The invention relates to a handle fitting apparatus and to a method for mounting handles to pails.

Handle fitting apparatuses are used for providing pails with a handle. Typically, these handle fitting apparatuses are set up adjacent an injection moulding device for producing pails. The pails are fed from the injection moulding device to the handle fitting apparatus to provide the just made pail with a handle.

The handle fitting apparatus comprises a pail transport device for transporting pails in a transport direction via a fitting station to a stacking station. At the receiving station, the injection moulded pails are fed into the fitting apparatus, at the fitting station a handle is mounted to the pail, and at the stacking station the pails, provided with a handle, are stacked by a stacking device.

There are handle fitting apparatuses configured for fitting a plastic handle to a pail, and there are handle fitting devices configured for fitting a metal handle to a pail.

Plastic handles are as ready mades provided in a buffer. The plastic handles can be pre formed, i.e. bent, or can be provided in strip that is bent while mounting the handle to the pail. The plastic handles are transferred from the buffer to the fitting tooling. The fitting tooling mounts the handle to the pail. Tooling is used to engage the

Metal handles are typically made from wire. Typically, metal handles are not provided in a buffer of ready made handles, but are formed by a forming device just prior to being mounted to the pail.

Typically, injection moulding devices are set up in rows, along a granulate providing street/transporter configured to transport granulate to the injection moulding device. Adjacent each injection moulding device a handle fitting apparatus is set up, for receiving pails from the injection moulding apparatus, and for providing those pails with handles. A fitting apparatus is configured to either fit stack and fit plastic handles or to form and fit metal handles to the pails. Because the space between the injection moulding devices is limited, each injection moulding device is provided with only a plastic handle fitting apparatus or with a metal handle fitting apparatus. Because large batches of pails that are produced, it is often not a problem that fitting devices are dedicated to a single type of handle only. Typically, multiple injection moulding devices are set up, one next to the other, each provided with a dedicated fitting device. Each fitting device occupies the space between two injection moulding devices.

Due to each injection moulding device being provided with a single handle fitting device, the pails delivered by the specific injection moulding device are either provided with plastic handles or with metal handles, depending on the type of handle fitting device set up.

Even though a metal handle fitting device can be replaced with a plastic handle fitting vice, or vice versa, in practice this is not, or only seldom, done.

Furthermore, providing an injection moulding device with two handle fitting device, one for fitting plastic handles and one for fitting metal handles, is not an option due to the limited space available between two injection moulding devices.

For example, if the production of pails with a plastic handles needs to be increased, the injection moulding device provided with a plastic handle fitting device are used to run extra batches of pails.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved handle fitting apparatus. It is a further object of the invention to provide a handle fitting apparatus that enables a more flexible production process, more in particular that allows for providing the pails of an injection moulding device to be provided with plastic or with metal handles, preferably within the space available between two injection moulding devices. It is a further object of the invention to provide a dual configuration handle fitting apparatus, wherein the fitting apparatus can both fit metal handles and plastic handles to pails, wherein preferably the footprint of the dual configuration handle fitting apparatus is smaller than the combined foot print of a plastic handle fitting apparatus and a metal handle fitting apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by designing a handle fitting apparatus according to claim 1 , the handle fitting apparatus being a dual configuration apparatus for, in a first configuration, fitting plastic handles and for, in a second configuration, fitting metal handles.

A handle fitting apparatus for fitting handles to pails according to the claimed invention comprises: - a pail orientation device, located at a pail fitting station, for orientating a pail into a fitting position for fitting a handle to the pail;

- a pail stacking device, located at a pail stacking station, wherein the pail stacking device is configured for stacking pails that are provided with handles;

- a pail transport device, for transporting a pail in a pail transport direction from a pail receiving station to the pail fitting station, and for transporting a pail provided with a handle in the transport direction from the pail fitting station to the pail stacking station; wherein the handle fitting apparatus is a dual configuration apparatus, that can be set up for in a first configuration for fitting plastic handles to pails and that can be set up in a second configuration for fitting metal handles to pails, while those pails are supported in the fitting position by the pail orientation device, the dual configuration apparatus comprising:

- plastic handle buffer and fitting device, comprising:

- a plastic handle buffer device for storing plastic handles; and

- demountable plastic handle fitting tooling for, in a mounted condition, at the fitting station fitting plastic handles received from the plastic handle buffer device to the pail held by the pail orientation device;

- metal handle forming and fitting device, comprising:

- a metal handle forming device for forming metal handles out of metal wire; and

- demountable metal handle fitting tooling for, in a mounted condition, at the fitting station fitting metal handles received from the metal handle forming device to the pail held by the pail orientation device; wherein, in the first configuration, the plastic handle fitting tooling is mounted at the fitting station and the metal handle fitting tooling is demounted, and in the second configuration, the metal handle fitting tooling is mounted at the fitting station and the plastic handle fitting tooling is demounted.

A dual configuration apparatus according to claim 1 comprises a plastic handle buffer and fitting device and a metal handle forming and fitting device, each provided with demountable handle fitting tooling. When in the first configuration, for fitting the pails with plastic handles, the plastic handle fitting tooling are mounted, and, when in the second configuration, for fitting metal handles, the metal handle fitting tooling are mounted. A handle fitting apparatus according to the invention thus allows for fitting plastic handles and for fitting metal handles to pails. The invention thus provides an improved handle fitting apparatus.

Furthermore, with the dual configuration apparatus according to the invention, either the plastic handle fitting tools or the metal handle fitting tools are mounted at the fitting station. This allows for the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device to both be mounted closely to the pail fitting station, and therefore for the dual configuration apparatus having a small footprint compared to the combined footprint of a plastic handle buffer and fitting device and a metal handle forming and fitting device.

Furthermore, replacing the plastic handle fitting tooling with the metal handle fitting tooling can be done quickly, in particular compared to replacing a plastic handle buffer and fitting device with a metal handle forming and fitting device.

Therefore, the dual configuration allows for a more flexible production process, i.e. it is possible to provide the pails produced by an injection moulding device with plastic handles and metal handles, depending on the situation. Furthermore, because the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and a metal handle forming and fitting device share the pail transport device, the pail orientation device and the pail stacking device, switching between the type of handles to be fitted only requires mounting the correct fitting tooling.

A dual configuration device according to the invention thus not only allows for fitting plastic handles and for fitting metal handles, but also allows for the change between the different configurations to be quick and easy. The invention thus provides an improved dual configuration apparatus.

In an embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device extends along a plastic handle transfer axis, with the plastic handle buffer at one end and the plastic handle fitting tooling, when mounted, at an opposite end, and the plastic handle buffer and fitting device is configured to transfer a plastic handle in a transfer direction along the plastic handle transfer axis from the plastic handle buffer to the plastic handle fitting tooling. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the metal handle forming and fitting device extends along a metal handle transfer axis, with the metal handle forming device at one end and the metal handle fitting tooling, when mounted, at an opposite end, and wherein the metal handle forming and fitting device is configured to transfer a metal handle in a transfer direction along the metal handle transfer axis from the metal handle forming device to the metal handle fitting tooling.

Locating the plastic handle buffer and the plastic handle fitting tooling on opposite ends of a plastic handle transfer axis, allows for transfer of the plastic handles along a direct, and substantially straight thus short, trajectory form the buffer to the fitting tooling.

The same applies to locating the metal handle forming device and the metal handle fitting tooling at opposite ends of a metal handle transfer axis.

Furthermore, these set ups allow for an elongate configuration of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device respectively, which is in particular beneficial when the plastic handle and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are located above the pail transport device. By providing the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device with an elongated configuration, they can be mounted above the pail transport device such that they overlap with the pail transport trajectory, extending from the pail receiving station to the pail fitting station, and from the pail fitting station to the pail stacking station.

Thus stacking the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device above the pail transport device allows for a compact configuration of the dual configuration apparatus, more in particular allows for a dual configuration having a compact foot print.

Furthermore, setting the components of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device up along the plastic and metal handle transfer axis enables a set up of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device in the dual configuration apparatus that allows for access to the plastic handle fitting tooling and the metal handle fitting tooling. This is beneficial because it thus allows for quick and easy mounting and demounting of the respective handle fitting tooling.

In a further embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are set up on opposite sides of the pail transport device, and the plastic handle transfer axis of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle transfer axis of the metal handle forming and fitting device extend at an angle to the pail transport direction of the pail transport device, preferably each extend at the same angle to the pail transport direction, wherein the angle enclosed by the plastic handle transfer axis or the metal handle transfer axis and the pail transport direction is at most 55 degrees, for example is 50 degrees, preferably is 45 degrees or less. By setting the components of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device up along the plastic and metal handle transfer axis provides a set up of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device in the dual configuration apparatus that allows for access to the plastic handle fitting tooling and the metal handle fitting tooling. By furthermore setting plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device at an angle to the to the transfer axis of 50 degrees or less, allows for a dual configuration device that provides direct access, at least form one side, to the pail fitting station and the handle fitting tooling of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device

In an embodiment, the pail orientation device is configured for orientating a pail in a first fitting position for fitting a plastic handle to the pail, and into a second fitting position for fitting a metal handle to the pail.

Thus, in such an embodiment the pail orientation device is adapted in dependence of the configuration of the dual configuration fitting apparatus.

Proving a pail orientation device that is configured to present the pail in the most optimal position for fitting the handle allows for more straightforward handle fitting tooling. This in turn is beneficial because mounting and demounting the fitting tooling is easier when the fitting tooling is simple and compact. For example, if the fitting tooling is to be provided with a system to match the position of the handle with the position of the pail to mounting the handle, this will add mechanical components to the fitting tooling, making the fitting tooling more complicated, more voluminous and thus potentially harder to mount and demount.

In an embodiment, the pail orientation device is configured to be switched by hand between a configuration in which it positions pails in the first fitting position and a configuration in which it positions pails in the second fitting position. In an alternative embodiment, the pail orientation device is configured to detect the type of handle fitting tooling mounted and to automatically to the corresponding configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, the pail orientation device presents pails in substantially the same position for fitting a plastic handle as for fitting a metal handle, and the fitting tooling of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the fitting tooling of the metal handle forming and fitting device are configured to not only mount a handle to the pail presented in the fitting position, but also position the handle correctly relative to the pial. In such an embodiment, pail orientation device may only have to be adapted when the production process switches to a different type of pail, and not necessarily when switching the apparatus between the first and the second configuration. In an embodiment, wherein the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are set up above the pail transporter device, on opposite sides of the fitting station, and the plastic handle transfer axis of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle transfer axis of the metal handle forming and fitting device are both parallel to pail transport direction.

In such an embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are set up along the plastic and metal handle transfer axis which provides the devices with an elongate set up and allows for access to the plastic handle fitting tooling and the metal handle fitting tooling. Furthermore, in this particular embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device extend above and along the pail transport device. Thus, the configuration of the dual configuration fitting device is substantially the same as the footprint of the pail transport device. This configuration thus allows for an especially compact set up, i.e. for a dual configuration fitting device with a particular compact footprint.

In a further embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device is located at the side of the fitting station with the receiving station and the metal handle forming and fitting device is located at the side of the fitting station with the pail stacking device.

In an embodiment, the fitting apparatus comprises a base frame, which base frame supports the pail transport device at least at the fitting station, and wherein the pail orientation device, the pail stacking device, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are mounted to the base frame.

Preferably the different components of the fitting apparatus are mounted in a single frame. Thus the components are secured in fixed positions relative to each other. In a further preferred embodiment, the frame is a rectangular, elongated, box like frame, comprising the different components of the fitting apparatus. In an embodiment, the frame is provided with panels along at least the sides thereof, i.e. along the sides of the transport device, to shield of the different components from the surroundings, at least during use of the fitting apparatus.

In an embodiment, the frame is a mobile frame, e.g. is supported on wheels, to facilitate moving the fitting apparatus.

In a further embodiment, the frame furthermore supports a single power source that powers the pail orientation device and/or the pail stacking device and/or the pail transport device. In addition, or as an alternative, the frame supports a control system that controls the pail orientation device and/or the pail stacking device and/or the pail transport device. In an embodiment, the fitting apparatus comprises a base frame that supports the pail transport device at least at the fitting station. Furthermore in this embodiment, the pail orientation device, the pail stacking device, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are mounted to the base frame, and the base frame is provided with mounts for mounting the plastic handle fitting tooling in the first configuration and the metal handle fitting tooling in the second configuration.

Thus, in such an embodiment, the frame is used to support the fitting tooling, when mounted.

In an alternative embodiment, not the base frame is provided with mounts for the plastic handle fitting tooling and the metal handle fitting tooling, but plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device comprise mounts for respectively mounting the plastic handle fitting tooling in the first configuration and the metal handle fitting tooling in the second configuration.

Thus, in such an embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device for example each comprise a sub frame, the sub frame being used to fix relative to each other two or more components of the respective device, and the mounts for the fitting tooling are also fixed to the respective sub frames. In addition or as an alternative, mounts for mounting the fitting tooling can be fixed to components of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device In an embodiment, the mounts for mounting the fitting tooling can be fixed to the pail orientation device.

In an embodiment, the fitting apparatus comprises at the fitting station a pail presentation space for presenting a pail in the fitting position, and, above the pail presentation space, comprises a tooling space for the plastic handle fitting tooling and the metal handle fitting tooling, and the tooling space is dimensioned for in the first configuration of the apparatus receiving the plastic handle fitting tooling, and for in the second configuration of the apparatus receiving the metal handle fitting tooling.

The tooling space may overlap with the pail presentation space, since the fitting tooling may extend below the top of a pail presented in the pail presentation space for fitting a handle to the pail. For example, the tooling may have to be in the pail presentation space to fit the handle to the pail.

The tooling space can not comprise both the plastic handle fitting tooling and the metal handle fitting tolling, at least not when both are mounted, and are thus in a position for fitting a handle to a pail presented in the pail presentation space. The tooling space can hold either the plastic handle fitting tooling in mounted condition or the metal handle fitting tooling in mounted condition. In an embodiment, the fitting apparatus comprises a single control system that controls the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and of the metal handle forming and fitting device.

In an embodiment, the plastic handle fitting tooling and the metal handle fitting tooling comprise quick connectors, e.g. for connecting the tooling to a power source and/or control system, to facilitate replacing the plastic handle fitting tooling with the metal handle fitting tooling and vice versa.

For example, in an embodiment, the plastic handle fitting tooling and the metal handle fitting tooling comprise tubes and/or wires that are provided with one or more connectors, which connectors enable, when mounting and demounting the fitting tooling, connecting and disconnecting the tubes and/or wires with tubes and/or wires that are for example part of the plastic buffer and fitting device or of the metal handle forming and fitting device respectively.

In an embodiment, the plastic handle fitting tooling and the metal handle fitting tooling, when mounted, are accessible for demounting, without the plastic handle buffer and/or the metal handle forming device having to be disassembled.

Preferably, the fitting tooling can be removed and placed in a lateral direction, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the plastic handle transfer axis and the metal handle transfer axis and/or in a direction perpendicular to the pail transport direction, i.e. the direction in which a pail is moved from the pail receiving station to the pail fitting station.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle fitting apparatus comprises an elongate rectangular frame, with the pail receiving station at one end and the pail stacking station at an opposite end, and the pail transport device extending between the two ends. In a further preferred embodiment, the demountable plastic handle fitting tooling and the demountable metal handle fitting tooling, or more in particular the space for holding the fitting tooling when mounted, are accessible from both sides of the handle fitting apparatus.

In an embodiment, the plastic handle fitting tooling and/or the metal handle fitting tooling are moveably supported, such that they can be move, e.g. slid along a track or hinged, between a mounted position for fitting a handle, and a demounted position, that allows for the other fitting tooling to be moved into the mounting position.

In an embodiment, the fitting apparatus comprises a single power source to power the plastic handle fitting tooling, when mounted, and to power the metal handle fitting tooling, when mounted. In a further preferred embodiment, the single power source also powers the pail orientation device and/or the pail stacking device and/or the pail transport device. The power source may for example comprise a transformer and may be configured to be connected to a power grid.

In an embodiment, the fitting apparatus furthermore comprises a single control system for controlling the plastic handle fitting tooling, when mounted, and the metal handle fitting tooling, when mounted, and preferably wherein the single power control system also controls the pail orientation device and/or the pail stacking device and/or the pail transport device. In an alternative embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and/or the metal handle forming and fitting device are provided with a dedicated control device for controlling the fitting tooling and optionally for controlling additional components of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device.

In an embodiment, the fitting apparatus comprises a control system that controls the fitting tooling of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and of the metal handle forming and fitting device, and the fitting apparatus is provided with a sensor that lets the control system know if respectively the plastic handle fitting tooling or the metal handle fitting tool is mounted.

In an embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device extends along a plastic handle transfer axis, with the plastic handle buffer at one end and the plastic handle fitting tooling, when mounted, at an opposite end. In this embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device is configured to transfer a plastic handle in a transfer direction along the plastic handle transfer axis from the plastic handle buffer to the plastic handle fitting tooling, furthermore, in this embodiment, the metal handle forming and fitting device extends along a metal handle transfer axis, with the metal handle forming device at one end and the metal handle fitting tooling, when mounted, at an opposite end. In this embodiment, the metal handle forming and fitting device is configured to transfer a metal handle in a transfer direction along the metal handle transfer axis from the metal handle forming device to the metal handle fitting tooling. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are set up below the pail transporter device, on opposite sides of the fitting station, and the plastic handle transfer axis of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle transfer axis of the metal handle forming and fitting device are both parallel to the pail transport direction. Thus, in this embedment, the pails are transported along the top of the fitting apparatus, and are lowered at the fitting station.

In yet another embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are set up alongside the pail transporter device, on opposite sides of the fitting station, and the plastic handle transfer axis of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle transfer axis of the metal handle forming and fitting device are both parallel to the pail transport direction. In such an embodiment a pail is moved in a lateral direction, perpendicular to a pail transport direction along the pail transport device, from the pail transport device onto the pail fitting station.

In an embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device extends along a plastic handle transfer axis, with the plastic handle buffer at one end and the plastic handle fitting tooling, when mounted, at an opposite end. In this embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device is configured to transfer a plastic handle in a transfer direction along the plastic handle transfer axis from the plastic handle buffer to the plastic handle fitting tooling, furthermore, in this embodiment, the metal handle forming and fitting device extends along a metal handle transfer axis, with the metal handle forming device at one end and the metal handle fitting tooling, when mounted, at an opposite end. In this embodiment, the metal handle forming and fitting device is configured to transfer a metal handle in a transfer direction along the metal handle transfer axis from the metal handle forming device to the metal handle fitting tooling. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are set up on opposite sides of the fitting station, and the plastic handle transfer axis of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle transfer axis of the metal handle forming and fitting device are both parallel to the pail transport direction for transporting a pail from the pail receiving station to the pail fitting station. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pail stacking device, located at a pail stacking station, is located adjacent the pail fitting station.

Thus, in such an embodiment a pail is moved in a lateral direction, perpendicular to the pail transport direction for transporting a pail from the pail receiving station to the pail fitting station, from the pail fitting station to the pail stacking device.

In an embodiment, the plastic handle buffer device for storing plastic handles is configured for storing plastic strips that are to be bend to from a plastic handle. The bending may for example be done a spart of the handle fitting process, e.g. while the outer ends of the plastic strip are mounted to the pail. In addition or as an alternative, the plastic handle buffer device for storing plastic handles is configured for storing fully formed, or pre shaped, plastic handles. These handles only have to be mounted to a pial, and do not require additional bending or otherwise shaping of the handle during the handle fitting process.

It is noted that the invention relates to the setup of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device relative to each other, such that the two devices share a tool mounting space, such that only the plastic handle fitting tooling or the metal handle fitting tooling can be mounted. It is submitted that the pail stacking device and the pail transport device are not critical for this invention. However, in a preferred embodiment, the set up of the pail stacking device and/or the pail transport device relative to the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device is part of the invention in that their set up, in combination with the set up of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device, contributes to a compact set up, and a small foot print, of the handle fitting apparatus.

The invention furthermore provides a system comprising an injection moulding device for injection moulding pails and a fitting apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting apparatus is configured to receive pails from the injection moulding apparatus. Preferably, the fitting apparatus is set up alongside the injection moulding device.

The invention furthermore provides a method for providing pails with handles using an apparatus or a system according to the invention, the method comprising the steps:

- transporting a pail to the pail orientation device;

- presenting the pail in the fitting position;

- fitting a plastic handle to the pail;

- demounting the plastic handle fitting tooling;

- mounting the metal handle fitting tooling;

- forming a metal handle with the metal handle forming device;

- transporting a pail to the pail orientation device;

- presenting the pail in the fitting position; and

- fitting the formed metal handle to the pail.

Advantageous embodiments of the handle fitting apparatus according to the invention and the method according to the invention are disclosed in the sub claims and in the description, in which the invention is further illustrated and elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments, of which some are shown in the schematic drawing. In the figures, components corresponding in terms or construction and/or function are provided with the same last two digits of the reference numbers.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of a dual configuration handle fitting apparatus according to the invention with demountable plastic handle fitting tooling mounted;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of the dual configuration handle fitting apparatus of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the dual configuration handle fitting apparatus of Fig. 1 with demountable metal handle fitting tooling mounted; Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of the dual configuration handle fitting apparatus of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of three systems according to the invention, each system comprising an injection moulding device and a fitting apparatus;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic top view of another exemplary embodiment of a dual configuration handle fitting apparatus according to the invention with demountable plastic handle fitting tooling mounted;

Fig. 7 shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a dual configuration handle fitting apparatus according to the invention with demountable plastic handle fitting tooling mounted; and

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the dual configuration handle fitting apparatus of Fig. 7 with demountable metal handle fitting tooling mounted.

Figures 1-4 show a handle fitting apparatus 1. According to the invention, the handle fitting apparatus 1 is a dual configuration apparatus. The dual configuration apparatus is configured for, in a first configuration, fitting plastic handles and for, in a second configuration, fitting metal handles to a pail.

Figures 1 and 2 show the dual configuration apparatus 1 in the first configuration, and figures 2 and 3 show the dual configuration apparatus 1 in the second configuration.

The dual configuration handle fitting apparatus 1 comprises a pail receiving station 10 at one end, a pail stacking station 7 at an opposite end, and a pail fitting station 4. A pail transport device 8, comprising a first section 8a and a second section 8b, extends between the pail receiving station 10 and the pail stacking station 7 for transporting a pail in a pail transport direction 9 from the pail receiving station 10 to the pail fitting station 4, and from the pail fitting station 4 to the pail stacking station 7.

Halfway the pail transport device is provided a pail orientation device 3. Above the pail transport device are provided a plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12, a metal handle forming and fitting device 15 and a pail stacking device 6.

In the embodiment shown, the components of the dual configuration handle fitting apparatus 1 are mounted in a box like, elongated and rectangular frame 20.

The pail orientation device 3, located at the pail fitting station 4, is configured for orientating a pail 2 into a fitting position for fitting a handle to the pail. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pail orientation device receives a pail from the first section 8a of the pail transport device 8. The pail orientation device 3 subsequently lifts the pail 2 into the fitting position, such that a handle 5 can be fitted to the pail by the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 or by the metal handle forming and fitting device 15.

Figure 3 shows the pail orientation device 3 supporting a pail 2 in the fitting position, such that the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 can provide the pail 2 with a handle.

Once the pail 2 is provided with a handle, the pail orientation device 3 lowers the pail 2, and transfers the pail onto the second section 8b of the pail transport device 8 that moves the pail 2, now provided with the handle, to the pail stacking device 6.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pails that are provided with a handle are stacked by the pail stacking device 6, located at the pail stacking station 7, into a stack of piles.

The plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 comprises a plastic handle buffer device 13 for storing plastic handles. The plastic handle and buffer and fitting device 12 furthermore comprises demountable plastic handle fitting tooling 14 for, in a mounted condition, at the fitting station 4 fitting plastic handles received from the plastic handle buffer device 13 to the pail held by the pail orientation device 3.

Figures 1 and 2 show the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 with the demountable plastic handle fitting tooling 14 in mounted condition.

The metal handle forming and fitting device 15 comprises a metal handle forming device 16 for forming metal handles out of metal wire. The metal handle forming and fitting device 15 further comprises demountable metal handle fitting tooling 17 for, in a mounted condition, at the fitting station 4 fitting metal handles received from the metal handle forming device 16 to the pail held by the pail orientation device 3.

Figures 3 and 4 show the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 with the demountable metal handle fitting tooling 17 in mounted condition.

By providing the handle fitting apparatus 1 with a plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and a metal handle forming and fitting device 15, that are each provided with demountable handle fitting tooling, the invention provides a dual configuration apparatus that can be set up for in the first configuration, shown in Fig. 1 and 2, fitting plastic handles to pails and that can be set up in a second configuration, shown in fig. 3 and 4, for fitting metal handles to pails. In the first configuration, the demountable plastic handle fitting tooling 14 is mounted at the fitting station 4 and the demountable metal handle fitting tooling 17 is demounted. In the second configuration, the demountable metal handle fitting tooling 17 is mounted at the fitting station4 and the demountable plastic handle fitting tooling 14 is demounted.

The handle fitting apparatus 1 thus allows for fitting plastic handles and for fitting metal handles to pails. The dual configuration apparatus 1 thus allows for a more flexible production process, i.e. it is possible to provide the pails produced by an injection moulding device with plastic handles and metal handles, depending on the situation.

Furthermore, because either the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 or the metal handle fitting tooling 17 are mounted at the pail fitting station 4, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 can both be mounted closely to the pail fitting station. Furthermore, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and a metal handle forming and fitting device 15 share the pail transport device 8, the pail orientation device 3 and the pail stacking device 6. Therefore, the dual configuration apparatus 1 has a small footprint compared to the combined footprint of a plastic handle buffer and fitting device and a metal handle forming and fitting device.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 extends along a plastic handle transfer axis 18. The plastic handle buffer 13 is located at one end of the plastic handle transfer axis 18, and the plastic handle fitting tooling 14, when mounted, is located at an opposite end of the plastic handle transfer axis 18. The plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 is configured to transfer a plastic handle in a transfer direction along the plastic handle transfer axis 18 from the plastic handle buffer 13 to the plastic handle fitting tooling 14.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 extends along a metal handle transfer axis 19. The metal handle forming device 16 is coated at one end of the metal handle transfer axis 19, and the metal handle fitting tooling 17, when mounted, is located at an opposite end of the metal handle transfer axis. The metal handle forming and fitting device 15 is configured to transfer a metal handle in a transfer direction along the metal handle transfer axis 19 from the metal handle forming device 16 to the metal handle fitting tooling 17.

Because the plastic handle buffer 13 and the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 are located on opposite ends of a plastic handle transfer axis 18, the plastic handles can be transported along a direct, substantially straight, and thus short, trajectory form the plastic handle buffer 13 to the fitting tooling 14. The same applies to locating the metal handle forming device 16 and the metal handle fitting tooling 17 at opposite ends of a metal handle transfer axis 19.

Furthermore, these set ups allow for an elongate configuration of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 respectively, which is in particular beneficial when the plastic handle and fitting device and the metal handle forming and fitting device are located above the pail transport device, as is the case in Figures 1-4. By providing the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 with an elongated configuration, they can be mounted above the pail transport device 8 such that they overlap with the pail transport trajectory, extending from the pail receiving station 10 to the pail fitting station 4, and from the pail fitting station 4 to the pail stacking station 7. Thus stacking the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 above the pail transport device 8 allows for a compact configuration of the dual configuration apparatus 1 , more in particular allows for a dual configuration having a compact foot print.

Furthermore, setting the components of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and metal handle forming and fitting device 15 up along the plastic handle transfer axis 18 and metal handle transfer axis 19 enables a set up of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and metal handle forming and fitting device 15 in the dual configuration apparatus 1 that allows for access to the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 and the metal handle fitting tooling 17. This is beneficial because it thus allows for quick and easy mounting and demounting of the respective handle fitting tooling.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 are set up above the pail transporter device 8, on opposite sides of the pail fitting station 4, and the plastic handle transfer axis 18 of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle transfer axis 19 of the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 are both parallel to pail transport direction 9.

In this embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 are set up along the plastic handle transfer axis 18 and metal handle transfer axis 19 which provides the devices with an elongate set up. This configuration furthermore allows for access to the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 and the metal handle fitting tooling 17. Furthermore, in this particular embodiment, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 extend above and along the pail transport device 6. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the configuration of the dual configuration fitting device 1 is substantially the same as the footprint of the pail transport device 8. This configuration thus allows for an especially compact set up, i,e, for a dual configuration fitting device with a particular compact footprint.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 is located at the side of the fitting station 4 with the receiving station 10 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 is located at the side of the fitting station 4 with the pail stacking device 6.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fitting apparatus 1 comprises at the fitting station 4 a pail presentation space 24 for presenting a pail in the fitting position. Above the pail presentation space 24, the fitting apparatus 1 comprises a tooling space 25 for the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 and the metal handle fitting tooling 17. The tooling space 25 is dimensioned for receiving the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 in the first configuration of the apparatus 1 , shown in figures 1 and 2, and for receiving the metal handle fitting tooling 17 in the second configuration of the apparatus 1 , shown in figures 3 and 4. The tooling space 25 can not comprise both the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 and the metal handle fitting tolling 17, at least not when both are mounted. The tooling space 25 can thus hold either the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 in mounted condition or the metal handle fitting tooling 17 in mounted condition.

In the embodiment shown, the tooling space 25 overlaps with the pail presentation space 24, because the fitting tooling 14,17 of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 have to extend below the top of a pail 2 presented in the pail presentation space 24 to enable fitting a handle to the pail. Thus, the tooling 14, 17 has to be in the pail presentation space 24 to fit the handle to the pail.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fitting apparatus 1 comprises a base frame 20. The base frame 20 supports the pail transport device 8. Also, the pail orientation device 3, the pail stacking device 6, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 are mounted to the base frame 20.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the different components of the fitting apparatus 1 are thus mounted in a single frame. Thus the components are secured in fixed positions relative to each other. The frame is a rectangular, elongated, box like frame, comprising the different components of the fitting apparatus. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the frame is a mobile frame, e.g. is supported on wheels, to facilitate moving the fitting apparatus. In the embodiment shown, the fitting apparatus comprises a single control system 21 that controls the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15. The control system 21 furthermore controls the pail orientation device 3, the pail stacking device 12 and the pail transport device 8.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the control system 21 for controlling the plastic handle fitting tooling 14, when mounted, and the metal handle fitting tooling 17, when mounted. Furthermore, the fitting apparatus 1 is provided with a sensor that lets the control system 21 know if respectively the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 or the metal handle fitting tooling 17 is mounted.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 comprise mounts 22a, 22b for respectively mounting the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 in the first configuration and the metal handle fitting tooling 17 in the second configuration. Thus, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 15 each comprise a sub frame 23. The sub frame 23 is used to fix relative to each other components of the respective device. The mounts 22a, 22b for the fitting tooling are also fixed to the respective sub frames 23.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 and the metal handle fitting tooling 17 comprise quick connectors, for connecting the tooling to the power source and the control system, to facilitate replacing the plastic handle fitting tooling with the metal handle fitting tooling and vice versa.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plastic handle fitting tooling 14 and the metal handle fitting tooling 17, when mounted, are accessible for demounting, without the plastic handle buffer and/or the metal handle forming device having to be disassembled.

Furthermore, the fitting tooling 14,17 can be removed and placed in a lateral direction, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the plastic handle transfer axis 18 and the metal handle transfer axis 19, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the pail transport direction 9, i.e. the direction in which a pail is moved from the pail receiving station 10 to the pail fitting station 4.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the handle fitting apparatus 1 comprises the elongate rectangular frame 20, with the pail receiving station 10 at one end and the pail stacking station 7 at an opposite end, and the pail transport device 8 extending between the two ends. When mounted, the demountable plastic handle fitting tooling 14 and the demountable metal handle fitting tooling, or more in particular the space for holding the fitting tooling when mounted, are accessible from both sides of the handle fitting apparatus 1.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pail orientation device 3 presents pails in substantially the same position for fitting a plastic handle as for fitting a metal handle, and the fitting tooling 14 of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 12 and the fitting tooling 17 of the metal handle forming and fitting device 14 are configured to not only mount a handle to the pail presented in the fitting position, but also position the handle correctly relative to the pial.

Figure 5 shows three systems, set up next to each other, each system comprising an injection moulding device 27 for injection moulding pails, and a fitting apparatus 1. For each system, the fitting apparatus 1 is set up alongside the injection moulding device 27. Each fitting apparatus 1 is configured to receive pails from the injection moulding device 27. The injection moulding devices 27 comprise the actual injection mould 29 and a resin buffer 30. The resin buffers are connect with a resin transport device 31 , configured to supply the resin buffers with resin material.

Fig. 6 shows a another exemplary embodiment of a dual configuration handle fitting apparatus 101 according to the invention, with demountable plastic handle fitting tooling 114 mounted.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 112 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 115 are set up on opposite sides of the pail transport device 108. The plastic handle transfer axis 118 of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 112 and the metal handle transfer axis 119 of the metal handle forming and fitting device 115 extend at an angle 26 to the pail transport direction 109 of the pail transport device 108. In the embodiment shown, both extend at the same angle to the pail transport direction. The angle 126 enclosed by the plastic handle transfer axis 118 and the pail transport direction 109, and enclosed by the metal handle transfer axis 119 and the pail transport direction 109, is 45 degrees.

By setting the components of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 112 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 115 up along the plastic handle transfer axis 118 and the metal handle transfer axis 119 respectively, provides a set up of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 112 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 115 in the dual configuration apparatus that allows for access to the plastic handle fitting tooling 114 and the metal handle fitting tooling. Thus setting the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 112 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 115 at an angle to the to the transfer axis of 50 degrees or less, allows for a dual configuration device 101 that provides direct access, from both sides, to the pail fitting station 104 and the handle fitting tooling of the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 112 and the metal handle forming and fitting device 115.

It is submitted that figures 104 show pails in during different steps of a method for providing pails 2 with handles 5 using the fitting apparatus 1 , the method comprising the steps:

- transporting a pail 2 to the pail orientation device 3;

- presenting the pail 2 in the fitting position;

- fitting a plastic handle 5a to the pail 2;

- demounting the plastic handle fitting tooling 14;

- mounting the metal handle fitting tooling 17;

- forming a metal handle 5b with the metal handle forming device;

- transporting a pail 2 to the pail orientation device 3;

- presenting the pail 2 in the fitting position; and

- fitting the formed metal handle 5b to the pail.

Figure 7 shows another exemplary embodiment of a dual configuration apparatus 201 in the first configuration, and figure 8 shows the dual configuration apparatus 201 in the second configuration.

The dual configuration handle fitting apparatus 201 comprises a pail receiving station 210 at one end, a pail stacking station 207 at an opposite end, and a pail fitting station 204. A pail transport device 208, comprising a first section 208a and a second section 208b, extends between the pail receiving station 210 and the pail stacking station 207 for transporting a pail in a pail transport direction 209 from the pail receiving station 210 to the pail fitting station 204, and from the pail fitting station 204 to the pail stacking station 207.

Halfway the pail transport device 208 is provided a pail orientation device 203. Above the pail transport device 208 are provided a plastic handle buffer and fitting device 212, a metal handle forming and fitting device 215 and a pail stacking device 206.

In the embodiment shown, the components of the dual configuration handle fitting apparatus 201 are mounted in a box like, elongated and rectangular frame 220.

The pail orientation device 203, located at the pail fitting station 204, is configured for orientating a pail into a fitting position for fitting a handle to the pail. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pail orientation device receives a pail from the first section 208a of the pail transport device 208. The pail orientation device 203 subsequently lifts the pail into the fitting position, such that a handle can be fitted to the pail by the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 212 or by the metal handle forming and fitting device 215.

Once the pail is provided with a handle, the pail orientation device 203 lowers the pail, and transfers the pail onto the second section 8b of the pail transport device 8 that moves the pail, now provided with the handle, to the pail stacking device 206.

The plastic handle buffer and fitting device 212 comprises a plastic handle buffer device 213 for storing plastic handles. The plastic handle and buffer and fitting device 212 furthermore comprises demountable plastic handle fitting tooling 214 for, in a mounted condition, at the fitting station 204 fitting plastic handles received from the plastic handle buffer device 213 to the pail held by the pail orientation device 203.

Figure 7 shows the plastic handle buffer and fitting device 212 with the demountable plastic handle fitting tooling 214 in mounted condition.

The metal handle forming and fitting device 215 comprises a metal handle forming device 216 for forming metal handles out of metal wire. The metal handle forming and fitting device 215 further comprises demountable metal handle fitting tooling 217 for, in a mounted condition, at the fitting station 204 fitting metal handles received from the metal handle forming device 216 to the pail held by the pail orientation device 203.

Figure 8 shows the metal handle forming and fitting device 215 with the demountable metal handle fitting tooling 217 in mounted condition.

Reference signs

01 handle fitting apparatus for fitting handles to pails I dual configuration apparatus

02 pail

03 pail orientation device

04 pail fitting station

05 handle

05a plastic handle

05b metal handle

06 pail stacking device

07 pail stacking station

08 pail transport device

09 pail transport direction

10 pail receiving station

11 pail provided with a handle

12 plastic handle buffer and fitting device

13 plastic handle buffer device for storing plastic handles

14 demountable plastic handle fitting tooling

15 metal handle forming and fitting device

16 metal handle forming device for forming metal handles out of metal wire

17 demountable metal handle fitting tooling

18 plastic handle transfer axis

19 metal handle transfer axis

20 frame

21 control system

22 mounts for fitting tooling

23 sub frame fitting devices

24 pail presentation space

25 tooling space

26 angle between handle transfer axis and

27 injection moulding device

28 resin transport device

29 injection mould

30 resin buffer