Dual mode stacking system and method of use

Abstract

An apparatus and method for orienting a container. The apparatus includes a frame moveable between a lowered position and a raised, substantially vertical position. A container cradle is pivotably connected to the frame and selectively positionable to a substantially vertical stacking position or a substantially horizontal stacking position when the frame is in the raised, substantially vertical position. The method includes, amongst other features, orienting the container into a horizontal stacking position or maintaining the container in a same orientation as the frame when in the raised vertical position. In the latter orientation, product or other objects can be stacked in a vertical orientation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 552,747 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 552,748, both filed Mar. 15, 2004, which are now incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention generally relates to a dual mode stacking system and method of use and, more particularly, to a system and method for stacking products in either a horizontal or vertical position within a container using a single system. BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION [0003] The sorting of mail is a very complex, time consuming task. In general, the sorting of mail is processed though many stages, including back end processes, which sort or sequence the mail in delivery order sequence. These processes can either be manual or automated, depending on the mail sorting facility, the type of mail being sorted such as packages, flats, letter and the like. A host of other factors may also contrib...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for orienting a container includes a frame moveable between a lowered position and a raised position. A cradle is pivotably connected to the frame and is selectively positionable to a substantially vertical stacking position when the frame is moved to the raised position.

Problems solved by technology

The sorting of mail is a very complex, time consuming task.

Although automation has provided many benefits, there are still requirements that cannot be met by currently known systems.

However, such systems are not currently available which are capable of stacking mail in a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation within a container using a single machine.

Thus, currently known systems do not meet some of the current requirements of the postal system (e.g., United States Postal System) and thus cannot provide the required designed flexibility to enhance the productivity and overall evolving efficiencies demanded by such postal system and other customers.

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