Applicating machine

Abstract

An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw assembly that reciprocates to apply a generally continuous string of carrier stock onto a quantity of containers. A carrier unwinder is integrated with the applicating machine to provide the generally continuous string of carrier stock for packaging desired sets of containers.

1 . An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed, the applicating machine comprising:
 a conveyor positioned inline with the infeed;   a carrier unwinder providing a generally continuous string of flexible carriers; and   a jaw assembly positioned with respect to the conveyor to urge the flexible carrier over the plurality of containers in a reciprocating manner.   
   
   
       2 . The applicating machine of  claim 1  wherein the jaw assembly includes a plurality of fingers that engage openings within the flexible carrier to engage the flexible carrier with the plurality of containers. 
   
   
       3 . The applicating machine of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a cam connected with respect to the jaw assembly, the cam configured to generally follow a profile of each container of the plurality of containers.   
   
   
       4 . The applicating machine of  claim 1  wherein the carrier unwinder is connected to the conveyor. 
   
   
       5 . The applicating machine of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a hinge to permit the carrier unwinder to move between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position.   
   
   
       6 . The applicating machine of  claim 1  wherein the carrier unwinder is positioned to accommodate a reel of carriers in a generally horizontal position. 
   
   
       7 . The applicating machine of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a container indexer positioned inline with the conveyor to index a desired quantity of containers for the jaw assembly.   
   
   
       8 . The applicating machine of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a set of pneumatic clamps positioned with respect to the jaw assembly to grasp the containers as the jaw assembly is raised from the containers.   
   
   
       9 . The applicating machine of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a plow positioned between the carrier unwinder and the jaw assembly, the plow spreading each carrier of the plurality of carriers for placement onto the jaw assembly.   
   
   
       10 . An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers, the applicating machine comprising:
 a container indexer positioned to index a desired quantity of containers;   a jaw assembly positioned with respect to the container indexer to urge the flexible carrier over the desired quantity of containers in a reciprocating manner; and   a clamp positioned with respect to the jaw assembly to grasp the containers as the jaw assembly is raised from the containers.   
   
   
       11 . The applicating machine of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a carrier unwinder providing a generally continuous string of flexible carriers arranged in a generally vertical orientation.   
   
   
       12 . The applicating machine of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a plow positioned between the carrier unwinder and the jaw assembly, the plow spreading a portion of the continuous string of flexible carriers for placement onto the jaw assembly.   
   
   
       13 . The applicating machine of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a hinge positioned with respect to the carrier unwinder to permit movement of the carrier unwinder between a generally vertical position and a generally horizontal position.   
   
   
       14 . The applicating machine of  claim 10  wherein the container indexer comprises:
 a pair of sidewalls positioned on either side of the plurality of containers, the sidewalls adjustable relative to each other.   
   
   
       15 . The applicating machine of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a cam connected with respect to the jaw assembly, the cam configured to generally follow a profile of each container of the plurality of containers.   
   
   
       16 . The applicating machine of  claim 10  wherein the jaw assembly includes a plurality of fingers that engage openings within the flexible carrier to engage the flexible carrier with the plurality of containers. 
   
   
       17 . The applicating machine of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a scanner positioned to count container receiving apertures of the flexible carrier.   
   
   
       18 . A method of packaging multiple containers in unitized packages, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a plurality of containers to an applicating machine;   moving a carrier through the applicating machine;   lowering a jaw assembly to position the carrier over the containers to form a unitized package;   grasping the unitized package;   raising the jaw assembly to a position clear of the unitized package; and   advancing the unitized package from beneath the jaw assembly.   
   
   
       19 . The method of packaging of  claim 18  further comprising the step of:
 unwinding a generally continuous string of carrier through the applicating machine from a carrier unwinder.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising the step of:
 moving the carrier unwinder from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position;   replacing a reel of carriers on the carrier unwinder; and   moving the carrier unwinder from the generally vertical position to the generally horizontal position.   
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising the step of:
 separating a predetermined quantity of containers from the plurality of containers; and   indexing the predetermined quantity of containers to a position below the jaw assembly.   
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising the step of:
 separating the carrier from an adjacent carrier as the jaw assembly is lowered on the plurality of containers during application of the carrier to the plurality of containers.