	US 12,263,975 B2
	Method of automating filling and packaging of flat retention inserts
Michael W. Arnold, Baltimore, MD (US); Cailin D. Mazan, Annapolis, MD (US); and Kevin R. McHenry, Fallston, MD (US)
Assigned to ARNOLD PACKAGING COMPANY, Sparrows Point, MD (US)
Filed by ARNOLD PACKAGING COMPANY, Sparrows Point, MD (US)
Filed on Sep. 6, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/242,562.
Prior Publication US 2025/0074642 A1, Mar. 6, 2025
Int. Cl. B65B 41/06 (2006.01); B65B 43/28 (2006.01); B65B 43/44 (2006.01); B65B 55/20 (2006.01)

CPC B65B 41/06 (2013.01) [B65B 43/285 (2013.01); B65B 43/44 (2013.01); B65B 55/20 (2013.01)]

20 Claims

1. A method of automating filling of flat retention inserts comprising the steps of:

a) providing at least one flat retention insert including:

i) a body to which is adhered a film;

ii) said film being adhered on sides thereof, with opposed ends of said film being unadhered; and

iii) said body having a flap adjacent each adhered side of said film, each flap being bendable with respect to a remainder of said body;

iv) whereby bending said flaps upwardly allows said film to bow upwardly creating an opening at each end of said film and a chamber between said film and said body;

b) providing an assembly line for automating filling of flat retention inserts including;

i) an actuator with a reciprocating ram;

ii) a first station with a magazine for storing said at least one flat retention insert;

iii) a second station laterally spaced from said first station and comprising a folding mechanism for manipulating said flat retention insert to bend said flaps in a first direction to open said chamber, facilitate insertion of a product into said chamber and bend said flaps in a second opposite direction to stretch said film over said product;

c) moving said actuator to a position over said magazine;

d) lowering said ram toward said magazine, a distal end of said ram having a gripping mechanism for releasably gripping a flat retention insert;

e) gripping a flat retention insert using said gripping mechanism;

f) lifting said ram with a flat retention insert gripped by said gripping mechanism;

g) moving said actuator to a position over said second station;

h) lowering said ram toward said folding mechanism;

i) said gripped flat retention insert engaging said folding mechanism, whereby further lowering of said ram causes said flaps to engage walls of said folding mechanism to bend said flaps upward;

j) said folding mechanism holding a body of said flat retention insert in place with said flaps bent upward while gripping said film, and said ram raising to lift said film and open said chamber;

k) inserting a product into said chamber;

l) lifting said ram with said folding mechanism bending said flaps downward to stretch said film over said product; and

m) conveying said flat retention insert and said product to a shipping container.