A system and method for a self-actuating, mechanically-biased container restraint. The system requires no computer-aided control or timing, nor is any external power source needed, other than the force exerted as a container is inserted into the restraint. The system relies upon an assembly including mechanically-biased pivoting levers, each of which has a horizontal element and a vertical element. All actuation occurs as the base of an inserted container comes into contact with the upper surface of the horizontal elements of multiple pivoted levers positioned at the base of a channel adapted to serve as a guide for the inserted tube. The levers are biased in this elevated position by mechanical means, such as a spring. As the inserted tube presses the horizontal members downward, the top portions of the vertical members are pivoted inward toward the container's exterior. Friction pads situated upon the interior surface of each vertical element are brought into contact with the exterior of the container, thereby gripping it. This gripping action holds the container with sufficient friction to permit the removal or attachment of a screw cap. Further embodiments of the invention include a mechanically biased platform supporting the channel and the pivoting levers. This base is biased and positioned to permit the channel and the pivoting lever assembly to be translated downward against the force biasing the platform and translate through the body of the container restraint. This further advancement of container, the channel and the lever assembly cause the pivoting levers to assume fully engaged gripping positions, and brings the vertical elements of the levers (and flexible friction pads upon them) into full upright positions. In this position the friction pads apply a maximum static friction force to the exterior of the container.

A support plate for a carrousel machine comprising a seat for housing a lower portion of a bottle, an elastically deformable locking body at the lateral wall of the seat, and a deforming unit movable between an inactive position in which it allows the locking body to adopt a home configuration, and an active position, in which it mechanically acts on the at least one locking body and keeps it in a deformed configuration in which it projects towards the inside of the seat to adhere to a lateral surface of the bottle. The insertion of a bottle into the seat causes the passage of the deforming unit from the inactive position to the active position and of the locking body to the deformed configuration.

Device for supporting and gripping containers (1,1a), comprising: a base (10;110;210) which defines an upper surface (15;115,215) supporting a container (1;1a); devices (20;120) for gripping the container (1,1a), associated with the base (10;110;210); devices (30) for actuating the devices (30) for gripping the container (1,1a); wherein the gripping devices (20;120) comprise at least one pair of sliders (21;121;221) inserted in the base (10;110;210) inside a respective seat (16;116;216) and translationally movable in both senses of different directions upon operation of the actuating devices (30), each jaw being associated with a respective slider (21;121;221).

A system and method for a self-actuating, mechanically-biased container restraint. The system requires no computer-aided control or timing, nor is any external power source needed, other than the force exerted as a container is inserted into the restraint. The system relies upon an assembly including mechanically-biased pivoting levers, each of which has a horizontal element and a vertical element. All actuation occurs as the base of an inserted container comes into contact with the upper surface of the horizontal elements of multiple pivoted levers positioned at the base of a channel adapted to serve as a guide for the inserted tube. The levers are biased in this elevated position by mechanical means, such as a spring. As the inserted tube presses the horizontal members downward, the top portions of the vertical members are pivoted inward toward the container's exterior. Friction pads situated upon the interior surface of each vertical element are brought into contact with the exterior of the container, thereby gripping it. This gripping action holds the container with sufficient friction to permit the removal or attachment of a screw cap. Further embodiments of the invention include a mechanically biased platform supporting the channel and the pivoting levers. This base is biased and positioned to permit the channel and the pivoting lever assembly to be translated downward against the force biasing the platform and translate through the body of the container restraint. This further advancement of container, the channel and the lever assembly cause the pivoting levers to assume fully engaged gripping positions, and brings the vertical elements of the levers (and flexible friction pads upon them) into full upright positions. In this position the friction pads apply a maximum static friction force to the exterior of the container.

A device for supporting and gripping containers (1,1a), comprising a base (10;110;210) which defines an upper surface (15;115,215) supporting a container (1;1a); devices (20;120;220) for gripping the container (1,1a), associated with the said base (10;110;210); and devices (30;130;230) for actuating the devices (30;130;230) for gripping the container (1,1a).

A support plate for a carrousel machine comprising a seat for housing a lower portion of a bottle, an elastically deformable locking body at the lateral wall of the seat, and a deforming unit movable between an inactive position in which it allows the locking body to adopt a home configuration, and an active position, in which it mechanically acts on the at least one locking body and keeps it in a deformed configuration in which it projects towards the inside of the seat to adhere to a lateral surface of the bottle. The insertion of a bottle into the seat causes the passage of the deforming unit from the inactive position to the active position and of the locking body to the deformed configuration.