Method for packaging products in wallet packages

Abstract

A system for packing products in wallet packages incorporates a main feeding line for transporting the wallet packages as cut lengths of packaging or as strip material. It also includes a feeding mechanism for feeding the products in this main feeding line, and a placing mechanism for placing the products down on the cut lengths of packaging or on the strip material. The feeding mechanism is capable of pivoting in an approximately horizontal direction, in order to release the products into the main feeding line. This allows synchronization of several products supplied via different feeders, without the main feeding speed having to be dramatically reduced. In addition, periodically fed products can also be released in this way into the continuously running main process.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . A method for packaging products in wallet packages, comprising the steps of:
 transporting the wallet packages as package blanks or as strip material along a primary conveyor line;   placing the products on the package blanks or on the strip material in this primary conveyor line;   delivering at least some of the products in an arbitrary direction and order, to a region of the primary conveyor line; and   transferring the at least some of the products to the primary conveyor line synchronously with a conveyor speed of the primary conveyor line, wherein the primary conveyor line moves substantially continuously.   
   
   
       20 . The method as defined by  claim 19 , wherein at least some of the products are delivered to the region of the primary conveyor line in cadence. 
   
   
       21 . The method as defined by  claim 19 , wherein the conveyor speed is predetermined by the primary conveyor line. 
   
   
       22 . The method as defined by  claim 20 , wherein the conveyor speed is predetermined by the primary conveyor line. 
   
   
       23 . The method as defined by  claim 19 , wherein the conveyor speed is determined by a process which is located upstream of a delivery of at least some of the products. 
   
   
       24 . The method as defined by  claim 19 , wherein the conveyor speed is varied. 
   
   
       25 . The method as defined by  claim 19 , wherein the step of synchronization of the transfer of the products to the primary conveyor line is effected by means of a virtually horizontal pivoting motion of the products. 
   
   
       26 . The method as defined by  claim 19 , wherein the step of synchronization of the transfer of the products to the primary conveyor line is effected by means of at least one virtually horizontally rotating carousel. 
   
   
       27 . The method as defined by  claim 26 , wherein at least two carousels transfer products to the primary conveyor line. 
   
   
       28 . The method as defined by  claim 27 , wherein at least two carousels reposition products from different upstream processes to the primary conveyor line. 
   
   
       29 . The method as defined by  claim 23 , wherein a single upstream process determines the conveyor speed of the primary conveyor line. 
   
   
       30 . The method as defined by  claim 28 , wherein a single upstream process determines the conveyor speed of the primary conveyor line. 
   
   
       31 . The method as defined by  claim 29 , wherein buffer storage means are furnished for products of second and further upstream processes. 
   
   
       32 . The method as defined by  claim 31 , wherein either movable arms of a carousel, or a further self-contained circulation path, is used as the buffer storage means. 
   
   
       33 . The method as defined by  claim 19 , wherein the primary conveyor line extends virtually horizontally. 
   
   
       34 . A method for packaging products in wallet packages, comprising the steps of:
 transporting the wallet packages as package blanks or as strip material along a primary conveyor line;   placing the products on the package blanks or on the strip material in this primary conveyor line; and   transferring at least some of the products to the primary conveyor path via an at least virtually horizontal pivoting motion.   
   
   
       35 . An apparatus for packaging products in wallet packages, in comprising:
 a primary conveyor line transporting the wallet packages as package blanks or as strip material;   delivery means for delivering the products to this primary conveyor line; and   placing means for placing the products on the package blanks or on the strip material, wherein at least some of the delivery means are pivotable in a virtually horizontal direction, in order to transfer the products to the primary conveyor line.   
   
   
       36 . The apparatus as defined by  claim 35 , wherein the apparatus has at least one carousel, rotatable about a virtually vertical axis, for pivoting the products. 
   
   
       37 . The apparatus as defined by  claim 35 , wherein at least two carousels are disposed in line with one another along the primary conveyor line. 
   
   
       38 . The apparatus as defined by  claim 35 , wherein the carousels have vacuum suction devices for grasping and setting down the products.