Bundled garlic and system and method for bundling

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a bundled garlic product. The invention further provides a bundling system and method for bundling garlic.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 367,244, filed on September 12, 2023, and also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 406,287, filed on September 14, 2022, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] Garlic (Allium sativum) is used worldwide for a variety of purposes, including culinary and medicinal purposes. The bulb or head of the garlic plant is the most commonly used part of the plant. The bulb is typically composed of many fleshy segments called cloves. Garlic cloves are individually covered with an epidermis, which is also called the inner epidermis or endocarp. An additional fibrous, papery layer or outer epidermis or exocarp covers all the cloves and forms the bulb.

[0004] Garlic is sold in a variety of forms. When garlic is sold as fresh bulbs, the fibrous, papery layer may fall off during shipping, storage, and at the point of sale, creating undesirable debris known as garlic feathers. Additionally, when fresh garlic bulbs are sold to consumers as individual units, it may be desirable for the individual bulbs to contain a UPC. This facilitates easier checkout at the point of sale. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention discloses a bundled garlic product and also provides a bundling system and method for bundling garlic.

[0006] In Example 1, a packaging system for garlic bulbs includes: a feed control hopper; a pre-separation feed belt that receives the garlic bulbs from the feed control hopper; a separation belt that receives the garlic bulbs from the pre-separation feeder and separates the garlic bulbs; a strapping machine that places sleeves around the garlic bulbs individually; and a heat shrink unit that applies heat to the sleeves on the garlic bulbs to shrink the sleeves so that the sleeves cover a portion of the garlic bulb and two portions of the garlic bulb are exposed.

[0007] In Example 2, according to the packaging system of Example 1, the separation belt includes: a moving belt extending along a longitudinal axis; and a roller assembly attached to the moving belt. The roller assembly includes: a roller support configured to be attached to the moving belt; a roller extending along a transverse axis, the roller having an hourglass shape, a first cross-sectional diameter at a first end and a second end and a second cross-sectional shape at a center, wherein the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter; and a drive wheel for connecting the roller support and the roller.

[0008] In Example 3, the packaging system of Example 2, wherein the moving belt is a roller chain.

[0009] In Example 4, the packaging system of Example 2, wherein the drive wheel has a protrusion that extends through the opening in the roller support and is received by the roller to connect the roller support and the roller.

[0010] In Example 5, a packaging system according to Example 2, wherein the roller support includes: a fork configured to be attached to a moving belt; a base connected to the fork, the base having a first end and a second end and extending along a transverse axis; a first support arm extending vertically upward from the first end of the base and configured to support the first end of the roller; and a second support arm extending vertically upward from the second end of the base and configured to support the second end of the roller.

[0011] In Example 6, the packaging system of Example 2, wherein the roller has a slope of about 0.1 inch / inch to about 1 inch / inch measured from the first end to the center.

[0012] In Example 7, the packaging system of Example 2, wherein the roller has a slope of about 0.1 inch / inch to about 0.5 inch / inch measured from the first end to the center.

[0013] In Example 8, the packaging system of Example 2, wherein the roller has a slope of about 0.1 inch / inch to about 0.3 inch / inch measured from the first end to the center.

[0014] In Example 9, the packaging system of Example 2 further includes a ramp configured to receive the drive wheel.

[0015] In Example 10, the packaging system of Example 9, wherein the drive wheel rotates as it travels down the ramp.

[0016] In Example 11, the packaging system of Example 10, wherein the roller rotates when the drive wheel travels along the ramp.

[0017] In Example 12, the packaging system of Example 2, wherein the roller is configured to move the garlic bulb to the center of the roller.

[0018] In Example 13, a roller assembly for separating and individually bundling garlic includes: a roller support configured to be attached to a belt that moves along a longitudinal axis; a roller extending along a transverse axis, the roller having an hourglass shape, a first cross-sectional diameter at a first end and a second end, and a second cross-sectional shape at a center, wherein the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter; and a drive wheel for connecting the roller support and the roller.

[0019] In Example 14, the roller assembly of Example 13, wherein the drive wheel has a protrusion that extends through the opening in the roller support and is received by the roller to connect the roller support and the roller.

[0020] In Example 15, a roller assembly is provided according to Example 14, wherein the roller support comprises: a fork configured to be attached to a moving belt; a base connected to the fork, the base having a first end and a second end and extending along a transverse axis; a first support arm extending vertically upward from the first end of the base and configured to support the first end of the roller; and a second support arm extending vertically upward from the second end of the base and configured to support the second end of the roller.

[0021] In Example 16, the roller assembly of Example 14, wherein the roller has a slope of about 0.1 inch / inch to about 1 inch / inch measured from the first end to the center.

[0022] In Example 17, the roller assembly of Example 14, wherein the roller has a slope of about 0.1 inch / inch to about 0.5 inch / inch measured from the first end to the center.

[0023] In Example 18, the roller assembly of Example 14, wherein the roller has a slope of about 0.1 inch / inch to about 0.3 inch / inch measured from the first end to the center.

[0024] In Example 19, an individually packaged garlic bulb includes: a garlic bulb for human consumption; and a heat shrink sleeve covering a portion of the garlic bulb, wherein both portions of the garlic bulb are exposed to an external environment.

[0025] In Example 20, the individually packaged garlic bulbs of Example 19, wherein the heat shrink sleeve covers about 50% to about 93% of the surface area of ​​the garlic bulb.

[0026] In Example 21, the individually packaged garlic bulbs of Example 19, wherein the heat shrink sleeve covers about 55% to about 93% of the surface area of ​​the garlic bulb.

[0027] In Example 22, the individually packaged garlic bulbs of claim 19, wherein the heat shrink sleeve covers about 60% to about 93% of the surface area of ​​the garlic bulb.

[0028] In Example 23, the individually packaged garlic bulbs of claim 19, wherein the heat shrink sleeve comprises UPC.

[0029] In Example 24, a method of packaging garlic bulbs includes: separating the garlic bulbs on a separating belt; feeding the individual garlic bulbs from the separating belt to a strapping machine; applying a sleeve around the garlic bulbs with the strapping machine; and applying heat to the sleeve on the garlic bulbs so that the sleeve shrinks to cover a portion of the garlic bulb and two portions of the garlic bulb are exposed.

[0030] Although multiple embodiments are disclosed, other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a diagram of bundled garlic bulbs.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the packaging system.

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic side view of a packaging system.

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a separator strip.

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of a separation zone with a slope.

[0036] 6a and 6b are perspective views of embodiments of roller assemblies.

[0037] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the roller assembly.

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a roller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Garlic is used worldwide as a spice or condiment for human consumption. In the United States and other countries, more and more consumers prefer to buy fresh garlic rather than dried or powdered garlic. Fresh garlic bulbs are covered with a papery outer layer that tends to flake or fall off, resulting in garlic hairs. Garlic hairs are a particular problem when garlic bulbs are sold individually, such as in containers from which consumers select garlic bulbs. A new package for selling fresh garlic bulbs individually is disclosed herein. A system and method of using the system are also disclosed.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a bundle of garlic bulbs 10, which includes garlic bulbs 12 and packaging strips 14. The garlic bulbs 12 have a bulb neck 16 extending from the top. When the garlic bulbs 12 grow in the ground, the stems extend from the bulb neck 16. When sold to consumers, the stems are usually removed from the garlic bulbs 12. The roots (not shown) extend from the bottom of the garlic bulbs 12 and are opposite the bulb neck 16. The exterior of the garlic bulbs 12 is covered with an exocarp 20, which may include several layers of fibrous, papery epidermis. The exocarp 20 covers a number of individual petals arranged in a circle around a central stem.

[0041] The packaging strip 14 covers a portion of the outer surface of the garlic bulb 12. The packaging strip 14 has openings (not shown) at the top 22 and the bottom 24. In some embodiments, the packaging strip 14 can be a transparent or translucent material. In some embodiments, the packaging strip 14 is a transparent shrink wrap material that contains one or more images, such as a printed brand logo 26 and a universal product code (UPC) 28.

[0042] The packaging strip 14 is a shrink wrap material and can conform to the irregular outer shape of the garlic bulb 12. The packaging strip 14 does not completely cover the garlic bulb 12. In some embodiments, the garlic bulb 12 is not covered by the packaging strip 14 at two separate portions, such as at the top and bottom of the garlic bulb 12. For example, the bulb neck 16 and the root may be exposed to the external environment and not covered by the packaging strip 14. In other embodiments, portions of the sides of the garlic bulb 12 may be exposed. In some embodiments, the packaging strip 14 covers more than about 50%, 55%, or 60% and less than about 90%, 93%, or 95% of the surface area of ​​the garlic bulb 12.

[0043] The garlic bulb 12 can breathe when the packaging strip 14 does not completely cover the bulb. The openings 22 and 24 in the packaging strip 14 allow respiration to occur without trapping moisture. In a completely closed environment (i.e., if the packaging strip 14 would cover 100% of the surface of the garlic bulb 12), moisture is trapped within the environment. The garlic bulb 12 may be shipped long distances and / or stored in different locations as the product is moved from the packaging facility to the point of sale to the consumer. During these activities, the temperature can vary, and the varying temperatures can cause the trapped moisture to condense inside the completely closed environment, which is detrimental to the quality and shelf life of the garlic and may result in mold growth.

[0044] Covering a portion of the garlic bulb 12 with the packaging strip 14 protects the exocarp 20 from cracking or flaking and reduces garlic hairs. It also protects the exocarp 20 from contaminants, such as dust and / or bacteria that may be transferred by consumers handling the garlic bulb 12. The packaging strip 14 also provides a UPC 28 that helps consumers purchase the bundled garlic bulbs 10. By covering only a portion of the garlic bulb 12, the packaging strip 14 provides one or more of these benefits while reducing or preventing condensation from forming within the package.

[0045] Using a machine to package garlic bulbs 12 with packaging strips 14 can be challenging because garlic bulbs vary in size and shape. The three-dimensional shape of a garlic bulb can vary from round to oval. In addition, orienting the garlic in a specific orientation (e.g., neck up, root down) to allow for bundling can further complicate packaging. Figure 2 is a schematic top view of packaging system 50, and Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a packaging system 50 that bundles or packages garlic bulbs to produce bundled garlic bulbs 10. The packaging system 50 includes a dumper 52, a feed control hopper 54, a grade or grading belt 56, a pre-separation feeder 58, a path alignment belt 60, a separator belt 62 (which may include a separator cup), a bundler 66, and a filling box 68.

[0046] In operation, the dumper 52 provides garlic bulbs to the feed control hopper 54. The feed control hopper 54 releases the garlic bulbs onto the grading belt 56. The feed control hopper 54 controls the outcome of the garlic bulbs to prevent or reduce blockages in the system. In some embodiments, the number of garlic bulbs per time period is approximately equal to the number of garlic bulbs that the system can encapsulate in the same time period.

[0047] The garlic bulbs may optionally be graded or inspected on a grading belt 56. For example, the garlic bulbs may be inspected and those that do not meet size, quality, or other criteria may be removed from the system. The grading belt 56 may be a conveyor belt that moves the garlic bulbs from the feed control hopper 54 to the pre-separation feeder 58.

[0048] The pre-separation feeder 58 can be arranged or oriented to align with and separate the separation belt 62. In some embodiments, the pre-separation feeder 58 can be a roller inclined conveyor. Figure 3 As shown, the pre-separation feeder 58 may be oriented such that the end adjacent the grading belt 56 is lower than the end adjacent the path alignment belt 60 .

[0049] In some embodiments, after the pre-separation feeder 58, the garlic bulbs are transported on a path alignment belt 60 and then transported to a separation belt 62. In other embodiments, a path alignment belt 60 is not provided and the garlic bulbs travel directly from the pre-separation feeder 58 to the separation belt 62.

[0050] The separator belt 62 separates the individual garlic bulbs. This enables one garlic bulb to be fed to the strapping machine 66 at a time. In one embodiment, the separator belt 62 is a cup conveyor with a plurality of separator cups. The separator cups are sized so that a single garlic bulb fits in the cup. In another embodiment, the separator belt 62 is a belt with dimples, wherein a single garlic bulb fits into the dimples.

[0051] The separating belt 62 transports the garlic bulbs to the bundling machine 66. The separating belt 62 feeds a single garlic bulb to the bundling machine 66 at a time. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, multiple strapping machines 66 may be used with a single release strap 62 .

[0052] At the strapping machine 66, a packaging strip or sleeve having openings at the top and bottom is placed around the garlic bulbs. In one embodiment, the strapping machine 66 is an AXON EZ-150SL strapping machine. The packaging strip or sleeve can be a transparent or translucent material as described herein. In one embodiment, the strip or sleeve is a heat shrink material.

[0053] After the packaging strip or sleeve is placed around the garlic bulb, the garlic bulb is exposed to heat shrink packaging. For example, a heating tunnel or heat gun can be used to shrink the packaging strip or sleeve so that the packaging strip or sleeve conforms to the shape of the garlic bulb. In one embodiment, a Quad Pre-shrink system is used for heat shrinking. Preferably, the packaging strip or sleeve shrinks so that the sleeve is not easily removed from the garlic bulb. Therefore, the sleeve will remain on the garlic bulb during transportation and at the point of sale.

[0054] Once the bundled garlic is complete, the product is directed to the boxes at the filling box 68. The boxes are filled, weighed and palletized.

[0055] One key to bundling garlic is to align the bulbs to the center of the separator belt 62. Another key to bundling garlic is to have the garlic properly spaced from each other. The separator belt 62 is designed to align the garlic bulbs to the centerline of the separator belt 62. Spacing is achieved by the timing or speed of the separator belt 62.

[0056] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a separator belt 62 that orients garlic bulbs 80a, 80b, and 80c (collectively, garlic bulbs 80) so that a strapping machine places strips 82a, 82b, and 82c (collectively, strips 82) on the corresponding garlic bulbs 80. The separator belt 62 includes a roller chain 70 (which is formed of a plurality of link members 72), a roller support 74, a drive wheel 76, and a roller 78. The roller chain 70 is a moving belt formed by connecting a plurality of link members 72 to each other. The roller chain 70 extends in the longitudinal direction. In use, the roller chain 70 moves in the longitudinal direction (in Figure 4 from right to left).

[0057] The first end 84 of the roller support 74 is connected to the link member 72. In this manner, the link member 72 carries the roller support 74. The second end 86 of the roller support 74 extends away from the roller chain 70. The roller support 74 extends perpendicular to the roller chain 70 along the transverse axis and supports the end of the roller 78. The roller support 74 also extends vertically from the roller chain 70 so that the roller 78 is located above the roller chain 70. The drive wheel 76 is connected to the roller 78 and the roller support 74.

[0058] exist Figure 4 7. In the separating belt 62, a "separating cup" takes the form of a roller 78. For example, a "cup" is formed between two adjacent rollers 78. A single garlic bulb 80 fits between a pair of adjacent rollers 78. In use, the pre-separating feeder 58 feeds or places the garlic bulbs 80 onto the separating belt 62 so that the garlic bulbs 80 are properly spaced apart from each other on the separating belt 62 so that the strapping machine 66 can strap the garlic bulbs 80. If the garlic bulbs 80 are too close together, the strapping machine 66 may not be able to place the strip 82 on the garlic bulb 80 and / or heat treat the strip 82.

[0059] The separator tape 62 aligns the garlic bulb 80 along the transverse center axis of the separator tape 62 so that the strip 82 is properly applied to the garlic bulb 80. In some embodiments, the strip 82 must fit over a corner or shoulder of the garlic bulb 80 to obtain a proper fit. If the garlic bulb 80 is not centered on the separator tape 62, the strip 82 will not fit over the garlic bulb 80 (e.g., it will "bounce" off the garlic bulb 80), and the strip 82 will not be retracted over the garlic bulb 80. Figure 4 As shown, the separation strip 62 can keep the garlic bulb 80 on the center line regardless of the orientation of the stem of the garlic bulb 80. Figure 4 7 , garlic bulb 80a is placed upright with the bottom of garlic bulb 80 resting on adjacent roller 78. Garlic bulb 80b is tilted forward so that the bulb neck and bottom of garlic bulb 80b rest on adjacent roller 78. Garlic bulb 80c is on its side so that the side of garlic bulb 80c rests on adjacent roller 78. Separating strips 62 allow each bulb to be properly bundled despite the different orientations.

[0060] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a separator strip 64 having a slope 120 including an uphill portion 122, a flat portion 124, and a downhill portion 126. Figure 5 In some embodiments, the ramp 120 is formed of two parts, one part on each side of the chain 70, and an opening between the two parts of the chain 70. In some embodiments, the length of the ramp 120 can be from about 1 foot to about 10 feet.

[0061] In use, garlic bulbs 80 are transferred from the pre-separation feeder 58 or the path alignment belt 60 onto the separation belt 62. The garlic bulbs 80 are positioned between two adjacent rollers 78. The ramp 120 engages the drive wheel 76 attached to the rollers 78. For example, the ramp 120 can be formed by plates or slats located on both sides of the chain 70 so that the chain 70 moves down the center of the ramp 120. The ramp 120 is sized and positioned to engage or lift the drive wheel 76. In some embodiments, the ramp 120 is at least as wide as the drive wheel 76.

[0062] In some embodiments, the drive wheel 76 first engages the uphill portion 122. As the drive wheel 76 moves up the uphill portion 122, the drive wheel 76 is slowly lifted off the bottom of the opening 100 of the roller support 74. The drive wheel 76 rotates as it passes over or along the ramp 120. This in turn causes the rollers 78 to rotate. The rotation of the rollers 78 causes the garlic bulbs 80 to move over the rollers 78 and helps to align the garlic bulbs 80 with the center of the separation belt 64. The drive wheel 76 continues over the flat portion 124 and then down the downhill portion 126. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the garlic bulbs 80 are then transported to a bundling machine and heating station.

[0063] 6a is a perspective view of roller assembly 90a including male roller support 74a, drive wheel 76, and roller 78, and FIG. 6b is a perspective view of roller assembly 90b including female roller support 74b, drive wheel 76, and roller 78. Figure 7 8 is an exploded perspective view of roller assembly 90b. Roller assemblies 90a and 90b (collectively referred to as roller assemblies 90) are attached to roller chain 70 via forks 92 located at first end 84. For example, forks 92 are received by roller chain 70 and / or connected to the roller chain. Male roller supports 74a have notches 94 on the outer surface of each fork 92. Female roller supports 74b have notches 94 on the inner surface of each fork 92. In use, male roller supports 74a and female roller supports 74b are arranged in an alternating pattern along the length of roller chain 70.

[0064] The fork 92 is attached to the base 96 of the roller support 74. In use, the base 96 extends perpendicular to the length of the roller chain 70 and extends along the transverse axis. A support arm 98 extends vertically upward from the end of the base 96. A first support arm 98a extends from one end of the base 96, and a second support arm 98b extends from the opposite end of the base 96. In this way, the roller support 74 extends perpendicular to the roller chain 70. A support opening 100 is formed in the support arm 98. In some embodiments, the support opening 100 has a circular or oval shape. The support opening 100 is sized to receive a portion of the drive wheel 76 and is configured to allow the drive wheel 76 to rotate on the ramp 120.

[0065] The roller 78 extends between the first support arm 98a and the second support arm 98b. The drive wheel 76 is connected to the roller 78 and holds the roller 78 in place on the first support arm 98a and the second support arm 98b. During the alignment phase on the ramp 120, the drive wheel 76 will cause the roller 78 to rotate rapidly, which helps move the garlic bulb 80 to the optimal centerline of the separation belt 62.

[0066] In some embodiments, the drive wheel 76 has a protrusion 102 that fits through an opening 104 in a first end 106 and a second end 108 of the roller 78, and when the drive wheel 76 rotates, the drive wheel 76 rotates the roller 78. For example, the protrusion 102 may extend through a support opening 100 of a support arm 98 and be received by the opening 104 of the roller 78, such that the support arm 98 is sandwiched between the roller 78 and the drive wheel 76. When the drive wheel 76 rolls along the ramp 120, the roller 78 and the drive wheel 76 rotate relative to the support arm 98.

[0067] The opening 104 extends through the center of the roller 78 along the transverse axis. In some embodiments, the opening 104 can extend the entire length of the roller 78. In other embodiments, the opening 104 can extend from the ends 106 and 108 into a portion of the roller 78 to fully receive the protrusion 102. As shown in FIG. 6, the roller 78 can be hollow inside between the outer surface and the outer wall of the opening 104. Alternatively, the roller 78 can be solid at the center of the roller 78 between the outer surface and the outer wall of the opening 104.

[0068] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of roller 78. In some embodiments, roller 78 is symmetrical in shape about a transverse axis extending through first end 106 and second end 106. Roller 78 may have an hourglass shape, with ends 106 and 108 having a larger diameter than center 110. For example, roller 78 may have a first cross-sectional diameter at end 106 and at end 108, and a second cross-sectional diameter at center 110, and the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter. In this manner, roller 78 tapers from end 106 to center 110 and from end 108 to center 110. Center 110 has the smallest diameter on roller 78, and a waist can be said to be formed at center 110. During use, this shape of roller 78 rotates garlic bulb 80 to the transverse center of separation belt 62 and roller 78.

[0069] The shape of roller 78 also allows strip 82 to be positioned low enough on garlic bulb 80 to ensure that strip 82 is placed around the shoulder of garlic bulb 80 so that when strip 82 is contracted to form the shrink-wrapped package, it contracts around garlic bulb 80.

[0070] The rollers 78 are sized to properly space the garlic bulbs 80. Figure 8, the width A is the width of the narrowest portion or waist of the roller 78, the diameter B is the diameter of the first end 106 and the second end 108, the length C is the length of the roller 78 measured from the first end 106 to the second end 108, and the diameter D is the diameter of the drive wheel 76. In one embodiment, the slope of the roller 78 measured from the first end 106 to the center 110 (or from the second end 108 to the center 110) is calculated by the following equation: (B-A) / (C / 2). In some embodiments, because the roller 78 is symmetrical, the slope measured from the first end 106 is the same as the slope measured from the second end 108. The slope of the roller 78 moves the garlic bulb 80 to the center 110 of the roller. If the slope of the roller 78 is too large, the garlic bulb 80 will bounce off the roller 78. If the slope of the roller 78 is not large enough, the garlic bulb 80 will not move to the center 110. In some embodiments, the slope of roller 78 is from 0.1 in / inch to about 1 in / inch, from about 0.1 in / inch to about 0.6 in / inch, from about 0.1 in / inch to about 0.4 in / inch, or from about 0.1 in / inch to about 0.3 in / inch.

[0071] The width A, diameter B, and length C may be selected to provide an appropriate slope on the roller 78 and to control and vary the spacing of the garlic bulbs 80 on the separator belt 62 and / or the capacity of the separator belt 62 .

[0072] The speed of rotation of the roller 78 and the length of time of the rotation zone can also affect the system. If the roller 78 rotates too slowly, the garlic bulb 80 may not move to the center 110. If the roller 78 rotates too fast, the garlic bulb 80 may not move because there is slippage between the roller 78 and the garlic bulb 80. In some cases, the roller 78 moving too fast may peel the skin off the outside of the garlic bulb 80, which is not ideal. The rotation speed of the roller 78 can be from about 1 ft / min to about 300 ft / min, and the rotation speed of the roller can be adjusted by changing the speed and diameter D of the chain 70.

[0073] While garlic was used in the above example, other produce, such as onions, could also be used.

[0074] Various modifications and additions may be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the above embodiments refer to particular features, the scope of the present invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above features.

Claims

1. A packaging system for garlic bulbs, the system comprising: Feed control hopper; a pre-separation feed belt that receives garlic bulbs from the feed control hopper; a separation belt which receives the garlic bulbs from the pre-separation feeder and separates the garlic bulbs; a tying machine, which places sleeves around garlic bulbs individually; and A heat shrink unit applies heat to the sleeve on the garlic bulb to shrink the sleeve so that the sleeve covers a portion of the garlic bulb and two portions of the garlic bulb are exposed.

2. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The separation belt comprises: a moving belt extending along a longitudinal axis; and a roller assembly attached to the moving belt, the roller assembly comprising: a roller support configured to be attached to the moving belt; a roller extending along a transverse axis, the roller having an hourglass shape with a first cross-sectional diameter at a first end and a second end and a second cross-sectional shape at a center, wherein the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter; and A driving wheel is used to connect the roller support and the roller.

3. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein: The moving belt is a roller chain.

4. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein: The drive wheel has a protrusion that extends through an opening in the roller support and is received by the roller to connect the roller support and the roller.

5. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein: The roller support comprises: a fork configured to be attached to the moving belt; a base connected to the fork, the base having a first end and a second end and extending along the transverse axis; a first support arm extending vertically upward from a first end of the base and configured to support a first end of the roller; and A second support arm extends vertically upward from the second end of the base and is configured to support the second end of the roller.

6. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein: The roller has a slope of about 0.1 inch / inch to about 1 inch / inch measured from the first end to the center.

7. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein: The roller has a slope of about 0.1 in / inch to about 0.5 in / inch measured from the first end to the center.

8. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein: The roller has a slope of about 0.1 in / inch to about 0.3 in / inch measured from the first end to the center.

9. The packaging system of claim 2, and further comprising a ramp configured to receive the drive wheel.

10. The packaging system according to claim 9, wherein: The drive wheel rotates as it travels along the ramp.

11. The packaging system according to claim 10, wherein: As the drive wheel travels along the ramp, the rollers rotate.

12. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein: The roller is configured to move the garlic bulb to the center of the roller.

13. A roller assembly for separating and individually bundling garlic, the roller assembly comprising: a roller support configured to be attached to a belt that moves along a longitudinal axis; a roller extending along a transverse axis, the roller having an hourglass shape with a first cross-sectional diameter at a first end and a second end and a second cross-sectional shape at a center, wherein the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter; and A driving wheel is used to connect the roller support and the roller.

14. The roller assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The drive wheel has a protrusion that extends through an opening in the roller support and is received by the roller to connect the roller support and the roller.

15. The roller assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The roller support comprises: a fork configured to be attached to the moving belt; a base connected to the fork, the base having a first end and a second end and extending along the transverse axis; a first support arm extending vertically upward from a first end of the base and configured to support a first end of the roller; and A second support arm extends vertically upward from the second end of the base and is configured to support the second end of the roller.

16. The roller assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The roller has a slope of about 0.1 inch / inch to about 1 inch / inch measured from the first end to the center.

17. The roller assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The roller has a slope of about 0.1 in / inch to about 0.5 in / inch measured from the first end to the center.

18. The roller assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The roller has a slope of about 0.1 in / inch to about 0.3 in / inch measured from the first end to the center.

19. An individually packaged garlic bulb comprising: Garlic bulbs for human consumption; and A heat shrink sleeve covers a portion of the garlic bulb, wherein two portions of the garlic bulb are exposed to an external environment.

20. The individually packaged garlic bulbs of claim 19, wherein: The heat shrink sleeve covers about 50% to about 93% of the surface area of ​​the garlic bulb.

21. The individually packaged garlic bulbs of claim 19, wherein: The heat shrink sleeve covers about 55% to about 93% of the surface area of ​​the garlic bulb.

22. The individually packaged garlic bulbs of claim 19, wherein: The heat shrink sleeve covers about 60% to about 93% of the surface area of ​​the garlic bulb.

23. The individually packaged garlic bulbs of claim 19, wherein: The heat shrink tubing includes UPC.

24. A method for encapsulating garlic bulbs, the method comprising: Separate the garlic bulbs on the separation strip; Feeding individual garlic bulbs from a separation belt to a baler; applying a casing around the garlic bulb using a tying machine; and Heat is applied to the sleeve on the garlic bulb, causing the sleeve to shrink to cover a portion of the garlic bulb and two portions of the garlic bulb are exposed.

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