GB2635683A

GB2635683A - A box filler

Info

Publication number: GB2635683A
Application number: GB2317725.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Haith David
Original assignee: Tickhill Engineering Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tickhill Engineering Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-11-20
Filing date: 2023-11-20
Publication date: 2025-05-28

Abstract

A box filler apparatus 1, comprising a box filling machine 12 for loading vegetables or other articles into a box may include a loading apparatus 111 and unloading apparats 13. A hopper portion 123 holds articles and includes an unloading aperture through which the one or more articles are passable to fill a box. At least one retaining arrangement 124, mounted with respect to hopper portion 123 and each of which includes a first portion with closely spaced cross-members (1241, Fig 11) for inhibiting or substantially preventing the one or more articles from passing though the or each retaining arrangement 124. A second portion with sparsely spaced cross-members (1241) for permitting the one or more articles from passing through the or each retaining arrangement 124. The retaining members 124 are configured to be moveable such that the first or second portions selectively cover the unloading aperture to control the passage of the one or more articles from the hopper portion into the box. A retaining arrangement per se is also disclosed.

Description

A BOX FILLER

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a box filling machine, a retaining arrangement for selectively inhibiting and permitting movement of one or more articles therethrough, a box filling apparatus, components of the box filling apparatus, and a method for filling boxes with vegetables or other articles.

BACKGROUND

Once produce, including vegetables (e.g. root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots etc.) fruit and the like, is picked or harvested, the produce is processed and prepared for onward transportation and/or storage. Produce is transported from farms and primary processing facilities to secondary processing facilities and wholesalers, and often stored, in wooden boxes (interchangeably described in the field as containers). The wooden boxes are generally large and have open tops, however the exact dimensions of the wooden boxes may vary.

It is, therefore, common to store and transport produce in open top wooden boxes. It is also common to fill the wooden boxes with the produce using box filler machines (referred to as "box fillers").

Conventional box fillers take a number of different forms. Some conventional box fillers include a hopper with a trapdoor located at the base of the hopper. The hopper is filled with produce and then the trapdoor is opened to release the produce into the box. The produce is exposed to potential damage by such box fillers as the produce hits the base of the hopper during filling of the hopper (the trapdoor generally being formed from a metal) and also when the produce hits the bottom of the box (and/or other produce which has already reached the bottom of the box) when the trapdoor is opened.

Some conventional box fillers move and hold produce by the use of movable belts. These belts are prone to cause abrasion to the produce. Such abrasion can result in surface damage, bruising or irreversible damage to the produce. Since the produce is consumable, edible goods, excessive scuffing or damage may make the produce unsuitable for sale or consumption, leading to losses in the proportion of produce suitable for sale or processing. Damage to the produce may also reduce the time the produce can be stored.

Furthermore, moveable belts are prone to wear relatively quickly -so requiring frequent replacement and/or re-tensioning.

Some box fillers which use movable belts require complex arrangements of components in order to move the belts to achieve filling of the box.

There is a need to provide an improved box filler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An aspect provides a box filling machine for loading vegetables or other articles into a box, including: a hopper portion for holding one or more articles and including an unloading aperture through which the one or more articles are passable to fill a box; and one or more retaining arrangements mounted with respect to the hopper portion, the one or more retaining arrangements each including a first portion with closely spaced cross-members for inhibiting or substantially preventing the one or more articles from passing though the or each retaining arrangement and a second portion with sparsely spaced cross-members for permitting the one or more articles from passing through the or each retaining arrangement, wherein the one or more retaining arrangements are configured to be moveable such that the first or second portions selectively cover the unloading aperture to control the passage of the one or more articles from the hopper portion into the box.

Each of the one or more retaining arrangements may be a respective endless loop.

The one or more retaining arrangements may each be in a respective L-shaped configuration.

Each of the one or more retaining arrangements may extends around one or more pulleys.

Movement of the or each retaining arrangement may include rotation of the or each retaining arrangement with respect to the hopper portion.

The or each retaining arrangement may further include at least one side member to which the cross-members are mounted, and at least one of the cross-members may include a sleeve configured to rotate with respect to the at least one side member.

The sleeve may extends along substantially an entire length of the cross-member.

All cross-members in the first and/or second portion may include respective sleeves configured to rotate with respect to the at least one side member.

The hopper portion may be configured to be moved between a lowered and raised position.

The hopper portion may be configured to be in the lowered position when the one or more retaining arrangements are moved such that the second portion covers the unloading aperture.

A box filling machine may further include a first loading conveyor configured to convey the one or more articles to the hopper portion.

Another aspect provides a retaining arrangement for selectively inhibiting and permitting movement of one or more articles therethrough, the retaining arrangement including: a first portion with closely spaced cross-members for inhibiting or substantially preventing the one or more articles from passing though the retaining arrangement; and a second portion with sparsely spaced cross-members for permitting the one or more articles from passing through the retaining arrangement.

The retaining arrangement may be an endless loop.

The retaining arrangement may be in an L-shaped configuration.

The retaining arrangement may be configured to extend around one or more pulleys.

The retaining arrangement may further include at least one side member to which the cross-members are mounted, wherein at least one of the cross-members may include a sleeve configured to rotate with respect to the at least one side member.

The sleeve may extend along substantially an entire length of the cross-member.

Another aspect provides a box filling apparatus including the box filling machine as above and further including: a loading apparatus for receiving one or more empty boxes and delivering the one or more empty boxes to the box filling machine; and an unloading apparatus for receiving one or more filled boxes from the box filling machine.

The loading and/or unloading apparatus may be configured to store a plurality of boxes in a stacked formation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In orderthat the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a view of a modular box filling apparatus of some versions, including a loading apparatus, box filling machine and an unloading apparatus; FIGURE 2 is an isometric view of the modular box filling apparatus of figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a cross-section view of the modular box filling apparatus of figure 1; FIGURE 4 is an isometric view of a loading apparatus of some versions in isolation; FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of a box filling machine of some versions in isolation; FIGURE 6 is a side view of a box filling machine of some versions in isolation; FIGURE 7 is a cross-section (from side perspective) of a box filling machine of some versions in isolation; FIGURE 8 is an isometric view of a box filling machine of some versions in isolation; FIGURE 9 is an isometric view of a hopper portion of a box filling machine of some versions in isolation; FIGURE 10 is a cross-section view of a hopper portion of a box filling machine of some versions in isolation; FIGURE 11 is an isometric view of a retaining arrangement, of some versions, of a box filling machine of some versions in isolation; FIGURE 12 is an isometric view of a retaining arrangement, of some versions, of a box filling machine of some versions in isolation; FIGURE 13 is an isometric view of a retaining arrangement, of some versions, of a box filling machine of some versions in isolation, including auxiliary equipment; and FIGURE 14 is an isometric view of an unloading apparatus of some versions in isolation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The described technology may include a box filler apparatus 1 (see, for example, figures. 1-3).

The box filler apparatus may include a loading apparatus 11, a box filling machine 12 and an unloading apparatus 13, or may include any combination thereof which includes the box filling machine 12.

A box may be constructed from wood (but could be made from another material such as a plastics material or metal, or any combination thereof). The box may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section (e.g. through a plane parallel with a bottom of the box) with an aperture at a top of the box (e.g. the box may be an open topped box). The aperture may be defined by walls of the box (of which there may be four). The box may have a depth (defined from the top of the box to the bottom of the box), a length, and a width. The box may define (e.g. internal surfaces of walls and a base of the box may define) a volume for the storage of one or more articles which is accessible through the aperture. The volume may have a depth, a length, and a width.

The box filler apparatus 1 may be used to fill a box with one or more articles, which may be produce (e.g. vegetables (such as root vegetables), fruit, or the like) or other articles.

System The loading apparatus 11, box filling machine 12 and unloading apparatus 13 (see figures 1-3, for example) may be positioned linearly with respect to each other and may be connected together with fixing arrangements which may include corresponding flanges, apertures and fixings, such as threated bolts and nuts, for example.

A first empty box may be loaded onto the loading apparatus 11 by, for example, a forklift truck, wherein the empty box may be unladen with articles. In some versions, more than one empty box may be loaded onto the loading apparatus 11 at one time. When more than one empty box is loaded onto the loading apparatus 11, a loading apparatus stacking mechanism may lift and support a second empty box above the location in which the first empty box is stored, such that the first empty box may be moved by a loading apparatus conveying system 112 towards the box filling machine 12.

The first empty box may be conveyed towards the box filling machine 12, and a box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 may convey the first empty box to the box filling region 125 (e.g. such that the volume defined by the box moves into the box filling region 125). Subsequently, the second empty box may be lowered to the loading apparatus conveying machine 112 (for later conveying to the box filling machine 12).

A hopper portion 123 of the box filling machine 12 may be loaded with one or more articles. The hopper portion 123 may be lowered through the aperture of the empty first box and into the volume defined by the first empty box (i.e. into the box filling region 125). One or more articles loaded into the hopper portion 123 may be supported by a retaining arrangement 124 in a first position. The retaining arrangement 124 may include a first portion 1241 and a second portion 1242.

The one or more articles may be retained in the hopper portion 123 by the retaining arrangement 124 when the retaining arrangement 124 is in the first position, such that the first portion 1241 of the retaining arrangement 124 inhibits (or substantially prevents) the passage of the one or more articles (retained in the hopper portion 123) through the retaining arrangement 124. The retaining arrangement 124 may be selectively moved (e.g. by rotation) to a second position such that the one or more articles retained in the hopper portion 123 may pass through the second portion 1242 of the retaining arrangement 124 and into the first empty box. The first empty box may, therefore, become a first loaded box.

The first loaded box may be conveyed by the box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 to the unloading apparatus 13, where the unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 may convey the first loaded box into an unloading position. Similarly to the loading apparatus 11, the unloading apparatus 13 may include a stacking mechanism 132, which may enable the stacking of a loaded boxes ready for unloading by, for example, a forklift truck.

The box filler apparatus 1 may enable multiple boxes to be stacked, filled or moved along the apparatus 1 at any one time and may, therefore, enable the sequential filling of boxes with one or more articles which may reduce the delays in loading and unloading of boxes. The retaining arrangement 124 and the lowering of the hopper portion 123 may reduce damage to the one or more articles during the box filling process, whilst maintaining rapid box filling.

The box filling apparatus 1 may be assembled as a modular apparatus and may, therefore, be configurable as desired. The above example describes the box filling apparatus 1 including the loading apparatus 11, the box filling machine 12 and the unloading apparatus 13. However, in an example, the box filling apparatus 1 may be configurable such that the box filling machine 12 may be paired with only the loading apparatus 11, and filled boxes may be unloaded directly from the box filling machine conveyor mechanism 121 (e.g. by a forklift truck).

Furthermore, in an example, the box filling apparatus 1 may be configurable such that the box filling machine 12 may be paired only with the unloading apparatus 13, and empty boxes may be loaded directly onto the box filling machine conveyor mechanism 121 (e.g. by a forklift truck).

In an example, the box filling machine 12 may be used as a stand-alone, single, apparatus and empty boxes may be loaded to, and full boxes may be unloaded from, the box filling machine conveyor mechanism 121 (e.g. by a forklift truck). In some such versions, the box filling machine 12 may not include the conveyor mechanism 121 but may simply include a support or platform to receive a box in the box filling region 125.

The box filling apparatus 1, therefore, may be configured to the needs of a user as desired and the modularity of the box filling apparatus 1 may be adapted to any combination of the system as described.

Loading apparatus The loading apparatus 11 (see figure 4, along with figures 1-3, for example) may be configured to load one or more empty boxes into the box filler apparatus 12. The loading apparatus 11 may be configured to receive (and hold) a single empty box or may stack a plurality of empty boxes (e.g. vertically stack one empty box atop another).

The loading apparatus 11 may include a frame 111. The loading apparatus frame 111 may include a plurality of legs 1111a-b (e.g. four legs 1111a-b). The plurality of legs 1111a-b may include at least one leg 1111a-b disposed at each corner of the frame 111. Each of the legs 111 may be formed with a U-shaped cross-section. The frame 111 may include one or more cross-members, which may extend between the legs 1111a-b (e.g. such that each cross-member is attached to two of the plurality of legs 1111a-b). The legs 1111a-b and cross-members may be rigidly attached to each other, by fixings such as nuts and bolts or by welding for example, to form the frame 111. Furthermore, the frame 111 may include bracing members rigidly attached to the legs 1111a-b and/or the cross-members to provide additional strength and/or rigidity to the frame 111.

The legs 1111a-b forming the frame 111 may be adjustable, for example when installed on uneven ground, by the use of adjustable feet 1112a-b. Each of the adjustable feet 1112a-b may include a flat plate at a base intended to be generally parallel with the floor which may aid stability of the frame 111. The legs 1111a-b may each, for example, define a plurality of holes and the adjustable feet 1112a-b may each define at least one hole, such that a bolt or other fixing may be passed through one of the holes in each of the legs 1111a-b and through the hole in the associated adjustable foot 1112a-b to enable a height of one or more legs 1111a-b to be adjusted by selection of which of the holes in each of the legs 1111a-b is used, for example.

The loading apparatus 11 may include a loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112. The loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 may be configured to convey a box to be filled (i.e. an empty box) from the loading apparatus 11 to the box filling machine 12. The loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 could take a number of different forms including the use of one or more rollers and/or belts and/or chains and/or webs to convey the empty box.

The loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 may include one or a plurality of loading apparatus conveying members 112a. In some versions, there may be two loading apparatus conveying members 112a, with each disposed on opposite sides of the loading apparatus 11 (the sides opposing each other across a width of the loading apparatus 11, wherein the width is perpendicular to a length of the loading apparatus 11 and the loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 may be configured to convey the empty box through at least part of the length of the loading apparatus 11 to the box filling machine 12).

Movement of the loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 may, for example, be driven by the one or more loading apparatus conveying members 112a. In some versions, the one or more loading apparatus conveying members 112a may include a chain; however, in some versions the or each loading apparatus conveying member 112a may include a belt, web system and/or a plurality of driven rollers. The one or more loading apparatus conveying members 112a may be disposed along a length of the loading apparatus frame 111.

The one or more loading apparatus conveying members 112a may include a chain disposed on a plurality of pulleys of the loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112. The pulleys may be attached to the loading apparatus frame 111 and may be permitted to rotate with respect thereto. The pulleys may be attached to the loading apparatus frame 111 by one or more bearings.

At least one pulley of the pulleys may be a powered pulley 112c driven by a motor 112b and the others of the pulleys may be passive pulleys 112d. In versions including more than one motorised pulley 112c, each is driven by a respective independent motor 112b, the motors 112b may be substantially synchronised with each other.

The loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 may include a tensioning system, wherein one or more of the passive pulleys 112d and/or the one or more motorised pulleys 112c may be moved with respect to each other using the tensioning system to tension and/or relax the one or more loading apparatus conveying members 112a, to allow for maintenance, such as installation, repair or replacement of the or each loading apparatus conveying member 112a.

The one or more loading apparatus conveyor motors 112b may be rigidly attached to the loading apparatus frame 111, by frames and brackets, and may be configured to drive movement of the one or more loading apparatus conveying members 112a with respect to the loading apparatus frame 111.

In some versions, more than one empty box may be loaded onto the loading apparatus 11. The loading apparatus 11 may include a loading apparatus vertical movable mechanism 113 which may be used to hold one or more boxes, such that the loading apparatus 11 holds a vertical stack of empty boxes.

The loading apparatus 11 may include two loading apparatus vertical movable mechanisms 113, disposed on opposite sides of the loading apparatus 11. In some versions, the two loading apparatus vertical movable mechanisms 113 may be synchronised with each other.

The or each loading apparatus vertical movable mechanism 113 may include one or more vertical movable members 1131, and/or one or more loading apparatus stacker members 1132, and/or one or more loading apparatus vertical movement motors 1133, and/or a plurality of pulleys 1134, 1135.

The or each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 may be in the form of a respective cross-member extending along a length of the loading apparatus 11. The or each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 may extend, for example, between a respective two of the loading apparatus legs 1111 a-b. In some versions, there may be two loading apparatus stacker members 1132 with each extending between a respective pair of loading apparatus legs 1111a-b (one of the loading apparatus stacker members 1132 may be located on either side of a space defined by the loading apparatus 11 to receive an empty box).

The or each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 may be configured to move vertically with respect to the loading apparatus frame 111 and that vertical movement may be driven, in some versions, by the one or more loading apparatus vertical movable members 1131, and/or the one or more loading apparatus vertical movement motors 1133, and/or the plurality of pulleys 1134,1135.

In some versions, the or each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 is coupled to at least one respective loading apparatus vertical movable member 1131, e.g. one at either end, such that movement of that at least one loading apparatus vertical moveable member 1131 causes vertical movement of the or each coupled loading apparatus stacker member 1132 with respect to the loading apparatus frame 111. Accordingly, the or each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 may be moved upward and downward with respect to the loading apparatus frame 111. In some versions, the or each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 may be configured to be substantially parallel with the loading apparatus conveying member 112a and may be configured such that this parallel arrangement remains during movement of that loading apparatus stacker member 1132 upwardly and downwardly with respect to the frame 111.

The plurality of pulleys 1134, 1135 may include one or more loading apparatus powered pulleys 1134, driven by at least one of the one or more loading apparatus vertical movement motors 1133, and one or more loading apparatus passive pulleys 1135.

In some versions, the or each vertical movable member 1131 may extend around at least some of the plurality of pulleys (which may include at least one of the one or more loading apparatus powered pulleys 1134 and at least one of the one or more the loading apparatus passive pulleys 1135). Accordingly, in some versions, driven rotation (with respect to the loading apparatus frame 111) of the at least one of the one or more loading apparatus powered pulleys 1134 may cause movement of the associated vertical movable member 1131 with respect to the loading apparatus frame 111 and may cause rotation of the at least one of the one or more loading apparatus passive pulleys 1135 with respect to the frame 111). In some versions, the or each vertical movable member 1131 is an endless loop configured for movement about the plurality of pulleys 1134,1135 about which it extends (and those pulleys 1134,1135 may tension and support the associated vertical movable member 1131).

The loading apparatus vertical moving mechanism 113 may also include a tensioning system which is configured to move the one or more of the passive pulleys 1134 and/or the one or more driven pulleys 1135 carrying a one of the one or more loading apparatus vertical movable members 1131 with respect to each other to change the tension in that loading apparatus vertical movable member 1131 to allow for maintenance, such as installation, repair or replacement of the loading apparatus vertical movable member 1131.

The one or more loading apparatus vertical movable members 1131 may include one or more respective chains (roller chain drives, for example), or may include one or more belts (including toothed belts), for example.

The or each loading apparatus vertical movable member 1131 may be disposed inside a respective recess defined by the U-shape of a one of the loading apparatus legs 1111a-b. The plurality of pulleys 1134,1135 may, therefore, be mounted to the loading apparatus legs 1111a-b.

In some versions, a loading apparatus vertical movement motor 1133 may be configured to drive rotation of more than one loading apparatus vertical movement powered pulley 1134. In some such versions, the loading apparatus vertical movement powered pulleys 1134 may be mounted to different ones of the loading apparatus legs 1111a-b. Each of these loading apparatus vertical movement powered pulleys 1134 may be configured to drive rotation of a respective different loading apparatus vertical movable member 1131. Those loading apparatus vertical movable members 1131 may, however, be configured to drive movement of the same loading apparatus stacker member 1132. The loading apparatus vertical movement motor 1133 may, therefore, be coupled to the loading apparatus vertical movement powered pulleys 1134 by a shaft (which may connect two of the loading apparatus vertical movement powered pulleys 1134). Such an arrangement may be provided on each side of the loading apparatus 11 and the loading apparatus vertical movement motors 1133 of such versions may be operated synchronously (to raise and lower loading apparatus stacker members 1132 on both sides of the loading apparatus 113 in unison).

In order for movement of the or each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 to cause movement of a box received by the loading apparatus 11 (in a vertical direction with respect to the loading apparatus frame 111), the or each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 may include one or more loading apparatus stacker arms 1132b which are each configured to engage the box selectively.

In some versions, the or each loading apparatus stacker arm 1132b is selectively movable between an extended position, in which they are configured to engage a box received by the loading apparatus 11, and a retracted position, in which they are configured not to engage a box received by the loading apparatus 1. The or each loading apparatus stacker arm 1132b may be actuated between the extended and retracted positions by a respective loading apparatus stacker arm actuator 1132a. The or each respective loading apparatus stacker arm actuator 1132a may be a linear actuator which may be hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically operated.

In some versions, the or each loading apparatus stacker arm 1132b is a pivotable arm which is configured to rotate through a respective aperture defined by one or more of the one or more loading apparatus stacker members 1132.

In some versions, the or each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 includes a respective pair of loading apparatus stacker arms 1132b which are spaced apart along a length of that loading apparatus stacker member 1132.

In some versions, there may be a pair of such loading apparatus stacker members 1132 provided as part of the loading apparatus 11 (with each loading apparatus stacker member 1132 facing the other and spaces apart across a width of the loading apparatus 11).

Accordingly, with a box received by the loading apparatus 11, that box may be engaged by the loading apparatus stack arm(s) 1132b (in their extended position). The loading apparatus stack member(s) 1132 may be moved upwardly or downwardly (using the or each loading apparatus vertical movable member 1131) with respect to the loading apparatus frame 111 to move the box upwardly or downwardly with respect to the loading apparatus frame 111.

Therefore, for example, the or each loading apparatus vertical movable mechanism 113 may be configured to receive an empty box and to use loading apparatus stack member(s) 1132 to raise that empty box to an upper or raised position. Another empty box may be received by the loading apparatus 11 beneath the raised empty box. The lowermost empty box to be conveyed by the loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 towards the box filling machine 12. Then the raised empty box may be lowered to the loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 (the or each loading apparatus stacker arms 1132b) may be retracted and that empty box then conveyed to the box filling machine 12 using the loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 when required.

In some versions, new empty boxes may be provided to the loading apparatus 1 by, for example, a forklift truck. In some versions, new empty boxes are delivered to the loading apparatus 1 in a lower box position of the loading apparatus 1 and then raised by the loading apparatus 11 to a raised box position (as described herein). In some versions, a new empty box may be delivered to the raised box position of the loading apparatus 11. As will be appreciated, in order to achieve this, once a box is lowered to the lower box position, it will be necessary to raise the or each loading apparatus stack member 1132 and extend the or each loading apparatus vertical stacker 1132b so that the new empty box may be placed (e.g. by forklift truck) onto the loading apparatus stacker arm(s) 1132b.

Box filling machine The box filling machine 12 (see figures 5-13, along with figures 1-3, for example) is, as mentioned herein and in versions including the loading apparatus 11 and unloading apparatus 13, configured to receive one or more empty boxes from the loading apparatus 11, to fill the or each empty box with one or more articles, and then to deliver the or each filled box to the unloading apparatus 13.

The box filling machine 12 may include a frame 122 (see figures 5-8, for example). The box filling machine frame 122 may include a plurality of legs 1221a-d. For example, the frame 122 may include four legs 1221a-d, which may each be disposed at respective corners of the box filling machine 12 and/or which may define respective corners of the frame 12.

Each of the legs 1221a-d may be formed from box section material. In some versions, however, the legs 1221a-d may be formed from U-section material or I-section material, for example.

The frame 122 of the box filling machine 12 may include one or more cross-members between the legs 1221a-d. The frame 122 may be generally cuboidal in shape, with the legs 1221a-d disposed at the corners of the cuboid in a generally vertical direction, with each of the one or more cross-members rigidly attached to two or more legs 1221a-d. The legs 1221a-d and cross-members may be rigidly attached to each other by fixings such as nuts and bolts or by welding, for example. The frame 122 may include one or more bracing members rigidly attached to the legs 1221a-d and/or the or each cross-member. The or each cross-member may be generally perpendicular to the legs 1221a-d (which may be parallel with each other). The or each bracing member may be disposed between any combination of legs 1221a-d and/or cross-members to provide additional support to the frame 122. The cross-members and bracing members may be formed from box section material, I-section material, or U-section material, for example.

The legs 1221a-d forming the frame may be adjustable such that their height may be adjustable. For example, this may be particularity useful when the box filling machine 12 is installed on uneven ground. The height adjustability may be provided by the use of adjustable feet 1222a-d.

There may be one adjustable foot 1222a-d located at a base of each leg 1221 a-d, for example. Each adjustable foot 1112a-b may include a flat plate at a bottom part which may be intended to be generally parallel with a floor on which the box filling machine 12 is intended to be supported. The legs 1221a-d may, for example, each include a plurality of holes and the adjustable feet 1222a-d may each include at least one hole, such that a bolt or other fixing may be passed through one of the holes in one of the legs 1111a-b and through the hole in the associated adjustable foot 1222a-d to enable the height of the leg 1221a-d to be adjusted relative to the floor on which the box filling machine 12 is supported (through the selection of which of the plurality of holes is used).

The box filling machine 12 may include a box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 configured to convey boxes into and/or out of a box filling region 125 of the box filling machine 12. The box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 may be configured to receive an empty box from the loading apparatus 11 in versions of the modular system including the loading apparatus 11.

The box filling machine 12 may include a box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 (see the labels in figures 5 and 8, for example). The box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 may be configured to convey a box to be filled (i.e. an empty box) to the box filling region 125 (and may be configured to convey a filled box from the box filling region 125). The box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 could take a number of different forms including the use of one or more rollers and/or belts and/or chains and/or webs to convey the empty box.

The box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 may include one or a plurality of box filling machine conveying members 1211. In some versions, there may be two box filling machine conveying members 1211, with each disposed on opposite sides of the box filling machine 12 (the sides opposing each other across a width of the box filling machine 12, wherein the width is perpendicular to a length of the box filling machine 12. The box filling machine conveying mechanism 1211 may be configured to convey the empty box through at least part of the length of the box filling machine 12).

Movement of the box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 may, for example, be driven by the one or more box filling machine conveying members 1211. In some versions, the one or more box filling machine conveying members 1211 may each include a chain; however, in some versions the or each box filling machine conveying member 1211 may each include a belt, web, or a plurality of rollers. The one or more box filling machine conveying members 1211 may be disposed along a length of the box filling machine frame 122.

The one or more box filling machine conveying members 1211 may each include a chain disposed on a plurality of pulleys of the box filling machine conveying mechanism 1211. The pulleys may be attached to the box filling machine frame 122 and may be permitted to rotate with respect thereto.

The pulleys may be attached to the box filling machine frame 122 by one or more bearings.

At least one pulley of the pulleys may be a powered pulley 1213 driven by a motor 1212 and at least one pulley of the pulleys may be a passive pulley 1214. In versions including more than one motorised pulley 1213, wherein each motorised pulley 1213 is drivable by a respective independent motor 1213, the motors 1213 may be substantially synchronised with each other.

In some versions, one or more pulleys proximal the loading apparatus 11 (if provided) may be powered, and one or more pulleys proximal the unloading apparatus 13 (if provided) may be passive. However, this configuration may be reversed.

In some versions, there may be two box filling machine conveyor powered pulleys 1213 which may each be configured to drive a respective box filling machine conveying member 1211. These box filling machine conveying members 1211 may be located on opposite sides of the box filling machine frame 122. The two box filling machine conveyor powered pulleys 1213 may be rigidly attached and rotationally linked to each other by an axle to provide synchronised movement of the respective box filling machine conveying members 1211, such that a box may be conveyed uniformly and substantially in parallel with the box filling machine conveying mechanism 121.

In some versions, more than one box filling machine conveyor motor 1212 may be provided to drive rotation of a single powered pulley 1213, and/or may drive a pair of opposed powered pulleys 1213. In such versions, the plurality of box filling machine conveyor motors 1212 may be synchronised to provide uniform rotational movement of the respective box filling machine conveying members 1211.

In some versions, the box filling machine conveying members 1211 may be chains; however, any other form of endless loop may be used and in some versions the box filling machine conveying members 1211 may be one or more belts. Furthermore, roller systems including a plurality of rollers may be used in the place of, or in addition to an endless loop. In a chain driven system, the chain may be a conventional roller chain and the driven and passive pulleys 1213,1214 may be sprockets.

In a belt driven conveyor mechanism 121, the belt may be smooth or may be ribbed and the configuration of driven and passive pulleys 1213,1214 described above may equally apply.

However, in a belt driven conveyor mechanism 121, the driven and passive pulleys 1213,1214 may be respective wheels and may have a smooth circumference or may have ribbed or toothed edges.

In versions of the box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 which include endless loops, such as the chain or belt driven systems as described, the one or more powered pulleys 1213 and the one or more passive pulleys 1214 may include a tensioning apparatus. The endless loops may, therefore, be tensioned or relaxed (e.g. to assist the installation, replacement or other maintenance activities relating to the endless loops).

In versions with rollers providing the conveyor mechanism 121, at least one of a plurality of rollers disposed along the box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 may be driven and may, therefore, be configured to drive lateral movement of a box along a length of the conveying mechanism 121.

The box filling machine 12 may have a hopper portion 123 (see figures 9 and 10 for details of some examples of the hopper portion 123, which is also present in figures 1-3 and 5-8, for example). The hopper portion 123 may be generally cuboidal in shape. The hopper portion 123 may include a plurality of side walls 1233a-d. In some versions, the side walls 1233a-d are disposed on respective sides of the hopper portion 123. The hopper portion 123 may define a loading aperture 1231 and an unloading aperture 1239. The loading aperture 1231 may be located above the unloading aperture 1239 in normal use. The loading aperture 1231 may be defined through a side of the hopper portion 123 for example. In some versions, the loading aperture 1231 may, therefore, be a side aperture. In some versions, the unloading aperture 1239 may be a bottom aperture. In some versions, the hopper portion 123 has an open top and so may define a top aperture.

The hopper portion 123 may define a volume for holding or otherwise retaining one or more articles (e.g. a plurality of articles). In some versions, the side walls 1233a-d of the hopper portion 123 at least partially define this volume and so may be configured to retain one or more articles (e.g. within that retaining volume).

A bottom part of the hopper portion 123 may taper towards the unloading aperture 1239. As such, an interior of the hopper portion 123 may include at least one generally tapering surface, such that the cross-sectional area of the unloading aperture 1239 of the hopper portion 123 may be generally smaller than a cross-sectional area of the hopper portion 123 at any other point above the unloading aperture 1239. The taper may be provided in a tapered part 1232 (which may be the bottom part) of the hopper portion 123 -see figures 7 and 9. The tapered part 1232 may extend between about 5% and 25% of a total height of the hopper portion 123. In some versions, two of the side walls 1222a-d which oppose each other include sections towards their bottom parts which are angled towards each other to form the tapered part 1232 (the other two side walls 1222a-d may or may not include similar such angled sections towards their bottom parts). In some versions, there may be only three side walls 1222a-d such that the side aperture (which may be the loading aperture 1231 may be defined by two opposing ones of the side walls 1222a-d and/or a framework of the hopper portion 123).

The loading aperture 1231 may be defined by one of the side walls 1222a-d of the hopper portion 123 and/or may be the top aperture.

The hopper portion 123 may be configured to be moved, relative to the frame 122, between a raised position and a lowered position along a generally vertical axis. The hopper portion 123 may, therefore, be lowered into and raised away from (or out of) the box filling region 125 of the box filling machine 12. The box filling region 125 may be generally defined to be above the box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 and below the hopper portion 123 when the hopper portion 123 is in the raised position. Accordingly, an empty box may be positioned by the box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 in the box filling region 125 (e.g. such that the volume defined by the box is within the box filling region 125) and the hopper portion 123 may be lowered into the empty box (e.g. into the volume defined by the box). The box may then be filled and the hopper portion 123 lifted from the box to enable the box to be conveyed out of the box filling region 125.

Movement of the hopper portion 123 between the raised and lowered positions may be driven by a hopper portion drive system (not shown) which could take a number of different forms. For example, the hopper portion drive system may include one or more chains or belts configured to support the hopper portion 123 and to be lowered through the use of one or more pulleys or rollers and raised, to achieve movement of the hopper portion 123. Similarly, the hopper portion drive system may include a rack and pinion arrangement or a worm-drive arrangement, or the like. In some versions, the hopper portion 123 is supported by one or more cables which are wound around one or more drums or spools such that rotation of the drums or spools raises or lowers the hopper portion 123.

The hopper portion 123 may include an alignment mechanism 1237. For example, the alignment mechanism 1237 may include one or more alignment rods 1237a which may be fitted to the hopper portion 123 and one or more corresponding casters 1237b which may be attached to the box filling machine frame 122. The hopper alignment rods 1237a may, for example, each be U-section rod with the two free edges thereof attached to a side wall 1233a-d of the side walls 1233a-d of the hopper portion 123. The rod could take a number of different forms and may be described as a rails, for example. There may be more than one alignment rod 1237a attached to one side wall 1233a-d and there may be alignment rods 1237a provided in relation to two opposing side walls 1233a-d of the hopper portion 123. There may be at least one of the alignment casters 1237b associated with and configured to engage each of the alignment rods 1237a. Each of the alignment casters 1237b may include a wheel with a groove configured to receive at least part of one of the alignment rods 1237a. Accordingly, with the alignment rods 1237a and casters 1237b engaged on opposing sides of the hopper portion 123, the hopper portion 123 may be restrained from lateral movement with respect to the frame 122 whilst still being permitted to move between the raised and lowered positions. The alignment rods 1237a and casters 1237b may, therefore, seek to maintain a vertical orientation of the hopper portion 123 with respect to the frame 122 (e.g. with the unloading aperture 1239 facing downwardly). In some versions, the or each alignment caster 1237b is a wheel or other member which is configured to be received by a groove defined by the associated alignment rod 1237a which may be in the form of a rail -with a similar effect.

The box filling machine 12 may include a first loading conveyor system 126. One or more articles may be loaded onto the first loading conveyor system 126 (e.g. from another conveyor or machine) and conveyed by the first loading conveyor system 126 towards the hopper portion 123. The first loading conveyor system 126 may, therefore, be configured to deliver one or more articles to the hopper portion 123 and to the volume for retaining articles defined by the hopper portion 123. In some versions, the delivery of the one or more articles by the first loading conveyor system 126 is through the loading aperture 1231.

The first loading conveyor system 126 may include a first loading conveyor system frame 1267 which may be attached to and supported by the box filling machine frame 122.

In some versions, the first loading conveyor system 126 may include a first loading conveyor belt 1261, which may convey the one or more articles towards the hopper loading aperture 1231. The belt may be made from a food-safe material and may, for example, be a formed from a PVC material.

The first loading conveyor belt 1261 may be supported by a plurality of pulleys or rollers. The first loading conveyor system 126 may include one or more first loading conveyor powered pulleys or rollers 1265 and one or more first loading conveyor passive pulleys or rollers 1266. The first loading conveyor powered pulleys or rollers 1265 may be attached to a first loading conveyor motor 1262 which is configured to drive rotation of the attached pulley or roller 1265 and so the belt 1261.

The first loading conveyor powered pulley 1265 and/or the first loading conveyor motor 1262 may be attached to and/or supported by the first loading conveyor system frame 1267. Likewise, the one or more first loading conveyor passive pulleys 1266 may also be rotationally attached to the first loading conveyor system frame 1267.

The first loading conveyor belt 1261, therefore, may be driven by one or more first loading conveyor powered pulleys 1265 and supported by one or more first loading conveyor passive pulleys 1266.

The first loading conveyor powered pulleys 1265 and the first loading conveyor passive pulleys 1266 may be attached to the first loading conveyor system frame 1267 via bearings (not shown).

The first loading conveyor powered pulleys 1265 and/or the first loading conveyor passive pulleys 1266 include rollers or wheels disposed on the first loading conveyor system frame 1267.

In some versions, the first loading conveyor system 126 may include more than one first loading conveyor powered pulley 1265. In some versions, the plurality of first loading conveyor powered pulleys 1265 may be mechanically linked by one or more axles.

One or more of the first loading conveyor powered pulleys 1265 and/or the first loading conveyor passive pulleys 1266 may each be attached to a first loading conveyor tensioning device. The first loading conveyor tensioning device may be configured to tension or relax the first loading conveyor belt 1261 during installation, maintenance or replacement of the first loading conveyor belt 1261,

for example.

In some versions (not shown), first loading conveyor system 126 may include a plurality of rollers rotatably attached to the first loading conveyor frame 1261 and forming a bed of rollers over which one or more articles may be conveyed. At least one of the rollers may be powered, to convey the one or more articles towards (and through) the hopper loading aperture 1231 into the hopper portion 123.

In some versions, the first loading conveyor system 126 may be moved towards and retracted away from the hopper loading aperture 1231 by a first loading conveyor system frame mover mechanism 1269. The first loading conveyor system frame mover mechanism 1269 may be configured to move the first loading conveyor system 126 in a generally horizontal translation with respect to the hopper portion 123. That translational movement may move an end of the first loading conveyor system 126 through the hopper loading aperture 1231 in some versions, with the first loading conveyor system 126 at is location closest to the hopper portion 123 (e.g. the proximal position, with a remote position being the position of the first loading conveyor system 126 with that system 126 at its furthest location from the hopper portion 123).

The first loading conveyor system frame mover mechanism 1269 may include one or more first loading conveyor frame mover motors 1269a, and/or one or more first loading conveyor frame mover powered wheels 1269b, and/or one or more first loading conveyor frame mover passive wheel 1269c.

The one or more first loading conveyor frame mover powered wheels 1269b and one or more first loading conveyor frame mover passive wheels 1269c may be rotationally attached, e.g. by bearings, to the first loading conveyor system 126.

The first loading conveyor frame mover motor 1269c may rotationally drive one or more first loading conveyor frame mover powered wheels 1269b. Two or more first loading conveyor frame mover powered wheels 1269b may be mechanically and rotationally linked by one or more axles. The one or more first loading conveyor frame mover passive wheels 1269c provide additional support to the first loading conveyor system frame mover mechanism 1269.

The one or more first loading conveyor frame mover motors 1269a and one or more first loading conveyor frame mover powered wheels 1269b may be seated on a first conveyor support 1223.

The first conveyor support 1223 may include one or more members attached to and extending from the box filling machine frame 122.

The first loading conveyor frame mover motor 1269c may drive horizontal translation of the first loading conveyor system 126 along the first conveyor support 1223, towards and away from the hopper loading aperture 1231 (as described herein).

The one or more first loading conveyor frame mover motors 1269a and one or more first loading conveyor frame mover powered wheels 1269b may be configured to move along one or more rails (not shown) on the first conveyor support 1223, wherein the one or more rails may each include stoppers at either end (to inhibit or substantially prevent movement of the one or more first loading conveyor frame mover powered wheels 1269b off the first conveyor support 1223).

In some versions, the first loading conveyor system 126 may include belt guides 1268 which may be configured to guide the first loading conveyor belt 1261 and may substantially prohibit the one or more articles conveyed along the first loading conveyor belt 1261 from becoming trapped or substantially damaged during the conveying process.

In versions including a hopper portion 123 loading aperture 1231 defined a hopper portion side wall 1233a-d, and some other versions, the box filling machine 12 may include a second loading conveyor system 127. The second loading conveyor system 127 may include a second loading conveyor belt 1271. The second loading conveyor belt 1271 may be made from a PVC material.

A first end of the second loading conveyor belt 1271 may be spooled on a second loading conveyor axle 1273. The second loading conveyor axle 1273 may extend through apertures defined by the first loading conveyor support 1223. The second loading conveyor axle 1273 may be attached to a second loading conveyor motor 1272. The second loading conveyor motor 1272 may be configured to drive and/or permit rotation of the second loading conveyor axle 1273 which may, therefore, spool and retract the second loading conveyor belt 1271 from the second loading conveyor axle 1273. The second loading conveyor belt 1271 may be supported by a second loading conveyor roller 1274. The second loading conveyor roller 1274 may be passive (i.e. undriven by, for example, a motor) and may be rotatably attached to the first conveyor support 1223.

A second end of the second loading conveyor belt 1271 may be attached to a part of the hopper portion 123. For example, the second end may be attached to a portion of one of the side walls 1233a-d, which may be a side wall 1233a-d of the hopper portion 123 which is adjacent the first loading conveyor system 126. The second loading conveyor belt 1271 may be configured to unspool from the second loading conveyor axle 1273 when the hopper portion 123 moves to the lowered position (e.g. into the box filling region 125). The second loading conveyor belt 1271 may provide, therefore, a cover or curtain over a part of the loading aperture 1231 which may be exposed below the first loading conveyor system 126 as the hopper portion 123 moves towards the lowered position.

The second loading conveyor belt 1271, therefore, may inhibit (or substantially prevent) the one or more articles from spilling through that part of the loading aperture 1231 exposed below the first loading conveyor system 126 as the hopper portion 123 moves downwards.

In such an unspooling, the second loading conveyor motor 1272 may drive rotation of the second loading conveyor axle 1273 to unspool the second loading conveyor belt 1271 or the unspooling may be achieved by virtue of the downward movement of the hopper portion 123 pulling the second loading conveyor belt 1272 (in which case the second loading conveyor motor 1272 may be configured to permit this operation and/or to resist the unspooling to maintain tension in the second loading conveyor belt 1271).

As the hopper portion 123 is moved towards its raised position (i.e. upwards), the second loading conveyor motor 1272 may be configured to rotate the second loading conveyor axle 1273 and re-spool the second loading conveyor belt 1271 around the second loading conveyor axle 1273.

The second loading conveyor system 127 may, therefore, be curtain system and the second loading conveyor belt 1271 may be a curtain.

The hopper portion 123 may include one or more retaining arrangements 124 (see figures 11-13 for details of some versions, as well as figures 2, 5-6, and 8-10, for example). The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be configured to retain the one or more articles selectively in the hopper portion 123. The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be configured to inhibit (or substantially prevent) selectively the passage of the one or more articles into a box positioned in the box filling region 125 (i.e. into the volume defined by that box).

The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be attached to the hopper portion 123 and may be carried by the hopper portion 123. As the hopper portion 123 moves between the raised and lowered positions, therefore, the one or more retaining arrangements 124 may move with the hopper portion 123. In some versions, the one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be considered to be part of the hopper portion 123.

The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may each be configured to rotate around and move relative to one or more retaining arrangement powered pulleys 1247 and one or more retaining arrangement passive pulleys 1248.

The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be provided in a bottom part of the hopper portion 123. The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be located such that they cover at least part (if not substantially all) of the unloading aperture 1239 of the hopper portion 123.

In some versions each of a plurality of the retaining arrangements 124 may be configured to cover at least part of the unloading aperture 1239. In some versions, there may be two retaining arrangements 124 which may cover opposing parts of the unloading aperture 1239 and which may be adjacent each other in a middle part of the unloading aperture 1239. In some versions, the retaining arrangements 124 are located on opposing sides of the hopper portion 123 and those opposing sides may be spaced across a length of the box filling machine 12 (e.g. in the direction in which boxes are conveyed therethrough in some versions) and/or in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which one or more articles are provided to the hopper portion 123 using the first loading conveyor system 126.

Each of the one or more retaining arrangements 124 may include a first portion 1241 and a second portion 1242. Each of the retaining arrangements 124 may include one or more of a pair of side members 1244 which may be disposed at opposite sides of a plurality of cross-members 1243 of the retaining arrangement 124. In some versions, the side members 1244 extend through both the first portion 1241 and the second portion 1242 of their retaining arrangement 124.

The retaining arrangement 124 may be provided as an endless loop. Accordingly, in some versions, the or each side member 1244 of the retaining arrangements may be in the form of an endless loop. The side members 1244 may be made from a rubber or plastics material or a metal, for example. In some versions, each of the side members 1244 includes a plurality of interlinked pieces (or links) which are connected together via pivotable couplings.

The side member(s) 1244 may include ridged, and/or ribbed, and/or toothed elements along an inside surface thereof (e.g. an inwardly facing surface) which may be configured to engage one or more pulleys as described herein (which may be correspondingly ridged, and/or ribbed, and/or toothed.

The or each retaining arrangement 124 may be configured such that a pair of the side members 1244 of that retaining arrangement 124 are disposed at a distance relative from each other which is equal to or greater than a width of the unloading aperture 1239. The or each retaining arrangement 124 may collectively cover a length of the unloading aperture 1239. Therefore, one or more articles loaded into the hopper portion 123 and resting on the one or more retaining arrangements 124 (with the one or more retaining arrangements 124 in a retaining configuration (which may correspond with the first position described herein)) are inhibited (or substantially prevented) from passing through the unloading aperture 1239 by the or each retaining arrangement 124. The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may, however, be moved to a releasing configuration (which may correspond with the second position described herein) in which the one or more articles may pass through the or each retaining arrangement 124. Spacing between the or each retaining arrangement 124 and walls (e.g. side walls 1233a-d) of the hopper portion 123 may be such that movement of the one or more articles between the or each retaining arrangement 124 and those walls is inhibited or substantially prevented.

The or each retaining arrangement 124 may include a plurality of cross bars or other form of cross-members 1243. In some versions, each cross-member 1243 extends between the pair of side members 1244 which may form part of the or each retaining arrangement 124 according to some versions. In some versions, there are a plurality of cross-members 1243 which extend between adjacent facing surfaces of the pair of side members 1244. The or each retaining arrangement 124 may, therefore, form a web which may be of a conveyor-type web.

The plurality of cross-members 1243 may provide attachment between the pair of side members 1244 (i.e. between a first and a second side member 1244) of the retaining arrangement 124, and/or may provide the first portion 1241 and the second portion 1242 of the retaining arrangement 124.

The first portion 1241 of the retaining arrangement 124 may be configured such that the cross-members 1243 are closely spaced with respect to each other (which may mean more closely spaced than in the second portion 1242). For example, the spacing of the cross-members 1243 in the first portion 1241 may inhibit (or substantially prevent) the one or more articles from passing between the cross-members 1243. In the first portion 1241, therefore, cross-members 1243 may be spaced apart from their neighbours by less than 10mm, or by 10-50mm, or by 20-40mm, or by 20-30mm. Of course, the required distance between the cross-members 1243 in the first portion 1241 may be selected to inhibit (or substantially prevent) the passage of one or more articles of the expected size therethrough and this may vary from one type of article to another. This could be determined experimentally, for example, by using retaining arrangements 124 with different cross-member 1243 spacings and observing whether any of the one or more articles pass through the first portion of the retaining arrangement 124.

The second portion 1242 of the retaining arrangement 124 may be configured such that the cross-members 1243 are sparsely (i.e. widely) spaced relative to each other (wherein sparsely spaced may mean more sparsely spaced than in the first portion 1241). The sparse spacing of the cross-members 1243 in the second portion 1242 is such that one or more articles do pass through the second portion of the retaining arrangement 124 and, in some versions, that passage is substantially unimpeded. In the second portion 1242, therefore, cross-members 1243 may be spaced apart from their neighbours by more than 50mm, or more than 100mm, or more than 200mm, or more than 300mm, or more than 400mm. In some versions, the spacing is less than 350mm. Of course, the required distance between the cross-members 1243 in the second portion 1242 may be selected to permit the passage of one or more articles of the expected size therethrough and this may vary from one type of article to another. Again, this may be readily determined experimentally by attempting retain the one or more objects on the second portion 1242 of the retaining arrangement 124.

The or each cross-member 1243 may be between 5mm and 40mm in width (e.g. diameter). The spacing between cross-members 1243 may be measured between adjacent outer surfaces of the cross-members 1243. In some versions, the pitch of the cross-members 1243 in the first portion 1242 is between 10mm and 50mm, or between 20mm and 30mm. In some versions, the pitch of the cross-members 1243 in the second portion 1242 is between 100mm and 400mm, or between 250mm and 350mm.

Each of the cross-members 1243 may be a solid bar of material. However, in some versions, each of the cross-members 1243 may include a hollow tube mounted for rotational movement with respect to the side members 1244. For example, each cross-member 1243 may include a bar or rod extending between each of the side members 1244 and each such bar or rod may carry a hollow tube (which may be referred to as a sheath or sleeve, for example) with the bar or rod extending through the hollow tube with adequate clearance such that the hollow tube may rotate with respect to the bar or rod on which it is mounted. One or more bearings may be provided between the bar or rod and the hollow tube in some versions, and not in other versions.

The rod or bar may be formed from metal or a plastics material. The hollow tube may be formed from metal or a plastics material.

In some versions, at least one cross-member 1243 does not extend from one side member 1244 to the other but is in the form of two opposing arms which do not meet. In such cases, the hollow tube may be provided and may be mounted on the two opposing arms. In other versions, however, the cross-member 1243 does extend between the two side members 1244 and the hollow tube may be provided and may be mounted on that cross-member 1243. In some versions, the hollow tube may have a diameter which is 2-15mm larger than a diameter or width of the cross-member rod or bar.

Accordingly, the or each retaining arrangement 124 may include the first portion 1241 and the second portion 1242. The or each retaining arrangement 124 is configured such that the first portion 1241 and the second portion 1242 are selectively moveable relative to the unloading aperture 1239 and/or the hopper portion 123. For example, such that the first portion 1241 or the second portion 1242 (or parts of each portion 1241,1242) are adjacent the unloading aperture 1239 (e.g. beneath the unloading aperture 1239). When the first portion 1241 is adjacent the unloading aperture 1239, the one or more articles may be inhibited (or substantially prevented) from leaving the hopper portion 123 through the unloading aperture 1239. When the second portion 1242 is adjacent the unloading aperture 1239, the one or more articles may be free leave the hopper portion 123 through the unloading aperture 1239 (and through the second portion 1242). In some versions, the or each retaining arrangement 124 include a plurality of retaining arrangements 124 which are operated in unison (e.g. in a synchronised manner) such that the transition from the first to second (and vice versa) portions 1241,1242 being adjacent the unloading aperture 1239 occurs at substantially the same time for all of the plurality of retaining arrangements 124. In other versions, each of the plurality of retaining arrangements 124 may be controlled independently such that this does not occur at the same time (or can be controlled so that this does not occur at the same time). The or each retaining arrangement 124 may, therefore, be moved to control the flow of one or more articles from the hopper portion 123.

In some versions, the hopper portion 123 is lowered into the box during filling of the box. As such, it is necessarily to move the retaining arrangement(s) 124 relative to the unloading aperture 1239 and/or hopper portion 123 with a lower or bottom part of the hopper portion 123 within the confines of the box (i.e. within the volume defined by the box).

In some versions, at least one of the one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be configured in an L-shape. In some versions, there may be a pair of retaining arrangements 124 which may oppose each other. In some versions, each retaining arrangement 124 of the pair may be configured in an L-shape. For example, an L-shaped configuration of one of the retaining arrangements 124 may mean that the retaining arrangement 124 is configured with a base section and an upright section, an angle between the base section and the upright section could be 90 degrees but this need not be the case. In the case of a pair of opposing L-shape configuration retaining arrangements 124, the two base sections may be arranged with their distal parts adjacent each other and their upright sections opposing each other, such that the pair of retaining members 124 may create a substantially U-shaped retaining member 124 pair.

In some versions, at least part of the or each retaining arrangement 124 may extend along a respective side wall 1233a-d of the hopper portion 123, with at least another part extending across the unloading aperture 1239. In some versions, it may be the or each upright section which extends along a respective side wall 1233a-d and a base section which extends across at least part of the unloading aperture 1239 (collectively, if there is more than one retaining arrangement 124, the base sections may cover substantially all of the unloading aperture 1239). Therefore, the base section(s) of the retaining arrangements 124 may be configured to cover the unloading aperture 1239. In some versions, the pair of retaining arrangements 124 may, for example, generally meet substantially halfway across the unloading aperture 1239 of the hopper portion 123.

However, other variations of shapes are conceivable and, for example, a single L-shaped configuration retaining arrangement 124 may extend along one side wall 1233a-d and the entire unloading aperture 1239 of the hopper portion 123.

The L-shaped configuration of the or each retaining arrangement 124 may be achieved through the use, for example, of the or each powered pulley 1247 and/or passive pulley 1248. The side members 1244 of each of the retaining arrangements may be configured to pass around the pulleys 1247,1248 in the L-shape configuration.

In some versions, there is at least one pulley 1247,1248 located within the endless loop formed by the retaining arrangement 124 at a first end of the L-shaped configuration (e.g. the end located in the base section) -so this may be an end pulley 1247,1248. In some versions, there is at least one pulley 1247,1248 located within the endless loop formed by the retaining arrangement 124 at a second end of the L-shaped configuration (e.g. the end located in the upright section) -so this may be an end pulley 1247,1248. There may be two pulleys 1247,1248 located on an inside of a bend forming the bend of the L-shaped configuration, with one such pulley 1247,1248 associated with length of retaining arrangement 124 between the two end pulleys 1247,1248. Thus, the L-shaped configuration may be achieved. This pulley 1247,1248 arrangement may be repeated on either side of the retaining arrangement 124 and may be repeated for each retaining arrangement 124, if there is more than one.

In some versions, there is a need to provide greater support for the retaining arrangement 124 in the section (e.g. the base section) which covers the unloading aperture 1239. This may be because, for example, the one or more articles may be relatively heavy, for example. Accordingly, in some versions, there may be one or more further pulleys 128 provided in relation to the section of the retaining arrangement 124 which covers the unloading aperture 1239. Again, this arrangement may be repeated for each side of the retaining arrangement 124 and may be repeated for each retaining arrangement 124, if there is more than one.

The driven pulley 1247 may be the end pulley 1247 located at the end of the upright section (i.e. remote from the base section). This may be repeated for each side of the retaining arrangement 124 and may be repeated for each retaining arrangement 124, if there is more than one.

The retaining arrangement passive pulleys 1248 may be wheels or cylindrical formations rotatably attached to side walls 1233a-d of the hopper portion 123. The retaining arrangement passive pulleys 1248 may include an axle which extends through a side wall 1233a-d of the hopper portion 123 and may be precluded from moving in an axial direction defined by the axle of the retaining arrangement passive pulleys 1248 by a fixing, such as a nut, or a stopper portion.

The retaining arrangement powered pulleys 1247 may be paired and may be attached to a rotatable axle, the retaining arrangement axle 1246, which itself may be attached to a retaining arrangement motor 1245 which may be configured to drive rotation of the axle. The retaining arrangement motor 1245 may be attached to the hopper portion 123. For example, the retaining arrangement motor 1245 may be attached to a side wall 1233a-d of the hopper portion 123. The retaining arrangement axle 1246 may be additionally supported by retaining arrangement axle support members 1249, wherein the retaining arrangement axle 1246 passes through an aperture defined by the retaining arrangement axle support members 1249.

The aperture defined by the retaining arrangement axle support members 1249 may additionally include a bearing to reduce the frictional force exerted by the retaining arrangement axle support members 1249 on the retaining arrangement axle 1246.

In some versions the retaining arrangement motor 1245 is coupled to drive rotation of the or each retaining arrangement powered pulleys 1247 in a different manner. Each retaining arrangement 124 (if there is more than one) may be provided with its own retaining arrangement motor 1245. Each retaining arrangement motor 1245 may be mounted to a respective side wall 1233a-d of the hopper portion 123. Each retaining arrangement motor 1245 may be independently controllable.

As will be understood, therefore, the or each retaining arrangement 124 may be rotated with respect to the hopper portion 123. Such rotation may move the first portion 1241 with respect to the unloading aperture 1239 and this movement may move the first portion 1241 away from the unloading aperture 1239. This movement may move the first portion 1241 from the base section of the L-shaped retaining arrangement 124 if provided. This movement may move the second portion 1242 with respect to the unloading aperture 1239 too. This movement may move the second portion 1242 towards the unloading aperture 1239. Accordingly, the first and second portions 1241,1242 may be selectively moved to cover the unloading aperture 1239. In some versions, when a portion 1241,1242 is moved from the base section it will move toward the upright section and vice versa.

In a first position, the one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be configured such that the first portion 1241 may be substantially positioned under (e.g. covering) the unloading aperture 1239 of the hopper portion 123. In the first position, therefore, the one or more retaining arrangements 124 may inhibit (or substantially prevent) the passage of one or more articles through the one or more retaining arrangements 124 into the box filling area. The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may, therefore, selectively hold the one or more articles in the hopper portion 123.

The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may, therefore, be moveable (with respect to the hopper portion 123) to the first position such that the first portion 1241 of the one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be substantially horizontal when the hopper portion 123 is in its raised position, which may inhibit or substantially prevent the passage of one or more articles through the one or more retaining arrangements 124.

The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be kept in the first position as the hopper portion 123 is filled with one or more articles (e.g. using the first loading conveyor 126). The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be kept in the first position as the hopper portion 123 is lowered into the lowered position, in the box filling region 125. The one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be configured, therefore, to hold and retain the one or more articles loaded into the hopper portion 123 as the hopper portion 123 is lowered into the box filling region 125.

The hopper portion 123 may be lowered into the box filling region 125, such that the one or more retaining arrangements 124 are adjacent the base of an empty box in the box filling region 125.

The hopper portion 123 may be lowered a distance generally equal to the depth of the box, for example. In some versions, the hopper portion 123 continues to be filled (e.g. using the first loading conveyor 126) as the hopper portion 123 is lowered.

In some versions, a distance between the base section of the retaining arrangement 124 and the internal surface of the bottom of an empty box may be up to about 200mm with the hopper portion 123 in its lowered position. In some versions, that distance may be between 200mm and 500mm. In some versions, that distance may be greater than 500mm.

With the hopper portion 123 in the lowered position the one or more retaining arrangements 124 may be rotatable (with respect to the hopper portion 123) to a second position such that the first portion 1241 moved away from the unloading aperture 1239. In such versions, the first portion 1241 may be moved to the upright section. In some versions, the first portion 1241 is moved to be generally vertical. In some versions, the movement of the first portion 1241 also means that the second portion 1242 moves with respect to the hopper portion 123. In some versions, movement of the first portion 1241 away from the unloading aperture 1239 moves the second portion 1242 towards the unloading aperture 1239 and, in some versions, that movement is such that the unloading aperture 1239 is then covered by the second portion 1242.

The rotation of the one or more retaining arrangements 124 to the second position may enable one or more articles to pass through the one or more retaining arrangements 124 (e.g. the second portions 1242 thereof).

As the one or more articles leave the hopper portion 123 and fill the box, the hopper portion 123 may be retracted from the lowered to the raise position (e.g. moved away from the box). This movement of the hopper portion 123 with respect to the box and/or the frame 122 may occur with the second portion 1242 covering the unloading aperture 1239 (e.g. with the or each of the retaining arrangements 124 in their respective second positions). The hopper portion 123 may be retracted towards the raised position by reversing the process of lowering the hopper portion 123, e.g. by operating a hopper portion motor in reverse to the that used when moving the hopper portion 123 to the lowered position.

As the hopper portion 123 is retracted towards the raised position, one or more articles may pass through the respective second portion(s) 1242 of the one or more retaining arrangements 124 and may, therefore, fill the box.

In some versions, the second loading conveyor 127 extends as the hopper portion 123 is lowered and retracts as the hopper portion 123 is raised. The second loading conveyor 127 may, therefore, serve to retain one or more articles in the hopper portion 123 during this process (although it will be understood that those one or more articles may then pass through the unloading aperture 1239).

The first empty box may be filled, therefore, by the movement of the or each retaining arrangement to the second position relative to the hopper portion 123 and the retraction of the hopper portion 123 in a first box filling iteration to become first filled box. Likewise, in view of the iterative filling process, second empty box may be filled in the same manner and so on.

The or each retaining arrangement 124 may, therefore, provide a compact mechanism to control the filling of the box. In some versions, the or each retaining arrangement 124 may be used without a hopper portion 123 which can be lowered and raised. However, a hopper portion 123 which can be lowered or raised reduces the risk of damage to the one or more articles. The L-shape of the or each retaining arrangement 124, in some versions, may aid in making the mechanism compact such that it is sized to fit within the box and the one or more articles may, therefore, be released from the hopper portion 123 close to the bottom of the box. The use of a sheath or sleeve may reduce the risk of damage to the one or more articles. Moreover, the or each retaining arrangement 124 according to some versions is not excessively complex. The retaining arrangement(s) 124 can be moved rotationally (with respect to the hopper portion 123) simply around pulleys and there is no need for additional movement of the retaining arrangement(s) 124 -e.g. for lateral movement of the pulleys.

The filled boxes may be conveyed along the box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 to the unloading apparatus 13, if provided. In some versions, the box filler apparatus 1 does not include an unloading apparatus 13, and so filled boxes may be removed from the box filling machine 12 directly by, for example, a forklift truck.

Unloading apparatus The unloading apparatus 13 (see figure 14, and also figures 1-3, for example) may be configured to receive one or more filled boxes conveyed from the box filler apparatus 12. The unloading apparatus 13 may be configured to receive (and hold) a single filled box and/or may be configured to stack a plurality of filled boxes, (e.g. to vertically stack one filled box atop another).

The unloading apparatus 13 may be a mirrored version of the loading apparatus 11 and may be included in the assembly of the modular box filling apparatus 1.

The unloading apparatus 13 may include a frame 131. The unloading apparatus frame 131 may include a plurality of legs 1311a-b (e.g. four legs1311a-b). The plurality of legs 1311a-b may include at least one leg 1311a-b disposed at each corner of the frame 131. Each of the legs 1311a-b may be formed with a U-shaped cross-section. The frame 131 may include one or more cross-members, which may extend between the legs 1311a-b (e.g. such that each cross-member is attached to two of the plurality of legs 1311a-b). The legs 1311a-b and cross-members may be rigidly attached to each other, by fixings such as nuts and bolts or by welding for example, to form the frame 131. Furthermore, the frame 131 may include bracing members rigidly attached to the legs 1311a-b and/or the cross-members to provide additional strength and/or rigidity to the frame 131.

The legs 1311a-b forming the frame 131 may be adjustable, for example when installed on uneven ground, by the use of adjustable feet 1312a-b. Each of the adjustable feet 1312a-b may include a flat plate at a base intended to be generally parallel with the floor which may aid stability of the frame 131. The legs 1311a-b may each, for example, define a plurality of holes and the adjustable feet 1312a-b may each define at least one hole, such that a bolt or other fixing may be passed through one of the holes in each of the legs 1311a-b and through the hole in the associated adjustable foot 1312a-b to enable a height of one or more legs 1311a-b to be adjusted by selection of which of the holes in each of the legs 1311a-b is used, for example.

The unloading apparatus 13 may include an unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132. The unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 may be configured to receive and convey a box (i.e. a filled box) from the box filling machine 12 to the unloading apparatus 13. The unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 could take a number of different forms including the use of one or more rollers and/or belts and/or chains and/or webs to convey the filled box.

The unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 may include one or a plurality of unloading apparatus conveying members 132a. In some versions, there may be two unloading apparatus conveying members 132a, with each disposed on opposite sides of the unloading apparatus 13 (the sides opposing each other across a width of the unloading apparatus 13, wherein the width is perpendicular to a length of the unloading apparatus 13 and the unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 may be configured to convey the filled box from the box filling machine 12 through at least part of the length of the unloading apparatus 13).

Movement of the unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 may, for example, be driven by the one or more unloading apparatus conveying members 132a. In some versions, the one or more unloading apparatus conveying members 132a may include a chain; however, in some versions, the or each unloading apparatus conveying member 132a may include a belt, web system or a plurality of driven rollers. The one or more unloading apparatus conveying members 132a may be disposed along a length of the unloading apparatus frame 131.

The one or more unloading apparatus conveying members 132a may include a chain disposed on a plurality of pulleys of the unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132. The pulleys may be attached to the unloading apparatus frame 131 and are permitted to rotate with respect thereto.

The pulleys may be attached to the unloading apparatus frame 131 by one or more bearings.

At least one pulley of the pulleys may be a powered pulley 132c driven by a motor 132b and at least one pulley of the pulleys may be a passive pulley 132d. In versions including more than one motorised pulley 132c, wherein each motorised pulley 132c is drivable by a respective independent motor 132b, the motors 132b may be substantially synchronised with each other.

The unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 may include a tensioning system, wherein one or more of the passive pulleys 132d and/or the one or more motorised pulleys 132c may be moved with respect to each other using the tensioning system to tension and/or relax the one or more unloading apparatus conveying members 132a to allow for maintenance, such as installation, repair or replacement of the or each unloading apparatus conveying member 132a.

The one or more unloading apparatus conveyor motors 132b may be rigidly attached to the unloading apparatus frame 131, by frames and brackets, and may be configured to drive movement of the one or more unloading apparatus conveying members 132a with respect to the unloading apparatus frame 131.

In some versions, more than one filled box may be loaded onto the unloading apparatus 13. The unloading apparatus 13 may include an unloading apparatus vertical movable mechanism 133 which may be used to hold one or more boxes, such that the unloading apparatus 13 holds a vertical stack of filled boxes.

The unloading apparatus 13 may include two unloading apparatus vertical moveable mechanisms 133, disposed on opposite sides of the unloading apparatus 13. In some versions, the two unloading apparatus vertical movable mechanisms 133 may be synchronised with each other.

The or each unloading apparatus vertical movable mechanism 133 may include one or more vertical movable members 1331, and/or one or more unloading apparatus stacker members 1332, and/or one or more unloading apparatus vertical movement motors 1333, and/or a plurality of pulleys 1334, 1335.

The or each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 may be in the form of a respective cross-member extending along a length of the unloading apparatus 13. The or each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 may extend, for example, between a respective two of the unloading apparatus legs 1311a-b. In some versions, there may be two unloading apparatus stacker members 1332 with each extending between a respective pair of unloading apparatus legs 1311a-b (one of the unloading apparatus stacker members 1332 may be located on either side of a space defined by the unloading apparatus 13 to receive a filled box).

The or each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 may be configured to move vertically with respect to the unloading apparatus frame 131 and that vertical movement may be driven, in some versions, by the one or more unloading apparatus vertical movable members 1331, and/or the one or more unloading apparatus vertical movement motors 1333, and/or the plurality of pulleys 1334, 1335.

In some versions, the or each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 is coupled to at least one respective unloading apparatus vertical movable member 1331, e.g. at either end, such that movement of that at least one unloading apparatus vertical moveable member 1331 causes vertical movement of the or each coupled unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 with respect to the unloading apparatus frame 131. Accordingly, the or each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 may be moved upward and downward with respect to the unloading apparatus frame 131. In some versions, the or each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 may be configured to be substantially parallel with the unloading apparatus conveying member 132a and may be configured such that this parallel arrangement remains during movement of that unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 upwardly or downwardly with respect to the frame 131.

The plurality of pulleys 1334, 1335 may include one or more unloading apparatus powered pulleys 1334, driven by at least one of the one or more unloading apparatus vertical movement motors 1333 and one or more unloading apparatus passive pulleys 1335.

In some versions, the or each unloading apparatus vertical movable member 1331 may extend around at least some of the plurality of pulleys (which may include at least one of the one or more unloading apparatus powered pulleys 1334 and at least one of the one or more the unloading apparatus passive pulleys 1335). Accordingly, in some versions, driven rotation (with respect to the unloading apparatus frame 131) of the at least one of the one or more unloading apparatus powered pulleys 1334 may cause movement of the associated vertical movable member 1331 with respect to the unloading apparatus frame 131 and may cause rotation of the at least one of the one or more unloading apparatus passive pulleys 1335 with respect to the frame 131). In some versions, the or each vertical movable member 1331 is an endless loop configured for movement about the plurality of pulleys 1334,1335 about which it extends (and those pulleys 1334,1335 may tension and support the associated vertical movable member 1331).

The unloading apparatus vertical moving mechanism 133 may also include a tensioning system which is configured to move the one or more of the passive pulleys 1334 and/or the one or more driven pulleys 1335 carrying a one of the one or more unloading apparatus vertical moveable members 1331 with respect to each other to change the tension in that unloading apparatus vertical movable member 1331 to allow for maintenance, such as installation, repair or replacement of the unloading apparatus vertical movable member 1331.

The one or more unloading apparatus vertical movable members 1331 may include one or more respective chains (roller chain drives, for example), or may include one or more belts (including toothed belts), for example.

The or each unloading apparatus vertical movable member 1331 may be disposed inside a respective recess defined by the U-shape of a one of the unloading apparatus legs 1311a-b The plurality of pulleys 1334,1335 may, therefore, be mounted to the unloading apparatus legs 1311a-b.

In some versions, an unloading apparatus vertical movement motor 1333 may be configured to drive rotation of more than one unloading apparatus vertical movement powered pulley 1334. In some such versions, the unloading apparatus vertical movement powered pulleys 1334 may be mounted to different ones of the unloading apparatus legs 1311a-b. Each of these unloading apparatus vertical movement powered pulleys 1334 may be configured to drive rotation of a respective different unloading apparatus vertical movable member 1331. Those unloading apparatus vertical movable members 1331 may, however, be configured to drive movement of the same unloading apparatus stacker member 1332. The unloading apparatus vertical movement motor 1333 may, therefore, be coupled to the unloading apparatus vertical movement powered pulleys 1334 by a shaft (which may connect two of the unloading apparatus vertical movement powered pulleys 1334). Such an arrangement may be provided on each side of the unloading apparatus 13 and the unloading apparatus vertical movement motors 1333 of such versions may be operated synchronously (to raise and lower unloading apparatus stacker members 1332 on both sides of the unloading apparatus 133 in unison).

In order for movement of the or each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 to cause movement of a box received by the unloading apparatus 13 (in a vertical direction with respect to the unloading apparatus frame 131), the or each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 may include one or more unloading apparatus stacker arms 1332b which are each configured to engage the box selectively.

In some versions, the or each unloading apparatus stacker arm 1332b is selectively movable between an extended position, in which they are configured to engage a box received by the unloading apparatus 13, and a retracted position, in which they are configured not to engage a box received by the unloading apparatus 13. The or each unloading apparatus stacker arm 1332b may be actuated between the extended and retracted positions by a respective unloading apparatus stacker arm actuator 1332a. The or each respective unloading apparatus stacker arm actuator 1332a may be a linear actuator which may be hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically operated.

In some versions, the or each unloading apparatus stacker arm 1332b is a pivotable arm which is configured to rotate through a respective aperture defined by one or more of the one or more unloading apparatus stacker members 1332.

In some versions, the or each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 includes a respective pair of unloading apparatus stacker arms 1332b which are spaced apart along a length of that unloading apparatus stacker member 1332.

In some versions, there may be a pair of such unloading apparatus stacker members 1332 provided as part of the unloading apparatus 13 (with each unloading apparatus stacker member 1332 facing the other and spaces apart across a width of the unloading apparatus 13).

Accordingly, with a box received by the unloading apparatus 13 (i.e. from the box filling machine 12), that box may be engaged by the unloading apparatus stacker arm(s) 1332b (in their extended position). The unloading apparatus stack member(s) 1332 may be moved upwardly or downwardly (using the or each unloading apparatus vertical movable member 1331) with respect to the unloading apparatus frame 131 to move the box upwardly or downwardly with respect to the unloading apparatus frame 131.

A first filled box may be conveyed to the unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 from the box filling machine 12. Therefore, for example, the or each unloading apparatus vertical movable mechanism 133 may be configured to receive a filled box (from the box filling machine 12) and to use unloading apparatus stack member(s) 1332 to raise that filled box to an upper or raised position.

A second filled box may be conveyed to the unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 from the box filling machine 12. The second filled box received by the unloading apparatus 13 from the box filling machine 12 may be moved to a position beneath the raised filled box. The second filled box may be unloaded from the unloading apparatus 13 by, for example, a forklift truck. Then the raised filled box may be lowered to the unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 (the or each unloading apparatus stacker arms 1332b) and may be unloaded from the unloading apparatus 13 by, for example, a forklift truck. In some versions, the first filled box may be unloaded from the unloading apparatus 13 from the raised position, for example.

Controller The box filling apparatus 1, including the modular features of the box filling machine 12 and optionally including the loading apparatus 11 and/or unloading apparatus 13 may, as described above, include motors and actuators.

The motors and actuators of the box filling apparatus 1 may be controlled by a controller (not shown). In some version, the box filling apparatus 1 is controlled by a single controller. In some versions, the box filling machine 12 is controlled by a first controller, the loading apparatus 11 is controlled by a second controller, and the unloading apparatus 13 is controlled by a third controller.

Method of operation In versions of the box filling apparatus 1 which include the loading apparatus 11, a user may load the first empty box into the loading apparatus 11.

In some methods, a single, first empty box loaded onto the box filling apparatus 1 may be conveyed by the loading apparatus conveying mechanism 112 towards the box filling machine 12. The box filling machine 12 may continue to convey the first empty box to the box filling region 125 of the box filling machine 12.

The hopper portion 123 may be loaded with one or more articles and lowered into the box filling region 125. The hopper portion 123 retaining arrangement(s) 124 which may inhibit (or substantively prevent) the passage of the one or more articles through the unloading aperture 1239 of the hopper portion 123 and through the retaining arrangement(s) 124 into the first empty box positioned in the box filling region 125 (e.g. into the volume defined by that box).

The retaining arrangement(s) 124 may be rotated with respect to the hopper portion 123, such that the first portion moves away from the unloading aperture 1239 and the second portion moves towards the unloading aperture 1239. With the retaining arrangement(s) 124 in their second position, the one or more articles may pass through the retaining arrangement 124 to fill the first empty box. The hopper portion 123 may be retracted from the box filling region 125 so that the box may be filled with the one or more articles.

In some versions, the retaining arrangement 124 may rotate with respect to the hopper portion 123 back to the first position ready for the process to be repeated in relation to a second empty box.

The first empty box, now loaded with one or more articles may be called the first filled box. The first filled box may be conveyed by the box filling machine conveying mechanism 121 to the unloading apparatus 13.

The unloading apparatus 13 may include the unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132. The unloading apparatus conveying mechanism 132 may continue to convey the first filled box to an unloading position. A forklift truck may then be used to remove the first filled box from the unloading apparatus 13.

In some versions, the first empty box and the second empty box may be loaded into the loading apparatus 11 in a stacked formation as described herein and then sequentially provided to the box filling machine 12. Similarly, in some versions, the unloading apparatus 13 may receive first and second filled boxes (e.g. sequentially from the box filling machine 12) and may store them in a stacked formation.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A box filling machine for loading vegetables or other articles into a box, including: a hopper portion for holding one or more articles and including an unloading aperture through which the one or more articles are passable to fill a box; and one or more retaining arrangements mounted with respect to the hopper portion, the one or more retaining arrangements each including a first portion with closely spaced cross-members for inhibiting or substantially preventing the one or more articles from passing though the or each retaining arrangement and a second portion with sparsely spaced cross-members for permitting the one or more articles from passing through the or each retaining arrangement, wherein the one or more retaining arrangements are configured to be moveable such that the first or second portions selectively cover the unloading aperture to control the passage of the one or more articles from the hopper portion into the box.
2. A box filling machine of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more retaining arrangements is a respective endless loop.
3. A box filling machine of claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more retaining arrangements are each in a respective L-shaped configuration.
4. A box filling machine of claim 3, wherein the each of the one or more retaining arrangements extends around one or more pulleys.
5. A box filling machine of any preceding claim, wherein movement of the or each retaining arrangement includes rotation of the or each retaining arrangement with respect to the hopper portion.
6. A box filling machine of any preceding claim, wherein the or each retaining arrangement further includes at least one side member to which the cross-members are mounted, and at least one of the cross-members includes a sleeve configured to rotate with respect to the at least one side member.
7. A box filling machine of claim 6, wherein the sleeve extends along substantially an entire length of the cross-member.
8. A box filling machine of claim 6 or 7, wherein all cross-members in the first and/or second portion include respective sleeves configured to rotate with respect to the at least one side member.
9. A box filling machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the hopper portion is configured to be moved between a lowered and raised position.
10. A box filling machine according to claim 9, wherein the hopper portion is configured to be in the lowered position when the one or more retaining arrangement are moved such that the second portion covers the unloading aperture.
11. A box filling machine according to any preceding claim, further including a first loading conveyor configured to convey the one or more articles to the hopper portion.
12. A retaining arrangement for selectively inhibiting and permitting movement of one or more articles therethrough, the retaining arrangement including: a first portion with closely spaced cross-members for inhibiting or substantially preventing the one or more articles from passing though the retaining arrangement; and a second portion with sparsely spaced cross-members for permitting the one or more articles from passing through the retaining arrangement.
13. A retaining arrangement of claim 12, wherein the retaining arrangement is an endless loop.
14. A retaining arrangement of claim 12 or 13, wherein the retaining arrangement is in an L-shaped configuration.
15. A retaining arrangement of claim 14, wherein the retaining arrangement is configured to extend around one or more pulleys.
16. A retaining arrangement of any of claims 12-15, wherein the retaining arrangement further includes at least one side member to which the cross-members are mounted, wherein at least one of the cross-members includes a sleeve configured to rotate with respect to the at least one side member.
17. A retaining arrangement of claim 16, wherein the sleeve extends along substantially an entire length of the cross-member.
18. A retaining arrangement of claim 16 or 17, wherein all cross-members in the first and/or second portion include respective sleeves configured to rotate with respect to the at least one side member.
19. A box filling apparatus including the box filling machine of any of claims 1-11, further including: a loading apparatus for receiving one or more empty boxes and delivering the one or more empty boxes to the box filling machine; and an unloading apparatus for receiving one or more filled boxes from the box filling machine. 10
20. A box filling apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the loading and/or unloading apparatus is configured to store a plurality of boxes in a stacked formation.