Convertible applicating machine

Abstract

A machine for packaging multiple containers wherein a flexible carrier stock is fed across a jaw drum. A plurality of containers are also moved through the machine whereby the carrier is subsequently positioned over the plurality of containers so that flexible carrier stock engages with one of the containers to form a package. The jaw drum and/or a connected feed drum are preferably adjustable to accommodate a range of container sizes and carrier configurations.

1 . A machine for packaging a plurality of containers into packages using flexible carrier stock, the machine comprising:
 a feed drum adapted to feed the flexible carrier stock;   a jaw drum adapted to draw the flexible carrier stock from the feed drum and apply the flexible carrier stock to the plurality of containers;   a plurality of first removable jaws connected around a circumference of the jaw drum, the plurality of first removable jaws exchangeable with a plurality of second removable jaws, the second removable jaws having a different jaw height than the first removable jaws, wherein the first removable jaws correspond with a first plurality of containers having a first pitch and the second removable jaws correspond with a second plurality of containers having a second pitch.   
     
     
         2 . The machine of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a plurality of pairs of locating pins positioned around the circumference of the jaw drum, each pair of locating pins removably receiving a first removable jaw of the plurality of first removable jaws. 
 
     
     
         3 . The machine of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a pair of slots formed in the first removable jaws for engaging the pair of locating pins. 
 
     
     
         4 . The machine of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a retaining pin biasing the first removable jaws into position on the jaw drum. 
 
     
     
         5 . A machine for packaging a plurality of containers into packages using flexible carrier stock, the machine comprising:
 a feed drum adapted to feed the flexible carrier stock, the feed drum further including
 a pinch roller connected with respect to the jaw drum for feeding the flexible carrier stock to the jaw drum; 
 a dancer arm connected with the pinch roller; and 
 a speed sensor connected with respect to the dancer arm for controlling a speed of the pinch roller based upon a speed of the jaw drum; 
   a jaw drum adapted to draw the flexible carrier stock from the feed drum and apply the flexible carrier stock to the plurality of containers;   a plurality of jaws connected around a circumference of the jaw drum.   
     
     
         6 . The machine of  claim 5  further comprising a plurality of first removable jaws exchangeable with a plurality of second removable jaws, wherein the first removable jaws correspond with a first plurality of containers having a first pitch and the second removable jaws correspond with a second plurality of containers having a second pitch. 
     
     
         7 . The machine of  claim 5  wherein the pinch roller comprises a driven rubber roller clamped against a free metal roller. 
     
     
         8 . The machine of  claim 5  further comprising:
 a cam connected with respect to the dancer arm, the cam connected with respect to the speed sensor for providing carrier stock speed feedback. 
 
     
     
         9 . A machine for packaging a plurality of containers using flexible carrier stock, the machine comprising:
 a jaw drum adapted to draw the flexible carrier stock and apply the flexible carrier stock to the plurality of containers; and   a plurality of first removable jaws and a plurality of second removable jaws, wherein the first removable jaws correspond with a first plurality of containers having a first pitch and the second removable jaws correspond with a second plurality of containers having a second pitch.   
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 9  wherein the jaw drum further comprises:
 a retaining pin biased against each removable jaw for tool less removal of the plurality of removable jaws. 
 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 9  further comprising:
 a pinch roller connected with respect to the jaw drum for feeding the flexible carrier stock to the jaw drum; 
 a dancer arm connected with the pinch roller; and 
 a speed sensor connected with respect to the dancer arm for controlling a speed of the pinch roller based upon a speed of the jaw drum. 
 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a plurality of first removable jaws corresponding with a first plurality of containers having a first pitch and a first application speed; and 
 a plurality of second removable jaws corresponding with a second plurality of containers having a second pitch and a second application speed, the speed sensor automatically adjusting the speed of the pinch roller based on a desired application speed. 
 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 9  wherein each removable jaw of the plurality of removable jaws comprise a first removable jaw and a second removable jaw located on opposite ends of a common body.