Apparatus and method for engaging and handling articles of manufacture

Abstract

Apparatus and method for engaging an article. The apparatus has a base portion, an end portion disposed adjacent the base portion. The end portion is moveable in relation to the base portion generally along the longitudinal centerline. One or more bands are joined to and extend between the base portion and the end portion. At least one of the bands bends away from the longitudinal centerline when the end portion is moved toward the base portion from the disengaged configuration to the activated configuration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for engaging and handling articles of manufacture. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and an apparatus for picking up, holding and / or handling articles, such as packages.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The use of machines and automated equipment is abundant in modern manufacturing processes. In fact, in modern society, very few articles of manufacture are made completely by hand without the use of tools, machines or robots. As such, there is often a need for the equipment to engage the article being manufactured in some way during its manufacture, processing or packaging. The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for engaging and / or handling articles, such as, for example, articles of manufacture or parts thereof One suitable use for the present invention is to pick up and / or handle packages, such as, for example, empty bottles, tubes or cartons.[0003]Over th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The apparatus provides a cost-effective and versatile solution for handling various articles, improving handling efficiency and reducing the need for multiple devices, while being adaptable to different manufacturing processes and article types.

Problems solved by technology

In fact, in modern society, very few articles of manufacture are made completely by hand without the use of tools, machines or robots.

However, such devices are often complex, having many moving parts, and expensive to make and / or replace.

Further, such know gripping devices are often specially designed for one particular type of article and cannot be effectively used to engage and handle articles having different sizes, shapes and / or materials.

Thus, when used with different shapes, sizes or numbers of articles, know engaging devices can present negative consequences, such as, for example, a decrease in speed of handling, damage to equipment and / or products and / or the need to have different engaging devices for different articles of manufacture, even if they are otherwise processed on the same manufacturing line.

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