The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 26, 1991
Filed:
Oct. 19, 1990
Donald L Brookman, Richmond, VA (US);
Everett C Grollimund, Midlothian, VA (US);
Gary E Grollimund, Midlothian, VA (US);
Steven F Spiers, Richmond, VA (US);
Philip Morris Incorporated, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
A system is provided for packing, shipping and automated unloading of stacks of box blanks so as to minimize damage to the box blanks and facilitate the insertion of the box blanks into an automated packaging machine. A fitted shipping case, filled with stacks of box blanks and upper and lower inserts, has a plurality of holes in its upper and lower flaps for cooperating with an automated unloading machine. The inserts enclosed in the shipping case minimize damage due to shifting of the box blank stacks, provide added resistance against case failure during transit, and cooperate with the automated unloading machine to faciltiate removal of the box blank stacks from the shipping case. The automated shipping case unloading machine features a stationary case gripping portion, an upper portion for opening the shipping case and removing the upper insert, and a plurality of carriage assemblies for lifting the stacks of box blanks out of the shipping case and conveniently presenting the stacks for further manual or automated handling.