System and method for palletizing articles

Abstract

A system is provided for palletizing articles including a stacking area for stacking palletized article layers. Each palletized article layer is constructed from a plurality of arranged articles. The stacking area includes a structural member for structurally carrying a stabilizer over the stacking area. The stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles.

1 . A system for palletizing articles comprising:
 a stacking area for stacking palletized article layers constructed from a plurality of arranged articles,   a stabilizer;   a structural member for carrying the stabilizer in a substantially vertical direction above the stacking area; and   a control system;   wherein the control system controls the stabilizer to provide substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of the plurality of arranged articles while the palletized article layers are constructed from a plurality of articles.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along a periphery of a constructed palletized article layer while the stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of the plurality of arranged articles of at least one article layer that has already been constructed. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein lateral support along a portion of the periphery of the plurality of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed is provided while subsequently arranged articles are being added to further construct the article layer being constructed. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer has at least one movable portion contacting at least one of the plurality of arranged and subsequently arranged articles. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a robot that transports the plurality of arranged articles to the stacking area.   
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a conveyor that provides the plurality of arranged articles.   
   
   
       7 . A system for constructing palletized articles, comprising:
 a stabilizer;   a structural member for carrying the stabilizer in a substantially vertical direction; and   wherein the stabilizer comprises opposing guide rails that provide substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of a plurality of arranged articles while the palletized article is constructed.   
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along a periphery of a constructed palletized article layer while the stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of the plurality of arranged articles of at least one article layer that has already been constructed. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along a portion of the periphery of the article layer being constructed while subsequently arranged articles are being added to further construct the article layer being constructed. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the opposing guide rails are urged into contact with the periphery of the plurality of arranged articles by an actuator. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a robot that transports the plurality of arranged articles to the stabilizer.   
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a conveyor that provides the plurality of arranged articles   
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the opposing guide rails comprise opposing upper guide rails. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the opposing guide rails further comprise opposing lower guide rails. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the opposing upper guide rails are urged into contact with the periphery of the plurality of arranged articles by an actuator. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the opposing upper guide rails provide continuous lateral support to a plurality of pelletized articles being constructed into a constructed article layer while the lower guide rails provide continuous lateral support to plurality of pelletized articles of a constructed article layer.