this sorted sequence. The third conveyor devices43have conveyor units46,47, respectively. The target containers27are transported from the sorting positions42to the buffer positions39on the third conveyor device43by means of the conveyor units46,47for processing of orders. The conveyor units46,47form a horizontal conveying plane. The conveyor unit46,47of every third conveyor device43is driven and is coupled to a third drive motor. As is evident fromFIGS.1and2, one shared conveyor unit46in each case can be assigned to some of the buffer positions39and sorting positions42. Otherwise, one conveyor unit47per buffer position39and one conveyor unit47per sorting position42can be assigned to some of the buffer positions39and sorting positions42. The conveyor units46,47are each composed of a belt transfer unit, for example. Such belt transfer units (and this also applies to the belt transfer units mentioned elsewhere) have conveyor belts that are coupled to a drive motor and are mounted on a lifting mechanism, and form the conveying plane. By means of the lifting mechanism, the conveyor belts can be moved between a raised conveying position in which a target container27is lifted from a sorting position42and conveyed to a buffer position39via the conveyor belts, and a lowered idle position in which the conveyor belts are lowered below the conveying plane of the conveyor units44,45and a target container27is transported to a sorting position by the conveyor unit45or a target container27is transported from a first sorting position to a second sorting position by the conveyor unit45. On the other hand, the conveyor units46,47can each be composed of a slide (not shown) that can be operated by means of an actuator, wherein the buffer positions39and sorting positions42are then connected by a “passive” sliding surface. The conveyor unit47at the sorting position42-4and the conveyor unit47at the buffer position39-2can be operated bidirectionally. The conveyor unit47at the sorting position42-5and the conveyor unit47at the buffer position39-2can also be operated bidirectionally if applicable. However, the conveyor units46for the sorting positions42-1to42-3and buffer positions39-3to39-5can also be operated bidirectionally. The conveyor units44,45,46,47are controlled by the control unit26in such a manner that the target containers27in the sorting buffer36are sorted into a sequence that is determined as a function of the sequence in which the source containers5are provided at the retrieval position, and that a source container5and a target container27for an order arrive at the retrieval position and loading position approximately simultaneously. As can also be seen in the Fig., a transfer direction (arrow from top to bottom) of the target containers27returned into the sorting buffer36from the loading position35is essentially perpendicular to the delivery direction and return direction. The drive motors/actuators are connected to the control unit26, and the conveyor units46,47can be controlled separately by the control unit26. In one advantageous embodiment, the sorting buffer36comprises a maximum of 20 buffer positions and a maximum of 20 sorting positions. The number of buffer positions and sorting positions can be determined as a function of the range of items and/or lot sizes and/or container type. The number of buffer positions and sorting positions will tend to be higher when there is a wide product range but small lot sizes. In contrast, the sorting buffer36can have a minimal number of buffer positions and sorting positions when the product range is decreased and there are larger lot sizes. For simple applications, the sorting buffer36can also have only two buffer positions and two sorting positions. The delivery device32shown for provision of a source container5at a single retrieval position33(retrieval position) comprises a turnaround conveyor system of curved design that connects the third conveyor device12, for delivery of source containers5to the picking station2, and the fourth conveyor device13, for removal of source containers5from the picking station2, to one another. The turnaround conveyor system has conveyor units49. The source containers5are delivered to the delivery device32by means of the third conveyor device12for processing of orders, and are transported further on the delivery device32to the retrieval position33by means of the conveyor units49. Preferably, the source container5is stopped briefly at the retrieval position33for the picking process to be carried out by an order picking person (as shown) or a robot. The conveyor unit49is driven, and is coupled to a drive motor. The conveyor unit49has conveyor rollers rotatably mounted on a frame, for example. The delivery device34shown for provision of a target container27at a single loading position35(loading position) comprises a turnaround conveyor system of curved design that connects the first conveyor device37and the second conveyor device40to one another. The turnaround conveyor system has conveyor units50. The target containers27are delivered to the delivery device34by means of the first conveyor device37for processing of orders, and are transported further on the delivery device34to the loading position35by means of the conveyor units50. Preferably, the target container27is stopped briefly at the loading position35for the picking process to be carried out by an order picking person (as shown) or a robot. The conveyor unit50is driven, and is coupled to a drive motor. The conveyor unit50has conveyor rollers rotatably mounted on a frame, for example. In addition, the picking station2can comprise an input and/or output system51that is connected to the control unit26. If the picking is carried out by an order picking person, then an input and/or output system51having a confirmation key and a display is provided. The display comprises a display field by means of which a numeric or alphanumeric (visual) output of picking instructions can be accomplished. For example, the number of items to be retrieved from the source container5and placed in the target container27is indicated on the display for the order picking person. After the last retrieval of an item from the source container5or after the last placement of an item into the target container27, a control signal is triggered if the order picking person presses the confirmation key on the input and/or output system51. However, a control signal can also be triggered by pressing of the confirmation key if the order picking person has ascertained that no item or no additional items can be placed in the target container27. The control signal can also be triggered in other ways, however, for example through voice input, gestures (hand motions, for example), and the like. If the picking is carried out by a robot, then an input system51is provided, having a camera system or another suitable sensor system by means of which a loading state in the target container27can be ascertained, for example. The control unit26determines, based on the loading state, what number of items are to be retrieved from the source container5and placed in the target container27. After the last retrieval of an item from the source container5or the last placement of an item into the target container27, a control signal is triggered if an acknowledgment signal has been transmitted to the control unit26, for example by the camera system. However, a control signal can also be triggered, for example by the camera system, if it has been ascertained by the control unit26that no item or no additional items can be placed in the target container27. As illustrated inFIG.1, a sequence determination point52, where the sequence of the source containers5is determined, is provided along the transport path between the at least one storage and retrieval device9and the retrieval position33. The buffer track section23preferably extends between the sequence determination point52and the retrieval position33. The sequence of the source containers5is not changed after this. For performance reasons alone, the sequence of at least some source containers5can be modified, as described further below. The sequence determination point52is preferably provided at the infeed and/or discharge device15at which the source containers5are transported from the fifth conveyor device14to the third conveyor device12. Detection of the sequence of the source containers5is carried out by the control unit26, wherein tracking systems (tracking system) that are known per se are used that can detect the location of each source container5along the transport path. It is necessary for this purpose that the source containers5are identified and detected by the control unit26prior to their storage in the warehouse1. The source containers5are each supplied with an unmistakable (unique) identification code, for example an identification number. In addition, the transport of the source containers5from the fifth conveyor device14to the third conveyor device12can be monitored by means of a sensor system (not shown) at the infeed and/or discharge device15. Once the location of each source container5is known from the tracking, and the sensor system is monitoring the transport of the source containers5from the fifth conveyor device14to the third conveyor device12, the control unit26can reliably determine the sequence in which the source containers5are transported in the buffer track section23on the third conveyor device12. In the jointly describedFIGS.3ato3j, a method is described for picking of items at a picking station2at which orders are processed. For reasons of better clarity, the conveyor units44,45,49,50were not drawn in these figures. An order can be processed at a single picking station2even in suborders. Otherwise the orders, or the suborders of the orders, can also be processed at multiple picking stations2. In this process, a target container27is initially delivered to a first picking station2, and at least one item is picked. After that, the target container27is delivered to a second picking station2, and at least one item is picked. In other words, the order cannot be fully processed at a single picking station2, and the target container27is transported to the second picking station2by the fifth conveyor device14(FIG.1) after partial picking at the first picking station2. In the following, “orders” are referred to for the sake of simplicity. An order can also be understood as a picking order. A customer order comprises at least one order. The orders are present as data records. The orders are electronically acquired at a computer (not shown) and transmitted to the control unit26(FIG.1). Each order comprises one or more order lines. If the order specifies multiple order lines, then different items are required. Each order line has, at a minimum, information about a quantity of an ordered item and about an item type. In e-commerce, the lot sizes are small so there is a relatively high number of different orders, each with a small number of order lines. A first order can comprise a single order line, for example 1 book. A second order can comprise a first order line, for example 2 DVDs, and a second order line, for example 7 CDs. A third order can comprise a first order line, for example 20 ballpoint pens, a second order line, for example 12 notebooks, a third order line, for example 1 package of copier paper, and a fourth order line, for example 3 packages of staples, etc. For initial processing of (new) orders, empty target containers27are delivered by the conveyor device29. The empty target containers27are identified, and an empty target container27is linked by data means to an acquired order. Transport of the identified and empty target container27to the loading position35takes place after triggering of an above-described control signal by manual pressing of a confirmation key at the input and/or output system51, or by detection of a confirmation signal, for example from a camera system. With this control signal, the conveyor device29is controlled by the control unit26such that the empty target container27is transported to the loading position35(while bypassing the sorting buffer) for processing of the at least one order line for the order. In the sorting buffer36, target containers27are temporarily buffered that require items for more than one order line and already contain a first order line. Therefore, at least one item has been placed in each of the target containers27. However, some target containers27, which are delivered by the conveyor system29that connects to the sorting buffer36, may also be empty. If, for example, the order comprises a first order line (2 DVDs) and a second order line (7 CDs), and if a (first) source container5provided at the retrieval position33contains the items for the first order line, after picking of the items for the first order line has occurred, the target container27is transported into the sorting buffer36for the time being. If a (second) source container5with the items for the second order line is provided at the retrieval position33, then the target container27is again provided at the (single) loading position35, and the item for the second order line is picked. This process is carried out at the picking station2over a number of orders. The source containers5are retrieved in a random (chaotic) sequence from the warehouse1, and are conveyed to the retrieval position33in a random (chaotic) sequence. The sequence in which the source containers5are conveyed to the retrieval position33may differ from the sequence in which the source containers5are retrieved from the warehouse1. Preferably, each of the source containers5stores a single item type. This is referred to as so-called “single-product” source containers5. Customarily, a number of orders are to be processed at the picking station2, and these include some orders that comprise more than one order line. This has the consequence that the target containers27must be provided several times at the (single) loading position35and in a sequence that is determined as a function of the sequence in which the source containers5are provided at the retrieval position33, as described above. FIG.3ashows one possible operating state at the picking station2. The orders “A1to A6” are assigned to this picking station2, and each order comprises multiple order lines. Each of the order lines (item1, item2, etc.) has, at a minimum, information about the associated quantity of an ordered item and about its item type. ItemQuantityItem TypeOrder 112pen, red24pen, yellow31pen, greenOrder 213cleaning agent25cleaning cloth31polish41cleaning brush51dish detergentOrder 311T-shirt, blue21T-shirt, green31T-shirt, blackOrder 411book24glueOrder 511pants, black21sunglassesOrder 611shoes, brown21shoes, black31sweater, green41boots, black As is evident, target containers27for different orders are located in the sorting buffer36at the sorting positions42-1to42-3and at the buffer position39-2, for example a target container “T3” for an order “A3,” a target container “T4” for an order “A4,” a target container “T5” for an order “A5,” and a target container “T6” for an order “A6.” In addition, target containers27for different orders are located on the delivery device34, for example a target container “T2” for an order “A2,” and a target container “T1” for an order “A1.” Order “A1” is currently being processed. As is not shown in detail, an empty target container27for the order “A1” is delivered beforehand to the picking station2by the conveyor device29. The empty target container27is identified and linked by data means to the order “A1.” The target container27now corresponds to the target container “T1.” In the meantime, the source container “S1.1” is also transported from the buffer track section23to the retrieval position33. If the source container “S1.1” is provided at the retrieval position33and the target container “T1” is provided at the loading position35, a first order line can be processed, thus two red pens are retrieved from the source container “S1.1” and placed in the target container “T1.” The target container “T1” is then transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-4determined by the control unit26, since a second order line (item2) still remains to be processed. For further processing of the orders “A1to A6,” the source containers5are retrieved from the warehouse1and transported by the source container conveyor system to the picking station2. Each source container5contains an item for processing of an order line for an order. This means that the source container “S1.2” stores the item “yellow pen” for the second order line (item2), the source container “S2.3” stores the item “polish” for the third order line (item3), the source container “S3.2” stores the item “green T-shirt” for the second order line (item2), the source container “S1.3” stores the item “green pen” for the third order line (item3), the source container “S2.4” stores the item “cleaning brush” for the fourth order line (item4), and the source container “S3.3” stores the item “black T-shirt” for the third order line (item3). The first digit in the term “Sx.y” denotes the order, and the second digit denotes the order line. As is evident, some of the source containers “S1.2to S3.3” required for the orders “A1to A6” are already located in a buffer track section23of the source container distribution system, in particular of the source container conveyor system. Even though the source containers “S1.2to S3.3” are delivered to the retrieval position33in a random sequence, this sequence is detected at the sequence determination point52(FIG.1). The target containers “T1to T3” are sorted in and by the sorting buffer36into a sequence that is determined by the sequence of the source containers “S1.2to S3.3.” InFIG.3a, the source container “S1.2” for the second order line (item2) is located at the retrieval position33, and the target container “T1” is located at the loading position35. The second order line (item2) comprises 4 yellow pens, which are retrieved from the source container “S1.2” and placed in the target container “T1.” After the last (manual or automatic) retrieval of an item from the source container “S1.2” or the last placement of an item into the target container “T1,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45on the conveyor device40are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S1.2” is transported away from the retrieval position33, the source container “S2.3” is delivered to the retrieval position33, the previously processed target container “T1” is transported away from the loading position35, and the yet-to-be processed target container “T2” is delivered to the loading position35. As can be seen inFIG.3b, the previously processed target container “T1” is transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-4determined by the control unit26, since a third order line (item3) still remains to be processed. The source container “S1.2” is transported away from the retrieval position33on the source container conveyor system, and returned to stock in the warehouse1. If the source container “S2.3” is provided at the retrieval position33and the target container “T2” is provided at the loading position35, then the third order line (item3) can be processed, thus 1 unit of polish is retrieved from the source container “S2.3” and placed in the target container “T2.” After the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the single item from the source container “S2.3” or the last placement of the single item into the target container “T2,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45of the conveyor device40are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S2.3” is transported away from the retrieval position33, the source container “S3.2” is delivered to the retrieval position33, the previously processed target container “T2” is transported away from the loading position35, and the yet-to-be processed target container “T3” is delivered to the loading position35. The source container “S2.3” is transported away by the source container conveyor system (FIG.3d). The previously processed target container “T2” is transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-4determined by the control unit26, since a fourth order line (item4) still remains to be processed (FIG.3d). In the meantime, the source container “S2.5” for the fifth order line (item5) with the item “dish detergent” has been transported into the buffer track section23. As can be seen inFIG.3c, the target container “T1” can be moved directly from the sorting position42-4to one of the buffer positions39-2determined by the control unit26, and after that to the delivery device34once the source container “S1.3” having an item for the third order line (item3) has been transported into the buffer track section23. Transport of the target container “T1” from one of the sorting positions42-4to one of the buffer positions39-2is accomplished by means of the conveyor unit46,47of one of the third conveyor devices43, for example the conveyor units47of the sorting position42-4and of the buffer position39-2. The conveyor unit46,47is controlled by the control unit26in this process. The target container “T1” is moved past the target containers “T4to T6” temporarily buffered at the sorting positions42-1to42-3in the sorting buffer36. Consequently, a sorting process is performed by the sorting buffer36via the sorting positions42-1to42-5. As can be seen inFIG.3d, the target container “T2” was transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-4determined by the control unit26, since a fourth order line (item4) still remains to be processed. The target container “T1” was transported from one of the buffer positions39-2out of the sorting buffer36to the delivery device34. In this process, the target container “T1” is transported from the buffer position39-2to the delivery device34after the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the item from the source container “S2.3,” and after the yet-to-be processed target container “T3” has been transported to the loading position35and the previously processed target container “T2” has been transported to one of the sorting positions42-4determined by the control unit26. To this end, after the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the item from the source container “S2.3” or last placement of the item in the target container “T2,” a control signal is triggered, and the conveyor unit44of the first conveyor device37and the conveyor unit50of the delivery device34are controlled by the control unit26such that the target container “T1” is transported from the buffer position39-2to the loading position35(FIG.3e). As illustrated, the source container “S3.2” for the second order line (item2) is located at the retrieval position33and the target container “T3” is located at the loading position35. The second order line (item2) comprises 1 green T-shirt, which is retrieved from the source container “S3.2” and placed in the target container “T3.” After the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the item from the source container “S3.2” or the last placement of an item into the target container “T3,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45of the conveyor device40are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S3.2” is transported away from the retrieval position33, the source container “S1.3” is delivered to the retrieval position33, the previously processed target container “T3” is transported away from the loading position35, and the yet-to-be processed target container “T1” is delivered to the loading position35. The source container “S3.2” is transported away by the source container conveyor system (FIG.3e). The previously processed target container “T2” is transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-4determined by the control unit26, since a fourth order line (item4) still remains to be processed. In the meantime, the source container “S5.2” for the second order line (item2) with the item “sunglasses” has been transported into the buffer track section23. As can be seen inFIG.3e, the target container “T5” can be transported from the sorting position to one of the buffer positions39-4determined by the control unit26after the source container “S5.2” with an item for the second order line (item2) has already been transported into the buffer track section23. However, the target container “T5” cannot yet be moved to the loading position35or the delivery device34because the target container “T2” must still be placed in line ahead of this target container “T5.” Transport of the target container “T2” from one of the sorting positions42-4to one of the buffer positions39-2is accomplished by means of the conveyor unit46,47of one of the third conveyor devices43, for example the conveyor units47of the sorting position42-4and of the buffer position39-2. Transport of the target container “T5” from one of the sorting positions42-2to one of the buffer positions39-4is accomplished by means of the conveyor unit46,47of one of the third conveyor devices43, for example the conveyor units46for the sorting position42-2and buffer position39-4. The conveyor units46and the third conveyor devices43are controlled independently of one another by the control unit26. Accordingly, the target containers “T2and T5” can be transported in parallel between the sorting positions42-2,42-4and the buffer positions39-4,39-2. The target container “T5” can be transported from the sorting position42-2to the buffer position39-4before the target container “T2.” As a basic principle, however, the target container “T5” could also not be transported from the sorting position42-2to the buffer position39-4until after the target container “T2.” The target container “T2” can be moved past the target container “T5” located at the buffer position39-4in the sorting buffer36and/or target containers “T4to T6” temporarily buffered at sorting positions42-1,42-2. Consequently, a sorting process is performed by the sorting buffer36via the buffer positions39-1to39-5and/or sorting positions42-1to42-5. After the target container “T5” has been transported from the sorting position42-2to the buffer position39-4, the target container “T4” can be transported downstream in the return direction from a sorting position42-3to a sorting position42-2. Transport of the target container “T4” from the sorting position42-3to the sorting position42-2is accomplished by means of the conveyor unit45of the second conveyor device40or by means of the conveyor unit45of the sorting positions42-2,42-3. The conveyor unit(s)46is/are controlled by the control unit26in this process. The target container “T3,” in contrast, is not transported from the sorting position42-4to the sorting position42-3, because it must be transported directly to the loading position35. As can also be seen, the previously processed target container “T3” is transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-4determined by the control unit26, since a third order line (item3) still remains to be processed. It would of course also be possible that the target container “T3” is transported via the sorting position42-4to a sorting position42-3determined by the control unit26. As can be seen inFIG.3f, the target container “T2” was transported from the buffer position to the delivery device34by means of the conveyor unit44of the first conveyor device37and the conveyor unit50of the delivery device34. The target container “T5” was transported by means of the conveyor unit44of the first conveyor device37to the buffer position39-4. In contrast, the source container “S1.3” for the third order line (item3) is located at the retrieval position33and the target container “T1” is located at the loading position35in order to process the third order line (item3). One green pen is retrieved from the source container “S1.3” and placed in the target container “T1.” After the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the single item from the source container “S1.3” or the last placement of an item into the target container “T1,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45of the conveyor device40are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S1.3” is transported away from the retrieval position33, the source container “S2.4” is delivered to the retrieval position33, the previously processed target container “T1” is transported away from the loading position35, and the yet-to-be processed target container “T2” is delivered to the loading position35. The source container “S1.3” is transported away by the source container conveyor system. The fully picked target container “T1” for this order will be transported on the target container conveyor system. Transport of the target container “T1” from the loading position35on the target container conveyor system is accomplished by the conveyor unit45of the second conveyor device40, the conveyor unit47at the sorting position42-4, and the conveyor unit31of the conveyor system30. Preferably, the source container conveyor system is also used as target container conveyor system, and the target container “T1” is discharged from the conveyor system30to the conveyor system13before or after the source container “S1.3,” as depicted inFIG.3g. The target container “T1” is transported to the shipping area28. As can be seen inFIG.3g, the target container “T5” was transported from the buffer position39-3to the buffer position39-2. Transport of the target container “T5” in this case is accomplished by means of the conveyor unit44of the first conveyor device37or the conveyor unit44of the buffer positions39-4,39-3. The target container “T4” can be transported from the sorting position42-2to one of the buffer positions39-4determined by the control unit26after the source container “S4.2” with an item for the second order line (item2) has already been transported into the buffer track section23. However, the target container “T4” cannot yet be moved to the loading position35because the target container “T5” is in line ahead of this target container “T4.” Transport of the target container “T4” from one of the sorting positions42-2to one of the buffer positions39-4is accomplished by means of the conveyor unit46of one of the third conveyor devices43. The target container “T5” likewise cannot yet be moved to the loading position35because the target container “T2” is still to be placed in line ahead of this target container “T5.” The source container “S2.4” for the fourth order line (item4) is provided at the retrieval position33and the target container “T2” is provided at the loading position35in order to process the fourth order line (item4). One cleaning brush is retrieved from the source container “S2.4” and placed in the target container “T2.” After the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the item from the source container “S2.4” or the last placement of an item into the target container “T2,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45of the conveyor device40are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S2.4” is transported away from the retrieval position33, the source container “S3.3” is delivered to the retrieval position33, the previously processed target container “T2” is transported away from the loading position35, and the yet-to-be processed target container “T3” is delivered to the loading position35. The source container “S2.4” is transported away by the source container conveyor system (FIG.3h). The previously processed target container “T2” is transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-4determined by the control unit26, since a fifth order line (item5) still remains to be processed. As can be seen inFIG.3h, the source container “S3.3” for the third order line (item3) is located at the retrieval position33and the target container “T3” is located at the loading position35in order to process the third order line (item3). In the meantime, the source container “S6.2” for the second order line (item2) with the item “black shoes” has been transported into the buffer track section23. Consequently, the target container “T6” can be transported from the sorting position42-1to one of the buffer positions39-5determined by the control unit26. The target container “T4” was transported from the buffer position39-4to the buffer position39-3. Transport of the target container “T4” in this case is accomplished by means of the conveyor unit44of the first conveyor device37or the conveyor unit44of the buffer positions39-4,39-3. As is shown inFIG.3i, the target container “T2” can be moved directly via the sorting position42-5to one of the buffer positions39-1determined by the control unit26, and after that to the delivery device34or to the loading position35once the source container “S2.5” having an item for the fifth order line (item5) has been transported into the buffer track section23. The target container “T6” was transported from the buffer position39-5to the buffer position39-4. Lastly,FIG.3jshows the target container “T2” at the loading position35and the source container “S2.5” at the retrieval position33in order to process the fifth order line (item5). One unit of dish detergent is retrieved from the source container “S2.5” and placed in the target container “T2.” After the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the single item from the source container “S2.5” or the last placement of an item into the target container “T2,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45of the conveyor device40are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S2.5” is transported away from the retrieval position33, the source container “S5.2” is delivered to the retrieval position33, the previously processed target container “T2” is transported away from the loading position35, and the yet-to-be processed target container “T5” is delivered to the loading position35. The source container “S2.5” is then transported away by the source container conveyor system. The fully picked target container “T2” for this order will then be transported on the target container conveyor system. Transport of the target container “T2” from the loading position35on the target container conveyor system is accomplished by the conveyor unit45of the second conveyor device40, the conveyor unit47at the sorting position42-4, and the conveyor unit31of the conveyor system30. The target container “T2” is transported to the shipping area28. Thereafter, the orders “A5, A4, A6” are processed one after the other. The fully picked target containers “T5, T4” are again transported on the target container conveyor system. Additional order lines are to be processed for the order “A6,” and this target container “T6” is again transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position determined by the control unit26after placement of the item for the second order line (item2), since a third/fourth order line (item3,4) still remains to be processed. In order to be able to carry out continuous processing of additional orders “A7. . . An,” empty target containers27are delivered to the picking station2via the conveyor device29, as shown by way of example inFIG.3j. The empty target container27is identified and linked by data means to the order “A7.” The target container27now corresponds to the target container “T7.” In the meantime, the source container “S7.1” is also transported from the buffer track section23to the retrieval position33. The target container “T7” is placed in line behind the target containers “T4, T6.” If the source container “S7.1” is provided at the retrieval position33and the target container “T7” is provided at the loading position35, a first order line can be processed. The target container “T7” is then transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position determined by the control unit26if a second order line still remains to be processed. If the order “A7” comprises only a single order line, then the target container “T7” is transported directly on the target container conveyor system. The target container “T7” is transported to the shipping area28. It should be noted here that a target container “T1. . . T6” can also be transported from the loading position35to the sorting position42-5or another sorting position42-4to42-1, depending on which of the sorting positions42-1to42-5is occupied. Generally speaking, the control unit26determines the particular sorting position42-5that is unoccupied and is as close as possible to the loading position35. In this way, short changeover times for the provision of the target containers “T1. . . T6” at the loading position35are achieved. It will be perceived on the basis of this exemplary embodiment that a first target container “T1. . . T6” for processing of different order lines for at least one order “A1. . . A6” is transported back into the sorting buffer36after placement of an item for a first order line, and is temporarily buffered at a first sorting position at least until a source container “S1.2. . . S6.2” with an item for a second order line is conveyed onward into a buffer track section23provided upstream of the retrieval position33. The said first target container “T1. . . T6” can be moved from the first sorting position to one of the buffer positions and subsequently to the/toward the loading position35once the source container “S1.2. . . S6.2” having an item for a second order line has been transported into the buffer track section23. In this case, according to a first approach the said target container “T1. . . T6” is moved to the loading position35immediately after having been transported to the buffer position39(see, for example,FIGS.3bto3d). According to a second approach, another target container “T1. . . T6” is placed in line ahead of the said target container “T1. . . T6” in the sequence of target containers “T1. . . T6” at the buffer positions39, and the said target container “T1. . . T6” is not moved to the loading position35until after the target container “T1. . . T6” in line ahead of it (see, for example,FIGS.3eto3j). Both approaches customarily occur in operation of the sorting buffer36. On the other hand, it can also be perceived on the basis of this exemplary embodiment that a second target container “T1. . . T6” for processing of different order lines for at least one order “A1. . . A6” is transported back into the sorting buffer36after placement of an item for a first order line, and is moved via a second sorting position to one of the buffer positions and subsequently to the/toward the loading position35if a source container “S1.2. . . S6.2” with an item for a second order line has already been transported into a buffer track section23provided upstream of the retrieval position33. The target containers “T1. . . T6” are transported in the sorted sequence and one after the other from the sorting buffer36to the loading position35, wherein transport of the source containers “S1.2. . . S6.2” from the warehouse1to the retrieval position33and transport of the target containers “T1. . . T6” from the sorting buffer36to the loading position35are matched to one another such that one source container “S1.2. . . S6.2” and one target container “T1. . . T6” for one order arrive at the retrieval position33and the loading position35approximately simultaneously. In the jointly describedFIGS.4ato4d, a method is shown for picking of items at an above-described picking station2in which the sequence of the source containers5is changed into a modified sequence. Generally speaking, the source containers5are retrieved in a random (chaotic) sequence from the warehouse1, and are conveyed on the buffer track section23in a random (chaotic) sequence. This random (chaotic) sequence of some of the source containers5may optionally be changed. The control unit26is equipped to determine a modified sequence of the source containers5that are required for different order lines for one or more orders. The source containers5are then transported to the retrieval position33in the modified sequence. As described above, the control unit26can determine the random (chaotic) sequence. In other words, the control unit26determines the location of each source container5along the transport path between the warehouse1, in particular the sequence determination point52, and the retrieval position33. If the random (chaotic) sequence is to be changed, then the conveyor unit22is controlled by the control unit26such that a single source container5or multiple source containers5is/are discharged from the buffer track section23to the bypass buffer21via the conveyor unit22, and fed back into the buffer track section23from the bypass buffer21in a time-controlled manner. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the source container “S1.1” for the first order line (item1), the source container “S3.2” for the second order line (item2), the source container “S1.2” for the second order line (item2), and the source container “S3.3” for the third order line (item3) are transported in the buffer track section23in the specified sequence. In the sorting buffer36, the target containers “T3to T6” can be buffered, wherein the target containers “T4to T6” are placed at the sorting positions42-1,42-2,42-3, since none of the source containers5required for these orders have as yet been transported into the buffer track section23. The target container “T3” has been moved from the sorting position42-4to the buffer position39-2. The target container “T1” is still in line ahead of the target container “T3.” The target container “T1” is a still-empty target container27, and was delivered via the conveyor system29. It should also be noted that an order can be processed at multiple picking stations2. In this case, at least one order line of this order is processed at a first picking station2, and at least one line of this order is processed at a second picking station2. As can be seen inFIGS.4ato4c, the first source container “S1.1” is moved past the bypass buffer21. The source container “S1.1” is provided at the retrieval position33, and the target container T1is provided at the loading position35. After that, an item for the first order line (item1) can be retrieved from the source container “S1.1” and placed in the target container T1. After the last (manual or automatic) retrieval of an item from the first source container “S1.1” or the last placement of an item into the target container “T1,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S1.1” is transported away from the retrieval position33, and the second source container “S1.2” in line ahead of the source container “S3.2” is delivered to the retrieval position33. The source container “S1.1” is transported away by the source container conveyor system. The target container T1remains at the loading position35until the second source container “S1.2” is provided at the retrieval position33. As can be seen inFIG.4b, the source container “S3.2” following behind the source container “S1.1” is discharged from the buffer track section23to the bypass buffer21via the conveyor unit22controlled by the control unit26. As can be seen inFIG.4c, the source container “S1.2” is moved past the source container “S3.2” parked in the bypass buffer21, and is transported to the retrieval position33. As can be seen inFIG.4d, the source container “S1.2” is provided at the retrieval position33, and an item can be retrieved from the source container “S1.2” and placed in the target container T1for the second order line (item2). After the last (manual or automatic) retrieval of an item from the source container “S1.2” or the last placement of an item into the target container “T1,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45on the conveyor device40and the conveyor unit47at the sorting position42-4and, if applicable, the conveyor unit31of the conveyor system30are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S1.2” is transported away from the retrieval position33, the source container “S3.2” is delivered to the retrieval position33, the previously processed target container “T1” is transported away from the loading position35, and the yet-to-be processed target container “T3” is delivered to the loading position35. The target container “T1” can either be buffered in the sorting buffer36at one of the sorting positions42-4,42-5or be transported on the target container conveyor system. As can additionally be seen, after the source container “S1.2” has been transported past the bypass buffer21, the source container “S3.2” is fed from the bypass buffer21to the buffer track section23via the conveyor unit22controlled by the control unit26. After that, the source container “S3.2” is transported to the retrieval position33, as is the source container “S3.3” in line behind it. As is evident from that which has been described, some of the source containers5, for example the source containers “S1.1, S1.2, S3.2, S3.3,” can be transported to the loading position35in a modified sequence, and provided sequentially in this modified sequence at the retrieval position33. Within the scope of the invention, the bypass buffer21shown may also accommodate more than one source container5, for example two, three, or four source containers5. For this case, the source containers5can be discharged from the buffer track section23to the bypass buffer21via the conveyor unit22, or fed back to the buffer track section23from the bypass buffer21, simultaneously or one after the other. In the jointly describedFIGS.5ato5c, a method is shown for picking of items at an above-described picking station2in which the removal of a target container27from the loading position35is controlled by an order picking person. Such a measure of the method is applicable when it is visually ascertained by the order picking person that a target container27cannot accommodate all the items for an order line and an additional target container27is required in order to process the remainder of the items for said order line. Picking by means of robots is fundamentally also possible, wherein an acknowledgment signal is triggered if it is ascertained by the robot or a camera system/a sensor system that a target container27cannot accommodate all the items for an order line and an additional target container27is required in order to process the remainder of the items for said order line. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the source container “S1.1” for the first order line (item1), the source container “S2.2” for the second order line (item2), the source container “S3.2” for the second order line (item2), and the source container “S4.2” for the second order line (item2) are transported in the buffer track section23. In the sorting buffer36, the target containers “T3to T6” can be buffered, wherein the target containers “T5, T6” are placed at the sorting positions42-1,42-2, since none of the source containers5required for these orders have as yet been transported into the buffer track section23. The target containers “T3, T4” have been moved from the sorting positions42-3,42-4to the buffer positions39-3,39-2. As can be seen inFIG.5a, the source container “S1.1” for the first order line (item1) of a first order is provided at the retrieval position33, and the target container “T1.1” is provided at the loading position35. The first order line comprises multiple items for a first order, which must be placed in multiple target containers “T1.1, T1.2.” In this case, at least one item for this first order line is placed in a first target container “T1.1” and at least one item for this first order line is placed in a second target container “T1.2.” However, the second target container “T1.2” must be inserted after the target container “T2” because the latter has already been transported on the delivery device34. The source container “S2.2” has likewise already been transported on the delivery device32. After the last retrieval of an item from the source container “S1.1” and placement of this item into the first target container “T1.1,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the (fourth) conveyor device13and the (sixth) conveyor device and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45on the conveyor device40and the conveyor unit47at the sorting position42-4and the conveyor unit31of the conveyor system30are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S1.1” is transported away from the retrieval position33, the source container “S2.2” is delivered to the retrieval position33, the previously processed target container “T1.1” is transported away from the loading position35, and the yet-to-be processed target container “T2” is delivered to the loading position35. In this process, as shown inFIG.5b, the source container “S1.1” is transported via the (fourth) conveyor device13and the (sixth) conveyor device22,25from the retrieval position33to the buffer track section23, and transferred to the latter. The target container “T1.1” picked for this order is transported on the target container conveyor system. Transport of the target container “T1.1” from the loading position35on the target container conveyor system is accomplished by the conveyor unit45of the second conveyor device40, the conveyor unit47at the sorting position42-4, and the conveyor unit31of the conveyor system30. In addition, after the triggering of this control signal by the order picking person, the target container conveyor system is controlled by the control unit26such that an empty target container “T1.2” is requested and is transported to the loading position35for further processing of the first order line for the first order. If the source container “S2.2” for the second order line (item2) of a second order is provided at the retrieval position33and the target container “T2” is provided at the loading position35, then the second order line can be processed, thus the item/items can be retrieved from the source container “S2.2” and placed in the target container “T2.” After the last retrieval of an item from the source container “S2.2” and placement of this item into the target container “T2,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23, the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S2.2” is transported away from the retrieval position33, the source container “S1.1” is again delivered from the buffer track section23to the retrieval position33, the previously processed target container “T2” is transported away from the loading position35, and the yet-to-be processed target container “T1.2” is delivered to the loading position35. The target container “T2” is transported from the loading position35back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-3determined by the control unit26, since a third order line (item3) still remains to be processed. If the source container “S1.1” for the first order line (item1) of a first order is provided at the retrieval position33and the target container “T1.2” is provided at the loading position35, as shown inFIG.5c, then the first order line can be processed (to completion), thus the (remaining) item/items can be retrieved from the source container “S1.1” and placed in the target container “T1.2.” The fully picked target container “T1.2” for this order is transported either to the target container conveyor system or into the sorting buffer36. In the exemplary embodiment described, the target containers “T1.1, T1.2” were provided as empty target containers27. It is also possible that the first target container27already contains items and that the items for the first order line cannot be accommodated in this target container27for this reason. For example, the item for the first order line is too big. In this case, the control signal is triggered once it has been ascertained that an item cannot be placed in the first target container27. The retrieval of an item from the source container5is thus not strictly necessary for triggering a control signal. In the jointly describedFIGS.6ato6c, a method is shown for picking of items at an above-described picking station2in which a first, loaded target container27is transported away from the loading position35and a second, empty target container27is delivered to the loading position35by the control unit26on the basis of a “load-specific” parameter (and without control intervention by an order picking person) because the first target container27cannot accommodate all the items for an order line and at least one additional target container27is required in order to process the remainder of the items for said order line. To this end, at least one item-specific parameter for each item of an order having one or more order lines is electronically acquired, for example at a computer, and is processed by the control unit26. In particular, a measurement for each item, such as the weight and/or volume and/or geometric shape, is acquired as the item-specific parameter. In a first step, the control unit26determines an order-specific parameter based on the one or more order lines that are processed for an order and on the item-specific parameters for each item. In particular, a total volume or total weight of all items for an order or a load configuration (packing pattern) for the items in the target container27is determined as the order-specific parameter. In a second step, the control unit26determines a load-specific parameter of at least one target container27into which the items for the said order are to be placed. In particular, an available loading volume or maximum weight of load or which items can still be/can no longer be accommodated in the target container due to their geometric shapes is determined as the order-specific parameter. In other words, whether the target container27is empty or already partially filled is also taken into account. Thus, for example, an item with small measurements can still be accommodated in the target container27, whereas an item with large measurements must be placed in an additional target container27. In a third step, the control unit26determines the number of second target containers27additionally required for processing of the said order based on the order-specific parameter and the load-specific parameter if an item cannot be placed in the first target container27. If no additional target container27is required, the number is zero. Provision of the target containers27in the requisite number and provision of the source containers5are coordinated in accordance with this advance calculation by the control unit26. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the source container “S1.1” for the first order line (item1), the source container “S5.2” for the second order line (item2), and the source container “S3.3” for the third order line (item3) are transported in the buffer track section23. In the sorting buffer36, the target containers “T2, T3, T5, T6” can be buffered, wherein the target containers “T2, T6” are placed at the sorting positions42-1,42-2, since none of the source containers5required for these orders have as yet been transported into the buffer track section23. The target containers “T3, T5” have been moved from the sorting positions42-3,42-4to the buffer positions39-3,39-2. As can be seen inFIG.6a, the source container “S4.1” for the first order line (item1) of a fourth order is provided at the retrieval position33, and the target container “T4” is provided at the loading position35. After that, an item for the first order line (item1) is retrieved from the source container “S4.1” and placed in the target container “T4.” After the last retrieval of an item from the source container “S4.1” and placement of this item into the target container “T4,” a control signal is triggered, and the process proceeds in the manner described above. Therefore, the target container “T4” is transported into the sorting buffer36and to the sorting position42-3. The source container “S4.1” is transported to the source container conveyor system. In addition, after the triggering of this control signal by the order picking person, the target container conveyor system is controlled by the control unit26such that an empty target container “T1.2” is requested and is transported to the loading position35for further processing of an order line or of multiple order lines for an order or for multiple orders. As can be seen inFIG.6b, the source container “S1.1” for the first order line (item1) of a first order is provided at the retrieval position33, and the target container “T1.1” is provided at the loading position35. The first order line comprises multiple items for a first order, which must be placed in multiple target containers “T1.” As is not additionally shown, the first order can also comprise a second order line (item2). As described above, the requisite number of target containers27is determined by the control unit26in the advance calculation, and the target containers27are provided one after the other at the loading position35accordingly. As shown, the first order comprises a first order line (item1) with a number of items, which cannot all be accommodated in a single target container “T1.1.” Firstly, the items for this first order line are retrieved from the source container “S1.1” and placed in the first target container “T1.1.” After the last retrieval of an item from the source container “S1.1” and placement of this item into the first target container “T1.1,” a control signal is triggered by the control unit26. With this control signal, the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45on the conveyor device40and the conveyor unit47at the sorting position42-4and the conveyor unit31of the conveyor system30are controlled by the control unit26such that the previously processed, first target container “T1.1” is transported away from the loading position35, and the additional, second target container “T1.2” is delivered to the loading position35. The target container “T1.1” picked for this order is transported on the target container conveyor system in the manner described above. The source container “S1.1” remains at the loading position35until the second target container “T1.2” is provided at the loading position35. As can be seen inFIG.6c, the source container “S1.1” for the first order line (item1) of the first order is now provided at the retrieval position33, and the target container “T1.2” is now provided at the loading position35. After that, an item is again retrieved for the first order line (item1) from the source container “S1.1” and placed in the target container “T1.2.” After the last retrieval of an item from the source container “S1.1” and placement of this item into the target container “T1.2,” a control signal is triggered, and the process proceeds in the manner described above. Therefore, the target container “T1.2” is transported into the sorting buffer36or to the target container conveyor system. The source container “S1.1” is transported to the source container conveyor system. In the said exemplary embodiment, the first target container “T1.1” for processing of the first order line (item1) is described. Therefore, the first target container “T1.1” was provided as an empty target container “T1.1” by the target container conveyor system. Otherwise it is also possible, however, that the first target container “T1.1” is transported out of the sorting buffer36and to the loading position35, since it already contains an item and can additionally have another item loaded into it. In order to be able to finish processing the order line or the order, an empty destination container27is then provided by the target container conveyor system as the second target container27. In the jointly describedFIGS.7ato7d, a method is shown for picking of items at an above-described picking station2in which a first, loaded target container27is transported away from the sorting buffer36(while bypassing the loading position35) and a second, empty target container27is delivered to the loading position35by the control unit26on the basis of a “load-specific” parameter (and without control intervention by an order picking person) in order to process the remainder of the items for one order line or for multiple order lines for an order. To this end, the process proceeds in the manner described above, and the number of target containers27required is determined in advance by the control unit26, and the provision of target containers27and source containers5is coordinated. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, according toFIG.7athe source container “S3.2” for the second order line (item2), the source container “S1.2” for the second order line (item2), and the source container “S5.2” for the second order line (item2) are transported in the buffer track section23. In the sorting buffer36, the target containers “T1.1, T2, T5, T6” can be buffered, wherein the target containers “T2, T6” are placed at the sorting positions42-1,42-2, since none of the source containers5required for these orders have as yet been transported into the buffer track section23. The target container “T5” has been moved from the sorting position42-3to the buffer position39-3. As described above, the random sequence of the source containers5in the buffer track section23is evaluated by the control unit26. In like manner, a load-specific parameter for the target container “T1.1” is determined by the control unit26. Since the sequence of the source containers5is “nearly” arbitrary, the case may arise that a source container “S1.2” for processing of the second order line is delivered to the retrieval position33, which container contains an item that can no longer be placed in the target container “T1.1” on account of its geometric measurement. For this case, provision is made that the target container “T1.1” is not transported to the loading position35at all, but instead is transported away from the sorting buffer36. If the target container “T1.1” has already been moved to one of the buffer positions39-2beforehand, it is transported from the buffer position39-2to the target container conveyor system via the sorting position42-4. A control signal is triggered by the control unit26after it has been ascertained that an item cannot be placed in the first target container “T1.1.” With the control signal, at least the conveyor unit47of the third conveyor device43and the conveyor unit31of the conveyor device30are controlled by the control unit such that the first target container “T1.1” which cannot be filled further is transported away from the sorting buffer36to the target container conveyor system, as shown inFIG.7b. In addition, after the triggering of this control signal, the target container conveyor system can be controlled by the control unit26such that an empty target container “T1.2” is requested and is transported to the loading position35for further processing of an order line or of multiple order lines for an order or for multiple orders. In the meantime, the first order line (item1) for a fourth order can be processed. As can be seen inFIG.7c, after that the target container “T3” is provided at the loading position35, and the source container “S3.2” is provided at the retrieval position33in the manner described above. Beforehand, an item was retrieved from the source container “S4.1” for the first order line (item1) and placed in the target container “T4.” The source container “S4.1” is transported to the source container conveyor system and placed in line behind the target container “T1.1.” Finally, the empty target container “T1.2” is provided at the loading position35and the source container “S1.2” is provided at the retrieval position33in the manner described above, as shown inFIG.7d. After that, the at least one item for the second order line (item2) is retrieved from the source container “S1.2” and placed in the target container “T1.2.” After the last retrieval of an item from the source container “S1.2” and placement of this item into the target container “T1.2,” a control signal is triggered, and the process proceeds in the manner described above. Therefore, the target container “T1.2” is transported into the sorting buffer36or to the target container conveyor system. The source container “S1.2” is transported to the source container conveyor system. In the following, a method is described for picking of returned items on the basis of the picking station2described above inFIGS.1and2. The picking station(s)2and the picking system can be used either in an order picking mode for picking of items from the source containers5into target containers27or in a return mode for picking of returned items from returned-item containers53into the source containers5. Accordingly, the disclosure must be transferred analogously to this embodiment. For reasons of better intelligibility, the modified nomenclature is specified inFIG.8. In return mode, the retrieval position33is used as loading position35for provision of the source containers5, the loading position35is used as retrieval position33for provision of the returned-item containers53, the target container distribution system is used as returned-item container distribution system4′ for delivery of the filled returned-item containers53to the retrieval position33and for removal of emptied returned-item containers53from the retrieval position33. The returned-item container distribution system comprises a returned-item conveyor system. The returned-item conveyor system can comprise, for example, a first conveyor device29′ for delivery of filled returned-item containers53to the relevant picking station(s)2and a second conveyor device30′ for removal of empty returned-item containers53from the relevant picking station(s)2. The returned-item container distribution system4′, in particular the first conveyor device29′ for delivery of filled returned-item containers53, can also connect to the sorting buffer36. The first conveyor device29′ can also be connected to the source container distribution system, in particular the fifth conveyor device. In this case, returned-item containers53can, for example, also be delivered from the warehouse1or from a staging position54connected to the source container distribution system. The returned items are provided at the staging position54. In the jointly describedFIGS.9ato9f, a method is described for picking of returned items at a picking station2at which return orders are processed. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a staging position54is provided that connects to the returned-item container distribution system4′ for delivery of the filled returned-item containers53. Returned-item containers53are provided at the staging position54. In this regard, the returned items can have already been placed in the returned-item containers53, or the returned items are manually/automatically placed in the returned-item containers53there. The returned-item container53is preferably subdivided by partitions into multiple compartments and can hold different types of returned items, wherein a returned-item type “A” can be held in the first compartment, and a returned-item type “B” can be held in the second compartment. As a matter of principle, it is also possible that the returned-item types are contained in the returned-item container53as loose goods. Hence at least some of the returned-item containers53contain a multiplicity of different types of returned items in each case. At the staging position54, the returned-item containers53to be processed and the returned items that are placed in the returned-item containers53are identified and return orders are electronically acquired at a computer (not shown). The return orders are transmitted to the control unit26(FIG.1) and are present as data records. The returned-item container53contains the returned items for multiple return orders. Each return order comprises at least one returned item. The control unit26determines, from the existing source containers5in the warehouse1, which of these source containers5the returned item can be assigned to. At this point, the returned item and the source container5are linked by data means to one another. After that, the returned-item containers53are transported from the staging position54to the sorting buffer36and to one of the sorting positions42. As described above, the source containers5are retrieved from the warehouse1in a random (chaotic) sequence, and are conveyed to the loading position35in a random (chaotic) sequence. The sequence in which the source containers5are conveyed to the loading position35may differ from the sequence in which the source containers5are retrieved from the warehouse1. Preferably, each of the source containers5stores a single item type. This is referred to as so-called “single-product” source containers5. Even though the source containers5are delivered to the loading position35in a random sequence, this sequence is detected at the sequence determination point52(FIG.1). The returned-item containers53are sorted in and by the sorting buffer36into a sequence that is determined by the sequence of the source containers5. InFIG.9a, the source container “S1” for the returned item “R1” is located at the loading position35, and the returned-item container “R1,2” is located at the retrieval position33. The returned item “R1” is retrieved from the returned-item container “R1,2” and placed in the source container “S1.” If the picking is carried out by an order picking person, then an input and output system51having a confirmation key and a display is provided. The display comprises a display field by means of which a numeric or alphanumeric (visual) output of picking instructions can be accomplished. For example, which returned items are to be retrieved from the returned-item container “R1,2” and placed in the source container5is indicated on the display for the order picking person. In the example shown, the returned items “R1” are to be retrieved. After the last retrieval of an item from the returned-item container “R1,2” or after the last placement of a returned item into the source container “S1,” a control signal is triggered if the order picking person presses the confirmation key on the input and/or output system51. After the last (manual or automatic) retrieval of an item from the returned-item container “R1,2,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45on the conveyor device40are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S1” is transported away from the loading position35, the source container “S3” is delivered to the loading position35, the previously processed returned-item container “R1,2” is transported away from the retrieval position33, and the yet-to-be processed returned-item container “R3,4” is delivered to the retrieval position33. In addition, it can be seen that the returned-item container “R7,8” has already been moved from one of the sorting positions42-4to one of the buffer positions39-4after at least one of the source containers “S7, S8” assigned to these returned items for placement of a returned item (for a return order) has been transported into the buffer track section23. In contrast, the returned-item containers “R9,10, R11” are temporarily buffered at the sorting positions42-1,42-3at least until the source containers “S9, S10, S11” for placement of the returned items (for a return order) assigned to these returned items are conveyed into the buffer track section23. It is also possible within the scope of the invention that some of the returned-item containers, for example the returned-item container “R11,” contain only one type of returned item. However, the other returned-item containers, for example the returned-item containers “R1,2to R9,10,” contain different types of returned items, which significantly increases the efficiency of the picking system for picking of returned items. As can be seen inFIG.9b, the previously processed returned-item container “R1,2” is transported from the retrieval position33back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-4determined by the control unit26, since the returned item “R2” is still contained in the returned-item container. The source container “S1” is transported away from the loading position35on the source container conveyor system, and returned to stock in the warehouse1. The source container “S1” now contains the inventory items and the returned item. If the source container “S3” is provided at the loading position35and the returned-item container “R3,4” is provided at the retrieval position33, then the returned item “R3” can be retrieved from the returned-item container “R3,4” and placed in the source container “S3.” After the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the returned item(s) from the returned-item container “R3,4,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45of the conveyor device40are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S3” is transported away from the loading position35, the source container “S6” is delivered to the loading position35, the previously processed returned-item container “R3,4” is transported away from the retrieval position33, and the yet-to-be processed returned-item container “R5,6” is delivered to the retrieval position33. The source container “S3” is transported away via the source container conveyor system. The previously processed returned-item container “R3,4” is transported from the retrieval position33back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-4determined by the control unit26, since the returned item “R4” is still contained in the returned-item container. The returned-item container “R7,8” is transported from the buffer position39-4to the buffer position39-3by the conveyor unit44. As is also shown in this Fig., a returned-item container “R12” is provided at the staging position54and delivered to the returned-item container distribution system4′. This returned-item container “R12” is transported by the returned-item container distribution system4′ to the sorting buffer36, as described below. As can be seen inFIG.9c, the returned-item container “R2” can be moved directly from the sorting position42-4to one of the buffer positions39-2determined by the control unit26, and after that to the delivery device34once the source container “S2” has been transported into the buffer track section23. Transport of the returned-item container “R2” from one of the sorting positions42-4to one of the buffer positions39-2is accomplished by means of the conveyor unit46,47of one of the third conveyor devices43. The conveyor unit46,47is controlled by the control unit26in this process. The returned-item container “R2” is moved past the returned-item containers “R9,10, R4” temporarily buffered at the sorting positions42-1to42-2in the sorting buffer36. Consequently, a sorting process is performed by the sorting buffer36via the sorting positions42-1to42-5. In the meantime, the source container “S11” has been transported into the buffer track section23. Consequently, the returned-item container “R11” can also be moved from one of the sorting positions42-2to one of the buffer positions39-4by the conveyor unit46of one of the third conveyor devices43. The returned-item container “R7,8” is transported from the buffer position39-3to the buffer position39-2by the conveyor unit44. If the source container “S6” is provided at the loading position35and the returned-item container “R5,6” is provided at the retrieval position33, then the returned item “R6” can be retrieved from the returned-item container “R5,6” and placed in the source container “S6.” After the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the returned item(s) from the returned-item container “R5,6,” a control signal is triggered. Consequently, the source container “S6” can be transported away from the loading position35, the source container “S2” can be delivered to the loading position35, the previously processed returned-item container “R5,6” can be transported away from the retrieval position33, and the yet-to-be processed returned-item container “R2” can be delivered to the retrieval position33in the manner described above. The source container “S6” is transported away via the source container conveyor system. The previously processed returned-item container “R5,6” is transported from the retrieval position33back into the sorting buffer36and to a sorting position42-2determined by the control unit26, since the returned item “R5” is still contained in the returned-item container. As can be seen inFIG.9d, the source container “S2” for the returned item “R2” is located at the loading position35, and the returned-item container “R2” is located at the retrieval position33. The returned item “R2” is retrieved from the returned-item container “R2” and placed in the source container “S2.” After the (manual or automatic) retrieval of the last returned item from the returned-item container “R2,” a control signal is triggered. With this control signal, at least the buffer track section23and the conveyor unit49on the delivery device32and the conveyor unit50on the delivery device34and the conveyor unit45of the conveyor device40are controlled by the control unit26such that the source container “S2” is transported away from the loading position35, the source container “S8” is delivered to the loading position35, the previously processed (empty) returned-item container “R2” is transported away from the retrieval position33, and the yet-to-be processed returned-item container “R7,8” is delivered to the retrieval position33. The source container “S2” is transported away via the source container conveyor system. The returned-item container “R2,” which was completely emptied for this return order, is transported on the returned-item container conveyor system. Transport of the returned-item container “R2” from the retrieval position33on the returned-item conveyor system is accomplished by the conveyor unit45of the second conveyor device40, the conveyor unit47at the sorting position42-4, and the conveyor unit31of the conveyor system30, as can be seen inFIG.9e. Preferably the source container conveyor system is also used as returned-item conveyor system, and the returned-item container “R2” is discharged from the conveyor system30to the conveyor system13before or after the source container “S6,” as depicted inFIG.9e. The empty returned-item container “R2” is transported to an empty container collecting station (not shown) so that it can be reused later as a returned-item container53. As can be seen inFIG.9f, the returned-item container with the returned item “R12” is transported to the sorting buffer36by the optional conveyor device29′. After that, the returned-item container “R12” is transferred to the sorting buffer36, wherein the control unit26controls the conveyor unit47for the buffer position39-1and the conveyor unit47for the sorting position42-5such that the returned-item container “R12” is transported to the sorting position42-5by the conveyor device29′. After that, the returned-item container “R12” can be transported via the conveyor unit45to a free sorting position42-1to42-5determined by the control unit26, for example the sorting position42-1. As a matter of principle, it would also be possible that the returned-item container “R12” is transported directly to the retrieval position33by the conveyor device29′. This may be the case when a first returned-item container53of a number of returned-item containers53is to be processed, wherein it is necessary to ensure that the source container5assigned to this returned-item container53can likewise be provided. In this way, the return orders are processed sequentially. On the basis of this exemplary embodiment, it will be perceived that a first returned-item container53for processing of return orders is transported back into the sorting buffer36after placement of a returned item for a first return order, and is temporarily buffered at a first sorting position42at least until a source container5for placement of a returned item for a second return order is conveyed onward into a buffer track section23provided upstream of the loading position35. The said first returned-item container53can be moved from the first sorting position42to one of the buffer positions39and subsequently to the retrieval position33once the source container5for placement of a returned item for a second return order has been transported into the buffer track section23. In this case, according to a first approach, the returned-item container “R2,” for example, is moved to the retrieval position33immediately after having been transported to the buffer position39(see, for example,FIGS.9bto9d). According to a second approach, the returned-item container “R11,” for example, is placed in line ahead of another returned-item container “R4” in the sequence of the returned-item containers “R2. . . R11” at the buffer positions39, and the said returned-item container “R4” is not moved to the retrieval position33until after the returned-item container “R11” in line ahead of it (see, for example,FIGS.9cand9d). Both approaches customarily occur in operation of the sorting buffer36. On the other hand, it can also be perceived on the basis of this exemplary embodiment that a second returned-item container53for processing of return orders is transported back into the sorting buffer36after placement of a returned item for a first return order, and is moved via a second sorting position42to one of the buffer positions39and subsequently to the retrieval position33if a source container5for placement of a returned item for a second return order has already been transported into the buffer track section23provided upstream of the loading position35. The returned-item containers53are transported in the sorted sequence and one after the other from the sorting buffer36to the retrieval position33, wherein transport of the source containers5from the warehouse1to the loading position35and transport of the returned-item containers53from the sorting buffer36to the retrieval position33are matched to one another such that one source container5and one returned-item container53for one order arrive at the loading position35and the retrieval position33approximately simultaneously. It should be mentioned at this point that it is also possible in this embodiment that the sequence of at least some source containers5can be modified for performance reasons as described above. The control unit26is equipped to evaluate the sequence of the source containers5that are required for processing of different return orders and are transported on the buffer track section23, and to determine a modified sequence in which the source containers are to be transported to the retrieval position. The source containers5are then transported to the loading position35in the modified sequence. The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants of a picking system and of a method for picking of items/returned items, wherein it must be noted here that the invention is not restricted to the embodiment variants specifically shown of the same, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants with one another are also possible, and this possibility for variation lies within the ability of a person skilled in the art of this technical field, on the basis of the teaching for technical action provided by the present invention. Therefore, all conceivable embodiment variants that are possible through combinations of individual details of the embodiment variant shown and described are also included in the scope of protection. As a matter of form, it should be noted in conclusion that, for a better understanding of the structure of the picking station or picking system, it or some components thereof were shown not to scale and/or greater in size and/or smaller in size. REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST 1warehouse2picking station3source container distribution system4target container distribution system5source container6storage rack7aisle8storage location9storage and retrieval device10conveyor device11conveyor device12conveyor device13conveyor device14conveyor device15infeed and/or discharge device16transfer device17guideway18transport device19buffer device20lifting device21bypass buffer22conveyor unit23buffer track section24turning station25conveyor unit26control unit27target container28shipping area29conveyor device30conveyor device31conveyor unit32source container delivery device33retrieval position34target container delivery device35loading position36sorting buffer37conveyor device39buffer position40conveyor device42sorting position43conveyor device44conveyor device45conveyor unit46conveyor unit47conveyor unit48conveyor device49conveyor unit50conveyor unit51input and/or output system52sequence determination point53returned-item container54staging position | 106,497 |
11858744 | FIG.1shows a conveyor, which has a conveyor strand as well as a receiver4connected with a second data processing unit6. The conveyor strand of the conveyor comprises a belt7, wherein the first end7.1and the second end7.2of the belt7are connected with each other by means of a clamping connection1. Buckets8are fastened to the belt7as another component of the conveyor strand (see alsoFIG.2). As evident in particular from the side view ofFIG.3, the clamping connection1comprises a first clamping jaw1.1, a second clamping jaw1.2and a third clamping jaw1.3. The first end7.1of the belt7is arranged between the first clamping jaw1.1and the third clamping jaw1.3, while the second end7.2of the belt7is arranged between the second clamping jaw1.2and the third clamping jaw1.3. The clamping jaws are braced by means of several screws9, causing a clamping force to act on the ends7.1and7.2of the belt7. It is now provided that two sensors2be arranged between the first clamping jaw1.1and the first end7.1of the belt7. The sensors2are connected with a transmitter3and a first data processing unit5. The transmitter3and the first data processing unit5are integrated into a housing, which is fastened to the first clamping jaw1.1. The sensors2can be designed as a pressure sensor, deformation sensor or temperature sensor. During operation of the conveyor strand, parameters of the clamping connection1can thus be determined continuously, and can be stored on the first data processing unit5. If the clamping connection1runs along the stationary receiver4during operation, the data stored on the first data processing unit5can be wirelessly transmitted to the receiver4by means of the transmitter3. The data received by the receiver4can be stored on the second data processing unit6. The data stored on the second data processing unit6can either be read out locally by a service employee, or be transmitted to a higher-level control unit by means of an undepicted transmitting unit. The measured parameters can in this way be compared with prescribed extreme values, making it possible to infer the state of the clamping connection1. In this way, it is no longer necessary that the clamping connection1be manually checked by a service employee. Instead, a remote diagnosis can be made, and the clamping connection1can be serviced if needed. REFERENCE LIST 1Clamping connection1.1First clamping jaw1.2Second clamping jaw1.3Third clamping jaw2Sensor3Transmitter4Receiver5First data processing unit6Second data processing unit7Belt7.1First end7.2Second end8Bucket9Screw | 2,563 |
11858745 | Before any independent embodiments of the disclosure is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1illustrates a mining machine10, such as a continuous mining machine. In the illustrated embodiment, the mining machine10includes a frame or chassis18, a boom22pivotably coupled to the chassis18, and a cutter head26supported on the boom22. The chassis18may be supported for movement relative to a support surface (not shown) by a traction mechanism (e.g., crawlers30). As shown inFIG.1, a collecting mechanism or gathering head34is positioned adjacent a first end or forward end38of the chassis18, and a conveyor42extends in a continuous loop from the forward end38of the chassis18toward a second or rear end46of the chassis18. The gathering head34is positioned below the cutter head26and includes a deck50and a device (e.g., rotating arms54) that directs dislodged material onto the conveyor42. The conveyor42transports the cut material along a direction of travel A from the forward end38toward the rear end46of the chassis18, from the area below the cutter head26to another conveyor or a haulage machine (not shown) positioned proximate the rear end46of the chassis18. The conveyor42is a chain conveyor formed by chain link connected sequentially in a continuous loop. The conveyor42drives cut material along a chain pan or deck. The conveyor42is driven by a drive assembly. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a shaft oriented laterally relative to the chassis18and is driven (e.g., by one or more motors) to rotate relative to the chassis18, and a sprocket62(FIG.1) is coupled to the shaft and drives the conveyor42due to rotation of the shaft. FIG.2shows a unit of a chain82that forms the conveyor42. In the illustrated embodiment, the chain82includes a pair of flight links86, a pair of side links90, and a coupler link or connecting link94coupling the flight links86to the side links90, and flights or flight bars98positioned laterally outward from the flight link86. Each flight link86is coupled to the adjacent connecting links94by flight pins102, and each side link90is coupled to the adjacent connecting links94by pins106. A gap108is formed between adjacent connecting links94, and the teeth of the sprocket62pass into the gap108between the connecting links94to engage and drive the conveyor chain82. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor chain82includes a sequence of alternating flight links and connecting links, each joined to one another by swivel links. In other embodiments, the chain82may include a different sequence of links—for example, multiple connecting links may be positioned between one flight link and the subsequent flight link. Various permutations of the link sequence are possible. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the spacing between each flight pin102and an adjacent connecting pin106is different from the spacing between each flight pin102and an adjacent flight pin102. As shown inFIGS.2-4, the flight pins102extend through the connecting link94and each end of the flight pins102is received within an end portion of one of the flights86. Similarly, the connecting pins106extend through the connecting link94and each end of the connecting pins106is received within one of the side links90. Each of the flight pins102and the connecting pins106includes a peripheral groove122,124, each of which extends around an outer surface adjacent an end of the associated flight pins102and connecting pins106. As shown inFIG.5, when the ends of the connecting pins106are positioned within openings in the side links90, each peripheral groove124of the connecting pins106is aligned with a hole126extending between the opening in the associated side link90and an outer surface of the side link90. The groove124is also aligned within a complementary groove128extending at least partially along the perimeter of the opening. A retainer (e.g., an elongated wire, not shown) can be inserted into the hole126to wrap around the peripheral groove124, thereby engaging the groove124and the groove128to retain the connecting pin126. In some embodiments, the retainer may be formed from a polymeric material (e.g., plastic, nylon) that can be broken by an operator to facilitate removal of the pins106for replacement/servicing. Each flight86includes an inner surface208including a pair of openings134, each of which receives an end of one of the flight pins102. As shown inFIG.5A, each of the openings134is formed as a blind hole, and the end of the flight pins102are enclosed within the flight86. Similar to the engagement between the side links90and the connecting pins106, when the ends of the flight pins102are positioned within the openings134of the flights86, each peripheral groove122of the flight pins102is aligned with a hole130and a groove138extending around an inner surface of the opening134. It is understood that the flight pins102and the end portions of the flights86are coupled in a similar manner to the connecting pins106and side links90. In some embodiments, the retainer may be formed from a polymeric material (e.g., plastic, nylon) that can be broken by an operator to facilitate removal of the pins102for replacement/servicing. As shown inFIGS.2and6, each flight86includes a recess142extending substantially along the length of the flight bar98. In some embodiments, the recess142extends along a portion of the length of the flight bar98. As shown inFIG.6, the recess142may have an arcuate (e.g., elliptical) profile relative to a transverse section of the flight86, and the recess142tapers such that the recess142becomes narrower toward the distal end of the flight86. In addition, the flight86includes two edges146on each side of the recess142, and the edges146provide multiple engagement regions for scraping material along the conveyor deck. Also, in other embodiments the recess142may have a differently shaped profile (e.g., rectangular shaped, V-shaped, etc.). In addition, rather than being planar, the sides148of the flight bar98protrude outwardly at a middle section and taper inwardly toward the upper and lower surfaces. Stated another way, the side surfaces148of the flight bar98are convex such that the flight bar98is widest near a center portion. In other embodiments, as shown inFIG.6A, the side surfaces148of the flight bar98are concave such that the flight bar98is narrowest near a center portion. The concave shape provides an X-shaped profile, which may require less material and be lighter while still maintaining sufficient strength. In some embodiments, the flight bar98is symmetric about a plane encompassing the direction of travel A (e.g., about a horizontal plane). As shown inFIGS.7and8, the connecting link94includes a first end190and a second end194, and a link axis198extended between the first end190and the second end194. The link94includes shoulders or ridges200that protrude from the portions adjacent the ends190,194. In addition, a first opening202and a second opening206extend laterally from one side of the connecting link94to another opposite side of the connecting link94. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening202has a substantially circular profile, while the second opening206has an oblong or oval profile. The oblong profile of the second opening206permits pivoting movement of the connecting link94relative to the flight pins102(FIG.4). As shown inFIGS.9and10, the inner surface208of the flight links86may have an arcuate or concave profile to facilitate pivoting movement of the connecting link94. The connecting link94has an increased outer wall thickness compared to conventional links, thereby providing greater strength and durability. In addition, the connecting link94has a unitary or single-piece construction to reduce the number of parts and reduce wear. In addition, the connecting link94includes a relief opening210extending between one side of the link94to the other side. In the illustrated embodiment, the relief opening210extends through the connecting link94from an upper surface214to a lower surface218(e.g., in a substantially vertical direction). The relief opening210may be tapered outwardly from a center of the link94in each direction, toward the upper surface214and the lower surface218. In addition, the relief opening210at least partially intersects the second opening206, such that the second opening206provides communication with the relief opening210. During operation of the conveyor, particulate material (e.g., dirt) may accumulate in the second opening206. The relief opening210permits removal or evacuation of the particulate material from the second opening206. Although the conveyor is described above with respect to a continuous mining machine, it is understood that the conveyor may be incorporated into other types of machines including but not limited to roadheaders and entry drivers, as well as loading and hauling machines including but not limited to shuttle cars, battery haulers, or other types. Although aspects have been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects as described. | 9,991 |
11858746 | Reference numerals and characters appearing in more than one of the figures indicate the same or corresponding parts in each of them. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring toFIGS.1-3, the first sprocket1comprises a body2mounted for rotation about an axis X, and a plurality of teeth3projecting radially outwardly from the body with respect to the axis X. The teeth3are arranged in six rows4,4′ equally spaced around the axis, and in two sets5spaced apart along the axis. Referring also toFIGS.8and9, each set5of teeth3of the first or second sprocket1,1′ is configured to engage a respective one of two chains20so that the sprocket drives the two chains in motion when the sprocket is mounted on an axle driven by a prime mover, e.g. an electric motor (not shown). The second sprocket1′ corresponds generally to the first sprocket1except that the tooth profile is slightly different, with the centre tooth of each row4,4′ forming part of both sets5of teeth and having two sets of wear surfaces10for engaging both of the chains20. In other respects the description herein applies equally to both sprockets. In this specification, a chain means an elongate (optionally, endless), flexible body comprising portions, herein termed links, which are connected together in series to transmit a tension force between the links along the length of the chain. A sprocket means a wheel having at least one set of teeth for engaging the links of a chain, for example, to drive the chain in motion. The links may be rigid rings, which may be made from metal, e.g. steel, wherein each ring extends through respective apertures in two adjacent rings, as in the illustrated embodiments. In such chains, alternate links may be of identical or different configuration, and the sprocket may be arranged as shown to engage only the horizontal links22(which is to say, the links lying generally in a plane aligned with the rotational axis of the sprocket), with the vertical links21(lying generally in a plane normal to the axis) being accommodated in recesses11in the sprocket. Such chains may be used for example to transmit in excess of 100 tonnes force for use in underground longwall mining operations. In one such configuration as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the chain or chains may be equipped with bars, referred to as flight bars23, fixed to respective ones of the links22at regular intervals along the length of the chain20, and extending parallel to each other and normal to the length axis of the or each chain. Away from the sprocket, the bars may be arranged slidingly in a shallow, elongate tray (referred to as a line pan) with the chain or chains20extending along the length of the line pan between the bars so that the bars are drawn along the line pan by the motion of the chains, carrying with them coal or other mined material that is removed from the coal face by a cutting machine (e.g. a shearer or plough) and deposited on the line pan. The chains20are driven in motion by the sprocket1,1′ which may be arranged for example in the head drive or tail drive of the conveyor, with the flight bars23being accommodated between the rows4,4′ of teeth of the sprocket1,1′ as the chain or chains20pass around it as shown inFIGS.8and9. The conveyor may be configured as an armoured face conveyor or longwall face conveyor, including roof supports and a guide rail to support the shearer, so that the mined material falls from the coal face directly onto or adjacent the line pan. Alternatively the conveyor may be configured as a beam stage loader or collecting conveyor which delivers the mined material to another conveyor (e.g. an armoured face conveyor). In other applications, the sprocket may be used to drive a plough chain to move a plough or other cutting machine along a track, for example, to remove coal from a coal face. Referring particularly toFIGS.1-3, each tooth3may comprise a radially outward surface or crown6, side surfaces7, end surfaces8, and edges9, as shown. The crown6faces radially outwardly and extends circumferentially and axially with respect to the axis X. The side surfaces7extend radially and circumferentially and face generally in an axial direction with respect to the axis X. The end surfaces8extend radially and axially and facing generally in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis X. The edges9extend generally radially with respect to the axis X and bound the teeth at intersections of respective ones of the side surfaces and end surfaces. References herein to extending in a radial, circumferential, or axial direction mean that the respective part or surface has at least some substantial extent in the respective direction, irrespective of whether it also extends in other directions. The terms generally reflect the motion of the chain around the sprocket wherein the active surfaces are mostly curved, and so what matters is the general direction in which the surface faces. The teeth include wear surfaces10which are configured to engage respective links of the respective chain, so that in use the wear surfaces are progressively worn by contact with the chain to define a varying wear profile10′ of the teeth. The wear surfaces10may define pockets12which receive the horizontal links22of the chain, and may include leading end surfaces13and trailing end surfaces14as shown which extend radially and axially and face generally in opposite circumferential directions with respect to the axis X. The leading end surfaces13forming part of wear surfaces10face forwardly while the trailing end surfaces14forming part of wear surfaces10face backwardly with respect to the direction of rotation of the sprocket. The leading and trailing end surfaces13,14constrain the motion of the chain in its length direction so as to transmit torque from the sprocket to the chain. The wear surfaces10may also include a platform surface15which faces generally radially outwardly to form the base of the pocket12, extending generally in axial and circumferential directions, and which supports the horizontal link22of the chain20in the radial direction. It may be noted that in the illustrated configuration the wear surfaces10are configured to engage outwardly facing surfaces of the horizontal links22of the chain20, and do not pass through the apertures24in the links21,22of the chain. This configuration is suitable for heavy duty applications. The wear profile10′ as indicated by the broken lines inFIG.2indicates the maximally worn state of the wear surface10on the forwardly facing side of the tooth, including the leading end surface13as well as the respective platform surface15, as compared with the new condition of the sprocket as illustrated by the solid lines, and thus corresponds to the condition in which the sprocket will require replacement. It can be seen that the wear extends in both the radial direction Dr and the circumferential direction Dc relative to the axis X, and so necessitates an assessment of wear in both radial and circumferential directions, as will now be explained. In order to assess wear in the radial direction Dr, the sprocket1,1′ is provided with at least two datum connection portions16which are spaced apart axially along the sprocket. The datum connection portions16are configured to releasably engage a datum body17extending between the datum connection portions16to support the datum body17in a predefined position relative to the sprocket1,1′ and proximate a respective one or ones of the wear surfaces10. In this specification, a datum body means any body configured to be releasably engaged by the datum connection portions so as to provide a predefined reference position or reference surface from which to determine the position of the wear profile10′ in a given dimension or direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the datum body is configured for monitoring the wear profile10′ in the radial direction Dr. The datum connection portions16form part of the sprocket but do not form part of the wear surfaces10, and so the predefined position of the datum body17is determined by the datum connection portions16and is independent of the wear profile, which is to say, it does not change as the teeth wear. Two pairs of datum connection portions16may be provided, the datum connection portions of each pair being spaced apart circumferentially with respect to the axis X, the pairs being spaced apart axially along the sprocket1,1′. It can be seen that the sets5of teeth3are spaced apart axially along the sprocket1,1′ between the datum connection portions16. As shown, the datum connection portions16may be arranged radially inwardly of the wear surfaces10with respect to the axis X. Further as shown, each of the datum connection portions16may be configured as a recess16′ in a respective one of the edges9of respective tooth3. Thus, each of the two teeth3at opposite ends of a row4,4′ may comprise two recesses16′ formed respectively in its two axially outwardly facing edges9. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the two first rows4′ of the first sprocket1comprises four recesses16arranged at the axially outwardly facing edges9of the two teeth3at opposite ends of the respective row4′. Since all the rows wear at a similar rate, this enables wear to be determined by observing a single one of the rows, as will now be described. In order to determine or monitor the wear of the sprocket, a datum body17is releasably engaged with the datum connection portions16to extend axially along the sprocket1,1′ between the datum connection portions. The datum body17is supported by the datum connection portions16in a predefined position relative to the sprocket1,1′ and proximate a respective one or ones of the wear surfaces10. Referring toFIGS.5and9, the datum body17may comprise or consist of a wire17′, which is arranged as shown in tension between the recesses16′ forming the datum connection portions16. The wire17′ can be a common metal wire which is cut to a suitable length and wrapped around the respective row4′ of teeth3and then tensioned by twisting together its free ends18. As shown inFIG.9, the wire17′ may be inserted through the gap between the chains20and the generally cylindrical body2of the sprocket1,1′ and tensioned to a straight line as shown inFIG.5without passing through any of the links21,22of the chains or though any of the teeth3in-between the axially spaced recesses16′. Thus, the tensioned wire forms a reliable reference surface. The degree of wear may then be monitored or measured by determining the distance D1between the respective wear surface or surfaces10(for example, the platform surface15) and the datum body17. This may be done approximately by eye or by means of a ruler or other suitable measuring instrument (not shown). Once the assessment is done the datum body17is disengaged from the datum connection portions16, for example, by cutting and removing the wire17′. Referring toFIGS.6and7, the recesses16′ may be formed to a depth of a few millimetres, for example, about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, to receive a wire17′ of relatively small diameter, for example, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, or less than about 1.5 mm diameter. In the illustrated configuration, the recesses16′ define four corners of an imaginary closedFIG.19as shown inFIG.7, each recess extending into the respective edge9of the respective tooth3in a direction inwardly into the closedFIG.19as indicated by the arrows inFIG.7. The closed figure as shown inFIG.7is formed by a line19′ corresponding to the position of the wire17′, from which it can be seen that a straight line19′ extending axially along the sprocket1,1′ and tangent to a surface of each of the recesses16′ does not pass through any of the teeth3between the recesses16′. Referring also toFIGS.4and10, in order to assess wear in the circumferential direction Dc around the axis X, at least one of the teeth3may be provided with at least first and second markings31,32, the markings31,32being provided on a visible surface of the respective tooth which does not form part of the wear surfaces10,13,14,15. The first and second markings31,32are spaced apart angularly about the axis X and are arranged in respective, first and second reference planes P1, P2which extend radially and axially with respect to the axis X between the respective, leading and trailing end surfaces13,14of the respective tooth3in an unworn condition of the sprocket1,1′ (as indicated by the solid lines in the figures). The first and second reference planes P1, P2indicate maximum wear limits for the leading and trailing end surfaces13,14. Preferably the first and second markings31,32are equally angularly spaced about the axis X on opposite sides of a third, central reference plane P3extending radially and axially with respect to the axis X and centrally between the leading and trailing end surfaces13,14of the respective tooth3in an unworn condition of the sprocket1,1′. A third marking33may be arranged on the visible surface6of the tooth in the central reference plane P3. The markings may be provided on the same ones of the teeth as the datum connection portions16. Alternatively or additionally, as shown, the markings may be provided on all of the teeth in one or more of the rows4,4′ of teeth. Conveniently as illustrated, the markings may be provided on all of the teeth in the same row or rows4′ as the datum connection portions16. Preferably as shown the markings31,32,33are provided on the crown or radially outward surface6of the tooth3 This makes it easy to observe the markings and by reference to the markings to project and determine the position of the wear surfaces10specifically, the leading and trailing end surfaces13,14relative to the first, second and third reference planes, optionally with the chains20in place and using the surface of the horizontal chain link22as a convenient working surface as shown inFIG.10. In a worn condition of the sprocket as indicated by the wear profile10′ ofFIG.2, the distance D2between either or both of the leading and trailing end surfaces13,14and a respective one or both of the reference planes P1, P2can be determined by reference to the markings31,32,33. In particular, the markings31,32,33make it possible to evaluate the degree of wear of each of the leading and trailing end surfaces13,14in the circumferential direction Dc independently of the other and relative to the reference planes P1, P2and, hence, to the central reference plane P3. In summary, a sprocket comprising teeth for engaging one or more chains is provided with datum connection portions which releasably support a datum body, such as a tensioned wire, in a predefined position. The datum body provides a temporary reference or datum element or surface from which the position of the wear surfaces of the sprocket teeth may be determined by eye or by measurement, particularly in the radial direction. The teeth may further comprise a set of markings corresponding to angularly spaced reference planes intersecting at the sprocket axis. The markings are preferably arranged on the crown or radially outward surface of the teeth and are used to determine wear in the circumferential direction. In alternative embodiments the novel sprocket may comprise any required number of teeth, sets of teeth and rows of teeth to engage one, two or more chains. Any or all of the rows of teeth may comprise datum connection portions and/or markings to facilitate monitoring of the respective wear surfaces. The novel sprocket may drive the chain or chains of a conveyor for conveying mined material in an underground mine, or may drive a chain or chains to urge a cutting machine along a working face in an underground mine. In alternative embodiments, the chain may comprise, for example, an endless track supporting a track laying vehicle, e.g. an excavator or a tank, which is driven in motion by the sprocket. In alternative embodiments, the datum body could be rigid or flexible and could be any convenient shape. For example, the datum body may comprise or consist of a wire or cord or other flexible element configured to act in tension, or alternatively a rigid element such as a bar. The datum connection portions may extend outwardly from or inwardly into a surface of the body or teeth of the sprocket to releasably engage the datum body and support it in its predefined position. Many further adaptations are possible within the scope of the claims. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The markings as well as the datum connection portions may be configured as recesses in the unworn parts of the sprocket, so that the novel arrangement can be readily applied in the field to part worn sprockets as a rework procedure (e.g. by simply filing or grinding out the recesses16′ and markings) when repairing the chain drive system, as well as to new sprockets during manufacture. On a part worn sprocket, the markings can be positioned by reference to the unworn parts of the sprocket, for example, by means of a jig. The novel arrangement may be used for easier and more reliable evaluation of wear in both the radial and circumferential directions on sprockets with one, two or more sets of teeth for engaging one, two or more chains, and may be used by relatively inexperienced personnel without special tools and with the chains either on or off the sprocket. For evaluating wear with the chains in place, the datum body may be passed through the gap between the horizontal chain links and the body of the sprocket, providing a new datum surface for all of the sets of teeth on the sprocket and so obviating the need to find multiple reference points or to clean the sprocket surface other than in the small and relatively easily accessible regions of the datum connection portions. In the claims, reference numerals or characters in parentheses are provided purely for ease of reference and should not be construed as limiting features. | 17,985 |
11858747 | In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection, but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/218,731, filed Jul. 6, 2021, is hereby incorporated in this application by reference. A vibratory conveyor100comprising a pan10and a base frame20is shown inFIGS.1-4. The pan10is configured to move material from a first end12of the pan10to a second end14of the pan10. In some embodiments, the pan10may be a smooth, continuous surface. In other embodiments, the pan10may be a screen or may have a plurality of recesses or protrusions. The pan10may have guard rails16along its edges to prevent material from spilling during operation. The pan10may be made of stainless steel or any other material that allows the vibratory conveyor100to function as described herein. The base frame20is typically disposed below the pan10. In other embodiments, the base frame20may be above the pan10, or it may be above and below the pan10in a “Z” configuration. The base frame20is coupled to the pan10by a plurality of linear springs40to support the pan10. In other embodiments, the base frame20is mounted directly to the pan10without being suspended by springs (or is integrated as part of the pan10). The base frame20may stand on a plurality of legs18or it may stand on another suitable mount. The legs18may be bolted to the floor or the frame may be free-standing. As shown inFIG.2, the base frame20rests on isolators32(e.g., coil springs, rubber elements, gas springs, or air bags) to isolate the vibratory movement of the base frame20from the legs18. In other embodiments, the base frame20may be suspended from above. The vibratory conveyor100includes first and second vibratory motors30(FIGS.3and4) which are connected to the base frame20to generate vibratory energy. The vibratory motors30are disposed opposite each other across the center longitudinal axis A (FIG.1) of the vibratory conveyor100. The vibratory motors30may be eccentric rotating mass motors. For example, the vibratory motors30may include an AC motor with one or more eccentrically loaded weights attached to a motor shaft. Referring now toFIG.5, the base frame20has a first side210and a second side230. The first and second sides210,230may be mirrored about a center plane22of the base frame20. The first side210includes a first tubular sidewall segment212, a second tubular sidewall segment216, and a first mounting plate220. Generally, a “tubular sidewall” may be a sidewall having sides that enclose an open chamber within the sidewall. There may be four sides in the sidewall segments212,216, but there may be more or fewer. The first and second tubular sidewall segments212,216may be formed from one continuous component, or they may be formed from two or more components joined together by welding along weld lines. It will be understood by the person of ordinary skill that the term “welding,” “welds,” “weld lines” and similar terms refer to the common process and resulting structure caused by attaching two or more parts together by melting some portion of the parts and/or another source of similar material, with the result that the parts are joined together along a line (straight, curved and/or irregular) where the material(s) is melted and then subsequently solidified. The first mounting plate220may be a “solid” body without an open chamber as is intentionally formed in the tubular sidewall segments to receive the mounting plates. The first mounting plate220has an inner face256and an outer face228. The outer face228is configured to receive one of the vibratory motors30in a mounting configuration. The first mounting plate220includes a plurality of apertures225(FIG.6) extending through a thickness of the plate220for receiving motor mount fasteners (not shown). The vibratory motor30is connected to the first mounting plate220by a plurality of bolts or another suitable motor mount fastener. Correspondingly, the second side230includes a third tubular sidewall segment232, a fourth tubular sidewall segment236, and a second mounting plate240. The third and fourth tubular sidewall segments232,236may be formed from one continuous component, or they may be formed from two or more components joined together by welds along weld lines. The second mounting plate240may be a “solid” body, similar to the first mounting plate220described above, that has an inner face246and an outer face248. The outer face248is configured to receive one of the vibratory motors30in a mounting configuration. The second mounting plate240includes a plurality of apertures226(not shown) extending through a thickness of the plate240for receiving a motor mount fastener. The vibratory motor30is connected to the second mounting plate240by a plurality of bolts or another suitable motor mount fastener. The apertures225of the first mounting plate220and the apertures226of the second mounting plate240may terminate within the respective mounting plate220,240. Alternatively, the apertures225,226may be through-holes that extend through the entire thickness of the mounting plate220,240. In yet other embodiments, the apertures225,226terminate within a force-balancing member260described further below. The vibratory conveyor100includes a force-balancing member260extending between the first and second sides210,230of the base frame20. In the illustrated embodiment, the force-balancing member260extends continuously between the first and second mounting plates220,240. In this regard, a first end252of the force-balancing member260is connected to the inner face256of the first mounting plate220and a second end254of the force-balancing member260is connected to the inner face246of the second mounting plate240. In some embodiments, the first end252of the force-balancing member260is welded to the inner face256of the first mounting plate220, and the second end254of the force-balancing member260is welded to the inner face246of the second mounting plate240. In other embodiments, the force-balancing member260attaches to a structure mounted to the mounting plates220and240. The member260may include two or more segments that are directly or indirectly connected together, but is preferably a solid, continuous body from one mounting plate to the other mounting plate. In some embodiments, the force-balancing member260is made of steel, such as stainless steel, in a cylindrical tube shape having a diameter D. In other embodiments, the force-balancing member260is a cylinder that has a different cross-sectional shape, such as being rectangular (including square), or has an open shape. The force-balancing member260may be tubular, which defines a chamber or void within the member260. In other embodiments, the force-balancing member260may be a solid component without a chamber formed within the member260. The base frame20further includes a plurality of crossbeams280to provide structural support to the base frame20. The crossbeams280may be arranged parallel or perpendicular to the first and second sides210,230or, as in the illustrated embodiment, they may be arranged diagonally across the width of the base frame20. With reference toFIG.7, the first mounting plate220has a length L1, a width W1, and a thickness T1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter D (FIG.5) of the force-balancing member260to the width W1of the first mounting plate220is at least 0.35 or 0.4. In other embodiments, the ratio of the diameter D of the force-balancing member260to the width W1of the first mounting plate220is at least 0.5. In other embodiments, the ratio of the diameter D of the force-balancing member260to the width W1of the first mounting plate220is at least 0.67 or even at least 0.75. In some embodiments, the thickness T1of the first mounting plate220(i.e., the minimum thickness over its length) is at least 0.5 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness T1of the first mounting plate220is at least one inch. In further embodiments, the thickness T1of the first mounting plate220is at least two inches. In further embodiments, the thickness T1of the first mounting plate220is about five inches. The first mounting plate220may be a solid plate of metal, such as steel, and more specifically stainless steel. Of course, other materials may be substituted. Correspondingly, and with reference toFIG.8, the second mounting plate240has a length L2, a width W2, and a thickness T2. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter D of the force-balancing member260to the width W2of the second mounting plate240is at least about 0.35 or 0.4. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter D of the force-balancing member260to the width W2of the second mounting plate240is at least 0.5 or, as in other embodiments, is at least 0.67 or even at least 0.75. In some embodiments, the thickness T2of the second mounting plate240(i.e., the minimum thickness across its length) is at least 0.5 inches, at least one inch or at least two inches. In further embodiments, the thickness T2of the second mounting plate240is about five inches. The second mounting plate240may be a solid plate of metal. It should be noted that the dimensions and ratios disclosed herein are exemplary. Generally any suitable value may be used depending on the size of the motor and type of conveyor. The first tubular sidewall segment212(FIG.7) defines a first inner chamber214and the second tubular sidewall segment216defines a second inner chamber218. The first mounting plate220has a first end222that is disposed within the first inner chamber214(FIG.9). In certain embodiments, the length L3(FIG.9) of the first mounting plate220that extends into the first inner chamber214is at least about T1. The first mounting plate220also has a second end224that is disposed within the second inner chamber218. In some embodiments, the length L4(FIG.9) of the first mounting plate220that extends into the second inner chamber218is at least about T1. The first mounting plate220may be fixed to each of the first and second tubular sidewall segments212,216by any suitable fastener, including forming one or more welds along lines at the juncture of the mounting plate220and the respective ends of the sidewall segment212,216. In some embodiments, these weld lines are the only weld lines formed on the first mounting plate220for mounting the motor30to the base frame20. That is, the first mounting plate220does not include any weld lines for mounting the motor30to the base frame20closer to the mounting apertures225(FIG.6). Similarly, and with reference toFIG.8, the third tubular sidewall segment232defines a third inner chamber234, and the fourth tubular sidewall segment236defines a fourth inner chamber238. The second mounting plate240has a first end242that is disposed within the third inner chamber234(FIG.9). In some embodiments, the length L5(FIG.9) of the second mounting plate240that extends into the third inner chamber234is at least about T2. The second mounting plate240also has a second end244that is disposed within the fourth inner chamber238. In certain embodiments, the length L6(FIG.9) of the second mounting plate240that extends into the fourth inner chamber238is at least about T2. The second mounting plate240may be fixed to each of the third and fourth tubular sidewall segments232,236by any suitable fastener, including forming one or more weld lines along the juncture of the mounting plate240and respective ends of the tubular sidewall segment232,236. In some embodiments, these weld lines are the only weld lines formed on the second mounting plate240for mounting the motor30to the base frame20. That is, the second mounting plate240does not include any weld lines for mounting the motor30to the base frame20closer to the mounting apertures226. In some embodiments, the first and/or second mounting plates220,240extend to an end of the base frame20such that only one end of each of the first and second mounting plates220,240is disposed inside a tubular sidewall. For example and with reference toFIG.10, the first and second mounting plates220,240extend toward a first end24of the base frame20such that the first end222of the first mounting plate220and the first end242of the second mounting plate240are substantially coterminous with the first end24of the base frame20. That is, the first ends222and242are planar with the first end24shown inFIG.10. In such embodiments, the second and third tubular sidewall segments216,236are the only tubular sidewall segments of the base frame20, and the second and third inner chambers218,234are the only inner chambers of the base frame20. In further embodiments, and with reference toFIG.11, the first and second mounting plates220,240may extend toward a second end26of the base frame such that the second end224of the first mounting plate220and the second end244of the second mounting plate240are substantially coterminous with the second end26of the base frame20. That is, the first ends224and244are planar with the first end26shown inFIG.11. In such embodiments, the first and fourth tubular sidewall segments212,236are the only tubular sidewall segments of the base frame20, and the first and fourth inner chambers214,238are the only inner chambers of the base frame20. The tubular sidewall segments may be formed from separate components by welding those components together. Therefore, in some embodiments, the attachment of the mounting plates220and240to the tubular sidewall segments212,216,232and236includes one or more steps before the tubular sidewall segments are in tubular form. For example, each of the tubular sidewall segments212,216,232and236may be formed by welding together two U-shaped (alternately referred to as C-shaped) channels300and302shown inFIG.12. Such channels300and302may be the same length and width, and may be aligned as shown inFIG.12so that the legs of each channel are in contact or very close. For example, the channels300and302may be aligned as shown inFIG.12, and then moved closer together so that the edges320and322of the legs320′ and322′, respectively, are substantially parallel. In this position, the edges may contact each other or within a short distance of each other, such as one-eighth of an inch apart. The edges are contemplated to be within one inch of each other. Simultaneously, the edges310and312may be substantially parallel and in contact or within one inch of each other. A weld may then be formed between the edges310and312, and another weld may be formed between the edges320and322. This process of welding the channels300and302, thereby forms one of the tubular sidewall segments212,216,232and236described above. Prior to welding the channels300and302together as described above, one end of a mounting plate may be placed in the gap between the edges of one of the channels. For example, as shown inFIG.13, the end222of the first mounting plate220may be placed in the gap304between the legs310′ and320′ that define the edges310and320. The end222of the first mounting plate220is thereby resting against the sidewall304′ that connects the legs310′ and320′. After the end222is positioned in the gap304, a weld line330may be formed where the end222contacts the sidewall304′. Other weld lines (not apparent inFIG.13) may be formed along lines where the end222contacts the legs310′ and320′. Thus, the end222of the first mounting plate220may be welded to the channel302that is a component of one of the tubular sidewall segments prior to completion of the formation of the tubular sidewall segment. For example, the channels300and302may be components that form the tubular sidewall segment212when welded together. After the step described above, the channel300may be placed over the channel302as described above and the edges310,312,320, and322may be welded together, thereby completing a respective tubular sidewall segment. Upon completion of this welding, which completes the formation of the tubular sidewall segment212, the exposed end of the tubular sidewall segment212may be welded to the sides of the first mounting plate220. The welds can extend circumferentially entirely around the first mounting plate220. This is the weld202shown inFIG.6. A similar welding attachment to that described above may be formed between the first mounting plate220and the tubular sidewall segment216. Similar welding attachments may be formed at and near the ends of the second mounting plate240where it joins the tubular sidewall segments232and236, and a circumferential weld is shown inFIG.6at reference numeral204on the second mounting plate240. In this manner, the mounting plates220and240are welded at spaced distances near each end of the mounting plates. First and second welds are formed at each end of each of the mounting plates, and third and fourth welds are formed at spaced distances from the welds. One pair of spaced welds on the first mounting plate220is described above in detail as an example of the pairs of welds at the ends of all mounting plates. At each end of each mounting plate one weld is formed where the interior of the tubular sidewall segment (e.g., segment212) meets the end of the mounting plate (e.g., first end222). Another weld is spaced from that first weld, and may be formed, as an example, where the side of the first mounting plate220meets the end of the tubular sidewall segment212. The latter weld is nearer to the apertures225. By spacing the two welds along the length of the base frame20, a stronger attachment is formed that resists fracture during use. As an added step to the embodiments described above, it is contemplated to form additional welds between one portion of the ends of the mounting plates220and240and the tubular sidewall segments212,216,232and236after one channel (e.g., channel300) has been welded to the other channel (e.g., channel302). The portions of the mounting plates to be welded may be the portions that were not welded to a channel prior to the channels being welded together. For example, after the weld330(FIG.13) has been formed, after the edges312and322of the channel300have been welded to the edges310and320of the channel302and, optionally after the circumferential weld202has been formed as described above, this additional welding is desirably carried out. The additional welding is accomplished through slots formed in at least one of the sidewalls of the channel components that form the tubular sidewall segments. The slots make accessible for welding those portions of the mounting plates that a channel without slots would otherwise cover. The welding takes place through these slots as described below. Slots are preferably formed in only one of the channels, and the slots are preferably formed only on the channels that form the inside edges of the tubular sidewall segments212,216,232and236. The inside edges are the edges of the tubular sidewall segments that face laterally inwardly, toward the force-balancing member260as the inner faces246and256face. The slots400,402,404and406are shown inFIGS.5-8and10-11, and are particularly well-illustrated inFIG.6. Only the slots on the top of each tubular sidewall segment are shown inFIGS.5-8and10-11, but it should be noted that there are also slots on the opposite side (the bottom) of each tubular sidewall segment, and these slots are also on the inside edges of each tubular sidewall segment. SeeFIG.12. Each of the slots may be L-shaped with a shorter segment on the top of the respective tubular sidewall segment and a longer segment on the inside of the respective tubular sidewall segment, but this is not critical. The slots400-406are formed in the top of each channel and the slot400′ (and other slots that are not visible) are formed in the bottom of each channel prior to being joined with another channel by welding. Each of the slots is desirably, but not critically, aligned with an end of a respective mounting plate after the mounting plate end is joined to the respective tubular sidewall segment's channel. Each slot is an open space that may be filled with molten metal during a conventional welding process (e.g., arc welding), thereby fixing to the sidewalls of the slot the portions of the mounting plate that are exposed by the slot. As shown in the magnified portion ofFIG.12, the slots400and400′ extend entirely through the legs312′ and322′ and partially through the sidewall324′ of the channel300on opposite sides that will become the top and bottom sides. The slot400′ is not visible inFIG.6, because it is located on the bottom of the tubular sidewall segment212. Each of the slots400,402,404and406have complementary slots that are not shown inFIG.6but are in a similar position to the slots402-406that the slot400′ is to the slot400. The location of the end222of the mounting plate220relative to the slots400and400′ and the first weld330is shown in the schematic ofFIG.14. Similar slots may be formed at similar locations at both ends of both mounting plates220and240. The various components of the vibratory conveyor100may be made of any suitable material that allows the conveyor to function as described herein. For example, the components may be made of steel (e.g., stainless steel), aluminum, ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polymer, or any suitable material. Compared to conventional vibratory conveyors, vibratory conveyors of the present disclosure have several advantages. In embodiments in which the first and second mounting plates are solid plates (e.g., solid steel plates), the first and second mounting plates can withstand higher levels of cyclic stresses, reducing the risk of crack formation in the immediate vicinity of the motors. Additionally, concentrating mass near the motor reduces the need for counterweights throughout the base frame. The force-balancing member isolates the high cyclic stresses generated by the motors, allowing the remainder of the base frame to safely be subjected to only the intended pan driving force. By disposing the mounting plates within the tubular sidewall segments, the welds may be moved to the ends of the mounting plate. Placing the welds further from the motors allows the base frame to better withstand the cyclic stresses generated by the motors. As used herein, the terms “about,” “substantially,” “essentially,” and “approximately” when used in conjunction with ranges of dimensions, concentrations, temperatures or other physical or chemical properties or characteristics is meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges of the properties or characteristics, including, for example, variations resulting from rounding, measurement methodology or other statistical variation. When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “side,” etc.) is for convenience of description and does not require any particular orientation of the item described. As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawing[s] shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. This detailed description in connection with the drawings is intended principally as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention and that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the invention or scope of the following claims. | 24,853 |
11858748 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure relates to an integrated system to allow establishments and companies to automatically deliver food to a vehicle lane from a building or kitchen area. The present applicant has developed integrated front-of-house and back-of-house automation systems, in which menu selection, customer orders, inventory, kitchen configuration, food preparation, cleanup, equipment maintenance, employee training and instruction, and other food service operations are integrated and controlled, such as are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/780,797, filed Feb. 3, 2020, and entitled “Integrated Front-of-House and Back-of-House Restaurant Automation System,” and in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/819,326, filed on Mar. 15, 2019, each of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. The present disclosure relates to delivery of prepared food and drink items to customers, and may be fully integrated into such a system. For example, orders may be placed and food items may be prepared and queued for the present food delivery system, for example, in movable speed racks accessible to the food delivery system. Automated transfer equipment may place prepared food and drink items in appropriate containers as described herein, and at appropriate times (e.g., based on customer/vehicle location, order priority, etc.) may provide the filled containers to the food delivery system for delivery to the consumer. In at least some example illustrations described further below, payloads incorporating food and/or beverage items may move independently within an automated delivery system. Merely as examples, a first payload may be loaded and moved along an elevator structure to a laterally extending conveyor. Additional payloads, e.g., for a different customer, may be loaded and moved along the elevator structure while the first payload continues moving along elevator and/or conveyors to its respective customer. The independent movement may advantageously reduce a need to wait for other payloads in the automated delivery system to reach their respective customer before additional payload(s) are loaded into the system. Independent movement of payloads may be effected in any manner that is convenient. In at least some example illustrations below, payloads may travel via a cart or platform that is driven along one or more rail structures. The payloads may be driven, for example, via a magnet and/or electronic field that imparts relative force between the rail and magnet. FIG.1shows an exemplary illustrative view of a restaurant operation100in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The restaurant operation100shown inFIG.1is comprised of a kitchen or payload loading area102, an automated food delivery system104, and a customer delivery area106. Although this exemplary view of an automated food delivery system104shows one drive-through lane within the customer delivery area106, the automated food delivery system104may be comprised of more than one customer delivery areas106, e.g., with multiple drive-through lanes available for pickup via the automated food delivery system104. The automated food delivery system104illustrated inFIG.1generally comprises a structure built above ground, however, the automated food delivery system104as a whole or components therein may alternatively be found underground, e.g., if more convenient based upon desired locations of the payload loading area102and the customer delivery area106. Accordingly, examples herein generally include an elevator configured to raise food/beverage payloads vertically upward from payload loading area102, e.g., in a kitchen, to facilitate transport of the payloads laterally to a customer delivery area106, which lowers the payload to a customer. However, example elevators may lower a payload to a conveyor positioned vertically below a kitchen area. Moreover, while kitchen areas described herein are illustrated as being positioned generally at a similar vertical location as a customer delivery window, in other example approaches a kitchen may be positioned at a different vertical height than the customer delivery window, e.g., with the kitchen being disposed underground in a basement area, or in a building level that is above the customer delivery window. In such approaches, automated food delivery system104may transport food/beverage payloads from a kitchen queueing area to a customer delivery window, with an elevator or elevators at either a kitchen area or at a customer delivery area that raises or lowers the payload as needed. Also, the restaurant operation100may also include other types of drive-through lanes in addition to the automated food delivery system104that do not use the systems or methods within this present disclosure. For example, as illustrated inFIG.1, a traditional drive-through delivery window108may be provided for delivering food/beverages to customers, e.g., at a lane in which customers may drive through in a vehicle. Generally, the automated food delivery system104may allow for a customer to arrive in a vehicle and take delivery of a payload through a window of the vehicle, while the customer remains in their vehicle. Alternatively or in addition, the automated food delivery system104may allow for a customer to walk up to the delivery lane to receive food and/or beverages. In some examples, additional delivery lanes may each have an independent elevator, and multiple elevators may be provided within a single delivery lane. The enclosed payload loading area102may be physically connected to the automated food delivery system104adjacent the kitchen area. The payload loading area102is defined by where the payloads are assembled and loaded into the automated food delivery system104, as well as where the emptied payload trays return, e.g., after it a food/beverage payload has been transferred to a customer at the customer delivery area106. In general, the payload loading area102will be located in or near the kitchen, where the food is prepared or cooked, however in some embodiments of the present disclosure the payload loading area is solely where the payloads are loaded and not necessarily where the contents of the payload are prepared. The automated food delivery system104may also be physically connected to the customer delivery area106, in addition to the payload loading area102. The automated food delivery system104is generally an enclosed payload transportation system that connects the payload loading area102to the customer delivery area106. The system allows for payloads to travel between the payload loading area102and the customer delivery area106. Enclosures of the automated delivery system104may facilitate, in some examples, environmental control such as temperature, humidity, etc. appropriate for payloads traveling within the automated delivery system104. In any case, an enclosure of the automated delivery system104generally may keep out external elements, weather, etc. at least to an extent to prevent spoilage of payloads. Payloads transported by the automated food delivery system104may be accessible to the customer delivery area106by way of a customer access point on a customer-side vertical elevator. The customer delivery area106may be used for a customer to unload the contents of their payload that has been delivered from the payload loading area102via the automated food delivery system104. FIG.2shows another exemplary illustrative view of an automated food delivery system200in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The automated delivery system200is comprised of a first vertically extending elevator202, a laterally extending conveyor204, a second vertically extending elevator206, and a customer delivery window208. In an example, the automated delivery system200may be the automated delivery system104ofFIG.1. As noted above, example illustrations herein may be incorporated into back-of-house and front-of-house restaurant operations. Accordingly, in at least some examples components such as the elevator202, conveyor204, and elevator206may be controlled and/or monitored by personnel or a restaurant/system controller, e.g., to coordinate delivery of payloads prepared in a kitchen to customer delivery window208or other customer delivery area. The first vertically extending elevator202may be physically connected to the laterally extending conveyor204. The first vertically extending elevator202is generally located where payloads are assembled and then loaded into the first vertically extending elevator202for payload transport and delivery. The first vertically extending elevator202may be used for moving payloads vertically from a loading area to the laterally extending conveyor204. The laterally extending conveyor204may physically connect to the first vertically extending elevator202at a first end, e.g., near a kitchen operation, and the second vertically extending elevator206at a second end thereof, e.g., near customer delivery window208. The laterally extending conveyor204may allow transport of payloads laterally between both vertically extending elevators202,206, in both directions. In examples herein, laterally extending conveyors are generally configured to move payloads across the conveyor in any manner that is convenient. Some example approaches employ electromagnetic or magnetic movement systems, however this is not limiting and other approaches or movement systems for a conveyor may be employed. In some embodiments, queueing and service areas may be located within or adjacent to the conveyor system, e.g., laterally extending conveyor204. For example, the conveyor system may service multiple elevators accessible to the kitchen and/or customers and may include staging areas, some of which may include heating or cooling functionality as appropriate. In an embodiment, the progress of customer access to the system (e.g., as determined by vehicle location, an application indicating walk-up customer location, and the like), locations within the queue may be changed to optimize delivery to the correct customer at the correct pick-up location. Pick-up locations may be changed, for example, from a drive through to a vehicle waiting area, to efficiently manage and stage customer orders. The conveyor system may thus function as a trunk that queues and transfers food and drink items between different branches of the location to adjust in real time to changing conditions. The second vertically extending elevator206may be physically connected to the laterally extending conveyor204. Also, the enclosure of the second vertically extending elevator206may generally define an opening for a customer delivery window208. The second vertically extending elevator206is generally on the customer side of the automated food delivery system200. The customer will be able to access the second vertically extending elevator206via the customer delivery window208. The second vertically extending elevator206transports payloads vertically from the laterally extending conveyor204to an accessible delivery position at the customer delivery window208. Although this exemplary view of an automated food delivery system has one customer-side elevator in the form of the second vertically extending elevator206, there may be other embodiments of the present disclosure that include additional vertically extending elevators on the customer side for an expansion in customer delivery locations. Each of these additional vertically extending elevators may also have a respective access point for a customer, e.g., a customer delivery window208. The customer delivery window208may be defined by an opening in the enclosure of the second vertically extending elevator206. The customer delivery window208may also be defined by as a vertical opening extending from a lower delivery position to an upper delivery position, with a variable range in delivery position that allows for different heights for customer accessibility with respect to a payload and contents thereof. The customer delivery window208is used for customer pickup access of payloads from the second vertically extending elevator206. FIG.3shows an exemplary depiction of a vertically extending elevator300in a payload loading area in accordance with the present disclosure. In an example, the elevator system300is the first vertically extending elevator202illustrated inFIG.2. The exemplary depiction of the vertically extending elevator system300inFIG.3comprises a vertically extending elevator302, an enclosure304defining an access opening306to an interior of the first vertically extending elevator300, a payload tray308, and a rail section310. An interior of the vertically extending elevator system300is generally defined by the enclosure304and contains the rail section310that can translate vertically along the vertically extending elevator302within the enclosure304. The vertically extending elevator302may be used for transporting payload trays308vertically between the access opening306and a laterally extending conveyor (not shown inFIG.3). The enclosure304generally surrounds the vertically extending elevator302in order to contain and protect the payload trays308and the contents of a payload. In some example illustrations, the enclosure304may be made of a translucent or transparent material, e.g., to aid in troubleshooting repairs or to view payload transportation status. The access opening306to the interior of the first vertically extending elevator300may be defined by a vertical opening in the enclosure304of the first vertically extending elevator300. The access opening306may allow for loading payloads308onto the rail section310in the first elevator300, e.g., to transport the payloads vertically. The access opening306may also be used for unloading the payload tray308after it has returned from the laterally extending conveyor. The payload tray308may be mounted to a rail guide that allows the tray308to connect to and translate along the rail section310, as will be discussed further below. The payload tray308generally holds payload contents (e.g., food items, beverages, etc.) that will be transported throughout the automated food delivery system. The rail section310is configured to translate vertically along the elevator302. In an example, the rail section310attaches to payload trays308via a rail guide mounted underneath the payload trays308, as will be described further below. The rail section310may generally hold the payload trays308as the payload trays308are loaded, as will also be described further below. The rail section310also translates vertically along the vertically extending elevator302with the payload tray308, transporting it between the laterally extending conveyor and the access opening306. The rail section310may translate vertically to a position in which it is aligned with other rail sections of a laterally extending conveyor, thereby allowing movement of payloads from the elevator302to the laterally extending conveyor, and vice versa. The elevator system300may also have a display312or other user interface. The display312may provide information on payloads travelling within the system300, payloads to be loaded, or the like. Additionally, the display312may be a touchscreen or have buttons, keyboard, keypads, or other input devices for personnel, e.g., to modify travel of payloads within the elevator system300. FIG.4shows an illustrative depiction of another example vertically extending elevator system400. In an example, the elevator system400is the first vertically extending elevator202illustrated inFIG.2and is configured to facilitate vertical movement of a payload with respect to a lateral conveyor (not shown inFIG.4). The exemplary depiction of vertically extending elevator system400includes a first vertically extending elevator402, surrounded by an enclosure403which defines a pair of access openings404aand404b(collectively,404). A rail section406translates vertically with respect to the elevator402. Additionally, a payload tray408may be transported by the rail section406. The vertically extending elevator402is encapsulated by the first elevator's enclosure403. Rail section406can translate vertically along the first vertically extending elevator402. The vertically extending elevator402may be used for transporting payload trays408vertically between the access opening(s)404and a laterally extending conveyor, e.g., laterally extending conveyor204(seeFIG.2). The access openings404are laterally positioned in the example ofFIG.4, e.g., to allow for the removal of a payload tray408from the rail section406. For example, payload trays408may be removed for repair or cleaning, with the lateral access openings404allowing the payload tray408to be removed from the rail section406. The rail section406may be configured to translate vertically along the first elevator402. The rail section406may allow attachment of payload trays408via a rail guide mounted underneath the payload trays408, e.g., as will be described further below. The rail section406may also be used to hold the payload trays408as the payload trays408are loaded. The rail section406may also translate vertically along the first vertically extending elevator402with the payload tray408, transporting it between the laterally extending conveyor (e.g., laterally extending conveyor204) and the access opening(s)404. The payload tray408may also be mounted to a rail guide that allows the tray408to connect to and translate along the rail section406, as will be elaborated further below. The payload tray408may hold payload contents (e.g., food items, beverages, etc.) that will be transported throughout the entire automated food delivery system. The payload tray408may be attached to a rail guide that allows the payload tray to translate along the rail section in the first elevator406, which necessitates the lateral access openings404for removal of the payload tray408from the rail section in the first elevator406. The elevator system400may also have a display412or other user interface. The display412may provide information to personnel, and personnel may also modify travel of payloads within the elevator system400or otherwise control the elevator system400. FIG.5shows an illustrative view of an exemplary vertically extending elevator for transporting payloads between a laterally extending conveyor and a customer delivery window in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, as illustrated a second vertically extending elevator500system may transport payloads506between a laterally extending conveyor502(enclosed by a laterally extending conveyor enclosure504) to a customer delivery window514. In an example, the vertically extending elevator500delivers payloads vertically within an enclosure510via a movable rail section512. An enclosure of the laterally extending conveyor502may be physically joined with the second vertically extending elevator508, e.g., such that payloads506travelling from the conveyor502to the elevator508(and vice-versa) are not exposed to external elements, weather, etc. The laterally extending conveyor502may transport payloads506between the vertically extending elevator508and another vertically extending elevator (not shown inFIG.5) at an end of the conveyor502opposite the elevator508. In addition, the rail section512may align with the laterally extending conveyor502, e.g., for transferring payloads506between the laterally extending conveyor502and the second vertically extending elevator508. In this example, the laterally extending conveyor502has two rails. A first rail502amay transport payloads506toward the vertically extending elevator508, while a second rail502btransports payloads506away from the vertically extending elevator508, e.g., to another vertically extending elevator. In some example approaches, there may be additional rails or other transport mechanisms enclosed by the laterally extending conveyor enclosure504, e.g., with the automated food delivery system having multiple second vertically extending elevators508for delivery. The laterally extending conveyor enclosure504surrounds the laterally extending elevator502and may generally contain and protect the payload trays506and the contents of the payload506during transport. In some examples, environmental control of an interior of the enclosure504may be provided. In other approaches, to the extent an interior of the enclosure504is in communication with an interior of a kitchen or other area that is temperature and/or humidity-controlled, such control may affect the interior of the enclosure504such that separate environmental control of the interior of the enclosure504is not necessary. The laterally extending conveyor enclosure504may be made of a translucent or transparent material in order to aid in troubleshooting repairs as well as to view payload506transportation status. The payload506may be mounted to a rail guide that allows the payload506to connect to and translate along laterally extending conveyor502and the rail section in the second vertically extending elevator508, as will be described in further detail below. The payload508holds the payload contents (e.g., food items, beverages, etc.) that will be transported throughout the entire automated food delivery system. After transportation through the system, the contents of the payload506may be unloaded via the customer delivery window514. The vertically extending elevator508may be physically connected to the laterally extending conveyor502, e.g., such that enclosures of the elevator508and conveyor502are joined and payloads travelling between the elevator508and conveyor502are generally not exposed to outside elements, temperature, weather, etc. The enclosure510may define an opening for a customer delivery window514. Also, the vertically extending elevator508may be configured to transport a rail section512, thereby transporting payload(s)506between the laterally extending conveyor502and the customer delivery window514. The vertically extending elevator508illustrated inFIG.5is generally on the customer side of the automated food delivery system, i.e., the customer may access the vertically extending elevator508via the customer delivery window514when the rail section512has moved to a position where the payload506is accessible via the customer delivery window514. The enclosure510generally surrounds the second vertically extending elevator508, and may generally contain and protect the payload trays506and the contents of the payload506. The enclosure510defines an opening for the customer delivery window514. The enclosure510include a translucent or transparent material along a partial or full extent of the elevator508, which may aid in troubleshooting repairs as well as to view payload506transportation status. The rail section512may be connected to the vertically extending elevator508such that the rail section512can translate vertically along the elevator508, as noted above. In some examples, the rail section in the first elevator512attaches to payload trays506via a rail guide mounted underneath the payload trays506, as will be described in further detail below. In some examples, the rail section512can align with the rails502aand502b. Also, the rail section512may be configured to move away from the rails502a/502b, e.g., to translate vertically along the vertically extending elevator508. The rail section512may be used to hold the payload trays506as the payload trays506are delivered and unloaded. The rail section512also translates vertically along the vertically extending elevator508with the payload506, transporting it between the laterally extending conveyor502and the customer delivery window514. The customer delivery window514may generally be defined by an opening in the enclosure510. The customer delivery window514may also be defined as a vertical opening extending from a lower delivery position to an upper delivery position. Accordingly, the customer delivery window514may facilitate a range of delivery positions at different heights, e.g., to improve customer accessibility with respect to the payload506. The customer delivery window514may be used for customer pickup access of payloads506from the second vertically extending elevator508, and for customers to return unused items, payment for food/beverage payloads, or any other items the customer may need to supply to a restaurant operation that are convenient to deliver via the automated delivery system. FIG.6shows a junction or interface between a laterally extending conveyor and a vertically extending elevator, in accordance with another example approach. Generally, a vertically extending elevator600may include a moveable platform or shelf608configured to move vertically to transport payloads to/from a laterally extending conveyor602. The platform608may generally provide a flat and/or horizontal surface to facilitate sliding of a payload606or other objects along the surface. In some examples, the platform608may also have a pushing/pulling mechanism (not shown) for transferring payload from the elevator to the conveyor and vice versa, e.g., a push bar, fork, or the like. Similarly, the bar/fork may generally pull a carrier or tray back from the conveyor, e.g., to return an empty carrier or tray to a kitchen area after a customer has taken delivery of their food/beverages. Additionally, example shelves or platforms608of an elevator, e.g., may be any size or shape that is convenient. As illustrated inFIG.6, the platform608may be “double-wide,” i.e., such that the platform608may fit two separate payloads606onto the elevator600for transport. Accordingly, the elevator600may be capable of delivering multiple payloads to/from a conveyor in a single trip of the platform608to/from the conveyor, increasing the speed at which payloads606may be transported between the conveyor and a kitchen area or customer delivery window. It should be noted that in other examples, the platform608may be smaller, e.g., to facilitate an overall smaller size of the elevator600. The conveyor602may have an enclosure604generally defining an interior for movement of the payload(s)606as the payload(s)606moves along the conveyor602and/or elevator600. In an example, the elevator600is employed as the first vertically extending elevator202, and the laterally extending conveyor602is the laterally extending conveyor204, as illustrated inFIG.2. Generally, a payload606may be shifted or slid between the conveyor602and the platform608, as will be discussed further below. The laterally extending conveyor602and/or the enclosure604may be physically joined with a corresponding enclosure (not shown) of the vertically extending elevator600. The laterally extending conveyor602may transport the payloads606between the vertically extending elevator600and a second vertically extending elevator, e.g., at an end of the conveyor602opposite that of the elevator600. In this example, the laterally extending conveyor602has multiple rail sections602a,602b,602c, etc. generally forming a loop for travel of payloads606. A first side of the loop may transport payloads606to the elevator608, while an opposite side of the loop may transport payloads606away from the second vertically extending elevator608. The enclosure of the laterally extending conveyor604may generally encapsulate the laterally extending conveyor602, e.g., to protect payloads within the conveyor604from external elements, weather, or the like. In some example illustrations, the enclosure604may be made of a translucent or transparent material in order to aid in troubleshooting repairs, and/or to facilitate observation of payload606transportation status. The payload606may be transported on a rail guide that allows the payload to connect to and translate along the rail section in the first vertically extending elevator and laterally extending elevator602, as will be described further below. The payload606may include contents (e.g., food items, beverages, etc.) that will be transported throughout the entire automated food delivery system. As noted above, in some example approaches a conveyor may transport payloads independently of payload(s) being transported on elevator(s) of an example automated food delivery system, and vice versa. That is, a movement mechanism of the conveyor may be independent of such mechanisms of an elevator. Accordingly, the conveyor may be transporting a payload across the conveyor while the elevator is in movement in a direction away from the conveyor, e.g., returning to a kitchen area to receive an additional payload. In the example illustrated inFIG.6, elevator600may bring payload606vertically upward to conveyor602using platform608that is selectively raised/lowered along the vertical elevator600. At the same time, a plurality of movable carts610or shelves may carry a corresponding plurality of payloads (not shown) around the generally circular loop formed by the rail sections602. The platform608may move payloads606vertically up or down with respect to a kitchen area or customer delivery window (not shown inFIG.6). FIG.7AandFIG.7Bshow illustrative views of an exemplary depiction of a junction between a laterally extending conveyor and a vertically extending elevator in accordance with another example illustration. The exemplary junction or interface700between the vertically extending elevator702and a laterally extending conveyor704may include rail sections in the first vertically extending elevator706, a rail junction708, and payloads710. In an example, the elevator702is the first vertically extending elevator202adjacent a kitchen area, and the laterally extending conveyor704is the laterally extending conveyor204, as illustrated inFIG.2. The vertically extending elevator702may be physically connected to platform712carrying rail sections706. The rail sections706can each translate vertically along the first vertically extending elevator702. The vertically extending elevator702may be used for transporting payload trays710vertically between an access opening (not shown inFIGS.7A/7B) and the laterally extending conveyor704. The vertically extending elevator702may also move payloads710independently of the movement of the laterally extending conveyor704. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first vertically extending elevator702may have multiple rail sections706which are moved with respect to the elevator702via platform712, as best seen inFIG.7B. The laterally extending conveyor704may be physically connected to or may include rail junctions708that allows payloads710to move between the rail section(s)706and the laterally extending conveyor704. The laterally extending conveyor704may be used to move payloads710between the first vertically extending elevator702and another vertically extending elevator, e.g., at an opposite end of the conveyor704. The laterally extending conveyor704can move payloads710independently of movement of the first vertically extending elevator702and the location of the rail section(s)706. In this example, the laterally extending conveyor704has multiple rail sections forming a loop, with one loop transporting payloads710away from the vertically extending elevator702, and a second loop transporting payloads710toward the first vertically extending elevator702. In some embodiments of the present disclosure there may be more than two rails in the laterally extending conveyor704, e.g., where multiple second vertically extending elevators and/or customer delivery areas are provided. The rail section(s)706may be physically connected to the first vertically extending elevator702, e.g., via the platform712, which can translate vertically along the first elevator702. The rail sections706may each attaches to payload trays710via a rail guide mounted underneath the payload trays710, as will be described further below. The rail section706translates vertically along the first vertically extending elevator702with the payload tray710via the platform712, transporting the payload trays710between the laterally extending conveyor704and, e.g., an access opening in a kitchen area (not shown inFIGS.7A/7B). The rail sections706can align with rail junctions708of the laterally extending conveyor704. For example, when a rail section706is aligned with a rail junction708, payloads can be moved between the laterally extending conveyor704and the rail section706via the rail junction708. The rail junction708may be physically connected to the laterally extending conveyor704, and may align with and connect to the rail section706. The rail junction708may be used to allow payloads710to move between the laterally extending conveyor704and the rail section706. The payload710may be transported on a rail guide that allows the payload to connect to and translate along the rail section706and laterally extending elevator704, as will be discussed further below. The payload710may include contents (e.g., food items, beverages, etc.) that will be transported throughout the entire automated food delivery system. FIG.8shows an illustrative view of an exemplary junction or interface between a laterally extending conveyor804and a vertically extending elevator802in accordance with the present disclosure. In an example, the laterally extending conveyor804is the laterally extending conveyor204, and the vertically extending elevator802is the second vertically extending elevator206ofFIG.2. The exemplary junction between the laterally extending conveyor and the second vertically extending elevator800may include a vertically extending elevator802, a laterally extending conveyor804, a rail junction806, a rail section808, and a payload tray810. The vertically extending elevator802may be physically connected to a rail section808. The rail section808is configured to translate vertically along the second vertically extending elevator802, e.g., by way of a movable platform812carrying the rail section808. The second vertically extending elevator802may be used for transporting payload trays810vertically between an access customer delivery window (not shown inFIG.8) and the laterally extending conveyor804. The second vertically extending elevator802can move payloads810independently of the movement of the laterally extending conveyor804. While a single elevator802is illustrated inFIG.8, in some examples, the vertically extending elevator802may be configured to move multiple payloads810, e.g., using multiple rail sections808, additional elevators802, etc. The laterally extending conveyor804may be physically connected to one or more rail junctions806. The rail junction806may allow payloads810to move between the rail section808and the laterally extending conveyor804. The laterally extending conveyor804may be used to move payloads810to and from the vertically extending elevator802, e.g., and to/from another vertically extending elevator (not shown inFIG.8) positioned at an end opposite the elevator802. The laterally extending conveyor804may be configured to move payloads810independently of the movement of the vertically extending elevator802and the location of the rail section808. In this example, the laterally extending conveyor804has multiple rail sections forming a loop, with one branch of the loop transporting payloads810toward the vertically extending elevator802, and another branch or side of the loop transporting payloads810away from the second vertically extending elevator802(e.g., to another vertically extending elevator). In some example approaches there may be more than a single loop, or there may be additional rail sections or branches in the laterally extending conveyor804, e.g., where there are multiple second vertically extending elevators802and/or customer delivery areas. In some examples, the rail section808is configured to align with the rail junction806, to allow a payload to be moved from the conveyor to the platform812. The rail junction806may be physically connected to the laterally extending conveyor804, and may become aligned with the rail section808when the platform812brings the rail section808to a same vertical height or alignment with the junction806. The rail junction806may, accordingly, be used to allow payloads810to move between the laterally extending conveyor804and the rail section808. The rail section808may be supported by the vertically extending elevator802and is configured to translate vertically along the second elevator802. For example, as noted above the platform812may move vertically along the elevator802, thereby moving the rail section808. The rail section808may attach to payload trays810via a rail guide mounted underneath the payload trays810, as will be described further below. The rail section808translates vertically along the second vertically extending elevator802with the payload tray810, moving between the laterally extending conveyor804and, for example, a customer delivery window (not shown inFIG.8). The rail sections808can align with the rail junctions806in the laterally extending conveyor804. When a rail section808is aligned with a rail junction806, payloads can generally be moved between the laterally extending conveyor804and the rail section808via the rail junction806. In other words, the junction806may form a continuous track or path between the rail section808and rail section(s) of the conveyor804, allowing the payload810to move. The payload810may be transported on a rail guide that allows the payload to connect to and translate along the rail section808and laterally extending elevator804, as will be discussed further below. The payload810may include contents (e.g., food items, beverages, etc.) that will be transported throughout the entire automated food delivery system. InFIG.8, the rail section808of the elevator802is illustrated having a curved track portion that allows a payload810or tray to be moved from the conveyor804to the platform812, and rotated, e.g., to face a customer delivery window. In this manner, payload810may be turned or otherwise manipulated to allow relatively easy withdrawal of a food/beverage payload within the tray810. FIG.9Ashows an exemplary depiction of a customer delivery window in accordance with the present disclosure. The exemplary depiction of the customer delivery window inFIG.9Aincludes a vertically extending elevator902, a payload904, and a customer delivery window906. In an example, the vertically extending elevator902is the second vertically extending elevator206ofFIG.2. An enclosure908902generally defines an opening for a customer delivery window906. The customer will generally be able to access payload904in the vertically extending elevator902via the customer delivery window906. The vertically extending elevator902generally transports payloads vertically from the laterally extending conveyor to an accessible delivery position at the customer delivery window906. The payload904may include contents (e.g., food items, beverages, etc.) that will be transported throughout the entire automated food delivery system. The payload904may be delivered to a customer, who may unload the payload904from the customer delivery window906. The customer delivery window906may generally be defined by an opening in the enclosure908of the second vertically extending elevator902. The customer delivery window906may also be defined by as a vertical opening extending from a lower delivery position to an upper delivery position. A range between the upper and lower delivery positions may generally allow for different heights for customer accessibility with respect to the payload and the contents of the payload904. The customer delivery window906may be used for customer pickup access of payloads904from the vertically extending elevator902. In some examples, the customer delivery window906will have one or more door(s), curtains, or other closure mechanisms that generally remain closed unless a payload is ready to be unloaded. As seen inFIG.9B, in some example approaches there may be a payload extending actuator908that is configured to move the payload904toward the customer delivery window906for the customer to more easily unload the contents of the payload904. In the example illustrated inFIGS.9A/9B, the actuator908includes a scissor mechanism, which may allow a fork or other tray-grasping device to horizontally extend out toward a customer. In these examples, the actuator908may generally slide the payload904along the platform912. Once the contents of the payload904are unloaded the payload extending actuator908may retract back into the interior of the elevator902. When the payload extending actuator908is retracted, e.g., after a customer removes their food/beverage payload from the tray904, the platform912may translate vertically upward back toward/to along the vertically extending elevator902. In other example approaches, various mechanisms may be used to manipulate a tray or payload in an effort to facilitate customer access. For example, a pivoting or rotational platform may be provided that is generally rotated out of an elevator enclosure through a customer delivery window to facilitate a customer receiving their food/beverages. In another example, a conveyor (not shown) is provided to extend the platform of the delivery elevator out of the delivery door(s), facilitating easy access to the food/beverage inside the tray by a customer. As noted above, door or curtain mechanisms may be provided to enclose the elevator902until a payload904is ready for customer retrieval. Example delivery door mechanisms may include one or multiple doors, which may move horizontally to allow access to food/beverage payload brought to the customer delivery window. In other example approaches, a single door may be employed, which opens upward, downward, or to either side. As noted above, example elevator(s) and/or conveyor systems may employ enclosures that generally provide a generally weatherproof delivery of food/beverage payloads from a kitchen area to a customer. Enclosure may be at least partially translucent or may even be transparent. In this manner, mechanisms inside the tunnel may be easily observed for troubleshooting, or to allow customers and/or restaurant personnel a visual indicator of a payload being delivered. Additionally, tunnel enclosures may be at least partially removable, e.g., to allow for cleaning of the tunnel and/or access to system components at various points along the elevator(s) and/or conveyor. Removable components may be tooled or otherwise difficult to remove to prevent damage or vandalism. The tunnel may also have any aesthetic features that are desired, e.g., custom colors/logos, to suit a restaurant or business associated with the automated delivery system. It should be noted that while example enclosures herein generally have a semi-circular or domed outer shape, this is merely illustrative and other shapes/configurations are possible. FIG.10andFIG.11show exemplary illustrative depictions of a payload tray. The automated food delivery systems herein may generally employ such trays or other carriers to facilitate transport of food and/or beverages. Trays may be reusable, and may facilitate stacking onto each other for storage or when not in use. Trays may also have a lip, e.g., around an outer perimeter of the tray or a portion thereof, or other features to facilitate manipulation or movement along elevator(s) and conveyor(s) of the system, as will be discussed further below. Trays may also define a space that is enclosed, at least horizontally, to generally prevent tipping, spills, etc. of food/beverage payloads. At the same time, the trays may be open vertically and/or may have an open side to facilitate loading/unloading of a payload. Further, trays may have cupholders or other features configured to facilitate secure transport of one or more beverages. In the example illustrated inFIGS.10and11, the payload tray1000includes a plurality of retaining walls1002, a moveable beverage holder1004, and a rail guide1006. The retaining walls1002may be physically connected to the moveable beverage holder1004and connected to the base of the payload tray1000. The retaining walls1002generally define a content holding area on the tray1000. The holding area may be accessible, e.g., for loading, between the retaining walls1002. Example trays may have modular or reconfigurable features to allow adaptation to different payloads, e.g., removable cupholders to increase/decrease space for beverages instead of food. In the example illustrated inFIGS.10and11, the beverage holder1004is movable with respect to the tray1000, e.g., by being pivotally mounted to a retaining wall1002. Accordingly, the moveable beverage holder may have at least a first state, in which the holder1004is positioned parallel to the base of the payload tray1000and may be used to hold beverages (e.g., by inserting into one of the two beverage apertures of the holder1004illustrated) as inFIG.10. In a second state seen inFIG.11, the holder1004may be pivoted or folded up, e.g., against the retaining wall1002, which may allow for greater space for other contents such as when beverages are not a part of the payload. Trays may also have features for positively engaging components of the system, e.g., a conveyor cart or elevator platform, thereby increasing security of the payloads, preventing damage/theft, etc. For example, the rail guide1006may be physically attached to the payload tray, e.g., via one or more bolts, screws, or the like, or via bonding or any other method of securing the rail guys1006to the tray1000. Additionally, the rail guide1006generally attaches to rails of the example automated transport systems, e.g., in the laterally extending conveyor, the first vertically extending elevator, and/or the second vertically extending elevator, as will be described in further detail below. In at least some a rail guide1006may have one or more rollers, wheels, or the like to facilitate movement along a lateral conveyor or elevator such as described above. The wheels of the cart may facilitate rolling motion of the cart, e.g., following a track defined by a conveyor or elevator. As noted above, in various examples herein, rail carriers, rollers, or the like may be used to engage track sections or rails, e.g., on elevators, conveyors, platforms, etc., to positively engage trays or carriers, increasing security of the trays or carriers on the platforms as noted above. For example, rail sections310and406are carried by respective elevators302and402, to facilitate vertical movement of payloads or trays positioned on the rail sections310/406with respect to a laterally extending conveyor. In another example, rail sections706are illustrated inFIGS.7A/7B, which are positioned upon a platform712and may be aligned with conveyor704to facilitate transfer of payloads/trays between an elevator and the conveyor704. Accordingly, in the above-described examples, carriers or trays may be positively engaged with corresponding rail sections, and rail sections may be engaged with elevators using similar roller or carrier mechanisms. Referring now toFIGS.12A and12B, an illustrative example of a rail guide attachment, e.g., for securing a payload tray or rail section, is illustrated and described in further detail. The depiction of the rail guide attachment inFIG.12Aincludes a payload tray1202and a rail guide attachment1204. The payload tray1202is physically connected to the rail guide1204, e.g., via fasteners, bonding, or any other method that is convenient. The payload tray1202may be used for the transportation of payload contents (e.g., food items, beverages, etc.) throughout the entire automated food delivery system. In an example, the payload tray1202is the payload tray1000ofFIGS.10and11. The payload tray1202may be fixed to the rail guide1204. Alternatively, the payload tray may be rotatable, and may have a catch or other mechanism for initiating rotation of the tray1202, e.g., as the rail carrier1204is moved along a conveyor or elevator. Accordingly, in some example approaches a tray1202may rotate during travel, e.g., along a rail, so that an open side of the tray is adjacent a customer window, access window, or the like. The rail carrier1204may be moveable along a rail section of a component of an automated delivery system via any mechanism that is convenient. In at least some example approaches, payload tray1202may move in either direction along a rail section or track formed by multiple rail sections using a magnet and associated electrical/magnetic field. A magnetic movement system may also facilitate control of movement of carts or payloads, e.g., payload tray1202, to a relatively small resolution, and may allow for carts or payload trays such as tray1202to provide an indication or other feedback regarding their position. Further, a magnetic movement system for trays1202also may generally facilitate a weatherproof and cleanable delivery system. More specifically, a magnetic movement system may generally be behind a barrier or otherwise sealed from carts or other direct contact with food/beverages, as will be elaborated below. As a result, carts and other areas directly contacting food may generally be cleaned via spraying or other methods without contacting movement systems. The example rail carrier1204may have an upper body1205, from which one or more rollers are rotatably supported. In the example illustrated, vertically oriented rollers1208aand1208b(collectively,1208) extend from the upper body1205. A lower body1212is supported from the upper body1205by a stanchion1216. Horizontal rollers1210aand1210bare rotatably supported from the lower body1212. FIG.12Bshows an illustrative view of a connection between a payload tray1202and a rail1206in accordance with the present disclosure. The connection between the payload tray1202and the rail shown inFIG.12Binclude a payload tray1202, a rail guide attachment1204, and a rail1206. The rail guide attachment1204is physically connected to the payload tray1202and can be inserted into and translate along the rail1206. The rail guide attachment1204is used for the payload tray1202to move along the rail1206, e.g., in the laterally extending conveyor and the rail sections in the first and second vertically extending elevators. The rail guide attachment1204is designed to move the payload tray1202while also stabilizing it as it moves along the rail1206. Rails1206may receive rail carriers1204are designed to be compatible with the rail guide attachments1204, wherein the rail guide1204can slide along the rail1206. As best seen inFIG.12B, the rail carrier1204may be rolled along rail section1206via a movement mechanism1218. The movement mechanism may include an electrical circuit or other device for generating a variable magnetic field. The magnetic field may impart force upon one or more magnet(s) within the lower body1212of the rail carrier1204, thereby causing the rail carrier1204and associated objects, e.g., payload tray1202, to move along the rail1206. The rail1206may include a pair of rail members1214a,1214b(collectively1214), which are engaged by the vertical rollers1208on an upper surface thereof. The horizontal rollers1210also engage interior vertical surfaces of the rail members1214a,1214b. In this manner, the rail carrier1204remains positively engaged with the rail1206—i.e., the rail carrier1204is generally prevented from being withdrawn from the rail1206unless and until the rail carrier1204travels to an end portion of the rail1206. The rails1206may be found in any laterally extending conveyor or vertically extending elevator(s) described above, and may extend in a direction of desired travel of the conveyor/elevator. In example laterally extending conveyor(s), a rail1206may be positioned such that a rail carrier1204travels along the rail1206, e.g., between vertically extending elevators positioned at either end of the conveyor. In example elevators, e.g., adjacent a kitchen area or customer delivery window, a rail1206may extend vertically between a laterally extending conveyor and an access window or customer delivery window. A rail carrier1204may be moved vertically along the rail1206, e.g., to move a rail section (e.g., rail section310,406, or512) upward and downward as desired. For example, a position of the rail carrier1204along the vertically extending rail1206may be controlled via a force imparted to magnet(s) carried by lower body1212. Turning now toFIG.13, a process flow diagram for an example process of delivering food and/or beverage payloads is illustrated and described in further detail. Process1300may begin at block1305, where a customer initiates an order for a food and/or beverage. Merely by way of example, a customer may place an order, e.g., at a remote order window or via a mobile device application (not shown). The customer may be directed to a drive-up automated delivery lane, e.g., in a customer delivery area208as illustrated inFIG.2. Process1300may then proceed to block1310. At block1310, a payload may be assembled and placed into an automated delivery system. In an example, personnel in a kitchen area may receive an order and complete preparation of food and/or beverages included in the order. Subsequently, the food/beverage(s) may be assembled into a payload, e.g., by being placed into one or more bags for the food, drink carrier(s) for the beverages, etc., and brought to an elevator. In some examples, a payload is installed via an access window, e.g., access window306or404, to a payload tray, e.g., tray1202. Further, as noted above in some example approaches a rail section of a laterally extending conveyor may be moveable vertically with respect to other rail sections in the conveyor, and may move from the conveyor vertically along an elevator to be positioned for placement of a payload into a tray. For example, as illustrated inFIG.3, a rail section310may have a payload tray308configured to retain a food or beverage payload, with the rail section310moving vertically from an access window306to a laterally extending conveyor. In this example, a tray1202as described above inFIGS.12A/12B may be retained with the rail section310, i.e., with a rail carrier1204that positively retains the tray1202to the rail section310. Proceeding to block1315, the payload may be transported vertically, e.g., from a kitchen area, along the vertically extending elevator. Continuing with the example inFIG.3, rail section310may ascend the elevator302to an associated laterally extending conveyor. The rail section310, for example, may be secured to a rail carrier such as carrier1204, which is received within a rail1206extending vertically along elevator302. Accordingly, in example approaches where a moveable rail section of a laterally extending conveyor moves vertically along an elevator, the payload may be transported to the conveyor via the rail section of the conveyor, e.g., rail section310. The moveable rail310may be moved into alignment with the conveyor or other rail section(s) thereof, e.g., allowing a rail carrier1204to translate along the rail section310to an adjacent rail section of a laterally extending conveyor. Proceeding to block1320, the payload may be transported along the conveyor. Continuing with the example above, a rail carrier1204may be moved along a rail1206, e.g., of laterally extending conveyor204,504, or704, via movement imparted to a magnet within lower body1212of the rail carrier1204. Accordingly, the rail carrier1204may move as associated tray or payload along the laterally extending conveyor204,504, or704within an enclosure thereof. To the extent a rail section, e.g., rail section310, initially transported the payload to the conveyor, the rail section310may subsequently return to an access window, e.g., for a subsequent payload to be loaded. The conveyor204,504, or704may transport the payload or tray to another elevator, e.g., for vertically moving the payload. More specifically, in the example illustrated inFIG.5, a rail section512may initially be aligned with rail sections502. The rail carrier1204may move from the rail section502to the rail section512, thereby carrying the tray506/1202to the rail section512. Process1300may then proceed to block1325. At block1325, the payload/tray may be vertically transported to a customer access window, e.g., via a vertically extending elevator. Continuing with the example illustrated inFIG.5, the rail section512may be movably secured to the elevator508, e.g., via a rail carrier1204(not shown inFIG.5) fixed to the rail section512. The rail carrier1204may be moved along the elevator508, e.g., via a magnetic field imparting force upon the rail carrier1204of the rail section512, thereby moving the rail section512downward from the conveyor504to the customer delivery window514. Process1300may then proceed to block1330. At block1330, a payload may be delivered to a customer delivery window via the elevator. Continuing with the example above inFIG.5, rail carrier1204of the rail section512is moved to a vertical height within the customer service window514for retrieval by a customer (not shown inFIG.5). In some example approaches, delivery height may be adjusted, e.g., via one or more sensors, cameras, or customer input devices. Accordingly, to the extent a customer delivery window provides different delivery positions, e.g., for different height vehicles, customers, etc., delivery height of a food/beverage payload may be modified. Upon the customer taking the payload, the customer may drive away or otherwise leave. Door(s) of the customer service window514may then close, e.g., upon receipt of a signal indicating that the customer has left or that it is otherwise safe for the door(s) to be safely closed. The delivery elevator platform may be returned to a raised position adjacent the conveyor, e.g., for receipt of a subsequent order. To the extent a rail section of the conveyor is moved relative to the conveyor to deliver a payload, e.g., rail section512, the rail section512may return to the conveyor504, i.e., to alignment with the conveyor/rail sections502. Accordingly, subsequent payloads may be moved from the conveyor502to the rail section512. Process1300may then proceed to block1335. At block1335, process1300may query whether additional payloads are present. For example, as the payload indicated above moves along elevator(s) and the conveyor of the automated delivery system, additional payloads may be added, e.g., by personnel at an access window of a kitchen-side elevator. Where process1300determines additional payloads are present, process1300may process back to block1310, such that payloads are loaded into the automated delivery system and delivered as needed. Alternatively, where process1300determines additional payloads are not present, process1300may terminate. The foregoing description includes exemplary embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. These examples are provided for purposes of illustration only, and not for purposes of limitation. It will be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in forms different from those explicitly described and depicted herein and that various modifications, optimizations, and variations may be implemented by a person of ordinary skill in the present art, consistent with the following claims. | 59,595 |
11858749 | DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The figures show a conveyor designated as a whole by1, which has been fitted together from a modular system. The conveyor1has a plurality of successive conveying zones A, B, C, D. Each conveying zone A, B, C, D is designed as an individual independent conveying module2,3. In the present case, these modules are driven roller conveying modules2or transfer conveying modules3. Each module2,3is fixed as a complete individual unit on a support structure4and connected to further adjacent conveying modules of the modular system in order to form the entirety of the conveyor1. Thus each conveying module2,3of the modular system comprises a standardized consistent partial length X of the overall length Y of the conveyor1. In the present case, the length X of a conveying module3corresponds to a length which corresponds to three (conventionally spaced) conveying rollers. The support structure4of the conveyor1is designed as a unit which is independent of the conveying modules of the modular system and comprises a flat upper support rail14which is placed on the stand7formed of spaced-apart uprights6. The uprights6or the stand7raise the construction from the floor5. The conveying modules2,3of the modular system are in turn fixed by snapping-in on the support rail14, for which purpose this comprises recesses15corresponding to the regular spacing on the upper side of the support rail14(FIG.3). The individual conveying modules2,3comprise integrated cabling8which is connected via plug connections11to adjacent conveying modules during mounting on the support rail14. The cabling8is in turn connected in bus form to a controller9which controls the drives12and sensors10(e.g. photo sensors) which may be present, or communicates with the sensors. The cabling8and the drives12are integrated within the modules2,3, i.e. within the support frame13thereof. The plug connections11are also integrated into the frame13. The sensors10can be placed, also in a snap-in manner, on the frame13of the respective conveying modules2,3. Therefore, each conveying module2,3of the modular system is designed as a pre-manufactured unit together with conveying means, conveying drive, control unit, electrical system and cabling. FIG.2also depicts the modular system100, with which conveyors1corresponding toFIG.1(and further conveyors) can be produced in a modular manner of construction. As mentioned above, the modular system100comprises a modular stand107on which a support rail114is placed. Any elements of the modular system can then be disposed on the support rail114. These are, in particular, conveying modules which can be a roller conveying module101, a belt conveying module102, a transfer module104as a module for channeling items in or out, or a module103for conveying items around a curve. Naturally, further embodiments of the modules as a band conveying module, accumulating module, module for conveying items on an incline or a functional conveying module for weighing, measuring or orientating items are also feasible. Each conveying module of the modular system comprises a frame for receiving the conveying means, conveying drives105, electrical system108, cabling and possibly sensors106, wherein by means of the frame it is fixed on the support structure by means of snap-in connections, as explained in reference toFIG.1. Each conveying module of the modular system further comprises snap-in receivers115for clipping-in modular attachments such as control modules/boards, cable guides, guard rails or side guides and covers or sensor modules. The conveying means, conveying drives, electrical system, cabling and sensors of the conveying modules of the modular system are also designed in a modular manner. | 3,761 |
11858750 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the description may refer to a container transportation system as an example “system.” However, elements of the system described herein may be equally applicable to the claimed method, apparatus, and computer program product. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention. DEFINITION OF TERMS As used herein, the terms “data,” “information,” “electronic information,” “signal,” “command,” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received, and/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit or scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, where a first computing device is described herein to receive data from a second computing device, it will be appreciated that the data may be received directly from the second computing device or may be received indirectly via one or more intermediary computing devices, such as, for example, one or more servers, relays, routers, network access points, base stations, hosts, and/or the like, sometimes referred to herein as a “network.” Similarly, where a first computing device is described herein as sending data to a second computing device, it will be appreciated that the data may be sent directly to the second computing device or may be sent indirectly via one or more intermediary computing devices, such as, for example, one or more servers, remote servers, cloud-based servers (e.g., cloud utilities), relays, routers, network access points, base stations, hosts, and/or the like. As used herein, the term “comprising” means including but not limited to and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. As used herein, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” and the like generally refer to the fact that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure such that these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. As used herein, the word “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage device or non-transitory computer system memory that may be accessed by a controller, a microcontroller, a computational system or a module of a computational system to encode thereon computer-executable instructions or software programs. A non-transitory “computer-readable medium” may be accessed by a computational system or a module of a computational system to retrieve and/or execute the computer-executable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more USB flash drives), computer system memory or random access memory (such as, DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM), and the like. Having set forth a series of definitions called-upon throughout this application, an example system architecture and example apparatus is described below for implementing example embodiments and features of the present disclosure. Device Architecture and Example System With reference toFIG.1A, an example container transportation system100is illustrated with a conveyor network101that includes a plurality of conveyors102(e.g., edges) and nodes103and is communicably connected via a network104to a computing device200. Although the example container transportation system100is illustrated connected via a network104, the present disclosure contemplates that, in some embodiments, the computing device200, conveyors102, and/or nodes103may be in direct connection (e.g., physically connected). Furthermore, the present disclosure contemplates that, in some embodiments, the conveyors102and/or the nodes103may comprise the computing device200, or a portion thereof. As described hereafter with reference toFIG.1B, the conveyor network101may include a plurality of conveyors102configured to support one or more containers (e.g., container107) thereon. Each conveyor in the conveyor network101may be interconnected with one or more other conveyors, for example, at a node103. As such, each node103may refer to a location within the conveyor network101at which a human or automated operator may interact with the containers transported by the conveyor network101. By way of example, a node103may refer to a loading or unloading location in which containers are added and removed from the conveyor network101. In some instances, a node103may refer to a location at which packages, items, etc. housed by the containers are removed. In this way, the nodes103may be defined as a starting location or destination location for a particular container or package supported therein. As illustrated inFIG.1A, example starting locations105and example destination locations106are shown; however, the present disclosure contemplates that any location within the conveyor network101may be determined to be a starting location105or destination location106based upon the selected container. As illustrated inFIG.1A, the nodes103of the conveyor network101may be positioned at any location and connect any number of adjacent conveyors102based upon the intended application of the conveyor network101. In order to interact with the containers of the system100, each node103may include one or more robotic arms, sensor systems, scanners, or the like. For example, a node103may include a robotic arm configured to pick and place containers at locations within the conveyor network101proximate the node103. Furthermore, in some instances, each node103may include sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, cameras, position transducers, resolvers, encoders, rotary sensors, scanners, or the like) configured to identity containers proximate the node103. Still further, in some embodiments, each node103may include a user terminal, controller, or other computing device operably coupled to the conveyor network101and the computing device200. By way of example, a node103may include a scanning device configured to scan barcodes, direct parts marking, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, or the like located on containers or packages and provide data generated by these terminals to the computing device200. With reference toFIG.1B, an example conveyor102is illustrated. As shown, the conveyor102may define a conveyance plane, collection of rollers109, endless belt, or the like configured to transport a container107. Although illustrated with a collection of motor-driven rollers109, the present disclosure contemplates that the conveyor102and each conveyor within the conveyor network101may include any system for transporting or translating objections supported thereon. Furthermore, although illustrated with a linear conveyor102, the present disclosure contemplates that each conveyor102(e.g., conveyor section) in the conveyor network101may be independently dimensioned (e.g., sized and shaped) based upon the intended application of the respective conveyor102(e.g., conveyor section) and may further be of any type (e.g., slat conveyor, chain conveyor, wheel conveyor, accumulation conveyor, sorting conveyor, etc.). As illustrated, each conveyor102(e.g., conveyor segment) may also define various structural parameters including, for example, a conveyor length L and a conveyor operating speed S. The conveyor length L may refer to the physical distance spanned by the conveyor102and may reflect the distance that is traveled by a container107supported by the conveyor102. Although illustrated with a fixed conveyor length L, the present disclosure contemplates that, in some embodiments, the conveyor length L may be changed. For example, the conveyor102may, in some instances, comprise a slat conveyor such that one or more slats may be added to or removed from the conveyor102resulting in a change of the conveyor length L. The conveyor operating speed S may refer at which the conveyor102operates (measured, for example, in feet per minute). In some instances, the conveyor102may be operably coupled to a drive motor or equivalent propulsion device configured to cause movement of the conveying plane (e.g., a collection of rollers109). This conveyor operating speed S may similarly be increased or decreased (during operation or otherwise) based upon the intended application of the conveyor102. With continued reference toFIG.1B, an example container107is illustrated. As shown, the container107may, in some instances, be dimensioned for supporting one or more packages, items, or the like therein. Although illustrated inFIG.1Bas a rectangular boxed shaped, the present disclosure contemplates that the conveyors102and container transportation system100may be applicable for use with containers of any size, shape, orientation, or the like. As described above, the container107may also include one or more readable indicia (e.g., direct parts marking, barcodes, RFID tags, or the like) configured to be read by one or more scanning devices of the conveyor network101(e.g., positioned at nodes103or otherwise). In this way, an operator positioned at a node103may, via a scanning device (not shown), scan a barcode associated with a proximate container (e.g., container107) and transmit data to the computing device200associated with the container for use with the travel path determinations described hereafter. With reference toFIG.1A, the computing device200may include circuitry, networked processors, or the like configured to perform some or all of the apparatus-based (e.g., container transportation system-based) processes described herein, and may be any suitable processing device and/or network server. In this regard, the computing device200may be embodied by any of a variety of devices. For example, the computing device200may be configured to receive/transmit data and may include any of a variety of fixed terminals, such as a server, desktop, or kiosk, or it may comprise any of a variety of mobile terminals, such as a portable digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, smartphone, laptop computer, tablet computer, or in some embodiments, a peripheral device that connects to one or more fixed or mobile terminals. Example embodiments contemplated herein may have various form factors and designs but will nevertheless include at least the components illustrated inFIG.2and described in connection therewith. In some embodiments, the computing device200may be located remotely from the conveyor network101, the conveyors102, and/or the nodes103, although in other embodiments, the conveyor network101, the conveyors102, and/or the nodes103may comprise the computing device200in whole or in part. The computing device200may, in some embodiments, comprise several servers or computing devices performing interconnected and/or distributed functions. Despite the many arrangements contemplated herein, the computing device200is shown and described herein as a single computing device to avoid unnecessarily overcomplicating the disclosure. The network104may include one or more wired and/or wireless communication networks including, for example, a wired or wireless local area network (LAN), personal area network (PAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), or the like, as well as any hardware, software and/or firmware for implementing the one or more networks (e.g., network routers, switches, hubs, etc.). For example, the network104may include a cellular telephone, mobile broadband, long term evolution (LTE), GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, Wi-Fi, dial-up, and/or WiMAX network. Furthermore, the network104may include a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols. As illustrated inFIG.2, the computing device200may include a processor202, a memory204, input/output circuitry206, and communications circuitry208. Moreover, the computing device200may include travel circuitry210. The computing device200may be configured to execute the operations described below in connection withFIGS.3-6. Although components202-210are described in some cases using functional language, it should be understood that the particular implementations necessarily include the use of particular hardware. It should also be understood that certain of these components202-210may include similar or common hardware. For example, two sets of circuitry may both leverage use of the same processor202, memory204, communications circuitry208, or the like to perform their associated functions, such that duplicate hardware is not required for each set of circuitry. The use of the term “circuitry” as used herein includes particular hardware configured to perform the functions associated with respective circuitry described herein. As described in the example above, in some embodiments, various elements or components of the circuitry of the computing device200may be housed within one or more of the conveyors102and/or nodes103. It will be understood in this regard that some of the components described in connection with the computing device200may be housed within one of these devices, while other components are housed within another of these devices, or by yet another device not expressly illustrated inFIGS.1A-1B. Of course, while the term “circuitry” should be understood broadly to include hardware, in some embodiments, the term “circuitry” may also include software for configuring the hardware. For example, although “circuitry” may include processing circuitry, storage media, network interfaces, input/output devices, and the like, other elements of the computing device200may provide or supplement the functionality of particular circuitry. In some embodiments, the processor202(and/or co-processor or any other processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor) may be in communication with the memory204via a bus for passing information among components of the computing device200. The memory204may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium). The memory204may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like, for enabling the computing device200to carry out various functions in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. The processor202may be embodied in a number of different ways and may, for example, include one or more processing devices configured to perform independently. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may include one or more processors configured in tandem via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and/or multithreading. The use of the term “processing circuitry” may be understood to include a single core processor, a multi-core processor, multiple processors internal to the computing device, and/or remote or “cloud” processors. In an example embodiment, the processor202may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory204or otherwise accessible to the processor202. Alternatively or additionally, the processor202may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware with software, the processor202may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present invention while configured accordingly. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor202is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor202to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. The computing device200further includes input/output circuitry206that may, in turn, be in communication with processor202to provide output to a user and to receive input from a user, user device, or another source. In this regard, the input/output circuitry206may comprise a display that may be manipulated by a mobile application. In some embodiments, the input/output circuitry206may also include additional functionality including a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input/output mechanisms. The processor202and/or user interface circuitry comprising the processor202may be configured to control one or more functions of a display through computer program instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor (e.g., memory204, and/or the like). The communications circuitry208may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network and/or any other device, circuitry, or module in communication with the computing device200. In this regard, the communications circuitry208may include, for example, a network interface for enabling communications with a wired or wireless communication network. For example, the communications circuitry208may include one or more network interface cards, antennae, buses, switches, routers, modems, and supporting hardware and/or software, or any other device suitable for enabling communications via a network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). These signals may be transmitted by the computing device200using any of a number of wireless personal area network (PAN) technologies, such as Bluetooth® v1.0 through v3.0, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), infrared wireless (e.g., IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), induction wireless transmission, or the like. In addition, it should be understood that these signals may be transmitted using Wi-Fi, Near Field Communications (NFC), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) or other proximity-based communications protocols. Travel circuitry210includes hardware components designed to analyze conveyor length, conveyor operating speed, and operating density. Travel circuitry210may utilize processing circuitry, such as the processor202, to perform its corresponding operations, and may utilize memory204to store collected information. The travel circuitry210may be housed in whole or in part within the conveyor network101, nodes103, and/or the computing device200. In some instances, the travel circuitry210may be configured to, based upon conveyor length, conveyor operating speed, and operating density for each conveyor102in the conveyor network101, determine a first travel path for the first container between the starting location and the destination location. The travel circuitry210may further be configured to determine a change in one or more of the conveyor operating speed, the conveyor length, or the operating density of at least one conveyor102in the first travel path and modify the first travel path. It should also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the travel circuitry210may include a separate processor, specially configured field programmable gate array (FPGA), or application specific interface circuit (ASIC) to perform its corresponding functions. In addition, computer program instructions and/or other type of code may be loaded onto a computer, processor or other programmable circuitry to produce a machine, such that the computer, processor other programmable circuitry that execute the code on the machine create the means for implementing the various functions, including those described in connection with the components of computing device200. As described above and as will be appreciated based on this disclosure, embodiments of the present invention may be configured as container transportation systems, methods, and the like. Accordingly, embodiments may comprise various means including entirely of hardware or any combination of software with hardware. Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of a computer program product comprising instructions stored on at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., computer software stored on a hardware device). Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including non-transitory hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices. Example Operations for Improved Container Transportation FIG.3illustrates a flowchart containing a series of operations for improved container transportation. The operations illustrated inFIG.3may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of an apparatus (e.g., computing device200), as described above. In this regard, performance of the operations may invoke one or more of processor202, memory204, input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, and/or travel circuitry210. As shown in operation305, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for receiving a starting location of a first container within the conveyor network. In some embodiments, the starting location of the first container may be input by a human operator associated with the first container. By way of example, a human or automated operator unloading a transport vehicle may remove the first container from the transport vehicle and input the starting location of the first container. This starting location may, in some embodiments, correspond to the current position of the first container and human or automated operator. In other embodiments, the starting location may correspond to a location within the conveyor network at which the human or automated operator places the container. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the system may include one or more carton erectors located within the network and configured to erect (e.g., build, form, etc.) a container for use within the system. As described above, in some embodiments, the first container may include readable indicia (e.g., a barcode, an RFID tag, or the like) that includes data indicative of the starting location of the first container. By way of example, a node located proximate the location at which the container enters the conveyor network may include a scanning device configured to receive data from the container in an instance in which the scanning devices scans the readable indicia of the container. Said differently, the scanning device may scan the readable indicia of the container and indicate to the computing device200that the starting location of the container corresponds to the physical location of the scanning device. In some embodiments, the system100may utilize image analysis techniques, computer vision, or the like in order to determine the starting location of the container. By way of example, the system100may include a camera located such that a field of view (FOV) of the camera captures images of the container's entrance into the conveyor network. As shown in operation310, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for receiving a destination location of the first container within the conveyor network. In some embodiments, the destination location of the first container may be input by a human operator associated with the first container. By way of example, a human operator unloading a transport vehicle may remove the first container from the transport vehicle and input the destination location of the first container. This destination location may, in some embodiments, correspond to the final physical position of the first container as denoted by the first container. Similar to operation305, in some embodiments, the first container may include readable indicia (e.g., a barcode, an RFID tag, or the like) that includes data indicative of the destination location of the first container. By way of example, a node located proximate the location at which the container enters the conveyor network may include a scanning device configured to receive data from the container in an instance in which the scanning devices scans the readable indicia of the container. Said differently, the scanning device may scan the readable indicia of the container and indicate to the computing device200the destination location of the container based upon the readable indicia. In other embodiments, the computing device200may, in response to a communication regarding the starting location of the container, query a memory or other repository storing destination locations for containers and retrieve the corresponding destination location for the first container. As shown in operation315, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for receiving an operating density for each conveyor in the conveyor network101. As described above, the conveyor network and associated conveyors may simultaneously transport a plurality of containers to various locations. As such, the volume of containers on any conveyor may dynamically change. In order to determine the operating density corresponding to the number of containers for each conveyor, the system100may include one or more sensing devices, scanning device, camera systems, or the like configured to monitor the volume of containers located on each conveyor. By way of example, each conveyor in the conveyor network may include a camera and/or scanning device configured to identify, via computer vision and readable indicia, respectively, each container located at each conveyor and node. In other embodiments, the operating density of each conveyor may be actively determined in response to travel path determinations. Said differently, once a travel path for a container is determined, the computing device200may estimate or predict the location of said container within the conveyor network. As such, the computing unit200may similarly determine the operating density for each conveyor based upon the estimated or predicted location of each container. As described hereafter, each container may include or more packages, items, or the like that may each have distinct destinations. As such, the operating density received at operation315may, in some embodiments, represent the number of packages within each container supported by the conveyor, the number of packages to be removed, if any, from each container, and/or the number of packages to be added, if any, to each container. Said differently, the computing device may, for example, determine that each container supported by conveyor102represents an increase in the travel time (e.g., described hereafter with reference toFIG.4) of one (1) second. In such an example, a conveyor that supports three (3) containers would have an operating density that increases the travel time of the conveyor by three (3) seconds. In some instances, however, one or more of the containers may be manipulated or processed by an operator while supported by the conveyor (e.g., a package removed from or added to the respective container). As such, the computing device may be configured to determine a time value associated with the manipulation of the container (e.g., a dwell time) and adjust the operating density accordingly. In some embodiments, the operating density received at operation315may be generated by the computing device200based upon monitoring (via scanning devices, camera systems, or the like) of the containers supported by the conveyor for a period of time. Said differently, the computing device may receive data indicative of the travel time adjustment due to the number of containers (e.g., operating density) supported by the conveyor in previous travel path determinations. For example, the computing device may analyze historical travel path and travel time determinations as described herein and determine the adjustment, if any, to the travel time associated with the conveyor (e.g., each conveyor in the network101) based upon historical performance of each conveyor (e.g., increase or decrease the travel time based upon previous performance). In some embodiments, the computing device200may employ artificial intelligence, machine learning techniques, predicative analytics, or the like to dynamically adjust operating density determinations by the computing device200. For example, the computing device may receive an operating density at operation315that indicates an increase in the number of containers having a starting location and destination location similar to those of the first container. In response, the computing device200may adjust the travel time associated with conveyors between this starting location and destination location to account for a forthcoming increase in operating density. As shown in operation320, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for determining a first travel path for the first container between the starting location and the destination location based upon the conveyor length, the conveyor operating speed, and the operating density for each conveyor in the conveyor network. As described hereafter with reference toFIG.4, the computing device200may determine a travel time associated with each conveyor between the starting location and the destination location for the first container. As described above, the conveyor network may include a plurality of interconnected conveyors such that transportation of a container between a starting location and a destination location may include any number of conveyors or combination of conveyors (e.g. a selected set of conveyors). As such, each set of conveyors may define a unique travel path for the first container between the starting location and the destination location. In order to determine a first travel path that minimizes a total travel time for the first container, the travel time associated with each conveyor may be determined based upon the conveyor length, conveyor operating speed, and operating density of each conveyor. By way of example, the structural parameters of each conveyor may be received by the computing device as part of normal operation of the system100. For example, the conveyor length associated with each conveyor may be inputted to the computing device200or determined by the computing device as part of an initial set up procedure. Any change in the conveyor length of a conveyor within the conveyor network may be provided to the computing device200for storage. Given that each of the conveyors or a combination of conveyors may be operably coupled to the computing device, the computing device may similarly be configured to receive a conveyor operating speed associated with each conveyor. For example, each conveyor or propulsions device (e.g., motor) coupled to the conveyor may periodically (in real time) transmit the conveyor operating speed associated with the receptive conveyor to the computing device200. In this way, the computing device200may, based upon the conveyor length and the conveyor operating speed, determine a base travel time associated with each conveyor. For example, a conveyor having a conveyor length of five (5) meters and a conveyor operating speed of five (5) meters per minute will have a base travel time of one (1) minute. The computing device at operation320may adjust the base travel time to account for the time increase or decrease associated with the operating density for each respective conveyor. By way of continued example, the computing device200may receive an operating density of ten (10) packages on the conveyor and determine (via historical data analysis, current monitoring, or the like) that an operating density of ten (10) packages, for example, corresponds to an increase in three (3) seconds per package. As such, the computing device at operation320may increase the base travel time of one (1) minute by thirty (30) seconds to determine a travel time of 1.5 minutes for a particular conveyor. In some embodiments, as described further with reference toFIG.4, the computing device may determine a base travel time associated with each set of conveyors connecting the starting location and the destination location wherein each set of conveyors defines a unique travel path for the container. By way of example, the structural parameters of each conveyor may be received by the computing device as part of normal operation of the system100as described above. Following determination of a travel time associated with each conveyor based upon the conveyor length and conveyor operating speed, the computing device may aggregate or otherwise sum the travel time for each conveyor within each set to determine a base travel time for the set of conveyors. Given that the operating density of interconnected conveyors may operate to influence the operating density of other conveyors, the computing device may account for this influence by analyzing the operating density for each set of conveyors to determine the first travel path. For example, a first conveyor with an increased number of containers may affect the operating density of an adjacent second conveyor such that a set of conveyors that includes the first conveyor and the second conveyor is affected by the operating density of the first conveyor. Similarly, in some embodiments, the computing device200may perform historical analysis of prior determined travel paths that include each set of conveyors to account for the interconnected nature of these conveyors. FIG.4illustrates a flowchart containing a series of operations for travel path determinations. The operations illustrated inFIG.4may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of an apparatus (e.g., computing device200), as described above. In this regard, performance of the operations may invoke one or more of processor202, memory204, input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, and/or travel circuitry210. As shown in operation405, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for determining a travel time for each conveyor in the conveyor network. As described above, the structural parameters of each conveyor may be received by the computing device as part of normal operation of the system100(e.g. periodically, in response to a query by the computing device200, or the like). Similarly, the computing device200may be configured to receive a conveyor operating speed associated with each conveyor during operation (e.g., periodically, in response to a query from the computing device, etc.). Based upon the conveyor length and the conveyor operating speed, the computing device may determine a base travel time associated with each conveyor and/or may determine a base travel time associated with each set of conveyors. By way of continued example, a conveyor having a conveyor length of five (5) meters and a conveyor operating speed of five (5) meters per minute will have a base travel time of one (1) minute. In order to determine the base travel time associated with a set of conveyors, the computing device200may sum the base travel time associated with each conveyor in the set of conveyors. Given that the conveyor length and/or the conveyor operating speed may dynamically change during operation (e.g., removal of slats from a slatted conveyor, increasing motor drive, or the like), the determination of the base travel time for each conveyor may be iteratively performed in real time. The computing device at operation405, as described above, adjusts the base travel time (for each conveyor and/or for each set of conveyors) to account for the time increase or decrease associated with the operating density for each respective conveyor in each respective set. By way of continued example, the computing device200may receive an operating density of ten (10) packages on the conveyor and determine (via historical data analysis, current monitoring, or the like) that an operating density of ten (10) packages, for example, corresponds to an increase in three (3) seconds per package. As such, the computing device at operation320may increase the base travel time of one (1) minute by thirty (30) seconds to determine a travel time of 1.5 minutes for a particular conveyor. In order to provide a more holistic view of each set of conveyors, the computing device200may receive an operating density associated with the set of conveyors (e.g., the number of packages following the same travel path associated with the set of conveyors). For example, the computing device may receive an operating density of one hundred (100) packages on a set of conveyors and determine (via historical data analysis, current monitoring, or the like) that an operating density of one hundred (100) packages, for example, corresponds to an increase in three (3) minutes for the entire set (e.g., a three minute increase in travel time for the unique path provided by the set of conveyors). Although described with reference to an example that indicates a linear relationship between operating density and travel time, the present disclosure contemplates that any relationship between operating density and travel time may exist based upon the intended application, container type, etc. (e.g., the travel time may vary exponentially, logarithmically, etc.). As shown in operations410and415, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for aggregating the travel times for each set of conveyors connecting the starting location and the destination location and determining the total travel time for each set of conveyors based upon this aggregation. As described above, a travel time (e.g., base travel time adjusted to account for operating density) is determined for each set of conveyors where each set of conveyors defines a unique travel path for the first container between the starting location and the destination location. In order to determine this total travel time, the travel time for each conveyor may be aggregated, summed, or otherwise combined to provide a total travel time indicative of the time value required to transport the first container from the starting location to the destination location along each respective set of conveyors. As shown in operation420, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for determining the first travel path as the set of conveyors having the shortest total travel time. By way of example, determination of the total travel time for each set of conveyors may provide a numerical time value associated with the potential transporting of the first container along each respective set of conveyors. In order to minimize the total travel time for the first container between the starting location and the destination location, the computing device200may operate to select from amongst the plurality of travel times the travel time with the lowest or smallest numerical time value. The computing device200may subsequently select the collection of conveyors (e.g., set) associated with the lowest numerical time value as the first travel path for the first conveyor. Although described herein with reference to selection of the lowest numerical time value, the present disclosure contemplates that this determination at operation420may employ any number of statistical analysis techniques or procedures (e.g., averaging, removing outliers, etc.) in order to improve the accuracy of the first travel path determination. Furthermore, the travel path determination at operations410,415, may, in some embodiments, employ one or more algorithms or data structures configured to selectively determine the travel time associated with particular sets of conveyors or conveyor segments. Said differently, in some embodiments, the travel time for only some sets of conveyors connecting the starting location with the destination location may be calculated. For example, the computing device200may utilize a nearest neighbor algorithm or travelling salesman problem (TSP) algorithm to select candidate sets of conveyors and determine the travel time for only the candidate sets. In this way, the computing device200may reduce the load on the computing device200while maximizing computational efficiency. FIG.5illustrates a flowchart containing a series of operations for travel path modifications. The operations illustrated inFIG.5may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of an apparatus (e.g., computing device200), as described above. In this regard, performance of the operations may invoke one or more of processor202, memory204, input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, and/or travel circuitry210. As shown in operation505, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for determining a change in one or more of the conveyor operating speed, the conveyor length, or the operating density of at least one conveyor in the first travel path. As described above, the computing device200may be operably connected with the conveyor network such that the computing device200, periodically or in response to a request, receives a conveyor length and a conveyor operating speed for each of the conveyors. As either of these parameters change, the travel time associated with each conveyor also changes. As such, the computing device, with reference toFIG.5, may iteratively determine the first travel path such that changes to the conveyor length, conveyor operating speed, and/or operating density are addressed. The determination at operation505may be calculated on a set time interval. For example, the computing device200may periodically receive operating parameters (e.g., conveyor speed, conveyor length, operating density, etc.) based upon such time interval (e.g., every minute). Although described herein with reference to a minute time interval, the present disclose contemplates that the operating parameters may be received by the computing device at any time or in response to any change in operating parameter. By way of example, a modular conveyor or slatted conveyor may be used by the system100such that the conveyor length L of such a conveyor is adjustable. In an instance in which one or more slats are added to or removed from the conveyor, the conveyor length L may decrease or increase, respectively. Similarly, the conveyor operating speed of each conveyor may be adjusted by, for example, changes in output of a propulsion device (e.g., motor) coupled to each (or a plurality of) conveyors. In an instance in which the output from the propulsion device increases, for example, the conveyor operating speed may similarly increase (in the absence of other changes). As such, the travel time associated with these conveyors may also change in response to a change in the conveyor operating speed or the conveyor length. The operating density for each conveyor may also dynamically change during operation of the system100. As containers are transported, based upon determined travel paths, the volume of containers on each conveyor or a set of conveyors may also change. Such a change in container volume, interactions with containers, or the like may result in an increase or decrease in operating density for associated conveyors and/or an associated set of conveyors. As such, as shown in operation510, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for modifying the first travel path in response to a change in one or more of the conveyor operating speed, the conveyor length, or the operating density. As described above, the computing device200may operate to iteratively determine the travel time associated with each conveyor in the conveyor network as well as the travel time associated with a set of conveyors that provide a unique travel path between the starting location and the destination location. In response to a change in the conveyor operating speed, the conveyor length, or the operating density for any conveyor, the computing device200may recalculate the travel time for each conveyor, aggregate the travel times for each set of conveyors, and modify the first travel path as the set of conveyors having the shortest total travel time. By way of example, the operating speed of a conveyor in the set of conveyors of the first travel path may slow such that another set of conveyors now comprises the shortest total travel time. The computing device may modify the first travel path to reflect this change and may cause the container to travel the modified first travel path, for example, by redirecting the container to the modified first travel path. In some embodiments, the modification of the first travel path of the first container may operate to affect the operating density of a travel path associated with other containers (e.g., a second container). As such, as shown in operation515, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for modifying a second travel path of a second container in response to modification of the first travel path of the first container. By way of example, redirection of the first container to the modified first travel path may increase the operating density of a conveyor in the set of conveyors associated with the second travel path (e.g., a travel path that minimizing the total travel time for a second container between a starting location and a destination location for the second container). As such, the computing device200may perform the operations ofFIG.3for the second container and determine a modified second travel path for the second container. As would be evident by the embodiments described herein, modification of one or more travel paths may also be iteratively performed in order to minimize the travel time for all containers supported by the conveyor network101. In some instances, this determination may operate to minimize the average transportation time for all containers as a whole (e.g., without minimizing the travel time of any particular container) such that throughput for the system100is maximized. FIG.6illustrates a flowchart containing a series of operations for node deliveries. The operations illustrated inFIG.6may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of an apparatus (e.g., computing device200), as described above. In this regard, performance of the operations may invoke one or more of processor202, memory204, input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, and/or travel circuitry210. As described above, each container within the conveyor network101may include one or more packages, items, etc. each of which may be associated with distinct destinations. In order to ensure proper delivery of all packages, the embodiments ofFIG.6may provide for node deliveries that modify travel paths to include particular nodes. As shown in operation605, for example, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for identifying a package supported by the container. By way of example, in some embodiments, the readable indicia of the container may indicate the contents of the container such that a scanning device that scans the readable indicia may determine the number of packages within the container as well as their associated destinations. In some instances, the destinations for the packages within the container are the same as the destination location of the container. In such an instance, modification to the first travel path of the first container to accommodate the destinations of the packages of the first container may be unnecessary. In other embodiments, as shown in operation610, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for determining a node associated with the package. As described above, a plurality of nodes103may be disposed within the conveyor network101and operate to allow interaction by operators (e.g., human or automated) with the containers supported by the conveyors. In an instance in which the destination of at least one package within the first container is different from the destination location for the first container, the computing device may determine a node associated with the package (e.g., a node that is or is proximate to the destination of the package). By way of example, a package within the first container may have a destination associated with a first node that is not along the first travel path of the first container. In response to the determination at operation620, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for modifying the first travel path to include the node at operation615. By way of continued example, the computing device may modify the first travel path of the first container to include the first node in order to allow the package within the container to reach its destination. Said differently, the computing device may operate to minimize the total travel time for the first container while also ensuring that the first travel path includes the first node. In some instances, as shown in operation615, the apparatus (e.g., container transportation system100and/or computing device200) includes means, such as input/output circuitry206, communications circuitry208, travel circuitry210, or the like, for identifying a package located at a node in the conveyor networking for transporting by the first container. In addition to removing packages from containers, the system100may also accommodate the addition of packages to the contents of containers along respective travel paths. For example, a package that is currently located at the first node may be scanned, identified by a camera, or the like and determined to have a destination that corresponds with the destination location of the first container. As such, the computing device may modify the first travel path, as shown in operation620described above, of the first container to include the first node in order to allow the package located at the first node to be transported by the first container to its destination. Said differently, the computing device may operate to minimize the total travel time for the first container while also ensuring that the first travel path includes the first node. As described above, various technical challenges are surmounted via technical solutions contemplated herein. For instance, example implementations of embodiments of the present invention may determine the conveyor length, operating speed, and operating density (e.g., container congestion) associated with each conveyor in a conveyor network and dynamically select a set of conveyors that minimizes the total travel time for a container between a starting and destination location. Unlike the rigidity provided by traditional systems, embodiments described herein may operate to identify changes in one or more of the operating speed, conveyor length, or operating density of any conveyor within the conveyor network and dynamically modify the travel path of each container in order to minimize travel time for all containers supported by the described system. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein may account for the contents of a particular container in order to ensure packages supported by each container are properly delivered to their respective locations. In doing so, such example implementations reliably increase the throughput of conveyor networks resulting in improved system efficiencies. FIGS.3-6thus illustrate flowcharts describing the operation of apparatuses, systems methods, and computer program products according to example embodiments contemplated herein. It will be understood that each flowchart block, and combinations of flowchart blocks, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and/or other devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the operations described above may be implemented by an apparatus executing computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions may be stored by a memory204of the computing device200and executed by a processor202of the computing device200. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. The flowchart blocks support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware with computer instructions. | 57,127 |
11858751 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1shows a simplified representation of a linear guiding device. A carrier2is provided. The treatment device, designated in its entirety as4, is movably arranged on this carrier. This is only shown schematically and can have further elements such as a container gripping device. The carrier2is linearly movable in relation to a holder42. The holder can be arranged on a main carrier (not shown) such as a transport star wheel. It is also possible that drives (not shown) such as electric motor drives are arranged on the carrier2and/or the holder42. The (in particular rod-shaped) carrier2moves with respect to the holder42in the direction of movement X, which is rectilinear. The carrier2here has two recesses22(only one visible), which are arranged on the sides of the carrier2and which also extend in the direction of movement X. The reference sign6indicates a rolling element cage which is arranged on the carrier2(movable in the direction X). This rolling element cage6has a connecting wall76and two side walls72,74. Two rows of rolling elements or balls62are arranged in each of the side walls72,74, which serve as bearings. The reference signs82and84refer to recesses in which the individual rolling elements or balls are arranged. The rolling elements cannot protrude completely outwards from the recesses, but as can be seen inFIG.2, they do protrude beyond them so that they can come into contact with the running surfaces of the holder42. It can be seen that the lower row of balls runs in the recess22, while the upper row of balls is arranged above the recess22. In this way, a hold of the rolling element cage on the carrier2is ensured. The running surfaces for the rolling elements are also formed on the carrier2areas. Corresponding running surfaces are also located on the inside of the holder42. FIG.2shows a sectional view of the guide device shown inFIG.1. It can be seen that here the two rows62and66of rolling elements run inside the recess22. The two further rows64and68run above the recess22so that a section of the profile is accommodated between the rows of rolling elements66and68or62and64. In this way, a secure hold of the carrier on the holder42is made possible. FIG.3shows an illustration of an application of embodiments of the present invention, i.e., an apparatus1for treating containers in the form of a pitch distribution star wheel1, which has a carrier rotatable about an axis of rotation (not shown) on which the treatment unit20shown inFIG.3is arranged, as well as other similar treatment units. The reference sign4indicates a treatment device in the form of a gripping clamp which is used to grip a container10(only shown schematically). This handling device4is pivotably arranged on the carrier2. A guide roller56is provided to effect this pivoting movement. The carrier is linearly movable with respect to the holder42, wherein a further guide roller52is provided for carrying out this movement, which is arranged on the carrier2. The holder42is pivotable together with the carrier2with respect to a pivot axis S, wherein this pivot axis is perpendicular to the direction of movement X (cf.FIG.1). This pivoting movement is effected by means of a pivot bearing56and a further guide roller. The above-mentioned guide rollers run with respect to (not shown) guide rails. Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of preferred embodiments and variations thereon, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements. | 3,801 |
11858752 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “upward”, “downward”, “above”, “below”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, and similar terms refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical terms referring to structures neither imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. The modular transfer units described herein can be utilized in a conveyor system which can have other conveying devices, such as belted conveyors and/or roller conveyors, which can convey packages as well as receptacles which can receive the conveyed packages at desired locations. The modular transfer units may be self-contained devices which beneficially allow the modular transfer unit to be selectively used in or removed from a conveyor system, or moved around a conveyor system on an as-needed basis. The modular transfer units may be stand-alone devices (e.g., self-supporting and/or not physically secured to other components of the conveyor system). The modular transfer units described herein can have a rectangular shape with four sides. This geometry which may allow the modular transfer unit to be more widely implemented in current commercial conveyor systems. However, it is to be understood that the modular transfer unit can have different shapes with a different number of sides (e.g., pentagon with five sides, hexagon with six sides, circular, etc.). The modular transfer units described herein can receive packages from other components of a conveyor system. In some embodiments, the modular transfer unit can allow the package to “pass through” the modular transfer unit such that the package is allowed to continue along its “primary flow path”. That is, the modular transfer unit conveys the package to a component of the conveyor system which is positioned opposite of the component from which the modular transfer unit received the package. This may occur with little to no change in direction for the package. In some embodiments, the modular transfer unit can divert the package from this “primary flow path”. That is, the modular transfer unit redirects the package to a component of the conveyor system which is not positioned opposite of the component from which the modular transfer unit received the package. This may occur with a significant change in direction for the package. For example, as will be shown in the embodiments below, this may cause a generally perpendicular (e.g., about 90 degree) shift in direction for the package; however, it is to be understood that lower degrees of shift (e.g., less than or equal to about: 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.) are contemplated. For purposes of this disclosure, the modular transfer units will be described as having a single infeed side, a single pass-through side, and one or more divert sides. This would be applicable in circumstances in which the modular transfer unit is utilized in a conveyor system which provides packages to the modular transfer unit at a single location. However, it is to be understood that the modular transfer unit can be utilized in conveyor systems having other configurations and which may provide packages to the modular transfer unit at multiple locations. In such circumstances, the modular transfer unit can have multiple infeed sides. Moreover, the pass-through sides may be a divert side or vice versa (depending on the specific location at which the modular transfer unit receives a package). While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Additionally, although particular embodiments may be disclosed or shown in the context of conveyor systems which convey packages, it is to be understood that the systems described herein can be utilized with any other types of items, goods or articles. As such, the terms packages, articles, goods, and items may be used interchangeably. For example, any component, structure, step, method, or material that is illustrated and/or described in one embodiments can be omitted or can be used with or instead of any component, structure, step, method, or material this is illustrated and/or described in another embodiment. Example Embodiments of a Modular Transfer Unit With reference toFIGS.1and2, a schematic of a modular transfer unit100is illustrated. With reference first toFIG.1, the modular transfer unit100can have an infeed side102at which the modular transfer unit100can receive one or more packages from a conveyor system. In some implementations, the modular transfer unit100can be attached to components of a conveyor system which deliver the packages to the infeed side102of the modular transfer unit100. The modular transfer unit100can allow packages to pass through the modular transfer unit100in a primary flow path (e.g., in a direction along the x-axis). The modular transfer unit100can have a pass-through side104at which the modular transfer unit100can discharge packages which are intended to be passed through the modular transfer unit100. In some implementations, the modular transfer unit100can be attached to components of a conveyor system which receive the packages discharged from the pass-through side104. The modular transfer unit100can redirect or divert packages from the primary flow path. The modular transfer unit100can have a first divert side106and/or a second divert side108at which the modular transfer unit100can discharge packages which are intended to be diverted by the modular transfer unit100. In some implementations, the first divert side106and/or the second divert side108of the modular transfer unit100can be attached to components of a conveyor system which receive the packages which have been diverted from the primary flow path of the conveyor system. The modular transfer unit100can include a first conveyance system110and a second conveyance system120. The first conveyance system110, which can be a primary flow system, can move packages along a direction of the primary flow path (e.g., in a direction along the x-axis). As shown, the primary flow system110can include a primary flow belt112(also called a main belt). The primary flow belt112can extend between the infeed side102and the pass-through side104of the modular transfer unit100. The primary flow system110can include a driver114, such as a motor, which can be directly coupled to the primary flow belt112or indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components, such as gears. The driver114can move the primary flow belt112in a direction from the infeed side102to the pass-through side104of the modular transfer unit100. In some embodiments, the driver114can move the primary flow belt112in a direction from the pass-through side104to the infeed side102of the modular transfer unit100. The driver114can be reversible or intermediate components between the driver114and the primary flow belt112can allow the driver114to drive the primary flow belt112in reverse. In some embodiments, the primary flow belt112can be a roller-top belt, such as, the 2253RT belt (available from System Plast S.r.l.). The primary flow belt can include any feature or combination of features that are the same, or similar to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,454, issued Apr. 4, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the primary flow belt112can have a length, measured from the infeed side102to the pass-through side104of between about 30″ to about 42″. The primary flow belt112can have a width, measured in the conveying plane and generally orthogonal to the length, of between about 16″ to about 34″. The driver114can be coupled to the primary flow belt112via a roller or other torque transmission feature. The primary flow belt112can comprise a plurality of interconnected modules, such as plastic belt modules comprising a body and a movable component. Modules that are adjacent to each other in the conveying direction can be hingedly connected, such as with a hinge pin. With continued reference toFIG.1, the second conveyance system120, which can be a divert system, can move packages in a direction which is non-parallel to the primary flow path of the conveyor system. For example, the divert system can move packages in a direction not parallel to the x-axis. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the diverter system120can move packages in a direction which is generally orthogonal to the primary flow path of the conveyor system (e.g., the diverter system120can move packages in a direction along the y-axis). The diverter system120can include a diverter belt122. The diverter belt122can extend from the first divert side106and/or the second divert side108of the modular transfer unit100. The diverter belt122can overlap at least partially with the primary flow belt112. The diverter system120can include a driver124, such as a motor, which can be directly coupled to the diverter belt122or indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components, such as gears. The driver124can move the diverter belt122in a direction from the second divert side108to the first divert side106of the modular transfer unit100. In some embodiments, the driver124can move the diverter belt122in a direction from the first divert side106to the second divert side108of the modular transfer unit100. The driver124can be reversible or intermediate components between the driver124and the diverter belt122can allow the driver124to drive the diverter belt122in reverse. In some embodiments, the diverter belt122comprises a non-modular belt, such as a fabric conveyor belt. In certain embodiments, the diverter belt122can be a Habasit NSW-5ELAV. In some variants, the diverter belt122comprises a plurality of interconnected modules, such as plastic belt modules. Modules that are adjacent each other in the conveying direction can be hingedly connected, such as with a hinge pin. The driver124can be coupled to the diverter belt122via a roller. In some implementations, the roller can be a 1.9″ diameter roller. With continued reference toFIG.1, the modular transfer unit100can include a frame130which can be used to support one or more components of the modular transfer unit100. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the frame130can support components of the primary flow system110and the diverter system120. As such, the modular transfer unit100can be a standalone, self-contained system capable of operating separately from a conveyor system. In some implementations, the housing130can be sized to fit between components of a conveyor system. This can beneficially allow the modular transfer unit100to be implemented on an as-needed basis in a conveyor system. In doing so, the modular transfer unit100can be swapped from one position in a conveyor system to another position in the conveyor system depending on the needs of the operator. In some implementations, the housing130can be sized to be retrofitted to existing conveyor systems. In some embodiments, the electronics of the modular transfer unit100can be run at low voltages. In some instances, this can allow the modular transfer unit100to be utilized without running electrical wires through a rigid conduit (e.g., electrical metallic tubing) thereby reducing overall complexity and costs for the modular transfer unit100. In some embodiments, the electronics of the modular transfer unit100are configured to operate at low voltages, such as at or below about 50V. In some embodiments, the electronics of the modular transfer unit100are configured to operate at voltages of approximately 24V or less. With reference next toFIG.2, a schematic of the primary flow belt112and the diverter belt122of the modular transfer unit100is illustrated. As shown, the primary flow belt112can be positioned above the diverter belt122with movable components116of the primary flow belt112contacting the diverter belt122. The movable components116can have one or more translational and/or rotational degrees of freedom. For example, the movable components116can be in the form of balls which provide three rotational degrees of freedom. As another example, the movable components116can be in the form of rollers which provide one degree of rotational freedom. The movable components116can move in response to movement of the primary flow belt112and/or the diverter belt122. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the movable components116can rotate about the x-axis (represented by arrow118) in response to translation of the diverter belt122in a direction along the y-axis (represented by arrow126). A package (not shown) positioned on the primary flow belt112and contacting the movable components116could thereby translate in a direction along the y-axis. This can allow the diverter belt122to redirect or divert packages in a direction which is generally orthogonal to the primary flow path. In several embodiments, when the movable components116pass over the diverter belt122, the movable components116are in continuous contact with the diverter belt122. In some implementations, the diverter belt122is vertically fixed relative to the primary flow belt112. For example, in some embodiments, the diverter belt122as a whole does not move up and down and/or into and out of engagement with the movable components116. In some embodiments, the diverter belt122is maintained in constant contact with and/or is continuously engaged with (e.g., abutted against) at least one of the movable components116, such as the protruding lower portion of at least one spherical ball. In certain embodiments, the primary flow belt112does not include one or more motors that rotate the movable components116relative to other of the movable components116and/or a base of the primary flow belt in which the movable components116are journaled. While the modular transfer unit100was described as having a single infeed side102, a single pass-through side104, and two divert sides106,108, it is to be understood that fewer or greater number of sides may be used (e.g., five or more sides). Moreover, it is to be understood that the modular transfer unit100can include two infeed sides and two discharge/divert sides. For example, the modular transfer unit100may receive packages at sides102,106. Packages received at side102may be discharged at side104or diverted to side108. Packages received at side106may be discharged at side108or diverted to side104. The modular aspect of the modular transfer unit100can beneficially allow the modular transfer unit100to be implemented in a wide variety of conveyance systems. With reference next toFIGS.3and4, an embodiment of a modular transfer unit200is illustrated. The modular transfer unit200can include components, features, and/or functionality which are the same or similar to those of other modular transfer units described herein, such as modular transfer unit100described above. With reference first toFIG.3, the modular transfer unit200can include a primary flow belt212. The primary flow belt212can comprise a modular conveyor belt, such as a belt made up hingedly-connected belt modules (e.g., links). The primary flow belt212can include multiple movable components216in the form of spherical balls. The primary flow belt212can be operated via one or more drivers, such as motorized rollers (not shown). Components of the modular transfer unit200can be supported by a frame230. This can allow the modular transfer unit200to be swapped in and out of a conveyor system on an as-needed basis. With reference next toFIG.4, the modular transfer unit200can include a diverter belt222positioned beneath the primary flow belt212. The diverter belt222can run in a direction different from that of the primary flow belt212. For example, the diverter belt222can run in a direction which is generally perpendicular to that of the primary flow belt212. With reference next toFIGS.5and6, an embodiment of a modular transfer unit300is illustrated. The modular transfer unit300can include components, features, and/or functionality which are the same or similar to those of other modular transfer units described herein, such as modular transfer units100,200described above. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular transfer unit300can have an infeed side302at which the modular transfer unit300can receive one or more packages (not shown) and a pass-through side304at which the modular transfer unit300can discharge these packages. Similar to the embodiments described above, the modular transfer unit300can redirect or divert packages away from the primary flow path from the infeed side302to the pass-through side304. For example, the modular transfer unit300can divert packages towards a first divert side306or a second divert side308of the modular transfer unit300. The modular transfer unit300can include a primary flow belt312having multiple movable components316in the form of balls. The primary flow belt312can be operated via one or more drivers, such as motorized rollers314. The modular transfer unit300can include a diverter belt322positioned beneath the primary flow belt312. The diverter belt322can run in a direction different from that of the primary flow belt312. For example, the diverter belt322can run in a direction which is generally perpendicular to that of the primary flow belt312. With continued reference toFIG.5, components of the modular transfer unit300can be supported by a frame330. This can allow the modular transfer unit300to be swapped in and out of a conveyor system on an as-needed basis. As shown, the frame330can include one or more interconnects332, such as the illustrated flanges. In some embodiments, the interconnects332can be sized to attach to other components of a conveyor system (not shown). Although three pairs of interconnects332are shown, it is to be understood that a single pair can be used. The spacing between the interconnects332can be chosen to allow the modular transfer unit300to be coupled with other components of a conveyor system, such as a belted or roller take-away. In some embodiments, the interconnects332do not attach to other components of the conveyor system. In certain implementations, the modular transfer unit300is a stand-alone unit (e.g., is self-supporting and/or not physically secured to other components of the conveyor system). The interconnects332may be removably coupled to the frame330and/or movable relative to the frame330. This can beneficially allow the frame330to be utilized with a variety of different components of a conveyor system. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the interconnects332are shown on a second divert side308of the modular transfer unit300such that a component of the conveyor system can be connected to the second divert side308. The first divert side306does not include any interconnects. In such a configuration, a sorting box may be positioned on the first divert side306of the modular transfer unit300. It is to be understood that such interconnects332can be used along any portion of the modular transfer unit300, such as the infeed side302, the pass-through side304, the first divert side306and/or second divert side308. With reference next toFIG.6, the modular transfer unit300is shown with additional components attached thereto. The frame330can include one or more guide members334, such as the illustrated L-shaped guides. The guide members334can beneficially ensure that packages traveling on the modular transfer unit300are properly aligned and positioned prior to transferring off of the modular transfer unit300. Although one pair of guide members334is shown, it is to be understood that multiple pairs can be used. The guide members334may be removably coupled to the frame330and/or movable relative to the frame330. This can beneficially allow the guide members334to be utilized with a variety of different packages and/or components of a conveyor system. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the guide members334are shown on a second divert side308of the modular transfer unit300. It is to be understood that such guide members334can be used along any portion of the modular transfer unit300, such as the infeed side302, the pass-through side304, the first divert side306, and/or the second divert side308. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the guide members334can be attached directly to the interconnects332; however, it is to be understood that the guide members334can be standalone members. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular transfer unit300can include one or more detection zones, such as the infeed detection zone342, pass-through detection zone344, and second divert detection zone348. In some embodiments, information pertaining to the detection zones can be relayed to a control system of the modular transfer unit300and/or a control system of other components of the conveyor system to which the modular transfer unit300is attached. This can allow the control system to control the operation of the modular transfer unit300based on the status of the packages on the modular transfer unit300. For example, the infeed detection zone342can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit300has received a package at the infeed side302of the modular transfer unit300. The pass-through detection zone344can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit300has discharged a package from the pass-through side304of the modular transfer unit300. The second divert detection zone348can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit300has diverted and discharged a package from the second divert zone308. A fewer or greater number of detection zones can be utilized. For example, the modular transfer unit300can include a first divert detection zone (not shown) which can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit300has diverted and discharged a package from the first divert side306. Additional detection zones may be utilized between the infeed side302, the pass-through side304, the first divert side306, and/or the second divert side308. This can beneficially enhance tracking and/or monitoring the status and/or location of the packages on the modular transfer unit300. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the detection zones are one-dimensional (e.g., linear) in the plane of the primary flow belt312(e.g., the x-y plane). In some embodiments, the detection zones can be formed by a photo-eye. However, it is to be understood that other types of sensors can be utilized, such as optical sensors, electromagnetic sensors, weight sensors, and other types of sensors. Moreover, although the detection zones of the illustrated embodiment are linear in the plane of the primary flow belt312, it is to be understood that the detection zones can be two-dimensional in the plane of the primary flow belt312and/or three-dimensional. In some embodiments, the modular transfer unit300can include an on-board controller or PLC (not shown) to which information pertaining to the detection zones342,344,348can be relayed. This can beneficially allow the modular transfer unit300to further operate as a stand-alone unit. In some implementations, the on-board controller or PLC can be connected to the conveyor system to which the modular transfer unit300is attached. This can allow the modular transfer unit300to receive instructions from the conveyor system about specific packages being conveyed. Such instructions may include whether to allow the package to pass through the modular transfer unit300or to be diverted from the primary flow path of the conveyor system. Example Embodiments of Conveyor System Configurations with a Modular Transfer Unit With reference toFIGS.7and8, a schematic of a conveyor system400with a modular transfer unit410is illustrated.FIG.7shows a package401being conveyed along the conveyor system400along a primary flow path (e.g., along the x-axis) prior to the package401being received by the modular transfer unit410.FIG.8shows the package401after being received by the modular transfer unit410prior to being diverted or passed through by the modular transfer unit410. The modular transfer unit410can include components, features, and/or functionality which are the same or similar to those of other modular transfer units described herein, such as modular transfer units100,200,300described above. With reference first toFIG.7, the conveyor system400can include an inflow component402which can be positioned at or proximate an inflow side412of the modular transfer unit410. The inflow component can be, for example, a belted or roller conveyor unit which can deliver the packages to the infeed side412of the modular transfer unit410. The conveyor system400can include an outflow component404which can be positioned at or proximate a pass-through side414of the modular transfer unit410. In some embodiments, the outflow component can be a belted or roller conveyor unit which can receive packages from the pass-through side414of the modular transfer unit410and convey such packages to another location (e.g., a belted or roller “take-away”). In some embodiments, the outflow component404can be a bin or other receptacle which can receive the package. The conveyor system400can include a first diverted component406and/or a second diverted component408which can be positioned at or proximate a first divert side416and/or second divert side418respectively of the modular transfer unit410. In some embodiments, the first diverted component406and/or second diverted component408can be a belted or roller conveyor unit which can receive packages from the first divert side416and/or second divert side418respectively and convey such packages to another location. In some embodiments, the first diverted component406and/or second diverted component408can be a bin or other receptacle which can receive the package. Although a gap is shown between components402,404,406,408of the conveyor system400and the modular transfer unit410, it is to be understood that the components can be positioned adjacent to and/or substantially flush with the modular transfer unit410. In instances where a gap between one or more of the components402,404,406,408of the conveyor system400and the modular transfer unit410exists, a device may be utilized to fill in the gap. For example, a plate may be positioned between one or more of the components402,404,406,408of the conveyor system400and the modular transfer unit410. As another example, a roller may be positioned between one or more of the components402,404,406,408of the conveyor system400and the modular transfer unit410. In some implementations, the roller may be unpowered (e.g., an idler roller); however, it is to be understood that the roller may be powered. This can allow the roller to advance the package between components of the conveyor system400and the modular transfer unit410. A powered roller can be beneficial in instances where a package may potentially remain stagnant in the gap between the component of the conveyor system400and the modular transfer unit410exists. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular transfer unit410can include one or more detection zones formed by one or more sensors. As shown, the modular transfer unit410includes an infeed sensor432which establishes an infeed detection zone442, a discharge sensor434which establishes a pass-through detection zone444, a first divert sensor436which establishes a first divert detection zone446, and/or a second divert sensor438which establishes a second divert detection zone448. In some embodiments, the sensors can communicate with a control system of the modular transfer unit410and/or a control system of other components of the conveyor system to which the modular transfer unit410is attached. This can allow such a control system to control the operation of the modular transfer unit410based on the status of the packages on the modular transfer unit410. With continued reference toFIG.7, the infeed detection zone442can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit410has received a package from the inflow component402of the conveyor system400. As such, when the package401is conveyed from inflow component402of the conveyor system400to the modular transfer unit410, as shown by the transition betweenFIG.7andFIG.8, the modular transfer unit410can proceed with passing the package401through the modular transfer unit410to the outflow component404of the conveyor system400or diverting the package401to either the first diverted component406or the second diverted component408of the conveyor system400. With reference toFIG.8, diversion of the package may occur at a “divert zone”450, which is a position at which the package may be diverted and received by component406and/or component408of the conveyor system400. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the components406,408of the conveyor system are arranged such that the modular transfer unit410can have a single divert zone450; however, it is to be understood that the modular transfer unit410can have multiple divert zones. For example, multiple components (e.g., belted or roller “take-aways”) may be positioned along one or both divert sides416,418. As another example, the positioning of components406,408may only be partially aligned, or not aligned at all, such that each form separate divert zones. The pass-through detection zone444can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit410has passed a package401through the modular transfer unit410and to the outflow component404of the conveyor system400. The first divert detection zone446can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit410has diverted a package401to the first diverted component406of the conveyor system400. The second divert detection zone448can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit410has diverted a package401to the second diverted component408of the conveyor system400. A fewer or greater number of detection zones can be utilized. For example, additional detection zones may be utilized between the infeed side402, the pass-through side404, the first divert side406, and/or the second divert side408. This can beneficially enhance monitoring the status/location of the packages on the modular transfer unit410. Although the detection zones442,444,446,448are positioned between the components402,404,406,408of the conveyor system400and the modular transfer unit410, it is to be understood that one or more of these detection zones can be positioned along the modular transfer unit410(as shown, for example, in the embodiment of modular transfer unit300described in connection withFIG.6). It is also to be understood that one or more of these detection zones can be positioned along components of the conveyor system400. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the detection zones are one-dimensional (e.g., linear) in the plane of the conveyor system400(e.g., the x-y plane). In some embodiments, the detection zones can be formed by a photo-eye. However, it is to be understood that other types of sensors can be utilized, such as optical sensors, electromagnetic sensors, weight sensors, and other types of sensors. Moreover, although the detection zones of the illustrated embodiment are linear in the plane of the conveyor system400, it is to be understood that the detection zones can be two-dimensional in the plane of the conveyor system400and/or three-dimensional. With reference next toFIG.9, a schematic of a conveyor system500with multiple modular transfer units520,522is illustrated. Modular transfer units520,522can include components, features, and/or functionality which are the same or similar to those of other modular transfer units described herein, such as modular transfer units100,200,300,410described above. The conveyor system500can include multiple components which are positioned at or proximate the modular transfer units520,522. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor system500can include conveyors510,512,514having belts510a,512a,514aand conveyors516,518having rollers516a,518a. In some embodiments, the belts510a,512a,514aand/or rollers516a,518acan be powered to convey packages across the conveyors510,512,514,516,518. However, it is to be understood that one or more of these components can be passive or unpowered. For example, the conveyors516,518may be oriented with a downward slope such that packages can pass therethrough via gravity. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor510can be an inflow component positioned at or proximate an infeed side of the modular transfer unit520. The conveyor510can deliver packages to the infeed side of the modular transfer unit520. The conveyors512,514can be first and second diverted components respectively which are positioned at or proximate a first and second divert side of the modular transfer unit520. The conveyors512,514can divert packages to other locations of the conveyor system500. The conveyor516can be an outflow component with respect to the modular transfer unit520and positioned at or proximate a pass-through side of the modular transfer unit520. The conveyor516can be an inflow component with respect to the modular transfer unit522and positioned at or proximate an infeed side of the modular transfer unit522. The conveyor516can deliver packages which are passed through the modular transfer unit520to the modular transfer unit522. The conveyor518can be a diverted component which is positioned at or proximate a divert side of the modular transfer unit522. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, in some implementations the conveyor system500may not have a corresponding outflow component for the modular transfer unit522or an additional diverted component. However, it is to be understood that such components may be added. With reference toFIG.10, a schematic of a conveyor system600with multiple modular transfer units620,622,624,626is illustrated. The modular transfer units620,622,624,626can include components, features, and/or functionality which are the same or similar to those of other modular transfer units described herein, such as modular transfer units100,200,300,410,520,522described above. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor system600can include conveyors610,612arranged sequentially. Conveyor612can be an inflow component positioned at or proximate an infeed side of the modular transfer unit620. Component612can deliver packages, such as packages602,604,606,608, to the infeed side of the modular transfer unit620. As shown, the modular transfer units620,622,624,626are arranged sequentially which can beneficially function as a compact sortation array. A package can sequentially pass through one or more of the modular transfer units620,622,624,626. At each modular transfer unit, a determination can be made by the modular transfer unit or the conveyor system600as to whether the package should be diverted into one of the bins, such as bins630,632,634,636,638,640,642,644,646, adjacent to that modular transfer unit or whether the package should be passed through to the next modular transfer unit. Due to the modular nature of the modular transfer units620,622,624,626, this sortation array can be modified on-the-fly. For example, one or more modular transfer units can be added in the event that additional sortation is desired or one or more of the existing modular transfer units620,622,624,626can be removed if less sortation is desired. While bins are shown inFIG.10, it is to be understood that other components, such as belted or roller conveyors, can be utilized in lieu of one or more of the bins. Example Methods of Transferring a Package Referring now toFIG.11, a flowchart of an embodiment of a method700for transferring a package using a modular transfer system, such as modular transfer systems100,200,300,410,520,522,620,622,624,626, is shown. In some embodiments, the system and method700is a stand-alone modular transfer unit, such as modular transfer units100,200,300,410,520,522,620,622,624,626described above. For example, the method700can be implemented on a modular transfer unit without connecting the modular transfer unit to a conveyor system, such as conveyor systems400,500,600described above. In other embodiments, the method700can be implemented by a conveyor system. In some embodiments, the method700can be implemented by the modular transfer unit in conjunction with the conveyor system to which the modular transfer unit is attached. For purposes of the disclosure below, reference may be made to components of the conveyor system400and the modular transfer units100and410described above in connection withFIGS.1,2,7, and8. However, it is to be understood that this method can be implemented in any of the conveyor systems and/or modular transfer units described herein. Moreover, it is to be understood that in some embodiments, the method700may instead be performed by the modular transfer unit separately from the conveyor system. The method700can start at block710where a modular transfer unit, such as modular transfer unit410, detects a package at an infeed side of the modular transfer unit. The modular transfer unit can perform this process via receiving a signal from a sensor, such as infeed sensor432, indicating the existence of a package within a detection zone, such as infeed detection zone442, positioned at or proximate an infeed side of the modular transfer unit. For example, the system can transmit electrical signals to and from the infeed sensor via an interface which can be coupled, physically or wirelessly, to a controller or PLC of the modular transfer unit. The method700can then move to block720where the modular transfer unit moves the package along a conveyance direction. In some embodiments, the conveyance direction can be along the primary flow path for the package. For example, with reference to the modular transfer unit100described in connection withFIGS.1and2, the modular transfer unit100can moved the package in a direction along the primary flow path (e.g., along the direction of the x-axis) by operating the primary flow belt112. However, it is to be understood that the modular transfer unit can operate other belts depending on the specific side at which the package is received. This may be implemented, for example, in instances where two or more sides of the modular transfer unit are “infeed” sides. The method700can then move to block730where a determination is made as to whether or not the package is at a divert zone, such as divert zone450discussed in connection withFIG.8. Should a determination be made that the package is not yet at the divert zone, the method700can move back to block720and further move the package in the conveyance direction. Should a determination be made that the package is at the divert zone, the method700can move to block720and further move the package in the conveyance direction. In some embodiments, this determination can be made based on the amount of time which has elapsed after detection of the package at the infeed side of the modular transfer unit at block710. For example, after detecting the package at infeed detection zone442, a timer can commence when the package is being conveyed at block720. Upon running the motor for a certain period of time, which may be pre-set from the factory or programmed by the operator, the modular transfer unit can assume that the package is now at the divert zone. In some implementations, the timer can begin after the package is no longer detected at the infeed detection zone which can signify that a trailing edge of the package has passed through the infeed detection zone. This can be beneficial in ensuring that the trailing edge is accounted for prior to being diverted. In some implementations, the timer can begin after the package is first detected at the infeed detection zone which can signify that a leading edge of the package has passed through the infeed detection zone. In some implementations, the timer can account for the amount of time which has passed between the package being detected and the package no longer being detected. In so doing, the timer can account for the size of the package. This can beneficially center the package along the divert zone. In some embodiments, this determination can be made based on the operation of a driver, such as a motorized roller, after detection of the package at the infeed side of the modular transfer unit at block710. For example, after detecting the package at infeed detection zone442, the system can determine the amount of distance traveled by the primary flow belt based on operational parameters of the motorized roller (e.g., rotational speed or velocity). In some embodiments, the driver may be a pulse-width modulated (“PWM”) motor and the system can determine operational parameters based on the amount of “pulses” sent to the PWM motor. Upon reaching a certain operational amount, which may be pre-set from the factory or programmed by the operator, the modular transfer unit can assume that the package is now at the divert zone. In some implementations, the system can monitor operation of the driver after the package is no longer detected at the infeed detection zone which can signify that a trailing edge of the package has passed through the infeed detection zone. This can be beneficial in ensuring that the trailing edge is accounted for prior to being diverted. In some implementations, the system can monitor operation of the driver after the package is first detected at the infeed detection zone which can signify that a leading edge of the package has passed through the infeed detection zone. In some implementations, the system can take into account the size of the package. For example, the system can monitor the operation of the monitor at the time the package is first detected at the infeed detection zone until the package is no longer detected by the infeed detection zone. In so doing, the timer can account for the size of the package. This can beneficially center the package along the divert zone. With continued reference toFIG.11, the method700can then move to block740where a determination is made as to whether the package is to be diverted or is intended to be “passed through” or conveyed along the primary flow path. In some embodiments, a signal can be provided to the system providing information with respect to the package. This signal can be generated based on an indicator on the package including, but not limited to, electromagnetic devices such as NFC and RFID and/or printed codes such as a barcode or QR code. In some embodiments, this signal can be generated by user input. In some embodiments, the system can include two or more divert sides. In such embodiments, the signal providing information regarding whether to divert or pass through the package can further include information regarding the specific direction to divert the package. If the package is to be diverted, the method700can move to block750aand move the package in the divert direction. In some embodiments, the divert direction can be in a direction different from the primary flow path for the package. For example, with reference to the modular transfer unit100described in connection withFIGS.1and2, the modular transfer unit100can moved the package in a direction along the primary flow path (e.g., along the direction of the y-axis) by operating the diverter belt122. However, it is to be understood that the modular transfer unit can operate other belts depending on the specific side at which the package is received. This may be implemented, for example, in instances where two or more sides of the modular transfer unit are “divert” sides. In some embodiments, other belts of the system can be disabled as the package is diverted. This can be beneficial in instances where the primary flow belt and diverter belt, such as primary flow belt112and diverter belt122, are oriented generally perpendicular relative to each other and a 90-degree transfer is desired. If the package is not to be diverted, the method700can move to block750band move the package in the conveyance direction to be “passed through” the system. In some embodiments, the conveyance direction can be along the primary flow path for the package. For example, with reference to the modular transfer unit100described in connection withFIGS.1and2, the modular transfer unit100can move the package in a direction along the primary flow path (e.g., along the direction of the x-axis) by operating the primary flow belt112. However, it is to be understood that the modular transfer unit can operate other belts depending on the specific side at which the package is received. This may be implemented, for example, in instances where two or more sides of the modular transfer unit are “infeed” sides. With continued reference toFIG.11, in the event that the method700moved to block750a, the method700can move to block760awhere a determination is made as to whether or not the package has been diverted and discharged from the system. Should a determination be made that the package has not yet been diverted and discharged, the method700can move back to block750aand further move the package in the divert direction. Should a determination be made that the package has been diverted and discharged, the method700can move to block770where the method can end. The modular transfer unit can perform this process via receiving a signal from a sensor, such as first and/or second divert sensors436,438, indicating the existence of a package within a detection zone, such as first and/or second divert zones446,448positioned at or proximate divert sides of the system. For example, the system can transmit electrical signals to and from the divert sensor via an interface which can be coupled, physically or wirelessly, to a controller or PLC of the modular transfer unit. In some embodiments, this determination can be made after the package is no longer detected at the divert detection zone which can signify that a trailing edge of the package has passed through the divert detection zone. In some embodiments, this determination can be made based on the amount of time which has elapsed after the divert operation commenced. For example, after running the diverter belt, a timer can commence when the package is being diverted. Upon running the motor for a certain period of time, which may be pre-set from the factory or programmed by the operator, the system can assume that the package has been discharged from the divert zone. In some embodiments, this determination can be made based on the operation of a driver, such as a motorized roller, after the divert operation commenced. For example, after the divert operation commenced, the system can determine the amount of distance traveled by the primary flow belt based on operational parameters of the motorized roller (e.g., rotational speed or velocity). In some embodiments, the driver may be a pulse-width modulated (“PWM”) motor and the system can determine operational parameters based on the amount of “pulses” sent to the PWM motor. Upon reaching a certain operational amount, which may be pre-set from the factory or programmed by the operator, the system can assume that the package has been discharged from the divert zone. With continued reference toFIG.11, in the event that the method700moved to block750b, the method can move to block760bwhere a determination is made as to whether or not the package has been passed through and discharged from the system. Should a determination be made that the package has not yet been passed through and discharged, the method700can move back to block750band further move the package in the conveyance direction. Should a determination be made that the package has been passed through and discharged, the method700can move to block770where the method can end. The modular transfer unit can perform this process via receiving a signal from a sensor, such as discharge sensor434, indicating the existence of a package within a detection zone, such as discharge zone444positioned at or proximate a pass-through side of the system. For example, the system can transmit electrical signals to and from the divert sensor via an interface which can be coupled, physically or wirelessly, to a controller or PLC of the modular transfer unit. In some embodiments, this determination can be made after the package is no longer detected at the discharge zone which can signify that a trailing edge of the package has passed through the discharge zone. In some embodiments, this determination can be made based on the amount of time which has elapsed after the pass through operation commenced. For example, after running the primary flow belt, a timer can commence when the package is being passed through. Upon running the motor for a certain period of time, which may be pre-set from the factory or programmed by the operator, the system can assume that the package has been passed through and discharged from the discharge zone. In some embodiments, this determination can be made based on the operation of a driver, such as a motorized roller, after the pass through operation commenced. For example, after the pass through operation commenced, the system can determine the amount of distance traveled by the primary flow belt based on operational parameters of the motorized roller (e.g., rotational speed or velocity). In some embodiments, the driver may be a pulse-width modulated (“PWM”) motor and the system can determine operational parameters based on the amount of “pulses” sent to the PWM motor. Upon reaching a certain operational amount, which may be pre-set from the factory or programmed by the operator, the system can assume that the package has been discharged from the discharge zone. In some embodiments, the system can be operated such that the method is performed fully for a package prior to performing the method for a subsequent package. In some embodiments, the system can be operated such that the method is performed partially for a package prior to performing the method for a subsequent package. For example, the system may be implementing block750bon a first package and implementing block720on a second package. It is to be understood that the steps of method700can be interchanged or repeated. For example, in embodiments where more than a single divert zone is present, step740may return to step720if a determination is made not to divert the package at a divert zone. This repetition may occur until the package has either been diverted or has reached the final divert zone. Moreover, it is to be understood that one or more of the steps of method700can be omitted. For example, in some embodiments, the method700can omit any of steps760a,760b. Example Embodiments of a Multi-Zone Modular Transfer Unit With reference toFIG.12, a schematic of a modular transfer unit800is illustrated. The modular transfer unit800can include components, features, and/or functionality which are the same or similar to those of other modular transfer units described herein, such as modular transfer units100,200,300,410,520,522,620,622,624,626described above. The modular transfer unit800can have an infeed side802at which the modular transfer unit800can receive one or more packages from a conveyor system. The modular transfer unit800can allow packages to pass through the modular transfer unit800in a primary flow path (e.g., in a direction along the x-axis). The modular transfer unit800can have a pass-through side804at which the modular transfer unit800can discharge packages which are intended to be passed through the modular transfer unit800. The modular transfer unit800can redirect or divert packages from the primary flow path. The modular transfer unit800can have a first divert side806and/or a second divert side808at which the modular transfer unit800can discharge packages which are intended to be diverted by the modular transfer unit800. The modular transfer unit800can include a first conveyance system810and a second conveyance system820. The first conveyance system810, which can be a primary flow system, can move packages along a direction of the primary flow path (e.g., in a direction along the x-axis). As shown, the primary flow system810can include a primary flow belt812which extends between the infeed side802and the pass-through side804of the modular transfer unit800. The primary flow system810can include a driver814, such as a motor, which can be directly coupled to the primary flow belt812or indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components, such as gears. The driver814can move the primary flow belt812in a direction from the infeed side802to the pass-through side804of the modular transfer unit800. In some embodiments, the driver814can move the primary flow belt812in a direction from the pass-through side804to the infeed side802of the modular transfer unit800. The driver814can be reversible or intermediate components between the driver814and the primary flow belt812can allow the driver814to drive the primary flow belt812in reverse. With continued reference toFIG.12, the second conveyance system820, which can be a divert system, can move packages in a direction which is non-parallel to the primary flow path of the conveyor system (e.g., in a direction not parallel to the x-axis). As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the diverter system820can move packages in a direction which is generally orthogonal to the primary flow path of the conveyor system (e.g., the diverter system820can move packages in a direction along the y-axis). The diverter system820can include a first diverter belt822aand a second diverter belt822bwhich each extend from the first divert side806and/or the second divert side808of the modular transfer unit800and/or overlaps at least partially with the primary flow belt812. The diverter system820can include a first driver824aand a second driver824b, such as motors, which can be directly coupled to the diverter belts822a,822bor indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components, such as gears. The drivers824a,824bcan move the diverter belts822a,822bin a direction from the second divert side808to the first divert side806of the modular transfer unit800. In some embodiments, the drivers824a,824bcan move the diverter belts822a,822bin a direction from the first divert side806to the second divert side808of the modular transfer unit800. The driver824can be reversible or intermediate components between the drivers824a,824band the diverter belts822a,822bcan allow the drivers824a,824bto drive the diverter belts822a,822bin reverse. The modular transfer unit800can include a frame830which can be used to support one or more components of the modular transfer unit800. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the frame830can support components of the primary flow system810and the diverter system820. As such, the modular transfer unit800can be a standalone, self-contained system capable of operating separately from a conveyor system. In some implementations, the housing830can be sized to fit between components of a conveyor system. This can beneficially allow the modular transfer unit800to be implemented on an as-needed basis in a conveyor system. In so doing, the modular transfer unit800to be swapped from one position in a conveyor system to another position in the conveyor system depending on the needs of the operator. In some implementations, the housing830can be sized to be retrofitted to existing conveyor systems. In some embodiments, the electronics of the modular transfer unit800can be run at low voltages. In some instances, this can allow the modular transfer unit800to be utilized without running electrical wires through a conduit thereby reducing overall complexity and costs for the modular transfer unit800. In some embodiments, the electronics of the modular transfer unit800can be run at low voltages, such as at or below about 50V. In some embodiments, the electronics of the modular transfer unit100are configured to operate at voltages of approximately 24V or less. With reference next toFIG.13, an embodiment of a modular transfer unit900is illustrated in a partial cut-away view. The modular transfer unit900can include components, features, and/or functionality which are the same or similar to those of other modular transfer units described herein, such as modular transfer units100,200,300,410,520,522,620,622,624,626,800described above. The modular transfer unit900can have an infeed side902at which the modular transfer unit900can receive one or more packages from a conveyor system. The modular transfer unit900can allow packages to pass through the modular transfer unit900in a primary flow path (e.g., in a direction along the x-axis). The modular transfer unit900can have a pass-through side904at which the modular transfer unit900can discharge packages which are intended to be passed through the modular transfer unit900. The modular transfer unit900can redirect or divert packages from the primary flow path. The modular transfer unit900can have a first divert side906and/or a second divert side908at which the modular transfer unit900can discharge packages which are intended to be diverted by the modular transfer unit900. The modular transfer unit900can include a first conveyance system910and a second conveyance system920. The first conveyance system910, which can be a primary flow system, can move packages along a direction of the primary flow path (e.g., in a direction along the x-axis). As shown, the primary flow system910can include a primary flow belt912which extends between the infeed side902and the pass-through side904of the modular transfer unit900. The primary flow belt912can include one or more movable components116which can have one or more translational and/or rotational degrees of freedom. For example, the movable components916can be in the form of balls which provide three rotational degrees of freedom. As another example, the movable components916can be in the form of rollers which provide one degree of rotational freedom. The primary flow system910can include a driver914, such as a motorized roller, which can be directly coupled to the primary flow belt912or indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components, such as gears. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the driver914can include coupling features918, such as sprockets, which can directly engage the primary flow belt912. The driver914can include multiple sprockets which can reduce the force applied by each sprocket on the primary flow belt912as the driver914is operated. The spacing between the sprockets can be chosen to allow movable components916to freely pass over the driver914. For example, the movable components916can pass through the spaces between the sprockets. It is to be understood that the driver914can have other geometries appropriate for the structure of the primary flow belt912. The driver914can move the primary flow belt912in a direction from the infeed side902to the pass-through side904of the modular transfer unit900. In some embodiments, the driver914can move the primary flow belt912in a direction from the pass-through side904to the infeed side902of the modular transfer unit900. The driver914can be reversible or intermediate components between the driver914and the primary flow belt912can allow the driver914to drive the primary flow belt912in reverse. With continued reference toFIG.13, the second conveyance system920, which can be a divert system, can move packages in a direction which is non-parallel to the primary flow path of the conveyor system (e.g., in a direction not parallel to the x-axis). As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the diverter system920can move packages in a direction which is generally orthogonal to the primary flow path of the conveyor system (e.g., the diverter system920can move packages in a direction along the y-axis). The diverter system920can include a first diverter belt922aand a second diverter belt922bwhich extend from the first divert side906and/or the second divert side908of the modular transfer unit900and/or overlaps at least partially with the primary flow belt912. The diverter system920can include a first driver924aand a second driver924b, such as motorized rollers, which can be directly coupled to the diverter belts922a,922bor indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components, such as gears. The drivers924a,924bcan move the diverter belts922a,922bin a direction from the second divert side908to the first divert side906of the modular transfer unit900. In some embodiments, the drivers924a,924bcan move the diverter belts922a,922bin a direction from the first divert side906to the second divert side908of the modular transfer unit900. The driver924can be reversible or intermediate components between the drivers924a,924band the diverter belts922a,922bcan allow the drivers924a,924bto drive the diverter belts922a,922bin reverse. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular transfer unit900can include a support930extending between an edge of the primary flow belt912. This support930can include movable components, similar to the movable components916of the primary flow belt912. In some embodiments, this support930can be an idle or powered roller. The support930can extend between a gap that exists between the primary flow belt912and another component of the conveyor system positioned at or proximate the first divert side906of the modular transfer unit900. With continued reference toFIG.13, the modular transfer unit900can include one or more detection zones formed by one or more sensors. As shown, the modular transfer unit includes an infeed sensor932which establishes an infeed detection zone942, a discharge sensor934which establishes a pass-through detection zone944, a first divert sensor936which establishes a first divert detection zone946, and/or a second divert sensor938which establishes a second divert detection zone948. In some embodiments, the sensors can communicate with a control system of the modular transfer unit900and/or a control system of other components of a conveyor system to which the modular transfer unit900is attached. This can allow such a control system to control the operation of the modular transfer unit900based on the status of the packages on the modular transfer unit900. The infeed detection zone942can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit900has received a package from an inflow component of the conveyor system. The pass-through detection zone944can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit900has passed a package through the modular transfer unit900and to the outflow component of a conveyor system. The first divert detection zone946can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit900has diverted a package to a first diverted component of the conveyor system. The second divert detection zone948can provide an indication that the modular transfer unit900has diverted a package to a second diverted component of the conveyor system900. A fewer or greater number of detection zones can be utilized. For example, additional detection zones may be utilized between the infeed side902, the pass-through side904, the first divert side906, and/or the second divert side908. This can beneficially enhance monitoring the status/location of the packages on the modular transfer unit900. The modular transfer unit900can include a frame950which can be used to support one or more components of the modular transfer unit900. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the frame950can support components of the primary flow system910, the diverter system920, the support930, and/or sensors932,934,936,938. As such, the modular transfer unit900can be a standalone, self-contained system capable of operating separately from a conveyor system. In some implementations, the housing950can be sized to fit between components of a conveyor system. This can beneficially allow the modular transfer unit900to be implemented on an as-needed basis in a conveyor system. In so doing, the modular transfer unit900to be swapped from one position in a conveyor system to another position in the conveyor system depending on the needs of the operator. In some implementations, the housing950can be sized to be retrofitted to existing conveyor systems. Embodiments of Conveyor System Configurations with Multi-Zone Modular Transfer Unit With reference toFIGS.14and15, a schematic of a conveyor system1000with a modular transfer unit1010is illustrated.FIG.14shows packages1001a,1001bafter being received by the modular transfer unit1010prior to being diverted or passed through by the modular transfer unit1010.FIG.15shows a package1001aafter being received by the modular transfer unit1010positioned between two divert zones. The modular transfer unit1010can include components, features, and/or functionality which are the same or similar to those of other modular transfer units described herein, such as modular transfer units100,200,300,410,520,522,620,622,624,626,800described above. For example, although not shown inFIG.14, it is to be understood that system1000can include one or more detection zones, such as an infeed detection zone, a pass-through detection zone, and one or more divert detection zones, can be formed by one or more sensors. With reference first toFIG.14, the conveyor system1000can include an inflow component1002which can be positioned at or proximate an inflow side of the modular transfer unit1010. The inflow component can be, for example, a belted or roller conveyor unit which can deliver the packages to the infeed side of the modular transfer unit1010. The conveyor system1000can include an outflow component1004which can be positioned at or proximate a pass-through side of the modular transfer unit1010. In some embodiments, the outflow component can be a belted or roller conveyor unit which can receive packages from the pass-through side of the modular transfer unit1010and convey such packages to another location (e.g., a belted or roller “take-away”). In some embodiments, the outflow component1004can be a bin or other receptacle which can receive the package. The conveyor system1000can include a one or more diverted components1006a,1006b,1008a,1008bwhich can be positioned at or proximate a first divert side and/or second divert side respectively of the modular transfer unit1010. In some embodiments, the first diverted components1006a,1006band/or second diverted components1008a,1008bcan be a belted or roller conveyor unit which can receive packages from the first divert side and/or second divert side respectively and convey such packages to another location. In some embodiments, the first diverted components1006a,1006band/or second diverted components1008a,1008bcan be a bin or other receptacle which can receive the package. Although a gap is shown between components1002,1004,1006a,1006b,1008a,1008bof the conveyor system1000and the modular transfer unit1010, it is to be understood that the components can be positioned adjacent to and/or substantially flush with the modular transfer unit1010. In instances where a gap between one or more of the components1002,1004,1006a,1006b,1008a,1008bof the conveyor system1000and the modular transfer unit1010exists, a device may be utilized to fill in the gap. For example, a support, such as support930described above in connection withFIG.13, may be positioned between one or more of the components1002,1004,1006a,1006b,1008a,1008bof the conveyor system1000and the modular transfer unit1010. As shown, packages1008a,1008bare positioned at one or more “divert zones”1050a,1050b, a position at which the package may be diverted and received by components1006a,1006b1008a, and/or1008bof the conveyor system1000. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, components1006a,1006b,1008a,1008bof the conveyor system1000are arranged such that the modular transfer unit1010can have a single divert zone1050afor components1006a,1008aand a second divert zone1050bfor components1006b,1008b. These divert zones1050a,1050bcan correspond to the location of separate diverter belts, such as diverter belts922a,922bdiscussed in connection withFIG.13. In this manner, the modular transfer unit1010can divert one or both packages1001a,1001bseparately in different directions. For example, the modular transfer unit1010can implement the method700described in connection withFIG.11. However, it is to be understood that the modular transfer unit1010can have multiple divert zones. For example, multiple components (e.g., belted or roller “take-aways”) may be positioned along one or both divert sides. As another example, the positioning of components1006a,1006b,1008a,1008bmay only be partially aligned, or not aligned at all, such that each form separate divert zones. With reference next toFIG.15, the package1001ais illustrated between divert zones1050a,1050b. As shown, in this position the package1001acan be translated in the primary flow path (e.g., in a direction along the x-axis) and/or translated in the divert path (e.g., in a direction along the y-axis) in a similar fashion to that described above. In some embodiments, the package1001acan be rotated while in this position via a velocity differential between the divert zones1050a,1050bare operated. For example, the package1001acan be rotated counter-clockwise along the z-axis by having the second divert zone1050boperate to move the package1001atowards components1008a,1008b(e.g., in a “negative” direction along the y-axis) while having the first divert zone1050aoperate to move the package towards components1006a,1006b(e.g., in a “positive” direction along the y-axis). Rotation in the counter-clockwise direction can be achieved by reversing operation of the divert zones1050a,1050b. Examples of Simultaneous Diversion and Rotation with a Multi-Zone Modular Transfer Unit With reference toFIG.16, a schematic of a modular transfer unit1100is illustrated with a package1001shown in various phases of transfer along the modular transfer unit1100. The modular transfer unit1010can include components, features, and/or functionality which are the same or similar to those of other modular transfer units described herein, such as modular transfer units100,200,300,410,520,522,620,622,624,626,800,900described above. As shown, the package1101passes through multiple “divert zones”1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e. The divert zones1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e,1100fcan correspond to the location of separate diverter belts, such as diverter belts922a,922b, etc., such as is discussed in connection withFIG.13. In various embodiments, the diverter belts, and thus the divert zones, can be operated at different velocities and/or directions. For example, a first diverter belt can be driven toward a first lateral side of the primary flow belt (e.g., to the left in the direction of travel of the primary flow belt) and a second diverter belt can be driven toward a second lateral side of the primary flow belt (e.g., to the right in the direction of travel of the primary flow belt). In some embodiments, the second diverter belt can be longitudinally adjacent to the first belt. In some embodiments, one or more additional diverter belts are positioned longitudinally between the first and second diverter belts. As illustrated, in several embodiments, the divert zones extend from one lateral side of the primary flow belt to the other lateral side of the primary flow belt. In various embodiments, in the direction of travel of the primary flow belt the divert zones extend across multiple of the movable components, such as at least 5, 10, 15 or more of the movable components. In several embodiments, each of the diverter belts, and thus the divert zones, can be operated independent of the other diverter belts. For example, the diverter belt1110acan be operated at a first velocity, the diverter belt1110bcan be operated at a second velocity, the diverter belt1110ccan be operated at a third velocity, etc. In various embodiments, the divert zones1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e,1100fcan operate at different velocities. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the operational velocities of the divert zones1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e,1100fcan be chosen such that the package1101is simultaneously translated and rotated as the package1101passes through the modular transfer unit1100. In some embodiments, a belt can operate to move the package1101in the primary flow direction (e.g., along the x-axis). Each of the divert zones1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e,1100fcan operate to move the package1001ain the same divert direction (e.g., along the y-axis) with each of the divert zones1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e,1100fhaving progressively higher speeds of operation. As such, as the package1101is simultaneously moved in the primary flow direction (e.g., along the x-axis), in the divert direction (e.g., along the y-axis), and rotated clockwise about the z-axis. In some implementations, in the direction of travel of the primary flow belt, the velocities of the diverter belts increases. For example, the diverter belt1110acan be operated at a first velocity, the diverter belt1110bcan be operated at a second velocity that is greater than the first velocity, the diverter belt1110ccan be operated at a third velocity that is greater than the second velocity, etc. In certain implementations, the difference in velocity between adjacent diverter belts is less than or equal to about 20%. For example, if diverter belt1110ais operating a velocity X, the maximum velocity of diverter belt1110bis 1.2X. In certain implementations, the difference in velocity between adjacent diverter belts is less than or equal to about 50%. Although each of the divert zones1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e,1100fare shown operating in the same direction with different speeds, it is to be understood that one or more of the divert zones1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e,1100fcan operate in different directions and/or at the same speed. This can allow the package1101to be rotated in different directions and/or discharged at different locations. In some embodiments, the speeds of the divert zones1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e,1100fcan be chosen based on the positioning of the package1101prior to being received by the modular transfer unit1100. For example, if the package1101is received closer to the side at which the package1101is to be discharged, the speeds of one or more of the divert zones1110a,1110b,1110c,1110d,1110e,1100fmay be slowed or may be reversed to ensure that the package is discharged at the desired location and rotated to the desired amount. Example Embodiments of Drivers With reference toFIGS.17and18, an embodiment of a drive roller or driver1200is illustrated. The driver1200can be used to drive a belt of a modular transfer unit, such as those described herein. In some embodiments, the driver1200is used to drive the primary belt112. In some embodiments, the driver1200is used to drive the diverter belt122. In some embodiments, the driver1200can be used with a 2253RT belt (available from System Plast S.r.l.) or other belts with features that are the same, or similar to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,454, issued Apr. 4, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the driver1200can include a shaft1210to which the driver1200can be attached to a power source, such as a motor. The driver1200can include one or more sprockets1220, having teeth1222, which can engage structures of the belt which the driver1200is intended to drive. Some conveyor drivers include one or two sprockets that engage with chains attached with the conveyor belt. This design is responsible for much of the noise of a conveyor system because all of the driving force is concentrated on the one or two chains and sprockets. In some embodiments, the driver1200can include an increased number of sprockets to reduce the amount of force applied by each sprocket to the driven belt. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the driver1200can include at least 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, or more sprockets. The increased number of sprockets can reduce the pressure applied by each of the sprockets individually, which can reduce the overall noise associated with use of the driver1200. In some implementations, the driver1200includes engagement regions1221. The engagement regions1221can provide an additional or alternative driving force on the belt. In various embodiments, the engagement regions1221comprise a radially outer surface of the driver1200. The engagement regions1221can engage with a bottom of the belt, such as in regions of the belt that are laterally between the movable components116. The friction between the engagement regions1221and the belt can drive the belt. In some implementations, the driver1200can include a plurality of engagement regions1221. The greater the number of engagement regions1221, the less pressure that each individual engagement region1221needs to apply in order for there to be sufficient overall force (e.g., through frictional engagement) to drive the belt. A reduction in pressure can promote safety (e.g., by reducing pinch pressure) and/or can facilitate smoother and/or quieter operation of the belt (e.g., as compared to a sprocket driven driver under the same conditions). As shown inFIG.17, in some implementations, engagement regions1221on ends of the driver1200have a reduced axial width compared to engagement regions1221between the ends. As shown, the sprockets1220and engagement regions1221can be combined and/or intermixed. For example, an engagement region1221can be laterally bounded by sprockets1220. In some embodiments, the driver1200includes more sprockets1220than engagement regions1221, such as a ratio of at least about 2:1. The driver1200can include one or more recessed areas1230(e.g., grooves). The recessed areas1230can be sized to allow movable components of the belt, such as movable components116described in connection withFIG.2, to pass over the driver1200. For example, in cross section, as shown inFIG.17, the recessed areas1230can be semi-circular (e.g., to accommodate the shape of movable components116in the form of balls). In various embodiments, the recessed areas1230is configured to receive a portion of the movable components116, such as a portion of the movable components116that protrudes downwardly. In some implementations, the movable components largely do not contact the driver1200because of the recessed areas1230. This can facilitate smooth and quiet operation of the belt while the belt is being driven by the driver1200. With reference toFIG.19, an embodiment of a driver1300and belt1330is shown. The driver1300can be used to drive the belt1330of a modular transfer unit such as those described herein. For example, the belt1330can be a 2253RT belt (available from System Plast S.r.l.) or other belts with features that are the same, or similar to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,454, issued Apr. 4, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the driver1300is used to drive the primary belt112. In some embodiments, the driver1300is used to drive the diverter belt122. The driver1300can include any of the features of the driver1200. For example, the driver1300can include a shaft (not shown) to which the driver1300can be attached to a power source, such as a motor. The driver1300can include one or more sprockets1310, having teeth1312, which can engage structures of the belt1330. For example, the teeth1312can engage ribbed features1332of the belt1330. These ribbed features1332may be, for example, a coupling between links of the belt1330. The teeth1312may be sized to fit within recesses1334of the belt1330. Although the driver1300is shown extending only partially across the belt1330, it is to be understood that the driver1300can extend further across the lateral width of the belt1330. For example, the driver1300can extend across the width of the belt1330. Additionally, although the driver1300is shown with only two sprockets, it is to be understood that the driver1300can include more sprockets, such as is described above on connection with the driver1200. The driver1300can include one or more recessed areas1320, which can be similar or identical to the recessed areas1230described above. The recessed areas1320can be sized to allow movable components1336of the belt1330to pass over the driver1300. This can facilitate smooth operation of the belt1330while the belt1330is being driven by the driver1300. The The driver1300, or any driver described herein, can be lagged. A lagged driver can comprise a coating and/or sheath on a base of the driver, such as a plastic or rubber coating on a metal or plastic base. A lagged driver can enhance the engagement of the driver with the belt1330, such as by increasing the frictional engagement between the driver1300and the belt. In some embodiments, a lagged roller can dampen the noise of the engagement between the driver1300(or a component thereof such as the sprockets1310) and the ribbed features1332. In certain implementations, at least a portion of the driver1300(e.g., a radially outer surface and/or the sprockets1310) comprises urethane, thermoplastic rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, nylon, or other materials. In some variants, the driver1300is configured to reduce noise associated with the engagement between the driver1300and the belt1330, while also providing wear resistance. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the driver1300(e.g., the radially outer surface and/or the sprockets1310) has a Shore D hardness of at least about 70 and/or less than or equal to about 100. In certain embodiments, a portion of the driver1300has a Shore D hardness of at least about 80 and/or less than or equal to about 90. With reference toFIGS.20and21, an embodiment of a driver1400is illustrated. The driver1400can be used to drive a belt of a modular transfer unit such as those described herein. For example, the driver1400can be used with a 2253RT belt (available from System Plast S.r.l.) or other belts. In some embodiments, the driver1400is used to drive the primary belt112. In some embodiments, the driver1400is used to drive the diverter belt122. As shown inFIG.21, in some embodiments, when viewed from a perspective parallel to a longitudinal axis, the driver1400can be circular in shape. The driver1400can include any of the features of the drivers1200,1300. For example, the driver1400can include a shaft1410to which the driver1400can be attached to a power source, such as a motor. The driver1400can include one or more recessed areas1430(e.g., grooves). The recessed areas1430can be sized to allow movable components of the belt, such as movable components116described in connection withFIG.2, to pass over the driver1400. The driver1400can include engagement regions1420between the recessed areas1430. The engagement regions1420can engage and/or drive the belt. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the driver1400does not include a sprocket. In some implementations, the engagement regions1420provide an alternative engagement mechanism to the sprocket. In some implementations, the driver1400can include engagement regions1420to reduce the amount of force applied by each engagement region1420to the driven belt, but to apply sufficient overall force (e.g., through frictional engagement) to engage with the driven belt. This can facilitate smoother and/or quieter operation of the belt while the belt is being driven by the driver1500(e.g., as compared to a sprocket driven driver under the same conditions). With reference toFIG.22, in some implementations of any of the modular transfer units100,200,300,410,520,522,620,622,624,626,800,900,1010described above, a divert system1520engages with a primary flow system (not illustrated), such as the first conveyance system110. A diverter belt1522can be engaged with a primary belt. For example, at a top side1522aof the diverter belt1522can engage with an underside of the primary belt, such as with the movable components116. The diverter belt1522can be positioned on a driver1524, which can be similar or identical to any of the drivers described above. The driver1524can rotate to drive the diverter belt. As discussed above, the diverter belt and primary belt can move relative to each other, such as at a generally perpendicular angle. In some implementations, the primary flow belt can exert a lateral force F on the diverter belt1522due to the engagement between the two belts. This lateral force F can cause the diverter belt1522to move relative to the primary flow belt and/or the driver1524, which can be referred to as a “tracking” problem. In some embodiments, the lateral force F can cause the diverter belt1522to become misaligned (e.g., off-center) with the driver1524in the direction of the primary flow path. For example, the diverter belt1522can shift in the direction of the primary flow path. Shifting of the diverter belt1522relative to the primary flow belt and/or the driver1524can cause problems with the diverter belt1522. For example, such shifting can increase wear on the diverter belt and/or the driver1524, can reduce efficiency, and/or can leave portions of the primary flow belt without adequate (or any) engagement with the diverter belt1522. In some embodiments, shifting of the diverter belt1522relative to the primary flow belt and/or the driver1524can result in operational errors. For example, such shifting may lead to diverter belt1522failing to engage (e.g., rotate) certain of the movable components116, which may lead to an article conveyed on the primary flow belt being diverted late and/or on an incorrect path. By In some implementations, the divert system1520is configured to enhance tracking of the diverter belt1522with the driver1524and/or the primary flow belt. In some embodiments, the diverter belt1522can include tracking facilitation elements, such as first and second ribs1521,1523. In some implementations, the first and second ribs1521,1523can extend the length of the diverter belt1522. In some variants, the first and second ribs1521,1523are intermittent along the length of the diverter belt1522. The driver1524can include corresponding tracking facilitation elements, such as first and second channels1525,1526. The first and second channels1525,1526can be configured to receive the first and second ribs1521,1523, respectively. As shown inFIG.22, a bottom side1522bof the diverter belt1522engages the driver1524and the first and second ribs1521,1523engage within the first and second channels1525,1526. The ribs and channels can be shaped to engage in a manner that produces a reactionary force R that is opposite in direction to the lateral force F. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of either or both of the ribs and channels can be v-shaped, rectangular-shaped, arc-shaped, or any other suitable shape. In some implementations, the v-shaped ribs and channels can automatically realign the diverter belt1522with the driver1524in response to a slight misalignment (e.g., due to the lateral force F). In some implementations, a tip of the v-shaped rib is maintained within the corresponding channel and facilitates realignment of the diverter belt1522and the driver1524. The first and second ribs1521,1523and channel can be located on opposite ends of the driver1524. The first rib1521(and channel1525) can be spaced a distance S1from a first lateral side1527of the diverter belt1522. The second rib1523(and channel1526) can be spaced a distance S2from a second lateral side1528of the diverter belt1522. A width S3can separate the first and second lateral sides1527,1528. In some implementations, the ratio of S1and/or S2to the width S3can be between 1/10 and 1/3. In some implementations S1and S2can be substantially equivalent. Certain Frame Embodiments As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the modular transfer unit100can include a frame130that can be used to support one or more components of the modular transfer unit100. In some embodiments, the frame130supports both the primary flow belt112and the diverter belt122. In some embodiments, the modular transfer unit100does not have a frame130that supports both the primary flow belt112and the diverter belt122. For example, the diverter belt122can be supported separately from the primary flow belt112. Having separate support structures for the primary flow and the diverter belts can facilitate installation, removal, and/or maintenance. As shown inFIGS.23A and23B, a diverter belt unit1600can include the diverter belt122and a support structure1602. The support structure1602can include a bracket. As illustrated, in some variants, the support structure1602can support a bottom portion of the diverter belt122, which can reduce sag in the bottom portion of the diverter belt122. For example, the support structure1602can include rails on which a return portion of the diverter belt122is supported and/or slides. The support structure1602can be connected to support elements, such as legs (not shown). The primary flow belt112can have a support configuration that is similar or identical to what is described above in connection with the diverter belt122. For example, a primary flow belt unit can include the primary flow belt112and a support structure1602that engages with support elements, such as legs. In some embodiments, the support structures of the primary flow belt unit and the diverter belt unit engage with the same legs. In some embodiments, the support structures of the primary flow belt unit engage with a first set of legs and the support structures of the diverter belt unit engage with a second set of legs. Certain Transfer Modules Some embodiments include features to facilitate conveying goods between conveyor belts, such as between adjacent primary flow belts112. For example, as shown inFIG.25, a transfer module1700can be positioned in a gap between longitudinally adjacent primary flow belts112. Goods exiting a first (e.g., upstream) belt can pass along the transfer module to smoothly enter a second (e.g., downstream) belt. In various embodiments, the transfer module1700extends substantially from one lateral side of at least one of the primary flow belts112to another lateral side of at least one of the primary flow belts112. As shown, the transfer module1700can include concave sides, which can enable the transfer module1700to receive portions of the primary flow belts112and/or drive elements (e.g., sprockets). In some embodiments, the transfer module1700includes a support1702, such as a bracket. In certain implementations, the support1702connects to the frame of the modular transfer unit100. A top surface of the transfer module1700can be generally flush with a top surface of the primary flow belts112, such as about at the same elevation as the top of the movable components116. In some embodiments, a sensor1704, such as a photoelectric sensor, can be positioned in the transfer module1700. The sensor1704can be configured to detect goods on the transfer module1700. A signal from the sensor1704can be sent to a control system that controls the modular transfer unit100. In certain embodiments, the sensor1704extends across substantially the entire lateral width of the transfer module1700and/or at least one of the primary flow belts112. In some variants, such as is shown inFIGS.25A and25B, the sensor1704can be positioned in a recess1706in the transfer module1700. An upper surface of the sensor1704can be generally flat and/or generally flush with an upper surface of the transfer module1700, which can aid in detecting and/or supporting goods. In certain embodiments, the transfer module1700and/or the sensor1704are secured to a support surface (e.g., a frame of the modular transfer unit100) with fasteners1708, such as bolts and nuts. In some variants, a bracket1710is used to secure the sensor1704in the transfer module1700. Certain Filler Elements As shown inFIG.26, in some embodiments, the modular transfer unit100includes a filler element1800, such as a filler plate. The filler element1800can be configured to contact the underside of the plurality of movable components116of the primary flow belt112. The filler element1800can be positioned in a “dead space” near the entry and/or exit of the primary flow belt112. The dead space near the entry can be a gap in which the moving components116have rotated off of the drive element (e.g., a roller or sprocket) that drives the primary flow belt112and/or onto the top surface of the primary flow belt112, but have not yet moved into contact with the upstream lateral edge of the diverter belt122. The dead space near the exit can be a gap in which the moving components116have moved past the downstream lateral edge of the diverter belt122but have not yet exited the top surface of the primary flow belt112and/or engaged with the drive element. In the dead space, the movable components116are on the conveying surface of the primary flow belt112but are not being caused to rotate. This can reduce control of goods conveyed on the primary flow belt112, cause unwanted speed changes of the goods, or other issues. In various embodiments, the filler element1800can reduce or eliminate the dead space. For example, the filler element1800can fill the gap and cause the movable components116to begin rotating before the movable components116contact the diverter belt122. In some embodiments, the filler element1800causes the movable components116to begin rotating substantially immediately after the movable components116disengages from the drive element, such as within less than or equal to about 0.5 seconds and/or within less than or equal to about 10 mm of travel of the primary flow belt112. In some implementations, the filler element1800can fill the gap and cause the movable components116to continue rotating after passing longitudinally beyond the downstream lateral edge of the diverter belt122. In certain embodiments, the filler element1800causes the movable components116to continue rotating until substantially immediately before the movable components116engage with the drive element. For example, in some variants, the gap in which the movable components116on the top of the primary flow belt112are not engaged (e.g., being caused to rotate) is less than or equal to about 0.5 seconds and/or less than or equal to about 10 mm of travel of the primary flow belt112. In various embodiments, the filler element1800can be positioned adjacent to and/or between the drive element and a lateral edge of the diverter belt122. In some embodiments, the filler element1800can include concave sides1801, which can enable the filler element to receive portions of the primary flow belts112and/or drive elements (e.g., sprockets). See, e.g.,FIG.27. In some implementations, the filler element1800comprises a generally flat plate. Some embodiments have a filler element1800that is positioned next to one lateral edge of the diverter belt122, such as next to the upstream or downstream lateral edge. Certain embodiments, such as the embodiment shown inFIG.26, have a plurality of filler elements1800, such as a filler element positioned next to the upstream and downstream lateral edges of the diverter belt. A top surface of the filler element1800can be generally co-planar with and/or generally parallel to a top surface of the diverter belt122. In various embodiments, the filler element1800is located underneath the conveying surface of the primary flow belt112. Certain Other Embodiments While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by reference to the claims presented herein or as presented in the future. Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a sub combination. For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. Certain Terminology Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “spherical” or “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of spheres, circles, cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations. The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may permit, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may permit, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. As another example, in certain embodiments, as the context may permit, the term “generally perpendicular” can refer to something that departs from exactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 20 degrees. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims. The language of the claims is not to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussed during the prosecution of the application. SUMMARY Although the modular transfer system has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. | 103,720 |
11858753 | InFIG.30, (a) is a side view of a fixed chute as viewed from a width direction, (b) is a top view of the fixed chute, and (c) is a front view of the fixed chute as viewed from a traveling direction of the tofu. InFIG.31, (a) is a side view of a fixed chute as viewed from a width direction, (b) is a top view of the fixed chute, and (c) is a front view of the fixed chute as viewed from the traveling direction of the tofu. inFIG.32, (a) is a side view of a fixed chute as viewed from a width direction, (b) is a top view of the fixed chute, and (c) is a front view of the fixed chute as viewed from the traveling direction of the tofu. InFIG.33, (a) is a side view of a fixed chute as viewed from a width direction, (b) is a top view of the fixed chute, and (c) is a front view of the fixed chute as viewed from the traveling direction of the tofu. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of an inversion guide device and a tofu production device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (a) to (b) ofFIG.1show a tofu production device1including an inversion guide device20according to a first embodiment. The tofu production device1includes a transfer conveyor10that conveys tofu covered with a pack P, the inversion guide device20that inverts the tofu (pack P), and a tofu receiving device30that receives the tofu (pack P) inverted by the inversion guide device20and passes the tofu to the next step. (a) ofFIG.1is a side view of the tofu production device1during use, and (b) ofFIG.1is a side view of the tofu production device1during cleaning or the like. As shown in (b) ofFIG.1, the transfer conveyor10, the inversion guide device20, and the tofu receiving device30can be separated from each other during cleaning, maintenance, and the like, and are easily attached and detached for maintenance of the tofu production device1. FIG.2is an enlarged view of the transfer conveyor10and the inversion guide device20according to the first embodiment shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.1. In the present embodiment, the transfer conveyor10includes a pair of first and second rollers12a,12barranged at both ends in a conveyance direction (left-right direction in (a) ofFIG.1), and an endless belt11hung around the first and second rollers12a,12b. Hereinafter, an end portion of the transfer conveyor10on a first roller12aside (left side in (a) ofFIG.1) in the conveyance direction (left-right direction in (a) ofFIG.1) is referred to as “one end of the transfer conveyor10”. The one end of the transfer conveyor10is provided with a turn-back portion13at which the belt11is turned back by the first roller12a. A surface of the belt11constitutes a conveyance surface11a that conveys the pack P (tofu covered with the pack P) covering the tofu with an opening facing downward. The transfer conveyor10includes, for example, a belt conveyor for food, and is continuously driven or intermittently driven, but a configuration, a driving method, and the like thereof are not particularly limited. The inversion guide device20inverts the pack P such that the opening of the pack P faces upward at the turn-back portion13at the one end of the transfer conveyor10. In the present specification, the tofu covered with the pack P as a container from above is used, but a configuration of the “tofu” is not limited to tofu covered with the pack P, tofu contained in the pack P, bare tofu not covered with the pack P, and the like. In particular, the tofu during inversion at the turn-back portion13may be bare tofu. In the present specification, these are collectively referred to as the “tofu”. The tofu receiving device30will be described in detail later. The tofu receiving device30is a general endless conveyor, and pulls out the tofu in a direction (direction perpendicular to a paper surface ofFIG.2) perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the transfer conveyor10(left-right direction inFIG.2). The tofu receiving device30may be a conveyor along the conveyance direction of the transfer conveyor10(left-right direction in FIG.2) or a device that moves and transfers the tofu by an extrusion mechanism or the like, but is not particularly limited. The inversion guide device20guides the tofu conveyed by the conveyance surface11aof the transfer conveyor10and inverted by the turn-back portion13at the one end of the transfer conveyor10. The inversion guide device20includes a main body portion21, a support base22that supports the main body portion21from below, a plurality of (five in the present embodiment) rotation shafts23provided on the main body portion21, an endless conveyor24that is supported and driven by the plurality of rotation shafts23, and a guide member26that guides the endless conveyor24in a portion facing the turn-back portion13of the transfer conveyor10. The main body portion21has a box shape, and accommodates the rotation shafts23and the endless conveyor24. The main body portion21has an appearance including a plurality of walls. A pair of side walls (a pair of surfaces on a front side and a back side of the drawing) in the plurality of walls of the main body portion21function as a rotation shaft support member25that rotatably supports the plurality of rotation shafts23. The plurality of rotation shafts23are supported by the rotation shaft support member25, and for example, at least one rotation shaft23functions as a drive shaft driven by a motor or the like, and the other rotation shafts23function as driven shafts driven by the drive shaft. The endless conveyor24driven by the rotation shafts23includes, for example, a chain conveyor, a woven belt, a resin belt, a rubber belt slat band chain type conveyor, or the like, and a type thereof is not particularly limited. In a case of a chain conveyor, at least both ends are chains, and the chain conveyor includes a plurality of attachments such as a round bar, a pipe, a square member, a flat plate, and a wire mesh attached between both ends. These members are made of a material such as stainless steel, titanium, or a resin member (including a coating process such as fluorine coating). In the present embodiment, the endless conveyor24in which a plurality of plates24aare provided in a longitudinal direction will be described as an example. The tofu production device1may include a cleaning device (FIG.16) that cleans inside of the inversion guide device20including the endless conveyor24, the rotation shaft23, and the like as appropriate to automatically clean the inside of the inversion guide device20by cleaning in place (CIP). The endless conveyor24supports the tofu (pack P) along a track of the turn-back portion13of the transfer conveyor10, and guides the tofu while being driven in a circulating manner as indicated by an arrow in synchronization with movement of the transfer conveyor10. Specifically, a shape of the portion of the endless conveyor24facing the turn-back portion13(the first roller12a) is substantially parallel to an outer peripheral surface of the first roller12adue to the guide member26that guides the endless conveyor24. The guide member26is formed of a plate material curved along a path along which the tofu (pack P) moves, and is provided at each of both ends of the endless conveyor24in a width direction (a depth direction of the paper surface ofFIG.2). The guide member26may guide vicinity of a center of each of the plurality of plates24a. The guide member26may be a curved plate, an angle, or a small sprocket arranged in a curved shape. Although a part of the guide member26is not shown in the following embodiments, the guide member26is provided in the same manner. Therefore, in a region where the endless conveyor24and the first roller12aface each other, a distance between the endless conveyor24and the first roller12ais substantially constant. The distance is substantially equal to a vertical dimension of the pack P (a distance from an upper surface to a bottom surface). Therefore, the endless conveyor24guides and inverts the tofu (pack P) while sandwiching the tofu with the first roller12aof the transfer conveyor10while keeping the tofu (pack P) along a curved surface of the first roller12aof the turn-back portion13or pressing the tofu (pack P) so as to be in contact with the curved surface of the first roller12a. FIG.3shows an upper surface of the tofu production device1including the preceding steps shown by blocks. The packs P (the tofu covered with the packs P) filled with the tofu formed through operations by a coagulation machine, a molding machine, and a cutting and aligning machine are continuously supplied in alignment on the transfer conveyor10at intervals. Normal products other than defective products of the pack P (the tofu) inverted by the inversion guide device20are sent to a packaging machine. There are various types and sizes of the tofu or the pack P to be filled with the tofu. In related art, when a type and a size of the tofu or the pack P are changed, it is necessary to replace a guide plate itself arranged on the turn-back portion13in a tofu production device, adjust a position of the guide plate, and the like, which leads to deterioration in working efficiency. The inversion guide device20according to the present embodiment is configured such that a distance between the turn-back portion13of the transfer conveyor10and the endless conveyor24can be adjusted. Thereby, a gap between the inversion guide device20and the turn-back portion13can be adjusted according to factors such as a size of the pack P, a size (a height) of the tofu, softness of the tofu, and ease of catching the tofu, and it is easy to cope with various types of products having different types of packs P, tofu sizes, and the like. The turn-back portion13of the transfer conveyor10and the endless conveyor24may be configured to be attachable and detachable. A specific example will be described below. (a) to (b) ofFIG.4show an operation of the inversion guide device20according to the first embodiment shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.1andFIG.2. The support base22that supports the endless conveyor24includes wheels (a trolley with rollers, casters) on a bottom surface, so that the inversion guide device can be easily moved in a front-rear direction (or a left-right direction, not shown). Further, the support base22includes a position adjustment unit40that adjusts a position of the endless conveyor24with respect to the turn-back portion13in a horizontal direction. The position adjustment unit40is configured in combination with a support31of the tofu receiving device30. The position adjustment unit40can be configured by a combination of a slide hole and a slide pin, for example, as in the shown example, implements a state where the inversion guide device20and the transfer conveyor10in (a) ofFIG.4are close to each other corresponding to a product of thin tofu (pack P), and implements a state where both of the inversion guide device20and the transfer conveyor10in (b) ofFIG.4are separated from each other corresponding to a product of thick tofu (pack P). Thereby, the distance between the turn-back portion13of the transfer conveyor10and the endless conveyor24can be adjusted, and it is possible to easily cope with a change in the size of the tofu (pack P). Further, the position adjustment unit40is capable of attaching and detaching the turn-back portion13of the transfer conveyor10and the endless conveyor24. However, a specific configuration of the position adjustment unit40is not particularly limited. (a) to (b) ofFIG.5show an operation of the inversion guide device20according to a second embodiment. The inversion guide device20further includes the guide member26that is arranged between the turn-back portion13and the endless conveyor24and guides the endless conveyor24. The guide member26is formed of a plate material curved along a path along which the tofu (pack P) moves, and is provided at each of both ends of the endless conveyor24in a width direction (a depth direction of a paper surface of (a) to (b) ofFIG.5). Further, a distance adjustment member27that adjusts a distance and a track of the endless conveyor24with respect to the turn-back portion13is attached to the guide member26. A position of the guide member26is changed by driving the distance adjustment member27, and a distance and a track of the guide member26with respect to the turn-back portion13are changed, so that a distance between the turn-back portion13and the endless conveyor24can be adjusted. The distance adjustment member27may include, for example, a cylinder, a piston, and the like attached to the pair of side walls functioning as the rotation shaft support member25. However, a specific configuration of the distance adjustment member27is not particularly limited. The guide member26may include a plurality of divided members. (a) to (b) ofFIG.6show an operation of the inversion guide device20according to a third embodiment. In the inversion guide device20, the rotation shafts23of the endless conveyor24are supported by the rotation shaft support member25in a rotatable and horizontally movable state. In the present embodiment, among the five rotation shafts23, two rotation shafts23(upper left and lower left rotation shafts23in the drawing) are fixed drive shafts23a, and three rotation shafts23(left, upper right and lower right rotation shafts23in the drawing) are driven shafts23b. The driven shaft23bcan be appropriately moved in the horizontal direction by a slide hole formed in the rotation shaft support member25. Thereby, the distance between the turn-back portion13of the transfer conveyor10and the endless conveyor24can be adjusted, and it is possible to easily cope with a change in the size of the tofu (pack P). The number and arrangement of the drive shafts23aand the driven shafts23bare not particularly limited. If at least the rotation shafts23arranged near the turn-back portion13is movable in the horizontal direction, the distance between the turn-back portion13and the endless conveyor24can be adjusted. In the embodiments shown in (a) ofFIG.4to (b) ofFIG.6, the position of the inversion guide device20or the endless conveyor24may adjusted manually or automatically. A power source of an automatic operation may be a linear power source such as an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric cylinder, a crank type combined with the linear power source, or a power source that changes a rotation angle such as a rotary encoder or a servo motor that is directly rotated, and is not particularly limited. Unlike a related-art plate-shaped guide plate, the inversion guide device20according to the present embodiment includes the endless conveyor24that is appropriately modified, and the position of the endless conveyor24with respect to the turn-back portion13can also be appropriately adjusted according to the type, size, and the like of the tofu (pack P). Therefore, a force of the gravity acting on the tofu (pack P) in the turn-back portion13can be reduced to prevent the tofu (pack P) from falling. However, in order to further reduce a possibility of falling, a stopper member28that receives the tofu (pack P) at the turn-back portion13may be provided in the inversion guide device20.FIG.7shows a specific example of the stopper member28.FIG.7shows a state where the stopper member28and a movable chute35of the tofu receiving device30are facing each other. The stopper member28is attached to, for example, the endless conveyor24(see (a) ofFIG.8toFIG.12). (a) ofFIG.8to (d) ofFIG.9show a configuration in which the stopper member28is attached to the plate24aof the endless conveyor24, but inFIGS.10to12, the drawings are simplified and the plate24ais not shown. An upper-lower direction inFIG.7corresponds to a direction perpendicular to a paper surface of (a) to (b) ofFIG.4. A distal end of the stopper member28has a comb-teeth shape in a width direction (the upper-lower direction inFIG.7). That is, the stopper member28includes a first main body portion28aand a plurality of first protrusions29formed at a distal end (a right end in the drawing) of the first main body portion28aso as to be arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction. A distal end of the movable chute35facing the stopper member28has a comb-teeth shape in the width direction. That is, the movable chute35includes a second main body portion35aand a plurality of second protrusions36formed at a distal end (a left end in the drawing) of the second main body portion35aso as to be arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction. The plurality of first protrusions29and the plurality of second protrusions36are alternately arranged in the width direction (the upper-lower direction inFIG.7). The first protrusion29and the second protrusion36adjacent to each other are arranged at intervals in the width direction and do not interfere with each other. There is a gap between a distal end (a right end in the drawing) of the first protrusion29and the second main body portion35aof the movable chute35, and these do not interfere with each other. There is a gap between a distal end (a left end in the drawing) of the second protrusion36and the first main body portion28aof the stopper member28, and these do not interfere with each other. The present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration may be adopted in which the distal end of the flat plate-shaped stopper member28and the distal end (a rear end) of the flat plate-shaped movable chute35are set at positions that are very close to each other and do not interfere with each other. (a) to (c) ofFIG.8are side views of the stopper member28provided on the plate24aof the endless conveyor24and the movable chute35facing the stopper member28. (a) ofFIG.8shows an example of a form in which the stopper member28is bent at one position, (b) ofFIG.8shows an example of a form in which the stopper member28is bent, and (c) ofFIG.8shows an example of a form in which the stopper member28is bent at two positions. A bent or curved portion of the stopper member28may be either one or both of the first main body portion28aand the first protrusion29. That is, the first main body portion28amay be formed so as to be bent or curved, or the first protrusion29may be formed so as to be bent or curved. As for the stopper member28, a space (pocket) is generated in a latter half of the inversion of the tofu (pack P) indicated by a k region inFIG.13, that is, the tofu (pack P) is inclined so as to extend upward from the horizontal direction during the inversion (angles θ,00described later are acute angles of 90° or smaller with respect to a horizontal reference), and the tofu (pack P) is likely to be caught by the stopper member28, which is not preferable. In the pocket, a bottom corner of the tofu (pack P) is deeply and closely fitted and easily caught, which is likely to cause trouble. For example, in a state shown in (a) to (c) ofFIG.9described later, the angles θ, θ0are larger than 90°, and no pocket is formed between the endless conveyor24and the stopper member28, which is preferable. On the other hand, in a state as shown in (d) ofFIG.9, the angle θ is 90° or smaller and a pocket is formed, which is not preferable. Therefore, it is preferable to set the attachment angle θ of a base portion (first main body portion28a) of the stopper member28with respect to a circulating track of the endless conveyor24of the inversion guide device20to an obtuse angle of 90°<θ<180° (preferably 100°≤θ≤170°, and more preferably 110°≤θ≤150°) such that a gap is formed in vicinity of contact between a corner of the tofu (pack P) and the stopper member28(such that the tofu (pack P) and the stopper member28do not come into close contact with each other) during the inversion of the tofu (pack P). The angle θ formed by the base portion (the first main body portion28a) of the stopper member28shown in (a) to (c) ofFIG.8with respect to the plate24aof the endless conveyor24satisfies the above condition. A base portion of the stopper member28extends from the endless conveyor24(the plate24a) so as to form a substantially vertical to obtuse angle, and this angle can be referred to as the angle θ0of the entire stopper member28with respect to the endless conveyor24including a bending angle of the first protrusion29. That is, the stopper member28is preferably attached to the endless conveyor24at angles θ,00inclined with respect to a traveling direction of the endless conveyor24with respect to a surface of the endless conveyor24at a position where the stopper member28is attached. The attachment angle θ0is also preferably set to an obtuse angle of 90°<θ0<180° (preferably 100°≤θ0≤170°, and more preferably 110°≤θ0≤150°). The stopper member28preferably has a width (for example, 20 mm to 3000 mm) capable of supporting one to dozens of cakes of tofu. A cross section of the stopper member28has a bent shape or a curved shape at one or a plurality of positions, for example, as shown in (a) to (c) ofFIG.8. A material of the stopper member28may be metal (stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or the like), resin, rubber, or the like, and the material is a plate material, a square material, a round bar, a cutting material, a molding material, or the like in terms of shape. A plurality of stopper members28may be provided at predetermined positions of the endless conveyor24according to a type of the tofu and the number of cakes in one row. (a) ofFIG.1and the like disclose a configuration in which a plurality of stopper members28are provided on the endless conveyor at substantially equal intervals. Next, the tofu receiving device30will be described. The tofu receiving device30receives the tofu (pack P) inverted by the inversion guide device20, and sends the tofu to the next step (for example, the packaging machine inFIG.3). The tofu receiving device30according to the present embodiment includes a discarding device that does not send all the tofu (packs P) to the next step, but determines whether the tofu is a non-defective product or a defective product by an operator's visual determination or by using a predetermined image inspection system or the like, and discards the defective tofu downward. Unexpectedly generated tofu whose quality, size, and the like are nonstandard is removed as the defective product. However, in a case of a continuous production line, a very small number of nonstandard products always occur at the beginning or the end of production, and therefore, it is necessary to exclude the nonstandard products every day. Specifically, the discarding device includes the dropout type movable chute35that can be easily opened and closed for discarding downward. During normal production, the movable chute35is located at a normal position indicated by a solid line inFIG.2, and moves the tofu (pack P) to the next step. On the other hand, when a defective product arrives, the movable chute35is opened downward as shown by a two-dot chain line, and the defective tofu (pack P) is dropped downward and removed. A power source of the movable chute35may be a linear power source such as an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric cylinder, a crank type combined with the linear power source, or a power source that changes a rotation angle such as a rotary encoder or a servo motor that is directly rotated, and is not particularly limited. As shown inFIG.7, the distal end of the movable chute35has the comb-teeth shape that does not interfere with the first protrusion29at the distal end of the stopper member28. That is, the comb-teeth-shaped unevenness formed by the plurality of second protrusions36of the movable chute35and the comb-teeth-shaped unevenness formed by the plurality of first protrusions29of the stopper member28do not interfere with each other (are alternately arranged). Thereby, the stopper member28having moved to a position of the movable chute35can smoothly send the tofu (pack P) to the tofu receiving device30without interfering with the movable chute35. A discarding screw conveyor, a belt conveyor, or the like may be arranged below the movable chute35. As shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.17and (a) to (b) ofFIG.18, when the tofu (pack P) is transferred from the stopper member28to the movable chute35, the tofu (pack P) may be lifted obliquely. In this case, depending on a size of the tofu (pack P), a corner P1of a bottom surface of the tofu (pack P) may be caught by first and second gaps S1, S2between the unevenness of the distal end of the stopper member28and the unevenness of the distal end of the movable chute35. It is reasonable that a position of the stopper member28and the first protrusions29when the stopper member28and the first protrusions29stop is located at a level the same as or above a position of the movable chute35and the second protrusions36, and (a) ofFIG.17to (b) ofFIG.18show positions where the stopper member28slightly advances downward from an original stop position. That is, (a) ofFIG.17to (b) ofFIG.18are extremely illustrated for easy understanding, and are similarly illustrated in (a) ofFIG.17to (b) ofFIG.23and (a) ofFIG.25to (b) ofFIG.26. Here, the first gap S1is a gap between a first recess28bbetween the pair of adjacent first protrusions29,29of the stopper member28and the second protrusion36of the movable chute35entering the first recess28b. The second gap S2is a gap between a second recess35bbetween the pair of adjacent second protrusions36,36of the movable chute35and the first protrusion29of the stopper member28entering the second recess35b. As shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.17, the second gap S2is generated immediately after the first protrusion29of the stopper member28passes the second recess35bof the movable chute35. When the tofu (pack P) obliquely passes, the corner P1of the bottom surface of the tofu (pack P) enters the second gap S2and is caught by the second recess35bof the movable chute35, which may cause clogging of the tofu (pack P) and trouble. Similarly, as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.18, the first gap S1is generated immediately after the first recess28bof the stopper member28passes the second protrusion36of the movable chute35. When the tofu (pack P) obliquely passes, the corner P1of the bottom surface of the tofu (pack P) enters the first gap S1and is caught by the second protrusion36of the movable chute35, which may cause clogging of the tofu (pack P) and trouble. In order to prevent the corner P1of the bottom surface of the tofu (pack P) from entering the second gap S2as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.17, the movable chute35may include a third guide portion35cprotruding downward from the second recess35b(in a rotation direction of the stopper member28) and bent as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.19. The third guide portion35chas a flat plate shape extending so as to fill at least a part of the second gap S2. However, a shape of the third guide portion35cis not particularly limited as long as the third guide portion35ccan guide the tofu (pack P) that has entered the second gap S2, and the third guide portion35cmay have a curved shape or the like. Similarly, in order to prevent the corner P1of the bottom surface of the tofu (pack P) from entering the second gap S2as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.17, the stopper member28may include a first guide portion28cprotruding upward from the distal end of the first protrusion29(in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the stopper member28) and bent as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.20. The first guide portion28chas a flat plate shape extending so as to fill at least a part of the second gap S2. However, a shape of the first guide portion28cis not particularly limited as long as the first guide portion28ccan guide the tofu (pack P) that has entered the second gap S2, and the first guide portion28cmay have a curved shape or the like. By providing the third guide portion35c((a) to (b) ofFIG.19) and the first guide portion28c((a) to (b) ofFIG.20), when the tofu (pack P) is transferred from the first protrusion29of the stopper member28to the movable chute35, the tofu (pack P) is easily transferred smoothly without entering the second gap S2. Even when the corner P1of the tofu (pack P) is slightly dropped into the second gap S2, the corner P1is guided by the third guide portion35cand the first guide portion28c, so that the corner P1is not caught by the second recess35bof the movable chute35, and trouble can be avoided. A configuration may be adopted in which the third guide portion35c((a) to (b) ofFIG.19) is provided in the movable chute35, and the first guide portion28c((a) to (b) ofFIG.20) is provided in the stopper member28(not shown). In order to prevent the corner P1of the bottom surface of the tofu (pack P) from entering the first gap S1as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.18, the movable chute35may include a fourth guide portion35dprotruding downward from the distal end of the second protrusion36(in the rotation direction of the stopper member28) and bent as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.21. The fourth guide portion35dhas a flat plate shape extending so as to fill at least a part of the first gap S1. However, a shape of the fourth guide portion35dis not particularly limited as long as the fourth guide portion35dcan guide the tofu (pack P) that has entered the first gap S1, and the fourth guide portion35dmay have a curved shape or the like. Similarly, in order to prevent the corner P1of the bottom surface of the tofu (pack P) from entering the first gap S1as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.18, the stopper member28may include a second guide portion28dprotruding upward from the first recess28b(in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the stopper member28) and bent as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.22. The second guide portion28dhas a flat plate shape extending so as to fill at least a part of the first gap S1. However, a shape of the second guide portion28dis not particularly limited as long as the second guide portion28dcan guide the tofu (pack P) that has entered the first gap S1, and the second guide portion28dmay have a curved shape or the like. A configuration may be adopted in which the fourth guide portion35d((a) to (b) ofFIG.21) is provided in the movable chute35, and the second guide portion28d((a) to (b) ofFIG.22) is provided in the stopper member28(not shown). By providing the fourth guide portion35d((a) to (b) ofFIG.21) and the second guide portion28d((a) to (b) ofFIG.22), when the tofu (pack P) is transferred from the stopper member28to the second protrusion36of the movable chute35, the tofu (pack P) is easily transferred smoothly without entering the first gap S1. Even when the corner P1of the tofu (pack P) is slightly dropped into the first gap S1, the corner P1is guided by the fourth guide portion35dand the second guide portion28d, so that the corner portion P1is not caught by the second protrusion36of the movable chute35, and trouble can be avoided. As shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.23, the movable chute35may include both the third guide portion35cand the fourth guide portion35d. In this case, as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.24, a virtual plane obtained by extending the second main body portion35aof the movable chute35in a longitudinal direction (direction in which the second protrusion36extends toward the stopper member28) is referred to as a first reference plane V1. An angle formed by the third guide portion35cdownward with respect to the first reference plane V1is referred to as β1, and an angle formed by the fourth guide portion35ddownward with respect to the first reference plane V1is referred to as β2. At this time, the angle (β1preferably satisfies −60°≤β1≤0°, and more preferably satisfies −30°≤β1≤0°. The angle β2 preferably satisfies −60°≤β2≤0°, and more preferably satisfies −30°≤β2≤0°. When the angles β1, β2satisfy the above relationship, the distal end of the movable chute35of the tofu receiving device30facing the stopper member28has an angle inclined with respect to the traveling direction of the endless conveyor24(direction of an arrow in the drawing, downward), and thus the tofu (pack P) can be more reliably prevented from being caught in the first and second gaps S1, S2. When the angles β1, β2are smaller than −60° or smaller than −30°, the third guide portion35cand the fourth guide portion35dare configured to be directed upward from a horizontal plane and received by the protrusion with respect to (a bottom corner of) the pack P sliding down along the first reference plane V1, and thus the pack P is easily caught. When the angles β1, β2are larger than 0°, the third guide portion35cand the fourth guide portion35dare configured to be folded back upward with respect to the first reference plane V1, and to be provided with protrusions for (the bottom corner of) the tofu pack P sliding down along the first reference plane V1, so that the tofu pack P is easily caught. In this way, the third guide portion35cand the fourth guide portion35dare preferably parallel to the horizontal plane or downward from the horizontal plane. As shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.25, the stopper member28may include both the first guide portion28cand the second guide portion28d. In this case, as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.26, an angle formed by the first guide portion28cupward with respect to the first reference plane V1of the movable chute35is referred to as al, and an angle formed by the second guide portion28dupward with respect to the first reference plane V1is referred to as α2. At this time, the angle α1preferably satisfies 0°≤α1≤60°, and more preferably satisfies 0°≤α1≤30°. The angle α2preferably satisfies 0°≤α2≤60°, and more preferably satisfies 0°≤α2≤30°. When the angles α1, α2satisfy the above relationship, the distal end of the stopper member28has an angle inclined with respect to a direction (upward) opposite to the traveling direction of the endless conveyor24(direction of an arrow in the drawing), and the tofu (pack P) can be more reliably prevented from being caught by the first and second gaps S1, S2. When the angles α1, α2are larger than 60° or larger than 30°, the first guide portion28cand the second guide portion28dare upward from the horizontal plane with respect to (the bottom corner of) the pack P sliding down along the first reference plane V1, and the pack P is likely to be flipped up. When the angles α1, α2are smaller than 0°, the first guide portion28cand the second guide portion28dare configured to be folded back downward with respect to the first reference plane V1, and the first guide portion28cand the second guide portion28ddo not play any role for (the bottom corner of) the tofu pack P sliding down along the first reference plane V1. In this way, the first guide portion28cand the second guide portion28dare preferably parallel to the horizontal plane or downward from the horizontal plane. Any one of the first to fourth guide portions28c,28d,35c,35dmay be provided, only one of the first to fourth guide portions28c,28d,35c,35dmay be provided, or all of the first to fourth guide portions28c,28d,35c,35dmay be provided. The present invention may be configured such that the distal end of the stopper member28and the distal end of the movable chute35are close to each other so as not to interfere with each other, and in this case as well, the angles α1, α2, β1, β2preferably satisfy the above relationships. (a) to (d) ofFIG.9are views showing the stopper member28from a side (different fromFIG.7and (a) to (c) ofFIG.8, the first protrusion29is not shown regardless of presence or absence of the first protrusion29), and show side views of various modifications of the overall configuration of the stopper member28. (a) ofFIG.9shows an example of the stopper member28having a mountain shape in a side view, (b) ofFIG.9shows an example of the stopper member28having a bent shape in a side view, (c) ofFIG.9shows an example of the stopper member28having a curved shape in a side view, and (d) ofFIG.9shows a comparative example of the stopper member28having a linear shape in a side view. In (a) to (c) ofFIG.9, the attachment angles θ,00of the stopper member28with respect to the endless conveyor24(plate24a) are obtuse angles satisfying 90°<θ<180°, but in (d) ofFIG.9, the attachment angle θ is an acute angle of 90° or smaller, and the tofu (pack P) is easily caught. FIGS.10to13are conceptual views of processes of inverting the tofu using the stopper members28shown in (a) to (d) ofFIG.9. That is,FIG.10shows a conceptual view of a process using the stopper member28in (a) ofFIG.9,FIG.11shows a conceptual view of a process using the stopper member28in (b) ofFIG.9,FIG.12shows a conceptual view of a process using the stopper member28in (c) ofFIG.9, andFIG.13shows a conceptual view of a process using the stopper member28in (d) ofFIG.9. In the processes ofFIGS.10to12, smooth inversion of the tofu is expected. On the other hand, in the process ofFIG.13, as described above, since the attachment angle θ is an acute angle of 90° or smaller, a pocket formed by the endless conveyor24and the stopper member28is likely to occur in the latter half of the inversion in a portion indicated by the k region, and a phenomenon occurs in which a corner of the tofu comes into close contact with the pocket and the tofu is caught, which may cause clogging trouble of the tofu. (a) to (c) ofFIG.14are views showing various modifications of the movable chute35. The movable chute35according to the embodiment is a plate-shaped member, and functions as a discarding unit that removes defective tofu (pack P) and discards the tofu without flowing to the next step (packaging machine or the like). Each of (a) ofFIG.14to (c) ofFIG.14shows a state of the movable chute35when the tofu (pack P) is carried to the next step on a left side, and a state of the movable chute35when the tofu (pack P) is discarded as a defective product on a right side. The movable chute35in (a) ofFIG.14is of a manual operation type in which the operator operates a lever or the like (not shown) outside a spring35eto move the spring35eat any timing. The movable chute35in (b) ofFIG.14is of a cylinder operation type operated by a cylinder member such as an air cylinder35f. The movable chute35of (c) ofFIG.14is of a motor operation type operated by a motor35g. In a case of the type shown in (a) ofFIG.14, a passive operation of opening and closing by an own weight of a double-layered tofu or the like by a spring may be adopted. A passive operation in which the spring is replaced with a damper (air damper) or the like may be performed, and similarly to the spring, an effect of temporarily receiving the falling tofu by a cushion can also be used. In a case of the types shown in (b) ofFIG.14and (c) ofFIG.14, it is preferable to perform a so-called active operation in which the operator intentionally operates the tofu by a switch operation, operates the tofu with a timer setting so as to discharge the tofu for a certain period of time at the start or end of production of the tofu, or automatically operates the tofu by detecting clogging of the tofu with a sensor. The term “defective tofu” refers to tofu having poor quality, tofu whose size and weight are nonstandard, tofu that cannot be covered well with a pack, or the like. The tofu receiving device30having a discarding function may include a fixed chute50(discarding unit) having openings53as shown in (a) ofFIG.30to (c) ofFIG.32, instead of the plate-shaped movable chute35(discarding unit). That is, the fixed chute50is a discharge member formed of a plate material having a hole, or a discharge member in which a plurality of round bars, square materials, or plate materials are fixedly arranged at intervals. The fixed chute50shown in (a) to (c) ofFIG.30includes a plate-shaped member51and a plurality of (twelve in the present embodiment) openings53formed in the plate-shaped member51at intervals in a width direction of the fixed chute50(direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the tofu). The opening53has a long hole shape elongated in the traveling direction of the tofu. A width53L of the opening53is smaller than a width of the tofu (pack P) and is about 1 mm to 50 mm. Coupling members55that couples both sides of the plate-shaped member51in the traveling direction of the tofu are provided between the adjacent openings53. The plate-shaped member51and the coupling members55are integrally formed. (a) ofFIG.30shows a state in which the tofu covered with the pack P is conveyed on the fixed chute50. In this way, since the tofu is protected by being covered with the pack P, even when the tofu passes over the opening53while being supported by the plurality of coupling members55, the tofu does not collapse due to an own weight thereof and is not discarded. On the other hand, as shown in (a) ofFIG.31and (a) ofFIG.32, the tofu to be discarded, which is generated at the beginning or the end of the continuous production, is not covered with the pack P, and when the tofu is supported by the plurality of coupling members55, the tofu collapses due to a force of falling and an own weight thereof, and is discharged downward from the plurality of openings53. Therefore, a special operation for removing the tofu is not required, which is very simple. In the fixed chute50in (a) to (c) ofFIG.31and (a) to (c) ofFIG.32, the plate-shaped member51and the coupling members55are separate bodies. That is, the coupling member55is a plurality of thin round bars or a square material, each of which is a member separate from the plate-shaped member51. The plurality of coupling members55are fixed to the plate-shaped member51by any means such as an adhesive or welding. According to such a fixed chute50, when the bare tofu not covered with the pack P is supported by the plurality of coupling members55, the tofu collapses due to the own weight thereof and is discharged downward from the plurality of openings53. As in a case of the coupling members55shown in (a) to (c) ofFIG.32, when the tofu has a shape that protrudes most in an upper-lower direction at a center in the traveling direction of the tofu, the tofu can be smoothly crushed. A shape of the coupling member55is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape having a high effect of crushing the tofu, such as a saw blade shape, an uneven shape, a thin sharp blade shape, or a thin sharp needle shape. When the fixed chute50does not need a discarding function, a fixed chute50in which the plate-shaped member51does not have the opening53as shown in (a) to (c) ofFIG.33may be used. As shown in (a) to (c) ofFIG.27, the tofu receiving device30includes the movable chute35(fixed chute50) and a conveyance device37that conveys the tofu (pack P) conveyed by the movable chute35to the next step. The conveyance device37may be a device that moves and transfers the tofu by a conveyor, an extrusion mechanism, or the like, and is not particularly limited. The conveyance device37has a bottom surface38, and a first surface39aand a second surface39bextending upward from both sides of the bottom surface38in the traveling direction of the tofu (pack P). The first surface39ais a surface closer to the movable chute35, and the second surface39bis a surface farther from the movable chute35. The bottom surface38and an upper end of the first surface39aare located below the movable chute35, and the tofu (pack P) can be delivered from the movable chute35. An upper end of the second surface39bis located above the upper end of the first surface39a, and prevents the tofu (pack P) delivered from the movable chute35from being separated from the conveyance device37due to a force of delivery. As shown in (a) to (c) ofFIG.27, when the tofu (pack P) is large in size and heavy in weight, the tofu gains momentum as being transferred from the movable chute35to the conveyance device37, and the tofu may be inclined obliquely ((b) ofFIG.27) or roll over ((c) ofFIG.27) on the conveyance device37, which may cause trouble such as clogging in a subsequent step when the tofu is conveyed in this state. Therefore, it is preferable that the tofu receiving device30(movable chute35) includes a rapid fall prevention member57provided on an outlet side of the tofu receiving device30(movable chute35) and bent or curved upward relative to a downward gradient of the tofu receiving device30(movable chute35). That is, as shown in (a) to (b) ofFIG.28, it is preferable to provide a rapid fall prevention member57between the movable chute35and the conveyance device37. The rapid fall prevention member57according to the present embodiment is a plate-shaped member provided on the second main body portion35aof the movable chute35, but may be a member provided on the first surface39aof the conveyance device37, or may be a member supported by a support member (not shown) other than the movable chute35and the conveyance device37. By providing such a rapid fall prevention member57, it is possible to reduce a speed of transfer from the movable chute35to the conveyance device37even with large and heavy tofu (pack P), prevent the tofu from being inclined obliquely ((b) ofFIG.27) or rolling over ((c) ofFIG.27) on the conveyance device, and prevent trouble from occurring in the subsequent step. As shown inFIG.29, it is preferable that the rapid fall prevention member57has a gentler gradient than the downward gradient of the movable chute35, and a distal end of the rapid fall prevention member57is bent upward. A virtual plane obtained by extending the movable chute35in a longitudinal direction (traveling direction of the tofu (pack P)) is referred to as a second reference plane V2, a virtual plane obtained by extending the bottom surface38of the conveyance device37is referred to as a third reference plane V3(horizontal plane), an angle formed by the rapid fall prevention member57upward with respect to the second reference plane V2is referred to as γ1, and an angle formed by the rapid fall prevention member57downward or upward with respect to the third reference plane V3is referred to as γ2. In this case, the angle γ1preferably satisfies 0<γ1≤60°, and more preferably satisfies 0<γ1≤30°. The angle γ2preferably satisfies −60°≤γ2≤60°, and more preferably satisfies −30°≤γ2≤30°. When the angle γ1is larger than 60°, (a bottom corner of) the pack P sliding down along the second reference plane V2is likely to be largely flipped up, and the tofu is likely to be broken. Even when the angle γ1is smaller than 0°, the rapid fall prevention member57is configured to be folded back downward with respect to the second reference plane V2, and does not play any role for (the bottom corner of) the tofu pack P sliding down along the second reference plane V2. When the angle γ2is larger than 60°, (the bottom corner of) the pack P sliding down along the second reference plane V2is caught by the rapid fall prevention member57, and the tofu pack P is likely to be clogged. When the angle γ2is smaller than −60° or smaller than −30°, the rapid fall prevention member57is configured to have little rapid fall prevention effect with respect to the second reference plane V2, and does not play any role for (the bottom corner of) the pack P sliding down along the second reference plane V2. By providing the rapid fall prevention member57as described above, a vector of a falling inertial force of the tofu acting obliquely downward is corrected to a downward gradient close to a horizontal direction, or a horizontal direction, or slightly upward from the horizontal direction, thereby allowing soft landing of the tofu (pack P) to the conveyance device37. A drop between the movable chute35and the bottom surface38of the conveyance device37is preferably small. If the rapid fall prevention member57is folded back too much upward (0°<γ2<90°), the tofu (pack P) may be caught as being transferred from the movable chute35to the conveyance device37, or the tofu (pack P) may jump up and fall down when being transferred to the next step, which is not preferable. As shown inFIG.15, it is preferable that the endless conveyor24is synchronized with the transfer conveyor10. Basically, when a speed of the endless conveyor24is Va, a speed of the transfer conveyor10is Vb, a stopper pitch that is a pitch of the stopper members28is a, and a front-back pitch of the tofu on the transfer conveyor10is b, for example, adjustment is performed such that a=b and Va=Vb. In general, even if a≠b, the speed Va of the endless conveyor24may be larger than the conveyor speed Vb of the turn-back portion13of the transfer conveyor10(Va>Vb), in which case adjustment is performed such that n a/Va=b/Vb (n: natural number) is satisfied. When Va is increased (the speed of the endless conveyor24is high), a centrifugal force can be increased accordingly, so that a force of sticking the tofu to an endless conveyor24side acts, and a floating posture of the tofu during inversion can be made more stable and smooth in some cases. Further, as shown inFIG.16, a configuration may be adopted in which the inversion guide device20is surrounded by a cover (chamber)150, and inside thereof is provided with a cleaning nozzle that sprays a cleaning liquid or a steam nozzle151that injects high-temperature steam for sterilization. CIP cleaning can also be performed automatically, for example, by spraying an alkaline detergent, an acidic detergent, hot water, or the like while moving the endless conveyor24to clean or rinse the inside. During production, an inside of a container can be kept at 60° C. to 100° C. by steam blowing, or hot water of 60° C. to 100° C. is applied to a receiving tray at a lower portion and is allowed to pass through the endless conveyor while circulating the endless conveyor, thereby preventing proliferation of various bacteria and preventing secondary contamination of various bacteria. In the tofu production device including the turn-back portion13, the inversion guide device according to the present embodiment can cope with various types of tofu with little trouble, little waste loss, and can be efficiently and stably operated. Therefore, it is possible to produce tofu or pack tofu with high efficiency, and obtain high processing capacity. The tofu conveyed in alignment in a plurality of rows and columns by the transfer conveyor can be simultaneously inverted one row at a time, so that mass production can be achieved. In a related-art natural drop inversion method, falling timings of the tofu transferred one after another do not coincide with each other, and trouble is likely to occur. Since the transfer conveyor and the inversion guide device have a linear layout and are wide, an inversion speed can be made relatively slow, and the soft tofu can be prevented from collapsing. The inversion guide device and the conveyor used in the previous step are configured to be easily separated from each other, and inside of the inversion guide device can be easily maintained and cleaned. Further, by driving the movable chute constituting the discarding device of the tofu receiving device used in the subsequent step, the tofu or the pack can be easily discharged, and the defective tofu or pack generated for some reason (for example, nonstandard tofu or pack that always occurs in a small amount at the beginning or the end in a continuous line) can be easily removed. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications, improvements, and the like can be made as appropriate. In addition, materials, shapes, sizes, numerical values, forms, numbers, arrangement positions, and the like of components in the embodiments described above are optional and are not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved. The present application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on Feb. 25, 2020 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-029789) and a Japanese patent application filed on Feb. 3, 2021 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-015922), and the contents thereof are incorporated herein as reference. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1tofu production device10transfer conveyor11belt11a conveyance surface12a,12broller13turn-back portion20inversion guide device21main body portion22support base23rotation shaft24endless conveyor24aplate25rotation shaft support member26guide member27distance adjustment member28stopper member28afirst main body portion28bfirst recess28cfirst guide portion28dsecond guide portion29first protrusion30tofu receiving device31support35movable chute (discarding unit)35asecond main body portion35bsecond recess35cthird guide portion35dfourth guide portion36second protrusion37conveyance device38bottom surface39afirst surface39bsecond surface40position adjustment unit50fixed chute (discarding unit)51plate-shaped member53opening53L width55coupling member57rapid fall prevention memberP pack (tofu)P1cornerS1first gapS2second gapV1first reference planeV2second reference planeV3third reference plane0, α1, α2, β1, β2, γ1, γ2angle | 53,111 |
11858754 | With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral1denotes in its entirety an apparatus for handling bottles C made in accordance with the invention, hereinafter also referred to simply as the apparatus1. With reference to the accompanying drawings, the apparatus1comprises a first conveyor belt21, a second conveyor belt22, and a deflector device3. The first21and the second22conveyor belt are of known type and are such as to advance the bottles C. More specifically, the first conveyor belt21has a first advancement direction A′. The second conveyor belt22has a second advancement direction A″. The first direction of advancement A′ and the second direction of advancement A″ are incident with each other. With reference to the accompanying drawings, the first A′ and the second A″ advancement direction are rectilinear. Moreover, again with reference to the accompanying drawings, the first A′ and the second A″ advancement direction are perpendicular to each other. Advantageously, both the first21and the second22conveyor belt comprise a motor designed to move the respective belt. The apparatus1also comprises a deflector device3for connecting the first21and the second22conveyor belts. The deflector device3comprises an outer guide body31and an inner guide body32. The outer guide body31contains the bottles C as they advance. The inner guide body32contains the bottles C, during their advancement, on the side opposite the outer guide body31. In that way, the bottles C advance in a stable fashion along the curved stretch, formed by the outer guide body31and by the inner guide body32, as illustrated inFIG.1, and inFIGS.6to9. With reference toFIGS.6to9, the outer guide body31comprises an advancing belt311, closed in a loop around pulleys312. At least one of the pulleys312is motor-driven. The advancing belt311is movable, with the advancement direction A, as illustrated inFIGS.8and9. When the advancing belt311is movable, the bottles C advance along the curved stretch, due to the movement of the advancing belt311. In effect, according to these solutions, the sliding of the bottles C in the curved stretch is facilitated. With reference toFIG.1, the outer guide body31does not have the advancing belt311. According to this embodiment, the advancement of the bottles C is obtained due to the advancing of the bottles behind, which push, and advance, the bottles in front. This is achieved by the movement of the first conveyor belt21and the second conveyor belt22. According to embodiments wherein the advancing belt311is not present, lubricating means are advantageously used for the containment wall of the outer guide body31, that is to say, in contact with the bottles C, to facilitate their advancement. The inner guide body32comprises a belt321for advancing bottles C. The advancing belt321is closed in a loop around respective pulleys322,323,324. The advancing belt321is movable and advances along the curved advancement direction B, as illustrated inFIGS.1,8and9. Advantageously, one of the pulleys322,323,324is motor-driven. With reference toFIGS.2,3and4, the pulley324is the motor-driven one. The motor-driven pulley324has a coupling61for the drive shaft6which moves the advancing belt321. With reference to the accompanying drawings, the pulleys322and323are both idle. With reference to the accompanying drawings, the inner guide body32comprises a sponge327. The sponge327is positioned on at least part of the surface of the advancing belt321, in contact with the bottles C. The sponge327is advantageously of the soft type. This solution makes it possible to dampen the impacts between the bottles C and the advancing belt321. The inner guide body32also comprises a cover325to protect the inner guide body32. The cover325has slots326, described in more detail below. The cover325allows a pushing element5to be housed, and more specifically, the adjustment means. The cover325is also connected to the frame8of the apparatus1, and/or of the machine100described in more detail below. The apparatus1also comprises conditioning means4for modifying the configuration of the inner guide body32. More specifically, the configuration of the inner guide body32is modified by varying at least one between its relative position with respect to the outer guide body31and the radius of curvature of the advancing belt321. The conditioning means4comprise a guide41and a skid42, as illustrated inFIG.5. With reference toFIG.5, the guide41is connected to the frame8of the apparatus1, and the skid42is connected to the inner guide body32. The skid42and the guide41are configured to translate relative to each other the inner guide body32and the outer guide body31. More specifically, thanks to the skid42and the guide41, the outer guide body31and the inner guide body32move towards/away from each other along a radial direction E of translation. More specifically, the radial direction E of translation coincides with a radius of curvature between the outer guide body31and the inner guide body32. Advantageously, the skid42is of the recirculating ball screw type. The conditioning means4also comprise a tensioning element43positioned inside the ring formed by the belt321, as illustrated inFIG.3. The tensioning element43is elastically deformable so that the belt321can adopt many different radiuses of curvature. Advantageously, the element43is made of a material chosen from among polyzen, polystyrene, polyurethane, rubber or a combination of them. Advantageously, the element43extends for a length of between 10% and 80% of the length of the advancing belt321. The tensioning element43has at least one slot431of preferential deformation. With reference toFIG.3, the tensioning element43has 3 recesses431of preferential deformation. The greater the number of recesses431, the greater is the deformation allowed by the tensioning element43. The recesses431advantageously have holes432for discharging the stresses in order to reduce the risk of fractures of the tensioning element43. The tensioning element43comprises a plurality of guide pins46. Advantageously, the guide pins46are located on the innermost side of the tensioning element43. In that way, during elastic deformation of the tensioning element43, the guide pins46undergo a reduced deformation. The conditioning means4comprise a sliding guide45positioned between the tensioning element43and the advancing belt321. The sliding guide45is connected to one end of the tensioning element43, whilst the other end is left free. The sliding guide45prevents the advancing belt321from jamming or braking by the recesses431. Advantageously, the free end of the sliding guide45allows the sliding guide45to adapt to any curvature of the tensioning element43. For this reason, the free end of the sliding guide45is the first end which is encountered following the direction of advancement of the curved direction of advancement B of the inner guide body32. With reference toFIG.3, the end of the sliding guide45connected to the tensioning element43is approximately at the pulley323. The conditioning means4comprise means5for pushing the tensioning element43. Advantageously, the pushing element5applies a pressure on the tensioning element43to deform it elastically. The pushing element5comprises adjusting means configured to vary the thrust applied on the tensioning element43. As illustrated inFIG.4, a control screw51defines the adjustment means for the apparatus1. According to an embodiment, illustrated inFIG.3, the pushing element5comprises an angular drive52constrained to the control screw51in such a way that a rotation of the control screw51causes the angular drive52to advance. The pushing element5also comprises a pushing bar53to impart a pressure on the tensioning element43. Advantageously, the pushing bar53is semi-circular in shape in such a way as to impart a uniform or almost uniform pressure on the tensioning element43. The pushing bar53is pivoted at one of its ends. The pin54represents the rotation pin of the pushing bar53. The pushing element5comprises a fork55constrained to the pushing bar53. The pushing element5comprises a connecting rod head56which engages on the fork55. The pushing element5comprises a threaded shaft57, which constrains the angular drive52to the connecting rod head56. Again with reference toFIG.3, the conditioning means4comprise a connecting element44. The connecting element44connects the pulley322to the pushing means5for modifying the relative position of the pulley322relative to the other pulleys323and324, when the tensioning element43is elastically deformed. More specifically, with reference toFIG.3, the connecting element44is integrally constrained to the pushing bar53. The apparatus1also comprises means for adjusting the tensioning of the advancing belt321. A second control screw7defines the adjustment means for the apparatus1. The second control screw7allows the position of the pulley323to be adjusted for tensioning the advancing belt321during assembly. The second control screw7is in fact only used during assembly of the inner guide body32. During use, that is to say, in order to adapt the curvature of the inner guide member32, the second control screw7is not used, as described below. FIGS.6to9illustrate an embodiment of a machine for handling bottles C comprising an apparatus according to the invention, hereinafter referred to simply as the machine100. More specifically, the machine100allows the accumulation of bottles with buffer conveyors, for example, according to a F.I.F.O (first-in first-out) logic. Advantageously, the machine100is designed for handling glass and/or Tetra Pak bottles. As illustrated inFIGS.6to9, the machine100comprises more than one conveyor belt at the infeed, also called buffer conveyors, labelled21,21′,21″,21′″ in the drawings, and with the direction of advancement A′. Similar considerations are to be made if the machine100comprises more than one conveyor belt at the outfeed, that is to say, buffer conveyors used at the second conveyor belt22. Advantageously, in effect, the deflector device3is designed to be used both as an inlet head and as an outlet head in buffer conveyors. As illustrated inFIG.7, the frame8comprises a further skid-guide coupling82which allows the entire deflector device3to be moved. More specifically, thanks to the skid-guide coupling82, the outer guide body31and the inner guide body32translate along a direction D substantially at right angles to the advancement direction A′, as illustrated in the two configurations ofFIGS.8and9. Similar considerations apply in the case in which outfeed buffer conveyors are used. In that case, the skid-guide coupling82translates the outer guide body31and the inner guide body32along a direction substantially at right angles to the direction of advancement A″. In use, with particular reference toFIGS.1to5, the deflector device3is positioned at the first conveyor belt21and the second conveyor belt22in such a way that the bottles C pass through the space delimited by the outer guide body31and by the inner guide body32. To put the outer guide body31and the inner guide body32in position, the skid42and the guide41are used and, if necessary, the skid-guide coupling82. In other words, the skid42and the guide41are configured to translate relative to each other the inner guide body32and the outer guide body31. After determining the relative position of the inner guide body32relative to the outer guide body31, in the radial direction of translation E the radius of curvature of the advancing belt321is set suitable for the bottles C being processed. In effect, depending on the size of the bottles C, the curvature of the inner guide body32is adjusted, whilst the curvature of the outer guide body31remains fixed. The curvature of the inner guide body32is modified by acting on the control screw51. In that way, the pushing element5imparts a pressure on the tensioning element43. More specifically, by acting on the control screw51, the angular drive52advances, causing the pushing bar53to rotate about the pin54, as illustrated inFIG.3. The tensioning element43, pushed by the pushing element5, deforms elastically, bending. While the tensioning element43bends, the guide pins46slidably engage in respective slots326made in the cover325for guiding the tensioning element43in its elastic deformation. The connecting element44, constrained to the pushing bar53and to the pulley322, also advances, contributing to keeping the tensioning element43in a curved position, and determining the change in the radius of curvature of the inner guide body32, maintaining the correct tension of the advancing belt321. In other words, thanks to the connecting element44, it is not necessary to act on the second control screw7to guarantee the tensioning of the tensioning belt321. In effect, the second control screw7is used only during assembly of the guide body32, after which the correct tensioning of the advancing belt321is determined by the variation in the position of the connecting element44with the advance of the pushing means5. The combined movement of the pushing means5and of the pulley322keeps the belt321under tension for each radius of curvature adopted by the inner guide body32. The correct curvature is obtained when the bottles C do not undergo oscillations or movements which can adversely affect the condition of the bottles. The drive shaft6is then actuated to move the advancing belt321along the direction B, so as to allow the bottles C to vary their trajectory, from a first advancement direction A′ to a second advancement direction A″. With reference toFIGS.6to9, the machine100, in addition to the process described above, comprises the step wherein the deflector device3is translated along a direction D. In that way, the deflector device3is, on the one hand, at the end of a conveyor buffer (21,21′,21″) and, on the other hand, at the infeed of the second conveyor belt22. In other words, the machine100, starting from the configuration illustrated inFIG.8, moves to the configuration illustrated inFIG.9. The translation step along the direction D is repeated again each time it is necessary to change conveyor buffers (21,21,′,21″). According to other embodiments not illustrated, the first A′ and the second A″ directions of advancement are curved, or only one of the two advancement directions is curved. According to alternative embodiments not illustrated, at least one of either the first conveyor belt21or the second conveyor belt22comprises a motor for driving the belt. According to embodiments not illustrated, there are more than or equal to two pulleys322,323,324. Configurations with a greater number of pulleys are, for example, advantageous for very large radiuses of curvature. Configurations with a smaller number of pulleys are, for example, advantageous for smaller radiuses of curvature. According to embodiments not illustrated, more than one pulley322,323,324is motor-driven. This configuration is, for example, advantageous for very large radiuses of curvature. According to embodiments not illustrated, a sponge is positioned on the surface of the outer guide body31in contact with the bottles C in order to absorb the impacts. According to embodiments not illustrated, the skid42is connected to one of either the inner guide body32or the outer guide body31, and a respective guide41is constrained to the other of either the outer guide body31or the inner guide body32. According to embodiments not illustrated, thanks to the skid42and the guide41, the outer guide body31and the inner guide body32move towards each other along a direction of translation at right angles to one between the first A′ and the second A″ directions of advancement. According to embodiments not illustrated, the pushing element5comprises a piston. In other words, in this configuration the fork55, the connecting rod head56and the threaded shaft57are replaced by a piston. According to embodiments not illustrated, the connecting element44connects one of the pulleys322,323to one of either the tensioning element43or the pushing element5for modifying the relative position of the pulley322,323with respect to at least one of the other pulleys322,323,324, when the tensioning element43is elastically deformed. According to embodiments not illustrated, the curvature of the outer guide body31is also adjustable. The apparatus and the machine for handling bottles according to the invention achieve the preset aims and brings important advantages. A first advantage of the apparatus and of the machine according to the invention is the possibility of being easily adapted to different shapes of the bottles. For example, without having to remove the side panel. Another advantage is due to the fact that the apparatus and the machine according to this invention have an improved safety because it is not necessary to remove and install different inner guide bodies32for different applications. This reduces the risks associated with this operation due to the significant weight, equal to approximately 20 kg, of the inner guide body32. A further advantage is the possibility of modifying the curvature of the inner side only of the apparatus, corresponding to the inner guide body32. Another advantage is due to the fact that the apparatus according to the invention is particularly suitable for handling bottles made of different materials, shapes and sizes, such as, for example, glass or Tetra Pak bottles. Yet another advantage of the apparatus and of the machine according to the invention is due to the possibility of effectively managing buffer conveyors for transporting bottles. More specifically, buffer conveyors for transporting bottles operating with F.I.F.O. logic. A further advantage is due to the fact that the apparatus and the machine according to the invention allow the inner guide body32to be adapted without the need to tension the tensioning belt321by means of the control screw7, since tensioning is performed automatically, by moving the tensioning element43using the pushing element5. Another advantage is due to the fact that the apparatus and the machine according to the invention can be easily adapted to different processing requirements without the need to carry out preliminary feasibility studies and redesign of the apparatus or the machine. | 18,484 |
11858755 | REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1: Carrying system3: Conveyor apparatus5: First conveyor5a; Carry surface7: Second conveyor9: Conversion11: Centering stack device13: First positioning device15: First stopper17: First stopper driver23; Second positioning device25: Second stopper31: Stacker31a; mast31b; ceiling33a; First gripping member33b; Second gripping member34aFirst horizontal direction driver34b; Second horizontal direction driver35a; First vehicle35b; Second vehicle36a; First chain36b; Second chain37a; First sprocket37b; Second sprocket38a; Third sprocket38b; Fourth sprocket39a; First grip motor39b; Second grip motor41a; First elevator41b; Second elevator42a; First lower sprocket42b; Second lower sprocket43a; First upper sprocket43b; Second upper sprocket44a; First chain44b; Second chain45a; First elevating motor45b; Second elevating motor46a; First guide46b; Second guide61: Stack position71: Controller73a; First sensor73b; Second sensor74: Tire height sensor75: Tire arrival sensor77: DriverT: Tire DETAILED DESCRIPTION 1. First Example (1) Entire Carrying System With reference toFIG.1, a carrying system of a first example will now be described as follows.FIG.1is a schematic plan view of the carrying system of the first example. A carrying system1has a function to carry a tire T (an example of an article) one by one, to stack a plurality of the tires T, and then to carry the stacked tires T. (2) Conveyer Apparatus The carrying system1has a conveyer apparatus3that carries the tire T having a plurality of different-sized types. The conveyer apparatus3includes a first conveyer5, a second conveyer7, and a convertor9. The convertor9is disposed between the first conveyer5and the second conveyer7. The tire T are carried in the order of the second conveyer7, the convertor9and the first conveyer5. The first conveyer5and the second conveyer7are orthogonal to each other and the convertor9changes the conveying direction of tire T from the conveyer7to the conveyer5. The first conveyer5and the second conveyer7are known technique such as a roller conveyer and have a carry surface5aon which the tires T are conveyed. The convertor9, which is a known technique, is made of, for example, a roller conveyor and chain conveyors movable between the rollers of roller conveyer. Members of the each device are omitted appropriately to simplify the drawings. Hereinafter, an extending direction of the first conveyor5is referred to as a first direction (a Y direction) and an extending direction of the second conveyer7is referred to as a second direction (an X direction). (3) Centering Stack Device The carrying system1has a centering stack device11. The centering stack device11stacks the tires T while centering them. The stacked tires T are carried into a rack (not shown) directly by use of a robot arm (not shown). Unless each of the tires T is centered accurately, the plurality of tires T may incline and collapse when being gripped by the robot arm. Accordingly, an accurate centering is required. This example provides the centering stack device11that can solve the above-described issue (to be described later). (3-1) First Positioning Device The centering stack device11has a first positioning device13that defines a position of an end portion of the tire T carried by the first conveyer5as the first predetermined position in the first direction. The first positioning device13has a first stopper15provided at the first conveyer5. The first stopper15protrudes upward from the carry surface5a(an example of placement section) of the first conveyer5and is capable of abutting against the tire T carried by the first conveyer5in the first direction. The first stopper15extends to the second direction. With reference toFIGS.2and3, the details of the first positioning device13will now be described.FIGS.2and3are schematic side views of the first positioning device. The first positioning device13has a first stopper driver17which causes the first stopper15to move between the abutment position (FIG.2) protruding upward from the carry surface5aand the retreat position (FIG.3) below the carry surface5adistanced away obliquely downward from the abutment position at downstream side in a conveyance direction of the tire T. The first stopper driver17is, for example, a pneumatic cylinder. The first stopper15of the carrying system1moves from the abutment position to the retreat position after the tire T abuts against the first stopper15. The retreat position is so far from the tire T abutment position in the first direction that the load is not applied easily from the first stopper15to the tire T. Therefore, the position or direction of tire T is not changed easily. If rotation or wear of tire T is not considered, the first stopper may move only in the vertical direction. (3-2) Second Positioning Device The centering stack device11has a second positioning device23that defines the end portion of the tire T in the second direction as the second predetermined position. The second positioning device23has a second stopper25disposed at one side of the second direction (the bottom of theFIG.1) on the conversion9. The second stopper25protrudes upward from the carry surface9aof the conversion9and is capable of abutting against one side of the tire T. The second positioning device23has a driver77(refer toFIG.10) that moves the second stopper25between the abutment position protruding upward from the carry surface5aand the retreat position distanced away from the abutment position against the tire T in the second direction. The driver77may have the same or similar structure as one of the first stopper driver17of the first positioning device13, or may have a structure that allows the second stopper25to retreat in the lateral direction. If rotation of the tire T is not considered, the second stopper25does not need to be retreated. The conversion9moves the tire T to one side of the second direction (the side of the second stopper25on the bottom ofFIG.1) at the upstream side in conveyance direction from the first positioning device13. This enables the tire T to abut against the second stopper25to be positioned in the second direction. Then, the second stopper25moves from the abutment position to the retreat position. The abutment position against tire T is distanced far from the retreat position in the second direction. Thus, a load from the second stopper25is not applied easily to the tire T. Therefore, the position or direction of the tire T cannot be changed easily. Then, the tire T is carried on the first conveyer5toward the first positioning device13in the first direction. In this process, the tire T is carried without changing the posture or the position determined in the second direction since no guide is provided at the back side (bottom side ofFIG.1) of the first conveyer5in the second direction. The tire T is positioned in the first direction with the first stopper15at a stack position61, which is a position where the tire T is stopped and occupies at the upstream side in a conveyance direction of the first stopper15. As described above, the tire T is stopped at the stack position61on the first conveyer5with the first stopper15in a state in that the tire T is positioned in each of the first and second directions. (3-3) Stacker With reference toFIGS.4and5, a stacker will now be described.FIG.4is a schematic perspective view of the stacker andFIG.5is a schematic front view of the stacker. The centering stack device11has a stacker31(an example of gripping apparatus). The stacker31is used to stack a centered tire T. The stacker31has a pair of masts31aand a ceiling31bthat connects the masts31awith each other at the top. The pair of masts31aare disposed at both sides of the first conveyer5across the stack position61of the first conveyer5. The stacker31has a first gripping member33aand a second gripping member33b, which grip the sides of one or more tires T. The first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bhave a predetermined length in the vertical direction and circular-arc-shaped abutment surfaces33a1and33b1(an example of bent portion) in a plan view. For example, the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bcan grip and hold a tire T or two through ten stacked tires T at a time. The first gripping member33ais placed at the same side as the second positioning device23in the second direction. The abutment surfaces33a1and33b1are bent parts and thus, enabling the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bto abut along the sides of the tire T. As shown inFIG.5, the stacker31has a first horizontal direction driver34aand a second horizontal direction driver34bto move the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bin the horizontal direction, respectively. The first horizontal direction driver34aand the second horizontal direction driver34bhas a first vehicle35aand a second vehicle35b, a first chain36aand a second chain36bwhich drive the first vehicle35aand the second vehicle35bin a horizontal direction, a first sprocket37aand a second sprocket37b, a third sprocket38aand a fourth sprocket38b, and a first grip motor39aand a second grip motor39b, respectively. The stacker31has a first elevator41aand a second elevator41b. The first elevator41aand the second elevator41bare a pair of devices to elevate the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33b, respectively. The first elevator41aand the second elevator41bare provided at the lowers of a first horizontal direction driver34aand a second horizontal direction driver34b, respectively. The first elevator41ahas a first lower sprocket42aarranged at a lower side in a vertical direction, a first upper sprocket43aarranged at a upper side in the vertical direction, and a first chain44ato couple the first lower sprocket42aand the first upper sprocket43ato each other. The first gripping member33ais fixed to the first chain44a. The first elevator41afurther has a first elevator motor45ato drive the first upper sprocket43ato move the first gripping member33abetween an upper position and a lower position. The first elevator41afurther has a first guide46ato guide the first gripping member33ain a vertical direction. The second elevator41bhas a second lower sprocket42barranged at a lower side in a vertical direction, a second upper sprocket43barranged at an upper side in a vertical direction, and a second chain44bto couple the second lower sprocket42band the second upper sprocket43bto each other. The second gripping member33bis fixed to the second chain44b. The second elevator41bfurther has a second elevator motor45bto drive the second upper sprocket43bto move the second gripping member33bbetween the upper position and the lower position. The second elevator41bfurther has a second guide46bto guide the second gripping member33bin a vertical direction. The above ‘the upper position’ of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bmeans that the bottom ends of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bare placed at a height that does not interfere with the lowermost tire T. For example, the upper position may be based on a width of the biggest tire T or based on the types of tire T. The above ‘the lower position’ of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bis a position where the bottom ends of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bdo not interfere with the first conveyer5when the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bgrip a tire T placed on the first conveyer5. As shown inFIG.5, the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bare positioned such that the bottom ends thereof are lower than the first lower sprocket42aand the second lower sprocket42bat the lower position. Therefore, even the bottommost one of a plurality of the tires T is able to be gripped by the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33b. As shown inFIG.5, the first lower sprocket42aand the second lower sprocket42bare disposed at a position higher than the top surface of the highest tire T. Thus, in this example, although the first lower sprocket42aand the second lower sprocket42bare disposed above the first conveyer5, the first lower sprocket42aand the second lower sprocket42bdo not interrupt conveyance of the tire T. The stacker31includes a first sensor73aand a second sensor73b(examples of sensors) (Refer toFIGS.6and10), which detect the tires T placed at the predetermined distance from the abutment surfaces33a1,33b1of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33b, respectively. The first sensor73aand the second sensor73b, which are optical transmission type sensor, include a light emitting section and a light receiving section provided at both right-left ends of the abutment surfaces33a1,33b1of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33b. The abutment surfaces33a1,33ab have holes (not shown) through which the light axes of the first sensor73aand the second sensor73bpasses. The light axes of the first sensor73aand the second sensor73bthat are orthogonal to the movement direction of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33b, connect the one end portion with another end portion of circular arc of first gripping member33aand second gripping member33bin a plan view, respectively. However, the light axis crosses the circular arc by intersecting at the two points of the circular arc in a plan view, whereby the light axis is required to extend in the direction along the tire T. Therefore, for example, the light axis may be parallel to the line described above. In this example, the light axis extends in a horizontal direction. The stacker31has a tire height sensor74(FIG.10) to detect the height of tire T. The type of the sensor74is not specifically limited. For example, the tire height sensor74may be a plurality of optical transmission type or optical reflection sensors lined up in the height direction, or the distance measuring sensor disposed above the tire T. Further, the position of sensor is not specifically limited. The height of a tire T may be included in the tire information obtained from the upper controller (not shown). A controller71controls a drive amount of the first elevator motor45aand the second elevator motor45bin accordance with the height of tire T. This enables elevation amount of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bto be minimalized. As a result, an operational efficiency is improved. The stacker31has a tire arrival sensor75(FIG.10) to detect that a tire T arrives at the stack position61. The sensor75is an optical transmission type or light reflection type sensor or optical reflective type sensor installed at both sides of the first conveyer5. The type of sensors is not specifically limited. A touch sensor installed at the first stopper15and detecting a contact with tire T is applicable. (3-4) Tire Gripping Operation with First Gripping Member and Second Gripping Member With reference toFIG.6, a tire T gripping operation performed by the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bincluded in the stacker31will now be described.FIG.6is a schematic partial plan view showing a gripping operation of a stacker. FIG.6shows a plurality of types of tires T1to T5. These tires include a first tire portion t1and a second tire portion t2. The first tire portion t1is an end portion side determined with the first positioning device13and the second tire portion t2is an end portion side determined with the second positioning device23after abutting against the first stopper15of the first positioning device13. The position of the first tire portion t1in the first direction is determined with the first stopper15. The position of the second tire portion t2in the second direction is determined with the second stopper25of the second positioning device23previously. In this example, the tire T does not rotate on the first conveyer5so that a portion of the tire T that abuts against the second stopper25becomes the second tire portion t2at the stack position61.FIG.6shows only the first tire portion t1and the second tire portion t2of the tire T5. With reference toFIGS.7to9, an example of stacker gripping operations will now be described. TheFIGS.7to9are schematic partial plan views showing the stacker gripping operations. The tire T1has the smallest size, that is, the shortest outside diameter. The first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bpass between the first tire portion t1and the second tire portion t2of the tire T1to grip the sides of the tire T. In particular, the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bgrip the tire T obliquely against the first direction at the midpoint of a direct line P connecting the first tire portion t1with the second tire portion t2. more specifically, the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bmay grip the tire T in the third direction (the extending direction of a direct line Q, clamp direction) horizontally orthogonal to the straight-line P. Further more specifically, the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bpass between the first tire portion t1and the second tire portion t2(on the straight-line P) and may grip the tire T obliquely at a 45-degree angle against the first direction. As described above, the center of the gripping direction coincides with the center of the tire T so that the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bcan grip correctly the tire T having a different-sized outside diameter. Further, the first positioning device13and the stacker31can be compact. In this example, regardless of types of tire T, the center of grip direction is consist with the center of tire T, because the tire T is round-shaped and the center can be determined by positioning two points. Next, the tire gripping operation will be now described. As shown inFIG.7, the tire T1is positioned by the first stopper15. As shown inFIG.8, the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bmove to the first position close to the side of the tire T1. The arrival at the first position is detected with the detection signal from the first sensor73aand the second sensor73b. The first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bthat have the first sensor73aand the second sensor73b, respectively, are bend and this enables the tire T1to be detected before the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33babut against the tire T1. As shown inFIG.9, the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33barrive at the second position where the gripping members33aand33babut against the side of the tire T1to grip the tire T1. The detection signal from the first sensor73aand the second sensor73bconfirms that the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bare gripping the tire T1. In the stacker31according to this example, the tire T having a different-sized outside diameter can be detected in a non-contact manner before being gripped since the abutment surfaces33a1,33b1of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bare arc-shaped in a plan view. Further, the first sensor73aand the second sensor73bare non-contact sensors so that mechanical parts or components of the tire detector can be reduced. (4) Structure that Controls the Stacker With reference to the block diagram ofFIG.10, the structure that controls the stacker31will now be described. The stacker31has a controller71(an example of controller), which is a computer system including a processor such as CPU, a memory device such as ROM, RAM, HDD, and SSD, and various interfaces such as A/D convertor, D/A convertor, and communication interface. The controller71runs program stored in a memory (corresponding to a part or all of memory areas of memory device) to perform various control operations. The controller71may be made of a single processor or a plurality of independent processors for each control. Each element of the controller71may function partially or all as a program executable with the computer system included in the controller71. The functions of each element of the controller71may be partially made up of a custom IC. The controller71is connected to the first stopper driver17, the first elevator motor45a, the second elevator motor45b, the first grip motor39a, the second grip motor39b, the first sensor73a, the second sensor73b, the tire height sensor74, and the tire arrival sensor75. The controller71is connected with a sensor (not shown) to detect the size, the shape, or the position of the tire T, a sensor (not shown) and a switch (not shown) to detect the condition of each device, and an information input device (not shown). (5) Stack Controlling Operation With reference toFIGS.11to25, the stack control operations will now be described.FIG.11is a flowchart showing stack controlling operations.FIG.12is a flowchart showing tire gripping operations.FIGS.13to25are schematic diagrams showing an operating status of a pair of gripping members during stack operations. The control flowchart described below is an example and each step can be removed or replaced as appropriate. A plurality of steps can be executed at a time or a part or all of steps can be executed together. Each step of the control flowchart is not limited to a single control operation and can be replaced to a plurality of control operations represented by a plurality of steps. The operation of each device, which is a result of instruction from the controller71to each device, is represented by each step of the software application. During stack control operations described below, a series of operations are performed to stack the same size (type) tires T. After the series of operations are finished, a different size (type) tires T are stacked. However, the size (type) of tire does not need to be changed every operation. Before the below operations, the tire T is positioned in the second direction with the second positioning device23. At step S1ofFIG.11, the first stopper15moves to the abutment position. In particular, the controller71controls the first stopper driver17to move the first stopper15to the abutment position. At step S2, the controller71detects the tire T arrival at the stack position61based on the detection signal from the tire arrival sensor75. As shown inFIGS.13to14, after the tire T arrives, the process goes to step S3. At step S3, the first stopper moves to the retreat position. In particular, the controller71controls the first stopper drive17to execute the above operation. At step S4, the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bgrip the tire T. With reference toFIG.12, operations of the first gripping member33awill now be described (the same for the second gripping member33b). At step S101, the first gripping member33amoves toward the tire T. At step102, whether the tire T is detected or not with the first sensor73ais judged. If detected (if controller receives a detection signal from the first sensor73a), the process goes to step S103. If not detected, the process returns to step S101. At step S103, as shown inFIG.15, the first gripping member33astops at the first position close to the side of tire T (the tire T is not gripped). Before proceeding from step S103to S104, as the condition for transferring from step S103to step S104, status of the second gripping member33bneeds to be checked to prevent the second gripping member33bfrom pushing the tire T when gripping. At step S104, the first gripping member33afurther approaches the tire T and then, as shown inFIG.16, arrives at the second position to abut against the side of the tire T. At step S105, whether the torque value of the first grip motor39areaches or not the specified value is judged. If reaches, the process goes to step S106. If not reach, the process returns to step S104. At step S106, the movement of the first gripping member33ais stopped. At step S5ofFIG.11, completion of the gripping operations is awaited. The controller71judges the completion of gripping operations, for example, based on torque of the first grip motor39aand the second grip motor39b. At step S6, as shown inFIG.17, the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bwill go up to lift the tire T. In particular, the controller71controls the first elevator motor45aand the second elevator motor45bto perform the above operation. At step S7, the first stopper15moves to the abutment position. At step S8, the next tire T arrives at the stack position61. The controller71judges the arrival based on the detection signal from the tire arrival sensor. As shown inFIG.18, the process goes to step S9in response to arrival of the next tire T. At step S9, the first stopper15moves to the retreat position. At step S10, as shown inFIG.19, descending of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bmoves a gripped tire T down to another tire located thereunder. In particular, the controller71controls the first elevator motor45aand the second elevator motor45bto perform the above operation. In this process, these tires T are positioned at two points with the first positioning device13and the second positioning device23, thus enabling to be stacked and centered precisely to each other. At step S11, as shown inFIG.20, an outward moving of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33breleases the grip. In particular, the controller71controls the first grip motor39aand the second grip motor39bto perform the above operation. The movement distance of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bmay be controlled with a timer. The first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bare separated in the same or different distance. At step S12, whether stacking operations are completed or not is judged. If completed, the process is finished. If not, the process returns to step S4. After the process is finished, the first conveyer5conveys the stacked tires to the downstream side in conveyance direction. Operations at steps S4to S11are repeated the predetermined times. For example, at step S4, as shown inFIGS.21to23, operations to grip a tire is performed. In the second and subsequent gripping operations, the detection signal from the first sensor73aand the second sensor73bis used only to confirm the existence of the tire T (to be described later). At step S6, as shown inFIG.24, the tire T is lifted up. At step S8, as shown inFIG.25, further next tire T is awaited. Subsequent descriptions will be omitted. In the carrying system1, the position of tire T in the first direction is determined with the first positioning device13and the position in the second direction is determined with the second positioning device23. The tire T is gripped between the first portion t1of a tire and the second portion t2of a tire with the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33b. Accordingly, even the tire T with a different-sized outer diameter can be gripped correctly. For the tire T carried in first when there is no article between the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33b, the controller71moves the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bclose to each other and stop them at the first position. Then, the controller71can memory the stop position and the grip position to determine the movement distance to the second position. Therefore, for the tire T carried in secondarily or later, the controller71may move the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bto the second position without stopping at the first position to grip the tires T. After the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bstop at the second position for the tire T carried in secondarily or later, the controller71confirms using the first sensor73aand the second sensor73bthat the tire T is gripped. In the gripping apparatus, the tire T carried in secondarily or later is not stopped at the first position, thus reducing the cycle time. As described above, for the tire T carried in first, the first sensor73aand the second sensor73bare used to stop the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bat the first position. For the tire T carried in secondarily or later, the first sensor73aand the second sensor73bare used to confirm that the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bgrip the tire T at the second position. The above control is usable for tire stacking and tire unstacking operations. In the tire stacking operation, the tire T carried in firstly is a first article and the tire T carried in secondarily or later is a second article. In the tire unstacking operation, the bottommost tire T of the stacked tires T is a first article and the second and subsequent tires T from the bottom is a second article. The operations after tires T are stacked will now be described as follows. After tires T are stacked, for example, the stacked tires T are conveyed together by using a carrier which holds tires T at the inside or the lower side of the tires T. Although the stacked tire T is closer to one side in the second direction, the center of the tire T can be adjusted to the transfer position due to the same mechanism as a second direction adjustment conveyor. Therefore, the carrier can hold the tire T at the fixed position. 2. Second Preferred Example The light axis of the first sensor and the second sensor in the first example is horizontal, however, may slant in a vertical direction. With reference toFIG.26, such an example will now be described as a second example.FIG.26is a schematic side view showing an association between a tire and light axes of sensors according to the second example. The basic structures and operations are the same as those of the first example and different points will now be described as follows. The first sensor73aand the second sensor73bhave the same structures, thus only details of the first sensor73awill be described. The first sensor73adetects a tire T located at the predetermined distance from the abutment surface of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33b. The light axis76of the first sensor73ais located to slant upward with respect to horizontal direction. In this example, a light emitting section73a1and a light receiving section73a2are installed on the upper side and the lower side, respectively. They may be installed upside down. A slanting angle of the light axis76is at approximately 5 degrees. The above angle can prevent the light axis76from penetrating into a groove81(to be described later) of tire T to ensure detection of a largest outer surface of the tire T. The tire T shown inFIG.26has a plurality of grooves81extending in the circumference direction. In this example, as described above, the light axis76of the first sensor73ais slant, which prevents the light axis73from penetrating into the groove81. As a result, the tire T can be correctly detected. In particular, as shown inFIG.26, a detection area83on the top of gripping direction of the tire T is detected with the sensor. In this example, areas85,87at both sides of the detection area83therewithin are detected. If horizontal grooves are formed as the tire T and the light axis is horizontal, the light axis will penetrate into the grooves within the detection area and detection of the tire T will be delayed so that the detected position may be incorrect. However, in this example, such detection delay is avoidable. 3. Third Preferred Example In the first example, a controller confirms the detection of tire T with a sensor after a pair of gripping members stop at the first position. However, a controller may confirm the detection of tire T with a sensor without stopping the gripping members at the first position. In this example, if the detection of tire T cannot be confirmed, the pair of gripping members are stopped after passing the first position. With reference toFIG.27, such examples will now be described as a third preferred example.FIG.27is a flowchart showing a gripping operation in the third example. Hereinafter, the operations of a first gripping member33awill now be described (the same for a second gripping member33b). At step S101, the first gripping member33amoves toward the tire T. At step S102, whether the first sensor73ahas detected the tire T or not is judged. If detected, the process goes to step S105, and if not detected, the process goes to the step S107. As conditions for proceeding from step S102to S105, the status of the second gripping member33bis checked to prevent the tire T from being pushed when being gripped. As a result, the first gripping member33amoves to the second position to abut the sides of the tire T. At step105, whether the torque value of the first grip motor39ahas achieved the specified value or not is judged. If achieved, the process goes to step S106. If not achieved, operation of step S105is performed again. At step106, movement of the first gripping member33ais stopped, and at step107, whether the movement distance of the first gripping member33ais over the predetermined distance or not is judged. If over the predetermined distance, the process goes to step S108. If not, the process returns to step S101. At step S108, the movement of first gripping member33ais stopped and an abnormality handling is performed. If one of the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bis not detected, the operations of both of these gripping members are stopped. The above ‘predetermined distance’ is determined, for example, for each tire T. In particular, the ‘predetermined distance’ is defined such that the distance between the first gripping member33aand the second gripping member33bis the same as or smaller than the width that allows the tire T to be detected with non-contact, or the same as or smaller than the diameter of the tire T. 4. Common Matter of Preferred Example The following are common among the first to the third examples. The gripping apparatus such as a stacker31includes a placement section, a pair of gripping members, sensors, and a controller. The placement section such as a carry surface5aholds round-shaped articles such as tires T. The pair of gripping members such as a first gripping member33aand a second gripping member33bgrip the sides of an article placed on the placement section and include an abutment surface (such as abutment surfaces33a1,33b1) including a bent part and capable of abutting against the side of the article. The sensors such as a first sensor73aand a second sensor73bcrosses a bent portion and have a light axis in the direction along an article. The controller such as a controller71moves the pair of gripping members close to each other toward the first position (for example,FIG.8) where an article is not gripped. In response to a detection of the article with the sensor, the controller moves the pair of gripping members close to each other to the second position where the article is gripped (for example,FIG.9). As described above, the pair of gripping members have the bent portion and the article is round-shaped so that the article can be detected with non-contact before being gripped. Therefore, even the article having a different-sized diameter can be correctly detected. As described above, the sensor is a non-contact type, thus enabling to reduce parts or components of a tire detector. 5. Another Example A plurality of examples are described as described above. This disclosure is not limited to the above described examples and is changeable without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Especially, the plurality of examples and variations described herein may be combined as appropriate. (1) Variation of Shape of First Gripping Member and Second Gripping Member Abutment surfaces of a first gripping member and a second gripping member may have a V-shape in a plan view. (2) Variation of the Movement Operations of First Gripping Member and Second Gripping Member In the first example, the controller moves a pair of gripping members toward a tire at a time. However, the controller may move the pair of gripping members at different times. For example, one gripping member may move to abut against a tire and then the other gripping member moves to abut against the tire to grip the tire. (3) Variation of Gripping Apparatus A gripping apparatus may be used for the devices other than a stacker. The example may be applied to not only article stacking operations but also article unstacking operations. For example, positioning operations may be performed for the unstacking operations in the same way as that for the stacking operations. (4) Variation of Article A round-shaped article is not limited to a tire. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The examples are widely applicable to a gripping apparatus to grip a round-shaped article. | 37,128 |
11858756 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The present disclosure is best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternate and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. FIG.1is a system environment for use in accordance with the embodiments of control systems described herein. FIG.1is a system in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The system100may include a computer system. The computer system102may operate as a standalone device or may be connected to other systems or peripheral devices. For example, the computer system102may include, or be included within, any one or more servers, systems, communication networks. The computer system102may operate in the capacity of a server in a network environment, or in the capacity of a client user computer in the network environment. The computer system102may be implemented as, or incorporated into, various devices, such as a personal computer, a tablet computer, a set-top box, a personal digital assistant, a mobile device, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions that specify actions to be taken by that device. As illustrated inFIG.1, the computer system102may include at least one processor104, such as, for example, a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, or both. The computer system102may also include a computer memory106. The computer memory106may include a static memory, a dynamic memory, or both. The computer memory106may additionally or alternatively include a hard disk, random access memory, a cache, or any combination thereof. As shown inFIG.1, the computer system102may include a computer display108, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode, a solid state display, a plasma display, or any other known display. The computer system102may include at least one computer input device110, such as a keyboard, a remote control device having a wireless keypad, a microphone coupled to a speech recognition engine, a camera such as a video camera or still camera, a cursor control device, or any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art appreciate that various embodiments of the computer system102may include multiple input devices110. Moreover, those skilled in the art further appreciate that the above-listed, exemplary input devices110are not meant to be exhaustive and that the computer system102may include any additional, or alternative, input devices110. The computer system102may also include a medium reader112and a network interface114. Furthermore, the computer system102may include any additional devices, components, parts, peripherals, hardware, software or any combination thereof which are commonly known and understood as being included with or within a computer system, such as, but not limited to, an output device116. The output device116may be, but is not limited to, a speaker, an audio out, a video out, a remote control output, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the aspects of the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. The software and/or computer program product can be implemented in the environment ofFIG.1. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. FIG.2is a schematic view of the transportation system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG.2, a transportation system200in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. In embodiments, the transportation system200comprises one or more capsules or transport pods or cars202traveling through at least one tube204between two or more stations206. In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more cars202of the transportation system200move through a low-pressure environment within the at least one tube204. Furthermore, the path of the car may be pre determined and dedicated, and in case if it goes wrong, then the car may be stopped instantly. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, a low-pressure environment includes (but is not limited to) any pressure that is below 1 atmosphere (or approximately 1 bar) at sea level. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system comprises one or more partially evacuated tubes204that connect, for example, stations206in a closed loop system. These evacuated tubes may be connecting one or more places and may have midway interchange options, wherein the cars may interchange the routes as per the allocated map by the processor. In other alternate embodiments, the system may include a one-way connection between an origin and a destination. In embodiments, tubes204may be sized for optimal air flow around the capsule202to improve performance and energy consumption efficiency at the expected or design travel speed. In embodiments, the capsule may be levitated over a track using a pressurized fluid flow (e.g., air or liquid) exiting out, e.g., a bottom side of the capsule and interacting with the corresponding track. In further embodiments, the capsule may be levitated using, for example, passive magnetic levitation for example, non-superconducting magnets. In certain embodiments, the capsule may be levitated using rockets, wings, aerodynamic (control) surfaces, ion engines, electromagnets, and/or slipper pads. Additionally, the capsule may include one or more permanent magnets. By utilizing passive magnetic levitation, a high lift-to-drag ration can be achieved, which results in a very low power consumption. Furthermore, to transport the pod within the tube, poles of the magnets may be changed by using electrical currents. This concept, along with an increase in velocity would cause the pod to accelerate in a certain direction. Then, to decelerate the pod, again switching of the poles may be done, so that they would be opposing. In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the car or the pod may have a barcode embedded. The bar code may have details about the source and the destination and specific timelines. By implementing aspects of the present disclosure, the capsules are operable or available on-demand, which further enables an on-demand food supply from one place to other. For example, in embodiments, capsules may depart a station as (e.g., launched in a tube of the transportation system), as frequently as every ten seconds within a place from where the food has to be collected and reaches plurality of destinations where the food has to be delivered. In an exemplary embodiment, the transportation system may be configured to shut down (e.g., temporarily), to slow the speeds of capsule in the system in case of any emergency. In an embodiment, the car may be equipped with plurality of sensors208to detect extreme conditions (e.g., larger than normal waves, impactful weather) and actively control, for example, portions of the transportation system to adjust for the conditions. Such sensors208may include, e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or optical sensors. The system may utilize the communication capabilities of the tubes and/or capsules to send and/or receive instructions for adjustments to the speed there through and/or adjustments for alignment of the tube sections. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the capsules, elements of the tube, and the track are able to communicate with each other so as to, for example, control a capsule traveling within the tube and/or control operating conditions of the tube or track. As one example, spacing between capsules within the same tube may be maintained using autonomous vehicles that are aware of the other capsules' relative location. By autonomous, it should be understood that the vehicle is not driven by an operator on the vehicle, but is operated using at least one computerized controller. Thus, if a car carrying the food ahead on the tube path has slowed (e.g., due to a malfunction), then other capsules upstream of the slowed capsule may include sensors to detect, recognize, and analyze such a situation, and may slow the velocity of the upstream capsules. As another example, the capsules may be in communication with a central command (which is aware of the location and speed of each capsule in the system), and receive an instruction from a central control to slow the velocity of the capsule if a capsule in front of said capsule is moving too slowly. In embodiments, the capsules may each be equipped with onboard emergency power systems sufficient to provide auxiliary propulsion to the capsule (e.g., to propel the capsule (or cause the capsule to crawl) to the next station or to an emergency egress) in the event of an emergency (e.g., loss of low-pressure environment). FIG.3is an exemplary path of the transportation system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, there may be plurality of cars or pods configured to load and unload the food from source to destination (for ex: 3 pods or cars marked as A, B, and C). Now these pods were configured to travel in X, Y, and Z directions respectively after collecting the food from the source place. Now, all 3 pods are ready on dedicated path at specific time intervals in a single direction, as pod A will go from one source to destination from 7 to 10 AM, pod B will go from one source to destination from 7 to 10 AM but have to cross an intercrossing with pod C, which is also running at same time, but from a different source. Now the automatic system will guide the pods to a correct direction, in a guidance based system, if the pod is going towards a wrong direction. This tracking may be done with the RFID or electronic chips410embedded on the pods. If the RFID scanner scans a pod with a wrong code, then the pod will be rejected from the system. In an exemplary embodiment, a high-speed transportation system for transporting resources (including but not limited to material goods, currency, human resources, etc.) comprising of the following technologies may be disclosed. A FUBE Exchanger304(food tube) as shown inFIG.5andFIG.6may be a turnable like device that connects intersections of FUBE track (for example, track306and track308) in a hub like manner. The device rotates to allow cars202on the track (for example, track306or track308) to enter the hub318from any track (for example, track306) and exit the hub318on any other track (for example, track308). A FUBE Automatic Guidance System that may be a system we have created to help guide each car through the distribution process. This system works by scanning some identification, for instance using an RFID scanner and barcode, located on each car. In this example, the barcode will determine where each car will go; if the car is being transported from Madrid to Ndola, the barcode might say “MA-ND”. Our system will work by allocating a portion of time to a certain location, similar to that of a train station. For example, from 7 A.M. to 8 A.M, every car would go from the Madrid center would be transported to the Paris center. If by mistake a car that should not go to that specific location is inserted, the machine will automatically reject the car, and it will be removed. A FUBE Reception and Storage Centre300that may aim to receive and store the food; built on repurposed tobacco farmland that are converted into FUBE receiving and storage centres. Because the system may have large quantities of food coming in, the requirement of the system is to establish an established organization system using similar identification techniques as those the FUBE Automatic Guidance System uses. For instance, when using the aforementioned RFID scanner and barcode, a car being transported from Madrid to Ndola containing food items that must be refrigerated would have a barcode that reads “MA-ND-RF”. In European cities, receiving & storage centres will serve to receive, store and distribute letters and parcels. A FUBE track comprising a rail like length that serves to carry cars along the track to another destination. Said rails can achieve high velocity with, but not limited to, technologies such as magnetic levitation, ball bearing track, pneumatic tubing, etc. Said track should forego friction or attempt to minimize friction to a negligible degree. For instance, a possible design would be to create a depressurized vacuum tube with conductive electromagnetic rails inside the tube. A series of electromagnets attached to the rails would alternate between a negative and positive pole, causing an electric potential difference between sections of the rail, pushing the car forward. A FUBE car comprising of a pod like chamber to hold any resource and hold an independent internal environment that will use the aforementioned FUBE track to travel the length of the rail at high velocities, equipped with emergency brakes and copious storage space. An example of this would be an airtight conductive pod that carries a negative charge, making it receptive to the potential difference of alternating pole magnetic rails in the previous example. Through magnetic levitation, this pod would forego friction in the airtight FUBE track and achieve incredible speeds through constant acceleration. A FUBE mailing centre that may aim to use shipping and receiving ports at FUBE track stops and intersections to act as a drop off and pick up point for any form of courier service, including but not limited to, paper mail, packages, and fragile shipments. These mailing centres should be attached to FUBE Reception and Storage Centres and can interact with a smaller delivery system to deliver courier goods to individual households and firms throughout a local or provincial area. FIG.4illustrates an exemplary vacuum tube400in accordance with the disclosed invention. The vacuum tube is enabled by a wind turbine fan402rotating based on a speed of the winds, and a piston404to create pressure inside the tube. The tube comprises compressed air and an airflow control valve406to enable the airflow speed and thereby enabling the pod408to move in a pre determined direction based on the invention. It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modification will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the description and in the drawings (the contents of which are included in this disclosure by way of reference). It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. In this respect, a coupling between entities may refer to either a direct or an indirect connection. Various embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications in addition to those described, are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The embodiments, therefore, are not restrictive, except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be understood in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps, in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. The disclosed methods and systems, as illustrated in the ongoing description or any of its components, may be embodied in the form of a computer system. Typical examples of a computer system include a general-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor, a micro-controller, a peripheral integrated circuit element, and other devices, or arrangements of devices that are capable of implementing the steps that constitute the method of the disclosure. The computer system comprises a computer, an input device, a display unit and the Internet. The computer further comprises a microprocessor. The microprocessor is connected to a communication bus. The computer also includes a memory. The memory may be Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM). The computer system further comprises a storage device, which may be a hard-disk drive or a removable storage drive, such as, a floppy-disk drive, optical-disk drive, and the like. The storage device may also be a means for loading computer programs or other instructions into the computer system. The computer system also includes a communication unit. The communication unit allows the computer to connect to other databases and the Internet through an input/output (I/O) interface, allowing the transfer as well as reception of data from other sources. The communication unit may include a modem, an Ethernet card, or other similar devices, which enable the computer system to connect to databases and networks, such as, LAN, MAN, WAN, and the Internet. The computer system facilitates input from a user through input devices accessible to the system through an I/O interface. In order to process input data, the computer system executes a set of instructions that are stored in one or more storage elements. The storage elements may also hold data or other information, as desired. The storage element may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element present in the processing machine. The programmable or computer-readable instructions may include various commands that instruct the processing machine to perform specific tasks, such as steps that constitute the method of the disclosure. The systems and methods described can also be implemented using only software programming or using only hardware or by a varying combination of the two techniques. The disclosure is independent of the programming language and the operating system used in the computers. The instructions for the disclosure can be written in all programming languages including, but not limited to, “C,” “C++,” “Visual C++,” Java, and “Visual Basic.” Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program module containing a larger program or a portion of a program module, as discussed in the ongoing description. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, the results of previous processing, or from a request made by another processing machine. The disclosure can also be implemented in various operating systems and platforms including, but not limited to, “Unix,” “DOS,” “Android,” “Symbian,” and “Linux.” The programmable instructions can be stored and transmitted on a computer-readable medium. The disclosure can also be embodied in a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium, or with any product capable of implementing the above methods and systems, or the numerous possible variations thereof. Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor. To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described here can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. A person having ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the system, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, or modules and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications. The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the systems and techniques described here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), and the Internet. While in the foregoing specification, several embodiments of the invention have been set forth for purposes of making a complete disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes may be made without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its some embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the Spirit and Scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. | 25,422 |
11858757 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment Configuration FIG.1is a view illustrating an example of a granular material supply system according to a first embodiment. A granular material supply system100includes a blow tank2, a pressurization line5connected to an upper portion of the blow tank2, an aeration line6connected to an aerator3, a cutout line9connected to a lower portion of the blow tank2, a carrier line7, and a control device20. The pressurization line5is provided with a pressure control device PIC4, a pressure regulation valve V1, and a flow rate sensor C3. The aeration line6is provided with a flow rate sensor C4and an aeration gas flow rate control valve V2. The carrier line7is provided with a flow rate control device FIC8, a carrier gas flow rate control valve V4, and a flow rate sensor C5, and a junction P1of the carrier line7and a cutout line9(or downstream of P1) is provided with a density sensor C6. Each of the sensors C3to C6is connected to the control device20. The control device20includes a carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21, a granular material flow rate controller22, and a carrier line granular material density controller23. The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21acquires a command value ρSVof the granular material density to be supplied to the carrier destination facility10and measurement values of the flow rate sensors C3to C5, and estimates the supply flow rate of the granular material to the carrier destination facility10by using Equation (5) below. Equation3gP4(t)≈ρSV·(gG1(t)+gG2(t)ρG+gP2(t)ρP)(5) ρSVis a set value (command value) of the granular material density. gG1(t) is the measurement value of the flow rate sensor C5. gG2(t) is a total of the measurement value of the flow rate sensor C3and the measurement value of the flow rate sensor C4. The values of the density ρGof the carrier gas component and the density pp of the granular material component are known values (fixed values determined by the type of granular material or the operation state of the granular material supply device). If the values of the carrier gas flow rate gG1(t)andthe total flow rate gG2(t) of the aeration and the pressurized gas are known, considering that the granular material density ρ3at the junction P1and the downstream side thereof is maintained at an expectation value ρSVof the granular material density of the carrier line, the estimated value of the cutout flow rate gP2(t) can be expressed by Equation (6) below. Furthermore, from the above equation (5) and Equation (6) below, the estimated value of the supply flow rate of granular material to the carrier destination facility10at time t can be expressed by Equation (7) below. Equation4gˆP2(t)=ρG-1-ρSV-1ρSV-1-ρP-1(gG1(t)+gG2(t))(6)Equation5gˆP4(t)=ρSV·(gG1(t)+gG2(t)ρG+gˆP2(t)ρP)(7) The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21estimates the supply flow rate of granular material to the carrier destination facility10at the time t by using the equation (7). The granular material flow rate controller22controls the flow rate of the carrier gas flowing through the carrier line7. The flow rate of the granular material at the time t requested by the carrier facility10is assumed to be r (t) (kg/s). For example, the granular material flow rate controller22may use an estimated value g {circumflex over ( )}P4(t) of the supply flow rate of the granular material at the time t estimated by the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21to calculate the command value rG1of the carrier gas flow rate at the time t by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (8) below. kPis a symbol representing a proportional gain of the proportional-integral controller, and TIis a symbol representing an integral time constant of the proportional-integral controller. Equation6rG1(t)=kP(r(t)-gˆP4(t)+∫r(t)-gˆP4(t)TIdt)(8) The granular material flow rate controller22outputs the command value rG1of the carrier gas flow rate calculated by the equation (8) to the flow rate control device FIC8. This adjusts the opening degree of the carrier gas flow rate control valve V4and achieves the carrier gas flow rate based on the requested r (t). The carrier line granular material density controller23controls the cutout flow rate of the granular material to be supplied to the cutout line9. For example, the carrier line granular material density controller23may calculate the opening degree command value rVLV2(t) of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (9) below. kPis a common symbol representing a proportional gain, and TIis a common symbol representing an integral time constant. The proportional-integral controllers of the second and subsequent embodiments described later also use the symbols kPand TI, but these values are different for each embodiment. The proportional-integral controller increases the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3when the density ρ3(kg/m3) at the junction measured by the density sensor C6is less than the set value ρSVand decreases the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3when the density ρ3(kg/m3) exceeds the set value ρSV, thus making the density ρ3(kg/m3) at the junction coincide with the set value ρSV. Equation7rVLV2(t)=kP(ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)+∫ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)TIdt)(9) The carrier line granular material density controller23males the granular material density at the junction constant even when the flow rate of the carrier gas is changed. For example, setting ρSVas a command value in the carrier line granular material density controller23makes the time average value of the granular material density at the junction P1constant at ρSV. If the granular material density at the junction P1is constant even when the flow rate of the carrier gas is changed, the expectation value of the granular material density of the carrier line7becomes uniform at ρSVin the downstream portion of the junction P1regardless of the location. Then, as described above, since the volume flow rate U of the carrier gas propagates without delay even 100 m ahead, if the granular material density ρSVcan be controlled constantly, the actual granular material flow rate to be supplied to the carrier destination facility10without delay can be controlled to a desired value by controlling the carrier gas flow rate. Instead of the set value ρSVof the granular material density, a time average value of the granular material density ρ3at the junction P1may be used as an expectation value. A value obtained by smoothing ρ3with a high-pass cutoff filter such as a first-order delay may be used as an expectation value. When the expectation value of the granular material density of the carrier line7is determined by any method, the granular material supply flow rate to the carrier destination is expressed by the equation (5), and the granular material supply flow rate gp4(kg/s) to the carrier destination facility10is proportional to the carrier gas flow rate gG1(kg/s). As a result, by adjusting the carrier gas flow rate gG1(kg/s) to the command value r, the granular material flow rate to be supplied to the carrier destination facility10can be controlled to the command value without delay and without sparseness and denseness. Operation Next, the flow of granular material supply control by the control device20will be described with reference toFIGS.2A and2B. As a premise, the control device20stores set values of the command value ρSVof the granular material density, the density ρGof the carrier gas component, and the density ρPof the granular material component. The control device20acquires measurement values of the flow rate sensors C3to C5and the density sensor C6from moment to moment. The control device20acquires the command value r (t) of the latest flow rate requested by the carrier destination facility10. The control device20repeatedly executes the processing illustrated inFIGS.2A and2Bin parallel at a predetermined control cycle. The flow of the flow rate control of carrier gas is shown inFIG.2A.FIG.2Ais a flowchart illustrating an example of the carrier gas flow rate control according to the first embodiment. The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21acquires measurement values by the flow rate sensors C3to C5(step S1). Next, the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21estimates the supply flow rate of granular material to the carrier destination facility10by using the equation (7) (step S2). Next, the granular material flow rate controller22calculates the command value rG1of the carrier gas flow rate by using the flow rate command value r (t) requested by the carrier destination and the equation (8), and outputs the calculated command value rG1to the flow rate control device FIC8, thus controlling the flow rate of the carrier gas (step S3). FIG.2Bshows the flow of control for making the density of granular material at the junction P1constant.FIG.2Bis a flowchart illustrating an example of the granular material density control according to the first embodiment. The carrier line granular material density controller23acquires a measurement value by the density sensor C6(step S11). Next, the carrier line granular material density controller23calculates the opening degree command value rVLV2of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by using the equation (9). The carrier line granular material density controller23controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by the calculated opening degree command value rVLV2, and controls the density ρ3of the granular material at the junction P1to become the set value ρSV(step S12). According to the present embodiment, the granular material supply system100that supplies granular material from the blow tank2to the carrier destination facility10, while adjusting the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3so that the density of granular material inside the carrier line7coincides with the set value ρSVbased on the density ρ3instructed by the density sensor C6that measures the density of granular material in the carrier line7, adjusts the opening degree of the carrier gas flow rate control valve V4so that the carrier gas flow rate coincides with the command value r based on the command value r of the gas flow rate in the carrier line7and the expectation value (ρSV) of the granular material density in the carrier line7. This can supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate as instructed. Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a granular material supply system100A according to the second embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.3,4A, and4B. In the first embodiment, the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3is controlled for density control of the granular material at the junction P1, and the opening degree of the carrier gas flow rate control valve V4is controlled for flow rate control of the carrier gas. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2is controlled for density control of the granular material at the junction P1, and the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3is controlled for flow rate control of the carrier gas. Among the granular material supply facilities, there is a facility in which the flow rate of the carrier gas passing through the carrier gas flow rate control valve V4is zero or close to zero, and granular material is carried to the carrier destination facility10by the pressurized gas or the aeration gas flowing out from the blow tank2. The supply control of granular material according to the second embodiment is suitable for facilities having such properties. Configuration FIG.3is a view illustrating an example of a granular material supply system according to a second embodiment. In the configuration according to the second embodiment, the same components as those of the granular material supply system100according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the granular material density at the junction P1is controlled to become constant even when the flow rate of the carrier gas is changed. The difference from the first embodiment lies in that density control is performed by changing the flow rate of the aeration gas flowing through the aeration line6. Depending on the type of granular material and the type of the aerator3, the aeration gas flow rate and the pressurized gas flow rate may be larger than the carrier gas flow rate. In extreme cases, the carrier gas flow rate may be zero depending on operating conditions such as output. When the carrier gas is zero, the cutout flow rate gP2passing through the cutout flow rate control valve V3is not diluted with the carrier gas flow rate gG1, and thus even if the cutout flow rate control valve V3is opened, the granular material density ρ3at the junction P1does not decrease. In such a case, it is necessary to adjust the ratio between the gas flowing out of the blow tank2and the granular material. The second embodiment is a technique for that. As a general property of cutting out granular material from the blow tank2, when the aeration gas flow rate is increased, the density of the granular material in the mixture including the cut out granular material and the gas decreases. This is because the increase in the aeration flow rate increases the amount of gas in the vicinity of the extraction port for extracting granular material from the blow tank2, and the granular material becomes sparse. Thus, if the granular material density ρ3at the junction P1is insufficient, the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2is further closed from the current opening degree to reduce the aeration gas, whereby the granular material in the mixture cut out from the blow tank2becomes dense, and the insufficiency of the granular material density at the junction P1is compensated. Conversely, if ρ3at the junction P1is excessive, the density excess can be compensated by further opening the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2from the current opening degree. In this manner, the density of the granular material at the junction P1can be made constant. The granular material supply system100A according to the second embodiment includes a control device20A instead of the control device20of the first embodiment, and the control device20A includes the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21, a granular material flow rate controller22A, and a carrier line granular material density controller23A. The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21is similar to that of the first embodiment. The granular material flow rate controller22A controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3. The flow rate of granular material required by the carrier facility10is assumed to be r (t) (kg/s). For example, using the estimated value g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) of the supply flow rate of granular material estimated by the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21, the granular material flow rate controller22A may calculate the command value rVLV2of the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (10) below. kPis a proportional gain, and TIis an integral time constant. Equation8rVLV2(t)=kP(r(t)-gˆP4(t)+∫r(t)-gˆP4(t)TIdt)(10) The granular material flow rate controller22A controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by the opening degree command value rVLV2(t) at the time t calculated by using the equation (10). This achieves a gas flow rate based on the requested r (t). The carrier line granular material density controller23A controls the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2. For example, the carrier line granular material density controller23A may calculate the opening degree command value rVLVA(t) of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2at the time (t) by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (11) below. kPis a proportional gain, and TIis an integral time constant. The proportional-integral controller of the equation (11) decreases the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2when the density ρ3at the junction measured by the density sensor C6is less than the set value ρSVand increases the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2when the density ρ3exceeds the set value ρSV, thus making the density ρ3at the junction coincide with the set value ρSV. When the aeration gas flow rate is increased, the granular material flowing out of the blow tank2is diluted, and thus the proportional gain is denoted by a minus sign so that the flow rate of the aeration gas increases when the granular material density ρ3exceeds the set value ρSV. Equation9rVLVA(t)=-kP(ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)+∫ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)TIdt)(11) Operation The operation of the control device20A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.4A and4B. The control device20A repeatedly executes the processing illustrated inFIGS.4A and4Bin parallel at a predetermined control cycle. The preconditions are the same as those of the first embodiment. The flow rate control of the gas flowing out of the blow tank2is shown inFIG.4A.FIG.4Ais a flowchart illustrating an example of the gas flow rate control according to the second embodiment. The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21acquires measurement values by the flow rate sensors C3to C5(step S1A). Next, the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21estimates the supply flow rate of granular material to the carrier destination facility10by using the equation (7) (step S2A). Next, the granular material flow rate controller22A calculates the opening degree command value rVLV2(t) by the flow rate command value r (t) requested by the carrier destination and the equation (10), and controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3, thus controlling the flow rate of the gas (gas flowing out of the blow tank2) to be used for carrying of the granular material (step S3A). FIG.4Bshows the flow of control for making the density of granular material at the junction P1constant.FIG.4Bis a flowchart illustrating an example of the granular material density control according to the second embodiment. The carrier line granular material density controller23A acquires a measurement value by the density sensor C6(step S11A). Next, the carrier line granular material density controller23A calculates the opening degree command value rVLVAof the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2by using the equation (11). The carrier line granular material density controller23A controls the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2by the calculated opening degree command value rVLVA, and controls the density ρ3of the granular material at the junction P1to the set value ρSV(step S12A). According to the present embodiment, the granular material supply system100A that supplies granular material from the blow tank2to the carrier destination facility10, while adjusting the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2so that the density of granular material inside the carrier line coincides with the set value ρSVbased on the density ρ3instructed by the density sensor C6that measures the density of granular material in the carrier line7, adjusts the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3so that the gas flow rate of the carrier line coincides with the command value r based on the command value r of the gas flow rate in the carrier line7and the expectation value (ρSV) of the granular material density in the carrier line7. This can supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate as instructed. Third Embodiment Hereinafter, a granular material supply system100B according to a third embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference toFIG.5. In the third embodiment, the flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P4of granular material is estimated using the flow velocity of the carrier gas downstream of the junction P1. Configuration FIG.5is a view illustrating an example of the granular material supply system according to the third embodiment. In the configuration according to the third embodiment, the same components as those of the granular material supply system100according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Also in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the granular material density at the junction P1is controlled to become constant even when the flow rate of the carrier gas is changed. The granular material supply system100B according to the third embodiment includes a flow velocity sensor C7that measures the flow velocity of the carrier gas downstream of the junction P1. In the third embodiment, the illustrated flow rate sensors C3to C5are not essential. The granular material supply system100B according to the third embodiment includes a control device20B instead of the control device20of the first embodiment, and the control device20B includes a carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B, a granular material flow rate controller22B, and a carrier line granular material density controller23B. The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B estimates the granular material supply flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) to the carrier destination facility10using Equation (12) below and the flow velocity of the granular material at the junction P1measured by the flow velocity sensor C7. When the flow velocity of the granular material at the junction P1is v3(m/s) and the cross-sectional area of the carrier line7is A3(m2), the granular material supply flow rate to the carrier destination is expressed by Equation (12) below. Equation 10 ĝP4(t)=ρSVA3v3(12) As compared with the first embodiment, since the flow velocity of the granular material in the carrier line7is directly measured, the calculation is simple and the calculation load can be reduced. The granular material flow rate controller22B controls the flow rate of the carrier gas flowing through the carrier line7. The flow rate of granular material required by the carrier facility10is assumed to be r (t) (kg/s). For example, using the estimated value of the supply flow rate of the granular material estimated by the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B, the granular material flow rate controller22B may calculate the command value rG1of the carrier gas flow rate by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (13) below. kPis a proportional gain, and TIis an integral time constant. Equation11rG1(t)=kP(r(t)-gˆP4(t)+∫r(t)-gˆP4(t)TIdt)(13) The carrier line granular material density controller23B controls the cutout flow rate of the granular material to be supplied to the cutout line9. For example, the carrier line granular material density controller23B may calculate the opening degree command value rVLV2of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (14) below. kPis a symbol representing a proportional gain, and TIis a symbol representing an integral time constant. Equation12rVLV2(t)=kP(ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)+∫ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)TIdt)(14) Operation Next, the flow of granular material supply control by the control device20B of the third embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.2A and2B. The control device20B repeatedly executes the processing illustrated inFIGS.2A and2Bin parallel at a predetermined control cycle. The control device20B stores the value A3(m2) of the cross-sectional area of the carrier line7. The flow of the flow rate control of carrier gas is shown inFIG.2B. The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B acquires the measurement value (speed v3) measured by the flow velocity sensor C7(step S1). Next, the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B estimates the supply flow rate of granular material to the carrier destination facility10by using the equation (12) (step S2). Next, the granular material flow rate controller22B calculates the command value rG1(t) of the carrier gas flow rate at the time t by the flow rate command value r (t) at the time t requested by the carrier destination and the equation (13), and outputs it to the flow rate control device FIC8, thus controlling the flow rate of the carrier gas (step S3). FIG.2Bshows the flow of control for making the density of granular material at the junction P1constant. The carrier line granular material density controller23B acquires a measurement value by the density sensor C6(step S11). Next, the carrier line granular material density controller23B calculates the opening degree command value rVLV2of the cutout flow rate control valve V3at the time t by using the equation (14). The carrier line granular material density controller23B controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by the calculated opening degree command value rVLV2, and controls the density ρ3of the granular material at the junction P1to the set value ρSV(step S12). According to the present embodiment, the granular material supply system100B that supplies granular material from the blow tank2to the carrier destination facility10, while adjusting the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3so that the density of granular material inside the carrier line coincides with the set value ρSVbased on the density ρ3instructed by the density sensor C6that measures the density of granular material in the carrier line7, adjusts the opening degree of the carrier gas flow rate control valve V4so that the carrier gas flow rate coincides with the command value r based on the granular material velocity in the carrier line7instructed by the flow velocity sensor C7and the expectation value (ρSV) of the granular material density in the carrier line7. This can supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate as instructed. Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, a granular material supply system100C according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference toFIG.6. In the fourth embodiment, in the configuration of the second embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P4of granular material is estimated using the flow velocity of the carrier gas downstream of the junction P1. Configuration FIG.6is a view illustrating an example of the granular material supply system according to the fourth embodiment. In the configuration according to the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the granular material supply systems100A and100B according to the second embodiment and the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The granular material supply system100C according to the fourth embodiment includes the flow velocity sensor C7that measures the flow rate of the carrier gas downstream of the junction P1. In the fourth embodiment, the illustrated flow rate sensors C3to C5are not essential. The granular material supply system100C according to the fourth embodiment includes a control device20C instead of the control device20A of the second embodiment, and the control device20C includes the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B, a granular material flow rate controller22C, and a carrier line granular material density controller23C. The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B is similar to that of the third embodiment. As compared with the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21of the second embodiment, since the flow velocity of the granular material in the carrier line7is directly measured, the calculation is simple. The granular material flow rate controller22C controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3. The flow rate of granular material required by the carrier facility10is assumed to be r (t) (kg/s). For example, using the estimated value of the supply flow rate of granular material estimated by the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B, the granular material flow rate controller22C may calculate the command value rVLV2(t) of the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3at the time t by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (15) below. kPis a proportional gain, and TIis an integral time constant. Equation13rVLV2(t)=kP(r(t)-gˆP4(t)+∫r(t)-gˆP4(t)TIdt)(15) The carrier line granular material density controller23C controls the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2. For example, the carrier line granular material density controller23C may calculate the opening degree command value rVLVA(t) of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2at the time t by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (16) below. kPis a symbol representing a proportional gain, and TIis a symbol representing an integral time constant. Equation14rVLVA(t)=-kP(ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)+∫ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)TIdt)(16) Operation Next, the flow of granular material supply control by the control device20C of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.4A and4B. The control device20C repeatedly executes the processing illustrated inFIGS.4A and4Bin parallel at a predetermined control cycle. The control device20C stores the value A3(m2) of the cross-sectional area of the carrier line7. The flow rate control of the gas flowing out of the blow tank2is shown inFIG.4A. The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B acquires the measurement value (speed V3) measured by the flow velocity sensor C7(step S1A). Next, the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21B estimates the supply flow rate of granular material to the carrier destination facility10by using the equation (12) (step S2A). Next, the granular material flow rate controller22C calculates the opening degree command value rVLV2(t) by the flow rate command value r (t) requested by the carrier destination and the equation (15), and controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3. This controls the flow rate of the gas (gas flowing out of the blow tank2) to be used for carrying of the granular material to b e a value based on the command value r (t) (step S3A). FIG.4Bshows the flow of control for making the density of granular material at the junction P1constant. The carrier line granular material density controller23C acquires the measurement value by the density sensor C6(step S11A). Next, the carrier line granular material density controller23C calculates the opening degree command value rVLVA(t) of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2at the time t by using the equation (16). The carrier line granular material density controller23C controls the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2by the calculated opening degree command value rVLVA(t), and controls the density ρ3of the granular material at the junction P1to become the set value ρSV(step S12A). According to the present embodiment, the granular material supply system100C that supplies granular material from the blow tank2to the carrier destination facility10, while adjusting the opening degree of the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2so that the density of granular material inside the carrier line7coincides with the set value ρSVbased on the density ρ3instructed by the density sensor C6that measures the density of granular material in the carrier line7, adjusts the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3so that the carrier gas flow rate coincides with the command value r based on the granular material speed in the carrier line7instructed by the flow velocity sensor C7and the expectation value of the granular material density in the carrier line7. This can supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate as instructed. Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, a granular material supply system100D according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference toFIG.7. In the fifth embodiment, the flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) of the granular material is estimated using the density and the flow velocity of the granular material flowing out of the blow tank2. Configuration FIG.7is a view illustrating an example of the granular material supply system according to the fifth embodiment. In the configuration according to the fifth embodiment, the same components as those of the granular material supply systems according to the first embodiment and the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The granular material supply system100D according to the fifth embodiment includes the flow velocity sensor C1and the density sensor C2downstream of the blow tank2. Hereinafter, the value measured by the density sensor C2is considered as the density of granular material. It is considered that the gas and the granular material flow at the speed measured by the flow velocity sensor C1. In the fifth embodiment, the illustrated flow rate sensors C3and C4are not essential. The granular material supply system100D according to the fifth embodiment includes a control device20D instead of the control device20of the first embodiment, and the control device20D includes a carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21D, a granular material flow rate controller22D, a carrier line granular material density controller23D, and a carrier line granular material density estimator24D. The carrier line granular material density estimator24D estimates the granular material density ρ3at the junction P1. When the cross-sectional area of the cutout line9is expressed by A2(m2) and it is approximated that the gas and the granular material flow at a constant speed, the flow rate of the granular material in the cutout line9at time t when the flow velocity of the granular material in the cutout line9measured by the flow sensor C1is v2(m/s) and the density of the granular material measured by the density sensor C2is ρ2(kg/m3) can be calculated by Equation (17) below. Equation 15 ĝP2(t)=ρ2A2v2(17) Similarly, the gas flow rate (flow rate of the gas flowing out of the blow tank2) of the cutout line9at the time t can be calculated by Equation (18) below using the flow velocity v2(m/s) of the granular material measured by the flow velocity sensor C1and the set value ρGof the gas density. Equation 16 ĝG2(t)=ρGA2v2(18) Using the measurement values obtained by the sensors C1and C2and the equations (17) and (18), the carrier line granular material density estimator24D calculates the flow rate of granular material and the gas flow rate in the cutout line9, and further estimates the density ρ{circumflex over ( )}3(t) at the junction P1by the flow rate gG1of the carrier gas measured by the flow rate sensor C5and Equation (19) below. Equation17ρ^3(t)=gˆP2(t)(gG1(t)+g^G2(t))ρG-1+g^P2(t)ρP-1(19) As compared with the first embodiment and the third embodiment, since the granular material density of the cutout line9close to the blow tank2is measured, it is possible to quickly detect the fluctuation in the granular material density with respect to a change in the opening degree of the aeration line6and accurately estimate the granular material density ρ{circumflex over ( )}3(t). The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21D estimates the granular material supply flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) to the carrier destination facility10by the estimated value g{circumflex over ( )}P2of the flow rate of the granular material and the estimated value g{circumflex over ( )}G2of the gas flow rate estimated by the carrier line granular material density estimator24D, and Equation (20) below. Equation 18 ĝP4(t)=ρSV((gG1(t)+ĝG2(t))ρG−1+ĝP2(t)ρP−1) (20) The granular material flow rate controller22D controls the flow rate of the carrier gas flowing through the carrier line7. The flow rate of granular material required by the carrier facility10is assumed to be r (t) (kg/s). For example, using the estimated value g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) of the granular material supply flow rate estimated by the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21D, the granular material flow rate controller22D may calculate the command value rG1(t) of the carrier gas flow rate at the time t by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (21) below. kPis a proportional gain, and TIis an integral time constant. Equation19rG1(t)=kP(r(t)-gˆP4(t)+∫r(t)-g^P4(t)TIdt)(21) The carrier line granular material density controller23D controls the cutout flow rate of the granular material to be supplied to the cutout line9. For example, using the granular material density ρ{circumflex over ( )}3(t) estimated by the carrier line granular material density estimator24D, the carrier line granular material density controller23D may calculate the opening degree command value rVLV2(t) of the cutout flow rate control valve V3at the time t by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (22) below. kPis a symbol representing a proportional gain, and TIis a symbol representing an integral time constant. Equation20rVLV2(t)=kP(ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)+∫ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)TIdt)(22) Operation Next, the flow of granular material supply control by the control device20D of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.8A and8B. The control device20D repeatedly executes the processing illustrated inFIGS.8A and8Bin parallel at a predetermined control cycle. The control device20D stores the value A2(m2) of the cross-sectional area of the cutout line9. The flow of the flow rate control of carrier gas is shown inFIG.8A. The carrier line granular material density estimator24D acquires measurement values measured by the flow velocity sensor C1, the flow rate sensor C5, and the density sensor C2(step S1D). Next, the carrier line granular material density estimator24D estimates the flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P2of granular material and the gas flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}G2in the cutout line9by using the equations (17) and (18) (step S2D). Next, the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21D estimates the supply flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) of granular material by using the equation (20) (step S3D). Next, the granular material flow rate controller22D calculates the command value rG1(t) of the carrier gas flow rate by the flow rate command value r (t) requested by the carrier destination and the equation (21), and outputs it to the flow rate control device FIC8, thus controlling the flow rate of the carrier gas (step S4). FIG.8Bshows the flow of control for making the density of granular material at the junction P1constant. The carrier line granular material density estimator24D acquires measurement values measured by the flow velocity sensor C1, the flow rate sensor C5, and the density sensor C2(step S11D). Next, the carrier line granular material density estimator24D estimates the density of the granular material at the junction P1by using the equation (19) (step S12D). Next, the carrier line granular material density controller23D calculates the opening degree command value rVLV2of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by using the equation (22). The carrier line granular material density controller23D controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by the calculated opening degree command value rVLV2, and controls the density ρ3of the granular material at the junction P1to the set value ρSV. According to the present embodiment, the granular material supply system100D that supplies granular material from the blow tank2to the carrier destination facility10, while adjusting the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3so that the density of granular material inside the carrier line coincides with the set value ρSVbased on the estimated value ρ{circumflex over ( )}3of the granular material density estimated based on the granular material density and the granular material velocity in the cutout line9, and adjusts the opening degree of the carrier gas flow rate control valve V4so that the carrier gas flow rate coincides with the command value r based on the granular material density and the granular material velocity in the cutout line9and the expectation value of the granular material density in the carrier line7. This can supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate as instructed. Sixth Embodiment Hereinafter, a granular material supply system100E according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference toFIG.9. In the sixth embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment, the flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) of the granular material is estimated using the density and the flow velocity of the granular material flowing out of the blow tank2. Configuration FIG.9is a view illustrating an example of the granular material supply system according to the sixth embodiment. In the configuration according to the sixth embodiment, the same components as those of the granular material supply systems according to the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The granular material supply system100E according to the sixth embodiment includes, downstream of the blow tank2, the flow velocity sensor C1that measures the flow rate of granular material and the density sensor C2that measures the density of granular material. In the sixth embodiment, the illustrated flow rate sensors C3and C4are not essential. The granular material supply system100E according to the sixth embodiment includes a control device20E instead of the control device20of the first embodiment, and the control device20E includes the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21D, a granular material flow rate controller22E, a carrier line granular material density controller23E, and the carrier line granular material density estimator24D. The carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21D and the carrier line granular material density estimator24D are similar to those of the fifth embodiment. As compared with the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment, since the granular material density of the cutout line9close to the blow tank2is measured, it is possible to quickly detect the fluctuation in the granular material density with respect to a change in the opening degree of the aeration line6and accurately estimate the granular material density ρ3. The granular material flow rate controller22E controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3. The flow rate of granular material required by the carrier facility10is assumed to be r (t) (kg/s). For example, using the supply flow rate estimated value g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) of granular material estimated by the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21D, the granular material flow rate controller22E may calculate the command value rVLV2(t) of the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3at the time t by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (23) below. kPis a proportional gain, and TIis an integral time constant. Equation21rVLV2(t)=kP(r(t)-gˆP4(t)+∫r(t)-gˆP4(t)TIdt)(23) The carrier line granular material density controller23E controls the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2. For example, the carrier line granular material density controller23E may calculate the opening degree command value rVLVA(t) of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2at the time t by proportional-integral control (PI control) as in Equation (24) below. kPis a symbol representing a proportional gain, and TIis a symbol representing an integral time constant. Equation22rVLVA(t)=-kP(ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)+∫ρSV(t)-ρ3(t)TIdt)(24) Operation Next, the flow of granular material supply control by the control device20E of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.10A and10B. The control device20E repeatedly executes the processing illustrated inFIGS.10A and10Bin parallel at a predetermined control cycle. The control device20E stores the value A2(m2) of the cross-sectional area of the cutout line9. The flow of the flow rate control of carrier gas is shown inFIG.10A. The carrier line granular material density estimator24D acquires measurement values measured by the flow velocity sensor C1, the flow rate sensor C5, and the density sensor C2(step S1E). Next, the carrier line granular material density estimator24D estimates the flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P2(t) of granular material and the gas flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}G2(t) in the cutout line9by using the equations (17) and (18) (step S2E). Next, the carrier destination granular material flow rate estimator21D estimates the supply flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) of granular material by using the equation (20) (step S3E). Next, the granular material flow rate controller22E calculates the opening degree command value rVLV2(t) by the flow rate command value r (t) requested by the carrier destination and the equation (23), and controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3, thus controlling the flow rate of the gas flowing out of the blow tank2(step S4E). FIG.10Bshows the flow of control for making the density of granular material at the junction P1constant. The carrier line granular material density estimator24D acquires measurement values measured by the flow velocity sensor C1, the flow rate sensor C5, and the density sensor C2(step S11E). Next, the carrier line granular material density estimator24D estimates the density of the granular material at the junction P1by using the equation (19) (step S12E). Next, the carrier line granular material density controller23E calculates the opening degree command value rVLVAof the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2by using the equation (24). The carrier line granular material density controller23E controls the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2by the calculated opening degree command value rVLVA, and controls the density ρ3of the granular material at the junction P1to the set value ρSV(step S13E). According to the present embodiment, the granular material supply system100D that supplies granular material from the blow tank2to the carrier destination facility10, while adjusting the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2so that the density of granular material inside the carrier line coincides with the set value ρSVbased on the estimated value ρ{circumflex over ( )}3of the granular material density estimated based on the granular material density and the granular material velocity in the cutout line9, and adjusts the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V2so that the carrier gas flow rate coincides with the command value r based on the granular material density and the granular material velocity in the cutout line9and the expectation value of the granular material density in the carrier line7. This can supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate as instructed. Seventh Embodiment Configuration Hereinafter, a granular material supply system100F according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference toFIG.11. In the granular material supply system100F according to the seventh embodiment, a first supply device30and a second supply device31are provided as supply devices of granular material. The first supply device30is, for example, a pulverizer that pulverizes a mass of granular material to generate fine granular material. The first supply device30is connected to the carrier line7at a junction P2on the upstream side of the junction P1, and the granular material generated by the first supply device30is supplied to the carrier line7at the junction P2and carried to the carrier destination facility10by the carrier gas (or the gas cut out from the blow tank2). The first supply device30supplies the pulverized granular material to the carrier line7, but its amount is not constant, and does not control the granular material density or the carrier gas flow rate. The second supply device31includes the blow tank2, any one of the control devices20to20E, the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2, the cutout flow rate control valve V3, and the carrier gas flow rate control valve V4, and controls the opening degree of the cutout flow rate control valve V3or the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2such that the granular material density at the junction P1becomes ρSVwhile monitoring the granular material density at the junction P1, for example. The second supply device31controls the carrier gas flow rate control valve V4or the cutout flow rate control valve V3so that the supply flow rate of granular material becomes the command value r (t). When the cutout flow rate control valve V3and the carrier gas flow rate control valve V4are controlled by the second supply device31, any of the control methods of the first, third, and fifth embodiments can be applied. When the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2and the cutout flow rate control valve V3are controlled by the second supply device31, any of the control methods of the second, fourth, and sixth embodiments can be applied. FIG.11is a view illustrating an example of the granular material supply system according to the seventh embodiment.FIG.11illustrates a configuration in a case where the granular material supply system100of the first embodiment is applied to the second supply device31of the granular material supply system100F. In the configuration illustrated inFIG.11, the granular material density of the carrier line7is directly measured by the density sensor C6. Thus, the granular material can be simultaneously supplied from a plurality of granular material supply devices. In the first to sixth embodiments, the number of granular material supply devices is one, and the granular material density of the carrier line7can be determined by the cutout flow rate from the blow tank2. On the other hand, the granular material supply system100F according to the seventh embodiment is extended so as to carry granular material supplied from the plurality of granular material supply devices30and31to the carrier destination facility10. A series configuration in which the granular material generated by the first supply device30is temporarily stored in the blow tank2and carried to the supply destination facility10requires the blow tank2to have a large capacity. On the other hand, if the second supply device31compensates for the temporal variation of the granular material generated by the first supply device30while directly carrying the granular material from the first supply device30to the carrier destination, a small volume is sufficient for the blow tank2, which is economical. Operation The first supply device30generates granular material and supplies the generated granular material to the carrier line7. In the second supply device31, the control device20performs the processing illustrated inFIGS.2A and2B. That is, the control device20calculates the opening degree command value rVLV2of the cutout flow rate control valve V3by using the equation (9) based on the granular material density ρ3at the time t measured by the density sensor C6, and controls the cutout flow rate control valve V3so that the density ρ3of granular material at the junction P1becomes the set value ρSV. The control device20estimates the granular material supply flow rate g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t) at the time t by the measurement values measured by the flow rate sensors C3to C5and the equation (7). Furthermore, the control device20calculates the command value rG1of the flow rate of the carrier gas by the flow rate command value r (t) and the equation (8), and controls the flow rate of the carrier gas flowing through the carrier line7. According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency such as reducing the capacity of the blow tank2and suppressing the energy required for storing, into the blow tank2, the granular material generated by the pulverizer. Although only one first supply device30is provided inFIG.11, a plurality of first supply devices30may be provided, and granular material generated by each first supply device30may be supplied to the carrier line7on the upstream side of the junction P1. FIG.14is a view illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the control device according to each embodiment. A computer900includes a CPU901, a main storage device902, an auxiliary storage device903, an input/output interface904, and a communication interface905. The above-described control devices20to20E are implemented in the computer900. The functions described above are stored in the auxiliary storage device903in a format of a program. The CPU901reads the program from the auxiliary storage device903, develops the program to the main storage device902, and executes the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the program. The CPU901secures a storage area in the main storage device902in compliance with the program. The CPU901secures a storage area for storing data under processing in the auxiliary storage device903in compliance with the program. A program for achieving all or some of the functions of the control devices20to20E may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read and executed by a computer system to perform processing by each functional unit. The “computer system” here includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) or peripheral equipment. In addition, if a world wide web (WWW) system is used, the “computer system” also includes a home page providing environment (or a display environment). The “computer readable recording medium” refers to a portable medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a USB, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. Further, when this program is distributed to the computer900through a communication line, the computer900receiving the distribution may develop the program to the main storage device902, and may execute the above-mentioned processing. The above-described program may implement part of the functions described above, and furthermore, also implement the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. In the foregoing, certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but all of these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. These embodiments may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and alterations may be made without departing from the gist of the disclosure. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the disclosure and are also included in the scope of the disclosure described in the claims and equivalents thereof. Notes The control devices20to20E, the granular material supply system100to100F, the control method, and the program described in each embodiment are grasped as follows, for example. (1) The control devices20to20E according to a first aspect in the granular material supply systems100to100F including the tank2that stores granular material, the carrier line7through which the granular material flowing out of the tank2is carried to a carrier destination, and the cutout line9that connects the tank2and the carrier line7and through which the granular material flowing out of the tank2is supplied to the carrier line7include a density control unit (carrier line granular material density controllers23to23E) for controlling a density of the granular material on a downstream side of the junction P1of the cutout line9and the carrier line7to a predetermined set value ρSV; and a flow rate control unit (granular material flow rate controllers22to22E) for controlling a flow rate of the granular material to be supplied to the carrier destination10through the carrier line7to a command value r (t) instructed by the carrier destination. This can supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate according to the command (first to seventh embodiments). (2) The control device20according to a second aspect is the control device20of (1). The granular material supply system100further includes the carrier line flow rate control valve V4provided in the carrier line7and the cutout line flow rate control valve V3provided in the cutout line9. The density control unit (carrier line granular material density controller23) controls the opening degree of the cutout line flow rate control valve V3such that a measurement value (measurement value by the sensor C6) of the density of the granular material on a downstream side of the junction P1coincides with the set value ρSV(equation (9)), and the flow rate control unit (granular material flow rate controller22) controls the opening degree of the carrier line flow rate control valve V4such that a supply flow rate (g{circumflex over ( )}P4(t)) to the carrier destination of the granular material estimated based on a total of a carrier gas flow rate (gG1measured by the sensor C5) flowing through the carrier line on an upstream side of the junction P1and the gas flow rate (gas flow rate measured by the sensor C3+gas flow rate measured by the sensor C4=gG2) flowing into the carrier line from the cutout line and the set value ρSVof the density coincides with the command value r (t). The granular material flow rate is controlled to the command value r (t) by the opening degree control of the carrier line flow rate control valve V4, and the granular material density is controlled to the set value ρSVby the opening degree control of the cutout line flow rate control valve V3based on the measurement value ρ3of the granular material density, whereby the granular material can be supplied to the carrier destination facility10at the flow rate according to the command (first embodiment). (3) The control device20A according to a third aspect is the control device20A of (1). The granular material supply system100A further includes the aeration line6that is connected to a lower portion of the tank2and sends, to the tank, a gas for fluidizing the granular material stored in the tank2, the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2provided in the aeration line6, and the cutout line flow rate control valve V3provided in the cutout line9. The density control unit (carrier line granular material density controller23A) controls the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2such that the measurement value ρ3of the density of the granular material on a downstream side of the junction P1coincides with the set value ρSV, and the flow rate control unit (granular material flow rate controller22A) controls the opening degree of the cutout line flow rate control valve V3such that the supply flow rate to the carrier destination of the granular material estimated based on the total of a flow rate of a carrier gas flowing through the carrier line on the upstream side of the junction P1and a flow rate of a gas flowing from the cutout line into the carrier line and the set value of the density coincides with the command value. The granular material flow rate is controlled to the command value r (t) by controlling the opening degree of the cutout line flow rate control valve V3and the granular material density is controlled to the set value ρSVby controlling the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2based on the measurement value ρ3of the granular material density, whereby it is possible to supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate according to the command (second embodiment). (4) The control device20B according to a fourth aspect is the control device20B of (1). The granular material supply system100B further includes the carrier line flow rate control valve V4provided in the carrier line7and the cutout line flow rate control valve V3provided in the cutout line9. The density control unit (carrier line granular material density controller23B) controls the opening degree of the cutout line flow rate control valve V3such that the measurement value ρ3of the density of the granular material on a downstream side of the junction P1coincides with the set value ρSV, and the flow rate control unit (granular material flow rate controller22B) controls the opening degree of the carrier line flow rate control valve V4such that the supply flow rate to the carrier destination of the granular material estimated based on a measurement value (V3measured by the sensor C7) of the flow rate of a carrier gas flowing on a downstream side of the junction P1in the carrier line7and the set value ρSVof the density coincides with the command value. The carrier line flow rate control valve V4is controlled so that the granular material flow rate based on the flow velocity of the carrier gas measured by the sensor C7becomes the command value r (t), and the granular material density is controlled to the set value ρSVby the opening degree control of the cutout line flow rate control valve V3, whereby the granular material can be supplied to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate according to the command (third embodiment). (5) The control device20C according to a fifth aspect is the control device20C of (1). The granular material supply system100C further includes the aeration line6that is connected to a lower portion3of the tank2and sends, to the tank, a gas for fluidizing the granular material stored in the tank2, the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2provided in the aeration line6, and the cutout line flow rate control valve V3provided in the cutout line9The density control unit (carrier line granular material density controller23C) controls the opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2such that the measurement value ρ3of the density of the granular material on a downstream side of the junction P1coincides with the set value ρSV, and the flow rate control unit (granular material flow rate controller22C) controls the opening degree of the cutout line flow rate control valve V3such that the supply flow rate to the carrier destination of the granular material estimated based on the measurement value (V3) of a flow rate of a carrier gas flowing on a downstream side of the junction P1in the carrier line7and the set value ρSVof the density coincides with the command value. The cutout line flow rate control valve V3is controlled so that the granular material flow rate based on the flow velocity of the carrier gas measured by the sensor C7becomes the command value r (t) and the granular material density is controlled to the set value ρSVby the opening degree control of the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2, whereby it is possible to supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate according to the command (fourth embodiment). (6) The control device20D according to a sixth aspect is the control device20D of (1) The granular material supply system100D further includes the carrier line flow rate control valve V4provided in the carrier line7and the cutout line flow rate control valve V3provided in the cutout line9. The density control unit (carrier line granular material density controller23D) controls the opening degree of the cutout line flow rate control valve so that an estimated value of the density of the granular material on a downstream side of the junction calculated based on the flow rate of the granular material flowing through the cutout line, a flow rate of a gas flowing through the cutout line, and a flow rate of a carrier gas flowing through the carrier line on the upstream side of the junction coincides with the set value, and the flow rate control unit (granular material flow rate controller22D) controls the opening degree of the carrier line flow rate control valve such that the supply flow rate to the carrier destination of the granular material estimated based on the flow rate of the granular material flowing through the cutout line, the flow rate of the gas flowing through the cutout line, the flow rate of the carrier gas flowing through the carrier line on the upstream side of the junction, and the set value of the density coincides with the command value. The granular material density on the downstream side of the junction P1is estimated. This can supply granular material to the carrier destination facility10at a flow rate according to the command by the opening degree control of the carrier line flow rate control valve V4and the cutout line flow rate control valve V3without providing the density sensor C6(fifth embodiment). (7) The control device20E according to a seventh aspect is the control device20E of (1). The granular material supply system100E further includes an aeration line that is connected to a lower portion of the tank and sends, to the tank, a gas for fluidizing the granular material stored in the tank, an aeration gas flow rate control valve provided in the aeration line, and a cutout line flow rate control valve provided in the cutout line. The density control unit controls an opening degree of the aeration gas flow rate control valve so that an estimated value of a density of the granular material on a downstream side of the junction calculated based on a flow rate of the granular material flowing through the cutout line, a flow rate of a gas flowing through the cutout line, and a flow rate of a carrier gas flowing through the carrier line on the upstream side of the junction coincides with the set value, and the flow rate control unit controls an opening degree of the cutout line flow rate control valve so that a supply flow rate to the carrier destination of the granular material estimated based on a flow rate of the granular material flowing through the cutout line, the flow rate of the gas flowing through the cutout line, the flow rate of the carrier gas flowing through the carrier line on the upstream side of the junction, and a set value of the density coincides with the command value. The granular material density on the downstream side of the junction P1is estimated. This can supply granular material at a flow rate commanded by the carrier destination facility10by the opening degree control of the cutout line flow rate control valve V3and the aeration gas flow rate control valve V2without providing the density sensor C6(sixth embodiment). (8) The granular material supply systems100to100F according to an eighth aspect include the tank2that stores granular material, the carrier line7through which the granular material flowing out of the tank2is carried to a carrier destination10, the cutout line9that connects the tank2and the carrier line7and through which the granular material flowing out of the tank2is supplied to the carrier line7, and the control devices20to20E according to any one of (1) to (7). According to the granular material supply systems100to100F, it is possible to supply granular material at a flow rate commanded by the carrier destination facility10(first to seventh embodiments). (9) The granular material supply system100F according to a ninth aspect is the granular material supply system100F of (8) further including the supply device30that supplies the granular material to the upstream side of the junction P1in the carrier line7. This eliminates temporarily storing, in the blow tank2, all granular material to be supplied to the carrier destination facility10. (10) The control method according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure includes, in a granular material supply system including a tank that stores granular material, a carrier line through which the granular material flowing out of the tank is carried to a carrier destination, and a cutout line that connects the tank and the carrier line and through which the granular material flowing out of the tank is supplied to the carrier line: controlling a density of the granular material on a downstream side of a junction of the cutout line and the carrier line to a set value predetermined; and controlling a flow rate of the granular material to be supplied to the carrier destination through the carrier line to a command value instructed by the carrier destination. (11) The program according to an eleventh aspect causes a computer that controls a granular material supply system including a tank that stores granular material, a carrier line through which the granular material flowing out of the tank is carried to a carrier destination, and a cutout line that connects the tank and the carrier line and through which the granular material flowing out of the tank is supplied to the carrier line to execute processing of controlling a density of the granular material on a downstream side of a junction of the cutout line and the carrier line to a set value predetermined; and controlling a flow rate of the granular material to be supplied to the carrier destination through the carrier line to a command value instructed by the carrier destination. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described as above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims. | 70,557 |
11858758 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following, the present invention is described with reference to particular embodiments as illustrated in the attached figures. However, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the figures, but rather the illustrated embodiments simply exemplify various aspects of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims. Further modifications and variations of the present invention will appear clear to those skilled in the art. A particular embodiment of a machine for arranging objects T, comprising a first end Te including a protruding edge Tb, in an alternate manner along single file rows F, is shown inFIGS.2to8at various stages of its use. Objects T of the type indicated may comprise capsules for producing beverages, for example espresso, such as those schematically illustrated inFIG.1a. The capsule shown inFIG.1acomprises a truncated cone body Tc, a first end Te from which protrudes, towards the outside of the body Tc, an edge Tb and a second end Tf corresponding to the bottom of the capsule. The soluble and/or infusion product for the production of beverages, for example ground coffee, is contained inside the body Tc of the capsule. An example of a package is shown inFIG.1b, in which the capsules shown inFIG.1aare arranged in an alternate manner along single file rows F, by use of the machine and/or the method according to the present invention. The package H shown in the figure comprises twelve capsules arranged along two single file rows F, in an alternate manner, wherein each single file row F comprises six capsules. In particular, the capsules are arranged one on top of the other so as to be substantially parallel to each other. However, the capsules are oriented in opposite directions. In particular, corresponding ends of adjacent capsules point in opposite directions. That is, the capsules are oriented such that the first end Te, comprising the protruding edge Tb, of the first capsule is in contact with the second end Tf of the second capsule, which in turn is in contact with the first end Te comprising the protruding edge Tb of the third capsule, and so on. This alternated structure is repeated throughout the single file row. More particularly, the bodies Tc of the capsules are in contact with each other and the first end Te of the first capsule is in contact with the second end Tf of the second capsule, which, in turn, is in contact with the first end Te of the third capsule and so on. In this way, as shown in the figure, the stacking space is optimized. The machine M for arranging objects T in an alternate manner along single file rows, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG.2-8, comprises guiding means10, in which the objects T are initially oriented so as to lay on their first end Te; it further comprises separating means20for receiving and separating the objects T into a first group A and a second group B, according to two different directions; it further comprises collecting and dropping means30suitable for receiving the objects T of the first group A and the second group B and dropping them along a same direction Y, preferably perpendicular to the ground. The collecting and dropping means30further comprise first (31A) and second (31B) rotation means. The guiding means10may be formed by any element capable of guiding the objects T towards the separating means20. InFIGS.2and8, the guiding means10are represented by a conveyor belt. However, it is clear that such guiding means10could also be guides having their walls preferably slightly more distant than the width of the protruding edge Te of the object T, for example conveyor tracks. The objects T transported along the guiding means10preferably all have the same orientation, which, in the particular case depicted inFIGS.2-8, corresponds to having the protruding end Te facing the support plane of the guiding means10. However, it is clear that the orientation could also be the opposite, i.e. with the second end Tf facing the support plane of the guiding means10. The separating means20comprise movable elements capable of receiving the objects T from the guiding means10and are configured to transport them alternately to the first rotation means31A and to the second rotation means31B, thereby dividing the objects T into two groups, respectively group A and group B, located on opposite sides with respect to the guiding means10. The separating means20shown inFIGS.2-8comprise a rotatable element22with a first guide21A and a second guide21B placed on a same plane P, capable of rotating about an axis X perpendicular to said plane P. Preferably, the plane P is parallel to the ground. For example, the separating means20may further comprise actuation means, for example an electric motor, suitable for moving the first and the second guides21A and21B. The guides21A and21B have walls spaced slightly more than the width of the protruding edge Te of the objects T and therefore they can accommodate said objects T. Preferably, the objects T are oriented such that the protruding end Te faces the support plane of the separating means20. However, it is clear that the orientation could also be the opposite, i.e. that the second end Tf faces the support plane of the separating means20. The first guide21A and the second guide21B form with each other a predefined angle, preferably of 90°. The guiding means10, the first rotation means31A and the second rotation means31B are configured to form with each other angles equal to said predefined angle, preferably they are placed 90° apart. The separating means20, by making a rotation equal to said predefined angle, rotate both guides21A and21B, simultaneously, by an angle equal to said predefined angle. In this way, when the first guide21A is aligned with the guiding means10, the second guide21B is aligned with the second rotation means31B; when, following a counterclockwise rotation equal to said predefined angle, the first guide21A is brought in correspondence with the first rotation means31A, the second guide21B is brought in correspondence with the guiding means10(as shown in detail inFIG.3). Similarly, when, following a clockwise rotation equal to said predefined angle, the first guide21A is brought into line with the guiding means10, the second guide21B is brought into line with the second rotation means31B (as shown in detail inFIG.4). The rotation of the separating means20is alternately adjusted counterclockwise and clockwise, so that a first object T coming from the guiding means10is accommodated in the first guide21A and transported towards the first rotation means31A, by means of a counterclockwise rotation of the separating means20along a third arc of circumference C3defined on the plane P, and that, at the same time when the first object T is dropped to the first rotation means31A, a second object is accommodated in the second guide21B. When the separating means are rotated clockwise, the objects T accommodated in the second guide21B are rotated along a fourth arc of circumference C4defined on the plane P and transported to the second rotation means31B, while the first guide21A returns to the alignment position with the first guiding means10to receive a third object T. A new counterclockwise rotation of the separating means20rotates the third object T placed in the guide21A along the third arc of circumference C3and carries it to the first rotation means31A, while the second guide21B is again aligned with the guiding means10, and so on. The alternate rotation of the separating means20is repeated until the objects T to be arranged are finished. It is evident that, even if it has been described that the rotation of the separating means20is first counterclockwise and then clockwise, the working principle of the machine M would not change even if the rotation were to first move clockwise and then counterclockwise. According to a preferred configuration shown inFIGS.2-8, the separating means20may comprise a single rotating element, in the shape of a circular sector, with a first slot21A and a second slot21B, which act as housings for the objects T. For example, the rotating element ofFIG.2-8may have the shape of a quarter of a disc. The alternate rotation of the single rotating element in the shape of a circular sector in both directions of rotation alternately brings the first slot21A and the second slot21B in line with the guiding means10to receive the objects T to be divided into the two groups. As can be seen inFIG.5, when the objects T, accommodated in the first guide, reach the first rotation means31A, they come across the first opening23A located below the first guide of the separating means20and above the first rotation means31A and fall through the first opening23A by gravity, thus reaching the first rotational means31A. When the objects T come across the opening23A, they are no longer supported by the first guide of the separating means20and the plane below and are therefore free to fall. Similarly, as can be seen inFIG.6, when the objects T, accommodated in the second guide, reach the second means of rotation31B, they come across a second opening23B located below the second guide of the separating means20and above the second means of rotation31B and fall through the second opening23B by gravity, thus reaching the second means of rotation31B. When the objects T come across the second opening23B, they are no longer supported by the second guide of the separating means20and the plane below and are therefore free to fall. The first rotation means31A are configured to rotate the objects T of the first group A clockwise along a first arc of circumference C1during the fall so that, at the end of the rotation, said objects no longer lay on the first end Te; the second rotation means31B are configured to rotate the objects of the second group B counterclockwise along a second arc of circumference C2during the fall so that, at the end of the rotation, said objects T no longer lay on the first end Te. These first arc of circumference C1and second arc of circumference C2are defined on a plane parallel to the direction Y of the fall. The clockwise rotation of the objects of the first group A along the first arc of circumference C1and the counterclockwise rotation of the objects of the second group B along the second arc of circumference C2may be substantially 90°. As shown in detail inFIGS.5and6, the first rotation means31A comprise a first guide having the profile of a first arc of circumference C1, along which the objects T slide until they reach the predefined orientation. The objects slide along said first guide without falling, since the protruding edge Tb of the objects is accommodated in an arched slit33. Similarly, the second rotation means31B comprise a second guide having the profile of a second arc of circumference C2, along which the objects T slide until they reach the predefined orientation. The objects slide along said second guide without falling, since the protruding edge Tb of the objects is accommodated in an appropriate arched slit33. In fact, the arched slit33of the first rotation means31A ensures, by holding within it the edge Tb of the objects T of the first group A, the rotation of substantially 90° of the objects, so that at the end of the rotation they no longer lay on their first end Te (seeFIG.5). Similarly, the arched slit33of the second rotation means31B ensures, by holding within it the edge Tb of the objects of the second group B, the rotation of substantially 90° of the objects, so that at the end of the rotation the objects T2no longer lay on their first end Te (seeFIG.6). Moreover, the first and the second rotation means31A and31B are realized so that the first and the second arcs of circumference C1and C2, along which the objects T of the first group A and of the second group B rotate, respectively, are defined on a plane Z parallel to the direction of fall Y, so as to stack the objects T one on top of the other in an alternate manner along single file rows F. It is therefore clear that the objects T fall along the direction Y according to two different types of motion: initially, they fall by gravity through the openings23A and23B until they reach the first and the second means of rotation31A and31B, respectively, while maintaining the same initial orientation; subsequently, they are dropped along the guides of the first and the second rotation means31A and31B respectively, while being rotated, and reach the means of formation of the rows50. The means of formation of the rows50preferably comprise a plurality of exit guides placed side by side, preferably vertical exit guides. In the examples depicted inFIG.2andFIGS.7to9four vertical exit guides51,52,53,54are placed side by side. However, it is evident that such vertical exit guides could also be in a different number, for example one, two, three, five or more. Each exit guide51,52,53,54is suitable for containing at least one single file row of objects T. In order for the first rotation means31A and the second rotation means31B to allow the objects T to be stacked on top of each other in an alternate manner along single file rows, the separating means are configured so that the objects T of the first group A and of the second group B, passing via the first rotation means31A and the second rotation means31B respectively, arrive in turn in a single guide51,52,53,54of the means of formation of the rows50. Therefore, when the objects T reach one exit guide51,52,53,54, they are arranged one on top of the other in an alternate manner. After a predetermined number of objects T has been guided within an exit guide of the means of formation of the rows50, said exit guide containing the objects T may be translated along the translation axis D, together with the exit guides placed alongside. Such translation along the translation axis D may be provided by displacement means, such as for example a linear motor. According to the example shown inFIG.7, after the exit guide53, which in the particular example presented inFIG.7is placed on the right, is translated towards the right in the direction indicated by the translation axis D, the objects can be guided into a second exit guide52placed on the left with respect to the exit guide53. After the exit guide52has also been filled with a predetermined number of objects T, it may be translated to the right in the direction D, so that a new predetermined number of objects T may be guided into the third exit guide51located to the left with respect to the exit guide52. The two adjacent exit guides52,53, each containing a predetermined number of objects T, may be used to fill two adjacent rows F of objects T within a package H, placed therein. The translation of the means of formation of the rows50along the direction D thus takes place by a step equal to at least the width of a single exit guide. As shown inFIG.8, the means of formation of the rows50are preferably configured so that, while the exit guides52,53are emptied to fill the package H, the exit guide51aligned with the collecting and dropping means30is filled with a predetermined number of objects T. After the exit guides52,53have been emptied and the exit guide51has been filled with the objects T stacked in an alternate manner, the means of formation of the rows50may be moved in the direction opposite to that indicated by the axis D, to repeat the filling operations of the exit guides52,53and to align the exit guide51with a new package H′ to be filled. It is clear that, even if it has been shown inFIG.7-8that, while the exit guides52,53are emptied to fill the package H, the exit guide51is filled with a predetermined number of objects T coming from the collecting and dropping means30, it is also possible to initially fill, for example, the exit guides53,54and then use them to fill a package H aligned with them, and simultaneously stack a predetermined number of objects T in the guide52, which will afterwards fill the package H′. In general, the translation of the means of formation of the rows50of the machine M to the right or to the left along the direction D makes it possible to align an exit guide to be filled, for example the exit guide51or52or53or54, with the collecting and dropping means30and to align one or more guides51,52,53,54, already containing the stacked objects T, with the package H to be filled, and thus to perform the operations of filling one exit guide and emptying one or more exit guides at the same time. This particular embodiment hence allows, for example, to quickly and efficiently fill cases or packages one after the other. It is clear that, even if it has been described that the exit guide52is placed to the right of the exit guide51and that they are initially translated to the right along the direction D, it would also be possible to place the guide52to the left of the exit guide51and initially translate both guides to the left along the direction D, without substantially modifying the functioning of the machine M. The machine M shown inFIGS.2to8further comprises first barrier means40suitable for blocking the fall of the objects T into the single file row F. When the objects T are dropped into a guide of the means of formation of the rows50, the bottom thereof is closed by means of the first barrier means40. FIG.9represents a further embodiment of a machine M′ for arranging objects T in an alternate manner along single file rows F. The machine M′, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, comprises guiding means10configured to transport two or more parallel single file rows of objects T, wherein the objects T are initially oriented so as to lay on their first end Te. The machine M′, according to this further embodiment, comprises separating means20configured to simultaneously receive two or more objects T, each coming from a corresponding single file row, and to alternately transport them to the corresponding two or more first rotation means31A,31A′ and to the corresponding two or more second rotation means31B,31B′, alternately rotating counterclockwise and clockwise with respect to an axis parallel to the direction Y. The two or more first rotation means31A,31A′ and the corresponding two or more second rotation means31B,31B′ are configured to drop the objects T along directions parallel to the direction Y, so that the objects of each group A or B from each single file row do not mix with the objects of each group A or B, respectively, from another single file row. In the particular example ofFIG.9, two objects T belonging to two parallel single file rows are transported by the guiding means10until they simultaneously reach the separating means20. One object T coming from the first row is accommodated in a first guide21A, while a second object T coming from the second row is accommodated in a first guide21A′. The first guides21A and21A′ are configured to simultaneously rotate counterclockwise along the third arc of circumference C3so as to simultaneously transport the two objects T to the collecting and dropping means30. The separating means20are configured so that a counterclockwise rotation of the first guides21A and21A′ positions the second guides21B and21B′ at respective single file rows of the guiding means10. In other words, while the first guides21A and21A′ arrive at the first rotation means31A and31A′ respectively, the second guides21B and21B′ are positioned in correspondence with the respective single file rows of the guiding means10, so as to receive two more objects T from two parallel rows. Similarly, the separating means20are configured so that a successive clockwise rotation of the second guides21B and21B′ positions the first guides21A and21A′ again at the respective single file rows of the guiding means10, and so on. The two objects T, dropped by the first guides21A and21A′ reach the first rotation means31A and31A′, respectively, at the same time. Similarly, the two objects T, dropped by the second guides21B and21B′ reach the second rotation means31B and31B′, respectively, at the same time. At the end of the fall, the objects T from each set of rotation means31A,31B and31A′,31B′ are stacked on top of each other in an alternate manner along a single file row, so that the objects falling along the first first rotation means31A do not mix with the objects falling along the second first rotation means31A′ and, similarly, the objects falling along the first second rotation means31B do not mix with the objects falling along the second second rotation means31B′. In the particular example ofFIG.9two single file rows of objects T are represented; however, it is clear that also three, four, five or more single file rows of objects T could be formed. In the particular example ofFIG.9, two sets of first guides21A,21A′ and second guides21B,21B′ are shown; however, it is clear that also three, four, five or more sets of first guides21A,21A′ and second guides21B,21B′ could be formed. In the particular example ofFIG.9two sets of first rotation means31A,31A′ and of second rotation means31B,31B′ are represented; however, it is clear that also three, four, five or more sets of first rotation means31A,31A′ and of second rotation means31B,31B′ could be formed. In general, the number of single file rows of objects T is preferably equal to the number of first guides21A,21A′ and second guides21B,21B′ and to the number of first rotation means31A,31A′ and to the number of second rotation means31B,31B′. Each row of stacked objects from a first set of rotation means31A,31B or a second set of rotation means31A′,31B′ feeds a single exit guide of the means of formation of the rows50, so that a plurality of exit guides is simultaneously filled. In the particular example ofFIG.9, two exit guides51and52are simultaneously filled. In this case, after a predefined number of objects T has been guided within each exit guide51and52, the two exit guides51and52containing the objects T may be translated to the left so as to align the two new exit guides53and54to be filled with the first set of first and second rotation means31A and31B and with the second set of first and second rotation means31A′ and31B′. The translation of the means of formation of the rows50thus takes place by a step at least equal to the width of two adjacent exit guides. With reference toFIG.9, it can be seen that while two exit guides, for example exit guides51and52, are simultaneously filled with a predetermined number of objects T, the other exit guides, for example exit guides53and54, previously filled with objects T, are used to fill a package H placed in correspondence with them. The means of formation of the rows50of the machine M′ are also configured in such a way that they can then be shifted to the right, after the two exit guides51and52have been filled with a predetermined number of objects T, so as to bring the exit guides51and52in correspondence with a new package H′ to be filled and to align the exit guides53,54with the collecting and dropping means, in order to stack further objects, and so on. This particular embodiment thus makes it possible to quickly and efficiently fill, for example, cases or packages one after the other. It is clear that, even if it has been described that the exit guides51and52are initially translated to the left, it would also be possible to initially translate both guides to the right, without substantially modifying the functioning of the machine M′. Furthermore, even if it has been described that initially the exit guides53,54are used to fill the package H, while the exit guides51,52are filled with the objects T, it is clear that the means of formation of the rows50could also be configured to initially fill a package H′ with the exit guides51,52and simultaneously fill the exit guides53,54. It is also clear that, even if it has been described that two exit guides are used at a time (two guides are filled and two are emptied), one, three, four, five or more guides could be used at a time in order to fill a package H and simultaneously receive objects T stacked in an alternate manner. In general, the means of formation of the rows50of the machines M, M′ are preferably configured in such a way that, while one or more exit guides51,52,53,54are filled with the objects T coming from the collecting and dropping means30, the remaining one or more exit guides51,52,53,54, already containing the objects T stacked in an alternate manner, can be emptied so as to fill one or more packages H, H′ placed in correspondence with the means of formation of the rows50. At the end of this procedure, the means of formation of the rows50may be shifted so as to bring the empty exit guide(s) in correspondence with the collecting and dropping means30so that they are filled with the objects T stacked in an alternate manner, and to bring the other one or more exit guides containing the objects T in correspondence with the package(s) H, H′ to be filled, and so on. FIG.10shows means of formation of the rows50′ suitable for use in machines M, M′, according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Said means of formation of the rows50′ can be advantageously employed to fill packages H, H′ suitable to contain several rows of objects T arranged in one or more rows and one or more columns. With particular reference toFIG.10, the means of formation of the rows50′ comprise a first set of vertical guides51,52,53,54and a second set of vertical guides51′,52′,53′,54′. The means of formation of the rows50′ are preferably configured to initially fill one or more vertical guides of a first set, optionally translating along the direction D so as to fill adjacent vertical guides. Afterwards, the means of formation of the rows50′ are able to translate along a direction R perpendicular to the direction D, so as to align the collecting and dropping means of the machines M, M′ with one or more vertical guides belonging to the second set and to then proceed to fill them. After the objects T have been stacked in an alternate manner in the means of formation of the rows50′, so as to fill a number of vertical guides of the first and second sets corresponding to the number of rows and columns of the packages to be filled, the means of formation of the rows50′ may be emptied so as to fill the packages H, H′. Preferably, while the means of formation of the rows50′ are used to fill a first package H placed in correspondence with the vertical guides containing the objects T stacked in an alternate manner, one or more new rows of objects T are stacked in one or more vertical guides of the means of formation of the rows50′, suitably aligned with the collecting and dropping means of the machines M, M′. For example, as shown inFIG.10, the means of formation of the rows50′ may be configured to initially align the collecting and dropping means of the machine M with the vertical guide54′ and to place, in the guide54′, a single file row of objects T in an alternate manner. Subsequently, the means of formation of the rows50′ may be shifted along the direction R, so that the guide54is aligned with the collecting and dropping means of the machine M and a new row of objects T is positioned in an alternate manner in the guide54. The means of formation of the rows50′ may then be shifted along the direction D, so that the collecting and dropping means of the machine M are aligned with the guide53and the guide53is filled. Subsequently, the means of formation of the rows50′ may be further translated along the direction R, so as to align the collecting and dropping means of the machine M with the guide53′ and to fill the guide53′. The vertical guides53,54,53′,54′ may then be used to fill as many rows and columns of the package H. Preferably, before filling the package H, the means of formation of the rows50′ may be further shifted along the direction D so as to align the vertical guide52′ with the collecting and dropping means of the machine M, so that, while the package H is being filled, a new single file row of objects T is positioned in the vertical guide52′. Subsequent translations of the means of formation of rows50′ along the directions D and R may be necessary to also fill the guides52,51and51′. Similarly, the vertical guides51,52,51′ and52′ may then be used to fill as many rows and columns of the package H′, and so on. It is obvious that the fact that the means of formation of the rows50′ are first shifted along the direction R, then along the direction D and then again along the direction R has been described as an illustrative way. In fact, the means of formation of the rows50′ could also be first shifted along the direction D, then along the direction R and then again along the direction D. In general, any combination of translations along the directions D and R, which allows to advantageously fill the vertical guides arranged in the different series, could be employed during the filling of the means of formation of the rows50′. It is clear that, even if the functioning of the means of formation of the rows50′ has been described in relation to the machine M which allows to fill only one exit guide at a time, the means of formation of the rows50′ could be advantageously employed also in relation to the machine M′. For example, with particular reference toFIG.10, the means of formation of the rows50′ could initially be aligned with the collecting and dropping means of the machine M′, so as to fill the guides51′,52′,53′ and54′ of the second set. Subsequently, the means of formation of the rows50′ could be shifted along the direction R so as to align the first set of guides with the collecting and dropping means of the machine M′ and to fill the guides51′,52′,53′ and54′. It is obvious that the fact that the means of formation of the rows50′ are shifted along the direction R so as to align them with the collecting and dropping means of the machine M′ is described as an illustrative way. For example, the means of formation of the rows50′ could also be initially aligned with the collecting and dropping means of the machine M′ so as to fill the guides54and54′ and could then be shifted along the direction D so as to fill, in series, the guides53,53′, then the guides52,52′ and then the guides51,51′. Preferably, the means of formation of the rows50′ in combination with the machine M′ are configured to initially align as many vertical guides as the sets of rotation means of the machine M′ and so as to subsequently perform a translation along D or R so as to align a new set of vertical guides with the collecting and dropping means of the machine M′. Finally, even if it is shown inFIG.10that the means of formation of the rows50′ comprise two sets of guides, each comprising four vertical guides, it is clear that they could comprise any number of sets of guides, for example one, three, four, five or more, and that each set could comprise any number of vertical guides, for example one, two, three, five, six or more. Even if the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments described above, it is clear to the skilled person that various modifications, variations and improvements of the present invention can be carried out in light of the teachings described above and within the scope of the enclosed claims, without departing from the subject matter and the scope of the invention. For example, even if it is shown that the separating means20comprise two rotatable guides21A and21B placed on the same plane, it is clear that the separating means20may comprise any other movable element capable of receiving the objects T from a single file row and alternately transporting them towards the first and the second rotation means31A and31B, so as to divide them into two groups. For example, the separating means20may comprise a single guide capable of rotating about the axis X, alternately counterclockwise and clockwise, so as to reach the first and second rotation means, respectively. For example, the separating means20may comprise any type of housing capable of receiving the objects T and bringing them, following a rotation or even a translation, towards the first and second rotation means respectively. For example, they may even comprise a directing lever. For example, even if it has been shown that the machine M comprises only a first barrier means40, it is clear that the machine M may further comprise second barrier means40′ suitable for dividing the single file row F of objects T into groups G having a predefined number of objects T. The first barrier means40and the second barrier means40′ may comprise, for example, pneumatic cylinders capable of opening or closing as required. Furthermore, according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, each exit guide of the means of formation of the rows50may not comprise barrier means40and may be in connection with a further guide, for example a guide oriented so as to connect the machine according to the present invention with a packaging machine suitable for inserting the single file rows of objects arranged in an alternate manner into the respective packages. Finally, those areas which are supposed to be known to the skilled person have not been described, in order to avoid unnecessarily overshadowing the described invention. LIST OF REFERENCES A: first group of objectsB: second group of objectsC1: first arc of circumferenceC2: second arc of circumferenceC3: third arc of circumferenceC4: fourth arc of circumferenceD: translation directionR: translation direction perpendicular to DF: single file row of objectsH, H′: packages of objectsM, M′: machineP: plane of the separating meansT: objectTe: first end of object TTb: protruding edge of the first end of the object TTf: second end of object TY: direction of fall10: guiding means20: separating means21A,21A′: first guide21B,21B′: second guide22: rotatable element23A,23A′: first opening23B,23B′: second opening30: collecting and dropping means31A,31A′: first means of rotation31B,31B′: second means of rotation33: slit40, barrier means50,50′: means of forming rows51,52,53,54: exit guides | 34,432 |
11858759 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various embodiments are described in the following disclosure with reference to the accompanying Figures. It should be understood that the elements of these figures are not necessarily depicted to scale, since the emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the elements and structure of the present embodiments. In the following description, it will be understood that the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely, so as to not unduly burden the figures with several numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features can thus be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only. The present description generally concerns a stick laying apparatus for laying a plurality of sticks over a board layer, and a stick distributing unit for use on such a stick laying apparatus. Stick Laying Apparatus Stick laying apparatuses are used in the lumber industry in the context of drying boards. Typically, after treatment, boards must be dried for a certain period of time. To do this, the boards are laid out in a bundle having multiple layers, and spacer sticks are disposed between the board layers to provide a spacing between them. A board layer can be formed of a finite number of boards disposed side-by-side, and the bundle can be formed of a finite number of board layers stacked one on top of the other. In the context of the present application, a board may be understood to refer to any type of lumber to be stacked, such as, without being limitative, boards, flitches, planks, joist, beams, panels or the like. The interstitial space between the board layers provide air communication between the tiers or layers of boards in order to allow uniform drying of the wood as well as to structurally stabilize the bundle. Depending on the type of wood board to be dried, the spacer sticks in a same plane can be positioned closer or farther from each other. Having spacer sticks positioned at a closer distance allows the bundle to be held more compactly, resulting in increased drying quality and minimising the possibility of the wood boards bending during the drying process. However, this requires considerable costs, as more spacer sticks are needed to cover the same area. The spacer sticks are typically made of wood. They are generally rectangular in shape and have varying dimensions, for example ⅛″×¾″ to 1×3″. The length of the sticks is generally the same as the width of the bundles in the mill where they are being used, although other configurations are possible. The surfaces of the sticks can be flat or “aerated”. The finish of the surface can be smooth or rough. The sticks can be made out of any wood species. A mill's inventory can have sticks coming from various sources, including inhouse (e.g., when the mill is a lumber mill) or from an outside source. Also, when they have gone through one or more laying, drying and unlaying cycles, the size and quality of the sticks vary each time. Therefore, an inventory can be composed of sticks with varying mechanical and geometric properties. In other embodiments, the sticks may be made of other materials such as plastics, cardboards or metals. On average, a spacer stick has a life span of about 8 to 10 drying cycles. The expression drying cycles refers to the number of times a spacer stick is laid between two layers of wood for a drying period. During the lifetime of the spacer stick, it typically tends to shrink, deform or shatter slightly on the edges. A stick laying apparatus is typically used in conjunction with a board stacking device configured to place the wood boards on the bundle in a layer-by-layer stacking process. An example of a boards stacking device is shown in published patent application U.S. 2020/0087085 (I. ST-PIERRE et al), the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Referring toFIGS.1A to3B, there is illustrated a stick laying apparatus30according to one embodiment. The stick laying apparatus30may include a support structure32shaped to be disposed above a board bundle34on which boards are sequentially arranged in board layers to be separated by the spacer sticks. As mentioned above, the board layers34may be provided by a board stacking device36, positioned at proximity of the stick laying apparatus. The support structure32may include any number and/or type of suitable structural elements such as beams, shafts, panels, walls, connectors, and the like in order to provide support, rigidity and stability sufficient for a given application. The stick laying apparatus30may further include a plurality of stick distributing units40. In this embodiment, the stick distributing units40are mounted to the support structure32over the board bundle34and are spaced apart according to a predetermined spacing between the sticks. In some embodiments, stick distributing units40are equidistant. In other variants, the spacing between different pairs of sticks may vary. For instance, the number of sticks may vary resulting in a variation in the distance between the sticks. In some other variations, some pairs of sticks may be closer together (e.g., the spacing between one pair of sticks may be smaller than the spacing with the adjacent pair of sticks). In other cases, the placement of the sticks may further not be straight on the board. The stick distributing units40may be rigidly, slidably or removably affixed to the support structure of the stick laying apparatus so as to be suspended above the board bundle34. As explained in details further below, each stick distributing unit includes a frame defining a stick-receiving area for receiving a plurality of the spacer sticks which can define a vertical stack, the stick-receiving area having an outlet, such as an open bottom end; a hold-and-release mechanism configured to dispense one-by-one each stick of the vertical stack from the bottom end of the stick-receiving area, and a stick-laying mechanism configured to receive the sticks upon release by the hold-and-release mechanism and to lay the same over the board layer. The predetermined spacing between neighboring stick distributing units is selected to allow the concurring parallel laying of spacer sticks over a board layer of the bundle at a desired distance from each other. This distance is typically imposed by a given application, for example, best practices for the type of wood of the boards in the bundle. In some embodiments, the stick distributing units are disposed at a predetermined spacing, such as a spacing of about 12 inches. This configuration is, for example, advantageous in the context of drying hardwood boards, but more generally, considered desirable in the industry. However, one impediment to the use of such closely positioned stick distributing units is that access to the unit (e.g., for maintenance or repairs) is limited. For example, typical stick distributing units have a total width of about 9 inches, leaving only about 3 inches of free space between adjacent units when spaced by about 12 inches. This free space is so small that it is impossible for an operator to walk between units or even manually access the mechanisms of the unit(s) from the sidelines. Referring toFIGS.2A,2B,3A and3B, the stick distributing units each have a front and a rear side41,43defined as the sides along the length of the stick distributing unit. It will be readily understood that the designation of front and rear are made as a convention for ease of reference only, and are not meant to convey a preferred orientation to the units. One or both of the front and rear sides41,43are free of obstructions along the stick-receiving area. It should be understood that, in the context of the present disclosure, the expression “free of obstructions” can refer to an absence of structure, mechanical components, other mechanisms such as electrical or hydraulic components, etc. extending alongside the stick-receiving area which could prevent an operator from accessing the space between neighboring stick distributing units. Advantageously, this enables an operator to slide their arm between adjacent stick distributing units and access, manipulate or remove part(s) of interests, or for maintenance and/or repair purposes, such as for example components of the hold-and-release mechanism or of the stick laying mechanism. This can be seen onFIGS.2B and3B, whereasFIGS.2A and3Arepresent known stick laying apparatuses which can have restricted spacing between stick distributing units. An embodiment of a stick distributing unit40which may be used in the stick laying apparatus30will now be described in more details. Stick Distributing Unit Referring toFIGS.4A to9there is shown a stick distributing unit40according to a possible embodiment. The stick distributing unit40includes a frame42defining a stick-receiving area44for receiving the plurality of spacer sticks45. In this embodiment, the spacer sticks are received in the stick-receiving area so as to form a single vertical stack46, although it should be noted that other configurations are possible, such as two or more adjacent vertical stacks positioned within the stick-receiving area44, for example. The frame42may include any arrangement of beams, supports, shafts and associated structure adapted to form a space in which the sticks45can be received in a stacked arrangement (e.g., the stick-receiving area44). The frame42may be a structure made of steel, aluminum or other durable materials of this type allowing to support the continuous intake of sticks. It should be noted that the frame42can be made of a single wielded piece of material or of a set of pieces joined to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame42includes a pair of front support beams48a,band a pair of back support beams50a,b. The front and back support beams48,50are spaced apart to form a rectangular area therebetween and are separated by a distance generally corresponding to the width of the individual sticks45. In other words, the front and back support beams48,50are spaced apart to enable a single vertical stack of sticks45to be formed therebetween, although it is appreciated that other configurations are possible. The frame42may further include a pair of side support beams52a,52bpositioned left and right of the stick-receiving area and separated by a distance generally corresponding to the length of the individual sticks. The front, back and side support beams,48,50,52, therefore act as a container maintaining the received sticks in a stack, such as the single vertical stack46. The stick-receiving area44has an open top end54and an open bottom end56. In operation, the sticks are received in the stick-receiving area44from the open top end54and are retained therein in the vertical stack46. In the illustrated embodiment, the sticks45are stacked along their longitudinal sides. It will be readily understood that in other variants the stick may be stacked face to face. As explained further below, the stack is maintained in place within the stick-receiving area from below. In operation, the sticks may be fed into the stick-receiving area from a stick feeding device (not shown). In other embodiments, the sticks may be fed manually. In some variants, the sticks may be fed into the stick-receiving area in batches, for example as a full vertical stack which is fully dispensed before the next batch is provided. In other variants, the sticks may be fed into the stick-receiving area in a continuous or intermittent manner. Referring toFIGS.10A to14C, the stick distributing unit40may further include a hold-and-release mechanism60configured to dispense each stick45of the vertical stack from the stick-receiving area44. As will be described further below, in this embodiment, the hold-and-release mechanism60is adapted to dispense the sticks one-by-one from the open bottom end56of the stick-receiving area. In some embodiments, and as will be described further below, the hold-and-release mechanism60includes a first holding member adapted to hold and release a predetermined spacer stick from the vertical stack, and a second holding member adapted to hold and release another predetermined spacer stick from the vertical stack. In some embodiments, the second holding member is adapted to cooperate (e.g., hold and release) the spacer stick adjacent the spacer stick engaged by the first holding member. More specifically, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first holding member can include at least one lower holding member62adapted to selectively hold and release a bottommost stick45aof the vertical stack, and the second holding member can include at least one upper holding member80adapted to selectively hold and release a penultimate stick45bof the vertical stack. Referring more particularly toFIGS.10A,10B and11A, one example of the at the least one lower holding member62is shown. In this variant, the at least one lower holding member62includes a pair of pivotable bottom catches62a,bprovided on the frame42adjacent the stick-receiving area44, such as on a rear side thereof and just below the open bottom end56. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivotable bottom catches62a,bare mounted to respective back support beams50a,b. Each pivotable bottom catch has a rotating portion66and a support projection67projecting radially from the rotating portion66. In some embodiments, the rotating portions66of both pivotable bottom catches62a,bare mounted on a common rotating shaft68. The hold-and-release mechanism60may further include a rotary actuator65configured to rotate the shaft68back and forth, thereby rotating the bottom catches62a,baccordingly. However, it is appreciated that the bottom catches62a,bcan be provided with respective rotating shafts connected to a common rotary actuator, or to respective actuators. The rotary actuator(s)65may be an electric motor or a pneumatic system connected to and moving the rotating shaft in a manner well known in the art. The lower holding member62(e.g., the bottom catches62a,b) is operable between a holding position70(seeFIGS.10A and10B) where the lower holding member holds or retains the bottommost stick45aof the vertical stack46, and a release position72(seeFIG.11A) where the lower holding member releases the bottommost stick45a. In the illustrated embodiment, when the lower holding member62is in the holding position70, the bottom catches62a,bare positioned to have their respective projections67extend generally horizontally to engage the stick-receiving area underneath the bottommost stick45a. The bottommost stick45ais therefore supported from below at two points, and the remainder of the sticks45of the vertical stack46are supported over the bottommost stick45a. To operate the lower holding members62from the holding position to the release position, the rotary actuator65rotates the shaft68which engages the rotating portions66in rotation such that the support projections67are pivoted downwards. The rotating portions66are rotated until the support projections67clear a path directly underneath the stick-receiving area44. A projection stop69may be provided next to one or both pivotable bottom catches62a,bto block the movement of the support projection67past its intended range of motion. Still referring toFIGS.10A,10B,11A and11B, by way of example, the at least one upper holding member80may be embodied by one or two grip hooks80a,bprovided adjacent the stick-receiving area44, such as on a rear side thereof similar to the lower holding member62. In the illustrated embodiment, each grip hook80a,bhas a substantially flat body being generally S-shaped and includes a gripping top portion82and a pivoting bottom portion84joined by a generally curved or arcuate middle section86(also illustrated inFIGS.14A to14D). The stick distributing unit40includes a grip hook rotary actuator85provided with a rotating shaft coupled to the pivoting bottom portion84adapted to pivot the grip hooks80a,babout an axis perpendicular to its flat body plane. The pivoting of the grip hooks80a,bmoves the gripping top portion82back and forth with respect to the rear face of a predetermined stick of the stack46. In this embodiment, the predetermined stick corresponds to the penultimate stick45b, i.e., the stick following the bottommost stick in the stack. The gripping top portion82may end in a tooth83pointing towards the rear surface of the penultimate stick and configured to engage this rear surface to grip the penultimate stick45b(further illustrated inFIGS.14A and14D). The at least one upper holding member80may therefore be operable between a holding position90, where the grip hooks80a,bare adapted to hold the penultimate stick45bof the vertical stack46, for example, when the tooth83of the grip hooks80a,bengage its rear surface, and a release position92, where the grip hooks are adapted to release the penultimate stick45b(illustrated inFIG.14C). Still referring toFIGS.10A,10B,11A and11B, in some embodiments, the stick dispensing unit40further includes a controller200configured to provide control signals operating the stick dispensing unit40and defining a stick dispensing routine. The controller200may, for example, be embodied by one or more memories sending computational instructions to at least one of a processor, a computer, a circuit chip or any other electronic means of sending signals to the actuators65,85or other elements controlling the movements of the components of the stick dispensing unit40, such as the lower and upper holding members62,80. Referring toFIGS.10A and10B, the stick dispensing routine may include a first step of setting the lower holding member62in the holding position70and the upper holding member80in the release position92. The vertical stack46is therefore fully supported from the bottommost stick45ain the stick-receiving area44. Referring toFIGS.11A to13B, the stick dispensing routine next includes a step of setting the upper holding member80to the holding position90, to support the vertical stack46from the penultimate stick45bin the stick-receiving area44, and setting the lower holding member62to the release position72, thereby releasing the bottommost stick45ato fall through the bottom end56of the stick-receiving area44. It has been observed by the inventors that, in some instances, the bottommost stick45acan remain stuck to the penultimate stick45bof the stack46. Several factors may lead to this problem. This may, for example, be due to imperfections in the wood of the stick, e.g., curve, wane, broken sections, bow or snags, either naturally present in the stick or created by wear after multiple uses. Differences in the thickness of adjacent sticks can also be a contributing factor. Also, the pressure of the remainder of the stack on top of the bottommost and penultimate sticks or the shocks imposed as more sticks are added during the stacking process can lead to a wedge being created between two sticks or a stick and the surrounding frame. Referring toFIGS.14A to14D, in order to free the bottommost stick45bfrom such an entanglement, the stick distributing routine can include an additional step of knocking on the penultimate stick45b. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by quickly releasing and re-engaging the upper holding member80(e.g., the at least one upper holding member quickly transitions between the holding position and the release position). This may, for example, be accomplished by quickly operating the rotary actuator85associated with the upper holding member80to rotate the grip hooks80a,baway from the stick receiving area44for a small period of time (e.g., a fraction of a second of the order of about 100 μs), and back toward the stick receiving area44to re-engage the rear surface of the penultimate stick45b. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the art, the remaining sticks of the stack will begin to fall during the unengaged period, and the duration of this period may be selected to ensure that the penultimate stick remains within gripping range of the gripping hooks80a,b. As can be seen from a comparison ofFIGS.14A and14D, the penultimate stick45bis gripped by the tooth83of the gripping hook80after the knocking step at a location along the rear surface of the penultimate stick45bslightly above the location it was gripping prior to the knocking step. Advantageously, the knocking step has the effect of creating a shock wave or shaking the penultimate stick45b, thereby dislodging the bottommost stick from the penultimate stick45band allowing the bottommost stick to be dispensed from the bottom end of the stick receiving area, as intended. It will be readily understood that in other embodiments, the knocking step may be accomplished using other means then operating the upper holding member via the controller. In other variants, a separate device or mechanism may be provided for this purpose. For example, a rotating cam, a hammer, a cylinder, a vibrating device, etc., may be continuously operated so as to periodically knock on the penultimate stick in synchronicity with the stick dispensing routine. The stick dispensing routine finally involves returning to the step of setting the lower holding member62in the holding position70and the upper holding member80in the release position92. It is thus noted that, what was previously the penultimate stick45bis then released from the upper holding member80and travels downward, followed by the remainder of the stack62, until it is stopped and supported but the lower holding member62, becoming the bottommost stick45aof the next iteration of the stick dispensing routine. Referring toFIGS.19A through19G, a more detailed embodiment of a stick dispensing routine is illustrated, by way of example.FIG.19Ashows a “standby” position wherein both the bottommost stick and the penultimate stick are retained, by the lower and upper holding members such as described above. OnFIG.19B, both holding members are operated to release their respective sticks, and the sticks begin to free-fall. OnFIG.19C, only the upper holding member is re-engaged, both “catching” the penultimate stick and knocking on it, dislodging the bottommost stick to continue its fall, if required (FIG.19D). AtFIG.19Ethe bottom holding member is re-engaged, after the bottommost stick has cleared the area above. AtFIG.19F, the upper holding member is disengaged, resetting the stack such that the previously penultimate stick, now the bottommost stick, falls onto the lower holding member, followed by the remainder of the stack. The upper holding member is then re-engaged (FIG.19G), returning to the standby position ofFIG.19A. Referring toFIGS.15to18, as mentioned above, once released, the bottommost stick45afalls through the open bottom end56of the stick-receiving area44under the effect of gravity. In one embodiment, the front beams48and rear beams50(illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B) of the frame have matching curved profiles99in their lower sections underneath the stick-receiving area44, providing a guiding path58smoothing the descent of the bottommost stick45a(also seen inFIGS.6and7). Also, the guiding path58may also provide fora shifting of the orientation of the stick from generally vertical to any suitable angle, such as horizontal, for example. In some embodiments, a pair of support arms94a,bmay be pivotally mounted on either sides of the frame and coupled to rotary actuators95so that the support arms94have a raised or receiving position96(FIGS.6,7and18) where they project (e.g., horizontally) from the exit of the guiding path58to receive the released stick at the end of its travel along the guiding path58, and a lowered or releasing position97(FIG.17) where they are pivoted downwardly away from the exit of the guiding path to let go of the previously held stick. The stick distributing unit may further include a stick-laying mechanism100configured to receive a spacer stick from the hold-and release mechanism (e.g., the bottommost stick45a) upon release thereof by the lower holding member, and lay the received spacer stick over the board layer. In the illustrated embodiment, the stick-laying mechanism100includes a moving head102operatively mounted on the frame42so as to move (e.g., up and down) with respect to the frame42. The moving head102can be operable between a stick-receving position, such as an upper position110, in which the moving head is adapted to receive and grab or hold the released stick45awhen it reaches the end of the guiding path58, for example when it rests horizontally on the support arms94, and a stick-laying position, such as a lower position112, adjacent to (e.g., immediately above) the board stacking device (not shown) to drop off the released stick45aat its intended place over the board layer. By way of example, in the illustrated embodiment, the moving head102is moved up and down through a pneumatically-actuated shaft104mounted on a front panel47of the frame (also seen inFIG.17), although other mechanisms and/or systems for displacing the moving head are possible and may be used. In some embodiments, the moving head102may include an inverted L-shaped bracket106affixed to the bottom end of the pneumatically-actuated shaft. The moving head102may further include a pair of grabbing fingers108pivotally mounted on either side of the L-shaped bracket106. The grabbing fingers108can rotate to grab the released stick45afrom above when the stick is positioned on the support arms94, and let go the released stick45aonce in position over the board layer. In the illustrated variants, the grabbing fingers108are operated by independent rotary actuators, although other configurations are possible. The stick-laying mechanism100further includes a controller configured to control the operation of its different components to operate a stick-laying routine. The controller may be the same controller (illustrated inFIGS.10A to11) operating the movements of the lower and upper holding members or another controller entirely. Referring toFIGS.15to18, the stick-laying routine may include the following steps:a) Pivoting the support arms94in their raised position96and receiving the released stick45athereon;b) Setting the moving head102in the upper position110and rotating the grabbing fingers108to grab the released stick45a;c) Pivoting the support arms94in the lowered position97;d) Lowering the moving head102to the lower position112just above the board layer on the board bundle; ande) Rotating the grabbing fingers108to let go of the released stick45a, therefore laying the released stick45aon the board layer. The stick laying routine is preferably coordinated with the stick dispensing routine in order to optimize the throughput of the stick laying apparatus. For instance, it is noted that different steps of the stick dispensing routine may be performed generally simultaneously to each other, or in quick succession. Similarly, different steps of the stick-laying routine may be performed generally simultaneously to each other, or in quick succession. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more steps of the stick dispensing routine can be performed substantially simultaneously with one or more steps of the stick-laying routine, for example. Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person skilled in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the present disclosure. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “coupling”, “attached”, “connected”, “joined” or variants thereof can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupling, connected, joined or attached can have a mechanical connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling, joined or attached can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending on the particular context. Similarly, in the context of the present disclosure, the expressions “unit”, “assembly”, “assemblage”, “subassembly”, “subsystem”, “mechanism”, “apparatus”, “component”, as well as any other equivalent expression(s) and/or compound word(s) thereof known in the art can be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: “fastening”, “securing”, “locking”, “restraining”, “affixing”, “holding”, “adjusting”, etc. Also, in the context of the present description, expressions such as “can”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, etc., may also be used interchangeably, whenever appropriate, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that all elongated objects will have an implicit “longitudinal axis” or “centerline”, such as the longitudinal axis of a stick, for example. Moreover, components of the present system(s) and/or steps of the method(s) described herein could be modified, simplified, altered, omitted and/or interchanged, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, depending on the particular applications which the disclosed system is intended for, and the desired end results, as briefly exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. In the present disclosure, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the described features. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the apparatus and/or the associated units may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be embodied in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, or “other embodiments”, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily in all embodiments. In addition, although the optional configurations as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the optional configurations of the apparatus as shown may consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e., should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the implementation and use of the apparatus, and corresponding parts, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. | 32,154 |
11858760 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and figures. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of a mobile silo-filling system100, according to an embodiment. The system100may be configured to transport or convey a material from a first (e.g., lower) location to a second (e.g., upper) location. The material may be or include a granular material. For example, the material may be a proppant (e.g., sand or aluminum oxide particles) that may be used to produce a fracking fluid, and the upper location may be an inlet of a vertical silo at a wellsite. The system100may include a base110that is configured to be position on the ground at the wellsite. The base110may include a truck unloader112(e.g., including one or more wheels). The base110may also include one or more loading ramps114that slope upward toward one another. The base110may also include a first (e.g., trough-style unloading) conveyor120. The first conveyor120may be configured to convey the material (e.g., proppant) from a truck in a first direction122. The first direction122may be horizontal or sloped upwards (e.g., from about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees). The system100may also include a derrick130that is coupled to the base110. More particularly, a first (e.g., lower) end of the derrick130may be coupled to the base110. The derrick130may be configured to rotate (e.g., about a central longitudinal axis therethrough) with respect to the (e.g., stationary) base110. The derrick130may include a second (e.g., bucket elevator) conveyor140therein, which may differ from the first (e.g., trough-style unloading) conveyor120. The second conveyor140may be coupled to and/or in communication with the first conveyor120. More particularly, the second conveyor140may be configured to receive the material from the first conveyor120and to convey the material in a second (e.g., vertical) direction142. The system100may also include one or more hydraulic cylinders144that is/are configured to actuate the derrick130from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, as described below. The system100may also include a first arm150that is coupled to the derrick130. More particularly, a first (e.g., inner) end of the first arm150may be coupled to a second (e.g., upper) end of the derrick130. The first arm150may be configured to rotate with respect to the derrick130. More particularly, the first arm150may rotate around the first end thereof in a horizontal plane through an angle. A maximum extent of the angle may be from about 90 degrees to about 360 degrees or from about 180 degrees to about 270 degrees. The first arm150may include a third (e.g., trough-style distributing) conveyor160, which may differ from the first (e.g., trough-style unloading) conveyor120and/or the second (e.g., bucket elevator) conveyor140. The third conveyor160may be coupled to and/or in communication with the second conveyor140. The third conveyor160may be configured to receive the material from the second conveyor140and to convey the material in a third (e.g., horizontal) direction162. In one embodiment, the material may be transferred from the second conveyor140to the third conveyor160via one or more first slewing drives (also referred to as slewing gears)164. The system100may also include a second arm170that is coupled to the first arm150. More particularly, a first end of the second arm170may be coupled to a second (e.g., outer) end of the first arm150. The second arm170may be positioned at least partially below the first arm150. The second arm170may be configured to rotate with respect to the first arm150. More particularly, the second arm170may rotate around the first end thereof in a horizontal plane through an angle. A maximum extent of the angle of the second arm170may be greater than a maximum extent of the angle of the first arm150. In an example, the maximum extent of the angle of the second arm170may be from about 180 degrees to about 360 degrees or from about 270 degrees to about 360 degrees. The second arm170may include a fourth (e.g., trough-style distributing) conveyor180that is coupled and/or in communication with the third conveyor160. The fourth conveyor180may be configured to receive the material from the third conveyor160and to convey the material in a fourth (e.g., horizontal) direction182. The fourth direction182may be the same as or different from the third direction162, depending upon the angles at which the arms150,170are oriented. In one embodiment, the material may be transferred from the third conveyor160to the fourth conveyor180via one or more second slewing drives (also referred to as slewing gears)184. The system100may also include a loading spout190that is coupled to and/or in communication with the fourth conveyor180. The loading spout190may be located proximate to a second end of the second arm170. The material may be configured to flow from the fourth conveyor180, through the loading spout190, and into the top of a silo at a wellsite. In one embodiment, the loading spout190may be configured to telescope (e.g., vertically) to extend toward and/or away from the inlet of the silo. FIG.2illustrates a flowchart of a method200for loading the proppant into a silo, according to an embodiment. An illustrative order of the method200is provided below; however, one or more steps of the method200may be performed in a different order, simultaneously, repeated, or omitted. The method200may include positioning the system100at a wellsite, as at205. The system100may be coupled to and/or positioned by a vehicle300, as shown inFIGS.3A and3B. The system100may be in a first (e.g., folded) state when the system100is being moved and/or positioned by the vehicle300. This may allow the vehicle300to position the system100at any location and/or orientation at the wellsite. The derrick130may be substantially horizontal when the system100is in the folded state. In the folded state, the system100may have a length from about 40 feet to about 80 feet or about 50 feet to about 70 feet and a height from about 8 feet to about 16 feet or about 10 feet to about 14 feet. In contrast, conventional belt conveyors have a length of greater than or equal to about 100 feet. The method200may also include decoupling the system100from the vehicle300, as at210. The system100may be decoupled after the system100has been positioned at the desired location at the wellsite (e.g., proximate to one or more silos). As shown inFIG.4, the system100may be in the folded state when the system100is decoupled from the vehicle100. The method200may also include actuating the system100into an unfolded state, as at215. The system100may be actuated into the unfolded state after the system100is positioned and/or decoupled.FIG.5illustrates the system100actuated into a first partially unfolded state (e.g., with the derrick130oriented at 30 degrees with respect to the ground),FIG.6illustrates the system100actuated into a second partially unfolded state (e.g., with the derrick130oriented at 60 degrees with respect to the ground), andFIG.7illustrates a side view of the system100actuated in the unfolded state (e.g., with the derrick130oriented at 90 degrees with respect to the ground), according to an embodiment. In contrast, conventional belt conveyors cannot exceed an angle greater than about 15 degrees. In the embodiment shown, the arms150,170and/or the conveyors160,180may be/remain substantially horizontal as the derrick130actuates through an arc from the horizontal position to the vertical position. In another embodiment, the arms150,170and/or the conveyors160,180may be/remain parallel to the derrick130as the derrick130actuates through the arc from the horizontal position to the vertical position, and then the arms150,170and/or the conveyors160,180may actuate to become substantially horizontal. The method200may also include actuating the first arm150, as at220. The first arm150may be actuated around a vertical axis that extends through a first end of the first arm150that is coupled to the derrick130. As mentioned above, this may include moving the first arm150through an arc in a horizontal plane up to about 270 degrees. The first arm150may be actuated when the system100is in the partially unfolded state and/or the unfolded state. The method200may also include actuating the second arm170, as at225. The second arm170may be actuated around a vertical axis that extends through a first end of the second arm170that is coupled to the second end of the first arm150. As mentioned above, this may include moving the second arm170through an arc in a horizontal plane up to about 360 degrees. The horizontal plane of the first arm150may be above the horizontal plane of the second arm170. The second arm150may be actuated when the system100is in the partially unfolded state and/or the unfolded state. The second arm170may be actuated before, simultaneously with, or after the first arm150is actuated. In the embodiment shown, the first and second arms150,170are substantially parallel with one another as the as the system100actuates from the folded state (e.g.,FIG.4) into the unfolded state (e.g.,FIG.7). More particularly, the second arm170is in a first (e.g., extended) position such that the second end of the second arm170is not positioned under the first arm150, and a total (e.g., horizontal) distance between the derrick130and the loading spout190is maximized. In another embodiment, the second arm170may be in a second (e.g., retracted) position as the as the system100actuates from the folded state into the unfolded state, as shown inFIG.8. In the retracted position, the second arm170is positioned under the first arm150, and the total (e.g., horizontal) distance between the derrick130and the loading spout190is minimized. In yet another embodiment, the second arm170may be configured to actuate between the extended and retracted positions while the system100is actuating. In yet another embodiment, the second arm170may be configured to actuate between the extended and retracted positions once the system100is in the unfolded state. The first arm150and/or the second arm170may be actuated to align the loading spout190with a silo.FIG.9illustrates a top view of the system100in the unfolded state with the loading spout190positioned over one or more silos900A-900F, according to an embodiment. More particularly, the arms150,170have been actuated to place the loading spout190over an inlet910A of the silo900A. The method200may also include adjusting a height of the loading spout190, as at230. The height of the loading spout190may be adjusted with respect to inlet910A of the silo900A. More particularly, the height may be adjusted to insert the loading spout190at least partially into the inlet910A of the silo900A. The height may be adjusted by telescoping the loading spout190(e.g., downwards toward the inlet910A). The height may also or instead be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the derrick130with respect to the ground. The method200may also include conveying the proppant, as at235. The proppant may be conveyed when the system100is in the partially unfolded state and/or the unfolded state. The proppant may be conveyed from the first conveyor120on the base110, to the second conveyor140on the derrick130, to the third conveyor160on the first arm150, to the fourth conveyor180on the second arm170, through the loading spout190, and into the inlet910A of the silo900A. Once the silo900A is full, the method200may loop back around (e.g., to step215,220,225, and/or230). For example, the height of the loading spout190may be adjusted to withdraw the loading spout190from the inlet910A of the silo900A. Then, the arms150,170may be actuated to align the loading spout190with an inlet910B of a different (e.g., empty) silo900B. Then, the height of the loading spout190may be adjusted to insert the loading spout190into the inlet910B of the silo900B. Then, the proppant may be conveyed into the silo900B. This process may repeat to fill additional silos900A-900F. In an embodiment, the silos900A-900F may be filled using the system100while the base110remains stationary. The system100may convey the proppant at a rate from about 2,000 pounds (lbs) per minute to about 20,000 lbs per minute or from about 5,000 lbs per minute to about 15,000 lbs per minute. In contrast, conventional pneumatic conveyors may only convey at a rate up to about 1,500 lbs per minute. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Further, as used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. As used herein, the terms “inner” and “outer”; “up” and “down”; “upper” and “lower”; “upward” and “downward”; “above” and “below”; “inward” and “outward”; and other like terms as used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular direction or spatial orientation. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and “connecting” refer to “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more intermediate elements or members.” It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first object could be termed a second object, and, similarly, a second object could be termed a first object, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. | 15,000 |
11858761 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference now toFIGS.11and12, a system100for removing spoils from a job site is shown. The system100comprises a microtrencher110, a vacuum system10, and a dump container120. Material is removed from a trench by a blade assembly112disposed on the microtrencher no. The blade assembly112comprises a hood114substantially enclosing a volume around the blade (not shown). A hose18is disposed between the vacuum system10and the microtrencher no. The hose18provides a pathway for air and particulates to travel from the hood114to the vacuum system10. While a microtrencher110is shown herein, other apparatus, such as graders, trenchers, earth saws and the like may be used with the vacuum system10described herein. Additionally, the hose18may be used separately from such a device to interconnect the excavation site and the vacuum system10. The vacuum system10is shown disposed on a trailer14. Alternatively, the vacuum system10may be on a self-propelled truck. The dump container120is provided to deposit and store particulates removed from the vacuum assembly10. This dump container120may be a dumpster, dump truck, or other container. The dump container120may be present on the job site, as shown, or the vacuum system10may be moved to a location proximate to the dump container for depositing debris removed from the vacuum assembly, as will be described in more detail below. With reference toFIG.1the vacuum system10is shown in detail. The vacuum system10comprises an external conveyor12attached to but completely external from a tank16. As described in detail later herein, the external conveyor12may unload material captured by the system10and deposited in the tank16into a dump truck or other container positioned high off the ground. Continuing withFIG.1, the vacuum system10is supported on a trailer14. The system10comprises the tank16, first and second conduits such as hoses18and19, and a power pack20. The power pack20is supported on a forward end22of the trailer14. The power pack20comprises a blower which creates airflow. The blower pulls air through a second conduit, or hose19, from the tank16. As the tank16is substantially sealed, air must be pulled into the tank through the hose18. Such airflow allows debris to be removed from the excavation site to the tank16. The tank16is supported on a rear end24of the trailer14above a series of ground contacting motive elements, such as wheels26. The tank16shown in the figures spans the width of the trailer14and has downwardly converging side walls similar to that of a funnel or a hopper (FIG.3). However, the tank16may take on different shapes and sizes as desired. The external conveyor12is attached to a rear end27of the tank16via a bracket29(FIG.3). The external conveyor12is movable between a lowered or stowed position and a raised position. The external conveyor12is shown in a lowered or stowed position inFIG.1, and is shown in the raised position inFIGS.5and7. Preferably, the external conveyor12is situated completely outside of the tank16. When stowed, the external conveyor12is positioned on a first side28of the vacuum system10and is substantially parallel to a bed30of the trailer14. When the external conveyor12is in use, the external conveyor is in a raised position and is situated at a non-zero angle to the bed30of the trailer14(FIG.5). For example, the external conveyor12is positioned at about a 45 degree angle to the bed30of the trailer14inFIG.5. However, the external conveyor12may be raised or lowered to different angles as desired. When in the raised position shown inFIG.5, a first end82is situated below each portion of the tank16. The second end84of the external conveyor12is disposed above each portion of the tank16. This orientation allows particulates to fall from the tank16into the first end82due to gravity, yet to be removed by the external conveyor12into a dump container120with a high wall. With reference toFIGS.3-5, the tank16has an inlet90, a first outlet92and a second outlet94. The hose18is attached to the inlet90. The hose19allows the blower to be in communication with the first outlet92. The second outlet94is located at an offloading hub50and may be selectively covered by a door52. Other than the inlet90and outlets92,94, the tank16is substantially sealed. As shown inFIG.2, a set of hatches34are formed on a top end36of the tank16to provide access to the inside of the tank, if needed. A set of ladders38provide access to the hatches34. The hose19may have filtration systems interposed on it to clean the air before reaching the blower and power pack20. As such, the hose19may comprise two or more sections. As shown inFIG.2, air removed from the vacuum tank16travels through a cyclone separator46and a filter system44. The cyclone separator46is used to eliminate particulates from the air stream in the hose19. Air within the separator46is moved in a spiraling motion, causing heavier particulates to diverge from the air and move toward the wall of the chamber. The cyclone separator46thus cleans the air of dust carried into the hose19. Reducing dust further prolongs the life of the vacuum blower and filter44and reduces maintenance costs. With reference toFIG.3, the cyclone separator46is attached to the rear end27of the tank16. A door48is also provided on the cyclone separator46in order to empty the contents of the cyclone separator, if needed. The filter system44is used to remove any remaining dust or particulates from the hose18before entering the vacuum blower powered by the power pack20. One or more air filters may be provided within the filter system44. The filter may be removed and replaced when it becomes clogged with particulates. Air leaves the filter system44then travels through the hose19into a blower inlet96. With reference toFIGS.3-4, the offloading hub50is formed on the rear end27of the tank16at the second outlet94. The offloading hub50comprises a sliding door52formed on its bottom end54(FIG.4) to cover the second outlet94. As best shown inFIGS.10A and10B, the door52is opened and closed via a first hydraulic actuator56. A light58positioned on a front end60of the offloading hub50may be illuminated if the door52is open. Material from inside the tank16may be released from the tank through the second outlet94. The second outlet94is ground facing and formed on a bottom of the tank16such that material from the tank16may be removed from the offloading hub5oby operation of gravity. Turning now toFIGS.5-7, the external conveyor12is moved to the raised position via a second hydraulic actuator62. Once in the raised position, the external conveyor12is pivoted to position its opening64directly below the offloading hub50. The external conveyor12is pivoted via a third hydraulic actuator66. The hydraulic actuators56,62,66are operating by manipulating a set of controls68positioned on a second side32of the system10(FIG.2). The external conveyor12shown inFIG.6comprises a screw conveyor, or auger70, having auger blades72. The auger70is surrounded by a cylindrical cover74(FIG.5). The cover74is removed inFIG.6to show the auger70structure. Alternatively, the external conveyor12may comprise a conveyor71(FIG.7) or other devices to raise loose materials to a higher elevation. The conveyor71comprises an endless belt73that rotates about a first drum75and a second drum77. The endless belt73may have a series of ridges formed along its width and spaced apart from one another. Each ridge may have a repeating pattern, such as a chevron pattern. The ridges help bring material up the conveyor71during operation. A cover (not shown) may also surround the conveyor71, if desired. In either case, the external conveyor12as an input end situated near the second outlet94for receiving debris therethrough. An internal conveyor or auger76having auger blades78is positioned at a bottom of the tank16. Because the tank16has downwardly converging side walls, the material within the tank16is directed towards the internal auger76. The internal auger76may rotate while the vacuum system10is operating or may remain stationary during operation. The auger blades78are configured to convey debris towards the offloading hub50when rotated. Preferably, as best shown inFIG.6, the auger blades78may be more densely situated about the internal auger76near the offloading hub50. To help move material towards the bottom of the tank16, a vibrator may be installed. A V-shaped shield79is disposed above the internal auger76to prevent the weight of debris within the tank16from impeding rotation of the internal auger76. Debris on top of the shield79will move to each side of the internal auger76.FIG.9shows this auger shield79partially cut-away to demonstrate the position of the internal auger76. The internal auger76is preferably disposed entirely within the tank16. A belt conveyor or chain conveyor may be used in place of the internal auger76if desired. The internal auger76is rotated by an auger motor77, which may be disposed outside of the tank16. To unload material from inside the tank16, the external conveyor12may be moved to the raised position and positioned below the offloading hub50. The door52to the offloading hub50is then opened (FIG.4). The internal auger76rotates to move material inside of the tank16towards the ground-facing second outlet94. Material exits the ground-facing second outlet94and falls into the opening64of the external conveyor12. The external conveyor12then transports material from its first end82or drum75to its second end84or drum77. This may be accomplished by rotating the auger70or conveyor71. Material is transported upwards via the auger blades72or ridges formed on the conveyor71. Once the material reaches the second end84of the external conveyor12it may exit the external conveyor through an opening86formed at its second end84(FIG.1). Alternatively, once the material reaches the second drum77, it may simply fall off of the conveyor71. Material released from the external conveyor12may fall into a dump truck or other container120positioned underneath the second end84of the external conveyor12. The external conveyor12allows material to be transported from the tank16to a position that is higher than a height of the tank16. Once all of the material has been removed from the tank16, the door52may be closed and the external conveyor12may be returned to its stowed position. If the tank16can maintain sufficient air flow to operate, the door52may be opened during operation. For example, as shown inFIG.13, a rotating airlock81may be used with the hub50to isolate the tank16from the second outlet94. This allows the external conveyor12to transport material from the tank16to the dump container120while the vacuum system10operates. Oil or other lubricant may be sprayed on the internal auger76and the external conveyor12during operation. Changes may be made in the construction, operation and arrangement of the various parts, elements, steps and procedures described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. | 11,107 |
11858762 | A vehicle suitable for performance of a method described further below with reference toFIGS.11to14is denoted overall with1in the figures. This preferably driverless vehicle1for transport and for transfer or delivery of cargo2has in the exemplary embodiment according toFIG.1a flat cargo receiving portion3, on which the cargo2is disposed for transport. The cargo receiving portion3consists, for example, of metal or plastic; in this exemplary embodiment, its surface3ais planar. The vehicle1is furthermore provided with a chassis denoted overall by4, on the underside of which running rollers or running wheels are disposed, which are not illustrated. In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the cargo receiving portion3is not directly disposed on the chassis4, but instead an intermediate body5is disposed between the upper side of the chassis4and the underside of the cargo receiving portion3. To secure the cargo2on the cargo receiving portion3during transport, a rim boundary6is provided, which extends only over a partial region of the periphery of the cargo receiving portion3, so that the vehicle1is completely open along one side rim. In the exemplary embodiment according toFIG.1, the rim boundary6is designed to be plank-shaped in cross section and it extends only along one side of the cargo receiving portion3. Alternatively, it may also be provided according toFIG.2that the rim boundary, likewise denoted with6, is designed to be C-shaped in cross section, i.e. compared with the retaining element6according toFIG.1it is curved or prolonged in angled manner in the corner regions and thus extends partly into the adjoining side rims of the cargo receiving portion3. In the embodiment according toFIG.3, the rim boundary6is likewise designed to be C-shaped in cross section, but has two side notches7. These notches7permit an access to the cargo receiving portion3even from the side along which the rim boundary6is located. The upper rim6aof the rim boundary6may be designed to be positionable, by relative motion with respect the surface3aof the cargo receiving portion3, at the level of the surface3aof the cargo receiving portion3or below the level of the surface3aof the cargo receiving portion3. For this purpose the rim boundary6may be disposed pivotably on the cargo receiving portion3. Alternatively, a vertical positioning element may also be provided. InFIGS.4and5, a vehicle1is illustrated in which the cargo receiving portion3has at least one support face8with a multiplicity of openings9, wherein bearing elements10are disposed in the region of the openings9. In the exemplary embodiment according toFIGS.4and5, these bearing elements10are designed to be stud-shaped and consist, for example, of rubber. In this embodiment they have a higher coefficient of friction than the surface of the support face8. The support face8is designed to be relatively displaceable, at least in vertical direction, with respect to the stud-shaped bearing elements10. Thereby it is possible that, starting from the position illustrated inFIG.4, in which the stud-shaped bearing elements10are located below the level of the surface of the support face8, the stud-shaped bearing elements10are shifted by relative motion in vertical direction into a position above the level of the surface of the support face8, so that the cargo2then rests no longer on the support face8but instead on the stud-shaped bearing elements10. In the position illustrated inFIG.4, the bearing elements10are therefore located under the level of the surface of the support face8, and so they are not active. It is in this position that the vehicle1is located during the cargo transfer. In contrast,FIG.5shows the transport position of the vehicle1. In this position, the stud-shaped bearing elements10extend upward through the openings9, so that the stud-shaped bearing elements10are located above the level of the surface of the support face8and are active. In this position, the surface of the cargo receiving portion3has a higher coefficient of friction than in the position according toFIG.4. Alternatively, the stud-shaped bearing elements10may also have a lower coefficient of friction than the surface of the support face8. In this case,FIG.4shows the transport position andFIG.5the cargo-transfer position. InFIG.6a vehicle is illustrated in which the bearing elements10are designed as elongated rollers. The support face8is again designed to be relatively displaceable, at least in vertical direction, with respect to the bearing elements10. Thereby it is possible that, starting from the position illustrated inFIG.6, in which the bearing elements10designed as rollers project upward beyond the surface of the support face8, the bearing elements10are shifted by relative motion in vertical direction below the level of the surface of the support face8, so that the cargo2then rests no longer on the bearing elements10but instead only on the support face8. When the surface of the support face8and the surface of the bearing elements10have a different coefficient of friction, the coefficient of friction of the surface of the cargo receiving portion3can be changed thereby, depending on whether the cargo2is to be transported or delivered. However, the coefficient of friction of the surface may also be the same as that of the bearing elements10designed as rollers. If, for cargo delivery or transfer, the bearing elements10are raised above the level of the surface of the support face8and the vehicle1is oriented such that the trajectory of the cargo2corresponds to the rolling direction of the bearing elements10designed as rollers, the cargo delivery is facilitated, since then only the rolling friction is active. Alternatively, the roller-shaped bearing elements10may also be braked and the braking action may be canceled for cargo delivery. InFIG.7, a vehicle1almost corresponding toFIG.6is illustrated with the single difference that the bearing elements10are designed not as rotatably mounted elongated rollers but instead as rotatably mounted roller sections. InFIG.8, a vehicle1almost corresponding toFIG.6is illustrated with the single difference that the bearing elements10are designed not as rotatably mounted elongated rollers but instead as rotatably mounted balls. InFIG.9, a first embodiment of a cargo take-up station11is illustrated. This cargo take-up station11has a base12with a front side12a, on which preferably one shock-absorbing and/or spring element13(bumper) is disposed. A receiving area14, which is open on the front side12aof the base12and otherwise preferably has side rims15is disposed on the base12, designed as an angle profile, of the cargo take-up station11. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the bottom face of the receiving area14is inclined downward at first; this area is denoted with14aand the rear area is horizontal, for example, and denoted with14b. InFIG.10, an alternative cargo take-up station11is illustrated which differs from that according toFIG.9in that no shock-absorbing and/or spring element13is provided. InFIGS.11to14, a method sequence according to the invention is illustrated by way of example: InFIG.11, a cargo receiving portion11is illustrated in which no cargo is yet located. Instead, a cargo2is disposed on a vehicle1, which is in normal travel and which is scheduled to deliver the cargo2onto the cargo take-up station11. In this case the vehicle1is already oriented such that the rim boundary6, viewed in travel direction, is located at the rear, so that the cargo receiving portion3, viewed in travel direction, is open in front and the cargo2can be delivered accordingly toward the front. InFIG.12, a situation is illustrated in which the vehicle1is located a short distance in front of the cargo take-up station11. The velocity vector of the vehicle1may already have been changed to the effect that the vehicle1has changed its direction and/or has been braked by the vehicle control unit. However, the vehicle1may also travel with unchanged velocity. The cargo2is still located on the vehicle1. InFIG.13, a position is illustrated in which the cargo2is moving from the vehicle1or the cargo receiving portion3onto the cargo take-up station11, after the vehicle1has reached the cargo take-up station11, wherein it is being driven without braking or with reduced velocity against the shock-absorbing and/or spring element13. Due to the change of the velocity vector of the vehicle1, the cargo2is moved due to its inertia in the original direction from the cargo receiving portion3into the receiving area14of the cargo take-up station11. When the vehicle1is designed such that the coefficient of friction of the surface3aof the cargo receiving portion3can be reduced (embodiment according toFIGS.4to8), the coefficient of friction is appropriately reduced for facilitation of the delivery of the cargo2, which can be caused by a control signal of the vehicle control unit or alternatively even by a release element on the vehicle1, which can be actuated by the impact against the cargo take-up station11and brings about the change via a kinematic system (lever mechanism or the like). The end position is illustrated inFIG.14. The cargo2is located in the cargo take-up station11, the vehicle1has already departed from the cargo take-up station11and no cargo is located any longer on its cargo receiving portion3. The vehicle1may be re-accelerated by the impact against the shock-absorbing and/or spring element13or for continued travel it may be additionally or alternatively moved with increasing velocity by the vehicle control unit. Of course, the invention is not limited to the illustrated exemplary embodiments. Further embodiments are possible without departing from the basic concepts. Thus at least one guide device disposed in the region of the cargo take-up station11may be provided, by means of which, before arrival at the cargo take-up station, the vehicle1is oriented in such a way that the trajectory of the cargo2moving away from the cargo receiving portion3due to the change in the velocity vector ends in the receiving area14of the cargo take-up station11. The latter may also be realized in that the cargo take-up station11has a ramp, on which the vehicle approaches before the cargo delivery. At the end of the ramp, the cargo is released by change of the velocity vector and flies as it were in an arc into the receiving area14of the cargo take-up station11. In this connection, a further ramp, for example, may be provided in the landing area for reduction of the necessarily acting forces. The cargo2then lands softly and slides downward into a collecting area of the cargo take-up station11(comparable with the flight path of a ski jumper). Alternatively to this, an inclined approach to the ramp is also possible. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1Vehicle2Cargo3Cargo receiving portion3aSurface4Chassis5Intermediate body6Rim boundary6aUpper rim7Notches8Support face9Openings10Bearing elements11Cargo take-up station12Base12aFront side13Shock-absorbing and/or spring element14Receiving area14aArea14bArea | 11,118 |
11858763 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS.1-17. Vehicle leveler10, as shown inFIG.1, includes three primary portions; a first portion12, a second portion24and an extension portion30and is designed to be utilized in conjunction with a substantially flat driveway18near a loading dock wall46. Furthermore, leveler10can be moved between a lowered position36shown inFIGS.1and3, and a raised position38shown inFIGS.4-6. First portion12includes a leading edge14and a trailing edge16. Trailing edge16is disposed further from driveway18than leading edge14. First portion12has a ramp section20which is inclined upwards and in some embodiments includes a flat section22adjacent ramp section20. First portion12in other embodiments does not have a flat section22but instead just inclines the total distance from leading edge14to trailing edge16of first portion12. FIG.1illustrates that second portion24has a leading edge26and a trailing edge28. Leading edge26of second portion24is attached to trailing edge16of first portion12as seen inFIGS.1,3-4. First portion12and second portion24can be removably attached.FIG.5shows first and second portions12,24separated. Leading edge26of second portion24is disposed further from driveway18than trailing edge28of second portion24. Second portion24also includes an extension portion30as can be seen inFIGS.1-7. Extension portion30extends from trailing edge28of second portion24toward a rear of leveler10(nearest loading dock wall46) and includes a substantially flat section32disposed about parallel with the substantially flat driveway18. FIG.2illustrates that first portion12and second portion24can include metal grating42over a steel plate for contact with wheels of a vehicle as the vehicle moves onto and off of leveler10. Metal grating42over a steel plate is a material which is both durable and also provides increased traction for vehicles when moving onto or off of leveler10. FIGS.1-7illustrate that first portion12and second portion24are each unitary structures which are separate from each other as seen inFIG.5until they are attached together by a connection apparatus34as seen best inFIGS.1and3-4. Connection apparatus34is located on leading edge26of second portion24and connects to trailing edge16of first portion12. First portion12and second portion24can also be connected together by welding or other fastening systems. Flat section22of first portion12is in front of connection apparatus34since connection apparatus34is located on leading edge26of second portion24. The drawings illustrate that second portion24, including extension portion30, can be moved between a lowered position36as seen inFIGS.1,3and7, and a raised position38as seen inFIGS.4-6, to accommodate varying dock heights for loading and unloading of cargo from vehicles.FIGS.4-7show a variety of different types of vehicles which can utilize leveler10. Depending on the length of the vehicle, leveler10can be customized in a variety of ways, including that extension portion30can consist of multiple extension portions which are identical and which are attached together so as to accommodate a vehicle which has a longer length.FIG.2illustrates a leveler10with more than one extension portion30. In an embodiment with multiple extension portions30, each extension portion30is removably secured to another extension portion30. In this type of embodiment, a first extension portion30would extend from the trailing edge28of second portion24toward a rear of leveler10, and the extension portions30each would include a substantially flat section32disposed about parallel with the substantially flat driveway18. In some embodiments, the multiple extension portions30can be of varying lengths and do not have to be identical in length. Leveler10can be manufactured so that ramp section20can be of varying lengths and heights to accommodate a single, rear axle vehicle as well as a large trailer.FIGS.1and6each illustrate a ramp section20with a different length and height. Ramp section20and flat section22can be manufactured with different lengths and heights to accommodate single rear axle vans and trailers as well as 53-foot over the road tractor trailers. Therefore, leveler10can be manufactured so that any of the first portion12, second portion24or extension portion30, can be of varying lengths and heights so as to accommodate a variety of vehicle types and sizes. For example,FIGS.3-4show a box-type truck on leveler10,FIGS.5-6show a larger vehicle on leveler10andFIG.7illustrates a very large trailer on leveler10. With leveler10it is possible to elevate both the front and rear axles of a vehicle to minimize the incline or decline of an inside floor surface40of a trailer or vehicle, thereby making loading and unloading of cargo safer.FIGS.3-7illustrate a variety of vehicles on leveler10and the dotted line inFIGS.3-4illustrates inside floor surface40of the vehicle.FIGS.4-6illustrate vehicles on leveler10that have both a front and rear axle elevated. FIG.6illustrates that leveler10can include opposed sidewalls52(seeFIG.2) with a light-mounting channel44having at least one light50(which could be a single light, multiple lights or a rope light) integrated into light-mounting channel44. Light(s)50assist vehicles, such as trailers, when they are backing in or pulling away from leveler10. A lifting system is also incorporated into the leveler10in the form of hydraulic lifts48which contact driveway18as seen inFIG.1. The hydraulic lifts48lift the second portion24including extension portion30of leveler10. However, any other lifting systems known in the art could be utilized as well. Leveler10may also include wheel guides54shown inFIG.1which can be on any or all of first portion12, second portion24or extension portion30.FIG.1illustrates wheel guides54on first portion12. Wheel guides54act to guide the wheels of the trailer into the proper position for loading and unloading of cargo. The relationship between first portion12and driveway18as well as second portion24and driveway18can also be defined in terms of angles, as shown inFIGS.1-7. Ramp section20of first portion12is inclined from driveway18about 1-15 degrees from parallel with driveway18. Second portion24extending from first portion12toward a rear of leveler10includes a decline section56which declines toward the substantially flat driveway at between about 1-15 degrees from parallel with the substantially flat driveway18. In operation, a vehicle (including sometimes a large trailer) is backed up to leveler10to put the rear wheels onto first portion12, specifically ramp section20. The wheels and trailer are therefore elevated from driveway18as they are backed up onto ramp section20. As the vehicle is further backed onto leveler10, the rear wheels pass onto second portion24or decline section56and begin to be lowered back toward driveway18. As the rear wheels continue to be backed up, they contact extension portion30and at this point, depending on the length and size of the trailer or vehicle, the rear of the trailer or vehicle may now be in contact with loading dock wall46. Depending on the length of the vehicle or trailer, the front wheels may either be in contact with first portion12as can be seen inFIGS.3-4or the trailer may be so large that only the back wheels are on leveler10as seen inFIG.7. Once though the rear wheels are backed up as far onto leveler10as they can go, the lifting system can then be operated to lift the trailer to the proper height to safely load and unload cargo. Leveler10can elevate both the front and rear wheels of a vehicle to minimize the slope of the internal floor of the vehicle, which allows for safer loading and unloading. FIGS.8-14illustrate that vehicle leveler10includes opposing side portions58which extend the length of and contact first portion12, second portion24and extension portion30. As seen best inFIGS.9-10, opposing side portions58have a top surface60which forms a walkway60. The walkway, also referred to herein as top surface60, is a safety feature which is used by a driver when he enters or exits a vehicle which is using vehicle leveler10.FIG.8illustrates a driver using walkway60.FIG.10illustrates that top surface/walkway60can extend the complete length of second portion24and extension portion30, whereasFIG.9illustrates that top surface/walkway60can only extend a portion of the length of second portion24and extension portion30. FIG.11illustrates opposing side portions58as well as top surface/walkway60.FIG.12is a more detailed view of just the extended walkway surface62which is mounted between two vehicle levelers10to form a large walkway64.FIGS.13-14illustrate that two or more vehicle levelers10can be installed adjacent to each other, and extended walkway surface62can be removably installed between each vehicle leveler10to form a large walkway64for a vehicle driver to use. InFIG.14, each vehicle leveler10has two opposing side portions58with top surfaces60which each form a separate walkway.FIG.14illustrates four vehicle levelers10installed adjacent to each other. FIG.14also illustrates that extended walkway surface62which forms large walkway64is a step (two or more walkway surfaces62can be put together to make large walkway64or walkway surface62can be manufactured to be wider and can be large walkway64) which is wide so as to give the vehicle driver a wider walk surface to assist them as they step onto that and walk out to get around adjacent trailers. FIGS.15-16illustrate that adjacent to opposing side portions58is at least one step66. Step66is secured to a top side68of a pipe guide70. Step66can also be integrally formed from pipe guide70or from opposing side portions58. Leveler10can include one step66or multiple steps66. As seen inFIGS.15-17a unitary vehicle wheel guide72is adjacent to leveler10and has an integral walkway74on its top surface. Unitary vehicle wheel guide72is formed from and attached to a freestanding pipe guide. The freestanding pipe guide of unitary vehicle wheel guide72is required in tight door centerlines set ups to keep leveler10, step66and integral walkway74from getting damaged by impact from a trailer or vehicle. A wide variety of materials are available for the various parts discussed and illustrated herein. Although the device has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. | 10,691 |
11858764 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the invention be regarded as including equivalent constructions to those described herein insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the specific sequence of the described method may be altered so that certain processes are conducted in parallel or independent, with other processes, to the extent that the processes are not dependent upon each other. Thus, the specific order of steps described herein is not to be considered implying a specific sequence of steps to perform the process. In alternative embodiments, one or more process steps may be implemented by a user assisted process and/or manually. Other alterations or modifications of the above processes are also contemplated. In addition, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similar functions. It is therefore intended that such modifications and variations are included within the totality of the present invention. It should also be noted that a plurality of hardware devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components, may be utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative configurations are possible. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example inFIGS.1-4. With specific reference toFIG.1, material movement apparatus10, according to one embodiment, includes a material support12with a front14, a rear16, a first side18, a second side20, a top22and a bottom24. The front includes a curved section26that curves up from the bottom24. The curved section26extends the width of material support12from the first side18to the second side20as illustrated. A pull bar28, shown in dotted lines for clarity, is connected with the top22at the front14within the front curved section26. Preferably, front curved section26is heat treated and thus hardened around pull bar28. In this manner, the front14and curved section26are strengthened and provide a superior resistance to damage when pulling force is applied. Additionally, the introduction of pull bar28within and along the curved section26acts, as will be described more fully hereafter, to distribute the applied forces along the length of the pull bar28and dramatically increase the amount of pulling force that can be applied while dramatically reducing the incidents of damage to the material support12. Pull bar28is preferably connected within the curved section26, as more clearly shown inFIGS.2and3, by means of bolts30, washers32and nuts34but may be attached by any suitable means now known or hereafter discovered. FIG.1shows in dotted lines and aspect of the invention further including a second pull bar29where the rear16includes a rear curved section27that curves up from the bottom24from the first side18to the second side20and the second pull bar29is connected with the top22at the rear16within the rear curved section27. As a result, material movement apparatus10may be easily pulled to or from some location without having to turn it around. In one aspect the bolt30may be in the form of an eyebolt36as shown. In this regard, the apparatus further includes a pull point38connected with the pull bar28from, through, the bottom24of the curved section26, Preferably there are two pull points38, in the form of eyebolts36, as illustrated. Certainly any number of pull points38may be used for the purpose of attaching ropes, chains, wire cables or the like, for example only and not by limitation, for movement of the apparatus once material is loaded onto the top22, surface, of material movement apparatus10. Further and still referring toFIG.1, a handle40is located in one side of material support12. Preferably, more than one handle40is provided in both the first side18and the second side20as shown. Applicants have found that forming the handle(s)40by cutting out openings in the material support12works effectively without adding weight to the apparatus nor degrading overall strength and durability. Still further, Applicants have found that handle cuttouts also serve as tie downs42when needed to secure material on to material support12. FIG.1also shows an important structural element of the present invention. Preferably, the corners44thrilled at the connection of the first side18and second side20with the front14and rear16are rounded. This structure, Applicants have found, greatly reduces the tendency of the material support12to dig into the ground as it is moved along the surface. Preferably the curves of the rounded corners have a radius sufficient to eliminate a sharp point and should be the same and equidistant from the center of the apparatus. As a result, Applicants have found that the present invention is “reversible”. That is, since the structure prevents it from digging into the ground either top22or bottom24may actually contact the ground. FIGS.2and3use the same number to describe the same elements and structure described above with regard toFIG.1. FIG.4shows the material movement apparatus10rolled up into a tubular form. This feature is a significant element of the invention that enables it to ship easily, inexpensively and directly as opposed to rigid prior art devices. In this regard, Applicants have determined that the preferred material for the apparatus is an Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (“UHMW) or a Reprocessed Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (“Repro-UHMW”). Likewise, High Density Polyethylene (“HDPE”) or Reprocessed High Density Polyethylene (“Repro-HDPE) has been found to be suitable for the purposes of the invention. These materials are preferred due to their strength, flexibility and very low coefficient of friction. By way of further description, the present invention includes structure and materials that lower the coefficient of friction to make it easier to glide, reduces weight making it easier to transport/maneuver and increases flexibility, giving it the ability to roll for shipping and storage. This eliminates the need for Light Truck Load (“LTL”) freight, and can be shipped via traditional ground transportation) Tarps have been used by many people, for many years to transport materials. The present invention improves on the tarp transport method by providing:1. Lower coefficient of friction.2. More durable material won't rip and shred like a tarp.3. Longer lasting.4. Including an integrated pull bar that, among other things, allows for the transport of much heavier materials than a tarp.5. Enables material to be raked directly onto the apparatus, without it folding and crumpling like a tarp. With regard to carts with wheels, wheelbarrows, and trailers, the present invention:1. Is much less expensive than most trailers.2. Holds more weight than most carts and wheelbarrows, because there is no axle and tires to create a weight limitation.3. Is easier to load at ground level instead of having to lift into a cart and over sides.4. Material can be raked directly onto the present invention without having to pile and lift.5. Stores in less space.6. No assembly required.7. Ships for less money because it is smaller and lighter.8. Holds more material than most carts With regard to plastic devices, almost everyone building any type of dragging device with plastic, is using metal grommets, or the like, in the plastic as pull points. The grommets provide some strength and some resistance against tearing, but not much. The problem is that the pulling force is working against the material instead of with it. By contrast, the present invention creates a curved section, preferably by heating the plastic to form it around the pull bar, which does several things. The heating process makes the heated portion more rigid and stronger and forms the curved section. By locating the pull bar on the top within the curved section, when pulling force is applied from the top to the bottom at the pull point(s), the pull bar spreads out the load applied to the material support, along the full width of the material support. The description of the present embodiments of the invention has been for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. As such, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with an embodiment thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. | 9,773 |
11858765 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION In general, according to one embodiment, a sheet cassette includes a sheet mounting unit, a first side guide, a second side guide, and a biasing unit. The sheet mounting unit has amounting surface on which a plurality of sheets can be mounted. The first side guide can contact the sheet at one end in a sheet width direction. The sheet width direction is a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed out from the sheet mounting unit. The sheet width direction is parallel to the mounting surface. The second side guide can contact the sheet at the other end in the sheet width direction. The biasing unit has a biasing member. The biasing member biases at least the first side guide in a direction approaching the second side guide. The first side guide can rotate around a rotation shaft intersecting the mounting surface in a direction in which the first side guide approaches and separates from the second side guide. According to another embodiment, a sheet handling method involving mounting sheets on a surface of a sheet mounting component; bringing a first side guide into contact with a sheet at one end in a sheet width direction which is perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed out from the sheet mounting component and is parallel to the mounting surface; bringing a second side guide into contact with the sheet at the other end in the sheet width direction; biasing at least the first side guide in a direction approaching the second side guide with a biasing component having a biasing member; and rotating the first side guide around a rotation shaft intersecting the mounting surface in a direction approaching but separated from the second side guide. Hereinafter, the sheet cassette of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.1is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processing apparatus. As illustrated inFIG.1, the image processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus1. The image forming apparatus1forms an image on the sheet. The image forming apparatus1includes a scanner unit2, an image forming unit3, a sheet supply unit4, a conveying unit5, a reversing unit6, a paper ejection tray7, a control panel8, and a control unit9. It is noted that the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus1may be plain paper or may be thick paper. A thick paper is thicker than plain paper. For example, the thick paper is paper having a basis weight of more than 90 g/m2. For example, the plain paper is paper having a basis weight of 35 to 90 g/m2. The sheet has a rectangular shape. The scanner unit2reads image information of a copy object based on brightness and darkness of light to generate an image signal. The scanner unit2outputs the generated image signal to the image forming unit3. The image forming unit3forms an image with a developer containing toner or the like based on the image signal received from the scanner unit2or the image signal received from the outside. This image is a “toner image”. The image forming unit3transfers the toner image to the surface of the sheet S. The image forming unit3fixes the toner image on the sheet S. The image forming unit3performs an image forming process on the sheet S. The sheet supply unit4supplies the sheets S one by one to the conveying unit5in response to the timing at which the image forming unit3forms the toner image. The sheet supply unit4includes a sheet cassette40, a cassette storage unit12, a pickup roller14, a paper feed roller41, and a separation roller42. The sheet cassette40contains the sheets S having a predetermined size and type. The cassette storage unit12stores the sheet cassette40. The sheet cassette40can be inserted and removed from the cassette storage unit12. The pickup roller14takes out the sheets S one by one from the sheet cassette40. The paper feed roller41supplies the taken-out sheets S to the conveying unit5. The separation roller42faces the paper feed roller41. A sheet-shaped elastic body (guide member) may be provided between the pickup roller14and a nip formed by the paper feed roller41and the separation roller42. The sheets S taken out from the pickup roller14come into contact with the elastic body. The elastic body is bent and deformed by the sheets S. The elastic body guides the sheets S to the nip of the paper feed roller41and the separation roller42. The elastic body corrects an inclination of the sheet S. If the pickup roller14takes out the plurality of sheets S, the plurality of sheets S are separated by coming into contact with the elastic body. The conveying unit5conveys the sheets S supplied from the sheet supply unit4to the image forming unit3. The conveying unit5includes a convey roller16and a registration roller18. The convey roller16conveys the sheets S supplied from the pickup roller14to the registration roller18. The registration roller18adjusts a position of a tip of the sheet S in the conveying direction by bending the sheet S at the nip N. The registration roller18conveys the sheet S in response to the timing at which the image forming unit3transfers the toner image to the sheet S. A configuration of the image forming unit3will be described. The image forming unit3includes a plurality of electrophotographic process units20, an exposure device24, an intermediate transfer belt (transferred body)30, a secondary transfer unit32, and a fixing device34. The electrophotographic process unit is “EPU”. The EPU20forms a toner image on a photoconductor drum22in response to the image signal from the scanner unit2or the outside. The EPU20includes a plurality of EPUs20Y,20M, and20K. The EPUs20Y,20M,20C, and20K form toner images with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners, respectively. The EPU20includes the photoconductor drum22and a developing device26. The photoconductor drum22has a photoconductor layer of which charged state changes with exposure on an outer peripheral surface. The exposure device24exposes the photoconductor drum22to form an electrostatic latent image in response to the image signal on the photoconductor drum22. The developing device26develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum22with toner to form a toner image on the photoconductor drum22. The intermediate transfer belt30is an endless belt that moves in a circulating manner. At the primary transfer portion, which is a contact portion between the photoconductor drum22and the intermediate transfer belt30, the toner image of the photoconductor drum22is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt30. The secondary transfer unit32secondarily transfers the toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt30to the surface of the sheet S. The fixing device34applies heat and pressure to the sheet S to fix the toner image on the sheet S. The reversing unit6reverses the sheet S ejected from the fixing device34and conveys the sheet S toward the registration roller18in order to form an image on the back surface of the sheet S. The sheet S on which the image is formed and which is ejected in the image forming unit3is mounted on the paper ejection tray7. The control panel8displays information about the image forming apparatus1and receives input of information. The control panel8receives the input of information about the size of the sheet S contained in the sheet cassette40. The information about the size of the sheet S is “size information”. The control panel8has a display, a touch panel, various hard keys, and the like. The sheet cassette40will be described in detail. FIG.2is a configuration diagram of the sheet cassette of a first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.2, the sheet cassette40includes a sheet mounting unit50, a first side guide unit71, a second side guide unit72, and a biasing unit73. The X, Y, and Z directions of the Cartesian coordinate system are defined as follows. The X direction is a direction in which the sheet S mounted on the sheet mounting unit50is conveyed out from the sheet mounting unit50. The X direction is the “sheet conveying direction”. The +X direction is on a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. The −X direction is on an upstream side in the sheet conveying direction. The Z direction is the thickness direction of the sheet S mounted on the sheet mounting unit50. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The +Z direction is a direction from the lower layer to the upper layer of the plurality of sheets S mounted on the sheet mounting unit50. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X and Z directions. The Y direction is parallel to a mounting surface50aof the sheet mounting unit50. The Y direction is a “sheet width direction”. The sheets S having a plurality of sizes can be mounted on the sheet mounting unit50. The sheet S is mounted on the mounting surface50aof the sheet mounting unit50. The first side guide unit71includes a first base plate63and a first side guide61. The first base plate63has a flat plate shape parallel to an XY plane. The first side guide61has a plate shape that rises from the first base plate63in the +Z direction. The end of the first side guide61on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction is a first end61a. The end of the first side guide61on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction is a second end61b. The side surface of the first side guide61facing the second side guide62is an inner side surface61c. The surface of the first side guide61opposite to the inner side surface61cis an outer side surface61d. The inner side surface61cof the first side guide61can come into contact with the sheet S at the end (one end) of the sheet S in the −Y direction. The inner side surface61cof the first side guide61is perpendicular to the XY plane. The first side guide61is supported by the first base plate63in a rotation support portion64. The rotation support portion64is provided at the second end61bof the first side guide61. The rotation support portion64has a rotation shaft65. The rotation shaft65intersects the mounting surface50a. Specifically, the rotation shaft65is perpendicular to the mounting surface50a. The first side guide61can rotate around the rotation shaft65in the rotation support portion64. The first side guide61can rotate in a direction in which the first end61aapproaches and separates from the second side guide62. For example, a separation distance of the rotation shaft65from the second side guide62in the Y direction is smaller than a width of the sheet S. The first side guide61is located near the end of the sheet mounting unit50in the −Y direction. The biasing unit73includes a biasing member81and a pressure receiving member82. For example, the biasing member81is a stretchable spring. For example, the biasing member81is a coil spring. One end of the biasing member81in an expansion and contraction direction is a base end81a. The base end81aof the biasing member81can come into contact with the pressure receiving member82. The other end of the biasing member81in the expansion and contraction direction is a tip81b. The tip81bof the biasing member81can come into contact with the outer side surface61dof the first side guide61. The biasing member81exerts a reaction force on the pressure receiving member82to bias the first side guide61in the direction approaching the second side guide62. The tip81bof the biasing member81can come into contact with the first side guide61at a position near the first end61a(a biasing position P2). The position (the biasing position P2) where the tip81bof the biasing member81comes into contact with the first side guide61is a position on the tip side rather than the rotation shaft65in the first side guide61. The pressure receiving member82has a plate shape that rises from the first base plate63in the +Z direction. The pressure receiving member82is fixed to the first base plate63. For example, the pressure receiving member82has a flat plate shape parallel to an XZ plane. The first side guide unit71can move in the Y direction. For this reason, the position of the first side guide61in the Y direction can be adjusted according to the size of the sheet S. The second side guide unit72includes a second base plate66and a second side guide62. The second base plate66has a flat plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The second side guide62has a plate shape that rises from the second base plate66in the +Z direction. The side surface of the second side guide62facing the first side guide61is an inner side surface62c. The inner side surface62cof the second side guide62can come into contact with the sheet S at the end (the other end) of the sheet S in the +Y direction. The inner side surface62cof the second side guide62is parallel to the XZ plane. The second side guide62is separated from the first side guide61in the +Y direction. The second side guide62is located near the end of the sheet mounting unit50in the +Y direction. Unlike the first side guide61, the posture of the second side guide62does not change. The second side guide62always maintains the posture in which the inner side surface62cis parallel to the XZ plane. The second side guide unit72can move in the Y direction. For this reason, the position of the second side guide62in the Y direction can be adjusted according to the size of the sheet S. A pinion gear may be provided between the first side guide unit71and the second side guide unit72. A rack extending from the side guide units71and72is engaged with the pinion gear. The side guide units71and72can move symmetrically to a plane in the Y direction with the XZ plane as the plane of symmetry. The operations of the sheet cassette40will be described. A user of the image forming apparatus1mounts the sheet S on the mounting surface50aof the sheet mounting unit50. The user moves one or both of the first side guide unit71and the second side guide unit72in the Y direction and allows the first side guide61and the second side guide62to come into contact with both ends of the sheet S in the Y direction, respectively. The first side guide61comes into contact with the sheet S at a contact position P1of the inner side surface61c. The contact position P1is on the downstream side of the rotation shaft65in the sheet conveying direction. The contact position P1is closer to the first end61athan the rotation shaft65. The first side guide61comes into contact with a corner portion S1of the sheet S. The corner portion S1is one of the two corner portions of the sheet S in the −X direction side. The inner side surface61cof the first side guide61is inclined with respect to the XZ plane. The inner side surface61cof the first side guide61is gradually inclined in a direction away from the second side guide62toward the +X direction. The tip81bof the biasing member81comes into contact with the first side guide61at the biasing position P2. The biasing member81presses the first side guide61in a direction approaching the second side guide62. The biasing position P2is on the downstream side from the contact position P1in the sheet conveying direction. The biasing position P2is closer to the first end61athan the contact position P1. The biasing unit73biases the first side guide61in the direction approaching the second side guide62at the biasing position P2. As illustrated inFIG.1, the user inputs the size information of the sheet S contained in the sheet cassette40to the control panel8. The control unit9stores the size information of the sheet S contained in each sheet cassette40. The user inputs an image formation (printing) command to the control panel8. The control unit9supplies the sheets S from the sheet cassette40containing the sheets S having a required size and executes image formation. The image forming apparatus1includes a plurality of cassette storage units121,122, and123. The plurality of cassette storage units121,122, and123are the first cassette storage unit121, the second cassette storage unit122, and the third cassette storage unit123, respectively. The first sheet cassette141is stored in the first cassette storage unit121. The second sheet cassette142is stored in the second cassette storage unit122. The third sheet cassette143is stored in the third cassette storage unit123. The sheet cassette40of the embodiment is at least one of the first sheet cassette141, the second sheet cassette142, and the third sheet cassette143. The sheets S are ejected from the sheet cassettes141,142, and143in the +X direction and reach the convey roller16. As illustrated inFIG.2, the sheet cassette40of the embodiment has the first side guide61. The first side guide61can rotate around the rotation shaft65in a direction in which the first side guide61approaches and separates from the second side guide62. Since the first side guide61can take an inclined posture, the first side guide61can come into contact with the corner portion S1of the sheet S. The first side guide61can suppress misalignment of the sheet S in the Y direction by coming into contact with the corner portion S1of the sheet S. Since the contact area between the first side guide61and the sheet S is small in the sheet cassette40, friction when conveying the sheet S can be reduced and a conveying load can be reduced. The sheet cassette40can easily convey the sheet S even if the sheet S is thick paper. Since the biasing unit73biases the first side guide61in the direction approaching the second side guide62at a position (biasing position P2) on the downstream side from the rotation shaft65in the sheet conveying direction, the biasing unit73can efficiently exert a biasing force on the first side guide61. Since the positions of the first side guide61and the second side guide62can be adjusted in the Y direction, the sheet cassette40can cope with the sheets S having a plurality of sizes. Since the rotation shaft65is provided at the second end61bof the first side guide61, in the inner side surface61cof the first side guide61, a range that covers almost the entire length can function as a contact surface with respect to the sheet S. As compared with a case where the rotation shaft65is at an intermediate position of the first side guide61, the sheet cassette40can reduce the size of the first side guide61. The first side guide61comes into contact with the sheet S at the contact position P1on the downstream side from the rotation shaft65in the sheet conveying direction. The biasing unit73biases the first side guide61at the biasing position P2on the downstream side from the contact position P1in the sheet conveying direction. The first side guide61can efficiently apply the biasing force obtained at the biasing position P2to the sheet S at the contact position P1. Since the first side guide61comes into contact with the sheet S in a posture of being inclined in a direction away from the second side guide62toward the +X direction, the first side guide61comes into contact with the corner portion S1of the sheet S. Since the contact area between the first side guide61and the sheet S is small, friction when conveying the sheet S can be reduced and the conveying load can be reduced. The first side guide61is supported by the first base plate63in the rotation support portion64. The pressure receiving member82is fixed to the first base plate63. Since the first side guide61and the pressure receiving member82are supported by the common first base plate63, the relative position between the base end81aof the biasing member81and the rotation shaft65is constant. Since the relative position between the base end81aand the rotation shaft65is constant, the biasing force of the biasing unit73can be stabilized regardless of the position of the first side guide unit71in the Y direction. In the sheet cassette40, the positions of both the first side guide unit71and the second side guide unit72can be adjusted in the Y direction, but the configuration of the side guide units is not limited to the embodiment. The position of at least one of the first side guide unit and the second side guide unit may be able to be adjusted in the Y direction. FIG.3is a configuration diagram of the sheet cassette of a second embodiment. The common components with the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. As illustrated inFIG.3, a sheet cassette140includes a sheet mounting unit50, a first side guide unit171and a second side guide unit72, and a biasing unit73. The sheet cassette140is different from the sheet cassette40of the first embodiment (refer toFIG.2) in that the sheet cassette140includes a first side guide161instead of the first side guide61. A contact protrusion91is formed on an inner side surface161cof the first side guide161. The contact protrusion91protrudes from the inner side surface161cin a direction approaching the second side guide62. The shape of the contact protrusion91is not particularly limited. For example, the contact protrusion91may be rectangular parallelepiped, hemispherical, prismatic, conical, or the like. The contact protrusion91can come into contact with the end of the sheet S in the −Y direction. The contact protrusion91is located at a position on the +X direction side of the rotation shaft65. The contact protrusion91is located on the +X direction side from the contact position P1. For example, the contact protrusion91is formed at a position including a first end161aof the first side guide161. For example, the first side guide161comes into contact with the sheet S at the contact position P1and the contact protrusion91. In the sheet cassette140, since the contact protrusion91that can come into contact with the sheet S is formed in the first side guide161, it is possible to suppress the misalignment of the sheet S in the Y direction. Since the contact area between the first side guide161and the sheet S does not become too large, the conveying load when conveying the sheet S can be reduced. FIG.4is a configuration diagram of the sheet cassette of a third embodiment. The common components with the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. As illustrated inFIG.4, a sheet cassette240includes a sheet mounting unit50, a first side guide unit71, a second side guide unit72, a biasing unit273, and an adjusting mechanism274. The sheet cassette240is different from the sheet cassette40of the first embodiment (refer toFIG.2) in that the sheet cassette240includes the biasing unit273instead of the biasing unit73and in that the sheet cassette240includes the adjusting mechanism274. The pressure receiving member282of the biasing unit273can move in the Y direction. The adjusting mechanism274adjusts the biasing force of the biasing member81. The adjusting mechanism274includes an adjusting member275and a support member276. The support member276has a plate shape along the XY plane. The support member276has an insertion hole276apenetrating in the thickness direction. A female screw is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole276a. The adjusting member275has a head portion275aand a screw shaft275b. The screw shaft275bextends from the head portion275a. A male screw of the screw shaft275bis screwed into the female screw of the insertion hole276a. The adjusting member275can move forward and backward in a direction in which the adjusting member275approaches and separates from the pressure receiving member282in a state where the screw shaft275bis inserted into the insertion hole276a. The adjusting member275comes into contact with the pressure receiving member282and can adjust the position of the pressure receiving member282in the Y direction. Since the adjusting member275can adjust the position of the base end81aof the biasing member81in the Y direction via the pressure receiving member282, the adjusting member275can adjust the biasing force of the biasing member81. Since the sheet cassette240can adjust the biasing force of the biasing unit273, the sheet cassette240can optimize the conveying load of when conveying the sheet S. According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the first side guide61can rotate around the rotation shaft65in a direction in which the first side guide61approaches and separates from the second side guide62. The first side guide61can suppress the misalignment of the sheet S in the Y direction by coming into contact with the corner portion S1of the sheet S. Since the contact area between the first side guide61and the sheet S is small, friction when conveying the sheet S can be reduced and the conveying load can be reduced. While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms: furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions. | 25,311 |
11858766 | FIG.1shows a sheet feeder10comprising a device12for changing a sheet pile, wherein the sheet pile is represented by a single sheet14being placed on a pallet16. The pallet16is supported on a main pile supporting unit18, which is coupled to a main pile actuating unit20for lifting and lowering the main pile supporting unit18. More precisely, the pallet16is supported on a supporting surface22of the main pile supporting unit18. The device12further comprises a residual pile supporting unit24, which is coupled to a residual pile actuating unit26for lifting and lowering the residual pile supporting unit24. As can best be seen fromFIGS.2and3, the residual pile supporting unit24comprises a plurality of residual pile bars28. They extend substantially parallel to each other and also substantially parallel to the supporting surface22. The residual pile bars28are movable into a sheet pile region30(cf.FIG.3) and can be retracted from the sheet pile region30(cf.FIGS.1and2). In order to allow for this movement, the residual pile bars28are coupled to a bar actuating unit32, which comprises a first supporting bar34. More precisely, respective first end sections28aof the residual pile bars28are coupled to the first supporting bar34. The first supporting bar34is arranged substantially orthogonal to the residual pile bars28and in parallel to the supporting surface22. Thus, the residual pile bars28are arranged in the residual pile supporting unit24in a rake-like manner. Consequently, they can be positioned in respective slots36of the pallet16(cf.FIG.1). In the example shown, the first supporting bar34is made from sheet metal. It is further noted that inFIG.1only a few slots36are represented in very a schematic way. In principle, the number of slots36is independent from the number of residual pile bars28. In a preferred embodiment, the pallet16may be a standard pallet having the number of slots36usual for standard pallets. The number of residual pile bars28is a choice when designing the sheet feeder10. In the example shown ten residual pile bars28are used. Usually, the number of residual pile bars28is inferior to the number of slots36. As can best be seen fromFIGS.5to9, each of the residual pile bars28comprises a guide rod38being connected to the first end section28aof the respective residual pile bar28. Each of the guide rods38is guided inside a corresponding guide opening40, which is provided on the first supporting bar34. Both the guide rod38and the guide opening40extend substantially orthogonal to the supporting surface22, thus in a substantially vertical direction. It can be seen for example from the comparison ofFIGS.5and6that each of the residual pile bars28is movable within a predefined range of movement in a direction substantially orthogonal to the supporting surface22, i.e. in a substantially vertical direction in the examples shown in the figures. This movability is always to be understood as a movement relative to the residual pile supporting unit24. InFIG.5the residual pile bar assumes a lowest position and inFIG.6a highest position. Such a movement can be performed independently by each of the residual pile bars. In other words: The vertical movements of the residual pile bars28with respect to the first supporting bar34are not coupled in any way. The residual pile bar28can be locked in the highest position (cf.FIG.7). In order to do so, it is slightly tilted with respect to the extension of the respective guide opening40. Consequently, the guide rod38is canted inside the guide opening40. The tilting movement is indicated by arrow42inFIG.7. In the example shown, the center of gravity44of an assembly comprising the residual pile bar28and the guide rod38attached thereto, is located within a certain distance of the guide opening40. As a result thereof, the tilting movement will occur, once the residual pile bar28is in the sheet pile region30and in the highest position. In order to bring back the residual pile bar28to the movable state and from there to the lowest position, an unlocking means46is provided. The unlocking means46is arranged below the first supporting bar34and is able to engage the guide rod38such that it is tilted back to extend substantially parallel to the extension of the guide opening40. Subsequently, the residual pile bar28can be moved to the lowest position (cf.FIG.5). Also in this position the residual pile bar28can be locked. To this end, a locking unit48is provided, which comprises a locking profile50. The locking profile50can be in an unlocking position (cf.FIGS.5,6,7and9) or in a locking position (cf.FIG.8). In order to change positions, it is slidably supported on the first supporting bar34, to which it extends substantially parallel. In the locking position, a portion of the locking profile50is arranged on top of the first end section28aof the residual pile bar28such that the residual pile bar28cannot move out of the lowest position. When the residual pile bars28are extended to the sheet pile region30, respective second end sections28bthereof can be supported on a second supporting bar51, which extends generally parallel to the first supporting bar34. In order to position the residual pile bars28in a horizontal direction extending orthogonally to the general extension of the residual pile bars28, a positioning unit52is provided (cf.FIG.4). This positioning unit52mainly is used to align the residual pile bars28to the corresponding slots36of the pallet16. A sheet feeder10comprising a device12for changing a sheet pile according to a second embodiment is shown inFIGS.10to21. In the following, only the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be explained in detail. Besides, reference is made to the above explanations. Again, the sheet pile is represented by a single sheet14. As can be seen fromFIG.11, a pile abutment53can be used in order to precisely position the sheet pile. Furthermore, the pile abutment53, especially its upper portion comprising vertical bars, is used to hold back the sheets when retracting the residual pile bars28. As the sheets abut against the pile abutment53, they do not move together with the residual pile bars28but stay substantially immobile. In the device12according to the second embodiment mainly the bar actuating unit32and the corresponding coupling of the residual pile bars28thereto is different from the first embodiment (cf.FIGS.11to14). The bar actuating unit32now comprises a plurality of bar actuating units54, wherein each of the residual pile bars28is coupled to one single residual pile bar actuating unit54. For this reason, each of the residual pile bars28can be moved to the sheet pile region30independently from the other residual pile bars28. The same is true for the retraction of the residual pile bars28from the sheet pile region30. Each of the residual pile bar actuating units54comprises a slider carriage56. The corresponding residual pile bar28is coupled to the slider carriage via a cam mechanism58. In the example shown, the cam mechanism58comprises a pin60, which is attached to the slider carriage56and a cam opening62, which is connected to the residual pile bar28. The pin60is received in the cam opening62. The cam opening62has a generally triangular form, wherein one side of the triangle extends substantially parallel to the corresponding residual pile bar28. The corners of the triangle are furthermore arranged such that in a region remote from the respective second end section28bof the corresponding residual pile bar28the pin60can move in a substantially vertical direction inside the cam opening62. In the corner arranged next to the respective second end section28bof the corresponding residual pile bar, a locking recess64is arranged. When the pin60is arranged in the locking recess64, a vertical movement of the corresponding residual pile bar is blocked. Consequently, the locking recess64is part of the locking unit48being able to lock the residual pile bar in the lowest position. The pin60can be moved out of the locking recess64by unlocking means46, which creates a relative movement between the residual pile bar28and the slider carriage56by slightly pushing the residual pile bar28in the direction of the sheet pile region30(cf.FIG.21). Since the cam mechanism58as such only defines a pivot connection between the slider carriage56and the residual pile bar28, an abutment56ais provided on the slider carriage56, which blocks a rotational relative movement of the residual pile bar28with respect to the slider carriage. This can especially be seen inFIG.20. In the following, the operation of the sheet feeder10with a device for changing a sheet pile according to the first and the second embodiment is explained. During the operation of the sheet feeder10, a remaining height of the sheet pile, represented by the single sheet14, is monitored. As explained above, the sheet pile is positioned on the pallet16being arranged on the supporting surface22of the main pile supporting unit18. Once a predefined limit height of the sheet pile is detected, it is concluded that a replacement sheet pile needs to be provided in the sheet feeder10. To this end, the sheet pile currently being processed, which will be referred to as a residual sheet pile, is supported by the residual pile supporting unit24in that the residual pile bars28are moved into respective slots36of the pallet16. Thereby, the residual pile bars28are brought to the sheet pile region30. The residual pile bars28are locked in the lowest position while being moved into the sheet pile region30. The movement is powered by the first supporting bar34(first embodiment) or the residual pile bar actuating units54(second embodiment). Once the residual sheet pile is fully supported on the residual pile bars28, the pallet16can be withdrawn by lowering the main pile supporting unit18. Subsequently, a replacement pallet16carrying a replacement sheet pile is placed on the main pile supporting unit18. After that, the main pile supporting unit18is raised until an upper end of the replacement sheet pile gets in contact with the residual pile bars28. This contact may be detected by a specific sensor being able to detect the small raise of the residual pile bars28when making contact with the replacement sheet pile. In a preferred embodiment, one sensor is employed at the front end of the residual pile bars28. This sensor is adapted to detect movements of the front ends or tips of the residual pile bars28. Another sensor is employed at the rear end of the residual pile bars. This sensor is adapted to detect movements of the rear ends thereof. In an alternative solution, each of the residual pile bars28is equipped with two sensors, one at the respective front end and one at the respective back end. The overall aim is to detect the first of the residual pile bars28, which is moving after having made contact with the replacement sheet pile. Then, the residual pile bars are engaged between a lower end of the sheet pile and an upper end of the replacement sheet pile. Just before the replacement sheet pile gets in contact with the residual pile bars28, they are unlocked while still remaining in the lowest position. To this end, the locking profile50is moved to the unlocking position in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the residual pile bar28is slightly moved towards the sheet pile region30by the unlocking means46. Thereby, it moves relative to the slider carriages56such that the pin60moves out of the locking recess64. Now the residual pile bars28are movable within a predefined range of movement in a direction substantially orthogonal to the supporting surface22. Consequently, they can adapt their vertical position to the geometry of the top of the replacement sheet pile and to the bottom of the residual sheet pile. Afterwards, the residual pile bars28are retracted from the sheet pile region30such that the residual sheet pile is supported on the replacement sheet pile. While being retracted, the residual pile bars28are still movable within the predefined range of movement. In the first embodiment, all residual pile bars28are retracted together, wherein in the second embodiment die residual pile bars28are retracted independently from each other, for example following a predefined pattern. When the residual pile bars28are fully retracted from the sheet pile region30, they are moved to the lowest position. The sheet feeders10shown in the figures may be used in combination with any type of sheet treating machine (not represented), e. g. a sheet cutting machine or a sheet printing machine. | 12,697 |
11858767 | DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides methods and apparatus to perform a paper machine turn up process using a paperband composite that adhesively attaches a paper web to an empty web spool. In some embodiments of the present invention, a paperband composite is applied in several layers to an empty web spool, each layer of paperband composite including an outwardly facing adhesive suitable for fixedly attaching a paper web to the empty web spool. The multiple layers of paperband composite allow for multiple uses for each application to paper processing spools. In some examples, the paperband composite may be applied to a empty web spool tangentially along a spool face and perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the web spool. In other examples, the paperband composite may be spirally wrapped around the empty web spool. With reference to the drawings, which are provided for descriptive and illustrative purposes which are not meant to be limiting as the scope of the invention, the invention in various embodiments in a broad and general sense includes apparatus and methods for conducting paper web turn-up operation. The processes facilitate a turn up operation wherein a continuous paper web being rolled onto a first web spool is severed and transferred to an empty second web spool, such as, for example when the first web spool is fully wound. In the operation, a transfer may occur without requiring a flow of the paper web to be significantly altered or stopped. Paperband composites may be applied in multiple layers, each layer providing an outward exposed adhesive for fixedly attaching a paper web to the spool. In some embodiments each layer may also include an inward exposed adhesive for attachment of the paperband composite to an empty spool. Adhesive may provide a binding force sufficient to secure the paper web to the empty spool and removable in a manner that reduces damage to a spool face. In a general sense, the paperband composite may be applied to the paper spool in multiple various embodiments, which are described herein. The applied paperband composite may be wrapped around the paper spool, substantially covering the entire surface of the paper spool with the paperband composite. Accordingly, there may be a significant surface area of the paper spool that the paperband composite may be applied to. Due to this significant surface area, the adhesive strength of these approaches may be engineered to be less strong since the overall strength of attachment is a function of both the adhesive strength and the surface area it is applied to. A larger area of adhesion with a low adhesion strength per area unit minimizes (or eliminates) damage to the paper spool, since removal of the generally weaker adhesive when the paperband composite has been fully used induces less damage. Furthermore, since a surface of the Empty Web Spool is significantly covered by the paperband composite, the paperband composite affords a level of protection to the Empty Web Spool and also reduces irregularities in a surface of paper web ultimately wound around the Empty Web Spool, transforming the Empty Web Spool into a Full Web Spool. GLOSSARY Composite: as used herein a Composite means an item made up of distinct parts or elements. Empty Web Spool: as used herein an Empty Web Spool (sometimes referred to as an Empty Reel, a New Spool, a Reel Spool, Web Spool, or an Empty Spool), means a spool with a spool face essentially devoid of paperweb. The spool face may have paperband composite wound around it and fixedly attached to it, The spool face of an Empty Web Spool is commonly used to adhere a transfer tape upon and receive paperweb transferred from being accumulated onto a full web spool. Nip: as used here Nip refers to the area where a paperweb or sheet is pressed between two rolls/spools. Paperband: as used herein a Paperband (sometimes referred to as a turn-up tape, transfer tape or Paper Band), refers to a substrate adapted for extending across a longitudinal cylindrical surface of one or both of an empty web spool and a paper bearing web spool. A Paperband may include multiple layers. Paperband Composite: as used herein means a Paperband with a first side and a second side, each of the first side having at least one layer of adhesive. A Paperband Composite may include multiple distinct elements and/or parts. Paper Web: as used herein refers to a newly formed continuum of paper that is processed and rolled on a paper machine. Full Web Roll: as used herein a Full Web Roll (which may sometimes be referred to as an Old Spool, a Parent Web Spool, or a Full Spool), refers to a web spool that is substantially nearing its capacity for holding paper web. Reel Drum: as used herein a Reel Drum refers to a spool used to drive movement of a paper web; in some embodiments a Reel Drum may impart rotational movement to a Parent Roll receiving a paper web in a reeling action. Transfer Tape: as used herein a Transfer Tape (sometimes referred to as a turn-up tape, or Paper Band), refers to a substrate adapted for extending across a longitudinal cylindrical surface of one or both of an empty web spool and a paper bearing web spool. The Transfer Tape may include multiple layers. Transfer Tape Track: as used herein means an apparatus for containing a Transfer Tape while the Transfer Tape is extended laterally across a paper machine prior to a Turn-Up procedure. Turn-Up: as used herein, a Turn-Up means a process involving switching a paper web from spooling on a nearly completed full web spool to spooling on an empty web spool. A Turn-up process may include severing a paper web from a rotating parent web roll nearing its capacity to hold paper, transferring the paper web to an empty web spool, and securing the paper web to the empty web spool. Referring toFIG.1an exemplary embodiment of an Empty Web Spool102and Paperband Composite107is illustrated with the Paperband Composite107wound around a spool face106of the Empty Web Spool102. A spool shaft100may be attached to Empty Web Spool102and will be generally concentric with a spool face106which acts as a surface onto which the paperband composite107may be mounted. Mounting of the Paperband Composite107may be accomplished via winding the Paperband Composite around the spool face106in a manner that maintains a specified margin109from each end114of the Spool Face106. Referring now toFIG.1A, the paperband composite107may be wrapped around a majority of a circumferences of the Empty Web Spool102where the length of the paperband composite107is generally perpendicular to the axis. In some examples, the paperband composite107may be pre-formed to have a width (illustrated inFIG.3as item301) sized to be smaller than a width of the spool face106, such that when applied there is a margin109on both ends of the Spool Face106. InFIG.1A, an exemplary paperband composite107is illustrated with multiple layers117wrapped around the spool face106creating a multiple layer structure115. The paperband composite107may include a substrate having a first side with applied adhesive (sometimes referred to as a spool mounting side). An adhesive on the first side may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) that is adapted to contact a spool face106. The spool face106may include a longitudinal cylindrical surface of a empty web spool102. A second side of the paperband composite (e.g., a web-side or web grabbing side), includes a second adhesive adapted to contact and adhere to a paper web105when a rotating empty web spool102is brought into contact with the paper web105. A relative location of lateral perforations111-113in the paperband composite107is illustrated in staggered positions relative to each other. The staggered positions may result in the change in circumference of each layer117included in the multiple layer structure115and the relation of a distance110between lateral perforations and the circumference of each layer. For example, the multiple layer structure115may include a first layer perforation111, a second layer perforation112, and a third layer perforation113. In some embodiments of the present invention, the paperband composite107applied to the Empty Web Spool102may have a range of 360° layers117of Paperband Composite107wrapped around a circumference of the Spool Face106. The range of layers117may include, for example, between about 2 and 10 layers117of Paperband Composite107wrapped around the circumference of the Empty Web Spool102. In addition, a final layer117of Paperband Composite107wrapped around the circumference of the Empty Web Spool102may or may not include a full 360° of Paperband Composite107in relation to underlying layers117. Various embodiments include disparate locations of lateral perforations111-113along the length of the paperband composite107. Empty Web Spools102may include multiple different standard circumferences of their respective Spool Faces106. In some embodiments, a distance110between perforations111-113can be designed and/or selected based upon a corresponding circumference of a Spool Face106in use. Furthermore, as the paperband composite107is wrapped around the Spool Face106, a diameter of wrapped Paperband Composite107and corresponding circumference of each respective layer117of Paperband Composite107increases (even if by only a small amount) with each layer. The change in circumference will change a relative alignment of perforations111-113. In the course of use of the wrapped paperband composite107, the Empty Web Spool102may be rotating at very high speeds as it is matched to a rate of a Full Web Spool101from which it will divert paper web, in a turn-up operation. It may be desirable to ensure that the perforations111-113are staggered to avoid undermining the integrity of perforations located on one or more layers117below a layer117on the surface. For example, a score position of a second layer perforation112may be positioned so that it does not coincide with a score position of a layer117on the surface that includes a first layer perforation111. In some examples, a distance110of stagger between perforations111-113of respective layers117may support integrity of the respective layer117. An overlap of adhesive and substrate included in a Paperband Composite107may be used to prevent layers117of Paperband Composite107from loosening or dislodging when the Empty Web Spool102is spun up to a rotational speed that matches the rate of rotation of a surface of the surface layer117of the Paperband Composite107a rotational speed of a surface of a Paper Web105on a Full Web Spool101. In some embodiments, an operator and/or automation may apply a Paperband Composite107to an Empty Web Spool102I a direction of winding that allows an exposed edge of an outermost layer117to have a raised profile “downwind”, that is pointing opposite a direction of rotation116to prevent aerodynamics from lifting the edge. Generally, this may imply rotating the Empty Web Spool102during application of the paperband composite107to the Empty Web Spool102in a same direction of rotation116that the Empty Web Spool102spins while taking up the paper web105. In some other examples, a direction of winding may be in a direction that is opposite to a direction of rotation115. The paperband composite107is described in further detail in following sections, but generally it may include a substrate203which is coated on both sides with different adhesives and release formulations. The paperband composite107, may be coated with a paper spool face adhesive207which an operator may apply to a clean Spool Face106to prepare the paper spool401for multiple turn-up and unspooling operations. Referring now toFIG.2an exemplary example of a paperband composite107is included with different aspects highlighted in the insetFIG.2A. The stagger201between perforations111-113is illustrated with additional features of the perforations111-113illustrated. There are various layers that are wrapped around the spool face106including a first layer208which may be in contact with, and in some embodiments adhesively attached to, the spool face106. A second layer209overlaying the first layer208. The first layer208may be backed with a spool face adhesive207, that holds the paperband composite107in place. Subsequent layers208-210of the paperband composite107may be backed with one or more release coating204that allows any overlying layers (e.g.;202-203), to be removed intact during an unspooling operation without delamination. In some embodiments, a tissue adhesive coating202may be a topmost layer208of the paperband composite107wound on the spool face106and may be attached to a paper web105which is made to be rolled up upon the empty web spool102by spinning of the spool face106with the paper web105adhesively attached to the spool face via the paperband composite107. Multiple subsequent adhesive attachments may be caused brought about by having multiple layers208-210of paperband composite107with a topmost layer208being removed after being attached to a paper web105. An attached tissue adhesive coating202may be placed upon a portion of the substrate203between two perforations111-113. This portion of the paperband composite107may have a back portion of the substrate203coated with the release coating204. When a wound paperweb105is unspooled and runs off until a full web spool101is returned to an empty web spool102, an attached paperband composite107bincluding a substrate203coated with adhesive coating202on one side and release coating204on the other side may also unspool as the release coating204releases from the underlying tissue adhesive coating205. A despooling process may apply an amount of force at the perforation111-113sufficient to cause a portion of the paperband composite107to separate along the perforation111-113and be removed from the empty web spool102. The removal of the piece of paperband composite107up to a perforation111-113simultaneously exposes an underlying tissue adhesive coating205for future turn-up processing which may be caused by rotating the empty web spool102and contacting the underlying tissue adhesive coating205(which is now exposed as the top most layer210) with a paper web105. This tissue adhesive coating205is coated upon a top side of the substrate203. In some embodiments, a single substrate203may be processed to form a paperband composite107with zones separated with processing to add perforations111-113, adhesive (202,205,207) and release coatings204. In the illustrated insetFIG.2, a tissue adhesive coating205is located on a last portion of a substrate203. This portion of the substrate203may be coated on the reverse side of the substrate203with a paper spool face adhesive207instead of a release coating204. Zone coating processes, such as spraying of silicones and adhesives on a substrate203of paper fiber, plastic film, or other flexible material, may be used to create the different zones upon the substrate203. In some embodiments of the present invention, zone processing of adhesives (202,205,207) and release coatings204may be performed after perforations111-113are formed in the substrate203. Inn other embodiments zone processing of adhesives (202,205,207) and release coatings204may be processed before perforations111-113are formed in the substrate203. In some examples, the perforations111-113may be made via operation of a cutting die. The cutting die may remove portions of the substrate203, creating small tabs that connect portions of the substrate203on either side of a perforation111-113. In other examples, a perforation111-113may be formed by removal of substrate203material along a region. In still further examples a combination of cutting and removal (which maybe abrasion removal) may be used to form the perforation111-113. In still further examples, a perforation111-113may be formed by a joining of two separate substrate203pieces along respective edges where, for example, a thin tape material may join the substrate203pieces creating a perforation111-113structure that will rupture at a desired force induced by the unspooling process. In some examples, the paperband composite107, may be pre-formed into an assembly that an operator may use to prepare an empty web spool102for multiple turn-up operations. It may itself be spooled on a temporary spool or shaft that can be used by an operator to apply the paperband composite107to an empty web spool102. In the examples ofFIG.1andFIG.2, the paperband composite107may be applied of an empty web spool102by wrapping the paperband composite107tangentially around the spool face106multiple times. (see for exampleFIGS.3A-3B) Referring now toFIG.3, an exemplary paperband composite107may be formed with a substrate203, such as a paper fiber band or a plastic film band cut to a width appropriate for the size of a Spool Face106with a designed margin region109on either side. (materials that may be used for the substrate of the paperband composite107may include, for example, a paper based film or band(s), plastic films, or composites of paper and plastic films.) In an example, perforations may be created along the length of the substrate203as is illustrated in perforations306,307. As described previously, there may be numerous different types of perforations306,307employed. Spacing302between an edge and a first perforation and between perforations may vary with an exemplary extra length303illustrated. The difference in length may occur based upon a desired stagger201as well as the extra circumference that occurs as material is wrapped308around the Spool Face106. Each of the regions between perforations306may comprise an adhesive layer for a single turn-up operation. The side of the composite that faces the paper web after application may all be coated with an adhesive deposit to capture the paper during a transfer of the paper web. On the other side of the substrate203may be spool surface adhesive coated regions304for affixing the paperband composite107to the Spool Face106. As mentioned, the adhesive strength of this deposit may be reduced compared to typical turn-up tapes because of the relatively large area of adherence in the composites of the present disclosure. The spool surface adhesive coated region304may occupy one end of the paperband composite107. The other regions between perforations306,307may be zones coated with release materials305, such as in a non-limiting example a silicone coating. Referring toFIG.3A, an exemplary application of a paperband composite107to an empty web spool102is illustrated. A zone of the backside of the paperband composite107with spool adhesive applied may be aligned to the spool face1001and as the empty web spool102is rotated this adhesive zone may be affixed to the Spool Face106and wrapped308around the empty web spool102. Proceeding toFIG.3B, wrapping308may continue with the empty web spool102continuing to rotate while the paperband composite107adheres to the empty web spool102. The paper adhesive layer of each level may weakly adhere to the release coated regions as the wrapping308continues. The characteristics of the release layer materials and deposition conditions as well as the adhesive strength of the paper adhesive may be engineered such that each wrapped308layer may grab a paper web and achieve turn-up during paper processing and then when the empty web spool102is unloaded at subsequent operations the end of the paper web may pull off the affixed paper adhesive coated portion and then rupture the perforation306,307to the next level. The resulting empty web spool102may have additional coated layers to proceed to the next turn-up operation. Finally, either after an empty web spool102is initially coated with a paperband composite107or after an unwinding process exposes a new surface layer of adhesive, these surface layers of adhesive may be protected for shipping or transport through the paper mill by a covering that is removed when the core is prepared for service. In some embodiments, a multi-use paperband composite107may have a physical dimension with a length multiple times a circumference of an empty web spool102surface. During use of the empty web spool102with the applied paperband composite107, the empty web spool102will have several “layers” of adhesive coated paperband composite107wound about it. A single layer of the paperband composite107will be used to adhere to a surface of a paper web105on a full web spool101. A top layer of an adhesive layer included in the paperband composite107will become covered by multiple layers of paperweb105as the empty web spool102spins and coils up newly manufactured paperweb105to generate a full web spool101. An empty web spool102that may be filled with many layers of paperweb105to form a full web spool101and then may subsequently go through an unwinding process (sometimes referred to as “despooling” or “unspooling”) in a processing facility. An unwound empty web spool102may then have a “used” layer of paper side adhesive on the substrate unwound exposing a fresh layer of adhesive coated substrate in the paperband composite107. The empty web spool102may now be redeployed to receive a new volume of paperweb105and become a full web spool101. In another aspect, an empty web spool102that is devoid of paperband composite107(such as after multiple cycles of winding on tissue paper and unwinding the tissue paper), the empty web spool102may be cleaned. After cleaning, a new paperband composite107may be wrapped around the cleaned empty web spool102. Spiral Wrapped Paperband Composites Referring now toFIG.4, in some embodiments, a paperband composite107may be applied to an empty web spool102at an angle relative to the direction of rotation123so that the paperband composite107winds onto the empty web spool102in a spiral fashion. A spirally wrapped paperband composite404may be applied at an angle to an axis of the empty paper spool401causing the paperband composite404to spirally wrap around the empty paper spool401. Depending upon an initial angle of adherence, a spiral may overlap the edges of the composite, or it may be applied such that the edges essentially abut each other, or there may be a margin400between edges of adjacent spiral wraps403. In some embodiments, an operator or automation may create a spiral wrap of the paperband composite404in numerous steps. In a first step with a clean and empty paper spool401, a paperband composite404formed of a substrate203with a paper spool face adhesive207on one side and a paper faced adhesive on another side may be wrapped at an angle to an axis of an empty paper spool401to create a first layer of paperband composite404arranged in a spiral wrap403. In some embodiments, the paperband composite404may include aspects that allow for a consistent pattern of application. Aspects may include, by way of non-limiting example, a cutout at the beginning of the paperband composite404that allows a user to align the start of the attachment of the paperband composite404at a specific angle (see e.g.; item601) if a cut edge of a paperband composite404is applied to a line on the spool face402that is parallel to the axis of the empty paper spool401. The empty paper spool401may continue to be wrapped with a same or different type of paperband composite404. The paperband composite404may be formed of a substrate that is coated on a first side405with a release coating407and on a second side406with the paper grabbing attached tissue adhesive408. Aligning the paperband composite404at an angle to an axis of rotation facilitates a consistent application of additional spiral wraps upon the spool face402. The operator may adjust the starting point of each of the wraps so that the edges of the wrap do not overlap. In the embodiments illustrated inFIG.4, a paper spool401with a spool face402, upon which multiple wraps of the paperband composite404have been applied in a spiral fashion. In some examples, a margin400may be maintained on either side of the spool face402. The dotted lines410in the illustration, denote an overlap of multiple layers of the paperband composite404one upon another. A benefit of spiral wrapping may be use of a relatively narrow paperband composite404, such by way of non-limiting example, a paperband composite404with a width of 18-24 inches (107-400 mm.), to form wrapped layers. During an unwinding process, layers of paperband composite404with release coatings407on a backside of the paperband composite404may unwind at the end of the paper unwinding process, again exposing a new layer of attached tissue adhesive408for subsequent turn-up operations. Referring now toFIG.5, an exemplary spiral wrapping of paperband composite507is illustrated on an empty web spool501. In some exemplary embodiments, a paperband composite507may be prepared for use that has been formed of multiple layers stacked upon each other. According to the present invention, a paperband composite507is applied to a spool face502in a manner such that a spiral wrap503may form a multiple use coating on a spool face502. In some embodiments, a spiral wrap503may have overlap of spiral portions, in other embodiments, a space505may be present between spiral wraps503. There may also be margins500left on either side of the spool surface502. In some embodiments, spirally wrapped layers of paperband composite507incorporate perforations504into the paperband composite507applied to the spool surface502. In some examples, perforations504may be aligned at a same angle at which the paperband composite507is applied to the spool surface502. When applied to the spool surface502, the paperband composite507may be spirally spaced to line up disparate spirals along an axis of the paper spool501. Therefore, when a layer of paperband composite507is unwound from the empty web spool501the paperband composite507may pull free of the spool surface502in a manner allowing the remaining paperband composite507to be positioned to receive paper web (not illustrated inFIG.5). Referring now toFIG.6, an illustration of a multilayer paperband composite600for spiral wrapping is provided. The paperband composite600may have numerous features. An edge601of the paperband composite600may be cut at a specific angle601. In some examples, a specific angle601of the paperband composite600may be aligned based upon a pre-cut edge to a longitudinal line on the spool face, and as the paperband composite600is then wound onto the paper spool it will assume a spiral shape along the spool face with a desired characteristic. Since the paperband composite600may be applied in a single spiral wrapping process, the spacing603between perforations604may be the same for all perforations604in the paperband composite600. A single set of perforations604is illustrated for, such as those that may be formed as a bottom layer of a paperband composite600stack. In some embodiments, each layer of paperband composite600may have perforations604that are aligned at different position in respective layers. Perforations604may be formed at a specific angle601which may be parallel to an edge601of the paperband composite600. As a paperband composite600is wrapped upon a spool surface (e.g.; item502), perforations604in the paperband composite600may align with a direction of an axis of the spool surface. In some embodiments, spacing603between the perforations604may form a row of perforations604. A bottom layer of paperband composite600may include a substrate coated on one side with a spool attaching adhesive. A spiral wrap of paperband composite600placed on a spool surface will interact with the spool surface and an adhesive may be chosen for a layer of paperband composite600that is closest to the spool surface. In addition, some or all of the portions of paperband composite600between perforations604in the paperband composite600may have an appropriate adhesive. Referring toFIG.7exemplary process steps for utilizing a paperband composite that may be performed according to the present disclosure is provided. At step701, a paperband composite suitable for severing and transferring paper web is positioned at an angle relative to an empty web spool. The paperband composite may include a substrate having a first side with applied adhesive, a spool mounting side, preferably including a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) that is adapted to contact a spool face surface, and adhere to a longitudinal cylindrical surface of the empty web spool. A second side of the paperband composite (e.g., a web-side or web grabbing side), may include a second adhesive adapted to contact and adhere to a paper web when a rotating empty web spool is brought into contact with the paper web. A first adhesive of the first side of the paperband composite interacts with the spool face and may cause less damage to a fiber core or other spool surface by virtue of the fact that a weaker adhesive may be used in this application than in other paperband procedures. A weaker adhesive may be used because there is a significantly larger surface area that the paperband composite may adhere to as compared with other techniques. The weaker adhesive may be peeled off without delaminating the paper layers of the core or otherwise damage a surface it is bound to. Additional layers of a multi-use transfer adhesive sheet may include a release coated substrate and the second adhesive on a web side of the paperband composite. The paperband composite may adhere to the web side adhesive of the first layer applied, but it may be easily removed due to the release coating on the first side of subsequent substrate layers which may have less affinity for the web-side adhesive than the substrate face to which the web-side adhesive has been applied in manufacture of the paperband composite system. In some examples of use, fiber or wound paper cores may be enhanced by the application of multiple layers of adhesive covering the entire surface of the core. The various examples of the paperband composite may be installed as sheets which are made by a continuous winding of the substrate and web-side adhesive. In some examples, the paperband composite may be scored transversely to create perforations. In other examples, the scoring of perforations may be orientated at a 30-45 degree angle. The repetitive space of the perforations may occur and at intervals slightly longer than the circumference of the spool or the subsequent layers. In some examples, as discussed in prior sections, the scoring that creates the perforations may be positioned on one adhesive layer in a different position from that of a previous layer in order that the higher layer may maintain the integrity of the previous layer preventing the layers of adhesive coated substrate from loosening or dislodging when an empty spool is spun up to match the surface speed of the paper web. At step702, the multi-use paperband composite is mounted onto a spool face of an Empty Web Spool. At step703, the Empty Web Spool is positioned with the paperband composite proximate to the paper web. At step704, the empty web spool with paperband composite is moved to engage with the paper web with the adhesive included in the paperband composite. For example, with a web-facing adhesive on the paperband composite wound around the empty web spool, the web-facing adhesive is exposed. The empty paper spool is positioned in a winding section of a paper machine and spun up to a rotational speed that is synchronized with a surface speed of the paper web spinning on the full web spool. At step705, when the adhesive layers match rotational speed of the paper web on a full paper spool the adhesive layer touches the paper web and causes the paper web to tear and follow the rotation of the adhesive layer, which causes the paper web to be wound around the empty web spool until the empty web spool becomes a full web spool. The paper spool with attached adhesive layered paperband composite may be caused to contact the paper web by lowering the empty web spool into contact with the paper web (such as a tissue paper web) such that the tissue paper web may adhere to the adhesive on the paperband adhesive and be drawn around the empty paper spool. When it is drawn upon the empty paper spool the paper web may burst and separate from the full paper spool resulting in a turn-up. The full paper spool may optionally be transported to another location to be further processed. At step706, the full paper spool may be unwound in subsequent operations. At the end of the paper unwinding process (or runout), a layer of paperweb may remain adhered to an outer most layer of the turn-up paperband composite. This outer layer may be pulled off a lower layer of paperband composite at a release layer and adhesive interface. The resulting section may be torn away at the score to reveal a fresh adhesive surface that may be used in a subsequent turnup procedure without causing damage to the empty we spool face. At step707, the empty paper spool with an attached and partially used turn-up paperband composite may be returned to a paper processing operation to again receive paper web such as to step703. In some historical examples, in cases where traditional turn-up tapes are used on paper spools, the spools may last fewer than 12 cycles before accumulating enough damage as to be unusable whereas the wound turn-up paperband composite can turn-up many times before attached paper spools are exhausted. At step708, after a number of such loops from step703to step707when the paperband composite has been fully used, any remaining portions of paperband composite on the spool may be removed with less likelihood of damage to the spool face. The lower rate of damage may be by virtue of a less-aggressive adhesive which may be used between the paperband composite and the spool face. If the spool face has not accumulated other damage and is still useful, the turn-up paperband composite may be replaced. Furthermore, reuse of a slightly damaged spool may be possible because the turn-up paperband composite may typically be laminated to the entire width and circumference of the core, covering and consolidating minor delamination and other similar damage. Referring now toFIG.8method steps are illustrated that may be completed in some implementations of the present invention. At step802a paperband composite may be wound onto a first spool face of the empty web spool, the paperband composite having a spool face adhesive and a paperweb adhesive. For example, device may wind a paperband composite onto a first spool face of the empty web spool, the paperband composite having a spool face adhesive and a paperweb adhesive, as described above. As also shown inFIG.8, the method may include fixedly attaching the paperband composite to the first spool face spool face with the spool face adhesive (step804). For example, device may fixedly attach the paperband composite to the first spool face spool face with the spool face adhesive, as described above. The method may include rotating the empty web spool and paperband composite at a rotational speed approximate to a rotational speed of a surface of a paperweb being wound on a first full web spool (step806). For example, device may rotate the empty web spool and paperband composite at a rotational speed approximate to a rotational speed of a surface of a paperweb being wound on a first full web spool, as described above. At step808, the method may include contacting the paperweb with a first quantity of the first paperweb adhesive included in the paperband composite. For example, device may contact the paperweb with a first quantity of the first paperweb adhesive included in the paperband composite, as described above. The method may also include adhesively binding a first portion of the paperweb to the empty web spool with the first quantity of the paperweb adhesive (step810). For example, device may adhesively bind a first portion of the paperweb to the empty web spool with the first quantity of the paperweb adhesive, as described above. The method may also include performing a turn-up process causing a first volume of paper web to spool on the empty web spool (step812). For example, device may perform a turn-up process causing a first volume of paper web to spool on the empty web spool, as described above. At step816the method may include spooling a first volume of paper web onto the empty web spool to form a second full web spool. Referring now toFIG.8B, at step816the method may include transferring the second full web spool to a paper processing apparatus, and at step818unspooling the first volume of paperweb from the second full web spool to convert the second full web spool back into the empty web spool. At step820removing a first quantity of paperweb adhesive and corresponding paperband composite from the empty web spool to expose a second quantity of paperweb adhesive; and at step822adhesively binding a second portion of the paperweb to the second quantity of paperweb adhesive while the empty web spool is rotating. At step824the method may include performing a second turn-up process causing a second volume of paper web to spool on the empty web spool. In a various implementations, the step of removing the first quantity of paperweb adhesive and corresponding paperband composite from the empty web spool may include tearing the paperband composite along the plurality of perforations, and the step of removing the first quantity of paperweb adhesive and corresponding paperband composite may follow an unspooling of a first volume of paperweb from a second full web spool before the step of performing a second turn-up process. The paperband composite may include a width equal to or less than a width of a spool face of the empty web spool and the paperband composite is wrapped approximately perpendicular to an axis of the empty web spool. The paperband composite may be wrapped in a spiral fashion around the empty web spool. Also, the paperband composite may be formed with an angular cut out at an initial edge. The angular cut out may be aligned with an axis of the empty spool. In some embodiments, a spool may be prepared by using one of the versions of the turn-up paperband composites related to spiral wrapping around the spool. In some examples, the paperband composite may be provided in rolls 12 to 18 inches (107-400 mm.) wide. The paperband composite roll, 12 to 18 inches (107-400 mm.) wide, which has a spool attaching adhesive layer may be attached to a spool face. In some optional examples, the paperband composite may be provided on a roll with an initial edge cut at an angle, such that the cut edge when lined up with a line on the spool face may ensure a wrap of the spool occurs with desirable aspects. In some embodiments, a different roll of paperband composite material with release coatings on the backside may be used to spirally roll a second layer on the spool. A number of layers that have been applied may be compared to a desired target number and if less, processing may be repeated with fresh underlying layers until a number of layers reaches a target number of processing. One general aspect includes a method of transferring a paper web from a full paper spool to an empty paper spool. The method includes obtaining a paperband composite, where the paperband composite may include a substrate, a first zone coated region of a spool face adhesive on a first side of the substrate, a second zone coated region of the first side of the substrate of a release coating, where the second zone coated region occupies at least a majority of a portion of the first side of the substrate not coated with the spool face adhesive, and a paper web grabbing adhesive coating on a second side of the substrate. The method may also include attaching the paperband composite to a first paper spool, where the first paper spool is empty of paper, and where the attaching is performed by applying the first zone coated region of the spool face adhesive to a spool face of the first paper spool; and engaging the first paper spool for a turn up transfer, where a paper web is transferred from a second spool, where the second spool is full of paper, to the first paper spool, where the paper web is adhered to the paper web grabbing adhesive coating of the paperband composite on the first paper spool. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include: filling the first paper spool with a first amount of paper web; transferring the first paper spool to a paper processing apparatus, where the paper processing apparatus unspools the paper from the first paper spool; removing the portion of the paperband composite adhered to the paper web of the first amount of paper web; and engaging the first paper spool for at least a second turn up transfer with the paperband composite, where a paper web is transferred from a third spool to the first paper spool, where the third spool is full of paper, where the paper web is adhered to the paper web grabbing adhesive coating of the paperband composite on the first paper spool. The paperband composite further may include a plurality of perforations, where after the paperband composite is applied to the first paper spool each layer of the paperband composite may include a perforation. The removing of the portion of the paperband composite occurs while the first amount of the paper web is unspooled. The paperband composite may be wrapped in an approximately perpendicular manner to an axis of the first paper spool, where the paperband composite has a width substantially that of the spool face of the first paper spool. The paperband composite is wrapped in a spiral fashion. The paperband composite is formed with an angular cut out at its initial edge, where the angular cut out is aligned with an axis of the first paper spool to determine a desired spiral shape of a wrap in a spiral fashion. One general aspect includes a paperband composite. The paperband composite may include a substrate, where the substrate is rectangular in shape; a first zone coated region of a spool face adhesive on a first side of the substrate; a second zone coated region of the first side of the substrate of a release coating, where the second zone coated region occupies at least a majority of a portion of the first side of the substrate not coated with the spool face adhesive; and a paper web grabbing adhesive coating on a second side of the substrate; and where a length of the paperband composite is sufficient to wrap the paperband composite around a paper spool multiple times. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The paperband composite may include multiple perforations, where the perforations are spaced such that when the paperband composite is wrapped upon the paper spool there is a perforation at each layer of wrapping. A spacing between perforations places the perforations in such a manner that they are not overlapped when the paperband composite is wrapped upon the paper spool. The end is placed upon the paper spool to start an application of the paperband composite to the paper spool, and where the angular cut out aligns the paperband composite in a desired spiral pattern. The spool face adhesive has a tensile strength just sufficient to hold the paperband composite unto an area of the paper spool that it is attached to, where the tensile strength is small enough to minimize damage of the spool face when the paperband composite is removed. The paper web grabbing adhesive coating has a tensile strength sufficient to hold a paper web as it is grabbed during a turn-up operation and of a characteristic such that an interaction of the web grabbing adhesive with the release coating allows the wrapped paperband composite to remain adhered on a paper spool as a perforation tears during an unspooling process. One general aspect includes a method of preparing a turn-up paperband composite. The method also includes cutting a substrate layer to a designed width and length, where a width target is calculated as the width of a spool face reduced by a margin distance for each end, and where the length is calculated based on a number of desired wraps around the paper spool multiplied by a circumference of the paper spool; applying a spool face adhesive to a first side of the substrate layer, where the length of an applied spool face adhesive application is based on the circumference of the paper spool; applying a release formulation to at least a portion of an uncoated part of the first side of the substrate; and applying a web grabbing adhesive formulation to a second side of the substrate. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method of preparing a turn-up paperband composite may include cutting the substrate layer at an edge at an angle to an adjacent side edge, where the angle creates a new edge of the turn-up paperband composite that may be applied to the paper spool One general aspect includes a method of preparing a turn-up paperband composite. The method may include cutting a substrate layer to a designed width and length, where a width target is calculated as the a fraction of the width of a spool face reduced by a margin distance for each end, where the fraction is based on a number of spiral wraps designed to be placed on the paper spool, and where the length is calculated based on a number of desired wraps around the paper spool multiplied by a circumference of the paper spool multiplied by the number of spiral wraps; applying a spool face adhesive to a first side of the substrate, where the length of an applied spool face adhesive application is based on the circumference of the paper spool; applying a release formulation to at least a portion of an uncoated part of the first side of the substrate; and applying a web grabbing adhesive formulation to a second side of the substrate Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method of preparing a turn-up paperband composite may include: cutting the substrate layer at an edge at an angle to an adjacent side edge, where the angle creates a new edge of the paperband composite that may be applied to the paper spool. A direction of the perforation cuts is aligned to the angle of the new edge of the paperband composite; and where a location of the perforations is such that the perforation of each spiral wrap aligns with its neighboring spiral wrap One general aspect includes a method of preparing a turn-up paperband composite. The method may include cutting a plurality of substrate layer pieces, where each piece is cut to a designed width and length, where a width target is calculated as the a fraction of the width of a spool face502reduced by a margin distance for each end, where the fraction is based on a number of spiral wraps designed to be placed on the paper spool, and where the length is calculated based on a circumference of the paper spool multiplied by the number of spiral wraps; applying a spool face adhesive to a first side of a first substrate layer piece; applying a web grabbing adhesive formulation to a second side of the first substrate layer piece; placing the first substrate layer piece upon a release coated covering substrate; applying a release formulation to a first side of each of the remaining substrate layer pieces; applying a web grabbing adhesive formulation to a second side of each of the remaining substrate layer pieces; stacking each of the substrate layer pieces upon the first substrate layer piece, such that the turn-up paperband composite is formed as a stack of substrate layer pieces each having a web grabbing adhesive facing up and a release layer facing down; and where, when applied, the turn-up paperband composite forms a spool face capable of performing multiple turn-up operations. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method of preparing a turn-up paperband composite may include wrapping a processed turn-up paperband composite on an application spool, where a user unwraps the turn-up paperband composite from the application spool as it is applied to a paper spool. | 48,367 |
11858768 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description, various specific details are illustrated aimed at a thorough understanding of examples of an embodiment according to the invention. Further embodiments can be implemented without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In some cases, known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring the relevant details of the invention. With reference toFIGS.1-8, the operating sequence is represented for automatically preparing a leading edge1of a new reel2to be joined to the tail edge of a reel close to finishing (not shown in the figures). Particularly, preparing the leading edge1(FIG.8) of the reel2requires releasing the leading end of the web material, normally glued on the external surface of the reel2by means of adhesive labels, adhesive, etc., removing the section of web material29, forming the outer turn of the reel2, which is frequently soiled or damaged, and gripping the leading edge1of the reel2formed after removing the outer turn29for joining to the tail edge of a new reel. InFIGS.1-8, the reel2is arranged on a shaft39of an automatic unwinding assembly, not fully shown in the figures, rotatable around a first axis Z. Arrow B indicates the web unwinding direction, arrow A the winding one. With reference toFIGS.9and10, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a gripping device3movable along at least two axes X, Y orthogonal to the axis Z and rotatable around the axis Z, by means of a handling device, for example the arm of an anthropomorphic robot (not shown in the figures). In this embodiment, the gripping device3comprises a central module9provided with a friction surface6(whose function will be described hereinafter), and a pair of mirrored side modules10,11each provided with a clamping device and a web cutting device that will be described hereinafter. This feature of the gripping device with two clamping and cutting side modules10,11also allows the method and the apparatus according to the invention to be used for preparing a leading edge of a second reel, located side by side to the reel2and arranged on a respective shaft of a module for unwinding and handling reels, not shown in the figures. In a possible embodiment, the gripping device can comprise a single central module comprising a rectangular shaped casing for housing the clamping and cutting devices and provided with a friction surface arranged on the bottom base thereof. With reference toFIG.10, the central module9comprises an extended rectangular shaped frame4including a top crosspiece5having a support7for fitting with a robotic handling device, a bottom crosspiece having the friction surface6, extending parallel to the first axis Z along a length greater than the web width, and a pair of side uprights12,13. In a possible embodiment, the friction surface6can have a convex shape and be coated by a high friction coefficient material such as sandpaper. The static friction coefficient between the friction surface6and the material of the web has to be greater than the friction coefficient between two overlapped layers of web material of the reel2. The clamping device of each of the side modules10,11comprises an extended plate8and a plurality of suction cups14perpendicular to the plate8and carried by a frame15. Such plate8extends parallel to the friction surface6and is moveable along a direction parallel to the first axis Z by means of an actuator16carried by the side upright12of the frame4. In an embodiment, the plate8can have a tapered shape. The suction cups14are axially moveable along the axis X by means of an actuator17. The cutting device of each of the side modules10,11comprises a rotating blade18driven by an actuator19and movable along a pair of rails20carried by a frame21arranged parallel to the plate8. With reference toFIG.11, the apparatus according to the invention comprises also a stationary suction device22including an extended box-type body23, provided at its smaller side faces respectively with a top suction mouth24and a bottom suction pipe33connected to a suction source (not shown). The suction device22is also provided with a support for the web material comprising three rollers25,26,37carried by a frame27connected to the box-type body. The rollers, which can be coated by a high friction coefficient material (for example, PVC adhesive band) arranged in strips according to a helicoid to limit the forming of wrinkles in the material during sucking up, are arranged with the rotation axes parallel to the suction mouth24of the device22. The roller37is movable by means of an actuator36between a rest position in which it is spaced from the roller25and a locking position of the material in which it presses against the roller25. With reference toFIGS.1-8, the method according to the invention will now be described for preparing the leading edge1of the reel of web material2. InFIG.1, the gripping device3is approached and pressed with a predetermined force onto any portion28of an outer turn29of the web material of the reel2arranged on the respective rotatable support shaft. The force applied by the friction surface6onto the portion of the web has to be equal to, or greater than, the ratio between the torque necessary to rotate the reel2and the product between the radius of the reel and the static friction coefficient between the friction surface6and the web material. InFIG.2, the reel2is driven into rotation in the winding direction A by a predetermined angle so that the portion of web material downstream of the friction surface6, with reference to the unwinding direction B of the reel2, forms a loop30. In a possible embodiment, forming the loop30is obtained by moving the friction surface6of the gripping device3along the external surface of the reel by a predetermined length. Thereafter, the plate8of the side module11downstream of the central module9, with reference to the unwinding direction B of the reel2, is inserted inside the loop30, the plurality of suction cups14of the side module11is brought into contact with the external surface of the loop30and the suction cups14are operated so as to grip the portion of the loop30of web material between the plurality of suction cups14and the plate8. InFIG.3, the gripping device is moved away from the reel2so as to tension the web material to facilitate the cutting thereof and the blade18makes a first transversal cut at the portion of material30. The portion31of web material downstream of the cut remains connected to the reel2since the end of the web material is glued to the outer turn29of the reel2. InFIG.4, the reel2is driven into rotation in the unwinding direction B, the gripping device3is brought close to the mouth24of the suction device22so that the end of the web material32is gripped by the mouth of the suction device22, the suction cups14are deactivated releasing the clamped portion of material30at the rollers26,37of the suction device22, and the plate8is moved away from the suction cups to a rest position. InFIG.5, the gripping device3is moved away from the suction device22and, while the end of the web material32is sucked up by the suction device22, a section of web material of a length equal to or greater than the circumference of the reel2is unwounded from the reel2. In this way, all the web material, forming the outer turns29, normally damaged, together with the part including the portion of previously cut web material31, is unwounded from the reel2. The section of web29that is unwounded from the reel2is sucked up by the suction device22. InFIG.6, the gripping device3is brought close to the suction device22, and the plate8and the plurality of suction cups14are operated so as to grip the second portion of material34in contact with the rollers25,26. With reference toFIG.7, at the end of the step of unwinding and sucking up of the section of web forming the outer turns29of the reel2, the gripping device3is moved away from the suction device so as to tension the web material in order to facilitate the cutting thereof and the roller37is driven into the clamping position of the web material against the roller25. InFIG.8, the cutting device18makes a second transversal cut of the web material downstream of the plate8and the portion of the material35downstream of the cut is evacuated as scrap into the suction device22. The step of preparation of the leading edge1of the reel2is ended and the edge1is ready for the operations necessary to be joined with the edge of a reel close to finishing. Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments can be widely varied with respect to those described and illustrated here, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow. | 8,909 |
11858769 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While this disclosure may be embodied in many forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail one or more embodiments with the understanding that this disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the illustrated embodiments. Terminology Adhesive member: A term including tape and labels and other devices suitable for joining two webs. Butt joint: A type of web joint—the other type being an overlapping joint—in which the trailing edge of an expiring web and the leading edge of a new web do not overlap. The trailing edge of the expiring web and the leading edge of the new web may abut (touch) or may define a small gap therebetween. SeeFIG.2, for example. Downstream: In the direction of web travel. Interlocking joint: A butt joint in which the trailing edge of the expiring web and the leading edge of the new web are “locked” together and cannot be separated while in the same plane without moving one of the webs out of the plane. SeeFIG.4, for example. Label: A device, typically comprising a flexible substrate with adhesive on one side and a removable backing sheet covering the adhesive, for adhering or otherwise joining items together. The substrate may be paper or other suitable material. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. Overlap joint: A splice in which the webs overlap. SeeFIG.3. Web joint: The area in which two webs are joined together. There are two main types web joints: butt joints and overlap(ping) joints. Web Splice: A structure comprising two webs joined together with an adhesive member. Tape: A device, typically comprising a flexible substrate with adhesive on one side, for adhering or otherwise joining articles such as webs together. The substrate may be paper or other suitable material. The other (non-adhesive) side of the tape may be covered in a release coating so that the tape can be wound into a roll and then unwound as it is used. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. Double sided tape typically comprises a flexible substrate with adhesive on both sides. Upstream: In the direction opposite of web travel. The Prior Art Turning to the drawings, there is shown inFIG.1a conventional web splice10. The web splice10comprises a first web12, a second web14and an adhesive member16. The first web12has a trailing edge18and first side edges20defining a first width (W1). The trailing edge18is straight (linear) and forms a right angle with the sides edges20. The trailing edge18is orthogonal to the web running direction (D). The first side edges20are parallel to the web running direction (D). The second web14, upstream from the first web12, has a leading edge28and second parallel side edges30defining a second width (W2) which is the same as the first width (W1). The leading edge28is straight (linear) and forms a right angle with the second side edges30. The second side edges30are parallel to the web running direction (D). The trailing edge18and the leading edge28form a linear (square edge) butt joint22. The angle of the leading edge28with respect to the side edges30is ninety degrees. The angle of the trailing edge18with respect to the side edges20also is ninety degrees. The adhesive member16is adhered to the first and second webs12,14and overlaps the butt joint22. The adhesive member16has a width (WT) approximately the same as the first width (W1) and the second width (W2). Ideally, the expiring web and the new web are perfectly aligned in the lateral direction (perpendicular to the web running direction (D)), but it is not unusual for the webs to be offset or misaligned. For example, inFIG.1the second web14is offset (misaligned) from the first web12. As a result, a portion29of the leading edge28extends laterally outwardly from a side edge20of the first web12. This “exposed” portion29of the leading edge28is susceptible to getting caught on structures such as a stationary paper guide24, making the straight joint22inherently prone to break. In spiral winding operations involving a spiral mandrel, if the two edges18,28are offset by as little as ¼″, ⅛″ or even less, the joint22may break or tear when it contacts the paper edge guides24before reaching the spiral mandrel (not shown). Also, if there is a large gap26between the two edges18,28, for example, a gap of 3/16″, ¼″ or more, the gap26will create a ditch (absence of web material) in the joined webs, and the joint22may tear when it passes through rod bars, paper tensioners or other structures. In this conventional splice, the width (WT) of the tape16must be the same or very close to the paper widths W1, W2. If tape16is too wide, it will stick to structures during processing and cause the webs12,14to break. If tape16is too narrow, the untaped edges18,28can catch a bar, edge guide24or other structure and cause web tearing or breakage. By contrast, the web splices described herein can be used to join webs of different widths because the adhesive member width need not be the same or very close to the paper widths. First Embodiment FIG.2is a top view of a first embodiment of a web splice40according to the disclosure. The web splice40comprises a first (expiring) web42, a second (new) web44and an adhesive member46. The adhesive member (46) may comprise a first adhesive side (facing the first web42and the second web44) and a second non-adhesive side (47) (facing away from the first web42and the second web44). The first web42has a trailing edge48and first side edges50defining a first width (W1). The first side edges50are parallel to the web running direction (D). Instead of being straight, the trailing edge48has a first, non-linear shape, which in this case is a V-shape (as viewed from the right of the figure; i.e. downstream) having an apex64. The second web44has a leading edge58and second parallel side edges60defining a second width (W2) which is the same as the first width (W1). The second side edges60are parallel to the web running direction (D). Instead of being straight, the leading edge58has a second, non-linear shape which in this case also is a V-shape (as viewed from the right of the figure) having an apex64. The trailing edge48of the first web42and the leading edge58of the second web44form a non-linear butt joint52. The leading edge58may form an exact fit with the trailing edge48. In other words, the leading edge58may define a second, complimentary shape that matches the first shape, and are joined together so there is no gap between the leading edge58and the trailing edge48. Preferably the webs42,44are laterally aligned. That is, preferably the side edges50of the first web42and the side edges60of the second web44are aligned. If the side edges of the webs are offset by more than ⅛ inch or so, one of the edges of the second web44will stick out (be exposed) and can catch on structures and destroy the splice40. However, as explained below, the side edges50,60need not be perfectly aligned due to the non-linear shape of the trailing and leading edges48,58and thus the butt joint52, and especially due to the fact that the butt joint52forms an acute angle with the side edges50of the first web42where the butt joint52meets the side edges50,60. The butt joint52may comprise a middle section53and two trailing (upstream) side sections54. The middle section53is distant (spaced apart) from the side edges50and may be located equidistant from each side edge50. The middle section53may be located downstream (in the web running direction) of two trailing side sections54, each forming a “leg” of the V. Each trailing side section54may be linear or another suitable shape, and extends from the middle section53to a junction51along a respective side edge50,60. The butt joint52may be thought of as extending in the machine direction from the apex64upstream to the junctions51. Since the webs42,44do not overlap, the joined webs42,44form a single continuous ply. That is, the joined webs42,44(and thus the web splice40) have a single thickness (not counting the added thickness of the adhesive member46). Angle of the Butt Joint at the Edge of the Web Splice As perhaps best shown inFIG.2A, the angle (α) of the leading edge58with respect to the side edge50is less than ninety degrees. By cutting the second web44so that the leading edge58is angled at less than ninety degrees, and preferably less than 60 degrees and greater than 10 degrees, the leading edge58is less inclined to catch on structures or guides, even if the leading edge58includes an exposed portion59(when the second web44is offset from the first web42as shown inFIG.3). Most preferably, the angle (α) of the leading edge58with respect to the side edge50is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 40 degrees. Optional Gap Between the Webs The two webs42,44can be positioned such that the trailing edge48of the expiring web42continuously (or discontinuously) abuts the leading edge58of the new web44, leaving no gap between the webs42,44along the butt joint52. However, the edges48,58need not touch. The web splice40is expected to be operable even with a gap between the edges48,58. The gap may be anywhere from 1 mm to 3/16 inches or more. Line of Intersection For traditional web splices such as the web splice10shown inFIG.1, a line (L) of intersection perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing (intersecting) the web splice10will intersect the butt joint22at either an infinite number of intersecting points (when the line (L) intersects either the trailing edge18of the first web12or the leading edge28of the new web14) or at zero points (when the line (L) intersects the gap26between the first web12and the new web14. By contrast, in many of the butt joints according to this disclosure, regardless of whether or not there's a gap between the webs, a line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the butt joint will intersect the two webs' leading or trailing edges at a discrete number intersecting points, that is, a number between zero and infinity. For example, in the V-shaped web splice40ofFIG.2, a line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the butt joint52at the apex64intersects the butt joint52at one discrete point. A line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the web splice40at a location other than the apex64intersects the butt joint52at two discrete points, i.e., at one point along each of the two legs53. For some of the paper winding operations such as printing paper, liner boards, and even film, a knife with serrated cutting edge may be used to cut the webs. This can cause jagged edges on the leading and/or trailing edges of the butt joint. Depending on the “jaggedness” of the cut, a line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the web splice might intersect one of the webs at a higher number of points than if the cut(s) were “clean”. For the purpose of this disclosure it should be understood that any discussion regarding points of intersection between a line (L) and a butt joint assumes a clean cut. The Adhesive Member The adhesive member46is adhered to the first and second webs42,44and overlaps the butt joint52. Preferably the adhesive member46is a label comprising a removable backing sheet but no release coating. It is advantageous to use a label in spiral paper winding operations because the adhesives used in such operations can adhere to the label better than to a tape having a release coating on the back. Alternatively, tape may be used in spiral paper winding operations, but tape can leave a void (un-stuck area) along the tube. The adhesive member may be rectangular as shown inFIGS.2to4. The adhesive member can be any suitable shape, including circular and oval shaped. The adhesive member can be as simple as a small circle tape/label or the like to cover the apex to prevent it from popping while bending over a bar or roller. The adhesive member should be large enough to cover at least the apex of the joint. As explained above with respect toFIG.1, in a conventional straight cut splice10, the leading edge28of the second web14is approximately perpendicular to the web running direction (D). This orientation makes it necessary to apply the adhesive member16that extends the full width of the splice/web to hold down the entire leading edge28and prevent catching. By contrast, the web splice disclosed herein avoids the ninety degree leading edge that is the result of a straight cut splice. For example, with the V-shaped splice40shown inFIG.2, the leading edge58forms an acute angle (α), with the side edge50of the first web42. As a result, the adhesive member46does not have to extend over the side sections54of the butt joint52or, for that matter, the full width of the webs42,44. In a conventional butt joint splice, the tape width must equal the width of the paper web. Yet in making a spirally wound tube, multiple width paper webs may be used: 4 and 15/16 inches, 5 inches, 5 and ⅛ inches, etc., which requires the use of multiple adhesive members of varying widths. In what is often referred to in the trade as an “automatic” web splicer, the tape is not applied automatically (i.e., without human intervention). Instead, the operator still must prepare the leading edge of the new web and the tape. Thus the conventional “automatic” method of splicing renders it difficult to make a spirally wound tube because of the need to use different width tapes. The present disclosure may allow for a “fully automatic” web splicer in making spirally wound tubes because the tape width need not match the varying widths of the webs. Instead, the adhesive member width (WT) need only be large enough to cover some or all of the middle section53of the butt joint52, and can be a single layer. In the case of a triangular cut (V-shaped) joint52, if the adhesive member46is strong enough, it may be possible to use an adhesive member46having a width (WT) only large enough to cover little more than the apex64of the V-shaped butt joint52. An adhesive member may be adhered to one or both sides of the butt joint. Adhering both sides of the butt joint with an adhesive member can greatly increase the robustness and reliability of the splice. Second Embodiment FIG.4is a top view of a second web splice70according to the disclosure, one with an interlocking joint. The web splice70comprises a first (expiring) web72, a second (new) web74and an adhesive member46. The trailing edge78of the first web72and the leading edge88of the second web74form a non-linear butt joint82. The first, expiring web72has a trailing edge78that defines a first (“keyhole”) shape. The second, new web74has a leading edge88that defines a second shape that matches the first shape in interlocking fashion. When the two webs72,74are positioned such that the trailing edge78of the expiring web72abuts the leading edge88of the new web74to form a butt joint82, the webs72,74are “locked” together. The adhesive member46has a width (WT) substantially less than the width of the webs72,74, and just large enough to cover the rounded middle section83of the irregularly shaped butt joint82. In testing, a four inch wide adhesive member was used successfully to join two webs having a 5 inch width, and a five inch wide adhesive member was used successfully to join two webs having a 7 inch width. Third Embodiment FIG.5is a top view of a third web splice100according to the disclosure (with the adhesive member not shown). The first, expiring web102and the second, new web104form a butt joint106having an irregular shape wherein the middle section107comprises three sides of a rectangle and each side section108is linear and forms an acute included angle (α) with the side edge103of the first web102at the junction109of the butt joint106and the side edge103. The width of the middle section107can vary, as can the length of each side section108. It should be noted that a line (L) of intersection perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing (intersecting) the butt joint106will intersect the butt joint106at two points, except at the extreme downstream end of the middle section107, where the joint forms a line segment. Fourth Embodiment FIG.6is a top view of a fourth web splice110according to the disclosure (with the adhesive member not shown). The first, expiring web112and the second, new web114form a butt joint116having an irregular shape wherein the middle section117is a dovetail shape and each side section118is curved and forms an acute included angle with the side edge113of the first web112at the junction119of the butt joint116and the side edge113. Fifth Embodiment FIG.7is a top view of a fifth web splice120according to the disclosure (with the adhesive member not shown). The first, expiring web122and the second, new web124form a butt joint126having an arced shape having an apex128and forming an acute included angle with the side edge123of the first web122at the junction129of the butt joint126and the side edge123. Sixth Embodiment FIG.8is a top view of a sixth web splice130according to the disclosure (with the adhesive member not shown). The first, expiring web132and the second, new web134form a butt joint136having an arced shape having an apex137and forming an acute included angle with the side edge133of the first web132at the junction139of the butt joint136and the side edge133. The arc shape is less extreme than in theFIG.7. Seventh Embodiment FIG.9is a top view of a seventh web splice140according to the disclosure (with the adhesive member not shown). The first, expiring web142and the second, new web144form a butt joint146having a V-shape having a rounded apex148and forming an acute included angle with the side edge143of the first web142at the junction149of the butt joint146and the side edge143. Eighth Embodiment FIG.10is a top view of an eighth web splice150according to the disclosure (with the adhesive member not shown). The first, expiring web152and the second, new web154form a W-shaped butt joint156. The middle section157of the butt joint156comprises two apexes158. The butt joint156forms an acute included angle with each side edge153of the first web152at the junction159of the butt joint156and the side edge153. In the W-shaped butt joint156ofFIG.10, a line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the web splice at the apexes158intersects the butt joint156at two discrete points, the apexes158. A line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the butt joint156at the junctions159intersects the butt joint156at three discrete points. And a line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the butt joint156at a location upstream of the apexes158and downstream of the junctions159intersects the butt joint156at four discrete points. Ninth Embodiment FIG.11is a top view of a ninth web splice160according to the disclosure (with the adhesive member not shown). The trailing edge161of the first, expiring web162and the leading edge165of the second, new web164form a butt joint166having an irregular shape wherein the middle section167of the butt joint166comprises three sides of a trapezoid. Each side section168of the butt joint166is linear and forms an acute included angle with the side edge163of the first web162at the junction169of the butt joint166and the side edge163. The width of the middle section167can vary, as can the length of each side section168. Although the length of each side section168is less than that of the side sections in previous embodiments, this ninth web splice160still provides the “edge advantage” previous embodiments. That is, angling the side sections168so that any exposed portion of the leading edge165is less inclined to catch or snag on structures, even if the leading edge165includes an exposed portion (when the second web164is offset from the first web162). Tenth Embodiment FIG.12is a top view of a tenth web splice170according to the disclosure (with the adhesive member not shown). The web slice176is similar to the web splice106shown inFIG.5, but with a wider middle section177and shorter sides178. The trailing edge171of the first, expiring web172and the leading edge175of the second, new web174form a butt joint176having an irregular shape wherein the middle section177comprises three sides of a rectangle and each side section178is linear and forms an acute included angle with the side edge173of the first web172at the junction179of the butt joint176and the expiring web side edge173. Again, angling the side sections178(so that each side section178forms an acute included angle with a side edge173of the first web172at the junction179of the butt joint1176and the side edge173) minimizes the possibility that any exposed portion of the leading edge175of the new web174will catch or snag on structures. Eleventh Embodiment FIG.13is a top view of an eleventh web splice200according to the disclosure (with the adhesive member not shown).FIG.14is a close up of a portion of the web splice200ofFIG.13. The first, expiring web202comprises two sides edges203and a trailing edge207. The second, new web204comprises two side edges205and a leading edge209. The trailing edge207of the first, expiring web202and the leading edge209of the second, new web204form a butt joint206. The two webs202,204can be positioned such that the trailing edge207continuously abuts the leading edge209, leaving no gap between the webs202,204along the butt joint206. Alternatively, the two webs202,204can be positioned such that there is a gap210between trailing edge207and the leading edge209as shown inFIG.14. The gap210may be anywhere from 1 mm to 3/16 inches or more. Preferably the trailing edge207and the leading edge209are the same shape. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the trailing edge207comprises a middle section212and two side sections214extending from the middle section212to a respective side edge203of the expiring web202. Similarly, the leading edge209of the new web204comprises a middle section222and one or two side sections224extending from the middle section222to the edge205of the expiring web202. In the illustrated embodiment the middle sections212,222have complimentary (matching) V-shapes, although they can be other shapes. The trailing edge side sections214are linear and extend from the middle section212to their respective side edges203. The leading edge side sections224are linear and extend from the middle section222to their respective side edges205. The middle sections212,222may be located downstream (in the web running direction) of the side sections214,224. The trailing edge207and the leading edge209form a butt joint206. The butt joint206extends across the entire width of the joined webs from one side edge216to the opposite side edge216. The trailing edge side sections214form a right angle with the first side edge203. The leading edge side sections224form a right angle with the second side edge205. Each first side edge203and the corresponding second side edge205are co-linear and form a single continuous side edge216. Consequently, the butt joint206forms a right angle with the continuous side edge216. The apexes218of each V-shaped middle section212,222may be used by an operator or machine to properly align the expiring web202and the new web204. When the two webs202,204are properly aligned (so that their respective side edges are co-linear), the joined webs202,204lack any exposed portions. Should the webs202,204be mis-aligned, a portion of the leading edge209that is perpendicular to the machine direction may be exposed. To minimize the possibility that the exposed portion will catch or snag, the length of the side sections224of the new web204should be minimized, preferably so that they are no longer than 3/16 inch. An adhesive member (not shown) is adhered to the webs202,204and overlaps the butt joint206to form the web splice200. The adhesive member need not match exactly the width of the webs202,204. Instead, the adhesive member width need only be large enough to cover some or all of the middle sections212,222of the trailing edge207and the leading edge209. Preferably, the adhesive member is wide enough to cover at least a portion of the side sections214,224. It should be noted that a line (L) of intersection perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing (intersecting) the butt joint206will intersect the butt joint206at either one point (at the apex218), two points (between the apex218and the trailing edge side sections214) or an infinite number of points (at the trailing edge side sections214). Twelfth Embodiment FIG.15is a top view of a twelfth web splice230according to the disclosure. The first, expiring web232and the second, new web234form an overlapped joint236. The first, expiring web232has a linear trailing edge238that is oriented perpendicular to the wed direction (D). The second, new web234has a leading edge240that defines a “V” shape having legs or side sections244, each leg244terminating at an end point239coinciding with a side edge235of the new web234. The two webs232,234are aligned in overlapping fashion so that the trailing edge238of the expiring web232is “upstream” of the end points239where the legs240of the V-shaped leading edge240meet the side edges235. An adhesive member242is adhered to the webs232,234and partially overlaps (covers) the overlapped joint236to form the web splice230. As in many of the previous embodiments, each leg or side edge244of the V-shaped leading edge240forms an acute included angle with a side edge233of the first web232and thus minimizes the possibility that any exposed portion of the leading edge240of the new web234will catch or snag on structures. In the V-shaped overlapping joint236ofFIG.15, a line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the overlapping joint256at the apex237intersects the joint236at one discrete point. A line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the joint236at a location upstream of the apex237and downstream of the junctions239intersects the butt joint52at two discrete points, i.e., at one point along each of the two legs244. Thirteenth Embodiment FIG.16is a top view of a thirteenth web splice250according to the disclosure. The web splice250is similar to that shown inFIG.15in that the shape of the webs is the same. The first, expiring web232and the second, new web234still form an overlapped joint236, but the webs232,234do not overlap as much. More specifically, the trailing edge238of the first, expiring web232is “downstream” of the end points239where the legs240of the V-shaped leading edge240meet the side edges235. As a result, the new web232comprises exposed portions252that do not abut and are not covered by the expiring web232. In the V-shaped overlapping joint256ofFIG.16, a line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the overlapping joint256at the apex237intersects the joint256at one discrete point. A line (L) perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing the joint256at a location upstream of the apex237and downstream of the trailing edge238intersects the butt joint52at two discrete points. Fourteenth Embodiment FIG.17is a top view of a fourteenth web splice260. The trailing edge267of the expiring web262has a first V-shape and the leading edge169of the new web264has a second V-shape that is a mirror image to the first V-shape. The joint266where the trailing edge267of the first, expiring web262and the leading edge269of the second, new web264meet is a single point, and thus there is minimal contact between the webs. A first adhesive member272overlays the joint266as well as portions of the first, expiring web232and the second, new web234. Preferably a similarly sized second adhesive member (obscured by the first adhesive member272) is affixed to the web splice260on the side of the webs262,264opposite the first adhesive member272(i.e., the side away from the viewer inFIG.14) so there are no exposed adhesive areas from the adhesive members. It is believed that this configuration reduces the possibility that any exposed portions274of the leading edge269of the new web264will catch or snag on structures. Fifteenth Embodiment FIG.18is similar to the web splice260ofFIG.17except that the line of contact286between the webs282,284, aka joint286, is larger than the point of contact266inFIG.17. The trailing edge287of the expiring web282has a first trapezoidal shape and the leading edge288of the new web284has a second trapezoidal shape that is a mirror image to the first trapezoidal shape. A first adhesive member292overlays the joint286as well a portion of the first, expiring web282and a portion of the second, new web284. Preferably a similarly sized second adhesive member (obscured by the first adhesive member292) is affixed to the web splice280on the side of the webs282,284opposite the first adhesive member292(i.e., the side away from the viewer inFIG.18) so there are no exposed adhesive areas from the adhesive members. It is believed that this configuration reduces the possibility that any exposed portions289of the leading edge288of the new web284will catch or snag on structures. It should be noted that a line (L) of intersection perpendicular to the web running direction (D) and crossing (intersecting) the butt joint286will intersect the butt joint286at an infinite number of points. Many other joint shapes are contemplated that fall within the scope of this disclosure. The previous examples are not intended to limit the invention to those examples. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY Thus there has been described a web splice for attaching two webs, such as paper webs used in paper converting operations. The web splice minimizes the possibility that the leading edge of the new web will catch on the paper converting equipment and cause issues such as ply break or tension spike. The web splice also reduces the phenomenon of “dog ear” in which portions of the web edges splay outwardly, making it easier for the spliced webs to go through a spiral winding process. The web splice exhibits acceptable tensile strength, especially when two adhesive members are used with their adhesive sides in a facing relationship. The web splice comprises a first, expiring web, a second, new web and an adhesive member. The first web has a trailing edge and first side edges defining a first width. The trailing edge defines a first shape that is non-linear. The first side edges are parallel to a web running direction. The second web has a leading edge and second parallel side edges and a second width the same as the first width of the first web. The leading edge defines a second shape that is non-linear, and the second side edges are also parallel to the web running direction. The trailing edge and the leading edge form a non-linear butt joint. The adhesive member is adhered to the first and second webs and overlaps at least a portion of the butt joint. The butt joint comprises a middle section and two side sections. The middle section is located downstream of the two side sections. Each side section terminates at a junction with one of the side edges and forms an acute included angle with a first side edge of the first web. The web splice has the following advantages:1. The splice has a much higher resistance to the issues caused from “bumps” (such as scrapes, rods, edge guides, finger plate in the tensioners etc.) that can occur during processing. This higher resistance will reduce number of paper breaks and therefore increases productivity.2. The splice enables fully automatic taping, which can result in a fully automatic splicing system.3. Because the adhesive member may be a label type of tape, it does not require a release coating/treatment, and so it can adhere to the paper in a spiral wound tube.4. The web splice may be used in high speed paper operations. It is understood that the embodiments of the disclosure described above are only particular examples which serve to illustrate the principles of the invention. Modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention are contemplated which do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing teachings and appended claims. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that fall within their scope. | 32,587 |
11858770 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When reference numerals are used to denote elements of the accompanying drawings, it is noted that the same elements have the same numerals as much as possible even if they are indicated in different drawings. In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention unclear. It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, “A”, “B”, “(a)”, “(b)”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements of the present invention, these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and the essential order or sequence of corresponding elements is not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. FIG.1is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a film feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG.2is a plan view showing the state in which a turntable shown inFIG.1is driven to rotate. A film feeding apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present invention may be an apparatus for feeding a sheet-shaped film having a predetermined area to a film processing device such as a film inspection device or a film cleaning device. Referring toFIG.1, the film feeding apparatus1may include a turntable10, a film tray20, a gripping unit30, a multiple feed prevention unit40, a film ejection unit50, and a controller (not shown) for controlling overall driving of the film feeding apparatus1. A type of the film F to be feed using film feeding apparatus1is not particularly limited. For example, the film F may be a polarized film for manufacturing a display panel. First, the turntable10may be a device for transferring the gripping unit30to be described below and the film F gripped by the gripping unit30. The turntable10may include a driving member12, a rotation bar14, and a coupling bar16. The driving member12may be a member for providing driving force for driving the turntable10. The structure of the driving member12is not particularly limited. For example, the driving member12may include a driving motor (not shown) for providing driving force, and a reducer (not shown) that is shaft-coupled to the driving motor and reduces and transfers the driving force provided from the driving motor. The rotation bar14may be a member for moving the gripping unit30along a predetermined circular trajectory around a rotating shaft12aof the driving member12using the driving force provided from the driving member12. The rotation bar14may be shaft-coupled to the driving member12to be driven to rotate by the driving member12. For example, as shown inFIG.1, a central part of the rotation bar14may be shaft-coupled to the rotating shaft12aof the reducer included in the driving member12in such a way that the rotation bar14is driven to rotate by the driving motor of the driving member12. Then, as shown inFIG.2, the rotation bar14may be driven to rotate around the rotating shaft12a. The coupling bar16may be a member for coupling the gripping unit30to the rotation bar14to drive the gripping unit30to rotate along the rotation bar14. The coupling bar16may be coupled to the rotation bar14to drive the driving member12to rotate along the rotation bar14when the driving member12is driven to rotate. Then, when the driving member12is driven, the gripping unit30coupled to the coupling bar16may be moved along a circular trajectory corresponding to the diameter of the rotation bar14. The number of the installed coupling bars16is not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.1, one pair of coupling bars16may be installed. As shown inFIG.1, the one pair of coupling bars16may be respectively coupled to opposite ends of the rotation bar14to be symmetrical based on the rotating shaft12a. That is, the one pair of coupling bars16may be coupled to the rotation bar14to be spaced apart from each other at an angle interval of 180° based on the rotating shaft12a. In this case, a central part of each of the coupling bars16may be coupled to one end of the rotation bar14in such a way that the coupling bar16is symmetrical based on one end of the rotation bar14, to which the corresponding coupling bar16is coupled, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In particular, the coupling bars16may be perpendicularly installed to the rotation bar14, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown inFIG.2, the coupling bars16may be simultaneously driven to rotate along the rotation bar14or may be stopped while being symmetrical based on the rotating shaft12a. To this end, the driving member12may be driven to repeatedly perform an operation in which the rotation bar14and the coupling bars16coupled thereto rotate around the rotating shaft12aby a predetermined reference angle and are then stopped for a predetermined reference time. For example, when one pair of coupling bars16is coupled to the rotation bar14to be spaced apart from each other at an angle interval of 180° based on the rotating shaft12a, the driving member12may be driven to repeatedly perform an operation in which the rotation bar14and the coupling bars16coupled thereto simultaneously rotate around the rotating shaft12aby 180° and are then simultaneously stopped for a predetermined reference time. The reference time is not particularly limited and may be determined to ensure an appropriate time to perform an operation of gripping the film F loaded on the film tray20to be described below using the gripping unit30to be described below. As such, when the driving member12is driven, whenever the rotation bar14and the one pair of coupling bars16coupled thereto simultaneously rotate by 180° and are then stopped for a predetermined reference time, the positions of the one pair of coupling bars16and the gripping units30coupled thereto may be reversed. For convenience of description, hereinafter, a region that is set at one side of the turntable10so as to position the coupling bar16coupled to one end of the rotation bar14among the one pair of coupling bars16when the rotation bar14simultaneously rotates around the rotating shaft12aby 180° and is then stopped for the reference time, as shown inFIG.1, will be referred to as a first operation region A1. In addition, a region that is spaced apart from the first operation region A1at an angle interval of 180° based on the rotating shaft12aand is set at the other side of the turntable10, opposite to the one side of the turntable10, so as to position the coupling bar16coupled to the other end of the rotation bar14, opposite to the one end, among the one pair of coupling bars16when the rotation bar14simultaneously rotates around the rotating shaft12aby 180° and is then stopped for the reference time will be referred to as a second operation region A2. FIGS.3to5are diagrams for explaining a method of gripping a film using a gripping unit. Then, the film tray20may be a device on which the films F are loaded in order to feed the same using the film feeding apparatus1. The film tray20may be installed in the first operation region A1to face the coupling bar16installed in the first operation region A1among the one pair of coupling bars16. The number of the installed film trays20is not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.1, when the coupling bars16are installed to be symmetrical based on one end of the rotation bar14, one pair of film trays20may be installed in the first operation region A1. In this case, any one of the film trays20may be installed at one side of the first operation region A1to face the gripping unit30coupled to one end among opposite ends of the coupling bar16, and the other one of the film trays20may be installed at the other side of the first operation region A1, opposite to the one side of the first operation region A1, to face the gripping unit30coupled to the other end opposite to the one end among opposite ends of the coupling bar16. As shown inFIG.3, the plurality of films F to be fed using the film feeding apparatus1may be loaded in multiple layers in a thickness direction of the film F on each of the one pair of film trays20. Each of the one pair of film trays20may be coupled to a tray transfer unit60for raising and lowering the film trays20in the thickness direction of the film F. The structure of the tray transfer unit60is not particularly limited. For example, the tray transfer unit60may be configured as a cylinder device for raising and lowering the film tray20. The tray transfer unit60may raise and lower the film tray20depending on a progress of feeding the film F, the number of the films F loaded on the film tray20, and so on to maintain the distance between the coupling bar16and a film loaded at an uppermost layer (hereinafter referred to as the “uppermost film FT”) among the films F loaded on the film tray20. Then, the gripping unit30may be a device for gripping or releasing the film F. The structure of the gripping unit30is not particularly limited. For example, the gripping unit30may be provided to grip the film F through vacuum adsorption and may be coupled to the coupling bar16to be transferred by the rotation bar14along a predetermined circular trajectory. In this case, as shown inFIG.3, the gripping unit30may include at least one vacuum tube32connected to a vacuum pump36and at least one transfer member34for raising or lowering any one of the vacuum tubes32to be close to the film tray20or to be spaced apart from the film tray20. Each of the vacuum tubes32may include the adsorption pad32ainstalled at one end of the corresponding vacuum tube32, oriented towards the film tray20, to facilitate vacuum adsorption of the film F using vacuum pressure applied from the vacuum pump36. The structure of the transfer members34is not particularly limited. For example, each of the transfer members34may be configured as a cylinder device for raising and lowering the vacuum tube32coupled to the corresponding transfer member34. The number of the installed gripping units30is not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the one pair of gripping units30may be installed at each of the coupling bars16. In more detail, as shown inFIGS.1and3, the gripping unit30may be installed at each of the opposite ends of the coupling bars16in such a way that the films F loaded on the film tray20face the adsorption pad32a. As such, as shown inFIGS.3to5, as the gripping unit30is installed, when any one of the coupling bars16is disposed in the first operation region A1, each of the one pair of gripping units30installed in any one of the coupling bars16may be operated to selectively grip the uppermost film FT among the films F loaded on the film tray20facing the corresponding gripping unit30. In more detail, as shown inFIG.4, with regard to each of the one pair of gripping units30installed in any one of the coupling bars16, the transfer members34may lower the vacuum tubes32to make the adsorption pad32acontact the uppermost film FT. Then, the adsorption pad32amay grip the uppermost film FT using vacuum pressure applied from the vacuum pump36through vacuum adsorption. Then, as shown inFIG.5, the transfer members34may raise the vacuum tubes32to space the uppermost film FT apart from the remaining films F loaded on the film tray20by a predetermined distance. Through this procedure, each of the one pair of gripping units30installed at any one of the coupling bars16may selectively grip the uppermost film FT loaded on the film tray20facing the corresponding gripping unit30. Then, the multiple feed prevention unit40may be a device for preventing two or more films F from being gripped by the gripping unit30. The plurality of films F may be loaded in multiple layers on the film tray20, and thus two or more films F may be gripped together by the gripping unit30while sticking together due to adhesion and static electricity of the film F, or other reasons. As such, when two or more films F are fed while sticking together, an error may occur in a subsequent process to be performed using the film F fed by the film feeding apparatus1. To overcome this, the film feeding apparatus1may include the multiple feed prevention unit40for separating the film F stuck on the uppermost film FT from the uppermost film FT to selectively grip only one uppermost film FT among the films F that stick together. The structure of the multiple feed prevention unit40is not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.3, the multiple feed prevention unit40may include at least one brush42installed to sweep the film F that is transferred while being gripped by the gripping unit30, and at least one air nozzle44installed to inject air A towards the film F that is transferred while being gripped by the gripping unit30. The number of the installed brushes42is not particularly limited. For example, the plurality of brushes42may be installed to contact one end of front, rear, left, and right ends of the film F that is raised while being gripped by the gripping unit30. Each of the brushes42may be driven to rotate in a predetermined direction by a driving motor (not shown) to sweep an end of the film F, which is raised while being gripped by the gripping unit30, towards the film tray20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown inFIG.5, when the brushes42are used, if two or more films F are gripped together by the gripping unit30while sticking together, the remaining films F except for the uppermost film FT that is vacuum-adsorbed directly onto the adsorption pad32amay be separated from the uppermost film FT while being swept towards the film tray20by the brushes42and may then be loaded on the film tray20again. The number of the installed air nozzles44is not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.5, the plurality of air nozzles44may be installed to inject the air A towards an end of one side of front, rear, left, and right ends of the film F that is raised while being gripped by the gripping unit30. When the air nozzles44are used, if two or more films F are gripped together by the gripping unit30while sticking together, an interval between the films F may be generated by the air A injected towards an end of the films F. Thus, the remaining films F except for the uppermost film FT that is vacuum-adsorbed directly onto the adsorption pad32amay be separated from the uppermost film FT by the air A and may then be loaded on the film tray20again. Then, the film ejection unit50may be a device for feeding the film F that is transferred to the second operation region A2from the first operation region A1by the turntable10to a predetermined film processing device2. The structure of the film ejection unit50is not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the film ejection unit50may include a conveyer52installed in the second operation region A2to eject the film F released from the gripping unit30to the outside. In this case, the film processing device2may be installed to receive the film F that is ejected out of the film feeding apparatus1by the conveyer52. The number of the installed conveyers52is not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.1, when the one pair of gripping units30are installed in each of the coupling bars16, the one pair of conveyers52may be installed in the second operation region A2. In this case, any one of the conveyers52may be installed to face the gripping unit30installed at one of opposite ends of the coupling bar16positioned in the second operation region A2, and the other one of the conveyers52may be installed to face the gripping unit30installed at the other end of the opposite ends of the coupling bar16positioned in the second operation region A2. As such, as the conveyers52are installed, the film F that is pre-gripped in the first operation region A1may be accommodated on the conveyer52facing the corresponding gripping unit30by releasing the film F from any one of the gripping units30positioned in the second operation region A2. Correspondingly, the film F that is pre-gripped in the first operation region A1may be accommodated on the conveyer52facing the corresponding gripping unit30by releasing the film F from the other one of the gripping units30positioned in the second operation region A2. Each of the conveyers52may feed the film F to the predetermined film processing device2by transferring the film F transferred from the gripping unit30, as described above. The type of the film processing device2is not particularly limited. For example, the film processing device2may be a film inspection device for inspecting Luving Mark, defective Mark, color, bubble, impurities, peeling, dirt, and so on or determining whether a target is defective. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a method of feeding a film using the film feeding apparatus1will be described. First, as shown inFIG.1, a controller may drive the rotation bar14and the coupling bars16coupled thereto to rotate by a predetermined reference angle and may then stop the same for a predetermined reference time using the driving member12so as to position any one of the coupling bars16in the first operation region A1and to simultaneously position the other one of the coupling bars16in the second operation region A2. Then, as shown inFIGS.3to5, the controller may grip the uppermost film FT loaded at the uppermost layer through vacuum adsorption to face the corresponding gripping unit30among the films F loaded on the film tray20using each of the gripping units30coupled to the coupling bar16positioned in the first operation region A1in the state in which the rotation bar14is stopped for the reference time. Simultaneously, the controller may separate the film F stuck on the uppermost film FT from the uppermost film FT using the multiple feed prevention unit40to selectively grip only the uppermost film FT by the gripping unit30. As shown inFIG.1, the controller may accommodate the films F, which are pre-gripped by the gripping units30in the first operation region A1, on the conveyers52facing the corresponding gripping unit30by releasing the films F using the gripping units30coupled to the coupling bar16positioned in the second operation region A2. Then, as shown inFIG.2, the controller may drive the rotation bar14and the coupling bars16coupled thereto to rotate around the rotating shaft12aby the reference angle using the driving member12and may then be stopped for the reference time. Then, the positions of the coupling bars16and the gripping units30may be reversed by transferring the coupling bar16and the gripping units30coupled thereto, which are positioned in the first operation region A1, to the second operation region A2and transferring the coupling bar16and the gripping units30coupled thereto, which are positioned in the second operation region A2, to the first operation region A1. Simultaneously, the controller may eject the films F transferred from the gripping unit30to the outside and may feed the films F to the film processing device2using the conveyers52. As described above, the film feeding apparatus1may simultaneously perform an operation of gripping the film F from the film tray20and an operation of feeding the pre-gripped film F from the film tray20, using the turntable10. As such, the film feeding apparatus1may rapidly feed the films F loaded on the film tray20to the film processing device2. The film feeding apparatus1may grip or release the film F using a vacuum adsorption method, and thus may prevent the film F from being damaged by being swept by a roller or the like during a procedure of transferring the film F and may transfer and feed the film F while constantly aligning the film F. FIGS.6to9are diagrams for explaining a method of gripping a film using a second gripping unit. The film feeding apparatus1may include an improved second gripping unit70instead of the aforementioned gripping unit30in order to separate the films F gripped together with the uppermost film FT from the uppermost film FT while being stuck on the uppermost film FT. That is, the film feeding apparatus1may include the second gripping unit70that is improved to assist the multiple feed prevention unit40or replace the multiple feed prevention unit40instead of the aforementioned gripping unit30. The second gripping unit70may be provided to grip the film F through vacuum adsorption and may be coupled to the coupling bar16to be transferred along a predetermined circular trajectory by the rotation bar14. As shown inFIG.6, the second gripping unit70may include a plurality of vacuum tubes72that are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval and are connected to a vacuum pump76, and transfer members74for raising or lowering any one of the vacuum tubes72to be close to the film tray20or to be spaced apart from the film tray20. The arrangement of the vacuum tubes72is not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.6, the vacuum tubes72may be arranged in two rows. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a method of gripping the film F using the second gripping unit70will be described. First, the controller may lower some of the vacuum tubes72to make an adsorption pad72aincluded in the corresponding vacuum tubes72contact the uppermost film FT loaded on the film tray20using the transfer member74coupled to some of the vacuum tubes72. For example, as shown inFIG.7, the controller may lower the vacuum tubes72arranged in any one row to make the adsorption pad72aincluded in the corresponding vacuum tubes72contact the uppermost film FT loaded on the film tray20using the transfer member74coupled to the vacuum tubes72arranged in any one row among the vacuum tubes72arranged in two rows. Then, the controller may primarily vacuum-adsorb the uppermost film FT using the adsorption pad72aincluded in the corresponding vacuum tubes72by selectively applying vacuum pressure to some of the vacuum tubes72using the vacuum pump76. For example, as shown inFIG.8, the controller may primarily vacuum-adsorb the uppermost film FT using the adsorption pad72aincluded in the corresponding vacuum tubes72by selectively applying vacuum pressure to the vacuum tubes72arranged in any one row using the vacuum pump76. Then, the controller may lower some of the other vacuum tubes72to make the adsorption pad72aincluded in the corresponding vacuum tubes72contact the uppermost film FT using the transfer member74coupled to some of the other vacuum tubes72among the vacuum tubes72in the state in which the uppermost film FT is primarily vacuum-adsorbed by the adsorption pad72aincluded in some of the other vacuum tubes72. For example, as shown inFIG.8, the controller may lower the vacuum tubes72arranged in the other one row to make the adsorption pad72aincluded in the corresponding vacuum tubes72contact the uppermost film FT using the transfer member74coupled to the vacuum tubes72arranged in the other one row among the vacuum tubes72arranged in two rows in the state in which the uppermost film FT is primarily vacuum-adsorbed by the adsorption pad72aincluded in the vacuum tubes72arranged in any one row. Then, the controller may secondarily vacuum-adsorb the uppermost film FT using the adsorption pad72aincluded in the corresponding vacuum tubes72by selectively applying vacuum pressure to some of the other vacuum tubes72using the vacuum pump76. For example, the controller may secondarily vacuum-adsorb the uppermost film FT using the adsorption pad72aincluded in the corresponding vacuum tubes72by selectively applying vacuum pressure to the vacuum tubes72arranged in the other one row using the vacuum pump76. Then, as shown inFIG.9, the controller may raise all the vacuum tubes72and the uppermost film FT gripped by all the vacuum tubes72using all the transfer members74to be spaced apart from the remaining films F loaded on the film tray20. As described above, the second gripping unit70may grip the uppermost film FT through vacuum adsorption step by step over multiple times. Then, the uppermost film FT may vibrate due to vacuum pressure applied through the adsorption pad72awhenever the uppermost film FT is vacuum-adsorbed using some of the vacuum tubes72. When the second gripping unit70is used, the films F stuck on the uppermost film FT may be effectively separated from the uppermost film FT and may be loaded on the film tray20again by repeatedly vibrating the uppermost film FT and the films F stuck on the uppermost film FT multiple times. FIGS.10to12are diagrams for explaining a method of gripping a film using a third gripping unit. The film feeding apparatus1may include an improved third gripping unit80using a different method from that of the aforementioned second gripping unit70instead of the aforementioned second gripping unit70in order to prevent the plurality of films F from being fed. The third gripping unit80may be provided to grip the film F through vacuum adsorption and may be coupled to the coupling bar16to be transferred along a predetermined circular trajectory by the rotation bar14. The third gripping unit80may include at least one vacuum tube82that is elastically deformable, and transfer members84for transferring any one of the vacuum tubes82to be close to the film tray90or to be spaced from the film tray90. The structure of the vacuum tubes82is not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.10, each of the vacuum tubes82may include a first vacuum pipe82aconnected to a vacuum pump86to apply vacuum pressure thereto, a second vacuum pipe82bhaving one end hinged to the first vacuum pipe82ato receive the vacuum pressure from the first vacuum pipe82and the other end opposite to the one end, at which an adsorption pad82dis installed, and an elastic member82cfor elastically connecting the first vacuum pipe82aand the second vacuum pipe82bto elastically restore the first vacuum pipe82aand the second vacuum pipe82bto a predetermined reference arrangement. The reference arrangements of the first vacuum pipe82aand the second vacuum pipe82bare not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIG.10, the reference arrangement of the first vacuum pipe82aand the second vacuum pipe82bmay correspond to a straight line. The elastic member82cmay have one end coupled to the first vacuum pipe82aand the other end opposite to the one end, which is configured as a coil spring coupled to the second vacuum pipe82b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of the installed elastic member82cis not particularly limited. For example, a plurality of elastic members82cmay be coupled to the vacuum tube82to be symmetrical. Referring toFIG.10, as described above, in response to provision of the vacuum tube82, an upper surface of the film tray90may have a concave structure that is recessed by a predetermined curvature. Then, the films F may be loaded on the upper surface of the film tray90while being concavely bent to correspond to the curvature of the upper surface of the film tray90. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a method of griping the film F using the third gripping unit80will be described. First, as shown inFIG.11, the controller may lower the vacuum tubes82to make the adsorption pad82dincluded in each of the vacuum tubes82contact the uppermost film FT using the transfer members84. Then, as shown inFIG.11, each of the second vacuum pipes82bmay be hinge-rotated by reaction force that is applied while the adsorption pad82dcomes into surface-contact with the uppermost film FT. Then, the controller may vacuum-adsorb the uppermost film FT using the adsorption pad82dincluded in each of the vacuum tubes82by applying vacuum pressure to each of the vacuum tubes82using the vacuum pump86. Then, as shown inFIG.12, the controller may raise the vacuum tubes82and the uppermost film FT gripped by the vacuum tubes82to be spaced apart from the remaining films F loaded on the film tray90using the transfer members84. Then, each of the second vacuum pipes82bmay be elastically restored to configure a straight line with respect to the first vacuum pipe82aby elastic force applied from the elastic member82c. However, the uppermost film FT and the films F stuck on the uppermost film FT may be vacuum-adsorbed to the adsorption pads82dwhile being concavely bent to have a similar curvature to that of the film tray90. Thus, as shown inFIG.12, when each of the second vacuum pipes82bis elastically restored, the uppermost film FT and the films F stuck on the uppermost film FT may vibrate to be flat or be concavely bent by elastic force transferred during a procedure of elastically restoring the second vacuum pipes82b. Then, the films F gripped by the third gripping unit80while being stuck on the uppermost film FT may be separated from the uppermost film FT by vibration and may then be loaded on the film tray90again. The present invention relates to a film feeding apparatus and may have the following effects. First, according to the present invention, an operation of gripping a film from a film tray and an operation of transferring the pre-gripped film to a conveyer from the film tray may be simultaneously performed using a turntable. As such, according to the present invention, the film loaded on the film tray may be rapidly fed to a film processing device. Second, according to the present invention, the film may be gripped and fed using a vacuum adsorption method, and thus the film may be prevented from being scratched due to a roller or the like during a procedure of feeding the film and may be fed while being evenly aligned. Third, according to the present invention, when a plurality of films is gripped together by a gripping unit while sticking together, the films that stick together may be separated from each other using a brush, an air nozzle, or the like or by applying vibration, and accordingly, only one film may be selectively fed. The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and one of ordinary skill in the art will make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain the technical idea, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. | 31,376 |
11858771 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION In general, according to one embodiment, a sheet post-processing device and a sheet post-processing method capable of preventing misalignment in sheets to be bundle-discharged are provided. A sheet post-processing device according to an embodiment, a sheet post-processing device includes a first tray to receive sheets from an image forming unit, a second tray to receive sheets from the first tray, and a third tray to receive sheets from the second tray. The third tray is movable relative to the second tray. A bundle claw is configured to move sheets in a first direction from the second tray to the third tray. A controller is configured to move the third tray relative to the second tray according to the sheets on the second tray. A sheet post-processing device and a sheet post-processing method according to certain example embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, components, elements, or aspects having the same or substantially similar functions are denoted by the same reference symbols. In addition, description of a duplicated component, element, or aspect may be omitted after an initial description. First, an overall configuration of an image forming device100will be described with reference toFIG.1. FIG.1is an external view illustrating an overall configuration example of the image forming device100according to an embodiment. The image forming device100is, for example, a multifunction peripheral. The image forming device100includes a display110, a control panel120, a printer130, a sheet accommodating unit140, and an image reading unit150. The display110is, for example, a liquid crystal display of a touch panel type. The display110displays various kinds of information. In addition, the display110receives an input operation from a user. The control panel120includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key. The control panel120receives various input operations from the user. For example, the control panel120receives an input operation relating to post processing. Examples of post processing include a sorting processing for sorting sheets into a plurality of copies, stapling processing for stapling each copy, and punching processing for punching holes in predetermined positions of sheets. In addition, the control panel120outputs operation signals corresponding to the various input operations received from the user to a control unit. The printer130performs a series of printing operations based on various kinds of information output from the display110, the control panel120, the image reading unit150, and the like. The series of printing operations include receiving image information, forming an image, transferring the formed image to a sheet, conveying a sheet, and the like. The sheet accommodating unit140includes a plurality of sheet cassettes. Each sheet cassette accommodates sheets therein. These sheets are usually normal copy sheets (plain paper), but may also sheets of other types such as a photographic sheet, a label sheet, a polyester film sheet, and the like. The image reading unit150includes an automatic document sheet feeder and a scanner device. The automatic document sheet feeder feeds a document placed on a document tray to the scanner device. The scanner device optically scans a document on a document glass stand, and forms an image of reflected light from the document on a light-receiving surface of a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor. Accordingly, the scanner device reads a document image on the document glass stand. The image reading unit150generates image information (image data) by using a result of reading by the scanner device. InFIG.1, the image forming device100includes a fixed tray56and a movable tray430. The fixed tray56is a tray at a fixed position to which the sheets can be discharged. The sheets can be discharged to the fixed tray56in the following cases.A case in which the number of the sheets to be printed is less than a predetermined number.A case in which just one copy is to be printed.A case in which two or more copies are to be printed, but are to be printed page by page. The movable tray430is a tray that moves up and down. The sheets can be discharged to the movable tray430in the following cases.A case in which the number of the sheets to be printed is more than a predetermined number.A case two or more copies are to be printed, but are to be printed as separate copies. FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the image forming device100. As illustrated inFIG.2, the image forming device100(more particularly, the printer130portion of the image forming device100) includes four image forming units20ato20d. The image forming device100is of a so-called quadruple tandem type in this example. The image forming device100includes an image processing unit10, an image forming unit20(including units20ato20d), an intermediate transfer unit30, a fixing unit40, a sheet conveying unit50, and a sheet post-processing device60. The image processing unit10receives the image information (print data). The received image information can be generated by the image reading unit150or transmitted from another device. The image processing unit10performs digital image processing for processing the received image information according to an initial setting or a setting selected by the user. For example, the digital image processing includes gradation correction based on gradation correction data. In addition to the gradation correction, the digital image processing includes various correction processing that may be made to the image data such as color correction or shading correction as well as processing such as compression. Next, the image forming unit20will be described. The image forming unit20includes the image forming unit20acorresponding to Y (yellow), the image forming unit20bcorresponding to M (magenta), the image forming unit20ccorresponding to C (cyan), and the image forming unit20dcorresponding to K (black). The image forming units20ato20drespectively include photoconductor drums21ato21d, chargers22ato22d, an exposure device23, developing devices24ato24d, and a drum cleaning device. In the following, the reference numerals a to d will be omitted since the description applies to each image forming unit20ato20d. The photoconductor drum21is, for example, an organic photo-conductor (OPC) of a charge type in which an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer are sequentially laminated on a circumferential surface of a conductive cylinder made of aluminum. The photoconductor drum21changes conductivity in response to light. The charger22generates corona discharge. The charger22uniformly charges a surface of the photoconductor drum21. The exposure device23is, for example, a semiconductor laser. The exposure device23irradiates the photoconductor drum21with laser light corresponding to an image of each color component. When the laser light is irradiated by the exposure device23, a potential of a region irradiated with the laser light is changed on the surface of the photoconductor drum21. Due to this change in conductivity, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum21. The developing device24accommodates a developer. The developing device24attaches a toner of a respective color component to the surface of the respective photoconductor drum21. Accordingly, a toner image of one color toner is formed on the photoconductor drum21. That is, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum21is developed. Here, the developer will be described. As the developer, for example, a two-component developer is used. The two-component developer includes a non-magnetic toner and a carrier. For the carrier, for example, iron powder having a particle diameter of several tens of microns (μm) or a polymer ferrite particle is used. The carrier is mixed with the toner in the developing device24, and is frictionally charged, thereby giving a charge (for example, a negative charge) to the toner particles. In addition, the carrier conveys the toner to the electrostatic latent image by a magnetic force. The drum cleaning device includes a cleaning blade in contact with the surface of the photoconductor drum21. The cleaning blade removes a residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum21after primary transfer. The removed residual toner is collected in an accommodating unit of the drum cleaning device. Next, the intermediate transfer unit30will be described. The intermediate transfer unit30includes an intermediate transfer body31, a primary transfer roller32, a plurality of support rollers33, a secondary transfer roller34, a belt cleaning device35, and the like. The intermediate transfer body31is, for example, an endless belt (transfer belt). The intermediate transfer body31is not substantially conductive or elastic. Specifically, for example, the intermediate transfer body31is a belt made of polyimide. However, in other examples, the intermediate transfer body31may have conductivity and elasticity. The support rollers33ato33csupport the intermediate transfer body31such that tension is applied to the intermediate transfer body31. Accordingly, the intermediate transfer body31is formed in a loop shape. One of the plurality of support rollers33ato33c(for example, the support roller33a) is a drive roller. The rollers other than the drive roller are driven rollers. When the driving roller is rotated (by a motor or the like), the intermediate transfer body31travels in the direction A depicted inFIG.2at a predetermined speed and in a predetermined cycle. The primary transfer roller32is disposed to face the photoconductor drum21with the intermediate transfer body31interposed therebetween. Specifically, the primary transfer roller32is disposed so as to apply a pressure on the photoconductor drum21with the intermediate transfer body31interposed therebetween. Accordingly, the primary transfer roller32and the photoconductor drum21form a primary transfer unit that nips the intermediate transfer body31. When the intermediate transfer body31passes through the primary transfer unit, the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum21is transferred to the intermediate transfer body31. When the intermediate transfer body31passes through the primary transfer unit, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller32. Specifically, for example, a charge having a polarity (e.g., a positive polarity) opposite to that of the toner (is applied to the primary transfer roller32. Accordingly, the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum21is electrostatically transferred to the intermediate transfer body31. The secondary transfer roller34is disposed to face the support roller33awith the intermediate transfer body31interposed therebetween. Specifically, the secondary transfer roller34is disposed so as to apply a pressure on the support roller33awith the intermediate transfer body31interposed therebetween. Accordingly, the secondary transfer roller34and the support roller33aform a secondary transfer unit38that brings the intermediate transfer body31into contact with the sheets being printed. When a sheet pass through the secondary transfer unit38, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body31is transferred to the sheet. When the sheets pass through the secondary transfer unit38, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the support roller33a. Specifically, a charge having the same polarity (e.g., a negative polarity) as that of the toner is applied to the support roller33a. Accordingly, the toner image on the intermediate transfer body31is electrostatically transferred to the sheets. The secondary transfer roller34and the support roller33acan be separated from each other. Accordingly, when the sheets are jammed in the secondary transfer unit38, the user can remove the sheets. The belt cleaning device35includes a cleaning blade in contact with a surface of the intermediate transfer body31. The cleaning blade removes any residual toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer body31after the secondary transfer. The removed residual toner is collected in an accommodating unit of the belt cleaning device35. The fixing unit40heats and presses the sheets to which the toner image has been transferred. The fixing unit40is, for example, a roller-type fixing unit including a heated roller that heats the sheets and a pressing roller that is pressed against the heated roller. Accordingly, the fixing unit40fixes the toner image onto the sheets. The fixing unit40can also adopt a method of fixing toner images to the sheets by heating of a film member interposed therebetween. Next, the sheet conveying unit50will be described. The sheet conveying unit50includes a sheet feed unit51, a registration unit52, a first guide unit53, a second guide unit54, and a sheet discharge unit55. The sheet feed unit51conveys the sheets accommodated in the sheet accommodating unit140one by one to the registration unit52. The registration unit52stops each sheets being conveyed from the sheet feed unit51and then feeds the sheet toward the secondary transfer unit38at a timing appropriate for toner image transfer to the sheet. The appropriate timing in this context is the timing at which the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body31can be secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer unit38to the sheet at a correct position. The first guide unit53restricts movement of the sheets fed from the registration unit52to the secondary transfer unit38. The secondary transfer unit38transfers the toner image to the sheets after the first guide unit53. The secondary transfer unit38then feeds the sheets to which the toner image has been transferred toward the fixing unit40. The second guide unit54restricts movement of the sheets fed from the secondary transfer unit38to the fixing unit40. The fixing unit40heats and presses the sheets after the second guide unit54, and then feeds the sheets to the sheet discharge unit55or the sheet post-processing device60. The sheet discharge unit55simply discharges the sheets to the fixed tray56(seeFIG.1). The sheet post-processing device60post-processes the sheets fed from the fixing unit40, and discharges sheets to the movable tray430(seeFIG.1). After post processing, such as the sorting processing and the stapling processing, is performed, the sheet post-processing device60discharges the sheets as a group (bundle) to the movable tray430. The post processing for sorting includes a process of aligning the sheets with respect to one another. The post processing for stapling includes a process of aligning the sheets as well as stapling of the aligned sheets. Next, a hardware configuration of the image forming device100will be described with reference toFIG.3. FIG.3is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming device100. As illustrated inFIG.3, the image forming device100includes, in addition to the already described configurations, a central processing unit (CPU)201, a memory202, a communication unit203, and a speaker204. These components can communicate with each other via a bus. The CPU201is a central processing unit, and controls each unit illustrated inFIG.3by reading and executing various programs stored in the memory202. The various programs include a sheet post-processing program according to the present embodiment. The memory is a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, or the like. The ROM is a read-only memory, and stores various kinds of information used by the CPU, such as a program. The RAM is a memory that can be read and written, and stores various kinds of information. For example, the RAM stores information acquired from the outside and information generated in various processing. The hard disk stores various kinds of information. The communication unit203is an interface that transmits and receives information to and from other devices. The speaker204outputs sound. Next, configuration examples and general operation examples of the sheet post-processing device60will be described with reference toFIGS.4to7. FIGS.4to7are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of configurational aspects and general operations of the sheet post-processing device60. As depicted inFIG.4, the sheet post-processing device60includes a standby tray410, a processing tray420, and the movable tray430. The standby tray410is a fixed tray that stands by (buffers) until the number of sheets St fed from a conveying roller411reaches a predetermined number (hereinafter referred to as a “buffer number”). The buffer number is, for example, three. When the number of the sheets St on the standby tray410reaches the buffer number then, as illustrated inFIG.5, the sheets St on the standby tray410are automatically moved to the processing tray420. The processing tray420is an example of a processing placement unit. In the stapling processing, the processing tray420stores the sheets St as needed. The processing tray420is a fixed tray on which the sheets St are aligned and wait until the number of sheets St reaches the number for bundle discharge (hereinafter referred to as a “bundle discharge number”), and a post processing is performed after the bundle discharge number is reached. In the stapling processing, the bundle discharge number is the number of pages in a document copy to be stapled together as a unit. In the sorting processing, the bundle discharge number can be equal to the buffer number. That is, in the sorting processing, the processing tray420aligns the sheets St each time the sheets St reach the buffer number (the bundle discharge number) in the standby tray410and thus are moved to the processing tray420, and then discharges the aligned sheets St to the movable tray530. A bundle claw421is disposed on one end (a main body side) of the processing tray420, and a discharge roller422is disposed on the other end (a discharge side). The bundle claw421includes a moving mechanism that moves from a standby position illustrated inFIG.5to an advanced position illustrated inFIG.7. When the bundle discharge number is reached on the processing tray420and the post processing has been performed as needed, the bundle claw421pushes out the bundled sheets St toward the movable tray430. The discharge roller422feeds the sheets St pushed out by the bundle claw421to the movable tray430. The discharge roller422may be a driven roller, or may be a passive roller that rotates freely as the sheets St are discharged. When the number of the sheets St on the processing tray420reaches the bundle discharge number, the bundle claw421pushes out the bundled sheets St as illustrated inFIG.6. As illustrated, the sheet post-processing device60according to the present embodiment is not provided with a pinch roller or the like that faces the discharge roller422. Therefore, when the sheets St are discharged from the processing tray420to the movable tray430there is no pressing on the bundle from above (such as would be the case with a pinch roller opposite the discharge roller422). As illustrated inFIG.7, when the bundle claw421reaches the advanced position, the sheets St pushed out by the bundle claw421are placed on the movable tray430with the discharge roller422interposed therebetween. The movable tray430is an example of a movable placement unit. The movable tray430receives the sheets St discharged from the processing tray420. The movable tray430includes a mechanism that can move up and down. A height of the movable tray430can be appropriately changed according to an amount of the sheets St to be placed thereon, for example. Here, an example of a case where misalignment occurs in the sheets St to be bundle-discharged will be described with reference toFIGS.8A and8B. FIGS.8A and8Bare explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a case where misalignment occurs in the sheets St to be bundle-discharged. InFIG.8A, it is assumed that no sheets St are initially on the movable tray430. For example, if a large step800is present between the processing tray420and the movable tray430, the sheets St stand by in a deflected state (that is, the sheets St bend or bow downward). When the bundle discharge is performed in this situation, the relationship between the force (conveying force) moving the sheets St onto the movable tray430and the resistance force (friction force) due to contact between the tip portions of the sheets St being moved and the movable tray430, the resistance force may be larger than the conveying force. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.8B, the sheets St being moved onto the movable tray430are likely to be additionally deflected and may not be discharged normally, resulting in misalignment of the sheets St. Such deflection when the sheets St are discharged tends to occur more easily as the step800becomes larger. In addition, such deflection can be more significant when longer type sheets St are used, or when a total weight of the sheets St being transferred is low. When the sheets St are already on the movable tray430when additional sheets St are being moved on the movable tray430, the relevant contact resistance is that between the different sheets St. However, since an air layer may be initially formed between the individual sheets St, the contact resistance between such individual sheets St can be lower than the resistance force due between sheets St and the movable tray430. That is, when the sheets St are already present on the movable tray430, issues with sheet deflection when additional sheets St are discharged are considered less likely to occur. Therefore, the sheet post-processing device60according to the present embodiment adjusts a position of the movable tray430based on presence or absence of the sheets St already on the movable tray430when a bundle discharge is performed. FIG.9is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a case where the position of the movable tray430is changed in the present embodiment. When a bundle discharge is performed, the movable tray430is disposed at a first position (hereinafter referred to as a “first discharge position P1”) higher than a standby position in a normal control. In addition, as illustrated inFIG.9, when sheets St are not already on the movable tray430, the movable tray430is disposed at a second position (hereinafter referred to as a “second discharge position P2”) higher than the first discharge position P1. At the second discharge position P2, a difference H2in height between a surface of the processing tray420and a surface of the movable tray430is smaller than a difference H1at the first discharge position P1. FIG.10is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation example of the bundle discharge when the movable tray430is moved to the second discharge position P2. InFIG.10, it is assumed that no sheets St are on the movable tray430initially. As illustrated inFIG.10, since the height (the difference H2) between the surface of the processing tray420and the surface of the movable tray430is reduced, the resistance force due to the contact between the sheets St and the movable tray430can be made smaller than the conveying force of the tip portions of the sheets St on the movable tray430side. Therefore, the deflection of the sheets St can be made less likely to occur even when no sheets St are on the movable tray430in the bundle-discharge. Next, a functional configuration of the sheet post-processing device60included in the image forming device will be described with reference toFIG.11. FIG.11is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the sheet post-processing device60. The sheet post-processing device60includes a post-processing unit501, a discharge processing unit502, and a placement control unit503. Each of the units501to503is implemented by the CPU201. That is, the CPU201implements functions of the units501to503by executing a sheet post-processing program stored in memory. The CPU201is not limited to performing the processing according to the present embodiment by executing programs, and can also perform the processing according to the present embodiment by using, for example, hardware (a circuit unit; including circuitry) such as a large scale integration (LSI) circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a graphics processing unit (GPU), and can also perform the processing according to the present embodiment by a cooperation of software and hardware. The post-processing unit501, the discharge processing unit502, and the placement control unit503are not limited to being implemented by the CPU201of the image forming device100. For example, when the sheet post-processing device60itself includes a CPU, each of the units501to503may be implemented by a CPU included in the sheet post-processing device60. The post-processing unit501causes the processing tray420to stand by until the number of the conveyed sheets St reaches the bundle discharge number (a predetermined number). Then, the post-processing unit501post-processes the sheets St of the bundle discharge number as a bundle. Examples of the post processing include sorting processing, stapling processing, and punching processing. The post-processing unit501performs the post processing whenever the post processing is set to be performed. The post processing can be selected based on an operation input by a user using the control panel120or based on setting information received from another device (a user terminal such as a personal computer) by using the communication unit203. Hereinafter, printing for which the post processing is set may be referred to as a “post-processing mode” printing. The discharge processing unit502discharges the bundle of sheets St post-processed by the post-processing unit501to the movable tray430. Specifically, the discharge processing unit502controls the bundle claw421to discharge (bundle-discharge) the bundle of sheets St to the movable tray430. The placement control unit503performs control to change the position of the movable tray430with respect to the processing tray420based on the presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430before the sheets St are discharged to the movable tray430by the discharge processing unit502. The presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430can be detected by a sensor included in the image forming device100. The sensor is provided proximate to the movable tray430. Specifically, the placement control unit503disposes the movable tray430at the first discharge position P1(seeFIG.9) when the post-processing mode is started. The first discharge position P1is higher than a normal disposing position (normal position) (In this context, the normal position is the movable tray430position when post-processing is not being performed on the sheets St being printed). In addition, when sheets have not yet been placed on the movable tray430in the post-processing mode, the placement control unit503adjusts the position of the movable tray430to the second discharge position P2, which is different from the first discharge position P1. In particular, the second discharge position P2is higher than the first discharge position P1. As described above, the deflection in a bundle discharge can be more significant when longer sheets St are being printed. Therefore, in some examples, when sheets St are not yet on the movable tray430, the placement control unit503may change the position of the movable tray430in view of the size of the sheets St to be printed. For example, when the sheets St are long in a sub-scanning direction, the placement control unit503adjusts the position of the movable tray430accordingly. Specifically, if A3 size sheets (which are longer than in usual sub-scanning direction than a A4 size sheet or a plain letter page sheet) are being printed, then when the sheets St are discharged the height of the movable tray430is adjusted. For example, when at least one long-type sheet St is present in the sheets St to be bundle-discharged, then such a long-type sheet St may be deflected. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when at least one sheet St having a long size is present in the sheets St to be bundle-discharged, the placement control unit503changes the position of the movable tray430. However, the position of the movable tray430in some examples need not be changed if the post processing is being performed on mixed A3 size and A4 size sheets but an A4 size sheet is positioned at a lowest position in the bundle (stack). As described above, the deflection in a bundle discharge can be more significant when the weight of the sheets St is lower. Therefore, when sheets St are not presently on the movable tray430, the placement control unit503may change the position of the movable tray430based on a weight of the sheets St. For example, the placement control unit503changes the position of the movable tray430when the sheets St are expected to be of a weak stiffness, such as when the weight of the sheets St being printed is equal to or less than some predetermined value. In this context, the matter of the weight of the sheets St being equal to or less than a predetermined value can be based on the per sheet weight of the sheets being printed being equal to or less than 90 g/m2. For example, when at least one sheet St having a weak stiffness is present in the sheets St to be bundle-discharged, this sheet St having a weak stiffness may be deflected. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the placement control unit503changes the position of the movable tray430when at least one sheet St having a weak stiffness is known to be present in the sheets to be bundle-discharged. In the present embodiment, the placement control unit503may change the position of the movable tray430based on both the size of the sheets St and the weight of the sheets St. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the placement control unit503may change the position of the movable tray430based on either the size of the sheets St or the weight of the sheets St alone. Here, since the post-processed sheets St on the movable tray430are printed in groups corresponding to a complete document, some of the sheets St may be removed by the user even though not all the printing is ended (that is, some copies still remain to be printed). Thus, sheets St on the movable tray430may be removed even during the printing process. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of copies are to be printed, the presence or absence of sheets St on the movable tray430can determined for each copy to be discharged to the movable tray430. Specifically, the placement control unit503determines the presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430each time a sheet St reaches the processing tray420up until the bundle discharge number. In the present embodiment, the placement control unit503also performs a similar determination in a process of buffering the sheets St fed from the conveying roller411in the standby tray410. The placement control unit503changes the position of the movable tray430whenever it is determined there are no sheets already on the movable tray430but sheets still remain to be discharged to the movable tray430. In the present embodiment, the placement control unit503changes the position of the movable tray430whenever it is determined that no sheets St are on the movable tray430. However, the determination of the presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430is not limited to being performed in the conveying process of every one of the sheets St, and in other examples may be performed in a conveying process of just a last sheet St in the bundle discharge. In addition, the deflection of the sheets St tends to be less likely to occur as the bundle discharge number becomes larger, that is, as the bundle of sheets St gets heavier. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the bundle discharge number is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the placement control unit503does not change the position of the movable tray430regardless of the presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430. The threshold value can be set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the threshold value is, for example, 10. The placement control unit503can perform control of changing the position of the movable tray430in a mode other than the post-processing mode. For example, even in a normal control (no post-processing) mode. In normal control the movable tray430would generally only be raised or lowered according to the number of discharged sheets St whenever a predetermined number or more of sheets St is to be printed. However, the movable tray430may be raised excessively if such normal control was to be performed when the movable tray430is disposed at the second discharge position P2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the placement control unit503is configured to not perform normal control when the movable tray430is disposed at the second discharge position P2. Next, discharge processing in the post-processing mode performed by the image forming device100will be described with reference toFIG.12. FIG.12is a flowchart illustrating an example of the discharge processing in the post-processing mode as performed by the image forming device100. As illustrated inFIG.12, the image forming device100(more particularly, the sheet post-processing device60) stands by (ACT701: NO) until a printing is started. When the printing is started (ACT701: YES), the image forming device100determines whether the current printing is in the post-processing mode (ACT702). When the current printing is not in the post-processing mode (ACT702: NO), the image forming device100returns to ACT701. On the other hand, when the current printing is in the post-processing mode (ACT702: YES), the image forming device100moves the movable tray430from the normal position to the first discharge position P1(ACT703). Then, the image forming device100buffers the printed and conveyed sheets St in the standby tray410(ACT704). Next, the image forming device100determines whether the presently set bundle discharge number is equal to or greater than a threshold value (for example, 10) (ACT705). In the sorting processing, since just three sheets are bundle-discharged in this example, ACT705is determined as NO. On the other hand, in the stapling processing, 10 or more sheets might be bundle-discharged according to a setting by the user. When the set bundle discharge number is equal to or larger than the threshold value (10) (ACT705: YES), the image forming device100proceeds to ACT711without moving the movable tray430to the second discharge position P2. On the other hand, when the set bundle discharge number is less than the threshold value (10) (ACT705: NO), the image forming device100next determines whether the movable tray430is at the first discharge position P1(ACT706). When the movable tray430is not at the first discharge position P1(ACT706: No), that is, when the movable tray430is already disposed at the second discharge position P2, the image forming device100proceeds to ACT711. On the other hand, when the movable tray430is at the first discharge position P1(ACT706: YES), the image forming device100next determines the presence or absence of the sheets St already on the movable tray430(ACT707). When the sheets St are already on the movable tray430(ACT707: YES), the image forming device100proceeds to ACT711without moving the movable tray430to the second discharge position P2. If the movable tray430is moved to the second discharge position P2in a state in which the sheets are already on the movable tray430, some sheets St may flow back to the processing tray420. Therefore, when the sheets St are already on the movable tray430, the movable tray430is held at the first discharge position P1. On the other hand, when sheets St are not already on the movable tray430(ACT707: NO), the image forming device100next determines whether the size of the sheets is A3 or larger (ACT708). When the size of the sheets is smaller than A3 (ACT708: NO), the image forming device100proceeds to ACT711without moving the movable tray430to the second discharge position P2. If the size of the sheets is A3 or larger (ACT708: YES), the image forming device100next determines whether the per sheet weight (basis weight) of the sheets is equal to or less than 90 g/m2(ACT709). When the basis weight of the sheets is not equal to or less than 90 g/m2(ACT709: NO), that is, when the basis weight of the sheets exceeds 90 g/m2, the image forming device100proceeds to ACT711without moving the movable tray430to the second discharge position P2. On the other hand, if the basis weight of the sheets is equal to or less than 90 g/m2(ACT709: YES), the image forming device100then moves the movable tray430to the second discharge position P2(ACT710). Then, the image forming device100determines whether the number of the sheets standing on the standby tray410reaches the buffer number (for example, three) (ACT711). The buffer number is not always three. For example, when eight sheets are to be post-processed into a bundle or the like, the buffer number is three at the initial buffering and again at the next buffering, but is only two at the last buffering for the8sheet bundle. When the number of the sheets standing by on the standby tray410has not yet reached the buffer number (ACT711: NO), the image forming device100returns to ACT704. On the other hand, if the number of the sheets standing on the standby tray410reaches the buffer number (ACT711: YES), the image forming device100moves the sheets St on the standby tray410to the processing tray420(ACT712). Then, the image forming device100determines whether the number of the sheets St on the processing tray420has reached the bundle discharge number (ACT713). In a sorting processing, since the bundle discharge number and the buffer number are the same, if ACT711is determined as YES, then ACT713will also be determined as YES. When the number of the sheets St on the processing tray420does not yet reach the bundle discharge number (ACT713: NO), the image forming device100returns to ACT704. On the other hand, when the number of the sheets St on the processing tray420has reached the bundle discharge number (ACT713: YES), the image forming device100post-processes the aligned sheet bundle (ACT714). Then, the image forming device100bundle-discharges the sheets St to the movable tray430by moving the bundle claw421from the standby position to the advanced position (ACT715). Next, the image forming device100determines whether the number of copies has been reached (ACT716). When the number of copies is not yet reached (ACT716: NO), the image forming device100returns to ACT703. When the number of copies has been reached (ACT716: YES), the image forming device100returns the movable tray430to the normal position (ACT717), and ends the series of processing. The flowchart description illustrated a case including each of ACT705, ACT708, and ACT709. However, these processes need be not all included, and one or more may be excluded. In addition, the movable tray430may be moved to the second discharge position P2only if all of these processes are satisfied (when all are YES), or if at least one processing is satisfied (when at least one is YES). As described above, the image forming device100changes the position of the movable tray430with respect to the processing tray420based on the presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430to which sheets St are to be discharged from the processing tray420for bundling. Accordingly, the resistance force generated by the contact between the sheets St and the movable tray430can be made smaller than the conveying force of the tip portions of the sheets St on the movable tray430side. Therefore, the sheets St being bundle-discharged from the processing tray420can be prevented from being misaligned on the movable tray430. The image forming device100moves the movable tray430to the first discharge position P1when the post-processing mode is started, and can move the movable tray430from the first discharge position P1to the second discharge position P2if no sheets St are on the movable tray430. Accordingly, since the movable tray430can stand by at the first discharge position P1, which is higher than the normal position, the movable tray430can be immediately moved to the second discharge position P2. Therefore, the speed of the bundle discharging of the sheets St can be prevented from being slowed. Therefore, the speed of outputting of the sheets St can be prevented from dropping and occurrence of misalignment on the movable tray430when bundle-discharged can be prevented. In an embodiment, the difference in height between the processing tray420and the movable tray430at the connection position thereof is the first difference H1at the first discharge position P1, and the difference is the second difference H2(less than the first difference H1) at the second discharge position P2. Accordingly, the resistance force generated by the contact between the sheets St and the movable tray430can be made smaller than the conveying force of the tip portions of the sheets St on the movable tray430side. Therefore, the sheets St bundle-discharged from the processing tray420can be prevented from being deflected on the movable tray430. When no sheets St are on the movable tray430, the image forming device100according to an embodiment may change the position of the movable tray430based on at least one of the size of the sheets St and the weight of the sheets St. Accordingly, even when sheets St having a long size or sheets St having a weak stiffness are included in the bundle-discharged sheets St, the sheets St bundle-discharged from the processing tray420can be efficiently prevented from being deflected on the movable tray430. The image forming device100determines the presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430for each sheet St conveyed until the number of the sheets on the processing tray420reaches the bundle discharge number, and changes the position of the movable tray430based on the determination result (Sheets St on movable tray430, YES/NO?) of each sheet conveyed to the processing tray420. Accordingly, even if the sheets St on the movable tray430are removed by a user during the printing, the sheets St bundle-discharged from the processing tray420can still be prevented from being misaligned on the movable tray430. When the bundle discharge number is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the image forming device100does not change the position of the movable tray430regardless of the presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430. Accordingly, when the bundle discharge number is large, and the deflection of the sheets St is less likely to occur, the control to move the movable tray430to the second discharge position P2can be omitted. Therefore, a load of the processing relating to the bundle discharge can be reduced. Next, modifications will be described. In each of the following, differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described. In addition, each of the described modifications may be combined with the above-described embodiment and each other to the extent technically feasible. First, a first modification will be described. The above-described embodiment included a sheet post-processing device60that moves the position of the movable tray430in a height direction based on the presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430. The first modification includes a sheet post-processing device60that changes an angle of the movable tray430based on the presence or absence of the sheets St on the movable tray430. FIG.13is an explanatory diagram illustrating this modification when the position of the movable tray430is changed. In the modification, the movable tray430includes a swingable mechanism with a support unit1300as a support shaft. As illustrated inFIG.13, at the second discharge position P2, the movable tray430is tilted so as to be closer to parallel with the support unit1300than at the first discharge position P1. Specifically, at the second discharge position P2, the movable tray430is tilted such that the surface of the movable tray430is closer to parallel to the surface of the processing tray420than at the first discharge position P1. FIG.14is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation example of the bundle discharge when the movable tray430is moved to the second discharge position P2in the modification. InFIG.14, it is assumed that no sheets St are initially on the movable tray430. Since the surface of the processing tray420and the surface of the movable tray430are close to parallel, the resistance force generated by the contact between the sheets St and the movable tray430can be made smaller than the conveying force of the tip portions of the sheets St on the movable tray430side, even when no sheets St are present. Therefore, the deflection of the sheets St is less likely to occur, and the sheets St can be discharged to the movable tray430. According to this modification, the sheets St bundle-discharged from the processing tray420can be prevented from being misaligned on the movable tray430. Next, a second modification will be described. The above-described embodiment included a sheet post-processing device60in which the movable tray430can be disposed at two positions, that is, the first discharge position P1and the second discharge position P2. The second modification includes a sheet post-processing device60in which the movable tray430can be disposed at three positions, that is, the first discharge position P1, the second discharge position P2, and a third discharge position. In the second modification, the placement control unit503can also dispose the movable tray430at the third discharge position, which is an intermediate position between the first discharge position P1and the second discharge position P2. Specifically, for example, the third discharge position is a position where the difference in height between the surface of the processing tray420and the surface of the movable tray430is smaller than the difference at the first discharge position P1, but larger than the difference at the second discharge position P2. When the size of the sheets St is slightly larger than standard size, the placement control unit503moves the movable tray430to the third discharge position. For example, when the sheets are B4 size being discharged in the longitudinal direction. The predetermined size may be, for example, a sheet size larger than A4 but smaller than A3. Further, when the stiffness of the sheets St is slightly weaker (in a case of a predetermined basis weight) than standard, the placement control unit503moves the movable tray430to the third discharge position. The predetermined basis weight (X g/m2) in this context is, for example, in a range of 90 g/m2<X g/m2100 g/m2. When the bundle discharge number is slightly larger (when the predetermined number is Y), the placement control unit503moves the movable tray430to the third discharge position. The predetermined number in this context is, for example, in a range of 10≤Y<15. According to the second modification, even when sheets St having a slightly longer size or sheets St having a slightly weaker stiffness are included in the bundle-discharged sheets St, or when the bundle discharge number is slightly larger, the sheets St bundle-discharged from the processing tray420can be efficiently prevented from being deflected on the movable tray430. In the second modification, the discharge position of the movable tray430is set to three different discharge positions. However, the modification is not limited thereto, and the discharge position of the movable tray430may be set to four or more different discharge positions. Described functions of the image forming device100(and/or the sheet post-processing device60) may be implemented by a computer executing instructions of a software program or the like. In this case, such a program may be recorded on a non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium. In this context, “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, and a CD-ROM, or a hard disk. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” may be accessed or downloaded via a communication line such as a network such as the Internet a telephone line. The program may be a program for implementing a part of the functions, or may be a program capable of implementing the functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as an operating system. While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. These embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the scope of claims and the equivalent scope thereof. | 49,727 |
11858772 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Particular terms may be defined to describe the invention in the best manner. Accordingly, the meaning of specific terms or words used in the specification and the claims should not be limited to the literal or commonly employed sense, but should be construed in accordance with the spirit of the invention as described herein. The description of the various embodiments is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible instance of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for various elements of the invention. As shown inFIGS.1(a)to7, a strip cutting apparatus for a diagnostic reagent kit according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is to cut a diagnostic reagent10, which is provided in the form of a long plate, into several bandlike strips11by cutting in a width direction, and includes a frame100, a first shaft200′, a second shaft200″, and a guide member300. Especially, the guide member300is mounted to penetrate between the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ to support both sides of a diagnostic reagent10, and the diagnostic reagent10is cut into strips11while the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ having blades211facing each other rotate. Therefore, the strip cutting apparatus for a diagnostic reagent kit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention can cut the diagnostic reagent10into the strips11of a predetermined shape in the state where both sides of the diagnostic reagent10are supported, prevent defects caused when the cut strips11are twisted, not cut, or bent by being stuck between the knifes210′ by rotation of the first shaft200′ or the second shaft200″. Moreover, the first shaft200′ has at least two concentricity adjusting screws231coupled to an adjusting nut230for fixing two knifes210, which have the blades facing each other, and a spacer210″ mounted on the first shaft200′ alternately. When the adjusting nut230cannot uniformly press the knifes210′ and the spacer210″, the concentricity adjusting screw231can press the knifes210″ and the spacer210″ to adjust concentricity. Furthermore, the first shaft200′ has adjusting screws271mounted at both ends thereof in order to move in a longitudinal direction of the first shaft200′, so that the knifes210′ disposed between the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ can be adjusted to engage each other accurately. Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the structure will be described in more detail as follows. Here, the reference numeral10indicates a bandlike diagnostic reagent having reagent at one side for diagnosis, and the reference numeral11indicates several bandlike strips cut from the diagnostic reagent. A. Frame As shown inFIGS.1(a),1(b)and2, the frame100supports the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ which will be described later, and the guide member300, and the diagnostic reagent10is put between the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ so as to be cut into several strips11. As described above, the frame100can be manufactured in any form if it can support both ends of the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″. In the drawings, an example of a lattice-shaped frame is illustrated. B. First Shaft and Second Shaft As shown inFIGS.1(a)to3, the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ are mounted such that both ends can rotate in place on the frame100, and one diagnostic reagent10is put on the outer circumferences of the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ so that they can be cut into several strips11at once. Here, because the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ have the same structure, the first shaft200′ will be described, and detailed description of the second shaft200″ will be omitted. Additionally, as shown inFIG.3, the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ may be formed to rotate in place, but it is preferable that the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ be rotated simultaneously by the medium of a gear220engaging the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″. As shown inFIGS.2and3, the first shaft200′ has bearings250″ and260at both ends to be supported to rotate in place. Moreover, the two knifes210′, which have the blades211facing each other, and the spacer210″ are fit in the outer circumference of the first shaft200′ alternately, and the adjusting nut230is fastened. In this instance, a key slot280is formed in the first shaft200′ and the knifes210′ and the spacer210″ are fixed not to rotate in place. 1. Knife As shown inFIGS.3to5, the knife210′ is formed in a disc shape. In this instance, as shown inFIG.4, the knife210′ has the blade211formed at an edge of one side, so that the knives210′ respectively mounted on the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ can cut the diagnostic reagent10using shearing force like scissors. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the knife210′ has a cutting edge211′ formed at an edge of the blade211in order to easily cut the diagnostic reagent10into the strips11. In this instance, a first angle (θ1) which is formed by the cutting edge211′ is larger than a second angle (θ2) which is formed by the blade211, so that the diagnostic reagent can be cut slowly and cleanly. Here, the first angle (θ1) is within the range of 43° to 47°, the most preferably, 45°, and the second angle (θ2) is within the range of 8° to 12°, the most preferably, 10°. Furthermore, as shown inFIG.5, the knife210′ has a mounting hole212formed in the middle of the knife210′ so that the first shaft200′ is inserted thereinto. The mounting hole212has another key slot213formed at one side so that a key fit into the key slot280is fit to the second key slot213. As shown inFIG.4, the two knives210′ get in contact with each other in such a way that the blades211face each other, and the spacer210″ gets in contact with one of the two knives210′. The two knives210′ and the one spacer210″ are continuously mounted on the first shaft200′ not to rotate. Therefore, when the diagnostic reagent10is cut by the knives210′, the diagnostic reagent10is cut into the strips11between the two blades211facing each other and between the sides facing each other without the blades211, so that the knives can cut both sides of the strips11by uniform power and prevent deformation or bending of the strips11. 2. Spacer As shown inFIGS.3and4, the spacer210″ is mounted on the first shaft200′ in such a way as to get in contact with one of the two knives210′ having the blades211facing each other. That is, the two knives210′ having the blades211facing each other and the spacer210″ are formed as a unit, and several units of the two knives210′ and the spacer210″ are fit and fixed to the first shaft200′. In this instance, the spacer210″ is manufactured in a disc shape and has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the knife210′, so that the knife210′ can secure a space to cut the diagnostic reagent10. Moreover, like the knives210′, the spacer210″ must be also mounted not to rotate on the first shaft200′. So, the spacer210″ also has a mounting hole212and a key slot213, but the detailed description of the mounting hole212and the key slot213of the spacer210″ will be omitted since they are the same as the blade210′. In the preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG.4, the guide member300is located on the spacer210″, so that the guide member300penetrates between the spacers210″ respectively mounted on the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″, and the diagnostic reagent10is cut into strips11while going through between the guide members300. 3. Adjusting Nut As shown inFIGS.3and6(a),6(b), the adjusting nut230is coupled to one side of the first shaft200′, preferably, to the first shaft200′ in the state where the knives210′ and the spacer210″ are inserted into the first shaft200′, so that the knives210′ and the spacer210″ are supported and fixed to be located side by side. Especially, the adjusting nut230has at least two concentricity adjusting screws231to press the knives210′ and the spacer210″. As shown inFIGS.6(a),6(b), when the adjusting nut230is coupled to the first shaft200′, there may be a gap angle (θ), so the knives210′ and the spacer210″ may get out of the concentric circle even though the concentricity adjusting screws231are coupled stably. As described above, if the knives210′ and the spacer210″ are not in the concentric circle, a gap is formed, and the knives210′ and the spacer210″ are shaken due to the gap. Therefore, the diagnostic reagent10cannot be cut uniformly or the cut strips11may be stuck. So, even though the adjusting nut230does not get in close contact with the knives210′ and the spacer210″, the concentricity adjusting screws231makes the adjusting nut230come into close contact with the knives210′ and the spacer210″ while maintaining concentricity. Therefore, the present invention can cut the diagnostic reagent10into strips11according to the fixed standard and prevent defects, for instance, the cut strips11are stuck between the knives210′ and the spacer210″. There are at least two concentricity adjusting screws231in the preferred embodiment, and preferably, the two neighboring concentricity adjusting screws231are arranged at a regular interval, and the most preferably, eight concentricity adjusting screws231are arranged at regular intervals. Because we cannot see where the gap angle (θ) is formed when the adjusting nut230is turned to adjust, the interval between the concentricity adjusting screws231gets narrow, so as to always adjust concentricity with the concentricity adjusting screw231which is located near. As described above, those skilled in the art can easily know that concentricity of the knives210′ must be checked and adjusted by a concentricity gauge after the concentricity adjusting screws231adjust concentricity. Moreover, the concentricity adjusting screws231may be formed only at one side of the first shaft200′, but preferably, may be formed at both sides one by one in order to easily and accurately adjust concentricity at both sides. Here, the unexplained reference numeral290indicates an interval-adjusting spacer which is fit into the first and second shafts200′ and200″. The interval-adjusting spacer is inserted and used when the need arises, for instance, when there is a need to adjust the mounting number or positions of the knives210′ and the spacer210″ according to the diagnostic reagent10. C. Guide Member As shown inFIGS.1(a),1(b),2,4and7, the guide member300includes a first guide310′ and a second guide310″ and is mounted on the frame100. Especially, as shown inFIGS.1(a),1(b),4and7, the first guide310′ is located on the spacer210″ mounted on the first shaft200′, and the second guide310″ is located on the spacer210″ mounted on the second shaft200″, and the first guide310′ and the second guide310″ are mounted to penetrate through the first shaft210′ and the second shaft210″. Furthermore, a space is formed between the first guide310′ and the second guide310″ as wide as to support both sides of the diagnostic reagent10. As shown inFIG.1, the guide member300supports the diagnostic reagent10till the diagnostic reagent10is cut into the strips11while perfectly passing between the first shaft210′ and the second shaft210″. Therefore, as shown inFIG.4, the guide member300stably supports the diagnostic reagent10in a rectangular space, so that the knives210′ can cut the diagnostic reagent into the strips11stably and the cut strips11can be discharged out of the first shaft210′ and the second shaft210″ without being wound on or entangled in the first shaft210′ and the second shaft210″. Therefore, the present invention can cut the strips11passing through the guide member30can be cut cleanly according to a desired standard and reduce a defective rate by preventing the cut strips11from being bent or wound. As described above, the present invention can cut the diagnostic reagent into strips while supporting both sides of the diagnostic reagent by the guide member mounted to penetrate through the first shaft and the second shaft. That is, the present invention can cut the diagnostic reagent into strips of a fixed standard, and prevent edges or end portions of the cut strips from being rolled or bent by preventing the cut strips from being wound on the first shaft or the second shaft. Embodiment 2 As shown inFIG.8, a strip cutting apparatus for a diagnostic reagent kit according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the same components as the first preferred embodiment, but has a difference in that the strip cutting apparatus according to the second preferred embodiment includes additional components mounted on the first shaft200′ to move in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, now, the description will be in focus on the additional components, and the remaining components which are the same as the first preferred embodiment will not be described. As shown inFIG.8, the second preferred embodiment is to cut the diagnostic reagent10better by adjusting the interval between the knives210′ respectively mounted on the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″ by moving the first shaft200′ in the longitudinal direction. As shown inFIG.8, a tapered bearing250′ is added to at least one side of the first shaft200′ so as to stably support the first shaft200′ even though the first shaft200′ moves in the longitudinal direction. In this instance, it is preferable that the tapered bearing250′ be mounted to firmly support the first shaft200′ in the frame100without being pushed back. Especially, a compression spring240is inserted between the first shaft200′ and the tapered bearing250′, in order to provide repulsive power for a buffering action in the opposite direction when pressing the first shaft200′ in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, a thrust bearing270is mounted at an end of the first shaft200′ to support the first shaft200′. The thrust bearing270touches the adjusting screws271, which are mounted on the frame100to be rotated in place. In addition, as shown inFIG.8, the first shaft200′ has another thrust bearing200mounted at the other side thereof to support the first shaft200′. The thrust bearing270touches the adjusting screws271mounted on the frame100. In this instance, when it is necessary to adjust the length, namely, when it is necessary to adjust the interval between the knives210′ respectively mounted on the first shaft200′ and the second shaft200″, the adjusting screws271are turned so that the first shaft200′ moves in the longitudinal direction and the thrust bearing270is pushed to adjust the length. In this instance, the first shaft200′ is adjusted in length with the buffering action by elastic support of the compression spring240. Therefore, the first shaft200′ adjusts the interval between the knives210′ and guides the knives to return to their original locations through the buffering action even though the knives are out of joint with each other. As described above, the present invention can stably cut the diagnostic reagent by easily adjusting the location of the knives when adjustment in location of the knives is needed since the first shaft is mounted to be supported elastically and to be adjusted in the longitudinal direction, and protect the knives and accurately cut the diagnostic reagent into a fixed form at a fixed location due to the buffering action by elastic support. In addition, the present invention can easily adjust the interval or dislocation between the knives respectively mounted on the first shaft and the second shaft since being easily adjusted in length in the longitudinal direction of the shaft supported by the thrust bearing. | 15,928 |
11858773 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. FIG.1illustrates an exemplary overall structure of an image forming system1in which the preferred embodiment of the present invention may be practiced. The image forming system1includes an image forming device2and a post-processing device3. The image forming system1includes a carrying unit4that carries the sheet ejected from the image forming device2to the post-processing device3. The carrying unit4can be assembled to the image forming device2. The image forming device2is formed from one of MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) including a copy function and/or a print function. The image forming device2executes a job such as a copy job or a print job. The image forming device2has a scanner section5in an upper part of the device body and a printer section6in a lower part of the device body. The image forming device2has an operational panel7operable for the user on its front side of the device body. The scanner section5optically reads a document placed by a user and outputs image data. The printer section6forms an image on a sheet based on the image data to print and outputs. The image forming device2includes a controller8inside. The controller8controls the carrying unit4, the scanner section5, the printer section6and the operational panel7, and controls the operation in cooperation with the post-processing device3. The printer section6includes a paper carrying unit10, an image forming unit20and a fixing unit90. The paper carrying unit10feeds a sheet9from one of multiple paper feeding trays10a,10band10c, and carries the sheet9along a carrying path13formed inside the printer section6. The different types of the sheets9can be stored in the multiple paper feeding trays10a,10band10c, or the same type of the sheets9can be stored in the multiple paper feeding trays10a,10band10c. A pickup roller11and a paper feeding roller12are provided with each paper feeding tray10a,10band10c. The paper carrying unit10drives the pickup roller11and the paper feeding roller12arranged at one of the multiple paper feeding trays specified by the user, and feeds the sheet9toward the carrying path13. The paper carrying unit10carries the sheet9sent toward the carrying path13along an arrow F1direction. There are media detector14, a timing roller15, a secondary transfer roller16, the fixing unit90and an ejecting roller17arranged on the carrying path13. The media detector14is a sensor that detects a type of the sheet9when the sheet9passes through a predetermined position in the carrying path13. The media detector14, for instance, formed from a sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor. The media detector14irradiates an ultrasonic signal or an optical signal to the sheet9that passes through the predetermined position in the carrying path13, and detects a signal component reflected by the sheet9or a signal component transmits the sheet9to detect the basis weight which is the weight per unit area of the sheet9. Every time the sheet9is carried on the carrying path13, the media detector14is capable of detecting the sheet type (the basis weight) of the sheet9. If the multiple sheets9are continuously fed in the image forming device2, for example, the media detector14detects the sheet type when each of the multiple sheets9passes through the predetermined position in the carrying path13. The timing roller15is formed from a pair of rollers. The timing roller15adjusts a timing to send out the sheet9to a secondary transfer position by the secondary transfer roller16. The paper carrying unit10temporarily stops carrying the sheet9when a tip of the sheet9fed from the paper feeding trays10a,10band10creaches a position of the timing roller15. The paper carrying unit10drives the timing roller15at the time when an image primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt22at the image forming unit20is carried to the secondary transfer position, and carries the sheet9toward the secondary transfer roller16. An image is secondarily transferred to the sheet9sent out from the timing roller15when it passes the secondary transfer position by the secondary transfer roller16. The sheet9to which the image is secondarily transferred goes toward the fixing unit90. The image forming unit20includes image forming units21Y,21M,21C and21K corresponding to each color, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black) and the intermediate transfer belt22. The image forming unit21Y forms an image in a color corresponding to Y. The image forming unit21Y includes an image carrier25, an electrifying unit26, an exposure unit27and a developing unit28. The image carrier25has a photosensitive layer on a surface of a cylindrical body, and rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction). The electrifying unit26, the exposure unit27and the developing unit28are arranged around the image carrier25. Predetermined electric charges are charged on a surface of the image carrier25by the electrifying unit26. The exposure unit27exposes the surface of the electrified electrifying unit26based on the image data to form a latent image on the surface of the image carrier25. The developing unit28supplies toner to the surface of the image carrier25, and makes the latent image visible with the toner. Thus, an image corresponding to the image data (toner image) is formed on the surface of the image carrier25. The other image forming units21M,21C and21K have the similar structures as the image forming unit21Y but supply the different color of the toner to the image carrier25. The intermediate transfer belt22is an endless belt arranged in an upper side of the image forming units21Y,21M,21C and21K. The intermediate transfer belt22is extended between a driving roller23and a driven roller24. The driving roller23is arranged at a position facing the secondary transfer roller16and the driven roller24is arranged at a position a predetermined interval away from the driving roller23. As the driving roller23is rotated and driven in a counter clockwise direction, the intermediate transfer belt22is circulated and moved in an arrow direction F2. The intermediate transfer belt22touches the secondary transfer roller16at the position of the driving roller23. Inside the intermediate transfer belt22, a primary transfer roller29is arranged at a position facing each image forming unit21Y,21M,21C and21K. A specified voltage is applied while the intermediate transfer belt22is pushed to the image carrier25of each image forming unit21Y,21M,21C and21K, and the primary transfer roller29primarily transfers the image formed on the image carrier25(toner image) to the intermediate transfer belt22. Each image forming unit21Y,21M,21C and21K lays each image in Y, M, C and K on top of another on the intermediate transfer belt22and primarily transfers to form a color image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt22. The image transferred on the intermediate transfer belt22is secondarily transferred to the sheet9at the position of the secondary transfer roller16. The fixing unit90performs a heating process and a pressure process to the sheet9on which the image is formed to fix the image on the sheet9. The fixing unit90includes a heating roller90aand a pressure roller90b, for example. The fixing unit90performs the heating process and the pressure process at a nip part between the heating roller90aand the pressure roller90bto fix the image on the sheet9. The sheet9is then delivered to the carrying unit4via the ejecting roller17. The carrying unit4supplies the sheet9ejected from the image forming device2to the post-processing device3. A carrying path leading the sheet9to the post-processing device3from the image forming device2is formed in the carrying unit4, and a carrying roller18and an ejecting roller19are provided with the carrying path. The sheet9ejected from the image forming device2is supplied to the post-processing device3by the carrying roller18and the ejecting roller19. The post-processing device3performs a post-processing such as stapling to the sheet9on which the image is formed in the image forming device2. The post-processing device3is capable of ejecting the sheet9without performing the post-processing to the sheet9. Carrying paths30,31and32carrying the sheet9on which the image is formed are formed in the post-processing device3. The carrying path30accepts and carries the sheet9ejected from the carrying unit4. A punch34that punches the sheet9at a predetermined position is provided with the carrying path30. For punching the sheet9ejected from the image forming device2, the post-processing device3drives the punch34when a punching position of the sheet9is at the predetermined position, and forms a punch hole on the sheet9. The rear end of the carrying path30forks into the two carrying paths31and32. In the part that the carrying path forks, a switching member35is arranged. The switching member35distributes the course of the sheet9carried from the upstream side of the carrying path30to one of the two carrying paths31and32. The carrying path31is to eject the sheet9to a first ejecting tray37. A carrying roller33and an ejecting roller36are provided with the carrying path31. The sheet9guided to the carrying path31is ejected to the first ejecting tray37by the carrying roller33and the ejecting roller36. The carrying path32leads the sheet9to a post-processing unit40, and ejects the sheet9to which the post-processing is performed by the post-processing unit40to a second ejecting tray38from an ejecting port49. A pair of rollers46and47are arranged near the ejecting port49. The roller46is arranged in the upper part of the roller47and can be moved toward the roller47. The roller46is usually retreated at a position a specified interval separated from the roller47. The sheet9is ejected to the second ejecting tray38after the post-processing is performed to the sheet9by the post-processing unit40. In this case, the roller46moves toward the roller47and rotates while the sheet9is sandwiched between the roller46and the roller47so that the sheet9is ejected to the second ejecting tray38. The post-processing unit40of the present embodiment, for example, includes a stapler45that staples the multiple sheets9. The pair of rollers46and47eject the bundle of sheets9that is stapled by the stapler45to the second ejecting tray38. The second ejecting tray38can be slide and moved in a vertical direction along a side surface of the post-processing device3. As the number of the bundle of sheets placed on the second ejecting tray38increases, the second ejecting tray38moves to the lower side so that the bundle of sheets that come after can be placed. For enabling the post-processing unit40to perform the post-processing to the sheet9sent from the image forming device2, the post-processing device3drives the switching member35to switch the course of the sheet9to the path leading to the carrying path32from the carrying path30. A pair of rollers42are arranged at the rear end of the carrying path32that leads the sheet9to the post-processing unit40. A sheet detector41that detects the sheet9is arranged at a predetermined position at an upstream side of the pair of rollers42. The sheet detector41is formed from a sensor such as a reflection type optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor and is capable of detecting the sheet9carried along the carrying path32. The sheet9guided by the carrying path32is detected by the sheet detector41at a position in front of the pair of rollers42. The sheet9is then carried by the pair of rollers42. The rear end of the sheet9is out of the nip part of the pair of rollers42so that it is ejected from the carrying path32and supplied to the post-processing unit40. A tray43that can load the multiple sheets9is arranged at the lower side of the pair of rollers42. The tray43enables the tip side of the sheet9ejected from the pair of rollers42to be kept at a high position and the rear side at a low position. To be more specific, the tray43is placed which is inclined downwardly toward the rear end side from the tip end side of the sheet9. The sheet9ejected to the post-processing unit40is placed on the tray43. The sheet9that comes after is placed on the tray43one after the other. The post-processing unit40includes an aligning unit44that aligns the sheet9placed on the tray43. The aligning unit44aligns the multiple sheets9in the carrying direction of the sheet9and the width direction orthogonal to the carrying direction of the sheet9. The aligning unit44aligns the multiple sheets9in the carrying direction and the width direction before the post-processing such as stapling is performed by the stapler45, for example. The post-processing device3includes a controller39that controls operations of the carrying roller33, the punch34, the ejecting roller36, the switching member35, the post-processing unit40, the rollers46and47and the second ejecting tray38. A temperature sensor101and a humidity sensor102are connected to the controller39. The controller39is capable of controlling operations of each part based on environmental information such as temperature and/or humidity. The temperature sensor101and the humidity sensor102may be installed in the image forming device2instead of the post-processing device3. FIG.2illustrates a side view of the post-processing unit40.FIG.3illustrates a perspective view of the post-processing unit40. The aligning unit44includes a first aligning member51and a second aligning member52. The first aligning member51aligns the sheet9placed on the tray43in the carrying direction of the sheet9. The second aligning member52aligns the sheet9in the width direction orthogonal to the carrying direction of the sheet9. A stopper58that restricts the move in the carrying direction of the sheet9is arranged on the rear end side of the sheet of the tray43inclined downwardly. The first aligning member51makes the rear end of the sheet9ejected from the pair of rollers42but against the stopper58to align the sheet9in the carrying direction. The first aligning member51includes a swinging arm55the base end of which is supported by a swinging shaft55ainside the post-processing device3, a rotation member53that is attached rotatable to the tip of the swinging arm55, a driving lever56that engaged to the tip of the swinging arm55and swings the swinging arm55around the swinging shaft55ato move the rotation member53up and down in a direction shown by an arrow F3ofFIG.2. The rotation member53is formed as a paddle rotation body that includes multiple paddles butted toward outward in a tangent direction of outer peripheral surface. The paddle54is, for example, formed from an elastic member that has a flexibility like rubber. The swinging arm55is energized by an energizing member such as a coil spring which is not shown in figures. The tip of the swinging arm55is usually placed upper than the ejecting position of the sheet9ejected from the pair of rollers42as shown inFIG.2. The paddle54of the rotation member53is kept at a waiting position upper than the ejecting position of the sheet9. The sheet9is ejected upper than the tray43from the pair of rollers42. The driving lever56pushes down the swinging arm55at a timing just after the sheet9is ejected to the upper part of the tray43.FIG.4illustrates an enlarged view illustrating a state where the swinging arm55is pushed down. The driving lever56is engaged with an engaging projection55barranged at the tip of the swinging arm55. The driving lever56is allowed to swing around a swinging shaft56aarranged at the base end. The driving lever56rotates centered on the swinging shaft56aas against the energizing force of the energizing member upwardly energizes the swinging arm55, and downwardly pushes the engaging projection55b. The tip of the swinging arm55is made descend toward the upper surface of the tray43as illustrated inFIG.4. The paddle54of the rotation member53is then made descend toward the upper surface of the tray43. Thus, the sheet9ejected from the pair of rollers42in an arrow F4direction is pushed to the upper surface of the tray43and made descend by the descend of the paddle54of the rotation member53, then placed on the top surface of the tray43. The rotation member53is rotatable in a predetermined direction (an arrow R direction ofFIG.4) centered on a rotation shaft53aby a motor which is not illustrated in figures. As the rotation member53rotates, the multiple paddles54rotate in the predetermined direction. As the rotation member53lowers from the waiting position, it rotates centered on the rotation shaft53a. Together with the rotation of the rotation member53, the paddle54rotates in contact with the upper surface of the sheet9. The sheet9placed on the top surface of the tray43will receive a carrying force in a direction toward the stopper58on the tray43from the paddle54in response to the rotation of the paddle54. As a result, the sheet9placed on the tray43moves toward the position of the stopper58due to the carrying force received from the paddle54. The sheet9rests in a condition that the rear end part is in contact with the stopper58. The first aligning member51is allowed to align the rear end part of the multiple sheets9placed on the tray43to the condition that the rear end part is abutting against the stopper58. The sheet9is then aligned in the carrying direction. The alignment in the carrying direction of the sheet9is sometimes called FD alignment. A pressing member57that presses the upper surface of the sheet9placed on the upper surface of the tray43is arranged between the first aligning member51and the stopper58. The pressing member57is loosely inserted into a shaft part42bat the lower side so that it can idle among a shaft part42aand the shaft part42bthat support the pair of rollers42as illustrated inFIG.3, for example. The pressing member57presses the upper surface of the sheet9which is placed on top on the sheets9on the tray43. Even when a curl is generated at the rear end of the sheet9, for example, the pressing member57presses the upper surface of the sheet9so that the curl is extended and the rear end of the sheet9is butted against the stopper58. The second aligning member52is arranged at both ends of the tray43in the width direction orthogonal to the carrying direction of the sheet9(F4direction) as illustrated inFIG.3. The second aligning member52includes a pair of aligning plates52aand52bbutted upward from the upper surface of the tray43at both ends of the tray43. The second aligning member52enables each of the pair of aligning plates52aand52bto move forward and backward in the width direction (F5direction) of the sheet9according to the size in the width direction of the sheet9to align the both ends in the width direction of the sheet9to the predetermined position. The second aligning member52may enable to move each of the pair of aligning plates52aand52bby making the moving amount of each of the pair of aligning plates52aand52bequal. The second aligning member52may enable to move each of the pair of aligning plates52aand52bby making the moving amount of one of the pair of aligning plates52aand52bbe more than another. As described above, the second aligning member52presses both ends in the width direction of the sheet9with the pair of aligning plates52aand52bso that the sheet9is aligned in the width direction. The alignment in the width direction of the sheet9is sometimes called CD alignment. FIG.5illustrates a view of the tray43from the top. As illustrated inFIG.5, the stapler45is supported movably along a guiding unit59which is a rail shape arranged at the back-end side of the sheet9placed on the tray43. The guiding unit59includes a straight-line part parallel to the width direction of the sheet9and a curved line part that is folded so as to go around the side surface side of the tray43at the both ends part in the width direction of the tray43. The stapler45moves along the aforementioned guiding unit59, and the binding with needles is performed at any position on the back-end side of the sheet9. When the position of the needle binding position by the stapler45is overlapped to the position of the stopper58, the needle binding processing cannot be performed if the stopper58is not moved. The stopper58may be formed to be movable in the width direction of the sheet9. Next, a controlling structure of the image forming system1is explained.FIG.6illustrates a block diagram showing an example of hardware structures of the image forming device2and the post-processing device3. As illustrated inFIG.6, the image forming device2includes a storage61and a communication interface62besides the above-described scanner section5, printer section6, carrying unit4, operational panel7and controller8. The communication interface62is an interface for the controller8to communicate with the controller39of the post-processing device3. The storage61is formed from a non-volatility storage device and various kinds of information is stored therein. The operational panel7includes a display unit7athat displays screens operable for the user and a manipulation unit7bthat receives operations by the user. The controller8includes a CPU63, a ROM64and a RAM65. The CPU63executes a program stored in the ROM64so that it controls overall operations in the image forming device2. The ROM64is a non-volatility memory in which information such as the program executed by the CPU63is stored. The RAM65is a volatility memory in which information such as temporal data generated when the CPU63executes the program is stored. As illustrated inFIG.6, the post-processing device3includes a communication interface71, a carrying roller driving unit80, a punch driving unit81, a path switch driving unit82, a paddle lift driving unit83, a paddle rotation driving unit84, an aligning plate driving unit85, a stapler driving unit86, a roller driving unit87and a tray driving unit88besides the aforementioned controller39, temperature sensor101, humidity sensor102and the sheet detector41. The communication interface71is for the controller39to communicate with the controller8of the image forming device2. The carrying roller driving unit80is a driving circuit that drives the carrying roller33to carry the sheet9. The punch driving unit81is a driving circuit that drives the punch34to punch a punch hole on the sheet9. The path switch driving unit82is a driving circuit that drives the switching member35to switch the carrying path of the sheet9. The paddle lift driving unit83is a driving circuit that rotates the driving lever56to enable the paddle54of the rotation member53to move up and down. The paddle rotation driving unit84is a driving circuit that rotates the rotation member53of the first aligning member51to put the paddle54to go close to the sheet9and applies a carrying force to carry the sheet9toward the stopper58. The aligning plate driving unit85is a driving circuit that enables the pair of the aligning plates52aand52bof the second aligning member52to move in the width direction of the sheet9. The stapler driving unit86is a driving circuit that moves the stapler45to a stapling position, and enables the stapling operation by the stapler45to be performed. The stapler driving unit86, for instance, drives the stapler45with driving voltage specified by the controller39in the stapling operation. The roller driving unit87is a driving circuit that drives the pair of rollers46and47to eject the sheet9on which the post-processing is performed by the post-processing unit40to the second ejecting tray38. The tray driving unit88is a driving circuit that slidingly moves the second ejecting tray38in a vertical direction. The controller39includes a CPU72, a ROM73and a RAM74. The CPU72is a hardware processor that executes a program75stored in the ROM73to control overall operations in the post-processing device3. The ROM73is a non-volatility memory in which information such as the program75executed by the CPU72and/or control information76is stored. The detail of the control information76is explained later. The RAM74is a volatility memory in which information such as temporal data generated when the CPU72executes the program is stored. FIG.7illustrates a block diagram showing an example of functional structures of the image forming device2and the post-processing device3. The CPU63executes the predetermined program so that the controller8of the image forming device2serves as a sheet type setting unit66, a job controller67and a sheet type detector68. The sheet type setting unit66sets the type of the sheet9stored in each of the multiple paper feeding trays10a,10band10c. After the sheet9is refilled in any of the paper feeding trays10a,10band10cby the user, for example, the sheet type setting unit66displays a sheet setting screen on the display unit7aof the operational panel7, and receives a setting operation of the type of the sheet9by the user. FIGS.8A and8Billustrate an example of a sheet setting screen G1. As illustrated inFIG.8A, for example, a tray display field R1and a sheet type display field R2are shown in the sheet setting screen G1. The paper feeding tray10a,10bor10c, the target of the sheet type is shown in the tray display field R1, and the sheet type is shown in the sheet type display field R2. A button B1to display a pull-down menu M1is shown in the right side of the tray display field R1. Once the user operates the button B1, the pull-down menu M1appears in the sheet setting screen G1as illustrated inFIG.8A. The user selects one of the trays from the pull-down menu M1, and he or she is allowed to set the paper feeding tray in which the sheet of the sheet type to set is stored. A button B2to display a pull-down menu M2is also shown in the right side of the sheet type display field R2. Once the user operates the button B2, the pull-down menu M2appears in the sheet setting screen G1as illustrated inFIG.8A. A list of the multiple sheet types that can be set by the user is shown in the pull-down menu M2. The user selects the sheet type that corresponds to the type of the sheet9refilled in the paper feeding tray that is selected as the sheet type to set so that the sheet type is set. There are seven types, for example, that can be set by the user including thin paper, regular paper, thick paper1, thick paper2, thick paper3, thick paper4and special sheet. The thin paper, regular paper, thick paper1, thick paper2, thick paper3and thick paper4are the paper that is distinguished by the basis weight. The basis weight of the thin paper is the smallest, and is less than 40 g/m2, for instance. The basis weight of the regular paper is larger than the thin paper but smaller than the thick paper. The basis weight of the regular paper is between 41 to 90 g/m2, for example. Among the thick paper, the basis weight is increased in the order of the thick paper1to4. The basis weight of the thick paper1is, for example, between 91 to 120 g/m2, and the basis weight of the thick paper2is between 121 to 160 g/m2. The basis weight of the thick paper3is between 161 to 220 g/m2, and the basis weight of the thick paper4is equal to and more than 221 g/m2. The user selects the type of the sheet9refilled in the paper feeding tray from among the thin paper, regular paper, thick paper1, thick paper2, thick paper3and thick paper4, so that the basis weight of the sheet9can be set. The user then operates an OK button B3in the sheet setting screen G1to normally complete the setting operation of the type of the sheet9. A cancel button B4is to complete without reflecting the setting operation of the type of the sheet9. The user is also enabled to select the special sheet in the sheet setting screen G1. Once the user selects the special sheet, the screen shifts from the sheet setting screen G1to one illustrated inFIG.8B. More specifically, a sheet setting field R3for setting the basis weight and/or a surface condition of the sheet9by manual is shown in the sheet setting screen G1. The user is allowed to set the sheet type such as the basis weight and/or the surface condition of the sheet9in the sheet setting field R3in detail. If the user knows the accurate data such as the basis weight of the sheet9, he or she may select the special sheet. The user then is enabled to accurately set the type of the sheet9. After receiving the setting operation of the type of the sheet9by the user, the sheet type setting unit66stores sheet information69in the storage61.FIG.9illustrates an example of the sheet information69. As illustrated inFIG.9, each paper feeding tray10a,10band10cis made correspondent to the type of the stored sheet9(the sheet type set by the user) in the sheet information69. When the sheet type set by the user is the special sheet, information such as the basis weight and/or the surface condition of the sheet9specified by the user is described in the field of the sheet type. The job controller67controls the execution of the job in the image forming device2. The job controller67receives the job setting operation by the user and controls the execution of the job with reflecting the setting specified by the user. For the copy job or the print job, for example, the job controller67receives the operation to select the paper feeding tray by the user and feeds the sheet9from the paper feeding tray selected by the user. The job controller67then forms images. In order to do so, the job controller67reads the sheet information69in the storage61, identifies the type of the sheet9stored in the paper feeding tray selected by the user, and sets a system speed corresponding to the type of the sheet9to be fed. The system speed states the carrying speed of the sheet9. When the type of the sheet9is the thick paper, for example, it is necessary for the sheet9to pass the fixing unit90at lower speed than the regular paper to certainly fix the image to the sheet9at the fixing unit90. Hence, the job controller67sets the system speed suitable for the type of the sheet9identified based on the sheet information69, and starts the paper carrying operation of the sheet9by driving the paper carrying unit10. The job controller67also drives the image forming unit20and the fixing unit90adjusting the system speed besides the paper carrying unit10, and forms the image on the sheet9. The job controller67then ejects the sheet9from the image forming device2. When the job is to continuously feed the sheets9, the job controller67sets the sheet interval based on the type of the sheet9at start of the execution of the job. The sheet interval thereby set is an initial interval. At the start of the execution of the job, the job controller67notifies the controller39of the post-processing device3of detailed information of the job. The system speed is included in the detailed information of the job. Also, information showing whether or not to perform the post-processing including binding with needles every predetermined sheet in the post-processing device3. Once identifying the type of the sheet9based on the sheet information69, the job controller67notifies the post-processing device3of the identified sheet type. As a result, the post-processing device3is enabled to perform the aligning operation corresponding to the sheet type. Moreover, after the start of the execution of the job, the job controller67notifies the post-processing device3of image density of the image as it forms the image on the fed sheet9. As a result, the post-processing device3is enabled to perform the aligning operation corresponding to the image density of the image formed on the sheet9. When the sheet9fed from the paper feeding tray by the job controller67is detected by the media detector14, the sheet type detector68detects the sheet type (the basis weight) detected by the media detector14. The multiple sheets9may be continuously fed during the execution of the job by the job controller67, for example. In this case, the sheet type detector68detects the type of the sheet9being currently carried. The sheet type detector68then notifies the post-processing device3of the type of the sheet9being currently carried. The sheet type detector68may notify the job controller67of the sheet type detected by the media detector14. When the sheet type detected by the media detector14is different from the sheet type identified based on the sheet information69, the system speed may be modified based on the sheet type detected by the media detector14. When the system speed is modified based on the sheet type detected by the media detector14, the job controller67notifies the post-processing device3of the modified system speed. When the CPU72executes the predetermined program75, the controller39of the post-processing device3serves as a sheet type obtaining unit77, a carrying controller78and an aligning controller79. The sheet type obtaining unit77obtains the sheet type sent from the image forming device2. The image forming device2, for example, sends the sheet type identified based on the sheet information69at the start of the execution of the job to the post-processing device3. Therefore, the sheet type obtaining unit77obtains the sheet type sent from the image forming device2at the start of the execution of the job. The sheet type obtaining unit77stores the sheet type obtained from the image forming device2at the start of the execution of the job in the RAM74as a first sheet type. The first sheet type is the sheet type specified by the user. After feeding the sheet9, the image forming device2enables the media detector14to detect the sheet type, and sends the detected sheet type to the post-processing device3. Every time the sheet9is fed in the image forming device2, the sheet type obtaining unit77obtains the sheet type of the fed sheet9. The sheet type obtaining unit77stores the sheet type obtained from the image forming device2during the execution of the job in the RAM74as a second sheet type. The second sheet type is the sheet type detected by the media detector14. The carrying controller78controls the carrying roller driving unit80and/or the path switch driving unit82to carry the sheet9along the carrying paths30,31and32in the post-processing device3. The carrying controller78drives the part such as the carrying roller33at the carrying speed matches the carrying speed of the sheet9in the image forming device2based on the system speed notified by the image forming device2, and receives the sheet9ejected from the image fuming device2. When the operation of the post-processing such as binding every predetermined number of sheets is specified in the detailed information of the job, the carrying controller78controls the switching member35to carry the sheet9received from the image forming device2to the post-processing unit40. The aligning controller79controls operations of the post-processing unit40to align the multiple sheets9in the tray43and performs the post-processing such as binding. The aligning controller79adjusts the aligning operation for aligning the sheet9corresponding to the type of the sheet9loaded on the top surface of the tray43. The weight or the resistance of the surface of the sheet9differs depending on the type of the sheet9so that the behavior of the sheet9in the aligning operation differs depending on the type of the sheet9. The aligning controller79adjusts the aligning operation depending on the type of the sheet9, and controls to enable the sheet9loaded on the top surface of the tray43to be precisely aligned. The aligning controller79includes a counting part91, a first aligning member controller92, a second aligning member controller93and a stapler controller94. The counting part91counts the number of the loaded sheet9on the tray43. Information such as binding N sheets9(N is the number larger than 1; N>1) is specified in the detailed information of the job, for example. In this case, the counting part91drives the stapler controller94after the number of the loaded sheet9on the tray43reaches N and the aligning operation by the aligning unit44is complete. The counting part91notifies the first aligning member controller92of the number of the loaded sheet9on the tray43. The first aligning member controller92controls the aligning operation in the carrying direction of the sheet9by the first aligning member51. After an elapse of predetermined time T1from the detection of the rear end of the sheet9by the sheet detector41, the first aligning member controller92starts an operation to move the rotation member53(paddle54) of the first aligning member51downward, and starts an operation to rotate the rotation member53(paddle54) in a predetermined direction (R direction ofFIG.4). The first aligning member controller92reads the sheet type stored in the RAM74, and identifies the type of the sheet9ejected on the tray43. The first aligning member controller92determines a downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the type of the sheet9and the number of the loaded sheet9on the tray43. In addition, the first aligning member controller92determines the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the type of the sheet9. More specifically, the first aligning member controller92performs the aligning operation suitable for the number of the loaded sheet9on the tray43and the sheet type of the sheet9placed on the top surface of the tray43so that the alignment failure in the carrying direction of the sheet9is prevented. The first sheet type specified by the user and the second sheet type detected by the media detector14are stored in the RAM74. The first sheet type may not match the type of the sheet actually being carried due to a mistake of the user setting. On the other hand, the second sheet type is the sheet type detected based on the value actually measured during the carrying of the sheet9by the media detector14. In general, it can be said that the second sheet type is more accurate than the first sheet type. The media detector14is capable of detecting the actual basis weight of the sheet9so that is enabled to detect the type of the sheet9more in detail within a basis weight range of the regular paper that is set by the user manually. It can be said that the second sheet type shows more in detail than the first sheet type. When the user sets the special sheet by manual, it can be said that the first sheet type is correctly set. More specifically, the general user does not know the basis weight of the sheet9and the special sheet is not specified in the sheet setting screen G1(seeFIGS.8A and8B). If the special sheet is set by the user, it is considered that the user knew the correct basis weight. Therefore, the first sheet type can be treated as the sheet type correctly set by the user. The first aligning member controller92compares the first sheet type stored in the RAM74and the second sheet type, and determines if the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different. When the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different, the first aligning member controller92preferentially adopts the second sheet type. The first aligning member controller92determines the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the second sheet type. As a result, the first aligning member controller92is enabled to control the operation of the first aligning member51based on the accurate sheet type so that an occurance of the alignment failure in the carrying direction of the sheet9can be effectively prevented. When the first sheet type is the special sheet, the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) may be determined based on the first sheet type not the second sheet type. When the first sheet type and the second sheet type are the same, the first aligning member controller92may adopt any one of the first and the second sheet types. In this case, the first aligning member controller92may, for example, determine the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the first sheet type. The first aligning member controller92may determine the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the second sheet type as the same as the case where the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different. The first aligning member controller92may adjust the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on information such as the image density and/or the environmental information. The first aligning member controller92may, for example, obtain the image density notified by the image forming device2and adjust the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the image density of the image formed on the sheet9that is to be aligned. The first aligning member controller92may obtain the environmental information such as temperature detected by the temperature sensor101and/or humidity detected by the humidity sensor102and adjust the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the environmental information. For determining the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54), the first aligning member controller92reads the control information76stored in the ROM73. The first aligning member controller92refers to the control information76, and determines the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54). The first aligning member controller92controls the operation of the first aligning member51and aligns the sheet9in the carrying direction of the sheet9based on the determined downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54). The second aligning member controller93controls the aligning operation in the width direction of the sheet9by the second aligning member52. After an elapse of predetermined time T2from the detection of the rear end of the sheet9by the sheet detector41, the second aligning member controller93starts an operation to move the aligning plates52aand52bof the second aligning member52in the width direction of the sheet9. The predetermined time T2is a sum of the time T1required until the start of the operation by the first aligning member51and time Tx required from the start of the operation of the first aligning member51to the end (more specifically T2=T1+Tx). Hence, the second aligning member controller93starts the aligning operation by the second aligning member52after completion of the aligning operation by the first aligning member51. For starting the aligning operation by the second aligning member52, the second aligning member controller93reads the sheet type stored in the RAM74, and determines the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bbased on the read sheet type. More specifically, the second aligning member controller93performs the aligning operation suitable for the sheet type of the sheet9placed on the top surface of the tray43so that the alignment failure in the width direction of the sheet9is prevented. As the same as the first aligning member controller92, the second aligning member controller93compares the first sheet type stored in the RAM74and the second sheet type, and determines if the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different. When the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different, the second aligning member controller93preferentially adopts the second sheet type. The second aligning member controller93determines the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bbased on the second sheet type. As a result, the second aligning member controller93is enabled to control the operation of the second aligning member52based on the accurate sheet type, and an occurance of the alignment failure in the width direction of the sheet9on the tray43can be effectively prevented. When the first sheet type is the special sheet, the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bmay be determined based on the first sheet type not the second sheet type. When the first sheet type and the second sheet type are the same, the second aligning member controller93may adopt any one of the first and the second sheet types. In this case, the second aligning member controller93may, for example, determine the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bbased on the first sheet type. The second aligning member controller93may determine the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bbased on the second sheet type as the same as the case where the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different. For determining the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52b, the second aligning member controller93reads the control information76stored in the ROM73. The second aligning member controller93refers to the control information76, and determines the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52b. The second aligning member controller93controls the operation of the second aligning member52and aligns the sheet9in the width direction of the sheet9based on the determined number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52b. The stapler controller94controls the binding operation by the stapler45. After the completion of the aligning operation by the second aligning member52, the stapler controller94drives the stapler45to bind with the needle at a predetermined position of the multiple sheets9placed on the tray43. The operation to move the stapler45to the binding position should preferably be done before the operation of the second aligning member52completes. For driving the stapler45to perform binding, the stapler controller94reads the control information76stored in the ROM73. The stapler controller94refers to the control information76, and determines the voltage of drive for driving the stapler45. The stapler controller94adjusts the voltage of drive of the stapler45, and is enabled to control the speed until the binding operation by the stapler45completes. FIG.10illustrates an example of a structure of the control information76. The control information76includes paddle downward quantity information76a, number of paddle rotations information76b, control quantity adjustment information76c, number of drives of aligning plate information76dand stapler control information76e. FIG.11illustrates an example of the paddle downward quantity information76a. The paddle downward quantity information76ais referred by the first aligning member controller92for determining the downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54). With paddle downward quantity information76a, the downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54) may be determined depending on the sheet type and the number of sheets loaded on the tray43. The sheet type has two classifications, a first classification and a second classification. The thin paper, the regular paper, the thick paper1, the thick paper2, the thick paper3and the thick paper4are in the first classification. The second classification is classified by the basis weight. The regular paper in the first classification is, for instance, divided into four groups in the second classification. In the second classification, sheet type can be identified more in detail than the first classification. The first classification corresponds to the first sheet type and the second classification corresponds to the second sheet type. The first aligning member controller92refers to the paddle downward quantity information76a, and is enabled to determine the downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the second sheet type and the number of sheets loaded on the tray43. Especially, when the basis weight of the sheet type of the second sheet is within the range of 41 to 91 g/m2, the first aligning member controller92is enabled to provide the detailed control corresponding to the basis weight compared to the uniform control for the “regular paper.” It is set in the paddle downward quantity information76a, for example, that as the number of the loaded sheets on the tray43increases, the downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54) decreases. It is set that the level of decrease in the downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54) for the thick paper is larger than that for the thin paper. As the number of the loaded sheets on the tray43increases, the sheet9of the top surface gets closer to the rotation member53. The downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54) is reduced in accordance with the increase in the number of the loaded sheets on the tray43, and the contact pressure between the paddle54and the sheet9is remained constant, resulting in prevention of the alignment failure. In the paddle downward quantity information76a, the downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54) for the thick paper is set at a smaller value than the thin paper. More specifically, the thick paper has the larger thickness of the sheet9than the thin paper. The downward quantity of the rotation member53is made small so that the distance between the rotation member53(paddle54) and the upper surface of the sheet9is kept constant even the sheet is the thin paper or the thick paper, resulting in prevention of the alignment failure. In the paddle downward quantity information76a, the downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54) is set for the basis weight corresponding to the recycled paper in the regular paper area. In general, the user may recognize the sheet9is the regular paper but it is difficult to distinguish the sheet9is the recycled paper. Among the regular paper, the basis weight of the recycled paper is small. The recycled paper easily generates curl and the alignment failure is likely to occur. If the downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54) is determined based on the basis weight of the second sheet type, the downward quantity suitable for the recycled paper may be determined. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of the alignment failure. FIG.12illustrates an example of the number of paddle rotations information76b. The number of paddle rotations information76bis referred by the first aligning member controller92for determining the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54). With the number of paddle rotations information76b, the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) may be determined depending on the sheet type. As the same as above, the sheet type has two classifications, a first classification and a second classification. The thin paper, the regular paper, the thick paper1, the thick paper2, the thick paper3and the thick paper4are in the first classification. The second classification is classified by the basis weight. The second classification makes it possible to identify the sheet type more in detail than the first classification. The first classification corresponds to the first sheet type and the second classification corresponds to the second sheet type. The first aligning member controller92refers to the number of paddle rotations information76b, and is enabled to determine the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the second sheet type. In the example ofFIG.12, for instance, for the sheet type, the basis weight of which is relatively small, such as the paper from the thin paper to the regular paper, the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) is set to a predetermined number of times (two rotations). If the sheet is the thin paper or the regular paper, the sheet9must be light and have less resistance. The sheet9is then enabled to be moved smoothly toward the stopper58. On the other hand, in case of the thick paper, the weight of the sheet9increases, and the resistance gets larger. Thus, the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) is set to three rotations which is more than the predetermined number of times for the thin paper or the regular paper. To be more specific, the rotation member53(paddle54) is rotated for three times so that the rear end of the thick paper which has the larger resistance is butted against the stopper58. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of the alignment failure. When the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) is three, it takes longer time to complete the aligning operation in the carrying direction of the sheet9by the first aligning member51than in case of two rotations. The timing to start the aligning operation in the width direction of the sheet9by the second aligning member52is delayed. When the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) is set to three rotations which is more than two rotations that is the usual number of rotations, the first aligning member controller92performs a sheet interval enlarging process as stated in the number of paddle rotations information76b. More specifically, the first aligning member controller92sends a sheet interval enlarging request to the controller8of the image forming device2and requests for enlarging the sheet intervals between the sheets9that follow. The sheet interval in the image forming device2is then enlarged than the initial interval. Thus, it is prevented that the following sheet is ejected on the tray43even without the completion of the aligning operation by the second aligning member52. FIG.13illustrates an example of the control quantity adjustment information76c. The control quantity adjustment information76cis referred by the first aligning member controller92for adjusting the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) determined as described above based on the information including the image density and/or the environmental information. As illustrated inFIG.13, it is stated to adjust the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) based on the image density, temperature and humidity in the control quantity adjustment information76c. In the control quantity adjustment information76c, for instance, it is stated to reduce the downward quantity of the rotation member53and to increase the number of rotations of the rotation member53when the image density is darker than a predetermined density. When the image density is dark, the resistance of the sheet9gets larger. Thus, the downward quantity of the rotation member53is reduced and the number of rotations of the rotation member53is increased so that the rear end of the thick paper which has the larger resistance can be butted against the stopper58. When the image density is dark, the number of rotations of the rotation member53increases. The first aligning member controller92requests for enlarging the sheet intervals. When the image density is lighter than the predetermined density, the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53are not adjusted. In the control quantity adjustment information76c, for instance, it is stated to reduce the downward quantity of the rotation member53and to increase the number of rotations of the rotation member53when the temperature is higher than predetermined temperature. If the temperature in the device gets higher than the predetermined temperature, the sheet9easily generates curl and the alignment failure is likely to occur. When the temperature is high, the downward quantity of the rotation member53is reduced and the number of rotations of the rotation member53is increased to prevent the alignment failure of the sheet9. When the temperature in the device is higher than the predetermined temperature, the number of rotations of the rotation member53increases. The first aligning member controller92performs the operation to enlarge the sheet intervals. When the temperature in the device is lower than the predetermined temperature, the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53are not adjusted. In the control quantity adjustment information76c, for instance, it is stated to reduce the downward quantity of the rotation member53and to increase the number of rotations of the rotation member53when the humidity is higher than predetermined humidity. If the humidity in the device gets higher than the predetermined humidity, the sheet9easily generates curl and/or waviness and the alignment failure is likely to occur. When the humidity is high, the downward quantity of the rotation member53is reduced and the number of rotations of the rotation member53is increased to prevent the alignment failure of the sheet9. When the humidity in the device is higher than the predetermined humidity, the number of rotations of the rotation member53increases. The first aligning member controller92performs the operation to enlarge the sheet intervals. When the humidity in the device is lower than the predetermined humidity, the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53are not adjusted. FIG.14Aillustrates an example of the number of drives of aligning plate information76d. The number of drives of aligning plate information76dis referred by the second aligning member controller93for determining the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52b. With the number of drives of aligning plate information76d, the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bmay be determined depending on the sheet type. The sheet type has two classifications, a first classification and a second classification. The thin paper, the regular paper, the thick paper1, the thick paper2, the thick paper3and the thick paper4are in the first classification. The second classification is classified by the basis weight. The regular paper in the first classification is, for instance, divided into four groups in the second classification. In the second classification, sheet type can be identified more in detail than the first classification. The first classification corresponds to the first sheet type and the second classification corresponds to the second sheet type. The second aligning member controller93refers to the number of drive of aligning plate information76d, and is enabled to determine the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bbased on the second sheet type. Especially, in case of the “recycled paper” that shows the basis weight of the sheet type of the second sheet being within the range of 41 to 91 g/m2, the second aligning member controller93is enabled to determine the number of times of drive, which is different number from that for the regular paper than the recycled paper. When the sheet9is the thin paper or the recycled paper, the sheet9easily generates curl and the alignment failure is likely to occur. The regular paper and the thick paper besides the recycled paper does not easily generate curl. For the regular paper and the thick paper besides the recycled paper, the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bis set to a predetermined number of times (once) in the number of drives of aligning plate information76d. In case of the thin paper or the recycled paper, the number of times of drive is set to two times which is more than the predetermined number of times (once) for the regular paper or the thick paper besides the recycled paper. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of the alignment failure in case of the thin paper or the recycled paper. When the number of times of drive is set to two times which is more than the predetermined number of times (once), time required until completing the aligning operation by the second aligning member52gets longer. When the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bis set to two times which is more than the predetermined number of times (once), the second aligning member controller93may perform the sheet interval enlarging process. The sheet interval in the image forming device2is then enlarged than the initial interval. Thus, it is prevented that the following sheet is ejected on the tray43even without the completion of the aligning operation by the second aligning member52. FIG.14Billustrates an example of the stapler control information76e. The stapler control information76eis referred by the stapler controller94for determining the voltage of drive to drive the stapler45. With the stapler control information76e, the voltage of drive of the stapler45may be determined depending on the sheet type. The sheet type has two classifications, a first classification and a second classification. The thin paper, the regular paper, the thick paper1, the thick paper2, the thick paper3and the thick paper4are in the first classification. The second classification is classified by the basis weight. The first classification corresponds to the first sheet type and the second classification corresponds to the second sheet type. The stapler controller94refers to the stapler control information76e, and is enabled to determine the voltage of drive of the stapler45based on the second sheet type. When the sheet9is the thick paper, the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54) is set to three times as described above. The time required until completing the aligning operation by the first aligning member51gets longer. When the sheet type is the thin paper or the recycled paper, the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52bis set to two times. The time required until completing the aligning operation by the second aligning member52gets longer. The voltage of drive for the sheet type (the thick paper, the thin paper and the recycled paper) that takes the longer time for the aligning operation by the first aligning member51or the second aligning member52is set to a higher value than a regular value in the stapler control information76e.Thus, the speed of the binding operation by the stapler45is set to high and the binding operation can be completed effectively. The voltage of drive for the sheet type (the regular paper besides the recycled paper) that does not take the longer time for the aligning operation by the first aligning member51or the second aligning member52is set to the regular value. As described above, the voltage of drive for the sheet type (the thick paper, the thin paper and the recycled paper) that takes the longer time for the aligning operation by the first aligning member51or the second aligning member52is set to a higher value than the regular value in the stapler control information76e. As a result, the time required for the binding operation by the stapler45can be shortened. For enlarging the sheet intervals in the image forming device2, it is not necessary to highly enlarge the sheet intervals, and the extreme degradation of throughput on the image forming system1can be prevented. After completing the binding operation of the multiple sheets9placed on the tray43, the controller39eject the bundle of sheets on the tray43to the second ejecting tray38. An example of the detailed operation in the image forming device2is explained.FIG.15illustrates a flow diagram explaining an exemplary procedure of a process performed in the image forming device2. This process is performed when the CPU63of the image forming device2executes the program. The process is also performed when the execution of the job is instructed by the user, for example. Upon start of the process, the image forming device2reads the sheet information69in the storage61, and identifies the type of the sheet9stored in the paper feeding tray selected by the user (step S10). The image forming device2sets the system speed based on the identified type of the sheet9(step S11), and sends the system speed to the post-processing device3(step S12). The image forming device2sends the sheet type identified based on the sheet information69to the post-processing device3(step S13). The image forming device2sets the carrying speed of the sheet9based on the system speed, and starts feeding the sheet9from the paper feeding tray selected by the user (step S14). The image forming device2then drives the image forming unit20at a predetermined timing, and starts the image forming operation based on the image data to print. The image forming device2calculates the image density based on the image data to print, and sends the calculated image density to the post-processing device3(step S15). The image forming device2waits until the sheet9fed from the paper feeding tray is detected by the media detector14(when a result of step S16is NO). Once the sheet9is detected by the media detector14(when a result of step S16is YES), the image forming device2determines the sheet type (step S17), and sends the sheet type detected by the media detector14to the post-processing device3(step S18). The image forming device2then determines if it is necessary to change the system speed based on the sheet type detected by the media detector14(step S19). If it is necessary to change the system speed (when a result of step S19is YES), the image forming device2changes the system speed (step S20), and sends the changed system speed to the post-processing device3. (step S21). If it is not necessary to change the system speed (when a result of step S19is NO), the process in steps S20and S21is skipped. The image forming device2determines if the sheet interval enlarging request is received from the post-processing device3(step S22). When the sheet interval enlarging request is received (when a result of step S22is YES), the image forming device2enlarges the sheet intervals between the following sheets9(step S23). The image forming device2extends the time that the tip end of the following sheet9waits at the position of the timing roller15so that the sheet interval between the first sheet9and the following sheet9can be enlarged. The process to enlarge the sheet interval does not have to be the one as described above. The sheet interval may be enlarged by delaying the timing to feed the next sheet9from the paper feeding tray, for example. When the sheet interval enlarging request is not received (when a result of step S22is NO), the process in step S23is skipped. The image forming device2determines if it is the timing to feed the next sheet9(step S24). It may be the timing to feed the next sheet9(when a result of step S24is YES). The process by the image forming device2then returns to step S14to repeat the above-described process. It may not be the timing to feed the next sheet9(when a result of step S24is NO). The image forming device2then determines whether or not the job is to complete (step S25). If the job is not to complete (when a result of step S25is NO), the process by the image forming device2returns to step S24. When the job is complete, the process in the image forming device2is complete. An example of the detailed operation in the post-processing device3is explained.FIGS.16and17illustrate flow diagrams explaining an exemplary procedure of a process performed in the post-processing device3. This process is performed when the CPU72of the post-processing device3executes the program75. The process is also performed when the execution of the job is started by the user, for example. Upon start of the process, the post-processing device3receives the system speed sent from the image forming device2(step S30). The post-processing device3sets the carrying speed of the sheet9based on the system speed, and drives the carrying roller33(step S31). The post-processing device3receives the sheet type sent from the image forming device2(step S32), and stores the received sheet type as the first sheet type in the RAM74(step S33). After the feeding operation of the sheet9is performed in the image forming device2, the post-processing device3waits until receiving the sheet type detected by the media detector14(step S34). After receiving the sheet type detected by the media detector14(when a result of step S34is YES), the post-processing device3stores the received sheet type as the second sheet type in the RAM74(step S35). The post-processing device3compares the first sheet type and the second sheet type, and determines if those sheet types are different (step S36). When the sheet types are different (when a result of step S36is YES), the post-processing device3determines if the first sheet type is the special sheet (step S37). If the first sheet type is not the special sheet (when a result of step S37is NO), the post-processing device3determines the quantity of control for enabling the post processing unit40to operate based on the second sheet type of the first and the second sheet types (step S38). More specifically, the post-processing device3determines the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54), the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52b, and the voltage of drive of the stapler45based on the basis weight specified for the second sheet type and the control information76stored in the ROM73. The post-processing device3also determines the timing to start driving the aligning plates52aand52b(timing equivalent to the above-described predetermined time T2) based on the determined number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54). When the first sheet type and the second sheet type are the same (when a result of step S36is NO), or the first sheet type is the special sheet (when a result of step S37is YES), the post-processing device3determines the quantity of control for enabling the post processing unit40to operate based on the first sheet type of the first and the second sheet types (step S39). It is assumed that, for example, the first sheet type is the “regular paper.” In this case, the post-processing device3refers to the value of the basis weight 81 to 90 g/m2in the control information76to determine the downward quantity and the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54), the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52b, and the voltage of drive of the stapler45. The post-processing device3also determines the timing to start driving the aligning plates52aand52b(timing equivalent to the above-described predetermined time T2) based on the determined number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54). However, this is given not for limitation. When the first sheet type and the second sheet type are the same (when a result of step S36is NO), or the first sheet type is the special sheet (when a result of step S37is YES), the post-processing device3may determine the quantity of control for enabling the post processing unit40to operate based on the second sheet type. After determining the quantity of control for enabling the post processing unit40to operate in the above-described steps S38and S39, the post-processing device3waits until the rear end of the sheet9is detected by the sheet detector41(step S40). Once the rear end of the sheet9is detected by the sheet detector41(when a result of step S40is YES), the post-processing device3waits until the predetermined time T1elapses (step S41). The predetermined time T1is the time required for the rear end of the sheet9detected by the sheet detector41to go through the pair of rollers42and ejected on the tray43. After the elapse of the predetermined time T1(when a result of step S41is YES), the post-processing device3starts moving the rotation member53(paddle54) of the first aligning member51(step S42). The post-processing device3keeps moving the rotation member53(paddle54) downward until the downward quantity reaches the value determined in the step S38or S39. As starting the downward operation of the rotation member53(paddle54), the post-processing device3starts rotating the rotation member53(paddle54) of the first aligning member51downward (step S43). The post-processing device3keeps rotating the rotation member53(paddle54) until the number of rotations reaches the value determined in the step S38or S39. The rotation member53, for instance, rotates once during the downward operation, and rotates once or twice after the downward operation. As a result, the sheet9ejected on the tray43can be aligned along the carrying direction of the sheet9. As starting the rotation of the rotation member53(paddle54), the post-processing device3determines if the number of rotations is three which is more than the predetermined number of rotations (two rotations) (step S44). As a result, when the number of rotations is three, the post-processing device3performs the sheet interval enlarging process (step S45). More specifically, the post-processing device3sends the sheet interval enlarging request to the image forming device2, and performs the process to enlarge the sheet intervals between the following sheets9. If the number of rotations is not three (when a result of step S44is NO), the process in step S45is skipped. Moving to the process in the flow diagram ofFIG.17, the post-processing device3determines if the predetermined time T2has elapsed after the rear end of the sheet9is detected by the sheet detector41and it is the timing to start driving the aligning plate (step S50). If it is the timing to start driving the aligning plate, the rotation operation of the paddle54should be completed. Thus, when it is the timing to start driving the aligning plate (when a result of step S50is YES), the post-processing device3moves the rotation member53(paddle54) up, and puts it back to the waiting position. The timing that the controller39of the post-processing device3determines to start the operation of the second aligning member52differs for the case where the paddle rotates twice or the case where the paddle rotates three times. Whether the paddle rotates twice or three times is determined based on the sheet type in the steps S38and S39. In this case, the controller39of the post-processing device3adjusts the timing to determine to start the operation of the second aligning member52in step S50based on the sheet type. The controller39adjusts the timing to start the operation of the second aligning member52based on the sheet type so that it can prevent the operation of the second aligning member52from being performed at the same time as to the operation of the first aligning member51. With each operation, the sheet9can be appropriately aligned in the carrying direction and the width direction. In step S50, the post-processing device3may determine if the rotation operation of the paddle54of the first aligning member51is completed. The post-processing device3waits until the operation of the aligning plates52aand52bof the second aligning member52completes (step S52). Once the operation of the aligning plates52aand52bcompletes (when a result of step S52is YES), the post-processing device3performs the counting operation of the sheet9(step S53). With the counting operation, the number of the sheet9placed on the tray43is updated. The post-processing device3then determines if the number of the sheet9placed on the tray43has reached the predetermined number (step S54). When the number of the sheet9placed on the tray43has not reached the predetermined number (when a result of step S54is NO), the post-processing device3goes back to step S34ofFIG.16and repeats the above-described process. When the number of the sheet9placed on the tray43has reached the predetermined number (when a result of step S54is YES), the post-processing device3drives the stapler45and creates the bundle of sheets9, that is made by the predetermined number of the sheets9bound with the needle (step S55). The post-processing device3supplies the driving voltage determined in steps S38and S39ofFIG.16to the stapler45. As a result, the stapler45operates at a speed corresponding to the driving voltage and binds the predetermined number of the sheets9with the needle. After the binding with the needle by the stapler45is performed, the post-processing device3ejects the bundle of sheets on the tray43to the second ejecting tray38(step S56). More specifically, the post-processing device3moves the roller46toward the roller47, and sandwiches the bundle of sheets between the roller46and the roller47. The rollers46and47are rotated, and the bundle of sheets is ejected to the second ejecting tray38. After the operation to eject the bundle of sheets, the post-processing device3resets the number of the sheets9placed on the tray43to 0 (step S57). The post-processing device3then determines if the next sheet9is to be carried (step S58). If the next sheet9is to be carried (when a result of step S58is YES), the process in the post-processing device3goes back to step S34ofFIG.16and repeats the above-described process. If there is no next sheet9(when a result of step S58is NO), the job is complete and the process in the post-processing device3completes. The post-processing device3of the present embodiment obtains the first sheet type specified by the user and the second sheet type detected by the media detector14installed in the carrying path13of the sheet9. When the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different, the post-processing device3preferably applies the second sheet type and controls the operation of the post-processing unit40based on the second sheet type. Even when the user sets the wrong sheet type to set the type of the sheet9by manual, the post-processing device3controls the operation of the post-processing unit40based on the second sheet type so that the appropriate post-processing based on the accurate sheet type can be performed. The post-processing device3of the present embodiment obtains the first sheet type specified by the user and the second sheet type detected by the media detector14installed in the carrying path13of the sheet9. When the second sheet type is detected more in detail than the first sheet type, the post-processing device3is capable of controlling the operation of the post-processing unit40based on the second sheet type. More specifically, even when the user simply sets “regular paper,” the post-processing device3identifies the more detailed sheet type of the “regular paper” based on the second sheet type, and controls the operation of the post-processing unit40. The post-processing device3of the present embodiment, therefore, is enabled to finely control the operation of the post-processing unit40based on the sheet type which is more in detail than the sheet type set by the user by manual, and is capable of performing the appropriate post-processing corresponding to the type of the sheet9. The media detector14detects the sheet type every time the sheet9goes through the carrying path13. Hence, the post-processing device3is capable of changing the operation of the post-processing unit40for each sheet. Even when the multiple types of the sheets are in the single paper feeding tray, the post-processing suitable for the type of the sheet9fed from the paper feeding tray may be performed. The post-processing device3includes the aligning unit44that aligns the sheet9placed on the tray43. The post-processing device3is configured to control the operation of the aligning unit44based on the second sheet type. Thus, the aligning failure of the sheet9on the tray43can be prevented, and the post-processing including binding by the stapler45can be performed appropriately. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and not limitation, the scope of the present invention should be interpreted by terms of the appended claims (Modifications) While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments. Various modifications may be applied to the present invention. In the above-described preferred embodiment, for example, the media detector14is installed in the carrying path13in the image forming device2. The media detector14may be installed in the carrying path in the post-processing device3not in the carrying path in the image forming device2. In the above-described preferred embodiment, the aligning operation of the sheet9on the tray43and the binding operation by the stapler45are controlled based on the sheet type. The subject of the control based on the sheet type is not limited to the aligning operation and the binding operation. The punching operation by the punch34, for example, may be controlled by the post-processing device3based on the sheet type besides the aligning operation and the binding operation. In the above-described preferred embodiment, for controlling the aligning operation based on the sheet type, the post-processing device3controls the downward quantity of the rotation member53(paddle54), the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54), the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52b, the voltage of drive of the stapler45and the timing to start driving the aligning plates52aand52b. However, this is given not for limitation. For controlling the aligning operation, for example, the post-processing device3may control at least one of the downward quantities of the rotation member53(paddle54), the number of rotations of the rotation member53(paddle54), the number of times of drive of the aligning plates52aand52b, the voltage of drive of the stapler45and the timing to start driving the aligning plates52aand52b. In the above-described embodiments, the program75executed by the CPU72of the post-processing device3is stored in advance in the ROM73. The program75does not have to be the one provided to the post-processing device3being installed in advance. The program75may be provided to the post-processing device3in a manner that is recorded on a computer readable recording medium such as a USB memory, and can be installed in the post-processing device3. The program75may also be provided as a program installable in the post-processing device3by being downloaded over the network such as an internet. | 82,336 |
11858774 | For a thorough understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present disclosure is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Folder systems of the present disclosure use a movable fold chute to receive a portion of a carrier with a card attached to protect the card from being bent or dislodged while another portion of the carrier is folded. The movement of the fold chute aligns the carrier with different folding nips so that the carrier can enter and exit the fold chute along a generally straight paper path. The folding systems disclosed herein can be integrated into larger mail processing and inserter systems that can attach cards to a carrier and then insert it into an envelope. Inserter systems are automated or semi-automated machines that prepare paper mailers and may include document production modules, document handling applications, and finishing applications. Some example inserters include the EPIC™ inserting system and the RIVAL™ inserting system, both available from BlueCrest Inc (Danbury, CT). FIG.1shows a schematic view of an inserter system10incorporating the folder12of invention. The inserter system10has several modules for accomplishing different tasks in the mail preparation process. The modules are controlled by a computer and controller (not shown), as will be described in greater detail below. The inserter system10as shown in exemplary and other compatible inserters may include different combinations and configurations of the various modules. Documents are fed into the system10by document feeder14for processing. In different embodiments, the documents may be pre-printed or blank. Optionally information may be printed on the documents in printing module11. The documents, which may be bills or financial statements, for example, may be provided by the document feeder14as individual cut sheets, or may be cut from a spool using a web cutter (not shown). The documents next move to a card attacher16, where cards are attached to the documents, which may be referred to as carriers. The card attachment module16may be configured to read information on the carriers and take cards from a stack of pre-embossed cards and attach the cards to the carriers at one or more locations. The carriers then enter the folder12where they are folded. The folder12folds the carrier with the card attached, as will be described in greater detail below. The folded carriers next move to a buffer18, which holds the carriers for sequential processing. The carriers next move to a chassis20where inserts from a plurality of feeder modules22may be added to the carriers. The carriers next enter an insertion area24, where the finished carriers are stuffed into envelopes provided by an envelope hopper26, and the envelopes are sealed. The stuffed, sealed envelopes then enter an outsort module28, for optionally diverting defective envelopes from the production stream into a reject bin (not shown). Defective envelopes may have carriers that are improperly assembled and/or cards that are detached or damaged and/or may be improperly sealed, for example. The properly assembled and sealed envelopes next enter a metering and printing area30, where markings, such as a postage indicia and/or address information, for example, are applied using a printer32to form completed mail pieces. Finally, the completed mail pieces are deposited on a conveyor34. The system10can be monitored and controlled via a user interface19, which may be physically attached to the system or may be located remotely. The user interface19can be a touchscreen or other similar input device. The user interface19may display parameters and operating conditions of the various modules and allow a user to control the functioning or one or more modules and switch between jobs as needed. The operation of user interfaces in relation to the system will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.15. Other systems utilizing more or fewer components and/or different arrangements of components may also be used. It should also be understood that the improvements described in this application can also be used in a stand-alone folder, and there is no need for the folder to be part of a larger document production system. The folder12of the present invention may allow a high quality fold to be consistently achieved for carriers having a card attached and having a range of thicknesses without manual adjustment and without degradation of the card, carrier, or the combination thereof. In direct mailing, it is desirable to prepare a mailer that contains a folded paper carrier with a card attached. Generally to process such a mailer, a paper carrier is prepared which is printed with desired information, and a card is attached. The card is often made of a more rigid material than the paper carrier, such as a thicker paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, or a polymer material. The carrier with the attached card must then be folded, and optionally combined with one or more other inserts or materials, before being inserted into an envelope for mailing. However, traditional buckle stop folding devices cannot accommodate paper carriers that have a rigid card attached. The folding systems disclosed herein allow carriers with cards attached to be folded by using a unique configuration of rollers and a movable fold chute. An example of a folding apparatus employing a movable fold chute is shown inFIG.2A. The folding apparatus100includes a fold cluster made up of folding rollers101,102, and103. Folding rollers101and102are aligned to form a feeding nip112at an interface therebetween. Folding rollers102and103are likewise aligned to form a folding nip114at an interface therebetween. A paper carrier (not shown) enters the folding apparatus100at a paper inlet119between drive rollers122and123. Drive rollers126along with drive roller122are operably connected by a drive belt133to guide the paper along the paper path140. The paper path140is defined by the interface of drive belts133and134. Drive belt133is driven by drive motor138which rotates in a counter-clockwise direction to cause the drive belt133to advance. Paper guide162is positioned to direct a piece of paper from the paper path140defined at the interface of drive belts133and134up into the feeding nip112. As will be discussed further below with respect toFIGS.8-13, the paper guide162can direct the paper instead to bypass the feeding nip112if the fold cluster is meant to be bypassed. The entire path that the paper travels from paper inlet119into feeding nip112maintains the paper in a generally straight orientation, meaning that it does not bend around any small radius that would cause an attached card to be dislodged or bent. For example the generally straight orientation may be defined as not bending around a radius that is smaller than, for example, 10 cm, 100 cm, or 1000 cm, or the like. As explained above, feeding nip112is formed between folding rollers101and102. To advance the paper through the feeding nip112, folding roller101rotates in a counter-clockwise direction and folding roller102rotates in a clockwise direction. The folding rollers101and102have a surface that grips the paper therebetween due to friction of the surface and the orientation of the rollers. Folding rollers can be adjustable to provide different levels of grip or to have greater tolerance for papers and carriers of different thicknesses. The folding rollers grip the paper in a manner such that the paper does not slide with respect to the surface of the rollers, but rather is advanced according to the rotation of the rollers. When the paper is between the rollers it is engaged by the rollers to prevent slippage. As can be seen inFIG.2A, a piece of paper that travels from the paper path140through the feeding nip112travels in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the axis formed between the folding rollers101and102. The feeding nip112therefore does not cause a paper carrier traveling therethrough to appreciably bend as it advances through the feeding nip112. Fold chute150is located downstream of the feeding nip112. Fold chute150is a receptacle with an inner lumen sized and shaped to receive a paper carrier. Fold chute150has an opening (not shown) at or near its proximal end, located immediately downstream of the feeding nip112through which a paper carrier can enter the inner lumen when it advances out of the feeding nip112. Fold chute150also has a buckle stop (not shown) located within the inner lumen, which is configured to contact a portion of the paper carrier and stop its further advancement into the inner lumen. The buckle stop can simply be the distal end of the inner lumen or it can be one or more bumpers or friction members located within the inner lumen configured to contact a paper carrier. The buckle stop can be adjusted to allow for different sizes of paper or different fold configurations, as will be discussed below with respect toFIGS.8-13. Fold chute150is configured to pivot about a point near its proximal end such that the distal end152of the fold chute150swings back and forth in an arcuate manner as indicated by arrow171. The rotation or pivoting of fold chute150allows fold chute150to assume at least a first position (shown inFIG.2B) and a second position (shown inFIG.2D). In operation, the fold chute150continuously pivots back and forth to allow the folding of successive carriers with cards attached, as will be described below. Fold chute150is connected to chute arm182which is operably associated with chute motor185. Chute motor185drives chute gear183with chute belt184. Chute arm182includes a rigid shaft186and one or more rotatable or articulable hinges189. As chute gear183rotates, chute arm182moves fold chute150back and forth. The range of movement of chute arm182and fold chute150is shown inFIGS.2B-E. Although fold chute150is depicted inFIG.2Aas having a vertical orientation, it is to be understood that fold chute150is movable and is therefore operable to assume different positions with respect to the folding rollers, including the first and second positions described above, as well as all positions in between. FIGS.2B-Eshow a paper carrier190with a card191attached as they travels through the folding apparatus100.FIGS.2B-Eare shown in cross-section so that the position of the paper190and card191within the fold chute150are visible. InFIG.2B, the paper carrier190with a card191enters folder chute150. The entrance angle, θ, between the paper path in the feeding nip112and the angle of the fold chute150, and depicted as dotted lines, is small, for example less than about 40 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 30 degrees, less than about 25 degrees, less than about 20 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 10 degrees, less than about 5 degrees, or less than about 1 degree, to prevent damage to the card191as it enters the fold chute150. Once the majority of the card portion of the carrier190is out of the feeding nip112, the fold chute150moves counter-clockwise, as shown inFIG.2C. When the lead edge of the carrier190reaches the buckle stop (not shown), the fold chute150should be in generally vertical orientation, and the document buckle195will just begin to form. The card191is in the fold chute150at this point and protected. As the buckle195continues to form, the fold chute150travels past center and prepares to align the card for exit through the folding nip114, as shown inFIG.2D. Like the entrance angle, ∂4, the exit angle θ1, is also low to prevent damage to the card as it exits the fold chute150. As shown inFIG.2E, the folder carrier190emerges from the folding nip114with its first fold complete. The process can be repeated again in another fold cluster to make the final C or Z fold, as will be described in greater detail below. FIGS.3-6show a schematic depiction of the coordinated movement of the fold chute throughout the folding process. FIG.3shows a schematic drawing of folding apparatus100with folding rollers101-103and fold chute150operably connected to gear183driven by a motor (not shown). Paper travels from left to right, as indicated by arrow142. Paper travels down a first paper path144and can be directed by a paper guide (not shown) into either a fold path145or a bypass path146. If the carrier is meant to be folded, the paper guide directs the carrier into the fold path145, where it is folded in the manner described above and sent through the exit path147. If the carrier is not meant to be folded, the paper guide directs the carrier into the bypass path. Folded carriers and unfolded carriers travel down path148for further downstream processing. FIG.4shows a paper carrier190entering the folding apparatus100. The leading portion193of the carrier has a rigid card191or other rigid object attached enters the folding apparatus ahead of the trailing portion194of the carrier. The fold chute150is in a first position wherein it is substantially aligned with the paper path of the paper traveling through feeding nip112. In this orientation, fold chute150is generally orthogonal to the axis represented by dotted line119between folding rollers101and102, or is no greater than angle θ from perpendicular with axis119. In embodiments the angle θ is no more than approximately 40 degrees, 35 degrees, 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, or 1 degree. The timing of the movement of fold chute150is configured such that fold chute150is in the first position when a paper carrier is emerging from the feeding nip112. With the fold chute150in the first position, a leading portion193of a paper carrier190with a card191attached is advanced through feeding nip112and can enter the inner lumen of the fold chute150without bending. With the entire card191inside the fold chute150, the fold chute150rotates counter-clockwise, from the position of fold chute150shown inFIG.4to the vertical position of fold chute150shown inFIG.5. The leading portion193of the paper carrier190contacts the buckle stop (not shown) while the trailing portion194of the paper carrier190is still engaged with and advancing through feeding nip112. Contact with the buckle stop causes the leading portion193of the paper carrier190to stop, and the continuing advancement of the trailing portion194via the feeding nip112causes a buckle195to form. The contact with the buckle stop occurs in conjunction with the fold chute150rotating in a counter-clockwise manner, causing the buckle195to form in a downward direction towards folding nip114. Folding nip114is at the interface between folding roller102and folding roller103. Fold chute150continues rotating in the counter-clockwise manner and feeding nip112continues advancing the trailing portion of the carrier190causing the buckle195to grow toward folding nip114. Because the leading portion193of the carrier190which has the card191attached is housed within the fold chute150during buckle formation, the card191remains flat and undisturbed. By the time fold chute150reaches the second position, as depicted inFIG.6, the growing buckle195has contacted the folding rollers102and103and is ingested into the folding nip114which causes a fold196to form in the trailing portion of the carrier190. As the fold is created, the leading portion193of the carrier is withdrawn out of the fold chute150, which by this time is substantially aligned with the folding nip114such that the card and carrier exit the fold chute150along a substantially straight path and are advanced through folding nip114without the card191being bent. The carrier190with the card191attached exits the fold chute150at an angle that is substantially orthogonal to the axis118between rollers102and103. Substantially orthogonal includes being at an angle θ1from perpendicular with axis118, wherein the angle θ1is less than about 35 degrees, less than about 30 degrees, less than about 25 degrees, less than about 20 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 10 degrees, less than about 5 degrees, or less than about 1 degree. The now-folded carrier with the card attached travels down the exit path147, and the process can be repeated with another carrier. Chute motor (not shown) continues rotating chute gear183which causes chute arm182to rotate fold chute150back in a clockwise direction, causing fold chute150to assume the first position once again, where it can receive another carrier from the feeding nip112. The process repeats itself for additional carriers as needed. Systems of the present invention encompass various combinations and configurations of folding apparatuses, such that a variety of folds can be made in a carrier with a card attached. Multiple folding apparatuses can be arranged one after another in order to make a series of folds in a carrier. The folding apparatuses are compatible with half folds, C-folds, Z-folds, quarter folds, each of which can be configured with a card placed on different folds of the carrier. Other fold configurations are possible as well, as the person of ordinary skill in the art could envision based on the disclosure herein. An exemplary arrangement of folding apparatuses in a folding system of the present invention is shown inFIG.7. The paper path includes a first fold station710and a second fold station720downstream of the first fold station710. The first fold station710includes one folding apparatus100as has been described above. The second fold station720includes an upper folding apparatus721and a lower folding apparatus722, each of which is substantially similar to the folding apparatus100described above. Paper guides (not shown) direct a piece of paper traveling from left to right into the various fold paths and bypass paths. A first paper guide associated with the first fold station710directs paper either into fold path145to create a fold or into a bypass path146to avoid creating a fold. At the second fold station, a paper guide can direct the paper either into the upper fold apparatus721via fold path745or into the lower fold apparatus722via fold path755, depending on the type of fold desired, or alternatively the paper guide can guide the paper into bypass path746to avoid creating a fold at the second fold station720. As shown inFIG.7, paper carriers190are bypassing both fold stations via the bypass paths146and746. This represents the “thru path” wherein no folds are created. Some non-limiting examples of fold configurations that can be formed with the disclosed system are shown inFIGS.8-13. As will be explained with respect to particular fold paths described below, the buckle stop in the fold chute150associated with each respective folding apparatus can be adjusted—and the timing of the fold chute movement and roller speed can likewise be adjusted—to control the precise location of the fold in the paper. For example, a fold cluster can create a fold in the middle of the paper to create two equal halves, or the fold cluster can create a fold at a one-third or one-quarter location on the paper. FIG.8shows a process for creating a half-fold using the disclosed folding apparatuses. For simplicity, paper carriers190are shown without a card attached, but it should be understood that a card would generally be attached to the carrier as described above. The paper carrier190is directed into the folding apparatus100of the first fold station710by a paper guide (not shown). The fold chute150and buckle stop (not shown) are configured to allow a predetermined length of the paper carrier190to enter the fold chute150such that the buckle195forms at the midpoint of the length of the paper carrier190, thereby creating a half-folded carrier when the buckled portion is ingested by the folding nip114. A completed half-folded carrier890is shown traveling between the first fold station710and the second fold station720. Since no further fold is desired, a second paper guide (not shown) directs the half-folded carriers890to bypass the second fold station720via bypass path746. In the embodiment shown inFIG.8, the half-fold is created such that the bottom surface of the paper carrier becomes the outside of the folded carrier. In another configuration, a half-fold could be created with the top surface of the paper carrier becoming the outside of the folded carrier. This could be done by bypassing the first fold station710and directing the carrier to the lower fold apparatus722to create a half fold. FIGS.9-11show various trifold configurations. Two folds are required in order to fold a paper into thirds. A first fold can be formed about a third of the way down the length of a piece of paper, and a second fold can be formed at about two-thirds. Trifolds include C-folds, wherein both folds are made in the same direction, and Z-folds, wherein the two folds are made in opposing directions. FIG.9shows a process for creating a C-fold using the disclosed folding system. The paper carrier190is directed into the first fold cluster where a fold is made by methods described herein at approximately one-third the length of the carrier. The folded carrier990is then directed into one of the folding apparatuses721or722of the second fold station720to create a second fold, completing the C-fold configuration. A first configuration of C-fold (“C-fold up”) can be made by the process shown inFIG.9. The carrier is fed into the fold chute150until approximately one-third of the carrier is in the fold chute, to create a buckle195in the carrier. The leading portion193of the carrier190constitutes about one-third of the carrier, and the trailing portion194of the carrier constitutes about two-thirds of the carrier. The partially folded carrier990is then directed into the upper folding apparatus721of the second fold station720which creates the second fold, completing the C-fold. A completed C-folded carrier995is shown downstream of the second fold station720. A different configuration of C-fold (“C-fold down”) can be made by the process shown inFIG.10. In this configuration, two-thirds of the carrier enters the fold chute150and the first fold is thus created further down the length of the carrier190. The second fold is then created by directing the carrier into the lower folding apparatus722of the second fold station720. This leads to a different orientation of C-fold than is created inFIG.9. Such different configurations may be desired based on where on the carrier the card is attached. When the card is attached to the middle section of a trifold carrier, the “C-fold down” configuration should be used, so that the middle section is inside the respective fold chute150during each fold. If the card is attached to the leading section, the “C-fold up” configuration should be used. FIG.11shows a process for creating a Z-fold. The “Z-fold down” process begins the same as the “C-fold up” process described above, except instead of being directed into the upper folding apparatus721for the second fold, the carrier is directed into the lower folding apparatus722. Carrier1190is shown being folded in folding apparatus722. The completed Z-folded carrier1195is shown downstream of the second fold station720. A differently configured Z-fold can be created using the first step of the “C-fold down” process described above, and directing the carrier into the upper folding apparatus721to complete the second fold. FIGS.12and13show processes for creating quarter folds. The carrier190enters the first fold station710and is folded in half, using the same process as shown inFIG.8to create a half fold. However, instead of bypassing the second fold station720, the half-folded carriers are then directed either to the upper folding apparatus721as inFIG.12or the lower folding apparatus722as inFIG.13. In bothFIGS.12and13, the half-folded carriers are folded in half once again by the second fold station to create quarter-folded carriers1295and1395. The person of skill in the art will understand the various configurations for creating C-folds and Z-folds, as well as half folds and quarter folds, and would be able to design an appropriate fold scheme using the systems disclosed herein, depending on the intended location of the attached card and the orientation of printing on the top and bottom surface of the carrier. Different fold schemes, as described with respect to the fold schemes shown inFIGS.8-13, are dependent on the location of the buckle stop, the speed of the rollers and fold chutes, and the orientation of the paper guides to direct the carrier into the folding apparatuses or bypass paths. FIG.14Ashows a perspective view of a sample completed carrier package115, formed by the folded carrier113with a card128attached at location130.FIG.14Bshows an end view of the folded carrier package115. The folded carrier113is folded in a Z-fold. A cardholder name and address and/or other account information106can be printed on one of three panels108,109, and110of the carrier113. The three panels are defined by two fold-lines116and117, which were created by a folding apparatus as described above. The information106can be printed, for example, by the printing module11shown inFIG.1. The printer module may also print a bar code120representative of information concerning the account on another of the panels, such as the end panel109, such as the account number and the number of cards that are to be attached to the carrier113. In other configurations of folded carriers it may be desirable to print the information106or the bar code information120at other selected locations on the carrier113. The cards128generally have an account number and an account holder's name embossed on the card and the same information encoded on a magnetic stripe on the back of the card128. Additional information, such as the number of cards to be attached to the carrier may also be contained in the bar code. In addition, the back of the card has the account number and account name encoded in bar code printed on the back of the card. This information is checked for proper encoding and if the coding is not correct or if the coding does not match the encoded information of a carrier to which it is to be attached, the card128is passed to a card reject bin. Cards may be attached to the carrier113, for example at location130or location132or elsewhere, by means of an adhesive label143. One side of the adhesive label143is attached to the card by a heat activated adhesive, such as a releasable adhesive. The other side of the label is attached to the carrier by means of a permanent adhesive. As described above, and as will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art, the roller speed, fold chute motor speed, and orientation of paper guides combine to determine the particular fold configuration of a paper carrier traveling through the folding systems disclosed herein. The operation and function of the various moving parts are driven by motors and controlled by one or more computer processors operable to execute instructions. The various parameters can be controlled and monitored from a display device as described below. Aspects of the present disclosure described herein, such as the speed and control of rollers, fold chutes, and paper guides, as described above, and the monitoring and controlling of various parameters, can be performed using any type of computing device, such as a computer or programmable logic controller (PLC), that includes a processor, e.g., a central processing unit, or any combination of computing devices where each device performs at least part of the process or method. In some embodiments, systems and methods described herein may be performed with a handheld device, e.g., a smart tablet, a smart phone, or a specialty device produced for the system. The user interface19as shown inFIG.1is operably associated with a processor that is configured to control the operation of the mail insertion system including the folding apparatus. The user interface may employ software, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions can also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations (e.g., folding apparatus or inserter apparatus in one room and host workstation in another, or in separate buildings, for example, with wireless or wired connections). Processors suitable for the execution of computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processor of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Elements of computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more non-transitory mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, solid state drive (SSD), and flash memory devices); magnetic disks, (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks). The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry. To provide for interaction with a user, the systems described herein can be implemented on a computer having an I/O device, e.g., a CRT, LCD, LED, or projection device for displaying information to the user and an input or output device such as a keyboard and a pointing device, (e.g., a mouse or a trackball), by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., a data server), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or a front-end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected through network by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include cell network (e.g., 3G or 4G), a local area network (LAN), and a wide area network (WAN), e.g., the Internet. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a non-transitory computer-readable medium) for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, app, macro, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages (e.g., C, C++, Perl), and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. Systems and methods of the invention can include instructions written in any suitable programming language known in the art, including, without limitation, C, C++, Perl, Java, ActiveX, HTML5, Visual Basic, or JavaScript. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a file or a portion of file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. A file can be a digital file, for example, stored on a hard drive, SSD, CD, or other tangible, non-transitory medium. A file can be sent from one device to another over a network (e.g., as packets being sent from a server to a client, for example, through a Network Interface Card, modem, wireless card, or similar). Writing a file according to embodiments of the invention involves transforming a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium, for example, by adding, removing, or rearranging particles (e.g., with a net charge or dipole moment into patterns of magnetization by read/write heads), the patterns then representing new collocations of information about objective physical phenomena desired by, and useful to, the user. In some embodiments, writing involves a physical transformation of material in tangible, non-transitory computer readable media (e.g., with certain optical properties so that optical read/write devices can then read the new and useful collocation of information, e.g., burning a CD-ROM). In some embodiments, writing a file includes transforming a physical flash memory apparatus such as NAND flash memory device and storing information by transforming physical elements in an array of memory cells made from floating-gate transistors. Methods of writing a file are well-known in the art and, for example, can be invoked manually or automatically by a program or by a save command from software or a write command from a programming language. Suitable computing devices typically include mass memory, at least one graphical user interface, at least one display device, and typically include communication between devices. The mass memory illustrates a type of computer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storage media may include volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, Radiofrequency Identification tags or chips, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computing device. As one skilled in the art would recognize as necessary or best-suited for performance of the methods of the invention, a computer system or machines employed in embodiments of the invention may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both), a main memory and a static memory, which communicate with each other via a bus. In an example embodiment shown inFIG.15, system600can include a computer649(e.g., laptop, desktop, or tablet). The computer649may be configured to communicate across a network609. Computer649includes one or more processor659and memory663as well as an input/output mechanism654. Where methods of the invention employ a client/server architecture, operations of methods of the invention may be performed using server613, which includes one or more of processor621and memory629, capable of obtaining data, instructions, etc., or providing results via interface module625or providing results as a file617. Server613may be engaged over network609through computer649or terminal667, or server613may be directly connected to terminal667, including one or more processor675and memory679, as well as input/output mechanism671. System600or machines according to example embodiments of the invention may further include, for any of I/O649,637, or671a video display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). Computer systems or machines according to some embodiments can also include an alphanumeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit, a signal generation device (e.g., a speaker), a touchscreen, an accelerometer, a microphone, a cellular radio frequency antenna, and a network interface device, which can be, for example, a network interface card (NIC), Wi-Fi card, or cellular modem. Memory663,679, or629according to example embodiments of the invention can include a machine-readable medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory and/or within the processor during execution thereof by the computer system, the main memory and the processor also constituting machine-readable media. The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via the network interface device. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. | 38,854 |
11858775 | EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment The paper sheet detection device, the paper sheet detection method, and the paper sheet processing device according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.FIG.1shows a paper sheet processing device1according to the embodiment. The paper sheet processing device1performs a process of classifying paper sheets such as banknotes, securities, and coupons as paper sheets. Here, a case where a process of classifying banknotes as paper sheets is performed will be described as an example. <Hardware Configuration of Paper Sheet Processing Device1> First, the hardware configuration of the paper sheet processing device1will be described. The paper sheet processing device1according to the embodiment shown inFIG.1classifies charged banknotes S as counting target banknotes that are counting targets and rejected banknotes that are not counting targets, and further counts the counting target banknotes by type and accommodates the counting target banknotes by type. The paper sheet processing device1displays the counting result in association with the accommodation destination. In the following description, “front” is the operator side, “rear” is the side opposite to the operator, “right” is the right side when viewed from the operator, and “left” is the left side when viewed from the operator. The paper sheet processing device1is configured by combining a counting unit2and a stacking unit3. The counting unit2identifies and counts banknotes S. The stacking unit3classifies, stacks, and accommodates the banknotes S identified and counted by the counting unit2and conveyed from the counting unit2. The stacking unit3can perform processing such as stacking a predetermined number of banknotes S sorted according to denomination. In the paper sheet processing device1, one or a plurality of desired stacking units3can be connected to one counting unit2. Further, with respect to one counting unit2, it is also possible to connect the stacking unit3and a binding unit that binds a predetermined number of banknotes by wrapping a strap around the banknotes. Here, a case where one stacking unit3is connected to one counting unit2will be described as an example. The counting unit2has a receiving portion11and a reject portion13. The receiving portion11is provided in the lower part of the right side surface side of the counting unit2, being always open to the outside of the counting unit2, that is, the outside of the paper sheet processing device1, across the right side surface and the front surface, although not shown. The reject portion13is provided in the upper part of the right side surface side like the receiving portion11, being always open to the outside of the counting unit2, that is, the outside of the paper sheet processing device1, across the right side surface and the front surface. The reject portion13and the receiving portion11are arranged vertically side by side so as to be aligned in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The receiving portion11receives banknotes S charged from outside of the paper sheet processing device1. In the receiving portion11, a plurality of banknotes S are set in a state of being stacked in the vertical direction with the long sides (long side portions) thereof aligned with the front and back, and the short sides (short side portions) thereof aligned with the left and right directions. The receiving portion11one by one separates and pays out the banknotes S in the stacked state set in this way from the bottom banknote S, and takes the banknotes S into the paper sheet processing device1. The banknotes S paid out from the receiving portion11move along the extending direction of the short sides thereof. The counting unit2has inside thereof an endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21that conveys the banknotes S that have been charged into the receiving portion11and paid out from the receiving portion11and an identifying and counting portion22that identifies and counts banknotes S being conveyed by the endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21. The banknotes S conveyed by the endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21move along the extending direction of the short sides thereof. The endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21has a left extension portion31, an upward extension portion32, a left extension portion33, and a branch extension portion34. The left extension portion31extends from the receiving portion11toward the left side surface of the counting unit2. The upward extension portion32extends upward from the end near the left side surface of the left extension portion31. The left extension portion33extends from the upper end portion of the upward extension portion32toward the left side surface of the counting unit2and opens on the left side surface. The branch extension portion34branches from above the identifying and counting portion22of the upward extension portion32, extends toward the right side surface of the counting unit2, and is connected to the reject portion13. The endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21is provided with the identifying and counting portion22in the upward extension portion32along the vertical direction. Within the stacking unit3, there is provided an endo-stacking unit conveyance configuration portion41that is connected to the left extension portion33of the counting unit2and conveys the banknotes S paid out from the left extension portion33. Thereby, the endo-stacking unit conveyance configuration portion41is connected to the endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21of the counting unit2. The banknotes S conveyed by the endo-stacking unit conveyance configuration portion41also move along the extending direction of the short sides thereof. The endo-stacking unit conveyance configuration portion41has a connecting conveyance configuration portion42and a branching conveyance configuration portion43. The connecting conveyance configuration portion42opens to the upper part of the right side surface of the stacking unit3, extends horizontally and linearly toward the left side surface of the stacking unit3, and opens to the upper part of the left side surface. The branching conveyance configuration portion43branches downward from the left-side middle portion of the connecting conveyance configuration portion42. The connecting conveyance configuration portion42conveys the banknotes S conveyed by the counting unit2in the horizontal direction and in the direction away from the counting unit2. The branching conveyance configuration portion43branches from the connecting conveyance configuration portion42and conveys the banknotes S vertically downward, which is different from the horizontal direction. The connecting conveyance configuration portion42and the branching conveyance configuration portion43each have an individual drive motor, and can be driven independently of each other. A case in which a plurality of stacking units3are connected to one counting unit2shall be described. In this case, the plurality of stacking units3are arranged side by side in the left-right direction and connected. In addition, the connecting conveyance configuration portions42of the adjacent stacking units3are connected to each other. With such a configuration, in the paper sheet processing device1, the endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21can convey the banknotes S received by the receiving portion11toward the plurality of stacking units3. The branching conveyance configuration portion43of the stacking unit3has a downward extension portion44and a plurality, specifically three, lateral extension portions45. The downward extension portion44branches from the left-side middle portion of the connecting conveyance configuration portion42and extends vertically downward. The plurality of lateral extension portions45include one lateral extension portion45that extends from the lower end position of the downward extension portion44toward the right side surface of the stacking unit3, and a plurality of lateral extension portions45that branch from an intermediate position of the downward extension portion44and extend toward the right side surface of the stacking unit3. At each of the branch positions of the lateral extension portions45that branch off from an intermediate position of the downward extension portion44is provided a sorting portion46that sorts the banknotes S to the downward extension portion44and the lateral extension portion45. These sorting portions46make it possible to sort the banknotes S to any of the three lateral extension portions45. A stacking portion51for stacking and accommodating the banknotes S is connected to each of the three lateral extension portions45. InFIG.1, as an example, one stacking unit3is provided with three stacking portions51. For example, one stacking unit3may be provided with four stacking portions51. Two stacking portions51may be provided in one stacking unit3. One stacking portion51may be provided in one stacking unit3. Further, when connecting a plurality of stacking units3to the counting unit2, the number of stacking portions51provided in each of the plurality of stacking units3can be arbitrarily selected. Each stacking portion51accommodates the banknotes S identified as an accommodation target among the banknotes S identified and counted by the identifying and counting portion22. For example, when the stacking unit3performs a process of stacking a predetermined number of banknotes S sorted for each denomination, a denomination is set for each of the stacking portions51. Each stacking portion51accommodates banknotes S of a target denomination that has been set. The sorting portion46sorts the banknotes S to any of the stacking portions51so that the set target denomination is accommodated in the stacking portion51. That is, the paper sheet processing device1causes the banknotes S that have been charged into the receiving portion11and identified and counted by the identifying and counting portion22to be sorted by the sorting portion46under predetermined conditions to be stacked in the stacking portions51. Each of the stacking portions51has an opening portion (not shown) provided on the front surface of the stacking unit3, that is, the front surface of the paper sheet processing device1. Each opening portion has a pocket shape that is always open to the outside of the stacking unit3, that is, the outside of the paper sheet processing device1. The plurality of stacking portions51provided in one stacking unit3are aligned in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and are arranged in the vertical direction (height direction) at predetermined intervals. The positions of the plurality of stacking portions51are also aligned in the front-rear direction with respect to the receiving portion11and the reject portion13provided in the counting unit2. The endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21and the endo-stacking unit conveyance configuration portion41, which are connected to each other, constitute a conveying portion55that conveys, within the paper sheet processing device1, the banknotes S delivered from the receiving portion11. When a banknote S has been identified by the identifying and counting portion22during the conveyance thereof, the portion of the conveying portion55downstream of the identifying and counting portion22selectively sorts the banknote S to the reject portion13and one of the plurality of stacking portions51on the basis of the identification result of the identifying and counting portion22. The counting unit2is arranged on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the banknote S by the conveying portion55, and the stacking unit3is arranged on the downstream side. In the paper sheet processing device1, the reject portion13and the plurality of stacking portions51classify the banknotes S on the basis of the identification result of the identifying and counting portion22to be accommodated in a removable manner to outside the paper sheet processing device1. The plurality of stacking portions51are configured so that the banknotes S can be pulled out from the opening portion (not shown) provided in the front surface of the paper sheet processing device1to the front of the paper sheet processing device1. Among the banknotes S taken into the paper sheet processing device1by the receiving portion11, the reject portion13stacks the banknotes S that have been identified as rejected banknotes other than the banknotes to be counted by the identifying and counting portion22, and accommodates the banknotes S to be removable to outside the paper sheet processing device1. The reject portion13stacks the banknotes S fed from the endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21from the bottom to the top in the payout order. When the banknotes S are paid out from the branch extension portion34of the endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21to the reject portion13, the long sides thereof are aligned in the front-rear direction and the short sides are aligned in the left-right direction in the reject portion13. Among the banknotes S taken into the paper sheet processing device1by the receiving portion11, the plurality of stacking portions51stack by type the banknotes S that have been identified by the identifying and counting portion22as banknotes to be counted and counted by type and accommodates the banknotes S to be removable to outside the paper sheet processing device1. Each of the plurality of stacking portions51stacks the banknotes S paid out from the endo-stacking unit conveyance configuration portion41in the direction from the lower right to the upper left in the payout order. An operation display portion60(reporting portion, operation portion) and an audio output portion61(reporting portion) are provided on the front surface of the counting unit2of the paper sheet processing device1. The operation display portion60receives operation inputs and displays information on a screen. The audio output portion61outputs audio. The operation display portion60is a device that displays the operation screen of the paper sheet processing device1and the stacking state of banknotes S in the stacking unit3. In the present embodiment, the operation display portion60includes a touch panel on which the operator can perform touch operations. That is, the operator can perform various operations on the paper sheet processing device1by touching operation buttons displayed on the operation display portion60. Inside the counting unit2is provided a control portion62that controls the counting unit2and each part of the stacking unit3connected to the counting unit2, and a storage portion63that stores a plurality of threshold values described below (first threshold value, second threshold value, target light-receiving level), a control program, various parameters, and the like. The control portion62controls the entire paper sheet processing device1. As described above, the receiving portion11provided in the counting unit2is provided on the right side surface side of the paper sheet processing device1so as to always open to the right side and to the front. The receiving portion11has a bottom portion70, a wall portion71, and a wall portion72. The bottom portion70is arranged so as to be slightly inclined to the left with respect to the horizontal. The wall portion71extends upward from the left end position of the bottom portion70so as to be perpendicular to the bottom portion70. The wall portion72extends vertically upward from the trailing edge of the bottom portion70. The bottom portion70and the wall portion71extend in the front-rear direction. The wall portion72extends in the vertical direction and the left-right direction. The bottom portion70, the wall portion71, and the wall portion72are arranged perpendicular to each other. The banknotes S are set in the receiving portion11in a stacked state on the bottom portion70so that one long side is brought into contact with the wall portion71and one short side is brought into contact with the wall portion72. The receiving portion11has a bill press74that is provided above the bottom portion70and that moves up and down along the wall portion71. The bill press74presses the banknotes S placed on the bottom portion70toward the bottom portion70. The receiving portion11has a kick-out roller75, a take-in roller76, and a separation roller77. The kick-out roller75kicks out the lowest banknote S among the banknotes S set on the bottom portion70toward the endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21on the left. The take-in roller76takes the banknotes S kicked out by the kick-out roller75into the paper sheet processing device1to deliver the banknotes S to the endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21. The separation roller77separates the banknotes S taken in by the take-in roller76one by one. The kick-out roller75, the take-in roller76, and the separation roller77constitute a take-in portion78that separates the banknotes S set in the receiving portion11one by one and takes the banknotes S into the paper sheet processing device1. The identifying and counting portion22detects the image of each banknote S and compares the detected image with a reference data. The identifying and counting portion22specifies the type of reference data determined to match the detected image as the type of banknote S. The banknote S whose type has been specified in this way is a banknote S without any identification abnormality. On the other hand, when there is no reference data determined to match the detected image, the identifying and counting portion22identifies the banknote S as a banknote S with an identification abnormality. The reject portion13provided in the counting unit2has a bottom portion80, a wall portion81, and a wall portion82. The bottom portion80is arranged so as to be inclined slightly downward to the left with respect to the horizontal. The wall portion81extends upward from the left end position of the bottom portion80so as to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom portion80. The wall portion82extends vertically upward from the trailing edge of the bottom portion80. The bottom portion80and the wall portion81extend in the front-rear direction. The wall portion82extends in the vertical direction and the left-right direction. The bottom portion80and the wall portion82are arranged perpendicular to each other. An impeller85is provided on the upper part of the wall portion81. The impeller85is provided in the vicinity of the terminal position of the branch extension portion34of the endo-counting unit conveyance configuration portion21, and the banknotes S conveyed by the branch extension portion34are fed out and stacked on the bottom portion80. The impeller85is provided with a large number of blades (not shown) at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The impeller85rotates together with the banknote S conveyed by the branch extension portion34sandwiched between the blades. When this banknote S comes into contact with the wall portion81and comes out from between the blades, the impeller85pushes this banknote S with the blades toward the bottom portion80side, that is, downward. The plurality of stacking portions51provided in the stacking unit3all have the same configuration, and include an opening portion (not shown), an accommodation bottom portion90, an accommodation back wall portion91, and a support wall portion92. The opening portion opens to the front surface of the paper sheet processing device1. The accommodation bottom portion90is inclined downward to the right with respect to the horizontal. The accommodation back wall portion91extends at the rear side of the accommodation bottom portion90. The support wall portion92extends upward from the right end position of the accommodation bottom portion90so as to be perpendicular to the accommodation bottom portion90. The accommodation bottom portion90and the support wall portion92extend in the front-rear direction. The accommodation back wall portion91extends in the vertical direction and the left-right direction. The accommodation bottom portion90, the accommodation back wall portion91, and the support wall portion92are arranged perpendicular to each other. An impeller95for paying out the banknotes S in the corresponding stacking portion51is provided at the terminal position of each lateral extension portion45of the branching transport configuration portion43. The impeller95is provided on the side opposite to the support wall portion92of the accommodation bottom portion90in the stacking portion51, that is, on the left side. The impeller95has many blades (not shown) provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, and extending on the same side in the circumferential direction. The impeller95rotates so that the portion facing the support wall portion92moves from top to bottom. Each blade has a fixed end located on the lower side and a free end located on the upper side in a state of facing the support wall portion92. Banknotes S that have been conveyed from the left side to the right side by the downward extension portion44and the corresponding one of the three lateral extension portions45of the branching conveyance configuration portion43are sandwiched between the blades, with the impeller95rotating together with the banknotes S. When the banknote S comes into contact with the upper surface of the accommodation bottom portion90and comes out from between the blades, the impeller95pushes the banknote S toward the support wall portion92with the blades. At this time, the banknote S is supported by the accommodation bottom portion90in a state where the short sides thereof are aligned with the vertical direction and the long side of the lower end thereof is in contact with the upper surface of the accommodation bottom portion90, and moves to the support wall portion92side guided by this upper surface. As a result, the banknote S comes to be supported by the support wall portion92in a state of one surface in the thickness direction overlapping the support wall portion92. The banknote S to be paid out next is similarly supported by the accommodation bottom portion90in a state where the short sides thereof are aligned with the vertical direction and the long side of the lower end thereof is in contact with the top surface of the accommodation bottom portion90, and moves to the support wall portion92side guided by this upper surface. As a result, the banknote S comes to be supported by the support wall portion92in a state where the surface on one side in the thickness direction overlaps with the surface on the other side in the thickness direction of the banknote S already supported by the support wall portion92. In this way, the banknotes S are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction thereof and supported by the support wall portion92. Each of the plurality of stacking portions51is provided with an optical sensor101for detecting the presence/absence of the banknotes S, that is, remaining banknotes S. In other words, the optical sensor101is arranged in each stacking portion51. The optical sensor101has a light-emitting portion102that emits light, and a light-receiving portion103that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102and outputs a signal corresponding to the light-receiving level (light reception amount). The light-receiving portion103is provided on the axis of the optical axis of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102constituting the same optical sensor101. The light-receiving portion103is provided so as to be able to receive the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102. In the present embodiment, the output signal output by the light-receiving portion103according to the light-receiving level is an analog signal represented by a voltage value or a current value. In the optical sensor101, as described above, the light-receiving portion103is arranged in front of the radiation direction of the light emitted by the light-emitting portion102. The light-emitting portion102and the light-receiving portion103are arranged so that the radiation direction of the light radiated by the light-emitting portion102, in other words, the direction connecting the light-emitting portion102and the light-receiving portion103, follows the stacking direction of the banknotes S stacked in the stacking portion51, in other words, the thickness direction of the banknotes S stacked in the stacking portion51. Here, the light-emitting portion102is provided in the vicinity of the impeller95, and the light-receiving portion103is provided in the support wall portion92. On the contrary, the light-receiving portion103may be provided in the vicinity of the impeller95, and the light-emitting portion102may be provided in the support wall portion92. The optical sensor101is a light transmission type optical sensor that receives by the light-receiving portion103the light radiated by the light-emitting portion102and transmitted through the banknotes S. The light-emitting portion102radiates light having a predetermined wavelength toward the light-receiving portion103. In the present embodiment, the light-emitting portion102radiates, for example, infrared rays. The optical sensor101, together with the operation display portion60, the audio output portion61, the control portion62, and the storage portion63, constitutes a paper sheet detection device105that detects the presence or absence of banknotes S in the stacking portion51. The banknotes S to be detected in the presence detection performed by the paper sheet detection device105include a so-called polymer banknote S(p) as schematically shown inFIG.2. The polymer banknote S(p) is formed of a synthetic resin material and has a non-transparent region A1and a transparent region A2in which a hologram or the like is provided as an anti-counterfeiting measure. The paper sheet detection device105is suitable for detecting the presence of such a polymer banknote S(p). The polymer banknote S(p) is provided with the transparent region A2in a range surrounded by the non-transparent region A1, in other words, a range of a part of the inside of the non-transparent region A1. For example, a British pound banknote can be mentioned as such a polymer banknote S(p). As shown inFIG.3, the control portion62includes an estimating portion111, a light amount adjusting portion112, and a threshold value setting portion113. The estimating portion111estimates the presence (remaining) of polymer banknotes S(p) in the stacking portion51of the stacking unit3. The light amount adjusting portion112adjusts the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting portion102of the optical sensor101. The threshold value setting portion113sets various threshold values. The estimating portion111estimates whether or not the polymer banknotes S(p) remain in each stacking portion51. After information indicating the possibility that the polymer banknotes S(p) exist is reported by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61, the estimating portion111estimates that there are no polymer banknotes S(p) when a confirmation operation for that report has been input to the operation display portion60. The estimating portion111estimates that there are no polymer banknotes S(p) when the confirmation operation has been input to the operation display portion60. First, the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61report information indicating that the polymer banknote S(p) may exist in the stacking portion51. After that, the operation display portion60receives from the operator an input of a confirmation operation for the report. In this case, it is highly possible that the polymer banknote S(p) was taken out from the stacking portion51by the operator. Therefore, the estimating portion111estimates that there is no polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51. The estimating portion111may estimate whether or not there is a polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51from the detection result of the optical sensor101. In that case, the estimating portion111estimates a change in the presence of the polymer banknote S(p) on the basis of, for example, a first light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103at a first time and a second light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103at a second time after the first time. Here, a change in the presence of the polymer banknote S(p) includes both a change from the state of there being no polymer banknote S(p) to a state of there being a polymer banknote S(p) and a change from the state of there being a polymer banknote S(p) to the state of there being no polymer banknote S(p). Further, a change in the presence of the polymer banknote S(p) means both that there is a change from the state of there being no polymer banknote S(p) to the state of there being a polymer banknote S(p), and that there is a change from the state of there being a polymer banknote S(p) to a state of there not being a polymer banknote S(p). That is, as shown inFIG.4, the estimating portion111calculates the difference between a first light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103at the first time and a second light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103at the second time after the first time. When the difference between the first light-receiving level and the second light-receiving level is less than a predetermined range, the estimating portion111determines that there is no change in the presence of the polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51provided with the optical sensor101. When the difference between the first light-receiving level and the second light-receiving level is equal to or greater than a predetermined range, the estimating portion111determines that there is a change in the presence of the polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51provided with the optical sensor101. Here, at the first time and the second time, the light-emitting portion102of the optical sensor101emits light in a constant light emitting state. Therefore, the difference between the first light-receiving level and the second light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103is not affected by the light emitting state of the light-emitting portion102. In the example ofFIG.4, the first light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103at the first time is a value corresponding to the OFF state (a state in which a polymer banknote S(p) exists or may exist in the stacking portion51). Further, the second light-receiving level at the second time is a value corresponding to the ON state (the state in which a polymer banknote S(p) does not exist in the stacking portion51). In this way, when the first light-receiving level is a value corresponding to the OFF state and the second light-receiving level is a value corresponding to the ON state, the difference between the first light-receiving level and the second light-receiving level is equal to or greater than a predetermined range. Thereby, the estimating portion111estimates that there has been a change from the state in which the polymer banknote S(p) exists in the stacking portion51to the state in which the polymer banknote S(p) does not exist in the stacking portion51. As a result, the estimating portion111estimates that the polymer banknote S(p) is not present in the stacking portion51. When it is estimated by the estimating portion111that there is no polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51, a light amount adjusting portion112shown inFIG.3adjusts the light amount of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102provided in this stacking portion51so that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103provided in this stacking portion51reaches a predetermined target light-receiving level. That is, when it is estimated by the estimating portion111that polymer banknotes S(p) do not remain in the stacking portion51, the light amount adjusting portion112adjusts the light amount of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102provided in this stacking portion51so that the light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103provided in the stacking portion51at the current time becomes a predetermined target light-receiving level. The storage portion63stores a plurality of threshold values for detecting the polymer banknote S(p) and a predetermined target light-receiving level. In the present embodiment, the storage portion63has a first threshold value storage area121, a target light-receiving level storage area122, and a second threshold value storage area123. The first threshold value storage area121stores the first threshold value for detecting the non-transparent region A1of the polymer banknote S(p). The target light-receiving level storage area122stores the target light-receiving level set as the target value of the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103when the polymer banknote S(p) does not exist in the stacking portion51. The second threshold value storage area123stores the second threshold value set to a value equal to or greater than the first threshold value and lower than the target light-receiving level. The first threshold value is a threshold value used for determining whether or not banknotes S including the polymer banknote S(p) are present in the stacking portion51, and is set to a value at which the non-transparent region A1of the polymer banknote S(p) can be detected. The second threshold value is a threshold value used for determining whether or not there is the polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51, and is set to a value at which the transparent region A2of the polymer banknote S(p) can be detected. In the present embodiment, the first threshold value and the second threshold value are preset by the threshold value setting portion113of the control portion62at the time of shipment from the factory on the basis of actual machine data experiments performed in advance. Further, the target light-receiving level is preset by gradually increasing the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting portion102until the light-receiving level of the light received by the light-receiving portion103reaches a predetermined target value, in a state where there are no banknotes S in the stacking portion51. <Hardware Configuration of Paper Sheet Detection Device105> Next, the hardware configuration of the paper sheet detection device105and the method of detecting a polymer banknote S(p) by the paper sheet detection device105will be described. As shown inFIG.5, the paper sheet detection device105includes an A/D converter131in addition to the operation display portion60, the audio output portion61, the control portion62, the storage portion63, and the optical sensor101described above. The A/D converter131converts the output signal (analog signal) of the light-receiving portion103of the optical sensor101into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the control portion62. In the paper sheet detection device105, when the light-receiving portion103receives the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102of the optical sensor101, the light-receiving portion103outputs an output signal (analog signal) according to the light-receiving level of the light. The analog signal output from the light-receiving portion103is input to the A/D converter131and thereby converted into a digital signal. In the present embodiment, the A/D converter131is an 8-bit converter, and converts an analog signal output from the light-receiving portion103into a digital signal with a resolution of 256 steps according to the magnitude of the analog signal. The digital signal output from the A/D converter131is input to the control portion62. In addition to the digital signal after A/D conversion, the analog signal output from the light-receiving portion103is also input to the control portion62as is. A case where there is a polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51of the stacking unit3, and the transparent region A2of the polymer banknote S(p) is located on the optical path of the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102will be described. In this case, as schematically shown inFIG.5, most of the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102passes through the transparent region A2and is received by the light-receiving portion103. A part of the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102is absorbed or reflected in the transparent region A2and so is not received by the light-receiving portion103. For this reason, the light-receiving level of the light L received by the light-receiving portion103is lower than the case of there being no polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51. Next will be described a case where there is a polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51of the stacking unit3and, as shown schematically shown inFIG.6, the non-transparent region A1of the polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51is positioned on the optical path of the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102. In this case, the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102is blocked by the non-transparent region A1of the polymer banknote S(p) and hardly received by the light-receiving portion103. When there is no polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51, there is nothing to block the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102. Therefore, the light L is received by the light-receiving portion103in nearly the state at the time of emission. The control portion62shown inFIG.5determines the presence of the polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51of the stacking unit3on the basis of the output signal from the light-receiving portion103after A/D conversion and a predetermined threshold value stored in the storage portion63. Since the output signal (including the digital signal after A/D conversion) output from the light-receiving portion103is output according to the light-receiving level of the light received by the light-receiving portion103, unless otherwise specified, it is described as the light-receiving level. <Threshold Value Setting Method> Next, the method of setting the threshold value for detecting the polymer banknote S(p) by the control portion62will be described while making a comparison with a threshold value setting method according to a related technique. Part (A) ofFIG.7is a diagram illustrating a method of setting a threshold value in a paper sheet detection device according to the related technique. Part (B) ofFIG.7is a diagram illustrating a method of setting a threshold value in the paper sheet detection device105according to the present embodiment. As shown in part (A) ofFIG.7, in the paper sheet detection device according to the related technique, the threshold value is set at a light-receiving level capable of detecting the non-transparent region of the banknote S including the polymer banknote S(p). Then, when the light-receiving level of the light received by the light-receiving portion is less than this threshold value, it is determined that banknotes S including the polymer banknote S(p) exist in the stacking unit (that is, remain). On the other hand, when the light-receiving level of the light received by the light-receiving portion is equal to or greater than this threshold value, it is determined that the banknotes S including the polymer banknote S(p) do not exist in the stacking portion (that is, do not remain). As described above, the paper sheet detection device according to the related technique detects the presence of the banknote S in the stacking portion of the stacking unit by setting one threshold value based on the light-receiving level of light in the light-receiving portion when the light emitted from the light-emitting portion is blocked by the non-transparent region of the banknote S. However, as described above, there are times when a plurality of polymer banknotes S(p) are stacked in the stacking portion51in a state where the transparent region A2is located on the optical path of the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102, or when only one polymer banknote S(p) is accommodated in the stacking portion51in a state of the transparent region A2being located on the optical path of the light L. In such a case, most of the light L passes through the transparent region A2of the polymer banknote S(p) to be received by the light-receiving portion103. As a result, the light-receiving level of the light L received by the light-receiving portion103becomes equal to or greater than the set threshold value, and so there is a risk of an erroneous determination that the polymer banknote S(p) does not exist even though the polymer banknote S(p) exists in the stacking portion51. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in part (B) ofFIG.7, the first threshold value, the target light-receiving level (target value), and the second threshold value are set. The first threshold value is a threshold value set based on the light-receiving level of the light L in the light-receiving portion103when the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102is blocked by the non-transparent region A1of the polymer banknote S(p). The target light-receiving level is a light-receiving level preset as a target value of the light-receiving level of the light L at the light-receiving portion103when there is no banknote S including the polymer banknote S(p) in the stacking portion51(that is, the light-receiving level is a target value of the light-receiving level of the light L at the light-receiving portion103when the banknote S including the polymer banknote S(p) does not exist in the stacking portion51). The second threshold value is a threshold value set to a value equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the target light-receiving level (or a value larger than the first threshold value and smaller than the target light-receiving level). Here, it is preferable that the second threshold value be set so as to be equal to or greater than the first threshold value and in the range of 85% to 95% of the target light-receiving level. That is, by setting the second threshold value to be within this range, the second threshold value becomes equal to or greater than the light-receiving level of the light received by the light-receiving portion103when the non-transparent region A1of the polymer banknote S(p) is present between the light-emitting portion102and the light-receiving portion103, and in a range that is smaller than the target light-receiving level of the light L received by the light-receiving portion103when there is no banknote S including the polymer banknote S(p) between the light-emitting portion102and the light-receiving portion103. By setting the second threshold value in this way, the control portion62can appropriately determine that the light-receiving level of the light L in the light-receiving portion103is in a gray determination area between the first threshold value and the second threshold value indicating that the polymer banknote S(p) exists or may exist, even when the light L in the transparent region A2of the polymer banknote S(p) has high transmittance, for example, when there is only one polymer banknote S(p). <Banknote Detection Method> Next, a method of detecting the banknote S in the paper sheet detection device105will be described. The above-mentioned first threshold value, second threshold value, and target light-receiving level are set in advance by actual device data experiments for each paper sheet processing device1provided with the paper sheet detection device105, and stored in the storage portion63of the paper sheet detection device105at the time of shipment from the factory. Then, a reset operation or a counting operation is performed in the paper sheet processing device1, and after the polymer banknotes S(p) existing in the receiving portion11and the conveying portion55are stacked in the reject portion13and any of all the stacking portions51of the stacking unit3, the following processing is performed. The control portion62controls each of the optical sensors101provided in all the stacking portions51according to the flowchart shown inFIG.8. As shown inFIG.8, first, in Step S101, the control portion62(estimating portion11, the same applies hereinafter) causes the light-emitting portion102of the optical sensor101to emit light at a set predetermined output, and determines whether or not the light-receiving level of the light L in the light-receiving portion103of this optical sensor101is less than the first threshold value (see part (B) inFIG.7) for detecting the non-transparent region A1of the polymer banknote S(p). When the control portion62has determined that the light-receiving level of the light L in the light-receiving portion103is less than the first threshold value (Step S101: YES), the control portion62determines that banknotes S including the polymer banknote S(p) exist, that is, remain, in the stacking portion51provided with the light-receiving portion103(Step S108). In this case, information instructing the extraction of the banknotes S remaining in the stacking portion51is reported by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61, and the process ends (Step S109). Upon detecting that the banknotes S have been removed from this stacking portion51based on the detection result of the optical sensor101, the control portion62stops the reporting by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61. Upon determining in Step S101that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103is not less than the first threshold value (Step S101: NO), the control portion62proceeds to the process of Step S102. In Step S102, the control portion62determines whether or not the light-receiving level of the light L in the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the second threshold value for detecting the transparent region A2of the polymer banknote S(p) (Step S102). Upon determining that the light-receiving level of the light L in the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (Step S102: YES), the control portion62determines that there are no polymer banknotes S(p) in stacking portions51provided with the light-receiving portion103, and ends the process (Step S110). When the control portion62determines in Step S102that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value (Step S102: NO), the control portion62proceeds to the process of Step S103. The control portion62estimates in Step S103that the polymer banknote S(p) does not remain in the stacking portion51provided with the light-receiving portion103. Here, the estimation process by the control portion62that the polymer banknotes S(p) do not remain in the stacking portion51will be described below. When the light-receiving level of the light L in the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value stored in the storage portion63(Step S101: NO), and less than the second threshold value stored in the storage portion63(Step S102: NO), the control portion62determines that the polymer banknote S(b) may remain in the stacking portion51provided with the light-receiving portion103. In this case, as shown inFIG.9, in Step S201, the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61perform reporting that instructs the operator to remove the banknotes from the stacking portion51. In other words, the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61report information indicating the possibility that the banknotes S may exist when the light-receiving level of the light L at the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value. Then, the estimating portion111of the control portion62determines in Step S202whether or not the operation display portion60has received from the operator an input operation confirming extraction of the banknote S from the stacking portion51. Upon determining that the operation display portion60has accepted an input operation confirming extraction of the banknote S from this stacking portion51(Step S202: YES), the estimating portion111determines that the banknotes S have been extracted from this stacking portion51, and in Step S203estimates that polymer banknotes S(p) do not remain in the stacking portion51. On the other hand, upon determining in Step S202that the operation display portion60has not accepted an input operation confirming extraction of the banknotes S from the stacking portion51(Step S202: NO), the estimating portion111repeats Step S202and stands by until determining that the operation display portion60has accepted the confirmation input operation. In the present embodiment, the control portion62causes the operation display portion60to give notice indicating that a polymer banknote S(p) may remain in the stacking portion51of the paper sheet processing device1, while specifying the stacking portion51where the polymer banknote S(p) may remain as shown inFIG.10. In the example ofFIG.10, the operation display portion60displays a caution display141of “Fitness 1” and an instruction display142of “Remove notes” instructing removal of banknotes. In addition to these, it performs display that indicates in which of the stacking portions51of the stacking unit3the polymer banknote S(p) remains in a visually recognizable manner. That is, an illustration display146of the stacking unit3including an illustration display145of all the stacking portions51is displayed. Moreover, among the illustration display145of all the stacking portions51, the illustration display145of the stacking portion51in which the polymer banknote S(p) remains or may remain (indicated by shading inFIG.10) is displayed differently to be visually recognizable from the illustration display145of the stacking portions51in which the polymer banknote S(p) does not remain (displayed in white inFIG.10). Further, when control portion62displays in the operation display portion60a confirmation button148of “ENT (ENTER)” and receives a pressing operation of the confirmation button148from the operator, the estimating portion111determines that the polymer banknote S(p) has been extracted by the operator from this stacking portion51, and estimates that none remain (Step S203). In steps S101and S102described above, upon determining that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103of the optical sensor101is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value (first threshold value≤light-receiving level<second threshold value), when the estimating portion111estimates that the polymer banknote S(p) does not remain in the stacking portion51(Step S103), in Step S104, the light amount adjusting portion112performs an adjusting process of adjusting the light amount of the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102provided in this stacking portion51so that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103of the optical sensor101provided in this stacking portion51becomes a preset target light-receiving level. That is, when the light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value, the light amount adjusting portion112adjusts the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting portion102so that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103becomes the target light-receiving level, when it is estimated by the estimating portion111that there is no polymer banknote S(p). The light amount adjusting portion112performs adjusting, for example, so as to gradually increase the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting portion102. Next, the processing after the control portion62adjusts the amount of light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102of the optical sensor101so that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103of the optical sensor101becomes the target light-receiving level will be described. After the above adjustment, the control portion62determines in Step S105whether or not the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103of this optical sensor101is less than the second threshold value (Step S105). Upon determining that the light-receiving level at this light-receiving portion103is not less than the second threshold value (Step S105: NO), the control portion62determines that the optical sensor101can appropriately determine that there is no polymer banknote S(p). In this case, the control portion62sets the drive state of the light-emitting portion102after this adjustment as the drive state of the light-emitting portion102, updates the information regarding the drive state of the light-emitting portion102stored in the storage portion63to the adjusted information, and ends the process. Thereby, subsequently, in this optical sensor101, the amount of light L emitted by the light-emitting portion102is set as the amount of light after this adjustment. On the other hand, when the control portion62has determined that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103of this optical sensor101is less than the second threshold value after the above adjustment, the process proceeds to Step S106. In Step S106, the control portion62determines whether or not the number of executions of the adjustment process for adjusting, by the light amount adjusting portion112, the amount of light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102of the optical sensor101so as to reach the target light-receiving level is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times n (for example, n=3). When the control portion62determines that the number of executions is n or more, which is a preset number of times (Step S106: YES), the control portion62performs the process of Step S107. On the other hand, when the control portion62has determined that the number of executions of the adjustment process for adjusting the amount of light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102of the optical sensor101so as to reach the target light-receiving level is less than the preset predetermined number of times n (Step S106: NO), there is a possibility that the polymer banknote S(p) has not been taken out from the stacking portion51provided with this optical sensor101. For this reason, the control portion62returns to Step S103and repeats the processes of steps S103to S105. In Step S107, the control portion62changes the method of detecting the polymer banknote S(p) by the optical sensor101to a method using a threshold value according to a related technique (the method shown in part (A) ofFIG.7) and ends the process. In the above embodiment, in Step S103, the case was illustrated of the estimating portion111estimating that no polymer banknotes S(p) remain in the stacking portion51on the basis of having received the input operation of the extraction confirmation to the operation display portion60by the operator, after extraction of the banknote S has been reported by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61. However, the method of estimating that there is no remaining polymer banknote S(p) is not limited thereto. For example, the estimating portion111may estimate that there is no polymer banknote S(p) when a certain period of time has elapsed after information indicating the possibility that a polymer banknote S(p) exists is reported by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61. That is, when a predetermined time elapses after the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61have reported information indicating that the polymer banknote S(p) may exist in the stacking portion51, the estimating portion11determines that it is highly probable that the polymer banknote S(p) has been extracted from the stacking portion51by the operator. For this reason, the estimating portion111estimates that there is no polymer banknote S(p) in this stacking portion51. Specifically, as shown inFIG.11, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed (Step S301: YES) after extraction reporting of the banknote S by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61has been performed (Step S201), the estimating portion11may determine that there is a high possibility that the polymer banknote S(p) has been extracted by the operator, and estimate that there is no remaining polymer banknote S(p) in this stacking portion51(Step S203). Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case was described as an example of the light-receiving portion103of the optical sensor101, upon receiving the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102, outputting an output signal corresponding to the light-receiving level of the received light L (for example, the ON signal of +5V) and, upon not receiving the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102, not outputting an output signal (or outputting an OFF signal of 0V); however, the output example of the light-receiving portion103is not limited thereto. For example, the light-receiving portion103of the optical sensor101, upon receiving the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102, may be configured to not output an output signal (or output an OFF signal of 0V), and upon not receiving the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion102, may output an output signal corresponding to the light-receiving level of the received light L (for example, the ON signal of +5V). Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case was described as an example of the output signal output from the light-receiving portion103of the optical sensor101being converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter131, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) in which the light-receiving portion103of the optical sensor101and the A/D converter131are contained in the same package may be used. Also, detection of the polymer banknote S(p) may be performed using the analog signal output from the light-receiving portion103of the optical sensor101and the above-mentioned threshold value. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the light-emitting portion102emits infrared rays has been described as an example, but the light-emitting portion102may emit a wavelength other than infrared rays. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case of using a light-transmission type optical sensor101was described as an example, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a light-reflecting type optical sensor that receives, by a light-receiving portion, light emitted from a light-emitting portion and reflected from the banknote may be used. It is preferable that the target light-receiving level described above be set to be changeable by a change operation on the operation display portion60. For example, it is preferable that the target light-receiving level be changed between a banknote having the transparent region A2and a banknote not having the transparent region A2. As shown inFIG.12, the light-receiving level of the light-receiving portion103when detecting a banknote having no transparent region is as shown by the curved line LA (dash-dot-dash line inFIG.12). When the target light-receiving level is set by applying this light-receiving level curve LA to the paper sheet detection device105according to the embodiment of the present invention, because the slope of the area (gray determination area) between the first threshold and the second threshold is large, even a slight change in the light-receiving level may lead to a deviation from the gray determination area, and so it is not possible to properly perform the gray determination that a banknote may be present. Therefore, in the paper sheet detection device105according to the present embodiment, when detecting a banknote having the transparent region A2, the target light-receiving level is set by applying the curve LB (solid line inFIG.12) of the light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103by an operation to the operation display portion60to detect a banknote having the transparent region A2. The light-receiving level curve LB according to the present embodiment lowers the target light-receiving level more than the light-receiving level curve LA when there is no transparent region, and accordingly, the slope of the region (gray determination area) between the first threshold value and the second threshold value is reduced. Therefore, even if the light-receiving level changes slightly, there is no deviation from the gray determination area, and so the gray determination that there may be a banknote can be appropriately performed. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case of detecting the banknote S as a paper sheet was described as an example, but it can also be applied to the case of detecting paper sheets other than banknotes such as securities and coupons, and in particular is suitable for application to paper sheets having a non-transparent region and a transparent region. As described above, in the embodiment, the paper sheet detection device105that detects the presence of a paper sheet (banknote S) is configured to have the optical sensor101having the light-emitting portion102that emits light and the light-receiving portion103that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102and outputs a signal corresponding to the light-receiving level, the storage portion63that stores the first threshold value used for determining whether or not the banknote S is present, a target light-receiving level set as a target value of the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103when the banknote S does not exist, and a second threshold value that is set to a value equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the target light-receiving level, the estimating portion111that estimates the presence of the banknote S, and a light amount adjusting portion112that adjusts the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting portion102so that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103becomes the target light-receiving level when it is estimated by the estimating portion11that the banknote S is absent in the case of the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103being equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value. Conventionally, a paper sheet detection device that detects the presence of a paper sheet by an optical sensor is known. In this paper sheet detection device, the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the optical sensor differs depending on the presence of a paper sheet, with the presence of the paper sheet being detected by measuring the light-receiving level at this light-receiving portion. Specifically, when a paper sheet is present between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the optical sensor, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the optical sensor is blocked by the paper sheet, and so the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion is less than a predetermined threshold value. On the other hand, when there is no paper sheet between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the optical sensor, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the optical sensor is not blocked by the paper sheet, and so the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. Thereby, the paper sheet detection device can detect the presence of a paper sheet on the basis of the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion. Here, in the case of a paper sheet having different light transmission states and reflection states depending on the location, for example, the polymer banknote S(p) having a non-transparent region A1and a transparent region A2, when the transparent region A2provided in the polymer banknote S(p) is located on the optical path of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102of the optical sensor101, the light-receiving level of the light received by the light-receiving portion103becomes greater than a predetermined threshold value, and so there is a possibility of an erroneous determination that the polymer banknote S(p) does not exist even though the polymer banknote S(p) is present. Therefore, the paper sheet detection device105according to the present embodiment sets a second threshold value to a value equal to or greater than the first threshold value for detecting the non-transparent region A1of the polymer banknote S(p) and less than the target light-receiving level set as the target value of the light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103when there is no banknote S including the polymer banknote S(p). Thereby, due to the transparent region A2of the polymer banknote S(b) being located on the optical path of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102, even if the light-receiving level of the light in the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, when less than the second threshold value set to a value lower than the target light-receiving level, the paper sheet detection device105can determine that the polymer banknote S(p) exists or may exist. Further, the paper sheet detection device105has the estimating portion111that estimates the presence of the banknote S, and adjusts the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting portion102so that the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103becomes the target light-receiving level in the absence of the banknote S when it is estimated by the estimating portion111that there is no banknote S after the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value. Therefore, since the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103when there is no banknote S becomes the target light-receiving level, even if the transparent region A2of the banknote S is located on the optical path of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102, the paper sheet detection device105can appropriately determine that the polymer banknote S(p) is present. That is, in order to detect the transparent region A2, it is necessary to set the second threshold value to a value close to the light-receiving level of the light received by the light-receiving portion103in the absence of the banknote S. Due to dirt on the light-emitting portion102and deterioration of performance over time, the light-receiving level of the light-receiving portion103in the absence of the banknote S easily tends to be less than the set second threshold value. In this case, even if there is no banknote S, the light-receiving level of the light in the light-receiving portion103becomes less than the second threshold value, whereby a determination is made that the polymer banknote S(p) is present. On the other hand, the paper sheet detection device105adjusts the light-receiving level of the light at the light-receiving portion103to be the target light-receiving level in the absence of the banknote S, thus preventing such a situation. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine that the polymer banknote S(p) is present. (2) It is constituted such that a reporting portion (operation display portion60and audio output portion61) that reports information indicating the possibility that the banknote S exists when the light reception level at the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value is provided, and the estimating portion111estimates that there is no banknote S when, after information indicating the possibility that the banknote S exists is reported by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61, a confirmation operation for the report is input. When configured thusly, the estimating portion111estimates it is highly probable that the banknote S has been extracted by the operator when, after information indicating the possibility that the banknote S exists is reported by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61, a confirmation operation for the report is input. Therefore, the estimating portion111can appropriately perform an estimation that there is no banknote S. (3) It is constituted such that a reporting portion (operation display portion60and audio output portion61) that reports information indicating the possibility that the banknote S exists when the light reception level of the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value, and the estimating portion111estimates that there is no banknote S when a certain period of time has elapsed after information indicating the possibility that the banknote S exists is reported by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61. With this configuration, the estimating portion111estimates it is highly probably that the banknote S has been extracted by the operator when a certain period of time has elapsed after information indicating the possibility that the banknote S exists is reported by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61. Thereby, the estimating portion111can appropriately perform an estimation that there is no banknote S. (4) The estimating portion111is constituted to estimate a change in the presence of the banknote S on the basis of the first light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103at the first time and the second light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103at the second time after the first time. With such a configuration, the estimating portion111determines that there is no change in the presence of the banknote S when the difference between the first light-receiving level at the first time and the second light-receiving level at the second time in the time series is within a predetermined range, and determines that there is a change in the presence of the banknote S when the difference exceeds a predetermined range. Therefore, the estimating portion111can detect a change from a state in which it is determined that the banknote S may exist to a state in which the banknote S no longer exists by comparing the difference between the first light-receiving level of the light-receiving portion103at the first time when it is determined that the banknote S may exist and the light-receiving level of the light-receiving portion103at the second time thereafter. As a result, the paper sheet detection device105can determine whether or not the paper sheet has been extracted by an operator or the like. (5) A constitution is such that the banknote S has a non-transparent region A1and a transparent region A2, and the first threshold value is set to a value at which the non-transparent region A1of the banknote S can be detected, and the second threshold value is set to a value at which the transparent region A2of the banknote S can be detected. With such a configuration, the paper sheet detection device105has a first threshold value capable of detecting the non-transparent region A1and a second threshold value capable of detecting the transparent region A2, and so can appropriately detect the presence of a paper sheet having the transparent region A2(for example, a polymer banknote). (6) A constitution is such that the target light-receiving level in the case of the paper sheet S(p) having the transparent region A2being estimated to not be present by the estimating portion111is set to a value lower than the target light receiving value in the case of the banknote S having the transparent region A2being estimated to not be present by the estimating portion111. In the paper sheet detection device105, a second threshold value for detecting the transparent region A2is set between the first threshold value for detecting the non-transparent region A1and the target light-receiving level set as the target value of the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103when the banknote S is not present. Here, when the target light-receiving level set in the absence of the banknote S(p) having the transparent region A2is the same as or higher than the target light-receiving level set in the state of the banknote S not having the transparent region A2not being present, the change in the light-receiving level in the gray determination area where the second threshold value for detecting the transparent region A2is set becomes sudden, and so it may not be not possible to appropriately determine whether the light-receiving level is in the gray determination area. For that reason, in the paper sheet detection device105according to the present embodiment, by setting the target light-receiving level set after the banknote S(p) having the transparent region A2is not present in the stacking portion51to be lower than the target light-receiving level set after the banknote S having no transparent region is not present in the stacking portion51, the change in the light-receiving level in the gray determination area where the second threshold value is set becomes gradual, and it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the light-receiving level is in the gray determination area. (7) A constitution is such that the target light-receiving level can be changed when the banknote S(p) having the transparent region A2is estimated by the estimating portion11to not be present. With such a configuration, the presence of a paper sheet can be appropriately detected according to the type of paper sheet by making it possible to change the target light-receiving level. (8) It is constituted such that a method of detecting a paper sheet (banknote S) that detects the presence of the banknote S with the optical sensor101having the light-emitting portion102and the light-receiving portion103is a method of setting a first threshold value used for determining whether the banknote S is present, a target light-receiving level set as a target value of the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103when the banknote S is not present, and a second threshold set to a value equal to or greater than the first threshold and lower than the target light-receiving level, and adjusting the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting portion102so that the light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103becomes the target light-receiving level when it is estimated that the banknote S is absent in the case of the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103being equal to or greater than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value. As a result, due to the transparent region A2of the polymer banknote S(b) being located on the optical path of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102, even if the light-receiving level of light at the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, if less than the second threshold value set to a value lower than the target light-receiving level, it is possible to determine that the polymer banknote S(p) exists or may exist. The amount of light emitted from the light-emitting portion102is adjusted so that the light-receiving level in the light-receiving portion103becomes the target light-receiving level in the absence of the paper sheet S when it is estimated by the estimating portion111that there is no banknote S after the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value. Thereby, since the light-receiving level at the light-receiving portion103when there is no banknote S becomes the target light-receiving level, even when the transparent region A2of the banknote S is located on the optical path of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion102, it is possible to appropriately determine that the polymer banknote S(p) is present. (9) It is constituted such that information indicating the possibility that the banknote S is present is reported when the light-receiving level of the light in the light-receiving portion103is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, and it is estimated that there is no banknote S when the confirmation operation is input for the reporting after information indicating the possibility that the banknote S exists is reported. When configured thusly, the estimating portion111can estimate that it is highly probable that the banknote S has been extracted by the operator when, after information indicating the possibility that the banknote S exists is reported by the operation display portion60and the audio output portion61, a confirmation operation for the report has been input. Therefore, the estimating portion111can appropriately perform an estimation that there is no banknote S. The paper sheet processing device1that sorts paper sheets (banknotes S) that have been charged into the receiving portion11under a predetermined condition and stacks the paper sheets in stacking portions51is constituted to have an identifying and counting portion22that performs identification and counting of the banknotes S, and the sorting portion46that sorts to the predetermined stacking portion51the banknotes S that have been identified and counted by the identifying and counting portion22, and the paper sheet detection device105according to any one of (1) to (8) being provided in the stacking portion51. When configured thusly, by providing the paper sheet detection device105in the stacking portion51of the paper sheet processing device1, it is possible to satisfactorily detect the remainder of polymer banknotes S(p) stacked in the stacking portion51. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention may be applied to a paper sheet detection device, a paper sheet detection method, and a paper sheet processing device. REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1: Paper sheet processing device 60: Operation display portion (reporting portion) 61: Audio output portion (reporting portion) 101: Optical sensor 102: Light-emitting portion 103: Light-receiving portion 105: Paper sheet detection device 111: Estimating portion 112: Light amount adjusting portion A1: Non-transparent region A2: Transparent region S: Banknote (paper sheet) S(p): Polymer banknote | 79,095 |
11858776 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS FIG.1shows a perspective view of a known omni-wheel. The omni-wheel10comprises a hub12rotatable about the axis of rotational symmetry of the wheel10. A single row of ring-shaped rollers14is mounted around the perimeter of the hub12. Each roller14is rotatable about an axis that lies in the plane of the hub12and is perpendicular to the radius of the wheel. The circumferential spacing of the rollers14is such that a plane tangential to the omni-wheel will always contact at least one of the rollers14. In any angular position, the omni-wheel can apply a frictional drive force to a sheet with which it is in contact, to advance the sheet along a line lying in the plane of the hub and extending tangentially to the wheel. However, while frictionally engaged with a sheet being conveyed, each roller14can rotate about its own axis to permit the sheet to move freely parallel to the rotational axis of the omni-wheel10. FIG.2shows a second known design of omni-wheel. In this case, the omni-wheel10′ has a hub12′ that supports two rows of rollers14′, that are axially offset from one another. In this case, the rollers are barrel-shaped, instead of being ring-shaped, and because they are on axially staggered rows, the rollers can circumferentially overlap one another to ensure that a sheet in contact with the perimeter of the wheel10′ will at all times being in contact with at least of the rollers14′. It should be made clear that the invention is not restricted to any particular design of omni-wheel, and it is, for example, possible to use omni-wheels in which the axes of the rollers do not lie in the plane of the hub. The conveying apparatus15shown inFIGS.3to5have horizontal beds30with slots through which sets of omni-wheels20partially protrude. In the embodiment ofFIG.3, a stationary pressure plate32having a low friction coating, such as PTFE, presses down on the bed30to define three sets of nips34at which sheets36to be conveyed to a processing apparatus (not shown) are gripped. Three sets of nips34are shown in the drawing but the total number of nips, the number of nips within each set and their mutual separation are parameters that may be varied, depending for example on the size of the conveyed sheets. With the omni-wheels30rotating clockwise, as represented by arrows inFIG.3, the sheets are advanced by friction from left to right in the drawing. However, the sheets are free to move in a direction normal to the plane of the drawing by rotation of the rollers of the omni-wheels20and sliding relative to the PTFE coated surface of the pressure plate32. The beds30and the omni-wheels20in the embodiments ofFIGS.4and5are the same as inFIG.3and have been allocated the same reference numerals. These embodiments differ from that ofFIG.3in the manner in which the sheets36are pressed against the omni-wheels20at the nips34. InFIG.4, the reaction surface at each nip34is formed by a recirculating belt42that may have a low friction coating and is driven at the same surface speed as the omni-wheels20. At each nip34, the belt42is urged towards the omni-wheel20either by a stationary plate44or an idler roller46. This embodiment offers the advantage that there is no slip between the sheets and the reaction surface at each nip when the sheets are being advanced towards the processing apparatus, slip only taking place during small transverse movements that may be needed for correct alignment. The same advantage can be achieved by using a PTFE coated roller at each nip. In the embodiment ofFIG.5, the reaction surface at each nip is provided by a second omni-wheel22which may either freewheel or be driven at the same speed as the omni-wheel20but in the opposite sense. In this embodiment, there is no relative slip at the nip between the sheets36and either of the nip surfaces. It is preferred to maintain rolling contact rather than slipping contact between the sheets and the reaction surface as slipping can mark the conveyed sheets either by smudging the print carried by the surface of the sheets or by modifying the surface texture of the sheets, such as by polishing. Furthermore, slipping makes it harder to control accurate movement of the sheets. The conveying apparatuses15shown inFIGS.3to5thus allow the sheets to be advanced towards the processing apparatus by means of friction but to move laterally without encountering significant frictional resistance. The purpose of being able to move the sheets laterally is to be able to urge them against an elongate lateral guide64, shown inFIGS.6,7and8, serves to position each sheet so that printed matter on the sheet is aligned for correct registration with the cuts, creases and folds to be made by the processing apparatus. Three different ways of urging the sheets against the elongate lateral guide are represented schematicallyFIGS.6,7and8, which show plan views of only the beds30of the conveying apparatus. FIG.6shows schematically how, in order to align and position a sheet on the conveyor, the guide64may commence in a different position (shown in dotted lines) and actuators represented by arrows may displace and rotate the guide64to its final position, shown in solid lines, in which the sheet is correctly positioned and oriented to enter the processing apparatus. As described in more detail below, the movement of the guide64is controlled in dependence upon the position and orientation of the printed matter on each sheet at its time of arrival on the conveyor, as is determined using suitable sensors. In each ofFIGS.6,7and8the bed30of the conveying apparatus15has three sets of omni-wheels20staggered from one another in the direction of travel, each set comprising three omni-wheels mounted on a common shaft60. The shafts60are fitted with sprockets so that they may all be rotated in synchronism by means a drive chain62. The number wheels in each set and the number of sets will naturally depend on the size of the conveying apparatus15. Alternatively, the omni-wheels may be independently driven (by electrical motor) and the movement coordinated by a suitable controller. In the embodiment ofFIG.6, the sheets are advanced along the conveying apparatus15in a direction represents by an arrow designated A at a slight angle to the direction along which they are desired to travel when passing towards the processing apparatus, which is represented by an arrow designated B. This angle may be less than 30°, or less than 10°, or less than 5°. Along one side of the bed30of the conveying apparatus15, there is positioned an elongate guide64. Because of the inclination of the guide64relative to the conveying apparatus15, sheets advanced by the omni-wheels20are made to collide, and align themselves, with the guide64. Thus, a sheet arriving at the conveying apparatus15, for example, in the position and orientation represented by the sheet designated36ininFIG.6, would leave the conveying apparatus15and enter the processing apparatus in the orientation and position represented by the sheet36outinFIG.6, having been displaced laterally by the inclined conveying apparatus15and caused to rotate counter-clockwise by collision with the guide64. The embodiment ofFIG.7is better suited to situations where space considerations preclude mounting of the conveying apparatus15at an angle to the processing apparatus. In this embodiment, the sheet36is urged against the correctly positioned elongate guide64by pusher members, or joggers38that acts on its opposite edge. When the sheets36are narrower than the bed of the conveying apparatus, the joggers38may have the form of thin plates slidable between the bed30and the overlying reaction surface and moved or continually reciprocated in a direction transverse to the conveying direction by means of a suitable actuator, such as a solenoid. If the sheets36should be wider than the bed30, then joggers38connected to a suitable actuator may be mounted to one side of the conveying apparatus15. The force applied by the joggers38may be monitored and controlled to avoid any risk of damage to the sheets being conveyed. Such an alignment device will function correctly even when the width of the sheets is not constant. The conveying apparatus15shown inFIG.8differs from that shown inFIG.7in that sheets are positively driven in a transverse direction by means of omni-wheels70that are mounted transversely to the omni-wheels20. As with the omni-wheels20, the omni-wheels70frictionally engage the sheets at respective nips, the reaction surface in this case allowing free movement in the conveying direction. InFIG.8, the omni-wheels70serve to drive the sheets towards the guide64, which determines the position and orientation of the sheets on entering the processing apparatus. The omni-wheels70may in this case be driven continuously, whereupon they may be driven by the same motor as is used to drive the omni-wheels20. For example, drive shafts extending transversely to the travel direction may be fitted with sprockets to engage the chain62and these shafts may drive the omni-wheels70through bevel gears or worm gears. The omni-wheels70may alternatively be driven independently of the omni-wheels20and in such a case they may be driven only intermittently in order to prevent their slipping relative to the conveyed sheets. When a sheet being driven laterally by the omni-wheels70encounters resistance upon coming into contact with the guide64, the load on the motor driving the omni-wheels70will increase and thereby vary the current drawn by the motor. Power to the motor driving omni-wheels70encountering resistance may be disconnected at this point to avoid slipping the omni-wheels70and the conveyed sheet. Alternatively, omni wheels70can be continuously driven by their motors to urge sheets to come in contact with guide64, but the torque of the motors will be limited so that when the sheet edge comes in contact with guide64, the friction between the omni wheels70and the sheet will overcome the motors torque and stop them. The elongate guide64in all three of the embodiments shown inFIGS.6,7and8is movable by a control system102that is connected to sensors100and acts on actuators represented in the drawings by arrows104. The sensors100detect fiducials that are present on each printed sheet that allow the control system102to determine the position of the printed matter on each sheet relative to the lateral edge of the sheet to be urged against the elongate lateral guide64. The fiducials may be printed markings that form part of the printed matter, but this need not necessarily be the case. They may for example be applied magnetic markings, indentations or holes made in the sheets made during the printing process. The fiducials may include elongate lines extending longitudinally or transversely, a series of individuals markings or any pattern that allows the control system to determine both the distance of the printed matter from the edge to the urged against the lateral guide64and also its orientation, if the printing happens to be askew on the sheet. The inventors have found that using elongate fiducials or a series of fiducials stretching on the sheet in the desired conveying direction allows for real time or ‘on the fly’ monitoring of the position of the sheet and thereby for dynamic correction of the page positioning while being conveyed. Having thus determined the position of the printing on the sheet, the control system102sends control signals to the actuators104, which may for example be motors or linear actuators, to position the lateral guide64so that when the left hand edge of the each sheet36(as shown in the drawings) is urged against it, the printed matter is correctly positioned laterally and orientation to register with the cuts and folds to be made by the processing apparatus. Sensors100may additionally or alternatively configured to determine the position of each sheet relative to the lateral edge of the sheet to be urged against the elongate lateral guide64the by detecting the location and/or the position of the edges (lateral and/or transversal) of each sheet. This method is useful when the sheet has elongate straight edges If the elongate guide64is inclined relative to the direction of movement of the sheet as it enters the processing apparatus, there is a possibility of the sheet being moved out of correct alignment. To avoid the elongate guide64interfering with the transverse position of the sheet after it has been correctly aligned with the processing machine, the control system102may retract the elongate guide64back to a rest position, shown in dotted lines inFIGS.6to8. While the invention has been described above by reference to specific embodiments, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims. | 12,934 |
11858777 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1ashows a view of an elevator car1, comprising a roof3and side walls4a,4bwhich define an interior space2. The elevator car1has two opposed side walls4ato which handrails6are attached. The elevator car1additionally has two opposed side walls4b(only one of which is visible in this figure), on which there are no handrails. Above the interior space2there is positioned a support frame8comprised in the roof3, beneath which there is pivotably attached a decorative ceiling cover panel10. In this arrangement, as shown inFIG.1a, a passenger located within the interior space2of the elevator car1, sees the decorative ceiling cover panel10as covering the vast majority, or even the entirety of the elevator car ceiling, such that the support frame8is not normally visible. FIG.1bshows the elevator car1ofFIG.1a, in which the decorative ceiling cover panel10has been pivoted down to an open position. The elements ofFIG.1b, which are already labelled inFIG.1a, and could easily be identified as like elements by the skilled person, have not been labelled again inFIGS.1band1cso as to improve the clarity of the drawings.FIG.1bshows the decorative ceiling cover panel10as having been hinged open, from a pivot point in the elevator car ceiling, although it is equally possible that the decorative ceiling cover panel10could be fixed in place by any other suitable mechanism, such as for example screws or clips, and could then be removed entirely from the ceiling of the elevator car1in order to expose the support frame8. Once the cover panel10has been pivoted down or removed, the working platform12is then visible, located within the support frame8above the interior space2of the elevator car1. In the elevator car1as shown inFIG.1b, the working platform12is still in the stowed positon, but is now accessible such that a maintenance person can move the working platform12from the stowed position shown inFIG.1b, to the operational position, as shown inFIG.1c. As is most clearly seen inFIG.1c, an extendable suspension mechanism11is arranged to suspendably connect the working platform12to the support frame8. In this example, the extendable suspension mechanism11is a scissor mechanism. The scissor mechanism11opens out to allow the working platform12to drop down to a predetermined height in the elevator car1which is at substantially the same height as the handrails6. The extendable suspension mechanism11can be any suitable mechanism which allows the working platform12to be moved between the stowed position and the operational position, and adequately supports the working platform12(together with any load carried in use) in its operational position. As shown inFIG.1c, the working platform12can be lowered from the stowed position into the interior space2of the elevator car1. This lowered position of the working platform12is referred to herein as the operational position. It is in this operational position that a maintenance person can use the working platform12to stand on, and thereby access parts of the elevator system through the open ceiling for maintenance purposes. In particular, the height of the working platform12in the operational position is ideally at least 1.1 m below the support frame8, such that a maintenance person standing fully upright on the working platform12will protrude out of an opening in the ceiling of the elevator car1as provided by the support frame8. Furthermore, this means that the maintenance person has enough room below the support frame8to erect a safety balustrade on the working platform12, the height of the safety balustrade being at least 1.1 m according to the European Standard EN81-1. As best seen inFIG.1c, the working platform12includes at least one stabilizing member14, and in this example there are four stabilizing members14, a first stabilizing member14aand a second stabilizing member14bpositioned at opposed sides of the working platform12on the left hand side of the elevator car1, and a first stabilizing member14aand a second stabilizing member14bpositioned at opposed sides of the working platform12on the right hand side of the elevator car1. Each of the stabilizing members14a,14bcan be engaged with the handrails6on the side wall4aof the elevator car1in order to provide lateral stability to the working platform12. FIGS.2aand2bshow a view of an elevator car1comprising an electrical box25mounted to a sidewall4aof the one or more sidewalls4a,4bby a mount (not shown), wherein the mount is arranged to allow the electrical box to vertically translate between a first position (as shown inFIG.2a) and a second position (as shown inFIG.2b) relative to the sidewall4a. The elevator car1further comprises a blocking component20configured to prevent the working platform12from being moved into the stowed position unless it has been released. FIG.3shows a side view of a cuboid shaped electrical box25comprising an upper-most surface26aand a bottom-most surface26bwhich correspond to the top and bottom sides of a cuboid. The height of the electrical box may therefore be defined as the distance D1from the upper-most surface of the electrical box, to the bottom-most surface of the electrical box. In some examples of the disclosure, the electrical box25may be a cuboid in shape (thus comprising an upper-most26aand bottom-most surface26b) with some components such as electrical wires27protruding therefrom. As such the top-most point28of the electrical box25may be above the upper-most surface26aof the electrical box25. The top-most point28may therefore be considered to be the part of the electrical box25which, if it was theoretically moved vertically upwards infinitely, would engage the ceiling of the hoistway of the elevator system first. Similarly, the bottom-most point29may be below the bottom-most surface26bof the electrical box25wherein the bottom-most point29may be considered to be the part of the electrical box25which would, if it was theoretically moved vertically downwards infinitely, would engage the floor of the hoistway of the elevator system first. The distance D2from the top-most point28of the electrical box to the bottom-most point29of the electrical box defines the total height of the electrical box (i.e. the largest dimension of the electrical box). In some examples, the top-most point28of the electrical box may correspond to the upper-most surface26aand the bottom-most point29of the electrical box may correspond to be the bottom-most surface26b. FIGS.4aand4bshow two different views of an electrical box25mounted on an elevator car sidewall4a,4bby a mount30, wherein the electrical box25is secured in the second position. The mount30shown comprises two guide components35a,35bpositioned either side of the electrical box25and arranged to mount the electrical box25to the sidewall4aof the elevator car. The guide components35a,35beach comprise a guide slot40and the electrical box25comprises two protrusions55(in the form of nuts or screws) on either side of the electrical box25such that each guide slot40receives one of the protrusions55. The length of the guide slot40thus defines the distance over which the electrical box25may be vertically translated, as the guide slot40only allows the protrusions55to move between a first point42a, at the top of the guide slot40, and a second point42bat the bottom of the guide slot40. When the protrusion55is at the first point42ain the guide slot40(i.e. at the top of the guide slot40) as shown inFIGS.4aand4b, the electrical box25is arranged to be in the second position. To hold the electrical box25in the second position, the guide slot40comprises a locking component45. The locking component45shown inFIGS.4aand4bis a substantially linear protrusion extending from an edge of the guide slot40in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis41(seeFIG.4b) of the guide slot40. The first locking component45comprises a bulbous end47which is arranged to engage with the protrusion55. For example, when the electrical box25is moved into the second position (e.g. by a maintenance person) the protrusion55moves upwardly along the guide slot40until it engages the underside of the bulbous end47of the first locking component45. At this point, further upward movement of the protrusion55results in deformation of the locking component45as the curved shape of the bulbous end47allows the protrusion55to exert a force on the locking component45in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis41which in turn causes the locking component45to deform or bend in that perpendicular direction. As a result, the protrusion55is able to move past the locking component45to the second point42aat the top of the guide slot40. As shown inFIG.5a, when the protrusion55is at the first point42a, part of the underside of the protrusion55engages with the bulbous end47of the locking component45which results in holding the electrical box25in the second position under gravity. Once the protrusion55is at the first point42a, the locking component45prevents the protrusion55from moving downwards within the guide slot40without the application of an additional force. This allows the maintenance person to access components within the electrical box25without having to hold the electrical box25in the second position. The locking component45thus secures the electrical box25in the second position with a resilient bias. Once the maintenance person has finished accessing the components contained within the electrical box25, the maintenance person may return the electrical box25to the first position by exerting a force on the top of the electrical box25. Alternatively, if the maintenance person forgets to return the electrical box25to the first position and the elevator car moves upwards, the electrical box25in the second position may engage with the ceiling of the hoistway. In such instances, the hoistway ceiling will exert a downward force on the electrical box25at the point of contact. When the downwards force exerted on the electrical box25(i.e. by the maintenance person or as a result of impact with the hoistway ceiling) is significantly greater than the weight of the electrical box25, the force overcomes the resilient bias of the locking component45, and (due to the bulbous end47) the protrusion55is able to exert a force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis41of the guide slot40such that the locking component45is deformed in that direction and the protrusion55is able to move downwardly past the locking component45(as shown inFIG.5b). As such, the electrical box25is moveable from the second position to the first position wherein the locking component45can recover to its neutral position. FIGS.6aand6bshow the same two views of the electrical box25shown inFIGS.4aand4bbut with the electrical box25secured in the first position. When the electrical box25is in the first position, the protrusion55is at the second point42bin the guide slot40(i.e. at the bottom of the guide slot) as shown inFIGS.6aand6b. To hold the electrical box25in the first position, the guide components35a,35beach further comprise a first fastener50(which can be seen more clearly inFIGS.4a,4b,5aand5b). As shown inFIGS.4a,4b,5aand5b, the first fastener component50is a U-shaped indentation which is shaped to receive a second protrusion60located on each side of the electrical box25proximate to the top of the electrical box25. When the electrical box25is in the first position, the second protrusion60engages with the u-shaped fastener50to secure the electrical box25in the first positon under gravity. In the example shown, the second protrusion60is a butterfly nut and may be tightened against the u-shaped fastener50. Each guiding component35a,35bof the mount30further comprises a second fastener in the form of an elastic component52arranged to apply a resilient bias to the protrusion55when the electrical box is in the first position. When the protrusion55is at the second point42bat the bottom of the guide slot40, the force exerted by the elastic component52acts to secure the electrical box25in the first position and the effect of the vibration of the elevator car1on the electrical box25is minimised. In the description above, it is understood that a maintenance person can conveniently stand on the working platform12to gain access to the electrical box25at least when it is raised to the second position. However, vertical translation of an electrical box25between two positions, as described herein, may be useful during maintenance procedures that do not involve use of such a working platform12. For example, the elevator car1may alternatively have a static roof and a maintenance person standing on the roof may use the mount to vertically translate the electrical box from a first position (e.g. that is less convenient to reach) to a second position (e.g. that is more convenient to reach), or vice versa. | 12,905 |
11858778 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1shows a schematic representation of a construction site device1within a building2which is in its construction phase. A building core3of the building, which is to be constructed from concrete and has already reached a certain initial height, is shown. The building core comprises a first elevator shaft4and a second elevator shaft5adjacent and parallel to it, wherein two living or office areas adjoining the elevator shafts and comprising several floors7.1-7.X+5are indicated starting from a floor level8.1. Here and in the following, the letter “X” stands for an indefinite number of floors below the building region shown. The building core3is created using a known climbing formwork technique. A climbing formwork device10which comprises a climbing formwork platform10.1is installed in the currently uppermost region of the building2which is in its construction phase. The climbing formwork platform10.1extends over the entire region of the building core3and supports formwork walls10.2above its climbing formwork platform10.1. In order to be able to produce a further section of the concrete walls forming the building core3, the climbing formwork platform10.1with the formwork walls10.2is gradually raised, with a corresponding amount of concrete and reinforcement mesh being placed between the formwork walls10.2after each raising. In order to be able to transport construction personnel, building materials or tools as effortlessly and in the most time-saving manner possible to the emerging floors and the uppermost region of the building2or the building core, an elevator system15which is able to be adjusted to the building height is installed in the first elevator shaft4. This elevator system15comprises a mechanical platform15.1with an elevator drive machine15.2, wherein the elevator drive machine carries and drives suspension cables15.4via a traction sheave15.3, with which suspension cables an elevator car15.5and a counterweight15.6are suspended from the mechanical platform15.1and are moved up and down. The mechanical platform15.1can be raised in steps in a known manner—which is indicated inFIG.1by the arrow14—and can be temporarily fixed at a higher level in the first elevator shaft4, such that the conveying height of the elevator system15and/or the elevator car15.5can be gradually adjusted to an increasing height of the building2and/or of the building core3, by also lengthening the supporting cables15.4accordingly. A so-called hoisting platform15.7, which can be temporarily fixed above the mechanical platform in the first elevator shaft4and which comprises a first hoist15.8with which the mechanical platform15.1can be raised via a first traction means15.9, is used to raise the mechanical platform15.1. After such a hoisting process, the mechanical platform15.1is fixed again in the first elevator shaft4, such that the elevator system15is ready for operation again with an increased usable conveying height after its suspension cables15.4have been extended. The hoisting platform15.7is raised to a higher level in each case before the mechanical platform15.1is raised. For this purpose, a second hoist15.10can be attached to the hoisting platform, which generates the required hoisting force via a second traction means15.11fastened to a fixed point16present in the elevator shaft. During the construction phase of the building2, the elevator system15able to be adjusted to an increasing building height serves on the one hand to transport construction personnel and building material to work sites on all floors7.1-7.X+7of the building that are already accessible, and on the climbing formwork platform10.1of the climbing formwork device10. On the other hand, during the construction phase, the elevator system15transports both users of lower floors7.1-7.X that are already inhabited or commercially used, as well as furniture and other objects belonging to these users. After completion of the construction phase and after carrying out certain modifications to the elevator system15—for example, dismantling the hoisting platform15.7and finally fixing the mechanical platform15.1in the shaft head of the first elevator shaft4—the elevator system15able to be adjusted to the increasing building height can continue to a substantial extent to be used permanently as a normal passenger elevator and/or goods elevator in the same elevator shaft4. The use of the elevator system15able to be adjusted to the increasing height of the building to transport people and material to the floors7.X+3-7.X+7that have already been built or are in the process of being built in the uppermost region of the building leads to the problem that the elevator car15.5of this elevator system15, which is arranged completely in the region of the currently existing height of the first elevator shaft4, is not able to travel up to an uppermost shaft region, which can be up to thirty meters high, and therefore in particular cannot transport the construction personnel into the region of the climbing formwork platform10.1. The cause of this problem is on the one hand that the mechanical platform15.1is arranged above the elevator car15.5, the hoisting platform15.7above the mechanical platform, and a device for lifting the hoisting platform and parts of the climbing formwork device10are arranged above the hoisting platform, wherein these components are all below the currently uppermost shaft end4.1of the first elevator shaft4. On the other hand, the conveying height of the elevator system15, able to be adjusted to an increasing height of the building2or the building core3, is not adjusted every time after a new floor has been created, since such an adjustment is associated with a relatively high amount of work. Usually, the conveying height is not adjusted until three to six new floors have been built since the last adjustment.FIG.1shows the elevator system15in a situation in which two additional floors have been created since the last adjustment of the conveying height, such that both the hoisting platform15.7and the mechanical platform15.1and the elevator car15.5attached to it could be shifted upwards by two floor heights H in the first elevator shaft4. The above-described problem, that a comparatively high uppermost shaft region cannot be reached by the elevator car15.5of the elevator system15able to be adjusted to the increasing building height, is remedied according to the invention by using a construction elevator20cooperating with the mentioned elevator system15. This construction elevator20is preferably installed in the currently uppermost shaft region of a second elevator shaft5which is as close as possible to the first elevator shaft4. This second elevator shaft5grows upwards during the construction phase of the building together with the climbing formwork device10and with further walls of the building core3, wherein a first shaft wall5.1of the second elevator shaft5has been provided with shaft door clearances5.1.1-5.1.6during the incremental construction of the building core, wherein the sill level thereof matches the corresponding floor level. The construction elevator20can extend in the vertical direction over five to ten floors of the building2. Of course, the construction elevator20could also be installed in the first elevator shaft4, if it is a so-called multiple elevator shaft. The construction elevator20is dimensioned in such a way that a construction elevator car20.2of the construction elevator can be moved between a floor level8.X+7,8X+6lying above or below the climbing formwork platform10.1of the climbing formwork device10and at least the floor level8.X+1that can be reached as intended by the elevator car of the elevator system15able to be adjusted to the building height. The construction elevator20comprises a self-supporting construction elevator frame20.1which extends substantially over the entire conveying height of the construction elevator and which is preferably constructed from steel profiles. Inside this construction elevator frame20.1, guide rails—not shown inFIG.1—for guiding a construction elevator car20.2are installed. The four vertical inner sides of the construction elevator frame are covered with wall panels—also not shown—that form flat and smooth shaft walls for the construction elevator. In one of the side walls of the construction elevator frame20.1and in the wall panels belonging to this, at least two access openings20.3.1-20.3.7arranged one above the other are recessed, the position of which in the installed state of the construction elevator corresponds to the position of each of the assigned shaft door clearances5.1.1-5.1.6in a first shaft wall5.1of the second elevator shaft5. In the region of the construction elevator, these access openings20.3.1-20.3.7can be closed with shaft doors20.4.1-20.4.7fastened to the construction elevator frame20.1. Furthermore, a construction elevator car20.2which is guided and movable along guide rails and which is equipped with at least one first car door20.2.1is integrated into the construction elevator frame20.1. For moving the construction elevator car20.2within the construction elevator frame20.1, a drive device20.5is attached to the construction elevator frame. InFIG.1, the drive device20.5comprises a drive machine20.5.1with a drive pulley20.5.2, wherein the drive pulley carries and drives a suspension cable20.7which carries and drives the construction elevator car20.2and a counterweight20.6. The drive device20.5could, however, also be present in the form of a cable winch that winds and unwinds a support cable, or in the form of hydraulic cylinders. The construction elevator20or the construction elevator frame20.1of the construction elevator is preferably fixed to the climbing formwork platform10.1in such a way that an upper part of the construction elevator frame20.1protrudes beyond the climbing formwork platform10.1of the climbing formwork device10, wherein an uppermost access opening20.3.7with an associated shaft door20.4.7is attached to this upper part, via which the construction personnel can reach the climbing formwork platform10.1with the construction elevator20. In an alternative embodiment, the construction elevator20can also be fixed completely below the climbing formwork platform10.1to the same, such that it does not protrude beyond the climbing formwork platform10.1of the climbing formwork device10. In this embodiment, construction personnel who want to get to the climbing formwork platform10.1of the climbing formwork device10must use a staircase which spans a floor height H, in addition to the construction elevator20. In order to be able to comfortably reach work sites at all levels in the region of the construction elevator20, the construction elevator frame20.1can have several additional access openings20.3.2-20.3.5with associated shaft doors20.4.2-20.4.5, in addition to the at least two access openings mentioned. At least the lowermost access opening20.3.1with its shaft door20.4.1can be designed to be vertically displaceable in order to be able to adjust its sill level to the floor level of currently corresponding floors—for example if, as an exception, a floor with a different floor height is built between floors with a uniform floor height. The construction elevator20is attached to the climbing formwork platform10.1, such that it always remains positioned in the currently uppermost region of its elevator shaft5during the entire construction phase of the building2, without a hoisting device for lifting the construction elevator being required in the building2. The construction elevator20is fixed in the vertical direction on the climbing formwork platform10.1, such that the sill levels of its access openings20.3.1-20.3.6match the corresponding floor levels8.X+1-8.X+6when the climbing formwork device10remains in a locking position after a hoisting process. In each of these positions, concrete is introduced between the formwork walls10.2in order to raise the walls of the building core3by a further section. To ensure that the sill levels of the access openings20.3.1-20.3.7and the corresponding floor levels8.X+1-8.X+7match during the concreting process, the climbing formwork device10with the formwork walls10.2attached to it and with the construction elevator20must be raised by an entire floor height H between each concreting process. In other words, the walls of the building core3must be raised by a section corresponding to an entire floor height H with each concreting process. In addition, the vertical distances between the access openings of the construction elevator must also correspond to the floor height H. The building2can, however, have intermediate floors, the floor height of which deviates from the floor height H of the majority of all floors, such that the climbing formwork device10must exceptionally be raised by a distance that deviates from that of the floor height H of the majority of all floors. In order to be able to guarantee the functionality of the construction elevator and thus the entire transport concept in such a situation, the connection between the climbing formwork platform10.1and the construction elevator20can be designed to be preferably displaceable or adjustable by about one meter. In addition, one or more of the access openings20.3.1-20.3.7can be attached to the construction elevator frame20.1so as to be vertically displaceable for the same purpose. In order to get from one of the lower floors7.1-7.X to one of the floors7.X+2-7.X+7currently in the uppermost region of building2, the users first travel with the elevator system15able to be adjusted to the building height to a floor (according toFIG.1: currently7.X+1) wherein the floor level8.X+1thereof corresponds to the current floor level of the lowest access opening20.3.1of the construction elevator20. The users then change elevators by walking over the above-mentioned floor to the construction elevator car20.2of the construction elevator20in order to reach this construction elevator car to also access the currently highest floors7.X+2-7.X+7in building2, and in particular also the climbing formwork platform10.1of the climbing formwork device10. Corresponding elevator trips are of course also possible in the opposite direction. In the borderline situation shown inFIG.1, the floor level8.X+1of the floor7.X+1is at the limit of what can be reached both for the elevator car15.5of the elevator system15able to be adjusted to an increasing height of the building, and for the construction elevator car20.2of the construction elevator20, such that transfers using the elevator system15and the construction elevator20are possible. The construction elevator car20.2of the construction elevator20can have a first car door20.2.1oriented towards the first shaft wall5.1with the shaft door clearances5.1.1-5.1.6and a second car door20.2.2arranged in another wall of the construction elevator car orientated toward a second shaft wall5.2, wherein at least one access opening20.3.8corresponding to the second car door20.2.2, with a shaft door20.4.8, is attached to the construction elevator frame20.1, and wherein, below the access opening20.3.8of the construction elevator20corresponding to the second car door20.2.2, a walkable platform20.8is attached to the construction elevator frame20.1, which enables a user of the construction elevator to get from the construction elevator car20.2to the interior of the second elevator shaft5in order to carry out work there. Such walkable platforms20.8are preferably attached at the level of several of the access openings20.3.1-20.3.6of the construction elevator frame20.1. In order to make the transfer process from the elevator system15able to be adjusted to the building height to the construction elevator20as optimal as possible, information about the current vertical position of the construction elevator20fixed on the climbing formwork platform10.1is transmitted to a controller15.12of the elevator system15which is able to be adjusted to the building height. This information is used by the mentioned control to determine the target position of the elevator car15.5of the elevator system15able to be adjusted to the building height, for a transfer stop, which expediently takes place in the region of the lowest access opening20.3.1of the construction elevator20. Above the construction elevator20, the construction elevator frame20.1of the construction elevator20protruding beyond the climbing formwork platform10.1of the climbing formwork device10is provided with an impact-resistant protective hood20.9, which is preferably watertight and sealed against the climbing formwork platform10.1. This ensures, on the one hand, that the entire construction elevator20cannot be damaged by falling objects, and on the other hand the protective hood sealed against the climbing formwork platform10.1prevents rainwater from penetrating both into the construction elevator20and into the elevator shaft5assigned to the construction elevator. If the construction elevator is arranged below the climbing formwork platform10.1, a protective platform can be attached directly to the climbing formwork platform to protect the components of the construction elevator from falling objects originating from the construction operation. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. | 17,687 |
11858779 | The foregoing aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and the detailed description related thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS.1-3illustrate an embodiment of an elevator safety arrangement comprising a hoistway1, an elevator car2mounted in the hoistway1, a working platform3mounted on top of roof4the elevator car2, at least one sensing arrangement5for sensing load of the working platform3. The working platform3comprises a planar upper tread surface3afor a person to stand on. The elevator safety arrangement further comprises at least one balustrade6mounted on the working platform3such that its weight is carried by the working platform3, and it is movable between a substantially upright position and a substantially horizontal position. By said sensing arrangement5a load placed on the working platform, were it a person or his belongings, will be detectable. The load will be detectable when it is placed to be supported by the planar upper tread surface3aof the working platform3but also when the load is placed to be supported by the balustrade because the balustrade is carried by the working platform3. This is particularly advantageous because should the service person forget his belongings, such as his tool box, on the horizontally tilted balustrade upon leaving the hoistway, this will also be detectable, and thereby actions for avoiding crushing of the toolbox between the car and the hoistway ceiling can be taken. In the preferred embodiment, the balustrade6is a planar structure, such as a plate or a structure comprising plurality of members, such as beams, placed on the same plane. Thus, it can be simply arranged in said substantially horizontal position where it requires only little space in vertical direction. As showed inFIG.1, the elevator can comprise more than one of said balustrades6. If these are to be folded partially over each other, as it is the case in the presented embodiment, it may be needed that one of the balustrades6is not perfectly horizontal in said substantially horizontal position. So as to enable reacting to sensing of an increase of load of the working platform3, the sensing arrangement5is preferably connected electrically to the elevator control system. The elevator control system can be adapted to perform one or more predefined actions when one or more criteria are met, said criteria including sensing of an increase of load of the working platform3. The elevator control system can in this context be understood broadly to include the normal elevator control unit but also the safety circuit of the elevator. Said predefined actions may include one or more of the following: elevator mode change from normal operation mode to service operation mode, stop of movement of the elevator car, prevention of further starts of the elevator car in response to signals from passengers. As disclosed inFIGS.1-3, the elevator safety arrangement is further such that in said substantially horizontal position, said balustrade6lies over the planar upper tread surface3aof the working platform3covering it at least partially. Thereby it blocks direct stepping on the planar upper tread surface3acovered by it. The balustrade6extends in said substantially horizontal position along the planar upper tread surface3a, preferably parallelly therewith, but if a slight angle between the balustrade6and the planar upper tread surface3ais needed for some reason, then it is preferably less than 10 degrees, more preferably less than 5 degrees. The configuration being parallel, as far as possible, ensures low overall structure for the equipment placed on top of the elevator car2. Correspondingly, the balustrade6extends in said substantially upright position straight upwards, but if a slight angle between the balustrade6and vertical plane is needed for some reason then it is preferably less than 10 degrees, more preferably less than 5 degrees. As disclosed inFIGS.1-3, the elevator safety arrangement is further such that said balustrade6is mounted on the working platform3pivotally, preferably via one or more hinges, between said substantially upright position and said substantially horizontal position. When the car2is in normal operation mode, the balustrade6is to be in said substantially horizontal position. Upon entering the hoistway, by stepping on top of the car roof4, the service person can manually pivot the balustrade6up to said substantially upright position, wherein it serves as a safety blockage against falling from the car roof4. In the following preferred details of the sensing arrangement5for sensing load of the working platform3are discussed. Said sensing arrangement5for sensing load of the working platform3comprises a sensor5afor sensing position of the working platform3, as illustrated in Figures. Said sensor5ais also referred to as a position sensor. The sensing arrangement5is arranged to sense the load based on position of the of the working platform3. The working platform3comprises a planar upper tread surface3afor a person to stand on, and a detent member3babove the level L of said planar upper tread surface3aof the working platform3, and the position sensor5ais in vertical direction between the car roof4and the detent member3b. This structure provides that the position sensor5adoes not decrease the height of the safety space, i.e. the distance between the planar upper tread surface3aof the working platform3and the ceiling of the hoistway1can be maximized. Structure of the working platform3can thus also generally be maintained low. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the position sensor5ais beside the planar upper tread surface3aof the working platform3. No planar upper tread surface3aof the working platform3needs to be located on top of the position sensor5a. Thereby their structures do not pile up vertically and the overall structure can be made low. The above mentioned aspects are implemented in the preferred embodiment more specifically such that the working platform3comprises a lateral border structure3cextending upwards above the level of the planar upper tread surface3a, and the detent member3bis fixedly connected with the lateral border3c. Said lateral border structure3cis preferably an upright plate section, a so called kick plate section. Said upright plate section and said planar upper tread surface3aare preferably integral parts of a bent metal plate. Thus, the structure is simple to form by bending. Alternatively, said lateral border structure3ccan be an upright plate section in the form of a separate edge profile part, preferably made of metal, such as of aluminum for instance. The sensor head5a2is preferably vertically movable relative to the body5a1. The aforementioned position sensor5apreferably comprises a sensor body5a1and a sensor head5a2, and vertical movement of the working platform3is arranged to bring the detent member3bdownwards and towards the car roof4, i.e. downwards, such that it compresses the sensor head5a2. The resulting position is disclosed inFIG.2. For holding the working platform from moving freely, said sensing arrangement5preferably comprises a restriction means therefor. In the preferred implementation of the holding means illustrated inFIGS.1-3comprise at least one spring5barranged to resist downwardly directed movement of the working platform3. The holding means, i.e. the spring in this case, holds the working platform3in an upper position, and resists movement thereof downwards to its lower position. By dimensioning of the spring5b, sensitivity of the sensing arrangement5can be adjusted. The sensing arrangement5is preferably adjusted such that a weight of 10 kg or more can move the working platform3downwards such that the sensor head5a2is compressed. The sensing arrangement5preferably further comprises a limit stopper12for delimiting downwards directed movement of the working platform3. The range of downwards directed movement of the working platform3is preferably delimited by the limit stopper12to be 1 cm or less. Owing to the limit stopper12, the moving range of the sensor head5a2will not be exceeded and overload and breaking thereof is avoided. The arrangement comprises a sensing arrangement7for sensing position of the movable balustrade6. A preferred implementation of the sensing arrangement7is illustrated inFIGS.1-3. In the presented embodiment, said sensing arrangement7for sensing position of the movable balustrade6comprises at least one sensor7a1,7a2for sensing position of the balustrade6. Said sensor7a1,7a2is also elsewhere referred to as a position sensor. Said balustrade6is mounted on the working platform3pivotally between said substantially upright position and said substantially horizontal position, in particular around a fulcrum f, and said at least one sensor7a1,7a2is beside the pivoting fulcrum f of the balustrade6. Thereby, when the balustrade is in its horizontal position as illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the at least one sensor7a1,7a2does not increase the height of the overall structure at all, or at least not significantly. As for the preferred structure of said at least one sensor7a1,7a2, it preferably comprises a sensor body8a1,8b1and a sensor head8a2,8b2, as illustrated. Preferably, the sensor head8a2,8b2is horizontally movable relative to the sensor body8a1,8b1as then the sensor is simple to make to have a low structure. The balustrade6on the other hand, is preferably arranged to move the sensor head8a2,8b2horizontally when pivoted. FIG.2illustrates the balustrade6being in said substantially horizontal position. When the balustrade6is pivoted, it ends up in position as disclosed inFIG.3. The balustrade6is preferably arranged to move, and thereby actuate, the sensor head8a2,8b2with a cam member9. The balustrade6then preferably comprises a cam member, such as a cam disc9having a non-circular rim, and pivotal together with the balustrade6and comprising one or more protrusions11and depressions10a,10b. The sensor head8a2,8b2is placed against the cam member for being actuated by aid of at least a protrusion and at least a depression of the cam member9, in the presented case particularly against the non-circular rim thereof. The sensor head8a2,8b2is arranged to be compressed by the protrusions11when the balustrade is pivoted such that the sensor head8a2,8b2is at a point of a protrusion11, said compression being relieved when the sensor head8a2,8b2is at a point of a depression10a,10b. The sensor itself can contain a returning spring whereby when the sensor head8a2,8b2comes to be at a point of a depression10a,10b, the sensor head8a2,8b2is freed to move into it. In the presented embodiment, said at least one sensor7a1,7a2comprises two of said sensors7a1,7a2adjacent to the cam member9, and said cam member9comprises two of said depressions10a,10b. One10bof the depressions10a,10bis at the point of one7a2of the sensors7a1,7a2when the balustrade6is in said substantially upright position and another one10aof the depressions10a,10bbeing at the point of another one7a1of the sensors7a1,7a2when the balustrade6is in said substantially horizontal position. In the presented embodiment, said two of said sensors7a1,7a2are on opposite lateral sides beside the cam member9, in order to maintain the structure low. In the presented embodiment, said two depressions10a,10bare at 90 degrees from each other. So as to enable reacting to sensing of pivoting of the balustrade6to its substantially upright position, the sensing arrangement7is preferably connected electrically to the elevator control system. The elevator control system can be adapted to perform one or more predefined actions when one or more criteria are met, said criteria including sensing the balustrade6is away from its substantially horizontal position. The elevator control system can in this context be understood broadly to include the normal elevator control unit but also the safety circuit of the elevator. Said predefined actions may include one or more of the following: elevator operation mode change from normal operation mode to service operation mode, stop of movement of the elevator car, prevention of further starts of the elevator car in response to signals from passengers. These criteria, particularly for allowance of service operation mode, preferably further include sensing that the balustrade6is in said substantially upright position. This will ensure that the balustrade6is not only tilted up but tilted up to its correct position. FIGS.4a-4dillustrate details of optional further features of the safety arrangement. The arrangement presented inFIGS.1-3comprises further a first stopper member13fixed on the balustrade6. The first stopper member13is thereby pivotal around the pivoting fulcrum f of the balustrade6together with the balustrade6. The first stopper member13is arranged to pivot, when the balustrade6is pivoted from said substantially horizontal position to said substantially upright position, together with the balustrade6to be aligned with a second stopper member14mounted in the hoistway structures, in particular on a guide rail15for guiding the elevator car2(or alternatively a guide rail for guiding the counterweight) such that the second stopper member14is in the path of the first stopper member13. Thus, should the car2be moved, the first and second stopper member13,14will eventually collide as illustrated inFIG.4d, and further movement of the car2will be blocked. The second stopper member14preferably includes a buffer element14afor softening the collision between the stopper member13and14, for example polyurethane buffer, gas spring or similar. When the car2is in normal operation mode, the balustrade6is in said substantially horizontal position, and the first stopper member13is not aligned with said second stopper member14. As illustrated inFIG.4b, upon entering the hoistway1, by stepping on top of the car roof4, the service person can manually pivot the balustrade6up to said substantially upright position, wherein it serves as a safety blockage against falling from the car roof4. Simultaneously with pivoting of the balustrade6, the first stopper member13fixed thereon becomes pivoted to be aligned with said second stopper member14in accordance withFIG.4cand as described above. Subsequent movement of the car2upwards will cause the first and second stopper member13,14to collide, which will block further movement of the car2. In general, it is preferred that in the service operation mode, the elevator does not serve passengers automatically. Particularly, the elevator car is not movable automatically in response to passenger signals received from user interfaces for passengers, such as ones located at landings and/or inside the elevator car. However, preferably the elevator car2is movable by aid of manually operable service drive equipment, such as a user interface for a service person, which user interface is preferably located on top of the elevator car2. In general, each said sensor5a,7a1,7a2can be any kind of a sensor suitable for sensing position. It can be in the form of a switch, such as an NC- or NO-switch, for instance. This type of sensors have the advantage that they are reliable and simply usable for safety related limit monitoring. They are simply connectable with a safety circuit of the elevator, for instance. Also other kind of sensors suitable for this function are commercially available and usable instead of a switch type position sensor described. In the embodiments showed in Figures and described above, the elevator safety arrangement is disclosed to comprise a sensing arrangement5for sensing load of the working platform3. The sensing arrangement7for sensing position of the movable balustrade6is advantageous in the context disclosed. However, at least part of the advantages of the safety arrangement can be obtained even if the features of the disclosed context are not present, such as without a sensing arrangement5for sensing load of the working platform3and its related features. In the embodiments showed in the Figures and described above, a preferred number and shape of protrusions and depressions has been disclosed. However, the number and/or shape of the protrusions and depressions could be also different than what is disclosed. Generally, a suitable number and shape of the protrusions and depressions can be chosen depending of the desired position of the sensor(s). The suitable number and shape of the protrusions and depressions may also be dependent on the position information desired to be obtained, such as accuracy thereof, and which position(s) of the balustrade are regarded meaningful. For instance, a depression could cover a smaller or wider angle of the circumference of the cam member than what is shown in the Figures. A depression could even cover an angle of the circumference of the cam member as wide as 180 degrees or more, for instance. It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying figures are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The above-described embodiments of the invention may thus be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims. | 17,619 |
11858780 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION Referring toFIG.1, a schematic diagram of an elevator system is shown, the elevator system comprising a tractor7at the top, a car8, a counterweight9, a rope6and several rope sheaves. Car8comprises a governor assembly1(schematically shown). Generally speaking, the weight of the counterweight9is configured to about 1.5 times the weight of the empty car8, which makes the weights on both sides of the tractor7similar in actual use. The rotation of the tractor7drives the car8to go up and down. The tractor7is equipped with a brake device with power off protection. The brake device generally consists of a movable plate, which is separated from the friction disc on the drive shaft of the tractor under the action of both magnetic attraction force and spring acting force when the powered is on. Whereas, when the power is off, the magnetic attraction force disappears, and the acting force of the spring drives the movable plate so that the friction plate on it is brought into frictional contact with the friction disc on the drive shaft of the tractor to stop the drive shaft of the tractor. Since the brake device is critical to the safety of the elevator system, the tractor brake device needs to be tested before the elevator is put into service. When testing the tractor brake system, as shown inFIG.2, first, the elevator speed gradually increases to the normal upgoing speed or the rated speed (approximately 1.7 m/s in this embodiment), then the power-cut test button is pressed at time point t1, while the power supply of the tractor and the solenoid coils of its brake system are cut, so the magnetic attraction force on the movable plate disappears. Until the time point t2, the friction disc on the movable plate of the tractor brake device is brought into contact with the friction disc on the drive shaft of the tractor as driven by the spring, producing a braking action. Because the movable plate displaces, there is a certain delay between time points t1and t2(e.g. about 150 ms). At this time, as the tractor drive shaft is powered cut and no longer outputs driving force (it is equivalent to a pulley), and due to the weight difference between the counterweight9and the car8as previously mentioned, an instantaneous accelerated ascend of the elevator car (or referred to as “car rebound”) will occur, i.e. the curve between t1and t2as circled inFIG.2. Whereas, after time point t2, the elevator will be gradually stopped under the action of the brake device. Although the above instantaneous acceleration does not reach the first triggering speed of the governor, it may lead to the unfolding of the centrifugal mechanism of the CMG governor due to the approximation of the instantaneous acceleration to the natural frequency of the governor, and thus lead to the false triggering of the trigger switch, which would cause various related problems, such as failure of delivery test or the need for technicians to restore the trigger switch of the governor. Next, the specific structure and installation of the CMG type governor are introduced with continued reference toFIGS.3and4.FIG.3illustrates a car8mounted with a governor assembly1. For a typical governor assembly1, reference can be made, for example, to the type recorded in the U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130098711A1 of the Otis Elevator Company disclosed on Apr. 25, 2013, the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference. The governor assembly1comprises a guide pulley33and a governor rope sheave34. The rope suspended from the hoistway top31wraps the guide pulley33and the governor rope sheave34. The rope has an upstream rope section32of the governor and a downstream rope section37of the governor. The length of the upstream rope section32of the governor and the downstream rope section37of the governor constantly change as the car goes up and down. At the bottom of the hoistway, a weight33is suspended at the bottom of the downstream rope section37of the governor or the downstream rope section37is connected to a pulling device for providing the tension. When the car8goes up and down, the guide pulley33and the governor rope sheave34will rotate due to friction with the rope. The pitch circle rotation speed of the governor rope sheave34is identical with the running speed of the car, while the rotate speed of the governor corresponds to the running speed of the car. When the descent speed of the elevator car exceeds a threshold, for example, when the speed of the rope sheave exceeds the first triggering speed (also referred to as the electrical triggering speed), the centrifugal mechanism associated with the governor rope sheave34triggers the trigger switch, i.e. cutting off the power supply to the tractor and its brake device. And, when the speed of the rope sheave exceeds the second speed greater than the first triggering speed (also referred to as the mechanical triggering speed), the centrifugal mechanism triggers the mechanical brake device, stopping the elevator car by friction between the safety gear and the elevator car guide rail. With continued reference toFIG.4, a governor bracket10, and the guide pulley33and the governor rope sheave34mounted thereon are shown. A centrifugal mechanism19is arranged on the rope sheave34and is in a contraction state. A trigger switch12at a first position on the radial outer side of the centrifugal mechanism19comprises a triggering end121, and a remote triggering device11at a second position on the radial outer side of the centrifugal mechanism19comprises an operating end111. As the elevator descends, the rope sheave34will rotate counterclockwise due to friction with the rope, and the centrifugal mechanism19will rotate with the rope sheave34, as previously mentioned. When the elevator system is in danger and the car descends at a speed greater than the rated speed at which the elevator operates normally, e.g., 1.3 times the rated speed (which is smaller than the second triggering speed), the speed of the centrifugal mechanism19increases with the speed of rope sheave34to exceed the first triggering speed, so that the centrifugal mechanism19will unfold to a first triggering position, with its outer side contacting and flipping the triggering end121of the trigger switch12, thereby cutting off the power supply to the tractor and its brake device so as to stop the drive shaft of the tractor and the car. On the other hand, if the descent speed of the car further increases (e.g. due to the breakage of rope on its top), for example, to 1.4 times the rated speed (as specified in the standards), the speed of the centrifugal mechanism19further increases with the speed of the rope sheave34to exceed the second triggering speed, so that the centrifugal mechanism19will unfold to a second triggering position, with its inner side contacting and coupling with a core ring22so that the rotation of the rope sheave will drive the core ring22to rotate, and also drive a rocker arm20fixed to the core ring22to rotate, thereby lifting a vertical connecting rod21so as to trigger the safety gear to be in friction with the car guide rail to stop the elevator car. The centrifugal mechanism19according to the present invention is then described with reference toFIGS.5to7. The centrifugal mechanism19consists of a plurality of centrifugal members191pivotally fixed to the front of the rope sheave34, such as three centrifugal members, each of which may comprise a centrifugal block bracket and a centrifugal block mounted thereon. The centrifugal block bracket may be made of, for example, plastics, and the centrifugal block may be made of, for example, a heavy object such as iron. Pivot center194of the plurality of centrifugal members191is visible in the back view shown inFIG.6, i.e., each centrifugal member191is pivotally connected to the rope sheave34via the pivot center194. The adjacent centrifugal members191are connected by a centrifugal mechanism connecting rod15, which limits their relative motions and cause them to unfold synchronously. Specifically, as shown inFIG.6, a first end151of the centrifugal mechanism connecting rod15is connected to a centrifugal member191, and a second end152of the centrifugal mechanism connecting rod15is connected to the adjacent centrifugal member191. The centrifugal mechanism further comprises a retaining mechanism for retaining the plurality of centrifugal members191in a contraction position, such as a tension spring192(FIG.4) between adjacent centrifugal members191as shown in the figure, or alternatively a magnetic-based retaining mechanism. Centrifugal mechanism19rotates with the rope sheave34. As the speed of the rope sheave increases, the centrifugal mechanism19, driven by inertial force, tends to unfold as shown inFIG.7. In the process of unfolding, the centrifugal mechanism first unfolds to the first triggering position, where the outer side of the centrifugal member191of the centrifugal mechanism first contacts and flips the triggering end121of the trigger switch12, and then when unfolded to the second triggering position as shown inFIG.7, rollers153on the inner side of the centrifugal mechanism connecting rod15of the centrifugal mechanism contacts the core ring22, so that the centrifugal mechanism19is coupled with the core ring22, thereby driving the core ring22and the rocker arm20connected to it to rotate. With continued reference toFIG.8, a schematic diagram showing the speed of the elevator car and the state of the centrifugal mechanism is shown. As previously described forFIGS.3and4, the pitch circle rotation speed of the governor rope sheave is identical with the running speed of the car, so the speed of the governor corresponds to the speed of the elevator car. It should be appreciated that the speed of the car or the corresponding speed of the governor inFIG.8, such as the first or second triggering speed, is measured in accordance with the standards with rotate speed increasing slowly. The so-called “slow increase” means to minimize the impact of acceleration on the governor assembly. Therefore, the acceleration should be smaller than the first acceleration. “Slow acceleration” has different definitions according to different test standards. “Slow increase” in the present application means that acceleration is smaller than the first acceleration, e.g. 0.1 m/s2. InFIG.8, position C indicates that the centrifugal mechanism19is in the contraction position. Position C1indicates that the centrifugal mechanism19is unfolded to the first triggering position where the trigger switch12is triggered, where the corresponding speed of the governor is called the first triggering speed or the electrical triggering speed. Position C2indicates that the centrifugal mechanism19is unfolded to the second triggering position coupled with the core ring22as shown inFIG.7, where the corresponding speed of the governor is called the second triggering speed or the mechanical triggering speed. InFIG.8, curve a indicates an elevator system equipped with a conventional centrifugal mechanism, in which Vrrepresents the rated speed of the car. In such a centrifugal mechanism, due to the relatively small initial retaining force of the retaining mechanism (e.g., the pre-tension force of the tension spring is relatively small), when the descent speed of the car slowly increases to, for example, about Va1=1.05Vr, centrifugal mechanism19has begun to unfold gradually. And, at the first triggering speed Va2, centrifugal mechanism19is unfolded to the first triggering position C1; at the second triggering speed Va3, centrifuge19is unfolded to the second triggering position C2coupled with core ring22, wherein Va2is in the range of, for example, 1.25-1.35Vr, and Va3is in the range of, for example, 1.4-1.5Vr. The inventor of the present invention has found that Va1is closely associated with the false triggering of the governor caused by the “car rebound” phenomenon in the brake system test of the tractor. More specifically, by setting the governor speed corresponding to Va1to be greater than a first threshold, false triggering of the governor can be avoided. In some embodiments, the first threshold is equal to or greater than the speed of the rope sheave corresponding to 115% of the rated speed of the elevator car. In some embodiments, the first threshold value is equal to or greater than the speed of the rope sheave corresponding to 120% of the rated speed of the elevator car. When Va1>1.15Vr, the governor assembly will basically not be triggered by mistake when the “car rebound” phenomenon occurs, which can be achieved by configuring the retaining force of the retaining mechanism in the contraction position. Specifically, the retaining mechanism can be configured to still retain the plurality of centrifugal members at the contraction position C when the speed of the rope sheave slowly increases to 115% of the rated speed of the elevator. The so-called “slow increase” refers to acceleration being smaller than 0.1 m/s2. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism is configured to still retain the plurality of centrifugal members at the contraction position C when the speed of the rope sheave corresponds to 120% of the rated speed of the elevator. As shown in the figures, in some embodiments, the retaining mechanism is a plurality of tension springs connected between the various centrifugal members. To achieve the aforementioned effect, for example, to achieve the effect shown in curve b inFIG.8, where Vb1is the corresponding car speed when the centrifugal mechanism starts to unfold, which corresponds to 1.16 times of Vr, a plurality of tension springs can be configured to be further pre-stretched at the contraction position or the rigidity of the tension spring can be increased. For example, the characteristics of the tension springs can be changed and the tension springs are further pre-stretched at the contraction position C to accumulate more elastic potential energy, so as to resist the inertia force to retain the centrifugal mechanism in the contraction position before the car speed reaches 1.15Vr. In addition, the characteristics of the tension spring can be adjusted so that the corresponding first and second triggering speeds Vb1and Vb2still meet the standard requirements, e.g., close to the original first and second triggering speeds Va1and Va2. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism may be a magnetic attraction device between the various centrifugal members configured to provide sufficient magnetic attraction force in the contraction position, so that the magnetic attraction force will still retain the plurality of centrifugal members in the contraction position when the speed of the rope sheave slowly increases to 115% of the rated speed of the elevator. With continued reference toFIG.9, the operating principle of the remote triggering device11is illustrated. The remote triggering device is, for example, a solenoid switch, comprising a contact111that is normally in an idle position shown inFIG.4and thus does not affect the operation of the governor assembly. The remote triggering device11is associated with a remote trigger switch in the control room. Before delivery or during use of the elevator system, it is necessary to regularly check whether the safety gear brake system of the governor assembly is functioning properly. To this end, the remote trigger switch in the control room is first pressed, and when a remote trigger signal is received, the contact111of the remote triggering device11moves radially inward from the idle position separated from the centrifugal mechanism to the operating position (shown inFIG.9). At the operating position, the contact acts on the centrifugal mechanism of the governor assembly, specifically the arc surface of the second end152of the centrifugal connecting rod15, forcing the centrifugal mechanism to unfold to the second triggering position C2when it rotates past the contact111. As a result, the centrifugal mechanism is coupled with the core ring22to rotate the rocker arm and pull the safety gear to stop the car. In an alternative embodiment, the remote triggering device may have a structure different from what is illustrated, and act on the centrifugal mechanism to force it to unfold to a mechanical brake position upon receipt of a remote trigger signal. As shown inFIG.10, the governor assembly1is generally mounted on the top of the car and is connected to the safety gear5on the bottom of the car through a transmission device. The governor assembly1and the transmission device can be collectively referred to as the elevator safety device. The transmission device may comprise a vertical connecting rod21and a rotary rod4, which will be described in detail below. It should be appreciated that during the test, the aforementioned electrical brake system is bypassed and therefore is not functioning, so the mechanical brake system is hereby separately tested. FIG.11shows a curve of the speed and time of the elevator car reflecting the “car rebound” phenomenon of the elevator during the remote triggering test.FIG.12shows an enlarged view of the circled portion ofFIG.11. In the remote triggering test, the elevator descends at a test speed of, for example, 0.2 m/s (h section), and the remote trigger switch is pressed at position hi. In stage I, due to the braking effect of the safety gear, the speed of the elevator car decreases to basically 0 and maintains at stage J. In position Ji, the car has been stopped but the tractor is still running, so at this point, rope slipping will be detected at the tractor. The tractor has a protection system, which will cut off the power supply of the tractor at the moment rope slipping is detected at time point Ji. In stage K, also due to the time difference between the power cut and the functioning of the tractor braking device as mentioned above, as well as the weight of the counterweight being greater than that of the empty car, the “car rebound” phenomenon will occur (the safety gear are designed to prevent the car from moving downward only). Finally, in section L, the car will be stopped due to the functioning of the tractor brake system. Under normal circumstances, after the remote triggering test, when the tractor is powered on again, the car cannot continue to go downward as the safety gear is still functioning. However, the safety gear will be unlocked due to the aforementioned “car rebound” phenomenon, which makes it possible for the elevator car to continue to go downward after the remote triggering test. In theory, however, if the safety gear is functioning, the elevator car should not be able to continue to go downward. Therefore, this will cause the tester to doubt whether the safety gear is working properly or not, and results in that the elevator cannot pass the remote triggering test. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission device is configured to comprise a first component and a second component connected to each other by a pivot pin and a vertically oriented elongated hole, such that during the initial stroke of rotation of the rocker arm in the first direction, the pivot pin first moves in the elongated hole until the pivot pin engages with the end of the elongated hole, and then the rotation of the rocker arm is transmitted to the safety gear, thereby pulling the safety gear to be in frictional contact with the elevator guide rail. More specifically, as shown inFIG.13, the transmission device may comprise: a vertical connecting rod21pivotally connected to the rocker arm; a rotary rod4, a first end41of which pivotally connected to a fixed bracket, a middle part42of which connected to the bottom of the vertical connecting rod21, and a second end43of which connected to a pull actuator51of the safety gear, wherein the pull actuator51of the safety gear comprises an elongated hole510to engage with the pivot pin of the second end43of the rotary rod. Referring toFIGS.4and13, the governor assemblies shown are both in a non-triggering position. In the non-triggering position, when the governor is mechanically triggered, the rocker arm20rotates counterclockwise with the core ring22as shown inFIG.4, and the vertical connecting rod21is lifted with the rotation of the rocker arm20, thereby lifting the rotary rod4. During the initial stroke, the pivot pin of the second end43of the rotary rod4will move in the elongated hole510of the pull actuator51, until the pivot pin engages with the top of the elongated hole510. During the initial stroke, the transmission device prevents the rotation of the rocker arm from being transmitted to the safety gear. Subsequently, the second end43of the rotary rod4will contact the upper end of the elongated hole510of the pull actuator51, whereby further rotation of the rotary rod4will drive the pull actuator51up to lift the wedge block52, which, together with a fixed wedge block53, clamps the car guide rail therebetween (not shown) for braking. However, due to the “car rebound” phenomenon in stage K above, on the one hand, the rope sheave and the centrifugal mechanism on it will rotate clockwise as shown inFIG.4, while the centrifugal mechanism, though about to separate from the core ring, may still exert a force on the core ring due to friction to make it rotate reversely, so that the vertical connecting rod21will descend (in addition, the gravity of the vertical connecting rod21itself also makes it descend), and on the other hand, the safety gear5will ascend with the car, where if no elongated hole510is provided, the vertical connecting rod21and the rotary rod4may be driven to be reset and thus the safety gear5is unlocked. However, when elongated hole510is provided, safety gear5will not push up the rotary rod4when the “car rebound” occurs, because the pivot pin of the rotary rod4will move in the elongated hole510of the pull actuator51during the car rebound. Therefore, “car rebound” will not cause reset of vertical connecting rod21and rotary rod4and unlock of safety gear. The vertical connecting rod21and rotary rod4can be reset and the safety gear5can be unlocked only when the car continues to ascend. In some embodiments, the size of the elongated hole510is configured to be greater than the stroke of car rebound when the governor is mechanically triggered by the remote triggering device. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.13, the governor assembly may also comprise a spring element61acting on the rotary rod4or the vertical connecting rod21to provide sufficient retaining force to the rotary rod and the connecting rod during the car rebound, i.e. to retain the governor centrifugal mechanism in an unfolding-locked state. With continued reference toFIGS.14and15, structures of governors according to alternative embodiments are shown.FIG.14shows an alternative form for rocker arm20and vertical connecting rod21. As shown inFIG.15, in this alternative embodiment, an elongated hole210is provided at the bottom of the vertical connecting rod21, and a pivot pin is provided at the middle part42of the rotary rod. The system can operate in a manner similar to that of the system in the embodiment shown inFIG.13. It should be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of pivot pins and elongated holes are described in conjunction withFIGS.13to15, pivot pins and elongated holes may be arranged anywhere on the transmission device, e.g., between the rocker arm and the vertical connecting rod. In addition, in some embodiments, the transmission mechanism may differ from the type shown, and pivot pins and elongated holes may be provided in any suitable positions. The specific embodiments of the present application described above are merely intended to describe the principles of the present application more clearly, wherein various components are clearly shown or described to facilitate the understanding of the principles of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may, without departing from the scope of the present application, make various modifications or changes to the present application. Therefore, it should be appreciated that these modifications or changes should be included within the scope of patent protection of the present application. | 24,355 |
11858781 | FIG.1shows an elevator system, generally indicated at10. The elevator system10includes cables or belts12, a car frame14, an elevator car16, roller guides18, guide rails20, a governor22, and a pair of safety brakes24mounted on the elevator car16. The governor22is mechanically coupled to actuate the safety brakes24by linkages26, levers28, and lift rods30. The governor22includes a governor sheave32, rope loop34, and a tensioning sheave36. The cables12are connected to the car frame14and a counterweight (not shown) inside a hoistway. The elevator car16, which is attached to the car frame14, moves up and down the hoistway by a force transmitted through the cables or belts12to the car frame14by an elevator drive (not shown) commonly located in a machine room at the top of the hoistway. The roller guides18are attached to the car frame14to guide the elevator car16up and down the hoistway along the guide rails20. The governor sheave32is mounted at an upper end of the hoistway. The rope loop34is wrapped partially around the governor sheave32and partially around the tensioning sheave36(located in this example at a bottom end of the hoistway). The rope loop34is also connected to the elevator car16at the lever28, ensuring that the angular velocity of the governor sheave32is directly related to the speed of the elevator car16. In the elevator system10shown inFIG.1, the governor22, a machine brake (not shown) located in the machine room, and the safety brakes24act to stop the elevator car16if it exceeds a set speed as it travels inside the hoistway. If the elevator car16reaches an over-speed condition, the governor22is triggered initially to engage a switch, which in turn cuts power to the elevator drive and drops the machine brake to arrest movement of the drive sheave (not shown) and thereby arrest movement of elevator car16. If, however, the elevator car16continues to experience an overspeed condition, the governor22may then act to trigger the safety brakes24to arrest movement of the elevator car16(i.e. an emergency stop). In addition to engaging a switch to drop the machine brake, the governor22also releases a clutching device that grips the governor rope34. The governor rope34is connected to the safety brakes24through mechanical linkages26, levers28, and lift rods30. As the elevator car16continues its descent, the governor rope34, which is now prevented from moving by the actuated governor22, pulls on the operating levers28. The operating levers28actuate the safety brakes24by moving the linkages26connected to the lift rods30, and the lift rods30cause the safety brakes24to engage the guide rails20to bring the elevator car16to a stop. It will be appreciated that, whilst a roped elevator is described here, the examples of an electronic safety actuator described here will work equally well with a ropeless elevator system e.g. hydraulic systems and systems with linear motors. Whilst mechanical speed governor systems are still in use in many elevator systems, others are now implementing electronically actuated systems to trigger the emergency safety brakes24. Most of these electronically actuated systems utilize use friction between a magnet and the guide rail20to then mechanically actuate a linkage to engage the safety brakes24. Examples of an electronic safety actuator are disclosed herein which do not utilize friction against the guide rail20to actuate the safety brakes24. FIG.2Ashows a first example of a frictionless electronic safety actuator100during normal elevator operation, andFIG.2Bshows the first example of the frictionless electronic safety actuator100in a triggered position.FIG.3shows the triggered frictionless electronic safety actuator100situated above a safety brake24in a tripped position. The frictionless electronic safety actuator100includes at least one electromagnet110and a magnetic (e.g. steel) plate120. The magnetic plate120is attached to a connection arrangement190that includes a plurality of leaf springs130connected in series to form a concertina135with a fixed side150with fixation holes180, a movable side140, a fixed bottom plate170, and a moveable top plate160with a linkage connecting point195. In the example shown inFIGS.2A,2B and3, the plurality of leaf springs130are assembled together in the form of a plurality of elliptic leaf springs connected together in series at their apices to form a concertina135, where a first side of each leaf spring130is fixed on the horizontal axis, but movable on the vertical axis, and a second side, opposite to the first side, is movable on both the horizontal and vertical axes. The first side of each leaf spring130is connected to the fixed side150of the connection arrangement190via a guide (not shown) to allow movement in the vertical direction. This fixed side150is configured to be attached to an elevator component, i.e. an elevator car16or a counterweight, via the fixation holes180. The second side of each leaf spring130is connected via a guide (not shown) to the movable side140of the connection arrangement190, which is attached to the magnetic plate120. In some examples the magnetic plate120is a steel plate. The concertina135of leaf springs130is also attached to the fixed bottom plate170and the moveable top plate160, which both extend horizontally between the movable side140and the fixed side150. The fixed bottom plate170is fixed relative to the fixed side150, and the top plate160moves vertically with the movement of the plurality of leaf springs130. A linkage80(not shown inFIG.2AandFIG.2B) is connected to the top plate160at a linkage connecting point195. The linkage80connects the frictionless electronic safety actuator100to a safety brake24e.g. the safety brake24mounted below the electronic safety actuator100as shown inFIG.3. The plurality of leaf springs130are designed to deform easily without exceeding their yield strength, whilst still being able to provide the required actuation distance and a spring force capable of actuating the linkage80. In some examples the plurality of leaf springs130comprise thin metal sheet plates. Various alternative compression spring arrangements may be contemplated, such as a buckling spring instead of the concertina of leaf springs. In some examples a single leaf spring may be used. The at least one electromagnet110is positioned relative to the magnetic plate120such that, when the at least one electromagnet110is operated, the produced magnetic field acts on the magnetic plate120. In the example ofFIGS.2A,2B and3, the electromagnet110is positioned horizontally adjacent to the magnetic plate120. The electromagnet110is illustrated as having an E-shaped core with a pair of coils, but of course it may take any suitable form e.g. a straight core with a single coil or more than two coils. FIG.2Ashows the frictionless electronic safety actuator100during normal elevator operation. In this example the electromagnet110is operated to produce a magnetic field which acts upon the magnetic plate120with a horizontal magnetic force to pull the moveable side140of the connection arrangement190towards the electromagnet110and hence deflect the second side of the concertina135of the plurality of leaf springs130in a horizontal direction. The electromagnet110acts to pull the magnetic plate120and the moveable side of the concertina135of the plurality of leaf springs130horizontally against the force of the plurality of leaf springs130, and keep the concertina135of the plurality of leaf springs130in this position during normal operation of the elevator, as shown by the force arrows. As the leaf springs130are attached together at their apices in a concertina type arrangement, this horizontal pull causes a combinatory effect with the compression of the plurality of leaf springs130in the vertical direction. FIG.2Bshows the frictionless electronic safety actuator100in a tripped position, which can be used to actuate the safety brake24(seen inFIG.1). In this example the electromagnet110is operated to remove the magnetic field acting upon the magnetic plate120, so as to allow the moveable side140of the connection arrangement190to be pulled away from the electromagnet110by the concertina135of the plurality of leaf springs130exerting a vertical force to recover to their relaxed state, thus reducing their horizontal deflection. This horizontal movement of the magnetic plate120is shown by the arrows. This produces a vertical movement in the top plate160, which in turn moves the linkage connecting point195so that a linkage80(not shown inFIGS.2A and2B) is pulled upwards as to actuate the safety brake24. In this example the electromagnet110produces an attractive force upon the magnetic plate120whilst the elevator is in normal operation (FIG.2A). When the safety brakes24need to be engaged, the electromagnet110stops producing the attractive force and the force of the plurality of leaf springs130actuates the linkage pulling on the safety brake24. This can act as a failsafe in case of a loss of power, as when the electromagnet110loses power, the safety brake24will be actuated automatically. In some examples the at least one electromagnet110is operated to actively repel the magnetic plate120, providing additional force to the force of the plurality of leaf springs130to return to their relaxed state. This can speed up the process of actuating the safety brake24. To reset the frictionless electronic safety actuator100the at least one electromagnet110is operated to produce a magnetic force to displace the magnetic plate120horizontally back to its original position, against the bias of the concertina135of the plurality of leaf springs130. In the example shown inFIGS.2A and2Bthe electromagnet110is operated to produce an attractive magnetic field which acts on the magnetic plate120to pull the magnetic plate120, back to its normal operating position. This pulls the plurality of leaf springs130into a deflected position. FIG.3shows an example of the frictionless electronic safety actuator100situated above a safety brake24in a tripped position. A linkage80is shown attached at one end to the top plate160at the linkage connection point195, and at the other end to the safety brake24. The linkage has actuated the safety brake24. The connection arrangement190is illustrated which comprises the plurality of leaf springs130, fixed side150with fixation holes180, movable side140, fixed bottom plate170, top plate160and linkage connecting point195. In this example the magnetic (e.g. steel) plate120also comprises at least one permanent magnet122. In the example shown inFIG.3, the magnetic plate120comprises at least one permanent magnet122. The permanent magnets122act to aid the attraction of the magnetic plate120to the at least one electromagnet110. In this example constant current is not required in the at least one electromagnet110during normal operation of the elevator, and the at least one electromagnet110is only operated to provide a force to help the plurality of leaf springs130return to their relaxed state, and actuate the safety brake24. In the example ofFIG.3, to reset the frictionless electronic safety actuator100the electromagnet110is switched off to allow the magnetic plate120to displace horizontally back to its normal operating position. In some examples the electromagnet110is operated to produce a force to displace the magnetic plate120horizontally back to its original position, to aid with force provided by the at least one permanent magnet122. Once the magnetic plate120has returned to its normal operating position the electromagnet110can be turned off. In this example minimal power is required to operate the frictionless electronic safety actuator100, which improves operational efficiency of the system. FIGS.4,5and6show a second example of a frictionless electronic safety actuator200. The frictionless electronic safety actuator200comprises a first magnetic plate210, a second magnetic plate220, a stop212, and a spring230, located within a housing250. A connection arrangement290connects the second magnetic plate220to a linkage80which is configured to actuate a safety brake24. The connection arrangement290may be any form of connection which allows the movement of the second magnetic plate220to actuate the linkage80. In this example the connection arrangement290is a pin. In an example the first magnetic plate210is an electromagnet. In another example the stop212is an electromagnet. In another example both the first magnetic plate210and the stop212are electromagnets. The electromagnet(s) may take any suitable form e.g. a straight core with a single coil or more than one coil. The electromagnet(s)210,212are positioned so as to act upon the second magnetic plate220, and move the second magnetic plate220from a rest position during normal operation as seen inFIG.4, to an actuated position vertically displaced upwards from the rest position as shown inFIG.6. The second magnetic plate220can be made of a ferrous material, possible including one or more permanent magnets, or the second magnetic plate220can be a permanent magnet. Whilst in some examples the stop212is an electromagnet, it can be any form of physical stop. In some examples the stop212is a permanent magnet. In some examples the stop is resiliently mounted, preferably so that the resilient mounting can assist with the reset of the magnetic plate. In the example shown inFIGS.4,5and6the resilient mounting is a spring230, however other types of resilient mounting may also be suitable, e.g. an actuator, a hydraulic ram, a pneumatic ram etc. In the example shown inFIGS.4,5, and6, the first magnetic plate210is located at the bottom of the housing250and during normal operation of the elevator the second magnetic plate220rests above the first magnetic plate210. The stop212is attached to the top of the housing250via a spring230. When the frictionless electronic safety actuator200activates, the electromagnet(s) are operable to produce a force which moves the second magnetic plate220, from its resting position as shown inFIG.4, upwards towards the stop212. This movement actuates the linkage80, which pulls the safety brake24, as shown inFIG.5. The movement is then absorbed by a compression of the spring230, as shown inFIG.6. The stop212restricts the upwards movement of the second magnetic plate220. The use of the spring230allows for a shortened distance between the first magnetic plate210and stop212, with space for large actuation distances to be absorbed by the compression of the spring230, when the second magnetic plate220is pushed upwards by the electromagnet of the first magnetic plate210. The spring230can also absorb some of the force of the movement of the second magnetic plate220, preventing damage of the stop212and the second magnetic plate220. It also aids with reset. Whilst a spring230is discussed with reference to this example, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that various types of resilient mountings may be suitable. In the example, where both the first magnetic plate210and the stop212are electromagnets, the first magnetic plate210can be operated to repel the magnetic plate220, and the stop212can be operated to attract the magnetic plate220, increasing the efficiency of the actuation of the safety brake24. In this example each electromagnet requires less power than a single electromagnet would require. In the situation where the first magnetic plate210is an electromagnet, the stop212can be a permanent magnet, configured to attract the second magnetic plate220. The magnetic attraction between the second magnetic plate220and the stop212can help prevent the second magnetic plate220from shifting downwards with a pull from the safety brake24, when the safety brake24exerts a frictional force against the guide rail20. In some examples no power is needed during normal operation, as the second magnetic plate220is kept in place by its own weight. Advantages for this include improved energy efficiency. In an additional example, the natural magnetic force between the first magnetic plate210and the second magnetic plate220provide additional force to keep the second magnetic plate220in place, even when the electromagnet of the first magnetic plate210is not powered. In an example, the electromagnet of the first magnetic plate210can be operable to produce a magnetic field to keep the second magnetic plate220in place during normal operation. This prevents any abnormal movement of the elevator car16from moving the second magnetic plate220in a way which could accidentally trigger the safety brake24. In the examples shown inFIGS.4,5and6, to reset the frictionless electronic safety actuator200from the triggered state as seen inFIG.6, back to the position as inFIG.4during normal operation, the electromagnet(s) are operated to produce a reversed magnetic field to attract the second magnetic plate220back into its normal operating position. The force of the spring230can aid with this movement, assisting gravity. The frictionless electronic safety actuator100,200is fixed to the elevator car16and is positioned relative to the safety brake24such that the linkage can actuate the safety brake24. The frictionless electronic safety actuator100,200is positioned to make no direct contact with the elevator rail20. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many forms of linkage80between the frictionless electronic safety actuator100,200and the safety brake24would be suitable for actuating the safety brake24based on the movement of the frictionless electronic safety actuator100,200. Additionally a variety of types of safety brakes24are suitable for actuation by a linkage80in this manner, e.g. a safety brake24using a wedge or a roller. In the examples shown the safety brake24is positioned below the frictionless electronic safety actuator100,200, however it will be appreciated that other configurations would also be possible, for example, the frictionless electronic safety actuator100,200may even be positioned to one side of or below the safety brake24, e.g. depending on the linkage used. The above described examples have a number of advantages over traditional electronic safety actuators. The actuation of the safety brake has no dependence on guide rail16condition, or the speed of the elevator car. Additionally the response time to braking will be improved as actuation is not dependent on a friction force between the electronic safety actuator and the guide rail20. Movement of the car will also not affect the actuation of the safety brakes, as the actuation of the safety brakes is fully independent of any interaction between the elevator car16and the guide rails20. This can improve the safety of the whole elevator system. The frictionless electronic safety actuator may also have the advantage of not damaging the guide rail. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure has been illustrated by describing one or more specific aspects thereof, but is not limited to these aspects; many variations and modifications are possible, within the scope of the accompanying claims. | 19,168 |
11858782 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference the to figures in the drawings, they show an essential part of the trolley1, associated with the present invention. It comprises a trolley to body, of which a load beam2, only, in the transverse direction of the trolley1is shown. Other body parts related to the load beam2and not shown do not bear an essential meaning from the viewpoint of the invention. The trolley1shown in the drawings further comprises a hoisting mechanism3which is supported to the trolley body2and comprises a rope drum4for at least one hoisting rope (not shown), a hoisting motor5for driving the rope drum, and a gear6for coupling the hoisting motor5to the rope drum4. The gear6has a primary side coupled to the hoisting motor5and a secondary side coupled to the rope drum4, whereby the rope drum4is located, as seen in the vertical direction of the trolley1, between the hoisting motor5and the load beam2parallel to the load beam2. The essential matter in the present invention is that the hoisting mechanism3is supported by a three-point support A, B, C to the main beam2, whereby the first support point A and second support point B are located adjacent to the secondary side of a gear6so that the first support point A is higher on the main beam2and the second support point B is lower on the main beam2at a distance from the first support point A, and whereby the third support point C is formed by a support of the rope drum4end facing away from the gear6to the load beam2at a lateral distance from the first and second support point A, B. At the first support point A, the movement of an installation flange7of the gear6in the vertical, longitudinal, and transverse directions is prevented, but rotation is allowed, i.e. in the XYZ coordinate system, shown in the drawings, movements in the X, Y, and Z directions are prevented whereas rotation in these direction is free. At the second support point B, the movement of the gear6in the direction towards the load beam2is prevented, but movement in the longitudinal and vertical direction of the load beam2as well as rotation allowed, i.e. movement in said coordinate systems in the Y direction is prevented, but allowed in X and Z directions, rotation in all the directions being free. The support point B forms a moment support of the gear, whereby depending on this support, the distance of the resultant of the rope force causes compression or traction towards the load beam2. At the third support point C, the movement of the rope drum4end facing away from the gear6in the vertical direction and towards the load beam2is prevented, but movement in the longitudinal direction of the load beam2and rotation are allowed, i.e. movements in the Y and Z directions, only, are prevented, but free in the X direction are free, rotation in all the directions being free. The gravitational force Fgand on the line SL between the support points the resultant of the support moments Mm=Fg×SLFgand Mf=Fr×SLFrcaused by gravity and rope force defines the magnitude and direction (compression or tractive force) of the force directed to the support point B. The hoisting mechanism3advantageously comprises a vertical installation flange7fastened to the flank of the gear6, whereby the first support point A comprises a first lug8on the vertical side2aof the load beam2, in its top part, to which lug the top part of the installation flange7is supported by means of a pin and ball joint10in the longitudinal direction of the load beam2, which are installed through openings9in the top part of the installation flange7and the first lug8. The second support point B comprises a second lug11on the vertical side2aof the load beam2, in its bottom part, which has a vertical opening12to which a support protrusion13formed in the bottom part of the installation flange7extends. Obviously, the aforementioned installation flange7may also be part of the casing of the gear6. The third support point C comprises a third lug14on the vertical side2aof the load beam2, at the rope drum4end facing away from the gear7, to which the end Xs of the shaft X of the rope drum4is supported. With reference toFIG.3a, there is arranged in the second lug11a horizontal pretension, towards the vertical side2aof the load beam2, With this, traction is converted into compression at the support point B. In addition, between the vertical side2aof the load beam2and the second lug11there is arranged a slide surface14which may be arranged between the second lug11and the vertical side2aof the load beam2. In the pretension, a flexible element15between a tensioning surface of the lug11and the support protrusion13, the flexible element inFIG.3abeing shown in a compressed state. An uncompressed state of the flexible element15is shown inFIG.3b. Alternatively, the aforementioned installation flange7may be part of the casing of the gear6. The above description of the invention is only intended to illustrate the basic idea of the invention. A person skilled in the art may thus vary the details of the invention within the scope of the attached claims. | 5,108 |
11858783 | DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It is to be noted that, in these figures, the structural and/or functional elements common to the different variants can have the same references. The knuckle boom crate1according to the invention, also called “crane”, is suitable for offshore application. Such a knuckle boom crate1is advantageously designed to be fitted on a craft for offshore application (not shown—also called “offshore craft”). This crane1is thus adapted to be taken on board the “offshore” craft, for example a service operation vessel. The word “craft” includes in particular the marine crafts, notably the vessels, for example a wind farm service operation vessel or wind farm SOV. This crane1can thus be used, without being limitative, for handling tools and spare parts in order to intervene on offshore wind turbines. As schematically illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the knuckle boom crane1comprises:a crane house2, forming the interface of the crane1with the craft,a knuckle boom3, carried by the crane house2,operating means4, for operating the knuckle boom3and in particular its downstream end that will be described hereinafter, andcontrol means5, for piloting these operating means4. The crane house2advantageously consists of a barrel or a mast. This crane house2comprises a knuckle means (or slewing mechanism)21, for example a ball-bearing slewing ring, to define a slewing motion of the knuckle boom3about a slewing axis21′. This slewing axis21′ hence provides a rotational degree of freedom to the knuckle boom3. The knuckle boom3comprises two boom parts31,32(also called arms or sections), assembled in series from the crane house2:an upstream, or proximal, main boom31, anda downstream, or distal, jib32. The main boom31and the jib32each have:an upstream end312,322, located on the crane house2side, anda downstream end313,323, located remote from the crane house2. The main boom31and the jib32, here generally parallelepipedal in shape, also each have two opposite faces:a lower face314,324, also called “lower front wall”, intended to be directed downward/toward the ground, andan upper face315,325, also called “upper front wall”, intended to be directed upward/toward the sky. The crane house2and the upstream end312of the main boom31cooperate through upstream knuckle means35to define a swinging (or luffing) motion of said main boom31about an upstream knuckle axis35′, advantageously horizontal and perpendicular to the slewing axis21′. Thus, the main boom31is intended to be rotated with respect to the crane house2, about this upstream knuckle axis35′ located at its upstream end312. The downstream end313of the main boom31and the upstream end322of the jib32cooperate through downstream knuckle means36to define a folding motion of said jib32about a downstream knuckle axis36′, advantageously horizontal and perpendicular to the slewing axis21′. Thus, the jib32is intended to be rotated with respect to the main boom31, about the downstream knuckle axis36′ located at its upstream end322. The upstream knuckle means35and downstream knuckle means36advantageously consist of knuckles, for example in the form of rolling bearings, which are arranged between the assembled ends (for example, of the bearing/journal type). The upstream knuckle axe35′ and downstream knuckle axe36′ extend parallel to each other, advantageously horizontally. The downstream end323of the jib32is piloted in space by the operating means4that are piloted by the control means5. In particular, the downstream end323is mobile along the three axes (also called dimensions or directions), advantageously according to a position defined in a cartesian reference system, i.e. advantageously:width (left/right), along the horizontal axis x (abscissa),depth (front/rear), along the horizontal axis y (ordinate), andheight (top/bottom), along the vertical axis z. For that purpose, the operating means4include:at least one slewing actuator41, for generating the slewing motion of said knuckle boom3,at least one first linear actuator42(also called “luffing cylinder”), for example one linear actuator or two parallel linear actuators, for generating the swinging (or luffing) motion of the main boom31about its upstream knuckle axis35′, andat least one second linear actuator43(also called “folding cylinder”), for example one linear actuator or two parallel linear actuators, for generating the folding motion of the jib32about its downstream knuckle axis36′. As described hereinafter in relation withFIG.3, said at least one first linear actuator42and said at least one second linear actuator43each have two ends:an upstream end421,431, on the side of the crane house2, anda downstream end422,432, opposite to the crane house2. The upstream ends421,431and downstream ends422,432are advantageously assembled within the crane1through upstream and downstream knuckle means that advantageously consist of knuckles, for example in the form of rolling bearings (for example, of the bearing/journal type). Generally, said at least one slewing actuator41consists, for example, of a motor member integrated to the crane house2. And the linear actuators42,43advantageously consist of hydraulic cylinders, preferably associated with a hydraulic power unit (not shown). The linear actuators42,43can also consist of electric cylinders. According to the invention, the control means5are designed to pilot the operating means4in such a way as to stabilize (in space, advantageously along the three axes) the downstream end323of the jib32. Preferably, the control means5are designed to stabilize the downstream end323of the jib32in a horizontal plane and/or a vertical position, or even in all directions. By “horizontal plane”, it is advantageously meant a stabilization in the plane defined by the width (x-axis or abscissa, horizontal) and the depth (y-axis or ordinate). By “vertical position”, it is advantageously meant a stabilization in height (z-axis or height axis, vertical). By “all directions”, it is advantageously meant a stabilization in width (x-axis or abscissa, horizontal), depth (y-axis or ordinate) and height (z-axis or height axis, vertical). For that purpose, the control means5include an active (3D) compensation module51that is designed to pilot the operating means4, taking into account data coming from a motion reference unit (MRU)7, in such a way as to stabilize the downstream end323of the jib32, advantageously in a horizontal plane and/or vertical position, or even in all directions. The active compensation module51is thus designed to pilot the operating means4in such a way as to compensate for the movements of the crane1, and in particular of the downstream end323of the jib32, caused by the waves. Such an active compensation module51thus provides an accurate positioning of the downstream end323of the jib32, making it possible to hold this downstream and323of the jib32at a constant position. According to a preferred embodiment, the active compensation module51comprises:collecting means511for collecting data coming from the motion reference unit7,processing means512, for determining control instructions for the operating means4, adapted to stabilize the downstream end323of the jib32, andpiloting means513, for piloting said operating means4taking into account said control instructions. In practice, the control means5include a computer. And the active compensation module51comprises a computer program containing instructions that, when said computer program is executed by said computer, form the data collection means511, the processing means512and the piloting means513, when it is executed on said computer. The active compensation module51thus advantageously forms a computer-controlled system that makes it possible to hold the position of the downstream end323of the jib32(compensating for the movements caused by the waves), using the operating means4. According to a particular embodiment, the operation can pilot the knuckle boom crane1via the control means5, the movements caused by the waves being compensated for by the active compensation module51. The processing means512advantageously include a mathematical model or algorithm, which determines the control instructions for the operating means4, adapted to stabilize the downstream end323of the jib32as a function of the data coming from the motion reference unit7(or, in other words, to compensate for the movements caused by the waves). Hence, in practice, the operating means4are piloted by the active compensation module51according to the invention in such a way as to operate the downstream end323of the jib32, advantageously along three axes, taking into account the information coming from the motion reference unit7in such a way as to stabilize (in space, advantageously along the three axes) this downstream end323of the jib32. For example, the downstream end323of the jib32is in particular operable along the following axes:width, by a coordinated piloting of the slewing actuator41in combination with the first linear actuator42and second linear actuator43,depth, by a coordinated piloting of the first linear actuator42and second linear actuator43, andheight, by a coordinated piloting of the first linear actuator42and second linear actuator43. Generally, the motion reference unit7can be chosen among the motion reference units7known by the person skilled in the art. Such a motion reference unit7, advantageously conventional per se, is designed to record and evaluate the displacements of the craft due to the waves and, as a corollary, the displacements of the downstream end323of the jib32. This motion reference unit7consists for example of an inertial unit. The knuckle boom crane1can include this motion reference unit7; as an alternative, this motion reference unit7can be fitted on the craft. In practice, as illustrated inFIG.2, the knuckle boom3has two radii of action:a maximum radius of action R1, anda nominal maximum radius of action R2, in a compensation mode (here lower than the maximum radius of action R1). The knuckle boom3, illustrated inFIGS.1to3, is particularly adapted to be fitted on a knuckle boom crane1whose control means5include such an active compensation module51. Generally, such a knuckle boom3according to the invention is intrinsically interesting, potentially to be fitted on a knuckle boom crane1whose control means5are devoid of such an active compensation module51or when the compensation mode51is deactivated. Indeed, said at least one second linear actuator43has here a particular implantation in that it is here connected to the crane house2and to the jib32. Now, as mentioned hereinabove, the folding motion of the jib32, implemented by said at least one second linear actuator43that is connected to the crane house2, requires a reduced power for the swinging motion of the main boom31. This approach is interesting because the swinging (or luffing) motion of the main boom31consumes most of the energy in compensation mode. For that purpose, said at least one second linear actuator43is advantageously connected to the jib32through mechanical transmission means45(see in particularFIG.3). Within this framework, as described hereinafter in connection withFIG.3, said at least one second linear actuator43advantageously has two ends:the upstream end431assembled directly with the crane house12, andthe downstream end432assembled with the jib32through mechanical transmission means45. Within this framework, said at least one second linear actuator43is operable lengthwise with, advantageously:an elongation that causes a folding of the jib32towards the main boom31, anda shortening that causes a extension of the jib32with respect to the main boom31. Here, the mechanical transmission means45comprise a deformable parallelogram structure46that comprises:at least one longitudinal arm461, interposed between said at least one second linear actuator43and the jib32, andat least two swing arms462, each interposed between the longitudinal arm461and the main boom31. InFIG.3, said at least one longitudinal arm461advantageously extends opposite and along the main boom31, in particular the upper front wall315thereof. Said at least one longitudinal arm461also has two ends:an upstream end4611assembled with the downstream end432of said at least one second linear actuator43, here by a pivot link, anda downstream end4612assembled with the upstream end322of the jib32, here by a pivot link. Said at least two swing arms462(here, ladder- or H-shaped) are assembled with the longitudinal arm461and the main boom31, in such a way as to be mobile in rotation (free in rotation). In particular, the swing arms462are here assembled with the upper front wall315of the main boom31. An upstream swing arm4621is assembled:on a first side, with the main boom31(towards its upstream end312), andon a second side, with the couple composed of the upstream end4611of said at least one longitudinal arm461and the downstream end432of said at least one second linear actuator43. A downstream swing arm4622is assembled:on a first side, with the main boom31(towards its downstream end313), andon a second side, with the couple composed of the downstream end4612of said at least one longitudinal arm461and the upstream end322of the jib32. According to the present embodiment, illustrated notably inFIG.3, the mechanical transmission means45also include a connecting member47, interposed between the downstream end4612of said at least one longitudinal arm461and the upstream end322of the jib32. This connecting member47extends the jib32on the side of its upstream end322. And the downstream end4612of said at least one longitudinal arm461cooperates with this connecting member47through knuckle means475(pivot). Herein, this connecting member47is composed of two parts:an extension section325, extending the jib32beyond the downstream knuckle means36and on the side of the upper front wall315of the main boom31, andan intermediate arm471, here forming a connecting rod, assembled with the downstream end4612of said at least one longitudinal arm461and the extension section325through knuckle connection means472(pivot). In other words, the mechanical transmission means45comprise a connecting rod-crank assembly, with the intermediate arm471forming a connecting rod and the extension section325forming a crank. Moreover, said at least one first linear actuator42(also called “luffing cylinder”) is arranged between the crane house2and the main boom31. Said at least one first linear actuator42here extends opposite the lower front wall314of the main boom31. Herein, said at least one first linear actuator42advantageously has two ends:the upstream end421assembled directly with the crane house2, andthe downstream end422assembled with the main boom31, at the lower front wall314thereof. Generally, said at least one first linear actuator42and said at least one second linear actuator43are implanted on either side of the main boom31, for example opposite the lower front wall314and the upper front wall315thereof, respectively. Generally, as illustrated in particular inFIG.1, the knuckle boom crane1can also include a winch drum8associated with rotary drive means (not shown, for example at least one motor, advantageously electric or hydraulic) and intended to receive an elongated lifting member81(advantageously a cable, for example a metal cable or a synthetic cable). The winch drum8is here carried by the jib32, at its upper face325and on the side of its upstream end322. The knuckle boom3is advantageously equipped with pulleys82, here distributed along the jib32, which are sized, distributed and arranged in such a way as to guide the elongated lifting member81between the winch drum8and the load to be lifted (not shown). According to an advantageous embodiment, the active compensation module51is designed to also pilot the winch drum8(in particular, the rotary drive means thereof), taking into account data coming from the motion reference unit7, in such a way as to pilot the winding (and unwinding) motion of the winch drum8. In this embodiment, the winch drum8can be used to smooth the vertical compensation, in order to hold the vertical position of the free end of the elongated lifting member81. This approach has for advantage that is allows a vertical second order correction (in height), in combination with the motions of the knuckle boom3. Still in this embodiment, the stabilization of the downstream end323of the jib32(by a piloting of the operating means4) is coordinated with the winding motion of the winch drum8. According to this embodiment, the active compensation module51comprises in particular:the processing means512, for determining control instructions for the operating means4, adapted to stabilize the downstream end323of the jib32, and as the case may be, for determining control instructions for the winch drum8(in particular the rotary drive means thereof), adapted to smooth the vertical compensation, andpiloting means513, for piloting the operating means4and, advantageously, the winch drum8(in particular, the rotary operating means thereof), taking into account the control instructions. The active compensation module51thus advantageously forms a computer-controlled system that makes it possible to hold the downstream end323of the jib32using the operating means4, or even also to hold the free end (intended to cooperate with a load) of the elongated lifting member81in a determined vertical position. The processing means512advantageously include a mathematical model or algorithm, which determines the control instructions for the operating means4, adapted to stabilize the downstream end323of the jib32(see also the control instructions for the winch drum8, in particular the rotary drive means thereof, adapted to stabilize vertically the free end of the elongated lifting member81in a determined vertical position) as a function of the data coming from the motion reference unit7. According to an advantageous technical feature illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the knuckle boom crane1also advantageously includes a platform9that is secured to the downstream end323of the jib32through connection means10. By “platform”, it is advantageously meant a structure intended to receive individuals (generally a cab) or loads, for transferring them. The platform9is advantageously hung to the knuckle boom3through connection means10. Generally, the connection means10ensure an active stabilization of the platform9during movements of the knuckle boom3. This active stabilization advantageously intervenes at least about a pitch rotation axis (advantageously horizontal) and a yaw rotation axis (advantageously vertical). In other words, the platform9advantageously defines a receiving plane91that is advantageously intended to be horizontally stabilized, advantageously in yaw and pitch. In particular, the platform9thus cooperates with the knuckle boom3, in such a way that:the downstream end323of the jib32is stabilized in space, advantageously about the three axes, andthe platform9is stabilized (preferably in yaw and pitch) with respect to the movement of the downstream end323of the jib32. For that purpose, the connection means10include a combination of at least two actuators101,102:at least one first slewing actuator101, intended to generate a slewing motion of the platform9with respect to the downstream end323, according to a yaw rotation axis101′ that is parallel to the slewing axis21′ of the knuckle boom3, andat least one second slewing actuator102, intended to generate a slewing motion of the platform9with respect to the downstream end323, about a pitch rotation axis102′ that is parallel to the upstream knuckle axis35′ and the downstream knuckle axis36′. The yaw rotation axis101′ and the pitch rotation axis102′ advantageously extend in a same plane; the yaw rotation axis101′ and the pitch rotation axis102′ preferably cross each other at 90°. In other words, said at least two actuators101,102comprise:said at least one first slewing actuator101, intended to generate a slewing motion of the platform9about the yaw rotation axis101′ that is perpendicular to the receiving plane91, andsaid at least one second slewing actuator102, intended to generate a slewing motion of the platform9about the pitch rotation angle102′ that is parallel to the receiving plane91. The actuators101,102advantageously consist of rotary actuators, for example motors, preferably electric motors. In this embodiment, the active compensation module51is advantageously designed to also pilot the actuators101,102fitted on the connection means10, taking into account data coming from a motion reference unit (advantageously fitted on the platform9), in such a way as to actively stabilize the platform9, advantageously in yaw and pitch. The active compensation module51is hence designed to pilot the actuators101,102of the connection means10, in such a way as to prevent the sways generated by the movements of the knuckle boom3, and in particular of the downstream end323of the jib32. The active compensation module51thus offers an active stabilization of the platform9with respect to the movements of the downstream end323of the jib32. Within this framework, according to a preferred embodiment, the active compensation module51comprises:the processing means512, for also determining control instructions for the actuators101,102of the connection means10, adapted to actively stabilize the platform9, andthe piloting means513, for piloting the actuators101,102of the connection means10taking into account said control instructions. The active compensation module51thus advantageously forms a computer-controlled system that allows stabilizing the platform9(preventing or compensating for the sways caused by the movement of the knuckle boom3), using the actuators101,102of the connection means10. Thus, in practice, the actuators101,102of the connection means10are piloted by the active compensation module51according to the invention in such a way as to stabilize the platform9, taking into account the information coming from the dedicated motion reference unit. According to a preferred embodiment, the connection means10include a link member105integrating the above-mentioned actuators101,102. This link member105, for example in the form of a arm, has two ends:a first, upper end1051, secured to the downstream end323of the jib32, anda second, lower end1052, secured to the platform9. The assembly of the first end1051with the downstream end323of the jib32, on the one hand, and of the second end1052with the platform9, is for example made through a bearing, for example a plain bearing or a rolling bearing, fitted with the actuators101,102. Preferably, the actuators101,102are distributed at the ends1051,1052of the link member105:the first, upper end1051includes said at least one second, pitch, slewing actuator102, andthe second, lower end1052includes said at least one first, yaw, slewing actuator101. Herein, the link member105is advantageously laterally secured to the downstream end323of the jib32. In this case, the link member105preferably includes two sections:an upper section1055, rectilinear and parallel to the yaw rotation axis101′, intended to extend advantageously vertically, in such a way that the pitch rotation axis102′ passes through the downstream end323of the jib32,a lower section1056, curved (or bent), in such a way that the yaw rotation axis101′ passes through this same downstream end323of the jib32. In other words, the point of intersection between the yaw rotation axis101′ and the pitch rotation axis102′ is advantageously located at the downstream end323of the jib32. This embodiment has for interest to hold the position of the yaw rotation axis101′ and the pitch rotation axis102′ at the downstream end323of the jib32. According to another distinctive feature, the connection means10include damper means106, advantageously passive, providing a translational degree of freedom of the platform9with respect to the downstream end323of the jib32. In other words, the damper means106allow a gap clearance between the ends1051,1052of the link member105. The damper means106thus define a translation axis106′ that is parallel to the yaw rotation axis101′. The damper means106are advantageously placed between the upper section1055and the lower section1056. The damper means106consist for example of a spring and a visco-hydraulic suspension, to prevent jerky movements of the platform9. According to the embodiment illustrated, the platform9consists for example of a cab adapted to receive at least one individual. The receiving plant91advantageously corresponds to the floor of this cab. The floor is advantageously:surrounded by lateral walls92including at least one access door93, andtopped with a ceiling95that is advantageously topped with the connection means10. The platform9advantageously includes at least one passive, shock absorber95(for example, elastomeric blocks), adapted to damp the contacts with the environment. The shock absorber95is for example adapted to cooperate with a receiving surface R consisting of a platform carried by the mast of a wind turbine, as illustrated inFIG.6. Herein, said at least one shock-absorber95is advantageously implanted at the receiving plane91, for example on at least one side and/or under the latter (for example, at an access door93). Generally, the platform9is advantageously equipped with manual piloting means (not shown), for manually piloting the actuators101,102of the connection means10. Still generally, the downstream end323of the jib32and the connection means10cooperate with each other through removable connection means, integrating electrical and mechanical connection means (in particular for the power supply of the actuators101,102of the connection means10). The removable connection means are advantageously provided between the downstream end323of the jib32and the first (upper) end1051of the link member105. The link member105is hence carried by the platform9, after separation from the downstream end323of the jib32. These removable connection means are useful to rapidly fit the downstream end323of the jib32with the platform9, or to rapidly deposit this platform9, as a function of the needs and operations. Generally, the platform9, with its connection means10, could possibly be adapted to a knuckle boom crane other than that of the invention. Of course, various other changes can be made to the invention within the framework of the appended claims. | 26,659 |
11858784 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS As a working vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, crane1, which is a mobile crane (rough terrain crane), will be described below with reference toFIGS.1and2. Note that although the present embodiment will be described in terms of crane1(rough terrain crane) as a working vehicle, the working vehicle may also be an all-terrain crane, a truck crane, a truck loader crane, an aerial work vehicle, or the like. As illustrated inFIG.1, crane1is a mobile crane capable of moving to an unspecified place. Crane1includes vehicle2and crane apparatus6, which is a working apparatus, and manipulation terminal32with which crane apparatus6can be manipulated (seeFIG.2). Vehicle2is a travelling body that carries crane apparatus6. Vehicle2includes a plurality of wheels3and travels using engine4as a power source. Vehicle2is provided with outriggers5. Outriggers5are composed of projecting beams hydraulically extendable on opposite sides in a width direction of vehicle2and hydraulic jack cylinders extendable in a direction perpendicular to the ground. Vehicle2can expand a workable region of crane1by extending outriggers5in the width direction of vehicle2and bringing the jack cylinders into contact with the ground. Crane apparatus6is a working apparatus that hoists up load W with a wire rope. Crane apparatus6includes, for example, swivel base7, boom9, jib9a, main hook block10, sub hook block11, hydraulic luffing cylinder12, main winch13, main wire rope14, sub winch15, sub wire rope16and cabin17. Swivel base7is a drive apparatus configured to enable crane apparatus6to swivel. Swivel base7is disposed on a frame of vehicle2via an annular bearing. Swivel base7is configured to be rotatable with a center of the annular bearing as a rotational center. Swivel base7is provided with hydraulic swivel motor8, which is an actuator. Swivel base7is configured to be capable of swiveling in one and other directions via hydraulic swivel motor8. Each of swivel-base cameras7b, which form a load position detection section, is a monitoring apparatus that takes an image of, for example, obstacles and people around swivel base7. Swivel-base cameras7bare provided on opposite, left and right, sides of the front of swivel base7and opposite, left and right, sides of the rear of swivel base7. The swivel-base cameras7btake images of respective areas around places at which swivel-base cameras7bare installed, to cover an entire area surrounding swivel base7as a monitoring area. Furthermore, swivel-base cameras7bdisposed on the opposite, left and right, sides of the front of swivel base7are configured to be usable as a stereo camera set. In other words, swivel-base cameras7bat the front of swivel base7can be configured as a load position detection section that detects positional information of suspended load W, by being used as a stereo camera set. Note that the load position detection section (swivel-base cameras7b) may be composed of later-described boom camera9b. Also, the load position detection section only needs to be one that is capable of detecting positional information of load W such as a millimeter-wave radar, an acceleration sensor, a GNSS apparatus, or the like. Hydraulic swivel motor8is an actuator that is manipulated to rotate via swivel valve23(seeFIG.2), which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Swivel valve23can control a flow rate of an operating oil supplied to hydraulic swivel motor8to any flow rate. In other words, swivel base7is configured to be controllable to have any swivel speed via hydraulic swivel motor8manipulated to rotate via swivel valve23. Swivel base7is provided with swivel sensor27(seeFIG.2) that detects swivel angle θz (angle) and swivel speed of swivel base7. Boom9is a movable boom that supports a wire rope such that load W can be hoisted. Boom9is composed of a plurality of boom members. In boom9, a base end of a base boom member is swingably provided at a substantial center of swivel base7. Boom9is configured to be capable of being axially extended/retracted by moving the respective boom members with a non-illustrated hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder, which is an actuator. Also, boom9is provided with jib9a. The non-illustrated hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder is an actuator to be manipulated to extend and retract via extension/retraction valve24(seeFIG.2), which is electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Extension/retraction valve24can control a flow rate of an operating oil supplied to the hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder to any flow rate. Boom9is provided with extension/retraction sensor28that detects a length of boom9and azimuth sensor29that detects an azimuth with a tip of boom9as a center. Boom camera9b(seeFIG.2) is a sensing apparatus that takes an image of load W and features around load W. Boom camera9bis provided at a tip portion of boom9. Boom camera9bis configured to be capable of taking an image of load W, and features and geographical features around crane1from vertically above load W. Main hook block10and sub hook block11are suspending tools for suspending load W. Main hook block10is provided with a plurality of hook sheaves around which main wire rope14is wound and main hook10afor suspending load W. Sub hook block11is provided with sub hook11afor suspending load W. Hydraulic luffing cylinder12is an actuator that luffs up and down boom9and holds a posture of boom9. In hydraulic luffing cylinder12, an end portion of a cylinder part is swingably coupled to swivel base7and an end portion of a rod part is swingably coupled to the base boom member of boom9. Hydraulic luffing cylinder12is manipulated to extend or retract via luffing valve25(seeFIG.2), which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Luffing valve25can control a flow rate of an operating oil supplied to hydraulic luffing cylinder12to any flow rate. Boom9is provided with luffing sensor30(seeFIG.2) that detects luffing angle θx. Main winch13and sub winch15are winding apparatuses that pull in (wind) or let out (unwind) main wire rope14and sub wire rope16. Main winch13is configured such that a main drum around which main wire rope14is wound is rotated by a non-illustrated main hydraulic motor, which is an actuator, and sub winch15is configured such that a sub drum around which sub wire rope16is wound is rotated by a non-illustrated sub hydraulic motor, which is an actuator. The main hydraulic motor is manipulated to rotate via main valve26m(seeFIG.2), which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Main winch13is configured to be capable of being manipulated so as to have any pulling-in and letting-out speeds, by controlling the main hydraulic motor via main valve26m. Likewise, sub winch15is configured to be capable of being manipulated so as to have any pulling-in and letting-out speeds, by controlling the sub hydraulic motor via sub valve26s(seeFIG.2), which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Main winch13and sub winch15are provided with winding sensors43(seeFIG.2) that detect let-out amounts1of main wire rope14and sub wire rope16, respectively. Cabin17is an operator compartment covered by a housing. Cabin17is mounted on swivel base7. Cabin17is provided with a non-illustrated operator compartment. The operator compartment is provided with manipulation tools for manipulating vehicle2to travel, and swivel manipulation tool18, luffing manipulation tool19, extension/retraction manipulation tool20, main drum manipulation tool21m, sub drum manipulation tool21sand the like for manipulating crane apparatus6(seeFIG.2). Hydraulic swivel motor8is manipulatable with swivel manipulation tool18. Hydraulic luffing cylinder12is manipulatable with luffing manipulation tool19. The hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder is manipulatable with extension/retraction manipulation tool20. The main hydraulic motor is manipulatable with main drum manipulation tool21m. The sub hydraulic motor is manipulatable with sub drum manipulation tool21s. As illustrated inFIG.2, control apparatus31is control apparatus that controls the actuators of crane apparatus6via the respective manipulation valves. Control apparatus31is disposed inside cabin17. Substantively, control apparatus31may have a configuration in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD and/or the like are connected to one another via a bus or may be composed of a one-chip LSI or the like. Control apparatus31stores various programs and/or data in order to control operation of the actuators, the switching valves, the sensors and/or the like. Control apparatus31is connected to swivel-base cameras7b, boom camera9b, swivel manipulation tool18, luffing manipulation tool19, extension/retraction manipulation tool20, main drum manipulation tool21mand sub drum manipulation tool21s, and is capable of obtaining image i1 from swivel-base cameras7band image i2 from boom camera9band is also capable of obtaining respective manipulation amounts of swivel manipulation tool18, luffing manipulation tool19, main drum manipulation tool21mand sub drum manipulation tool21s. Control apparatus31is connected to terminal-side control apparatus41of manipulation terminal32and is capable of obtaining a control signal from manipulation terminal32. Control apparatus31is connected to swivel valve23, extension/retraction valve24, luffing valve25, main valve26mand sub valve26s, and is capable of transmitting operation signals Md to swivel valve23, luffing valve25, main valve26mand sub valve26s. Control apparatus31is connected to swivel sensor27, extension/retraction sensor28, azimuth sensor29, luffing sensor30and winding sensor43, and is capable of obtaining swivel angle θz of swivel base7, extension/retraction length Lb, luffing angle θx, let-out amount l(n) and an azimuth of main wire rope14or sub wire rope16(hereinafter simply referred to as “wire rope”). Control apparatus31generates operation signals Md for swivel manipulation tool18, luffing manipulation tool19, main drum manipulation tool21mand sub drum manipulation tool21sbased on manipulation amounts of the respective manipulation tools. Crane1configured as described above is capable of moving crane apparatus6to any position by causing vehicle2to travel. Crane1is also capable of increasing a lifting height and/or an operating radius of crane apparatus6, for example, by luffing up boom9to any luffing angle θx with hydraulic luffing cylinder12by means of manipulation of luffing manipulation tool19and/or extending boom9to any length of boom9by means of manipulation of extension/retraction manipulation tool20. Crane1is also capable of carrying load W by hoisting up load W with sub drum manipulation tool21sand/or the like and causing swivel base7to swivel by means of manipulation of swivel manipulation tool18. As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, manipulation terminal32is a terminal with which target speed signal Vd relating to a direction and a speed of movement of load W is input. Manipulation terminal32includes: for example, housing33; suspended-load movement manipulation tool35, terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36, terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37, terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m, terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38s, terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39and terminal-side display apparatus40disposed on a manipulation surface of housing33; and terminal-side control apparatus41(seeFIGS.3and5). Manipulation terminal32transmits target speed signal Vd of load W that is generated by manipulation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35or any of the manipulation tools to control apparatus31of crane1(crane apparatus6). Suspended-load movement manipulation tool35is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on a direction and a speed of movement of load W in a horizontal plane is input. Suspended-load movement manipulation tool35is composed of a manipulation stick erected substantially perpendicularly from the manipulation surface of housing33and a non-illustrated sensor that detects a tilt direction and a tilt amount of the manipulation stick. Suspended-load movement manipulation tool35is configured such that the manipulation stick can be manipulated to be tilted in any direction. Suspended-load movement manipulation tool35is configured to transmit a manipulation signal on the tilt direction and the tilt amount of the manipulation stick detected by the non-illustrated sensor with an upward direction in plan view of the manipulation surface (hereinafter simply referred to as “upward direction”) as a direction of extension of boom9, to terminal-side control apparatus41(seeFIG.2). Terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on a swivel direction and a speed of crane apparatus6is input. Terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on extension/retraction and a speed of boom9is input. Terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m(terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38s) is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on a rotation direction and a speed of main winch13is input. Terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on luffing and a speed of boom9is input. Each manipulation tool is composed of a manipulation stick substantially perpendicularly erected from the manipulation surface of housing33and a non-illustrated sensor that detects a tilt direction and a tilt amount of the manipulation stick. Each manipulation tool is configured to be tiltable to one side and the other side. Terminal-side display apparatus40displays various kinds of information such as postural information of crane1, information on load W and/or the like. Terminal-side display apparatus40is configured by an image display apparatus such as a liquid-crystal screen or the like. Terminal-side display apparatus40is provided on the manipulation surface of housing33. Terminal-side display apparatus40displays an azimuth with the direction of extension of boom9as the upward direction in plan view of terminal-side display apparatus40. As illustrated inFIG.4, terminal-side control apparatus41, which is a control section, controls manipulation terminal32. Terminal-side control apparatus41is disposed inside housing33of manipulation terminal32. Substantively, terminal-side control apparatus41may have a configuration in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD and/or the like are connected to one another via a bus or may be composed of a one-chip LSI or the like. Terminal-side control apparatus41stores various programs and/or data in order to control operation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35, terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36, terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37, terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m, terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38s, terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39, terminal-side display apparatus40and/or the like. Terminal-side control apparatus41is connected to suspended-load movement manipulation tool35, terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36, terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37, terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m, terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38sand terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39, and is capable of obtaining manipulation signals each including a tilt direction and a tilt amount of the manipulation stick of the relevant manipulation tool. Terminal-side control apparatus41is capable of generating target speed signal Vd of load W from manipulation signals of the respective sticks, the manipulation signals being obtained from the respective sensors of terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36, terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37, terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m, terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38sand terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39. Also, terminal-side control apparatus41is connected to control apparatus31of crane apparatus6wirelessly or via a wire, and is capable of transmitting generated target speed signal Vd of load W to control apparatus31of crane apparatus6. Next, control of crane apparatus6by manipulation terminal32will be described with reference toFIG.5. As illustrated inFIG.5, when suspended-load movement manipulation tool35of manipulation terminal32is manipulated to be tilted leftward to a direction in which tilt angle θ2is 45° relative to the upward direction by an arbitrary tilt amount in a state in which the tip of boom9faces north, terminal-side control apparatus41obtains a manipulation signal on a tilt direction and a tilt amount of a tilt to northwest, which is the direction in which tilt angle θ2is 45°, from north, which is an extension direction of boom9, from the non-illustrated sensor of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35. Furthermore, terminal-side control apparatus41computes target speed signal Vd for moving load W to northwest at a speed according to the tilt amount from the obtained manipulation signal, every unit time t. Manipulation terminal32transmits computed target speed signal Vd to control apparatus31of crane apparatus6every unit time t (seeFIG.4). Upon receiving target speed signal Vd from manipulation terminal32every unit time t, control apparatus31computes target course signal Pd of load W based on an azimuth of the tip of boom9, the azimuth being obtained from azimuth sensor29. Furthermore, control apparatus31computes target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, which is a target position of load W, from target course signal Pd. Control apparatus31generate respective operation signals Md for swivel valve23, extension/retraction valve24, luffing valve25, main valve26mand sub valve26sto move load W to target position coordinate p(n+1) (seeFIG.7). Crane1moves load W toward northwest, which is the tilt direction of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35, at a speed according to the tilt amount. In this case, crane1controls hydraulic swivel motor8, a hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder, hydraulic luffing cylinder12, the main hydraulic motor and/or the like based on the operation signals Md. Crane1configured as described above obtains target speed signal Vd on a moving direction and a speed based on a direction of manipulation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35with reference to the extension direction of boom9, from manipulation terminal32every unit time and determines target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, and prevents the operator from lose recognition of a direction of operation of crane apparatus6relative to a direction of manipulation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35. In other words, a direction of manipulation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35and a direction of movement of load W are computed based on the extension direction of boom9, which is a common reference. Consequently, it is possible to easily and simply manipulate crane apparatus6. Note that although in the present embodiment, manipulation terminal32is provided inside cabin17, but may be configured as a remote manipulation terminal that can remotely be manipulated from the outside of cabin17, by providing a terminal-side radio device. Next, an embodiment of a control process for computing target course signal Pd for load W, target course signal Pd being provided for generating operation signals Md, and target position coordinate q(n+1) of the tip of boom9in control apparatus31of crane apparatus6will be described with reference toFIGS.6to12. Control apparatus31includes target course computation section31a, boom position computation section31band operation signal generation section31c. Also, control apparatus31is configured to be capable of obtaining current positional information of load W using the set of swivel-base cameras7bon the opposite, left and right, sides of the front of swivel base7as a stereo camera, which is a load position detection section (seeFIG.2). As illustrated inFIG.6, target course computation section31ais a part of control apparatus31and converts target speed signal Vd for load W into target course signal Pdα for load W. Target course computation section31acan obtain target speed signal Vd for load W, which is composed of a moving direction and a speed of load W, from manipulation terminal32every unit time t. Also, target course computation section31acan compute target course signals Pdα for an x-axis direction, a y-axis direction and a z-axis direction of load W for each unit time t, by integrating obtained target speed signal Vd. Here, the suffix “α” is a sign representing any of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction. Boom position computation section31bis a part of control apparatus31and computes a position coordinate of the tip of boom9from postural information of boom9and target course signal Pdα for load W. Boom position computation section31bcan obtain target course signal Pdα from target course computation section31a. Boom position computation section31bcan obtain swivel angle θz(n) of swivel base7from swivel sensor27, obtain extension/retraction length lb(n) from extension/retraction sensor28, obtain luffing angle θx(n) from luffing sensor30, obtain let-out amount l(n) of main wire rope14or sub wire rope16(hereinafter simply referred to as “wire rope”) from winding sensor43and obtain current positional information of load W from an image of load W taken by the set of swivel-base cameras7bdisposed on the opposite, left and right, sides of the front of swivel base7(seeFIG.2). Boom position computation section31bcan compute current position coordinate p(n) of load W from the obtained current positional information of load W and compute current position coordinate q(n) of the tip (position from which the wire rope is let out) of boom9(hereinafter simply referred to as “current position coordinate q(n) of boom9”), which is a current position of the tip of boom9, from obtained swivel angle θz(n), obtained extension/retraction length lb(n) and obtained luffing angle θx(n). Also, boom position computation section31bcan compute let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and current position coordinate q(n) of boom9. Also, boom position computation section31bcan compute target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, which is a position of load W after a lapse of unit time t, from target course signal Pd. Furthermore, boom position computation section31bcan compute direction vector e(n+1) of the wire rope from which load W is suspended, from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, which is a position of load W. Boom position computation section31bis configured to compute target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9, which is a position of the tip of boom9after the lapse of unit time t, from target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W and direction vector e(n+1) of the wire rope, using inverse dynamics. Operation signal generation section31cis a part of control apparatus31and generates operation signals Md for the actuators from target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9after the lapse of unit time t. Operation signal generation section31ccan obtain target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9after the lapse of unit time t from boom position computation section31b. Operation signal generation section31cis configured to generate operation signals Md for swivel valve23, extension/retraction valve24, luffing valve25, and main valve26mor sub valve26s. Next, as illustrated inFIG.7, control apparatus31determines an inverse dynamics model for crane1in order to compute target position coordinate q(n+1) of the tip of boom9. The inverse dynamics model is defined on a XYZ coordinate system and reference position O is a center of swivel of crane1. Control apparatus31defines q, p, lb, θx, θz, l, f and e, respectively, in the inverse dynamics model. The sign q denotes, for example, current position coordinate q(n) of the tip of boom9and p denotes, for example, current position coordinate p(n) of load W. The sign lb denotes, for example, extension/retraction length lb(n) of boom9and θx denotes, for example, luffing angle θx(n), and θz denotes, for example, swivel angle θz(n). The sign1denotes, for example, let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope, f denotes tension f of the wire rope, and e denotes, for example, direction vector e(n) of the wire rope. In the inverse dynamics model defined as described above, a relationship between target position q of the tip of boom9and target position p of load W is represented by Expression 2 using target position p of load W, mass m of load W and spring constant kf of the wire rope, and target position q of the tip of boom9is computed according to Expression 3, which is a function of time for load W. [2] m{umlaut over (p)}=mg+f=mg+kf(q−p) (2) (Expression 2) and [3] q(t)=p(t)+l(t,α)e(t)=q(p(t),{umlaut over (p)}(t),α) (3) (Expression 3) wherein f is a tension of wire rope, kf is a spring constant, m is a mass of load W, q is a current position or target position of the tip of boom9, p is a current position or target position of load W, l is a let-out amount of the wire rope, e is a direction vector and g is a gravitational acceleration. Let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope is computed according to Expression 4 below. Let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope is defined by a distance between current position coordinate q(n) of boom9, which is a position of the tip of boom9, and current position coordinate p(n) of load W, which is a position of load W. [4] l(n)2=|q(n)−p(n)|2(4) (Expression 4) Direction vector e(n) of the wire rope is computed according to Expression 5 below. Direction vector e(n) of the wire rope is a vector of tension f (see Expression 2) of the wire rope for a unit length. Tension f of the wire rope is computed by subtracting the gravitational acceleration from an acceleration of load W, the acceleration being computed from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W after the lapse of unit time t. (Expression5)e(n)=f❘"\[LeftBracketingBar]"f❘"\[RightBracketingBar]"=p¨(n)-g❘"\[LeftBracketingBar]"p¨(n)-g❘"\[RightBracketingBar]"(5) Target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9, which is a target position of the tip of boom9after the lapse of unit time t, is computed from Expression 6 representing Expression 2 as a function of n. Here, a denotes swivel angle θz(n) of boom9. Target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9is computed from let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope, target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W and direction vector e(n+1) using inverse dynamics. [6] q(n+1)=p(n+1)+l(n,α)e(t+1)=q(p(n+1),{umlaut over (p)}(n+1),α) (6) (Expression 6) Next, a method for adjustment of wα1, wα2, wα3 and wα4 (see Expression 1), which are weight coefficients of transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp, will be described with reference toFIG.8. In crane1, as control system42, feedback control section42aand feedforward control section42bare configured by cooperation of target course computation section31a, boom position computation section31band operation signal generation section31cof control apparatus31. Low-pass filter Lp attenuates frequencies that are equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency. Low-pass filter Lp curbs occurrence of a singular point (abrupt positional change) caused by a differential operation, by applying low-pass filter Lp to target speed signal Vd for load W. Low-pass filter Lp is formed by transfer function G(s) in Expression 1. Transfer function G(s) is expressed in the form of a partial fraction decomposition where each of A, B and C is a coefficient, each of wα1, wα2, wα3 and wα4 is a weight coefficient and s is a differentiation element. Here, the suffix “a” is a sign representing any of the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis. In other words, transfer function G(s) in Expression 1 is set for each of the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis. In this way, each transfer function G(s) can be expressed as one resulting from superimposition of first-order lag transfer functions. Target speed signal Vd for load W is converted into later-described target course signals Pd2α by being multiplied by respective transfer functions G(s) of low-pass filter Lp. Target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W is computed from target course signals Pd2α. (Expression1)G(s)=Wα1s+Wα2(As+1)+Wα3(Bs+1)+Wα4(Cs+1)(1) As illustrated inFIG.8, feedback control section42aperforms control based on a difference between a current position and a target position of a load. Feedback control section42aincludes target course computation section31a, boom position computation section31band operation signal generation section31cthat are connected in series (see connection sign D) and is configured to feed current position coordinate p(n) of load W back to target course signals Pdα for load W. Upon obtainment of target speed signal Vd for load W, feedback control section42acomputes target course signals Pdα for the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction of load W in target course computation section31aNext, feedback control section42acomputes current position coordinate p(n) of load W from current position information of load W, the current position information being obtained from swivel-base cameras7b, and (negatively) feeds current position coordinate p(n) back to the target course signals Pdα. Feedback control section42acorrects target course signals Pdα based on a difference of current position coordinate p(n) of load W from target course signals Pdα to compute target course signals Pd1α. Next, feedback control section42acomputes target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9after a lapse of unit time t from later-described target course signals Pd2α corrected on the upstream side, information pieces (swivel angle θz(n), extension/retraction length lb(n), luffing angle θx(n) and let-out amount l(n)) of a posture of crane1obtained from the respective sensors and current position information of load W obtained from swivel-base cameras7b, using inverse dynamics in boom position computation section31b. Next, feedback control section42agenerates operation signals Md for the respective actuators from target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9calculated by boom position computation section31b, in operation signal generation section31c. Feedback control section42amakes the actuators of crane1operate according to operation signals Md to move load W. Feedforward control section42bperforms control to apply low-pass filter Lp to target speed signal Vd of load W. In feedforward control section42b, for example, each transfer function G(s) of fourth-order low-pass filter Lp is formed as a transfer function formed of four first-order models, first model G1(s), second model G2(s), third model G3(s) and fourth model G4(s), and the respective first-order models, each of which serves as a sub system, are combined in series. Feedforward control section42bcomputes target course signals Pd2α with predetermined frequency components curbed, by applying low-pass filter Lp to target course signals Pd1α for load W corrected by feedback control section42a. In feedforward control section42b, first model G1(s), second model G2(s), third model G3(s) and fourth model G4(s), which are first-order lag transfer functions resulting from partial fraction decomposition of transfer function G(s) of fourth-order low-pass filter Lp, are superimposed on one another. Also, in feedforward control section42b, using a gain of each transfer function G(s) as a weight coefficient, weight coefficient wα1 is assigned to first model G1(s), weight coefficient wα2 is assigned to second model G2(s), weight coefficient wα3 is assigned to third model G3(s) and weight coefficient wα4 is assigned to fourth model G4(s). Feedforward control section42badjusts weight coefficients wα1, wα2, wα3 and wα4 of the respective models based on relevant target course signal Pd1α for load W corrected by feedback control section42a. Upon obtainment of target speed signal Vd for load W, feedforward control section42bapplies first model G1(s) having weight coefficient wα1 to target speed signal Vd. Since in the present embodiment, first model G1(s) is an integration element, relevant target course signal Pdα for load W is computed from target speed signal Vd for load W. Next, feedforward control section42bapplies second model G2(s) having weight coefficient wα2 to an output from first model G1(s). Next, feedforward control section42bapplies third model G3(s) having weight coefficient wα3 to an output from second model G2(s). Next, feedforward control section42bapplies fourth model G4(s) having weight coefficient wα4 to an output from third model G3(s). Lastly, feedforward control section42bcomputes target course signal Pd2α by adding up the outputs of the respective first-order models and further correcting target course signal Pd1α for load W corrected by feedback control section42a. In other words, control system42of crane1further corrects target course signal Pd1α of load W corrected by feedback control section42a, via feedforward control section42b. Then, control system42of crane1computes target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9from target course signals Pd2α. Next, a control process for computation of target course signal Pd for load W and computation of target position coordinate q(n+1) of the tip of boom9in order to generate operation signals Md in control system42of crane1will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.9to12. As illustrated inFIG.9, in step S1100, control system42starts target-course computation process A and makes the control proceed to step S110(seeFIG.10). Then, upon completion of target-course computation process A, the control proceeds to step S200(seeFIG.9). In step S200, control system42starts boom-position computation process B and makes the control proceed to step S210(seeFIG.11). Then, upon completion of boom-position computation process B, the control proceeds to step S300(seeFIG.9). In step S300, control system42starts operation-signal generation process C and makes the control proceed to step S310(seeFIG.12). Then, upon completion of operation-signal generation process C, the control proceeds to step S100(seeFIG.9). As illustrated inFIG.10, in step S110, control system42determines whether or not target speed signal Vd for load W is obtained by target course computation section31aof control apparatus31. As a result, if target speed signal Vd for load W is obtained, control system42makes the control proceed to S120. On the other hand, if target speed signal Vd for load W is not obtained, control system42makes the control proceed to S110. In step S120, control system42causes an image of load W to be taken using the set of swivel-base cameras7band computes current position coordinate p(n) of load W with arbitrarily-determined reference position O (for example, a center of swiveling of boom9) as an origin, and makes the control proceed to step S130. In step S130, control system42computes target course signals Pdα for load W by integrating target speed signal Vd for load W, target speed signal Vd being obtained by target course computation section31a, and makes the control proceed to step S140. In step S140, control system42corrects target course signals Pdα based on a difference between current position coordinate p(n) of load W and target course signals Pdα via feedback control section42ato compute target course signals Pd1α, and makes the control proceed to step S150. In step S150, control system42adjusts weight coefficients wα1, wα2, wα3 and wα4 of the respective first-order models (seeFIG.8) of each transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp based on relevant target course signal Pd1α via feedforward control section42b, and makes the control proceed to step S160. In step S160, control system42applies low-pass filter Lp with weight coefficients wα1, wα2, wα3 and wα4 of the respective models adjusted to target course signals Pd1α to compute target course signals Pd2α, and ends target-course computation process A and makes the control proceed to step S200(seeFIG.9). As illustrated inFIG.11, in step S210, control system42computes current position coordinate q(n) of the tip of boom9from obtained swivel angle θz(n) of swivel base7, obtained extension/retraction length lb(n) and obtained luffing angle θx(n) of boom9via boom position computation section31b, and makes the control proceed to step S220. In step S220, control system42computes let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and current position coordinate q(n) of boom9using Expression 4 above via boom position computation section31b, and makes the control proceed to step S230. In step S230, control system42computes target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, which is a target position of load W after a lapse of unit time t, from target course signals Pd2α with reference to current position coordinate p(n) of load W via boom position computation section31b, and makes the control proceed to step S240. In step S240, control system42computes an acceleration of load W from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W and computes direction vector e(n+1) of the wire rope according to Expression 5 above using the gravitational acceleration via boom position computation section31b, and makes the control proceed to step S250. In step S250, control system42computes target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9from computed let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope and computed direction vector e(n+1) of the wire rope using Expression 6 via boom position computation section31b, and ends boom position computation process B and makes the control proceed to step S300(seeFIG.9). As illustrated inFIG.12, in step S310, control system42computes swivel angle θz(n+1) of swivel base7, extension/retraction length Lb(n+1), luffing angle θx(n+1) and let-out amount l(n+1) of the wire rope after the lapse of unit time t from target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9via operation signal generation section31c, and makes the control proceed to step S320. In step S320, control system42generates respective operation signals Md for swivel valve23, extension/retraction valve24, luffing valve25and main valve26mor sub valve26sfrom computed swivel angle9z(n+1) of swivel base7, computed extension/retraction length Lb(n+1), computed luffing angle θx(n+1) and computed let-out amount l(n+1) of the wire rope via operation signal generation section31c, and ends operation signal generation process C and makes the control proceed to step S100) (seeFIG.9). Control system42of crane1computes target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9, and after a lapse of unit time t, computes direction vector e(n+2) of the wire rope from let-out amount l(n+1) of the wire rope, current position coordinate p(n+1) of load W and target position coordinate p(n+2) of load W. and further computes target position coordinate q(n+2) of boom9after the lapse of unit time t, by repeating target course computation process A, boom position computation process B and operation signal generation process C. In other words, control system42computes direction vector e(n) of the wire rope and sequentially computes target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9unit time t after from current position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W and direction vector e(n) of the wire rope, using inverse dynamics. Control system42generates operation signals Md based on target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9to control the actuators. As described above, crane1and control system42of crane1can be regarded as forming a single-layer neural network by using models each having a clear physical characteristic as a plurality of sub systems and multiplying each of outputs of the plurality of sub systems by a relevant weight coefficient. Control system42of crane1controls the actuators based on a difference between current position coordinate p(n) of load W and target course signals Pdα via feedback control section42a, and individually adjusts the respective weight coefficients based on the difference between current position coordinate p(n) of load W and target course signals Pd1α, using the respective first-order models forming low-pass filter Lp as sub systems, via feedforward control section42b. In other words, during operation of crane1, control system42of crane1determines the coefficient of low-pass filter Lp while flexibly responding to changes in dynamic characteristic of crane1. In other words, a high-order transfer function is adjusted for each first-order model. Consequently, it is possible to, when the actuators are controlled with reference to a load, move the load in a manner intended by an operator while curbing swinging of the load, by learning a dynamic characteristic of crane1from movement of the load. In the present embodiment, in control system42, each of the first-order models of low-pass filter Lp is used as a sub system, but other models each having a clear physical characteristic may be used. Each of the embodiments described above merely indicate a typical mode and can be variously modified and carried out without departing from the essence of an embodiment. Furthermore, it is needless to say that the present invention can be carried out in various modes, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims and includes any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is applicable to a crane and a control system for the crane. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1Crane6Crane apparatus9Boom31control apparatusO reference positionW loadVd target speed signalPdα target course signalwα1, wα2, wα3, wα4 weight coefficientG(s) transfer function | 42,189 |
11858785 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS As a working vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, crane1, which is a mobile crane (rough terrain crane), will be described below with reference toFIGS.1and2. Note that although the present embodiment will be described in terms of crane (rough terrain crane) as a working vehicle, the working vehicle may also be an all-terrain crane, a truck crane, a truck loader crane, an aerial work vehicle, or the like. As illustrated inFIG.1, crane1is a mobile crane capable of moving to an unspecified place. Crane1includes vehicle2, crane apparatus6, which is a working apparatus, and manipulation terminal32with which crane apparatus6can be manipulated (seeFIG.2). Vehicle2is a travelling body that carries crane apparatus6. Vehicle2includes a plurality of wheels3and travels using engine4as a power source. Vehicle2is provided with outriggers5. Outriggers5are composed of projecting beams hydraulically extendable on opposite sides in a width direction of vehicle2and hydraulic jack cylinders extendable in a direction perpendicular to the ground. Vehicle2can expand a workable region of crane1by extending outriggers5in the width direction of vehicle2and bringing the jack cylinders into contact with the ground. Crane apparatus6is a working apparatus that hoists up load W with a wire rope. Crane apparatus6includes, for example, swivel base7, boom9, jib9a, main hook block10, sub hook block11, hydraulic luffing cylinder12, main winch13, main wire rope14, sub winch15, sub wire rope16and cabin17. Swivel base7is a drive apparatus configured to enable crane apparatus6to swivel. Swivel base7is disposed on a frame of vehicle2via an annular bearing. Swivel base7is configured to be rotatable with a center of the annular bearing as a rotational center. Swivel base7is provided with hydraulic swivel motor8, which is an actuator. Swivel base7is configured to be capable of swiveling in one and other directions via hydraulic swivel motor8. Each of swivel-base cameras7ais a monitoring apparatus that takes an image of, for example, obstacles and people around swivel base7. Swivel-base cameras7aare provided on opposite, left and right, sides of the front of swivel base7and opposite, left and right, sides of the rear of swivel base7. The swivel-base cameras7atake images of respective areas around places at which swivel-base cameras7aare installed, to cover an entire area surrounding swivel base7as a monitoring area. Furthermore, swivel-base cameras7adisposed on the opposite, left and right, sides of the front of swivel base7are configured to be usable as a stereo camera set. In other words, swivel-base cameras7aat the front of swivel base7can be configured as a load position detection section that detects positional information of suspended load W, by being used as a stereo camera set. Note that the load position detection section may be composed of later-described boom camera9b. Also, the load position detection section only needs to be one that is capable of detecting positional information of load W such as a millimeter-wave radar, a GNSS apparatus, or the like. Hydraulic swivel motor8is an actuator that is manipulated to rotate via swivel valve23(seeFIG.2), which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Swivel valve23can control a flow rate of an operating oil supplied to hydraulic swivel motor8to any flow rate. In other words, swivel base7is configured to be controllable to have any swivel speed via hydraulic swivel motor8manipulated to rotate via swivel valve23. Swivel base7is provided with swivel sensor27(seeFIG.2) that detects swivel angle θz (angle) and swivel speed of swivel base7. Boom9is a movable boom that supports a wire rope such that load W can be hoisted. Boom9is composed of a plurality of boom members. In boom9, a base end of a base boom member is swingably provided at a substantial center of swivel base7. Boom9is configured to be capable of being axially extended/retracted by moving the respective boom members with a non-illustrated hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder, which is an actuator. Also, boom9is provided with jib9a. The non-illustrated hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder is an actuator that is manipulated to extend and retract via extension/retraction valve24(seeFIG.2), which is electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Extension/retraction valve24can control a flow rate of an operating oil supplied to the hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder to any flow rate. Boom9is provided with extension/retraction sensor28that detects a length of boom9and vehicle-side azimuth sensor29that detects an azimuth with a tip of boom9as a center. Boom camera9b(seeFIG.2) is a sensing apparatus that takes an image of load W and features around load W. Boom camera9bis provided at a tip portion of boom9. Boom camera9bis configured to be capable of taking an image of load W, and features and geographical features around crane1from vertically above load W. Main hook block10and sub hook block11are suspending tools for suspending load W. Main hook block10is provided with a plurality of hook sheaves around which main wire rope14is wound and main hook10afor suspending load W. Sub hook block11is provided with sub hook11afor suspending load W. Hydraulic luffing cylinder12is an actuator that luffs up and down boom9and holds a posture of boom9. In hydraulic luffing cylinder12, an end portion of a cylinder part is swingably coupled to swivel base7and an end portion of a rod part is swingably coupled to the base boom member of boom9. Hydraulic luffing cylinder12is manipulated to extend or retract via luffing valve25(seeFIG.2), which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Luffing valve25can control a flow rate of an operating oil supplied to hydraulic luffing cylinder12to any flow rate. Boom9is provided with luffing sensor30(seeFIG.2) that detects luffing angle θx. Main winch13and sub winch15are winding apparatuses that pull in (wind) or let out (unwind) main wire rope14and sub wire rope16. Main winch13is configured such that a main drum around which main wire rope14is wound is rotated by a non-illustrated main hydraulic motor, which is an actuator, and sub winch15is configured such that a sub drum around which sub wire rope16is wound is rotated by a non-illustrated sub hydraulic motor, which is an actuator. The main hydraulic motor is manipulated to rotate via main valve26m(seeFIG.2), which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Main winch13is configured to be capable of being manipulated so as to have any pulling-in and letting-out speeds, by controlling the main hydraulic motor via main valve26m. Likewise, sub winch15is configured to be capable of being manipulated so as to have any pulling-in and letting-out speeds, by controlling the sub hydraulic motor via sub valve26s(seeFIG.2), which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. Main winch13and sub winch15are provided with winding sensors43(seeFIG.2) that detect let-out amounts I of main wire rope14and sub wire rope16, respectively. Cabin17is an operator compartment covered by a housing. Cabin17is mounted on swivel base7. Cabin17is provided with a non-illustrated operator compartment. The operator compartment is provided with manipulation tools for manipulating vehicle2to travel, and swivel manipulation tool18, luffing manipulation tool19, extension/retraction manipulation tool20, main drum manipulation tool21m, sub drum manipulation tool21s, and the like for manipulating crane apparatus6(seeFIG.2). Hydraulic swivel motor8is manipulatable with swivel manipulation tool18. Hydraulic luffing cylinder12is manipulatable with luffing manipulation tool19. The hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder is manipulatable with extension/retraction manipulation tool20. The main hydraulic motor is manipulatable with main drum manipulation tool21m. The sub hydraulic motor is manipulatable with sub drum manipulation tool21s. As illustrated inFIG.2, control apparatus31is a control apparatus that controls the actuators of crane apparatus6via the respective manipulation valves. Control apparatus31is disposed inside cabin17. Substantively, control apparatus31may have a configuration in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD and/or the like are connected to one another via a bus or may be composed of a one-chip LSI or the like. Control apparatus31stores various programs and/or data in order to control operation of the actuators, the switching valves, the sensors and/or the like. Control apparatus31is connected to swivel-base cameras7a, boom camera9b, swivel manipulation tool18, luffing manipulation tool19, extension/retraction manipulation tool20, main drum manipulation tool21mand sub drum manipulation tool21s, and is capable of obtaining image i1from swivel-base cameras7aand image i2from boom camera9band is also capable of obtaining respective manipulation amounts of swivel manipulation tool18, luffing manipulation tool19, main drum manipulation tool21mand sub drum manipulation tool21s. Control apparatus31is connected to terminal-side control apparatus41of manipulation terminal32and is capable of obtaining a control signal from manipulation terminal32. Control apparatus31is connected to swivel valve23, extension/retraction valve24, luffing valve25, main valve26mand sub valve26s, and is capable of transmitting operation signals Md to swivel valve23, luffing valve25, main valve26mand sub valve26s. Control apparatus31is connected to swivel sensor27, extension/retraction sensor28, azimuth sensor29, luffing sensor30and winding sensor43, and is capable of obtaining swivel angle θz of swivel base7, extension/retraction length Lb, luffing angle θx, let-out amount l(n) of main wire rope14or sub wire rope16(hereinafter simply referred to as “wire rope”) and an azimuth of the tip of boom9. Control apparatus31generates operation signals Md for swivel manipulation tool18, luffing manipulation tool19, main drum manipulation tool21mand sub drum manipulation tool21sbased on manipulation amounts of the respective manipulation tools. Crane1configured as described above is capable of moving crane apparatus6to any position by causing vehicle2to travel. Crane1is also capable of increasing a lifting height and/or an operating radius of crane apparatus6, for example, by luffing up boom9to any luffing angle θxwith hydraulic luffing cylinder12by means of manipulation of luffing manipulation tool19and/or extending boom9to any length of boom9by means of manipulation of extension/retraction manipulation tool20. Crane1is also capable of carrying load W by hoisting up load W with sub drum manipulation tool21sand/or the like and causing swivel base7to swivel by means of manipulation of swivel manipulation tool18. As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, manipulation terminal32is a terminal with which target speed signal Vd relating to a direction and a speed of movement of load W is input. Manipulation terminal32includes: for example, housing33; suspended-load movement manipulation tool35, terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36, terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37, terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m, terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38s, terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39and terminal-side display apparatus40disposed on a manipulation surface of housing33; and terminal-side control apparatus41(seeFIGS.3and5). Manipulation terminal32transmits target speed signal Vd of load W that is generated by manipulation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35or any of the manipulation tools to control apparatus31of crane1(crane apparatus6). As illustrated inFIG.3, housing33is a main component of manipulation terminal32. Housing33is formed as a housing having a size that allows the operator to hold the housing with his/her hand. Suspended-load movement manipulation tool35, terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36, terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37, terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m, terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38s, terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39and terminal-side display apparatus40are installed on the manipulation surface of housing33. Suspended-load movement manipulation tool35is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on a direction and a speed of movement of load W in a horizontal plane is input. Suspended-load movement manipulation tool35is composed of a manipulation stick erected substantially perpendicularly from the manipulation surface of housing33and a non-illustrated sensor that detects a tilt direction and a tilt amount of the manipulation stick. Suspended-load movement manipulation tool35is configured such that the manipulation stick can be manipulated to be tilted in any direction. Suspended-load movement manipulation tool35is configured to transmit a manipulation signal on the tilt direction and the tilt amount of the manipulation stick detected by the non-illustrated sensor with an upward direction in plan view of the manipulation surface (hereinafter simply referred to as “upward direction”) as a direction of extension of boom9, to terminal-side control apparatus41(seeFIG.2). Terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on a swivel direction and a speed of crane apparatus6is input. Terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on extension/retraction and a speed of boom9is input. Terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m(terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38s) is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on a rotation direction and a speed of main winch13is input. Terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39is a manipulation tool with which an instruction on luffing and a speed of boom9is input. Each manipulation tool is composed of a manipulation stick substantially perpendicularly erected from the manipulation surface of housing33and a non-illustrated sensor that detects a tilt direction and a tilt amount of the manipulation stick. Each manipulation tool is configured to be tiltable to one side and the other side. Terminal-side display apparatus40displays various kinds of information such as postural information of crane1, information on load W and/or the like. Terminal-side display apparatus40is configured by an image display apparatus such as a liquid-crystal screen or the like. Terminal-side display apparatus40is provided on the manipulation surface of housing33. Terminal-side display apparatus40displays an azimuth with the direction of extension of boom9as the upward direction in plan view of terminal-side display apparatus40. As illustrated inFIG.4, terminal-side control apparatus41, which is a control section, controls manipulation terminal32. Terminal-side control apparatus41is disposed inside housing33of manipulation terminal32. Substantively, terminal-side control apparatus41may have a configuration in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD and/or the like are connected to one another via a bus or may be composed of a one-chip LSI or the like. Terminal-side control apparatus41stores various programs and/or data in order to control operation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35, terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36, terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37, terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m, terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38s, terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39, terminal-side display apparatus40and/or the like. Terminal-side control apparatus41is connected to suspended-load movement manipulation tool35, terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36, terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37, terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m, terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38sand terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39, and is capable of obtaining manipulation signals each including a tilt direction and a tilt amount of the manipulation stick of the relevant manipulation tool. Terminal-side control apparatus41is capable of generating target speed signal Vd of load W from manipulation signals of the respective sticks, the manipulation signals being obtained from the respective sensors of terminal-side swivel manipulation tool36, terminal-side extension/retraction manipulation tool37, terminal-side main drum manipulation tool38m, terminal-side sub drum manipulation tool38sand terminal-side luffing manipulation tool39. Also, terminal-side control apparatus41is connected to control apparatus31of crane apparatus6wirelessly or via a wire, and is capable of transmitting generated target speed signal Vd of load W to control apparatus31of crane apparatus6. Next, control of crane apparatus6by manipulation terminal32will be described with reference toFIGS.5and6. As illustrated inFIG.5, when suspended-load movement manipulation tool35of manipulation terminal32is manipulated to be tilted leftward to a direction in which tilt angle θ2 is 450 relative to the upward direction by an arbitrary tilt amount in a state in which the tip of boom9faces north, terminal-side control apparatus41obtains a manipulation signal on a tilt direction and a tilt amount of a tilt to northwest, which is the direction in which tilt angle θ2 is 45°, from north, which is an extension direction of boom9, from the non-illustrated sensor of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35. Furthermore, terminal-side control apparatus41computes target speed signal Vd for moving load W to northwest at a speed according to the tilt amount from the obtained manipulation signal, every unit time t. Manipulation terminal32transmits computed target speed signal Vd to control apparatus31of crane apparatus6every unit time t (seeFIG.4). As illustrated inFIG.6, upon receiving target speed signal Vd from manipulation terminal32every unit time t, target course computation section31aof control apparatus31computes target course signal Pd for load W based on an azimuth of the tip of boom9, the azimuth being obtained from azimuth sensor29. Furthermore, target course computation section31acomputes target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, which is a target position of load W, from target course signal Pd. Operation signal generation section31cof control apparatus31generates respective operation signals Md for swivel valve23, extension/retraction valve24, luffing valve25, main valve26mand sub valve26sto move load W to target position coordinate p(n+1). As illustrated inFIG.5, crane1moves load W toward northwest, which is the tilt direction of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35, at a speed according to the tilt amount. In this case, crane1controls hydraulic swivel motor8, a hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder, hydraulic luffing cylinder12, the main hydraulic motor and/or the like based on the operation signals Md. Crane1configured as described above obtains target speed signal Vd on a moving direction and a speed based on a direction of manipulation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35with reference to the extension direction of boom9, from manipulation terminal32every unit time and determines target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, and prevents the operator from lose recognition of a direction of operation of crane apparatus6relative to a direction of manipulation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35. In other words, a direction of manipulation of suspended-load movement manipulation tool35and a direction of movement of load W are computed based on the extension direction of boom9, which is a common reference. Consequently, it is possible to easily and simply manipulate crane apparatus6. Note that although in the present embodiment, manipulation terminal32is provided inside cabin17, but may be configured as a remote manipulation terminal that can remotely be manipulated from the outside of cabin17, by providing a terminal-side radio device. Next, a first embodiment of a control process for computing target course signal Pd for load W, target course signal Pd being provided for generating operation signals Md, and target position coordinate q(n+1) of the tip of boom9in control apparatus31of crane apparatus6will be described with reference toFIGS.6to12. Control apparatus31includes target course computation section31a, boom position computation section31band operation signal generation section31c. Also, control apparatus31is configured to be capable of obtaining current positional information of load W using the set of swivel-base cameras7aon the opposite, left and right, sides of the front of swivel base7as a stereo camera, which is a load position detection section (seeFIG.2). As illustrated inFIG.6, target course computation section31ais a part of control apparatus31and converts target speed signal Vd for load W into target course signal Pd for load W. Target course computation section31acan obtain target speed signal Vd for load W, which is composed of a moving direction and a speed of load W, from manipulation terminal32every unit time t. Also, target course computation section31acan compute target positional information for load W by integrating obtained target speed signal Vd. Target course computation section31ais also configured to apply low-pass filter Lp to the target positional information for load W to convert target positional information for load W into target course signal Pd, which is target course information for load W, every unit time t. As illustrated inFIGS.6and7, boom position computation section31bis a part of control apparatus31and computes a position coordinate of the tip of boom9from postural information of boom9and target course signal Pd for load W. Boom position computation section31bcan obtain target course signal Pd from target course computation section31a. Boom position computation section31bcan obtain swivel angle θz(n) of swivel base7from swivel sensor27, obtain extension/retraction length lb(n) from extension/retraction sensor28, obtain luffing angle θx(n) from luffing sensor30, obtain let-out amount l(n) of main wire rope14or sub wire rope16(hereinafter simply referred to as “wire rope”) from winding sensor43and obtain current positional information of load W from an image of load W taken by the set of swivel-base cameras7adisposed on the opposite, left and right, sides of the front of swivel base7(seeFIG.2). Boom position computation section31bcan compute current position coordinate p(n) of load W from the obtained current positional information of load W and compute current position coordinate q(n) of the tip (position from which the wire rope is let out) of boom9(hereinafter simply referred to as “current position coordinate q(n) of boom9”), which is a current position of the tip of boom9, from obtained swivel angle θz(n), obtained extension/retraction length lb(n) and obtained luffing angle θx(n). Also, boom position computation section31bcan compute let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and current position coordinate q(n) of boom9. Furthermore, boom position computation section31bcan compute direction vector e(n+1) of the wire rope from which load W is suspended, from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, which is a position after a lapse of unit time t. Boom position computation section31bis configured to compute target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9, which is a position of the tip of boom9after the lapse of unit time t, from target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W and direction vector e(n+1) of the wire rope, using inverse dynamics. Operation signal generation section31cis a part of control apparatus31and generates operation signals Md for the actuators from target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9after the lapse of unit time t. Operation signal generation section31ccan obtain target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9after the lapse of unit time t from boom position computation section31b. Operation signal generation section31cis configured to generate operation signals Md for swivel valve23, extension/retraction valve24, luffing valve25, and main valve26mor sub valve26s. Next, as illustrated inFIG.7, control apparatus31determines an inverse dynamics model for crane1in order to compute target position coordinate q(n+1) of the tip of boom9. The inverse dynamics model is defined on a XYZ coordinate system and origin O is a center of swivel of crane1. Control apparatus31defines q, p, lb, θx, θz,1, f and e, respectively, in the inverse dynamics model. The sign q denotes, for example, current position coordinate q(n) of the tip of boom9and p denotes, for example, current position coordinate p(n) of load W. The sign lb denotes, for example, extension/retraction length lb(n) of boom9and θx denotes, for example, luffing angle θx(n), and θz denotes, for example, swivel angle θz(n). The sign1denotes, for example, let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope, f denotes tension f of the wire rope, and e denotes, for example, direction vector e(n) of the wire rope. In the inverse dynamics model defined as described above, a relationship between target position q of the tip of boom9and target position p of load W is represented by Expression 2 using target position p of load W, mass m of load W and spring constant kf of the wire rope, and target position q of the tip of boom9is computed according to Expression 3, which is a function of time for load W. [2] m{umlaut over (p)}=mg+f=mg+kf(q-p) (2) . . . (Expression 2) and [3] q(t)=p(t)+I(t,α)e(t)=q(p(t),{umlaut over (p)}(t),α) (3) . . . (Expression 3), wherein f is a tension of wire rope, kfis a spring constant, m is a mass of load W, q is a current position or target position of the tip of boom9, p is a current position or target position of load W,1is a let-out amount of the wire rope, e is a direction vector and g is a gravitational acceleration. Low-pass filter Lp attenuates frequencies that are equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency. Target course computation section31acurbs occurrence of a singular point (abrupt positional change) caused by a differential operation, by applying low-pass filter Lp to target position information of load W. Low-pass filter Lp is formed by transfer function G(s) in Expression 1. In Expression 1, each of a and b is coefficient and c is an index. Target course computation section31aincludes database Dv1in which coefficients a, b and indexes c set in advance for each settling time Ts of target speed signal Vd and each signal magnitude V of target speed signal Vd by experiments or the like (seeFIG.7). Low-pass filter Lp is configured such that coefficients a, b and index c of transfer function G(s) are set to arbitrary values based on settling time Ts and signal magnitude V of target speed signal Vd. Note that although in the present embodiment, transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp is expressed in the form of Expression 1, the form of transfer function G(s) only needs to be a form capable of expressing arbitrary transfer function G(s) using coefficients a, b and index c stored in database Dv1. (Expression1)G(s)=a(s+b)c(1) Let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope is computed according to Expression 4 below. Let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope is defined by a distance between current position coordinate q(n) of boom9, which is a position of the tip of boom9, and current position coordinate p(n) of load W, which is a position of load W. [4] I(n)2=|q(n)−p(n)|2(4) . . . (Expression 4) Direction vector e(n) of the wire rope is computed according to Expression 5 below. Direction vector e(n) of the wire rope is a vector of tension f (see Expression 2) of the wire rope for a unit length. Tension f of the wire rope is computed by subtracting the gravitational acceleration from an acceleration of load W, the acceleration being computed from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W after the lapse of unit time t. [5] (Expression5)e(n)=f❘"\[LeftBracketingBar]"f❘"\[RightBracketingBar]"=p¨(n)-g❘"\[LeftBracketingBar]"p¨(n)-g❘"\[RightBracketingBar]"(5) Target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9, which is a target position of the tip of boom9after the lapse of unit time t, is computed from Expression 6 representing Expression 2 as a function of n. Here, a denotes swivel angle θz(n) of boom9. Target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9is computed from let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope, target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W and direction vector e(n+1) using inverse dynamics. [6] q(n+1)=p(n+1)+1(n,α)e(t+1)=q(p(n+1),{umlaut over (p)}(n+1),α) (6) . . . (Expression 6) Next, a first embodiment of a method of determining coefficients a, b and index c (see Expression 1) of transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp in control apparatus31will be described with reference toFIG.8. As illustrated inFIG.8, signal magnitude V of target speed signal Vd and signal settling time Ts until signal magnitude V becomes constant are determined from required time until suspended-load movement manipulation tool35of manipulation terminal32is tilted to an arbitrary tilt angle and the tilt angle. For example, where crane apparatus6is manipulated with priority given to curbing of swinging of load W to carry load W with good accuracy, an operator manipulates suspended-load movement manipulation tool35such that the tilt angle becomes smaller and required time for manipulation for tilting become longer than those at the time of normal manipulation for tilting. Consequently, terminal-side control apparatus41of manipulation terminal32generates target speed10signal Vd1having signal settling time Ts1that is longer than a settling time at the time of normal manipulation for tilting and signal magnitude V1that is smaller than that for a tilt angle at the time of normal manipulation for tilting (see solid line inFIG.8). Also, where crane apparatus6is manipulated with priority given to a speed of load W to allow occurrence of swinging to a certain extent, the operator manipulates suspended-load movement manipulation tool35such that the tilt angle becomes larger and required time for manipulation for tilting become shorter than those at the time of normal manipulation for tilting. Consequently, terminal-side control apparatus41generates target speed signal Vd2having signal settling time Ts2that is shorter than a settling time at the time of normal manipulation for tilting and signal magnitude V2that is larger than that for the tilt angle at the time of normal manipulation for tilting (see alternate long and short dash line inFIG.9). Next, target course computation section31aof control apparatus31computes target position information of load W by integrating target speed signal Vd obtained from terminal-side control apparatus41of manipulation terminal32. Furthermore, based on obtained settling time Ts and signal magnitude V of target speed signal Vd, target course computation section31aobtains corresponding coefficients a, b and index c from database Dv1and computes transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp (seeFIG.6). For example, if target course computation section31aobtains target speed signal Vd1from terminal-side control apparatus41, target course computation section31aselects coefficients a1, b1 and index c1 that curb swinging of load W and improve carriage accuracy, from database db based on signal settling time Ts1and signal magnitude V1. Also, if target course computation section31aobtains target speed signal Vd2from terminal-side control apparatus41, target course computation section31aselects coefficients a2, b2 and index c2 that cause load W to be carried fast while allowing swinging of load W to a certain extent, from database db based on signal settling time Ts2and signal magnitude V2. Next, a control process for computation of target course signal Pd for load W and computation of target position coordinate q(n+1) of the tip of boom9in order to generate operation signals Md in control apparatus31will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.9to12. As illustrated inFIG.9, in S100, control apparatus31starts target-course computation process A in a method for controlling crane1and makes the control proceed to step S110(seeFIG.10). Then, upon completion of target-course computation process A, the control proceeds to step S200(seeFIG.9). In step S200, control apparatus31starts boom-position computation process B in the method for controlling crane1, and makes the control proceed to step S210(seeFIG.11). Then, upon completion of boom-position computation process B, the control proceeds to step S300(seeFIG.9). In step S300, control apparatus31starts operation-signal generation process C in the method for controlling crane1, and makes the control proceed to step S310(seeFIG.12). Then, upon completion of operation-signal generation process C, the control proceeds to step S100(seeFIG.9). As illustrated inFIG.10, in step S110, target course computation section31aof control apparatus31determines whether or not target speed signal Vd for load W is obtained. As a result, if target speed signal Vd for load W is obtained, target course computation section31amakes the control proceed to S120. On the other hand, if target speed signal Vd for load W is not obtained, target course computation section31amakes the control proceed to S110. In step S120, boom position computation section31bof control apparatus31causes an image of load W to be taken using the set of swivel-base cameras7aon the opposite, left and right, sides of the front of swivel base7as a stereo camera, and makes the control proceed to step S130. In step S130, boom position computation section31bcomputes current positional information of load W from the image taken by the set of swivel-base cameras7a, and makes the control proceed to step S140. In step S140, target course computation section31acomputes target positional information of load W by integrating obtained target speed signal Vd for load W, and makes the control proceed to step S150. In step S150, target course computation section31aselects coefficients a, b and index c of transfer function G(s) (see Expression 1) of low-pass filter Lp from database db1 based on settling time Ts and signal magnitude V of obtained target speed signal Vd and computes low-pass filter Lp, and makes the control proceed to step S160. In step S160, target course computation section31acomputes target course signal Pd every unit time t by applying low-pass filter Lp, which is indicated by transfer function G(s) in Expression 3, to the computed target positional information of load W, and ends target-course computation process A and makes the control proceed to step S200(seeFIG.9). As illustrated inFIG.11, in step S210, boom position computation section31bof control apparatus31computes current position coordinate p(n) of load W, which is a current position of load W, from the obtained current positional information of load W, using arbitrarily-determined reference position O (for example, a center of swiveling of boom9) as an origin, and makes the control proceed to step S220. In step S220, boom position computation section31bcomputes current position coordinate q(n) of the tip of boom9from obtained swivel angle θz(n) of swivel base7, obtained extension/retraction length lb(n) and obtained luffing angle θx(n) of boom9, and makes the control proceed to step S230. In step S230, boom position computation section31bcomputes let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and current position coordinate q(n) of boom9using Expression 4 above, and makes the control proceed to step S240. In step S240, boom position computation section31bcomputes target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, which is a target position of load W after a lapse of unit time t, from target course signal Pd with reference to current position coordinate p(n) of load W, and makes the control proceed to step S250. In step S250, boom position computation section31bcomputes an acceleration of load W from current position coordinate p(n) of load W and target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, and computes direction vector e(n+1) of the wire rope according to Expression 5 above using the gravitational acceleration, and makes the control proceed to step S260. In step S260, boom position computation section31bcomputes target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9from computed let-out amount l(n) of the wire rope and computed direction vector e(n+1) of the wire rope using Expression 6 above, and ends boom-position computation process B and makes the control proceed to step S300(seeFIG.9). As illustrated inFIG.12, in step S310, operation signal generation section31cof control apparatus31computes swivel angle θz(n+1) of swivel base7, extension/retraction length Lb(n+1), luffing angle θx(n+1) and let-out amount l(n+1) of the wire rope after the lapse of unit time t from target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9, and makes the control proceed to step S320. In step S320, operation signal generation section31cgenerates respective operation signals Md for swivel valve23, extension/retraction valve24, luffing valve25and main valve26mor sub valve26sfrom computed swivel angle9z(n+1) of swivel base7, computed extension/retraction length Lb(n+1), computed luffing angle θx(n+1) and computed let-out amount l(n+1) of the wire rope, and ends the operation-signal generation process C and makes the control proceed to step S100(seeFIG.9). Control apparatus31computes target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9by repeating target-course computation process A, boom-position computation process B and operation-signal generation process C, and after a lapse of unit time t, computes direction vector e(n+2) of the wire rope from let-out amount l(n+1) of the wire rope, current position coordinate p(n+1) of load W and target position coordinate p(n+1)p(n+2) of load W. and computes target position coordinate p(n+1)q(n+2) of boom9after a further lapse of unit time t from let-out amount l(n+1) of the wire rope and direction vector e(n+2) of the wire rope. In other words, control apparatus31computes direction vector e(n) of the wire rope and sequentially computes target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9after unit time t from current position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W and direction vector e(n) of the wire rope using inverse dynamics. Control apparatus31controls the actuators based on target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9by means of feedforward control for generating operation signals Md. Crane1configured as described above determines coefficients a, b and index c of transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp, from database Dv1based on settling time Ts and signal magnitude V of target speed signal Vd for load W, the target speed signal Vd being arbitrarily input from manipulation terminal32, and thus, it is possible to compute target course signal Pd along with the operator's intention estimated from target speed signal Vd, without performing complicated computation. Also, for crane1, feedforward control in which a control signal for boom9is generated with reference to load W and a control signal for boom9is generated based on a target course intended by the operator is employed. Therefore, in crane1, a delay in response to a manipulation signal is small and swinging of load W due to the delay in response is curbed. Also, an inverse dynamics model is built and target position coordinate q(n+1) of boom9is computed from current position coordinate p(n) of load W, current position coordinate p(n) being measured using swivel-base cameras7a, direction vector e(n) of the wire rope and the target position coordinate p(n+1) of load W, enabling curbing an error. Consequently, it is possible to, when an actuator is controlled with reference to a load W, moving the load W along with an operator's intention while curbing swinging of the load W. Note that in the present embodiment, in crane1, feedforward control is employed, however, if operation of a hydraulic actuator becomes discontinuous and fluctuates, differentiation element s of transfer function G(s) may exert influence. Therefore, in control according to the present invention, a delay may be corrected by feedback control in addition to feedforward control, for stabilization (enhancement in robustness). Next, a second embodiment of the method of determining coefficients a, b and index c of transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp in control apparatus31will be described with reference toFIGS.13and14. Note that by using names, figure numbers and reference numerals used in the description of crane1and the control process illustrated inFIGS.1to12, correction of target speed signal Vd according to the below embodiment indicates those that are the same as above, and in the below embodiment, specific description of points that are similar to those of the embodiments described above is omitted and differences from the embodiments described above will mainly be described. As illustrated inFIG.13, boom position computation section31bof control apparatus31includes database Dv2in which coefficients a, b and indexes c set in advance for each current position coordinate q(n) of boom9by experiments or the like. Low-pass filter Lp is configured such that coefficients a, b and index c of transfer function G(s) are set to arbitrary values based on current position coordinate q(n) of boom9. Boom position computation section31bcomputes current position coordinate q(n) of boom9from obtained swivel angle θz(n), obtained extension/retraction length lb(n) and obtained luffing angle θx(n). Furthermore, based on obtained current position coordinate q(n) of boom9, boom position computation section31bobtains corresponding coefficients a, b and corresponding index c from database Dv2and computes transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp. For example, if boom position computation section31bdetermines from computed current position coordinate q(n) of boom9that boom9is largely extended, boom position computation section31bselects coefficients a3, b3 and index c3 that curb swinging of load W, from database db2. Next, a control process for computation of corrected course signal Pdc of load W and computation of target position coordinate q(n+1) of a tip of boom9to generate operation signals Md in control apparatus31will be described in detail. As illustrated inFIG.14, in step S140, target course computation section31acomputes target position information of load W by integrating obtained target speed signal Vd of load W, and makes the control proceed to step S145. In step S145, boom position computation section31bcomputes current position coordinate q(n) of the tip of boom9from obtained swivel angle θz(n) of swivel base7, obtained extension/retraction length lb(n) and obtained luffing angle θx(n) of boom9, and makes the control proceed to step S155. In step S155, target course computation section31aobtains current position coordinate q(n) of the tip of boom9from boom position computation section31b, and based on current position coordinate q(n) of the tip of boom9, selects coefficients a, b and index c of transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp from database db2 and computes low-pass filter Lp. and makes the control proceed to step S160. Crane1configured as described above determines coefficients a, b and index c of transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp from database Dv2based on a postural state of crane1, enabling computing target course signal Pd according to a magnitude of swinging estimated from the postural state. Consequently, it is possible to, when the actuators are controlled with reference to load W, move load W along an operator's intention with a posture of crane1taken into consideration w % bile curbing swinging of load W. Note that as the method of determining coefficients a, b and index c of transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp, the first embodiment based on target speed signal Vd and the second embodiment based on current position coordinate q(n) of boom9have been indicated, coefficients a, b and index c may be computed based on target speed signal Vd and current position coordinate q(n) of boom9. For example, selecting coefficients a, b and index c from database db3 in which coefficients a, b and index c based on settling time Ts and signal magnitude V of target speed signal Vd are set for each extension/retraction length of boom9enables properly curbing swinging of load W without an operator paying attention to a posture of crane1. Also, although in the present embodiment, crane1is configured to select coefficients a, b and index c of transfer function G(s) of low-pass filter Lp from database db1 or db2 or the like, coefficients a, b and index c may be determined by mechanical learning based on control states of other cranes obtained via a network and historical data of coefficients a, b and indexes c or the like in such control states. Each of the embodiments described above merely indicate a typical mode and can be variously modified and carried out without departing from the essence of an embodiment. Furthermore, it is needless to say that the present invention can be carried out in various modes, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims and includes any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is applicable to a crane. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1Crane6Crane apparatus9BoomO Reference positionW LoadVd Target speed signalp(n) Current position coordinate of loadp(n+1) Target position coordinate of loadq(n) Current position coordinate of boomq(n+1) Target position coordinate of boom | 45,997 |
11858786 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS.1,3, and4illustrate a first embodiment of a system100for dampening torsional oscillation of a suspended object104, or of parts of the system100, that rotates in the horizontal plane. The system100includes an overhead crane106that rotates the object104, an electronic module128that receives command signals from an input/output (“IO”) device120, and a securement mechanism132that operably couples the object104to the overhead crane106. Receipt of the command signal(s) by the electronic module128triggers a series of processes that are executed by a processor140of the electronic module128to mitigate, if not effectively eliminate, torsional oscillation of the object104. In particular, the processor140of the electronic module128calculates, in response to receiving the command signal(s) from the IO device120, a torsional oscillation dampening signal using an algorithm that is based at least in part on a mass-dependent value of the object. The processor140applies the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal to a set of motor control logic, which, when executed, dampens the torsional oscillation of the object104rotating in the horizontal plane. Importantly, as discussed throughout the application, the electronic module128(or motor control238) operates a motor in a way that causes the suspended object to rotate in a way that effectively counteracts the torsional oscillation. Accordingly, the electronic module128ofFIG.1is a self-contained module that directly controls the operation of the securement mechanism132in a manner that mitigates, if not effectively eliminates, torsional oscillations experienced by the object104as the object104rotates in the horizontal plane. As used throughout the disclosure, mitigation, or elimination, of torsional oscillation means torsional oscillation that would have otherwise been introduced by a non-modified control signal when executed. As used throughout this disclosure, the term “mass” or “mass of the object” means the mass of a load, the mass of a load and a securement mechanism, the mass of a load, a securement mechanism, and a rotational motor, or mass of a load, a securement mechanism, a rotational motor, and portions of the cable. The system100may be used in facilities where objects104transported throughout the facility, or outdoor area, are too heavy, too large, or oddly shaped for facility workers to manually transport. For example, the system100can be used in manufacturing facilities, assembly lines, warehouses, storage units, refineries, foundries, nuclear plants, coal and natural gas run power plants, construction sites, and any other facilities that receive and store large objects that require mechanical means for transporting the objects within the facility. Further, while the electronic module128ofFIG.1is shown in use with an overhead crane, the disclosed electronic module128can also be used with, for example, other types of cranes, such as a bridge crane, a circular crane, a crane used in a nuclear facility, a double-girder bridge crane, a single-girder bridge crane, a gantry crane, or a jib crane. Further, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to cranes used in facilities. For example, the system100can instead be used with a deck crane, a crawler crane, a floating crane, a gantry crane, a rough terrain crane, a truck-mounted crane, a bridge crane, polar crane, a bulk-handling crane, a hammerhead crane, a stacker crane, a telescopic crane, a portal crane, or a tower crane. The overhead crane106ofFIG.1includes a trolley108and a hoist motor124that raises and lowers the suspended object104. In general, the hoist motor124can be any motor that has sufficient power to raise and lower the suspended object104. For example, the hoist motor124can be an induction motor, a servo motor, a stepping motor, a torque motor, a switched reluctance motor, a brush-less DC motor, a DC motor, a synchronous motor, or an asynchronous motor. The illustrated object104handled by the overhead crane106is suspended from the hoist motor124of the trolley108by a rope116and the securement mechanism132. As used throughout the disclosure, the word “object” means an object suspended from the overhead crane, an object suspended from a rope, a load suspended from the overhead crane, a load suspended from a rope, an object or a load and a securement mechanism, an object or a load, a securement mechanism, and a rotational motor. The illustrated securement mechanism132houses a rotational motor135that is used to rotate the object104. There are no special requirements for the rotational motor that would not be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Any conventional motor known for use in these settings, such as, for example, an induction motor, a servo motor, a stepping motor, a torque motor, a switched reluctance motor, a brushless DC motor, a conventional DC motor, a synchronous, or an asynchronous motor, can be used. Benefits of the invention can be achieved without mounting the rotational motor135in the securement mechanism132. For example, the rotational motor135can be positioned at the top of the rope116, as part of or connected to the overhead crane108, as seen inFIG.2. A first portion of the rope116ais operably coupled to the hoist motor124of the trolley108and extends from the hoist motor124of the trolley108to the securement mechanism132. There are no special requirements for the composition of the rope116. While a fibrous rope is illustrated inFIGS.1and2, metal chains, composite cables, or wires can also be used, and the word “rope” is intended to cover all such arrangements known in the art. A second portion of the rope116bextends from the securement mechanism132to the object104that is being hoisted by the hoist motor124of the trolley108, enabling the rotational motor135to be used to rotate the suspended object104in the horizontal plane. Positioning the securement mechanism toward the bottom of the rope116can make connecting and disconnecting the object104easier. There are no special requirements for the composition of the securement mechanism132that would not be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, any conventional securement mechanism currently known for use in rotating loads or coupling loads to a hoist motor, can be incorporated into a system that benefits from the new development. As illustrated inFIG.1, the securement mechanism132includes a housing132a, a first attachment mechanism132b, and a second attachment mechanism132c. The illustrated housing132aof the securement mechanism132is elongate. The first attachment mechanism132benables the first portion of the rope116ato be operably coupled to the hoist motor124of the trolley108and the second attachment mechanism132cenables the second portion of the rope116bto be connected to the object104. As illustrated inFIG.1, the first attachment mechanism132bof the securement mechanism132is a hook that receives the bottom of the first portion of the rope116a. The first attachment mechanism can be either a releasable structure or a permanent structure. The second attachment mechanism132cof the securement mechanism132is a hook that receives either a portion of the object104or a rope, chain, or cable that is wrapped around the object104that is being moved. Other arrangements can be used. The electronic module128illustrated inFIG.1calculates the torsional oscillation dampening signal, adjusts the received control signal using the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal, and executes the adjusted control signals, which causes the rotational motor135to operate and turn the object104. So configured, the electronic module128also functions as a motor control. As used throughout the disclosure, the term “motor control” means contactors, switches, relays, drives, motor controllers, or any control mechanism that is capable of operating the motor. Further, as will be discussed in more detail later, the electronic module128is specially programmed and conventional electronic modules, such as those used to control pendulum motion, will not provide the benefits of the new development. FIG.2, on the other hand, illustrates a second embodiment of a system300for dampening torsional oscillation of a suspended object304, or of parts of the system300, that rotates in the horizontal plane. Similar to the system100ofFIG.1, the system300ofFIG.2includes the overhead crane306having a trolley308that is disposed on and travels along the track312, a securement mechanism332, and the suspended object304that is coupled to the securement mechanism332. It also includes the IO device320that receives an input from an operator and transmits a command signal to the electronic module328in response to that input. WhileFIG.2illustrates the system300as including the trolley308, the securement mechanism332may instead be coupled to an I-beam that is secured to a ceiling of a facility. As used throughout the disclosure, the term “transmit” or “transmits” means transmitting from a first physical component to a second physical component, from a first electronic component to a second electronic component, and from one portion of an electronic component to another portion of the same electronic component (e.g., from one portion of a processor to another portion of a processor). The system300illustrated inFIG.2includes many of the same or similar components as the system100illustrated inFIG.1. The system300, however, includes a modified configuration and integration of the securement mechanism332. Rather than being coupled to the hoist motors324disposed on or within the trolley308, the securement mechanism332is operably coupled to the trolley308and has a plurality of hoist motors324disposed on the securement mechanism332. In particular, the securement mechanism332includes a vertical portion332ethat is coupled to the trolley308and a horizontal portion332fthat is rotatably coupled to the vertical portion332e. Disposed within the vertical portion332eof the securement mechanism332is a rotational motor335that is operably coupled to a set of gears (not shown). The rotational motor335, along with the set of gears, rotate the horizontal portion332f, which ultimately rotates the object304. In other words, the rotational motor335rotates the horizontal portion332frelative to the vertical portion332e. However, in other examples, the rotational motor335and securement mechanism332can be configured such that the securement mechanism335(i.e., the vertical portion332eand the horizontal portion332f) rotates relative to the trolley308. The horizontal portion332fis elongate and the plurality of hoist motors324are disposed on either end of the horizontal portion332f. The plurality of hoist motors324are operably coupled to the object304. In particular, a first hoist motor324aof the plurality of hoist motors324is operably coupled to the object304via a first rope316cand a second hoist motor324bof the plurality of hoist motors324is operably coupled to the object304via a second rope316d. As shown inFIGS.3and4, the electronic module128,328includes a memory136and a processor140that is configured to store and retrieve information from the memory136. The memory136must be configured to store various parameters. In general, any conventional processor and memory can be adapted to the invention, but to provide the benefits of the invention one of the parameters must be configured to store and recognize a mass-dependent value for use in calculating the torsional oscillation dampening signal. For example, the parameters can include the weight of the object104,304itself, or the portions of the system that rotate in the horizontal plane, its period of oscillation when rotating in the horizontal plane, or the moment of inertia of the object itself or the portions of the system that rotate in the horizontal plane. The parameters may be manually input by a user through the IO device120,320or preprogrammed onto the memory136. In either situation (e.g., manual entry or preprogramming) the parameters may be modified by the user, for example, using the IO device120,320. Further, the memory136has a memory capacity large enough to include a dedicated portion of the memory capacity on which the various parameters are stored. As will be explained in further detail later, when the electronic module128,328receives a command signal from the IO device120,320, the processor140, in processing the command signal, accesses the particular parameter stored on the memory136necessary to calculate the torsional oscillation dampening signal. Which parameter the processor140retrieves from the memory136depends on the command signal received by the electronic module128,328. Having a dedicated portion of the memory capacity for the various parameters ensures the processor140may access and retrieve the necessary parameters to modify received command signals in a way that mitigates, or substantially eliminates, torsional oscillation experienced by the object104or the system100. The illustrated IO device120,320is a user interface through which an operator provides commands to the overhead crane106,306. The IO device120,320is communicatively coupled to the electronic module128,328and configured to transmit at least one command signal to the electronic module128,328. In particular, the IO device120,320is a pendant that is communicatively coupled to the electronic module128,328via a cable capable of transmitting signals. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the IO device120,320can be communicatively coupled to the electronic module128,328via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The illustrated IO device120,320has different buttons each of which corresponds to a unique command signal. For example, as will be discussed further, one button can be used to rotate the object in a first manner, a second button can be used to rotate the object in a second manner different from the first manner, and a third button can be used to rotate the object in a third manner that is different from both the first and second manners. In any event, the IO device120,320is configured to associate the first, second, and third buttons with unique command signals. Each unique command signal is transmitted from the IO device120,320to the electronic module128,328, which causes the electronic module128,328to rotate the object104,304in the first, second, or third manner depending on which button the operator pressed. With all this information stored on the memory136, as discussed above, using an IO device120,320that lacks a display (such as the pendant) may be inefficient, or frustrating, because the operator may unknowingly select the incorrect mass-dependent value repeatedly. It is therefore desirable to have an IO device120,320that verifies, or provides confirmation that, the correct mass-dependent value was selected without use of the display. For example, the IO device120,320can include an intelligent virtual assistant (“IVA”) or an intelligent personal assistant (“IPA”) capable of receiving voice commands and communicating with the operator. In such an example, the IO device120,320can include a plurality of microphones and a plurality of speakers. In particular, the IO device120,320may use the plurality of microphones to detect, listen, and record a voice command from the operator. Once the IO device120,320analyzes the voice command and executes the task associated with the particular voice command, the IVA, IPA, or other artificial intelligence (“AI”), can speak to the operator using the speakers and indicate which mass-dependent value was selected from the memory136or the remote database. The IO device120,320may still receive inputs from the operator as discussed above, but, in addition, the IVA, IPA, or other AI, may audibly notify the user which mass-dependent value was selected. In the disclosed system100,300there are no special requirements for the IO device120,320that would not be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Any conventional IO device120,320that is known for use in these settings can be incorporated into a system benefitting from the new development. While the IO device120,320has been described and illustrated inFIGS.1and2as being a pendant, the IO device120,320may be another device capable of receiving an input from the user and transmitting the received input in the form of the command signal to the electronic module128,328. For example, the IO device120,320can be a smart phone, a smart tablet, a phablet, a laptop, a desktop, cabin controls disposed within a cabin of an overhead crane, or a radio control. WhileFIGS.1and2illustrate the IO device120,320and the electronic module128,328as distinct components, it is possible to combine the IO device120,320and the electronic module128,328into a single structural element that combines the structure and functions of both. Again, such an arrangement is consistent with, and not a departure from, the teachings of this disclosure. FIGS.3and4are block diagrams of the electronic module128,328ofFIGS.1and2receiving positional commands (FIG.3) and speed commands (FIG.4), respectively. WhileFIGS.3and4illustrate the electronic module128,328ofFIGS.1and2in separate diagrams, the electronic module128,328ofFIGS.1and2is capable of receiving both positional commands and speed commands, which the electronic module128,328then interprets and uses to determine a torsional oscillation dampening signal. Importantly, in the embodiments ofFIGS.1-4, the position and speed commands are received by the electronic module128,328, which also calculates the torsional oscillation dampening signal and uses the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal to directly control the rotation of the object104,304via the rotational motor135,335. As discussed above, the mass-dependent value of the object104,304(or of the rotating parts of the system) can be a period of oscillation of the object104,304, a period of oscillation of the rotating parts of the system, a weight of the object104,304, a weight of the rotating parts of the system, a moment of inertia of the object104,304, or a moment of inertia of rotating parts of the system. Once the electronic module128,328determines the torsional oscillation dampening signal using the algorithm that is based at least in part on the mass-dependent value of the object104,304or the rotating parts of the system100,300, the electronic module128,328operates the overhead crane106,306using the torsional oscillation dampening signal. Advantageously, operating the overhead crane106,306using the torsional oscillation dampening signal substantially mitigates, or eliminates, any torsional oscillation experienced by the object104,304when the rotational motor135,335rotates the object104,304. In particular, the memory136may include a weight of the object104,304and a weight of the rotating parts of the system100,300. The weight of the object104,304may be measured prior to the object104,304being attached to the securement mechanism132,332and manually entered into the IO device120,320, which then transmits the weight to the electronic module128,328where it is stored on the memory136. The weight of the object104,304and/or the rotting parts of the system100,300can also be measured by a sensor144(or more than one sensor) and transmitted directly to the electronic module128,328from the sensor144. In other examples, the sensor144can transmit the measured weight to the IO device120,320, which transmits the measured weight to the electronic module128,328. The sensor144can also display the measured weight on a user interface which is read by the user and entered into the IO device120,320, which transmits the measured weight to the electronic module128,328. The weight of the object104,304and/or the weight of the rotating parts of the system can also be retrieved from a remote database (e.g., a server or the cloud). In such an example, the electronic module128,328can include a (wired or wireless) communication module that communicatively couples the electronic module128,328to the remote database. Once the electronic module128,328is communicatively coupled to the remote database, the user may select the particular object stored on the remote database by indicating to the electronic module128,328via the IO device120,320a unique designation stored in the remote database that corresponds to the object104,304or system100,300. Overhead cranes are sometime used to rotate the same (or substantially the same) objects repeatedly. It is also common for a crane to be used to rotate several different objects in the facility, each having a different weight or moment of inertia. It is therefore desirable that the user have a quick and efficient way to select, or otherwise indicate to the electronic module128,328, which object is suspended from the overhead crane108,308. Accordingly, the weights of several different objects or elements can be stored on the memory136, or the remote database, thereby allowing the user of the overhead crane106,306to efficiently switch between objects that need to be rotated. Each object may be given a unique identifier when stored in the memory136, or the remote database. The unique identifier may be specific to a naming convention used at the particular facility, but, in other examples, the unique identifier can be auto assigned by the electronic module128,328when the overhead crane106,306first picks up the object104,304. Additionally, the user may select the object104,304from the memory136, or remote database, using the IO device120,320. The memory136can also store a length of the rope116,316c,316d, or a function of that length, such as a suspended height of the object. In particular, the length of the rope116,316c,316d(or its function) may be measured by the user either prior to attaching the object104,304to the securement mechanism132,332or after the object104,304is suspended. In either case, the user may manually enter the measured length or function into the IO device120,320, which then transmits the measured length of the rope116,316c,316dor its function to the electronic module128,328and is subsequently stored on the memory136. The length of the rope116,316c,316dor its function may also be measured by a sensor144(or multiple sensors) and transmitted directed to the electronic module128,328from the sensor. In other examples, the sensor144can transmit the measured length to the IO device120,320, which transmits the measured length to the electronic module128,328. The sensor144may also display the measured length on the user interface which is read by the user and entered into the IO device120,320, which transmits the measured length to the electronic module128,328. The length of the rope116,316c,316dor its function can also be retrieved from the remote database. In such an example, the (wired or wireless) communication module communicatively couples the electronic module128,328to the remote database after which the user may select the particular length of rope116,316c,316dstored on the remote database by indicating to the electronic module128,328via the IO device120,320a unique designation stored in the remote database that corresponds to the length of the rope116,316c,316d. This rope length can be used in conjunction with the weight dependent value to improve the calculation of the torsional oscillation dampening signal. The memory136may also store a period of oscillation of the object104,304as it rotates in the system. For example, the memory136can store the time required for half an oscillation, or the time required for two oscillations, etc. The user may manually enter the period of oscillation into the IO device120,320, which then transmits the period of oscillation to the electronic module128,328and is subsequently stored on the memory136. The period of oscillation may also be measured by a sensor144(or multiple sensors) and transmitted directly to the electronic module128,328from the at least one sensor144. In other examples, the sensor144can transmit the period of oscillation to the IO device120,320, which transmits the period of oscillation to the electronic module128,328. The sensor144may also display the period of oscillation on the user interface which is read by the user and entered into the IO device120,320by the user, which transmits the period of oscillation to the electronic module128,328. The period of oscillation may also be retrieved from the remote database. In such an example, the (wired or wireless) communication module communicatively couples the electronic module128,328to the remote database after which the user may select the particular period of oscillation stored on the remote database by selecting via the IO device120,320a unique designation stored in the remote database that corresponds to the period of oscillation for the object104,304. The memory136may also store a moment of inertia of the object104,304or the rotating parts of the system. In particular, the moment of inertia may be measured, calculated, or otherwise determined by the user either prior to attaching the object104to the securement mechanism132,332or after the object104,304is suspended from the securement mechanism132,332. In either case, the user may manually enter the moment of inertia, or any function of the moment of inertia, into the IO device120,320, which then transmits the moment of inertia to the electronic module128,328and is subsequently stored on the memory136. The moment of inertia may also be measured by at a sensor144(or multiple sensors) and transmitted directly to the electronic module128,328from the sensor144. In other examples, the sensor144can transmit the moment of inertia to the IO device120,320, which transmits the moment of inertia to the electronic module128,328. The sensor144may also display the moment of inertia on the user interface which is read by the user and entered into the IO device120,320by the user, which then transmits the moment of inertia to the electronic module128,328. The moment of inertia may also be retrieved from the remote database. In such an example, the (wired or wireless) communication module communicatively couples the electronic module128,328to the remote database after which the user may select the particular moment of inertia stored on the remote database by selecting via the IO device120,320a unique designation stored in the remote database that corresponds to the moment of inertia for the object104,300or the system100,300. The IO device120,320can receive at least one input from the operator. The10device120,320is also capable of receiving and interpreting multifunctional inputs (e.g., multiple interactions with the same input) in addition to singular inputs (e.g., a single interaction with an input). The device can be programmed so that pressing the first button of the pendant in different ways transmits different command signals and causes different operations. For example, the device can be programmed so that pressing and holding the first button causes the IO device120,320to continuously transmit the first command signal to the electronic module128,328, in response to which the electronic module128,328causes the rotational motor135,335to rotate the object104,304in the horizontal plane for a duration substantially equal to the duration that the first button was pressed. Consecutively pressing the same button a predetermined number of times (e.g., two times, three times, four times, or one short press and one long press) transmits a second command signal to the electronic module128,328from the IO device120,320, in response to which the electronic module128,328causes the motor to rotate the object104,304in a different manner, such as rotating the object104,304to a predetermined angular position. The IO device120,320is also capable of receiving multifunction inputs from the user that cause the overhead crane106,306to rotate the object104,304at various angular velocities. In particular, consecutively pressing a second button a predetermined number of times (e.g., two times, three times, four times, or one short press and one long press) can transmit a third command signal to the electronic module128,328from the IO device120,320. The third command signal, when executed by the electronic module128,328, can cause the electronic module128,328to operate the rotational motor135,335in a manner that rotates the object104,304at a predetermined angular velocity. Additionally, the IO device120,320can receive multifunctional inputs from the user that cause the overhead crane106,306to rotate the object104,304by predetermined angular displacements. In particular, consecutively pressing a third button a predetermined number of times (e.g., two times, three times, four times, or one short press and one long press) can transmit a fourth command signal to the electronic module128,328from the IO device120,320. The fourth command signal, when executed by the electronic module128,328, can cause the electronic module128,328to operate the rotational motor135,335such that the object104,304is rotated by a predetermined angular displacement. Repetitively pressing the third button the predetermined number of times can “stack” the predetermined angular displacement. In other words, the object104,304can be rotated by the predetermined angular displacement (e.g., 15 degrees) multiplied by the amount of times the third button was pressed the predetermined number of times. Depending on the type of IO device120,320used in the system, the IO device120,320may not require the user to enter multifunctional inputs. The device could be programmed to enable the user to manually enter the exact desired angular position of the object104,304. Such IO devices120,320could also advantageously enable other variables and parameters of the object104,304and system100,300to be entered and used in dampening the torsional oscillation of the object104,304. Also, using an IO device120,320that includes a user interface allows the IO device120,320to display information about the rotation of the object104,304. For example, after the user interacts with the IO device120,320in any of the manners discussed above, the IO device120,320can display the final angular position of the object104,304and/or the total angular displacement of the object104,304based on the inputs received from the user. The IO device120,320may display the displacement and position information in real time, so that the user can precisely move the overhead crane106,306and the object104,304. This may mitigate, or entirely eliminate, the need for the user to rely on his or her memory in determining displacement and position. Once the necessary mass-dependent value is stored in the memory136of the electronic module128,328or accessible in the remote database, the processor140calculates (or otherwise determines) the torsional oscillation dampening signal using an algorithm that is based in part on that mass-dependent value. In response to a triggering event (e.g., receiving a command signal from the IO device120,320), the processor140can be arranged to reference the memory136for the particular mass-dependent value that is necessary to calculate a torsional oscillation dampening signal. To perform that calculation, additional information, such as the length of the rope, an algorithm of that length, or an estimated common value can be factored into the algorithm. The mass-dependent value need not be stored on the memory136. Instead, the processor140can be configured to receive the mass-dependent values from the IO device120,320when the IO device120,320transmits the command signal to the electronic module128,328. In particular, the user can manually enter the mass-dependent value into the IO device120,320, which then transmits the mass-dependent value to the electronic module128,328. The IO device120,320can then transmit the mass-dependent values to the electronic module128,328along with the command signal providing the position commands and/or the speed commands. Alternatively, or in addition to that, the IO device120,320can be arranged to provide the mass-dependent values to the electronic module128,328independent of the transmission of the command signal. In that case, the IO device120,320can transmit the mass-dependent value to the electronic module128,328when the user manually inputs the mass-dependent value into the IO device120,320. As discussed above, in response to receiving at an input, the IO device120,320can transmit the command signal to the electronic module128,328. As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, the command signal can be in the form of position commands or speed commands, respectively. In particular, the user can interact with the IO device120,320in a variety of ways and each input received by the IO device120,320corresponds to a different command signal, which is transmitted to the electronic module128,328and received by the processor140. The processor140interprets and analyzes each command signal transmitted to the electronic module128,328from the IO device120,320and determines how to use the information received in the command signal. For example, the command signal received by the electronic module128,328from the IO device120,320can include a position command as illustrated inFIG.3, which can include information indicative of a predetermined angular position or a predetermined angular displacement. Based on which particular positional information is included in a position command signal, the processor140calculates the torsional oscillation dampening signal using the algorithm that is based in part on the information provided in the position command signal as well as the mass-dependent value(s) particular to the suspended object or the rotating parts of the system. The position command signal that is received by the electronic module128,328could typically include an end result. In other words, the position command signal could provide the electronic module128,328with, for example, a final angular position or a final angular displacement. The processor140could then use the information provided in the position command signal as well as mass-dependent value particular to the object104,304being rotated to determine the torsional oscillation dampening signal. In turn, the processor140could then execute the drive logic using the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal to operate the rotational motor135,335so that the object104,304reaches the final angular position, or moves by the predetermined angular displacement, while substantially mitigating, or effectively eliminating, torsional oscillation experienced by the object104,304as the object rotates. The processor140can be arranged to undergo a substantially similar process when the electronic module128,328receives a command signal that includes a speed command rather than a position command. For example, the speed commands received by the electronic module128,328from the IO device120,320can include a speed command, as illustrated inFIG.4, which can include information indicative of a predetermined angular velocity or predetermined angular acceleration. Based on the particular speed information included in a speed command signal, the processor140can calculate the torsional oscillation dampening signal using the algorithm that is based at least in part on the information provided in the speed command signal as well as the mass-dependent value(s) particular to the object104,304suspended, or the system100,300. The speed command signal received by the electronic module128,328could again typically include an end result. In other words, the speed command signal could provide the electronic module128,328with, for example, a final angular velocity or a final angular acceleration. The processor140could then uses the information provided in the position command signal as well as mass-dependent value particular to the object104,304being rotated to determine the torsional oscillation dampening signal. In turn, the processor140could then executes the motor control using the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal to operate the rotating motor135,335so that the object104,304reaches the predetermined angular velocity, or the angular acceleration, while mitigating, or effectively eliminating, torsional oscillation experienced by the object104,304as the object is rotated. While the processor140has been discussed as calculating the torsional oscillation dampening signal in response to receiving the command signal from the IO device120,320, calculations may be made remotely and then transmitted back to the electronic module. For example, the electronic module can transmit the information necessary to calculate the torsional oscillation dampening signal to a remote database or the cloud. Once received, the remote database, or the cloud, calculates the torsional oscillation dampening signal and transmits the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal back to the electronic module128. FIGS.5and6show an example of converting the command signals into a torsional oscillation dampening signal using a method called input shaping. Input shaping is a technique used to control acceleration. The motor control (e.g., motor control238) reads the speed reference signal from the IO device120,320and provides the necessary combination of voltage and current to accelerate the motor up to the reference speed. In other settings, a motor is typically accelerated to a desired speed using a constant acceleration curve. The input shaping technique applies a varying acceleration profile rather than a constant one. This typically involved a stepwise approach to the acceleration. In particular, the controller accelerates the motor for a period, stops accelerating, pauses for a period, then continues to accelerate up to full speed. The quantity of acceleration ramps, the rate of the ramps, and the duration of each is dependent on the dynamics of the system. The particular type of input shaping illustrated here is commonly known as “bang-bang control”. This type of control method is one of many that can be used with the disclosed electronic module. Input shaping, filters, or other techniques known to those skilled in the art utilize the mass dependent value described herein to properly calculate the required torsional oscillation signals. This differs from the current methods of dampening the pendulum motion of a crane load in that those systems do not use a mass dependent value to calculate the proper dampening signals. An example of how the command signal can be converted into a torsional oscillation dampening signal can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,429, entitled “Method for Inching a Crane without Load Swing” which issued on Apr. 18, 2000 and the contents of which are incorporated by reference. FIGS.7-9illustrate a third example system200. The system200ofFIGS.7-9is similar to the system100ofFIG.1and the system300ofFIG.2, except the system200modifies command signals received from the IO device220using an algorithm based at least in part on a mass-dependent value of the suspended object204or the rotatable parts within the system (i.e., from rope216adown) to create a set of modified control commands that are sent to and executed by a motor control238. When the motor control238executes the modified control commands, the motor control238operates the rotational motor235in a manner that mitigates, or effectively eliminates, torsional oscillation experienced by the suspended object when rotated in the horizontal plane. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the system100will retain the same reference numbers, although the reference numbers will be increased by 100. Similar to the system100ofFIG.1and the system300ofFIG.2, the system200ofFIGS.7-9includes the overhead crane206that is disposed on and travels along the track212, the securement mechanism232that is suspended from the hoist motor224of the trolley208, and the suspended object204. It also includes the IO device220that receives an input from an operator and transmit a command signal to the electronic module228in response to that input. Here, however, the electronic module228is retrofitted to an existing motor control238. So configured, the electronic module228receives the command signal from the IO device220, modifies the received command signal to mitigate, or effectively eliminate, torsional oscillation experienced by the object204rotating, or of the parts of the system rotating, and transmits the modified command signal to the motor control238. Accordingly, the motor control238and the electronic module228are distinct components that are communicatively coupled to one another. The system200illustrated inFIGS.7-9includes many of the same or similar components as the system100illustrated inFIG.1and the system300illustrated inFIG.2. The system200, however, includes a modified configuration and integration of the electronic module228. In particular, rather than being directly coupled to the overhead crane208, the electronic module228is disposed remotely from the overhead crane208and interfaces with the motor control238, which ultimately controls the rotation of the object204. In this case, “remotely” is not limited to mean that the electronic module228is located in a different facility or an entirely different area of the facility housing the overhead crane208. Rather, “remotely” also encompasses being disposed proximate the overhead crane208but not directly coupled to the overhead crane208. That being said, in some examples, the electronic module228of the system200can be disposed on, or otherwise mechanically coupled to, the overhead crane208. The electronic module228of the system200ofFIGS.7-9is communicatively coupled to both the IO device220and the motor control238, which is ultimately communicatively coupled to the rotational motor235. So configured, the electronic module228receives information and command signals transmitted from the IO device220before the information reaches the overhead crane208. Additionally, the electronic module228includes a memory236, a processor240that stores information on and retrieves information from the memory236and is communicatively coupled to at least one sensor244. The motor control238can be a conventional motor control that is communicatively coupled to the rotational motor235and operates the rotational motor235based on the received modified command signals. In some settings, the motor control238could be incorporated into the rotational motor235itself. In the disclosed system, there are no special requirements for the motor control238that would not be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, any conventional motor control238that accepts command signals can be used. As used throughout the disclosure, the term “motor control” means contactors, switches, relays, drives, motor controllers, or any control mechanism that can operate the motor. Where the electronic module228of the system200differs from the electronic module128of the system100is in how the electronic module228of the system200is configured to substantially mitigate, or completely eliminate, torsional oscillation experienced by the object204during rotation. In particular, the IO device220receives at least one input from the operator, which the IO device220transmits to the electronic module228as a command signal. Each input received by the IO device220corresponds to a unique command signal that, when received by the electronic module228, begins a series of modifications to the received command signal. As illustrated inFIG.8, the IO device220transmits a position command signal that may include information indicative of a predetermined angular position or a predetermined angular displacement. Once the electronic module228receives the position command signal from the IO device220, the electronic module228then modifies the received position command signal. In particular, the electronic module228modifies the received position command signal in various ways depending on the information included in the received position command signal. If, for example, the position command signal received by the electronic module228includes information indicating a predetermined angular position to which the object204is to be rotated, then the electronic module228modifies the received position command signal such that when a modified control signal, sent by the electronic module228to the motor control238, is executed by the secondary electronic module238, the torsional oscillation traditionally experienced by the object204is mitigated, or effectively eliminated. In such an example, the processor240of the electronic module228, much like the processor140of the electronic module128, calculates the torsional oscillation dampening signal using an algorithm that is based in part on the information provided in the received position command signal as well as the mass-dependent value associated with the suspended object204. The received position command signal could typically include an end result. In other words, the position command signal could provide the electronic module228with the final angular position to which the object204is to be rotated. The processor240then uses the information provided in the received position command signal and the mass-dependent value particular to the object204being rotated (or to the rotatable parts of the system) to determine the torsional oscillation dampening signal using an algorithm based on that value. Once the processor240of the electronic module228calculates the torsional oscillation dampening signal, the processor240modifies the received command signal using the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal to create a set of modified control signals. The electronic module228then transmits the set of modified control signals to the motor control238, which controls the rotational motor235disposed within the securement mechanism232. The motor control238operates the rotational motor235using the modified control signals so that the object204rotates to the predetermined angular position initially sent from the IO device220while experiencing little or no oscillation after reaching the final angular position. The IO device220illustrated in nFIG.9transmits a speed command signal that can include information that indicates a predetermined angular velocity or a predetermined angular acceleration. Once the electronic module228receives the speed command signal from the IO device220, the electronic module228then modifies the received speed command signal in various ways depending on the information included in the received spend command signal. If, for example, the speed command signal received by the electronic module228includes information indicating a predetermined angular velocity at which that the object204is to be rotated, then the electronic module228modifies the received speed command signal such that when a modified control signal is executed by the motor control238, the torsional oscillation traditionally experienced by the object204is mitigated, or effectively eliminated, after reaching the final angular position. Much like the processor140of the electronic module128, the processor240of the electronic module228calculates the torsional oscillation dampening signal using an algorithm that is based in part on the information provided in the received speed command signal as well as the mass-dependent value associated with the suspended object204. The received speed command signal could typically include an end result. In other words, the speed command signal could provide the electronic module228with the final angular velocity, or final angular acceleration, at which the object204is to be rotated. The processor240then uses the information provided in the received speed command signal and the mass-dependent value particular to the object204being rotated (or to the rotatable parts of the system) to calculate the torsional oscillation dampening signal. Once the processor240of the electronic module228calculates the torsional oscillation dampening signal, the processor240then modifies the received speed command signal using the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal to create a set of modified control signals. The electronic module228then transmits the set of modified control signals to the motor control238, which controls the rotational motor235. The motor control238operates the rotational motor235using the modified control signals so that the object204rotates at the predetermined angular velocity, or predetermined angular acceleration, initially sent from the IO device220, such that the object204rotates at the final angular velocity, or final angular acceleration, while mitigating, or effectively eliminating, subsequent torsional oscillation of the object204after it is rotated. FIG.10illustrates a method400in which torsional oscillation of a suspended object that rotates in a horizontal plane is dampened in a system that includes a motor control. The method400includes providing (step404) a memory having a memory capacity where a portion of the memory capacity includes a mass-dependent value of the object and an algorithm that calculates a torsional oscillation dampening signal using the mass-dependent value, and a processor that is configured to store information on the memory and retrieve information from the memory. The method400includes receiving (step408), at the processor, a command signal from an input/output (IO) device. The mass-dependent value of the object is retrieved from the memory, via the processor, in response to receiving the command signal from the IO device (step412). The processor then calculates (step416) a torsional oscillation dampening signal as a function that is based at least in part on the stored mass-dependent value using the algorithm. Once the processor calculates the torsional oscillation dampening signal, the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal is transmitted (step420) to a motor control. The motor control is then operated (step324) based at least in part on the calculated torsional oscillation dampening signal which dampens the torsional oscillation experienced by an object rotating in the horizontal plane. While the systems and methods discussed throughout the disclosure include an overhead crane106,206,306, it is to be understood that, in some examples, an overhead crane is not necessary. Instead, the electronic module can be communicatively coupled to a securement mechanism that is not part of, or attached to, a crane. For example, a rope can be securely coupled to a support structure and releasably coupled to the securement mechanism. So configured, the electronic module can dampen torsional oscillation of an object suspended from the rope despite the rope not being operatively coupled to a hoist motor of an overhead crane. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described examples without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept. | 51,420 |
11858787 | DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. FIG.1illustrates a mountable crane assembly100on which may be installed a hydraulic system10according to the present invention. In the example provided, the mountable crane assembly100may be mounted in the bed of a truck (not shown). It should be understood, however, that the discussion directed to the hydraulic system10with respect to the mountable crane assembly100is for illustrative purposes only, and that the hydraulic system10may be applied to various machines incorporating hydraulics, including, but not limited to, dump trucks, tractors, etc. The crane assembly100comprises a slewing platform110, a boom120, and a winch130with winch cable132. The slewing platform110allows the boom120to rotate112about a first axis114, which may be a vertical axis relative to the ground; the boom120is configured to extend122, retract124, raise126, and lower128; and the winch cable132may be threaded through a gun tackle arrangement140and configured to be coupled to a payload (not shown) and raise and lower the payload relative to the crane assembly100by winding the winch cable132in134or letting the winch cable132out136. FIGS.2and3illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the hydraulic system10according to the present invention. The hydraulic system10preferably comprises a pump12; a plurality of directional valves (here shown as a first directional valve14, a second directional valve16, and a third directional valve18); a battery20; a command center24; and a relay28. Preferably, each of the directional valves14,16,18is an electronically controlled directional valve having a fluid input (hidden) received from the pump12, and fluid output (hidden) to direct hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders to control operation of an individual axis movement (e.g., boom extension, boom rotation, boom vertical movement, etc.). An example of a directional valve which can be used within the present invention is a 12-volt DC, four-port, three-position directional control valve produced by Argo Hytos. As stated earlier, while a three-cylinder (or 3-axis) system is described herein, it should be noted that the hydraulic system10according to the present invention may be implemented on systems involving more or less than three directional valves, with a valve provided for each axis operation. It is also contemplated that proportional valves (not shown) may be used in place of, in combination with, or in addition to the directional valves14,16,18. The command center24is preferably in electrical communication with the pump12; the first, second, and third directional valves14,16,18; the battery20; and the relay28. The command center24preferably receives commands from a handheld controller30(FIG.3), described below, and outputs the commands to the pump12and the first, second, and third directional valves14,16,18. The pump12is preferably in fluid communication with the directional valves14,16,18. Additionally or alternatively, other elements may be incorporated into the hydraulic system10and in electrical communication with the command center24. For example, a horn (not shown), pressure switches (not shown) and limit switches150to indicate the operational limits of the axes, and additional relays (not shown) for the activation of other elements such as a manual override (not shown). FIG.3illustrates a simplified schematic of the electrical elements of the hydraulic system10shown inFIG.2and further illustrates the handheld controller30. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention described herein, the handheld controller30preferably comprises a first axis switch32, a second axis switch34, and a third axis switch36; a trigger switch38(preferably capable of modulating a control signal); a transmitter40; and an emergency stop switch42. The handheld controller30is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with a receiver26preferably incorporated within the command center24. The communication may be provided via any now known or later developed wireless communication technology (e.g., BLUETOOTH® communication, radio frequency signals, wireless local area network communication, infrared communication, near field communications (NFC), etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, a cable50may be used to provide passage of electrical communication between the handheld controller30and the command center24. Preferably, the first, second, and third axis switches32,34,36are two-way momentary switches, with each assigned to one of the directional valves14,16,18. Each two-way momentary switch32,34,36has a first position which closes a first circuit, a second position which closes a second circuit, and a neutral position in which the first and second circuits remain open. The trigger switch38is preferably a variable-speed switch (i.e., the voltage across the switch is dependent upon the switch position). Additionally or alternatively, the trigger switch38may be a joystick, a hall-effect pushbutton or any other device known to a person having ordinary skill in the art and which is capable of performing the function as stated. The handheld controller30is configured to transmit operational commands to the command center24to operate the various axes. In operation, it is preferable that both an axis switch32,34,36and the trigger38be engaged in order for the chosen operation to commence; however, this is not necessary. According to the present invention, the command center24preferably receives an input (preferably an electrical signal) associated with the operation of an axis of a hydraulically controlled apparatus, and the command center24outputs a variable current to the hydraulic pump10based on the input received by the command center24. It is also contemplated that the voltage to the hydraulic pump10may be varied, alone or in combination with a variable current, to increase or decrease the amount of hydraulic pressure produced by the hydraulic pump10, within the acceptable operable characteristics of the hydraulic pump10; however, the exemplary embodiment providing a variable current will be described herein for simplification. The input received by the command center24preferably contains information directed to the axis to be operated and the amount of hydraulic pressure to be output from the hydraulic pump10. The hydraulic pressure from the pump10is preferably directly related to the current output from the command center24, which is dictated by the input received by the command center24. In other words, variation in the input received by the command center24alters the current output by the command center24and the hydraulic pressure produced by the pump10. Additionally, or alternatively, the hydraulic system10is configured to be customizable. For example, the ramp rate (i.e., the rate at which the command center24changes current output from a first selected current output to a second selected current output after receiving input from the trigger switch38), the minimum current output delivered to the pump12by the command center24, and the maximum current output delivered to the pump12by the command center24. The ramping feature decreases the impact to the hydraulic and battery systems typically associated with the activation of directional valves. When a battery is outputting the optimal power output and engages the pump at 100% of that output, the result is sudden “bang” within the hydraulic system. Ramping reduces this impact because not all of the optimal power output is provided instantaneously, instead the power is gradually increased or decreased over a predetermined time period. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the hydraulic system10is customizable as discussed herein through an application operable on an electronic device, such as a cellular phone, other personal electronic device, and/or a computer. The operational characteristics (e.g., minimum and maximum current output and ramp rate) may be viewed and modified through a graphic user interface provided on a display of the electronic device and communicated to the command center24via a wireless network or BLUETOOTH® communication, other wireless technology now known or later developed, and/or through a hard-wire connection. An exemplary method of operating the extension122of the boom120, according to the present invention is herein described. In this provided scenario, the first axis switch32is assigned to operate the first directional valve14, which is operatively connected to the boom120and configured to extend122and retract124the boom120depending on the flow of the hydraulic fluid (not shown) through the first directional valve14. The first axis switch32is preferably a two-way momentary switch as stated above and therefore is configured to close a first circuit when maintained in the first position and to close a second circuit when maintained in the second position. The closing of the first circuit opens a pathway (not shown) in the first directional valve14to allow hydraulic fluid to pass through in a first direction to extend122the boom120. The closing of the second circuit opens a pathway (not shown) in the first directional valve14to allow hydraulic fluid to pass through in a second direction to retract124the boom120. As provided above, the operation of any of the axes may be a two-part procedure requiring activation of at least one of the axis switches32,34,36and activation of the trigger switch38and an exemplary method of use follows, but it should be noted that the method may be performed through the operation of a single switch incorporating the features herein described. With that said, according to the exemplary embodiment shown herein, to extend the boom120the first axis switch32is retained in the first position, and with the first axis switch32retained in the first position, the trigger switch38is activated. The handheld controller30transmits to the command center24that the first axis switch32is in the first position and also transmits the position of the trigger switch38. The command center24opens a pathway in the first directional valve14to allow hydraulic fluid (not shown) to flow in the direction required to extend122the boom120. The command center24also outputs an amount of current to the hydraulic pump12in the proportion dictated by the position of the trigger switch38. The hydraulic system10is preferably configured to supply current in a range from about 0% to about 100% of the available current capacity from the battery20. Continuing in the method example, when the second axis switch34is activated to simultaneously operate another axis (for example to raise126the boom120) along with the extension122of the boom120activated by the first axis switch32, the hydraulic pressure provided by the pump12is preferably divided substantially equally among the two axis operations. If, at the time of the activation of the second axis, the trigger switch38is maintained in the pre-second-axis-activation position, the speed of the first axis operation (extending122the boom120) is halved because the command center24is outputting a predetermined amount of current to the pump10dependent upon the position of the trigger switch38. If the trigger switch38is not in a position in which the command center24is outputting 100% (or the preset maximum output) of the current capacity of the battery20to the pump12at the time of activating the second axis, the current to the pump12may be increased to increase the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic system10by moving the trigger switch38in the direction corresponding to providing more current to the pump12. For example, if the pre-second-axis-activation position of the trigger switch38is positioned to provide 50% of the potential output current to the pump12as directed by the command center24, after the activation of the second axis, the trigger switch38may be re-positioned to provide more than 50%, for example 100%, of the current output to the pump12as directed by the command center24. When 100% of the output current (i.e., double the original output current) is demanded, the hydraulic pressure is increased to each of the two operating axes. In this example, this means that the hydraulic pressure now provided to extend122the boom120(i.e., the speed of the extension operation122), is the same as it was prior to the activation of the second axis operation. Further, if the third axis switch36is also activated, the hydraulic pressure is preferably divided substantially equally among the three axis operations. The same hydraulic pressure distribution is preferably true for any additional activated axes. Moving now toFIG.4, an electrical schematic of a second embodiment210of a hydraulic system may be seen. This embodiment comprises nearly the same makeup as the first embodiment, such that like numberings indicate at least substantially similar operation. However, the second embodiment of the hydraulic system210comprises a handheld controller230comprising at least one, but preferably two joysticks238, a first joystick238aand a second joystick238b, and lacking independent axis selection switches. Both the joysticks238a,238bpreferably may be moved from a center, or home, position, to which they are biased absent external forces on them. Each joystick238a,238bis in electronic communication with the command center224, which may be wireless, but preferably via wired connections250/252, wherein each connection250/252corresponds to, reflects, or is indicative of movement of one of the joysticks238about one axis of movement. The controller230also preferably comprises an emergency stop, or kill, switch242, configured to cease or pause operation of the hydraulic system210. The emergency stop switch242is preferably in the form of a push button. Transmittal of the joystick position from the controller230to the command center224may be provided via any now known or later developed wireless communication technology (e.g., BLUETOOTH® communication, radio frequency signals, wireless local area network communication, infrared communication, near field communications (NFC), etc.). The movement of a first joystick238aabout a first rotational axis adjusts voltage transmitted to the command center224by a first wired connection250a. The movement of the first joystick238aabout a second rotational axis (preferably orthogonal to the first) adjusts voltage transmitted to the command center224by a second wired connection250b. The movement of a second joystick238babout a first rotational axis adjusts voltage transmitted to the command center224by a third wired connection252a. The movement of the second joystick238babout a second rotational axis (preferably orthogonal to the first) adjusts voltage transmitted to the command center224by a fourth wired connection252b. Movement of each joystick238about or along each rotational axis varies output voltage (provided on the wired connections250/252) within a predetermined range, such as about 0.5 volts and 5 volts, with about 2.75 volts being provided when the controller230is powered on and the joysticks238are at their respective home positions. Joystick position is preferably directly linearly related to voltage output as shown inFIG.5, and each joystick moves about or along two axes. For example, when the first joystick is positioned to its farthest possible left position, about 0.5 volts is transmitted to or sensed by the command center224on the first wired connection250a. When the joystick238ais at its farthest possible right position, about 5.0 volts is transmitted to or sensed by the command center224on the first wired connection250a. When a joystick is idle (i.e. at the center of the two-axis plane), the controller is transmitting 2.75 volts to the command center224, or the command center224senses same. The command center224receives or senses the voltage on the connections250/252and recognizes which joystick238has been moved, how much it has been moved, and along or about which axis of movement it was moved, based on the voltage provided on the respective wired connections250/252. Based on the communications from the controller230, the command center224then activates the corresponding directional valve(s)214/216/218in a predetermined direction and adjusts DC voltage to the DC pump212to control hydraulic pressure in the system. To reduce the chance of operation by accidental contact with a joystick238a,238b, the command center224preferably prevents activation of a corresponding directional valve214-218until the joystick travels a predetermined minimum distance from center, as reflected by, e.g., the voltage provided on the communication lines250/252. In other words, there is preferably a zone of inactivity about home position, represented by the shaded regions inFIG.5. This inactivity zone corresponds to a range of joystick positions providing an output voltage that varies from the home position voltage by about 0.18 to about 0.32 volts, and more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 volts. This means that when the command center224receives or senses voltage on a line250/252between approximately 2.95 volts and about 3.05 volts, at maximum inactivity range (and between about 2.45 volts and about 2.55 volts at minimum inactivity range), the command center will not activate the respective directional valve214-218(or other hydraulic device) associated with the respective joystick axis. Preferably, then, only once a joystick238has moved to a position along an axis that corresponds to an output voltage above or below that range, in any direction, will the command center224activate the necessary directional valve and vary the hydraulic pressure according to the transmitted or sensed voltage. Alternate embodiments of the present invention may allow the inactivity range to be programmable into the command center224, allowing for a wider or narrower inactivity range as the user sees fit. The voltage communicated to or sensed by the command center224has two functions. First, the command center224recognizes which axis connection is transmitting a measurement to determine which directional valve214-218to activate. Each directional valve214-218is a bi-directional, on/off valve. Once the joystick238a,238bmoves along an axis past the zone of inactivity, the command center224recognizes the axis of movement and activates the corresponding valve214-218. Second, voltage relates to a proportional (preferably directly or averaged) increase or decrease of the pressure output of the pump212, preferably increasing the pressure output the further the joystick is moved away from the home position. For example, when a joystick238a,238bis moved away from the home position (and preferably out of the inactivity zone), the command center224causes an increase in the hydraulic pressure output by the pump212. Alternatively, when the joystick is moved towards the home position, the command center224decreases the pressure output by the pump212. At idle, the joystick is not moving, thus the pressure is held at a minimum value but none of the valves214-218are activated. The hydraulic system210may also allow for diagonal joystick movements as well (i.e. the joystick moves along both axes at once). The command center224receives or senses the voltage from two connections associated with a single joystick (250a,bor252a,b) and may activate multiple (e.g., two) respective directional valves, and may average the two voltages or may provide preference to a particular axis. For instance, as stated above, the hydraulic system210preferably includes two joysticks238a,238b, each capable of movement along and between two axes. However, the system210generally preferably includes a single pump212. If both joysticks are moved outside of their inactivity zones, then more than one directional valve will be activated, and the pump pressure will be provided to and through all activated valves. Accordingly, the command center224may be sent or may sense a plurality of voltage levels, each on one of the communication lines250/252. Instead of adjusting the pump control voltage in direct response to a variation of voltage on only a single communication line, the command center224preferably includes either an averaging or preferential (ranked) operation, or a combination thereof, in the event of both joysticks moving outside of their inactivity zones (or a single joystick moving along two axes). In an averaging operation, the operating voltage for the DC pump may be a voltage level that is averaged (relative to the home voltage) from all active lines250/252. For instance, if a first joystick238aprovides a voltage of 2 volts on line250aand 3.5 volts on line250b, and the second joystick is within its inactivity zone, then a pump voltage, to be sent from the command center224to the pump212could be calculated as follows: PumpVoltage=PVmax*∑❘"\[LeftBracketingBar]"(JVhome-JVactive)❘"\[RightBracketingBar]"JVnum(JVmax-JVhome) Where PVmax=maximum DC voltage to operate DC pump, which may be programmable in the command center224. The sum (Σ) of absolute values of the difference of JVhome−JVactiveis then calculated for each joystick outside of its inactivity zone and multiplied by PVmax, whereJVhome=voltage while joystick in home position; andJVactive=voltage of joystick outside of inactivity zone. That product is then divided by a product of JVnumand the difference of JVmax−JVhome, whereJVnum=number of joysticks outside of their inactivity zone;JVmax=maximum voltage to be provided by or sensed from a joystick communication line250/252. Additionally or alternatively, a preferential or prioritized operation may be utilized. For example, the command center224may be programmed to recognize a sudden or urgent joystick position change to prioritize that direction/axis over others, utilizing the related and respective communication line250/252to substantially influence the control of the pump212. Another preferential or prioritized operation example may be to program the command center224to always prioritize a specific joystick238aor238band/or joystick connection250a,250b,252a, or252b, or some combination thereof, such that the command center224will utilize such prioritized communications in controlling the directional valves214-218and pump212. Alternate embodiments of the hydraulic system210may feature multiple pumps212, wherein the DC control voltage for each pump is controlled in response to output from an individual joystick238aor238b, or other trigger or potentiometer. Other embodiments may feature additional directional valves and corresponding trigger switches, leading to further fail-safes and/or additional pumps. Alternate embodiments may also feature trigger switch(es)238with only one axis of movement, such as a rotational potentiometer, a paddle switch, or a push button potentiometer. In all other aspects not mentioned, the second embodiment of the hydraulic system210comprises substantially the same parts and operates in substantially the same manner as the first embodiment of the hydraulic system10. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, because numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. | 23,975 |
11858788 | DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG.1shows a schematic plan view of an inventive telescoping jib1in section. The telescoping jib1extends with its longitudinal direction L from its foot end2to its head end3and consists substantially of an outermost basic box10in which a first inner box20, a second inner box30and a third inner box40are telescopically inserted one inside the other. With a horizontally oriented telescoping jib1, the plane of the section is approximately halfway up the telescoping jib1and extends centrally through its left and right side walls4,5. In a corresponding manner, the section also extends through bolting holes12,22,32which are typically arranged in the side walls4,5and are arranged in each case along the basic box10and the inner boxes20,30, in a retraction position A, a first extension position B, a second extension position C and a third extension position D. No bolting holes are provided in the innermost third inner box40, as the bolting of the innermost third inner box40takes place at the bolting holes32of the outwardly adjacent second inner box30. In principle, it is conceivable that further bolt holes are also arranged on the third inner box40to accommodate further inner boxes, not shown. The telescoping jib1is a component of a mobile crane45(FIG.5), which can be moved on public roads and typically consists of a lower carriage with rubber-tired wheels and a superstructure which can be pivoted thereon about a vertical axis. The telescoping jib1is then articulated to the superstructure and opposite a counterweight so that it can be luffed about a horizontal axis. This articulation is affected via the foot connection15on the basic box10illustrated inFIG.1. Typically, in order to change the length of the telescoping jib1, the inner boxes20,30,40are linearly retracted and extended individually and successively from the basic box10or the next outer inner box20,30by means of a telescoping device, not illustrated for reasons of clarity. The telescoping device consists substantially of a hydraulic telescoping cylinder which is arranged centrally in the telescoping jib1, is supported in the region of the foot connection15of the basic box10, extends in the longitudinal direction L and carries a so-called securing and locking unit, not illustrated, on its extendible part, in particular on its lower end of the cylinder tube. Via the securing and locking unit, on the one hand, the telescoping cylinder can be coupled via driving bolts for the retraction and extension of the respective inner box20,30,40with recesses arranged at this location in the region of the respective foot ends2and, on the other hand, the inner box20,30,40which is to be retracted or extended in each case can be unlocked by moving locking bolts21,31,41respectively from a locking position to an unlocking position in each case before the retraction or extension movement and can be locked after the retraction or extension movement by moving the respective locking bolt21,31,41from its unlocking position to its locking position. For reasons of clarity, the telescoping device, the telescoping cylinder, the securing and locking unit, the driving bolts and the recesses for the driving bolts are not shown inFIG.1. In connection with the retraction and extension of the respective inner boxes20,30,40, a first locking bolt21, a second locking bolt31and a third locking bolt41are shown inFIG.1and also inFIG.2, which shows an enlargement of a section ofFIG.1from the region of the foot end2of the telescoping jib1. In a telescoping jib in accordance with the prior art, the retraction position A and the extension positions B, C and D are to be associated in each case with specific and equal extension lengths of the inner boxes, e.g. with the values of 0%, 45%, 90% and 100% extension length. Since at the foot ends of the inner boxes the locking bolts protrude inwards, the next inner box cannot be inserted completely in each case. A corresponding situation is also present in the telescoping jib1in accordance with the invention (seeFIGS.1and2). Since each of the inner boxes according to the prior art has the same extension lengths, e.g. with the values of 0%, 45%, 90% and 100%, it follows that, as in the retraction position A, the bolting holes are also arranged in an offset manner with respect to each other in the respective extension positions B, C and D in the longitudinal direction of the telescoping jib when the telescoping jib is in the completely inserted state. In this way, however, the desired equal extension lengths are achieved, regardless of which of the inner boxes is extended. By way of example, the achievable extension lengths depending on the retraction position or extension positions of the inner boxes for a telescoping jib according to the prior art are listed below in a table: ExtensionFirst innerSecond innerThird innerlengthboxboxbox0%0 mm0 mm0 mm45%5000 mm5000 mm5000 mm90%10000 mm10000 mm10000 mm100%11425 mm11305 mm11245 mm Typically, the 100% extension lengths already deviate from each other even in the prior art because they are determined in such a way that the individual inner boxes have sufficient clamping length from a static point of view. However, care is not taken to ensure that the bolting holes lie one above the other, but instead that the inner boxes are utilised as effectively as possible. In contrast, the telescoping jib1in accordance with the present invention provides that, when the telescoping jib1is in the completely inserted state, the respective bolting holes12,22,32(seeFIGS.3and4) are aligned with each other in the region of the first extension position B, the second extension position C and the third extension position D with respect to the longitudinal direction L of the telescoping jib1and the respective height in the side wall4,5of the respective basic box10or inner box20,30,40. The bolting holes12,22,32are described only by way of example at the first extension position B and, of course, can also be found at all other extension positions C, D and the retraction position A. Since the, in particular round, bolting holes12,22,32each have the same opening, in particular the same diameter, an inner space6of the telescoping jib1or of the third inner box40is accessible from outside the telescoping jib1. In any case, the bolting holes12,22,32overlap at least to the extent that a pin-like tool having a diameter in the range of 5 to 20 mm can pass through them from the outside. The inventive aligned arrangement of the bolting holes12,22,32results in different extension lengths for each of the inner boxes20,30,40in relation to the extension positions B, C, D. In other words, extension lengths of the inner boxes20,30,40have been selected so that the bolting holes12,22,32of the extension positions B, C, D are aligned with each other. These extension lengths are listed below in a table. Here the extension lengths have continued to be described as 0%, 45%, 90% and 100% as previously for better comparability with the table above, although they now hover around these percentage values. ExtensionFirst innerSecond innerThird innerlengthboxboxbox0%0 mm0 mm0 mm45%5275 mm5000 mm4725 mm90%10275 mm10000 mm9725 mm100%11580 mm11305 mm11030 mm Furthermore, it can be seen inFIGS.1and2that the first locking bolt21is arranged internally at the foot end2of the first inner box20, the second locking bolt31is arranged internally at the foot end2of the second inner box30and the third locking bolt41is arranged internally at the foot end2of the third inner box40. The basic box10and the inner boxes20,30,40are designed as tubular bodies with a substantially rectangular cross-section and the locking bolts21,31,41are each arranged laterally—in relation to the top side or bottom side of the basic box10or inner box20,30,40—and internally on one of the two side walls4,5of the basic box10or inner box20,30,40. Also, the locking bolts21,31,41are each movable transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the telescoping jib1and horizontally—in relation to a telescoping jib1oriented horizontally in the longitudinal direction L—from an unlocking position to a locking position by the securing and locking unit not shown. In the locking position, the respective locking bolts21,31,41connect the inner box20,30,40, on which they are arranged, to the next outer inner box20,30and basic box10respectively, in that they are moved into corresponding bolting holes12,22,32. A retraction and extension movement in the longitudinal direction L of the respective basic or inner boxes10,20,30,40is thus blocked by the respective locking bolt21,31,41in the locking position. In the unlocking position, the locking bolts21,31,41release the bolting hole12,22,32of the next outer inner box20,30or basic box10. FIG.3shows an enlargement of a section ofFIG.1from the region of the first extension position B and the associated bolting holes12,22,32in the left side wall4. As described above, the arrangement of the bolting holes12,22,32in the basic box10or the inner boxes20,30,40has been selected in such a way that, in the case of a telescoping jib1with inner boxes20,30,40inserted in retraction position A, all of the bolting holes12,22,32are aligned with each other with their central axes or, as seen from the inside, lie one above the other. FIG.4shows a view according toFIG.3, in which the innermost third inner box40is extended to the first extension position B. In a corresponding manner, the third locking bolt41associated with the third inner box40is then located in the third bolting hole32of the adjacent second inner box30in the locking state and protrudes with its front or outer end into the third bolting hole32.FIG.4also clearly shows that the third locking bolt41, in particular its front end43, is easily accessible from outside the telescoping jib1through the first and second bolting holes12,22and can thus also be easily unlocked in an emergency, if necessary. For this purpose, the third locking bolt41can then have a corresponding emergency-unlocking opening or device. How exactly the locking bolts are then manually unlocked is not the subject matter of the invention; the present invention relates only to the accessibility of the front end43of the locking bolts from the outside. The locking bolts21,31,41have an internal blocking mechanism, not illustrated, which holds the locking bolts21,31,41in the locking position—also referred to as the bolting position. This blocking mechanism can be unlocked by hand from the outside by pressing on an unlocking element44which is arranged in the front end43of the third locking bolt41and can be designed as a screw, such as a threaded screw. For this purpose, the unlocking element44is pressed inwards by hand. Then the third locking bolt41can be pushed inwards by hand to the unlocking position—also referred to as the unbolting position. The same applies to the other locking bolts21,31. The above description also applies to the bolting holes in the second extension position C and the third extension position D and associated locking bolts which are not designated by reference numerals. The above exemplified embodiment is related to a telescoping jib1having one basic box10and three inner boxes20,30and40. It is obvious to also design a telescoping jib1having more than 3 inner boxes20,30and40. Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. | 11,719 |
11858789 | DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings. First, a schematic configuration of a vehicle with an aerial work platform1will be described with reference toFIG.2. Note that the following description will be given by defining the arrow directions illustrated inFIG.2as front, back, upper, and lower sides for convenience of explanation. The vehicle with an aerial work platform1is configured to have a traveling carriage2that can travel, a work platform3that allows an operator to board thereon, and a lifting and lowering apparatus100that projects upward from a back portion of the traveling carriage2to lift and lower the work platform3as illustrated inFIG.2. The traveling carriage2is configured to have a carriage main body21, traveling wheels22provided on the front, back, left and right sides of the carriage main body21, and an electric powered traveling motor (not illustrated) that drives the traveling wheels22to cause the carriage main body21to travel. The work platform3is provided at a fifth mast member150of the lifting and lowering apparatus100so as to project forward. The work platform3is located above the traveling carriage2and is configured to be able to extend and contract in the front-back direction (see the two-dotted dashed line inFIG.2). The work platform3is provided with an operation device31with which the boarding operator performs operations. The lifting and lowering apparatus100of the vehicle with an aerial work platform1will be described with reference toFIGS.3to7. The lifting and lowering apparatus100is configured to have first to fifth mast members110to150, extending and contracting means160(seeFIGS.4and6), and load detection means180(seeFIG.4) as illustrated inFIGS.3to6. The first mast member110is formed into a tubular shape with a substantially rectangular sectional view and is provided so as to stand at a back portion of the traveling carriage2. The second mast member120is formed into a tubular shape with a substantially rectangular sectional view and is disposed outside the first mast member110so as to be able to relatively move in the up-down direction. The third mast member130is formed into a tubular shape with a substantially rectangular sectional view and is disposed outside the second mast member120so as to be able to relatively move in the up-down direction. The fourth mast member140is formed into a tubular shape with a substantially rectangular sectional view and is disposed outside the third mast member130so as to be able to relatively move in the up-down direction. The fifth mast member150is formed into a tubular shape with a substantially rectangular sectional view and is disposed outside the fourth mast member140so as to be able to move in the up-down direction. The fifth mast member150is provided with the work platform3(seeFIG.3). As illustrated inFIG.6, the first to fifth mast members110to150are assembled in a telescopic form so as to be able to relatively move in the up-down direction and are configured to be able to extend and contract in the up-down direction. The extending and contracting means160is configured to have first to third cylinders161to163, a sprocket147, a sheave148, a chain171, and a wire175as illustrated inFIG.6. The first cylinder161is a hydraulic cylinder and causes the second mast member120to relatively move in the up-down direction with respect to the first mast member110. The distal end portion of a rod of the first cylinder161is connected to a first cylinder coupling portion111(seeFIGS.4and5B) provided inside a lower end portion of the first mast member110. The proximal end portion of a tube of the first cylinder161is connected to a second cylinder coupling portion121(seeFIG.5A) provided inside an upper end portion of the second mast member120. The second cylinder162is a hydraulic cylinder and causes the third mast member130to relatively move in the up-down direction with respect to the second mast member120. A distal end portion of a rod of the second cylinder162is connected to the distal end portion of the tube of the first cylinder161via the first cylinder coupling member165(seeFIG.4as well). The proximal end portion of the tube of the second cylinder162is connected to a third cylinder coupling portion131(seeFIG.5A) provided inside an upper end portion of the third mast member130. The third cylinder163is a hydraulic cylinder and causes the fourth mast member140to relatively move in the up-down direction with respect to the third mast member130. The distal end portion of a rod of the third cylinder163is connected to the distal end portion of the tube of the second cylinder162via the second cylinder coupling member166. The proximal end portion of a tube of the third cylinder163is connected to a fourth cylinder coupling portion141(seeFIG.5A) provided inside an upper end portion of the fourth mast member140. The sprocket147is rotatably attached to a front upper end portion of the fourth mast member140(seeFIG.7as well). The chain171is put around the sprocket147, one end side of the chain171extends downward and is connected to the upper portion of the third mast member130, and the other end side of the chain171extends downward and is connected to the lower portion of the fifth mast member150(through a clearance between the fourth mast member140and the fifth mast member150). In this manner, if the fourth mast member140relatively moves upward with respect to the third mast member130, then the fifth mast member150is pulled upward via the sprocket147and the chain171and relatively moves upward with respect to the fourth mast member140. Note that two sets of sprockets147and chains171are provided in an aligned manner on the left and right sides. A sheave148is rotatably attached to a front lower end portion of the fourth mast member140(seeFIG.7as well). The wire175is put around the sheave148, one end side of the wire175extends upward and is connected to the upper portion of the third mast member130(through a clearance between the third mast member130and the fourth mast member140), and the other end side of the wire175extends upward and is connected to the lower portion of the fifth mast member150. In this manner, if the fourth mast member140relatively moves downward with respect to the third mast member130, then the fifth mast member150is pulled downward via the sheave148and the wire175and relatively moves downward with respect to the fourth mast member140. The wire175with both ends secured to the third mast member130and the fifth mast member150is also adapted to prevent the fourth mast member140from dropping. Next, the load detection means180of the lifting and lowering apparatus100will be described with additional reference toFIG.8. The load detection means180is configured to have a bracket member181, a spring member for a chain183, a limit switch185, and a switch abutting member187as illustrated inFIG.8. The bracket member181is formed into an L-shaped plate shape and is connected to the other end portion of the chain171using a coupling member such as a nut (not illustrated). The spring member for a chain183is configured using a compression coil spring and is attached to a lower surface side of a spring receiving portion151provided at an inner lower portion of the fifth mast member150(on the front side) in a secured manner. The spring receiving portion151is formed into a plate shape having a chain insertion hole (not illustrated). The other end side of the chain171is inserted into the chain insertion hole so as to be able to relatively move in the up-down direction such that the other end portion of the chain171is located below the spring receiving portion151. The bracket member181is connected to the other end portion of the chain171in a state in which the other end portion of the chain171is located below the spring receiving portion151, such that the spring member for a chain183is sandwiched between the bracket member181and the spring receiving portion151. In this manner, the bracket member181is disposed at the inner lower portion of the fifth mast member150along with the other end portion of the chain171, and the fifth mast member150is configured to be able to relatively move in the up-down direction with respect to the bracket member181. The spring member for a chain183applies a bias force upward such that the fifth mast member150is kept at a predetermined non-mounted position with respect to the bracket member181. In the embodiment, the non-mounted position is a relative position of the fifth mast member150(with respect to the bracket member181) in a state in which nothing has been loaded on the work platform3. The limit switch185is a rod-type limit switch and is attached to a side portion of the bracket member181. A rod portion186of the limit switch185is formed into a bar shape with a roller provided at the distal end and extends downward to face the switch abutting member187. In this manner, the limit switch185is turned into an ON state when the switch abutting member187abuts on the rod portion186and the rod portion186is pressed by the switch abutting member187. The switch abutting member187is formed into a bolt shape and is attached to an abutting member attachment portion152, which is provided at the inner lower portion of the fifth mast member150(on the front side) in a secured manner, so as to project upward therefrom. The switch abutting member187is screwed and attached to the abutting member attachment portion152, and it is possible to adjust the amount of projection of the switch abutting member187with respect to the abutting member attachment portion152by screw-rotating the switch abutting member187. In a case in which the mounted load on the work platform3falls within a rated load, the amount of projection of the switch abutting member187is adjusted such that the switch abutting member187abuts on the rod portion186of the limit switch185and the limit switch185is in an ON state. Note that two sets of bracket members181, spring member for a chain183, limit switches185, and switch abutting members187are provided in accordance with the sprockets147and the chains171. Also, the other end portion of the wire175is secured to the inner lower portion of the fifth mast member150(on the front side) provided with the load detection means180, using a wire securing member176. The wire securing member176is provided with a spring member for a wire177for alleviating an impact force applied to the wire175. Roller members159that are rotatable while abutting on the outside of the fourth mast member140are attached to the vicinities of the left and right sides of the load detection means180at the lower portion of the fifth mast member150(on the front side). Next, sliders provided in the clearances of the first to fifth mast members110to150will be described with additional reference toFIG.1. As illustrated inFIGS.4,5A, and5B, an upper first slider115and a lower first slider126that allow the first mast member110and the second mast member120to relatively move are disposed at each of four corners of the clearance between the first mast member110and the second mast member120. The upper first slider115and the lower first slider126are formed into L-shaped plate shapes using a resin material. The upper first slider115is secured to an outer corner of the upper portion of the first mast member110such that an inner corner of the second mast member120is brought into slidable contact therewith. The lower first slider126is disposed below the upper first slider115in the clearance between the first mast member110and the second mast member120. The lower first slider126is secured to an inner corner of the lower portion of the second mast member120such that an outer corner of the first mast member110is brought into slidable contact therewith. An upper second slider125and a lower second slider136that allow the second mast member120and the third mast member130to relatively move are disposed at each of four corners of the clearance between the second mast member120and the third mast member130. The upper second slider125and the lower second slider136are formed into L-shaped plate shapes using a resin material. The upper second slider125is secured to an outer corner of the upper portion of the second mast member120such that an inner corner of the third mast member130is brought into slidable contact therewith. The lower second slider136is disposed below the upper second slider125in the clearance between the second mast member120and the third mast member130. The lower second slider136is secured to an inner corner of the lower portion of the third mast member130such that an outer corner of the second mast member120is brought into slidable contact therewith. An upper third slider135and a lower third slider146that allow the third mast member130and the fourth mast member140to relatively move are disposed at each of four corners of the clearance between the third mast member130and the fourth mast member140. The upper third slider135and the lower third slider146are formed into L-shaped plate shapes using a resin material. The upper third slider135is secured to an outer corner of the upper portion of the third mast member130such that an inner corner of the fourth mast member140is brought into slidable contact therewith. The lower third slider146is disposed below the upper third slider135in the clearance between the third mast member130and the fourth mast member140. The lower third slider146is secured to an inner corner of the lower portion of the fourth mast member140(seeFIG.7as well) such that an outer corner of the third mast member130is brought into slidable contact therewith. A back upper-side fourth slider155and a back lower-side fourth slider156that allow the fourth mast member140and the fifth mast member150to relatively move are disposed at each of back corners of the clearance between the fourth mast member140and the fifth mast member150. The back upper-side fourth slider155and the back lower-side fourth slider156are formed into L-shaped plate shapes using a resin material. A front upper-side fourth slider157and a front lower-side fourth slider158that allow the fourth mast member140and the fifth mast member150to relatively move are disposed at each of front corners of the clearance between the fourth mast member140and the fifth mast member150. The front upper-side fourth slider157and the front lower-side fourth slider158are formed into L-shaped plate shapes using a resin material. As illustrated inFIG.1as well, the back upper-side fourth slider155is secured to an inner corner of an intermediate portion of the fifth mast member150(on the back side) such that an outer corner of the fourth mast member140(on the back side) is brought into slidable contact therewith. The back lower-side fourth slider156is disposed below the back upper-side fourth slider155at each of back corners of the clearance between the fourth mast member140and the fifth mast member150. The back lower-side fourth slider156is secured to an inner corner of the lower portion of the fifth mast member150(on the back side) such that an outer corner of the fourth mast member140(on the back side) is brought into slidable contact therewith. The front upper-side fourth slider157is secured to an inner corner of an intermediate portion of the fifth mast member150(on the front side) such that an outer corner of the fourth mast member140(on the front side) is brought into slidable contact therewith. The front lower-side fourth slider158is disposed below the front upper-side fourth slider157at each of front corners of the clearance between the fourth mast member140and the fifth mast member150. The front lower-side fourth slider158is secured to an inner corner of a lower side (in the vicinity of the upper side of the load detection means180) of the intermediate portion of the fifth mast member150(on the front side) such that an outer corner of the fourth mast member140(on the front side) is brought into slidable contact therewith. In the vehicle with an aerial work platform1configured as described above, the first to third cylinders161to163are operated to extend in order to extend the first to fifth mast members110to150of the lifting and lowering apparatus100and lift the work platform3(from a lower position). At this time, the second mast member120relatively moves upward with respect to the first mast member110by the first cylinder161being operated to extend. The third mast member130relatively moves upward with respect to the second mast member120by the second cylinder162being operated to extend. The fourth mast member140relatively moves upward with respect to the third mast member130by the third cylinder163being operated to extend. If the fourth mast member140relatively moves upward with respect to the third mast member130, then the fifth mast member150is pulled upward via the sprocket147and the chain171and relatively moves upward with respect to the fourth mast member140. In order to cause the first to fifth mast members110to150to contract and thereby to lower the work platform3(from an upper position), the first to third cylinders161and163are operated to contract. At this time, the second mast member120relatively moves downward with respect to the first mast member110by the first cylinder161being operated to contract. The third mast member130relatively moves downward with respect to the second mast member120by the second cylinder162being operated to contract. The fourth mast member140relatively moves downward with respect to the third mast member130by the third cylinder163being operated to contract. If the fourth mast member140relatively moves downward with respect to the third mast member130, then the fifth mast member150is pulled downward via the sheave148and the wire175and relatively moves downward with respect to the fourth mast member140. If an operator boards on the work platform3or a loaded article is mounted thereon when the work platform3is lifted or lowered using the lifting and lowering apparatus100, the mounted load on the work platform3acts on the fifth mast member150in addition to the weight of the work platform3its own. In response to the load, the fifth mast member150acts against the bias force from the spring member for a chain183and relatively moves downward with respect to the bracket member181connected to the other end portion of the chain171. At this time, the switch abutting member187attached to the fifth mast member150(abutting member attachment portion152) attempts to relatively move downward with respect to the limit switch185attached to the bracket member181and separate therefrom. However, in a case in which the mounted load on the work platform3falls within the rated load, the switch abutting member187abuts on the rod portion186of the limit switch185, and the limit switch185is turned into an ON state. If the mounted load on the work platform3exceeds the rated load, then the switch abutting member187separates the rod portion186of the limit switch185beyond the reference position below the non-mounted position, and the limit switch185is turned into an OFF state. In this manner, the load detection means180according to the embodiment can detect whether or not the mounted load on the work platform3falls within the rated load. In the embodiment, the reference position is a relative position of the fifth mast member150(with respect to the bracket member181) when the mounted load on the work platform3is the rated load. According to the embodiment, the back upper-side fourth slider155, the back lower-side fourth slider156, the front upper-side fourth slider157, and the front lower-side fourth slider158disposed between the fifth mast member150and the fourth mast member140are secured to the fifth mast member150, the positional relationships of these sliders are thus constant even if the fifth mast member150and the fourth mast member140relatively move when the first to fifth mast members110to150extend or contract. In this manner, a moment of a force acting on the back upper-side fourth slider155, the back lower-side fourth slider156, the front upper-side fourth slider157, and the front lower-side fourth slider158does not change even if the fifth mast member150and the fourth mast member140relatively move, a sliding resistance between the fifth mast member150and the fourth mast member140is thus substantially constant. Therefore, it is possible to enhance accuracy of detection of the load on the work platform3using the load detection means180configured to detect the load applied to the fifth mast member150and detect whether or not the mounted load on the work platform3falls within the rated load. Also, the load detection means180is configured to have the bracket member181that is able to relatively move in the up-down direction with respect to the fifth mast member150, the spring member for a chain183that applies a bias force against the load acting on the bracket member181from the fifth mast member150and keeps the up-down relative position of the fifth mast member150at a predetermined position with respect to the bracket member181, and the limit switch185that detects the up-down relative position of the fifth mast member150with respect to the bracket member181that changes in accordance with the load applied to the fifth mast member150. Since the load detection means180has a simple configuration as described above, it is possible to enhance precision of detection of the load on the work platform3using the load detection means180and also to reduce manufacturing costs of the vehicle with an aerial work platform1. Note that the extending and contracting means160has the rotatable sheave148that is provided at the lower portion of the fourth mast member140and the wire175that is put around the sheave148, is connected to the upper portion of the third mast member130on one end side, and is connected to the lower portion of the fifth mast member150on the other end side. In this manner, if the fourth mast member140relatively moves upward with respect to the third mast member130, then the fifth mast member150is pulled upward via the sprocket147and the chain171and relatively moves upward with respect to the fourth mast member140. If the fourth mast member140relatively moves downward with respect to the third mast member130, then the fifth mast member150is pulled downward via the sheave148and the wire175and relatively moves downward with respect to the fourth mast member140. Therefore, it is possible to reliably cause the fifth mast member150to relatively move in the up-down direction with respect to the fourth mast member140. The up-down relative position of the fifth mast member150with respect to the bracket member181when the mounted load on the work platform3is the rated load is defined as the reference position, and the limit switch185detects that the fifth mast member150has moved beyond the reference position and thus detect that the mounted load has exceeded the rated load. In this manner, it is possible to detect whether or not the mounted load on the work platform3falls within the rated load. Also, the roller members159that are rotatable while abutting on the fourth mast member140are provided in the vicinity of the load detection means180at the lower portion of the fifth mast member150. In this manner, even in a case in which the load detection means180is provided at the lower portion of the fifth mast member150and it is difficult to dispose the sliders at the disposition position of the load detection means180between the fifth mast member150and the fourth mast member140, the roller members159provided at the fifth mast member150can guide relative movement of the fifth mast member150and the fourth mast member140. Even with such a configuration, a sliding resistance between the fifth mast member150and the fourth mast member140becomes substantially constant, and it is possible to enhance accuracy of detection of the load on the work platform3using the load detection means180. Although the configuration in which the traveling carriage2is provided with the traveling wheels22has been exemplified as the vehicle with an aerial work platform1in the aforementioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which the traveling carriage is provided with a crawler may be employed. Although the first to third cylinders161to163are configured to directly extend and contract the first to fourth mast members110to140in the aforementioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of mast members that are provided so as to be caused to extend or contract directly by the cylinders may be, for example, three or five, and any number is applicable as long as a plurality of mast members are provided. Although the limit switch185of the load detection means180is configured to be able to detect whether or not the mounted load on the work platform3falls within the rated load in the aforementioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which a stroke sensor capable of detecting the amount of relative movement of the fifth mast member150(from the non-mounted position) is able to successively detect the mounted load on the work platform3may be employed. Although the switch abutting member187is provided below the limit switch185at the fifth mast member150, and the limit switch185is configured to be turned into an OFF state by the switch abutting member187separating from the rod portion186of the limit switch185if the mounted load on the work platform3exceeds the rated load in the aforementioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which the switch abutting member is provided above the limit switch at the fifth mast member150and the limit switch is turned into an ON state by the switch abutting member reaching the reference position below the non-mounted position and then abutting the rod portion of the limit switch if the mounted load on the work platform3exceeds the rated load may be employed. Note that in a case in which the mounted load on the work platform3falls within the rated load in this configuration, the switch abutting member separates upward from the rod portion of the limit switch, and the limit switch is turned into an OFF state. In this configuration, it is also possible to successively detect the mounted load on the work platform3using a stroke sensor capable of detecting the amount of relative movement of the fifth mast member150(from the non-mounted position) instead of the limit switch. EXPLANATION OF NUMERALS AND CHARACTERS 1Vehicle with aerial work platform2Traveling carriage3Work platform100Lifting and lowering apparatus110First mast member120Second mast member130Third mast member140Fourth mast member147Sprocket150Fifth mast member155Back upper-side fourth slider156Back lower-side fourth slider157Front upper-side fourth slider158Front lower-side fourth slider159Roller member160Extending and contracting means161First cylinder162Second cylinder163Third cylinder171Chain180Load detection means181Bracket member183Spring member for a chain185Limit switch | 27,320 |
11858790 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference now to the drawings, and in particular toFIGS.1through6thereof, a new structure deconstruction device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral10will be described. As best illustrated inFIGS.1through6, the pry bar assembly10generally comprises a plate12that is elongated and has a first end14, a second end16, a first lateral edge18, a second lateral edge20, an upper surface22and a lower surface24. It should be understood that the terms such “upper” and “lower” are being utilized to facilitate clarity when describing the assembly10but as the assembly10may be used in any direction or orientation these terms should not be considered either definitive or static. The plate12extends laterally generally between 10.0 inches and 24.0 inches, though the plate12is longer along its surface due to bends positioned therein. Also, while this would be a typical length, a length greater than thus, such as up 36.0 inches may be feasible. The plate12includes a claw section26, a chisel section28and a middle section30positioned between the claw26and chisel28sections. As can be seen in the Figures, the middle section30may comprise the narrowest portion of the plate12wherein the first18and second20lateral edges diverge from each other as they extend from the middle section30to either of the first14or second16ends. The first end14has a width typically between 3.5 inches and 5.0 inches and the second end16typically has a width between 2.0 inches and 3.0 inches though other sizes may be useful depending upon usage. The middle section30may have a width between 1.0 inch and 2.0 inches from the first lateral edge18to the second lateral edge20. The claw section (or second section)26includes the first end14and the chisel section (or third section)28includes the section end16. Moreover, as may typically be found on a pry bar, the claw section26may include a rounded heel32. The middle section (or first section)30may be substantially straight from the chisel section28to the claw section26such that the first18and second20lateral edges of the middle section30lie in a shared horizontal plane. The claw section26includes a second claw portion34and a first claw portion36. The second claw portion34is attached to the middle section30and curves upwardly and away from the middle section30in a semi-cylindrical shape to form the rounded heel32. The first claw portion36extends downwardly from the second claw portion34such that the shared horizontal plane38of the middle section30intersects the first claw portion36. The first claw portion36lies in a plane40oriented perpendicular to the shared horizontal plane38.FIG.3depicts these planes38,40from a side view. The first claw portion36of the claw section (or second section)26has an aperture42extending therethrough. The aperture42has an upper edge44, a lower edge46, a first side edge48and a second side edge50. A pry panel52is integrally attached to and extends between the upper44and lower46edges. The pry panel52is bowed inwardly toward the second end16. More particularly, the pry panel52may form a triangle wherein the pray panel52forms two legs and the third leg is a plane of the aperture42. The pry panel52includes a short leg54and a long leg56where the short leg54is positioned nearer to the second claw portion34. The long leg56may form an angle with a plane of the aperture42between 20° and 25° while the short leg54may form an angle with the plane of the aperture42between 40° and 50°. The aperture is generally rectangular shaped and may have a length and a width each between 2.0 inches and 4.0 inches. The chisel section (or third section)28is angled upwardly from the middle section30. More specifically, the chisel section28, from the middle section30to the second end16, is angled upwardly to form an angle56between about 20° and 30° with respect to the shared plane38. This will provide more leverage when the chisel section28is used to remove fasteners or is to be extended between two structural components typically held together by nails, screws and the like. The first end14is tapered to a sharpened edge wherein the lower surface24adjacent to the first end14is angled toward the upper surface22. A notch58extends into the first end14and is positioned between the first18and second20lateral edges. The second end16is tapered to a sharpened edge wherein the upper surface22adjacent to the second end16is angled toward the lower surface24. A notch60extends into the second end16and is positioned between the first18and second20lateral edges. The notch58in the first end14and the notch60in the second end16are each V-shaped and form angles between 15° and 25°. Each of the first14and second16ends forms an angle being between about 15° and 25°. The claw section26has a pair of indentations62therein extending into the upper surface22which causes bowing outwardly of corresponding areas in the lower surface24. The indentations62are laterally spaced from each other. The indentations are positioned62in the second portion36, opposite the first edge14and adjacent to the heel32. The upper surface22of the claw section26includes a pair of ridges64that are laterally spaced from each other and are positioned in the second claw portion34. The ridges64cause corresponding depressions on the lower surface as can be seen inFIG.4. The upper surface22has an elongated crest66therein. As can be seen inFIGS.1and2, the crest66is spaced from the first19and second lateral20edges and the crest66extends along a length of the middle section30and into the chisel section28.FIG.3depicts an elongated channel corresponding to the crest66. The crest66, ridges64, and depressions62each strengthen the plate12to prevent its bending along these points when force is placed on the first end14, second end16, or heel32. The crest66, ridges64and depressions62each have curved lower24and upper22surfaces to further add rigidity to the plate12. In use, the pry bar assembly10is used in a conventional manner for removing fasteners, such as nails, and for pulling apart structural components and thus act as a “wrecking” tool for deconstruction purposes. However, the unique shape of the assembly10provides for greater strength as the plate12will not easily bend while being used. This allows the assembly10to be more light weight and have a thickness of less than 0.17 inches. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements. | 7,797 |
11858791 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. Referring to the figures generally, the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for generating a load map based on a load of a work machine and a condition of a work site. In some embodiments, the condition of the work site can include structural strength of work zones (e.g., a bridge), ground condition (e.g., a low or muddy area), and/or existing loads (e.g., other machines or material piles). The load map can be communicated to a machine operator via a user interface. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a real time map, showing a current machine location, a distance to a warning zone, and other information. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a color coded warning indicator, a speaker that produces an audible alarm, or another indicator structured to communicate to the machine operator that the work machine is approaching or is located within a warning zone or an alarm zone. In some embodiment, a warning zone includes areas of the load map where the load of the work machine is within a predefined warning range for a defined warning area, and an alarm zone includes areas of the load map where the load of the work machine is within a predefined alarm range for a defined alarm area. As shown inFIG.1, a work machine20(e.g., a telehandler, a boom lift, a scissor lift, etc.) includes a prime mover24(e.g., a spark ignition engine, a compression ignition engine, an electric motor, a generator set, a hybrid system, etc.) structured to supply power to the work machine20, and an implement28driven by prime mover24. In some embodiments, the implement28is a lift boom, a scissor lift, a telehandler arm, etc. A user interface32is arranged in communication with the prime mover24and the implement28to control operations of the work machine20and includes a user input36that allows a machine operator to interact with the user interface32, a display40for communicating to the machine operator (e.g., a display screen, a lamp or light, an audio device, a dial, or another display or output device), and a controller44. As the components ofFIG.1are shown to be embodied in the work machine20, the controller44may be structured as one or more electronic control units (ECU). The controller44may be separate from or included with at least one of an implement control unit, an exhaust aftertreatment control unit, a powertrain control module, an engine control module, etc. In some embodiments, the controller44includes a processing circuit48having a processor52and a memory device56, a control system60, and a communications interface64. Generally, the controller44is structured to receive inputs from a sensor array68and external inputs72(e.g., a load map, a machine-to-machine communication, a fleet management system, a network, etc.) via the communications interface64, and the control system60generates a modified load map of a construction zone. The modified load map includes acceptable zones where a working machine load is acceptable, warning zones where the work machine load is above a predefined warning threshold, and alarm zones where the work machine load is above a predefined alarm threshold. In some embodiments, the predefined alarm threshold defines a greater load than the predefined warning threshold. The working machine load can include the sum of machine weight and additional loads, dynamic loads (e.g., moving loads, moments, etc.), ground area pressure (e.g., a total load divided by ground contact area of a tracked vehicle or a wheeled vehicle), or other loading factors. The control system60can output location information, modified load map information, and spatial information relative to the working machine position within the modified load map to the display40. For example, the display may indicate whether the working machine is currently located within an acceptable zone, a warning zone, or an alarm zone, a distance to a nearby zone, or other information indicative of the working machine load relative to the work environment. The sensor array68can include physical and virtual sensors for determining load, and location devices. In some embodiments, the sensor array includes a global positioning system (GPS) device that provide global positioning system coordinates, a lidar location device, inertial navigation, or other sensors structured to determine a position of the work machine20relative to maps. In one configuration, the control system60is embodied as machine or computer-readable media that is executable by a processor, such as processor52. As described herein and amongst other uses, the machine-readable media facilitates performance of certain operations to enable reception and transmission of data. For example, the machine-readable media may provide an instruction (e.g., command, etc.) to, e.g., acquire data. In this regard, the machine-readable media may include programmable logic that defines the frequency of acquisition of the data (or, transmission of the data). The computer readable media may include code, which may be written in any programming language including, but not limited to, Java or the like and any conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program code may be executed on one processor or multiple remote processors. In the latter scenario, the remote processors may be connected to each other through any type of network (e.g., CAN bus, etc.). In another configuration, the control system60is embodied as hardware units, such as electronic control units. As such, the control system60may be embodied as one or more circuitry components including, but not limited to, processing circuitry, network interfaces, peripheral devices, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the control system60may take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (IC), discrete circuits, system on a chip (SOCs) circuits, microcontrollers, etc.), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of “circuit.” In this regard, the control system60may include any type of component for accomplishing or facilitating achievement of the operations described herein. For example, a circuit as described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, and so on). The control system60may also include programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. The control system60may include one or more memory devices for storing instructions that are executable by the processor(s) of the control system60. The one or more memory devices and processor(s) may have the same definition as provided below with respect to the memory device56and processor52. In some hardware unit configurations, the control system60may be geographically dispersed throughout separate locations in the machine. Alternatively, and as shown, the control system60may be embodied in or within a single unit/housing, which is shown as the controller44. In the example shown, the controller44includes the processing circuit48having the processor52and the memory device56. The processing circuit48may be structured or configured to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and/or control processes described herein with respect to control system60. The depicted configuration represents the control system60as machine or computer-readable media. However, as mentioned above, this illustration is not meant to be limiting as the present disclosure contemplates other embodiments where the control system60, or at least one circuit of the control system60, is configured as a hardware unit. All such combinations and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., the processor52) may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., control system60may comprise or otherwise share the same processor which, in some example embodiments, may execute instructions stored, or otherwise accessed, via different areas of memory). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be structured to perform or otherwise execute certain operations independent of one or more co-processors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be coupled via a bus to enable independent, parallel, pipelined, or multi-threaded instruction execution. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The memory device56(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory device56may be communicably connected to the processor52to provide computer code or instructions to the processor52for executing at least some of the processes described herein. Moreover, the memory device56may be or include tangible, non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the memory device56may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. As shown inFIG.2, the controller44is structured to implement a method76of determining a modified load map, locating the working machine20on the modified load map, and indicating a location status (e.g., acceptable, warning, alarm) to the operator. At step80, a load map is received (e.g., from an external input72such as a work site coordinator). In some embodiments, the load map is provided by structural engineers of a project or work site. For example, a bridge construction site with support beams and a temporary deck in place. The load map may include environmental information including ground or soil composition (e.g., concrete, dirt, sand, loam, swamp matts, gravel, traffic bond, etc.), weather information (e.g., it has rained for three days previously and soil composition will be muddy, etc.), or other factors that affect the work site's ability to support loads. At step84, the controller44processes the received load map into a usable format. In some embodiments, the processed load map may be segregated into discrete load blocks each defining a maximum load, an alarm threshold, a warning threshold, and an acceptable threshold. In some embodiments, the modified load map is structured as a topographical type map, a heat map, or another representation of load thresholds. At step88, the controller44modifies the load map received in step80in view of load information92. In some embodiments, the load information92is generated using some or all of the following inputs. Gross vehicle weight ratings, gross combined weight ratings, known payloads, machine operating weight, etc.96. These values may be known from the manufacturer and specific payloads. A seat sensor100determines a weight on the seat, or the weight of the operator. A door sensor104can be used in coordination with the seat sensor100to determine occupancy of a cab, bucket, or operator area. A fuel sensor108can indicate how full a full tank is and the associated weight or dynamic loading of a fuel tank. A load determination system112structured to determine an active load of the work machine20. In some embodiments, the load determination system112includes physical and virtual sensors (e.g., stress sensors, etc.) that are capable of determining a current weight or load of the work machine20. A boom extension sensor116can indicate a percentage or length of extension of a boom and therefore affect dynamic loading determinations. A boom load sensor120coordinated with the boom extension sensor116to aid in the determination of dynamic loads extended on a boom (i.e., the implement28). An axle sensor124can indicate a loading on a specific axle and can aid in determining ground pressure information,9or load distribution of the work machine20. A machine-to-X (M2X) system128can integrate the work machine20with a network132, load beacons136, other work machines140, and/or a scheduling or other fleet coordination system144. The M2X system allows for the coordination of multiple machines within the same work site, or a fleet wide control. For example, if a first work machine20is in a location or zone of the modified load map, a second working machine20may be inhibited from entering the zone. In some embodiments, the beacons136of the M2X system128can be attached to machines not associated with the fleet to identify their contributing loads, or other non-dynamic loads (e.g., a weight or load can be associated with a material pile such as an I-beam pile, gravel pile, etc.). The M2X system128allows for work schedule coordination, fleet coordination, and other factors that impact the ability of the work site to support loads within spatial zones. Using the load information92, the modified load map generated at step88is used to generate acceptable zones148, warning zones152, and alarm zones156. The acceptable zones148define load an acceptable load threshold. The warning zones152define a warning load threshold that is greater than the acceptable load threshold. The alarm zones156define an alarm threshold that is greater than the warning threshold. In some embodiments, the acceptable zones148, the warning zones152, and the alarm zones156are defined relative to the load92. The modified load map includes location maps or information for each of the acceptable zones148, the warning zones152, and the alarm zones156. In some embodiments, the acceptable zones148, the warning zones152, and the alarm zones156each include GPS or locational boundaries. At step160, the method76locates the machine20on the modified load map using a position or location sensor information164(e.g., the senor array68). At step168, the method76determines if the location information is within an alarm zone. If the work machine20is located within an alarm zone, then an alarm is generated at step172that is relayed to the operator via the display40. At step176, the method76determines if the location information is within a warning zone. If the work machine20is located within a warning zone, then a warning is generated at step180that is relayed to the operator via the display40. At step184, the method76determines if the location information is within an acceptable zone. If the work machine20is located within an acceptable zone, then a confirmation is generated at step188that is relayed to the operator via the display40. As shown inFIG.3, the display40of the user interface32can display the modified load map in the form of a visual map of a work site192(e.g., a bridge) that includes acceptable zones196(shown in green), warning zones200(shown in blue), and alarm zones204shown in red. The modified load map can also include visual representations of M2X system128information (e.g., the beacon136, and the machine140). As discussed above, the presence of other loads in the worksite can affect the load zones on the modified load map. A current location208can be visually represented on the map as well as a directional identifier212to aid the operator to identify the current location on the map and relative to the real-world surroundings they see. The display40can also include a current location status216(e.g., the current location is within an acceptable zone), a distance to a warning zone or an alarm zone220, and/or a current load224(e.g., including the load92). Other information may also be displayed by the user interface32as desired. In some embodiments, the user interface32includes a simple indicator such as a red/yellow/green light or lamp, a dial, a gauge, a sliding scale, etc. In some embodiments, the display40and user interface32includes an audible alarm, or an integration into an automation system. For example, in some embodiments, a reduction in speed may be implemented when the work machine20enters a warning zone, and inhibits forward motion further into an alarm zone once an alarm zone has been entered. As shown inFIGS.4-9, the load map interface system (e.g., the user interface32including the controller44) and methods (e.g., the method76) described above may be implemented using various work machines20such as an articulating boom lift as shown inFIG.4, a telescoping boom lift as shown inFIG.5, a compact crawler boom lift as shown inFIG.6, a telehandler as shown inFIG.7, a scissor lift as shown inFIG.8, and/or a toucan mast boom lift as shown inFIG.9. As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using one or more separate intervening members, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. For example, circuit A communicably “coupled” to circuit B may signify that the circuit A communicates directly with circuit B (i.e., no intermediary) or communicates indirectly with circuit B (e.g., through one or more intermediaries). While various circuits with particular functionality are shown inFIGS.1-3, it should be understood that the controller44may include any number of circuits for completing the functions described herein. For example, the activities and functionalities of the control system60may be combined in multiple circuits or as a single circuit. Additional circuits with additional functionality may also be included. Further, the controller44may further control other activity beyond the scope of the present disclosure. As mentioned above and in one configuration, the “circuits” of the control system60may be implemented in machine-readable medium for execution by various types of processors, such as the processor52ofFIG.1. An identified circuit of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified circuit need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the circuit and achieve the stated purpose for the circuit. Indeed, a circuit of computer readable program code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within circuits, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. While the term “processor” is briefly defined above, the term “processor” and “processing circuit” are meant to be broadly interpreted. In this regard and as mentioned above, the “processor” may be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other suitable electronic data processing components structured to execute instructions provided by memory. The one or more processors may take the form of a single core processor, multi-core processor (e.g., a dual core processor, triple core processor, quad core processor, etc.), microprocessor, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be external to the apparatus, for example the one or more processors may be a remote processor (e.g., a cloud based processor). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be internal and/or local to the apparatus. In this regard, a given circuit or components thereof may be disposed locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computing system, etc.) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server such as a cloud based server). To that end, a “circuit” as described herein may include components that are distributed across one or more locations. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps. Although this description may discuss a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is outlined. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps. As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the load map interface systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the warning zones of the exemplary embodiment may be eliminated or additional zones may be added. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims. | 30,818 |
11858792 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures and detailed embodiments are combined hereinafter to further elaborate the technical solution of the present disclosure. Embodiment 1: as shown inFIGS.1-3and8, the lifting machine of the present disclosure comprises a base1and a carrying platform2, wherein a lifting mechanism for lifting the carrying platform2and a power mechanism for supplying power to the lifting mechanism are arranged between the carrying platform2and the base1. The base1comprises a front base supporting rod101and a rear base supporting rod102which are horizontally arranged and are equal in length, wherein the front base supporting rod101and the rear base supporting rod102are arranged in parallel in a front-to-back manner. The left end of the front base supporting rod101and the left end of the rear base supporting rod102are connected through a first rotating shaft103, and the first rotating shaft103is rotatably connected to the left end of the front base supporting rod101and the left end of the rear base supporting rod102. The carrying platform2comprises two horizontally arranged carrying platform supporting rods201with equal length. The length of the carrying platform supporting rod201is greater than that of the front base supporting rod101. The two carrying platform supporting rods are arranged in parallel in a front-to-back manner. The left ends of the two carrying platform supporting rods201are connected through a second rotating shaft202, and the second rotating shaft202is rotatably connected to the left ends of the two carrying platform supporting rods201. The right ends of the two carrying platform supporting rods201are connected through a third rotating shaft203, and the third rotating shaft203is rotatably connected to the right ends of the two carrying platform supporting rods201. The lifting mechanism comprises a first lifting rod J1, a second lifting rod J2, a third lifting rod J3, a fourth lifting rod J4, a fifth lifting rod J5, a sixth lifting rod J6, a seventh lifting rod J7and an eighth lifting rod J8which are equal in length. The first lifting rod J1and the second lifting rod J2are arranged in parallel in a front-to-back manner, the third lifting rod J3and the fourth lifting rod J4are arranged in parallel in a front-to-back manner, the fifth lifting rod J5and the sixth lifting rod J6are arranged in parallel in a front-to-back manner, and the seventh lifting rod J7and the eighth lifting rod J8are arranged in parallel in a front-to-back manner. A first pin shaft204is rotatably erected between the two carrying platform supporting rods201, and the first pin shaft204is arranged between the second rotating shaft202and the third rotating shaft203. The upper ends of the first lifting rod J1, the second lifting rod J2, the fifth lifting rod J5, and the sixth lifting rod J6are respectively rotatably arranged on the first pin shaft204. The lower ends of the fifth lifting rod J5and the sixth lifting rod J6are rotatably arranged on the first rotating shaft103, and the upper ends of the third lifting rod J3and the fourth lifting rod J4are rotatably arranged on the second rotating shaft202. The lower end of the first lifting rod J1is connected to the lower end of the third lifting rod J3through a first connecting rod J13, and the lower end of the first lifting rod J1is rotatably connected to the right end of the first connecting rod J13. The lower end of the third lifting rod J3is rotatably connected to the left end of the first connecting rod J13, and the lower end of the second lifting rod J2is connected to the lower end of the fourth lifting rod J4through a second connecting rod J24. The lower end of the second lifting rod J2is rotatably connected to the right end of the second connecting rod J24, and the lower end of the fourth lifting rod J4is rotatably connected to the left end of the second connecting rod J24. The upper ends of the seventh lifting rod J7and the eighth lifting rod J8are rotatably arranged on the third rotating shaft203. The lower end of the seventh lifting rod J7is rotatably connected to the right end of the front base supporting rod101, and the lower end of the eighth lifting rod J8is rotatably connected to the right end of the rear base supporting rod102. The lower ends of the third lifting rod J3and the fourth lifting rod J4are connected through a fourth rotating shaft J34. The lower ends of the third lifting rod J3and the fourth lifting rod J4, as well as the left ends of the first connecting rod J13and the second connecting rod J24, are rotatably connected with the fourth rotating shaft J34. A locking mechanism for locking the highest lifting position of the carrying platform2is arranged in front of the fourth rotating shaft J34and the first rotating shaft103. The power mechanism is an oil cylinder3. A horizontal driving connecting rod4is fixedly erected between the seventh lifting rod J7and the eighth lifting rod J8. A cylinder body31of the oil cylinder3is rotatably arranged on the driving connecting rod4, and a piston rod32of the oil cylinder3is rotatably arranged on the fourth rotating shaft J34. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a locking hook5, and the locking hook5further comprises a locking plate501. The left end of the locking plate501is rotatably mounted on the first rotating shaft103, and the right end of the locking plate501is bent downwards to form a bent portion502inclining to the left from top to bottom. A hooking groove503is formed between the bent portion502and the locking plate501, and a locking convex block6protruding upwards is arranged on the fourth rotating shaft J34. When the lifting machine is in a locked state, the locking convex block6is located in the hooking groove503, and the left end surface of the bent portion502is hooked on the right end surface of the locking convex block6. The aforesaid locking mechanism has a simple structure, which achieves locking and unlocking through manual operation. Thus, a convenient operation is realized. In this embodiment, the driving connecting rod4is located between the upper end and the lower end of the seventh lifting rod J7. According to this design, the oil cylinder3is arranged inclinedly, and the force provided by the oil cylinder3is divided into a horizontal supporting force and a vertical supporting force, which makes the overall lifting of the present disclosure more stable. Meanwhile, the inclinedly-arranged oil cylinder3isn't in contact with other parts, thus keeping other parts clean and tidy. In this embodiment, both ends of the first connecting rod J13and the second connecting rod J24are provided with rolling wheels7, which are capable of transmitting a pushing force. In this embodiment, the front base supporting rod101and the rear base supporting rod102are connected through a horizontally-arranged connecting base plate104, and the rolling wheels7are arranged on the connecting base plate104in a rolling manner. Through the arrangement of the connecting base plate, the overall structure of the present disclosure becomes more stable, and the synchronous linkage of the lifting gets better. In this embodiment, the upper ends of the first lifting rod J1, the second lifting rod J2, the third lifting rod J3and the fourth lifting rod J4are located inside the two carrying platform supporting rods201. The lower ends of the first lifting rod J1, the second lifting rod J2, the third lifting rod J3and the fourth lifting rod J4are respectively located inside the front base supporting rod101and the rear base supporting rod102. The upper ends of the fifth lifting rod J5and the sixth lifting rod J6are respectively located outside the two carrying platform supporting rods201, and the lower ends of the fifth lifting rod J5and the sixth lifting rod J6are respectively located outside the front base supporting rod101and the rear base supporting rod102. The upper ends of the seventh lifting rod J7and the eighth lifting rod J8are located inside the two carrying platform supporting rods201, and the lower ends of the seventh lifting rod J7and the eighth lifting rod J8are respectively located inside the front base supporting rod101and the rear base supporting rod102. As the space between the base1and the carrying platform2of the lifting machine is reasonably utilized, the overall structure is compact, the size is small, and the portability is good. In this embodiment, the two ends of the carrying platform2are respectively provided with a horizontal supporting plate205, and the supporting plate205is fixedly mounted between the two carrying platform supporting rods201. A supporting cushion block8is detachably arranged on the supporting plate205. Through arranging the supporting plate205, a more stable structure is achieved, and a better synchronous linkage of the lifting is realized. Meanwhile, the supporting plate205provides a stably-supported space for the supporting cushion block8, which functions as a cushioning when an automobile is lifted. When the lifting machine isn't used, the piston rod32of the oil cylinder3retracts into the cylinder body31. At this point, the whole lifting mechanism is in a folded state. When there's a need to lift an automobile, the piston rod32of the oil cylinder3extends outwards to push the fourth rotating shaft J34. The pushing force imposed by the piston rod32pushes the lifting rods up, thereby lifting the carrying platform2. After the carrying platform2is lifted in place, the locking hook5is hooked on the locking convex block6. In this way, the position of the carrying platform is locked. When the lifting machine needs to be folded, the locking hook5is removed from the locking convex block6, and the piston rod32retracts, thus imposing a pulling force on the fourth rotating shaft J34. The pulling force imposed by the piston rod32pulls the lifting rods down, which allows the carrying platform2to be folded downwards. After the piston rod32retracts in place, the folding is completed. Embodiment 2: as shown inFIGS.4-8, what makes embodiment 1 different from embodiment 2 is that the lifting machine in embodiment 2 further comprises an extension assembly. The extension assembly comprises two base extension supporting rods11with equal length, two carrying platform extension supporting rods21with equal length, a ninth lifting rod J9and a tenth lifting rod J10which are equal in length, and a base extension supporting rod11and a carrying platform extension supporting rod21which are equal in length, wherein the ninth lifting rod J9and the first lifting rod J1are equal in length. The two base extension supporting rods11are arranged in parallel in a front-to-back manner, the spacing between the two base extension supporting rods11is equal to that between the front base supporting rod101and the rear base supporting rod102. The right ends of the two base extension supporting rods11are connected to a fifth rotating shaft12, and the fifth rotating shaft12is rotatably connected to the right ends of the two base extension supporting rods11. The two carrying platform extension supporting rods21are arranged in parallel in a front-to-back manner, and the spacing between the two carrying platform extension supporting rods21is equal to that between the two carrying platform supporting rods201. The right ends of the two carrying platform extension supporting rods21are connected to a sixth rotating shaft22, and the sixth rotating shaft22is rotatably connected to the right ends of the two carrying platform extension supporting rods21. The upper ends of the ninth lifting rod J9and the tenth lifting rod J10are rotatably arranged on the sixth rotating shaft22, and the lower ends of the ninth lifting rod J9and the tenth lifting rod J10are rotatably arranged on the fifth rotating shaft12. The front base supporting rod101and the base extension supporting rod11located at the rear, the front base supporting rod101and the base extension supporting rod11located at the front, the carrying platform supporting rod201located at the front and the carrying platform extension supporting rod21located at the front, as well as the carrying platform supporting rod201located at the rear and the carrying platform extension supporting rod21located at the rear are respectively rotatably connected through a connecting plate9. After being pushed up, the seventh lifting rod J7, the eighth lifting rod J8, the ninth lifting rod J9, the tenth lifting rod J10, the two base extension supporting rods11, the two carrying platform extension supporting rods21and the four connecting plates9form a parallelogram-shaped supporting frame. The arrangement of the extension assembly makes the lifting machine of the present disclosure suitable for automobiles with various lengths, and so a high universality is realized. After the extension assembly is installed and lifted up, by means of the parallelogram-shaped supporting frame, stable overall supporting and ideal balance are achieved. In this embodiment, the connecting plate9is provided with a plurality of mounting through holes91from left to right at intervals. The same positions of the front base supporting rod101and the rear base supporting rod102, as well as the left ends of the two base extension supporting rods11are all provided with base mounting through holes13. A detachable connection between the connecting plate9and the front base supporting rod101, and a detachable connection between the rear base supporting rod102and the two base extension supporting rods11are achieved through base connecting shafts14arranged between the base mounting through holes13and the corresponding mounting through holes91. The left end of the base extension supporting rod11and the base connecting shaft14are rotatably connected. The same positions of the two carrying platform supporting rods and the left ends of the two carrying platform extension supporting rods11are provided with carrying platform mounting through holes23. A detachable connection between the connecting plate9and the two carrying platform supporting rods201, and a detachable connection between the connecting plate9and the two carrying platform extension supporting rods21are achieved through carrying platform connecting shafts24arranged between the carrying platform mounting through holes23and the corresponding mounting through holes91. The left end of the carrying platform extension supporting rod21and the carrying platform connecting shaft24are rotatably connected. A connecting line between the center of the carrying platform mounting through hole23in the carrying platform supporting rod201located at the front and the center of the base mounting through hole13in the front base supporting rod101is parallel to the central axis of the seventh lifting rod J7. A connecting line between the center of the carrying platform mounting through hole23in the carrying platform supporting rod201located at the rear and the center of the base mounting through hole13in the rear base supporting rod102is parallel to the central axis of the eighth lifting rod J8. According to the aforesaid design, the length of the extension assembly may be adjusted according to different automobiles, achieving a high universality of the lifting machine. In this embodiment, an extension connecting plate10is arranged between the two carrying platform extension supporting rods21, and a supporting cushion block8is detachably arranged on the extension connecting plate10. Through arranging the extension connecting plate10, the overall structure becomes more stable, and the synchronous linkage of the lifting gets better. Meanwhile, a stably supported space is provided to the supporting cushion block8functioning as a cushioning when an automobile is lifted. During use, the two supporting plates205arranged at the right ends of the two carrying platform supporting rods201may be removed according to actual needs. In this embodiment, an extension bottom plate111is arranged between the two base extension supporting rods11. Through the arrangement of the extension bottom plate111, a better synchronous linkage of the lifting is achieved. | 16,179 |
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