Apparatus and method for packaging

Abstract

The present application is directed to a system for packaging a product, the system comprising: a) a holder for retaining a plurality bags; b) a rotatable drum, the rotatable drum including a first plurality of vacuum suction cups positioned on a first portion of the drum and a second plurality of vacuum suction cups on a second portion of the drum; c) a third plurality of suction cups positioned above the drum capable of extending down to secure the bag and retract; and d) a spreader assembly configured to hold the bag open. Methods are also disclosed.

1 . A system for packaging a product, the system comprising:
 a) a holder for retaining a plurality bags;   b) a rotatable drum, the rotatable drum including a first plurality of vacuum suction cups positioned on a first portion of the drum and a second plurality of vacuum suction cups on a second portion of the drum;   c) a third plurality of suction cups positioned above the drum capable of extending down to secure the bag and retract; and   d) a spreader assembly configured to hold the bag open.   
     
     
         2 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable drum comprises a half-cylinder. 
     
     
         3 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of vacuum suction cups are arranged in a generally linear arrangement. 
     
     
         4 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein first plurality of vacuum suction cups are configured to extend out from a surface of the rotatable drum. 
     
     
         5 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of vacuum suction cups are configured to grab one end of a bag. 
     
     
         6 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the second plurality of vacuum suction cups are arranged in a generally linear arrangement. 
     
     
         7 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the second plurality of vacuum suction cups are configured to extend out from a surface of the rotatable drum. 
     
     
         8 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of vacuum suction cups are in a fixed position on the rotatable drum. 
     
     
         9 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the bags are provided in a tray. 
     
     
         10 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , further comprising a printer for labeling each bag. 
     
     
         11 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of vacuum suction cups are configured to extend and retract. 
     
     
         12 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of vacuum suction cups are configured to extend, secure to the bag, and then retract. 
     
     
         13 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pluralities of suction cups comprise four suction cups. 
     
     
         14 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pluralities of suction cups comprise three suction cups. 
     
     
         15 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pluralities of suction cups comprise more than four suction cups. 
     
     
         16 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the spreader assembly is pneumatically controlled. 
     
     
         17 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the spreader assembly is configured to spread open the bag. 
     
     
         18 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 17 , wherein the spreader assembly is configured to extend the bag so the bag envelopes the jaws of a block former. 
     
     
         19 . The system for packaging a product of  claim 1 , wherein the spreader assembly is configured to retract to its starting position after the bag envelopes the jaws of a block former. 
     
     
         20 . A method for packaging a product, the method comprising:
 a) providing a plurality of bags each having an open end and a closed end;   b) securing a first end of a single bag with a rotatable drum including a first plurality of vacuum suction cups extending from a first portion of the drum;   c) rotating the drum and securing a second end of the bag with a second plurality of vacuum suction cups extending from a second portion of the drum;   d) rotating the drum so that the closed end of the bag is on the bottom and the open end of the bag is on top;   e) securing the open end of the bag with a third plurality of vacuum suction cups and retracting the third plurality of suction cups so as to open the bag; and   f) inserting a spreader assembly into the open bag to hold it open and allow for insertion of a product.   
     
     
         21 .- 33 . (canceled)