Apparatus and method for product packaging

Abstract

An apparatus (10) and method for packaging fragile or delicate goods or products of several shapes is disclosed. The method and apparatus of the present invention carefully fills a stacking tower (14) with goods or products that are then gently covered with a cover, bag, or package by a shutter system (18), and then the stacking tower filled with goods and covered is directed to a bagged product receiving area where it is placed upside down and facilitates removal of the goods and the cover, bag, or package by the action of gravity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device and method for fragile, delicate goods of several shapes such as round, oval, spherical, disc-shaped, etc., e.g., tostadas, tortillas, fruits, vegetables, bread, etc. The method of the present invention carefully stacks the fragile, delicate goods or product towers which are later gently wrapped in the wrapping device by a shutter system. The disclosed novel method and device are carefully designed to wrap, ease handling and package fragile and delicate products in a time-saving manner, thus helping to reduce product waste. The present invention is preferably in the field of packaging fragile or delicate objects or products having cylindrical plates, round shapes, spherical shapes, disc shapes, cylindrical shapes, etc., the products can be made from different materials and have different mechanical characteristics, for example tortillas, tostadas, compact discs, steel or cutting discs, cylinders like thermoses, Christmas balls, different balls, golf balls, tennis balls, baseballs, hockey pucks, glasses, cylindrical containers, etc., preferably the present invention addresses the problem with fragile and delicate goods, where the consumer expects to find all the goods or products in the packaging unbroken. [Background technology]

[0002] Among the foods that are consumed in large quantities in America and other parts of the world, it is corn tostadas (corn chip tostadas) that require more care in their handling. Today, in the North American region of Mexico, people can still enjoy the delicacy of handmade corn tostadas, and these ancient products are transported in small cities and towns by women all dressed up in colorful regional costumes in woven baskets or baskets of other types of knitted material, which are lined with white cotton napkins for cushioning purposes, this ancient configuration allows the napkin and the basket to absorb all the shocks, and the tostadas are then carefully placed vertically, one after the other, supported by their edges throughout the length of the basket, and once the capacity of the basket is reached, another beautifully hand-woven and decorated white cotton napkin is placed on top of it. It is clear that an industrialized production process for tostadas requires a different type of solution, and such a fragile and delicate product must be delivered to the user or consumer without being broken. One way to facilitate handling and transportation is to achieve packaging handling by conveyor belts that transport the fragile and delicate goods to multiple packing stations where they are manually baled, bagged, or packaged, but such manual handling at multiple packing stations makes the packing process highly tedious and tiring, in addition to being labor intensive, and increases production costs. As a result, an automated packing system seems desirable, and to this end, various efforts have been undertaken in the field for packaging fragile and delicate goods of several shapes, such as discs and round objects.

[0003] Document US1934756 by Smith describes, illustrates and claims an apparatus for wrapping objects with a disk, annular shape, or an oval perimeter, etc. The object to be wrapped and its wrapping are placed on a plate (9), movable fingers (10) help to keep the object and wrapping in place, and an iris diaphragm (11) is placed in front of the plate (9) and upon activation of the iris diaphragm (11) opens to a diameter larger than the diameter of the object to be wrapped so that the iris diaphragm engulfs the object and wrapping to be wrapped, and later closes, accomplishing wrapping of the object through the iris diaphragm.

[0004] Another interesting document to be studied is MX287809 by Yan Ruz et al., which describes, illustrates and claims an apparatus for baling, bagging or packaging objects before stacking them, whereby the objects to be packaged move by a conveyor, at the end of which is placed a vertically shaped grooved collector, through which a carving passes, which supports the objects to be packaged, which arrives at the end of the conveyor and descends through a tower, which is pneumatically connected to a horizontal air cylinder and to a vertical pneumatic cylinder that allows it to rise and fall, the apparatus has a sensor that makes it possible to count the objects being transported by the conveyor belt, through which a control system can adjust the height of the piston, and the sensor system includes another set of sensors that allows the control system to know when the tower is full.

[0005] US5704410 by Robert Harper describes a method for bottling a generally spherical candied fruit, such as lettuce. The method includes placing a thermoplastic film on a work surface (14) that includes a downwardly movable support member (17) on which an object is placed. A displacement member (21) then moves in conjunction with the object (16) to displace the object (16) and the film downwardly through a central opening of an iris diaphragm (20). After the displacement member (21) has moved downwardly a predetermined distance, the displacement member (21) retracts upwardly, thereafter closing the iris diaphragm (20). The object (16) is then rotated to place the film around the object (16). The displacement member (21) also includes a heating head (22) which is displaced downwardly to contact the film parts projecting upwardly through the iris diaphragm (20) and melt the film parts onto one another.

[0006] GB 2426498 by Bate et al. details an apparatus for wrapping a product such as lettuce, comprising a support member (24) on which the product (11) is supported in a film section (14). The support member moves downwards through an iris (26) causing the film to be found around the product. The support member then moves downwards such that the partially wrapped product is supported against the underside of the iris and the product is urged towards the support member. The member rotates to close the package and a heating element is applied to the face of the package to close the film around the product. A spring guide member is electrically driven to move the product downwards and engages a fluid supply medium to moisten the product. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Despite different alternatives known in the art, a need exists for additional packaging solutions for fragile and delicate goods that improve the handling of fragile and delicate goods, facilitate the transportation process, and deliver the contents to the user intact, thus reducing costs and waste. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a package for packaging fragile or delicate products or goods having a plate, round, oval, spherical, discoidal shape, etc., which goods can be made of various materials having various mechanical properties, such as fragility, brittleness, hardness, etc., which complicate the handling and subsequent transportation of the goods, e.g., food products such as tortillas, tostadas, etc., however, compact discs or "CDs",It should be understood that other non-food related products such as steel or cutting disks, cylinders like thermos, Christmas balls, various balls, golf balls, tennis balls, baseballs, hockey pucks, negatives, cylindrical containers, etc. can be packaged using the teachings of the present invention, and in order to avoid multiple repetitions, the "goods" to be packaged will be fragile or brittle products with a given shape, such as hard tortillas, corn tostadas, Christmas balls, etc., and the disclosed device for packaging consists of two sections, the first section being the bailing, bagging or stuffing area of ​​the goods (fragile or brittle products with a given shape) and the second section consisting of a baler, which is fed with a stack of covers, bags or packages, and the covers, bags or packages mentioned are made of polyethylene, polypropylene, cellophane, paper or a combination of some thermoplastics with natural fibers, recycled materials or biodegradable compounds. The cover, bag or package is removed by suction cups, which place the cover, bag or package on a shutter by means of tweezers, which grip the cover, bag or package, and once the cover, bag or package is in this position, another set of suction cups opens the bag, and the shutter opens the cover, bag or package, grips the cover, bag or package by its mouth and then descends onto the stacking tower, thereby shrouding or covering the cover, bag or package, and then the already covered stacking tower continues its trajectory along the conveyor until its "tipping", where separation of the goods occurs within the wrapped stacking tower, and once separated from the stacking tower, the cover, bag or package containing the product is closed, and the closing of the cover, bag or package can be done manually or automatically in a process independent of the baling or packaging of the present invention.

[0009] These and other objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] Illustrative embodiments may be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an apparatus for packing products, with one set of struts removed for clarity. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of an apparatus for packing products. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device for stuffing the product with a portion of the baler ribbon and all of the struts removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an isometric view showing the portion housing the shutter with the shroud mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the lower portion of the iris shutter. [Figure 6a] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a conveyor chassis. [Figure 6b] FIG. 2 is a side view of the conveyor showing the conveyor head. [Figure 7a] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the underside of the link. [Figure 7b] FIG. 1 is an upper isometric view of the link. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the suction shutter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The following description is made in no uncertain terms with reference to Figures 1-8.

[0013] When referring to any structural feature, mechanical link or component, the terms: mechanically fixed, or mechanically joined, or mechanically fastened, to mechanically join may be used, as known in the art: screws and nuts, rivets, any type of weld, agglutinant, clamps, mechanical joints (static or dynamic), etc.

[0014] As a starting point, directing attention to Figure 1, there is shown an isometric view of an apparatus for the product 10 that is the object of the present invention. Both a first section and a second section can be observed, directing attention to the first section, it can be noticed that the first section is constituted by a conveyor belt 11 with a stacking tower 14, and, turning attention away from the first section, it can be noticed that the second section is formed by the structure of a baler 12 supporting a shroud mechanism that covers the stacking tower 14 filled with goods.

[0015] In an illustrative but non-limiting manner, a first section of the device for packaging products of the present invention is described, which is constituted by a conveyor 11. The belt conveyor 11 can be considered as a highly precise positioning and indexing equipment, i.e., a highly precise endless chain indexing conveyor. It should be noted here that in the market, various models of highly precise indexing conveyors can be found, which may be suitable for the present invention, and such conveyors can be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. In the spirit of describing the best embodiment for the present invention, the conveyor 11 is made of a series of links 49 fixedly joined in the manner of a chain forming the conveyor belt 27, the upper part of the links 49 forming a platform with a series of screw holes 57, to which the stacking tower 14 is fastened by screws or, in an alternative embodiment, by any other fastening means.

[0016] The particular component of the conveyor 11 is, as mentioned above, the conveyor belt 27 having a chain-like structure, conformed by a series of links 49 linked together, one given link 49 having a particular geometric shape (shown in figs. 7a, 7b) disclosed in the following lines, the link 49 having a fork 53 at its rear end, a through hole drilled in the arm of the fork 53, the through hole receiving a shaft 52 with one additional mechanically fixed bearing 51 on each end, and the opposite end of the fork 53 of the link 49, i.e. the front end, having a hole formed therein for receiving another shaft. A nipple 56 is provided which is sized and shaped to be received in the fork 53 of an adjacent link 49, the holes of the fork 53 and nipple 56 being collinear and capable of holding the shaft 52, so that when the shaft is inserted into the holes of the fork 53 and nipple 56, a pair of adjacent links 49 linked together are on the exposed free ends of the shaft 52, and additional bearings are mechanically linked, and it is clear that this operation continues until the desired length of the chained conveyor belt 27 is achieved, thus obtaining an "endless" flexible closed type conveyor belt.

[0017] A set of bearings 54 are found protruding from the underside of the link 49, with one given bearing 54 being mechanically fixed to a vertical pin 55, said vertical pin 55 being inserted into a vertical hole such that it is mechanically fixed to the upper part of the link 49 by a nut threaded onto the threads of the vertical pin 55 (see Figs. 7a, 7b), thus the bearing 54 is placed on the remaining part of the vertical pin 55 by a press-fit adjustment, and a lock washer is placed on the end of the vertical pin 55 as a safety retainer device. This configuration causes the bearing 54 to hang from the underside of the link 49. In an alternative embodiment, a set of bearings 54 can be placed on a single pin, and in another embodiment, a single bearing 54 on a single pin 55 can be centrally located on the underside of the link 49. As previously noted above, a number of threaded holes 57 are found on the top surface of the links 49, and in a preferred embodiment, the number of threaded holes 57 are used to secure a given stacking tower 14 in place on the top surface of the links 49, or in a preferred alternative embodiment, facilitate the installation of Ishida and Fastback type clamps or fastening means, and in another alternative embodiment, mechanical fastening means known in the art can be present. The preferred links 49 of the conveyor belt 27 can be made of steel or aluminum, or a combination of thermoplastics and metals, i.e., the device can have links 49 with sheet plates or steel or aluminum laminates coated with some thermoplastics. In an alternative embodiment, the links 49 can be made of some thermoplastics that allow the links to support and mechanically grip the stacking tower 14, and the pins 55 and shafts 52 are made of steel or round extruded cold rolled steel. The bearings 54 and additional bearings 51 are commercial grade steel ball bearings.

[0018] Preferably, the chassis 25 of the conveyor 11 may be constructed from extruded steel or extruded aluminum, and in a preferred embodiment, may be constructed on a pair of rectangular single crossbars 48 with a constant cross section, and several windows or holes may be carved into the crossbars 48 to reduce weight and provide access areas for servicing (FIGS. 1, 2), and in an alternative preferred embodiment, the crossbars 48 may be constructed from "C" profile extruded steel or aluminum, and in either case, the upper and lower longitudinal edges of each crossbar 48 provide tracks in which the bearings of the links 49 roll, and in a preferred embodiment, a pair of guards 58 are provided on the longitudinal edges ( 6a and 6b, said guards 58 can be made from bent sheets of extruded steel or aluminum, or extruded profiles made from the materials mentioned above, however the guards 58 are manufactured, they are mechanically fixed to the crossbar 48, preferably by welding, and the guards 58 also prevent the bearings 51 of the links 49 from departing from the track 50, even if the links cycle over the upper or lower longitudinal edges of the crossbar 48. In alternative embodiments, the guards 58 can have a different cross-sectional shape, or even the guards 58 can be avoided (but are not recommended). Now, in each case, a channel 49 is made between the upper and lower longitudinal edges, and in the longitudinal cavity (or slot) of the channel 49 one bearing 54 placed at the bottom of each link 49 is correctly guided, much like a raceway and a car toy set (Scalextric registered trademark).

[0019] The conveyor belt 27 system consists of a drive shaft supported by a collinear bearing (not shown in FIG. 6b) (not shown) located at the proximal end of a crossbar 48 ring (not shown), said drive shaft being mechanically coupled to a gearbox fixed to the electric motor 22. On the remaining distal end of the crossbar 48, a driven shaft is fastened in the collinear bearing, said driven shaft fixing the driven crown gear 24. A number of links 49 form a closed chain running around the crossbar 48 through a track 50, the additional bearings 51 of the links 49 engaging with the driving crown gear 23 and the driven crown gear 24. In this way. The chain formed by the links 49 (belt conveyor 27) moves in a smooth and constant manner when the driving crown gear 23 receives energy from the motor 22 through the drive shaft and transmits this energy to the links 49 chain when the teeth of the driving crown gear 23 engage with the additional bearings 51. This facilitates the movement of the link 49 along the track 50, and thus in the same manner, the additional bearing 51 of the link 49 engages with the teeth of the driven crown gear 4 at its distal end of the crossbar 48. In an alternative embodiment, the driven crown gear 24 can be devoid of any carved teeth on its periphery, in other words the driven cline gear 24 can be replaced by a disk, and the links 49 moving on the track 50 are also guided in their bearings 54 set supported by channels just like slotted tracks and car playsets. The driving crown gear 23 and the driven crown gear 24 are also made from steel or extruded cold rolled steel. The rowlock bearings are any commercial grade rowlock suitable for the job, and in the preferred embodiment the rowlock bearing or bearings of the driven crown gear 24 are equipped with an adjustment mechanism (not shown) consisting of a steel profile angle and a metal screw for adjustment with a nut, which adjusts the tension on the conveyor belt 27 and thereby adjusts the link 49.In alternative embodiments, other adjustment mechanisms such as handles and levers known by those skilled in the art can be used, which facilitate a smooth, precise, low friction conveyor configuration suitable for repeatable, precise positioning of the stacking tower 14 at any given position.

[0020] A pair of crossbars 48 of the chassis 25 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6a are supported by four legs 26 mechanically fixed to the sides of the crossbars 48 of the chassis 25, providing floor separation at the height of the stacking tower 14. This provides additional ergonomic height for the operator. The legs 26 are made from extruded steel or extruded aluminum. In an alternative embodiment, the legs 26 are provided with an adjustment and leveling system (not shown) at their lower part, which can be formed from a plate placed on the lower end of the legs 26 by a screw with a locking nut, allowing the leveling adjustment of each leg 26.

[0021] The stacking tower 14 is made from a hollow cylinder, preferably made from stainless steel, or from an engineered thermoplastic, or from aluminum. The stacking tower 14 has a vertical groove extending upward from its base to an upper cavity, and a base or plate is attached to the lower portion of the cylinder (not shown) which provides support for the goods and serves as a means for mechanically fastening the stacking tower 14 to the upper surface of a given link 49.

[0022] The driving crown gear 23 is powered by a motor 22, which in the preferred embodiment is coupled to a gearbox that controls the position and speed with a high degree of precision, the motor 22 being preferably of the servomotor type allowing control of the piston with a high degree of precision, although in a preferred alternative embodiment a stepper electric motor or an asynchronous squirrel cage rotor can be used. In any case, the motor 22 is electrically connected to a control system 28 (not shown), the control system 28 mentioned can be a PCL (Programmable Logic Controller) with a high degree of precision, or another similar controller, which sends a pulse that energizes the motor 22 for a predetermined time, or in the preferred embodiment the control system 28 energizes the motor 22 until a mechanical switch, position or presence sensor detects that the stacking tower 14 is in place, the mechanical switch or sensor mentioned is electrically connected to the control system 28, allowing the control system 28 to receive a signal from the mechanical switch or sensor to perform a control operation. In an alternative embodiment, the motor 22 can be a pneumatic motor connected to an air supply network (not shown), which may or may not be equipped with a gearbox, said pneumatic motor 22 being controlled by a pneumatic control valve (not shown) and by a flow regulator (not shown), which can be manually or automatically controlled. The mentioned pneumatic valve is electrically connected to the control system 28, in which case the flow regulator is also connected to the control system 28, thus controlling the rotation and speed of the pneumatic motor 22.

[0023] Whichever type of motor 22 is used, in a preferred embodiment the motor 22 is mechanically fixed to the input shaft of a gearbox, the output shaft of which is mechanically fixed to the drive shaft of the driving crown gear 23, the gearbox can be any commercially available gearbox suitable for the job. In another embodiment the output shaft of the motor 22 fixes a drive toothed pulley (not shown) and on another axle a driven toothed pulley is mechanically fixed to the shaft of the driving crown gear 23, a toothed band (not shown) joining both the driven and driving toothed pulleys. It should be noted that the pulleys can have various diameters which have an effect on the output speed of the drive shaft. In an alternative embodiment the motor 22 (whichever type is used) is mechanically fixed to the drive shaft which fixes the drive crown gear 23.

[0024] 2 and 3, there is shown a second section of the apparatus for packaging the products 10. This section is particularly responsible for the veiling process, or "bagging", "baling" or "packaging" process, in which a baler 12 is superimposed on the chassis 25 of the conveyor 11. The structure of the baler 12 is made by a cage formed by two pairs of struts 32, the upper ends of which are mechanically fastened to a pair of ribbons 34 that run horizontally and parallel to each other, on which two pairs of posts 38 are mechanically fastened to the parallel ribbons 34 at their lower ends, the upper ends of which are mechanically fastened to a pair of lintels 34 that run horizontally and parallel to the ribbons 34, and a pair of lower cross pieces 33 are mechanically fastened to the ends of the pair of ribbons 34 (see FIG. 4). In the same way, the pair or upper cross pieces 33 are mechanically fixed to the ends of a pair of lintels 43. 1, 2 and 3, the cage also includes a hinge panel 76 placed on top of the pair of lintels 43, the hinge panel 76 referred to provides support for the pneumatic cylinder 31 of at least one hinge 29. Said hinge panel 76 consists of a pair of perches 41, the lower ends of which are mechanically fixed to the pair of lintels 43, and the upper ends of which are mechanically fixed by a cross piece 33 (shown in FIG. 1), which is mechanically fixed to the upper ends of the perches 41.

[0025] All structural features of the cage which conform to the structure of the baler 12, such as the struts 32, ribbons 34, posts 38, lintels 43, perches 41, and crosspieces 33, are preferably made of structural steel profiles, or in an alternative embodiment, of aluminum profiles.

[0026] Apart from the structural cage of the baler, a tray 35 is found on which a number of covers, bags or packages for filling are placed on a package picking mechanism for picking, the tray 35 is formed from an embossed sheet of steel or aluminum, in which a "C" shaped channel is shaped longitudinally to provide strength, and a stacking mechanism such as a slidable fin attached by a screw or any other attachment means can be used on the tray 35, which allows stacking of different bags, covers or packages and prevents the stack from collapsing. One transverse end of the tray 35 is mechanically fixed to the ribbon 34 and the lower transverse crosspiece 33 of the structural cage of the baler 12 (see FIG. 4), the baler 12 also comprises a package picking mechanism consisting of a pneumatic suction cup 15 mounted on the end of a pneumatic arm, which lifts and places the cover, bag or package on top of the tray 35 in order to position it under the tweezers 16. This is made possible by the translational movement of a pneumatic arm incorporating a pneumatic cylinder 30, in which the suction cup 15 is mechanically fixed to its piston rod, the other end of said pneumatic cylinder 30 being mechanically fastened to a pivoting hinge 29 having a scalene triangular shape (see FIG. 3), the hinge 29 mentioned pivoting on its apex joined by its hypotenuse by means of a pin or another suitable fastening means passing through a hole provided for such purpose in the vicinity of the apex. A hinge fin is mechanically fixed at the correct height on a post 38, the pin being inserted into a pin holder and mechanically fixed to this pin holder, allowing the rotation of the hinge 29 on the axis of the pin.The pneumatic cylinder 30 is mechanically fixed to the upper vertex of the hinge 29 by a pintle, and the other end of the pneumatic cylinder 31 is rotatably mechanically fixed to the hinge panel 76; this configuration allows one degree of freedom for the pneumatic cylinder 30, which can oscillate while the piston rod is expelled or retracted, and allows the hinge 29 to rotate on the pin axis (the trajectory of which can be seen as a dotted line in FIG. 3). When the pneumatic arm is in its original position, the pneumatic cylinder 30 is discharged, transporting the suction cup 15 adjacent to a tray 35 on which a pile of bags, covers or packages is placed, then the suction cup is energized to grab one bag, cover or package from the pile, the pneumatic cylinder 30 is re-energized to retract its piston rod, then the pneumatic cylinder 31 is energized to extend its piston rod and rotate the pneumatic arm (dotted line in FIG. 3 ) to position the pneumatic cylinder 30 in a horizontal position, then the pneumatic cylinder 30 is re-energized to expel its piston rod, leaving the bag, cover or package within the gripping range of the tweezers 16, and after the bag, cover or package has been gripped by the tweezers the suction cup is de-energized and the pneumatic arm returns to its original position.

[0027] When the suction cup is moved and found in a horizontal position (its trajectory can be seen in dotted lines in FIG. 3), pneumatic tweezers 16 are used to hold and suspend the cover, bag, or package. The tweezers 16 preferably have jaws made of some engineering thermoplastic such as nylon, and in a preferred embodiment may have undulations on their inner surface to better grip the cover, bag, or package, or in another preferred embodiment have smooth surfaces made of some type of rubber or soft thermoplastic such as vinyl to better grip the cover, bag, or package. The preferred tweezers 16 are mounted on the piston of at least one pneumatic cylinder 21 that provides a controlled vertical movement. The pneumatic cylinder 21 of the tweezers 16 has its own special support (not shown) that is mechanically fastened to a pair of lintels.

[0028] The baler 12 uses a unique veiling system and method to veil the stacking tower 14 filled with goods. This has the advantage of reducing handling of goods considered fragile and brittle materials and ensures gentle packing which reduces the risk of damaging the goods being handled for packaging because the unique veiling system and method veils the stacking tower 14 filled with goods while the stacking tower 14 stands stationary. Extraction of goods from the covered stacking tower 14 is by gravity as the covered stacking tower 14 is turned over, releasing the goods into the cover, bag or package used to cover the stacking tower 14 (see FIG. 1). The covering system under discussion includes an elevator 40, which transports the shutters (18, 18') vertically, so that when the elevator 40 descends, the elevator 40 moves the shutters (18, 18') downwards, which cover the stacking tower 14 filled with goods with a cover, bag or package when the stacking tower 14 filled with goods is introduced into the inner cavity of the shutters (18, 18') in order to achieve correct stacking tower coverage by the shutters (18, 18'), which must be in line under the shutters (18, 18'). After the elevator 40 descends to the bottom, the shutters (18, 18') release the covered cover, bag or package, and the elevator 40 moves upwards on command, transporting the shutters (18, 18') to their original position.

[0029] The construction of the covering system will now be discussed further. The elevator 40 is disposed between a pair of ribbons 34 and the baler 12 cage, the lower part of the elevator 40 is mechanically fixed to the crossbar 48, and the elevator 40 can transport any of the embodiments of the shutters (18, 18') used in the present invention. The embodiments of the shutters (18, 18') will be described later. For now, we will focus our attention on the construction of the elevator. In any given embodiment of the shutter (18, 18'), the annular body (74 or 75) is mechanically fixed (sandwiched) between the fixing plate 65 and the counter plate 71. The fixing plate 65 and the counter plate 71 both have a set of bushes 68 that slide on the guide rods 70, and the counter plate 70 is mechanically fixed to the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder 47. In a preferred embodiment, the counter plate 71 is mechanically fixed to one side of the pneumatic cylinder 47, just as the pneumatic cylinder 47 is mechanically fixed to a given crossbar 48. The bushings 68 of the fixing plate 65 and the counter plate 71 slide on a set of guide rods 70, which are mechanically fixed at their lower ends to the crossbar 48 and at their upper ends to the cover 67. A set of pillars 69 run parallel to the guide rods 70, thus reinforcing and stiffening the structure of the elevator 40, and in an alternative embodiment, the pillars 69 are mechanically fixed to the ribbon 34. When the pneumatic cylinder 47 of the elevator 40 is retracted, the pneumatic cylinder 47 raises the set of shutters (18, 18'), and conversely, when the pneumatic cylinder 47 is expanded, the elevator 40 lowers the set of shutters (18, 18').

[0030] The structural members of the elevator 40, such as the fixed plate 65, cover 67, guide rods 70, and counter plate 71, are made from steel or aluminum or some engineering thermoplastic, and the bushings 68 of both the fixed plate 65 and counter plate 71 are made from brass or an engineering thermoplastic, such as nylon or self-lubricating nylon.

[0031] In a preferred alternative embodiment, it is noted that the upper surface of the annular body (74 or 75) of the shutters (18, 18') is mechanically fixed to the fixing plate 65 only, this embodiment lacking the use of the counter plate 71. Thus, the bushing 68 for the guide rod 70 and the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder 47 are mechanically fixed to the fixing plate 65 such that when the pneumatic cylinder 47 of the elevator 40 is retracted, the pneumatic cylinder 47 of the elevator 40 raises the set of shutters (18, 18') and conversely, when the pneumatic cylinder 47 is expanded, the elevator 40 lowers the set of shutters (18, 18'). In this alternative embodiment, the pneumatic cylinder 47 is mechanically fixed to one of the posts 38, in another alternative embodiment, one pneumatic cylinder 47 is mechanically coupled to each one of the posts 38, and in another alternative embodiment, the elevator 40 can have multiple pneumatic cylinders 47 mechanically fixed to each one of the posts 38 and operating in parallel. In any case, in any alternative embodiment, the pneumatic cylinders 47 of the elevator 40 are mechanically fixed to the posts 38 and are of the "piston rodless" type with a magnetic coupling (piston rodless pneumatic actuator) to provide mounting and rigidity to the assembly.

[0032] Some of the covers, bags or packages are suspended from the tweezers 16 so as to open themselves without further assistance and facilitate gripping of the shutters (18, 18') at their mouths, in other cases, when the covers, bags or packages are suspended upside down from the tweezers 16, they require assistance to open the covers, bags or packages so that the shutters (18, 18') can grip the covers, bags or packages at their mouths. For this case, one alternative embodiment consists in providing a cover, bag or package mouth opening mechanism. Said cover, bag or package mouth opening mechanism consists of a pair of suction cups 17 arranged on the end of the piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder 42 (see Figures 3, 4), in a preferred embodiment, the mentioned pneumatic cylinder 42 is mechanically mounted and fastened on a rectangular shaped base with a pair of "U" shaped vertical protrusions, the upper part of the base is made from some thermoplastics, aluminum or steel, the rectangular "U" shaped base protrusions support the pneumatic cylinder 42 between the vertical protrusions, the rear end of said pneumatic cylinder 42 is mechanically fastened to the "u" shaped rear protrusion, and the remaining end of the pneumatic cylinder 42 is supported on a fork formed on the front protrusion, which fork allows the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder 42 to be extracted and retracted without any problems. The rectangular base houses a pneumatic cylinder 42', the piston rod of which is mechanically fastened to a front vertical side of the rectangular base, which is aligned with a fork-shaped upper front projection that supports the front part of the pneumatic cylinder 42. However, the rear vertical side of the rectangular base allocates a through hole through which the pneumatic cylinder 42 passes loosely, and the rear vertical side of the pneumatic cylinder 42' is mechanically fastened to a "T"-shaped support that is mechanically fastened to the top of the ribbon 34.In a preferred embodiment, the ribbon 34 of the baler 12 has a "T"-shaped longitudinal channel, which allows the lower end of the rectangular base to have a nipple with a rectangular cross section that slides on the ribbon 34. As a result, when the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder 42' is discharged, the nipple with the rectangular cross section translates the rectangular base of the pneumatic cylinder 42 and therefore moves the pneumatic cylinder 42. Due to this position, a "tandem" arrangement of the pneumatic cylinders 42 and 42' is achieved, which allows the operation of the suction cups 17 with good accuracy. The cover, bag or package mouth opening mechanism also includes a pneumatic cylinder 37 located under the shutter (18, 18'), at the end of the piston rod of said pneumatic cylinder 37 at least one blower 36 is mechanically fastened, and the body of the mentioned pneumatic cylinder 37 is mechanically fixed to a support, which is mechanically fixed between the ribbons 34. As a result, when the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder 37 is retracted, the pneumatic cylinder 37 allows free passage of the shutters (18, 18') in their vertical trajectory defined by the elevator 40.

[0033] When the wrapping cover, bag or package is hung upside down from the tweezers 16, the cover, bag or package opening mechanism is operated as follows: the pneumatic suction cup 17 is brought close to the cover, bag or package located at the lower end of the baler 12, and when the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder 42, 42' is withdrawn, the suction cup is brought close enough to grab the upper portion of the cover, bag or package, and when the pneumatic cylinder 42 is retracted, the vacuum of the suction cup 17 causes the mouth of the cover, bag or package to be wide open. The pneumatic cylinder 37 is then energized, thereby expelling its piston rod and placing the blower 36 in position under the shutter (18, 18'), and when the blower 36 is activated, it introduces air into the cover, bag or package, inflating it. Once this has occurred, the blower 36 is then de-energized, the pneumatic cylinder 37 is retracted, the suction cup 17 is also de-energized, and the pneumatic cylinders 42 and 42' are retracted and sent to their original positions. The shutters (18, 18') are then energized, adhering the mouth of the cover, bag or package to the inner wall of the annular body (74 or 75) and attaching the mouth of the cover, bag or package.

[0034] We now turn to a description of the shutter (18, 18') setting mechanism. Without determining any kind of hierarchy, we begin with the iris shutter 18 as a mere starting point. We then move on to a description of the specific working of the iris shutter 18, shown in FIG. 5. The preferred embodiment is based on a worm gear 45 and crown gear 44 mechanism that actuates a series of fingers 19. The crown gear 44 is housed by an annular body 74, exposing the teeth of the crown gear 44 through a window in the outer cylindrical wall of the annular body 74. A motor 20 is mechanically coupled to the worm gear 45, and upon energizing the motor 20, the motor 20 powers the worm gear 45, which is engaged with the crown gear 44, thereby angularly displacing the crown gear 44 within the annular body 74. The crown gear 44 also includes an inner ring 77, which protrudes from its inner cylindrical surface and extends beyond the inner cylindrical wall of the annular body 74 through a slot provided for such purpose. On the bottom surface of the inner ring 77, a series of threaded holes are provided for allocating a series of fulcrum screws 77 for rotatably fixing the fingers 19. Said inner ring 77 is mechanically mounted to rotate relative to the fixed annular body 74, thus providing the movement to the fingers 19. Said fingers 19 hold a curved shape with a curved paddle on the distal end and a through hole on the proximal end. Another through hole is arranged on the curved body, the cross section of which is preferably rectangular. The components, operation and assembly of the iris shutter 18 will now be described. As visible in FIG. 5, the fingers 19 are rotatably fixed to the inner ring 77 by a fulcrum 79 made up of a steel shoulder bolt, the fulcrum 79 mentioned being screwed into a threaded hole in the inner ring 77, which allows the fingers 19 to rotate about the fulcrum 79 and also to be angularly translated relative to the annular body 74 to limit the angular translation of a given finger 19. A phalanx 72 is employed which serves as a connector between the annular body 74 and the fingers 19, the phalanx 72 retaining a curved shape with first and second ends with through holes, the purpose of which will become apparent later.If we turn our attention to the bottom surface of the annular body 74, we can notice that it is engraved with a series of grooves (see FIG. 5). The grooves on the bottom surface of said annular body 74 are provided with threaded holes intended to receive the screws of a kingpin 78 which rotatably mounts the first end of the phalanx 72, the kingpin 78 being referred to is a steel shoulder bolt, and returning to the phalanx 72, the second end of which is rotatably connected to the body of the fingers 19 by means of a safety pin inserted for that purpose in a through hole in the body of the fingers 19. The said safety pin is provided with a safety washer to adequately mount the safety pin. Now that we have assembled the iris shutter 18, we return to the analysis of its movement. When the motor 20 is energized, it powers the worm gear 45, causing an angular movement of the crown gear 44, which promotes the angular translation of the fingers 19 relative to the annular body 74 to move closer to the phalanx 72, this action causes the phalanx 72 to undergo a compressive force, which pushes the fingers 19 radially inward toward the center of the annular body 74. Conversely, when the motor 20 rotates in a different direction, the crown gear 44 engaged with the worm gear 45 moves angularly in the opposite direction, angularly moving the slotted ends of the fingers 19 away from the phalanx 72, placing the phalanx 72 under tension and pulling the bodies of the fingers 19 radially toward the inner wall of the annular body 74. This action is advantageous because as the curved pallets of the fingers 19 move toward the inner wall of the annular body 74, they press against the inner wall of the annular body 74 to capture and hold the mouth of the cover, bag, or package. The fingers 19 and phalanx 72 are made of a strong yet lightweight material such as aluminum, steel, or engineering thermoplastic, and together maintain a rectangular or square cross-section.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the iris shutter 18 can be replaced by a suction or vacuum based shutter, which is highly convenient since the moving parts of the shutter are minimized, and as a result, failure modes are reduced to a large extent. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the suction shutter 18' is formed by a disk-shaped annular body 75 with a cylindrical wall covered at its lower and upper parts with a stile-like washer-like disk, which, in addition to the upper and lower washers, allows the formation of a hollow annular body 75 that contains a chamber between the inner and outer cylindrical walls. On the inner cylindrical surface of the annular body 75, a plurality of ports 64 are carved, which allow air flow towards the inner part of the chamber of the annular body, creating an air flow in the vicinity of the ports 64, which tends to suck in any object in its vicinity. Thus, when a relatively open cover, bag or package mouth is placed on the inner diameter of the suction shutter 18', the outer part of the cover, bag or package mouth becomes sucked by the air flowing through the port 64, causing the outer part of the cover, bag or package mouth to stick to the inner cylindrical wall of the port 64 of the annular body 75 of the suction shutter 18'. However, the air sucked through the port 64 is collected in a uniform manner in the chamber and is later sucked by the ports 63 located at equal distances on the outer surface of the outer wall of the annular body 75, each suction port 63 being pneumatically connected to a suction duct 60 that transports the air towards the vacuum generator. Once the cover, bag or package mouth obstructs the port 64, the air flow towards the vacuum generator 61 is reduced, creating a negative pressure in the annular body 75 and in the duct 60, thus allowing the fastening of the cover, bag or package mouth against the outer surface of the annular body 75. The vacuum generator 61 can function by means of a fan, a compressor, by means of a Venturi tube or any other mechanism allowing air suction or vacuum generation in the suction duct, the mentioned vacuum generator being electrically connected to the control system 28 so that it can be energized and controlled.Furthermore, the suction duct 60 referred to can be a tube extruded from aluminum, steel, copper, or PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., and in a preferred embodiment, the suction duct 60 referred to can be a flexible hose made of vinyl or rubber. The annular body 75 of the suction shutter 18' can be made from extruded steel or aluminum. The upper and lower washers are made of the same material as the outer and inner cylindrical walls and are welded together.

[0036] In a preferred alternative embodiment of the suction shutter 18', the upper surface of the annular body 75 comprises a plurality of (preferably 3-9) threaded holes 62 provided for fastening the suction shutter 18' to the fastening plate 65 by screws, in an alternative embodiment the plate 65 is mechanically fixed to the upper surface of the annular body 75. In a preferred alternative embodiment the annular body 75 also comprises a series of threaded holes (preferably 3-9 threaded holes 62) on its bottom surface for allocating a series of screws which fasten the counter plate 71 in place, in this embodiment the annular body 75 is "sandwiched" and screwed to the fastening plate 65 and the counter plate 71.

[0037] We must recall that the conveyor 11 always keeps the stacking tower 14 coaxially aligned with the shutters (18, 18'). Once the shutters (18, 18') have attached the mouth of the cover, bag or package, the pneumatic cylinders 47 of the elevator 40 are energized to start the descent of the elevator 40, thus causing the shutters (18, 18') to cover the stacking tower (14) filled with the goods that are axially aligned under the shutters (18, 18') at that moment. Once the stacking tower 14 is covered by the cover, bag or package, the shutters (18, 18') release the mouth of the cover, bag or package. The pneumatic cylinders 47 of the elevator 40 are then actuated to lower the shutters (18, 18'), thus fully releasing the mouth of the cover, bag or package. The shutters (18, 18') then retract to their original position, the mechanism allowing clearance between the inner wall of the annular body (74 or 75) and the covered stacking tower 14, and then the cylinder 47 of the elevator 40 is energized, facilitating the lifting of the elevator 40 together with the shutters (18, 18') under the pins 16 and back to their original position.

[0038] In a preferred alternative embodiment (not shown), the stacking tower 14 is inclined, i.e., the stacking tower 14 is not disposed vertically, but has an angle of 30° to 90° relative to the horizontal or crossbar 48. The stacking towers 14, in an alternative embodiment, are provided with hinges that are mechanically fixed at their lower ends to the base or lower portion of the link 49. In an alternative embodiment, the base of the stacking tower 14 is not horizontal or parallel to the top surface of the link 49, but has a fixed angle relative to the link 49. Thus, when the base of the stacking tower 14 is mechanically fixed to the top surface of the link 49, the stacking tower 14 runs on the chassis 25 of the conveyor 25 with an inclination of 30° to 89°. In any embodiment, the conveyor of the stacking tower 14 always keeps the stacking tower 14 aligned under the shutters (18, 18'). For this reason, the baler structure is of the same angle as the stacking tower 14, so that the ribbons 34 are inclined to facilitate the inclination of the pillars 69 of the elevator 40. In a preferred embodiment, the inclination of the ribbon 34 is obtained by hinged connection of the joint between the ribbon 34 and the strut 32 in the vicinity of the post 38, the strut 32 located below the tray 35 being provided with a series of through holes at regular intervals which allow pins to be inserted to hold said strut 32, the ribbon 34 being provided with fins for this purpose, and the pillar 69 can be hinged to the crossbar 48 or, in an alternative embodiment, can be mechanically fixed to said crossbar 48 with the same inclination as the stacking tower 14 so that the shutter (18, 18') moves in a linear manner with the stacking tower 14.

[0039] In any given embodiment, once the stacking tower 14 filled with goods is covered, the elevator 40 with the shutter (18, 18') is in its original position and the motor 22 of the conveyor 11 is energized to advance the stacking tower 14 on the conveyor belt 27 until the stacking tower 14 filled with the next goods is coaxially located under the shutter (18, 18'). The covered stacking towers 14 continue their trajectory through the conveyor band 27 and then arrive at the "bagged product receiving" area, which is located at the bottom end of the conveyor belt below the baler 12 structure, in one embodiment of the invention the "bagged product receiving" area is at a location beside the baler, in another embodiment the "bagged product receiving" area is constituted by the lower part of the conveyor 11, on whose entire trajectory the stacking tower 14 is found upside down. While the stacking tower 14 remains "upside down," the stacking tower 14 utilizes gravity so that both the cover, bag, or package and the product are released from the stacking tower 14 and fall into a box, container, or another suitable means for this purpose.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the baler 12 structure includes a damping arch 46, which is made by a wall with an inner arch shape or track, which is protected by a pair of sides that follow the shape of the track. The pair of sides and the track are preferably made of materials such as steel, aluminum, nylon, etc., and the mentioned damping arch 46 is mechanically fixed to the struts 32 of the baler 12 structure by welding, binders, screws with nuts, rivets, etc. The damping arch 46 preferably covers the track of the stacking tower 14, which is already filled with the covered goods, so that the stacking tower 14 can be turned over and extended to the bagged product receiving area immediately after the shutters (18, 18') and the stacking tower 14 is covered. The mentioned damping arch 46 has a certain gap between the top of the stacking tower 14 and the inner arch wall or track, which gap varies between 0.5 cm and 2.0 cm depending on the type of product to be bagged. Thus, after the goods-filled stacking tower 14 is covered in the baler area, the goods-filled stacking tower 14 continues its trajectory on the conveyor 11 and enters the damping arch 46 area, which prevents the covers, bags or packages and goods from being able to leave the covered and goods-filled stacking tower 14 while the stacking tower 14 is being turned over. Once the covered and goods-filled stacking tower 14 is found in the bagged goods receiving area, the damping arch 46 ends its trajectory, thus allowing easy release of the covers, bags or packages with goods, utilizing gravity on the covers, bags or packages and goods.

[0041] All the mentioned pneumatic actuators, such as pneumatic cylinders, pneumatic motors, suction cups, or blowers, in the preferred embodiment, in addition to being controlled by a 5-way 2-position, 4-way 2-position, or 5-way 3-position type pneumatic valve, preferably operated by a solenoid (electronic valve), which is pneumatically connected in a fluid manner to the actuator (pneumatic cylinder or motor), comprise a limit switch sensor, and the limit switch sensor and the mentioned electronic valve are electrically connected to the control system 28 so that the control system 28 can receive signals from the limit switch sensor and process the electronic valve. and the control system 28 also includes a control circuit 28 for controlling the bagging method that is the object of the present invention, in an alternative embodiment the pneumatic cylinders 21, 30, 31, 37, 42, 42', 47 can be of the magneto-pneumatic type, and in another alternative embodiment the pneumatic cylinders 21, 30, 31, 37, 42, 42', 47 and the tweezers 16 can be of the electric type, connected to a driver that controls the actuators under discussion, the driver being electrically connected to the control system 28 so that the control system 28 can energize or deenergize the driver being mentioned. In another embodiment the electric actuators under discussion can be electrically connected to the control system 28 without a driver. The control system 28 consists in a preferred embodiment of a programmable logic controller (PCL), so that the solenoids of the valves are directly connected to the analog output of the PCL, which is electrically connected to a power source.In an alternative embodiment, the control system 28 corresponds to a processor or microprocessor electrically connected to a pilot switch, such as a solenoid relay, a power stage, such as a transistor, an insulated gate bipolar transistor, an optical switch, a Mosfet, or the like, which allows the power stage to receive a signal or pulse emanating from the processor or microprocessor, which energizes the pilot switch, the power side of which is connected to a power source capable of energizing an actuator, preferably a solenoid.

[0042] The motor referred to in the preferred embodiment is directly connected to an analog output of the PCL of the control system 28, which is electrically connected to a power source. In an alternative embodiment of the control system 28, the control system 28 can correspond to a processor or microprocessor, in which case the motor is connected as described in the previous paragraph, and in an alternative embodiment where a pneumatic motor is used, the pneumatic motor is pneumatically coupled to an electronic valve that allows or restricts the flow of compressed air towards the motor, which is electrically connected to the control system 28, so that the electronic valve can be energized or deenergized by said control system 28.

[0043] Pneumatic systems also include compressors, tanks, maintenance units, flow regulators, and other accessories required to operate and distribute compressed air to electronic valves and actuators (pneumatic cylinders, motors, suction cups, and blowers).

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic cylinders are provided on their carcasses and equipped on their inner parts with position sensors, the position sensors referred to, whether of the microswitch type or of the magnetic, capacitive or inductive type, being electrically connected to the control system 28, so that the control system 28 can receive and actuate signals from said sensors. Thus also the sensors installed on the baler structure 12 and on the conveyor 11 can be of the microswitch type or of the magnetic, capacitive or inductive type, the position sensors referred to are connected to the control system 28, so that the control system 28 can receive and actuate signals from said sensors.

[0045] As long as we have described in the best way to implement the apparatus for packaging fragile and delicate goods in various embodiments as our valuable reading has noticed, the reader will now also be aware of how the apparatus works and the order in which several mechanisms work like a well-coordinated and conducted orchestra. Also, in order to leave a better understanding of the operation of the present invention, we now disclose a method of the preferred embodiment which in no way replaces or works against the above teachings, but works and works in harmony with the process steps and methods already disclosed when understanding the hardware of the apparatus described. In this regard, we have provided a series of steps in a particular order that we believe to provide a consistent method, but in no way such order of steps should be taken as limiting, because a person skilled in the art can provide a series of order of steps just like Lego blocks, or various orders provided when the steps are understood or considered as interchangeable process objects that later create various algorithms into a method that in no way deviates from the scope of the present invention. The method of the preferred embodiment is as follows:

[0046] 1. A method for packaging a product, the method comprising: a) placing goods on a stacking tower 14; b) advancing the stacking tower 14 filled with the previous product to a certain position by activating the belt conveyor 27 until said stacking tower 14 is found aligned with the center of the shutters (18, 18'); c) energizing the pneumatic cylinder 30 to bring the suction cup (15) closer to the pile of covers, bags or packages placed on the tray 35; d) energizing the suction cup 15 and rotating the pneumatic arm to grab and deliver the cover, bag or package to the tweezers 16; e) holding said cover, bag or package with tweezers 16; f) returning said suction cup 15 to its original position by returning said pneumatic arm to its original position; g) opening the mouth of said cover, bag or package by energizing the suction cup 17 and mouth opening mechanism; h) energizing the pneumatic cylinder 37 and the blower 36 to blow air into the cover, bag or package with the blower 36; i) positioning a shutter (18, 18') to grip the open mouth of the cover, bag, or package and energizing the shutter (18, 18') to hold the open mouth of the cover, bag, or package against an inner cylindrical wall of an annular body (74 or 75), thereby gripping the open mouth with the shutter (18, 18'); j) deenergizing and returning said suction cup 17 and blower 36 to their original positions by deenergizing said mouth opening mechanism and commanding it to return to its original position; k) covering the stacking tower 14 filled with goods by lowering the elevator 40 and transporting the shutters (18, 18') vertically to facilitate covering the stacking tower 14 filled with goods with said covers, bags or packages gripped by the mouths of the shutters (18, 18'); l) once the stacking tower 14 filled with goods is covered, the shutters (18, 18') are actuated to release the gripped mouth of said cover, bag or package, by providing a clearance or gap between the stacking tower 14 and the inner cylindrical wall of the annular body (74 or 75) to release the gripped mouth of said cover, bag or package; m) returning said shutters (18, 18') to their original positions by energizing the elevator 40 and commanding it to rise and return to its original position.

[0047] Modifications of the invention described herein may be anticipated by those skilled in the art. However, the present specification relates to preferred embodiments of the invention, and the specification is for illustrative purposes only. Modifications that are clearly within the spirit of the invention, such as changes in shape, material, and dimensions of the features that constitute the invention, will be considered to be within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10 Equipment for packaging products 11 Conveyor 12 Baler 14 Stacked Tower 16 Tweezers 17 Suction Cup 18 Iris Shutter 18′ Suction shutter 19 Finger 36 Blois 40 Elevator 42 Phalanx, Phalange 48 Crossbar 64 Suction port

Claims

1. An apparatus for packaging a plurality of fragile products using a plurality of empty packages each having a mouth, a conveyor having a conveyor belt with a length, a stacking tower arranged at intervals along the length of the conveyor belt and fixed to the conveyor belt, each stacking tower having a chamber for receiving a fragile product, the stacking tower; a drive gear coupled to the conveyor belt for advancing the stacking tower having a product in the chamber to a bealer, the bealer being configured to place one mouth of a plurality of empty packages on top of one of the stacking towers having a product in the chamber, the conveyor being configured to tilt the stacking tower by further advancement of the conveyor belt by the drive gear such that the product slides into the package by the force of gravity and the package slides off the stacking tower, the drive gear;

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an additional drive gear, wherein the conveyor belt is an endless conveyor belt extending between the drive gear and the additional drive gear.

3. The bealer a tray for storing a plurality of empty packages, a packaging picking mechanism for taking one of the plurality of packages from the tray and sending the package to a pair of tweezers, a package mouth opening mechanism for blowing air through the mouth of the package to expand the package before placing the package on top of one of the stacking towers, The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the packaging picking mechanism includes a suction cup at an end of a pneumatic arm.

5. The pneumatic arm includes a first pneumatic cylinder fixed to a first apex of a rod and a hinge mechanically attached to the suction cup, and a second pneumatic cylinder mechanically attached to a second apex of the hinge and having an end mechanically attached to a hinge connecting panel, the hinge having a third apex mechanically attached to a hinge fin disposed on a post, and energizing the second pneumatic cylinder promotes rotation of the hinge and the first pneumatic cylinder. The apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The package opening mechanism includes a first pneumatic cylinder and a second pneumatic cylinder arranged in tandem vertically, the first pneumatic cylinder having a rod with an end having a pair of pneumatic suction cups, and further including a third pneumatic cylinder having a rod that mechanically couples an air blower, the apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The beiler includes an elevator that is placed in line with one of the stacking towers and transports a shutter that grips the package by its mouth from the tweezers, the apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The shutter is selected from the group including an iris shutter with fingers and flanges and a suction shutter with a series of suction ports, the apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The beiler is configured to cover one of the stacking towers with an empty package, the apparatus according to claim 1.

10. Each stacking tower is fixed to the conveyor belt at an inclination in the range of 30° to 89°, the apparatus according to claim 1.

11. A method of packaging a fragile product, placing the fragile product in a chamber of one of a series of stacking towers fixed to a conveyor belt; placing the mouth of an empty package on top of one of the stacking towers having the product inside; advancing the conveyor belt to tilt the stacking tower and, by the force of gravity, slide the product into the package and slide the package off the stacking tower, the method comprising the advancing step.

12. The advancing step includes advancing the conveyor belt around a gear to tilt the stacking tower, the method according to claim 11.

13. The placing step includes placing the mouth of the empty package on top of one of the stacking towers having the product therein to cover the product in one of the stacking towers with the package, the method according to claim 11.

14. Each one of the stacking towers has a length, and the placing step includes sliding the mouth of the empty package along the length of one of the stacking towers, the method according to claim 13.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the arranging step includes a packaging picking mechanism configured to pick the empty package from a plurality of stored empty packages. **Claim 16** The method of claim 11, wherein the arranging step includes a package opening mechanism configured to open the mouth of the empty package to allow the empty package to be placed on one of the stacking towers. **Claim 17** The method of claim 16, wherein the package opening mechanism is configured to blow air through the mouth of the package to expand the package.

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