Device for erecting a package for filling

Abstract

A device 10 suitable for erecting a package, comprising a first 12 and second 14 opposing walls defining a channel 16 with a first 16a and second 16b end. The channel 16 has a transitional portion 18

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for erecting a package for filling. Aspects of the invention relate to a device, an assembly and a method. Background

[0002] Products purchased by consumers remotely (e.g. via e-commerce) are typically packaged by a worker at a packing station in a distribution centre, before being shipped to the customer. The worker is usually required to manipulate a package (e.g. a shipping bag, pouch, mailer or envelope) by hand to erect the package so that the worker can then fill the package with the product via an open mouth of the erected package, before sealing the package ready for shipment.

[0003] The need to erect each package via such manual manipulation can be time consuming and limits the number of packages a worker can fill with product in any given period. Hence, it would be desirable to reduce the time needed for a worker to obtain an erected package ready for filling.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide one or more improvements over the prior art. Summary of Invention

[0005] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a device for erecting a package for filling, an assembly, and a method for erecting a package for filling, as claimed in the appended claims.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for erecting a package for filling. The device comprises a first wall, and a second wall opposing the first wall to define a channel therebetween. The channel has a first end and a second end. The channel has a transitional portion where a width of the channel decreases from a first width to a second width less than the first width, for applying a force to opposing sides of the package to erect the package for filling when the package is moved along the channel in a direction from the first end towards the second end. A width of the second end is less than the first width.

[0007] Advantageously, the device enables the package to be easily and rapidly erected for filling without requiring moving parts other than those needed to move the package along the channel. Moreover, such a width of the second end of the channel helps to maintain the erected shape of the package as it is removed from the channel.

[0008] The width of the second end of the channel may be substantially equal to the second width.

[0009] Advantageously, such a configuration of the second end of the channel may help to maintain the shape of the front of the erected package whilst the rear portion of the package is being erected, and also helps to minimise the length of the channel.

[0010] The channel may comprise a downstream portion extending along the channel. The downstream portion may be between the second end and the transitional portion. A width of the downstream portion may be substantially constant and substantially equal to the second width.

[0011] Advantageously, the downstream portion may help to maintain the shape of the front of the erected package as the package is removed from the channel.

[0012] The downstream portion may comprise the second end of the channel.

[0013] The downstream portion may be adjacent the transitional portion.

[0014] Advantageously, such a configuration may help to reduce the length of the channel.

[0015] The channel may comprise an upstream portion extending along the channel. The upstream portion may be between the first end and the transitional portion. A width of the upstream portion may be substantially constant and substantially equal to the first width.

[0016] Advantageously, the upstream portion may help align the package before it is moved along the channel.

[0017] A length of the upstream portion may be greater than a length of the downstream portion.

[0018] Advantageously, such a configuration may enable the upstream portion to house the package prior to erecting the package, whilst ensuring that the device remains compact.

[0019] A length of the upstream portion may be greater than a length of the transitional portion.

[0020] Advantageously, such a configuration may enable the upstream portion to house the package prior to erecting the package, whilst ensuring that the device remains compact.

[0021] The upstream portion may be adjacent the transitional portion.

[0022] Advantageously, such a configuration may help to reduce the length of the channel needed to erect the package.

[0023] The transitional portion of the channel may taper continuously from the first width to the second width.

[0024] Advantageously, such a configuration of the transitional portion may help to reduce the length of channel needed to erect the package.

[0025] The first wall and / or second wall in the transitional portion may be arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the channel in the range of 10 to 30 degrees.

[0026] Advantageously, such angles of the first and second walls have been found to enable the package to be moved along the channel using little force, whilst ensuring that the device remains compact.

[0027] The first wall and / or second wall in the transitional portion may be arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the channel in the range of 15 to 20 degrees.

[0028] The second width may be between 60% and 80% of the first width.

[0029] The second width may be between 65% and 75% of the first width.

[0030] The second width may be approximately 70% of the first width.

[0031] The second end of the channel may be an open end for receiving the erected package therethrough in a lengthwise direction of the channel.

[0032] Advantageously, such a configuration of the second end simplifies removal of the erected package from the channel.

[0033] The first end may be an open end for receiving the package therethrough in a lengthwise direction of the channel.

[0034] Advantageously, such a configuration of the first end simplifies loading of packages into the channel.

[0035] The first and second walls may be configured such that a profile of the width of the channel is substantially symmetric about a center plane of the channel.

[0036] Advantageously, such a configuration enables the first and second walls to apply even forces to the sides of the package when it is moved along the channel.

[0037] The channel may have a substantially constant width profile across a depth of the channel.

[0038] Advantageously, such a configuration enables the walls to apply even forces to the sides of the package when it is moved along the channel.

[0039] The first and second walls may be configured such that a depth of the transitional portion of the channel is more than 20% of the second width.

[0040] Advantageously, such a configuration enables the walls to apply a force across a depth of the package when it is moved along the channel and the depth of the package increases as it erects.

[0041] The first and second walls may be configured such that a depth of the transitional portion of the channel is more than 30% of the second width.

[0042] The first and second walls may be configured such that a depth of the transitional portion of the channel is more than 40% of the second width.

[0043] The first and second walls may be configured such that the channel has a substantially constant depth across a length of the channel.

[0044] Advantageously, such a configuration may help ensure that the first and second walls continue to apply forces to opposing sides of a package whilst the package moves along the channel and its depth increases as it erects.

[0045] The first and second walls may be configured such that variations in the width of the channel are gradual.

[0046] Advantageously, such a configuration helps to reduce a force required to move the package along the channel.

[0047] The device may further comprise a coupling member configured to couple the first and second walls to each other.

[0048] Advantageously, the coupling member may help to improve the portability of the device, as well as simplify operability of the device.

[0049] The coupling member may be a base wall extending between the first and second walls so as to at least partially define a base of the channel.

[0050] The base wall may extend substantially across a length of the channel.

[0051] The base wall may be substantially planar.

[0052] Advantageously, such a configuration of the base wall helps to reduce a force needed to move the package along the channel.

[0053] The base wall may be a flat plate.

[0054] The base wall may comprise a recess adjacent the second end of the channel for receiving at least part of a hand for pulling the package along the channel towards the second end.

[0055] A maximum width of the recess may be less than the second width.

[0056] Advantageously, such a configuration of the recess helps to inhibit the package from inadvertently passing through the recess.

[0057] The device may further comprise a retainer arrangement configured to inhibit a package exiting the channel via a lateral channel opening opposite the base wall.

[0058] The retainer arrangement may comprise a retainer wall mounted to the first and / or second walls. The retainer wall may be configured to narrow or at least partially close the lateral channel opening.

[0059] The retainer wall may comprise a recess adjacent the second end of the channel for receiving at least part of a hand for pulling the package along the channel towards the second end.

[0060] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly comprising the device of any preceding statement mounted to a worktable.

[0061] The worktable may form part of a packing bench.

[0062] The channel may be substantially horizontal.

[0063] Advantageously, such a position of the channel may simplify operation of the device.

[0064] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for erecting a package for filling. The method comprises: providing the device or the assembly of any preceding statement; providing a package; and moving the package along the transitional portion of the channel in a direction from the first end towards the second end of the channel such that the first and second walls apply a force to opposing sides of the package to erect the package for filling.

[0065] The package may be moved along the channel by applying a pulling force on the package from adjacent the second end of the channel.

[0066] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and, in particular, the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. All embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim, although not originally claimed in that manner.

[0067] Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of at least one exemplary embodiment for carrying out the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of Drawings

[0068] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 is a plan view of a package in an unerected state;

[0070] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the package of Figure 1 in an erected state;

[0071] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an assembly including a device for erecting a package for filling and a worktable according to an embodiment;

[0072] Figure 4 is a plan view of the device of Figure 3;

[0073] Figures 5 to 7 are perspective views of a method for erecting the package of Figure 1 for filling using the device of Figure 3; and

[0074] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative device for erecting a package for filling according to an embodiment. Detailed Description

[0075] Figures 1 and 2 show a package 100. In this embodiment, the package 100 has been formed from a blank (not shown) of paperboard that has been folded and glued as required. As such, the package 100 is at least partially assembled. Typically, the package 100 is partially assembled (e.g. the blank of paperboard is folded and glued) in a first location by any suitable manual, automated or semi-automated process, for example, by using known packaging machinery such as a folder-gluer machine. By maintaining the packages 100 in a flat state as shown in Figure 1, they can be more easily stored and transported in bulk to a second location for filling. In Figure 1, the package 100 is also in an unerected state where it cannot yet be filled. In Figure 2, the package 100 is in an erected state ready for filling.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the package 100 is a mailer, but could be of any suitable type and shape (e.g. a shipping bag, a pouch or an envelope).

[0077] The package 100 includes a pocket 102 defining a mouth 104 via which the pocket 102 can be filled. The package 100 further includes a closure 106, such as a flap, for closing the mouth 104. The package 100 may be considered fully assembled once the closure 106 closes the mouth 104.

[0078] The pocket 102 includes upper and lower panels 108, side panels 110 and a rear panel 112. The upper and lower panels 108 are connected via the side panels 110 and the rear panel 112. The upper and lower panels 108, and the side panels 110 define the mouth 104. The closure 106 extends from one of the upper and lower panels 108 and is secured to the other of the upper and lower panels 108, after filling, to close the mouth 104.

[0079] Each side panel 110 includes a fold line 114 extending therealong. The fold lines 114 define opposite sides of the package 100 when the side panels 110 are folded along the fold lines 114 in the unerected state shown in Figure 1. The side panels 110 are configured such that when opposing transverse forces F are applied to the fold lines 114, as shown in Figure 1, the side panels 110 unfold about the fold lines 114 until the side panels 110 are positioned substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower panels 108 so as to erect the package 100 and maximise the open area of the mouth 104, as shown in Figure 2.

[0080] One or more of the panels 108, 110, 112 may include further fold lines configured to increase the flexibility of that panel. For example, one or more of the panels 108, 110, 112 may include a plurality of fold lines having a quilted arrangement (i.e. arranged to resemble the stitching of a quilt).

[0081] In this embodiment, the package is 100 is formed from fluted paperboard. Specifically, the paperboard used is typically an 'E flute' or 'F flute' type with a specific weight typically in the range of 100-200 g / m2. However, the package 100 may be formed from any suitable foldable material having the required rigidity for enabling the package to convert from the unerected state to the erected state in the manner described above (e.g. card, cardboard, and / or plastic).

[0082] To fill the package 100, it is known for a worker to apply the transverse forces F to the fold lines 114 using their hands, and then continue to manipulate the package 100 to maintain the package in the erected state whilst filling the pocket 102. Such a process can be time consuming.

[0083] With reference to Figure 3, there is shown an assembly 1 including a device 10 for erecting the package 100 for filling, and a worktable 2. The device 10 is mounted to the worktable 2. The worktable 2 may form part of a packing bench (e.g. a benchtop or a shelf of the packing bench).

[0084] With further reference to Figure 4, the device 10 includes a first wall 12 and a second wall 14. The first and second walls 12, 14 oppose each other to define a channel 16 therebetween. The channel 16 includes a first end 16a and a second end 16b. The channel 16 includes a transitional portion 18 where a width of the channel 16 decreases from a first width W1 to a second width W2 in a direction A from the first end 16a to the second end 16b of the channel 16. The second width W2 is less than the first width Wl. A width W2* of the second end 16b of the channel 16 is less than the first width Wl.

[0085] As discussed more in the following, the configuration of the transitional portion 18 is such that when the package 100 is moved along the transitional portion 18 in the direction A from the first end 16a to the second end 16b, the first and second walls 12, 14 apply the force F to opposing sides of the package 100 to erect the package 100 for filling. As such, the device 10 enables the package 100 to be easily and rapidly erected for filling without requiring moving parts other than those needed to move the package 100 along the channel 16. Moreover, configuring the second end 16b such that its width W2* is less than the first width Wl helps to maintain the erected shape of the package 100 as it is removed from the second end 16b of the channel 16.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the width W2* of the second end 16b is substantially equal to the second width W2. Advantageously, such a configuration of the second end 16b of the channel 16 helps even better maintain the erected shape of the package 100 as it is removed from the second end 16b of the channel 16. In alternative embodiment (not shown), the width W2* of the second end 16b may be less than or greater than the second width W2, whilst still being less than the first width Wl.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the second width W2 is approximately 70% of the first width Wl. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the second width W2 may be between 60% and 80% of the first width Wl, for example, between 65% and 75% of the first width Wl.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the transitional portion 18 of the channel 16 tapers continuously from the first width W1 to the second width W2; i.e. the transitional portion 18 tapers without interruption. Such a configuration of the transitional portion 18 may help to reduce the length of the transitional portion 18 relative to a transitional portion including one or more constant width and / or increasing width sections.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second walls 12, 14 are configured such that a profile of the width of the channel 16 is substantially symmetric about a center plane P of the channel 16 as shown in Figure 4. This helps ensure that the first and second walls 12, 14 apply even forces F to the package 100 when it is moved along the transitional portion 18. In alternative embodiments, the width profile of the channel 16 may be asymmetric about the center plane P.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the transitional portion 18 of the channel 16 tapers at a constant gradient (i.e. the first and second walls 12, 14 in the transitional portion 18 are substantially straight). In alternative embodiments (not shown), the transitional portion 18 of the channel 16 may taper at a variable gradient (i.e. the first and second walls 12, 14 in the transitional portion 18 may be curved). For example, in such alternative embodiments, the transitional portion 18 of the channel 16 may taper at a (e.g. exponentially) increasing gradient in the direction A.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second walls 12, 14 in the transitional portion 18 is arranged at an angle 9 to a longitudinal axis X of the channel 16 of approximately 17 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 9 may be in the range of 10 to 30 degrees, for example, in the range of 15 to 20 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle 9 may have any suitable value. In embodiments in which the width profile of the channel 16 is not symmetric about the center plane P, the angle 9 for each of the first and second walls 12, 14 may be different to each other.

[0092] As shown in Figure 4, the channel 16 includes an upstream portion 20 extending along the channel 16. The upstream portion 20 is located between the first end 16a and the transitional portion 18. A width of the upstream portion 20 is substantially constant and substantially equal to the first width Wl. Advantageously, the upstream portion 20 may help align the package 100 with the longitudinal axis X of the channel 16 before it is moved along the channel 16 in the direction A.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream portion 20 is adjacent the transitional portion 18 (i.e. the upstream and transitional portions 20, 18 are adjoining), but may be spaced therefrom in alternative embodiments.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream portion 20 is spaced from the first end 16a of the channel 16, which has a width W3 greater than the first width Wl. The width of the channel 16 tapers from the width W3 at the first end 16a to the first width Wl. Such a tapering width helps guide the package 100 into the channel 16 via the first end 16a. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the upstream portion 20 may include (i.e. extend up to) the first end 16a.

[0095] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the channel 16 may not include such an upstream portion 20. For example, the transitional portion 18 may instead include the first end 16a of the channel 16, or the channel 16 may have an upstream portion with a varying width along the channel 16 (e.g. the width of the upstream portion may increase in a direction away from the transitional portion 18).

[0096] As shown in Figure 4, the channel 16 includes a downstream portion 22 extending along the channel 16. The downstream portion 22 is located between the second end 16b and the transitional portion 18. A width of the downstream portion 22 is substantially constant and substantially equal to the second width W2. Advantageously, the downstream portion 22 may help to maintain the erected shape of the front of the package 100 whilst a rear portion of the package 100 is moving along the transitional portion 18.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream portion 22 includes the second end 16b of the channel 16, but may be spaced therefrom in alternative embodiments.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream portion 22 is adjacent the transitional portion 18 (i.e. the downstream and transitional portions 22, 18 are adjoining), but may be spaced therefrom in alternative embodiments.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second walls 12, 14 are configured such that variations in the width of the channel 16 along the longitudinal axis X thereof are gradual (i.e. smooth). This helps to reduce the force required to move the package 100 along the channel 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the width profile of the channel 16 at the intersections between the transitional portion 18, and the upstream and downstream portions 20, 22 have a continuous curvature.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, a length LI of the upstream portion 20 is greater than a length L2 of the transitional portion 18 and a length L3 of the downstream portion 22. The length LI of the upstream portion 20 may be chosen to be sufficient to house the package 100 therein, and so the length LI may correspond to a length of the package 100. The lengths L2, L3 of the transitional and downstream portions 18, 22 are not required to be as long as the length of the package 100, and so can be made smaller to help minimise the length of the channel 16, and thus make the device 10 more compact. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or both of the transitional and downstream portions 18, 22 may have a greater length than the upstream portion 20.

[0101] As shown in Figure 3, the first end 16a of the channel 16 is an open end for receiving the package 100 therethrough along the longitudinal axis X. This simplifies loading of the package into the upstream portion 20 of the channel 16.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 16b of the channel 16 is an open end for receiving the erected package 100 therethrough along the longitudinal axis X. This simplifies removal of the erected package 100 from the channel 16.

[0103] In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or both of the first and second ends 16a, 16b may be closed ends.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second walls 12, 14 are configured such that the channel 16 has a substantially constant depth D across the length of the channel 16. This may help ensure that the walls 12, 14 continue to apply the force F to opposing sides of the package 100 as the package 100 moves along the channel 16 and the depth of the package 100 increases as it erects. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the channel 16 may have a varying depth across its length.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 16 has a substantially constant width profile (i.e. the width profile shown in Figure 4) across the depth D of the channel 16. This may help ensure that the first and second walls 12, 14 apply even forces F to the sides of the package 100 when it is moved along the channel 16 and the depth of the package 100 increases as it erects. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the channel 16 may have a varying width profile across its depth.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first and second walls 12, 14 are configured such that a depth of the transitional portion 18 of the channel 16 (which corresponds to the depth D in the illustrated embodiment) is more than 20% of the second width W2. In such embodiments, the depth of the transitional portion 18 may be more than 30% of the second width W2, e.g. more than 40% of the second width W2. This helps to ensure that the first and second walls 12, 14 apply even forces F to the sides of the package 100 when it is moved along the channel 16 and the depth of the package 100 increases as it erects.

[0107] The device 10 further includes a coupling member 24 configured to couple the first and second walls 12, 14 to each other. In the illustrated embodiment the coupling member 24 is a base wall 24 extending between the first and second walls 12, 14 so as to at least partially define a base of the channel 16. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the coupling member 24 may have any suitable form, e.g. one or more connecting rods extending between the first and second walls 12, 14. In some embodiments, the coupling member 24 may be the worktable 2.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the base wall 24 extends substantially across the length of the channel 16. In alternative embodiments, though, it may extend across only a portion of the channel's length.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the base wall 24 is substantially planar, and is in the form of a flat plate, which helps to reduce the force needed to move the package along the channel 16.

[0110] In some embodiments, the base wall 24 includes a recess 26 adjacent the second end 16b of the channel 16 for receiving at least part of a hand for pulling the package 100 along the channel 16 towards the second end 16b. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 26 has a substantially U-shaped profile, but may have any suitable profile in alternative embodiments (e.g. a slot-shaped profile).

[0111] The recess 26 has a maximum width W4 (see Figure 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum width W4 of the recess 26 is less than the second width W2. This helps to inhibit the package 100 from inadvertently passing through the recess 26 when it is moved along the channel 16 in the direction A.

[0112] As shown in Figure 3, the device 10 is mounted to the worktable 2 such that the channel 16 is substantially horizontal. Such a position of the channel 16 helps to simplify operation of the device 10 since it enables a package to be pulled along the channel towards a worker adjacent the worktable 2. In alternative embodiments, the channel 16 may be positioned substantially vertically, or in an orientation which is neither horizontal nor vertical.

[0113] The device 10 may be made from any suitable material or materials. For example, the device 10 may be formed from one or more of metal (e.g. aluminium and / or stainless steel), wood (e.g. plywood) or plastic (e.g. nylon and / or polycarbonate), and / or a composite material.

[0114] The first, second and base walls 12, 14, 24 may be formed as a single monolithic piece of material, e.g. via a moulding, casting, machining and / or additive manufacturing process. Alternatively, the first, second and base walls 12, 14, 24 may be formed separately and joined via any suitable joining process, e.g. welding, bonding, and / or via one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0115] The device 10 may be mounted to the worktable 2 via any suitable means, e.g. welding, bonding, and / or via one or more mechanical fasteners. The device 10 may be releasably mounted to the worktable 2 (e.g. via one or more mechanical fasteners).

[0116] A method for erecting the package 100 for filling using the device 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0117] As shown in Figure 5, the package 100, in the unerected state shown in Figure 1, is inserted into the upstream portion 20 channel 16 via the open first end 16a. The constant first width W1 of the upstream portion 20 is chosen to correspond to the width of the package 100 in the unerected state. As such, the upstream portion 20 aligns the package 100 with the longitudinal axis X of the channel 16. Although not shown, a plurality of packages 100 in the unerected state may be inserted into the upstream portion 20 and housed in the upstream portion 20 in readiness for being moved along the channel 16.

[0118] As shown in Figure 6, the package 100 is subsequently moved along the transitional portion 18 of the channel 16 in the direction A from the first end 16a towards the second end 16b of the channel 16. During such movement, the decreasing width of the channel 16 causes the first and second walls 12, 14 to apply the force F to the fold lines 114 of the package 100 to erect the package 100 for filling.

[0119] As shown in Figure 7, the erected package 100 is subsequently moved along the downstream portion 20 of the channel 16 in the direction A, and out of the channel 16 via the open second end 16b thereof ready for it to be filled.

[0120] The constant second width W2 of the downstream portion 22 is chosen to correspond to the width of the package 100 in the erected state. As such, the downstream portion 22 and the second end 16b of the channel 16 continue to apply the force F to the sides of the package 100 to maintain the package 100 in the erected state as it leaves the channel 16. As such a worker is not required to manually manipulate the package 100 to erect it for filling.

[0121] The package 100 may be moved along the channel 16 via any suitable means, e.g. by applying a pulling force on the package 100 (e.g. the closure 106) from adjacent the second end 16b of the channel 16, such as via a hand received in the recess 26 in the base wall 24. In some embodiments, the package 100 may be moved along the channel 16 via a further device, such as a conveyor belt or a robot for example, e.g. in an automated process.

[0122] Figure 8 shows an alternative device 10' for erecting a package for filling according to a further embodiment. Features in common with the device 10 of the previous embodiment share common reference numerals and a description of which shall not be repeated for brevity. The device 10' may include any of the features described in relation to the device 10 and vice versa.

[0123] As shown in Figure 3, the device 10 of the first embodiment includes a lateral channel opening 204 opposite the base wall 24 via which the package 100 can exit the channel 16 in a depthwise direction thereof.

[0124] The device 10' of Figure 8 includes a retainer arrangement 200 configured to inhibit the package 100 exiting the channel 16 via the lateral channel opening 204.

[0125] In some embodiments, the retainer arrangement 200 includes a retainer wall 202 mounted to the first and / or second walls 12, 14, and configured to narrow or at least partially close the lateral channel opening 204.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer wall 202 is mounted to the first and second walls 12, 14 and extends therebetween to partially close the lateral channel opening 204. The retainer wall 202 includes a recess 206 adjacent the second end 16b of the channel 16 for receiving at least part of a hand for pulling the package 100 along the channel 16 towards the second end 16b. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 206 in the retainer wall 202 is substantially opposite the recess 26 in the base wall 24.

[0127] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the retainer arrangement 200 may have any suitable configuration. For example, the retainer arrangement 200 may include two separate retainer walls, one mounted to the first wall 12 and the other mounted to the second wall 14 so as to narrow the lateral channel opening 204. Alternatively, or additionally, the retainer arrangement 200 may include non-wall members, such as cables or rods.

[0128] Where the word 'or' appears, this is to be construed to mean 'and / or'. This is such that items referred to are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may be used in any appropriate combination.

[0129] The invention has been described above with reference to one or more specific embodiments. However, the description is not exhaustive, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A device for erecting a package for filling, the device comprising:a first wall; anda second wall opposing the first wall to define a channel therebetween,wherein the channel has a first end and a second end,wherein the channel has a transitional portion where a width of the channel decreases from a first width to a second width less than the first width, for applying a force to opposing sides of the package to erect the package for filling when the package is moved along the channel in a direction from the first end towards the second end, andwherein a width of the second end is less than the first width.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the width of the second end of the channel is substantially equal to the second width.

3. The device of claims 1 or 2, wherein the channel comprises a downstream portion extending along the channel, wherein the downstream portion is between the second end and the transitional portion, and wherein a width of the downstream portion is substantially constant and substantially equal to the second width; optionally, wherein the downstream portion comprises the second end of the channel.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the downstream portion is adjacent the transitional portion.

5. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the channel comprises an upstream portion extending along the channel, wherein the upstream portion is between the first end and the transitional portion, and wherein a width of the upstream portion is substantially constant and substantially equal to the first width.

6. The device of claim 5 when dependent on claims 3 or 4, wherein a length of the upstream portion is greater than a length of the downstream portion.

7. The device of claims 5 or 6, wherein a length of the upstream portion is greater than a length of the transitional portion.

8. The device of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the upstream portion is adjacent the transitional portion.

9. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the transitional portion of the channel tapers continuously from the first width to the second width.10.The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first wall and / or second wall in the transitional portion is arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the channel in the range of 10 to 30 degrees; optionally, in the range of 15 to 20 degrees.11.The device of any preceding claim, wherein the second width is between 60% and 80% of the first width; optionally, between 65% and 75%, for example approximately 70%.12.The device of any preceding claim, wherein the second end of the channel is an open end for receiving the erected package therethrough in a lengthwise direction of the channel.13.The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first end is an open end for receiving the package therethrough in a lengthwise direction of the channel.14.The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second walls are configured such that a profile of the width of the channel is substantially symmetric about a center plane of the channel.15.The device of any preceding claim, wherein the channel has a substantially constant width profile across a depth of the channel.16.The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second walls are configured such that a depth of the transitional portion of the channel is more than 20% of the second width; optionally more than 30% of the second width, optionally more than 40% of the second width.17.The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second walls are configured such that the channel has a substantially constant depth across a length of the channel.18.The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second walls are configured such that variations in the width of the channel are gradual.19.The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a coupling member configured to couple the first and second walls to each other.20.The device of claim 19, wherein the coupling member is a base wall extending between the first and second walls so as to at least partially define a base of the channel; optionally, wherein the base wall extends substantially across a length of the channel, and / or wherein the base wall is substantially planar; optionally, wherein the base wall is a flat plate.21.The device of claim 20, wherein the base wall comprises a recess adjacent the second end of the channel for receiving at least part of a hand for pulling the package along the channel towards the second end; optionally, wherein a maximum width of the recess is less than the second width.22.The device of claims 20 or 21, further comprising a retainer arrangement configured to inhibit a package exiting the channel via a lateral channel opening opposite the base wall.23.The device of claim 22, wherein the retainer arrangement comprises a retainer wall mounted to the first and / or second walls, wherein the retainer wall is configured to narrow or at least partially close the lateral channel opening; optionally, wherein the retainer wall comprises a recess adjacent the second end of the channel for receiving at least part of a hand for pulling the package along the channel towards the second end.

24. An assembly comprising the device of any preceding claim mounted to a worktable; optionally, wherein the worktable forms part of a packing bench, and / or wherein the channel is substantially horizontal.

25. A method for erecting a package for filling, comprising:providing the device of any one of claims 1 to 23 or the assembly of claim 24; providing a package; andmoving the package along the transitional portion of the channel in a direction from the first end towards the second end of the channel such that the first and second walls apply a force to opposing sides of the package to erect the package for filling;optionally, wherein the package is moved along the channel by applying a pulling force on the package from adjacent the second end of the channel.17

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